~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[msblrobs]

Dave WTG on yoour AWESOME 1/2 marathon time !!! I am trying to break 2:00 on Saturday in Lake Placid so I'll definitely be drawing some inspiration from your great performance.

Jodi I did nada yesterday. My gut wasn't fully recovered so I did take a day off. However, today I went out for a 4 mile spin. My splits were 8:05, 8:36, 8:28 & 8:24. My knee is kind of sore which is unusual for me so I am icing it. No swelling or anything though so I don't think it's injured. My week looks the same as yours this week except I am subbing the 1/2 marathon on Saturday for my LR.

Colleen - I'd go with either option 2 or 4. Ultimately, even if you have to continue to revise your plan as you go, at least you know the most important thing is to stay healthy enough to cover the distance. Just listen to your body and let it guide you. Cross training may be a good option to maintain your fitness without the impact of running.

Stephanie - The backwards Garmin is just to messed up and unfair!! Glad you had a great LR regardless.

Happy Labor Day!!

 

[Jodi]

Colleen - What the??? What happened to taking a full week off?? Couldn't help yourself, could ya? . Ya know, this running thing can become very addictive. I think we all have addictive personalities, to some extent, let's thank goodness that we choose to channel it in a positive direction. I agree w/ Sara & like option #2. See how this week goes & maybe do 8 on Sat. Then the next weeks maybe hover around 16, 18, maybe another 18 instead of the 20, unless you think mentally it's imperative to get that one in. You know you can do the distance, to hell w/ time. Everyone always says that missing one LR does nothing to your level of fitness. Again, like fitness guru said, listen to your body. CT on an elliptical & keep your heart rate up, you'll be fine, really. Just don't get hurt, you've gotta make it to the MCM. I won't tell you to soak in a hot tub b/c I'm sure you're already doing that .

Sara - Watch that knee!!? Am I really supposed to believe that you did nothing yesterday ? Weird about the belly blues . Is it better today? I had a huge wave of nausea hit me last night around 10 (way past my bedtime) & I'm not feeling so swell today either. It can't be the weather, 'cause that's just about perfect. Hmph, who knows? Good luck in Lake Placid, the way you've been going you'll break 2 hours no problem!!

I ran my 60 mins. today & not a second more. It was ok, a little hot, but no humidity & there was a nice breeze. Again, my fault for not going out earlier. I think I'll go take a nap, us 40 year-olds have to do that from time to time

 

[princessmomma]

Colleen - What the??? What happened to taking a full week off??

I only ran 3 miles today.

Yes, I am taking it easy this week, maybe a little spin/pump class tomorrow. Not too heavy, just enough to get my heart rate up and little resistance training. I like this class because it don't spend the entire class on the bike, you jump off periodically and incorporate some weights.

You girls need to take care of those tummies. Hope a rest helps.

 

[princessmomma]

I am still looking for a place for our WISH meet on the Friday before the marathon since the American Cafe in Arlington has closed.

What about this Italian place? It's a chain, but I have never been to it. Seems to have a lot of options and a kid's menu. It is also only a few blocks away from my hotel.

www.bertuccis.com

320 23rd St.
Arlington, VA

 

[Jodi]

Colleen - Shouldn't you be in bed by now, or at least in the tub soaking your soreness?? You are such a hoser!!

Bertuccis is ok, I think, we've got those up here, although I've never been to one...Um, I've driven by one & it looked ok. Do you know how far I am from anything? . We're staying @ some Holiday Inn right near the finish line, about 2 blocks from the Iwo Jima Memorial. Where is that? Where am I? I say go ahead & book the Bertuccis, sounds as good as any place.

Now go to bed!!

 

[Optimator]

Hey Everyone!

run 50 mins today
40 mins CT Tues
Tempoyucky run Weds
40 mins Thurs (think)
40 mins CT Fri
16 miles Sat.

Jodi - Tempoyucky run? I had to do a double take. I thought it was a race sponsored by a Japanese steak house!

