Is this realistic?

[Waiting2goback]

I have never doubted that you could do it, I have just questioned if you are willing and able to put the work in. If you are, I think the time is well within your reach. You'll need to run more than 30 miles, probably closer to 40 and 50 towards the end. I'm aiming at slow pace improvements and I'm super strong, especially in the core where a lot of runners are weak - don't forget to put in the effort there. You never did any really long runs before your last marathon than I recall, partly because it was a late decision, so I think if you do that and figure out a good fueling plan, you can do it.

BTW, at the Baltimore race this weekend they had an energy gum. I'd forgotten my Shot Bloks, so I grabbed a couple of pieces to try. I can't say for sure they helped a lot because those hills were killer, but I chewed one piece at mile 5 and another at mile 8 and while I was tired, I never bonked in the heat and hills. I can't remember the name, but a quick Google search shows several options. Maybe give that a try since you don't like eating on the run?

I am still not sure I can do it. It seems so hard. But, I will at least increase my effort and see what happens. It will be hard to find time to fit in 50 miles a week but I will do my best.

I will look into the gum but I heard of these new bars called Generation UCan. I might give those a try as they give you a more consistent increase in blood sugar from the sounds of it.

My 10K is in less than 2 weeks and after that I will start serious marathon training. I am going to make myself a chart to keep me focused.

Woohoo for a PR!!!



I'm glad you had a good run. I think that it is the only thing that lifts your spirits when you are down and frustrated.



I'm going to give you the same advice I was given when I was questioning the TOT race. Just do it! Sign up and get the weight of the decision off of your mind. I think you will find everything much simpler once you do. We have faith in you and now you need to have faith in yourself.

Weighed in today. Up 1.4 lb but to be fair when I lost the lbs last week I hadn't eaten for about 3 days. I did not get out and walk this weekend because I decided on a whim to do some remodeling. I tore the carpet out of the living room and then went into the kitchen and removed paint from the cabinets and started painting. I can't do a full remodel but this will make me feel better until I can. My body is definitely sore still from all of that. I'm hoping that it was enough to make up for the lack of exercise. I am eating better because now there are fresh fruits and veggies and they taste so much better.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

I am signing up for my races tonight. WDW Marathon prices increase tomorrow so I will get it over with tonight and then focus on training. It also means that if I actually end up going that I will be there 6 months from today, most likely waiting for fireworks on Main Street as we speak.

Good job on improving the diet. Hopefully the consistent exercise will follow.

Good job on getting some work done on the house as well. Sometimes its nice to get those things out of the way to allow yourself to focus on you for a change.

 

[Chiomaca]

Weighed in today. Up 1.4 lb but to be fair when I lost the lbs last week I hadn't eaten for about 3 days. I did not get out and walk this weekend because I decided on a whim to do some remodeling. I tore the carpet out of the living room and then went into the kitchen and removed paint from the cabinets and started painting. I can't do a full remodel but this will make me feel better until I can. My body is definitely sore still from all of that. I'm hoping that it was enough to make up for the lack of exercise. I am eating better because now there are fresh fruits and veggies and they taste so much better.

I imagine you burned some calories and built some new muscle tearing carpet and removing paint. Exercise isn't just athletics. Good for you on improving your diet.

I am still not sure I can do it. It seems so hard. But, I will at least increase my effort and see what happens. It will be hard to find time to fit in 50 miles a week but I will do my best.

I will look into the gum but I heard of these new bars called Generation UCan. I might give those a try as they give you a more consistent increase in blood sugar from the sounds of it.

You CAN do it if you want to - you have to stop adding qualifiers and openings for excuses. You don't have to do 50 hours all running. Ride your bike, find hills, work your core. Look at the free training plans out there and follow one. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a week, just get back on the horse. Or bike.

I can't imagine eating a bar on a run, but some people do. I found the gum to be bitter thanks to the caffeine, but it seemed helpful energy-wise and nothing to upset your stomach. No extra calories though, which can be an issue for the marathon distance.

I am signing up for my races tonight. WDW Marathon prices increase tomorrow so I will get it over with tonight and then focus on training. It also means that if I actually end up going that I will be there 6 months from today, most likely waiting for fireworks on Main Street as we speak

 

[Waiting2goback]

You CAN do it if you want to - you have to stop adding qualifiers and openings for excuses. You don't have to do 50 hours all running. Ride your bike, find hills, work your core. Look at the free training plans out there and follow one. Don't beat yourself up if you miss a week, just get back on the horse. Or bike.

