Official 2012 Princess 1/2 marathon thread part 2

[HockeyKat]

Congrats to all the Princesses getting in major mileage!!

However, I am wishing it was 8 weeks away and not 4.

I was able to get in a measly 2, mostly walking, on Wednesday with no leg pain and it's still doing okay. Today is probably 6, maybe 8, also just walking.

My plan right now is to spend the next few weeks working up to 8-10 walking as a long walk and 1-2 weekly walks of 2 miles, and hope that I can make it through the Princess without the crazy blisters I got last year untrained.

I had a really good run/walk base up until Dec 10th, so I am hoping that it won't be too hard to get back to it.

My lot in life seems to be to get injured in Nov/Dec and limp my way through this race - this is 2 years in a row!!

 

[pilgrimr]

I thought I chime in. I have been following but haven't said anything yet. I am signed up for the Princess Half. I will be one of the few guys running it. I am trying for the coast to coast and the Princess was the race that I could fit in a family vacation. My kids are all signed up for the kids races from to mile to my youngest who is 16 months old. This will be my second half, my first was last Jan at WDW.

Training is going to plan. This week I have a ten mile run which is my longest run before the race. It is good to see everyone training and excited for the race with just a month away. I watch YouTube videos to get me excited and motivated for the race. Good luck everyone on the last month of training.

 

[J-2]

I ran 12 miles yesterday. It was not as good as the 12 mile run I did 3 weeks ago, but I guess everyone has a bad run every now and then. Just glad that it's done!

I'm planning to do one more long run two weeks before the race of about 9-10 miles instead of the 14 miles Galloway has scheduled. I want the race to be my first time going the 13.1!

Getting excited that it's almost here! I've got all my Mickey mail and tickets ready to go.

 

[bellerunner]

4 weeks from now we will be finishers and have our medals!

My friend and I will probably be somewhere between the shower, getting dressed (for the parks), and eating at this point.

Where will you be?

 

[westgre]

I am hoping to do 5 or 6 miles tomorrow, but my knee has been killing me since I did my 11 mile run on Tuesday. It's my patellar tendon. If I bend my knee it hurts. I don't want to over do it and cause more pain and damage, but I want to be able to get the miles in. I had taken 2 weeks off for my shins, maybe going up to 11 after only one short run wasn't a good idea. But it felt so good to get back out there, especially since the weather was so nice on Tuesday. My knee didn't hurt while I was running at all, just started about an hour or 2 afterward. More ice and ibuprophen.

My knee did the same thing after my 11 mile run on Dec. 28. It has slowly been improving, but I've had to reduce my milage on my long runs since then.
I did 7.7 last Wednesday, and hope to increase up to 12 about 2 weeks before the Princess. I'm getting frustrated with how long it's taking to improve. I've also been running a lot slower than I had been, trying to remind myself I just need to beat 16mm. Do you have to see a PT to learn how to tape your knee? Of course, keeping up with 3 kids and a full time job on my feet all day on ceramic tile doesn't help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[flgirl36]

I ran 10 miles this morning which is my longest run to date. I averaged a 14:43 mm. It was a little slower than I would have liked, I'm happy I got it done.

 

[flgirl36]

I ran 10 miles this morning which is my longest run to date. I averaged a 14:43 mm. It was a little slower than I would have liked, but I'm happy I got it done.

 

[fashionista311]

Thanks! Sadly, I am a PT, but work with geriatric patients. I'm in NJ and we can't just go to a PT here. You have to have a script from a doctor, sort of. What kind of exercises did they have you doing? I've been doing some straight leg lifts, but anything with bending my knee seems to aggrivate it. Over the summer I had pes tendonitis and the doc said to start back by alternating 200 m run/100 m walk for 2 miles and gradually bulid back up from there. I just don't have a lot of time to loose since the Princess is only 4 weeks away. But I don't want it hurting so bad that I can't run the Princess at all. UUUGGHH! Injuries!

