~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey Everyone: OK, we're going up to Colleenland this weekend for Father's Day. My family is taking me to African Lion Safari in Ontario. Therefore, I got my LR in today, and I'll take Saturday and Sunday off. I did 10.68 miles in 1:41 min for a 9:27 mpm pace. I'll take that. It was a really relaxed run, and I took 3-4 walk breaks (every 2 miles or so). The only trouble was 5 miles into my run the sky darkened, and lightening was striking all around me. That made me pretty anxious, but there was nothing I could do but keep running. I got rained on a little, but not too bad.

Hey what's all this talk I'm hearing of another Fall marathon in Maine? Is that the Mount Desert Island marathon? Maybe I can do that one instead of Philly in order to avoid my work conflict. Sooooo, just what Maine marathon are you talking about? Whoa, I just checked, and the MDI marathon only has 1,000 competitors. Yikes! I wonder how fast they fill up?

Jodi- Enjoy those Ho-Hos today on your "cross-training" day.

Lou- How'd your 5 miler go? Good luck with your business deal. So whatever this business is, WISH team members get discounts, right?

Mike- I've scheduled an ADR at Biergarten during our July vacation because of you. I need to sample one of these Optimators you speak of.

Sara- How was the birthday party? Are your girls dying to get out of school like mine our? Mine seem absolutely fried, and just ready to be done.

How'd your run go Chester?

Keep up the training Howard

Hi Cindy

 

[rKyDeX]

Jodi
I'm going to use Hal Higdon's intermediate I plan again. Right now I'm just repeating the first 4 weeks over and over until it's time to begin the plan on 7/22. I really like the Tu We Th Sa Su schedule.
Dropping the extra weight is going to be a little tougher this year because my gym membership expired and I'm not going to renew. I'll just have to cut back a little more on meal portions.

Dave
Yeah, what Jodi said - be a man and do both! ...and if the wife has any issues have her give Jodi a call.
Last night's run was canceled due to a Thunderstorm that sat overhead untill 11pm. No plans to try and make it up.
Enjoy your Father's Day weekend trip.

Sara
A big Happy Birthday to DD. Good luck on your search for a Doctor that will listen to you and take the time to really understand what you want to be able to do.

Mike
Tracy actually got up at 6am every morning this week to begin training for the DL Half. I'm very proud of her. She's just starting to get her mileage built up again, but she has been at it every day this week.
5 miles starts to seem pretty far when your pace is forced to be slower to match your training plan. It's really hard sometimes to ignore "happy feet".

Colleen
I've already planned to register for Philly by June 30th. I already have the Hotel reserved and flight reservations.

Hey Lou, Steve, Howard, and Cindy.


Chester
W.I.S.H. Half-Fast Marathon Team

 

[Theta]

Colleen
I've already planned to register for Philly by June 30th. I already have the Hotel reserved and flight reservations.

Wow!

FLights too? When are you flying in?

 

[msblrobs]

Thanks for all of the birthday well wishes for DD - she had a great day and the party's today so that's why I've been up since 3:30 a.m.

Dave - My DD's both really like school so they haven't really said much . They go to gymnastics camp all summer which they enjoy as well so I am sure they are psyched to be nearly done with school. Have a blast in Canada .

Chester - So glad you're not blowing us off anymore . I've used Hal Higdon's intermediate I plan in the past and think it's a good one .

Lou - Hoping you have an awesome LR today . Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well for you work-wise!

Mike - Are your chicks out of school yet and is that why you haven't been able to catch up with your running buddies as of late ? BTW, I'm not buying the 5 miles being hard for you no matter how warm the temps have been .

HummuSteve - My family of 5 might be tenting on your lawn as well for the Maine marathon if there is indeed a McBot invasion.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OF OUR MCPHILLY FELLAS You guys rock and I hope you all get the royal treatment on Sunday

Colleen - I am definitely waiting as long as I can myself before I fork over cash for WDW registration. I am still on the fence for the Philly distance I can manage in November as well so I will have to wait and see .

Jodi - You know I'll shoot you over the PB pancake recipe . Take it easy with the running so the ankle and knee can recover a bit . The right knee might just be some sympathy pain for me .

CindyLou - Where are you ?!

I've got about 12 hours of work ahead of me for this combo kids/family DD's b-day, Father's Day, my Dad's birthday thingie today so I'd better fly . Definitely considering it XT'ing since no time for actual working out. I have run a smidge the past few days but I am taking it real slow and I haven't suffered any ill effects so it's still day to day for now .

