Official inaugural Tower of Terror 10 miler thread. September 29, 2012

[annmarieda]

Good morning and WOOOO HOOOO on all of the great runs you guys have been putting in he past few days!!! I started quiting everyone, then lost my quotes, then ran out of time, but I read every post since Fri. and i'm super excited for you all

I'm happy to report that I did it: my first 10-miler! Okay, technically, iSmoothRun says I did 9.95, but Runkeeper says 10.1, so I think it's wash and I'm calling it 10. Especially since I ran the last mile in horrific conditions - thunderstorms moved in with 40mph wind, torrential rain, way-too-close lightning and ankle-deep water covering my path. Yes, I ran the last mile in that; there was NO WAY I was quitting before 10 miles, lol!

That's the good news - that I finished. The bad news is that IT Band issues struck yet again, at the same stupid 7-mile mark. It started with some knee pain at the end of my 2:00 run intervals, went away during the 1:00 walks; by mile 9, I could only get through :45 running before the pain hit. This. Must. Stop.

I feel the same way about my ankle. "This Must Stop " I AGREE!!!!

But yay!! You finished 10miles!!!! How awesome is that?! AND in conditions like that.

 

[Cripey]

I thought finishing at 12m/mile pace would be good.[/B] I just am shocked that is almost dead last...and thus soo slow compared to the other runners. Who knows though.. maybe no amount of training will ever make me a "fast" runner. I am just proud to finish.. and finish upright.

I'm glad you're going to have your foot looked at...hopefully you'll be on the mend soon. Let us know the verdict!

I know it's hard when so many people are flying by you, but just try not to focus on other peoples' times...those 6 minute milers are a pretty elite group of folks for a local amateur race. Your 12 minute pace is nothing to sneeze at...it IS GOOD! It's a great time, and with more training you probably will get better if you keep at it and specifically work for a better pace, but even if you didn't, it's OK. Unless you're one of those in that elite group, this really is an individual sport...you're really just competing against your own times, if improvement is your goal. I struggled with comparing myself to other runners for a long time, and it really got into my head because while I was improving I was still somehow disappointed because I wasn't as good as this person or that person and it was really messing with my head. Somewhere along the way, I've accepted that some people were just made more for this sport than others and that no matter how hard I work, I'm probably not gonna be an "x" minute miler...it's just not gonna happen...it's not in my genes. BUT, I'm still out there working just as hard, so I'm ok with that! So I'd suggest, maybe when glancing at your future race results, tip your hat to the winners in passing, the 6 minute milers (God bless 'em) but let your focus be on just your own results...you're doing great!

 

[annmarieda]

I'm glad you're going to have your foot looked at...hopefully you'll be on the mend soon. Let us know the verdict!

I know it's hard when so many people are flying by you, but just try not to focus on other peoples' times...those 6 minute milers are a pretty elite group of folks for a local amateur race. Your 12 minute pace is nothing to sneeze at...it IS GOOD! It's a great time, and with more training you probably will get better if you keep at it and specifically work for a better pace, but even if you didn't, it's OK. Unless you're one of those in that elite group, this really is an individual sport...you're really just competing against your own times, if improvement is your goal. I struggled with comparing myself to other runners for a long time, and it really got into my head because while I was improving I was still somehow disappointed because I wasn't as good as this person or that person and it was really messing with my head. Somewhere along the way, I've accepted that some people were just made more for this sport than others and that no matter how hard I work, I'm probably not gonna be an "x" minute miler...it's just not gonna happen...it's not in my genes. BUT, I'm still out there working just as hard, so I'm ok with that! So I'd suggest, maybe when glancing at your future race results, tip your hat to the winners in passing, the 6 minute milers (God bless 'em) but let your focus be on just your own results...you're doing great!

I agree. I only point out the fast runners cause it surprised me so much that there were so many of them... and I really didn't think finishing with the time I did would put me so far behind. But... I do only compete with myself. I think that is the only reason why I am actually enjoying this. I never have been into sports... basically it isn't really something my body has been made for...and to "compete" never was good. I would hold back the team. In running, I am a team of one... winning to me involves finishing upright...or at bare minimum giving it my all. I can do my best and not let anyone down.

