~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[Jodi]

Mike - As for your question...I'm of the mind that I better run nice & steady, perhaps at a little quicker clip in the beginning of the race, this way, if I have a specific time in my mind that I want to finish in, it gives me a little cushion when I get tired later on. I always tell myself that I should be happy I'm on the starting line & that I can finish, but then the little devil on left side of my shoulder (think Daffy Duck) says, "listen, you need to run this in 4 hours, look @ everyone around you, they're going to run it even faster than that. They're 10 years older than you & 10 lbs. heavier, you suck, get going, don't be a wimp, you're not even breathing heavy...." and on & on it goes. I think I run all my races conservatively, too much so. I always read about "race pace" in magazines & wonder what they're talking about . I run the same pace I run when I train. I just don't want that uncomfy feeling. Mind you, I've only run 2 marathons & 3 1/2s, so I'm no authority on the subject. I guess it all depends on your personality type, how you live...are you one of those "YEAHHHHHHH, LET'S DO THIS THING" kinda guys, a "well, I'll do it, but let's save a little bit for next time..just in case" or somewhere in between. I'm in between. I dunno...Oh my, i've read this over & see that I haven't helped at all! Sorry for the rambling

Sara - Glad you're having fun despite the heat. Don't feel bad, it's 90 here, yesterday, today & supposedly tomorrow w/ mega humidity! Yes, my knee pain cleared up on its own, slowly. I didn't really do anything different & the accupuncturist couldn't really figure out what was going on. Back to that self-massage thing above & below the knee. When I touched my knee I could actually feel where the pain was on that band that runs down from the quad over the patella. I made it a point to rub that, too, try & loosen it up. . Yes, I ran Burlington, it was pretty ok & yes, very close to you!!

CT yesterday was a silly 35 mins. on a stationary bike @ the gym - read US magazine, how intense could it have been ? Got up this am to do speedwork & ended up walking around the block . Guess I'll hit the gym later today to do SW on the dreadmill. It's only 20 mins worth (w/o warmup & cooldown which you know I won't be doing ). Apparently I have to work out my abs much more (how 'bout at all!), as this is what is hurting when I get fatigued - this happen to anyone else. My husband keeps telling me work my abs. more & I was like "easy for you to say, you have a 6-pack." his abs are used to working. I don't have a 6 pack, I have more like a half dozen!

 

[princessmomma]

Finally....I have a plan to get my knee back functioning properly. I went to see a chiropractor who also does acupuncture. She was great! Today I had an acupuncture treatment, she put pins all along my ITBand, my quad, my hip flexor, knee, hands and feet. There were a few spots on my ITband and quad where I could feel a little "popping" almost like a balloon letting out air in a short burst. She felt them too and said that was my "chi", (I think) or energy. This meant the energy was not flowing consistently, so hopefully, things will start flowing and healing.

I am going back tomorrow for a hip adjustment. She told me something was not moving that should be moving. I will find out more tomorrow, I just can't remember what she said was fixated.

Also, I finally got in the pool this afternoon and swogged for 60 minutes. Wow, am I tired! That is hard work. Knee was OK when I was swogging, but I can feel a little tightening happening now, so I will ice.


Mike, they say to estimate your marathon time, take your half marathon time, double it and add ten minutes. So my plan was to run a 4:30 marathon, so I was going to try and run the first half in 2:10 and the second half in 2:20 or better. That WAS the plan.

Stephanie, wow, you are so ready! Have a wonderful time at the marathon.
I will be thinking of you Saturday morning.

Sara, yes, wondering if Disney is busy this time a year? Are you girls doing homework at Disney?

 

[princessmomma]

I received a lot of information from my chiro (who is Canadian by the way), I will try and relay it as I remember.

First, which is something I really should know, but it was good to be reminded, ellipical machines and bikes are good for your knees, but steppers and stairclimbers are not. Incidentally, I used the stairclimber last Wednesday for 50 minutes, then my knee started acting up Thursday. Not sure if there is a connection or not. Needless to say, I will not be using the stairclimbing machine again. Also, squats and lunges are not good to strengthen the quad (usually knee pain can be attributed to weak quads). She did show me a better quad strengthening exercise.

