~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[CynthiaCindy]

Dave - No, it didn't sound pathetic at all. I thought it sounded really sincere.

Mike - Thanks for the tip. I'll head over there.

Did my eight miles. Slept in so it was a bit warm out there - about 75 now. We are supposed to have highs in the 80s for the next day or two and then rain to cool things down. Current forecast for Sunday is high of 64 with Saturday's overnight low of 44. Not too bad.

If anyone has any DC related questions, feel free to ask. I've lived here for over 11 years (came here for undergrad and never left) so I've visited pretty much every museum, tourist site, etc.

 

[princessmomma]

[
If anyone has any DC related questions, feel free to ask. I've lived here for over 11 years (came here for undergrad and never left) so I've visited pretty much every museum, tourist site, etc.

OK, thanks Cindy, so I have a 10 year old son, and an 8 year old daughter. Hopefully, we will be there all day Saturday and part of Sunday, so suggestions for the top three must sees for our first trip?

 

[CynthiaCindy]

OK, thanks Cindy, so I have a 10 year old son, and an 8 year old daughter. Hopefully, we will be there all day Saturday and part of Sunday, so suggestions for the top three must sees for our first trip?

I'm not very good at short answers, so I have a feeling this might get kind of long (also I'm at work and answering your question is a lot more fun than the work that I have to do).

I really love DC and there are so many great things to do here. Picking a top three is hard because a lot depends on your (and your childrens') interests. If you didn't have children, I would definitely suggest the Holocaust Museum - it is an amazingly well done museum. It's not that I am saying that you shouldn't bring them there, but it can be an intense experience and is quite depressing, so I guess you need to decide it if is right for your children. Also, the main exhibit does require timed entry tickets, so it requires a little extra planning (you can order them ahead of time for a small service fee or try to get them the day of - I don't think its that hard to get them the day of now (when they first opened they were always sold out) but it could mean walking over to the museum (its a bit off the Mall) getting tickets and having to go back a few hours later). There are a few exhibits that don't require tickets, including one geared to kids about a child's experience during the Holocaust, so those might be worth checking out if you decide not to do the main exhibit.

In general, since you don't have much time, limiting your sightseeing to the area in and around the Mall is probably your best bet. Your kids will probably like the Natural History, American Indian, and Air and Space Musueums - I would recommend them in that order (and since they are all free and located along the Mall, it doesn't really matter that much if you get inside and decide there is nothing that interests you - you can just move on to the next location). The American History musuem is closed for a long rehab, which is too bad because there are a number of interesting exhibits in there.

I also think the Spy museum is a great experience (not too far from the Mall), but there is an entrance fee and it does require timed tickets, so you have to decide if it is worth the extra money and hassle (since all the other museums are free). If it were free, I would definitely recommend it more highly, but there is so much to do that you don't have to pay for, I have a hard time recommending this above the museums I already mentioned. That being said, if you think that it is something that your kids would be really into, its probably worth it.

One experience that I would say is a "must do" is seeing all of the monuments and memorials (Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, FDR, Vietnam War, Korean War, WWII), particularly if you can see them at night - there is just something amazing about seeing them all light up. You can walk, although it will take awhile to get to them all. If you have a car, you can drive, or your hotel will probably have information about a monuments by night bus ride that you can do. I know that there are a number of companies that do them. My personal favorite is the FDR memorial - especially at night. Even if seeing them in the dark is not feasible, I still think the memorials are a must do. I still remember coming to DC as a kid and walking up the steps of the Lincoln and being really impressed.

Also, I agree with the post that you found on the Disboards about the cafeteria at the American Indian Museum. Food on the Mall is expensive but the American Indian Museum is by far the best of the lot. They have a number of choices, so even picky eaters will be satisfied, but also have a number of unique things that you can try.

Wow, that was really long. Sorry about that. I hope it was somewhat helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cindy

 

[Jodi]

Cindy - Thanks for all the touristy info. I'll definitely follow your advice, as well. OK, what's the daily forecast say today for Sun.? You'll have to check in once day now, like it or not

What's up everyone? Need to run 30 mins. today, bagged it this am 'cause, well, I'm lazy. Plus I stayed up 'til 11:30 (which is sooooo late for me) to watch some dopey movie. Anywho, I'll need to get much more sleep the rest of the week, otherwise bad things happen . Now I get to run this afternoon in the 80 degree weather. YAY!

