Marathon Training Thread for 9/20-9/26

[ohMom]

happy wednesday! did i post yesterday? i'm not sure -- yesterday I went to the Y and did 30 mins on cardio machines/15-20 mins strength training/5-8 min abs. you can see i don't get too wrapped up in exact timing of it all

today I did 2 mile powerwalk -- walking only this time; mary-liz on monday I did jog some and plan on jogging some for the 1/2 as well - but i want to work on my walking form and speed and maintiaining it. I was pleased that I did my 2 mile loop in 28 mins.

my arms a bit sore from yesterday, i guess i'm not doing enough of that!

tigerlily -- i know how HARD it is to keep a walking routine when you hurt ((HUGS)) and PD to you for healing blisters and NO MORE!

ashley -- for some reason i doubt you have much to be worried about in your body fat! but - it will be interesting to see what it is now and then in January. so glad you're back with us!

nancyk - thanks for sharing your inspiration! there are days when I finish my walk and think 'no way could i do that again'

tomorrow is a rest day for me - I hear ya susan!

 

[karebear1]

I am a very HAPPY girl this morning! I went out for my 3 mile walk and FINALLY broke my 18:30 minute mile average! I had an average of 17:12/mile this morning! What a big jump for me- and that was walking. No running involved. What happens to make such a big change from one day to the next? Does anyone know??? It's so weird- but so welcomed. I was starting to get pretty concerned for my time lately- so this came just in time. Make smne just want to keep walking now!

Mom- I haven't tried the power walking yet- actually- I think I walk as fast as I can! But I sure as heck can see where your arms would get sore! Are you gonna keep this up?

Susan- I am pretty sure I read somewhere that people that finished beyond the "required" time of 16 min. miles did get the medal as long as they crossed the finish line. This, for me, is very encourazging! I'm still afraid I won't hit that 16 min. mile consistantly- but, I WANT THAT MEDAL!

Tigerlily- Sounds to me like your time on Monday was fantastic! 6 miles in 90 minutes?!?!?! That would be a 15 minute mile..... right??? You got it going girlie! Good for you!!!!

Grammy- you keep that excercise going! I am always so impressed by you and Mom's multi-tasking in the excercise department! I never cross trained (although it has crossed my mind) because I always think I'll be too tired or lose interest in walking if I do. I really need to work on my upper body strength. Especially in the arms. It looks like I really want to get rid of people when I wave goodbye, because I not only wave with my hand, but with my flabby arms as well!!!

Decaff- you really got pored on didn't you! But you still walked- YOU RULE!!! That's one thing I think I'm gonna have a hrd time with. WHile falls/winter here are pretty warm- it RAINS all the time. I kinda forgot about that until this last week when it rainied everyday. I'm afraid that in the weeks to come I will need BIG encouragement from all you guys about walking in the rain! I've got to come up with some kind of plan.

Ashley- Keep up the good work! It seems like you're going pretty steady now. You should be very proud of yourself. It's usually very hard to get into the swing of things when you've been out of it for a while - but you've done it girl! YIPPPPEEEE!!

Monica- You did get a work out yesterday- even though it weas only half of what you had planned to do. Concentrate on what you were able to do- b ecause that is a real accomplishment. EVERY LITTLE THING WE DO COUNTS!!! Keep up the good work.

meme- try eatng some kind of carbo ( a healthy one!) about an hour before you take your walk, and then have another shortly after you're done with the walk. That has really helped me with my stamina. Somethign like a Luna bar (for women), good whole grain cereal, baked potato- this ahould help. Still no info on GG- waiting for Kamy to respond to an email I sent her last week as to whether we have a GG number to use for our group. When I get the info- I'll let everyone know. Hope it's soon though. Seems like we're running out of time doesn't it?

Maryliz- are you SERIOUS?!?!?!?!? NO PORTA POTTIES! What is wrong with those people???? I'd be jumping up and down like that little smilie too if I were you!!!

NancyK- CONGRATS on finishing the half marathon! You had a great time too! You must feel wonderful about yourself and your ability to see a goal completed.

We are all doing so great! Good work everyone!!!

