Marathon training Thread for the week of 7/19-7/25

[karebear1]

Well, I am FINALLY back after a week and a half of not posting- or training. I'll start up again first thing this morning. I had a great time, but feel yucky due to eating off program and not training at all. I hope I'll be able to get back into the swing of things fast! I'm afraid it'll be hard.

I had a wonderful visit with Cheryl! It just makes me want to meet all of you ASAP! She has a very smart little 10 year old DD that has a personality that doesn't quit! Cheryl herself has a very sweet and inviting personality. She is very easy to talk to. We talked about lots of things, but touched on something that we both find absolutely fascinating. We both talked about how influential this thread has been to our training for the marathon. There are genuine friendships that have developed here- and we worry about what is happening in everyone's lives- and wonder about those that are MIA! We also talked about the benefits of the DVC- and I see that Cheryl is rethinking the possibilty of it- YOU GO GIRL!!! It's the BEST thing we've ever done!!! It is a wonderful and comforting thing when you can meet a someone and feel completely at home with them- like you're family. And that is how I felt when I met her- and how I feel about you all too. I had to laugh when I asked her if she was nervous about meeting me. She said not really- and then we both acknowledged that we were meeting on nuetral ground..... we thought we'd be safe enough that way ! Funny thing is- we met at another Diser's B&B.... so that DISer may not be so safe! (I guess I'll just have to call and warn her about Cheryl! ) When my friend saw Cheryl at the door , she said she was thin.... and beautiful. And she was right! You will all love her- she is a very sweet woman.

I told you all last week that I had an interesting day at the ER last week. Well- what happened was I was having heart palpations ( a NOT SO GOOD THING for a woman that turns 45 TODAY!). Now- I've had this happen before, but it has only lasted a minute, and only once in a GREAT while - by the time I went to the ER , it had been at least 1 hour and a half. I didn't really want to go to the hospital- but because I am a diabetic, they insisted. I suppose it was a good thing too! I thought I would go there and they would tell me it was gas! But, the EKG said my heart was not beating as it should've been. So- they put an IV in and took blood and chest xrays... anyone know why they would take xrays???? Blood work revealed the culprit as a very low potassium level- so they gave me some potassium there, sent me home with a copy of the test results to give to my Dr. here and a prescription for potassium. I am happy to announce that my heart has not palpitated since! It was kinda weird- and made me really aware of my health and why I am working so hard to do this marathon. All I could think about while I sat in that bed was that I REALLY wanted to do the marathon, and if there was something wrong, would I still be able to train for the marathon! It really put things in perspective for me.

Congrats to all of you for the porgress in your training- especially you Pixiechick! I'm very impressed with your distances!

I'm looking forward to hearing from you all this week.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Karebear1: How scary that must have been!! I'm so glad you're feeling better! Have you seen your doctor yet? I hope he gives you the go ahead to keep training. This marathon is a great motivator/goal for me too and I'm really looking forward to meeting you and everyone else.

I was able to eat mostly foods that were OP for me this weekend, but I ate way too much of them. Our scale also quit working. So, between the water retention/weight gain from overeating and the calibration of the new scale I weigh 9 pounds more this morning! I know, I know, it's just a number and I shouldn't be weighing myself so much. Hi, my name is Dawn, and I'm a scale addict.

I walked about three miles yesterday, so it wasn't a total loss. I really did have a great day though. My mom came to help me celebrate my b-day. Her and I went to a spa and got facials. It was so relaxing and my skin feels so good! DH took me, Mom, my grandmother, and the kids out to dinner at TGIF. LOTS of good food and company. Afterwards we went to a book store and I picked out a few for a present to myself.

This week I'm committing (again ) to eating OP and much smaller portions. I'm also going to walk at least five days this week. It will have to be at the mall while the children are at preschool...we're having very wet weather here.

Good luck to everyone on reaching your goals for this week. As my signature says...just keep swimming, swimming....(or walking, walking)

 

[decaff38]

My new moto. This week was quiet for me but still didn't get it together. Only ran/walked 3.5 miles 2 times. Did not eat on plan one enire day. I do pretty good in the mornings and early afternoon. But blow it before dinner and early evening. Hubby decided to quit smoking . I'm so excited that I'm been keping him busy eating. Last night he stated he'll neeed a new recliner if his butt is the size of a Clidesdale!! Need to find a balance, No weather excuses the weather has been beautiful for over a week. We have had a cold ( 50-60 degrees) start of summer. Now it is 80! Today I get back on track and find my stride. i need to up my mileage so that I can being to increase speed. I really don't want to get "swept up" the first time I 1/2 Marathon. I will drink my water and eat OP today!
Later I will travel 3.5 miles by foot. Thanks for thre great thread. Nice to know everyone hasn't been running 12 minute miles for 8 miles every day. It gives me hope. Enjoy Monday, It is the start of something good!!