I still find race results interesting, but more in the totally in awe of the elite runners than the "I wish I could be that fast" way. After all... I am not young and really really not built for speed. I know this. But... what I am learning is that I have quite a bit of fun despite the fact I am not super fast. Something about actually moving myself from one place to another gives me a great feeling... even though getting there may not be extremely fast.

 

[helloirishkitty]

This weekend was awful for running. Friday night I did 5k and was not used to the hilly course so it took 48mins :/. I decided I needed to work on hills more so I ran in a local park yesterday that has BIG hills. Between the hills and running with my son in the jogging stroller, it was not good.

In other news, 39 days until TOT

 

[Disneychix]

So with that pace, did you feel rushed? The way I have started looking at things is.. if the pace is 14min mile... that allows for 2 minutes each mile to stop for characters or potty breaks..or whatever else we may need to stop for.

We were trained for a 13.30/min mile for the 1/2 marathon. I felt pretty comfortable with that pace. However-life happened and I ended up with pneumonia 6 days before the race. I was told not to do it but knew my mother wouldn't if I didn't. I went in with the mentality that I'd aim to complete a 5k and see how I felt. After the 5k felt good and aimed to get through the MK. After MK I was 1/2 way and decided I could finish. We ended up S-L-O-W, 15.20/min miles. We stopped for 2 potty breaks-one was long (prob 6mins) and was a good rest for me but took a long time. We stopped for a castle pic and took a pic at every mile marker. We didn't do character pics. I was never worried about being swept! I never saw sweepers and only saw a sea of people behind me when I went up that last overpass into EPCOT>
As I said, we were the 2nd last corral so we had more than 6 mins lead on the sweepers anyway. But people finished well after us, probably for at least 25mins after us.
Your pace will definately allow you to have some fun along with getting your medal! Focus on getting that foot better!

 

[AnotherPrincess]

I just replenished my supply of clif shot bloks and realized I just bought the chews I will use in the race. It's getting close!

 

[Cripey]

In other news, 39 days until TOT

I can't believe it's so close! I sort of keep forgetting about the race too For once, I'm more looking forward to the actual trip than the race itself...with the Food & Wine festival and all...plus the BF and I are going alone! We normally end up with friends or family tagging along, which we love and always end up having a blast, but it sometimes comes with a little extra pressure...all self imposed. I end up feeling like I'm responsible for everyone having a good time and for making sure they see everything possible...which is crazy, I know. So, I'm so looking forward to a really relaxed-paced trip for just us. It can't get here fast enough!!

 

[sumlee]

Dh and I did a 9mile training run this weekend. Our longest and actually our best yet! I was feeling some pain on my right side, kinda shooting up towards my butt. Dh, for the 1st time, was running like he had springs on his feet! I am usually the 'leader' but he really pulled through for this one!
We finished in 1:46. I was soooo excited! I just was not feeling good at all and just wanted to it to be over!
Looks like my goal to complete this race in 2 hours might be within reach!

Way to stick with it! Great time too!

 

[JRM393]

I'm happy to report that I did it: my first 10-miler! Okay, technically, iSmoothRun says I did 9.95, but Runkeeper says 10.1, so I think it's a wash and I'm calling it 10. Especially since I ran the last mile in horrific conditions - thunderstorms moved in with 40mph wind, torrential rain, way-too-close lightning and ankle-deep water covering my path. Yes, I ran the last mile in that; there was NO WAY I was quitting before 10 miles, lol! Managed an average pace of 13:20... my final mile was my fastest split. Go figure.

That's the good news - that I finished. The bad news is that IT Band issues struck yet again, at the same stupid 7-mile mark. It started with some knee pain at the end of my 2:00 run intervals, went away during the 1:00 walks; by mile 9, I could only get through :45 running before the pain hit. This. Must. Stop.

That's awesome!! Good job finishing your run that weather sounds horrendous!!

