Confessions of a reluctant runner, a DL 1/2 & PHM PTR. 7/5 race recaps and final thoughts

[eandesmom]

Hmmmmm - Interesting, especially about the poor estimation of the calories burned. I will never look the same at the elliptical calorie count again. I wonder how accurate the distance is.

Yeah, I had the same reaction! I used to do it 2x a week at about 45 min each. As my running has gone up, it's gone down but initially the calorie thing really bummed me out. Even with running though you'll get different reads on different tools so I do take it all with a little grain of salt. I actually have to be careful on the elliptical. While it's great for a non impact exercise, I'd tend to ramp up the incline and resistance and the incline can actually end up making me more "tight" than I already am. Which is pretty tight!

I liked it as I felt like it was kind of an alternative to hill work but I can't really have it be as high as I'd like. I am generally the only one huffing and puffing too, but that could be that ours don't have fans. LOL! I admit, one positive to scaling back is I am far less annoyed with all the folks chatting, reading, letting their kids basically swing up and down on them, taking up machines others might really like to use. The kids part really bugs me, they seriously do one step, stare at the screen, do another step...stare at the screen.

At the end of the day though, it's a lot better than nothing and I still like it better than the bike at the gym since I'm limited to the recumbent bike. Bleh. Talk about boring!

Our gym has gotten rid of a lot of them and replaced them with adaptive motion trainers. Which I cannot stand but they are quite popular. I probably should try to get more into them but so much of my gym time now is non cardio that I haven't bothered. We really need to re-evaluate our membership as we are paying too much for what we do, but don't like the alternatives either. Sigh.

I actually miss the old stair master/stair climber kind of machines

I agree though, it really is such a great first step for so many while and I do see a lot of folks using them slow, watching TV or reading....it's still moving so has to be better than nothing. As far as the reading, etc goes...I dunno. I've been known to use my phone on it, checking the boards or FB or email, esp during warm up and cool down. I could never do that on a treadmill. I know a lot of folks watch TV on the treadmill but I often wonder if that slows people down. The treadmill gives me shin splints so I avoid it like crazy.

 

[Poolrat]

Very good question on the car. All the resorts will have special buses so I'd think that might be faster but I don't really know! We will definitely be at BWV for the race.

Looking at the route is the same as the one Marathon weekend. Actually by the tie you walk to the start line you are across the street from OKW. I took the car there even though I was staying at OKW and yes had thoughts of going back to bed by just crossing the street.

I did not have too much traffic but I remember a 5K at AK we were stuck in the traffic for a while. Added a bit to the stress.

They park you at EPCOT way out at the one of the further lots and then you can walk over and back to OKW. LONG walk backstage down a maintenance road and then over to the corrals. You finish by going out by the bathrooms area on the left side of SE ( near Guest services) that leads you back to the parking lot area.

Buses run often and are pretty plentiful. One bit of advice - DRIVE TO THE EXPO. I did the bus for the first 5k and never again if I can help it. Going not an issue but getting back was at least a 45min wait for a bus.

Yes I too never thought I would ever WANT to do one and yet I finished one. I really need to start again but so stinking hot, I just can't and the treadmill inside had zero appeal to me.
For me just having the race date looming MADE me go out and train. I guess I need to sign up for a race to get moving.

 

[ARmom30]

I just wanted to jump on here and say Hi! I have lurked through many of your past TRs and loved all of them. I am also a runner, although a slow one, and signed up for PHM on Tuesday. I'm excited for the challenge and can't wait to here your take on the DL 1/2.

Also, I hope your dad's recovery process is quick. I hope that you have figured out some way to make your fall trip work. Maybe you could split the time for the E's between 2 people. Part of the time with your MIL and part of the time with the guy from church. I know it usually takes at least 3 people to cover my house when I am out of town without my kids. Someone always has to take off work too if I am gone during the week because I am a SAHM.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Good luck with the inserts and shoes issues! Yuck.

YAY for Mary Ellen joining the PHM gang! You guys will have so much fun!!

Cute Dooney wristlet.

Hope your dad's recovery is going smoothly!

 

[annmarieda]

Looking at the route is the same as the one Marathon weekend. Actually by the tie you walk to the start line you are across the street from OKW. I took the car there even though I was staying at OKW and yes had thoughts of going back to bed by just crossing the street.

I think this is why people in years past would just walk to their corral from OKW/POR or POFQ. This year though, disney put an end to that stating that anyone caught would possibly be disqualified.

Buses run often and are pretty plentiful. One bit of advice - DRIVE TO THE EXPO. I did the bus for the first 5k and never again if I can help it. Going not an issue but getting back was at least a 45min wait for a bus.

