Biggest Loser Run/Walker Thread 2012/13--Everyone Welcome! :)

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Thanks Rose for sharing your thoughts and experience. It has given me a lot to think about.

I've never been a runner ever. Trying to get into it. I really like it but my shins and legs are having none of it. I've been doing walk/run at 1 minute intervals. Even at one minute I'm in some serious pain.

So I'm going to try biking. I like the cardio part of running. I'm not a fast enough walker to feel like I'm working hard. I think the bike will help with that. I plan on still using the Easy 5K app and pedaling faster and slower. Fingers crossed it works and it's easier on my legs.

 

[acename]

Rose, what a great story! You're awesome.

I've only been running for about 6 weeks, so for right now, I'm running with walking breaks. I finally got to the point in c25k where I'm running more than walking, out of 29 minutes I ran 15 which included the warm up and cool down.

I finally signed up for my first 5k. I found one that's in between the two I was looking at. It's October 27th so I have time to improve by then. My goal is to walk as little as possible. We'll see. Even if I have to walk more than I want to, I'm doing better than the people who didn't sign up!

 

[tiki23]

Even if I have to walk more than I want to, I'm doing better than the people who didn't sign up!

And your passing everyone who stayed on the couch!

 

[princessbride6205]

Name: Nicole
DisName: princessbride6205
Upcoming Races: Wine & Dine Half, WDW Marathon
Completed Races in 2012 (or earlier): 2011 Wine & Dine Half, 2010 Princess Half and Challenge Obesity 5k
Favorite Race: Princess 2010 - so much fun, my first big race, total runner's high and Disney magic rolled into one!
Anything else you want to share (age, where you live, etc): I'm 30 (until October 29th) and live in MN with my DH and DD. Born and raised in NJ though and still visit family out there multiple times a year.
And for fun, favorite running shoe: Asics Cumulus

Hi all! I've rejoined the BL this fall as a maintainer and wanted to join this thread as well. I am really focused on finishing my first full marathon in January, and I think the support and the information here is going to be a great help. Slow day at work - so I actually went back and read all the pages of this thread!

Since I'm just joining I'm going to roll some more "About Me" stuff into this QOTW...
QOTW--Do you--run without stopping or use run/walk intervals? What are your thoughts/experiences?
I use walk/run intervals. I started the C25k in the summer of 2009. I kept going and eventually was running a little more than 4 miles straight through. I decided kind of late in the game to train for the Princess Half 2010 and knew I'd need to switch to run/walk to be ready in time. Intervals worked great for me. That experience was kind of golden, because ever since, my injury prone self has taken over. I have hip, ITB and knee issues (not sure how much to blame on being a ballet dancer and also having knee surgery at 13). In 2011 I did months of physical therapy, manual therapy (i.e. torture) and foam roller. 2011 Wine & Dine was really challenging - my knee would give out during any running intervals after the first 5 miles. I did tons more walking and had a slower finish than any of my training runs. I will say though, that the accomplishment of completing the Wine & Dine was almost bigger than my first race. Because while my first 13.1 mile race was a big deal, it was super fun the entire time. The Wine & Dine was proof that while really having to slog, I could persevere and finish. I wasn't in pain while walking, so at least we were able to enjoy the after party and the rest of our vacation in the parks. But I did take a break from running for about 3 months after that.

So now I'm doing a lot more walking. I'm pretty happy with my walking pace and I throw in a few short running intervals. I've been training since the beginning of 2012 so that I'd be ready for whatever races I wanted to do this year. The summer race I wanted didn't end up working out, so I just kept doing short runs until the marathon plan started. With my ratio of a lot more walking - about 30sec run/4:30 walk - I've had two injury free long runs (8.5 and 9.25 miles) in the past few weeks. Those are the longest training runs that I've ever felt good about. On my short runs I try to do really short Galloway intervals like 20sec run/40sec walk. Sort of my speed work.

Now that my split is so heavily walking, I don't know what to call myself anymore. A runner, a race walker, a walker...?

 

[Rose&Mike]

Dottie--you out there? I hope the new job is going well. I have been thinking about you.