 

[Susan--Ontario]

Great job Karen!!

Just when you think nothing about your times will ever change they seem to change overnight. Last week my 45 minute walk route suddenly only took me 35 minutes. It was an awesome feeling though.

Thanks for all your inspirational messages to each of us. They mean a lot to me.

Have a great evening!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Haven't done anything just yet. I have my "stuff" so I will leave right after work.

Karen, That is great news you have there! Also, what an inspirational post to everyone! Thanks for that.

Ashley, I'm thinking it is ok fine to Look. My dear step-dad used to say if he didn't look, he'd be dead. Anyway, here's hoping that you had a good result from today's experience. I am sure you will be a bit sore the next couple of weeks until you get your new plan under way. Just keep on and you will manage.

Susan, seems like you have your own "coach" to keep you going. That story is cute.

Molli, you are sure working diligently. Enjoy your day of rest.

Thanks everyone for coaching me too. I really am inspired by you.

 

[mishoe01]

Hi guys - hope all is well....

Had yesterday as my rest day as planned....today was a cross training day-and I moved/lugged 16 boxes of books, and 3 bins from my house, up stairs to the car, then from the car onto a cart, then from the cart into the storage unit. My knee and lower back are a little sensitive right now, so took some Tylenol and will rest for the rest of the day.

Tomorrow is supposed to be my 2nd attempt at the 8 interval walk/run thing....will report how that goes tomorrow.

Have a good evening!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi everyone

I just have time to post quickly, no time to read the thread for the week yet but it looks like there are lots of posts so that must mean lots of active trainers!

With my hectic week this week I have been making sure to get in my exercise in between running DD to her activities. Mon. night and tonight both I got in 60 min. fast walks while DD was at volleyball practice. Yesterday I didi some crosstraining, I did a 40 min bike ride, 10 min ab tape and 10 min upper body tape using light weights. I am feeling it a little in my arms today. Tomorrow is a planned rest day for me and Friday is supposed to be my day to fit in my long walk as it is the only day I don't work this week but I heard the weather forcast and it might rain. Even if it does rain I think I'm going to make myself walk because it could actually rain during the marathon

Keep moving everyone!

Cheryl

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Monica, hope you enjoyed your rest day. Wow what a cross training day you had. Hope your knees survive for tomorrow.

I did 110 minutes of power walking this evening followed by 20 minutes of Winsor Pilates to stretch it out.
I'm tired. Time for bed. G'nite all.

 

[maryliz]

I'm so glad that I've made my way back here ... you are all so inspiring and supportive. Can't wait to meet everyone in person in Jan and collect some real hugs in place of all the cyber-hugs I did a 4 mile walk in exactly 59 minutes tonight. I was moving at a good pace, but let me tell you, if that finish line had been looming, I could have stepped it up a notch if I had to I've found that I already use the "mental aspect" in my training. I think of getting to World Showcase, and then to the Contemporary, and of course, the CASTLE

Congrats to everyone for the great work so far this week. I should be doing either a 9 or 10 mile easy walk this week, but I don't think that I'll have the time.

Mary Liz

 

[decaff38]

I may need some tender support here in the next few days. I was given a beautiful black lab/retreiver on Feb. 14th, 1990 from my husband. Today I had to make the decision to have her put to sleep. We will do this on Fri. She is so old(14 years) and has been such wonderful part of my life. In years past she was my running partner. Now she has trouble going down the steps outside and has basically quit eating. I am so sad when I look at her. I know it is a part of life. I will be better once it is over and she is at peace. I will miss her terriblly.

 

[LittleMissMickey]

Alright guys, warning... This could get ugly!