OMG! YES! Drive if you can to the expo. Busses are great... but the drop off and pick up is a ways from where you actually go for the expo. A mile maybe? Definitely doable and if you are running a half certainly you should be able to add a couple miles of walking in...but what a pain! I was lucky the year I did the phm they had the expo at CSR. I was staying there so just walked over from my room. Now THAT was awesome! The crowded convention center... not so much.

Yes I too never thought I would ever WANT to do one and yet I finished one. I really need to start again but so stinking hot, I just can't and the treadmill inside had zero appeal to me.
For me just having the race date looming MADE me go out and train. I guess I need to sign up for a race to get moving.

I am with you on this! I need a race that I am looking forward to in order to stay focused and excited.

I actually wore my compression sleeves last night, overnight. Which you are totally not supposed to do but oh well. They feel good on, but off, not so much. I do think its the inserts though, it's anterior and that is usually either due to pronation issues, or overtraining and I really don't think I am overtraining or that it's a significant increase over the past. A bit more walking than usual but I think had I done those walks, and run, in the old inserts this wouldn't be happening. Especially since it happened with the met bar pads. That did resolve quickly though so hopefully this will too.

I didn't know that. If I twist my ankle/foot or experience too much swelling I wear my socks over night and I think it helps a ton!

really? that seems odd to me, if the goal is to push the lactic threshold and endurance I am not sure how splitting it with that long of a break would do that. If the goal is just logging in miles then I could see it.

Honestly, I wonder if it was just to log miles. When I first read that it was in prepping for my first phm...or maybe it was even for my first ToT...either way I didn't have much running experience and I wonder if the thread/group I read that from was in a similar state so the goal was just to get the miles in for the day. That being said though... I do think there will be days where I will definitely have to break up my weekend run. My race in August for one... I will do the 10k and then come home to run the rest. (probably that night when things cool)

And look, you have already gone way past that!

I hope to have 3 more long runs between now and then. 12, 13 and 14. We will see how it goes.

I think I have just two. A 15 and 17.... but the training for ToT and Avengers have 9 mile runs leading up to the DLH. I am sure I will do one of them...maybe opt for a shorter on the one the week before the dlh.

I really don't have time for this. That is probably the biggest stress factor. Jeff and I chatted about it on our walk last night and we both are kind of leaning towards new shoes (trying the lighter ones, I'd know quickly if they don't work) AND getting new inserts that are like the ones I use now. Which bites from a $$ perspective. Honestly, while I'll keep trying to get the other ones to work, I may well wait until September to try and break them in, whatever I end up doing with them. Hopefully new "other" inserts will slow down the callus/blister thing a bit. Filing daily kind of sucks. And, with the way they "blew up" on Sunday for just 5 miles I do think the chances of an issue before mile 13 is real. I guess we will see how the 12 goes on Sunday

Ok, so let me ask you this.. your calluses build..then blisters for or bunions hurt? I ask because I too am filing like a fool just to keep the callus down cause if I don't I get the throbbing bunion.

I could consider getting the new shoes on friday and testing them on Sunday but...generally, 12 miles is not the best way to test a new shoe. I may well stop there anyway and take them for a test run with one lap around Greenlake since it's right there, then think about it before I buy. They always offer and I've never actually done it.[/qutoe]

I think that is a great idea! (taking a test run) You definitely shouldn't try them out first on a 12 mile run!

I'm not big on "I did it" shirts in general. If there is a cute tech shirt, I could see getting that, or a cute regular one but generally I have a hard time finding ones I like. A coffee cup, or wine glass is much more likely. This I will use and if I end up with nothing else, I will be ok.

I am with you... the mug I would use often and look at it to remember the race. The shirts I don't wear much...if at all and I am also a bit superstitious. I would hate to buy an "I did it" and then not actually finish.

So funny, I though I'd written it down somewhere and then it was like ummm....I know we have a plan. Somewhere. It might be a loose plan but it's a plan. Glad I remembered ok.

 

[eandesmom]

Looking at the route is the same as the one Marathon weekend. Actually by the tie you walk to the start line you are across the street from OKW. I took the car there even though I was staying at OKW and yes had thoughts of going back to bed by just crossing the street.

I did not have too much traffic but I remember a 5K at AK we were stuck in the traffic for a while. Added a bit to the stress.

They park you at EPCOT way out at the one of the further lots and then you can walk over and back to OKW. LONG walk backstage down a maintenance road and then over to the corrals. You finish by going out by the bathrooms area on the left side of SE ( near Guest services) that leads you back to the parking lot area.

So definitely sounds just as fast, maybe faster? to walk back through Epcot to get to BWV after the race?

Buses run often and are pretty plentiful. One bit of advice - DRIVE TO THE EXPO. I did the bus for the first 5k and never again if I can help it. Going not an issue but getting back was at least a 45min wait for a bus.