Dave - Great job on the half. It's really true about race directors needing to put a big hill at the end of a race, isn't it. It must be in the "Design a Course" handbook. I too am curious if you've got a finishing time in mind yet.

Colleen - I think I'd go with something closest to your option #2. Still, leave yourself the option to adjust as you go based on how you feel.

We use to go to a couple of Burtucci's around here but they closed. The food was good and we always enjoyed it.

Sara - Take care of that knee. Especially if you're running a race this weekend. Those races as LR can be tricky to control the pace.


DD7 has been bugging me for weeks to let her ride her bike along while I go for a run and it just has never worked out timing wise. I promised her last night that she could come with me today. She then promptly crashed into a mailbox and my van in a 10 minute span to reinforce what a good idea it was . Well, she wasn't feeling well this morning when I got home for work so we went out this evening instead.

2 miles at about 9:10 mpm. I had to push her up the hills but she loved beating me down the other side. I got the most sincere, heartfelt thanks from her when we got back to the house . I then went out for another 3 miles for 5 total.

8 more on tap for tomorrow.

Goodnight.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning MCM Teammates:

No training for me yesterday as I took a rest day after my 1/2 marathon on Sunday. Doing LRs on Sunday always throw my schedule for the next week off a little bit. I'm used to doing a LR on Saturday, rest Sunday, and run Monday. This week I'll try the following:
Monday (yesterday): rest
Tuesday (today): 5 miles
Wednesday: 8 miles
Thursday: x-train
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 18 miles
Sunday: rest

Colleen and Mike- You were asking if I have a time goal for the MCM. Not really... the pain free 4:30 that Sara was talking about sounds really good to me. I thought I could try to run 10 mpm for the first 1/2 M, and if I feel very good maybe try for negative splits the second 1/2 M. I like the idea of a pain free 4:30 - it will be 30 min better than I ran at Disney in January.

OK, I'm starting to go back and read the posts that I missed.

Colleen- Bertucci's sounds like a fine place for a WISH meet. I'm pretty sure it's just going to be me for the race. I may even book an airline ticket today - so that would confirm it's just me. Sorry your leg has been bothering you so much. Definitely get some rest so you can make it to the starting line. At this point I think you should not skimp on your taper, and do 3 weeks minimum to get yourself healed up. So I'd opt for option 2 for your training, and take it really easy on those two LR's in a row.

I only have 3 LR's left too. Here's my plan:
9/8- 18
9/15- 10 (or a 1/2M on 9/16)
9/22- 20
9/29- 10
10/6- 20+ (maybe 23?)
10/13- 10
10/20- 6
10/28 - 26.2

Sara- WTG on your 4 miler. I'm really impressed with your sub-9 min miles. Hope your knee is feeling better. Good luck with the Lake Placid 1/2M this week.

Jodi- Nice job on your 60 min run yesterday.

Mike- Your 2 miler with DD7 sounds like a special time. Sounds like she really enjoyed spending time with Daddy. WTG!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

OK, it's official, I'm on my own for the Marine Corps Marathon. I just booked my flight on AirTran, and I'll be coming by myself without any family support crew. It would be nice to have them at the finish line, but it's always hard towing everyone around during the race (and hard on DW too). So it's just me.

 

[msblrobs]

Colleen - Bertucci's looks great. Thanks for following up on a place for the WISH meet. I hope you're taking it easy today. Have fun in class.

Dave - Glad you booked your MCM ticket. Everything happens for a reason and I am sure you'll have an awesome experience even without your family there. The sub 9's may be what's messing up my knee so I might have to just calm myself down a bit.

Mike - Good luck on the 8 miles today . I hope your DD is no worse for the wear after the bike mishap. Glad you were able to get her out there with you.

Jodi - The stomach is still wacky (NOT pregnant) and the knee is still an issue I'm trying to ignore at this point. It isn't swollen but it really hurts on the outside on the lower half. Glad you got those 60 mins in yesterday.