I can't imagine eating a bar on a run, but some people do. I found the gum to be bitter thanks to the caffeine, but it seemed helpful energy-wise and nothing to upset your stomach. No extra calories though, which can be an issue for the marathon distance.

I don't feel like I am making excuses. I know I am going to try my hardest. Now that I am officially signed up for the WDW Marathon I have a goal. I have a proof of time race that I need to register for, I found it last night. It may not be the best course, as it says it is hilly, but the finish line is in front of the Plymouth Rock and on the ocean, so that is cool. But, I really want to get in corral C and that will require a 1:30 marathon roughly, based on past years. So, I may fall short. I have 3 months to drop my pace to 7:00/miles. I may not do it. But, I will try.

My problem is not excuses. My problem my be setting unrealistic goals in this short of a period of time. But, I will spend the next couple of days putting my plan in place and once my BAA 10K is over I am starting it. This may consume me. It did last year. I was so focused on finishing top 500 at ToT. I fell short but I was happy with my result for my first real race.

As for the energy bar, you don't actually eat it on the course. You eat it about 20 minutes before the race and it is supposed to last the marathon. I personally can eat a bar while running, it doesn't bother my stomach at all. But you don't need it. Meb Keflezighi is their spokesperson and he uses them for his fuel. Considering he is my age and won Boston in 2014 I am guessing they must work.

I heard about them on the MTA podcast. I need to look into them a bit more and I don't like chocolate so that might be an issue as it was their only flavor I think.

No workout for me today. It was my daughter's preschool "graduation" today. Tomorrow is my son's kindergarten graduation but I am planning to get up early for a few miles as I am feeling sluggish.

 

[Chiomaca]

I didn't say that you were making excuses, just that you were leaving room for them. Slight difference, but a difference nonetheless. You have to keep telling yourself that you can - because that's when you start believing it and living it. A race that ends at Plymouth Rock sounds really cool. Is it a half or a full?

UCan looks interesting. The drink flavors might be better than the bar, especially if you don't like chocolate. Meb runs the marathon in the time it takes me to run a half, so I'd probably need twice as much of the drink to get the run in. I suspect I need more food and water to last nearly five hours than he does just over two.

I got in a little over six tonight with the RWB group. It was slower than I'd have liked but at nearly 90 degrees and with the dog, it was about right. Times go down the drain as the heat and humidity rises...

Enjoy your run tomorrow.

 

[dizzyr]

I just wanted to pop in and say I'm still here but will be MIA for another week. My daughter is graduating from elementary school this year and I am the head of the grad committee (it's a pretty bi event at her school) and every spare second is spent on it. My daughter is soooo excited though so I'm loving it. It's next Friday night so I won't be around much until then.

Waiting I'm glad you signed up for the race - I was going to say the same thing as staycool, just sign up and take the decision away.

Hope everyone has a great week

 

[Waiting2goback]

I didn't say that you were making excuses, just that you were leaving room for them. Slight difference, but a difference nonetheless. You have to keep telling yourself that you can - because that's when you start believing it and living it. A race that ends at Plymouth Rock sounds really cool. Is it a half or a full?

UCan looks interesting. The drink flavors might be better than the bar, especially if you don't like chocolate. Meb runs the marathon in the time it takes me to run a half, so I'd probably need twice as much of the drink to get the run in. I suspect I need more food and water to last nearly five hours than he does just over two.

I got in a little over six tonight with the RWB group. It was slower than I'd have liked but at nearly 90 degrees and with the dog, it was about right. Times go down the drain as the heat and humidity rises...

Enjoy your run tomorrow.

I know you didn't say I was making excuses. I understand what you are saying. It is true, if I don't believe I can do it I won't be able to. I just get psyched out when I think about it. I could run a 7:00 mile right now, but probably only 1. The thought of putting 26 of them in a row on the same day is overwhelming.

My POT race will be a 1/2 marathon that finishes in front of the Plymouth Rock. My proof of time race for ToT was also in Plymouth and that went really well so maybe this will too. I was looking for a 10 mile race as that is the shortest distance that would count as a qualifier but there aren't many around here and none that fit into my schedule so a 1/2 it is.

