Half Marathon - Train with me for Jan '11 - ...Shock - an update! 4/06! new pix

[Dolce27]

Dolce Thanks for all the info. How do you carry your stuff? At one track there are benches along the way and I leave my water bottle either on one of them or on my car if I can park close to the track. At the other two, I have taken a small wooden chair to put by the track with my stuff. (no one else is there to be bothered) I am going to look for the cliff blocks. I tried looking for the jelly beans, but haven't been able to find them. Guess I need to go to a health food store? I have started trying to figure out when I need nourishment along the way.

For water, I run with something similar to this:

http://www.sunandski.com/Nathan_Quickdraw_Plus_Hydration_Bottle_p/0339062530530.htm

Mine looks a little different (thicker, more cushiony hand strap and a different shaped water bottle) but it has a hand strap on it that fits your hand so that you don't have to cling onto the bottle while you walk/run. It also has a small zipper pouch on the front that I've been able to cram Cliff Bar shots into. You could also try something like this:

http://www.mcsports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2938990&cp=702279.2150813&parentPage=family

I realized with this past run, I'm going to have to purchase something for around my waist for my long runs as I went through my entire bottle during the 11 miles. Either I'll need to purchase something to carry on me or I'll have to make a stop in order to refill my bottle. I think I'm just going to spend the $$ to get something to go around my waist to hold a second water bottle.

As for the Cliff Bars, ect... This is what I get:

http://www.luckyvitamin.com/item/it...tm_campaign=shoppingcom&site=www.shopping.com

You can buy them at any running store. Is there a running store near you? The running store that I use only has Texas locations. I love the Cran-Razz flavor. There are 6 blocks in that package. As I'm running I just tear off the top (easy to tear) and then squeeze out the blocks one by one. I don't touch the blocks as they're sticky. I just squeeze them out past the top and bite them off. I chase it down with water. Use water - not Poweraid, ect... I've been taking 2 blocks at a time. I honestly don't know if I could get away with only one. I sought advice from the people at the running store - as they're all runners that do marathons, ect... The first time I did a run with these I couldn't recall if the girl told me to take 1 or 2 so I took 2. Also, my Mile 4, Mile 7, Mile 10 thing is based off what has previously worked for her (the running store girl) during marathons. So far, in my training runs, that has worked for me but I run a similar pace as that girl. To my understanding, you are at a slower pace then me so you may need to begin taking the shots about a mile or so before I begin taking mine as it has to do with time/energy and not necessarily distance. When I hit mile 4, I'm usually around 37 minutes into my run.

So, I would try to get some before you next long run (is it this Saturday?) because you need to practice with it so that you know when your body will need more on race day so that your energy doesn't crash.

 

[eyor44]

Thank you so much Dolce for the information. I do not have a running store near me, but there are a couple health food stores. I am going to try them first. and Sandy mentioned that you can get some of this at Target. I did see some stuff at mine when I was looking for the jelly beans. I'll look there also. I think I need to start taking something about the beginning of mile three if I don't eat anything ahead of time. I read the descriptions of everything you sent and one mentioned eating one about 45 minutes before you start. That might work. You just don't know how much I appreciate all of this information.

 

[Dolce27]

Thank you so much Dolce for the information. I do not have a running store near me, but there are a couple health food stores. I am going to try them first. and Sandy mentioned that you can get some of this at Target. I did see some stuff at mine when I was looking for the jelly beans. I'll look there also. I think I need to start taking something about the beginning of mile three if I don't eat anything ahead of time. I read the descriptions of everything you sent and one mentioned eating one about 45 minutes before you start. That might work. You just don't know how much I appreciate all of this information.

I was told that if you don't eat real food (which I do) before the start of your race - go ahead and take your first *whatever* (GU, Cliff shots, ect..) it is that you're going to be taking just before the race starts - which is the advice you read in one of the links. Now that I'm home, and can read the package, it says: For Best Results: Eat 3 - 6 cliff shots every hour during activity. So, I'd try it out by eating something (real food - like I said, I normally have only a nutragrain bar and am fine) within 30 minutes before your next long run. Then every 30 minutes after your run begins, take 2 cliff shots and see if that helps you maintain your energy level. Start there and adjust accordingly for the next run, ect...

That's my advice - for what it is worth. I'm still learning myself.

