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

[Carstairs38]

I hope it's okay to jump into the thread at this point in the year. I did just join the boards after all.

Name: Mark
DisName: Carstairs38
Upcoming Races: Survivor Mud Run (9/22), Stand up to Cancer 10K (9/30), That Dam Mud Run (10/13)
Completed Races in 2012 (or earlier): I've done 9 races so far this year (including the Disneyland half). I can give them to you if you want.
Favorite Race: Mud runs in general. That's what got my into running in the first place. The Camp Pendleton Mud Run is a fun one.
Anything else you want to share (age, where you live, etc): I'm 37 and live in Southern California (hence the Disneyland races)
And for fun, favorite running shoe: Asics, whatever their cheap ones of the moment are usually work for me.

 

[Rose&Mike]

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

I start by making a plan for the week--in writing. I track my minutes which helps to push me a little when I am feeling like a slacker. If I have a scheduled exercise I try to stick with trying for at least 5 minutes and then if I am miserable I can stop--which rarely happens. And if all else fails I remind myself how unhappy I was when I couldn't exercise because of injuries. I remind myself of all the other Wishers who have worked so hard. And I remind myself how great I feel when I am done. As someone who has lost a chunk of weight, I feel like I got in a habit of giving myself too many "I am a failure, so of course I will fail at this" messages. So I try very hard to set myself up for success. Having said that, just a reminder it really is perfectly ok and healthy to schedule in days off and even cut back weeks.

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!

I think you have a system that works. I think what we can get from all this is that every body has days when they have to drag themselves out the door, and that is perfectly normal.

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

I am a schedule person too. I do so much better when I have a plan. I have not used compression sleeves, but occasionally after long runs I will elevate my legs for 10 minutes or so and it seems to help a bit. I don't know if it is one of those myth things that really doesn't help, but in my mind, my legs have felt better when I have tried it.

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!

A race is a big motivator for me too.


Here is a nice blog about the pigeon pose:
http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/holiday-yoga-pose-half-pigeon-pose/
I have never captured my foot, but I do fold forward. Depending on how you fold it stretches different areas.

Child's pose and moving cat are very basic yoga poses. I googled and tons of stuff came up. If my back is very tight I will do these before even trying anything else.

I also somtimes just stand beside a table or bed, bend at the waist and stretch to one side of the other to feel a pull in my back, kind of like a half fold.

My yoga instructor loves the frog pose--which is great for opening up your hips.

Like most stretches, being warmed up often makes things easier.

ETA**Interestingly I just read an article that said stretching leads to injuries and how terrible it is for you, but I will probably stick with it for now, cause I feel better than I have in a while.

I hope it's okay to jump into the thread at this point in the year. I did just join the boards after all.

Name: Mark
DisName: Carstairs38
Upcoming Races: Survivor Mud Run (9/22), Stand up to Cancer 10K (9/30), That Dam Mud Run (10/13)
Completed Races in 2012 (or earlier): I've done 9 races so far this year (including the Disneyland half). I can give them to you if you want.
Favorite Race: Mud runs in general. That's what got my into running in the first place. The Camp Pendleton Mud Run is a fun one.
Anything else you want to share (age, where you live, etc): I'm 37 and live in Southern California (hence the Disneyland races)
And for fun, favorite running shoe: Asics, whatever their cheap ones of the moment are usually work for me.

Welcome Mark! We lived in San Diego in the late 80s/early 90s. It's so beautiful out there. My husband was stationed at 32nd Street, but we knew some folks at Camp Pendleton. I would love to do a mud run but I am terrified of a new injury. I think one more sprain and my right ankle will be done. Congrats on the Disneyland half!

***
So I met with my trainer today. Holy crudtastic! I did the elliptical first and then met with her. I won't be there Friday so we crammed a bunch of stuff in today. My muscles were shaking by the end, but I am feeling so good about it. I have been struggling with food this week so it is good to feel good about something.

I am kind of bummed about the reports that are coming out about rice and arsenic. I don't eat a ton of convenience gluten free food, but I do occasionally have bread and pasta and a lot of times they have rice in them. I hope this is an over reaction by the media and that the danger is not as big a deal as they are making it out to be.

Have a great Wednesday!

 

[princessbride6205]

Here is a nice blog about the pigeon pose:
http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/holiday-yoga-pose-half-pigeon-pose/
I have never captured my foot, but I do fold forward. Depending on how you fold it stretches different areas.