I knew UCan made drinks but I don't remember liking any of the flavors which is why I thought I would need to go with a bar. I know Meb is much faster than us but he also must need serious fuel to run that fast at the age of 40. But, the co-host of the MTA podcast uses it too and she is a BQ runner. She has done 32 marathons. She has had 3 kids and is in her late 30's. She swears by it. I need to look at it again and possibly try it. For me to be able to accomplish my goals I will need everything to go well, including fueling.

And I agree with you. Running in 90' temps and/or high humidity is a sure fire way to kill a good time. But it needs to be done to be consistent. Good job for getting out there.

Woke up for my run this morning. I got in 4.5 miles. It took a bit to loosen up but I am glad I got it done. Tomorrow will be a biking day.

I just wanted to pop in and say I'm still here but will be MIA for another week. My daughter is graduating from elementary school this year and I am the head of the grad committee (it's a pretty bi event at her school) and every spare second is spent on it. My daughter is soooo excited though so I'm loving it. It's next Friday night so I won't be around much until then.

Waiting I'm glad you signed up for the race - I was going to say the same thing as staycool, just sign up and take the decision away.

Hope everyone has a great week

Hello! End of the year stuff is tough isn't it? Hopefully when it is over you have a plan to get back on track.

Everyone have a good night.

 

[StayCool]

I just wanted to pop in and say I'm still here but will be MIA for another week. My daughter is graduating from elementary school this year and I am the head of the grad committee (it's a pretty bi event at her school) and every spare second is spent on it. My daughter is soooo excited though so I'm loving it. It's next Friday night so I won't be around much until then.

Congrats to your daughter!

Last night my son went to the cross country meeting for the fall and brought home the training plan he is supposed to follow. It is broken down into 4 stages and most days he should be averaging 3 miles over all. I'm not sure how well he will follow through with it. Also I have to figure out a safe place for him to run. I'm kind of tempted to follow it myself. He also wants to play football (not for the school) and for the most part it does not conflict but I'm not sure if it is just too much.

Today I got out there and did the loop. 5.4 miles! It felt good for the most part. My left foot started to go to sleep a few times. I had planned on only walking the whole thing but I ended up running about 1/2 mile or so just to get the feeling back in my leg. When I got home I sat down and took off my right shoe and had a sudden sharp pain in my arch. I'm not sure what that is about but if I flex the foot or even just my big toe the pain worsens. Blah. I don't know what happened since I did not have any pain while I was out there. I was really excited because I didn't even get a blister and I normally did with my old shoes!

I looked back through my RunKeeper app and I was faster today than I was last July for the same loop. That is kind of sad actually since I have not been doing much lately. I'm loosely planning to sign up for the Returning Warrior race that is in November. They have a 5 or 10 mile option. The big thing is that you have to be able to finish in 2 hours. I can't do 10 miles in that time but I can definitely do 5. Plus the medal is a set of dog tags. I just think that is so cool.

The plan is to do Zumba on Mondays and Wednesdays. Then I will run/walk on Fridays and Sundays. I will do a 5k one day and the 5.4 mile loop the other day. Hopefully I can get into this routine.

 

[Waiting2goback]

StayCool- That is awesome news that you got back out there and did the 5.4 miles. I also think it is a good idea for you to take on your son's training plan. Why not do it with him? Then you get your exercise in AND time with your son. On top of that you hold each other accountable.

My right leg still goes numb at about 3-3.5 miles. Its annoying but I shake it out and then I keep going. As for the pain in your arch, that one is hard to say. Give it a day or two and see how it feels. Might just be your body questioning if you are serious or not. At least that's what I tell myself when I am in pain.

I got up at 4:45 this morning for my 13 mile bike ride. I am tired now as a result. I am back to work tomorrow. I had 3 days off in a row, which never happens. I had to take a vacation day today as we had nobody to watch the kids today on their first day of vacation. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow, at all!

 

[StayCool]

If I train with him I would be holding him back a lot and that would not be fair. But I will figure something out.

Once my foot goes numb it stays that way and just worsens unless I run a little or just stop. I loosened my shoelaces thinking that would help but it only helped a little. Guess my body is telling me to run. Lol

I think that pain in my foot was just a really bad cramp. It got better as I walked on it more. It was the craziest thing though and felt like someone was sticking a hot poker through my arch. Today the pain is almost totally gone and I've spent most of the day on my feet.

I hope your day at work went well!!

I started playing with my fitness pal today and it is a lot different -app-wise- than it was the last time I used it. I really like how it breaks everything down for you. Not just calories but fat, carbs and protein as well as macros.