Did anyone get any runs in tonight? The temp was in the low 50's here and there was anything from light rain to drizzle but I got my 4 miles in regardless. Unfortunately a couple of sections of my path were flooded from all of the rain we're getting down here. My feet were soaked. This happened during the first 1/2 mile so I ran for 3 1/2 miles in sloshy, sopping wet socks/shoes.

 

[eyor44]

No exercise for me the past two days. Monday I intentionally took off, but yesterday I was just too tired by the end of the day. Today I will do something.....I hope, I plan, I pray. I get a little nervous about the time frame we are in now every once in a while. I am two miles behind the schedule I had set and then reset and then reset again. I really hope to do another long walk this Saturday. That afternoon DD has a birthday party to attend and then hayride and trick or treating at someone else's house. That would leave Sunday for other things.

 

[maroo]

Ok - folks!

I am back!!!!

I finally...after 2 weeks and 2 days have "unofficial" results from my sleep test. I finally got irritated and asked for a nurse and she said she could not give me official results, but that she saw no evidence of sleep apnea.

How frustrating! Part of me is, of course, very glad - because sleeping with a headgear did not sound like fun. But a part of me was excited that maybe that would really help me to sleep better!

We are running more lab work to make sure there isn't something else going on.

Being lazy over the past several months has taken its toll. My weight is the highest I believe it has ever been. And it is only my fault.

So...today...Today it is ON.

You can write it down. I did. 10/28/09.

I have some goals.

1. Rejoin WW. At first I will allow myself one month to do it online. That is how I lost all of my weight last time. But if that does not work - if I don't stick to it - then I will join a class. Personally - I think this is the most healthy way I can lose weight. They are basically teaching me what I should and should not eat and how much I can eat. It isn't as fast as a fad diet, but it worked for me last time (I lost over 80 pounds in 11 months!).

2. Walk. Walk. Walk. For now I am going to focus on no other form of exercise. For now I am just going to walk. And maybe ride my bike at the gym.


And I have a long term schedule. It is on an excel spreadsheet. It includes 3 days of walking each week and one day to cross train. Which gives me 2 make up days. Tuesdays are out because I have Lauren all evening and work all day.

Since I now have Friday's off...that may be the day I do my long walks. If I can't get it in on Fri - it will be Saturday as soon as I get up! Sun afternoon is also available, if I need it.

Between now and March 7 I am going to be in Disney or traveling to Disney 12 days. I also have the Holidays and I will be traveling a lot. So, I have scheduled around that, too. My schedule has me going up to 10 miles on the long walks and back down to 5 miles the week before the race. It follows the same schedule I had for TnT.


So...I am back. Suggestions? Will you guys hold me to this???? Be my accountability friends? Lisa is also joining me as soon as she gets Lauren's PT schedule!

 

[Sandy321]

Thank you so much Dolce for the information. I do not have a running store near me, but there are a couple health food stores. I am going to try them first. and Sandy mentioned that you can get some of this at Target. I did see some stuff at mine when I was looking for the jelly beans. I'll look there also. I think I need to start taking something about the beginning of mile three if I don't eat anything ahead of time. I read the descriptions of everything you sent and one mentioned eating one about 45 minutes before you start. That might work. You just don't know how much I appreciate all of this information.

Target, and also do you have a Sport store - Sports Authorities, REI, etc they also carry the beans, blocks and gu - like Dolce said, you really want to see how your stomach handles these things - and also you will be able to buy these when you pick up your bib numbers...

Also, after a long run, hydrate, and eat - bananas are great to replinsh after a long run - as well as a bit of protein (peanut butter! )

and someone posted the belts - if you have a fanny pak, that's a place to start, and at the expo you can buy one of the teeny tiny ones that stretch to hold the beans, or blox...

I cant stomach the gu - but if I have to, I will, because it does make a difference in your energy level...

Maroo I am in the same boat! I think my fear is failing - why should I work so hard and put so much into this and still fail... I am glad you got some results -

if after you do a big workout - try taking a tylenol 3 before bed - also do the soft music, warm milk... you dont sleep with the tv on do you?

good luck - continued prayers!!

I saw the October run - but dh says if we go in Oct it will be for F&W fest, and we wont feel like eating if we do a 13.1 mile run - even if its a relay - its just too much money to do the race.... on top of everything else!!