 

[pixiechick]

Originally posted by karebear1
a woman that turns 45 TODAY!

Did you really think I'd let that slide by unnoticed?


Happy Birthday!!!!!

edited to add: Dawn!!

you managed to slip by me-

 

[pixiechick]

now back to our regular business!

4 slow/easy miles this morning, tomorrow is another speed workout. Why do I let the harder runs freak me out so much? I think I just fear doing poorly, who knows!

Karen: Welcome home dearie! Glad to hear you had a good trip, and that your emergency room visit turned out okay. It must have been scary! You are sooo right about DVC. Best money I've spent (are you listening, Cheryl?)

Dawn: I have the "scale problem" too. I can't seem to stay away from it, even when it says a number I don't like.

decaff38: glad to hear from you! My speed has definately improved as I've added distance. I'm still slow, but not *as slow* as I was!

ibouncetoo: sounds like you have a wonderful trip this weekend. Sedona must have been beautiful.

Where are the rest of you hiding?? Have a great day everyone!
Colleen

 

[Debbie]

Happy Birthday, Karen! Eat your daily banana to keep that potassium up. And a belated Happy Birthday to tw1nsmom, too.

I've been away-Europe to the Choir Olympics where both Amabile Choirs won GOLD medals- but am back again. The knee is strengthening, and now that I have orthotics, I don't sway quite so much. I'm easing myself back into some kind of training, although all the walking that I did in Europe kept me somewhat ready for the rest of the summer. I walked a quick mile on Friday, Curves on Saturday, not much yesterday, and 2 quick miles today. Note:quick is faster than the stroll, but not as fast as a fast mile. My plan is to get the walking slowly built up, add the speed, and strength training at Curves on a regular basis. Add my knee exercises and physio once every week or two, I am confident, well, hopeful, that I WILL be back on track.

Have a great day, ladies! Remember: Just put one foot in front of the other. . .

 

[trola2]

Good morning everyone!

I got out for a very short walk this morning. I won't tellyou how long or you'll be laughing and not able to continue your day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY kAREN!!! I'm so thankful that you were OK wth tha tEr visit. Keep us posted on what your doc says.

Our big family news of the day is that my mom has decided not to go through any treatment. We are only to help her keep comfortable. She decided that since treatment was only to "prolong" and not to cure, that she'd rather try to feel as good as possible for as long as possible. So.....I don't know how things will go for a bit. I do know that as of last week knew the cancer was in her lung, kidney, bones (including spine), lymph system, and we'll probably know more tomorrow. I totally support her decision as I think at this point her quality of life is very important. I'm proud of her for being brave and able to make this choice.

Anyway....TOMORROW I will get in a much longer walk than today, although that wouldn't be too hard!! I actually get a home day today so I should be able to recharge a bit today and ready to roll again tomorrow.

I feel so disconnected since I haven't been writing to everyone!! At this point I do believe that I will be with all of you in January.

Thanks for the motivation. Without it I probably would have spent some quality time with a big bag of Fritos and not walked at all today!!

~~Beth

 

[Debbie]

Beth. This is a difficult time. I know. And good for you for supporting Mom's decision. Sending some PD to your whole family for strength over the next while.

Oh, and I'd consider ANY walk longer than the one to the fridge a suitable 'short one'. Take care of yourself, and remember, we're always here for you.

 

[mishoe01]

Hi everyone - I'm coming out of hiding, and rejoining the group.

Karen and Dawn- !!

Beth - more prayers and PD headed your way - let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Debbie - way to go walking in Europe (what a wonderful place to do it in!)....so what if it wasn't training...any walking is better than no walking!

Colleen - way to go with your continued work outs- you go girl!!

Ok - here's my update.....

Last Wed (7/14) my friend Colette (who's doing the marathon w/ me) and I did 2 1/2 miles - clocking at 20.4 min mile (not too bad I think for not having walked in about 3-4 weeks). We met again Sat (7/17) and did 3.68 miles at a 19.24 min mile (with hills!!!). We are also planning our own 10k (6.2 miles) this Saturday coming up...we will see how that goes.

Decided to start on South Beach Diet this past Monday (7/12) and am happy to say that I lost 3 1/2 lbs....not to just keep going.

Hope everyone has a good Monday!

 

[wovenwonder]

Happy Birthday Karen!

