Marathon training check in thread

[trola2]

This is very long and I apologize...but now I'm caught up and I can just jump in with shorter notes!lol

I'm going to jump in with you guys...I need the motivation!! I'm determined to get in better shape and this is part of my plan...I started WW a year ago and have walked since last May. Better health and also turning 40 this past Sunday (Mother's Day!)are big motivators!! One of my personal goals is an hour walk before 6AM. After that the kids are up and then we get busy with breakfast and jump into our schoolwork.

Ok...I've definitely started working on my walk so that I can finish the half. I am so afraid of the sweeper!!lol. I have visions of a true street sweeper gobbling up slow walkers with those spinning brushes. I hope to be far ahead of that!! But unless something major happens, I'll definitely be a walker for the 1/2...jogging just seems way beyond my abilities!

BTW, I do think SOCKS are important, too. I've just picked up a 6pack (of socks!) at Walmart that I really like. They are very low cut...by Hanes...and have cushioned soles, but also extra cushioning at the back of the heel and under the heel. That helps my heel spurs!! I had been wearing Nike Max Moto's, but couldn't pick up a new pair Saturday so I got a pair of Nike Pegasus. Haven't tried them yet...need to buy some scotchguard.

Karen, thanks for posting your training info and the other tips. I'm currently walking 60 minutes most days, but then I have a day like today that it was so muggy at 5AM that I only did about 25 minutes and came home. I'm going to hold steady on my hour or almost and hour and when your schedule hits that, I'll convert to yours!

MelanieC-I also sometimes wonder what I have done by signing up!! AND my family will be there (hopefully) in November, so it will just be me and my sis in January.

Karen, I'm finding the music makes a big difference in my walk, but I had difficulty finding one that was what I wanted. I found some by SHAPE that the first is a 3 mile walk set to oldies(60's music). The second one I picked up was Shape2. It's 70's music. That one is a 4MPH CD. I can do about 4 songs on the Shape2, and then I complete my walk with the Shape1. I have it combined on a CD so I don't have to stop and change it on the player. I'm much more consistent and faster when I walk with the music! lol-I'm replying as I read the thread...sounds like you have ordered Shape1 already! Glad you got the more attractive...faster shoes. I still have just under 100 to lose, and I know I've seen a big difference in my walk with the 40+ that I've lost so far. Right now, I'm almost having to exert the energy to walk for 2 people at one time...just think how good it will be when there is only *me* in here!! (No, I'm ont PG...just big enough for two people!!) I had to ditch my pedometer because I couldn't get it set right and I knew I was walking more than what it showed. Don't let the number on the pedometer frustrate you!

Ashley, Jellyrolls sounds good to me, too!! WE don't get to places like that with the kids. They are too young and it would cost me about $150 to put them all in the Neverland Club and go!

Good for you Lily on starting your training! You look athletic in your picture! I like your theory about letting the WDW marathon being your first!!

Jackie, what a great place to work on your walking! Disneyland! I'm sorry but I giggled at your description of your fall in Frontierland!! Glad you weren't hurt!! Congrats on tower of terror!!

Cheryl, I missed a step on our front steps on Halloween and fell like that, too. Sprained my ankle very bad, but hurt my pride as all the trick or treaters wanted to know if the lady rolling on the ground was Ok. Picture LInda Blair just yelling at eveyrone "Give the children Candy!" I wanted those kids gone so I could try to pull myself together and hobble into the house!! It was still quite tender in mid December when we were at WDW and I missed my daily walks! Enjoy your stamps. Your DD and my mom have the same birthday. We've had a whole weekend of birthdays here!

Colleen- wow. I think that statement "this is becoming less about disney and more about me" is pretty profound!! 7 miles!! Great job!

Since the post is hitting 7 pages in length...my post will probably bump it to 10!...any chance it could be restarted weekly like the Wish check in thread? Just might be a little easier to read and not be as overwhelming for a new person like me!