Let me also add - dh was "let go" from the contracting job last night. That was a shock - and very scary - - they had told him he was going to be on till Feb - but apparantly to extend the contract they needed NINE freakin signatures, and they only had 8 - they assured dh he'd be back by Monday - but again, as a contractor there is no vacation days, no sick days, no work, no pay....

Hear our prayer!

 

[eandesmom]

Lifting your DH up Sandy

 

[All7OfUs]

OH NO! Sandy, I"ll sure be lifting you up! Sorry to hear about that!

 

[that's nice]

Sandy-- Sorry to hear about your DH. Hopefully he will be back on Monday.

 

[maroo]

Maroo I am in the same boat! I think my fear is failing - why should I work so hard and put so much into this and still fail... I am glad you got some results -

if after you do a big workout - try taking a tylenol 3 before bed - also do the soft music, warm milk... you dont sleep with the tv on do you?

good luck - continued prayers!!

Let me also add - dh was "let go" from the contracting job last night. That was a shock - and very scary - - they had told him he was going to be on till Feb - but apparantly to extend the contract they needed NINE freakin signatures, and they only had 8 - they assured dh he'd be back by Monday - but again, as a contractor there is no vacation days, no sick days, no work, no pay....

Hear our prayer!

First...Oh no about the job!!!

I will definitely be praying! Sounds like he will hopefully be back by Monday - but still!



Failure is just not an option for us. Not. an. option. We must succeed! And to succeed we just have to put failure out of our minds. Because it is all a mind game, right?

Once my mind is made up...the battle is half over. Then we just gotta do it!

We can not fail! It isn't just a race...it is our life we are training for.

And I don't sleep with the TV on. I have the whole weekend off. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The only thing on my agenda is some exercise, giving my dog a bath, cleaning up some...I am dog sitting, so I won't be at home.

My plan is to REST. Completely rest. Sleep till I am done. Go to bed early. I "work" at the church on Sunday morning, but we also Fall Back so I get an extra hour of sleep.

So hopefully...after this weekend...maybe I can get back into the swing of things. Till then...Walk. Walk. Walk. And watch my points!

 

[eyor44]

Oh Sandy, I'm so sorry. But hopefully the signature will come soon and he will be back on Monday like they said. Prayers for you both though.

Now, Sandy, you know that you will not fail. You completed last year's. You didn't get swept. You have done other races, so you know the routine. Come on girl! Get up and get out there! Let's get going and get to work! or walking.

Maroo
I'm glad you don't have sleep apnea. I know that was really bothering you. Hopefully they will be able to figure it out soon. I'm glad you have a plan. We'll help you, we all will. We will be asking you every day, what you did, how you did, how do you feel and did you keep with in points. That's what we are here for. So, come on, let's get going.

 

[Dolce27]

Ok - folks!

I am back!!!!

I finally...after 2 weeks and 2 days have "unofficial" results from my sleep test. I finally got irritated and asked for a nurse and she said she could not give me official results, but that she saw no evidence of sleep apnea.

How frustrating! Part of me is, of course, very glad - because sleeping with a headgear did not sound like fun. But a part of me was excited that maybe that would really help me to sleep better!

We are running more lab work to make sure there isn't something else going on.

Being lazy over the past several months has taken its toll. My weight is the highest I believe it has ever been. And it is only my fault.

So...today...Today it is ON.

You can write it down. I did. 10/28/09.

I have some goals.

1. Rejoin WW. At first I will allow myself one month to do it online. That is how I lost all of my weight last time. But if that does not work - if I don't stick to it - then I will join a class. Personally - I think this is the most healthy way I can lose weight. They are basically teaching me what I should and should not eat and how much I can eat. It isn't as fast as a fad diet, but it worked for me last time (I lost over 80 pounds in 11 months!).

2. Walk. Walk. Walk. For now I am going to focus on no other form of exercise. For now I am just going to walk. And maybe ride my bike at the gym.


And I have a long term schedule. It is on an excel spreadsheet. It includes 3 days of walking each week and one day to cross train. Which gives me 2 make up days. Tuesdays are out because I have Lauren all evening and work all day.

Since I now have Friday's off...that may be the day I do my long walks. If I can't get it in on Fri - it will be Saturday as soon as I get up! Sun afternoon is also available, if I need it.

