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

[postesf]

Hi Laurie! So sorry to hear about your knees!!! Bummer! I hope you are able to rest them and get to the starting line healthy! Please take care of yourself and listen to your body!!! I have absolutely no advice to offer because I'm barely getting 3 miles, but Amy and Scott...I 2nd their opinion. You have to do what's best for you, so just please be careful!!!

Yeah for lunch at MK! Any suggestion for times/place?

Hope you have a good week! Keep us up to date on those knees. I'll be doing XT too! No running for me per chiro for at least another week...

Stacie

 

[hockeygirl]

First for an update on my knee: I headed up to the high school in the district where I teach to see my buddy the athletic trainer today...he checked it out and definetely thinks it is my IT band. That being said, he showed me some stretches to do and reminded me to ice it every day. He also offered to do some exercises with me to help me strenghten my legs if I can make it up there a couple of days a week at lunch...so I am going to try to take him up on it. Problem is going to be getting out of my building for a little bit to head to the other school. At any rate, he showed me some things that I can do on my own.

Now for a training update: Since i will not be running for the time being, I am relying on XT to get me to the marathon. Today, I headed to the gym for 30 minutes on the elliptical. It went really fast, as I brought my marathon booklet and read it while exercising....i have never really done this before, but it sure made the time go fast. After working out, I stretched out ALOT!! That is one area where I really need to improve. I always stretch but I don't think I do enough.

I have decided that there will be NO 20 mile LR this weekend. I just can't risk not making it to the marathon. I want to do this and I am determined to do so....so if that means sticking with XT for the next 3 weeks then that is what I will do!!!

Amy--I totally agree with you and Scott...at this point, if I can do 18 (which I did a few weeks ago), then I can finish the race. I have waited so long to do this marathon, and I don't want to chance not being able to finish.

Scott-Surprisingly, hockey does not bother my knees at all! Despite all the up and down movements and the butterfly position, my knees never hurt. (hopefully it stays that way!). I guess I am just used to that motion.

Stacie-looks like we are the XTing Queens for the time being. I guess it isn't that bad but I would so much rather be running!

I just want to end by saying a big THANK YOU to all of you for reading my journal. The support from everyone is what has really pushing me through this training. I am so excited for this and I can't wait...especially to meet all of you!!!!!! Only 27 days till the marathon!!! YIKES!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Laurie,

I'm sorry to hear about the pain in your knees. I hope that the ice and extra stretching helps alleviate the pain for you.

Awesome job at your hockey game the other night!!!!

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Laurie!

Just wanted to tell you that I think you are making a great decision to XT your way through the next couple of weeks. I know it's gonna be tough skipping some runs, but I feel very strongly that you've trained well enough to get you to that finish line in January

Have a great day!

 

[AmyBeth68]

I think it's sooo smart that you are backing off and giving your body time to heal. You are going to be totally FINE for the marathon. You did 18 girl..I'm not doing a mile more than that in training LOL! Just keep up with that XT and you'll be good to go!!!

Cannot wait to meet you guys at Pecos Bills. YAY!

 

[hockeygirl]

Today was Day 2 of my XT! Went to the gym for another 30 min. on the elliptical and A LOT of stretching again. Still feel good, and no knee pain! I came home and iced my knee again as well. This whole XT thing is hard, but I know in the end it is for the best.

I actually have a hockey game tonight as well, so that is a little bit more exercise. Hopefully it won't be as strenuous a game as the other night, but who knows! We lost 6-3 to this team the last time we played, but I played REALLY bad that night, so hopefully tonight will be better.

So, today, one of my co-workers asked me if I was excited for the marathon..and I didn't know what to say exactly! I am feeling so many emotions about this whole thing right now....part of me feels excited that it is finally here and I have wanted to do this for so long, part of me is scared to death of the unknown and not really truly knowing what to expect, and part of me is so nervous about my knee and really being able to make it the whole way.......I got a little bit emotional thinking about it today...did anybody else feel this before their first marathon???

I know it is probably natural to feel this way, but I hope I am not psyching myself out thinking about it!!

Scott and Amy--Thanks so much for the advice on the IT band issue....I know inside I am doing the right thing but hearing from others makes me even more sure I am taking the right approach! So thanks!!

Tracy--Thanks!! I am doing everything in my power right now to take it easy on my knee....I am determined to get through this!!!

Ok, time to get ready to head to my game! Hopefully, I come home with a WIN!!! (or at least a good game!)

 

[ScoJo15]

So, today, one of my co-workers asked me if I was excited for the marathon..and I didn't know what to say exactly! I am feeling so many emotions about this whole thing right now....part of me feels excited that it is finally here and I have wanted to do this for so long, part of me is scared to death of the unknown and not really truly knowing what to expect, and part of me is so nervous about my knee and really being able to make it the whole way.......I got a little bit emotional thinking about it today...did anybody else feel this before their first marathon???

Laurie...I totally understand what you are going through. For me, I had these moments of glory imagining what it would be like crossing that finish line and receiving my medal...mixed in with fears of hitting a wall and not knowing at all what to expect. We also had Amy's injury to worry about as well, neither of us really knew if she was going to be able to run or even walk the full distance. So yeah, you are going to have so many different emotions...and if you are like me, they are going to stay with you like that until you get across that start line...then it's so much about taking in the experience.