Yes I too never thought I would ever WANT to do one and yet I finished one. I really need to start again but so stinking hot, I just can't and the treadmill inside had zero appeal to me.
For me just having the race date looming MADE me go out and train. I guess I need to sign up for a race to get moving.

Ugh, I was hoping it was the reverse as it would be easy to take a cab there...back not so much. That does not sound fun.

I just wanted to jump on here and say Hi! I have lurked through many of your past TRs and loved all of them. I am also a runner, although a slow one, and signed up for PHM on Tuesday. I'm excited for the challenge and can't wait to here your take on the DL 1/2.

YAY! More PHM folks. it's going to be fun.

happy you decided to delurk!

Also, I hope your dad's recovery process is quick. I hope that you have figured out some way to make your fall trip work. Maybe you could split the time for the E's between 2 people. Part of the time with your MIL and part of the time with the guy from church. I know it usually takes at least 3 people to cover my house when I am out of town without my kids. Someone always has to take off work too if I am gone during the week because I am a SAHM.

It takes a village! I am hoping to get some dates locked in this weekend, I'll feel better when I know exactly what is covered, and what is not.

We will visit my dad on Saturday, I feel bad it can't be more. Hopefully they will have addressed some of the issues in/with the room.

Good luck with the inserts and shoes issues! Yuck.

Yeah, yuck. The saga continues...

YAY for Mary Ellen joining the PHM gang! You guys will have so much fun!!

I am VERY excited!

Cute Dooney wristlet.

Isn't it?

Hope your dad's recovery is going smoothly!

I will know more after I see him on Sat

OMG! YES! Drive if you can to the expo. Busses are great... but the drop off and pick up is a ways from where you actually go for the expo. A mile maybe? Definitely doable and if you are running a half certainly you should be able to add a couple miles of walking in...but what a pain! I was lucky the year I did the phm they had the expo at CSR. I was staying there so just walked over from my room. Now THAT was awesome! The crowded convention center... not so much.

almost makes one want to take a cab. LOL!

I am with you on this! I need a race that I am looking forward to in order to stay focused and excited.

I am focused
I am excited
I am frustrated
I am freaking out

I didn't know that. If I twist my ankle/foot or experience too much swelling I wear my socks over night and I think it helps a ton!

Well, there are mixed opinions on it. Lots of folks do it! I think it depends on how "compressed" they are. The super strong ones can be dangerous overnight. Basically because you are "prone" overnight it can cut off circulation. So safer not to but if it's a milder sock I am really not sure it's an issue. But honestly, I have no clue. I have done it. Not often. Usually if I can't sleep because of issues. I believe in general, for that, socks are probably better than sleeves.

Honestly, I wonder if it was just to log miles. When I first read that it was in prepping for my first phm...or maybe it was even for my first ToT...either way I didn't have much running experience and I wonder if the thread/group I read that from was in a similar state so the goal was just to get the miles in for the day. That being said though... I do think there will be days where I will definitely have to break up my weekend run. My race in August for one... I will do the 10k and then come home to run the rest. (probably that night when things cool)

completely makes sense for just logging miles

I think I have just two. A 15 and 17.... but the training for ToT and Avengers have 9 mile runs leading up to the DLH. I am sure I will do one of them...maybe opt for a shorter on the one the week before the dlh.

well we will see, things are not exactly going well here

Ok, so let me ask you this.. your calluses build..then blisters for or bunions hurt? I ask because I too am filing like a fool just to keep the callus down cause if I don't I get the throbbing bunion.

So... the bunion itself never actually hurts (well since I had surgery on the one about 20 years ago). The calluses, once they reach a certain point, hurt quite a lot. Pressure point. The blood blisters don't seem to hurt...until the callus above them rips. Then they hurt a LOT! Problem is, I can't seem to go more than 4-5 miles without the callus getting to a pain point, and a more severe one at 7+

I think that is a great idea! (taking a test run) You definitely shouldn't try them out first on a 12 mile run!

well, not that simple, I'll update you tomorrow lol!

I am with you... the mug I would use often and look at it to remember the race. The shirts I don't wear much...if at all and I am also a bit superstitious. I would hate to buy an "I did it" and then not actually finish.

One that actually says "I did it" I would never buy before. A general race shirt, well that's not any different than the one in the race registration. I might get one of those...if I liked it. However what I really want to know is...

WHY ARE THERE NEVER TECH/RACE TANK TOPS?

LOL

 

[MEK]

OMG - If I had to deal with kids in the gym I would die. That would annoy me to NO end!

I rode the bike the last time I went to the gym. I really went for upper body, but it seemed wrong to do nothing. I watched the elliptical people very closely and I can see how that conclusion was made about an average work-out. They didn't break a sweat. But I still like it, so I'm going to keep doing it when I go in for the upper body stuff.