I know it's hard when so many people are flying by you, but just try not to focus on other peoples' times...those 6 minute milers are a pretty elite group of folks for a local amateur race. Your 12 minute pace is nothing to sneeze at...it IS GOOD! It's a great time, and with more training you probably will get better if you keep at it and specifically work for a better pace, but even if you didn't, it's OK. Unless you're one of those in that elite group, this really is an individual sport...you're really just competing against your own times, if improvement is your goal. I struggled with comparing myself to other runners for a long time, and it really got into my head because while I was improving I was still somehow disappointed because I wasn't as good as this person or that person and it was really messing with my head. Somewhere along the way, I've accepted that some people were just made more for this sport than others and that no matter how hard I work, I'm probably not gonna be an "x" minute miler...it's just not gonna happen...it's not in my genes. BUT, I'm still out there working just as hard, so I'm ok with that! So I'd suggest, maybe when glancing at your future race results, tip your hat to the winners in passing, the 6 minute milers (God bless 'em) but let your focus be on just your own results...you're doing great!

Agree with this 100% I used to look at my times compared to other peoples and would get discouraged. Especially if you start looking at yourself compared to those professional type runners. But once I started setting my own goals I felt so much better about myself!

I agree. I only point out the fast runners cause it surprised me so much that there were so many of them... and I really didn't think finishing with the time I did would put me so far behind. But... I do only compete with myself. I think that is the only reason why I am actually enjoying this. I never have been into sports... basically it isn't really something my body has been made for...and to "compete" never was good. I would hold back the team. In running, I am a team of one... winning to me involves finishing upright...or at bare minimum giving it my all. I can do my best and not let anyone down.

If you want some good reading that's pretty inspirational, look into Born to Run, you can probably find it at any local library. I didn't take it all to heart, I am honestly not sold 100% on barefoot running, but it's still a really good read. If you are interested in more of the statistical and analytical portion, get a book by Dr. Jack Daniels (yes, ironic name I know!)

 

[JRM393]

I can't believe it's so close! I sort of keep forgetting about the race too For once, I'm more looking forward to the actual trip than the race itself...with the Food & Wine festival and all...plus the BF and I are going alone! We normally end up with friends or family tagging along, which we love and always end up having a blast, but it sometimes comes with a little extra pressure...all self imposed. I end up feeling like I'm responsible for everyone having a good time and for making sure they see everything possible...which is crazy, I know. So, I'm so looking forward to a really relaxed-paced trip for just us. It can't get here fast enough!!

I hear you there!! I am actually bringing my daughter down to meet her grandparents for the first time (she'll be 4 months). Unfortunately the wife and boy are staying here. Which actually brings up the fact that I absolutely love going for a run with my son. You go quite a bit slower (I do use a jogging stroller) but having to answer his every "what's this" and him saying hi to every person and animal that crosses our path (dog, cat, squirrel, rabbit, ect). I wouldn't trade those runs for anything, they are the best ones trying to explain to him every minute him asking where we are going and what we are doing. He's actually the reason I started running in the first place so that he wouldn't think it's ok to just sit around and do nothing but watch TV and play video games. Now all we do is be outside, he loves going for bike rides and going on runs and just doing stuff in general.

 

[poohbear8]

Hi everyone. I have so many pages to read and catch up on. I only got a short run in at the beach, so I am now way behind on where I "should" be. I haven't done any long runs since I did the 10k at the end of July. I am struggling mentally to get back into it, which is really bad, since I check my countdown every day. Tomorrow is a workout day, so hopefully, some of it will come back to me.

I picked up my insoles today and they make my shoes VERY tight. The dr doesn't want me running in them yet, but after an hour I was more than ready to take them off. I think I need to find some elastic laces so I can make quick adjustments if needed.

 

[PrincessV]

But yay!! You finished 10miles!!!! How awesome is that?! AND in conditions like that.

Thanks annmarieda - yeah, it felt good to finally get to that milestone!

Between the hills and running with my son in the jogging stroller, it was not good.

Oh my, I can imagine! Just think how easy a non-hilly, stroller-free run will be in comparison!

I just replenished my supply of clif shot bloks and realized I just bought the chews I will use in the race. It's getting close!

That's awesome!! Good job finishing your run that weather sounds horrendous!!

Thanks! Yeah, in retrospect it was probably pretty stupid to keep going, lol!

