Laurie's Quest Continues....two more marathons in one year!!

[hockeygirl]

Thank you all so much for the encouragment!! You have no idea how much it has helped.

Well, I am feeling quite sore today but the plan is to take it easy today. I am going to make sure I stretch out today, so hopefully that will help.
Since there is no Nascar to watch today , I have to find something else to do.......that means I can scrapbook! I haven't had time to scrapbook in ages, and I have so many pictures from different events that we have gone to over the last many months that I need to work on, so today, I am going to scrapbook all day, while DBF watches football!!!

Leslie--thanks so much for stopping by my journal! The encouragment was definetely needed yesterday. You are so right about having bad runs, and honestly, I haven't really had one in quite a long time, so I guess I was due for a bad run. Physically, I know I can do the marathon, for me, it is a huge mental thing! Something I really need to work on! Good luck with your marathon training!!!

Amy-Thanks so much for the encouragement! We definetely need to run when I get back from WDW! I could definetely use the company out there, it can get quite lonely sometimes! Like I said to Leslie, it is all mental for me right now....I need to get through that aspect of this whole training process!

Scott--Thanks! It is funny that you say about getting the Mickey medal....I was sitting here with my DBF last night, and he said that to me...just think how cool it is going to be when I cross the finish line and finally get that medal.....that is all I have been talking about lately!!!

Tracy--Thanks! When you wrote that I ran 35 miles the last two weekends, it really hit me. Just about a year ago, when I started running regularly, I could barely do one mile without getting tired, and now I am running 17 and 18 miles...it makes me realize how far I have come! I am proud of myself, and I just need to remember that I will have some bad days!


Again, I want to Thank everyone for their encouragment, you have no idea how much it means to me....it is an awesome feeling to know that when we have a bad day there are always people on the disboards that can brighten it and make us feel better! YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!

 

[postesf]

HI Laurie! Sorry to hear you had such a tough LR!!! Amy and Scott give great advise. From my perspective I can only say you are such and inspiration! Anyone who can do that many miles... WOW! I know you can totally do this Marathon and get your Mickey Medal! I know it can be discouraging. Try to keep your chin up! You'll do great!

Stacie

 

[hockeygirl]

Yesterday was a rest day for me, and that was good since I was still a little sore. Funny thing is...my knee that was hurting during my run...well...it doesn't hurt at all!!!!

I guess you could say I got some XT in at school. i am teaching the kids about muscular strength and endurance this week, since we are in the middle of our fitness unit...so we have been doing a lot of strength exercises...and I love doing the exercises right along with my students as opposed to just standing there and telling them what to do...so after teaching 5 classes yesterday and today, I was starting to feel it!!

Tonight I have a hockey game, so I decided to skip my run today, in fear that my knee may start hurting again. Since I am the team's goalie, I can't really not go if I am in pain...so I decided to not run today. Tomorrow I will head out for 6 miles, and I will not skip this run because not sure how much running I will get in the rest of the week because of my trip!!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! 3 days till WDW!!!!!!! oh yeah...I need a vacation..even though I will only be there for 4 days, it will be so great to get away and relax for a few days.

Stacie--Thanks so much for the encouragment...not sure if I could be an inspiration to anyone, but that means a lot to hear that. Honestly, I am not sure I could have made it this far without all the support of those on these boards!!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie

I think it makes sense that you rested from the run in preparation for the hockey game! Hope your team wins!!!

You must be SO excited for your vacation!!! You definitely deserve a break. Take those days as pure rest and fun...you'll be back to the running and training in no time .

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Laurie,

I think taking the day off from running was a good idea. You had the workouts at school and the hockey game as some extra training. Great job!

I hope you have a wonderful time in WDW!

 

[hockeygirl]

What a wild week.....things have just been so hectic! And here I am on Thursday night, watching my Rutgers Scarlet Knights play Louisville and trying to get myself packed for my trip!!! Well, Rutgers is winning right now...hopefully they keep it up....but my packing is coming along slowly.

My hockey team tied the other night in our game, and I have to say I was really sore the next day! The other team had so many shots on goal, and my legs were really sore on Wednesday.

On the training front, I have to say this was not a good week....I got a brief two miles in tonght before it got dark! But other than that.....no running at all. UGH! I am hoping this rest will be great for my legs and I will be fresh and ready to go next week when I return and train hard until the marathon.

I got my race packet today!!!!! I was so psyched! My race # is 8344....not sure where that puts me at the start, I guess I gotta figure that out.

Well, I better get back to my packing. Sorry, I don't have time to get to everyone's journals, but I promise I will when I return!

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

 

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo! The race packet came in!!!! What a great "gift" to receive before you leave for WDW!

Have a wonderful time in WDW, Laurie! See ya real soon!

 

[postesf]

Yay! So glad your packet came in! I know you have been anticipating it!!!

Don't stress too much about not running! I'm sure your body was so pleased with you and it will reward you richly in return!

Hope you guys have a great time at Disney!!!

Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie ..