Child's pose and moving cat are very basic yoga poses. I googled and tons of stuff came up. If my back is very tight I will do these before even trying anything else.

I also somtimes just stand beside a table or bed, bend at the waist and stretch to one side of the other to feel a pull in my back, kind of like a half fold.

My yoga instructor loves the frog pose--which is great for opening up your hips.

Like most stretches, being warmed up often makes things easier.

ETA**Interestingly I just read an article that said stretching leads to injuries and how terrible it is for you, but I will probably stick with it for now, cause I feel better than I have in a while.

***
So I met with my trainer today. Holy crudtastic! I did the elliptical first and then met with her. I won't be there Friday so we crammed a bunch of stuff in today. My muscles were shaking by the end, but I am feeling so good about it. I have been struggling with food this week so it is good to feel good about something.

I am kind of bummed about the reports that are coming out about rice and arsenic. I don't eat a ton of convenience gluten free food, but I do occasionally have bread and pasta and a lot of times they have rice in them. I hope this is an over reaction by the media and that the danger is not as big a deal as they are making it out to be.

Have a great Wednesday!

I think we just read the same article about how stretching is bad for you!

Thanks for posting info on pigeon pose - I do like that stretch, but didn't know the name. I am familiar with cat and child's pose, so I will add those to the list.

How strange about the rice! I hadn't heard that.

Glad you enjoyed your session with the trainer - sounds intense!

******
The Stick came in the mail yesterday! It feels like it worked well on my quad/IT band. It is a little awkward to get at the spot on my calf that bugs me. I also ordered some arnica gel - I've used it in the past inconsistently. For anyone not familiar, it is a homeopathic ingredient you rub on your sore or injured areas. I'm not sure how effective it is, but it was mentioned in my running book from England. I'm kind of pulling out all the stops for the marathon - if I need to carry a magic feather like Dumbo, I will. I will try anything that might prevent injuries and get me to the finish line!

I had a great strength workout last night. I have added the tree pose, which is really great for my stability - thanks for suggesting that one, Rose. But I need a substitute for the lunges and step ups I'm supposed to be doing - my knees just don't tolerate them. Any suggestions, anyone? I just did a Google search and came up with side lunges and some form modifications that make the lunge a little easier.

 

[tiki23]

ETA**Interestingly I just read an article that said stretching leads to injuries and how terrible it is for you, but I will probably stick with it for now, cause I feel better than I have in a while.

Micro tears in the muscle?

I'm Disney bound! We leave for the airport in about 6 hours.

So excited for our trip and running the HH5K in my Goofy costume.

Good luck on your upcoming races Liz, Kaiti, Mark and Jen!

I hope you all have a great week! I'll be checking in on the 2nd about the race and the Villain's Bash.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Just checking in-
Rose, my next race will be the Land Bridge Trail Run 5 miler, October 20th- Jake and I are running this one together Cooler weather here in FL was a welcomed surprise the last two days and I felt the urge to get out and ran 4 1/2 miles last night. Only 6 weeks till the W/D and I'm so excited! Good luck to all those doing the TOT this weekend I will be in St. Augustine cheering my hubby on as he rides the MS 150 for the 2nd year.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Good luck to everyone running this weekend! Can't wait to hear about the TOT 10 miler.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

, Hope everyone that ran the TOT had a good race.

Saturday I have 15 miles to run, I'm really nervous -I have only run this distance one other time- and although it was a good run, I ended up with what I believe was a stress fracture in my right foot the following weekend after only doing 5 miles-, that was 3 weeks before my first 1/2 race -the Princess 2012 and although I was able to complete the race -and had a great time doing it- it was not the race pace I was training for- I had to be extra cautious not to do further damage to the foot. With only 5 weeks till the wine and dine, I have this dejavue feeling that it gonna happen again.

Dottie

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi Dottie. I can understand why you are anxious. I still get a little nervous going over 9 miles cause that seems to be where my itbs flares up--though so far no problems this fall.

I know you are training for w&d, but I know for me, I have had to remind myself that really every run is about the marathon in January. It does me no good to get injured before then. So having said that I have really, really forced myself to slow down.

Mike and I did 15 over the weekend with a goal between of between 11 and 12 minute per mile averages. This is between 1 and 2 minute per mile slower than normal for us.

It is really paying off. I felt really good after the 15 miles. Didn't even need a nap. My calves were very sore (blame that on the newton shoes) and I had a blister, but other than that it was no big deal.

