Not enough Training Newbie

[princess aurora]

I AM a newbie for sure. FULL Marathon participant for 2009. I did my best until November (after finishing a half at the end of Sept). Plagued with IT band, knee problems and a plantar fasciitis flare up I did all I could to get some relief. Avoided hills, other exercises, adjustments, inserts you name it. I never got past 16K without excruciating/hobbling pain. Basically as you know rest is the real healer. I took November off. I never got back on. I let every excuse let me not get back out and run. I was afraid it would hurt. Then I hit my toe on a weight and almost broke it (it is severely bruised), went over on my ankle AND poked myself in the eye! Yes it's true. A comedy of errors I appear to have become. Now with such little time to go I am so out of shape and feeling so let down.

I plan to start. I'm not looking for the "oh you can do it" pep talk as I realize the limitations but I'm wondering I guess, hoping that the adrenaline of the day will help me somewhat. I plan to run as far as I can then walk when that gets too much. Just wanted to share my story a little I guess. My DH doesn't really "get it". Not that he doesn't care. He just doesn't really know how to be supportive.

Any totally derailed participants out there still going?

 

[Cruella de mom]

If you don't mind walking, you will be fine. Look around you for other "walking woundeds" and keep each other company.

 

[deekaypee]

Princess Aurora,

I'm one of the walking wounded of which Cecilia speaks. (Great line!)

Like you, I'm embracing the DLF>DNF>DNS WISH motto--it's better to start and see what I can do rather than not make the attempt. I was tempted to adopt the strategy you're looking at--run, then walk--but ultimately decided on a steady walk. I'm planning to start walking because I'm still recovering and, although I'm now up to a 3/2 RW on my SRs, I'm not sure I could do a RW marathon without risking re-injury to my back.

That said, it sounds to me like you're made an honest assessment of what your capabilities are, and that your plan will work for you. Just know that you're not alone in your situation, that you're always welcome with the rest of us back-of-the-packers (I'm a proud member whether I'm running or walking!), and that you can still have a great time at a Disney race regardless of whether your time goals have changed or even if you finish!

Also, and I find this helpful and hope you do too, remember: "This is not the last donut you'll ever eat." There will be other races, other Disney events, and the important thing is to keep as healthy and injury-free as possible so that post-marathon you can recover easily and address your physical issues. I think you'll find participating in the marathon just the incentive you need to train for January 2010!

 

[believe]

I also am a walking wounded. I started out being well, then ran into knee issues at my second 1/2 marathon. I was doing intervals. I now have to walk this marathon. I did complete a 20 mile training a few weeks ago, so I am hoping that is enough.

Maybe we should get a group of the walking wounded to walk together

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maybe we should get a group of the walking wounded to walk together

We could get our own t-shirt design!

Your story sounded so familiar! I finally threw in the towel in August and quit my Galloway group. I literally couldn't walk on Monday morning after our weekend runs - between the PF, IT band, hip flexor, piriformis - everything hurt and nothing helped. After 2 months of no activity, I started back slowly, and with the help of another WISHer (Jeanneg) started doing long walks instead of runs, and by November was able to do the half marathon I'd scheduled.

Now, like Debra, my strategy is to start with the walkers (and walking wounded!), and then if I'm feeling good somewhere between mile 13 and 20 switch to R/W. Or if I'm having too much fun with the back-of-the-packers, I may just hang with them! I thought about starting R/W, but then realized if I started feeling bad, the WISH group might not be there when I need them, but if I do it this way, I know they'll be there.

Jackie

 

[TINKRUNSSLOW]

I am also in the same boat. I am a newbie in a crisis. I did good training up until I did a half marathon, and then my other life got in the way. My training was so sporadic, and the longest I have done is 16 miles. I am hopping on the treadmill in a little while, but I just don't think this late in the game it will make a difference. I will be a back of the packer, however have resolved that I will still get the first medal as the people at the front of the pack. Hope to see everyone along the way. We can keep each other company.