Which actually brings up the fact that I absolutely love going for a run with my son. You go quite a bit slower (I do use a jogging stroller) but having to answer his every "what's this" and him saying hi to every person and animal that crosses our path (dog, cat, squirrel, rabbit, ect). I wouldn't trade those runs for anything, they are the best ones...

I had to comment, as it was my son who got me started on distance training, too - and I MISS running with him! He's had no interest all summer, understandably, because it's so hot and miserable. But he's signed up to do the Jingly Jungle 5K with me in Nov., so he'll start running again soon. I'm really looking forward to that!

I am struggling mentally to get back into it, which is really bad, since I check my countdown every day.

If it makes you feel any better, I've been on schedule with training and I'm suddenly having a very hard time mentally.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, yeah - as I said to poohbear, my brain is suddenly and inexplicably NOT into the 10-miler, or the Princess half, either. In fact, I'd love to not run again. Ever. I went for an easy, 35-minute run last night and it was fine - no pain, no issues, ran a decent pace, was looking forward to the stress relief after a lousy day at work... and ended feeling totally let down. I'm sure it'll pass, and I suspect my mood has nothing to do with running and everything to do with a bunch of stress between work stuff and back-to-school for my son, but it's such a strange feeling. I've read that a lot of people feel really down in the days following a long race - makes me wonder if this is thanks to my 10-miler Sat.

Also, I'm craving fats. Fatty carbs. Ice cream, baked goods, chocolate milk, even. I'm not normally big on sweets - what's THAT all about?!?!

 

[annmarieda]

Doc confirmed peroneal tendonitis.. I wasn't limping this morning as much so I thought I would try and run. I put on my mizuno's and went out...almost immediately I knew I wouldn't be running.. walked most of the 1/3 mile. Now limping bad again. Doc said I should be fine to go out running. I physically could not do it. I know I was very nervous... but it wasn't nerves that were keeping me from running. Do did think maybe the shoes needed to go back... but suggested I try one more run in them.

Good grief I am so frustrated.

 

[Cripey]

Also, I'm craving fats. Fatty carbs. Ice cream, baked goods, chocolate milk, even. I'm not normally big on sweets - what's THAT all about?!?!

Give into the chocolate milk craving!!! A moderate amount (I normally go with the 2%) is a good recovery drink for runners. Something about the carb and protein ratio, blah blah, blah...all I hear is "IT'S OK TO DRINK CHOCOLATE MILK" I buy the little Horizon brand organinc low fat chocolate milk "juice" boxes and grab one right after a long run. I like those too because they are shelf-stable (though I prefer them cold) so I can bring them with me to races and throw one in the checked bag.

 

[Cripey]

Doc confirmed peroneal tendonitis.. I wasn't limping this morning as much so I thought I would try and run. I put on my mizuno's and went out...almost immediately I knew I wouldn't be running.. walked most of the 1/3 mile. Now limping bad again. Doc said I should be fine to go out running. I physically could not do it. I know I was very nervous... but it wasn't nerves that were keeping me from running. Do did think maybe the shoes needed to go back... but suggested I try one more run in them.

Good grief I am so frustrated.

Sorry But at least you know what you're dealing with now, right? Did the doc give you any sort of plan of action to get you back out there pain-free eventually? Maybe it would be worth it to ask for a referral to a more specialized doctor for sports medicine? Just a thought...hope it gets better for you

 

[APrunner]

Doc confirmed peroneal tendonitis.. I wasn't limping this morning as much so I thought I would try and run. I put on my mizuno's and went out...almost immediately I knew I wouldn't be running.. walked most of the 1/3 mile. Now limping bad again. Doc said I should be fine to go out running. I physically could not do it. I know I was very nervous... but it wasn't nerves that were keeping me from running. Do did think maybe the shoes needed to go back... but suggested I try one more run in them.

Good grief I am so frustrated.

Try to have a little patience. When I had it, I was off the streets for almost 3 weeks. The elliptical was fine. I was able to run some on a treadmill before hitting the street.

When you do try to run, really keep the stride short and the pace slow. As you feel stronger, you can work your pace back up.

As far as shoes, it is hard to say over the internet. Almost any shoe will probably be paniful to run in right now. With that injury, I would avoid anything that you feel is pushing your foot out. I am not a huge fan of Mizuno because the heel of the shoes are way to built up, but that is my personal preference.