So, I get it that you are worried, but unless you are having current problems, no reason to stress too much. Just treat it like a long run and hopefully you will be feeling great afterwards.

*****
So I am wondering if everyone wants to keep this thread going? We have a ton of views, but not very many posts. Is anyone getting anything out of keeping it open? I am happy to keep going, but as I mentioned before, I sometimes feel like I am talking to myself. Just thought I would throw it out there.

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi, Rose! I don't know about the thread. I was excited when I found it a few weeks ago, but I agree it's hard to keep the conversation going when the posting is infrequent. I will say the BL thread in general seems slower than I remember it in previous challenges. Maybe it's just the group this season doesn't have as much time to post...not sure...

****
Dottie - Good luck this weekend!

Rose - that was such a helpful post! Sounds like we're all in the same boat as far as marathon training with the W&D in between. I'm trying to keep my eye on the marathon as well.

I have a 13-mile to do this Sunday. The longest I've ever done in training. Wait, I'm doing this distance and there is no medal at the end?!
Maybe I'll reward myself in advance by buying some new music.

I'm only nervous because my 11 mile didn't feel great. By the last mile of that one, I was just repeating to myself over and over to put one foot in front of the other. I think I needed a little more fuel and I was too fast. I lost track of what my average time was somewhere along the way, and ended up finishing a little faster than my goal pace for the marathon and only a minute shy of my half PR pace. I think I lost track of the time because this is the first long run I've done with short run/walk intervals. Even though it was technically the same total amount of running versus walking, I must have been going faster at both. But that's easy enough to tweak for the next run.

 

[pix13dust]

Hi ladies!

I wonder if the chatter is slow because its the start of school and /or things just seem to get busier in the fall.?
I really enjoy the thread and getting everyone's updates, journeys, advice etc. I've had a few slow weeks, exercise - wise. Asthma issues were tough, I'm on new meds now that seem to be working. And of course everyone here is sick and I finally caught the cold/fever.
I signed up for yoga . I start next week and can't wait. Ive never done it before so im a little nervous. I'll start running again next week too. I bought new sneakers, I've used them 3 times and NO leg pain at all!! I never would have believed a sneaker would made such a difference!
I still plan on running my next 5k on 10/27. Well , run/ walk. I really enjoy run/walking. I'd love to be able to just run and run but I don't think that is in the cards for me. I hope everyone is doing good and enjoying the cooler weather!

Melinda

 

[Rose&Mike]

I'm glad folks are still getting something positive out of the thread.

I had a craptastic 6 mile run today. Actually at about 4 miles we just stopped and walked. But we did the whole 6 miles. My legs were fine, my breathing was fine. I was just done. I wanted to sit by the side of the road and just cry. I think this workout schedule is mentally and physically wearing me down a bit and then we have some personal stuff going on, and honestly I just didn't want to do it today. I could have finished, but I just didn't want to. Does that make sense?

I'm going to back off this week a bit. My personal trainer is out of town, and we have 16 miles next Saturday. Good week for a break. Training for a marathon is HARD. Honestly, if I were doing a half, I could coast at this point. LOL. Pretty awesome to be able to say that, but really, I am pooped!

I have a 13-mile to do this Sunday. The longest I've ever done in training. Wait, I'm doing this distance and there is no medal at the end?!
Maybe I'll reward myself in advance by buying some new music.

I'm only nervous because my 11 mile didn't feel great. By the last mile of that one, I was just repeating to myself over and over to put one foot in front of the other. I think I needed a little more fuel and I was too fast. I lost track of what my average time was somewhere along the way, and ended up finishing a little faster than my goal pace for the marathon and only a minute shy of my half PR pace. I think I lost track of the time because this is the first long run I've done with short run/walk intervals. Even though it was technically the same total amount of running versus walking, I must have been going faster at both. But that's easy enough to tweak for the next run.

I hope it goes well Nicole. Slowing down is hard. I am guessing as my miles increase it will get easier though. I have started eating the peanut butter gus for fuel. A lot of stuff bothers my stomach when I run--anything that is even a little bit acidy, and I seem to tolerate the pb ones pretty well.

Hi ladies!