I'll be honest....there is one part that I'm definitely not looking forward to (scroll down if you don't want to know!!). It's the stretch of road that runs from MK down to AK...miles 11-16 if you look at the map. I think it's a mix of having just ran through the coolest part IMO, the Magic Kingdom (including right through the castle - they take a photo of you right after you come through it, with it in the background)...and the setting in that you are only halfway done. The crowd support completely dissipates, and there's even a stench in the air as you get close to the back of AK. It's where the gut check comes in...get through that and you have DS and Epcot back to back and a thrilling finish after rounding around World Showcase

Don't get me wrong, it's such a wonderful event, you are going to have a blast!! I just wanted to help prepare you mentally for what I thought is the toughest part of the course :

There is truly nothing like running through those theme parks...and the crowd support is phenomenal! People will be shouting your name out (it's on your bib)..."Way to go Laurie!" "Looking good Laurie"...it's such a motivator....and walking around with your medal on through the parks Sunday/Monday is a badge of honor well earned. Fellow marathoners will be your best friend...and total strangers will offer their congratulations everywhere you go.

Ahhhh...I'm getting excited just thinking about it!!!

Hope you win your game tonight!!

Take care

 

[hockeygirl]

No training to report on today, as I had hoped to get to the gym for a workout on the elliptical, but I came home and crashed after work. I didn't get home until after midnight from my hockey game and that just killed me for the rest of the day.

We won our hockey game last night!!!! It was great, we were losing most of the game 1-0....in the third period we scored a goal to tie the game at 1-1...then the other team scored and we were losing 2-1...well, I was hoping with all hope that we could score another one, and with less than a minute to go in the game we scored!!! That meant overtime....YIKES! I hate overtime!! Well, less than a minute into OT we scored again to win the game!!!! We went crazy!! It was so great, my team played awesome, and it was so great to beat a team that beat us 6-3 a couple of weeks ago.

Now, I can concentrate on my XT for the next couple of weeks as we have no hockey games until Jan. 6. Tomorrow I have a half day at school, we are done at 11:30. The plan is to stop at the mall on the way home for some last minute gifts, and then head to the gym for a workout.

Tonight, I spent some time on the disney running board reading some of the race reports from last year's marathon....I have to say I get kind of emotional reading the reports and thinking about the race. All I have to say is that I CAN't WAIT!!!!!! this next couple of weeks is going to feel like forever!!! Although I am still nervous and a little scared, I just can't wait.

Scott--I love hearing about everyone's experiences in the marathon, as that can help me prepare mentally. I have heard a lot of people talk about the course between MK and AK...so I think I will be prepared for that part...at least I hope. As for the crowd support, I know that is going to be a huge boost for me, in fact, I have a feeling I will probably break down in tears during the race from the support of the crowd and just the atmosphere. Just thinking about it makes me emotional. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

We are almost there guys!! 23 days from tomorrow!

 

[postesf]

Hi Laurie!!! Yeah on winning the hockey game!!!

Just hearing Scott's story makes me want to run the marathon!!!

It will so cool!!!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy Xtraining!

Stacie

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Laurie!

Congrats on that hockey game! Way to go!!

Hope you are having a good weekend!

 

[hockeygirl]

Wow, I have been busy the last few days!! Since I am always a last minute shopper for xmas, I have spent the last few days getting all my shopping done. And geez....I guess everyone else is the same way..the stores were PACKED the last two days!! I am just about done, I spent last night and today wrapping, then tomorrow I have to head out to get a few last things that I forgot!

As for my XT...Friday, I went to the gym and did 60 min. on the elliptical and then got in a nice long stretching session. Yesterday, I rested. This morning, I went for another 60 min. on the elliptical plus stretching again. I have still been icing my knee up after all my workouts. I hope this is working for the IT band...it was very sore last week when I was doing the exercise when you roll the leg over a tennis ball to loosen the IT band up. Well, in fact that was quite painful last week. Today I did that same exercise and the pain was not that bad....hopefully, that means it is getting better. Now, I just hope that I will still be able to finish the marathon and not be in too much pain!

Tomorrow night, we will head to DBF house for Xmas Eve...then on Xmas morning we will head to my sister's house to see my family, then head back up to DBF's house to open presents there. The next two days will be very long, but always fun!!

I hope everyone has an AWESOME CHRISTMAS!!!

Only 21 days to go!!!!!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

MERRY CHRISTMAS LAURIE!!!!

I hope you have a fantastic time with your family and DBF's family . Sounds like you have a very busy few days ahead...but definitely fun spending time with friends and family. ENJOY!!!

Great job on the XT...I was thinking about you yesterday as I was trudging along on the trail. Would have loved to have run with you..it's so much nicer with company. The trail was a mess...especially those 3 miles up near the Duck Pond and the 1 mile section near Rt. 80. So basically both ends of the trail were under water . Not to make excuses but I really believe that it slowed me down quite a bit out there...I was hoping to do the LR in 10 mpm the whole time but it was just impossible yesterday. I had to walk around a lot of the big puddles and jump over stuff LOL. Today my knee hurts a bit and I attribute that to all the weird snow/slush I had to run through and the fact that I was jumping over puddles (small ponds) a lot.