 

[Auntmeme]

Hi everyone

Happy Birthday Karen & Dawn if I had known it was your b-day, I would have baked a cake Myabe not, it's not OP Hope you both had a fantastic celebration! Daen - I also hit the bookstore for my b-day, if I don't receive one or tow. This year I received Ellen Goodman's book, it's a collection of her columns. What did you get?

Welcome back Monica Congrats on the southbeach loss & those walking accomplishments

Dear Beth - hugs to you!

Hi Debbie - Europe ahhh - walking there must have been such a chore glad to see your home safely!

I managed a 5 mile walk on Friday, some much needed gardening on saturday and a 3 mile walk today. To share a bit of how you motivate me -

On friday's walk in the park, I decided I would do 3 maybe 4 miles. There are some hills. I walk in a state park so some sections are very cool with lots of trees and some sections are open with lots of sun, it's a nice mix. I take my ds(3), he usually sits in his stroller, though at times he will get out to walk, skip or run. Well there is a sign for the covered bridge trail so I figure my ds would like to see the bridge so I walk and walk and walk, then there it is. No not the bridge but a sign that says steep grade. Ok the hill is pretty steep but it's down, should I keep going? knowing I have to come back up? well I did. But at the bottom it turns to gravel and I can't push the stroller on gravel so we did not see the bridge and I made it up the hill but only with all of you in my thoughts, especially Dawn and your swimming, swimming swimming. So THANKS

 

[Auntmeme]

Hi everyone

Happy Birthday Karen & Dawn if I had known it was your b-day, I would have baked a cake Maybe not, it's not OP Hope you both had a fantastic celebration! Dawn - I also hit the bookstore for my b-day, if I don't receive one or two This year I received Ellen Goodman's book, it's a collection of her columns. What did you get?

Welcome back Monica Congrats on the southbeach loss & those walking accomplishments

Dear Beth - hugs to you!

Hi Debbie - Europe ahhh - walking there must have been such a chore glad to see your home safely!

I managed a 5 mile walk on Friday, some much needed gardening on saturday and a 3 mile walk today. To share a bit of how you motivate me -

On friday's walk in the park, I decided I would do 3 maybe 4 miles. There are some hills. I walk in a state park so some sections are very cool with lots of trees and some sections are open with lots of sun, it's a nice mix. I take my ds(3), he usually sits in his stroller, though at times he will get out to walk, skip or run. Well there is a sign for the covered bridge trail so I figure my ds would like to see the bridge so I walk and walk and walk, then there it is. No not the bridge but a sign that says steep grade. Ok the hill is pretty steep but it's down, should I keep going? knowing I have to come back up? well I did. But at the bottom it turns to gravel and I can't push the stroller on gravel so we did not see the bridge and I made it up the hill but only with all of you in my thoughts, especially Dawn and your swimming, swimming swimming. So THANKS

 

[LAWalz23]

Happy Belated Birthday to Karen and Dawn!! Mine is Friday and I will be 42 (I can't believe I wrote that, I don't feel that old, usually !).

Karen- Your trip to the ER must have been frightening! My sister is also a diabetic and sometimes gets a very rapid heartbeat, I will pass on your info about potssium level and tell her to have her dr. check hers.

Beth- You, your mom and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Please continue to keep us updated.

As for me, it has been a baddd weekend and the start to this week did not start out well either but I am determined to get back on the wagon again tomorrow am starting with a 3.2 mile walk. I did get good news on Thursday from the vascular dr. as he said my cellulitis infection and my legs seem to be doing much better. I did have to refill another 2 weeks of oral antbiotics and continue to use the antibiotic cream until I see him in 3 weeks. And I have to keep my legs wrapped until further noticed, probably the rest of my life. I know in the scheme of things that this not a big thing compared to what others are going through so I have tried very hard to just do it but am getting tired of everybody asking me about my legs and having to explain it. Also, my younger sister, bil, and their 6.5 yr old twins (who I am very close to since I have none) are finally moving out to their own house. Yes, my head knows it is a good thiong for them, but my heart doesn't. And just to complete the picture, it is yet another bday without my older sister (who died 4 years ago very suddenly and I still miss very much). Emotionally it has been a rough few days but I know I have support here. And a big THANK YOU and HUG to Grammy, whose surprise came in the mail today brightening my mood and reminding me of everyone.

Hope everyone has a great week! Look forward to meeting all of you in January!

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

I got through - server says too busy -must have been everyone else trying to say Happy Birthday to Karen and Dawn before it's over - and if it's over - hope it was a happy day

Ah - yes - Monday - well it's almost over - I had the day off - but I have been busy busy busy ! I want tomorrow off too!