I wonder if the chatter is slow because its the start of school and /or things just seem to get busier in the fall.?
I really enjoy the thread and getting everyone's updates, journeys, advice etc. I've had a few slow weeks, exercise - wise. Asthma issues were tough, I'm on new meds now that seem to be working. And of course everyone here is sick and I finally caught the cold/fever.
I signed up for yoga . I start next week and can't wait. Ive never done it before so im a little nervous. I'll start running again next week too. I bought new sneakers, I've used them 3 times and NO leg pain at all!! I never would have believed a sneaker would made such a difference!
I still plan on running my next 5k on 10/27. Well , run/ walk. I really enjoy run/walking. I'd love to be able to just run and run but I don't think that is in the cards for me. I hope everyone is doing good and enjoying the cooler weather!

Melinda

I'm probably the only person not liking the cooler weather. It was 39 when we ran this morning--our first cold morning and I hated it. I have to wear something over my face or I wheeze. I hope your asthma meds do the trick. Congrats on the new running shoes.

Dottie--I hope the run goes well this weekend.

Amanda--if you did your race today I hope it was fun!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend!

 

[MelindaRuns]

Hello everyone! I'm just getting up here at Bonnet Creek on the last day of our two week Disney cruise/parks/Universal extravaganza. I've been thinking about how I'm going to kick start my training once I'm home. I did the Castaway Cay 5k spur of the moment and I'm so glad I did. Even running in the Bahamas in the blazing hot sun didn't compare to the sickeningly humid and hot ToT 10 miler. I was so SLOW! I just couldn't move any faster. Next up for me is the Fargo Mini (half) Marathon on Oct 20, then the Monster Dash 10 miler in Minneapolis, then Wine and Dine, then WDW in January. I'm not signed up for any more after that. I might take a rest, depending on how my leg/IT band are feeling and what the doctor says. I want to sign up for Princess so badly! My October half will qualify me for Half Fanatics!

4 of my 6 kids ran ToT with me. My dd15 and ds14 who have done 3 half marathons before, and dds 12 and 13 ran farther than they ever had (both have done 5ks a lot and training runs and got up to 9 miles once). They persevered and I'm super proud of them.

My ds14 got 234th place out of nearly 10,000 runners!

I hope everyone's training is going well and I will be checking in here more this week.

 

[lisah0711]

Rose, thanks for keeping our thread open for now. It is fun to read how everyone is doing with their training and it would be great to keep it active at least through the January races.

4 of my 6 kids ran ToT with me. My dd15 and ds14 who have done 3 half marathons before, and dds 12 and 13 ran farther than they ever had (both have done 5ks a lot and training runs and got up to 9 miles once). They persevered and I'm super proud of them.

My ds14 got 234th place out of nearly 10,000 runners!

Glad you are having a good time at WDW and what an accomplishment that almost your whole family ran ToT in the hot, humid weather!

Add me to the list of folks who are going to cut things back a bit after the January races. I'm going to switch to shorter races and we have a big cruise in the summer that will cut into any half training plans. I think that this is the stage in training where a lot of us are just a smidge tired -- I see it in the W&D posts as well as the marathon posts. I know we just need to trust the training and push through. We can do that!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Thank you all for the well wishes- unfortunately they did not help and I had a miserably horrible run.- First, I went out with the" big kids" whose slow pace is my race pace and even though we were all doing the same milage -I could not keep up by mile 4 and lost them in the foggy muggy morning, I completed 6 and 1/2 miles but was done- finished kapoot- my ITBS flared up and mentally I had had it- I will try to do 15 next Saturday since I am slated for only 5 to make up for not completing it this weekend- I am still trying to recover today- tummy issues, and just not a happy camper.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi Lisa. Nice to see you.

Hello everyone! I'm just getting up here at Bonnet Creek on the last day of our two week Disney cruise/parks/Universal extravaganza. I've been thinking about how I'm going to kick start my training once I'm home. I did the Castaway Cay 5k spur of the moment and I'm so glad I did. Even running in the Bahamas in the blazing hot sun didn't compare to the sickeningly humid and hot ToT 10 miler. I was so SLOW! I just couldn't move any faster. Next up for me is the Fargo Mini (half) Marathon on Oct 20, then the Monster Dash 10 miler in Minneapolis, then Wine and Dine, then WDW in January. I'm not signed up for any more after that. I might take a rest, depending on how my leg/IT band are feeling and what the doctor says. I want to sign up for Princess so badly! My October half will qualify me for Half Fanatics!

4 of my 6 kids ran ToT with me. My dd15 and ds14 who have done 3 half marathons before, and dds 12 and 13 ran farther than they ever had (both have done 5ks a lot and training runs and got up to 9 miles once). They persevered and I'm super proud of them.

My ds14 got 234th place out of nearly 10,000 runners!