I didn't work out really today. I had my fitness analysis. I had no idea how close I am to obese! I am feeling really down. I was told that I shouldn't even worry about training right now, but just get the weight off. Once I lose 20 pounds it will be easier to move. I had to be pinched by the evil fat pincher, and measured, too. They guy doing all this was absolutely gorgeous, by the way. I had to do push ups, sit ups, and a stretch. I had to walk at 4 mph for 5 minutes. Walking is more difficult than running! I was told that my goal weight is actually unattainable, that I should make 136 my goal. That would bring my body fat percentage down 11 percentage points. I need to change the whole way I eat. I ahve been doing SlimFast, because of its convenience and my laziness. It is much easier to do that for breakfast and lunch with fruit and veggie snacks and a home cooked dinner than to make eggs, fiber and fruit my breakfast, sandwich or salad with chicken, more fiber and fruit for lunch, and a protein dinner with very few carbs. I really dn't have time to do all this in the morning, and reheated eggs are NOT an option. I am just crabby! SlimFast is so easy! I can drive and eat, get stuff done and eat. Eating isn't a priority because I can do it while doing other things! I don't even know if hte plan works, but it seems to have the nutrients, at least some of them, doesn't it? Can't I lose weight on it? ISN'T THAT WHY IT EXISTS?! UGH! I just started it a coupel weeks ago and am totally loving it. The guy was really nice, but I guess I just don't feel right now. I almost cried on my home thinking about how hard this is going to be. At 155-160 I didn't think I was really that bad off, but now I have had the pressure put on. He said I could accomplish all of this by Christmas if I spend enough time working on it and put in the effort. I don't know htat I am capable of that, and am worried of not meeting hte expectations and then just quitting... I don't know. Just frustrated and scared of letting myself down again. I left the club wihtout even doing a workout, I just didn't even want to be there anymore.

Please, team, help me out! I am really scared and upset, so I'm sorry about the long depressing post. I just don't know where else to turn to that people will understand.

Thanks,
Ash

 

[LittleMissMickey]

Double post...

 

[Auntmeme]

First Ashley - stop beating yourself up! You have always sounded like you eat pretty well & jog regularly - this is what healthy is all about. and you are so inspirational with your messages Personally I feel that the "professional" weight charts are way off the mark. The only time I was in "their" range was when I was in college living off of beer & lettuce and no exercise - now was that healthy - NO. Now I know I'm not in the range but I feel that I'm totally healthy, of course with a few more pounds to lose.
You get out there & keep training and figure out a healthy eating plan that works for you - your body will tell you where it needs to be. Chin up

Susan where did you find the times from others in past races?

Karen great job and to everyone else - cyber high fives for steady training

I walked 5 miles yesterday and it felt wonderful - it was a glorious day in PA Today not sure of schedule except need to go in for a lasik enhancement so we'll see(no pun intended) if I get in a walk.

Have a great day

 

[Susan--Ontario]

Beckie, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Our dog was 17 when we lost here. She was sick for a few years before that. I know how you feel. That is exactly why my children don't have any pets. I can't bear the thought of having to do that. I'll be thinking of you and maybe you should think of your dog running along side you just like she did when she was healthy. I know that my beloved Maxie is running alongside my Dad in heaven right now. Many hugs to you as you go through these hard days.

Ashley-- I want to give you a point of reference as to how well off you are!!!

155 - 160 is my goal weight. Too only be 30 pounds over goal would be amazing for me. I never thought that we'd really be able to walk the 13 miles little alone in 3 and 1/2 hours before I started this training. So, you are in a great place. I suppose that trainer is used to seeing people who are already at goal and just want to get into shape. We're the wildest walking women I know and we are waaay better off then a lot of the skinny women I work with who get winded walking across the floor.

He is right about your food choices but I TOTALLY understand how difficult it is to plan your food. I do this now but I get up a half hour earlier every day to make this possible. If I didn't have my planned food with me I would be into every snack that comes into this place every day.

Training helps get the weight off!!! I often say to Debbie that we should be carrying a backpack with an extra 30 pounds in it so that we can remember what it felt like to carry that extra weight when we first started training.

Fibre--an easy way to add fibre is with All-Bran flakes, bran buds, whatever cereal you like. I use one of the above and add some Vector to it for some sweetness. If I don't have Vector I use some Sugar twin, Splenda or something like that. I have a bowl for breakfast and a bowl for my bed-night snack. Try it.

You want to be at the marathon with us. Don't let him talk you into not training, tell him that a bunch of women (who are definetly not skinny) are doing it and we WILL do it.