Thanks for reading if you got this far! Good luck with your week!
~~Beth

 

[karebear1]

Beth- WELCOME TO THE CLUB! That story of you tripping on Halloween had me laughing out loud! I'm sorry I laughed, but I can see me doing the same thing and FEELING the same way- GIVE THOSE KIDS SOME CANDY!- and I had to laugh! Thanks for the story- it started my day off cheerfully! I am sorry that it took you over 2 months for that ankle to heal though- you really must've crunched it!
I actually held my pedometer in my hand when I walked because when I attached it to my pants, it said that I took twice as many steps as I actually had.... must have somethign to do with the bouncy stomach syndrome! When I held it in my hand, it was accurate.

Grammy- thanks for ther protein shake idea. I actually read something similar to that in the Runner's World Magazine yesterday! Maybe there'll be some ankle strengthening excercsies in the magazines I got yesterday. Isn't time just a bear when you're trying to accomplish something? I'm sure you'll find the time you need to do your walk though. One thing I notice about you is that you are a doer!

Baileymouse- I'm happy to hear you are feeling better- just don't over do it! You don't want a relapse!

One last thing-
For anyone interested.... in the Running Times Magazine for June 2004, there is an article entitled "12 Week Training Plan- Run Your Best Half Marathon" and, as it says, includes a 12 week training schedule for the half marathon. Oops! I just took a look at that puppy..... unless you are already walking long distances now, don't even bother. the first week has you walking: Monday- rest, Tues.-6 miles, Weds-10 miles,Thurs-6 miles, Fri- 5 miles (and they're calling that a recovery 5 miles!) Sat.-6 miles and Sun.- 12 miles!Ummmmmmmmmmmm... I'm not ready for THAT yet!!! I wonder if I ever will be!

I am feeling like I have so much energy! I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I have been walking for almost 2 months now, but I also think that the thyroid meds I've been taking for 2 weeks now are maybe just beginning to kick in. When I get up in the morning, I'm feeling like I have energy- and throughout the whole day, I want to keep doing more. That' is very unusual for me! So- I'm a happier and a little bit busier girl these days! I just wish this weight would come off better! I had no weighth loss for this last week- which is typical for me because just about week 6 on any plan sees me stalling! UGH!

I will start a new thread for the marathon training next Monday- I'll date it so it's good for that week. Is that ok with everyone?

 

[Auntmeme]

Great idea to start a new thread. Welcome Beth!

so looking forward to the magazine, thanks karebear
Never thought about the socks issue, another item to add to my new purchases list. This is turning out to be an expensive adventure, but in the end I know it will be 100% worth it.

Thanks for keeping me motivated and it's only May

 

[karebear1]

You'll never believe what just happened to me! I took my 30 minute walk on the TM this morning to BeeGee's Saturday Night Fever music (oldies BUT goodies!) and I actually BROKE A SWEAT! I really like walking to music so much more then walking without it! I have a ton of energy (and was feeling rather depressed before the walk because I haven't lost any weight this week) and I feel sooooo good right now! I walked 1.38 miles in 30 minutes- which is a 22 minute mile vs. last week when I walked a mile in 27 minutes- with NO music! I'm using music from now on! Makes me faster (unless it's the new shoes ) and much happier. I know 22 minutes doesn't cut it for the marathon- but that's good for me for now!

 

[trola2]

Karen that is awesome about the speed picking up!! I wish I had a treadmill so I knew for sure what I was walking.

Do you have kids? The reason I ask is because when my kids were babies (to some extent this is still true) They would chub up a bit and then they would get taller and leaner. Then when they were sort of comfortable at that height, they would chub up for a bit and then they would shoot up in height again. I think we do that losing weight....we lose a few pounds and then our body takes a little bit to sort of stabilize and its during the slower loss time that we lose some of our inches. I don't measure but my friend that DO measure say that if they have a maintain, they will always show a decrease in inches. SO........ don't be frustrated by not losing on the scale this week. I bet if you measure, you are still a loser.

Just my theory.

~~Beth

 

[karebear1]

Thanks Beth. I will measure myself. I took my measurements the first week I started and I haven't checked since then. It's been 6 weeks tomorrow, so maybe that'll be the case.
And yes- I do have kids.... 3 of them, but they're not so little anymore! DD 20, DS-22, and DD 23! All are in school- the 2 older ones live at home and go to school, the youngest is in Utah.

 

[MelanieC]

Hey everyone-

Tonight I plan on getting on the treadmill. I haven't been able to since Saturday morning, but I have been doing my FIRM workouts thought, so all is not lost.


