Is this realistic?

[Dis_Yoda]

Thanks! I have to say that it feels weird to eat on the run. I felt a difference in my body by doing it though. Less sluggish and more endurance. My stomach wasn't sure about it at first and I thought I was going to be nauseous but that passed pretty quickly. I've been eating out of the stuff Stride Box sent me. Any recommendations on places I could get individual things to try?

Its to help with endurance during the run since you are being active for so long.

I have a local running store I buy from called Fit2Run (they are at Disney too) but Sports Authority, Dick's Sporting Goods, or similar sport stores will have them. For me, I've found that a gu around 45 minutes works well along with 2 sports beans ever 20 minutes works for me for the long runs. I know what Gu flavor works the best for me so I just ended up ordering a 24 pack off of Amazon and I'm going to do the same with the sports beans as well.

 

[Waiting2goback]

This morning I did my 7 miles pretty early. I just couldn't sleep and decided to just get out there. I'm going to post the splits for my 6 mile run 2 weeks ago and then today's 7 miles to compare the times. Sorry for all the dots but it is the only way I could think to format it.

...................6 miles....................7 miles
Mile 1............17:40.....................16:19
Mile 2............19:27.....................17:18
Mile 3............19:10.....................16:32
Mile 4............18:38.....................17:02
Mile 5............18:53.....................17:03
Mile 6............18:38.....................18:15
Mile 7..............n/a.......................18:19

Total time:.....1:52:43..................2:00:52

I changed up quite a bit of things today. I drank 16 oz of Gatorade instead of only drinking water. I also ate a Gingersnap waffle Honey Stinger (yum!) and a peanut butter Hammer Gel (I didn't like this one so much). I did those at mile 2 and mile 4. I really did feel a difference with using the fuel vs just running on empty. I also had half a banana before I left the house. I ran/walked/ran the first 5 miles and felt good. At the beginning of mile 6 I stopped running and just walked the rest because my right hip started hurting pretty good and I didn't want to risk injuring myself so late in the game.

The other thing that was really different is the weather. We are having some cold weather in NY and when I went out it was 58 degrees with almost 100% humidity. It was sprinkling during part of my run. The positive? It is much easier to run in cooler weather. The negative? The humidity triggered my asthma and I had a little difficulty the first mile or so. After that was fine.

I have to say that I was excited that I was running better. My 5k time was 10 minutes faster than it had ever been. That helped me keep moving along. I am very happy to see progress and the only real bummer is that I got a blister on my pinky toe. In my husband's words, "Maybe you will make it after all!"

Hopefully you recognize how awesome these results are? You did an extra mile over last week in only 8 more minutes. You improved on EVERY mile and mile 3 was almost 3 minutes faster. And the last 2-3 miles were "slow" only because you decided to walk rather than risk injury. If you were able to run/walk those miles you might have done that extra mile in the same amount of time as last week's time.

If your husband ever says "Maybe you will make it after all!" again your response should be, "Oh, I WILL make it!" Because the only thing stopping you from doing it is believing you CAN'T do it.

I ran yesterday. I was scheduled to do 10 miles. I only got 5 done because my shins have been hurting and my left knee was hurting too. So, I stopped before they got worse. My shin was only hurting when I was running. Now it is hurting as I sit here. It has me a bit concerned.

I'm scheduled to run tomorrow so we shall see how that goes.

 

[StayCool]

Its to help with endurance during the run since you are being active for so long.

I have a local running store I buy from called Fit2Run (they are at Disney too) but Sports Authority, Dick's Sporting Goods, or similar sport stores will have them. For me, I've found that a gu around 45 minutes works well along with 2 sports beans ever 20 minutes works for me for the long runs. I know what Gu flavor works the best for me so I just ended up ordering a 24 pack off of Amazon and I'm going to do the same with the sports beans as well.

I will have to go and look at Dick's and my local running store. I want to try a few more things to see what I like, but I will probably just order through Amazon also. I just didn't want to get stuck with a bunch of things I didn't like.

Hopefully you recognize how awesome these results are? You did an extra mile over last week in only 8 more minutes. You improved on EVERY mile and mile 3 was almost 3 minutes faster. And the last 2-3 miles were "slow" only because you decided to walk rather than risk injury. If you were able to run/walk those miles you might have done that extra mile in the same amount of time as last week's time.