Sooooooooo....How was WDW??? Inquiring minds want to know .

Hmmm...wonder what corral you are in? What was the time you put down on your race application?

Take care and hope to hear from you soon!!! Happy training!!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Hi everyone!! Sorry for not posting much this week!

We got back from WDW late Tuesday night. We had a blast! It was so weird going around WDW thinking "I am going to run here" or "this is part of the course" I think I about drove my family crazy with that, but they know I am so excited about the marathon, so they listened to me!!!! It is so crazy to think in just over one month, I will actually be running around there! I CAN'T WAIT!

WDW was GREAT! We ate breakfast at Cinderalla's Castle on Saturday morning, that was pretty cool, especially for my two nieces who LOVE the Princesses. No other formal dinner plans, we just at here and there, mostly counter service places. Boardwalk resort was great! They were actually filming a new XMAS special while we were there and we saw Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel filming at the BW...it was pretty cool. We were actually lucky enough to get Dream Fastpasses one day at Epcot! We were heading on to Test Track and in the little room where you watch the movie, the Dream Team came in and gave everyone in the room the Dream Fastpasses! I was so PSYCHED!!!!

My race packet came two days before I left...I was super excited!! My race number is 8344, which I think puts me in Corral D...which is just behind the elite runners/wheelchair start on the red course. I am psyched that I will be in front of the masses at the start!

As for training, of course, I got no running in while at WDW. Too much going on with the family to get anything in. I did manage to get in 5 miles on Wed. and Thurs after returning. But, my 19 mile LR turned into 12 today because of very bad knee pain!!! I know the solution is the knee brace, and I have to get it. I know this because my left knee had been bothering me for awhile and I had a knee brace that I started wearing and the knee pain went away. Well, then the right knee started hurting in the same place, so today I tried wearing the brace on that knee, and GUESS WHAT??? No pain in the right knee but the same terrible pain left knee with no brace...so bottom line is I need to wear the knee brace on both knees. I was hoping this wasn't the case, but like it or not I have to do it.

THe plan is going to be to re-adjust my training schedule to get the 19 mile LR in next weekend, and then still get the 20 miler in. Gotta figure out the exact schedule still...but I need to get the mileage in...at least I think I do.

Ok...sorry for the really long post! I am going to try to get caught up on all the journals!

 

[postesf]

Hey Laurie!! Glad to hear you guys had a great time at WDW!!! Dream Fastpasses!!!! WOW! I really hope we get something either for our Jan or May trip! That would be awesome!!!

Sorry to hear about your knee pain! Get that brace!!! Hopefully that will fix you right up!

I'd love to meet you guys in January too. As Amy said, maybe we can find the time for you guys, Matt and I, Amy and Speedy Scott to meet. I really hope it works out!

Happy training!
Stacie

 

[ScoJo15]

I'd love to meet you guys in January too. As Amy said, maybe we can find the time for you guys, Matt and I, Amy and Speedy Scott to meet. I really hope it works out!

Yes!! Let's get this coordinated...I'd love to meet up with everyone. Thurs evening or Friday afternoon sometime? When will everyone be there on Thursday? Maybe at packet pickup or something?

 

[AmyBeth68]

Yes...I've got availability Thursday and Friday...

Laurie...I'm flying Continental out of Newark on thursday around 11 am. Making another solo flight to MCO! Any chance I'm on the flight with you guys? LOL!

Let's see if we can make this happen. I'm doing the packet pick-up thing on Thursday!!! Yay! And plan to hit the parks on Friday.

This is going to be fun!!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey guys! First for a training update...headed to the gym to hit the TM tonight for a planned 5 mile run..however, there were so many people waiting for TMs at the gym, I only got in 4.2 miles. I actually went and bought a new knee brace, so now I have one for both knees. I wore both for my workout tonight and guess what!!!!...NO PAIN!!! Hopefully, this is the answer for now to get me through the marathon pain free!!!

I definetely want to meet up with you guys in january. Gregg and I don't fly in until late Thursday night....I am working all day on Thursday and then heading to the airport right after work. So, it would have to be Friday afternoon for me. I hope that works for everyone. We don't have any real solid plans right now, just breakfast at Boma on Friday and then packet pick-up that morning. Other than that, don't have any real solid plans, just leaving it open.

Let me know what you all think!!! Maybe we can meet up before the WISH meet at POP or something like that....just a thought.

 

[ScoJo15]

Congrats on that other brace eliminating the pain in your knee! Looks like you have figured it out there Nice work!

I'm good for before the WISH meet...or even Saturday if we need to push it back a day. Heck, I'm free the entire time, except for a few hours at 6am on Saturday and Sunday (oh...and dinner plans each night )

Have a good week Laurie!

 

[postesf]

Hey Laurie! Glad you got your brace you're feeling good!!!

As far meeting... We're good on Friday. We were planning do the Magic Kingdom that day, Counter Service for lunch, then the POP meet, then off to the Grand Floridian for dinner. We can be flexible though. We don't have to go to the MK on Friday.