I have a busy weekend and I'm off to Boston next week for business so I may be MIA for a bit. Have a great weekend guys

 

[Jodi]

Chester - Tell Tracy I said nice job w/ the training! I'm going to check out that Hal Higdon plan, sounds pretty good. Stay away from the lightning, some dude got killed @ a beach here last week trying to outrun it! Yeh, when are you flying into Philly? I've got hotel ressies for Sat., but no flights yet!

Cindy - Hellooo, what up?

Sara - Hope DD's b'day went off without a hitch today. Did the thunderstorms stay away? It's pretty creepy here with potential hail & such for the rest of the night. Glad the "smidge" of running hasn't produced any owies...my knee's fine today, ankle's still cranky!

Colleen - Sign up for Philly yet?

Mikael - What's up?

Dave - Have a safe trip up to Hoser-land, eh?? Nice times, keep it up!

Lou, Howard, HummuSteve - Hey, dudes!

Ran 7 this a.m., felt good, one mile was even @ 8:50 (downhill ). Total was a 9:34 avrg. Still not good enough for a 2 hour 1/2, so I guess I better get my turd together with my speedwork, eh?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the BOTdads tomorrow!!

 

[SilverE]

Howdy; Happy Father's Day to the dudes.

I'm still just biking along; the achilles is only a little bit better.

Lou: Impressive race calendar for the upcoming season; that's going to be a load of new race T-shirts. Comcast HQ sounded cool.

Sara: Glad the knee is feeling OK; go easy on that "smidge" running. Happy belated b-day to DD. Enjoy Boston this week.

Dave: Nice pace on the training, Speedy. Hope the Philly/WDW plans work out. How was the Dad's Day Lion Safari?

Cindy: I enjoyed your race report. I was really struck by your observation at the end: 2 marathons completed and you have only been running for 20 months. That's really impressive. How's Matt's knee doing post-marathon? Is he running Goofy '09 also, or is he your support crew?

Howard: Nice job cranking out the miles and increasing the pace. Oh, and since I have not been running, I found those pounds you lost

Chester: It's good to see the Lime Green Caveman avatar on the boards again. Glad you are getting the training in. Wow, a month in Europe for the kids? I am jealous.

Colleen: Hi; catch up with the post-camping laundry yet?

Jod(Wii): How's the Wii Fit working out? I just bought one last week, but I haven't opened the box yet because the actual Wii is still in the box: its an "end of the school year we are not going anywhere on vacation this summer that costs any money" family gift, so I have to wait until next weekend to surprise the kids.

Mike:

As for the Maine Marathon, I run the Half, which has the same start; you just do a turn-around at 6 miles. I think my fingers may have slipped off a few keys: when I invited you all to stay I really intended to type: "local area hotel lists will be provided". Just kidding; bring those tents.

 

[Jodi]

Steve - That Maine 1/2 sounds great, count me in!!

Happy Father's Day Guys!!

 

[lourodrigis]

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Dis Dads!!!

Jodi - I like your training plan. Sometimes you need to take a break. You have a lot of miles logged already this year. Nice job on the 7 miler.

Dave - Hope you enjoyed your day north of the border. Nice job on the 10+ mile run.

Sara - Sounds like you had a busy weekend. Enjoy your trip to Boston! That should be a good time.

Steve - I'll be passing on Maine this year so you have one less guest to worry about. Hope the achilles heals up soon.

Hey Cindy, Mike, Chester, Howard, Colleen!

Got in 5 miles on Friday, 10 miles mountain biking yesterday, and 12 miles running today. Hung out at the pool all day yesterday for DD's 8th B-day party. Got some quasi-bad news yesterday. My cousin is getting married in West Chester, PA on 10/25, the day before MCM. I fully plan to run MCM so I am going to have to figure out how to get from the wedding to my parents house in Baltimore that night. Stinks!

My family took me to a Camden Riversharks (minor league baseball) game today. It was so hot we bailed after 6 innings.

Lou

 

[KeenHo]

Hi everyone! I spent all day Friday and most of the day Saturday working at the Delaware Special Olympics Summer Games. I bet I logged 8 to 10 miles each day walking from venue to venue. I am not going to count those miles because they were not measured. I was exhausted each night afterwards for sure. I was there from 6:45 AM on Friday until about 10:30 PM and then from 6:45 AM until 4 PM on Saturday. It was a great event and all the athletes inspired me.

I didn't get my 7 miles in yesterday as I had hoped. But I got them in tonight. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it was after a big meal at Carrabba's for Father's Day and lounging around all day watching the U.S. Open.