I've never been a runner ever. Trying to get into it. I really like it but my shins and legs are having none of it. I've been doing walk/run at 1 minute intervals. Even at one minute I'm in some serious pain.

So I'm going to try biking. I like the cardio part of running. I'm not a fast enough walker to feel like I'm working hard. I think the bike will help with that. I plan on still using the Easy 5K app and pedaling faster and slower. Fingers crossed it works and it's easier on my legs.

I hope the biking works for you until you get some fitted shoes! You definitely don't want to irritate those shins.

I finally signed up for my first 5k. I found one that's in between the two I was looking at. It's October 27th so I have time to improve by then. My goal is to walk as little as possible. We'll see. Even if I have to walk more than I want to, I'm doing better than the people who didn't sign up!

Congrats on signing up for your race!

Hi Nicole! So nice to see you! Is your DH doing W&D too? I can't believe you read the whole thread! Thank you for sharing your story. We both spent way too much time last year injured, and I am so glad that something is finally going right for you. Another story of sheer perseverance, and a reminder to everyone that the path may not be the same for everyone, but that everyone can work hard and achieve their goals.

As to what should you call yourself--an athlete.

*****
AFM, I recovered pretty well from the 14 miles on Saturday. Slowing down was definitely the right choice! I am a slacker today though and skipped my workout. Our 9yo dog is having some issues and crying a lot at night. Last night we all got very little sleep. Not good. Hopefully tonight will be better.

We have a couple of people running this weekend. I hope everyone is getting excited about their races!
Boston 13.1 (September 16)--Maria
Sandpoint Idaho Scenic Half (September 16)--LisaH
Wounded Worrier Project 8K (September 16)--Amanda

 

[CruiseBoundnKY]

I finally committed and went to our local run/walk shop and got professional advice for shoes. Ended up with a pair of Brooks. Love them so far.

I competed in my first 2K last weekend and this weekend I'm doing one that u can choose 1 mile or 5K on Saturday and on Sunday a 2 mile family fun walk. My kids are dying to get into action too.

The more active I'm getting, the less I'm feeling like eating. Is this normal?

Karen

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I finally committed and went to our local run/walk shop and got professional advice for shoes. Ended up with a pair of Brooks. Love them so far.

I competed in my first 2K last weekend and this weekend I'm doing one that u can choose 1 mile or 5K on Saturday and on Sunday a 2 mile family fun walk. My kids are dying to get into action too.

The more active I'm getting, the less I'm feeling like eating. Is this normal?

Karen

My husband wears Brooks he loves them! Glad you are liking yours as well.

As far as the eating goes for me I feel the same way. I've started stopping and thinking about why I am eating. I'm an emotional eater. So I eat when bored, stressed, mad, depressed, happy etc; I find that getting active has helped me more with my emotions. I always tell everyone it's good for my brain.

I also eat a little less just because I don't want to undo all the hard work I've done. If I'm taking the time to be active I don't want to sabotage all my work by eating too much.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Dottie--you out there? I hope the new job is going well. I have been thinking about you.

I'm here Rose! I've been following along but haven't really been able to post except here and there on FB.
New job going well, MIL has put her home on the market and we are looking for a Condo for her close to us.
My running is going well- still having issues of just not getting my short runs during the week in- have decided that if it means a 4:30 am wake up call 2 days a week so that I can get the runs in before work so be it- with Jake's TKD and the days getting shorter already after work just hasn't been an option- even my WOW bike rides have suffered a little- but the weather is cooperating here in Fl and I'm determined to get out and enjoy this brief cool front with a ride tonight. Have set my sights on a 5 mile trail run in Oct and am debating between the St. Augustine 10k( ran it last yr) or going for the St. Aug 1/2 which is just 1 week after the W/D. Hubby is going to do the Donald 1/2 -since we will be there from Friday night till Monday- this will be his first 1/2 -as I've said before he is more into biking but runs every Saturday with me and is starting to keep up.


to the Lisas, Kathy, Nancy, Maria & all the newbies that have joined this thread- these ladies have been great

I will try to post more often.

Dottie

 

[Rose&Mike]

Dottie--glad you are doing well. Let us what race you decide on so we can cheer for you!