Pixiechick- Thanks for the link I was looking for and who knows, maybe I'll be running the 1/2 Philadelphia Distance Marathon in Sept.

I am glad we have this thread to keep up motivated and getting to know each other.

 

[Debbie]

Karen, I like the idea of a dated thread each week. I've done a couple of walks (@ 2 miles each) in the past few days, and did the Curves thing today. STay strong, everyone!

 

[karebear1]

Well- today was my day off- so no walking for me! How about everyone else? How did y'all do?
I had a bummer day- went to the weight loss dietician- no weight lost last week. But nothing gained either. So- I guess that's ok.

 

[Baileymouse]

I'm having problems. I have pain in my upper thighs, on the outside, just under the hip joint. I am not sure of the cause but I think it has to do with body alignment. You can't be 328 and walk the same at 200, especially with heavy legs. I try to alleviate it by wearing tight pants with lycra to sort of hold me in, cause I have lots of jiggly flesh, lol.

Drs. are no help. They want to give me cortisone shots and I'm dead-set against it. They alleviate the symptom but not the problem, and they cause weight gain. Also, steroids leach calcium from the bones.

I am trying to work through this. On Monday I did 2 miles on the track. On Tuesday I walked to and from work (almost a mle each way) and I did a mile on the track at night. Yesterday I walked to and from work but serious weather prevented me from going out last evening.

I think I have to let the bod adjust but geez, this bites.

 

[Auntmeme]

Hi everyone, I took yesterday off and today looks like a hot one so I'll walk after the sun sets.

I'm starting to put my marathon walk motivational board together. I thought it would be great to see where everyone is from. Please let me know if I missed you or have any wrong info.
Auntmeme - Maryellen PA
Karebear-Karen Oregon
Trola2-Beth Florida
MelanieC- PA
Mishoe01-Monica Maryland
Pixiechick-Colleen PA
Littlemissmickey-Ashley Minnesota
Krisnoth-Krista NJ
TammyNC - North Carolina
Cheryln - Wisconsin
Debbie - Canada
Ibouncetoo -Jackie Arizona
Wiskband - Renee New York

Tigerlily03 - Ohio real name?
OHmom - Ohio real name?
Princessmomma - North Carolina real name?
Baileymouse - New Jersey real name?

Keep up the training

 

[TammyNC]

Correct information on me .

 

[ibouncetoo]

Well I haven't had too much exercise this week! Home sick for the second day. I think the guy hacking and coughing on the plane Sunday passed his cold on to me!

Baileymouse....try sleeping with a pillow between your knees. I know when my chiropractor suggested it I thought, with fat legs what difference could it make?? But it has helped me quite a bit.....see if it does anything for you.

Well I'm off to make another cup of hot tea. Have a good day everyone!

 

[karebear1]

baileymouse- Jackie's idea about the pillow is a good one. Does it help to alleviate the pain in your hip if you press your hand or fist into the side back part of your hip when you're walking? If so, maybe you should go see a chiropractor. The thought of visiting a chiropractor to me was out of the question because I am so big, but my guy is great- and has really helped to alleviate my hip problem (pretty much the same symptoms as you, but pain going down back of leg too). He adjusted it very easily- no cracking... and then I got a belt that held the hip in the right place after he adjusted it. A combination of visiting him and wearing the belt has pretty much made that problem go away. The right shoes are also crucial! Is there a store in your area that specials in running shoes for athletes? Somewhere you can go where they can evaluate the way you walk and give you the right shoes to correct your walk? I was surprised at how a finding the right pair of shoes has helped.

Jackie- I'm sorry to hear you are feeling lousy! Nothing worse then having the sun out and having to stay inside because you don't feel well! Get better soon!

Maryellen- my info is right. I need to let ya know I haven't sent that magazine yet- but hopefully can get it it today- if not today- by the weekend for sure! I'm so sorry- I've just been so busy this week! Are you collecting mug shots for your wall too? Wouldn't that be fun? Then you'd know what everyone looks like ahead of time! Or is it a map with little flags with people's names pinned hwere they live? MAN! I gotta make me a wall! Too much fun!

 

[mishoe01]

Hi everyone!!

MeMe - my info is correct.

