Hakuna Matada - Jumping into a jubilant January

[es45]

At this point, I'm probably going to throw in the towel for the Princess

Captain Vicky, sorry to read this. I guess walking would do just as much damage as running would?

 

[verticalchaos]

Is it unrealistic for me to expect to be able to do MK after the race? It's the only EMH there are for the park during our stay so I really want to go if it's not going to kill me or anything else catastrophic.

I wouldn't plan on doing a commando touring plan, but definitely keeping moving is the way to go. What I'd recommend is go back to your room for a cold water bath* (doesn't really have to be ice, though I added some in because I felt like the water wasn't cold enough) for 20-30 minutes, then get dressed and head out somewhere. I'd keep moving, but I'd take it easy and not push too hard.

*A very wise person instructed me on how to do this so it's not total torture. Start the water running. When it's covering the bottom of the tub, step in and sit down. (Note: you CAN wear shorts or a swim suit or something) Then let the water continue to fill until it's just above your hips - that way it hits everything. It's definitely MUCH easier to let it come around you than to face the prospect of stepping into a tub semi-filled with cold water.

 

[Hockeychic]

Hey gang, sorry I have been MIA. Took a self imposed break but have started back up again better and stronger mentally and ready for a new year of physical changes.

I haven't had a chance to read back but hope everyone is doing great,

Got my race calender all set for 2011 and can't wait, I "only" have 2 - 10K's and 1/2 marathon for the first 6 months of the year as I am going to concentrate on getting alot of weight off and getting a healthy body. After the 1/2 in May I am doing a mud run with DS and DH should be a blast. Then I am hoping that the 2nd part of the year I will be able to start working on speed as I hope to be lighter then I am right now leading up to Disney in January.

Wow I had alot to say didn't I ....

Vicky what races are you doing this year?
I am doing the Uxbridge 10K, I have enlisted a bunch of my co-workers who none of them are runners or walkers to do this one, Good Life half, Sporting Life 10K, trying to decide about Niagara Falls, Scotia of course then Spacecoast.

 

[MaryJ]

I wouldn't plan on doing a commando touring plan, but definitely keeping moving is the way to go. What I'd recommend is go back to your room for a cold water bath* (doesn't really have to be ice, though I added some in because I felt like the water wasn't cold enough) for 20-30 minutes, then get dressed and head out somewhere. I'd keep moving, but I'd take it easy and not push too hard.

*A very wise person instructed me on how to do this so it's not total torture. Start the water running. When it's covering the bottom of the tub, step in and sit down. (Note: you CAN wear shorts or a swim suit or something) Then let the water continue to fill until it's just above your hips - that way it hits everything. It's definitely MUCH easier to let it come around you than to face the prospect of stepping into a tub semi-filled with cold water.

I also wear a sweatshirt so the top half of me is warm.

 

[verticalchaos]

I also wear a sweatshirt so the top half of me is warm.

True. And/or drink coffee or hot chocolate (both of which help with recovery too!).

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi team! Definitely agree with all the tips on the ice bath. The one that Beth suggested about getting in and letting the water fill the tub is a great one. You can also start with lukewarm water and then add the ice. The water doesn't need to be freezing cold in order to be effective. Also don't sit in a tub of icy water that goes higher than your waist.

Kim - Nice racing calendar and the mud run sounds like a lot fun! I've always wanted to try the Sporting Life 10K but wonder how you get to your car back at the start - subway? Keep us posted on the weight loss! Are you going to give PX90 another try?

Elizabeth - You know, I probably could walk it but I don't think I could maintain a 16 m/m pace. Sounds funny from a runner but I've tried walking at that pace on the TM and it's not easy. I have a lot of respect for walkers because it's tough!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Hockeychic]

No Vicky, not yet. I am right now using a Jillian Michaels video and walking. I read a study recently that P90X is really not good for weight loss so right now I have committed to JIllian for actually funny thing is 90 days and see how much if any progress I have made. I would like to do 1 90 day circuit however before disney next year.

Totally sucks about Princess for you as well, different reasons but stinks that we aren 't going to be there

 

[verticalchaos]

Hi team!

So dinner was fun last night! We talked about our running goals and the things we want to work on. I suspect I'll be run with a few times and maybe even raced with once or twice since I said I know I need to learn this "race pace" vs. "training pace" thing as I tend to go around the same pace pretty consistently. Also I want to differentiate my running and walking paces a bit more than they are. LOL. The thing with one of the coaches running with us isn't an insult...it's since I tend to run by myself and he's only seen glimpses of me in a race, so he can get a better idea of HOW I'm running, etc.