Here is my info:

Miles: 7
Time: 1:10:34
Pace: 10:05


Splits:
9:04
10:07
9:44
11:12
10:24
9:56
10:08

Have a great week of training everyone!



Howard

 

[rKyDeX]

Colleen and Jodi
We are flying into Philly on Friday afternoon - arriving about 3:00 pm. Flying out Sunday at 6:60 pm. Since it doesn't look like fuel prices will be lessening any time soon, we decided to go ahead and make the flight reservations. We'll take the train from the aitport to the hotel.

Sara
I hope you get a chance to enjoy your week in Boston and good luck easing back into running.

Steve
I'm jealous too. Nobody's ever offered to take me to Europe. They are just lucky to have an Aunt that really loves them and who needed French and Spanish translators.

Lou
Is your mountain biking on techincal trails? We have a couple parks in the Tampa area that have trails but nothing that has much of a vertical challenge.

Howard
I got up early to get my Father's day run in. 8 miles at 9:58. 75 degrees and 95% humidity at 6:00am. Still, it was much better than the week before when I waited until 8:00am to start an 11 mile run. Once the sun starts shining it's almost unbearable.


Best wishes to everyone.

Chester
W.I.S.H. Half-Fast Marathon Team

 

[Jodi]

Quick drive-by & question for the PHillyFamiliar peeps. Thinking of taking the train (Amtrak) in to the 30th street station. How far is the from the hotel (comfort Suites) it doesn't look bad on the map, but would we be able to walk? Sidewalks?? What's doin' down in Philly?? I guess we could take a cab. The airfares are heinous, $500 or something silly RT, & Amtrak is less than $200 RT for both of us .

 

[lourodrigis]

Quick drive-by & question for the PHillyFamiliar peeps. Thinking of taking the train (Amtrak) in to the 30th street station. How far is the from the hotel (comfort Suites) it doesn't look bad on the map, but would we be able to walk? Sidewalks?? What's doin' down in Philly?? I guess we could take a cab. The airfares are heinous, $500 or something silly RT, & Amtrak is less than $200 RT for both of us .

Jodi - The train is probably the way to go. It's definitely more convenient to get to and from the marathon from 30th St Station then PHL. I'm assuming you are talking about staying at Embassy Suites which is at 18th & the Parkway, correct? You can walk to Embassy from 30th St but it's about 3/4 mile or 8-9 city blocks. I'd probably take a cab. If you want to save some $$ you could take the trolley to 19th & Market and walk 2 blocks.

The walk from 30th St to Embassy is safe. As we get closer to race time I can hook you up with where to go, eat, etc.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Lou

 

[lourodrigis]

Lou
Is your mountain biking on techincal trails? We have a couple parks in the Tampa area that have trails but nothing that has much of a vertical challenge.

Chester - I live adjacent to a brand new 7-mile paved bike path that runs along what used to be an old railroad. The path also connects to a series of dirt trails that run into a wildlife area. I'm in South Jersey so everything is flat here. However, I do try to ride trails in Philly that are pretty challenging but I usally run them more than ride them. I try to bike 1-2 times per week to save my knees from pounding.

Lou

 

[Jodi]

Jodi - The train is probably the way to go. It's definitely more convenient to get to and from the marathon from 30th St Station then PHL. I'm assuming you are talking about staying at Embassy Suites which is at 18th & the Parkway, correct? You can walk to Embassy from 30th St but it's about 3/4 mile or 8-9 city blocks. I'd probably take a cab. If you want to save some $$ you could take the trolley to 19th & Market and walk 2 blocks.

The walk from 30th St to Embassy is safe. As we get closer to race time I can hook you up with where to go, eat, etc.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Lou

Thanks for the advice, Lou. Yes, that's the Embassy Suites we're at. Sounds like Amtrak's the way to go. We'll take a cab, no doubt. Is the expo center far from the hotel? I've flown in to PHL before & know that it's a pretty long train ride from there to downtown Philly!

 

[lourodrigis]

Thanks for the advice, Lou. Yes, that's the Embassy Suites we're at. Sounds like Amtrak's the way to go. We'll take a cab, no doubt. Is the expo center far from the hotel? I've flown in to PHL before & know that it's a pretty long train ride from there to downtown Philly!

Jodi - Last year the expo was at Temple University which is a hike from Center City. This year it will be at the PA Convention Center at 12th & Arch St which is 6 blocks from the Embassy Suites (15 minute walk). The convention center is also a nicer venue and there is more to do around there.

I haven't rode Amtrak in a while but I used to a lot for work. You can't beat the big comfortable seats with lots of leg room. I think I would prefer a train over a plane after a race. Make sure you sit close to the dining (or drinking) car .