She also talked about nutrition, she advocates staying away from the while flours and sugars, but most of all stay AWAY from artificial sweeteners. I drink about can of diet coke every couple days. She said aspartame increases inflammation.

Finally, I ordered a foam roller for my ITband and it came today! I will try it tonight.

 

[Optimator]

Colleen - I'm glad you're getting some answers. Hopefully the treatments will help.

Stephanie - If your reading this, GET TO BED!! You're leaving early in the morning! Can't wait to hear about Akron.

Jodi - Thanks for the rambling answer . I'm not the real RAH, RAH! kind but I guess I am pretty competetive at heart. I'm always a bit torn between a nice easy run and going as fast as I can so my numbers look good. If you look back you'll notice I very seldom post the times for my runs. I realized I was worrying a little too much about impressing people and not enough about being smart. A life lesson courtesy of WISH.

Now onto a life lesson for you:

look @ everyone around you, they're going to run it even faster than that. They're 10 years older than you & 10 lbs. heavier, you suck, get going, don't be a wimp, you're not even breathing heavy...." and on & on it goes. ..... Mind you, I've only run 2 marathons & 3 1/2s, so I'm no authority on the subject.

What's up with that?!?!? Holy Crap!! "Only run 2 marathons and 3 1/2's" I'm pretty sure that makes you an authority and also should negate all that "You suck, Don't be a wimp" business. Listen to the angel on your right shoulder telling you all the good things!!


O.K., I ran 5 miles Tuesday evening before work and 8 miles Wednesday morning after work. I was thinking (always a sign of trouble). I've never broken up a long run before but... If you run on 2 different days but don't sleep in between, can that be considered a split LR?

 

[Jodi]

Mike - Well gee, thanks for the kind words. I know i should be happy just finishing, although like you, I'm hung up on times!....I soooo want to break a 4 hour marathon one day See, I'm never happy! Hey, If you didn't sleep in between those 2 runs, that's definitely a LR in my book . What's up for you this weekend?

Colleen - I'm so happy you're getting somewhere w/ your ailments. What this chiropracuutherapist is saying is all good & things I've heard b4. I'm a big believer in that Chi crap, as you know, glad to hear she's releasing your pent up stuff! I never weight train my legs, I tried that right b4 my first half & that was the beginning of the trouble I've told about w/ my knees. Also, about those stair climbers. After the same 1/2 in Jan '06, I wanted to give running a rest, but figured to use the stairClmbr. as not to lose cardio. After a week on that thing i injured my back so badly, I could hardly walk! Never ever had back troubles b4, that stairclmbr ruined me!! It took almost 2 weeks b4 I could walk right again, so sage advice - stay away!!!!!!! One question I have, does she advocate the icing thing, or are you just doing that? That's where advice I've gotten differs, & I know there are 2 huge schools of thought over ice & heat, but my accupunc. guy is all about the moist heat, unless it's swollen.

Did speedwork on the dreadmill for 20 mins. yesterday afternoon. Felt like I was cheating 'cause I was indoors. I run so slow on that thing. Off day today

What's on tap for LRs this weekend fellow trainees?? I've got a down week with 8 miles, which is good 'cause my hubby & I are going to head into NYC for the day Sat. & I don't think I'd feel like walking around Chinatown after an 18-miler (well, not last week's 18 miler anyway ).

 

[princessmomma]

One question I have, does she advocate the icing thing, or are you just doing that? That's where advice I've gotten differs, & I know there are 2 huge schools of thought over ice & heat, but my accupunc. guy is all about the moist heat, unless it's swollen.

.

Interesting, I went today for my adjustment and she spoke to this topic. She does advocate icing, but she said heat is very good too. I have a fixed Sacroiliac joint and she told me to find myself a whirlpool and get a hot jet on it. Then ice after, especially the knee. I am sure my fixed SI joint is the cause of a lot of my problems with that right side all the way from my hip flexor, IT band, quad and knee. My plan is to go three times next week to "unfix" the SI joint and a few acupuncture treatments, then I will see how things are. In the meantime, there have been NO miles this week. I have to admit, I am really getting worried about losing my fitness.

I will write more later, need to head to the library before I pick the kids up from school.