Heather

 

[msblrobs]

Throwing my hat in the "walking wounded," "comedy of errors" and undertrained ring I'm not a Newbie, this will be my 5th consecutive WDW full, but I am physically impaired due to severe arthritis in my right knee and am undertrained due to a large case of LTO in the past several months. Heck, I wasn't even planning on doing this event until a bib became available a few weeks ago Like Debra, I am thinking of strictly walking this one, as opposed to a RW attempt with unknown consequences .
You have a good plan in mind and if you can get past a time goal and accept covering 26.2 in 7 hours, no matter what the day brings, you'll be okay. I won't lie, being undertrained, it's not going to be pretty, easy or pain-free but if it were any of those, lots of people would be doing marathons WDW is a great walker-friendly race and you'll have lots of company out on the course. WISH scream teams will be out at several locations and they provide great support and encouragement to help you keep putting one foot infront of the other when you truly need it . Draw on the energy of the crowd and keep your eye on the prize to keep you going . The mental part of it is what you should try to address beforehand because that's what will break you in the end. If you tell yourself you can do it no matter what then there's no doubt you will achieve your goal on 1/11 Please make sure you introduce yourself if you see any WISH'ers out on the course (my WISH shirt has my name in LARGE letters across the front) and we'll keep an eye out for you. No WISH'er gets left behind and we try our best to make sure all are accounted for

Jackie and Debra - I'm guessing you both will have WISH apparel on race day and please lets look out for each other. I'll have a WISH hat on in addition to the aforementioned WISH shirt. I'm not getting in until Saturday night but the bib I'll be wearing puts me in Corral D on red start and I will look for WISH'ers pre-marathon. I really don't have any gameplan for the day except enjoying the journey and seeing my WISH family again .

Best of luck to all of the walking wounded, undertrained, etc . Remember, the finishers medals look the same if you finish in 3 or 7 hours - it makes no difference. All that matters is you had the courage to cover the distance

 

[princess aurora]

Thank you all sooooooooooooooo much. This is what I needed. I really thought I'd be "alone" in my suffering.
msblrobs "Courage to Cover the Distance!" I LOVE that. I might have to make it my mantra from now till the finish line.
The stats are only 1% of the population ever complete a half or full marathon. THAT is exceptional! I WILL be in that group!
Thank you WISHers. I look forward to seeing you out there!!!!!!

 

[luvdiz2]

Just reading through this brought tears to my eyes. I too am undertrained and have been questioning whether I could walk the marathon. You have given me my hope back - I'll see you other wishers at the start and the finish!

 

[deekaypee]

Jackie and Debra - I'm guessing you both will have WISH apparel on race day and please lets look out for each other. I'll have a WISH hat on in addition to the aforementioned WISH shirt. I'm not getting in until Saturday night but the bib I'll be wearing puts me in Corral D on red start and I will look for WISH'ers pre-marathon. I really don't have any gameplan for the day except enjoying the journey and seeing my WISH family again .

Best of luck to all of the walking wounded, undertrained, etc . Remember, the finishers medals look the same if you finish in 3 or 7 hours - it makes no difference. All that matters is you had the courage to cover the distance

Sara: Capital idea! (I've always wanted to say that--imagine a faux British accent.) I'll be wearing my itty-bitty RR WISH shirt, but I'm all the way back in Corral G, I think. I'll be on the lookout for you and Jackie--and all the walking wounded who are interested!

Also, I know Jeanne (Ohana's captain) is walking the full and she's got lots of pacing experience for this distance. I'm actually hoping to find lots of walkers just wanting to enjoy the day and getting to know each other. Like you, that's my game plan--except it'll be the first time I meet many of you. I'm so excited! I plan on getting to the marathon early and finding all the WISHers I can! (Wearing lime green, you can run but you can't hide--not even from me. )

Princess Aurora, thanks for posting this thread. I know it made me feel a lot better.

