~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[msblrobs]

I will not be running for a few weeks since I have achilles tendinitis in my right foot. I know it is nothing to fool around with so no matter how hard it is for me to accept, I just can't think about running now. I believe my family is scared that I will be semi-suicidal on vacation . I am going to the acupuncturist tomorrow and I am icing, stretching and ibuprofen. I will most likely be scarce around here, not because I don't you guys, but I am just crying as I type this. I don't enjoy things that stand in my way, KWIM?

Jodi - Great job on the 4 miles and I hope your LR is not too brutal this weekend with the temps. Your husband is a Marine that is way cool.

Colleen - Just let me know if you need me to do any legwork for the WISH meet on Friday night. I will have my laptop on vacation since I have to work a bit each day so I will be lurking on this thread at least.

Chester - Thank you so much for the beautiful testament to you Dad. Glad to know he gives you strength when you need it most.

Dave - I hope you're doing well. Sorry your trip home was rough. Give yourself all of the time you need to work through things and I am sure it'll all come together.

I did an hour of yoga and then went to my Pilates class before work. That's it for me today I am at peace with it for now if it allows me to be with you all on 10/28. I refuse to make a decision until the deferment deadline. I believe that I caught it early enough that if I truly give it the time it needs to heal then I can bang out 26.2 with no permanent damage.

I am off to WDW on Saturday. Happy LR's to all this weekend .

 

[Jodi]

Sara - Don't stay away from the boards too much, we'll miss you! I am so sorry that your heel is giving you such a bad time, but you're right, stop running. I really do think that this vacation is coming @ the right time, you coulnd't run anyway, so...You'll be back to your maniacal running self by the time you get back . Massage that heel, I'll bet your calf is tight, too! I'm sure the accupunturist will help out. Just remain calm & maintain a positive attitude (now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black!). Don't cry .

At least you have an excuse, Sara, I just didn't feel like getting up this a.m., so I didn't run! Maybe a bit this afternoon, but it's supposed to be warm, so I doubt it. Tuesday's CT consisted of 20 mins. of jumping the trampoline with my DS . Actually, though, I found it to be quite the workout jumping nonstop, I might have to use that thing more often!

How's everyone else hanging in there??

 

[princessmomma]

Sara, I am very confident you trip down to Florida will be just what the doctor ordered! Please take care of yourself and tell us some Disney stories when you are down there or more importantly tell us all about restaurant meals.

Jodi, no problem about not getting out this morning, afterall, you have 18 on for this weekend correct?

I ran 60 minutes this morning it was pretty uneventful. I did have a little achey knee so I stopped and stretched a bit. I slowed down my pace a bit and cruised home, so my overall pace was ho-hum.

 

[princessmomma]

Bebo Trattoria,
2250-B Crystal Drive,
Arlington, VA 22202
Alright folks, I made a reservation at this restaurant for

Friday October 26, 2007
6:30 p.m.

Table of 16
Colleen (4)
Sara (4)
Jodi (2)
Chester (2)
Mike (2)
Dave (2)

Are these accurate numbers? I had to put down a credit card number to hold the reservation and get this, she said that if we don't show up for the reservation they will charge $20 per person. All I said was "Ouch"! She was very nice and said that this is becoming more common during Marathon Weekend and other busy times. We can change our numbers up to a few days before, so if you know you won't be able to make it, be sure to let me know.

Anyway, we have a WISH meet locale! I also asked if it was appropriate for out 8 and 10 year olds and she said absolutely. She was going to make sure I had a very nice table.

 

[Optimator]

Sara - Take it easy and be at peace with your decision. Rest is definitely the right thing to do now. Keep us updated on your adventures at WDW. Possibly have a beer for me in Germany? A big one? It's all good after a liter.

Chester - Very touching about your dad. I'm sure he would be very proud of you.

Colleen - Thanks so much for doing all the leg work for the WISH meet. I really appreciate it. Good job on getting the run done.

Dave - Great that your dad is coming. I'm sure he'll have a good time and it should make the trip more enjoyable for you as well.

Jodi - Happy jumping! A popular local kid's birthday place here is The House of Bounce. Big inflatable slides, moon bounces, etc. I always come out of there feeling like I ran 10 miles.


On the training front: A moment of silence please. My Garmin has gone comatose. It went woogy on my LR Sunday and again on Tuesday then wouldn't connect to the computer when I put it in the charging craddle. Many hours and a few very pleasant Garmin techies later, still no luck. Well I take it back. The Garmin folks said to send it in for repair and all that it will cost is shipping. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I did run 5+ miles on Tues at some undetermined pace and got a good 8 in last night. 5 more on tap tonight after the DD's are tucked in bed.

I've got 20 on tap for this weekend and am trying to figure out which day will allow me to minimize the family impact and still get some reasonable amount of sleep.