Anyway...we're close now! You are going to do great. Try not to stress over missing this one LR. I'm only doing 18 as my longest. You will do well and I bet you are back to 100% by the start of the race .

 

[toystoryduo]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Laurie! I hope that the stretching and the ice is helping your knee to feel better. You are doing a great job with the XT!

 

[ScoJo15]

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Laurie -

I hope you and your loved ones have a very merry Christmas! You are going to do so awesome in the marathon...can't wait to hear how it went and to get a chance to say hello for real to you guys

Have a great day!

 

[hockeygirl]

FIrst of all, I want to Thank everyone for stopping by and wishing me a merry xmas! Christmas was great! Xmas eve we went to my DBF's house for dinner and to spend time with his family. Then on xmas morning, we went to my sister's house to see my family. My DBIL got a Wii for my two nieces and my nephew, so we ended up playing the Wii a lot that day! It was alot of fun.

Then of course, we had to go shopping on Wednesday to get all the good deals, and to exchange a few things, so I didn't get to the gym on wednesday.

Yesterday, I went to the gym and did 30 min on the elliptical. I had planned on doing more, but my legs felt a little bit stiff and i had just had it after 30 min. so I stopped and stretched. My IT band has no been hurting at all...now I haven't done any running on it for almost two weeks, so hopefully it is working. I was thinking about going out for a walk today as opposed to going to the gym, I am getting a little sick of the elliptical machine and it doesn't seem too bad out today. So, we will see what happens with that!

Ok, gotta go get ready to head out! I will check in later on today for my workout update!

Only 16 days to go!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!! Two weeks from today I will be in WDW!!!!!

 

[postesf]

HI Laurie! Just checking in! Hope all is going well w/ you and your xtraining!!!

Stacie

 

[hockeygirl]

Well, since i haven't checked in for a few days I guess I should update my last few days.

On Friday, it was quite nice here in NJ...close to 50 degrees out, which made me not want to head to the gym, so I decided to head to the park and walk. I did the 3 mile loop at the park and did it at a pretty good pace for walking. I didn't feel any pain in my knees at all!!!! The only thing was afterwards my body was a little sore from walking...but no pain, just regular soreness.

Friday night, DBF and I went to look at engagement rings!! I was so excited, he wanted me to pick out a few that I really like so that when he goes he can get something I like! I have no idea when he is going to get it for me, but it was soooo fun going to look!!!!

Yesterday, I decided to rest. I ended up spending the whole day scrapbooking!! I haven't had time to scrapbook in ages, and I wanted to work on our summer vacation to North Carolina. So, I got a good start on my album!! I worked on it all day while DBF was helping a friend move.

This morning, I was feeling good and I really wanted to workout outside so I decided to go to the park and run a little bit. I set out using a jog 3 walk 2 pattern. I kept up this pace for 4 miles and felt GREAT!!! no pain at all! On the way back, I didn't want to push it too much so I did jog 2 walk 3 to finish out 8 miles!!! I am happy to report that there was no knee pain!
The other good thing was at the end of 8 miles I wasn't even tired at all! So, I think I will be ok for the marathon.

So while I was jogging today, I came to the conclusion that I am going to probably have to use a jog/walk approach during the marathon. I was really hoping to jog the whole way but I am not sure i see that happening, but I am going to play it by ear and see how I feel that day.

Ok, I have dragged on long enough!

Stacie--Thanks for stopping by! XT was/is going great! My knee is feeling much better!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Laurie!

Awesome that you knocked out that 8 miler with no pain!! I sure hope everything stays good for you over the next couple weeks

I personally love doing a run/walk and think you'll be just fine doing it during the full marathon. I know there is something prestegious about being able to run the whole thing without walking, but believe me...when you are flaunting that medal, no one is going to say "did you do a run/walk plan or run the whole thing"...26.2 is 26.2 weather you walk it, run it, combo it or crawl it.

Engagement rings!! How exciting!! How long have you guys been together? Will be great to meet both of you in less than two weeks! Getting nervous about the marathon yet? LOL

Have a great night!

 

[hockeygirl]

Just wanted to drop in and say i had an AWESOME 4 mile run today!!! It was the best I have felt in a really long time! And it felt great since I kind of had a crummy day. More on that another time, but I wanted to report about my run.

I am starting to feel a little more confident about the marathon, but still a bit nervous!

i will try to stop by later tonight or tomorrow to check up on journals.

Hope everyone had a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

[postesf]

Hi Laurie! So glad to hear your training is coming along! I'm pretty sure I'll be run/walking the 5K! I anyone who can do a marathon! Running, run/walk or walk/run. It's still completing it!!!

Engagement rings! WOW! That is exciting! How fun!

I'm so glad your pain is better! Matt and I leave in exactly one week from today! It's getting close! I'm starting to get so excited and nervous and I'm only doing the 5K! Looking forward to meeting you in just over a week!

Take care of those knees!!!
Stacie