Start fresh this morning, do what works for you and try to implement just a few of his suggestions for now. I'm not aiming to lose any more than maybe another 10 pounds before the marathon. Not that I don't want to but I realize that muscle weighs more than fat and I don't want to be disappointed, besides I wouldn't have anything to wear.

Have a super day and remember we're all here with you!!!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Karen- bravo on the pace break! I have found the same type of phenomenon. Every day you do one pace and then all of the sudden one day your way ahead. I guess its a little like the Woosh Faire

Ashley- this guy is nuts! Don't train until you lose weight? How are you supposed to lose weight when you stop training? He sounds like a cookie-cutter stereo type to me. But then again, I get a little hot under the collar when someone disses a DISer! I have to agree with Susan that planning makes such a huge difference in my food plan. I have just barely started to well again (and don't want to jinxx it by talking too much!!!!). Stick with us, we'll get you there

Sundie

 

[karebear1]

Sundie- it's good to know I'm not the only one that is superstitious! I never thought I was a superstitious person until I started on these boards and then when i would start setting goals with everyone else, I would FAIL big time! So- I stopped doing that! It's worked so far !!! I understand about not wanting to jinx how you're doing with your eating!!!!

Ashley- I agree with everyone here. While none of us are "professionals" here, we are a pretty smart group. Also- just so you know. My DD has a friend that is a personal trainer. He became a personal trainer after taking a 2 week course to become one! Prior to that, it had been 2 years at least since he had worked out regularly.... so- you may want to listen to this guy, but listen equally to your heart.... and US!! Don't get depressed and down. If what he's saying is counter acting your prior feelings and excitement then it is not being a good influence on you. You be better off going back to your own plan because you were at least excited to work for the changes. In any case- I really do understand this type of discouragement. Don't let it opver take your optimism girl! You can do whatever you put your mind to! "And will you succeed? Yes indedd, yes indeed. Ninety eight and three quarters percent guaranteed!" Sound familiar??? I have that posted right on the top of my computer, so I can read it EVERYDAY. It helps me everyday too! You WILL succeed!

Susan- great advice about to Ashley- maybe you should be her personal trainer!

Meme- 5 miles! WOOHOO!! I only walk that kind of mileage on my long day of the week. I can't even imagine walking 5 miles on the reg. days! I'm soooooooo impressed! Keep it up!

Beckie- that is very sad news about your little doggie. I hope you are feeling better soon. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Maryliz- we're glad your back too!! We need your input and enthusiasm and your knowledge!

Tider, Msihoe and Cheryl- good work! Just keep it going. We ahve a half maraton to do here pretty soon!!

FYI- I did my 2 miles today in 34 mins. So, I cut 24 seconds off ,my time from yesterday. But- my calves were sore in the middle of that 2 miles. They feel fine now though. Have a good training day everyone!!!

 

[tw1nsmom]

Hi all!

We finally have a shower!!! Yahoo!!! The rest of the bathroom is still a construction zone, and we have to brush our teeth in the kitchen sink, but I never knew a shower could feel so good.

I got in a 45 minute walk yesterday, and plan on doing the same tommorow. My food choices have been so-so, but I'm going to start following my plan strictly starting today.

Beckie - I'm so sorry about your dog. We have a black lab mix named Chip. They're fantastic dogs.

Ashley - Please ignore most of what that trainer told you. It really agravates me that he would try to squelch your enthusiasm. I don't know how tall you are, but 160 is my goal weight, and I'm only 5'8"! I'm MUCH larger than you and I know that I can do this if I keep working on it. I'm not a big fan of slimfast. However, it is your decision, not his. If you are inclined to follow his plan, remember that you don't have to have eggs for breakfast. Leftovers make great breakfast food too.

 

[trola2]

Hello everyone!

Just a note to say that we survived Hurricane Ivan and we had our power restored TODAY!! We were only without power for 9 days! I am fortunate, though, because we are one of probably 20 houses in town with power.