What does everyones last week bring as far as training?

And to my fellow chi-ers , how's it workin' for ya?

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Cindy - OK, what's the daily forecast say today for Sun.? You'll have to check in once day now, like it or notQUOTE]

I am a bit obsessed with checking weather.com whenever I am going on vacation or running a race, so I will gladly report here. For local weather, I usually check with both my home and office zip codes. I live exactly 5 miles from my office, which is a block from the White House so pretty much downtown DC. There are always differences (sometimes big) in the forecast with the two zip codes which I never can really understand. It's 5 miles! I have heard things about a city retaining heat differently, but Arlington is really also a city. Anyway, I won't pretend to understand the differences but since we will be running through both zip codes (and quite a few others), here is the current forecast: Arlington: Saturday night low of 48, Sunday high of 66. D.C.: Saturday night low of 52, Sunday high of 64. Not terrible. I guess we have to hope the the storms predicted for the middle of the week actually show up and cool things down (High of 82 today).

 

[rKyDeX]

Mike
I plan on hitting the expo befor the dinner meet also. We arrive at Reagan at 1:25pm, and will check in at the Crystal City Hilton, then head out to the expo.

Colleen
My best case scenario is a 4:30 finish
Fall back time is a 4:45
and a 5:00 is more likely

Part of adjusting to a walking pace is accepting the amount of time it will take and preparing yourself mentally. Pick a realistic time goal for the distance, acknowlege how long it will take, and enjoy it as personal time.

Jodi and Sara and Dave
You guys will probably be starting a little faster than me. I plan on starting in the 4:30 - 4:59 corral. I intend to run based on heart rate for the first 20, then open up with whatever I have left for the final 10k. I should be finishing right behind you guys.

Cindy
Welcome. I'm glad you joined us on the thread. Good luck on your final taper runs.


I bought a pair of Mizuno Wave Creations Friday after work and tried them out for Saturday's 3 miler (10:01). They're a little heavier than the Wave Riders, but I seem to really hit the ground "lightly" with them. They are almost silent when striking the ground.

After Sunday's 8 miler (10:27), I decided that the new shoes have to go back so I can get a 1/2 size larger. Unfortunately, they don't have that size in stock. The local running store will have some for me after MCM.

Tuesday 3 miles
Wednesday 4 miles
Thursday 3 miles
Saturday 2 miles
Sunday 26.2 miles

Happy tapering to all.

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

 

[princessmomma]

[
After Sunday's 8 miler (10:27), I decided that the new shoes have to go back so I can get a 1/2 size larger. Unfortunately, they don't have that size in stock.

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

Hey Chester, are you looking for the wave creations? Zappos.com have them in stock and if you order by 4 p.m. Eastern, you get them the next day. They are a little more expensive but they have free shipping, free returns and next day delivery.

Your goal times are similar to what mine where. I am really interested to hear how your final 6 miles are when monitoring your heart rate the first 20. DH swears by that method.

Mike, good luck with your goals. Sorry I put you on the spot!

Sara, how are you feeling today? Don't wear yourself at Disney.

Dave, do you just download those podcasts? I should figure out how to do that, it would make the time go faster on my long walks. I am so sick of my playlist. I just can't listen to it while walking, it brings back to many running memories.

LWSM (Lazy Wicked Step Mother), did you get those 3 miles in today?

Went to yoga this morning, no temple massages or scented oils because we had yet another new instructor. I then went for an adjustment on my SI joint and neck. I am not digging my chiro much anymore, I feel she is really rushing me in and out the door to get those $$$ ringing up on the cash register.

I have my first Disney marathon long walk planned for Wednesday. To busy tomorrow teaching. I am planning 8-10 miles which will take me about 2-2 1/2 hours. I should be doing 12-14, but I don't want to push it right now.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/interactives/marinemarathon/

(I hope I can post links here)

My husband just sent this to me and I thought it was really cool and wanted to pass it on. It is an interactive map of the marathon course with commentary from local runners - some with video.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

OK, I only have time for a quick drive-by post because I used up a lot of time checking out that map of the MCM course.

