OFFICIAL January 2012 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Goofy or Dopey Challenge Thread

[orlandothebeagle]

2 stories...

I was an avid bicycle rider. Stopped riding for 15 years then got back into riding. TOOK THINGS SLOWLY. At age 55 I became stronger than ever before because I laid out a plan of recovery and stuck with it.

This past January, at 60yo, after 11 months of training, I walked WDW's 5K, 1/2M and the Full. Continued to walk since January because DW and I will be going to DL in Sept. for our C2C Medal.

Now, 5 1/2 weeks ago on a 100 mile bike ride I crashed at 77.25 miles. Result was C6 fracture and clavicle fracture. With neck in a collar, arm in a sling, flat on my back in ICU I ask my Neuro-surgeon and Orthopedic-surgeon when I can get back to walking. After a couple of days in hospital room they tell me that after a week being home I can get back to walking. I set a recovery plan up in my mind and my first walk was .66 mile stilll in neck collar and sling. I was so weak that DW continued on with the walk we usually do together.

Following my plan, this past Sunday with neck still in collar, I left our house at 3:20AM and walked 7.5 miles. Returned to house to get DW and we went out for 6.2 miles. I felt great. This morning, after DW went to work, I went out for 10 miles. Today's walk was not a planned walk rather a spur of the moment walk and I will admit at the time of this posting I am feeling GREAT even though I am still in neck collar and should find out tomorrow if a fusing of my neck will be in my near future.

Moral of my stories... plan your return, know your body, feel your body as you return and DO NOT OVER DO THINGS.

Good luck.

Respect

 

[hulagirl87]

2 stories...

I was an avid bicycle rider. Stopped riding for 15 years then got back into riding. TOOK THINGS SLOWLY. At age 55 I became stronger than ever before because I laid out a plan of recovery and stuck with it.

This past January, at 60yo, after 11 months of training, I walked WDW's 5K, 1/2M and the Full. Continued to walk since January because DW and I will be going to DL in Sept. for our C2C Medal.

Now, 5 1/2 weeks ago on a 100 mile bike ride I crashed at 77.25 miles. Result was C6 fracture and clavicle fracture. With neck in a collar, arm in a sling, flat on my back in ICU I ask my Neuro-surgeon and Orthopedic-surgeon when I can get back to walking. After a couple of days in hospital room they tell me that after a week being home I can get back to walking. I set a recovery plan up in my mind and my first walk was .66 mile stilll in neck collar and sling. I was so weak that DW continued on with the walk we usually do together.

Following my plan, this past Sunday with neck still in collar, I left our house at 3:20AM and walked 7.5 miles. Returned to house to get DW and we went out for 6.2 miles. I felt great. This morning, after DW went to work, I went out for 10 miles. Today's walk was not a planned walk rather a spur of the moment walk and I will admit that at the time of this posting I am feeling GREAT even though I am still in neck collar and should find out tomorrow if a fusing of my neck will be in my near future.

Moral of my stories... plan your return, know your body, feel your body as you return and DO NOT OVER DO THINGS.

Good luck.

My mom had her neck fused. Bless you for continuing to walk when you must be in pain! I agree with what you say about knowing your body. I was on my walk/run this morning and my legs just weren't feeling right. I could have kept going but knew that maybe I should take it easy today. And I like that you said that you walked the half marathon. Sometimes I feel like I might have taken on too much with expecting that I will be able to complete the half marathon. I have never ran or even walked such a distance before and am getting a little scared that I won't be able to do so. Like I have perhaps bitten off more than I can chew. Just a little worried. I just need to have a little more faith in myself Thank you for your encouraging story and I wish you the best in your recovery!

 

[CoasterAddict]

... And I like that you said that you walked the half marathon. Sometimes I feel like I might have taken on too much with expecting that I will be able to complete the half marathon. I have never ran or even walked such a distance before and am getting a little scared that I won't be able to do so. Like I have perhaps bitten off more than I can chew. Just a little worried. I just need to have a little more faith in myself Thank you for your encouraging story and I wish you the best in your recovery!

I'm not an athlete. But I've completed 4 half marathons now--3@WDW and one @DL, and the full marathon last year--mostly walking. You get the same medal when you cross the finish line, no matter what your time was.

