New Walker's Sharing Ideas

[funwalker]

Nice walk Panda!

I think I would so love to have the equipment to do everything at home and not have to get dressed, drive, etc to Gym - I live in a winter climate toooooooo. Hummm maybe it's because I don't wear the spandex

Oh...my Gosh. Oh I know you guys are but it's my first time!
I booked my hotel for WDW 2009 - I am staying at the POP.
Thanks Carrie for all your help Sweet

Now just need cheap Flights

We are getting the ice right now

 

[ms.mightyduck]

Good evening, walking friends! Tonight's walk consisted of walking a block to the dentist's office and walking back--THREE HOURS LATER. But, my amalgam fillings are replaced (they were starting to break down), my new filling is in, and my teeth are clean and polished. Six months until my next dental appointment (like a regular person!). This is the lesson I have learned about not buckling down and finding a "regular" dentist for several years. But I really like my new dentist, and we'll never have to play "catch up" again (especially because I wiped out my cash for this year in both my primary and secondary insurance!).

My face is still all twisty from the numbness--tonight I ate dinner BEFORE my appt so I can relax and wait for the numbness to wear off.

Panda, I hear you. My dental bills (the part not covered by the insurance) is a big part of why DH has said NO to the May trip (although, let's be honest, if I can find a *cheap* flight we can go--I'll have to book Pop instead of a moderate, but there are bigger sacrifices in the world). So glad to hear that you are walking again! Woohoo! Now do go crazy and overdo it. Take it easy and build the miles. (hmm... where did I hear that?). Like you, I am SO ready for a trip back to see my friend Mickey.

Robert, that sounds like WAY too much snow! And, as another DINK, I can say that it is the goal that makes me work out (training for something specific, having to be accountable here), not going to the gym. I HATE the gym. It's germy and it freaks me out. I'm trying to get better about it because point taken on xt, but still.

Lynn, stay warm! And ignore that mean panda, saying you aren't wonderful! [just teasing, Panda!] I love walking with dh--especially on long walk days when we have a chance to talk about stuff.

Have a great week, everyone!

Duckie

 

[windwalker]

This is for all my walking buds who live in the ice and snow this time of year:

http://www.innocentenglish.com/cute-animals/funny-animal-pics/funny-polar-bear-pic-img121.jpg

Have a safe day and stay warm.

Walking Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

I work out at home. I have equipment. As a matter of fact, I have the best equipment for 50 miles around! Fifty miles to the nearest club is a really, really good reason to have my own equipment!!!

I think I am back in the land of the living. I don't think I will walk this morning though. Because it's cold and windy, and because I tend to push too hard sometimes and just make things worse.

Congratulations to everyone getting their time and miles in! Y'all are so good!

 

[Lynn G]

Although we have to deal with wind and cold, we usually do not have to deal with snow and ice on roads (because the wind blows off all the snow to Nebraska before it sticks to the roads ). We also have nice days in the winter, sunshine and sometimes up to 50 degrees. So, I am thankful for clear roads, and very thankful for a calm day.

Scott and I usually do not train together, he is a runner and I am more of a walker. We often start out at the same time, but he will finish sooner, I am also responsible for the dogs, for some reason, they do not run well with Scott. He often runs laps around our loop, and the dogs want to go home after the first lap!

We have a bowflex and a treadmill at home, and I have lots of tapes - Pilates, aerobics, etc. I often have trouble getting on the bowflex or doing a tape, I sometimes think I would do better taking classes at a fitness club, but then I would have to get out of the house to get there. So, I think it is a toss up if it is better to have stuff at home or to go out to a club. The one advantage of a club is more choises.

 

[windwalker]

Lynn I think your snow blows all the way to Margie's and Lisa's places. They have had their share plus some.

Robert and Linda just stay snowed on all winter. But I think they have a plan to get some sun.

It's a good thing our Florida buds keep reminding us there is sunshine somewhere.

Sunny Dreaming Panda

 

[WDWFAN9]

Question for the serious walkers:
I'm still on the fence about which event to sign up for next year and since the rates are going up at the end of this week, I need to make a decision soon.