Only exercise I got today was mowing the lawn at Ohmom's house - took her girls back yesterday - stayed overnight and then I said that could be my walk for the day! (Her sweet DH was called in and worked all night and Molli - getting things ready to leave on vacation on Tues AM) they are going to the beach!

I am having trouble staying focused here - mmmmm - now let me say I am truly impressed with the training that is going on - keep it up.

I am "favoring" my knee again - so I think I will have a light exercise week this week - just gotta wait and see how it feels - so no real committment from me but I will stick with my food plan and the no eating after 7:00PM. I am maintaining and I want to get into the losing mode again - so I am thinking more serious and I have a big bowl of salad all made - so no excuses!

have a good week everyone

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Hi everyone

Wow another week and weekend have just flown by!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN & DAWN

I managed to meet my exercise goal last week of walking at least 5 times in the week for at least 30 min. On Sat. I was very pleased with myself, I walked 8 miles in just under 2 hours which means that I was maintaining a little under a 15 min. mile pace! My legs weren't too happy with me yesterday so it was a rest day but today they felt fine so I got outt there for a fast hour walk. I am doing better with the eating but still need to really work on that, the weekends just seem to keep me from eating OP . Well 1 step at a time. I am setting the goal again of walking 5 days this week and I will continue to work on my eating!

Karen I'm glad you got home safely! Thank you for the wonderful visit!!! Who knows I may be PMing you 1 of these days with DVC questions. I just need to keep working on Al. Good luck with getting back on track after your vacation and I hope you had a great birthday!

Dawn I am a scale addict too. It can be veryb frustrating at times! It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday. We can work together on this eating OP business . Good job planning your walks for when and where you can. It has been working great for me to get a walk in while DD is at her dance class 2 nights a week.

decaff Right before dinner and the evening are my hardest times for eating too. I am terrible about snacking while I'm making dinner. Take it 1 day at a time and you'll be able to make those goals!

Colleen Good luck with your speed workout! Don't think about it being harder but remember how well you did last week! And Yep I'm listening about DVC. I may be bombarding you with ??? about it too sometime in the future, Maybe I should check into some reasales? Maybe that would help convince DH.

Debbie Welcome home! It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Europe! I'm glad your knee is strengthening and that you were able to get in alot of walking in Europe! It sounds like you have a good (and busy) training plan.

Beth Any walk is better than no walk at all and great job staying away from that bag of Fritos! Thank you for keeping us updated on your mom. I am glad that you are able to accept her decision and support her. It is hard to let someone you love so much die with such dignity when we tend to want to keep them around as long as possible for oursakes. I am PROUD of YOU for being so BRAVE! Remember we are all here for you whenever you need us. We love you girlfriend.

Monica Great job walking with Collette and shaving time off while adding in hills! Congratulations on losing 3 1/2 pounds last week Keep up the great work!

MeMe Too bad you couldn't get your DS to see the bridge a 5 mile walk is great though and I'm glad it was thoughts of all of us that helped get you back up that steep hill

LAWalz That is wonderful that your cellulitis is doing better! Keep wrapping those legs and don't worry about what others think or say it is what you need to do to do this marathon with us! Sending prayers and PD your way to help you through these difficult days. IS your sister and her family moving far away? You might just have to start walking to their new house, if it isn't too far, like I walk to my sisters when I do my long walks.

Grammy I hope your knee feels better quickly! I did good a few days last week with the no eating after 7:00 with you but not so good a few others. I will recommitt to doing this this week!

Have a great week everyone and remember our motto WE WILL NOT BE SWEPT!

Cheryl

 

[trola2]

Good Tuesday morning everyone!!

I did manage a 33 minute walk this morning. I had hoped for longer, but I'll take it. Mygoal for tomorrow is 50 minutes. Stay tuned!

Thank you all for the prayers and pixie dust. My faith is strong and God will help all of us through this. Thank you!

Dawn, I meant to post a happy birthday to you yesterday and I'm a little scattered these days. Sounds like you had a wonderful day!

Debbie-LOL about me walking longer than to the fridge...I did do that but not a whole lot more!!

Monica, welcome back and great job on southbeach!

Meme- we walked a path like that in Jackson Mississippi a few months ago. Thought my brother's baby was goig to fall out of the stroller on his head, but we made it down...then it turned to gravel and we had to head back. Isn't that frustrating?! Good job for goingthere, though!

LAWalz, I turned 40 in May and it seem svery surreal sometimes. Particularly right now when there are moments that I feel so immature!!lol. I hpe you have a good birthday. Will your sis and family be far from you? That is a hard transition. I'm sorry for your losing your sister. Loss is so hard.... I hope your legs are better...do you have a lot of pain with that?