Do you have any compression socks? Stimulating blood flow in the area may help a little.

I am glad the doctor said you can run, but give a little time for it to heal up.

 

[annmarieda]

Sorry But at least you know what you're dealing with now, right? Did the doc give you any sort of plan of action to get you back out there pain-free eventually? Maybe it would be worth it to ask for a referral to a more specialized doctor for sports medicine? Just a thought...hope it gets better for you

Thank you, you are right. It is good to know.. but really, all she did was confirm what I suggested to her. The first part of the appointment was filled with trying to explain to the nurse that I didn't fall... didn't twist my ankle... didn't drop something on my foot. She couldn't understand how it just started hurting. Yes, I explained I ran 4 miles and was fine on tuesday.. then 5 on thursday and was not. Then Saturday did the 10k and although not really worse than the pain thursday's run caused.. not better (although, after thursday.. I could run sat... and after sat, I still can not run)I might end up asking for a referral. My doc wasn't very helpful in the "plan" department. She just said that it would get better and to stay off unleveled ground for a while...maybe run on a track..and probably return the shoes. Then the usual...ice... aleive... etc.

Try to have a little patience. When I had it, I was off the streets for almost 3 weeks. The elliptical was fine. I was able to run some on a treadmill before hitting the street.

When you do try to run, really keep the stride short and the pace slow. As you feel stronger, you can work your pace back up.

As far as shoes, it is hard to say over the internet. Almost any shoe will probably be paniful to run in right now. With that injury, I would avoid anything that you feel is pushing your foot out. I am not a huge fan of Mizuno because the heel of the shoes are way to built up, but that is my personal preference.

Do you have any compression socks? Stimulating blood flow in the area may help a little.

I am glad the doctor said you can run, but give a little time for it to heal up.

I almost think the heel is what makes it that much harder to run. It seems to be extra padded and wrap around my heel..and kinda pushes in right behind my ankle bone (right where that tendon wraps around) Just for kicks... I put my old running shoes on that do not wrap up so high(or hard) and ran down my hallway... it was more than I could do in the mizunos. Good grief I feel like a shoe nut. I am going to take them back... try yet ANOTHER pair.

3 weeks? Hmm.. that is getting very close to the ToT run. I would hope to be better long before then. For sure I am taking today... and maybe thursday. I really hope to be running again by Sat.

I do not have compression socks... but the KT tape does seem to help some.

Thanks so much for trying to help me out with my frustration.

 

[APrunner]

I almost think the heel is what makes it that much harder to run. It seems to be extra padded and wrap around my heel..and kinda pushes in right behind my ankle bone (right where that tendon wraps around) Just for kicks... I put my old running shoes on that do not wrap up so high(or hard) and ran down my hallway... it was more than I could do in the mizunos. Good grief I feel like a shoe nut. I am going to take them back... try yet ANOTHER pair.

3 weeks? Hmm.. that is getting very close to the ToT run. I would hope to be better long before then. For sure I am taking today... and maybe thursday. I really hope to be running again by Sat.

I do not have compression socks... but the KT tape does seem to help some.

Thanks so much for trying to help me out with my frustration.

Remind me what your old shoes were again. Were they the Sketchers Go Run?

Another thing I used to do, instead of ice, was soak my foot in a bucket of ice water. That may help with inflammation.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Just got back home from a 12-day vacation to the East Coast. While I didn't do anything huge, I was able to get in a few runs while over there. Whew! That heat and humidity thing flat out SUCKS! Kudos to all you who deal with this on a regular basis. It got better over time, but that 1st day was really, really hard. I went out today for a nice cool run, but as I've been having headaches and tummy issues lately, it ended up being a rather short jaunt. Sigh. Better than nothing, right?

 

[cchron]

ToT will be my very first marathon and I was soooo nervous about it. The anxiety was really dampening my usual excitement for our annual trip to WDW. My husband and I did our first 10 mile run on Saturday and finished in 2 hrs 13 minutes. Now that I know I can do it I am really looking forward to the race. I have a feeling this will be the first of many Disney races for us.