Take care everyone.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning MCM teammates:

I wanted to check in with everyone.

Sara- I'm so sorry to hear about your achilles tendinitis diagnosis. I agree with everyone else that the trip to WDW may be just what the doctor ordered. Yes, you can't run, but that's a good thing now. WDW might take your mind off the fact you can't run too. Soak that foot a lot in the pool, and you're going to come back stronger than ever. I can't wait to see you at the WISH dinner and starting line in DC.

Colleen- Thanks so much for making dinner reservations for the WISH team dinner. I may have to shift my Friday plans around a little so I can attend the team dinner. My flight gets in to BWI at 5:00p on Friday. I was going to drive to DC, go right to the Expo and pick up my packet. I wanted to avoid the crowds on Saturday. However, I don't think I can pick up my packet Friday and make it to the WISH dinner. I really want to come to the dinner. You guys have been so supportive of me, and I want to have a chance to meet everyone. I can pick up my packet on Saturday. Thanks again for all your help with the reservation.

Chester- Wow, your story of your father was truly inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful story. I know my mother is going to be with me when I run the MCM. It's going to be a tough run for me, and I'm going to be thinking of her a lot.

Hello Jodi- I need to say thank you so much for your e-mail you sent me. Your comments really hit the nail on the head for me. Great job with your running and training lately. What do you have on tap for this weekend?

Mike- Good luck with your 20 miler this weekend, and for scheduling at a time it has minimum impact on the family. I'm doing the same juggling myself.

Training's been going OK for me this week. I'm trying to see if I can get all my runs/x-training in. So far, so good - although I've been as slow as molassis.

Monday - 5 miles/9:09 mpm pace (OK not so slow for me)
Tuesday - 30 min deep water run (SWOG)
Wednesday - 5 miles/9:34 mpm pace (really hard to get out the door for that one)
Thursday - 6.5 miles/9:35 mpm pace (good relaxed run)

Today I have another x-training SWOG on tap, and tomorrow I have 20 miles planned. WISH me luck. I'm nervous about that one, but I'm committed to getting out there and doing it. OK, I need to get ready for work. Have a great day everyone.

 

[nucpharm29]

Mike and Dave--good luck with those 20 milers!

Sara--take care of yourself and that ankle!

Thanks all for letting me crash your thread from time to time. I'm suffering a little taper madness right now--needing to do something. This time next week, I'll be a big ball of stress and heading to the race expo. Funny how this is DH's first marathon and he's not stressed at all--probably b/c he knows I'm nervous enough for the two of us.

Mike, sorry you asked this awhile ago, but yes, DH and I are planning on running together. He's probably a little faster than me, but if we don't stay together, we will be all alone--since this is a WISHless and out of town event for us. We are planning on starting with the 4:00 pacer and then going from there--I plan on introducing myself to the 4:15 and 4:30 pacers just in case the day goes from bad to worse!

 

[msblrobs]

Colleen - Thanks so very much for taking care of the reservations. There WILL be 4 of us there. Glad you slowed down with the knee and that stretching it helped out.

Jodi - Thanks for the words of encouragement. I do believe I am being sent a sign and that it is the perfect time (relatively speaking) not to be able to run. This too shall pass and I will be good to go on 10/28. I have always wanted a trampoline !!

Mike - In your honor I will down a beer in Germany. However, you have to know it'll probably kill me since I haven't drank beer in about a decade . Have an awesome LR this weekend and get some rest.

Dave - Thanks for reminding me about the pool for the foot. I will still be up at 4:00 on vacation so I will sneak out to either walk or swim. I would go stir-crazy if I had to sit in the darkness of the room. I can't wait to see you and your Dad in DC . Don't miss the WISH dinner!! Best of luck on the 20 miles tomorrow .

Stephanie - Have loads of fun in Akron . Glad you're running it with DH. I'll be checking in during my travels for a race report!!

Yoga for me again this morning. I still am not packed . I will be thinking about you guys this weekend and I hope all of your long runs are very inspiring . I will be back from WDW on 10/1 and I hope to make 10/2 my first day of resumed running. I most likely will cut down to a 2 week taper if I'm good to go. If not then I defer on 10/5 and we will come down as WISH scream team members. I'm in DC regardless.

 

[Jodi]

Colleen - Thanks so much for making the ressies, 2 is the correct # for me. And thanks for taking that leap & reserving w/ your cc, $20 e. for a no-show is wicked-steep, we'll all be there, don't you worry!! . Nice job on that 60 mins. yesterday a.m. . What's on tap for the weekend? How are you feeling?