I hope everyone's training is going well and I will be checking in here more this week.

Congrats to your son and to everyone in your family who ran the TOT! Sounds like you all had a great time!

Thank you all for the well wishes- unfortunately they did not help and I had a miserably horrible run.- First, I went out with the" big kids" whose slow pace is my race pace and even though we were all doing the same milage -I could not keep up by mile 4 and lost them in the foggy muggy morning, I completed 6 and 1/2 miles but was done- finished kapoot- my ITBS flared up and mentally I had had it- I will try to do 15 next Saturday since I am slated for only 5 to make up for not completing it this weekend- I am still trying to recover today- tummy issues, and just not a happy camper.

I'm sorry it didn't go well Dottie. It really becomes quite a mental game on these long runs to not want to go faster just to finish faster, or to keep up with other people, or just cause you can for the first xxx amount of miles. I have always thought long distance running is a huge part mental toughness and now I am finding that to be even more true. And I am doubly sorry about the itbs flareup. It is just the worst. I hope it is a short lived problem.

*****
QOTW
You're tired, you're hungry, everything hurts (and what doesn't hurt now, you are sure will hurt tomorrow), the weather stinks, etc. We talked before about how you get out the door when you just don't want to, but this week I am thinking about how I keep going when I just don't want to. Share any thoughts if you would like.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Hi Lisa. Nice to see you.



Congrats to your son and to everyone in your family who ran the TOT! Sounds like you all had a great time!



I'm sorry it didn't go well Dottie. It really becomes quite a mental game on these long runs to not want to go faster just to finish faster, or to keep up with other people, or just cause you can for the first xxx amount of miles. I have always thought long distance running is a huge part mental toughness and now I am finding that to be even more true. And I am doubly sorry about the itbs flareup. It is just the worst. I hope it is a short lived problem.

*****
QOTW
You're tired, you're hungry, everything hurts (and what doesn't hurt now, you are sure will hurt tomorrow), the weather stinks, etc. We talked before about how you get out the door when you just don't want to, but this week I am thinking about how I keep going when I just don't want to. Share any thoughts if you would like.

Thanks Rose- you are so right- to quote my son's TKD instructor" The body does what the mind tells it"- many a time I have chanted this to myself to get through the run- to push past the aches and pains.
I really like to run but sometimes-especially training for this marathon when I think I've bitten off more than I could possibly chew-I ask myself Why am I doing this again? I have been running for a little more than a year- the bottom line is- when I started running - I was more than 30 lbs heavier, deeply depressed, and hated the way I looked and felt- I never want to go back to being that girl- so even when I have had a bad run, even when I don't hit that milage goal or timed goal or break that PR- I take a step back- reevaluate the game plan- and just head out the door for a run with no watch, no planned distance -just me and my shoes

 

[princessbride6205]

Hi ladies!

I wonder if the chatter is slow because its the start of school and /or things just seem to get busier in the fall.?
I really enjoy the thread and getting everyone's updates, journeys, advice etc. I've had a few slow weeks, exercise - wise. Asthma issues were tough, I'm on new meds now that seem to be working. And of course everyone here is sick and I finally caught the cold/fever.
I signed up for yoga . I start next week and can't wait. Ive never done it before so im a little nervous. I'll start running again next week too. I bought new sneakers, I've used them 3 times and NO leg pain at all!! I never would have believed a sneaker would made such a difference!
I still plan on running my next 5k on 10/27. Well , run/ walk. I really enjoy run/walking. I'd love to be able to just run and run but I don't think that is in the cards for me. I hope everyone is doing good and enjoying the cooler weather!

Melinda

Hi Melinda - sorry to hear about the asthma. I'm the same with the running - I wish I could run and run and run, but I've accepted that it's not in the cards for me either.

I'm glad folks are still getting something positive out of the thread.

I had a craptastic 6 mile run today. Actually at about 4 miles we just stopped and walked. But we did the whole 6 miles. My legs were fine, my breathing was fine. I was just done. I wanted to sit by the side of the road and just cry. I think this workout schedule is mentally and physically wearing me down a bit and then we have some personal stuff going on, and honestly I just didn't want to do it today. I could have finished, but I just didn't want to. Does that make sense?

I'm going to back off this week a bit. My personal trainer is out of town, and we have 16 miles next Saturday. Good week for a break. Training for a marathon is HARD. Honestly, if I were doing a half, I could coast at this point. LOL. Pretty awesome to be able to say that, but really, I am pooped!