**As for the hunger issues. I think this is pretty common when you increase your cardio--just speaking from personal experience. I think that this is when tracking is really important so that you can see how many calories are going in vs. going out. I also think you need to be very realistic about how many calories you are burning when exercising. You do not want to over count your exercise and eat back those calories.

One of the things we like to say (this is from Maria )--Hunger is not an emergency. Take a little time to track if you are hungry and make a plan for healthy foods to snack on if you need them. Another thing that works well is to plan a protein snack for after your workout. It's a twofer--your body gets the protein it needs to rebuild after working out and you push out those hunger pangs which may have you reaching for the junk food.

Hope this helps!

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi Nicole! So nice to see you! Is your DH doing W&D too? I can't believe you read the whole thread! Thank you for sharing your story. We both spent way too much time last year injured, and I am so glad that something is finally going right for you. Another story of sheer perseverance, and a reminder to everyone that the path may not be the same for everyone, but that everyone can work hard and achieve their goals.

As to what should you call yourself--an athlete.

Thanks.
Yes, DH is doing W&D again AND will be Goofy in January. It's taken me a long time to [mostly] get over my envy of his running abilities.

AFM, I recovered pretty well from the 14 miles on Saturday. Slowing down was definitely the right choice! I am a slacker today though and skipped my workout. Our 9yo dog is having some issues and crying a lot at night. Last night we all got very little sleep. Not good. Hopefully tonight will be better.

We have a couple of people running this weekend. I hope everyone is getting excited about their races!
Boston 13.1 (September 16)--Maria
Sandpoint Idaho Scenic Half (September 16)--LisaH
Wounded Worrier Project 8K (September 16)--Amanda

I'm glad recovery went well after your long run. Sorry to hear about your dog - hope you all get more sleep tonight!

Good luck to everyone in their races this weekend!

I finally committed and went to our local run/walk shop and got professional advice for shoes. Ended up with a pair of Brooks. Love them so far.

I competed in my first 2K last weekend and this weekend I'm doing one that u can choose 1 mile or 5K on Saturday and on Sunday a 2 mile family fun walk. My kids are dying to get into action too.

The more active I'm getting, the less I'm feeling like eating. Is this normal?

Karen

Hi Karen - hunger is a funny this, isn't it? Something about exercising often prompts me to make healthier food choices, so I'm sure what you're experiencing is normal. But sometimes my brain works the other way and I feel like I "deserve" more to eat for exercising.

Dottie - That's my mom's name. I hear you on the difficulty of weekday evening runs! That is my preferred time as well. But as you said, with the days getting shorter and child activities, it's difficult to get out there. I've found some well-lit sidewalks a few blocks from my street, so I've been over there if it's really dark.

**************

AFM, I'm wearing my one pair of compression socks today (love them for recovery) and browsing Running Warehouse for some calf sleeves to possibly wear during runs.
I think I need to get back into yoga. Over the summer I dove back into strength training with an at-home routine I love (from "Train Like a Mother" the book). But I think I need to incorporate more yoga for injury prevention. I Googled "yoga for runners" last night. I did a few poses and stretches, but need to add more to my repertoire. I have two yoga DVDs, but don't love them. I'm not sure I could commit to a class, as much as I'd like to!
I need to get in a training run/walk tonight - hope the rain stays away!

 

[pix13dust]

Hi Ladies ( my inspirations )

So, I'm feeling whiny .
I've been exercising since March ( Zumba ) gave up the Zumba in August to start running. I am definitely progressing in my fitness but it's not fast enough, is it ever?

I'm sore today - I've been sore everyday since March, I'm tired of being sore. I'm going to check out a yoga place on Saturday in hopes that yoga will help me be " less sore ". I've taken a few days off here and there but I'm afraid to take off too many. I'm afraid it would put a dent in my motivation.

Then the icing on my muffin top, I haven't lost any weight in 2 weeks! I lose weight SLOWLY but I usually loose 1/2 pound every week or two. Maybe I'm building big muscles under my layer of fat?!

Even my normally positive attitude has gotten a bit snarky. I was out exercising with the kids on Tuesday and at the end of my week 2 day 2 C25k work out, 3 people passed on bikes. I said just loud enough for the kids to hear " cheaters" . The kids laughed, it was a not nice comment - but it made me smile on the inside

Anyhow, I just wanted to thank you for all your personal stories and updates, it really does keep me motivated! . I look forward to them, so keep them coming!!