Here's my dilemma....I would LOVE to do the full again. The event was a very positive experience for me throughout. In many ways it was much easier than the very long walks that I did towards the end of training. It was my first full and so I had no idea how I would perform or how I would feel. I went into the event with a ton of training and a very big "can-do" attitude because I REALLY REALLY wanted to prove something to myself. The problem I'm having now is that the thought of all that training is not very appealing right now. I pretty much followed JB's plan to the letter because I was afraid not to. Unfortunately the heaviest training sessions were right around the holidays which can be a fairly stressful time anyway. If I have a half marathon scheduled for November and another half in early December, do you think I could get by with a little less training otherwise? I would still plan to do a 16, 18, and 20-miler at the end, but may lighten up on some of the shorter intensity walks. On the plus side, I've done it before so the fear is gone. On the down side, I've done it before so perhaps the drive is diminished? What say all you walking pros who have numerous full marathons and other spectacular achievements under your belt?

Jeanne - I am far, far, far from being a walking pro - but here is my story. Your 2008 experience exactly mirrors my 2007 full. I followed the MfM plan religiously. Inspite of the record heat I finished the full feeling very strong. Now keep in mind that I am a slow walker and that strong finish took me 6hrs55min! But I felt really good when I finished. I had no intention of repeating a full because of the amount of time needed to train over the holidays, but that special anniversary medal changed my mind. I found the training to be especially difficult - a matter of LTO, a new puppy who just now has started to sleep through the night, and a bunch of other stuff. My training just didn't seem fun, I know that the whole process isn't always a barrel of laughs, but the training the second time around seemed more of a burden that preparation. I only made it to mile 18 and stopped at the AK.

I am going to stick to 1/2's for now.....remember there is no such thing as JUST a 1/2, in the same way that we are not JUST walkers. So....I have no doubt that you could smoke the full course next year. And the Mickey medal will be a new design, but so will the Donald! Good luck with your decision! And, if you are looking for a training half in Dec - DH and I are doing the Las Vegas half (so are Anne and her DH). Perfect timing for WDW, no matter what you decide!!

 

[jeanneg]

Thanks for the input, Pat. I understand exactly what you're saying and think it pretty much mirrors my own situation. One little wrinkle I'm having is that John now really wants to try the full marathon. He was so supportive of me last year I want to be likewise for him. Well, you know how women always control the social calendar and what not.......I know that in my heart of hearts it will be a whole lot easier for him to train if I have to get out there also. Not that we really do it together. He walks slower than I do so he adds some running and we pretty much jockey back and forth. The point is we will be out there at the same time and pretty much always be in each other's view. Plus he has alot less time than I do, so those long walks will be very important. I hope it doesn't sound like i'm minimizing the half. Just about a year ago that also seemed like an impossible feat. Trust me, if he had wanted to sign up for the Donald again, I would have had both our applications in weeks ago. And the Vegas half sounds great. If he wasn't already maxed out on travel for '08 we would definitely consider it. As it is now, we plan to do Randleman again....we really liked that race.
BTW, I've been to Vegas several times in the past few years and if you want suggestions for shows, let me know.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Question for the serious walkers:
I'm still on the fence about which event to sign up for next year and since the rates are going up at the end of this week, I need to make a decision soon.

Here's my dilemma....I would LOVE to do the full again. The event was a very positive experience for me throughout. In many ways it was much easier than the very long walks that I did towards the end of training. It was my first full and so I had no idea how I would perform or how I would feel. I went into the event with a ton of training and a very big "can-do" attitude because I REALLY REALLY wanted to prove something to myself. The problem I'm having now is that the thought of all that training is not very appealing right now. I pretty much followed JB's plan to the letter because I was afraid not to. Unfortunately the heaviest training sessions were right around the holidays which can be a fairly stressful time anyway. If I have a half marathon scheduled for November and another half in early December, do you think I could get by with a little less training otherwise? I would still plan to do a 16, 18, and 20-miler at the end, but may lighten up on some of the shorter intensity walks. On the plus side, I've done it before so the fear is gone. On the down side, I've done it before so perhaps the drive is diminished? What say all you walking pros who have numerous full marathons and other spectacular achievements under your belt?

Jeanne: You know the kind of training I had for the Dopey this year

Once you get experience and know what to do and what not to do, this experience gets you over less training. The longest day I did the last 3 Goofy's was a 13 miler in 96. I have only done back to back walks at the Goofy(none in 3 years Goofy's).