 

[WriteDisney]

Finished my fourth half marathon today in just about 2:25... was near a 2:20 pacer group but that was a disaster! Never again! I just need to create my own pace because its so depressing when you get left behind (after pushing it up a hill no less!). Anyway 2:25 was my goal so I'm super excited! Any others runners do the Maryland Half Marathon in Maplelawn?

Or Any races for that matter!

Its so inspiring to read all these stories on this thread. I love it!!

 

[cloudnut220]

Finished my fourth half marathon today in just about 2:25... was near a 2:20 pacer group but that was a disaster! Never again! I just need to create my own pace because its so depressing when you get left behind (after pushing it up a hill no less!). Anyway 2:25 was my goal so I'm super excited! Any others runners do the Maryland Half Marathon in Maplelawn?

Or Any races for that matter!

Its so inspiring to read all these stories on this thread. I love it!!

WD--I did the Maryland Half today. That course was brutal! And yes, temps in the 70s are nice to run in, but not with 90 percent humidity! I finished in 2.09, thanks to successfully pacing with the 2.10 group for the first 10 miles of the race. I'm really glad I could stay with them--we lost the whole pace group except for me and another guy after that huge hill at mile 4.5!

 

[stitchfan18]

Finished my fourth half marathon today in just about 2:25... was near a 2:20 pacer group but that was a disaster! Never again! I just need to create my own pace because its so depressing when you get left behind (after pushing it up a hill no less!). Anyway 2:25 was my goal so I'm super excited! Any others runners do the Maryland Half Marathon in Maplelawn?

Or Any races for that matter!

Its so inspiring to read all these stories on this thread. I love it!!

My mantra that I keep repeating over and over in my head during my races is 'run your own race.' I always get tempted to try and take off when people start passing me, especially at the beginning, but I know what my limits are, and usually end up passing the same people during the second half of the race I'm such a competitor that it's hard for me to let others do better than me, but I know the real competition is with myself so taking off too fast too soon is going to make me crash and burn later. I had the same thing kind of happen to me at a half last month. I got left in the dust by the 2:10 pace group during the last mile. I ended up finishing in 2:10 exactly because I started over 2 minutes after the gun went off. It was really depressing until I got my official time though!

 

[RadioFanatic]

Respect

ditto

 

[WriteDisney]

WD--I did the Maryland Half today. That course was brutal! And yes, temps in the 70s are nice to run in, but not with 90 percent humidity! I finished in 2.09, thanks to successfully pacing with the 2.10 group for the first 10 miles of the race. I'm really glad I could stay with them--we lost the whole pace group except for me and another guy after that huge hill at mile 4.5!

I know! I hated at the starting line that they said as runners we know its a great day to run (cause it was cloudy). When I checked the weather in the morning and saw 90 percent humidity I knew it'd be a tough day. That's a great time so good job! It was a very well put together race though and its such a great cause! I think next time I'll start out in a slower pace and then move up in the second half.

My mantra that I keep repeating over and over in my head during my races is 'run your own race.' I always get tempted to try and take off when people start passing me, especially at the beginning, but I know what my limits are, and usually end up passing the same people during the second half of the race I'm such a competitor that it's hard for me to let others do better than me, but I know the real competition is with myself so taking off too fast too soon is going to make me crash and burn later. I had the same thing kind of happen to me at a half last month. I got left in the dust by the 2:10 pace group during the last mile. I ended up finishing in 2:10 exactly because I started over 2 minutes after the gun went off. It was really depressing until I got my official time though!

Yes! I'm still finding out my limits even though I've been running for awhile. I guess it just comes with time. But that's great about that race! I love hearing these stories cause it inspires me to keep pushing myself and working hard!

Keep up the great work everyone!

 

[Sandy321]

I'm old, I'm out of shape, and weigh too much.

First day of training. Out there for 32 min did 1.4 miles for 22 min+ miles - need to shave off 7 minutes... I'd laugh out loud if it wasnt so sad!

This is going to be a huge mental challenge, as well as physical.

 

[stitchfan18]

I'm old, I'm out of shape, and weigh too much.

First day of training. Out there for 32 min did 1.4 miles for 22 min+ miles - need to shave off 7 minutes... I'd laugh out loud if it wasnt so sad!

