Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[ColleenG]

Cewait, maybe you can guide in the right directions. I have always gotten shin splints when running and this time has been no exception. I got new shoes that felt great without my orthotics for the first week and a half or so and then the shin splints started acting up again. So I went back to using my orthotics. They got a litte better, but now right along the front of my tibia is so sore to the touch even the lightest touch hurts. Could this be a sign of something more serious like stress fractures? I've been debating weather or not to see an orthopeadic. I ice my shins after I run and stretch good. Funny thing is they don't hurt too bad while I'm running. Not sure if it's just the endorphins taking over. Any advice?

 

[sunshine269]

I've been thinking about doing the princess 1/2. I haven't actually done one yet. My first will be the Wine and Dine 1/2. Would it be crazy to sign up for 2nd 1/2 before completing my first?

Jennifer

 

[saysay]

Jennifer, its not crazy to sign up it will keep you focused on training! Go for it if you want to do it.

I haven't been great in my running. Truth is my foot is still a bit sore from the plantar faciitis though better than it was. Now my ankle is tight, it also pops when I point and flex. I need to do better on my stretching for sure.

I got a my race number for a huge 10k here in Atlanta on July 4th today.....I am hoping to finish that race and then will probably call my doctor again to make sure my ankle isn't something serious. Sheesh, this has been going on since January!

Anyhoo, stay cool princesses!

Julie

 

[kappyfamily]

Cewait, maybe you can guide in the right directions. I have always gotten shin splints when running and this time has been no exception. I got new shoes that felt great without my orthotics for the first week and a half or so and then the shin splints started acting up again. So I went back to using my orthotics. They got a litte better, but now right along the front of my tibia is so sore to the touch even the lightest touch hurts. Could this be a sign of something more serious like stress fractures? I've been debating weather or not to see an orthopeadic. I ice my shins after I run and stretch good. Funny thing is they don't hurt too bad while I'm running. Not sure if it's just the endorphins taking over. Any advice?

I can feel your "pain" on this one. I'm going thru the same thing. My sis is a team doc and her guide to shin splits vs stress fractures is if you can sleep thru the night then it's just shin splints. If you are waken up at night by them then it's a good chance it could be stress fractures.

I've taken coach Charles advice and got a foam roller and that helps. I've taken a step back in training and not running as much as I would like.....erg! Did 4.5 today so here is hoping tomorrow things feel fine. Good luck!

 

[cewait]

Cewait, maybe you can guide in the right directions. I have always gotten shin splints when running and this time has been no exception. I got new shoes that felt great without my orthotics for the first week and a half or so and then the shin splints started acting up again. So I went back to using my orthotics. They got a litte better, but now right along the front of my tibia is so sore to the touch even the lightest touch hurts. Could this be a sign of something more serious like stress fractures? I've been debating weather or not to see an orthopeadic. I ice my shins after I run and stretch good. Funny thing is they don't hurt too bad while I'm running. Not sure if it's just the endorphins taking over. Any advice?

I would say go to the doc to be sure. It's my experience that SF are not sore to the touch. But also been my experience that the SF pain can leave during the run. An 'old school' test for SF is to take a ringing tuning fork and hold the handle in the area of pain. You will know immediately if you do have a SF.

I would guess that you have a lingering soft tissue injury, but cannot say for sure.

 

[cewait]

I've been thinking about doing the princess 1/2. I haven't actually done one yet. My first will be the Wine and Dine 1/2. Would it be crazy to sign up for 2nd 1/2 before completing my first?

Jennifer

Interesting question... I generally counsel to wait until you get through your first event, wait a week then sign up again. Most runners do not want to ever run a distance event again 30 minutes after crossing the finish line. Then after a little recovery they want to do everything, followed by a more reasoned approach.

If you are enjoying running now and want to give yourself an additional target then go for it. The worse thing that can happen is that you decide that you do not like running 13 miles.

 

[stitchfan18]

I've been thinking about doing the princess 1/2. I haven't actually done one yet. My first will be the Wine and Dine 1/2. Would it be crazy to sign up for 2nd 1/2 before completing my first?

Jennifer

I signed up for 4 half marathons before I ever ran my first one. I knew my ultimate goal at the time was to run the full marathon (now goofy) at Disney in January 2012 whether I liked it or not. Not only was it motivation to keep running after my first 1/2, but I also took advantage of the cheaper registration fees and got some freebies for signing up early for local races.

 

[HockeyKat]

I would say go to the doc to be sure. It's my experience that SF are not sore to the touch. But also been my experience that the SF pain can leave during the run. An 'old school' test for SF is to take a ringing tuning fork and hold the handle in the area of pain. You will know immediately if you do have a SF.

I would guess that you have a lingering soft tissue injury, but cannot say for sure.

My shin SF was sore to the touch, but very localized. I had a localized area of pain that was a little smaller than the size of your hand without the fingers. My doctor diagnosed with MRI, after the tuning fork (which I failed) and jumping up and down on one leg with no pain (also failed).

I could run/walk - after the 1st mile the pain would disappear, and would sometimes come back after mile 8-10.

Treatment was 8 weeks of no impact activity allowed and a walking boot/air cast.

 

[kappyfamily]

Hey gang-

Thought it might be cool to start a discussion on a "few of my favorite things".

One of my go-to's the past 6 months has been this ice bag/wrap system. I originally bought just one for my leg and just now went to order a new one for the other leg. They are on sale and at walmart.com. $11 free shipping....a steal!!!!!

It's an old fashioned ice bag that has a neoprene sleeve with velcro that you wrap around your leg(upper or lower)/arm etc. You can get it pretty tight so you can actually walk around while you are icing your legs.

It is AWESOME.

Here is the link http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cara-Cold-Therapy-Ice-Bag-Compression-System/6436312

What are some of your "favorite running things"?