that's so frustrating. could you see your primary doctor and ask him for a referral? it's so tough to find someone who understands running injuries (so many ppl will tell you just to rest because they don't know what else to tell you) and it sounds like nj makes it even tougher to get in to see someone. i don't know the names of any of these exercises, but i can try to describe some of them for you. they are specific to the running function. not only are these exercises strengthening, but the idea is if you can keep everything straight during these exercises "muscle memory" will help you keep yourself straighter when you
1) use a theraband and wrap it in a figure 8 around your ankles. on one foot tuck the band underneath the ball of your foot. on the free foot, try to raise your leg while keep everything super straight (i know my foot tends to toe out!) this will help keep everything in line when you run
2) stand on an uneven surface (i use as a basou ball) balance on leg. use two light weights (i use like 3 lbs) in each arm. stimulate the running movement with your arms. switch to the other leg BEFORE you lose balance (so you are teaching your body to balance, not to lose balance)
3) use a big step (i have this big step contraption that looks like a mini step ladder almost at my gym) one leg on the floor, one leg on the step. "step up" onto the step and then come back down the otherwise keeping everything nice and straight. also place your hands on your hips, so you can feel that everything is straight and you are not wigglying your hip.

hopefully at least some of this makes sense! i know this race is important but remember it's just one. race. it's more important to figure out how to get you healthy and running stronger, so you can keep on running! after all a race is just one day in a lifetime of fitness

 

[bellerunner]

It is very hard to find doctors who understand running! I was very fortunate that my Physician's Assistant was also a runner, so he kept me in good running condition. Unfortunately, he left the practice and the new one is not as good.

 

[Tabetha]

I had 12.5 planned yesterday, and it was a BEAR. I got about 4 miles in and wanted to drop down and give up. I was exhausted, sore and overwhelmed - which is stupid, considering the distances I've been doing the last couple of months...

BUT, I sucked it up and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I did the 12.5, and even pushed (walking) another .6 miles to get all the way to 13.1 just to prove to myself that I could do it. So rough.

I did it in under 3:30, but it wasn't pretty. I've got the next month's worth of conditioning runs to get my act together.

 

[NitroStitch]

I've been debating trying to get PT on my knee, since my patella is floating side to side - aggravation of a long-lost injury. My insurance is great for prescriptions, but doctors and tests get expensive really fast. I'd imagine PT is allowed only after a doctor visit or two (general and then specialist) and they'd want to see all sorts of tests done before making any PT referrals. *sigh*

I keep trying to remember my old strengthening exercises, but I last did them about 30 years ago.

 

[NitroStitch]

I had 12.5 planned yesterday, and it was a BEAR. I got about 4 miles in and wanted to drop down and give up. I was exhausted, sore and overwhelmed - which is stupid, considering the distances I've been doing the last couple of months...

BUT, I sucked it up and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I did the 12.5, and even pushed (walking) another .6 miles to get all the way to 13.1 just to prove to myself that I could do it. So rough.

I did it in under 3:30, but it wasn't pretty. I've got the next month's worth of conditioning runs to get my act together.

It sounds like you just had one BAD run, since your other distance runs were going so much better. It's enormously frustrating to have a bad run, and I know it makes me question my ability to run at all when I have one. Other than trying to analyze any differences before your bad run and normal runs, such as the amount of sleep you got or your hydration before the run, sometimes I guess you just have to chalk it up to being a bad run and look forward to the next one being better. Easier said that done when you've just had such a hard time, but it does pass. Pixie dust for your next runs!

 

[haleofafamily]

I did 11 miles on the treadmill today. About mile 8 or 9 my hip started hurting - that has never happened before. It feels fine now.

With about 1/4 mile to go I was DONE but Kelly Clarkson's song 'Stronger' came on and that got me through the last little bit. Since I train and will run by myself, this is my favorite part:

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, Myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone."

We are almost there!

Merci

 

[pjpoohbear]

... I officially registered for the princess today. My husband was supposed to run with me, but he hasn't trained at all, so I gave him the boot and I'll be all by my lonesome for my first 1/2

I'm still working on mileage, I've only done 10, I'd like to be at least to 12.5 before the race. I did a 15k today in 1:49 (PR) and I used that for my PoT.