 

[Jodi]

Colleen - This lady sounds great...you say she's from Canada?? Huh, that's odd.. JUST KIDDING! Don't get your woolys in a bunge. Yes, great, a combination of heat & ice, this is awesome. Loosen up that dang joint already. This sounds very promising!! You will not, i repeat, will not, lose fitness in 7-10 days! Relax, Nanook of the North.

 

[msblrobs]

Colleen - So glad things are looking up for you !! It is more important to get your parts fixed now so you can cover the distance. I hope once you get relief the miles will come easy for you . Yes, dear teacher, my kids are doing homework. They were in the food court for 2 hours today getting work done.

Jodi - Thanks for the knee info. I feel the same exact way you do about the not even breathing heavy thing during the marathon. I have to be in my comfort zone . No LR for me this weekend for obvious reasons but next weekend I plan on doing 20 miles.

Stephanie - Good luck in Akron !!

Mike - Crowds are pretty mild I'm happy to say. The heat is only bad relative to my home base. It's mostly the FL sun that does me in. My marathon strategy resembles Jodi's for sure .

I slept in until 6 today so no running. I will go out early in the a.m. I think my knee is getting better and I have had a heating pad on it lots plus self-massage.

Happy training to all this weekend !!

 

[princessmomma]

Hello MCMers,

I had another adjustment and acupuncture treatment this morning and then after lunch tried to get 60 minutes on the elliptical. I only managed 35 minutes before I had to quit...I was soooo exhausted. This is a different kind of exhaustion, hard to explain, sort of like an all over, completely zapped feeling. I really hope this is working.

Like all runners, when we get injured we throw a ton of remedies at the injury, hoping that something will stick. So I continue using the foam roller on my IT band and quad, ZOWIE Batman, does that hurt. I had tears in my eyes rolling my quad against the foam roller.

Finally, a went out and purchased one of those ugly knee brace/compression wrap thingies. I am going to walk around the house with it on tonight and MAYBE take my legs for a little 3 mile test drive tomorrow.

Have fun all of you who are not injured with your long runs this weekend! Sara, hope you are enjoying your vacation.

Good luck to Stephanie!!

 

[Optimator]

Colleen - Be patient and don't try to push too much.

Sara - 2 hours in the Pop food court doing work? 1. You're mean! 2. How many slushy/slurpee drinks did they drink in those 2hrs?

All you other non-posters - Good luck on the LR's this weekend.


I just got back a little bit ago from 5 miles. The 1st 2 miles were with DD7 riding along on her bike. Good news: No crashes or near misses. Bad news: She's getting faster all the time. No more relaxing for me!

I somehow ended up with an extra 5 miler this week. I guess that's a good thing. 12 or 14 on tap for the weekend (assuming I don't kill myself at a birthday party tonight at The House of Bounce).

 

[princessmomma]

Oh, the House of Bounce, I hope it is better than our indoor amusement center here, but I refuse to take my kids to it because it is a germ pit. It is so filthy. I don't know who was worse, the kids or the adults. The last time I was there about 4 years ago, I actually saw a some 'rural folk' (remember I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains) get into an altercation. I swore I would never step foot into that place again. My kids were 4 and 6 at the time.

Mike, an extra 5 miler??? Wonder why that never happens to me?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning MCM Teammates:

Hope everyone is doing well this week. I had a great week of training capped off by a good LR of 12 miles this morning. I finished 12 miles in 1:50/9:10 mpm. I felt really good and relaxed the whole time. It didn't feel like I was pushing it at all. I was originally planning 10 miles, but I felt so good at 5 miles I ran another mile before turning around to head home. I had calculated if I ran 12 today, I would get 30 miles for the week. So I went ahead and ran the 12 miler.

Here's my week of training:
Mon: 5 miles/8:33 mpm
Tues: 30 min x-training SWOG
Wed: 8 miles/10:02 mpm
Thurs: rest
Fri: 5 miles/9:03 mpm
Sat: 12 miles/9:10 mpm
Week total: 30 miles.

I'm glad I had a good week of running because otherwise I've felt very low energy and drained. That's why I haven't posted much this week. Work's been really busy, and there's been the usual drama with the kids at home. The running has been a great escape.