You are strong and determined. If you think you can than you can. The race is always harded with less training. This years Goofy was the hardest thing I ever did(including 50 mile races) because I had NO training. Your plan will get you by. Remember, the weather is the major factor. If you can figure a way to deal with the heat, you will be fine.

My attitude is go for it. I will be at the back with you as I will have little or no training again.

 

[padisneyfan]

I have been MIA for several days. Had a cold and then LTO. Having new windows installed this week and has required me to tear apart and reassemble my entire house. It isn't over yet. I am hoping they came today to put in the huge window in my living room even though it is raining.

Pat I am there with you. I only did the marathon this year for the first and more than likely the last time. It just consumed so much of my life and to me life is to short to spend so much time training for a race. Halfs to me are more manageable and its not like a full time job with training. I feel been there done that and move on. I really don't even know how long I will continue to keep doing races. I plan for the Minnie, ToT and Donald and then I might be finished. I did alot of different type of physical exercise before I got into all this long distance walking and missed them while training for the marathon. Now that we have the team challenge going, I am so enjoying the variety of cross training. It is almost becoming a burden doing a long walk again on Sat as it now cuts back into a pump class. I know this forum has so many people who love doing the long distance racing and I admire that so many of you do all these different races. But I really believe that it is not going to be a long term committment on my part. But for now will be happy just doing the half.

Jeanne-- You soon are going to have to make a decision or if you wait enough WDW sports will be making it for you when the Donald is sold out.

Nancy

 

[WDWFAN9]

Hmm, Jeanne if you are already going to be putting in the steps keeping John company training you might as well go for the full - unless you think it would be more beneficial for him to have you scream teaming during the full. Not to worry though - there will be a lot of WISHers cheering on Sunday so you both will have a great support team if you decide on the full.

What's your favorite show in Vegas? While WDW is my happy place, Vegas is DH's. Plus his mom and favorite brother live there, so he gets there several times a year. I'm not that big on gambling, but we love to go out to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, Ethel M's chocolate factory (mmmm). The slowest finishers in the LV half last Dec finished in 8:08!! Yes, 8 hrs 8 minutes. Talk about a party pace!!

 

[jeanneg]

My 2 favorites are "O" and "Ka" both with Cirque du Soleil. We also did Blue Man Group a few years ago and that was truly pee-in-your-pants funny! It was their "Tubes" show. If you do it, sit as far back as you possibly can for the biggest effect. We bought our tickets as an afterthought that same day and ended up with seats that were among the best in the house. We also saw "Love" which is the show with the Beatle's Sgt. Pepper's music. It was good, but I think I liked the others better. I've also seen a ton of the B'way shows, so if there's one you're interested in, I may have seen that as well.

Yes, you can't miss Ethel M's chocolate factory. We thought Hoover Dam was overpriced and a little boring, but if you're adventurous drive the E.T. highway to Rachel, Nevada and go to the Little "Ale"In diner where you can purchase a map will guide you to the boundaries of Area 54. Now that's fun!

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Good Morning everyone! I received Marathoning For Mortals in the mail yesterday! I can't wait to start reading it. DBF is having shoulder surgery tomorrow so while I wait I'll have something to read!

 

[Steffwalks]

Pixie dust to you friend for a successful outcome and speedy recovery!

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Pixie dust to you friend for a successful outcome and speedy recovery!

Thanks! It should go smoothly, they are doing the type of surgery where they only need to make 2 or 3 small holes and they use a small camera to see! It's amazing the technology we now have!

 

[windwalker]

Thanks! It should go smoothly, they are doing the type of surgery where they only need to make 2 or 3 small holes and they use a small camera to see! It's amazing the technology we now have!

After Erica sold me for medical experimentation they used that same procedure to swap my brain with a wilderbeast.

I had to take yesterday off because of slick roads so I'm ready for a walk today. Since I can walk again without pain, if I warm up good, I'm excited again to get my steps in. I wish it was in the WDW sun instead of the treadmill but I'll take what I can get right now. That layoff to recover was boring.

Have an awesome day y'all.

Walking Panda

 

[ms.mightyduck]

Hello, everyone.