This is going to be a huge mental challenge, as well as physical.

You can do it! Just keep up with your training plan, and don't get discouraged, you'll be amazed to see your improvement in a month. By the time January rolls around you won't even believe how far you've come!

 

[John VN]

I'm not an athlete. But I've completed 4 half marathons now--3@WDW and one @DL, and the full marathon last year--mostly walking. You get the same medal when you cross the finish line, no matter what your time was.

ANYONE who competes in a 5K to a Full Marathon should consider themselves an ATHLETE. We come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. We might not attain our goal occasionally, but at least the effort was made and looking towards the future can encourage one to try a litte harder.

My neuro's visit was good and bad. My C6 fracture is healing ; however, there is a concern with slippage of C5 and C6. I am in the neck collar far another 6 weeks, , but have another office visit in 4 weeks after x-rays. Will not get me down because I decided yesterday to have DW, former lifeguard, train me to swim better so I can enter a TRI event in Sarasota, Fl. in 1 year and still plan on speed walking the full in next year's Goofy in under 4:30.

It's great to read everyones results, so keep up the good work, achieve your goals and I sure hope this collar doesn't start growing roots.


Sandy321, you made it out there for 32min. and 1.4 miles, that's alot better than HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of other people. Stay true to yourself and with the help of us here you can make it.

 

[CoasterAddict]

ANYONE who competes in a 5K to a Full Marathon should consider themselves an ATHLETE. We come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. We might not attain our goal occasionally, but at least the effort was made and looking towards the future can encourage one to try a litte harder.

Yes, my sister (who does the races with me) keeps telling me the same thing. I'm still trying to overcome the mental-image inertia of the past 4 decades.

My neuro's visit was good and bad. My C6 fracture is healing ; however, there is a concern with slippage of C5 and C6. I am in the neck collar far another 6 weeks, , but have another office visit in 4 weeks after x-rays. Will not get me down because I decided yesterday to have DW, former lifeguard, train me to swim better so I can enter a TRI event in Sarasota, Fl. in 1 year and still plan on speed walking the full in next year's Goofy in under 4:30...

I'm in awe of your determination. Good luck with the swimming!

 

[Sandy321]

JohnV You tell us! Thanks for the support! ITA agree about the athlete! I know there is one somewhere deep down inside me...

and good luck with the tri - my DS had an injury when he was 20, rattled his brain but good - upon check out of the hospital we had to meet with a social worker who talked to us about goals, and not focusing on the injury - this was in 2010 and dh wanted to do the Goofy - DS did not want to do the same thing as Dad - so he said the Tri in Chicago in August! Well, he now is 100% ok (well except he did have a fall off the bike in the winter breaking his collarbone! - but that's healed too) Basically - he LOVES doing Tri's - I know there is a tri thread here, and it gave me support to pass along to DS! Swimming is a great start too, good for strength!

CoasterAddict I know that feeling! But like they tell me, and like we believe here at WISH - we are off the couch and doing something...

stitchfan Thank you for your encouragement too - I do very well for 2 weeks, then fall off, then get back up again.... I have to remember to take it one day at a time and not think about the training in November to come!!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

2 stories...

I was an avid bicycle rider. Stopped riding for 15 years then got back into riding. TOOK THINGS SLOWLY. At age 55 I became stronger than ever before because I laid out a plan of recovery and stuck with it.

This past January, at 60yo, after 11 months of training, I walked WDW's 5K, 1/2M and the Full. Continued to walk since January because DW and I will be going to DL in Sept. for our C2C Medal.

Now, 5 1/2 weeks ago on a 100 mile bike ride I crashed at 77.25 miles. Result was C6 fracture and clavicle fracture. With neck in a collar, arm in a sling, flat on my back in ICU I ask my Neuro-surgeon and Orthopedic-surgeon when I can get back to walking. After a couple of days in hospital room they tell me that after a week being home I can get back to walking. I set a recovery plan up in my mind and my first walk was .66 mile stilll in neck collar and sling. I was so weak that DW continued on with the walk we usually do together.

