Official 2012 Princess Half Marathon Thread!

[marathonmommy]

Ok me .....again. Does anyone have any thoughts on chi-running? I'm in Oregon where running is a way of life out here and chi-running is getting pretty big. Just curious if anyone uses that method?

Thanks....again.

I went to a one-day Chi Running workshop in DC and enjoyed it. I don't really think I "run Chi", as it requires much practice. I try to remember some of the tricks I learned, though and would like to go back for more Chi education.

 

[faith-hope-joy]

wlake - I wouldn't call them steep at all. The highway overpasses are gradual inclines. Actually, there is one part that I thought was steeper than the overpasses. I think it's part of the road that goes near the Contemporary Hotel. I walked up it.

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

Ok me .....again. Does anyone have any thoughts on chi-running? I'm in Oregon where running is a way of life out here and chi-running is getting pretty big. Just curious if anyone uses that method?

Thanks....again.

What exactly is chi-running? I have heard it mentioned a few time, but when I try to search it online all I can find is pricy books to buy. I don't want to buy a book on it if I have no idea what it is.

 

[ufwendyo]

hahaha wow I'm going to need this board for more than just encouragement. I didn't even think of things like chafing.

I learned SO much from this board while I was getting ready for the 2011 Princess! It really helped to learn more about things like chafing and GU. Then also hearing from those that had already run the route I kindof knew what to expect.

 

[ufwendyo]

Oh believe me, your body will remind you of those things you forget to think about and you'll learn what your problem spots are...and at what mile they start to become problems! I love body glide, just wish they would come out with a scented one or something...it has a weird smell to me. I almost always use it in a few places on training runs, depending on the mileage...but I practically bathed in it race morning...overkill!

YEP YEP! I would rather err on the side of caution and run with it than risk chafing without it. OMGsh that is some pain and I am too stubborn to stop running if I do forget it. When I first started running I needed it with the shorter runs, but I don't know if it is better running clothes or better form (it certainly isn't because anything is any smaller!) I really only need it for the longer runs now.

 

[ufwendyo]

Did the course designer have an evil streak when they said let's have the runners do hills at mile 10? For years I've heard about the overpasses where they are, but never gave it any though. Now I've been bitten by the running bug and realized, uh-oh! That's going to be me

I called them sadistic when I conquered "the ramp" and then saw the other rise and then there was another one. For some reason I thought that once I finished "the ramp" that I fixated on during training it was smooth sailing. Not so much.

 

[ufwendyo]

wlake - I wouldn't call them steep at all. The highway overpasses are gradual inclines. Actually, there is one part that I thought was steeper than the overpasses. I think it's part of the road that goes near the Contemporary Hotel. I walked up it.

I agree they are not steep at all. I usually do better mentally with steeper hills than the long gradual rises! Of course it also maybe because the one at the Contemporary was only at mile 5ish rather than miles10-12!

 

[saysay]

Please jump in! So glad you have joined us! Question for you if you don't mind. I've got shin splints! Have always heard about them and yep I've got them now. I have really flat feet and am currently running in a pair of Brooks defyance 4's. What is my best course of action? Should I get inserts? New shoes? I've been icing a lot which feels better until i run again. Do compression socks work?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you thank you! Michele

Ditto on the running shoe store for good shoes and inserts. As for shin splints....are you stretching out your calves? I had shin splints going on with my princess training this year and esp with one leg and then they went away....the next day I had huge foot and heel pain and it turned into plantar faciitis which basically crippled my runs and training.. I was able to finish the race this year, but wasn't really able to train for over a month before it. Luckily I had gotten up to 10 miles...so I knew I was capable...but my long point is.....I wasn't stretching near enough. I also was not doing any exercise to strengthen the old muscles or core on my non run days.

I am no doctor...but after going to the sports med doc and a PT for my foot learned alot about the importance of stretching.

AND you should go have a running store look at your run and feet to make a rec for your foot! Tell them about the shin splints and take in your shoes you are running in.

Hoping you feel better soon.

 

[saysay]

YEP YEP! I would rather err on the side of caution and run with it than risk chafing without it. OMGsh that is some pain and I am too stubborn to stop running if I do forget it. When I first started running I needed it with the shorter runs, but I don't know if it is better running clothes or better form (it certainly isn't because anything is any smaller!) I really only need it for the longer runs now.

I wish I had put it on race day this year...because it was warm, I was wearing a different bra than I had been training in and YEP I felt it in the shower OUCH. Live and learn. thanks for the tips!

 

[kappyfamily]

What exactly is chi-running? I have heard it mentioned a few time, but when I try to search it online all I can find is pricy books to buy. I don't want to buy a book on it if I have no idea what it is.

If you YouTube it you will find some quick videos that show the technique. What I have gotten from it is you strike in your mid foot and not with your heel. Also you land under your core instead of out in front of you. They also incorporate the whole pilates/yoga part of belly breathing and use your core muscles. They also talk about a slight leaning forward or "controlled fall" to propel you forward. All the techniques really make sense and it is supposed to be less stressful on your body.

Somebody please correct me if this is wrong, this is what I have taken out of the small amount of research I have done. I think I'm going to take a class in April on it, so I will report back!