I said to DH this morning "if it is going to be 88 degrees and humid on Saturday then I am NOT going to drive 1 1/2 hours to Lake Placid to run."
Unless the forecast changes I am going to bag the race and do 18 at home, most likely split between outside and the TM. With my knee the way it is now it isn't worth it to race with brutal weather conditions and chance messing myself up. I ran this morning but I wasn't really inspired .

 

[princessmomma]

Dave, I am so excited you are running MCM. I love the idea you running 10 mm the first half so you can run with us. I am giving free reign to Sara, Jodi (ah, yes, you are running with us, did I forget to tell you??) and all of you have my permission take off in the second half of the race if I can't keep up. I have such found memories of Dave, Steve, Melissa and me running the first half of the Disney Marathon together (in that 80 degree heat and gazillion% humidity). Those first 13 miles just flew by, it was so much fun. I am so glad Steve and Dave kept up their pace and went ahead and I expect the same from those of you who would like to run ahead at MCM.

Sara, what, I didn't know your knee was hurting? You need to take care of yourself girl. Good plan for the half marathon this weekend. The 90 minute drive there wouldn't be so bad, it would be the drive home after running in that heat that would would be painful for me.

Jodi, I am embarrassed to say this, being Canadian and all, but I really don't know the definition of a hoser. I don't know if I should be offended or not, I guess ignorance is bliss. I know Bob and Doug Mackenzie coined the term, but I am too YOUNG to remember it 's connotation.

Mike, I thought Jodi was serving tempoyucky for dinner Weds as well! Good luck with your 8 today. You are a good dad pushing you kids on their bikes!

Chester, how were things this weekend?

I just finished my training for today. I went to the cycle and sculpt class at the gym and LOVED it!!
I am going to try and cycle again on Friday and incorporate that in my workout schedule.

This is my last week of summer vacation. I start teaching/tutoring next week. I have one homeschooled girl taking Algebra 2 and one studying Geometry. They both come to my house twice a week, just enough hours for my little part time job. The kids actually receive credits for these subjects even though they are homeschooled.

Off to stretch. BTW, my leg is starting to feel pretty good!

 

[rKyDeX]

O.K. fellow MCM'ers, I'm back.

Did I write that it was DS's Soccer Tournament at WWOS? My bad. It was actually my daughter's. They had a rough time. They lost all 3 of their games, playing well below their potential. The coaches are going to be hard on them at practices this week.

Speaking of having a rough time, the 17 miler on Saturday was less than splendid. First, I decided to sleep in a little and didn't hit the road until 8:30am. The first 4 miles were easy. Heart rate seemed to be a little elevated (due to the heat). After 45 minutes, I took a water/gel break and walked for 1/4 mile. I figured that I would run again until 8.25 and take my next water/gel break. I was wrong. After runing another 1/2 mile I checked my heart rate and found that I was at 10k HR pace (165 bpm) so I decided to walk a little more.

The heat was starting to get to me so I decided to head for Rye Wilderness Park (mile 6) to try to find some shaded trails to run. The shade made it cooler, but the sugar sand made it tougher. End result, just walking had my HR at 145 bpm which was my targeted HR.

After looping through the trails, I got back onto a narrow 2 lane country road (mile 10) to start heading home. I guess I didn't learn anything from the X-country marathon I ran last November, because now I could feel the beginnings of blisters on the bottoms of both feet just below the toes.
Determined to finish, I trucked on.

At mile 14, I sat down to dry my feet and snug up my shoes. Only 3 to go. I zig zagged through adjacent neighborhoods to accumulate the last 3 miles and finally made it home in time to watch the Gator game. A long slow walk that started with a little running.

My average heart rate for the entire distance was 146 bpm. But along the way, there were some outrageous spikes that have to be due to equipment malfunction. At mile 1.4 and 2.0 my heart rate spiked to 195 bpm. Just after starting mile 4 it hit 230 bpm. At 10.5 it hit 214 bpm and at 12.4 it hit 225. I didn't find out about the spikes until I downloaded the data.