Following my plan, this past Sunday with neck still in collar, I left our house at 3:20AM and walked 7.5 miles. Returned to house to get DW and we went out for 6.2 miles. I felt great. This morning, after DW went to work, I went out for 10 miles. Today's walk was not a planned walk rather a spur of the moment walk and I will admit that at the time of this posting I am feeling GREAT even though I am still in neck collar and should find out tomorrow if a fusing of my neck will be in my near future.

Moral of my stories... plan your return, know your body, feel your body as you return and DO NOT OVER DO THINGS.

Good luck.

Thank you for the great story and the excellent advice. I appreciate it! Congratulations to you on all you have achieved!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I'm old, I'm out of shape, and weigh too much.

First day of training. Out there for 32 min did 1.4 miles for 22 min+ miles - need to shave off 7 minutes... I'd laugh out loud if it wasnt so sad!

This is going to be a huge mental challenge, as well as physical.

You are AWESOME! Be proud of what you've done so far, and enjoy the journey. You'll look back on this milestone first day of training months down the road, and you'll be amazed at how far you have traveled. Good for you!!!

 

[sschu717]

I'm old, I'm out of shape, and weigh too much.

First day of training. Out there for 32 min did 1.4 miles for 22 min+ miles - need to shave off 7 minutes... I'd laugh out loud if it wasnt so sad!

This is going to be a huge mental challenge, as well as physical.

Keep going. You can do it. Take it slow and you'll get to where you want to be.

In January 2010 I ran for the first time after a 20 year "break" -- I could barely run one block. In January 2011 I ran and completed my first half marathon.

 

[Ar2smile]

Hi! New here! In for my first full at WDW 2012! I am so excited! However, my hubby and brother bailed on me. Apparently I am the only one with the guts to do it! Woohoo, girl power!

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Hi! New here! In for my first full at WDW 2012! I am so excited! However, my hubby and brother bailed on me. Apparently I am the only one with the guts to do it! Woohoo, girl power!

Welcome! You're going to have a good time, and you'll find that people here are kind and give good advice. I did my first marathon in 2010, and got nothing but solid information and support from people on this board. Enjoy the ride!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I'm old, I'm out of shape, and weigh too much.

First day of training. Out there for 32 min did 1.4 miles for 22 min+ miles - need to shave off 7 minutes... I'd laugh out loud if it wasnt so sad!

This is going to be a huge mental challenge, as well as physical.

I weigh too much also, I really struggle with my wt, I would go for the old but my hubby is 13 years older than me and whips my butt so I just need to stop procrastinating and start running.

ANYONE who competes in a 5K to a Full Marathon should consider themselves an ATHLETE. We come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. We might not attain our goal occasionally, but at least the effort was made and looking towards the future can encourage one to try a litte harder.

My neuro's visit was good and bad. My C6 fracture is healing ; however, there is a concern with slippage of C5 and C6. I am in the neck collar far another 6 weeks, , but have another office visit in 4 weeks after x-rays. Will not get me down because I decided yesterday to have DW, former lifeguard, train me to swim better so I can enter a TRI event in Sarasota, Fl. in 1 year and still plan on speed walking the full in next year's Goofy in under 4:30.

It's great to read everyones results, so keep up the good work, achieve your goals and I sure hope this collar doesn't start growing roots.


Sandy321, you made it out there for 32min. and 1.4 miles, that's alot better than HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of other people. Stay true to yourself and with the help of us here you can make it.

That sounds like a great plan, I was 35 when I went for swimming lessons, I could swim just couldnt do the crawl, I loved it.

Hi! New here! In for my first full at WDW 2012! I am so excited! However, my hubby and brother bailed on me. Apparently I am the only one with the guts to do it! Woohoo, girl power!

Hi from sunny scotland.

 

[Sandy321]

Hi! New here! In for my first full at WDW 2012! I am so excited! However, my hubby and brother bailed on me. Apparently I am the only one with the guts to do it! Woohoo, girl power!

Girl Power There have always lots of helpful kind Dis'ers on the course - you wont be alone!

I weigh too much also, I really struggle with my wt, I would go for the old but my hubby is 13 years older than me and whips my butt so I just need to stop procrastinating and start running.

That sounds like a great plan, I was 35 when I went for swimming lessons, I could swim just couldnt do the crawl, I loved it.


Hi from sunny scotland.

I was afraid someone would bring up those that are older than me kicking my rear on any course!

Did a 1.37 miles today - twice!