Today is XT. Not sure if it'll be Bob or Jillian who gets to torture me this afternoon, but one of them will. I've discovered this trick of making myself do it. See, I record my food on myfitnesspal.com, and if I go over my allotted calories, I see a red negative number. Well, I'm trying especially on workout days to plan out the meals in advance and will record them but not the exercise (you earn calories back for working out) - and making sure dinner is really something that I want. So when I'm all "I don't wanna..." I have a decision: 1) I can work out and eat as planned; 2) I can not workout and adjust my food, meaning dinner will likely be yogurt or maybe cereal if I'm lucky; or 3) I go over my allotted calories. Usually I don't feel like option 2 or 3, so i get off my butt and exercise. LOL.

Hope everyone is well!!

~beth

 

[Saylan]

Thanks for the tips on the baths, Beth and Mary! I hadn't even planned the after-race, pre-parks ideas except shower, shower, shower. I'll have to see if we can get some hot chocolate in there for me too.

Hi team! Definitely agree with all the tips on the ice bath. The one that Beth suggested about getting in and letting the water fill the tub is a great one. You can also start with lukewarm water and then add the ice. The water doesn't need to be freezing cold in order to be effective. Also don't sit in a tub of icy water that goes higher than your waist.

Kim - Nice racing calendar and the mud run sounds like a lot fun! I've always wanted to try the Sporting Life 10K but wonder how you get to your car back at the start - subway? Keep us posted on the weight loss! Are you going to give PX90 another try?

Elizabeth - You know, I probably could walk it but I don't think I could maintain a 16 m/m pace. Sounds funny from a runner but I've tried walking at that pace on the TM and it's not easy. I have a lot of respect for walkers because it's tough!

Have a great day everyone!

I think you should still try it since you're already paid for the registration for it, but only you know if it's a wise idea. x a million.

Walking the 16 minute miles isn't easy for sure! I'd say I have more respect for them when you add in the attitude they get (which you mentioned to me earlier). To keep the momentum up, the attitude and focus, under all of that! It's impressive to say the least.

What kind of things do you racers do for pre and post race for food? I'm thinking more what is a 'good idea' for right after (say during the cold bath I'm sure I'll love and hate) and for breakfast before. I'm getting nervous with the non-Disney details now!

 

[verticalchaos]

As far as breakfast before, what have you been doing on your long runs? Whatever that's been, stick with it as much as you can.

After? My go-to is chocolate milk. I bought some at the resort and had it in my bag (it was cold enough then it stayed chilled). They will likely have an assortment of fruits, bagels, luna bars, etc. along with sodas, sports drinks, etc. at the finish area.

Also? The cold bath DEFINITELY comes before the shower! You don't want to be heating up those joints any more than necessary. I actually just washed off in the tub for immediate afterwards stuff, then did a shower to wash my hair later in the day. (Then again I'm so not a girlie-girl, so wet, kinda sweaty hair doesn't bug me. If it did, I probably would have washed it in the sink or kneeling outside the tub.)

 

[wilbur]

Good Afternoon Team!

At least the temp is a little more bearable today but still won't be running!

Vicky, Totally agree. Walking a 16m/m is way harder than running.

Kim, Are you thinking NF as a 1/2 or full? DH is doing the 1/2. I said 1/2but I'm almost leaning towards the full.

I don't find the ice bath too bad if I start by sitting in the tub & then add water. I found it a killer trying to get into the tub already filled.

Did a spin class last night. Have errands to run tonight. Hoping to make it to the gym for a swim.

Have a great day.............Sue

 

[Hockeychic]

Sue we are doing the 1/2 would be cool to do the full and start in the States and finish in Canada. We booked the Old Stone Inn looks really nice.

 

[Saylan]

As far as breakfast before, what have you been doing on your long runs? Whatever that's been, stick with it as much as you can.

After? My go-to is chocolate milk. I bought some at the resort and had it in my bag (it was cold enough then it stayed chilled). They will likely have an assortment of fruits, bagels, luna bars, etc. along with sodas, sports drinks, etc. at the finish area.

Also? The cold bath DEFINITELY comes before the shower! You don't want to be heating up those joints any more than necessary. I actually just washed off in the tub for immediate afterwards stuff, then did a shower to wash my hair later in the day. (Then again I'm so not a girlie-girl, so wet, kinda sweaty hair doesn't bug me. If it did, I probably would have washed it in the sink or kneeling outside the tub.)