Between now and March 7 I am going to be in Disney or traveling to Disney 12 days. I also have the Holidays and I will be traveling a lot. So, I have scheduled around that, too. My schedule has me going up to 10 miles on the long walks and back down to 5 miles the week before the race. It follows the same schedule I had for TnT.


So...I am back. Suggestions? Will you guys hold me to this???? Be my accountability friends? Lisa is also joining me as soon as she gets Lauren's PT schedule!

Happy to see you back, Maroo! I was going to tell you: my mother was "unofficially" told that she had sleep apnea as soon as she was done with the test. The tech turned to her and said "you have it". I'm glad that it's not that for you and I hope that they figure it all out soon.

I lost a ton of weight on WW a few years ago. If you're ever feeling down, PM me and I'll try to help you through it. You can and will do a great job on your weight loss goal. I also do WW online. I'm trying to get back on as well, I picked up at least 10 lbs from my vacation last week. I'm having TONS of trouble trying to get back on track right now. Maybe we can hold each other accountable? Work toward our weight loss goals as a team rather than solo?

Target, and also do you have a Sport store - Sports Authorities, REI, etc they also carry the beans, blocks and gu - like Dolce said, you really want to see how your stomach handles these things - and also you will be able to buy these when you pick up your bib numbers...

Also, after a long run, hydrate, and eat - bananas are great to replinsh after a long run - as well as a bit of protein (peanut butter! )

and someone posted the belts - if you have a fanny pak, that's a place to start, and at the expo you can buy one of the teeny tiny ones that stretch to hold the beans, or blox...

I cant stomach the gu - but if I have to, I will, because it does make a difference in your energy level...

Maroo I am in the same boat! I think my fear is failing - why should I work so hard and put so much into this and still fail... I am glad you got some results -

if after you do a big workout - try taking a tylenol 3 before bed - also do the soft music, warm milk... you dont sleep with the tv on do you?

good luck - continued prayers!!

I saw the October run - but dh says if we go in Oct it will be for F&W fest, and we wont feel like eating if we do a 13.1 mile run - even if its a relay - its just too much money to do the race.... on top of everything else!!

Let me also add - dh was "let go" from the contracting job last night. That was a shock - and very scary - - they had told him he was going to be on till Feb - but apparantly to extend the contract they needed NINE freakin signatures, and they only had 8 - they assured dh he'd be back by Monday - but again, as a contractor there is no vacation days, no sick days, no work, no pay....

Hear our prayer!

Sandy, I'm so sorry about your husband's job! Add me to those who believe that he'll be back in work by Monday but this unexpected time off just stinks!

And, Sandy, you know that you will not fail at this. I have faith that you'll train hard and do a great job!! I'm going to be standing in EPCOT waiting for you to pass me so I can yell "Go Sandy!!!"

I'm also not going to be doing the October run - I think that I mentioned it on here already? It's also too early in the month as I have a tax deadline Oct 15. However, I am planning a late October 2010 Disney vacation as well. I think that'd be a great month to go with both the F&W Festival and MNSSHP - my favorite Disney party/event.

 

[maroo]

Happy to see you back, Maroo! I was going to tell you: my mother was "unofficially" told that she had sleep apnea as soon as she was done with the test. The tech turned to her and said "you have it". I'm glad that it's not that for you and I hope that they figure it all out soon.

I lost a ton of weight on WW a few years ago. If you're ever feeling down, PM me and I'll try to help you through it. You can and will do a great job on your weight loss goal. I also do WW online. I'm trying to get back on as well, I picked up at least 10 lbs from my vacation last week. I'm having TONS of trouble trying to get back on track right now. Maybe we can hold each other accountable? Work toward our weight loss goals as a team rather than solo?

Well...I think that is the main source of my frustration. Two talked to me about all of the risks I have if I don't treat my sleep apnea. Then the tech told me I woke up a bunch of times. So I was just sure I had it and that they were just holding on the results forever.

Now I am just frustrated.

But...I am back!

I am totally game for some accountability!

 

[Sandy321]

Maroo since you posted - you are in my head!!! So thank you for being brave enough to post!!

I am so afraid of being a negative, "whiner"....

you see in my head - I had this idea of "who" I am - and whenever I walk that way - it just doesnt work out... I know I have gained a lot of weight since Jan '08 (excuse, excuse, ds#2 was in the hospital, ds#1 got married) I HATE the way I look - HATE HATE... which means I hate me...