 

[eandesmom]

OMG - If I had to deal with kids in the gym I would die. That would annoy me to NO end!

I rode the bike the last time I went to the gym. I really went for upper body, but it seemed wrong to do nothing. I watched the elliptical people very closely and I can see how that conclusion was made about an average work-out. They didn't break a sweat. But I still like it, so I'm going to keep doing it when I go in for the upper body stuff.

Yeah...we are at the Y. Long long story but we've had gym drama over the years. It meets our needs and the kids can all use it. They don't as much as we'd like. LOTS of teens at the gym. Those, to a large degree I am ok with. It's the tweens that have likely not been through the training for 11-14 year olds that stand/sit on the machines with their faces plastered to the screen that burn me. And the Y's refusal to ever say anything to anyone...so they can be "family friendly". The worst part is when the parent is clearly next to the child, endorsing it!

Are you doing any lower body weights, exercises or stretching?

I know what you mean about it seeming wrong to do nothing on the cardio side it's taken me quite a while to come around but I have to say, I spend one of my gym days exclusively on dynamic stretches, exercises and lower/upper body weights. It has helped SO much with various issues it's not even funny. I'm headed there soon to do just that as it's been two weeks (last Sat spent at the hospital with dad) and I am so excited it's kind of crazy. I really need that workout today and there won't be a stitch of cardio in it.

 

[annmarieda]

almost makes one want to take a cab. LOL!

I imagine it is always an option. Thing is, I think it wont be so bad having someone to walk with. I have gone to the expo at WWOS for 3 races. #1 - trip there I walked in with someone and it was great. (we took a cab back) #2 - Went to the expo twice. First time travel buddies had a car so they drove me there and back. Then I went alone. THIS is when it was just not so fun. It was just long and boring. #3 - drove there and back. I guess I have been lucky to not have to ride RD buses there often. Driving, the parking lot is a short walk. Maybe we can hope that they change things for the phm... and the walk to and from the buses won't be as bad as I remember it...or we will just be able to keep each other company.

I am focused
I am excited
I am frustrated
I am freaking out

I know. You are totally entitled to frustration at this point. I would be too. I just hope that things settle for you. Freaking out? I assume goes along with why you are frustrated. Cause once your foot and shin issue straighten themselves out you are going to do great and I think you know it.

So... the bunion itself never actually hurts (well since I had surgery on the one about 20 years ago). The calluses, once they reach a certain point, hurt quite a lot. Pressure point. The blood blisters don't seem to hurt...until the callus above them rips. Then they hurt a LOT! Problem is, I can't seem to go more than 4-5 miles without the callus getting to a pain point, and a more severe one at 7+

This just sounds like a lot of NO FUN!

One that actually says "I did it" I would never buy before. A general race shirt, well that's not any different than the one in the race registration. I might get one of those...if I liked it. However what I really want to know is...

WHY ARE THERE NEVER TECH/RACE TANK TOPS?

LOL

Right? I did like that the donald was a long sleeve tech tee... but yes, I wish that there were some race tanks.

 

[eandesmom]

I imagine it is always an option. Thing is, I think it wont be so bad having someone to walk with. I have gone to the expo at WWOS for 3 races. #1 - trip there I walked in with someone and it was great. (we took a cab back) #2 - Went to the expo twice. First time travel buddies had a car so they drove me there and back. Then I went alone. THIS is when it was just not so fun. It was just long and boring. #3 - drove there and back. I guess I have been lucky to not have to ride RD buses there often. Driving, the parking lot is a short walk. Maybe we can hope that they change things for the phm... and the walk to and from the buses won't be as bad as I remember it...or we will just be able to keep each other company.

Honestly, I never mind walking anywhere. We almost always opt for it by choice when there are other options if it isn't too far and since we will be together, I bet I won't even notice the walk!

I know. You are totally entitled to frustration at this point. I would be too. I just hope that things settle for you. Freaking out? I assume goes along with why you are frustrated. Cause once your foot and shin issue straighten themselves out you are going to do great and I think you know it.

Yeah, the freaking out is definitely related...you know the thought of "what if" the shin/foot issues do not resolve? It's all just supremely annoying to boot.

This just sounds like a lot of NO FUN!

Pretty much. I'm fascinated by the fact that yours don't bother you while running, just after.

Right? I did like that the donald was a long sleeve tech tee... but yes, I wish that there were some race tanks.

I like long sleeve ones too although sadly of the 2 of I've gotten, one is too short. Fine for wearing around the house but I'd never run in it. The next size up would be too big. The other one is just big and well, pretty ugly. LOL! Overall I guess I've had better luck with the short sleeves ones but really, one tank would be very nice! I can't wait to see what they look like for both my races though..and hope they fit right. LOL

 

[Chilly]

Loving the D&B bag, I've got 2 myself, only small ones, I would like one of the larger ones but I can't really afford one.

