Official 2011 Princess Half Marathon Thread - Link to new thread Post 3703!

[pinkxray]

I use Galloway's method and can't do 25 minute continuous. I can't do more than about 5 min continuous to be honest. I tried C25K and it just didn't work for me.

I am not sure what your time goal is, but I have done 2 halfs this year using Galloway, and right now avg an 11-13 min pace (short-long) doing either run 2, walk 1 (2:1) or run 3, walk 1 (3:1).

Since you are already at a run for 25 min point, my recommendation would be to try cewait's method above, and do run 5, walk 1, and see how you like it.

Correct on mental toughness.... You know you can and you want to do it again. I agree that you can and probably should head down the run/walk path to completing the program. Do not feel like you are failing if r/w a run. The goal is to run the time/distance. As distances grow into a half distance the need to r/w will increase. At some point in the process of training for the half, I would encourage you to work to make the mid-week runs continuous.

Thank you both for the replies. I will try walk/run tomorrow. Hopefully it will go well.

 

[honeybrook_99]

Coach, and anyone else who may have any experience with this syndrome...
Today, after meeting with an orthopedic doctor for a second visit I was sent for an MRI and based on the results which I will get Tuesday, he is propositioning surgery. I do not take surgery lightly and am quite afraid and after doing some research on what he is claiming is my "problem" I would like your opinion. First off though, you may need some background on me... I am an overweight but otherwise healthy woman in her late 20's. I have a job that requires me to stand on my feet for at least 10 hours a day. I have walked on the treadmill off and on for years but back in july I signed up for the princess half. I started my training strictly walking for an hour at a time and after a month of that have since followed the galloway method. I do not (and cannot frankly) run for more than a couple of minutes at a time but instead run for 1-2 minutes (5mph) and then walk for 2-3 minutes (3mph). Since then I have developed a discomfort in my left knee directly under the kneecap. I would not even classify it as pain, it just feels like it needs to pop. I thought this could be attributed to an ankle injury I had last year because my left foot pointed outward instead of strait when I ran. The dr. did several x-rays, looked at my knees and put me in a brace and some otc orthotics and said to come back in a month if it wasn't better- and it wasn't. When I went back today, he said he suspected that it was "plica syndrome" and they would do and MRI to take a look. It would also rule out a meniscal tear. But if it was plica they would go in with an arthroscope and remove it. I asked was this necessary or was it something I could just live with- it doesn't hurt it is just annoying, but he said that it was absolutely necessary and that if it wasn't removed it could develop into something much worse causing damage to the cartilage and bone. I do not want surgery unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY- what do you think? Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post!!!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Coach, and anyone else who may have any experience with this syndrome...
Today, after meeting with an orthopedic doctor for a second visit I was sent for an MRI and based on the results which I will get Tuesday, he is propositioning surgery. I do not take surgery lightly and am quite afraid and after doing some research on what he is claiming is my "problem" I would like your opinion. First off though, you may need some background on me... I am an overweight but otherwise healthy woman in her late 20's. I have a job that requires me to stand on my feet for at least 10 hours a day. I have walked on the treadmill off and on for years but back in july I signed up for the princess half. I started my training strictly walking for an hour at a time and after a month of that have since followed the galloway method. I do not (and cannot frankly) run for more than a couple of minutes at a time but instead run for 1-2 minutes (5mph) and then walk for 2-3 minutes (3mph). Since then I have developed a discomfort in my left knee directly under the kneecap. I would not even classify it as pain, it just feels like it needs to pop. I thought this could be attributed to an ankle injury I had last year because my left foot pointed outward instead of strait when I ran. The dr. did several x-rays, looked at my knees and put me in a brace and some otc orthotics and said to come back in a month if it wasn't better- and it wasn't. When I went back today, he said he suspected that it was "plica syndrome" and they would do and MRI to take a look. It would also rule out a meniscal tear. But if it was plica they would go in with an arthroscope and remove it. I asked was this necessary or was it something I could just live with- it doesn't hurt it is just annoying, but he said that it was absolutely necessary and that if it wasn't removed it could develop into something much worse causing damage to the cartilage and bone. I do not want surgery unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY- what do you think? Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post!!!