So after Maroo's post - I couldnt stop thinking about it... I'm trying to visualize myself victorious, today, tomorrow, and Jan 9!!

The weather is stormy - has been raining non stop for at least the last 10 days - and I've been afraid to go to the YMCA- because I knew dh wasnt able to pay that bill... but then he went to the gym last night - and I guess that means its all ok now?

so that means I'm running out of excuses, and have to stand up to accountability!!

 

[eandesmom]

Maroo,

I am so sorry they don't have any answers but grateful it isn't sleep apnea.

Walk walk walk. The exercise will help you sleep, eventually!

Sandy,

Love you now, love the you you want to be and go find her. I know she's in there. But you have to love who you are today to find her. Make peace and then make action.

Dolce,

I think you are on to something with the support, you guys can really help each other, I'm hearing a lot of the same frustrations and concerns and i know you call can do it!

Eyor

Do what you can. Life happens and we have to work around it. It's hard. I was so wiped out from my interview Tuesday I did not go to the gym. I really didn't want to go yesterday. Once I got there though I was very very glad I did!

 

[maroo]

Maroo since you posted - you are in my head!!! So thank you for being brave enough to post!!

I am so afraid of being a negative, "whiner"....

you see in my head - I had this idea of "who" I am - and whenever I walk that way - it just doesnt work out... I know I have gained a lot of weight since Jan '08 (excuse, excuse, ds#2 was in the hospital, ds#1 got married) I HATE the way I look - HATE HATE... which means I hate me...

So after Maroo's post - I couldnt stop thinking about it... I'm trying to visualize myself victorious, today, tomorrow, and Jan 9!!

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!






Go get em!


How are you doing TODAY?

Maroo,

I am so sorry they don't have any answers but grateful it isn't sleep apnea.

Walk walk walk. The exercise will help you sleep, eventually!

This is a very good point!



Ok...so this is TRIP related....

I got some ADR's for our March weekend.


Friday Night: Le Cellier. Figured it would be good to get some steak! YUM!

Saturday Lunch: Crystal Palace - this is less about food and more about POOH! I love Pooh and so does Lisa.

Saturday Dinner: 7:00 ressie for Ohana - figure we will get some protein and carbs and then head to bed soon after.

Sunday: Half is that morning. 6 AM. Ends in Epcot. HUGE DEAL...Our Plane leaves at 5:30. I know this means we will have to be back at ASSp by 2:00 ish to catch ME.

I figure we will finish the half around 10 AM to 11 AM. Go back to the room - shower, get dressed and go grab food (we will probaby snack after?) at one of the parks. No idea where? And walk around after that...but we won't have much time. And then we are on the plane...

I wish we could leave on Monday - but we just can't. Lisa has to be home to get Lauren to school the next morning. It takes two adults to be able to get both kids ready and out the door.



What time do we need to leave to get to the Half? Is this just pushing it too much? Will we be able to drop our luggage off for ME before we head to the park? We will probably actually just have carryon luggage. It will be easier that way, I guess.

 

[Sandy321]

I had a MAJOR Breakthrough today!

I dont have to run!!

I can sustain 17 min miles AND NOT BE SWEPT!!

I am a dork... yes I am!

So today I decide to take pictures - its rained the last 20 days, today no rain - 47 degrees - and I've meant to take pictures - so I get 1/2 mile in the park, come back get the camera...

run up to hwy 60 down to hwy 45 thats 3.85 miles - BUT... as I'm coming out of the park it DAWNS on me...

I AM A FREAKIN IDIOT!

I know I need glasses but for the love of all that is holy I want to ring DD neck - she played with my camera and the setting is on black and white!

WTH? Why bother taking FALL PICTURES IN BLACK AND WHITE?

A cop car passed me (they sneak in to sit to watch the main road to catch speeders - black and white cop car I still havent caught on)

THis doesnt look like a hill - but you really need to practice these small hills - by lifting UP your knees high and taking smaller steps - it will help you get up the hill by the contempory resort!

There are a lot of forks in the road - this is kids castle - I pretend its Cinderella's castle - 4 miles down the MK road!!

I really want to retake this picture - but it was too far out - this is how I play "games" with my mind - and with a pedometer - I run that circle a couple of times - so I'm not going 4 miles, I'm just adding .5 to my 2 mile run!!

(there are 4 circles I play the run around the tree circle with btw!)