I had thought about training for the full, but since I have NO race experience (and I've only been "walking fast(er)" for five weeks) I decided to start with a half. Now that I am fitting in longer and longer walks, I definitely see how much time training for the full would take. i suspect at some point I'll do ONE (and probably make it a Goofy) and then go back to halves.

My face bruised from the 3-hour dental appt Friday and helped continue to this bad week I've had. I didn't workout on Tuesday, either, and tonight I did tempo work (although not as much as I had hoped).

I have a question for anyone who can give me some insight: when you are working out, how do you know if the discomfort is okay and it'll be fine later or if it's the kind where you can't walk for two days and could be more damaging than helpful? I hate when i am walking and my shins give me attitude or my calves start to burn, although when I kept walking through it on Saturday, it was fine the next day.

Any ideas?

 

[windwalker]

Hello, everyone.

I had thought about training for the full, but since I have NO race experience (and I've only been "walking fast(er)" for five weeks) I decided to start with a half. Now that I am fitting in longer and longer walks, I definitely see how much time training for the full would take. i suspect at some point I'll do ONE (and probably make it a Goofy) and then go back to halves.

My face bruised from the 3-hour dental appt Friday and helped continue to this bad week I've had. I didn't workout on Tuesday, either, and tonight I did tempo work (although not as much as I had hoped).

I have a question for anyone who can give me some insight: when you are working out, how do you know if the discomfort is okay and it'll be fine later or if it's the kind where you can't walk for two days and could be more damaging than helpful? I hate when i am walking and my shins give me attitude or my calves start to burn, although when I kept walking through it on Saturday, it was fine the next day.

Any ideas?

When I go to fast without warming up enouth my shins will hurt for a couple of miles. That happens every time. What works best for me is to walk an easy first mile then when I start to sweat, the sign I'm warm, I slowly pick up the speed. If I'm racing I walk and stretch for 30 min minimum before I start. If I'm going to go as fast as I can from the gun in a race I have to start warmed up.

If you are hurting slow down a bit and see if it gets better, if it does stay slow for a while till you are comfortable and then try picking up the speed again slowly. If you start hurting again ease off again.

When I'm racing I know going in that if I'm going to be in the lead pack I'm going to be uncomfortable, just a matter of how long I can keep the pace. I can usually go about 90 percent for about an hour to an hour and a half then fatigue sets in. So my good races are 10K and below.

If I'm doing a marathon or a half marathon, I get in a rythem that is comfortablly hard but that I can hold for 3 to 6 hours. Erica's stops are hard for me since I have to get the rythem back again and my achillies tightens up when I have to stop.

Walker Panda

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hi, I'm a Newbie here and to most forums!
I am a walker and found this thread for walkers, plus I love Disney
Hope all is well with everyone. I am taking a bit of a break. I did the WDW half in Jan 3hr14m, 2 weeks later the ING Miami Half 3hr11min and then 3 weeks later the A1A Fort Lauderdale Half 3hr15min. I have about a 1/3 of a toenail left on one toe and need to give it a break.
I have a judged 5K racewalk coming up in mid March, so i'm just gearing towards that.
Sorry for all those experiencing yucky weather, the weather here in South Florida is pretty good and actually cool right now. Tonight's low will be 55.

I will figure out all the signature stuff and add when I do.
Tracy

 

[windwalker]

Hi, I'm a Newbie here and to most forums!
I am a walker and found this thread for walkers, plus I love Disney
Hope all is well with everyone. I am taking a bit of a break. I did the WDW half in Jan 3hr14m, 2 weeks later the ING Miami Half 3hr11min and then 3 weeks later the A1A Fort Lauderdale Half 3hr15min. I have about a 1/3 of a toenail left on one toe and need to give it a break.
I have a judged 5K racewalk coming up in mid March, so i'm just gearing towards that.
Sorry for all those experiencing yucky weather, the weather here in South Florida is pretty good and actually cool right now. Tonight's low will be 55.

I will figure out all the signature stuff and add when I do.
Tracy

Hi Tracy and welcome. We have a lot of walkers on the WISH, feel free to join in any of the threads. If you decide you want to be on one of the teams just let me know.

That's cool that you are doing a judged competition. I have done a few myself. We have walk races here locally about once a month in the spring through fall. Most are 2 miles to 10K.

How long have you been race walking? Are you self taught like me or did you get coaching?

Walker Panda