 

[kappyfamily]

I also have very flat feet

My recommendation to you is to go to a running store and get fitted. They will find the best shoe for you and can recommend the right inserts. I skipped that step last year and wound up with a stress fracture in my shin.

Brooks Defyance 4 is a neutral shoe and you likely need a stability shoe. I started out in a more neutral shoe and after the stress fracture, got fitted with ASICs Gel-2150. My sports med doctor blessed them as well.

Thanks for the advice. What's funny is I was fitted at a running store!So I will go back in! Also I don't think I have been stretching good enough, I will get on it!

 

[dthogue]

What exactly is chi-running? I have heard it mentioned a few time, but when I try to search it online all I can find is pricy books to buy. I don't want to buy a book on it if I have no idea what it is.

I just bought the Chi running book on Amazon for about $9.00, and I got free shipping.

 

[verticalchaos]

I called them sadistic when I conquered "the ramp" and then saw the other rise and then there was another one. For some reason I thought that once I finished "the ramp" that I fixated on during training it was smooth sailing. Not so much.

OMG I was swearing that a runner couldn't have had anything to do with putting that thing that far into the race. Then I found out Galloway was a consultant on the race route. No wonder I refuse to pay for joining one of his groups! I can do the same thing out of Marathoning for Mortals for FREE!

Still, I did want to give the Green Army Man a not-so-Disney-like gesture as he was telling us to "take that hill". GRR!!!

 

[faith-hope-joy]

I called them sadistic when I conquered "the ramp" and then saw the other rise and then there was another one. For some reason I thought that once I finished "the ramp" that I fixated on during training it was smooth sailing. Not so much.

Me too!! I always thought there was just one ramp at mile 11, but then there were actually several. It was kind of demoralizing, especially in the heat. Oh well, next year I'll be prepared mentally for them.

 

[dthogue]

Hey Ladies, I have been looking for plus size dri-wicking type of t-shirts - any suggestions - I swear they don't think us larger girls should exercise - I have cotton shirts, but I sweat so much, they are soaked til I'm done.

 

[HockeyKat]

Hey Ladies, I have been looking for plus size dri-wicking type of t-shirts - any suggestions - I swear they don't think us larger girls should exercise - I have cotton shirts, but I sweat so much, they are soaked til I'm done.

I am also larger, as well as being tall. Even "thin" I would be a M/L and my inseam is too long for women's compression shorts (hello chafe!).

I would recommend going to the men's section. Target and Wal-mart both have very affordable wicking options. Just make sure the shirt has no cotton at all and you will be fine.

My running shoes are even men's, as my feet are too wide/big for sizing up in women's - they often don't have my size in stock.

 

[Cripey]

Hey Ladies, I have been looking for plus size dri-wicking type of t-shirts - any suggestions - I swear they don't think us larger girls should exercise - I have cotton shirts, but I sweat so much, they are soaked til I'm done.

Nike sells plus-sized dri-fit shirts. I've seen them in a few local running stores and sporting goods stores, but I'm sure you can also get them online if you can't find them in a store.

From the Nike.com home page click shop, then women, then roll over "clothing" and choose "extended sizes" down at the bottom. Pretty decent selection of tops and bottoms. Good luck finding what you need!

**Editing to add that I'm pretty sure Champion sells plus sized as well, but I've not seen that in any retail stores...I buy their bras and so I get a catalog from them in the mail about once a month and I think I've seen a page or two in there with plus-sized clothing, though not sure how much of a selection they offer.

 

[MaMa3Princess]

Thanks for the advice. What's funny is I was fitted at a running store!So I will go back in! Also I don't think I have been stretching good enough, I will get on it!

Kappy, I could have written your post. I went to running store and was told
That because I had flat feet and I am a heavy runner(overweight) that I need motion stability shoe so I was recommended the Saucony Grid or a New Balance, I chose the Saucony and I hate them. I plan to go to another. Popular running store and they suppose to have a computer analysis and see what they recommend. I personally have been brand loyal to Nike but what do
I know and that's the problem.

 

[kappyfamily]

Kappy, I could have written your post. I went to running store and was told
That because I had flat feet and I am a heavy runner(overweight) that I need motion stability shoe so I was recommended the Saucony Grid or a New Balance, I chose the Saucony and I hate them. I plan to go to another. Popular running store and they suppose to have a computer analysis and see what they recommend. I personally have been brand loyal to Nike but what do
I know and that's the problem.

I went back in today to the running store and they stand by the shoes I have. They did an analysis on my feet/how I strike and they said I do not pronate. They also said just because you are flat footed doesnt always mean you will pronate or need stability shoes. They think my shin splints are more from just not stretching well and the combination of using muscles that have never been used or at least not in a very long time. I got some compression sleeves for my legs (boy are they tight and comfy!). Going to just do long walks this next week and lay off the running for just a touch. Hope this helps!

 

[ufwendyo]

I wish I had put it on race day this year...because it was warm, I was wearing a different bra than I had been training in and YEP I felt it in the shower OUCH. Live and learn. thanks for the tips!

I put it on this year and I thought I had plenty but I missed a spot under my arm. As warm as it was afterwards I had to put my warmup jacket back on walking around AK.