 

[Waiting2goback]

StayCool- You could go to a track and both run at your own pace. If there is no track close by you could find some kind of circular route to run, no?

I have to say it sounds like you may be turning a corner. There seems to be a lot more "can do" tone to what you are saying. Maybe I am reading it wrong but it just seems more positive to me. I hope it is a good sign.

Work was work. Hard to go back. I was not that motivated today but I did the best I could. I took the day off from exercise because tomorrow is my last long run before my race next weekend so I wanted rested legs. So I will be up early to get my run in before work.

That's about it for me today. Nothing to exciting. Have a good night everyone.

 

[StayCool]

I probably will take him to the track at the high school. For me that runs into my dislike of running in front of people. So whether I will do it or not is to be determined.

I am putting more effort in. It seems that my motivation has returned for the moment. I can't explain it other than that I always do better in the spring/summer time. Winter just kills me. I'm trying to ease into a better routine and hold onto it.

Hope your long run went well.

I did get out and do my 5k today. I always prefer to do it in the morning but today I didn't because my husband really wants the cabinets painted in the kitchen so things can somewhat return to normal. I didn't end up getting out until after 1 so that kinda sucked. It is hot and very humid as we are expecting more severe thunderstorms this afternoon. The first 1 1/2 miles was a slog but after I felt better. Now that I'm back I'm glad that I went. I was a bit cranky before. now if I actually make it to Zumba tomorrow night I will be good.

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I probably will take him to the track at the high school. For me that runs into my dislike of running in front of people. So whether I will do it or not is to be determined.

I am putting more effort in. It seems that my motivation has returned for the moment. I can't explain it other than that I always do better in the spring/summer time. Winter just kills me. I'm trying to ease into a better routine and hold onto it.

Hope your long run went well.

I did get out and do my 5k today. I always prefer to do it in the morning but today I didn't because my husband really wants the cabinets painted in the kitchen so things can somewhat return to normal. I didn't end up getting out until after 1 so that kinda sucked. It is hot and very humid as we are expecting more severe thunderstorms this afternoon. The first 1 1/2 miles was a slog but after I felt better. Now that I'm back I'm glad that I went. I was a bit cranky before. now if I actually make it to Zumba tomorrow night I will be good.

Happy Sunday everyone!

StayCool- It's awesome that things seem to have turned around. But, I need to point out a few things. It is very similar to what Chiomaca was saying to me. You are already setting yourself for failure by thinking some things you are thinking.

For example, you don't want to run at the track because you don't like running in front of people? You ran a race at Disney. There were 11,500 other runners signed up for that race. I was there, there were lots of people and you did it. Another example is you saying you don't do well with motivation in the winter. While I admit the winter is harder for sure, which is why I wanted to run a race in the winter to keep me training so I can be ready for Boston if I run that, if you go into the winter with the attitude of "Nothing is going to stop me this winter, I am not giving in to the weather" then you have a better shot at keeping up the motivation.

Isn't it amazing how well you feel when you exercise regularly and how bad you feel when you miss it.

I got up early and got in 6.5 miles before work. I have noticed a few things. Since I began doing this more consistently in the last couple of weeks and broke past that 3.5 mile barrier my right leg has not gone numb in my last few runs. I felt really good at work today, my legs didn't hurt at all. My BAA 10K is a week from today. I am excited for a race but I have no idea what to expect for a time so I just can't wait to get there and get it done.

 

[StayCool]

StayCool- It's awesome that things seem to have turned around. But, I need to point out a few things. It is very similar to what Chiomaca was saying to me. You are already setting yourself for failure by thinking some things you are thinking.

For example, you don't want to run at the track because you don't like running in front of people? You ran a race at Disney. There were 11,500 other runners signed up for that race. I was there, there were lots of people and you did it. Another example is you saying you don't do well with motivation in the winter. While I admit the winter is harder for sure, which is why I wanted to run a race in the winter to keep me training so I can be ready for Boston if I run that, if you go into the winter with the attitude of "Nothing is going to stop me this winter, I am not giving in to the weather" then you have a better shot at keeping up the motivation.

Isn't it amazing how well you feel when you exercise regularly and how bad you feel when you miss it.

I got up early and got in 6.5 miles before work. I have noticed a few things. Since I began doing this more consistently in the last couple of weeks and broke past that 3.5 mile barrier my right leg has not gone numb in my last few runs. I felt really good at work today, my legs didn't hurt at all. My BAA 10K is a week from today. I am excited for a race but I have no idea what to expect for a time so I just can't wait to get there and get it done.