Hope the shoe/insert problem gets sorted soon.

Any news on your sisters baby?

 

[eandesmom]

Loving the D&B bag, I've got 2 myself, only small ones, I would like one of the larger ones but I can't really afford one.

Hope the shoe/insert problem gets sorted soon.

Any news on your sisters baby?

I love the totes, but for how much I'd use it (I'm a small bag person anyway) I just can't see it.

Yes! Pretty baby girl, home safe and sound.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I'm here! I'm totally late, but I'm here nonetheless.

Wow, what a story about your journey! I chose running mainly because of the fact that it has tangible goals for me, and you can always get better at it. Much more rewarding than just getting on the elliptical. But I was also the kind of person that said "I'll only run if someone is chasing me!"

Let me tell you, beer after running is great. They served us beer after our St. Paddy's Day 5k. Never happier to see a beer, let me tell you.

I'm totally in the finishing upright category too! Yay us!

You are so much faster than I am though! I'm aiming for a 13:45 minute per mile pace. I just want to finish at 3 hours or under. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

 

[eandesmom]

First off, let's see how this last week of training went.

Last week, I was here

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 10.5 hours + long run miles 58 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 15.75 hours + long run miles: 66
• My plan. 13.39 hours + long run miles: 76.45
• Total actual time to date: 13.3 hours + long run miles: 75.11

One week later I am here

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 11.5 hours + long run miles 69 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 17.75 hours + long run miles: 72
• My plan. 14.81 hours + long run miles: 88.45
• Total actual time to date: 14.11 hours + long run miles: 87.12

It was a mixed bag of a week to say the least.


On Wednesday I went back to the podiatrist. Who agreed that there were likely multiple issues, one being those met bars simply being too big and the other being fabric that doesn't breathe. They are going to completely rebuild them. I'm not even going to attempt to use them running until after the half. I may wear them walking, I may not. Not worth the risk.

That night, I tried to run. In my old inserts. Pace wise, it felt ok. Callus wise, it felt ok. Shin wise, not so much. At all. I turned around at the 1 mile mark which meant my run was only 2 miles and a whopping 18 minutes long. Not the 45 ish minutes I had wanted.

Thursday I freaked out. With the half looming only 6 weeks away, I needed to be training and not dealing with all of this! 2 weeks of bad runs and very short runs were getting to my mental state. Instead of hitting the gym, I headed to the running store. I had actually made some calls earlier that day and it turns out the performance stability ones I really liked....were not being carried anywhere here. As I wasn't convinced I needed new ones anyway, or that at a new pair of my current model would make a difference, I decided to head to the store and see if anyone there had great advice.

First stop, a smaller family owned place relatively close to me that a coworker swears by. They felt that my current shoes had lots of miles left in them and appeared to be giving me good support. In other words, they had no ideas. Next stop, my usual store. Who also, honestly, did not have any ideas either. They also thought my current shoes were still fine. They looked at my current inserts. When I bought them, they had told me that they should last through 4 pairs of shoes. Which really means nothing. The gal said it is really more like 800-1200 miles. Mine only had about 670 on them. She thought they still had life and that she didn't see any unusual wear but that one side was starting to go. Apparently they changed the inserts. The new ones had a different foot plate, the old one apparently was the same size for all inserts, regardless of your shoe size, new fabric, which was a bit cushier and something else but I forget what. She had me try the size of the ones I had previously gotten but then suggested I get the larger size as I was right on the edge. The larger ones would give me a nice heel cup, which I did not have now.

The black ones are the new ones





Big difference in the heels



I could not really tell if the plate was any different in size



On Friday, my shins still hurt. I had a work event and was able to meet Ann for coffee, YAY! I decided I was going to try to run, but wear my compression sleeves. I have a pair that I have worn a few times, but only for recovery, never during a run. They are smartwool, which is what I run in. They are not the ultralight version, which is my go to sock, but rather a thicker one. They do make a ultra light compression sock..but in the sleeve it is the thicker one.


Yeah yeah yeah, I know. Don't run when injured. I've run though shin splints before and they have always resolved themselves. I honestly wondered if not running was part of the issue, they just felt TIGHT. Ridiculously so.

Not a look I would normally go for but what the heck.



They are not billed for running in, just for recovery but I figured, it couldn't hurt.

Except it did.

Sort of.

My shins actually felt pretty good about a half mile in. Pace was fine. My calves and quads? Not so much. SOOOOOOOOO tight. Arguably from what felt like taking the last 2 weeks practically off. The fact that it was over 70 degrees, in the wool, felt like it upped my overall temperature. Did it really? I have no idea. Were the sleeves causing referred pain or was it lack of normal gym stretching over the past 2 weeks. I have no idea. The new inserts? Felt ok but I did still feel my callus areas.