Sara - SO glad you'll be in DC regardless, while I'd love to run w/ you/after you it'll just be nice to meet you as well. Now go pack there, that'll help! I'm still very jealous you're off to the WORLD, but I know you'll have a great time. Do you really get up @ 4 every a.m.? I need 8 hours sleep, and take on animal like qualities when I don't get my sleep

Mike - Sooo sad about the Garmin, but the techie folks are helpful, aren't they? I've had to send mine back twice over the almost 3 years i've had it. Good luck juggling to 20 this weekend! Let us know how you make out.

Dave - So glad you've been able to keep up the training & I'm diggin' those times, hoping for the same this weekend. You, too w/ the 20 miles this weekend? I don't have that for another 2 weeks. UGH. Have fun, we'll be waiting for an update

Chester - Where are ya & what's up for the LR?

Stephanie - I'm sure your taper-madness will subside @ mile 18 or so! Have fun & good luck!

OK, I'm going 18 miles tomorrow. It'll be warm, but I plan to be out by 6 a.m. (hopefully earlier) & done by 9, so I should miss the real bad stuff. It's supposed to be hazy, too so maybe the sun won't beat down on me like i'm in the desert somewhere . I'll complain to you all when I'm done

 

[princessmomma]

Colleen - What's on tap for the weekend? How are you feeling?

Really feeling bagged today, not sure why, so glad today is a rest day. I may do a yoga tape this afternoon (kids are home from school) and try to stretch and relax. Maybe a nice hot bath too. As for tomorrow, the plan is to do 15 miles, but if I feel the twinge in my knee if felt yesterday, I will only run 5 or 6. If my knee feels alright, but I feel like I do today, I may pull the pin at 10 miles. So anywhere between 5 and 15. How is that for being precise?

Jodi, good luck with your 18 miler tomorrow. I plan to be on the road at 6 a.m. too, so I will send good vibes your way.

Dave, good luck with your 20 miler too! I think you are doing great! Can't wait to hear a report.

Chester and Mike, need reports from you boys too! Reading them is so motivating for me!

Speaking of motivating, before every long run 18+, I try and find some marathon pictures online. So here you go teammates, this is a great slideshow of MCM 06:

http://garyjean.zenfolio.com/p340254244/?photo=h1B316442#456221762

Sara, have a fab time in WDW, rest, stretch, pool-it and have fun! I plug my ears and close my eyes when you mention deferring. Insert "na na na na na..." sound here.

Stephanie, wow, one more week. Good luck and make sure you pop in again before you leave.

 

[Optimator]

Hey Everybody!

Dave - Great week of training. I have to admit I'm pretty lax on XT. It just seems to be the easiest thing to drop when time gets tight. I'm impressed with your continued effort! Good luck on the 20. I have to admit that I'm a little apprehensive myself.

Jodi - Have fun with your 18. Are your animal-like qualities gazelle, cheetah, something like that?

Colleen - I think it's smart to go into your run with some differing goals based on how you feel. That way you do what's best and don't feel like you wimped out of something.

Sara - I'm not sure if you left yet but I remember you said you'd peek in. Have fun! BTW, I had a little achilles tendonitis last summer ('06) before I started this silly running thing. I can tell you that swimming probably hurt more than just about anything due to the way your toes are extended when you kick. Take it easy!

Stephanie - Good that you two are running together. He's probably not nervous because he's never done one and has no idea what he's in for!! You're both going to do great!


My 5 miles Thursday night got pushed to this morning so I could actually spend a few quiet minutes with DW last night. Well worth the trade! I waited until about 10AM to get out and it was hot compared the the last week or so of pleasant temps. Supposed to be even hotter this weekend. I guess I'm gonna have to get up early and head out.

Last thing: It's probably all in my mind (or stomache) but it seems that when I get above 30 miles a week I am so hungry ALL THE TIME! I'm afraid to hop on the scale but I bet I've gained 5 pounds this week. Anyone else feel the same?

 

[princessmomma]

Last thing: It's probably all in my mind (or stomache) but it seems that when I get above 30 miles a week I am so hungry ALL THE TIME! I'm afraid to hop on the scale but I bet I've gained 5 pounds this week. Anyone else feel the same?

I HAVE gained 5 pounds this week! Even my ankles are thicker. Ever since my 18 last weekend, I have been eating like a horse. I am really craving red meat. I had these red meat cravings when I was pregnant with both kids and I am looking for steaks and burgers at every meal. I am also craving salt too, (sour cream and onion potato chips)! Ah, might as well throw in sugar, chocolate and alcohol (Bailey's Irish Cream of all things??)!

I hope I am putting on muscle mass with all this cross training I am doing now that I am only running 3 days a week.

 

[nucpharm29]

Mike--yep, I'll eat anything in sight these days. And, now with the mileage tapering off, I'll probably be 5 lbs heavier come race day. I post this as I'm munching on my bag of Chex mix!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Just got back!