GRammy, it was busy here yesterday...I think it was partly due to September codes being released...everyone always has to share what their deals were and that they were excited...now if they will just come out with FL resident codes for Nov and Jan...

Cheryl, good for you on the walk and time!! You go girl!!

Sorry to those I missed...I'll be better.

Thank you ALL again for all the kind words. We're off to the doctor today with more test results. I'll let you guys know what happens.

Have a great day everyone and I look forward to reading about everyone's MILES that you are putting in!! Thinking of all of you gives me SMILES throughout my MILES.
~~Beth

 

[mishoe01]

Good Morning everyone!!!

Didn't do any walking yesterday, but wanted to drop in and say Hi.

Granny - got your "surprise" yesterday - thanks sooooo much!! That's so sweet...and green too (my favorite color!!).

I'm getting anxious to get down to WDW---I leave in 45 days for almost 1 week at the Marriott Grande Vista...then in 51 days my friend Colette is coming down and we're transferring over to POFQ for NOJ.....I CAN"T WAIT!!!! I want to go check out the "Contemporary" Hill that's been mentioned....where exactly is this???

OK -- off to work (ugh)....have a good Tuesday!

 

[tw1nsmom]

I was able to stay OP yesterday and so far today (of course it's only a little before 10am ). This morning I walked a little over 2 miles. I'm going to have to clock the mileage on my car so I know exactly how far it is. I'm still having a horrible time with my speed. I'm trying to be patient and realize that I've really only been training seriously for a few weeks, but right now I just can't picture myself getting fast enough to keep up a racing pace.

Grammy: I pm'd you thanking you for the wonderful surprise that arrived yesterday, but then I noticed you said you were having some technical difficulties. So, I thought I'd thank you here and tell you again how thoughtful it was of you.

Beth, my thoughts continue to be with you at this time.

Cheryl, you're doing great on your pacing! I'm incredibly impressed! If you don't mind me asking, what was your speed/pace when you first started training?

I want to thank everyone for all of their birthday wishes. It made a really nice day even more special. BTW, since everyone else is revealing their ages, I thought I'd let you know that this was 36 for me.

 

[pixiechick]

Boy, I hate it when I get behind--too many thoughts/people I don't want to forget! I'm just going to work backwards!!

tw1nsmom: Glad you had a nice day. As far as speed, developing distance will automatically help. If you have to choose between the two (I definately do) pick distance. You will get stronger and faster.

Monica: good job with the hills! When we were down in June, I rode the bus from Boardwalk to the MK "studying" the route! Itisn't the most exciting road in the world, but it was pretty cool thinking about it. Good job with the weight loss!

Beth: There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. Just know we're here. Your mom sounds like a strong and brave woman--I guess we know where YOU get it from! Keep us updated.

Cheryl: Come to the darkside (with DVC!) 8 miles!!!! Go Girl! Nice pace too. I kind of like it when my muscles are a little sore, it reminds me that they're getting stronger. Sick, huh?

Bev: you watch the kids AND mow the lawn?? Want to come visit me?? Take care of the knee. Ice and motrin are my new best friends! Tell Molli to have a great time in O.C.! She promised she'd exercise while there-I'm holding her to it!

LAWalz23: Sorry it's been bad the last few days! Keep following your treatment, it seems to be paying off at least somewhat. What do you have planned for your birthday? We have a bunch of summer babies here!

MeMe: I can just imagine what was going through your head when you realized you had to turn back!

Jody: What are you up to?

Debbie: congrats on the Gold medals! Walking in Europe-poor thing! Glad to hear your knee is improving. You will get back on track. As a matter of fact, I'm declaring that you already are, so there! Just go slow, and build gradually.

As for me....couldn't do the speed workout today. My legs felt dead. I'm dealing with TOM and think that had a huge impact. So I decided to just keep a steady pace, faster than my "easy" pace and get the distance in. I ended up doing 5 miles at an avg pace of 11:20. Not the intended plan, but certainly not a bad workout. I just keep reminding myself of where I was 6 months ago. It always amazes me!
So, "talk" to you all later, train well!

Colleen

 

[ibouncetoo]

Just a drive by to say......


Happy Belated Birthdays to Karen & Dawn!










.....looks like I'll be registering for the 10K today...shhhhhhhh.....

Oh, also, Monica......when it get's closer I'll PM you about meeting at WDW in September

OK, I'm officially 1/2 hour late in getting ready for work.....gotta hustle!