If your husband ever says "Maybe you will make it after all!" again your response should be, "Oh, I WILL make it!" Because the only thing stopping you from doing it is believing you CAN'T do it.

I ran yesterday. I was scheduled to do 10 miles. I only got 5 done because my shins have been hurting and my left knee was hurting too. So, I stopped before they got worse. My shin was only hurting when I was running. Now it is hurting as I sit here. It has me a bit concerned.

I'm scheduled to run tomorrow so we shall see how that goes.

I posted the times so you could see why I wasn't sure if I would make it. It was a huge difference and makes me feel much better. I'm pretty sore today but in a good way.

I hope your injuries aren't serious. Good luck!

 

[Waiting2goback]

The numbers you posted are what has me confident you will make it. I know it feels like you are so far as away but it is easier to improve from the 16-18 min/mile pace than it is from a 7 min/mile pace (for example).

When I first signed up for this race I had never run. I was 60 lbs overweight. I started running once a week on the threadmill when I brought my daughter to gymnastics. I could barely run for 30 seconds. I would run for 30 seconds and walk for 3-5 mins to recover. I was averaging 13-14 min/miles. That was March. In April I began running more consistently, although it was still cold outside so I was still stuck on the treadmill. By May I finally got outside and was running more consistently. By June 1 I was running 9:02 min/miles for my 10K.

I share this to show a point. In two real months of working out consistently I dropped 4-5 mins off my pace. Your pace from your 7 mile run was 17:14. All you need to do is take 1:14 off your pace and you have 6 solid weeks to do it. So, I am sorry for being so optimistic, but I still think you can do it if you put in the runs.

I, on the other hand, am going in the opposite direction. Today was a scheduled run day but my shin was still hurting so I am playing it all by ear. That on top of a terrible night sleep last night. My next scheduled run is Wednesday. Can't run tomorrow as we are taking the kids to an amusement park for the day before school starts next week. Hopefully that extra day off will help.

 

[StayCool]

Optimism is not my forte. lol I'm working on it though. I am also thinking of trying to run on a flat road rather than the very hilly one that always is the first 2 miles of my run. Then I can compare my speed between the two.

Today was weigh in day. I was dreading getting on the scale because I knew I did not eat well last week at all. I stopped when I was full, but other than that I ate whatever I wanted and I was craving a lot of carbs... I had to look at the scale twice because it said I was down 0.8 lbs for a total of 12 lbs. I think that for me, having weeks where I relax my diet for a while helps me move on. Otherwise I seem to get stuck. Either way I am happy.

 

[StayCool]

Last night I got home and actually went out for a run. I decided to run on the main road which is fairly flat. I was really pushing for a 16 minute mile. I *almost* made it. After the first mile my right hip really started bothering me again so I walked the second mile back home. Today it is still bothering me. I debated on whether I should go to Zumba tonight or not. I really want to go, but I don't want to hurt myself further. So I'm missing it. Blah. I will probably try to go walking tomorrow night instead of running. I really want to make Zumba on Friday and my 3 miles on Sunday. Hopefully it gets better.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Great job on the weight loss. I agree with you, that sometimes relaxing the diet does make a difference.

You may think I am crazy but I think you should stick with your original course where there are hills. If you train on hills it should make your conditioning better, which should translate to a better time in the race. I didn't realize you were training on hills. It makes your times you have all that more impressive. Keep it up.

Did you get your email from runDisney with the official program for the race? Are you getting nervous for the race or is it just me?

I am a but grouchy. I have been slacking way more than I should. I finally got a job. I start the day after I get back from Disney. So, that is good news. But all the distractions going on have hurt my training. I ran today after resting my "injuries". My knee didn't hurt anymore and my shin wasn't too bad. But, if felt like I just began running for the first time again. It was a struggle to do 5 miles. I really need to pick it back up. I was doing so good a month ago.

Oh well, all I can do from here on out is my best. At this point I can't see being ready for the marathon, which has me stressed out.

 

[StayCool]

Great job on the weight loss. I agree with you, that sometimes relaxing the diet does make a difference.

You may think I am crazy but I think you should stick with your original course where there are hills. If you train on hills it should make your conditioning better, which should translate to a better time in the race. I didn't realize you were training on hills. It makes your times you have all that more impressive. Keep it up.

Did you get your email from runDisney with the official program for the race? Are you getting nervous for the race or is it just me?