Is your ortho doctor a runner? I think it can't hurt to get a second opinion from a doctor that is an avid runner. They deal with injuries themselves so they are a bit more knowledgeable about what the options are. Some docs are quick to choose the surgery route but IMO it is should be a last resort type of decision. There aren't any other solutions that they are presenting you with as a wait and see type of thing? Like getting custom orthotic inserts, losing a certain amount of weight, doing water exercise and foregoing exercises that would add to the problem and stopping any marthon training? Then revisiting it in a month or two and seeing if things are improving? Regardless, it appears that in order to diagnose this they need to get in there and see what is going on with a scope. After they do that, they can then tell you what the situation will be. But, going in expecting something to be removed, etc. is a bit overzealous to me. Hopefully, you get better news after they do that. Good Luck!

 

[cewait]

Coach, and anyone else who may have any experience with this syndrome...
Today, after meeting with an orthopedic doctor for a second visit I was sent for an MRI and based on the results which I will get Tuesday, he is propositioning surgery. I do not take surgery lightly and am quite afraid and after doing some research on what he is claiming is my "problem" I would like your opinion. First off though, you may need some background on me... I am an overweight but otherwise healthy woman in her late 20's. I have a job that requires me to stand on my feet for at least 10 hours a day. I have walked on the treadmill off and on for years but back in july I signed up for the princess half. I started my training strictly walking for an hour at a time and after a month of that have since followed the galloway method. I do not (and cannot frankly) run for more than a couple of minutes at a time but instead run for 1-2 minutes (5mph) and then walk for 2-3 minutes (3mph). Since then I have developed a discomfort in my left knee directly under the kneecap. I would not even classify it as pain, it just feels like it needs to pop. I thought this could be attributed to an ankle injury I had last year because my left foot pointed outward instead of strait when I ran. The dr. did several x-rays, looked at my knees and put me in a brace and some otc orthotics and said to come back in a month if it wasn't better- and it wasn't. When I went back today, he said he suspected that it was "plica syndrome" and they would do and MRI to take a look. It would also rule out a meniscal tear. But if it was plica they would go in with an arthroscope and remove it. I asked was this necessary or was it something I could just live with- it doesn't hurt it is just annoying, but he said that it was absolutely necessary and that if it wasn't removed it could develop into something much worse causing damage to the cartilage and bone. I do not want surgery unless it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY- what do you think? Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post!!!

***First of all I need to really be clear on the fact that I am not getting in a position between a doctor and a patient. Anything I offer is anecdotal based on what I understand from your description. From that I will offer a little guidance on what I would possibly do. Deal? ***

I am not a fan of surgery, either. But saying that I have several sets of ¼” hole sized scars in knees, elbow and shoulder. There may be an alternative treatment that could be attempted through the use of a cortisone injection to the back of the patella. This MAY decrease the inflammation in the joint and give you some relief. But from what I understand of the syndrome it manifested itself due to higher levels of use; or is considered an overuse injury. Note that the injection route may/will cause you to not run for a few weeks. Even with the injection, making an attempt to run the Princess the issue may reappear soon. To remove the issue you may need to not run the Princess. From what I understand of the plica, once inflamed it can become scarred and the pain/issue can recur more rapidly and without as much stress to the joint.

Let me pose an alternative that will support a surgical solution, should the doctor recommend one. If you are planning on running the Princess and it is a high priority, a surgical solution today is better than waiting until the light nuisance type pain becomes a severe or constant pain. Running will not improve the condition. Therefore, if the doctor comes into the exam room with a couple brochures you need to be ready to make an informed decision. Your doctor will take some time to discuss the procedure, any possible alternatives that are non-surgical based and I even ask what they would do. Surprisingly, my orhto once said wait and see, so they are not all oriented to getting you into the operating theater.

I would proceed with the MRI just to allow the doctor and you some assurance that there are no other more urgent issues. From that I would discuss all alternatives with the doctor. Your outward pointing foot during stride indicates a possible muscle/alignment issue through the knee. That could be driving the pain. The outward pointing knee can be a result of weight, a muscle imbalance or structural issue in a joint.