I haven't nailed down anything specific before a long run. I find I'm STARVING almost all the time now so usually what I have before is what I found while ransacking my kitchen. I'm definitely thinking something like a bagel/peanut butter since those are safe enough to stay down.

The guy at the New Balance store suggested chocolate milk as a recovery drink for training so I think your chocolate milk idea must be a strong one. We're supposed to go to Crystal Palace in MK for either a late lunch or early dinner (haven't picked yet) so I won't stuff myself on the treats at the end but I could never say no to fruit.

Do cold showers count? I'm totally willing to have a shower cold so long as I can clean my face. My hair won't bother me too much if it waits till the end of the day since I'll be sunscreening myself to death anyways but my face doesn't like the dirt and sweat.

Picking up a second ice pack tonight so I can ice both knees at the same time. I've got a fair amount of discomfort in them lately so I'm going to be more diligent about icing them. And not foam rolling on broken glass anymore...

 

[bunnyfoo]

KimYeah I know I was looking forward to it too So is it okay if I take us both off the race calendar? But there will always be other races! I guess that means I might have to register for Scotia again? Or maybe the DL 1/2

Saylan - I tend to eat more than most other runners so I'm probably not the best person to ask. For halves, I'll eat oatmeal w/brown sugar, a small whole wheat bagel with jam and natural PB, a hardboiled egg and a piece of fruit.

I've talked to some faster runners (<4:00 marathoners) and most of them won't eat anything more than a muffin and fill up with gels along the way. That doesn't work for me because if I eat a muffin sitting at my desk doing nothing, I'm hungry an hour later. I think it's a matter of experimenting and finding what works best for you.

My favourite after race food are pancakes

Sue - I don't know why the 16 m/m is so hard but it just is. I'd almost have an easier time pushing through an 8:30 m/m (for a mile) than I would the 16 m/m Have fun at spin class!

 

[Saylan]

KimYeah I know I was looking forward to it too So is it okay if I take us both off the race calendar? But there will always be other races! I guess that means I might have to register for Scotia again? Or maybe the DL 1/2

Saylan - I tend to eat more than most other runners so I'm probably not the best person to ask. For halves, I'll eat oatmeal w/brown sugar, a small whole wheat bagel with jam and natural PB, a hardboiled egg and a piece of fruit.

I've talked to some faster runners (<4:00 marathoners) and most of them won't eat anything more than a muffin and fill up with gels along the way. That doesn't work for me because if I eat a muffin sitting at my desk doing nothing, I'm hungry an hour later. I think it's a matter of experimenting and finding what works best for you.

My favourite after race food are pancakes

Sue - I don't know why the 16 m/m is so hard but it just is. I'd almost have an easier time pushing through an 8:30 m/m (for a mile) than I would the 16 m/m Have fun at spin class!

I'm sorry you both aren't going to make it! Lots of for the future though. I definitely will be thinking of you both and try to finish it for all of us Canadian s.

I'm more inclined to your food than gels (BLECH!) as a form of filling up prior to the race. Have you found certain items down in Florida sit differently due to taste from Canada? I've heard bad things about the water (which I don't remember from my previous visits) but are there other 'uh-oh' items to be wary of before the race?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Saylan - Coffee at Disney is pretty awful ... unless it's the pressed pot at Kona I don't know if that's the coffee, the water or a combination. Oh, and maybe figure out if you like Gatorade or Powerade. Powerade upsets my stomach ... but it's what they have on course.

I don't like gels either - I wish i could make them work but I always end up making a huge mess with them! Plus they have the consistency (and sometimes taste) of glue...

 

[verticalchaos]

Why not a cold bath but wash your face in the sink? Up here in NYC, a shower may be the only option, but baths are preferable - to the point I know some people rent a hotel room for the night after the marathon so they have a tub to soak in.

I've found that something with peanut butter or a cliff bar (peanut toffee buzz) works well for my breakfast. I bought a banana, but it was a little harder than I like, so I pitched it after a couple of bites. I did notice at marathon weekend the food court had a "runner's special" grab and go box for half and full early mornings only - I think it was a bagel, a banana and juice? Maybe peanut butter in there? I didn't get it as I already had my stuff. Oh a granola bar I think. It might only be at host hotels though.