Cindy- That was so cool! Thank you for posting it.

I did a quick 3 miler today. Maybe quicker than I should have ~25 min/8:17 mpm pace. Whoa, don't know where that one came from.

OK, I'll be back later.

 

[Optimator]

Cindy - Thanks for the map. That's really great! It's great to read the perspectives of runners.

Dave - Easy there, big fella! You excited or something?

Colleen - Sorry you're accu-chiro-flowing-river-ist is giving you the speed work treatment. I bet socialized medicine would teach her a lesson in profit margin! Should we check into the deportation process while we're in DC?

So, are you definitely coming this weekend? Does DH know about it yet?

Good luck getting your 8-10 miles in. And Happy Teaching!

Sara - Hope your trip goes well. Check in if you can.

Chester - I'm kind of afraid to change shoes. I've only had Brooks Radius with the exception of 1 pair of Glycerins that I had to return because they rubbed a blister on the side of my foot. I guess if it aint broke...

Tell Tracy (sp?) Happy Pharmacy Week.

Jodi - The weather is going to be just fine. Bring a long sleeve shirt and a short sleeve shirt. Decide which to wear the night before. Easy, right? Right? Right?

My schedule this week looks exactly like Chester's. Ran 3 on Monday, then 4-3 and 2 for the week (although I may bag the 2 miler due to lack of time).


As stated above, I ran 3 miles on Monday.

BTW, I'm sure that "Taper" is the Kenyan word for "I'll tell myself that it's only 3 miles and then feel like crap when I run"!

 

[rKyDeX]

Mike
Tracy says thanks, and happy Pharmacy month and week to you also.

I'm perfectly happy wearing Brooks Glycerines, but I just wanted to see if there were any other shoes that were also good for me. The Mizunos seem to have a similar fit. I'm going to start in the Mizunos for MCM and Tracy will be carrying my Brooks in a back pack just in case.

Cindy
Thanks for the map link. I'll have to check it out after work.

 

[Jodi]

Cindy - Whoa, that map is the coolest!! I must say, I get a little obsessive when it comes to this kind of stuff & it was a very entertaining piece. I wish I could print out all the comments so I could obsess over it on the plane ride down & drive my husband nuts Thanks so much for posting!

Mike & Chester - Uh, so we have some pharmacists in our midsts? Cool, now that's a wacky job, no?

Dave - Ok, what is up w/ that? , Uh, I think you'll be leaving me in the dust, big time! Congrats!, isn't it neat to know you can run that fast? Good for you! Is your dad going to make it Fri? Oh, have you been practicing your pole dance?

Mike - Speaking of speed demons, those projected times you posted are wicked fast! That's awesome...can I hang on to your fuel belt so you can pull me along? You'll be showered & enjoying an ale by the time I stumble over the finish line.

Chester - You are wearing a loin cloth with those Mizunos, right? If you change shoes 1/2 way through, what do you do w/ the chip? Carry an extra tie? Just wondering 'cause my hubby might do the same for me if we have a torrential downpour or something & my feet get totally soaked!

Colleen - See how those Canadian's get after a while? They start off good, but then it's all about the Benjamin's . Sorry, couldn't let that go, seriously though, that sucks you feel you're being rushed. Is there no one out there that just wants to help people & do their dang job right? Good luck on that walk, when you start feeling better, might you try a walk/run program like "marathon for Mortals" outlines? How is the bod today, anyway?

Sara - Are you in the WORLD today? And wasn't I supposed to stop talking to you last time you went? ...

Well we must be getting close 'cause I'm feeling nauseated more & more every day. Now I'm running that whole thing through my head "I just wanna stay home this weekend & relax, what was I thinking signing up for this thing...I hope the hotel rooms not gross...I hope the weather's ok, I hope I don't have to make a Jodi stop 1/2 way through..." and on & on it goes!