There is no easy answer. Hope this helps some. Please let me know if yu have any other questions.

 

[honeybrook_99]

Thanks guys! I know ya'll aren't docs (neither am I) so it is so hard to put my faith, or better, my knee in his hands. I chose this doctor because his resume said he specialized in sports medicine and his PA was a personal trainer for many years before going to school to be a PA. I felt confident they would be familiar with sports related injury. They did not, however ask to see me stand (except for the xray views I guess) nor ask me to run- both of which I thought would show if it was a gait issue. He also did not offer any alternatives today to surgery but I may get a second opinon before I jump in. I just have read post after post of people who said they were better off before the surgery I just wondered if I was better off not doing it. From what I read, either way, the princess seems to be out for me since most people are out of commission for several weeks after the surgery. I have lost over 35 lbs in my process and hate to put a halt to it now- but if I have to so be it. After the MRI I'll repost and tell how it's going....

 

[joan4mickey]

First, as much as I hate the MRI machine, it is a great tool and shows so much detail it is well worth it.

Second, I hate surgery, but the small 1/4" opening are not bad, don't require stitches, and I have been in rehab the same day as surgery.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Thanks guys! I know ya'll aren't docs (neither am I) so it is so hard to put my faith, or better, my knee in his hands. I chose this doctor because his resume said he specialized in sports medicine and his PA was a personal trainer for many years before going to school to be a PA. I felt confident they would be familiar with sports related injury. They did not, however ask to see me stand (except for the xray views I guess) nor ask me to run- both of which I thought would show if it was a gait issue. He also did not offer any alternatives today to surgery but I may get a second opinon before I jump in. I just have read post after post of people who said they were better off before the surgery I just wondered if I was better off not doing it. From what I read, either way, the princess seems to be out for me since most people are out of commission for several weeks after the surgery. I have lost over 35 lbs in my process and hate to put a halt to it now- but if I have to so be it. After the MRI I'll repost and tell how it's going....

The Princess isn't going away anytime soon - so that opportunity will always be there! It is a great accomplishment to have lost the 35 lbs. So awesome! I hope that the doctors come up with some alternatives for you if there are any and a second doctor offers some insight. Please keep us posted.

 

[cewait]

Thanks guys! I know ya'll aren't docs (neither am I) so it is so hard to put my faith, or better, my knee in his hands. I chose this doctor because his resume said he specialized in sports medicine and his PA was a personal trainer for many years before going to school to be a PA. I felt confident they would be familiar with sports related injury. They did not, however ask to see me stand (except for the xray views I guess) nor ask me to run- both of which I thought would show if it was a gait issue. He also did not offer any alternatives today to surgery but I may get a second opinon before I jump in. I just have read post after post of people who said they were better off before the surgery I just wondered if I was better off not doing it. From what I read, either way, the princess seems to be out for me since most people are out of commission for several weeks after the surgery. I have lost over 35 lbs in my process and hate to put a halt to it now- but if I have to so be it. After the MRI I'll repost and tell how it's going....

I would say that most knee issues seem to be positive, if you follow up with a strong post-op PT program. I would also say that, in consultation with your doc that Princess is not our for 11 if you choose the surgical route.

Again, go into the followup visit with an open mind understanding that there are always options. If your doc hears a strong concern or no in your questions/responses he will/should respond in a way that is non-invasive...but I find that sports oriented docs are ones who are looking for the quicker way to get you back on the field. Lets face it, most athletes are not wanting to wait 6 weeks to see if it heales then try another alternative for an additional 6-8 weeks. We just want to get it over. I also agree that if concerned a second optinion is a good thing...

 

[Jeter02]

I can now offically say I have completed 8 miles I finished it within 1:45...not the greatest, but I DID IT!!!!!!! This was my first run in the past 2 weeks, since I have been to sick to run, minus a running nose, it went rather well.

Next week is a shorter run of 6 miles and then the BIG 1-0!

I spoke to a friend of mine, and I think I am going to try to eventually go up to 12 miles I think. I know most plans have you stop at 10, but I have plenty of time before the race, I figured I could give it a try.

 

[Trudes]

Jeter~Congrats on the 8 miles. You DID it, that's great!