Maybe. I struggle with depression in the winter so it becomes very tough for me to stay motivated to do anything much less work out. I was actually pretty proud of myself that I stuck with zumba until February or so. That was why I talked so much about maintaining because in the past I would just eat and eat and in turn gain weight. I'm trying.

At Disney everyone was running and the faster people were in front of me. lol I just don't want to embarrass myself in front of people I know. I haven't decided what to do yet but I've gotten pretty comfortable on my loop near my house. I'm hoping that my plans to do the 5 mile Returning Warrior race in November will be enough to help keep me going. Veterans are dear to my heart. Plus I will invest in some cold weather gear this year so that I will be able to get out there and not freeze.

I'm glad that your leg has improved. I'm sure you will rock that race!

 

[Chiomaca]

I just wanted to pop in and say I'm still here but will be MIA for another week. My daughter is graduating from elementary school this year and I am the head of the grad committee (it's a pretty bi event at her school) and every spare second is spent on it. My daughter is soooo excited though so I'm loving it. It's next Friday night so I won't be around much until then.

Congrats to your daughter! Hope we see you around a bit more soon!

My POT race will be a 1/2 marathon that finishes in front of the Plymouth Rock. My proof of time race for ToT was also in Plymouth and that went really well so maybe this will too. I was looking for a 10 mile race as that is the shortest distance that would count as a qualifier but there aren't many around here and none that fit into my schedule so a 1/2 it is.

A half is good at this point in your training. Pushes you, but not so much you hurt yourself. I really enjoy the halfs more than the fulls, to be honest. I'm just stubborn about the fulls.

Once my foot goes numb it stays that way and just worsens unless I run a little or just stop. I loosened my shoelaces thinking that would help but it only helped a little. Guess my body is telling me to run. Lol

Weird. At least running helps And yay for no blisters. That's a wonderful thing.

I probably will take him to the track at the high school. For me that runs into my dislike of running in front of people. So whether I will do it or not is to be determined.

If you alternate taking him to the track and running/walking your loop, you can mix up the distance and measure your progress. Or instead of doing a loop you could work out a slightly different route - like an out-and-back or bow tie so that he never quite gets too far away - with the bow tie you start in a central point, run out and back to that point, then beyond and back to the central point. If you picked a 2 mile route, you could get four miles in and never be more than 2 miles apart at the worst, and as long as you keep moving you won't hit the "Worst" point. I know it's more complicated on a rural road - the 5k up near my family's ranch was straight roads around a field, I think there was a grand total of two right turns. As far as running in front of people, I completely understand. Just remember that everyone else is caught up in their own internal insecurities, too. My slow friends have some running rule, which crack me up - we can stop and walk pretty much anywhere except bridges, because that's apparently where people watch more... What ever happened to the group through the store that you thought didn't look too bad?

For example, you don't want to run at the track because you don't like running in front of people? You ran a race at Disney. There were 11,500 other runners signed up for that race. I was there, there were lots of people and you did it. Another example is you saying you don't do well with motivation in the winter. While I admit the winter is harder for sure, which is why I wanted to run a race in the winter to keep me training so I can be ready for Boston if I run that, if you go into the winter with the attitude of "Nothing is going to stop me this winter, I am not giving in to the weather" then you have a better shot at keeping up the motivation.

I'm glad you're thinking positive about next winter

Maybe. I struggle with depression in the winter so it becomes very tough for me to stay motivated to do anything much less work out. I was actually pretty proud of myself that I stuck with zumba until February or so. That was why I talked so much about maintaining because in the past I would just eat and eat and in turn gain weight. I'm trying.

I struggle in the winter, too. Now it's time to shake off the blues and move forward. There are people at Zumba, too, right?

I haven't done much in the way of workouts since the Weds run. My cold has been miserable and I had a weekend planned in Gloucester, which I did even though I felt like crap. I ate poorly, didn't walk nearly as much as I usually do, and enjoyed every minute of it. We visited a flea market, collected sea glass on the beach at low tide, had lobstah rolls, and shrimp rolls, and clams. Then I got back to the airport and discovered that my car key is nowhere to be found...not in the airport/shuttle bus/garage lost and found, not at my cousin's house, and not in my luggage. So, the car sits at the airport gathering fees, I'm paying for a rental car I won't use again until Weds, and a new key costs over $200. So Monday hasn't been my day. Tomorrow will be better, I'm sure. Right?

