~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[KeenHo]

Posted by Mike: Howard - Thanks for keeping in touch. I'm glad the shins responded well to the stretching. It's pretty amazing to me that you're not in a wheelchair after doing Goofy with the limited training you were able to squeeze in.

Mike - As I mentioned on the other thread, I am a chronic fool for not taking the time to properly stretch before or after a run. I am a victim of my own stupidity. Luckily during the Goofy this only reared its ugly head during the Half. I had to pull up twice to stretch out for a few seconds. This despite stretching out in the corrals. I stretched out pretty well for the marathon and luckily did not have ANY shin splint issues, leg cramp or leg muscle issues. I actually felt much better running the marathon (before, during and after). Go figure! All this and I NEVER hit the wall during the marathon. At least not a wall like I hit during my first Marathon (Delaware Marathon 2006, 4:41:03 My PR) in which I hit the wall at mile 12 (yes, you read that right).

Despite my lack of training, I knew what I was getting into having done the Goofy last year. I just kind of gave up any hope of having a PR or performing up to my ultimate abilities (whatever they are). I will have the time (once school is completed) to go through a proper training period prior to the MCM and Philly races.

It sounds like this Philly group is focused, I am glad to be a part of it.

Jodi - Isn't that what my wife is supposed to be doing for me?



Howard

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hi All, I'm searching for more votes for my PODCAST photo contest photos. Thanks for those of you that have voted. If anyone still hasn't, I'd sure appreciate the vote if you had time.

DIS UNPLUGGED PODCAST PHOTO CONTEST
Please vote for my Podcast Photo Contest Pics! I'm grovelling for my friends/teammates to check out some of my photos and vote if you like any. Thanks. If you want to vote for a photo, I think you need to log into the photopost site. Click the login link in the upper right hand corner of the blue box.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=93578

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Philly Runners

OK...so any of you ladies thinking about the SheRox Philly Tri??? I've just been suckered into doing it with my SIL who is much crazier than me. She actually ran MCM with you guys this year...umm...not technically with you but at the same time . She busted out a solid 4:23 (ugh..hate her sometimes ). Anyway...back to the Tri. Anyone else thinking of trying a TRI?

Ugh...my training $ucks. Aside from a ton of core work I totally bonked on the running and cardio this week. SOOOO....this week is it. No more slacking for me. I'm back into it this week with a full schedule. Plans for the week include running 4/4/6 plus a spinning class, elliptical/ski machine, yoga class, Pilates w/ my trainer, Mat Pilates class as well as teaching 9 classes this week. That should kick-start my lazy butt.

Jodi: You sucked me in....I ordered the Chi Running book. I can't wait to see what he has to say about core work and running technique. I'm actually really looking forward to getting my hands on this book. Thanks again for the recommendation.

Howard: WTG getting back to running . I wish I could say the same.

Mike: Your running schedule is sick buddy. Can't believe you've got another marathon coming up. I'm tired just looking at your schedule.

Colleen: Just look at my lame training last week! Those two are carazzzzy. I'm still in recovery mode (at least that's my excuse for poor training).

 

[SilverE]

By the way, Jodi, Steve and any other northeasterners, are you guys still digging out from the mountains of snow?

The "dusting" of snow forecasted turned into 5 inches...after XT of shoveling, back to the treadmill. (And I have the local Mid-Winter 10-mile next Sunday!)

Serenity Now!

 

[SilverE]

Just a few pics:

Yes, we're smiling; but who is picking up the tab?

Oh sure, it's prior to the Start. You're happy now, but...

Everyone looks kinda chilly.

 

[lourodrigis]

Steve - Philly didn't reach capacity until a couple of weeks before the race. However, I would expect it to fill up a little quicker this year. Hopefully you can run Philly but I understand the travel and family issue.

Howard - What are your thoughts on the DE Marathon? Are you running it this year? I have my eye on it because I want to run a marathon in the spring and it's one of the closest races to home for me. My only issue is I hate running loops and there are lots of them in this race.