Also, you, believe, Heather, Cindy, and anyone else....please think about joining us. It'll be tons of fun. We can't walk four or five abreast, but we can always leapfrog between each other. The one regret I have from last year's Goofy is that I was so worried about finishing in my projected time that I forgot to have fun: introduce myself to WISHers, take pictures, etc. That's one mistake I won't make again!

 

[Dizzytime]

Here's a somewhat-objective-but still sympathetic-from-an-outsider answer.

I'm not running this year in Disney, but I signed up for the full marathon in 2000 and ended up switching to the half after I arrived. Due to injuries, I didn't think I was in shape and confident enough to do the marathon so I switched to the half!

The funny thing was I ended up breezing through the half with lot to spare so I immediately regretted not having stayed in the full as I originally planned. But... then the light came on...that I had unfinished business, yep! I sure did. I now had my excuse to return and do the full so I'd have both medals! Oh boy, that made me feel so smart, and yes and I did go back and run the full in 2003.

So, you could consider switching to the half, ( I guess they still allow that?), but if you were in good shape before you were injured you'll be fine if you don't push it.

Hope you don't mind a non-participant chiming in, but I'm a little jealous and envy and admire you for going for it!!

 

[TnTsParty]

Sorry Dizzytime they no longer allow you to switch - if you sign up for the full you are committed to the full.

 

[Dizzytime]

Sorry Dizzytime they no longer allow you to switch - if you sign up for the full you are committed to the full.

Why are you sorry? I'm not even running! I'm eager to learn what's new!

Is this your first marathon? Oh man... best of luck, that is wonderful~

 

[TnTsParty]

Thanks Dizzytime - yes its my first marathon.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Sara: Capital idea! (I've always wanted to say that--imagine a faux British accent.) I'll be wearing my itty-bitty RR WISH shirt, but I'm all the way back in Corral G, I think. I'll be on the lookout for you and Jackie--and all the walking wounded who are interested!

Also, I know Jeanne (Ohana's captain) is walking the full and she's got lots of pacing experience for this distance. I'm actually hoping to find lots of walkers just wanting to enjoy the day and getting to know each other. Like you, that's my game plane--except it'll be the first time I meet many of you. I'm so excited! I plan on getting to the marathon early and finding all the WISHers I can! (Wearing lime green, you can run but you can't hide--not even from me. )

Princess Aurora, thanks for posting this thread. I know it made me feel a lot better.

Also, you, believe, Heather, Cindy, and anyone else....please think about joining us. It'll be tons of fun. We can't walk four or five abreast, but we can always leapfrog between each other. The one regret I have from last year's Goofy is that I was so worried about finishing in my projected time that I forgot to have fun: introduce myself to WISHers, take pictures, etc. That's one mistake I won't make again!

I'm pretty sure I'm in Corral G with you. And Jeanne is one of the reasons that I'm sure I can walk this and get it done - she can absolutely pace it and make it happen.

Like you, I didn't have as much fun last year as I should have. I did pace with Tina/Texa for about 8 miles of the Half, but then I was all alone until the finish and felt so bad then that I didn't hang around. I did have a GREAT time in the staging area beforehand though - so for anyone who has any doubts, either wear a WISH shirt, or look for the sea of lime green before you get to the corrals and just walk up and say hello. I am ordinarily as shy as you can be, but I was amazingly okay with going into 16,000 people all by myself last year because I knew there would be WISHers there.

And Sara - I love it- "the finishers medals look the same if you finish in 3 or 7 hours." See you Sunday morning!

Jackie

 

[msblrobs]

Sara: Capital idea! (I've always wanted to say that--imagine a faux British accent.) I'll be wearing my itty-bitty RR WISH shirt, but I'm all the way back in Corral G, I think. I'll be on the lookout for you and Jackie--and all the walking wounded who are interested!