 

[Waiting2goback]

At Disney everyone was running and the faster people were in front of me. lol I just don't want to embarrass myself in front of people I know. I haven't decided what to do yet but I've gotten pretty comfortable on my loop near my house. I'm hoping that my plans to do the 5 mile Returning Warrior race in November will be enough to help keep me going. Veterans are dear to my heart. Plus I will invest in some cold weather gear this year so that I will be able to get out there and not freeze.

A half is good at this point in your training. Pushes you, but not so much you hurt yourself. I really enjoy the halfs more than the fulls, to be honest. I'm just stubborn about the fulls.


I haven't done much in the way of workouts since the Weds run. My cold has been miserable and I had a weekend planned in Gloucester, which I did even though I felt like crap. I ate poorly, didn't walk nearly as much as I usually do, and enjoyed every minute of it. We visited a flea market, collected sea glass on the beach at low tide, had lobstah rolls, and shrimp rolls, and clams. Then I got back to the airport and discovered that my car key is nowhere to be found...not in the airport/shuttle bus/garage lost and found, not at my cousin's house, and not in my luggage. So, the car sits at the airport gathering fees, I'm paying for a rental car I won't use again until Weds, and a new key costs over $200. So Monday hasn't been my day. Tomorrow will be better, I'm sure. Right?

StayCool- My co-worker said the same thing about embarrassing herself in the upcoming race we are doing on Sunday. She is overweight. She is doing this running thing as a way to challenge herself. I will tell you the same thing I told her. You shouldn't be embarrassed at all. You should be proud of yourself for getting out there and doing it. You aren't sitting on the couch. You are improving yourself. Maybe you look ridiculous running. Maybe people will judge you. Who cares. You will never see the majority of those people again. We all have insecurities, as Chiomaca said, so some of this is easier said than done. I would just hate to see you limit yourself because someone might or might not judge you while running. People judge other people all day long for every reason out there.

This is similar to what I tell people on the Solo threads. When people post about doing a solo trip and feeling weird about it I tell them the same thing. I have done 3 solo trips and I honestly don't think anyone has ever looked at me funny. Very few people even know I am alone. If I am shopping on Main Street and I am alone how do people know I am alone or that my wife might just be in a different store. My point is, while people do judge us they are also often wrapped up in their own lives and don't always pay attention either. I may not be getting my point across very well.


Chiomaca- You are in Gloucester, MA?

If I am being honest, I am not a big fan of full marathons either. The additional training is less fun. The race hurts more (I only have 1 to compare to but it hurt bad.) But, I have to run a few more before just sticking with 1/2's. I want to do Boston, obviously. I want to do Dopey, MCM, and a couple others probably.

Sorry to hear you lost your key. Maybe it will pop up eventually.

I woke up with a cold today myself. I didn't get my bike ride in because it was pouring out this morning on top of not feeling good so it all worked out. I may even sleep a bit later tomorrow so I can get rid of this cold before my race Sunday. And it's my son's birthday.

 

[StayCool]

Weird. At least running helps And yay for no blisters. That's a wonderful thing.

If you alternate taking him to the track and running/walking your loop, you can mix up the distance and measure your progress. Or instead of doing a loop you could work out a slightly different route - like an out-and-back or bow tie so that he never quite gets too far away - with the bow tie you start in a central point, run out and back to that point, then beyond and back to the central point. If you picked a 2 mile route, you could get four miles in and never be more than 2 miles apart at the worst, and as long as you keep moving you won't hit the "Worst" point. I know it's more complicated on a rural road - the 5k up near my family's ranch was straight roads around a field, I think there was a grand total of two right turns. As far as running in front of people, I completely understand. Just remember that everyone else is caught up in their own internal insecurities, too. My slow friends have some running rule, which crack me up - we can stop and walk pretty much anywhere except bridges, because that's apparently where people watch more... What ever happened to the group through the store that you thought didn't look too bad?

I struggle in the winter, too. Now it's time to shake off the blues and move forward. There are people at Zumba, too, right?