Sunday's 8 miler was scratched to allow the blisters to heal. The only time I've had blisters is after I've had long walks after hot off-road runs. I found hundreds of suggestions for blister prevention on the internet that range from using duct tape to running barefoot. Time to experiment now in case I need something during Goofy 08.

Now for the best part of the weekend. The Blue Man Group show was awesome. This was Tracy and my second time seeing the Universal Studios show and the first time for DD15. After the show we were off to Margaritaville for cheeseburgers in paradise. I headed home and the girls stayed in Orlando for another night.

I'm going to try get my mid-week runs in and still do 8 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday.

Happy training to all.

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

 

[rKyDeX]

Colleen

It looks like Bertucci's is just around the corner from our Hotel. We have no objections. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

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

 

[Optimator]

Hey MCMers,

Dave - Hope you enjoyed your rest day. Too bad about going solo, but sometimes having no one to worry about but yourself is not a bad thing.

Sara - Good luck making your decision about this weekend. About your knee; have you ever had IT band issues?

Colleen - It's great you enjoyed your cross-training day so much and even better that your leg is feeling better. Enjoy your last week of vacation.

Chester - Take care of those feet. I'm glad you enjoyed Blue Man. We were going to see them in Vegas last year but couldn't get tickets in time.

How long have you been training based on HR? I'm guessing you like that method better than just picking a pace. I don't have a HR monitor but it would be interesting to see how it plots out with my current runs.

Today was the first day back to school for DD10 and DD7 so it was kind of a crazy day around here. I got out for my 8 miles tonight around 8:30 which ended up being pretty good because it was dark and getting a little cooler.

It was a pretty good run. It's sometimes a mystery running in the dark since I don't bother to look at the pace on the Garmin. All 8 miles were very consistent with the last 2 being the quickest. That's always a nice feeling.

Take care everyone. Enjoy your Wednesday.

 

[rKyDeX]

How long have you been training based on HR? I'm guessing you like that method better than just picking a pace. I don't have a HR monitor but it would be interesting to see how it plots out with my current runs.

Mike
I've been using heart rate training techniques for 11 months.

I was getting frustrated when I wasn't able to see much improvement in pace, so I read a couple of books on heart rate training. Now I let heart rate dictate my pace and understand a lot better about what affects your heart rate and pace.

I also have a better idea of how hard I should be running according to my training schedule. I know what my rates should be for easy training and what my rate should be for various distance paces.

I'll have a good idea if it works when I run the Race for the Taste October 7, and compare the results with last year.

Train on,

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

 

[Jodi]

Chester - Wow, that HR monitoring stuff is cool. But w/ my math skills I'd end up messing up calculations & crawling like a snail b/c my heart rate was too high . Interested to see how you make out @ RFTT. How are the feet?? I usually have spots/almost blisters after a run longer than 10 miles. It's ok, but I'm wondering how that'll pan out @ the Goofy??OUCH.
Sorry your DD didn't do so well, but I'm sure the show & cheeseburgers made it better.

Mike - Has your daughter recovered from her bike wreck?? Looks like you've been kickin' some glute on your training runs, keep up the good work. I don't think I could follow your schedule.

Dave - Solo can be ok, too. Glad you firmed up your plans, though. How was your 8 miles today? Eeeww, that's a lot of miles

Collen - I think hoser is like a canadian butthead or something of the like , not sure of the exact translation, though. And don't think for a minute I buy that you don't remember the McKenzie Bros . Of course I'm running w/ you guys, if you'll have me. I don't run very fast, though . No doubt you'll be leaving me in the dust after the gun goes off, but that's ok, I'll see you all at the end, provided you haven't already caught your flights out . Glad that leg is getting better, I wonder if it's because you haven't been running ? I wish I could find CT that I liked, the elleptical blows chunks. Hey, I didn't know you .