This was a pretty picture - there are several bridges I can run across - and along the route this 'ditch' has ducks and in warmer weather - Herons!

I even now run by the Haunted House!!
In the window is a HUGE SKULL!

 

[Sandy321]

OK so when I finish what I firmly believe is a 4 mile run I take the picture where the cop car usually sits.... That's when I figured out DD played with the settings....


I wanted to sit down and bawl. THIS is what I was trying to say about "me" Cynthia was really kind and gave me a pep talk - but its all these stupid pit falls in my path that beat me...

I changed the settings...

and I thought...
and thought...

and did 1 more mile...

Because of THIS PICTURE!

It cracks me up - why I'm sure its a "we're number 1" tree - but seriously?

it looks like another finger at times when my back and feet hurt!!

so here is some along the 1/2 mile route...

Oh, yeah, I did take a short cut to the finger tree:

So now I have to get DD -

but when I had a "purpose" to the run - I did MUCH better!!

I'll talk about my revelation later!

 

[Sandy321]

Its just crazy - something definatly is in the water!

As I try to explain to dd if she uses my camera to please put it back in the 'automatic' mode - to which she responds back... and the next thing I know I'm exasperated "DD I know you and your brothers are GREAT at debating - bottom line I want my camera back to automatic. period." Is that so wrong?

One of the things I aspire to is "THE WOG" it feels faster, it is shorter steps it is moving... it is what I've done for 3 years... thru the 5k, 10K, the WDW Half... and the training for all this -

and I hate it.


but I truly can NOT walk slow - it just irratates me, it takes up so much time this walking...

But as i set out today knowing that I am 2 weeks behind in "training" knowing I have the Chicago Winter, blizzards coming thru... I'll just wog over to the YMCA and do some treadmill work and then some weight strength training... CARP - - that's when I realized I forgot my camera, 1/2 mile into the wog (it was that finger tree that did it )

so I decide because the sun is shining and this may be the last day for the fall colors, to go back get my camera and do a 3 mile wog today...

That's when I started thinking about sustaining the movement.

When I did the Half in '08 I did a real fast 1 mile, then a real slow 1 mile, then I averaged and found my pace for mile 3 and 4... then I was taking pictures, and calling dh, etc..... and then I fell apart around mile 11... (I will never forget calling dh at mile 11 where the sweepers told us one more mile - or we'd be swept - and the Team in Training pace maker 17 min mile pacer was ahead of me - and there was NO WAY I could keep up... so I called dh in tears... but trying, so trying so hard... got to catch up... and this really tall heavy set YOUNG man said to me - nope, we didnt come this far NOT TO get a metal - come on, hang up, lets go forward... so I thought... well he's right, and if he can, I can... so one foot in front of the other - and making that turn seeing the scream team WISH brilliant shirts and Mile 12 -

I DID it.... getting to mile 13 was not a piece of cake - and that nice young man kept up the pace - and I couldnt even keep up with him... sad that... you walk thru future world - up towards the path to World Showcase - then turn around and go back down to the Spaceship EArth - so while I was going up the path, he was on his way down...

humilating.

Haunting.

This is the image that is sticking in my mind as I contemplate Marathon '10... those sweepers. What can I possibly do?

Today. It HIT ME!!

(really I went to college, graduated, I am not the dumbest bulb in the pack! altho I am questioning myself!)

IF I do 17 min miles (which is a comfortable pace) walking (NOT jogging) I could sustain that for 13.1 miles...

BUT (here's the HUGE but)

I need to be ahead of the last part of the corral...



That should give me 30 min ahead of the sweepers... I would still finish - 13.1 miles + 17 min miles - 16min mile pace = a true finish IF I'm at the START of the corral (the last corral!!)

So there you go.

I think I really can finish!!

Is this Disney math? Is this a blatant mind game? Why, yes, yes it is!!

but if it works for me, then by jove, I've struck a revelation!!

 

[eyor44]

That should give me 30 min ahead of the sweepers... I would still finish - 13.1 miles + 17 min miles - 16min mile pace = a true finish IF I'm at the START of the corral (the last corral!!)

So, I only see one problem here. We have to be at the front of the last corral. How do we do that?
Get there real early.
Wind our way through the throngs who got there early.

Tell me what your thoughts are and we'll be there. The first people in the last corral to cross the starting line.