Our house survived intact although we weren’t sure it would during the height of the storm. We had parked the van so that we could flee at a moments notice, but when the moment came, we were trapped by lots of fallen trees. The storm was very frightening. I can’t begin to describe it. Maybe harrowing is a good word? Our house is a very old wooden house and the rain was blowing so hard that it actually blew through the wood on the south side of the house and was dripping down the inside of the walls. Also through the attic vents and was dripping at several points in the upstairs. And when old wood gets wet it smells bad so we are using a lot of air freshener! lol.

We used to have those huge trees that are draped with Spanish moss that you see in movies about the south…not anymore. But that will give us a lot of space to plant new trees where we choose for them to be…we had not wanted to take any down before, but Ivan did that for us…

My van got tagged by a fallen tree, and although it was too bad to drive, the insurance did not total it. It’s in the shop and I’m driving this huge durango, compliments of Progressive Insurance! It’s a pretty truck, but it also got tagged in the storm and has this huge ding in the top of the back and the back gate doesn’t shut right. It was the only thing they had that would haul my whole family, so I’m thankful to have it.

Our days have been filled with trying to clear the driveways and in front of the house. Plus we’ve become great at lines….lines for water…lines for ice…lines for MRE’s….lines for hot meals….lines for gas…lines for FEMA….lines lines lines!!lol. But we’re thankful for the recovery these groups are providing! We have seen so many things that have restored our faith in humanity….

My mom has had a hard time with all of this. She is in poor health and requires an oxygen concentrator or oxygen bottles to breathe well. 2 days after the power went out, she was out of oxygen and we could not reach hospice or the medical supply place for more oxygen, so I went to plan B and panicked! I called my brother in Arkansas and he hunted down a generator, plus bought us batteries, water, bread, bug spray, lanterns and other supplies and was here 12 hours later. This has been very stressful for my mom both physically and emotionally. She’s very withdrawn right now….Her power is still out but hopefully will be back on TOMORROW!! (My sis and I trade of staying with her at her house)

One nice little benefit….Ivan blew in hordes of hummingbirds. Probably correctly called flocks, but the numbers are so great. I had a couple of feeders and we put those up for the little birdies and they have really brought us a lot of peace and joy. There are literally hundreds of them at any time flitting around my porch. I even had a hummer sit on me the other afternoon as I was watching them! That has to be a once in a lifetime experience!

I have become an expert at making coffee and grilled cheese sandwiches on a gas grill. I can cook pizza, chicken nuggets and even tater tots on that thing!

We can still laugh when we are asked, would you like water, water or water?

We are still under a boil water order.

There is no clear area to walk now….I hope that will change quickly, but we’ll see. There are trees everywhere and my walking path up in the park at the next town is out of commission until probably 2005. This has hit everyone so hard and walking trails aren’t a big priority.

I will go.

Here’s a couple of links. You can look at the storm galleries at this link:


http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/

And this is what my house looked like before the storm…we are thankful to still have the house….many people weren’t that lucky.

http://www.algersullivan.org/whigham_house.html

You can’t see in the picture but there are huge trees all behind the house….or there were. I guess now the picture looks pretty accurate, except the trees in front don’t look like that anymore either!!

Ok…that’s it for now…sorry for so long! I will try to read through all the posts tomorrow! I know I missed a lot!
~~Beth

 

[plutosmyfav]

{{{{{{BETH}}}}}}}!

I am so sorry to hear how devastating the storm was to you and your family. My prayers are with you. I am amazed at what a positive attitude you have! Humming birds, who woulda thunk it?

I hope your Mom gets her strength and spirit back real soon. How scarey that must have been for her and for you.

I hope you find a clear spot to walk real soon!

Sundie

 

[Susan--Ontario]

Beth,

We are so happy to hear from you. I've been praying for you all this time that you and your family would be safe.

It looks like now you'll have some cross training to do when you replant your trees. I'm trying to help you look on the bright side of things.

Take care and we'll see you in January!!

 

[karebear1]

Beth- I'm so glad we heard from you. We've been wondering and praying for you over here! You really do have a wonder attitude don't you?? Hummingbirds..... kinda like a rainbow, huh Beth? Let's hope so anyway!

Thanks for posting so we could know you were ok! Hope your mom is feeling better soon. How did the kids handle the storm?