About an hour before the race started I ate a pack of PowerBar Energy Gels, and then had a couple of packs in my spibelt.

The one issue I had with Disney's race organization is there is NO on-route notice that a fluid station is coming up. I know in NYC they have signs up at least 100 yards in advance so that if you need to take a gel or chomp or something that requires water you can get it ready. I ended up carrying a cup of water and trying to open a pack of energy gels, then down them all without choking so I could start running again. It was a little annoying because my brain isn't aware of what mile I'm at to really be conscious of it. It doesn't take much to put those "Fluid Station Ahead" signs up.

 

[Piglet24]

Hi team!

I loved reading everyone’s race reports!

Mike- Congrats on the test results. I’m glad to read you’re still cancer free! That is awesome news!

Emily- Do you have any 5k’s in mind?

Kim- Sounds like you have some great goals this year! The mud run sounds like a blast.

Kim/Vicky- I’m sorry neither one of you will be able to make it to the Princess this year. I’m sure it’s a little disappointing.

Vicky- If you’re having problems with your ankle and want to do a 30k this year, it sounds like you’re making a sound decision on the Princess. My neck is feeling much better- I haven’t had any issues with it since I had it adjusted.

AFM, I don’t remember the last time I ran. I think it’s been a couple weeks. We’ve been really busy trying to get our house ready to sell or rent... The good news is the house is painted and we’ve done a little updating, but still have a little more to do….well I should say I still have more to do. DH is officially back in the military and is back in boot camp for his second time through. I’m really hoping it goes by quickly! I still have no idea where we’re moving and won’t know until sometime in March (they don’t tell them until week 5 I guess), but I’ve got most of the house packed up so I will have less to do in the next few months and can at least get most of our stuff moved when DH gets out of boot camp and assigned his duty station. My main goals right now are to finish with the house, get back into a running schedule, and a regular routine daily schedule. That's pretty much all going on with me. Anyway, I should be posting more regularly now.

 

[Hockeychic]

Yes Vicky please take me off the race calender as well. I called AC about flights looks like we lose $150 but I am going to wait till closer to the date to cancell and hope for a snow storm, if AC cancels then we get all our money back

 

[Saylan]

Vicky: lol! I've heard about their coffee too. I don't drink coffee or caffeinated beverages, so I'm sure it would taste doubly gross!

Good call on the gatorade/powerade. I'll check that out too.

The gels tasted great, flavour-wise, but I really regret looking at it prior to eating it. They sell big bottles of stuff that you can mix with water to change the consistency, but I didn't want to buy that in case I decided gels were a no-go for me.

It turns out, WM sells energy treats you can take 0.5-1 hour before or during. I'm going to give those a try before my next long run and see if that settles my tummy enough to do the run.

Why not a cold bath but wash your face in the sink? Up here in NYC, a shower may be the only option, but baths are preferable - to the point I know some people rent a hotel room for the night after the marathon so they have a tub to soak in.

I've found that something with peanut butter or a cliff bar (peanut toffee buzz) works well for my breakfast. I bought a banana, but it was a little harder than I like, so I pitched it after a couple of bites. I did notice at marathon weekend the food court had a "runner's special" grab and go box for half and full early mornings only - I think it was a bagel, a banana and juice? Maybe peanut butter in there? I didn't get it as I already had my stuff. Oh a granola bar I think. It might only be at host hotels though.

About an hour before the race started I ate a pack of PowerBar Energy Gels, and then had a couple of packs in my spibelt.

The one issue I had with Disney's race organization is there is NO on-route notice that a fluid station is coming up. I know in NYC they have signs up at least 100 yards in advance so that if you need to take a gel or chomp or something that requires water you can get it ready. I ended up carrying a cup of water and trying to open a pack of energy gels, then down them all without choking so I could start running again. It was a little annoying because my brain isn't aware of what mile I'm at to really be conscious of it. It doesn't take much to put those "Fluid Station Ahead" signs up.

Bath it is. Can't recall the last time I had a cold bath...

I'm staying at a host hotel. I was going to buy a bagel/pb the night before because I assumed nothing would be open. How much did the grab-bags cost? Maybe I'll pick one up and see what they're like too. I tried pb+banana this morning and it's not sitting well at all . It might have to be one or the other.

Where do you put your waterbottle when you wear a spibelt?

The lack of notice does sound a little annoying. Do most people grab and keep running or pause for a few to get the water/gels done and then pick it back up?

I'm starting to get nervous now. EEK!