Colleen- I'm hoping your knee is starting to feel better. Keep resting it. Don't worry about your fitness. It's more important to get to the starting line healthy.

Sara- How are you liking Pop Century? I'm thinking I'd like to spend a week there next summer if they have the free dining promotion again. Travel safely. It's beautiful here in Upstate NY this weekend, and probably even prettier in your neck of the woods at Lake George.

Jodi- How are you doing this weekend? Having fun in NYC? Where are you doing your 8 miler?

Mike- You are an inspiration running with your DD7 while she's on her bike. WTG! Great job on the training this week, and the extra 5 miles. Have a great LR today.

Chester- WISHing you well too. Hope all is good.

 

[nucpharm29]

Hey all--just a quick note from me (as I hijack your thread again). Finished the marathon in 4:11 and some change--official results aren't up yet, and my Garmin went all wacko around 22 miles! Will have a full report later--now it's time for a beer and a nap!

 

[Jodi]

Stephanie - Congrats!!! Did you get those shoes? SWEET time , good for you. How'd your husband make out?

Colleen - Well?...waiting to hear what happened? Were you able to get a few miles in? How do you feel? Hope it went well - mega pixie dust

Dave - NICE TIMES!! Dude, you rock! Wasn't the weather great today? I am so happy for you & your effortless run! Um, I don't think I've ever gone longer than I'm supposed to..&don't think I ever will for that matter . You had a great week all around. That's a good confidence builder, huh? I'll try & keep up w/ you on the 28th, Colleen says you talk while you run, good, 'cause I defintely don't.

Mike - So glad your DD didn't crash..How'd your 12/14 go today? Where are you anyway, & how was the weather?

Chester - What'd you have on tap for today?

Sara - Are you having too much fun???? ARGHH! Yo ho yo ho a pirates life for me...

Did 8 miles this a.m. @ a 9:15 avrg. which is so good for this penguin turtle thing I got going on. It felt good, too. I'm sure the cold weather had a big to do with it. Back from NYC, had fun walking around aimlessly, spending $ we don't have!

Happy rest day tomorrow!!

 

[princessmomma]

Jodi, glad you had a nice time in NYC. A girls gotta walk around aimlessly and spend money sometime. Congrats on your nice pace today!

Dave, yes that is one impressive week of training! 12 miles to top it off, way to go!

Stephanie, awesome time, congrats girl! And you had enough wits about you to log on and come tell us about it! I usually need food, shower followed closely by a bed!

As for my run, it didn't happen. To be honest, I am afraid to run. I think when the pain creeps in the first mile, that will be the final nail in the coffin, and then I will know I won't be able to run MCM. As I think about all those mornings I woke up at 4 am in July and August ...to get my runs in, all those days up in Canada that I snuck away from family...to get my runs in...(I even ran at lakes and National Parks in Canada this summer in preparation for this marathon), I feel sad. I apologize for my little pity party I am having here. DH is away on a Boy scout trip with DS and I am feeling a little blue right now.

I am going to give this thing one more week of rest and I will continue to workout on the elliptical and do my swogging. By the way, I did get my LSS (Long Slow Swog) in today, I am trying to simulate the workouts on my training plan each day, so I swogged for 90 minutes today, which I hope equates to a 90 minute run or 9 miles??? Not sure if it will, but I am telling myself that to help raise my spirits. Think I can swog the equivalent of 20 miles next weekend?

Sorry for the downer post, this is officially the last time I will talk about my injury. We will concentrate on all those great runs you folks are posting!

 

[msblrobs]

Colleen - I know nothing I can say is going to make you feel any better so just know I am struggling also right there with you. If you want to give it a shot on 10/28, I will run/walk/limp/crawl beside you for the 26.2 miles. I don't have to tell you that you need to make sure you will not do more harm than good by tackling that distance. I am also still debating that sad fact. I may not do 20 miles next weekend either so we're still in the same boat. I will send up a prayer for you daily and I hope whatever you decide to do brings you peace. The doubt is the worst part so please don't lose faith at this point. You know you can defer until Friday. Maybe some rest is what you need so you can run WDW healthy in January. Please keep us updated about your injury because you know we're all thinking of you. 'Ohana means no one gets left behind, remember?!