I've marked 10/1 on my calendar as the day I want to start some cross training- hope I won't be too sore - I just signed up for the Dirty Girl run next September. It has really added to my desire to add some strength to this old body. Plus who doesn't like to be called a " dirty girl " at my age.

So as I say to the kids when we start loosing steam " what's next coach?"

Thanks for all the encouragement
Melinda

Whining is over now, you can go back to your day.

 

[lisah0711]

QOTW--Do you--run without stopping or use run/walk intervals? What are your thoughts/experiences?

I do intervals. I use very short intervals though. For my race on Sunday I am using 15 seconds/45 seconds. For me the short intervals let me maintain my pace throughout the run instead of gradually getting slower and slower. YMMV.

Rose, I would be happy to do a QOTW some time but maybe in October and November since I just finished coaching the BL thread.

As to what should you call yourself--an athlete.

Excellent point!

Good luck to Amanda this week-end on her Warrior 8K!

And an extra special shout-out to Maria who is doing back to back half marathons! You so totally rock!

Thanks for the good wishes for my race on Sunday. My goal is to have a great time and finish in less than 4 hours -- yes, I am a slow runner.

I finally committed and went to our local run/walk shop and got professional advice for shoes. Ended up with a pair of Brooks. Love them so far.

I wear Brooks, too. I really like them. Mine are the Ariel.

Hi Dottie! Nice to see you.

AFM, I'm wearing my one pair of compression socks today (love them for recovery) and browsing Running Warehouse for some calf sleeves to possibly wear during runs.

I trained with sleeves but I ended up cutting them off in the med tent at mile 7 during the Tinker Bell because they were way too hot in CA. That is the problem with training in Idaho in winter vs. racing at DL. I do love the sleeves for recovery.

Hope you are feeling better today, pix13dust! Hang in there!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Good Luck to everyone racing this weekend!
Boston 13.1 (September 16)--Maria
Sandpoint Idaho Scenic Half (September 16)--LisaH
Wounded Worrier Project 8K (September 16)--Amanda

I think I need to get back into yoga. Over the summer I dove back into strength training with an at-home routine I love (from "Train Like a Mother" the book). But I think I need to incorporate more yoga for injury prevention. I Googled "yoga for runners" last night. I did a few poses and stretches, but need to add more to my repertoire. I have two yoga DVDs, but don't love them. I'm not sure I could commit to a class, as much as I'd like to!
I need to get in a training run/walk tonight - hope the rain stays away!

I know what you mean about those DHs and their running abilities. Mike just goes and goes and goes. But really I am glad he has not had to deal with what I have had to deal with. I have been going to a piyo class twice a week since I think April or May and I think it has really, really helped. I won't say I enjoy it, but it has been good for me. I have a lot of lower back discomfort which seems to preclude an itbs flareup so I am really working hard to keep it under control. Pigeon pose is great and I also really like moving cat and crossed leg forward fold.


Melinda--Do you have built in days off? Days that you write down and say "this is my day off?" I am sore a lot. But sore, not uncomfortable. I understand not wanting to take off but I know from experience sometimes you just need a planned rest. Hang in there. It really is worth the effort.

I do intervals. I use very short intervals though. For my race on Sunday I am using 15 seconds/45 seconds. For me the short intervals let me maintain my pace throughout the run instead of gradually getting slower and slower. YMMV.

Rose, I would be happy to do a QOTW some time but maybe in October and November since I just finished coaching the BL thread.

Thanks Lisa! I hope you have a great race on Sunday!

We have been playing a bunch with intervals for the marathon. I think for the full I am leaning towards run 3 walk 1. It worked really well for the 14 we ran last weekend and slowed me down a bit in a weird way. I think when my interval is shorter I tend to go to fast. We'll see.


*****
So can't remember if I mentioned this, but I have started working with a personal trainer at the Y. It's pretty reasonably priced and they break hour sessions into 2 half hours. It's a splurge for me--I tend to not like to spend a ton on myself, but I am really liking this. She has me doing exercises that I would have never tried on my own. And she is pointing out posture issues, when I need to adjust my form, etc. I kept getting injured in my classes and she is really working with me to have the strength training supplement my running.