I am a but grouchy. I have been slacking way more than I should. I finally got a job. I start the day after I get back from Disney. So, that is good news. But all the distractions going on have hurt my training. I ran today after resting my "injuries". My knee didn't hurt anymore and my shin wasn't too bad. But, if felt like I just began running for the first time again. It was a struggle to do 5 miles. I really need to pick it back up. I was doing so good a month ago.

Oh well, all I can do from here on out is my best. At this point I can't see being ready for the marathon, which has me stressed out.

I did get the program and immediately felt like I had a rock in my stomach! I'm not just nervous, I'm terrified. My hip is really bothering me and I'm not exactly sure what to do about it. I rested last night and it feels little better. I won't run tonight either. Tomorrow is zumba though and I am going to try it. Then my 3 mile run will depend on that. I really don't want to take a week off right now, but I might have to. Yuck.

As an aside, I randomly measured my waist and have lost 2-2 1/2 inches!

Congrats on the new job! At least you will have more control over your life and things are moving forward. It may not be in the direction that you really wanted, but at the same time you can't stay stagnant. I hear you on the running though. I think that being consistent is really difficult. I can't imagine you not being ready for the marathon. I think you will be fine. You will run TOT which will renew your enthusiasm.

 

[Waiting2goback]

First, you have lost the same amount of inches off your waist as I have and I have been at this since December so great job to you.

As far as your hip goes, do you do any stretching at all before or after your runs?

I am excited about the job. I wish I could start sooner but I will just have to be patient. If the baby (she's almost 3 but is my baby cuz she's the last one)can adjust to preschool right away it will give me some time to myself for the month of September. Typically I have no idea what to do when I actually get time to myself but I figure I will do a lot of running during the day when they are in school.

I am enthusiastic about the ToT and the marathon. I can't wait to add 2 more medals to my collection. And I need to start figuring out my races for next year too as I don't want this to stop. But, I should be up to about 16 miles for my long runs by now and the longest I have done is 8 so I am worried about not being ready. Hopefully my body allows me to get to 10 this week and I will just try to jump by 2 miles each week until the end of September.

Why are you doing 3 miles this weekend if you did 7 last weekend? Is that how your plan is designed?

 

[StayCool]

First, you have lost the same amount of inches off your waist as I have and I have been at this since December so great job to you.

As far as your hip goes, do you do any stretching at all before or after your runs?

I am excited about the job. I wish I could start sooner but I will just have to be patient. If the baby (she's almost 3 but is my baby cuz she's the last one)can adjust to preschool right away it will give me some time to myself for the month of September. Typically I have no idea what to do when I actually get time to myself but I figure I will do a lot of running during the day when they are in school.

I am enthusiastic about the ToT and the marathon. I can't wait to add 2 more medals to my collection. And I need to start figuring out my races for next year too as I don't want this to stop. But, I should be up to about 16 miles for my long runs by now and the longest I have done is 8 so I am worried about not being ready. Hopefully my body allows me to get to 10 this week and I will just try to jump by 2 miles each week until the end of September.

Why are you doing 3 miles this weekend if you did 7 last weekend? Is that how your plan is designed?

Well if you have about a month to yourself before you start work while the kids are in school you will get to focus on you for a while before everything changes. It sounds like that might be a good thing. Plus you will get all the running you want done.

I'm following Galloway's TOT plan. So a long run weekend, then 3 miles and then another long run. The rest of my runs look like this: 3 miles, 8 miles, 3 miles, 9.5 miles, 3 miles, 11 miles, 3 miles... or something like that. It is helpful for me because it gives my body time to recover.

Today I woke up and my hip felt a lot better. So I went to Zumba. I am happy to report that the pain did not increase! Tomorrow I will be going to the State Fair so lots of walking. If all is still well, I will do my 3 miles on Sunday.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Assuming the baby transitions well to preschool and I get the whole month to myself then yes, I will be doing a lot of running and then I should be ready for the marathon. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

How many miles do you run on your runs during the week?

Hopefully the hip stays pain free for you and you can get your run in.

I am hoping to get my 10 miles in tomorrow. Even if I have to walk a lot of it I am going to try and get it done. Then I am hoping to build some momentum and keep it going on Sunday.

My eating has been lacking as well as my running. I need a kick in the a$$. By next weekend we will be able to say the race is next month.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have been slacking big time on my exercise, and eating for that matter, in the last couple weeks. I decided yesterday it was time to recommit and refocus. Today was my long run day and I decided I was making my 10 miles no matter what. I did it. I did 10.60 miles today according to Runkeeper. When it updated my during my run and I heard I went over 10 miles I even gave myself a fistpump.