Stephanie - You rock !

Dave - Awesome runs this week !! Today is day 9 of vacation and I am aching for my office and some serious solitude . I did book a bounceback offer for free dining next September so we'll be back in the World 9/13-9/21 next year at Pop.

Mike - My girls were picked as chefs of the day at the food court when they were doing their homework. They got to make sundaes in the middle of the food court and got balloons and certificates. It was great. I take them out of school a lot to travel so I have to honor the homework thing. I highly respect education and I also believe traveling has given them many educational opportunities.

Jodi - Look at you all speedy and stuff . Glad you had an awesome run and a fun time in NYC. So nice to hear about the cooler temps. It is kind of cooler here today also - you know 87 vs 92 .

I ran for 90 minutes yesterday and 60 minutes today. I am going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tonight so tomorrow will be a rest/travel day. I think I've narrowed my knee issue down to the tendon/ligament that runs down the outer side of my lower leg from my knee to my ankle. That is what is tightening up and causing knee pain. It's like Jodi described it and I can feel it creaking when I massage it. I am icing, heating, massaging, etc. I will try to do a realistic LR next weekend. As of now I am in for 10/28. I know Friday is the deadline for deferment so once I am back home I will get in a few good training runs to make sure I am good to go.

Happy training to all this week !!

 

[rKyDeX]

All you other non-posters - Good luck on the LR's this weekend.

I'm guilty as charged.

Saturday was 8 miles at marathon hr - averaged 10:58mpm

Sunday was 20 miles at marathon hr - averaged 11:31mpm. I was averaging 10:35, but I made a tactical error.

I had planned to run (4) 5 mile laps, stopping at the house to refuel and take on water at 5, 10, and 15 miles. But, after starting lap 3, I decided that if I stopped at the house again, I'd probably not go back out. So, I added a couple of extra loops in the adjacent neighborhood to make the third lap a 10 miler. Bad mistake.

I ran out of gas at mile 17 and started walking. I snuck into the neighboring community pool area and found a water fountain at mile 19. Walked the rest of the way home and hit our whirlpool spa, then the pool.

Colleen
Pay close attention to what your body is telling you. I took me 6 months to work through some knee issues that started during a cross country marathon and continued through Disney and beyond. Swog away.

Sara
Have a safe journey home. Take care of your knee. "'Ohana means no one gets left behind, remember?!" I like that.


Dave
I'm inspired by your training times. Good luck this week with your schedule.

Jodi
9:15 for 8 miles - not bad at all.

 

[princessmomma]

Colleen - If you want to give it a shot on 10/28, I will run/walk/limp/crawl beside you for the 26.2 miles. I will send up a prayer for you daily and I hope whatever you decide to do brings you peace. The doubt is the worst part so please don't lose faith at this point!!

Sara, you are so sweet! Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. DH and DS are home now and I am feeling much better mentally today. You are so right, the uncertainty is what is driving me crazy. I have decided tomorrow is the day. I will head out for 3 miles in the afternoon. My chiro said to run late afternoon or evening and be sure I am completely stretched and warmed up. I have been using my heating pad, stretching my quads and hamstrings and using the foam roller about 3 times per day. On the days I use the elliptical trainer and swog, I ice my knee 2 or 3 times. Honestly, I never worked so hard in marathon training and I'm not even running!

Sara - Enjoy the last few hours of vacation! What was your favorite meal?


Chester,
wow, great mileage this weekend. I have done that too on long runs, I have 8 and 10 mile loops and stop at my house half through the 16 and 20's. It is really hard to get back out there for part deux when you are already home. Occasionally, I will plant a water bottle and gatorade bottle at the entrance to our neighborhood and just fill up my fuel belt and keep going.

 

[Jodi]

Colleen - So sorry I wasn't there yesterday (online) to help you throught your difficulties & doubts, I was staining our deck . Listen to your body is good advice, be careful. I'll post more later, I have to leave the office & drive around.

 

[princessmomma]

Colleen - So sorry I wasn't there yesterday (online) to help you through your difficulties & doubts:

Jodi, that is alright, you have been right here with us throughout these months and that is what counts.