And the cool thing--today she told me I am stronger than I think I am and that I am already able to do stuff that it takes a lot of folks weeks to get. It made me feel great! Though, phew it was HARD today. I am going to feel it in the morning for sure!

I hope everyone gets in some good training this weekend!

 

[myweegirls]

Hi all!

Got my last long training run in before the ToT 10m tonight. 11 miles on the Galloway plan - I can't quite believe I did it, but I did it! 11 miles in 2:04, and I stuck to my 4/1 ratio throughout the whole 11. It was hard - really hard - but I just let my music carry me through it. I'm comforted knowing the Disney course will be flatter than my course here!

I have a toenail issue - as it it's all white and separating (ick). I got refitted for my Brooks Adrenalines at the running store I go to most often (not the one where I bought my first ones), and they strongly suggested going up another half size. I ran in those tonight, and they felt great, but I think it might be too late for this toenail. I'm hoping I can still get a pedi before the ToT trip, but I don't want to risk it getting worse. Anyone have any experience with this?

And now, time to sleep...big mommy/daughter day tomorrow with DDalmost8, as we hit the American Girl store for the first time for her birthday. Help me...

XO
Liz

 

[myweegirls]

Ooh, and Rose! I have a 5K to add: the Race to Rid SIDS, October 13th. Running in support of the friend of a friend who lost her infant son to SIDS - just an unimaginable grief for me. I'm happy to support the foundation.

XO
Liz

 

[Rose&Mike]

Congratulations Liz! Are the steps bothering you going up or going down? You sound like you are ready for the TOT, now you just need to rest those legs. As for the toenails, I know in theory with properly fitted shoes it should be a non-issue, but I have lost a couple. Not to be gross, but when they are done they usually just pop off. Usually at an inopportune time... Like work.... I will say be careful with the pedicure right before the race. Some calluses serve a purpose when running at least, and you don't want to take a chance of developing a hot spot. I have also made the mistake of cutting nails too short right before a race and regretted it. I will add in your race.

****
I ran 6 miles today without walk breaks in 63 minutes. This might have been my longest run this year without walk breaks, so that's cool. I felt really strong. The area we run is pretty hilly, so it was nice to have such a strong run before my 5k next weekend, where I am hoping for a pr. I had been feeling very unsure of myself when it comes to speed, so this was a nice pick me up.

I hope everyone has a great Saturday. I will be back tomorrow with a question of the week.

---And I know a bunch of people are reading along, cause our views count keeps going up. Pop in and say hi so I don't feel like I am talking to myself.

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTW--How do you get yourself out the door to workout when you just really don't want to?

 

[Dreamer2012]

I do my walk each morning @5am and believe me there have been ALOT of days when I didNOT want to get up and go...on those days I have made a "deal" with myself. I HAVE to get up and get my sneakers on - then I can decide to go or not...so far I have always gone out the door. The next "deal" is since I am already out the door on a morning I doNOT want to, ANYTHING I do is considered AMAZING and deserves a "reward". The reward system is: Half the distance = dessert @ lunch! If I complete the entire walk as planned then I "reward" myself with not having to make dinner that night! I either assign it to one of the 5 others in my house that day or we go out.... Kinda crazy I know - but it works for me. Once I get out the door I usually end up doing the whole walk - (only once did I shorten it to half...but since I still went it was a victory in my book!). Great question...I'm interested to read what everyone else does!

 

[myweegirls]

Congratulations Liz! Are the steps bothering you going up or going down? You sound like you are ready for the TOT, now you just need to rest those legs. As for the toenails, I know in theory with properly fitted shoes it should be a non-issue, but I have lost a couple. Not to be gross, but when they are done they usually just pop off. Usually at an inopportune time... Like work.... I will say be careful with the pedicure right before the race. Some calluses serve a purpose when running at least, and you don't want to take a chance of developing a hot spot. I have also made the mistake of cutting nails too short right before a race and regretted it. I will add in your race.