Either way it made me nervous. I kept the run to 3 miles. Between that and the 2 miles on Wednesday I figured that combined I had gotten one total run in. Boo.

Yesterday I spent my entire gym workout just stretching the heck out of everything. That felt good.

I had hoped to pick up some more cliff shot blocks (I like the margarita flavor, big surprise huh!) so I would have some for my long run but, it didn't happen. We visited my dad and by the time we were done with that we were ready to just be home for the evening.

Today, I went for it. I was scheduled to run 12 miles, farther than I’d ever run before. I figured I would just stop, or walk, if I had issues.
My original plan was to try a cliff shot block of the espresso variety, as an alternative to coffee before a long run. But with none on hand, I had my cup of coffee.

The first 7 or so miles felt good. I didn't start out too fast but had a decent pace. Nice and easy. Nothing hurt, I had a new playlist and a pretty route as we had driven out further so we could vary the view a bit. We were both getting sick of our normal route.

The humidity was quite high at about 87% but the temps were in the low 60's so it wasn't bad. At about mile 7 I started to feel my IT band. I felt my calluses too but nothing major. I stopped twice for water on the way back. Though I could have skipped it, it was a training run and water breaks seemed smart. If I would have had fuel with me, I would have taken a little. Plus the IT band was kind of bugging me and the short walks at the water stops seemed to help stretch it out. My goal/hope had been to keep the whole thing under 2 hours. I was not going for speed but did want the run under 2 if I could. I hope my race pace to be better than this but the idea of the long training run is simply to push the lactic threshold and overall endurance in terms of both miles, and total time out running. I was on pace for the vast majority of my run. At about mile 10.5 I started to feel it in my quads. Not a bonk at all but definitely feeling like I was pushing it…but in a good way. I would have taken fuel around mile 6 if I had some with me. Would it have made a difference? Who knows but it certainly does not hurt.

At mile 11.17 I felt what seemed to be my left foot callus rip or tear. It HURT. I slowed down. For the next .83 I did a walk/run that was more walking than running. But, I got it done. 12.01 in 2:03. I can live with that. Not ideal but for a training run I am ok with it. I could have run more but I really did not want to do significant damage and risk further set back. Only 1.09 more and I can say I have run a half marathon, even if it is not done in a race! I also feel ok about finishing the total distance and that is important. The other good news is I did not need a bio break. Hey, this is important! This tells me my recent issues may be heat related, versus that cup of coffee. Does not bode well for coffee before the DL half if that is the case. I hope to have more opportunities to test this out and, to try those shot blocks.





I don't know what it is, I can never take a decent watch picture! But..you should be able to see the 12.01.

If I do the DL half at that pace, I should finish around 2:14:XX. Frankly that is on the high side of what I am hoping for. I could live with it. There are a few factors that could make it slower, or hopefully faster.

Slow factors. It will arguably be warmer. Perhaps not a ton but likely to not have the cloud cover and breeze I had today.

Unless there is a major heat wave it looks likely to be in the mid 60's when the race starts and hopefully still under 70 by the time I am done. Interestingly, yesterday I woke up at 4:45 am for a bio break and while I waited to see if our running toilet would just off on it's own (TMI I know but I don't usually check my phone at that hour but it's ridiculous to go back to bed, to then have to get right back up), I checked the humidity. We were at 90%, it was oppressive (no AC here). I checked Anaheim and it was the same. Same thing this morning when I set out for my run. Does it mean it will have that kind of humidity in August? I hope not but it is possible.

Then there are my feet and the bunion/callus/blister issues. This is an unknown. I do know I have run with them ripped open before and lived. I am likely to run, versus walk, should it happen but of course you will not know until you are in that moment.

Also, it IS a Disney race. Historically for most I am told, it is slower than a normal race. There are photo ops. While it's unlikely I will wait in line...if there is no line will I resist? Who knows! Depends on the character lol.

Fast factors. For me, so far, race pace is always faster than training. In theory my long run training pace to finish at 1:58:XX, according to a few different plans (Runners World and McMillan) should be 10:30-11:49 or 9:32-10:49 depending on which plan you look at. So, I am where I should be on that, today came in at 10:14, the 11 miler about the same or a little faster. Currently my slowest race was at a 9:21 pace, the 15K with 35pmh headwinds at the end. So it's possible. Probable? Who knows.

Adrenaline does play a part. How much, remains to be seen. My proof of time race gives me an estimated finish time of 1:58:XX - 2:00:XX, I entered 1:59:00 at registration lol. A 15 minute spread is pretty big but that is what I think I am looking at (2:00-2:15). I do think a small amount of fuel, will help and do plan to have a block or two with me.