I'm probably the only person not liking the cooler weather. It was 39 when we ran this morning--our first cold morning and I hated it. I have to wear something over my face or I wheeze.

Sorry to hear about your 6 miler - but you finished! Doesn't it feel crazy that a half marathon wouldn't faze us at this point? I was feeling exactly the same way yesterday? Yes, it's still a lot of miles and needs training, but it's totally doable. The full marathon...well, I'm not a total believer yet.

Hello everyone! I'm just getting up here at Bonnet Creek on the last day of our two week Disney cruise/parks/Universal extravaganza. I've been thinking about how I'm going to kick start my training once I'm home. I did the Castaway Cay 5k spur of the moment and I'm so glad I did. Even running in the Bahamas in the blazing hot sun didn't compare to the sickeningly humid and hot ToT 10 miler. I was so SLOW! I just couldn't move any faster. Next up for me is the Fargo Mini (half) Marathon on Oct 20, then the Monster Dash 10 miler in Minneapolis, then Wine and Dine, then WDW in January. I'm not signed up for any more after that. I might take a rest, depending on how my leg/IT band are feeling and what the doctor says. I want to sign up for Princess so badly! My October half will qualify me for Half Fanatics!

4 of my 6 kids ran ToT with me. My dd15 and ds14 who have done 3 half marathons before, and dds 12 and 13 ran farther than they ever had (both have done 5ks a lot and training runs and got up to 9 miles once). They persevered and I'm super proud of them.

My ds14 got 234th place out of nearly 10,000 runners!

I hope everyone's training is going well and I will be checking in here more this week.

Welcome back! Congrats to ds14 and all of you for your races! Absolutely fantastic!!

Rose, thanks for keeping our thread open for now. It is fun to read how everyone is doing with their training and it would be great to keep it active at least through the January races.

Add me to the list of folks who are going to cut things back a bit after the January races. I'm going to switch to shorter races and we have a big cruise in the summer that will cut into any half training plans. I think that this is the stage in training where a lot of us are just a smidge tired -- I see it in the W&D posts as well as the marathon posts. I know we just need to trust the training and push through. We can do that!

Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa. It's nice to know we're not alone in how we're feeling with training.

Thank you all for the well wishes- unfortunately they did not help and I had a miserably horrible run.- First, I went out with the" big kids" whose slow pace is my race pace and even though we were all doing the same milage -I could not keep up by mile 4 and lost them in the foggy muggy morning, I completed 6 and 1/2 miles but was done- finished kapoot- my ITBS flared up and mentally I had had it- I will try to do 15 next Saturday since I am slated for only 5 to make up for not completing it this weekend- I am still trying to recover today- tummy issues, and just not a happy camper.

Yuck! Sorry about your run. Sounds like you have a good plan to continue, so I hope this coming week of training goes a lot better for you!

QOTW
You're tired, you're hungry, everything hurts (and what doesn't hurt now, you are sure will hurt tomorrow), the weather stinks, etc. We talked before about how you get out the door when you just don't want to, but this week I am thinking about how I keep going when I just don't want to. Share any thoughts if you would like.
Hmm...I think my mind is a lot tougher than my body. I am near constantly plagued by some injury or another, but I want to do the miles. Not necessarily as I'm doing them, but in general I want to complete them. I love that feeling of accomplishment, saying I went 6 miles or 3 miles or 10 miles - even if it's just crossing it off on my own training plan.
When I find myself staring at my watch too much, I first try to redirect my thinking - what would I rather be doing? If I was at home, I'd be playing the 5th round of dollhouse with DD, doing laundry, etc. So I try to appreciate what is positive (this didn't come naturally, this is something I trained myself to do the past few months) - I'm getting some time to myself, I try to find little interesting things along my path, and listen to whatever podcasts or music I want. Secondly, I'll adjust my pace for a little while - either speed up if I want to or slow down if I'd rather make it an easier run.

***********
Well, as Rose knows from Facebook, I completed my 13 miles yesterday. Decided to do 13.1 just so I could say I did a half. Just before halfway, something was hurting behind my knee. I think I may have pulled a muscle - I think right at the top of the calf. It's kind of in between the calf and hamstring. My mom freaked me out by thinking it's cartilage (which I tore 16 years ago now). I was able to finish - I really focused on Chi Walking, and if I landed with a slightly bent leg as is their recommended form, it was okay. I'm icing and will see how it goes. The good news is that I had a ton of energy. I'm happy with my fuel. I took some advice from a running book I'm reading about mixing up Gu type stuff with candy. When else do I let myself eat 250 calories worth of candy corn in one day?!