Would everyone want to meet at a Counter Service place for lunch on Friday or do you prefer to do before the WISH meet? Again, we are flexible too although we have lunch and dinner plans on Saturday. (Le Cellier and O'hana) You guys are the ones doing all that running and all so we'll do what's best for you guys!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie,

Sooo glad the brace is working well for you . I hope that solves your knee problem for good!!!

I'm completely flexible and Friday is a GREAT day to meet. I don't want to chance the Pop meet b/c I'm just not sure I'll make there on Thursday night. And honestly...while I'd love to meet many Wish folks...it's important for me to meet you, Laurie, and Stacie and Matt. Oh...and Scott , of course we get lots of quality time on the runs as well as some roller-coaster hopping that weekend too! But seriusly, you guys have been such a joy to get to "know" on these journals and it would really mean a lot to say "thank you" and "good luck" and "congratulations" (Stacie!) in person on Friday. Sooo...I can be in the MK...counter service works fine for me!!! How about everyone else???

 

[hockeygirl]

Well, this week has been pretty crazy--hence the reason I haven't really checked in. So, I will give a little week in review:

Monday: rest day

Tuesday: 5 mile run on the TM at the gym--went well, no pain in the knees!

Wednesday: planned 5 mile run, but had a big hockey game that night, so I just played hockey...and good thing I didn't run--my game was ridiculous..the other team had 55 shots on goal...as the goalie, that is a CRAZY amount of shots to face! Good for me that only 4 shots went in!!! I played really great, but I am so glad I hadn't run earlier in the day!

Thursday: SNOW DAY!!! No school, but the roads were really icy and I didn't want to risk going out to the gym...so no workout. I did manage to do an exercise tape that I have for situations just lke this! So, I got a workout in.

Friday: rest day before LR

Saturday: I finished my 12 mile LR...BUT...knee pain is BACK! So, what I thought would answer the question and seemed to be doing the job...is NOT working!!!! I was able to get about 9 miles done pain free...then the pain set in. I was able to finish the last three miles alternating jogging and walking. But, I am now quite worried about the marathon!

I did some research online last night after spending a day hobbling around all sorts of stores doing my Xmas shopping. I really think the pain is my IT Band. It hurts now on the outside of my knee. Well, I iced it several times yesterday and I will do the same today. I also know some stretches/exercises that I will do several times a day as well. Now the question is: What should I do about my training????

I really don't know what to do....I know I need to rest...but for how long, and will I be ready for the race. I am pretty upset about this...I have worked so hard for this and I feel like I am never going to be able to finish.

I was thinking of trying to do stick to XT this week, maybe the bike or elliptical machine at the gym, but the big question is What do I do about my 20 mile LR next weekend?????

Ok, I am trying to get caught up on everyone's journals today! And I plan to stay caught up this week as well!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie.

Don't feel bad about being MIA...my goodness you are so busy girl and we all understand . I'm just really sorry to hear about the pain you're still experiencing in the knees!!! It does sound like IT band and the best thing for that is stretching and resting!!! So here's my non-expert advice...

You have posted some HUGE numbers so far. You completed 18 right??? or at least 16...and that is enoug IMO. If you can make it through 16 you can definitely finish the marathon. I didn't do more than one 16 miler last year and still completed the marathon. You have logged way more mileage than I did up to that point. Trust me when I tell you that this is possible...but you need to show up healthy . Your goal is to get to the starting line now and maintain as much fitness as you can via XT.

I would suggest taking next week off from running....if you can do Cardio XT on the days you were supposed to run that will help maintain fitness w/out further aggrivating the IT band. See if a week or two off helps then start back with easy low mileage, slow pace runs IF you are feeling up to it. Just try to keep up with the cardio if you can to maintain that fitness and endurance you've developed.

I'll post more later but want you to know that I have all the confidence in the world that you can complete the marathon Laurie. Just allow your body to heal..your muscle memory will kick in during the marathon, trust me you are prepared. You'll just have a little bit of a longer taper but that' s totally OK!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Laurie!

First of all, so glad that it looks like we'll all be able to meet Friday for lunch!! Will be good to see everyone...I guess we'll figure out place and time as it gets closer.

As far as the IT Band/training question goes....I'm with Amy (of course LOL). I think you've logged enough miles to successfuly complete the marathon. With that said, the 20 miler is nothing more than a confidence booster for yourself...and you now have to weigh that against getting to the race healthy. If I were you, I'd scrap runs until those knees/IT band felt 100% and NOT do 20 miles at any point from here on out. Your goal now IMO should be to get to the starting line as healthy as possible. Once you get there, I'm totally positive you'll finish the race. I have every bit of confidence in you :

55 shots on goal WOW Awesome save percentage though!! That had to have been a tough night for sure. How does playing goal impact your knees? I'd assume that it's pretty tough on you, butterflying and having to get up and down all the time. Try to take care of yourself these next few weeks

Have a great Sunday and an awesome week ahead.