Michele

 

[HockeyKat]

Michele, awesome topic!

My do-withouts:
1) Zensah calf sleeves
2) Body Glide
3) Dual layer socks, non-cotton
4) Shoes (of course!)
5) A good sports bra - my fav (being rather well-endowed) is the duo-dry underwire from Champion
6) Compression shorts with at least a 5" inseam to prevent chafe
7) A visor in the summer, and wicking hat in the winter. I can't stand the glare from the sun and it also helps for rainy days and for keeping sweat from running into your eyes
8) Sunscreen - Bull Frog Quik Gel
9) For long runs, a pre-run ritual - 1 mug coffee w/ almond milk + 1 Kashi Almond Flax chewy bar.

 

[stitchfan18]

3 things I have to have when I run
1.) Running Skirts - I like to be cute when I run and these are comfortable too. They fit the bill perfectly.

2.) Bondi Bands- I used to struggle with keeping headbands on my head until I found these. They never slip and absorb so much sweat.

3.) Compression Socks - These keep my legs happy during and after long runs. I can bounce back from a 1/2 marathon over night wearing these socks.

 

[acwinsett]

I'm a very new runner . . . LOVE the favorite things topic! I'm so bookmarking these websites! Thanks, guys!

 

[kappyfamily]

stitchfan- the compression socks are awesome! Buying a pair today.

 

[Barbaramomof4]

So I am new to running and havent worked up to any long runs as of yet. So I had a question about the compression socks. Do you run in them or do you wear them after for recovery. Thanks so much!

 

[slp1650]

So I am new to running and havent worked up to any long runs as of yet. So I had a question about the compression socks. Do you run in them or do you wear them after for recovery. Thanks so much!

I have some compression sleeves for my calves and I only wear them when I fly, which actually helped a lot before and after the Princess Half. I'll be wearing them again for when I fly to and from Disneyland in a few months.

However, I don't wear mine for runs or recovery cause my PT told me there really wasn't a point to do so (I forgot his exact wording and reason). They really do help for flying though, so even when I'm flying somewhere for fun or work or whatever I'll be wearing them.

 

[tinkeramy]

Just checking in to see how everyone's weekend runs went! I got a lucky break - ran after a brief thunderstorm, so the stickiness broke a little and it actually felt quite nice! I was nervous about hitting 6 again - I looked back at my log and realized I hadn't gone that distance since the beginning of May! It turned out quite well and I felt really accomplished. To me, that's the BEST part of running - the feeling you get after you get another one on the books!

Question - since you all brought up favorite things, can anyone point me in the direction of running shorts with a decent size pocket!?!?! I'm not crazy about the belt idea - I'm trying to get away from "stuff" - but I would like a real pocket to hold my iPod while I run. Again, I'm not crazy about the armband; too hot. I'm just continually amazed at the manufacturers who don't think that someone might need to take something with them when they run!

 

[kappyfamily]

Just checking in to see how everyone's weekend runs went! I got a lucky break - ran after a brief thunderstorm, so the stickiness broke a little and it actually felt quite nice! I was nervous about hitting 6 again - I looked back at my log and realized I hadn't gone that distance since the beginning of May! It turned out quite well and I felt really accomplished. To me, that's the BEST part of running - the feeling you get after you get another one on the books!

Question - since you all brought up favorite things, can anyone point me in the direction of running shorts with a decent size pocket!?!?! I'm not crazy about the belt idea - I'm trying to get away from "stuff" - but I would like a real pocket to hold my iPod while I run. Again, I'm not crazy about the armband; too hot. I'm just continually amazed at the manufacturers who don't think that someone might need to take something with them when they run!

Nike's new line of shorts and capri's has an awesome zip pocket (fairly good size) that is in the back (above your bum). I'll try and find a link for you.

 

[J-2]

Question - since you all brought up favorite things, can anyone point me in the direction of running shorts with a decent size pocket!?!?! I'm not crazy about the belt idea - I'm trying to get away from "stuff" - but I would like a real pocket to hold my iPod while I run. Again, I'm not crazy about the armband; too hot. I'm just continually amazed at the manufacturers who don't think that someone might need to take something with them when they run!

I know you said you weren't crazy about a belt, but have you tried the Spibelt?
http://store.spibelt.com/Spibelt-p/spibeltparent1.htm

I have one and always forget to take it off because it is not even noticeable. It never shifts or bounces while I'm running...I can't even feel it on me. I usually just carry my iphone (to listen to music) and my house key, but you can actually cram more into it if needed.

 

[cewait]

Nike's new line of shorts and capri's has an awesome zip pocket (fairly good size) that is in the back (above your bum). I'll try and find a link for you.

Actually most nike bottoms from the last 4-6 years have had a real roomy pocket, or two.

 

[cewait]

I have some compression sleeves for my calves and I only wear them when I fly, which actually helped a lot before and after the Princess Half. I'll be wearing them again for when I fly to and from Disneyland in a few months.

However, I don't wear mine for runs or recovery cause my PT told me there really wasn't a point to do so (I forgot his exact wording and reason). They really do help for flying though, so even when I'm flying somewhere for fun or work or whatever I'll be wearing them.

I would love to know what your PT is pointing at as most new studies tend to point to a benefit in using 'true' compression for recovery. There is some disagreement on the benefit of wearing compression while running but the once your stop a true compression sock will assist in returning blood back up the leg and limit some of the negative effects of pooling. From what I read, most of us on this list probably do not benefit from compression while on the run as we are not using a higher 'power level' of muscle while running. Unlike our friends at the pointy end of the race, we are really casual runners, almost joggers in the sense of muscle utilization. Don't get me wrong about effort, its the cellular effort where we simply do not and could not push for 13 or 26 miles.