I hope they have some cool queer gear @ the expo! I wanna get my DH a Marines Hoody, but he won't wear one that says MCM on it 'cause "I didn't run it..I didn't earn it.." , oh my nerve!

 

[gatorphipps]

Hey guys! Just came over here to WISH you guys LUCK!
I know everyone will do great...cannot wait to hear the reports!

 

[msblrobs]

Complete drive-by!! Sorry but today was travel and the obligatory sales meetings and now I have to go to the obligatory work dinner .

Thanks so much for the virtual course link!!! As soon as I get back to my room I will check it out and catch up with you guys .

I can't wait to see you all IRL in just a few days .

 

[Optimator]

Hi Folks!

I got a nice 4 miles in on Tues eve while DD was at dance class. I had to remind myself to slow down a couple of times and just take it easy. I got home and DW joked about my slow pace. Ouch!

Then I realized that the difference between my "easy" run and the pace I more typically run was a whopping 20 seconds total for the entire 4 miles!!

Oh, and BTW, a big ol' burrito from Baja Fresh is maybe not the best choice immediately prior to your run (in case you were thinking about that for Sunday morning ).

Now if I can just stay healthy. We've currently got several forms of the plague going thru the house.

 

[msblrobs]

Mike- Great job on the 4 miles Thanks for the burrito tip .

Jodi - Hold it together girl !! This is the FUN part - the payoff for the training. Don't sweat it . I want to see some cool stuff at the Expo also. I guess I better not spend all of my money at Disney World today so I can buy MCM stuff this weekend. Yes, I am on my own solo at the World today. DH is offended that I am just taking a fun in the sun day today and I just l . Our anniversary is Friday so I just keep saying "Happy Anniversary present to me!" Like I don't deserve it .

Dave - No fast running this week !!

Colleen - Best of luck on your 1st LW today .

Cindy - The interactive map was awesome. Thanks so much .

Chester - Glad you have shoe options worked out .

I actually got 8 hours of sleep last night which is RARE for me. I am a lady of leisure today which may be the best thing I can do for tapering right now. I will get some walking in at the parks for my training today.

Happy tapering and positive thoughts to all .

 

[Jodi]

Sara - , Disney Solo, indeed! Have fun!!! That's my kind of Cross Training!

Colleen - Hi, are you walking right now? or are you going this pm? Let us know how you make out!!

Mike - DANG, no breakfast burrito from MceeDees Sun. a.m? I'm bringing a bungee cord to attach to you, hope you're feeling strong, I can create some serious drag .

Gotta run 30 mins. today, but I don't know if I will. I may just go for a walk w/ DS. Yesterday was rest day, but we went for a quick 2 mile walk, so...Definetly staying away from the trampoline.

So my DS is hacking up green loogees & shootin' snot rockets & my DH made himself up a batch of ginger brew (boiled down root) Mon. 'cause his throat is "a little scratchy". I'm going to hurt both of them if I get ..

 

[CynthiaCindy]

It's raining here! I actually ran in the rain this morning for the first time in I can't remember how long. Definitely many, many months. It was nice. The forecast temps seem to be creeping back up a bit. Arlington: Saturday overnight low of 50, Sun. high of 68. DC: Sat. low of 55, Sun. high of 67. Wish the temps were lower, but not scary yet. I just wish Sunday would hurry up and get here.

Thanks to everyone for letting me join in your discussion over the past week. I'm really glad I found the WISH board and certainly wish that I had found it earlier.

 

[Jodi]

Cindy - Uh, Cindy, you're in charge of the weather so get on it, please

Just wanted to add that I just told my DH that the report is that it's getting warm down in DC for Sun. His reply? "Shut up & take the skirt off, you gotta run!". Now that's support, I knew I married him for a reason!

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Cindy - Uh, Cindy, you're in charge of the weather so get on it, please

Just wanted to add that I just told my DH that the report is that it's getting warm down in DC for Sun. His reply? "Shut up & take the skirt off, you gotta run!". Now that's support, I knew I married him for a reason!

Ok. I will try to create a cold weather dance (instead of a rain dance) and force DH to perform for me tonight (while he cooks me dinner).