 

[tiki23]

4 of my 6 kids ran ToT with me. My dd15 and ds14 who have done 3 half marathons before, and dds 12 and 13 ran farther than they ever had (both have done 5ks a lot and training runs and got up to 9 miles once). They persevered and I'm super proud of them.

My ds14 got 234th place out of nearly 10,000 runners!

I hope everyone's training is going well and I will be checking in here more this week.

The ToT day was the muggiest I've ever had at WDW! Good for you and your family for completing the 10-Miler! It is definitely on my list for next year.

So glad I wasn't signed up this year though, as I came down sick starting on Wednesday night. By Friday I had a full-blown upper respiratory monster in my chest and head; I could barely breathe. I decided to go ahead and pick up my race packet and shirt for the 5K and just see how I felt the next day. I really wanted to spend time in the Expo but decided to just get the heck out of there to limit everyone's exposure to my germ factory. Went back to our room and slept for 4 hours.

Got up at 5am and decided I'd go to the race and if I passed out half way through they could sweep me, lol. WOW - was it muggy, especially back in the trees where there was not a whisper of a breeze. I finished the run though by doing one minute intervals of jog/walk and stopped for all of the water stops and photo ops.

 

[tiki23]

Hello everyone! I'm just getting up here at Bonnet Creek on the last day of our two week Disney cruise/parks/Universal extravaganza.

How did you like Bonnet Creek? I just found out the DH can get 40% employee discounts at BC!!

I'm glad folks are still getting something positive out of the thread.

I had a craptastic 6 mile run today. Actually at about 4 miles we just stopped and walked. But we did the whole 6 miles. My legs were fine, my breathing was fine. I was just done. I wanted to sit by the side of the road and just cry. I think this workout schedule is mentally and physically wearing me down a bit and then we have some personal stuff going on, and honestly I just didn't want to do it today. I could have finished, but I just didn't want to. Does that make sense?

I'm going to back off this week a bit. My personal trainer is out of town, and we have 16 miles next Saturday. Good week for a break. Training for a marathon is HARD. Honestly, if I were doing a half, I could coast at this point. LOL. Pretty awesome to be able to say that, but really, I am pooped!

Are you starting to feel a bit better with the break time, Rose? Hope so!

Thanks Rose- you are so right- to quote my son's TKD instructor" The body does what the mind tells it"- many a time I have chanted this to myself to get through the run- to push past the aches and pains.
I really like to run but sometimes-especially training for this marathon when I think I've bitten off more than I could possibly chew-I ask myself Why am I doing this again? I have been running for a little more than a year- the bottom line is- when I started running - I was more than 30 lbs heavier, deeply depressed, and hated the way I looked and felt- I never want to go back to being that girl- so even when I have had a bad run, even when I don't hit that milage goal or timed goal or break that PR- I take a step back- reevaluate the game plan- and just head out the door for a run with no watch, no planned distance -just me and my shoes

I totally get this - this is me too! About 30lbs down, 15 more to go and never want to go back!

 

[Rose&Mike]

I really like to run but sometimes-especially training for this marathon when I think I've bitten off more than I could possibly chew-I ask myself Why am I doing this again? I have been running for a little more than a year- the bottom line is- when I started running - I was more than 30 lbs heavier, deeply depressed, and hated the way I looked and felt- I never want to go back to being that girl- so even when I have had a bad run, even when I don't hit that milage goal or timed goal or break that PR- I take a step back- reevaluate the game plan- and just head out the door for a run with no watch, no planned distance -just me and my shoes

That's a great attitude Dottie. I don't think you have bitten off more than you can chew--you and I are alike in that I don't think either one of us are very good at cutting ourselves some slack or having faith in our abilities. I think one of my biggest problems--I do NOTHING without a watch or a mileage tracker. I am always tracking something. Minutes, miles, reps, etc. I think the never wanting to go back to that overweight girl is motivating me too, and remembering how sad I was last year when I could not run or do much of anything.