Lou

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning Team: Had a great time with the family at African Lion Safari in Ontario this weekend. The park was really nice. At one point a baboon jumped on top of our van, and the girls were screaming with excitement "there's a monkey on our van, there's a monkey on our van!" DD10 said "this is way better than the safari at Animal Kingdom." Which, I have to agree...

Yesterday I had a tough run after work. DD7 and I biked to the high school track, and I did my psuedo-speedwork. Speedwork for me - pseudospeed for everyone else... I did 5x 800m intervals. It was tough. My time for 16 total laps (6400m, nearly 4 miles) was 32:43 min/8:14 mpm. I was happy with that. I packed my backpack with sand toys and DD7 played in the longjump sandpit the whole time I ran. She had a great time.

Steve- I'm considering the Maine Marathon for my fall marathon now. Who all's coming out for it? Hope your achilles is getting better.

Jodi- Are you really going up to Maine for the 1/2M? I'm thinking I might run Maine instead of Philly now.

Cindy- How was Chatauqua? Where did you stay?

Chester- Nice job on the 8 miles. Uuugh, that heat and humidity sounds rough. How's Tracy doing with her running?

Howard- Nice job on your 7 miles.

Lou- I love minor league baseball. It's so much fun. We have a really nice park here for our AAA team. Sounds like a nice Father's day.

Sara- Hope you're having fun in Boston.

Hi Colleen

Hi Mike

 

[KeenHo]

First, thank you to all of you complimenting my recent efforts. It isn't easy but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Here is my info for this morning's run:

Miles: 3
Time: 30:21
Pace: 10:08


Splits:
9:50
10:32
10:02

I kind of dogged it today, no energy... but I got it done. I have to report on two things I like about running outside today because I missed one the other day:

1. Running while my son bikes with me. It is nice father/son time.

2. Saying hello to all of the early morning folks - people grabbing their newspaper, getting in the car to go to work, walkers, and other runners.

I am proud to report that my weigh in this morning yielded another pound or two off the scale. I am now officially under 200, weighing in at 199.9! It is so much easier putting on than it is taking it off.

Enjoy your day and keep on training!



Howard

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Morning all!

Wow, I'm really behind. Been a little crazy around here. Worked until 2AM Thursday night/Friday morning. Then drove up to Chautauqua for the wedding. Weather was not great but we had a good time. Dave - the Wedding was on the grounds of the Institute (Hall of Philosophy) and the reception was at the Athenaeum Hotel. Since it was off season there, the rate was fairly inexpensive and wedding guests were the only guests at the hotel, which was kind of nice. Got back late Sunday and then worked until midnight last night. I'm hoping for a better day today!

Ran this morning for the first time since last Wednesday. So I guess I'll postpone starting my training schedule for the NYC Half until next week and just try to get in some good miles this week.

I'll try to catch up later.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Catch up Post!

I don't think I've said this yet, so I wanted to thank everyone for the nice comments on my race report. It can't believe that it was just a little over 2 weeks ago, it feels like ages.

Ran 7 this a.m., felt good, one mile was even @ 8:50 (downhill ). Total was a 9:34 avrg. Still not good enough for a 2 hour 1/2, so I guess I better get my turd together with my speedwork, eh?

Remember, I just ran a sub 2 hour half and I NEVER do my easy training runs at under 10 min miles. Just do some speedwork once a week (adding a tempoyuckyrun wouldn't hurt) and don't worry about pace on the other runs.

How's Matt's knee doing post-marathon? Is he running Goofy '09 also, or is he your support crew?

He's been taking it easy so his knee is ok. He is running the Goofy (we have even discussed actually running it together )

What weekend is the Maine marathon? For some reason I think its the weekend of the Army Ten Miler? (I really shouldn't add another race to my schedule anyway)

Colleen and Mike -

Howard - way to go on the weight loss. I appear to have picked up some of your lost pounds. I've gain 4 since the marathon I really need to loose 10 (maybe 14 now) Just not finding the motivation. Sigh

Dave - Glad you had a nice Father's Day

Sara - Glad to hear that you are able to ease back into running.

Chester - Good to "see" you back

Lou - Sounds like you've really been putting in the miles via foot and bike.

Who has actually registered for Philly? I think I'll just go ahead and do it this week.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Quick fly-by post before I run to a meeting. I ran 5.25 miles this morning. I don't know my time. As you all may remember my Garmin died last week. I've been using a stopwatch that I start and put down at the beginning of my run. Well today when I finished my run, the stopwatch was gone. Someone stole it! I guess that's what I get for being too trusting...