It didn't start out well. By 2 miles I was hurting. But, I pushed through and by 6 miles or so I was feeling good. In order to be ready for my marathon I need to add 2 miles each week to my long run so we'll see how it goes.

My left foot is killing me. I will be sore tomorrow but I don't care. That 10 miles has been my goal for weeks and I finally did it, so it was worth it.

Hopefully you are doing well and you get your 3 miles in as well. We are at the 6 week mark. 6 weeks from right now we will be in corrals, can you believe it. I both nervous and excited.

 

[StayCool]

How many miles do you run on your runs during the week?

My eating has been lacking as well as my running. I need a kick in the a$$. By next weekend we will be able to say the race is next month.

During the week my runs are 2 miles. My eating hasn't been the greatest either. I am doing ok on the amounts, but have improve the quality of my meals/snacks.

Today was my long run day and I decided I was making my 10 miles no matter what. I did it. I did 10.60 miles today according to Runkeeper. When it updated my during my run and I heard I went over 10 miles I even gave myself a fistpump.

It didn't start out well. By 2 miles I was hurting. But, I pushed through and by 6 miles or so I was feeling good. In order to be ready for my marathon I need to add 2 miles each week to my long run so we'll see how it goes.

My left foot is killing me. I will be sore tomorrow but I don't care. That 10 miles has been my goal for weeks and I finally did it, so it was worth it.

Hopefully you are doing well and you get your 3 miles in as well. We are at the 6 week mark. 6 weeks from right now we will be in corrals, can you believe it. I both nervous and excited.

Congrats on getting in the 10 miles! I know that many times for me, the first mile or two are really difficult but after that things seem to come together. I think that adding 2 miles a week may be a lot, especially once you get to the longer runs. I would be careful and make sure you listen to your body. Hope your foot is ok.

I didn't get my 3 miles in today. Friday I had Zumba and my normal instructor was back. This was my first class with her since July! She is a lot tougher than the others and her intensity level is much higher than the other classes. That is a lot of the reason why I love her! BUT, I am so sore! I went to our state fair yesterday and we walked all day. I thought that that would help decrease the soreness and I would be ok today. Nope. My back and thighs are very achy. On the plus side, my hip does not hurt! At least not like it did. So, I will try to do the 3 miles tomorrow but if it doesn't happen I'm not going to sweat it. I have an 8 mile run coming up this week.

Today is all about getting my house in order and my son's first football game of the season. Kids only have 1 week until school starts.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I won't push myself more than the body will allow but I added 2.5 miles this time and I actually felt good enough to do more but I decided not to. I think I should be able to add 2 more next weekend. But, we shall see.

My 2 oldest start school on Wednesday and the 2 youngest start 9/2. I am not one of those parents that can't wait for my kids to go back to school but I am glas they are going back because when everyone is home it throws my whole schedule off. During school I have a cleaning routine, a workout routine, etc... Vacation ALWAYS screws it up.

I think I will be much more consistent with my workouts once they are all in school.

Hard to believe summer is already over though. I am excited because it means I am closer to Disney but bummed cuz we are closer to winter too.

 

[StayCool]

Time for me to get back on track. I've almost completely fallen off the wagon as far as eating well. I will be filling my house with healthy foods again this weekend. I've been pinching pennies so we have been eating out of the pantry and freezer. Which is ok, but I really need/crave the fresh veggies in my diet. Eating like this is making me feel very sluggish.

On the plus side, hip feels good. I am a bit nervous about the 8 miles this weekend only because I don't want it to hurt again. But there is only one way to find out so off I will go.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Food shopping on this end is a challenge lately too. My favorite supermarket has been temporarily shut down. It is family owned and the two sides of the family have been fighting. Its been going on for about 5 weeks now. Kinda makes everything harder. They have the best selection, best fresh produce, best service, lowest prices, and its close to my house. Now I am jumping from place to place to find everything my son can eat with all his allergies. It takes more time and costs so much more. So penny pinching is not going well for me.

I hear you on the long runs being intimidating or making you nervous. Each time I have a new mileage I need to achieve I feel overwhelmed. But, 5 months ago I couldn't do one mile. Now I am looking to do 12 this weekend. It's just a number, kinda like our age. I NEVER would have thought I would be running 12 miles just weeks before I turned 41. But, I am. The only thing that can stop me is me.