Hmm...I think my mind is a lot tougher than my body. I am near constantly plagued by some injury or another, but I want to do the miles. Not necessarily as I'm doing them, but in general I want to complete them. I love that feeling of accomplishment, saying I went 6 miles or 3 miles or 10 miles - even if it's just crossing it off on my own training plan.
When I find myself staring at my watch too much, I first try to redirect my thinking - what would I rather be doing? If I was at home, I'd be playing the 5th round of dollhouse with DD, doing laundry, etc. So I try to appreciate what is positive (this didn't come naturally, this is something I trained myself to do the past few months) - I'm getting some time to myself, I try to find little interesting things along my path, and listen to whatever podcasts or music I want. Secondly, I'll adjust my pace for a little while - either speed up if I want to or slow down if I'd rather make it an easier run.

***********
Well, as Rose knows from Facebook, I completed my 13 miles yesterday. Decided to do 13.1 just so I could say I did a half. Just before halfway, something was hurting behind my knee. I think I may have pulled a muscle - I think right at the top of the calf. It's kind of in between the calf and hamstring. My mom freaked me out by thinking it's cartilage (which I tore 16 years ago now). I was able to finish - I really focused on Chi Walking, and if I landed with a slightly bent leg as is their recommended form, it was okay. I'm icing and will see how it goes. The good news is that I had a ton of energy. I'm happy with my fuel. I took some advice from a running book I'm reading about mixing up Gu type stuff with candy. When else do I let myself eat 250 calories worth of candy corn in one day?!

I loved the bolded part Nicole! Thanks for sharing. That is a great point--what would I rather be doing? Well, sometimes sleeping, haha. But most of the time running, working out, etc is what I want to be doing.

I hope the leg is feeling better. For months after I finished rehab this last time, I expected to get injured on every run. I was so tense, I expected something to break. As Mike likes to point out--sometimes things just hurt and sometimes they hurt a lot, but that doesn't mean it's a doom or gloom situation every time. Hopefully this was one of those times, where it was no big deal!

Candy corn is a great idea. I eat all kinds of weird things, before and after running. It definitely is a continuing experiment.

The ToT day was the muggiest I've ever had at WDW! Good for you and your family for completing the 10-Miler! It is definitely on my list for next year.

So glad I wasn't signed up this year though, as I came down sick starting on Wednesday night. By Friday I had a full-blown upper respiratory monster in my chest and head; I could barely breathe. I decided to go ahead and pick up my race packet and shirt for the 5K and just see how I felt the next day. I really wanted to spend time in the Expo but decided to just get the heck out of there to limit everyone's exposure to my germ factory. Went back to our room and slept for 4 hours.

Got up at 5am and decided I'd go to the race and if I passed out half way through they could sweep me, lol. WOW - was it muggy, especially back in the trees where there was not a whisper of a breeze. I finished the run though by doing one minute intervals of jog/walk and stopped for all of the water stops and photo ops.

I hope it was fun! I'm sorry about the cold, but I am glad you were able to get out there.

Are you starting to feel a bit better with the break time, Rose? Hope so!

Thank you for asking. I am feeling better. Monday I did the elliptical for 30 minutes and piyo. Tuesday I ran with my DH. Today I ran in the pool for 50 minutes. But I have not lifted a single weight or done any ab work outside of yoga. And I might even skip my piyo class tonight. Tomorrow I will run, and Friday I am taking the day off before our long run! I feel slightly guilty, but I am excited!

*****
QOTW
You're tired, you're hungry, everything hurts (and what doesn't hurt now, you are sure will hurt tomorrow), the weather stinks, etc. We talked before about how you get out the door when you just don't want to, but this week I am thinking about how I keep going when I just don't want to. Share any thoughts if you would like.

I have been thinking about this a bunch this week. As I said earlier, I think a lot of my frustration comes from the fact that I feel like every workout has to have a purpose, and check off a box, etc. I am very, very anxious about this marathon. I purposely am only going up to ~20-22 miles for training which is part of the reason I am pushing all these other workouts so hard, but it is tiring some days. And many of you know--I wanted to run a 1/2 marathon for about a decade before I finally did it. I just kept quitting part way into the training. So I think that is where the anxiety is coming from, too.

So my plan--keep pushing, but schedule a few more off days as needed. Walk more if I need to and remind myself that the goal is to finish uninjured. Period. Not worry about my speed right now--I am having some issues with the correct form for running faster in the Newton's which is making me tired too I think.

Basically, I am going to remember what Nicole said and remind myself--what else do I really want to be doing. I have worked very hard, and I can do this.

I have already warned Mike to expect a HUGE sobfest at the finish line. I usually get weepy at the end of races anyhow, so I can't even imagine what this one is going to be like!

Have a great Wednesday.