Dave - I'll toss a few more votes your way.

Steve (SilverE) - I don't envy you with the snow. I probably would have quit after the shoveling. Nice job getting back on the TM.

Hello to all I missed!

I ran outside for the first time since WDW today. I ran 10 miles in 1:33:32 (9:21 pace). I tried running slower but I get too impatient when I run and just want to get finished. I'm still dragging a cold around. The running probably doesn't help it but oh well.

Lou

 

[KeenHo]

Posted by Lou: Howard - What are your thoughts on the DE Marathon? Are you running it this year? I have my eye on it because I want to run a marathon in the spring and it's one of the closest races to home for me. My only issue is I hate running loops and there are lots of them in this race.

HI, thanks for the question. I am by no means an expert on the Delaware Marathon, I ran it in 2006. As I mentioned it was my first.

The course loops 4 times beginning in Wilmington's Riverfront area and along its riverwalk area out into some old industrial areas and back. It is not all that terrible nor all that beautiful either.

It is typically HOT and humid for the race, at least it was for me. Someone once told me that they will never run Delaware's Marathon again because they had to train through the bitter winter to roast their b*lls off in Delaware in May.

The race is well ran and supported by the community. However, it is nothing like a big city race with streets lined with people cheering, it is at times very quiet and lonely out there.

I found it interesting that they also run a Delaware Marathon Relay simultaneously with the Marathon. While you are out there trudging away in mile 18, you can hear "fresh" foot-strikes coming up from behind you and passing you. In the relay, each of 4 team members runs a "loop".

The Marathon is run by a lot of locals and those from out of town or state in a quest to run one in every state. Just this past year a second Marathon was run in Delaware down near the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The inaugural race had (I believe) 33 runners. So, I guess our state can boast two marathons now! Not too bad for a state with only 3 counties! I will probably run the Delaware Marathon again in the future, but not this year. I have my last semester of grad school to finish up first. I'll be just beginning finals when the race takes place later this year.

So, long story short, I would recommend you running it. It is a challenge just like any other Marathons are. The course is mostly flat and fast. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Good Luck!

Howard

 

[Maherae]

Hello, fellow WISHers!!
There is a small, but growing, group planning on doing the Philadelphia Distance Classic in September. Can anyone give advice on where to stay? We know nothing.... Anne

 

[lourodrigis]

Hello, fellow WISHers!!
There is a small, but growing, group planning on doing the Philadelphia Distance Classic in September. Can anyone give advice on where to stay? We know nothing.... Anne

Anne - It's a great race. It was very well organized and gets a LOT of runners. There are a few hotels close to the Art Museum area, which is the start, and most are pretty expensive. The Embassy Suites Center City is going to be the best bet in terms of location and price but you would need to book soon. The next best bet would be the Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, or Marriott which are all within a block of each other across from City Hall and about 10 blocks (1 mile) from the start. If price is not an option you have the Four Seasons which is almost at the start and a bunch of nice hotels near Rittenhouse Square which are less than a mile from start.

Howard - Thanks for the info. It sounds like a good race and I'll have to keep it in mind. I ran a race like that in LBI last fall (18 miles) and it was the same thing. Hot, no crowds, and 600 runners but well organized. Good luck with the MBA program!

Lou

 

[Kristi1357]

Anne - It's a great race. It was very well organized and gets a LOT of runners. There are a few hotels close to the Art Museum area, which is the start, and most are pretty expensive. The Embassy Suites Center City is going to be the best bet in terms of location and price but you would need to book soon. The next best bet would be the Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, or Marriott which are all within a block of each other across from City Hall and about 10 blocks (1 mile) from the start. If price is not an option you have the Four Seasons which is almost at the start and a bunch of nice hotels near Ritthouse Square which is less than a mile from start.

Thanks for the info!
I am 99% sure we are going to do this race this year as well.