The legs were sore both up and down the next day, but then they seemed pretty much fun - just some echoes of a long run. I went out for a 30-min run this morning and definitely felt a little creaky but still got a 5K done in just over 30. A couple of minutes off my top pace, but I'm happy to still be moving after 11 on Friday night!

I'm working around weather this week for my short runs - can't believe there are only 4 left before ToT!!

A second toenail has an issue, but I think it predates the new shoes - both appear to be related to blisters under the nail. Ugh, and sorry if that grosses anyone out. I'm currently wrapping them in band-aids to prevent catching them on anything, but I'm not doing much else with them. That's a great point about the pedi, and I think I might wait until after the race - a treat! (I do have a massage scheduled for Sunday afternoon - aaaahhhh...)

QOTW--How do you get yourself out the door to workout when you just really don't want to?

I find that having a training program really, really helps. Whether it's work or personal, I feel compelled to stay on schedules I've set for myself. Right now, I have built in schedules for ToT and the WDW 1/2, but before that I did a C25K app and found I felt tied to that schedule, too, even though it wasn't aiming at anything specific.

Next question - and nowhere near as gross as the toenail issue! Does anyone have any experience with compression sleeves? I've heard they can help with shin and calf soreness. I don't have either in terrible quantities, but I do have issues with both. I'm just not sure how these work, or if they're a good idea for me. ??

XO
Liz

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi all!

Got my last long training run in before the ToT 10m tonight. 11 miles on the Galloway plan - I can't quite believe I did it, but I did it! 11 miles in 2:04, and I stuck to my 4/1 ratio throughout the whole 11. It was hard - really hard - but I just let my music carry me through it. I'm comforted knowing the Disney course will be flatter than my course here!

I have a toenail issue - as it it's all white and separating (ick). I got refitted for my Brooks Adrenalines at the running store I go to most often (not the one where I bought my first ones), and they strongly suggested going up another half size. I ran in those tonight, and they felt great, but I think it might be too late for this toenail. I'm hoping I can still get a pedi before the ToT trip, but I don't want to risk it getting worse. Anyone have any experience with this?

And now, time to sleep...big mommy/daughter day tomorrow with DDalmost8, as we hit the American Girl store for the first time for her birthday. Help me...

XO
Liz

Liz - congrats on your 11 mile run! You are definitely ready for the ToT! I agree to wait until after for the pedicure.

I ran 6 miles today without walk breaks in 63 minutes. This might have been my longest run this year without walk breaks, so that's cool. I felt really strong. The area we run is pretty hilly, so it was nice to have such a strong run before my 5k next weekend, where I am hoping for a pr. I had been feeling very unsure of myself when it comes to speed, so this was a nice pick me up.

---And I know a bunch of people are reading along, cause our views count keeps going up. Pop in and say hi so I don't feel like I am talking to myself.

Congrats on those 6 miles - it makes such a difference to have an awesome run! Glad you're feeling strong and fast this week.

Next question - and nowhere near as gross as the toenail issue! Does anyone have any experience with compression sleeves? I've heard they can help with shin and calf soreness. I don't have either in terrible quantities, but I do have issues with both. I'm just not sure how these work, or if they're a good idea for me. ??

XO
Liz

I got a pair of compression socks back in April. I only have one but I kind of love them. So far I only wear them for recovery. But I just ordered a pair of the calf compression sleeves that I hope to wear during some cool fall long runs. I had never had calf or shin issues - not as a former gymnast, dancer, and not as a run/walker. But when I transitioned to mostly walking early this year, I started to get some shin stuff. There isn't really a downside to compression gear if you want to try them. For me, they aid in recovery and soreness, but I don't think they actually make me faster or anything like that.

QOTW--How do you get yourself out the door to workout when you just really don't want to?

A training plan is the key for me. Checking off a workout on a personal plan is helpful, but the strongest motivator for me is a big race. I know I need to put in the miles of training to prepare.

I had a great 4 miler on Sunday. I worked on my race walking form and speed, as well as some short running segments. I'm hopeful that I can get close to that overall pace at the Wine & Dine. I also did tons of stretching after my runs on Friday and Sunday.

Rose - I'd love to hear more about your favorite poses for low back and ITB stuff!