Same goes for you. And, the sluggish feeling you describe seems to be common on the ToT thread. A few people said it this week. Maybe it is just common after all this training.

 

[StayCool]

With everything going on lately I forgot to weigh in yesterday. I wasn't expecting anything good and was really hoping that I would not be up. Down 0.2 lbs. I will take it. Now to get back on track and hopefully have bigger losses for the next month!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Hey at least you lost something. I feel for you though. I am feeling the same way. I have been feeling like I gained all my weight back this week. Not sure why, I just feel huge. I got on the scale this morning and I am UP 5 lbs since I weighed myself 2 weeks ago. I am assuming it is water weight because when I say I haven't been doing well on my diet I just mean I am eating 2000-2100 calories a day instead of the 1800 I am supposed to. I am still eating really good food overall. I sneak a chip here and there but nothing like I used to. I have been having snacks at night but instead of ice cream like I used to, it has been a bowl of grapes.

Either way, still not good to see an increase of 5 lbs. I ran on Monday and was only able to get 3.5 miles because my right leg hurt. I ran today but had to cut it short because of lightning in the area from the heat. I only did 2 miles. But, my leg hurt the whole time.

I might have to suck it up and admit I won't be ready for the marathon and email the race director and see if I can switch it for the 1/2 marathon instead. I know I can do that and I won't have to push myself as hard. That just bums me out to have to do that.

I'll rest until my long run Saturday and see if that helps. And my official weigh-in day is Friday. NOT looking forward to that at all based on how things have gone.

I am grouchy.

 

[StayCool]

Hey at least you lost something. I feel for you though. I am feeling the same way. I have been feeling like I gained all my weight back this week. Not sure why, I just feel huge. I got on the scale this morning and I am UP 5 lbs since I weighed myself 2 weeks ago. I am assuming it is water weight because when I say I haven't been doing well on my diet I just mean I am eating 2000-2100 calories a day instead of the 1800 I am supposed to. I am still eating really good food overall. I sneak a chip here and there but nothing like I used to. I have been having snacks at night but instead of ice cream like I used to, it has been a bowl of grapes.

Either way, still not good to see an increase of 5 lbs. I ran on Monday and was only able to get 3.5 miles because my right leg hurt. I ran today but had to cut it short because of lightning in the area from the heat. I only did 2 miles. But, my leg hurt the whole time.

I might have to suck it up and admit I won't be ready for the marathon and email the race director and see if I can switch it for the 1/2 marathon instead. I know I can do that and I won't have to push myself as hard. That just bums me out to have to do that.

I'll rest until my long run Saturday and see if that helps. And my official weigh-in day is Friday. NOT looking forward to that at all based on how things have gone.

I am grouchy.

I can understand grouchy. I'm there with you too. For me I think it is a combination of too many things going on at once and the cooling of the weather. I have a history of doing well with diet and exercise from spring until summer ends. Fall hits and it is comfort food and cuddling. lol This time I actually started this in the winter and NOT as a New Year's resolution. I want to continue to. I'm having to dig for motivation.

I think it may be a good idea to do the half instead of stressing over the full. You have come a long way in just a few months and that is awesome! Just give your body time to catch up with your goals. You are doing amazing.

I went to Zumba last night and will go tomorrow morning too. At some point this weekend I will do my 8 miles, I'm just not sure which day yet. Then next weekend is my Dirty Girl 5k. That should be fun.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I think the key to your success if your upcoming 5K. I think that will get you refocused and motivated again. Crossing the finish line and getting a medal around your neck will remind you what this is all about. I was scared of my 10K and 1/2 way through I was LOVING it. That's when I decided I should do the marathon. It just got me so motivated. Hopefully the same happens to you.

This is a big test for you. Weather changing and this is when you usually fall off the "wagon" of dieting. You HAVE to push through this time if you want to lose that 100 lbs, well 90 ish now.

I got my Magical Express voucher in the mail today. Have you got yours yet? That got me excited. The magic bands should be coming soon too. That will add to the motivation as well because it is becoming more real.

I have decided I will not stress about the marathon. I won't email them to change it yet. I have time. I will just do my running without pushing too hard. All the kids will be in school come next week and then I will have plenty of time to train. After a couple of weeks I will know which race I'll be ready for. I just hope they let me change the race if I decide to.