Also, I know Jeanne (Ohana's captain) is walking the full and she's got lots of pacing experience for this distance. I'm actually hoping to find lots of walkers just wanting to enjoy the day and getting to know each other. Like you, that's my game plan--except it'll be the first time I meet many of you. I'm so excited! I plan on getting to the marathon early and finding all the WISHers I can! (Wearing lime green, you can run but you can't hide--not even from me. )

It sounds like we have a plan I'm all up for jumping into Corral G from the get go In the past 4 years I've run WDW, I have never really taken the time to soak up all of the wonderment of it. I will be carrying my camera for the first time and taking lots of pics. Just looking for a fun time making new friends and having a memorable experience with a little bling thrown in to show for my efforts I'll PM you my cell phone number the week prior so we can try to hook up pre-race . We may not have been introduced before but I've been a WISH'er since 10/05 so I am sure you'd probably recognize me . I mostly hang on the BOT thread with my MCM, Philly, RTB race crew but hope to venture a bit on the boards to stay in the loop as we get closer to race day .

Happy taper to all

 

[TINKRUNSSLOW]

I will definetly look you folks up so that I have company. I originally thought that I could finish in 5:30 hours, then it was 6 hours, and now I just want to finish. The longest wog (run/walk) that I completed was 16 miles, and that was a few weeks ago. I have done almost all my training on a dreadmill, so I am hoping that the crowd and the adrenaline will kick in and carry me the rest of the distance.

Thank you everyone for yo words of encouragement, and thank you Princess Aurora for posting this initially.


Heather

 

[MouseDogMom]

Sara - I saw over on the BOT thread that you have a new puppy? We have TWO in the house as of last weekend... if your life is as chaotic as mine, I'm thinking it should count for at least some training! I keep wanting to run, but I'm too tired after chasing puppies all day. I'm actually thinking walking 26 miles will be a breeze, or at the very least relaxing!

Jackie

 

[jeanneg]

Also, I know Jeanne (Ohana's captain) is walking the full and she's got lots of pacing experience for this distance.

I DO???????? Since when does walking ONE marathon amount to lots of experience!!!!!
Seriously guys, you give me way too much credit. That said, what I lack in experience I make up for with spirit and determination. We WILL finish this thing and we'll have fun doing it. No matter how much training you've got under your belt, just think of this as your nearly 7-hour victory lap and ENJOY every second of it. And remember that every single person you see cheering along the course is there cheering for YOU! I'm so happy to know there will be lots of WISHers at the back of the pack......it should be a blast!

BTW, the WISHer we should be tagging along with is Wendy (getnthinr) Not only is she doing the Dopey (all 3 races) but this will be her 30th full marathon! And she walks just about every step also......now that's a lady with experience!

 

[deekaypee]

Bumping this thread so that other WISHers can see the plans being made for "the back of the pack" party animals!

I DO???????? Since when does walking ONE marathon amount to lots of experience!!!!!
Seriously guys, you give me way too much credit. That said, what I lack in experience I make up for with spirit and determination. We WILL finish this thing and we'll have fun doing it. No matter how much training you've got under your belt, just think of this as your nearly 7-hour victory lap and ENJOY every second of it. And remember that every single person you see cheering along the course is there cheering for YOU! I'm so happy to know there will be lots of WISHers at the back of the pack......it should be a blast!

BTW, the WISHer we should be tagging along with is Wendy (getnthinr) Not only is she doing the Dopey (all 3 races) but this will be her 30th full marathon! And she walks just about every step also......now that's a lady with experience!

Jeanne: Really, only one? I thought you'd done a couple of marathons in addition to a bunch of other distances. See how you impress me with your knowledge?! You've trained as a walker, and I know you and Nancy looked fabulous at ToT. You took everything in stride, literally and figuratively. I'm proud to be walking with you, and know I will learn a lot about fitness walking. Here's to getting our money's worth for the full!

And big kudos to Wendy. I had no idea she will be doing her 30th. There's got to be something that commemorates such an accomplishment. A 30th wedding anniversary is pearl...maybe she should treat herself to something in a Pearl Izumi?