Is anyone else using kinesio tape? I used some on my left knee (I'm having popliteal issues due to lose/weak ligaments in that knee) and felt amazing during my run today. Just wondering if anyone else was using it also =)

Welcome back! Awesome work today! I used KT tape after pulling something in my knee on a cruise in October, I was sceptical, but I swear by it now.

Today was the day: beautiful weather (45 degrees and sunny in Boston in Jan??), and we ran 13.1 mi in 2:30! For me, I really have a mental block about adding more mileage, so it was really important to at least reach the race distance during my training. (I'm hoping to do a 14 mi run still before the race.) I was sooo happy when the iMapMyRun lady said 13 miles! Whoo!

Congrats!!!! I cried when the Runkeeper lady said I reached my goal distance for today.

I thought I chime in. I have been following but haven't said anything yet. I am signed up for the Princess Half. I will be one of the few guys running it. I am trying for the coast to coast and the Princess was the race that I could fit in a family vacation. My kids are all signed up for the kids races from to mile to my youngest who is 16 months old. This will be my second half, my first was last Jan at WDW.

Training is going to plan. This week I have a ten mile run which is my longest run before the race. It is good to see everyone training and excited for the race with just a month away. I watch YouTube videos to get me excited and motivated for the race. Good luck everyone on the last month of training.

Welcome! love that the kids are running too! Best Wishes on the C2C!!!

BUT, I sucked it up and just kept putting one foot in front of the other. I did the 12.5, and even pushed (walking) another .6 miles to get all the way to 13.1 just to prove to myself that I could do it. So rough.

I did it in under 3:30, but it wasn't pretty. I've got the next month's worth of conditioning runs to get my act together.

Tabetha, you know you can do it, I will wave as you pass me, .


I got my goal run in today;

13.28 km run with RunKeeper | Duration 2:12:52 | Average Pace 10:00 / km, my pace sucks, but I know that race day I will be faster I always have been.

This is the further distance I have ever done in one session, ever!!

Last week on the trail,

This week on the trail (3 km further along)


Discovered what was messing up my runkeeper tracking on my iphone, the wifi (it is stronger then the GPS and was jumping to signals around me, turned it off today and an almost perfect match to the route I plotted on line!

 

[kmg148]

My heart just wasn't in it today. Only did 8 miles and walked them instead of running 11. I figure it's better than nothing though, and I do better when I do two long runs back to back instead of tapering. I want to be able to get in another 11 and a 12 in the next 3 weeks, hopefully I can do it! Congrats on great runs everyone!

 

[Mickey'sfriend]

I had finished 11 miles on Wednesday, no running since then so today I did a strong 5 at my fastest pace yet. This time 4 weeks from now I will have a shiny medal around my neck enjoying a Mickey bar somewhere in the MK waiting for Wishes to start. Hang in there, princesses. Train smart, no injuries now and for those still nursing previous injuries, sending you good thoughts for speady healing.

 

[pjpoohbear]

I did 11 miles on the treadmill today. About mile 8 or 9 my hip started hurting - that has never happened before. It feels fine now.

With about 1/4 mile to go I was DONE but Kelly Clarkson's song 'Stronger' came on and that got me through the last little bit. Since I train and will run by myself, this is my favorite part:

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, Myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone."

We are almost there!

Merci

Merci, almost the same for me today! I was about 6.75 miles into 8.25 and Kelly came on my ipod just what I needed.

PJ

 

[HockeyKat]

I managed 7.5 miles today, walking at a 15:30 pace. Leg has no pain, feet and hips are a little unhappy, but no blisters either.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day here, mid 50s and sunny.

Considering that a month ago I could barely walk, I am feeling really good about this and about being able to finish the race.

 

[pjpoohbear]

Kat, doesn't it feel great to be putting in the miles again. I was so depressed while I was recovering, and not able to do more then 1.5 or 2 miles and then with so much pain the next day.

Pj

 

[freepixie]

It is very hard to find doctors who understand running! I was very fortunate that my Physician's Assistant was also a runner, so he kept me in good running condition. Unfortunately, he left the practice and the new one is not as good.

I'm so lucky My OB/GYN is a runner!!