BaileyMouse - sorry that you're in pain, but I think it's amazing that you are still walking that much even w/ the pain. My hat goes off to you there. I will 2nd the pillow idea - I sleep with a body pillow that I will put b/w my knees, and my lower legs. There are also smaller pillows out there that are supposed to be good for this (and you put them right above the knees).

Got my TM set up last night, and will try it out today when I get home (glad it finally got here - don't want to walk outside w/ the cicadas coming out...I don't like bugs!! )

Walked 12085 steps yesterday.

Have a great day!

 

[evansmom]

i'd like to join the motivational board!!! i'll be there with ohmom and AEG...

i'm evansmom (with the flying pig avatar)

*actaully: Nikki from Ohio

thanks!

 

[MelanieC]

Hi Maryellen- My info is correct!

Last night I ran 1 mile and walked for a total of 2.5 miles. Last night was tougher than usual and afterwards I got light headed if I got up off my chair while watching TV. I also didn't do well with my FIRM workout this morning. I was slow and couldn't keep up. I basically quite closer to the end, but I was at least sweaty so I know I burned some calories.

I hope to get some treadmilling in tonight. Can I say that I really HATE the running part. Am I the only one?

 

[trola2]

Well, I coughed most of the night so I skipped my 5AM walk and just slept. I actually slept through the alarm, so I must have needed the sleep!! BUT I WILL WALK tomorrow!!

Karen, good for you on going to a dietician. I admire you for pulling in the real professionals when it comes to diet and also with the shoes and training! You are doing it the right way and the overall health picture is what is important...not the number on the scale (but that would be nice, too, wouldn't it?!)

Bailymouse- yikes on the hip pain. I have no experience there but I know with my "issues" that if I don't stretch well first, then I end up with a bad day the next day. And I'm a believe it taking Naproxin from time to time. That seems to help me more than anythig...one of those at night and I can walk faster and longer the next day.

Maryellen- thanks for the list!! That is so helpful!

Jackie- hope you are feeling better.

Monica- congrats on the treadmill and also all those steps yesterday!! I admire all of you with your treadmills. I had an awful time when I tried one a few weeks ago!!

Nikki- Welcome!

Melanie, take it easy! If you are getting light headed you are over doing it! Enjoy the treadmilling!

That's it from me. Have a great day. Gotta go thaw some fish for dinner.

 

[karebear1]

Beth- I really have no choice in the situation! There are so many issues I have to deal with.... high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid and hip- plus being 100 lbs overweight kinda puts me into the... "gee, I don't think I can do all this by myself" category! I am learning A LOT about weight loss and diabetes and food. And I am actually kind of enjoying being educated about all of it. Even if I don't get the weight off, at least I know I am becoming as healthy as I can. What else is there? If that's all I can do- well then, that's all I can do! Anyway- I really appreciate your support- it helps me to stay focused to know someone else thinks I'm doing sometign right. THANKS!

 

[LittleMissMickey]

This motivational board sounds great...Is it online, or just on a wall or something? I would like to do some sort of motivational thing for all of us, since I kind of consider you all my "team." I was a team captain for numerous sports throughout high school and I must admit I still have a little bit in me. I have myself a little journal book with my plan written in it for each day, and I do a motivational quote on page one of each week, just to keep me in the right mindset, and I would like to share this with everybody! I get little crafty urges where I color and decorate, as if I am making locker signs for bunches of basketball, hockey, soccer, football, tennis, track, and volleyball players again (I was almost TOO involved in high school athletics...) So, I don't konw how to organize it, but I would love to set up some sort of mail thing, I think it would be fun and motivational for everybody. Would anybody be interested in this sort of thing? Let me know!

Been a little naughty this week, with finals, commencement, family coming, going home, etc... But, I am about to head down to that big, bad path by the lake for a 50 min run/walk.

Did somebody say that they wanted a copy of my plan? I have 4 different ones to choose from, and they all seem very doable depending on if you want to walk, walk-run, run-walk, or run the half marathon (I have the same ones for hte marathon, too, is anybody doing the full?) Let me know, and I will share!

Hope everybody is anticipating a good weekend, after all...TOMORROW'S FRIDAY!! :thewave:

Keep it up!
Ashley, aka
LittleMiss

And yes, I am in Minnesota! It's cold here!