As for my foot/feet it turns out it did not rip. That is a good thing. I don’t understand why it hurt so much. It still hurts, they both do. Right side looks worse. The dumb blister from the custom orthotics that is under my arch keeps coming back and getting a little bigger. Nice thing is that so far, unless I wear the custom blocks under my foot, I cannot feel it. The new inserts? I think they are an improvement. My arch feels better supported, they are cushier and while I clearly still had issues, it hit 2 miles later than the last major rip.

I will just have to see how they feel I guess on a day by day basis for regular runs. Right now I am supposed to have 2 more long runs. One in 2 weeks and 1 in 4. I could stretch it out and do just one more in 3 instead if I have to, although that is not my preference. I would really love for my feet to be able to make it that far without issues.

We will see.

In other news, when they released the race weekend packets we got a glimpse at the map and the corrals they will be using for this race.
Here is our course!



And, here is the staging area for the corrals



This year, there are 10 corrals. Overall, rD has been increasing the numbers of corrals so that they are not quite as big. Last year there were 7, which broke out like this.

Last year, both Ann and I would have fallen into B. This year, who knows. My prediction is C but it really could be anywhere from B to D depending on where they break things and depending on if they go with the estimated time I submitted, or bump me down based on the fact it is my first half. Either way, I plan to be in the same corral with Ann. It is likely we will be in the same one anyway but on the off chance we are not, I would far rather hang with her than be solo!

We should find out in about....9 days. Give or take.

Not that I am counting.

42 days until I run through a castle!

 

[CarolynK]

I am still reading along, though it's kind of confusing to me (not being a runner) It sounds pretty frustrating, especially with all of your foot/shoe issues. Ouch!!

On a side note, you don't have a/c??

 

[annmarieda]

You did so awesome on your long run. I am in awe of you! Your pace even with no pain would have been amazing but given that you had the foot issues.... OMG!


As for your shorter runs, I think that you are obviously going to do fine even having missed them. Getting those long runs in I think is what is important. I think you are ready now (if only your callus/bunion issues were gone)

Did you ever go in and look at what your predicted finish was via the link that was there to resubmit a POT? I am pretty sure that my expected is around 2:05 so that is a 15 minute difference. I know... not that it matters all that much if you are planning to drop back. I am sure I won't be in the far back or anything....but if I do end up being several corrals back, just know I would totally understand if you wanted to start in your own corral. That being said... I really am pretty excited at the thought of having someone to hang with before the running starts. Only once have I done a RD race and had someone to stand/sit in the corral with. It will be so fun!!!

So there will be 6 less corrals at the DL half than there was in the WDW half. My expected finish is the roughly the same so since I was in E (just about dead middle of the bib numbers for that corral). It is getting pretty late... I did have a thought as to what this might mean for corral placement...but now I am just to tired to figure it out. Will the less corrals go hand in hand with less people and thus I will be in E again or with less corrals does that mean i will be pushed forward into D or even maybe C. So you think we will know in about a week or so? Give or take? That is pretty exciting!

What is more exciting????


42 days!!!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm here! I'm totally late, but I'm here nonetheless.

Danielle! No, not late at all, just thrilled you are here

Wow, what a story about your journey! I chose running mainly because of the fact that it has tangible goals for me, and you can always get better at it. Much more rewarding than just getting on the elliptical. But I was also the kind of person that said "I'll only run if someone is chasing me!"

It is more rewarding than the elliptical. There are times though when I really like that elliptical!

Let me tell you, beer after running is great. They served us beer after our St. Paddy's Day 5k. Never happier to see a beer, let me tell you.

As a general rule much as I love beer, good beer, I shouldn't drink much of it as it really don't agree with me. However, our "beer on a stump" brewpub is just so much fun after a summer run. Or walk. I did love the one race where they had it after, that was a lot of fun.

I'm totally in the finishing upright category too! Yay us!

Finishing upright is important!

You are so much faster than I am though! I'm aiming for a 13:45 minute per mile pace. I just want to finish at 3 hours or under. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

You will finish under 3 hours. I think that's a great pace, and a good goal, totally achievable. Just don't overdo it with your toe! OW!

I am still reading along, though it's kind of confusing to me (not being a runner) It sounds pretty frustrating, especially with all of your foot/shoe issues. Ouch!!

Hi Carolyn and

yeah, it's a bit of running babble isn't it. It is why I wanted to pull it out of o the NYE trip's TR, just cluttering that one all up.

It has been frustrating lately for sure.

On a side note, you don't have a/c??