Sara - Hey, aren't I not supposed to be talking to you??
I'm with you on that 1/2 marathon this weekend. However I would drive 90 minutes so I'd have to only run 13 miles instead of 18 Seriously, I would. But the weather is supposed to be the same here starting Fri. Hazy, hot & humid. UGH, stupid Earl, I thought that was it for the heat!! It better be cold @ MCM. Belly's still not right, huh? And is it usually queasy in the a.m. only ? Slow down w/ that knee, I betcha speed is what's bothering it, speed's always to blame!

Ran 40 mins. this a.m., nice & cool, 45 tomorrow a.m. What to do about this stupid heat & 16 miles. I suppose I could run 1/2 outside & 1/2 on the dreadmill, but it all just sounds so tortuous, I may cry.

Uh, OK, am I the only dork not around the corner from Bertuccis?? Where the heck is Rosslyn anyway, that's where my hotel is? Am I even near D.C? Thank goodness my hubby's coming with me , it's no fun getting lost alone. When is everyone going to the expo? I'm not sure if we should go Fri. pm or Sat. am. I'm starting to get cold feet just talking about it . I don't like running marathons, but I like having run marathons...I like the sparky t-shirt & medal, but the night b4 I'm sitting in the hotel wondering what the heck I was thinking!! Oh well.

 

[princessmomma]

Jodi, your hotel is only 3.6 miles from where all the cool people are staying, and oh yeah, Bertucci's as well. Just get on JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY (which is a few blocks from your hotel and head south into Crystal city. I just mapquested it and it looks pretty easy.

Oh and arn't you the one who was hammering off 9 minute miles during a long run?? Me take off on you...I don't THINK so. Seriously, glad you will be along, it should be a hoot.

Training today:

1. recumbent bike for 10 minutes (why do I feel like I am on vacation when I am on one of those bikes, today I looked around for a cabana boy to bring me an umbrella drink).

2. 20 minutes on the ellipticalyucky machine

3. 3 miles running on the treadmill

Total mileage this week: 6 miles!!

I am icing, soaking, stretching, advilling like crazy and I was still pretty sore after the little run today, so I decided to make an appointment with an orthopaedist (sp) for Friday. Hopefully, he will tell me exactly what to do to get me to the start line.

Off to bed, I will catch up more tomorrow.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Good Morning MCM Teammates:

So I couldn't log in at all yesterday - from 3 different computers. So let's see on Tuesday I ran 40 min around 7:00pm while DD9 was in tae kwon do. I ran from TKD to a park and on trails. I really liked running on the trails. My Garmin got totally blocked by the trees, but I did a little over 4 miles. I'm not used to running like that after dinner, and I could feel dinner bouncing in my tummy - yuck.

I didn't get up yesterday morning for my 8 miler because it was the first day of school for DD6 ooh: and DD9 . I wanted to make sure the morning wasn't rushed, help DW get the kids out the door, take pictures, wait with them for the bus, etc. I decided to run after work. I ran, but it felt like torture. My legs were absolutely dead. At 3 miles I thought "why did I run out this far because now I have to run back?" I ended up doing 6 miles in 58:35 min/9:46 mpm. It was a tough, tough run. I think that 2 hour 1/2 marathon took more out of my legs than I thought. I have a x-training day today, and will attempt a 30 min SWOG (deep water run) in the pool. The pool usually feels so good on the legs. Hopefully I can make it down there.

Colleen- I'm really excited to be running MCM with you guys too. I don't think it would be nearly as fun running it, if I didn't know I had a group of WISHers with me. Get yourself healthy, so you can be at the starting line.

Sara- How you doin'? Here's hoping it doesn't get too hot for you this weekend, and you're able to run your half in Lake Placid.

Jodi- Great job on your 40 min run yesterday. I haven't even thought about the heat for this weekend. I keep hoping the temp cools off a little by Saturday. I have 18 miles on tap, and after my run yesterday I'm not looking forward to it. I plan on just getting out really early, and hoping it is not too hot.

Chester- Good to see you on the thread. Sounds like you have had a very busy summer, Soccer, Blue man group, training. Good job keeping it all together. Keep up the good work with your training.