My training program only took me to 10 miles too. I tweaked it a little and ran my 12 last week. This weekend I think I only run 8, I have to look. Just 2 weeks til my half, yikes......

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I can now offically say I have completed 8 miles I finished it within 1:45...not the greatest, but I DID IT!!!!!!! This was my first run in the past 2 weeks, since I have been to sick to run, minus a running nose, it went rather well.

Next week is a shorter run of 6 miles and then the BIG 1-0!

I spoke to a friend of mine, and I think I am going to try to eventually go up to 12 miles I think. I know most plans have you stop at 10, but I have plenty of time before the race, I figured I could give it a try.

Aren't new distances awesome??!! Long runs are supposed to be slow so do not try and beat any land speed records doing them. You train to race...not race to train!!!!

I would highly advise going up to 12 miles as I did and it does wonders for your confidence!

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

As you can see from my top countdown ticker, I am so excited, nervous and READY!!!! Bring it!

:

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

As you can see from my top countdown ticker, I am so excited, nervous and READY!!!! Bring it!

:

I would wish you luck, but you don't need it. The training is all there. Enjoy yourself! Take it easy when you need to, kick hard when it feels good. Be kind to other runners, and smile when you cross the finish line.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

I would wish you luck, but you don't need it. The training is all there. Enjoy yourself! Take it easy when you need to, kick hard when it feels good. Be kind to other runners, and smile when you cross the finish line.

Thank you, Amy! That is awesome advice and I will indeed write it on my arm LOL. Seriously, that is great advice! THANK YOU!

 

[es45]

I would wish you luck, but you don't need it. The training is all there. Enjoy yourself! Take it easy when you need to, kick hard when it feels good. Be kind to other runners, and smile when you cross the finish line.

Perfect advice; I love it!

I finished my first 5k today. It was exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. I learned a lot about how to train better and now the Princess Half doesn't seem so far out of reach.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Perfect advice; I love it!

I finished my first 5k today. It was exhilarating and nerve-wracking at the same time. I learned a lot about how to train better and now the Princess Half doesn't seem so far out of reach.

Congratulations on your first 5k and from calculations, you should be totally hooked now!! Woo hoo!

 

[Jeter02]

Jeter~Congrats on the 8 miles. You DID it, that's great!

My training program only took me to 10 miles too. I tweaked it a little and ran my 12 last week. This weekend I think I only run 8, I have to look. Just 2 weeks til my half, yikes......

Thanks Trudes and Laurie! Yea the more I think about it I will do the 12...Kinda excited, because the number does make me feel more comfortable, even though I know I can complete it.

 

[Jeter02]

Out of curosity has anone or does anyone plan to run with a water bottle during race? I know there is water stations and all, but honestly during my training, I take a sip of water here and there when needed. As well as pooring a little on the back of my neck and head to cool me down, it always refreshes me as weird as it sounds, and wakes me up and gives me that extra energy needed from the cool down.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Out of curosity has anone or does anyone plan to run with a water bottle during race? I know there is water stations and all, but honestly during my training, I take a sip of water here and there when needed. As well as pooring a little on the back of my neck and head to cool me down, it always refreshes me as weird as it sounds, and wakes me up and gives me that extra energy needed from the cool down.

First of all, congrats on your 8 miler. That's a great distance.

I don't race with a water bottle, but you should absolutely do whatever you train with. Recreating your training conditions in a race is the best way to do well. Things are going to happen in race conditions that you do NOT expect, and the more prepared you are, the better.

That all being said, the chances are pretty good that the Princess morning will be pretty darn cold, and you may not need to carry water with you. As we get into the colder temperatures, you'll get a good picture of what your body wants.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Out of curosity has anone or does anyone plan to run with a water bottle during race? I know there is water stations and all, but honestly during my training, I take a sip of water here and there when needed. As well as pooring a little on the back of my neck and head to cool me down, it always refreshes me as weird as it sounds, and wakes me up and gives me that extra energy needed from the cool down.

I am definitely running with my Amphipod belt as that is how I train and it works so well for me. Why take the chance if water becomes scarce towards the end of races? I have seen that happen.