Nope. Very few people around here do. Heck, Evan's brand new HS that just opened in Feb didn't put it in. Realistically we only need it for maybe 2 weeks out of any given summer. So far there have only been 2 nights where it was uncomfortable and really only an issue 1 night, and that was just Jeff. So, just not worth the expense. Our house is set up to easily have it added if we wanted...we just couldn't justify the expense for such minimal need.

You did so awesome on your long run. I am in awe of you! Your pace even with no pain would have been amazing but given that you had the foot issues.... OMG!

I wouldn't call it an amazing pace, but I am ok with it.

As for your shorter runs, I think that you are obviously going to do fine even having missed them. Getting those long runs in I think is what is important. I think you are ready now (if only your callus/bunion issues were gone)

I am glad that I will have 1 or 2 more before the race, I really hope I can make progress on the issues but honestly at this point I am not all that hopeful. Not sure what this will mean for running weds. It really bugged me that I was sore at all so I don't want to lose ground but...don't really want ripped open feet either. LOL!

Did you ever go in and look at what your predicted finish was via the link that was there to resubmit a POT? I am pretty sure that my expected is around 2:05 so that is a 15 minute difference. I know... not that it matters all that much if you are planning to drop back. I am sure I won't be in the far back or anything....but if I do end up being several corrals back, just know I would totally understand if you wanted to start in your own corral. That being said... I really am pretty excited at the thought of having someone to hang with before the running starts. Only once have I done a RD race and had someone to stand/sit in the corral with. It will be so fun!!!

You mean a 5 min diff right? I thought you put in 2:00. I did look and it still showed the 1:59. You won't be several, there is no way. 1 at most.

here is my totally unscientific guess as how it might layout. Or at least what I would hope...aka smaller corrals up front but who really knows!

I have corral size (combined DDD and half) and then estimated finish time
It would be a big change (smaller corrals up front) but is more consistent with how they redistributed it for the last few WDW races.

2013
C Size / 2013 Finish Time
Elite /30 />1:58
A /2059 /1:58
B /2059 /2:10
C /2209 /2:25
D /2538 /2:45
E /2910 /2:52
F /2908 /3:00
G /3359
H
I
J

2014 Guess
C Size /2014 est. finish
Elite /30 /1:30
A /1400 /1:45
B /1500 /2:00
C /1600 /2:15
D /1700 /2:30
E /1800 /2:45
F /1900 /2:50
G /1900 /3:00
H /2000 /3:15
I /2100 /3:25
J /2150

Either way, unless they added a LOT more people to the race, the corrals should be much nicer sized wise as they all varied between 2-3K each last year once you add in DDD folks.

So there will be 6 less corrals at the DL half than there was in the WDW half. My expected finish is the roughly the same so since I was in E (just about dead middle of the bib numbers for that corral). It is getting pretty late... I did have a thought as to what this might mean for corral placement...but now I am just to tired to figure it out. Will the less corrals go hand in hand with less people and thus I will be in E again or with less corrals does that mean i will be pushed forward into D or even maybe C. So you think we will know in about a week or so? Give or take? That is pretty exciting!

What is more exciting????


42 days!!!!!!!

Ultimately I think it really comes down to the registration mix. If they have a lot of faster people the breaks will be earlier, a lot of mid packs, etc and so on. Ultimately it is about corrals at a certain size and the pool will determine that. I can't see you being in E but what the heck do I know! Last year I think waivers came out on the 30th, this year I would think on the 29th as that's 30 days before the 5K. Of course, we will get the waiver numbers and then have to see how it actually lays out, it seems like there is a day or 2 lag sometimes on that part. Hopefully it's at the same time.

39 days till we get on the plane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm sorry about all the foot/shoe/insert problems you've been having. I'm glad that you at least got a long run in and things are maybe looking a little bit better for you going forward.

I'd certainly think the adrenaline and excitement on race day will carry you through any discomfort you might have during the race, but the day after...

 

[eandesmom]

I'm sorry about all the foot/shoe/insert problems you've been having. I'm glad that you at least got a long run in and things are maybe looking a little bit better for you going forward.

I'd certainly think the adrenaline and excitement on race day will carry you through any discomfort you might have during the race, but the day after...

I feel a bit better that I got a long run in. I will feel a lot better if I can get 1-2 more without major foot issues.

Yeah, the day after

Heck, the afternoon after!

I am debating doing the gEAR check simply so I have flip flops sooner than later in case things get ugly.

 

[Leshaface]

So i've been doing pretty good on the running. Been able to do 5 minutes of running non-stop with 3-4 minutes of walking. At least, I hope that's good. But I haven't been on the treadmill (at least running wise) since I returned from DLR.

So asics are a good running shoe yes? I should look into a pair. I usually get Nikes or Adidas cause of the design and colors (yes, i'm totally girly) but the ones you posted are really cute!

Yay! So glad MEK is joining you guys for the PHM!