20 miles - 3:34:00/10:41 mpm

Not too bad of a run. I took lots of walk breaks the last 5 miles whenever I wanted to.

How's everyone else doing this morning?

Jodi, Colleen, Mike, Chester?

Sara- How's life at WDW? Rest that foot of yours, and have a Mickey bar for me.

 

[Optimator]

Hey Dave - Good job on your run! A Mickey Bar!! Man, that sounds good!

Colleen - I'm with you on the red meat thing. I'm gonna have some left over pot roast for my recovery meal here in a few minutes if I can drag my overly fatigued but into the kitchen.


I got back a little while ago. Not a good run at all! No excuses. Nothing hurt, I wasn't trying to go too fast, it wasn't too hot yet... I just felt really sluggish. I'm more than a little bummed out about it. I kind of felt like I was over the hump. Oh well, I guess we still have a few weeks of good training to go.

Have a good weekend everyone!

 

[princessmomma]

Dave, good job on the 20 miles. That is an awesome time with that many walk breaks! Are you planning another 20 or 22 in a few weeks?

Mike, sorry about the bad run, but we need those once in a while, except on race day.

Sara must be jetting her way to Florida now!

I was at the door this morning at 6:15. It is still pretty warm here, the temperature was 72 at start. After about 1/2 mile I felt the twinge in my knee again, oh no. I really concentrated on my foot strike and landing correctly and it sort of went away. I was good to go after about 3 miles. I was able to get 10 "careful" miles in this morning. I didn't want to overdo it, 10 was good enough. Time was 1:42 so about a 10:17 average.

When I got home DH asked me if I could take DS10 on the dreaded Boy Scout Popcorn selling blitz. Being a good wife and mother, I said yes, it would be a good way to keep my legs moving. So I just got back from 2 hours of door to door popcorn selling. I am really beat now, the sun blared down on us. I think the temperature is almost 90. I need a nap.

Waiting for more LR reports.

 

[Optimator]

When I got home DH asked me if I could take DS10 on the dreaded Boy Scout Popcorn selling blitz. Being a good wife and mother, I said yes

Colleen - We are decidely "bad parents" when it comes to the fund raising stuff. I hate that with a passion. Our 2 oldest girls came home with packets from school this week. I love it how the schools preach about how important every little bit of time is for instruction but have no problem having an hour long assembly trying to brainwash the kids into selling dollar store items for 6 bucks!

Good job on the run! Those "careful miles" will pay off down the road.


I took DD7 and DD4 to Costco this afternoon under the guise of buying milk. I really just wanted some samples and ice cream! (I told you I was always hungry!) I saw in the most recent Runner's World that they had some good things to say about Slimfast as a recovery drink so I picked up a case of the Costco brand. Figure it's worth a shot.

 

[msblrobs]

Dave - WTG on your 20 miles !! I am resting, hence the computer time .

Mike - I saw the Slim-Fast thing also in Runner's World. Let me know how you think it works. I'd be interested in trying it myself.

Colleen - Glad to hear you took the conservative approach on the milage this morning. Awesome job on the 10 miles .

Jodi - I hope your LR went well today:wooho

 

[princessmomma]

Oh, Mike, I so totally agree about the fundraising. It is a total RACKET! The schools make a good chunk of change with those fundraisers, but there are a heck of a lot of other people making A LOT of money. Those guys that come into the schools to do the hour long "pumping up" promotion are slime in my book. I taught in a high school for 13 years and luckily I had a principal the last 5 years who wouldn't let them into the school. My kids used to examine the prize sheet, but they now know it is all junk. We are selling popcorn this year because we sell $300 worth our DS10 gets a free trip to a weekend Space Camp in Alabama.

We are going to be decidely bad parents with our schools wrapping paper fundraiser this year.

Sara are you in Disney?

 

[Jodi]

Duuuuuuudes - Sorry it took so long for me to post. My 18 today was pretty ok. I averaged a 9:57, mm, but that was with a 4-5 min break @ the porta- potty @ the local park. Thank goodness it was open! However, I did have my trusty TP in my pocket just in case. It was humid, but now too warm. I got up @ 4, ate & drank tea, went back to bed, & got up, went to the BR, uh-hum & was out the door by 5:40 a.m. It felt good until about 16 to 17 miles, then my abs, of all things, started to tighten up. When I stopped my legs were beat, but they feel pretty cool tonight.

Sara - You lucky DOG, are you in Disney.. not wait, don't answer that.

Collen - ah, sanity prevailed, I'm glad you stopped after 10, good job!!

Dave - Nice pace @ 20 miles, you're killin' me. We're almost done here.

Mike - Don't worry about the bad run, it keeps us humble, you'll be fine on the 28th, guaranteed!

Sorry about the hit & run post, but the family is waiting for me to watch a movie..."Blades of Glory". I'll post more tomorrow!