I haven't done much in the way of workouts since the Weds run. My cold has been miserable and I had a weekend planned in Gloucester, which I did even though I felt like crap. I ate poorly, didn't walk nearly as much as I usually do, and enjoyed every minute of it. We visited a flea market, collected sea glass on the beach at low tide, had lobstah rolls, and shrimp rolls, and clams. Then I got back to the airport and discovered that my car key is nowhere to be found...not in the airport/shuttle bus/garage lost and found, not at my cousin's house, and not in my luggage. So, the car sits at the airport gathering fees, I'm paying for a rental car I won't use again until Weds, and a new key costs over $200. So Monday hasn't been my day. Tomorrow will be better, I'm sure. Right?

Once I take him on the road he could easily get out of sight even doing the bow tie (which is a great idea btw). I will figure something out. I'm not sure how dedicated he will be to this anyway. He is almost 12 but he is a little guy so I get a little nervous. I will figure something out though.

When I first started going out on the road anytime I saw people or a vehicle was driving by I would stop and walk. lol It got to be a bit ridiculous. Then I got over it. There are people at Zumba but they aren't my friends. Just acquaintances. Which is fine but just doesn't have the same draw. I think right now I am doing fine mentally. I just really want to make it a lifelong habit and I am just not quite there yet.

That really stinks about the cold and the car key!! I hope you find the lost key and save yourself $200! I remember when you used to be able to get a key for just a few dollars. Hopefully today is a better day. Your trip sounds like it was fun though.

StayCool- My co-worker said the same thing about embarrassing herself in the upcoming race we are doing on Sunday. She is overweight. She is doing this running thing as a way to challenge herself. I will tell you the same thing I told her. You shouldn't be embarrassed at all. You should be proud of yourself for getting out there and doing it. You aren't sitting on the couch. You are improving yourself. Maybe you look ridiculous running. Maybe people will judge you. Who cares. You will never see the majority of those people again. We all have insecurities, as Chiomaca said, so some of this is easier said than done. I would just hate to see you limit yourself because someone might or might not judge you while running. People judge other people all day long for every reason out there.

I woke up with a cold today myself. I didn't get my bike ride in because it was pouring out this morning on top of not feeling good so it all worked out. I may even sleep a bit later tomorrow so I can get rid of this cold before my race Sunday. And it's my son's birthday.

I know and I agree. That is the same lecture I give my kids. lol And I have gotten better. I will continue to work on it. I think I just tend to verbalize my thoughts here more than I actually speak of them to anyone irl.

Happy Birthday to your son! I hope you feel better before your race as well!!

Today I weighed in and was down 0.6lb. It is not a lot but I will take it. Glad to be moving forward again.

 

[Chiomaca]

Chiomaca- You are in Gloucester, MA?

If I am being honest, I am not a big fan of full marathons either. The additional training is less fun. The race hurts more (I only have 1 to compare to but it hurt bad.) But, I have to run a few more before just sticking with 1/2's. I want to do Boston, obviously. I want to do Dopey, MCM, and a couple others probably.

Sorry to hear you lost your key. Maybe it will pop up eventually.

I woke up with a cold today myself. I didn't get my bike ride in because it was pouring out this morning on top of not feeling good so it all worked out. I may even sleep a bit later tomorrow so I can get rid of this cold before my race Sunday. And it's my son's birthday.

My cousin lives in Gloucester, and I was up visiting her over the weekend. I usually go up once during the summer. I should go more, since I really love that place.

Marathons suck you in, that's the problem. First I was just going to run one, then one a year just to see if I can improve my time, then if I do one in January, why not do another in the fall...it just happens. The halfs and ten milers continue as part of the program. I'll keep doing at least one a year for now.

Happy birthday to your son! Take care of the cold and get a lot of rest. That's the only thing that really helps. the running will help a bit - I think it clears out my head and chest.

Once I take him on the road he could easily get out of sight even doing the bow tie (which is a great idea btw). I will figure something out. I'm not sure how dedicated he will be to this anyway. He is almost 12 but he is a little guy so I get a little nervous. I will figure something out though.

How musy are the roads you were on? I'd say that as long as you provide him a whistle or other noise maker to catch your attention you should be fine. At 12, I used to range a lot further out of my mom's sight than a few miles - I had a city bus pass and went all over the place in the city. This might be a good time to test both of your confidence and independence in a controlled manner.

I ran this morning, but late morning, which wasn't a great idea. 85 degree is hot enough but on black paved trails, I'm pretty sure it was 10-20 degrees hotter. I did just under 5 miles, but walked a lot more than I normally would at that distance. At least I got it in.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I know and I agree. That is the same lecture I give my kids. lol And I have gotten better. I will continue to work on it. I think I just tend to verbalize my thoughts here more than I actually speak of them to anyone irl.