Mike- Good for you getting out for 8 miles in the evening. Boy, by the time dinner is over and I hang out with the family I'm dead. I couldn't imagine getting out the door and running. That's awesome. Great job!

 

[msblrobs]

Mike - I am 99.9% sure I am suffering from ITB syndrome . One thing I have never had is knee issues. Hips, sciatic nerve, SI joints I've struggled with but never knees. I am mean and miserable right now . Thanks for suggesting that because it caused me to research it a bit more .

Colleen - I can now officially say I share your concern for making it to the starting line healthy. My training plan is completely up in the air until I begin to make progress with my knee. I think a lot of it was thinking that an hour of yoga a day would take care of the necessary stretching component. I was so wrong . I went to stretch my hamstrings today and they're tight as a drum. I have never done ITB stretches and now I am stretching every part in my lower body as much as possible.

Jodi - Good luck on the 16 miles, no matter how you choose to get it done. I bet I'll be crying the whole time too .

Dave - You've gotta love the first day of school rituals!! We do the picture thing also and it is such a fun time. I hope your legs enjoy the SWOG.

I got a bit of running in this morning but most of it was devoted to icing and stretching. I may try to run tonight but will bag at the first sign of pain. Did I mention I just wanna cry .

If I don't post again before the weekend I hope you all have awesome LR's.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Mike - I am 99.9% sure I am suffering from ITB syndrome . One thing I have never had is knee issues. Hips, sciatic nerve, SI joints I've struggled with but never knees. I am mean and miserable right now . Thanks for suggesting that because it caused me to research it a bit more .

I got a bit of running in this morning but most of it was devoted to icing and stretching. I may try to run tonight but will bag at the first sign of pain. Did I mention I just wanna cry .

If I don't post again before the weekend I hope you all have awesome LR's.

Sara- I'm so sorry you are in so much pain and discomfort right now. It sounds like it is really impacting your running, which is really impacting your mood, etc. Hang in there. I hope the stretching helps for you.

 

[Jodi]

OK, EVERYONE TAKE A DEEP BREATH! I can't deal with all these injuries, bad runs, starting line doubts!!! There is no way I'm running this thing alone. I'll go out & get hurt tomorrow if I have to.

Sara - I can't believe your knee is giving you such a hard time all of the sudden. Please self-massage your thighs & the area right above your knee on both sides (you know where people squeeze to tickle you), maybe your knees bothering just because your quads & hamstrings are tight. Please, please, please find time to soak in a hot-as-you-can-stand tub, I guarantee this will help. Abandon running for 2 days (definitely skip the LR Sat.). Get better, that's an order.

Colleen - What do you mean? I thought you were starting to feel better??? Is anyone out there? Will no one take my advice not to run, even if it's only 3 MILES!!!!!???? ARGHHH!! You have to get better, too. I'm getting really sad, now. Can't you all just take a solid week off & do NOTHING, no CT, nothing? Why am I the only one that can do this without a problem ?

Dave - Oh man, I know what you mean about those "evening runs". Forget about it, once I sit down for the day I'm done. Unless it's winter, then I can't muster maybe 4 or 5 miles in the afternoon. Sorry about your less than stellar run, that seems to be how most of my pm runs go. Actually, my am runs probably go that way, too, but I'm just too tired to realize it. Happy SWOGing today.

I got up & ran 45 mins. this a.m. It felt, well, it felt like it was 5:45 a.m. & I was out running My right foot is kinda tight so I'll be massaging that bad boy tonight, rotating my ankles, the whole ritual. My DS12 thinks I'm insane, but now he asks me to massage his feet at night. AS IF, I try not to do anything for him that a future wife probably wouldn't do - gotta keep it realistic for the poor boy . He started 7th grade yesterday & I keep wondering where the year's have gone...oh yeh, I'm old

I'm getting up @ 4 a.m. Sat. to do this stupid 16 miles, if I don't bag it all together. You know, in solidarity w/ my fellow-trainees who may have to take the day off.