Happy Birthday to your son! I hope you feel better before your race as well!!

Today I weighed in and was down 0.6lb. It is not a lot but I will take it. Glad to be moving forward again.

That's what we are here for. And I am so glad you are moving forward again.

My cousin lives in Gloucester, and I was up visiting her over the weekend. I usually go up once during the summer. I should go more, since I really love that place.

Marathons suck you in, that's the problem. First I was just going to run one, then one a year just to see if I can improve my time, then if I do one in January, why not do another in the fall...it just happens. The halfs and ten milers continue as part of the program. I'll keep doing at least one a year for now.

Happy birthday to your son! Take care of the cold and get a lot of rest. That's the only thing that really helps. the running will help a bit - I think it clears out my head and chest.

I ran this morning, but late morning, which wasn't a great idea. 85 degree is hot enough but on black paved trails, I'm pretty sure it was 10-20 degrees hotter. I did just under 5 miles, but walked a lot more than I normally would at that distance. At least I got it in.

Yeah, this time of year it is nice there. It's about 90 minutes from my house.

For me the marathon is all about the challenge. You can make any distance a challenge but the marathon is just a different animal. At this point I won't ever rule a race out because of the distance but the 1/2's seem more fun. At least you can still walk after its over.

But, I have this weird feeling that runDisney may surprise us and do a second marathon. I may be way off but I wouldn't be surprised if they did a Star Wars marathon weekend in May to replace Everest. Then they could have a huge challenge weekend on top of a Star Wars C2C. If they ever did that I would want to run that one.

Thank you for the birthday wishes for my son. We had a good day together. I woke up feeling worse today so no exercise today, and probably not tomorrow. I might end up with a run on Thursday and a bike ride on Friday to get something in before my race. You're better than me getting out there today. Go You!

 

[Chiomaca]

Yeah, this time of year it is nice there. It's about 90 minutes from my house.

For me the marathon is all about the challenge. You can make any distance a challenge but the marathon is just a different animal. At this point I won't ever rule a race out because of the distance but the 1/2's seem more fun. At least you can still walk after its over.

But, I have this weird feeling that runDisney may surprise us and do a second marathon. I may be way off but I wouldn't be surprised if they did a Star Wars marathon weekend in May to replace Everest. Then they could have a huge challenge weekend on top of a Star Wars C2C. If they ever did that I would want to run that one.

Thank you for the birthday wishes for my son. We had a good day together. I woke up feeling worse today so no exercise today, and probably not tomorrow. I might end up with a run on Thursday and a bike ride on Friday to get something in before my race. You're better than me getting out there today. Go You!

I felt much better after marathons 2 and 3 than I did after the first. Same with the halfs - half of it is just conditioning your body and that takes time. I've been getting faster and recovering more quickly each time. I don't feel like I need a huge nap post-half like I do post-marathon though, except after the Disney ones and that's just due to the early mornings.

I don't know if Disney will put on a second marathon, May in Florida sounds like an awful time to do a marathon. It would be cool. I also wonder if they're starting to reach the saturation point for time/cost/complications - Avengers still isn't sold out and Star Wars isn't yet either. Granted, people are most likely waiting for the Paris information (as I am) to decide, so I can'timagine they'd do it before 2016 or 2017.

No work out today. I was supposed to be able to pick up the replacement car key this morning but it didn't arrive, which mans I get to repeat the drill tomorrow. I'll come to work, then head out ot the dealerhsip and see if the key is there. Every day costs me another $150 so I'm getting frustrated with BMW.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Chiomaca- I am hoping I will feel better after these upcoming marathons. If I put in the right training I should feel much better.

You make sense with your thoughts. I may be way off. I just think Star Wars will be huge and they wouldn't do just another 1/2 so why not bump it up to a full and use a different course than the WDW marathon. The regular races aren't selling out quickly but the challenges are. So, a Jedi challenge, like Dopey, and a C2C would spark so more interest. Its all speculation but I just feel like something is coming to April/May to replace Everest. I can't imagine they will go from Feb to Sept. with no race. And, Star Wars just opened yesterday. I think that will sell out before Avengers. I personally don't think Avengers is as appealing of a theme as Star Wars.

I hope you get your key tomorrow.

No workout for me today, still not feeling well. But, I am planning to get up tomorrow to do something. I need to get at least one run in before the race.