 

[Maherae]

Thanks so much, Lou!!

 

[Jodi]

Lou - Quick question, what hotels in the Philly marathon are near the finish line? Or is the finish line near the start? I've got a plane to catch soon after I'm done & don't want to make the same mistake as I did @ MCM

Amy - always wanted to try a tri, but don't think I'd do well. It'll take one in Disney (is it in the fall?) to get me out there in water

HummuSteve - Love the pics, thanks for sharing...unlike some others . No big snow here, but what'd you expect, living in Maine & all?

Steve-Oh - Glad to see you two are FINALLY back from Disney, sheesh!

Where's the rest of ya'll?

Ran 4 yesterday, nothing today.

 

[lourodrigis]

Lou - Quick question, what hotels in the Philly marathon are near the finish line? Or is the finish line near the start? I've got a plane to catch soon after I'm done & don't want to make the same mistake as I did @ MCM

Jodi - The race begins and ends at the Art Museum (Ben Franklin Parkway). There really aren't many hotels right around the Art Museum. Like a said in the previous post, the Embassy Suites is probably the closest and best value. The Four Seasons is even closer but it will run you some serious $$$$.

I'm not the best travel agent for Philly because I don't stay in town very much but if I had to stay overnight I would plan for one of the Marriott hotels that are near City Hall (Broad & Market Streets). They are pretty nice, pretty affordable, and as close to the start/finish as you can get. There will be a lot of runners staying at these hotels too.

There is a nice Marriott at the PHL airport but PHL isn't that close to the Art Museum. $20 cab ride or $5 SEPTA train ride to Art Museum area.

Make sure you have enough time to stop at Pat's Steaks before the flight!

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Where's the rest of ya'll?

I'm here. Eating dinner at my desk again.
It's going to be a very bad week. I'm just hoping that I can get all of my runs in. Week 1 of my 10 week half marathon training program did not go so well (I only ran twice) so I really want to do better this week. Getting stuck in the office until the middle of the night is not going to help.

On a happier note, skiing this weekend was a lot of fun. I was able to go down all of the easy trails and even tried a medium one towards the end of the day. Of course I fell a few times, but much less than I would have expected. Don't worry, Mike, I stayed away from the bar until after we returned the rental skis.

Have a good week all.

 

[Optimator]

Make sure you have enough time to stop at Pat's Steaks before the flight!

Lou - Surely you jest!! You obviously don't know dear Jodi as well as some of us do. When she says she has a plane to catch after the race, she means VERY SOON after the race.

The only reason I saw her after Disney was because I crossed the line with her. Then it was get a Mickey medal, grab a drink, grab a banana, get a Goofy medal, gotta go!!


Jodi - I'll have to ask Kathy to deal with the pictures for you. Her camera, her computer. I have no clue!


Amy - You talk about my schedule?!? Yours is insane! I wouldn't sweat the limited running to this point with everything else you've been doing. I've gotta try a pilates class sometime. I'll have DW go with me. That should be a good laugh for her.

Serenity Now!

Hilarious!! I said that to DW the other night as the girls were screaming like banshees and she just kind of looked at me, sort of puzzled-like.

I hope the weather improves for your race!


Howard - I was looking at the Delaware marathon but just thinking of all those loops made me dizzy. I'd be worried I'd loose count and stop too soon or worse yet, make an extra loop! I may keep it in mind for '09 if I'm still alive and kickin'.


Theta Lambda Mu Kappa - So let me get this straight: You passed up a job where you could wear a hair net? So you could tutor math?? I don't get some people... Too bad about the eraser job being taken. There's just something about a woman with chalk dust in her hair. Hubba hubba!


Cindy - Glad you had the sense not to get all lit up until after you were done skiing. The hospital I work at has a nice little detox unit when you're ready .

Sara -


I had a nice and easy 7+ miles this morning. I dropped the van off for service and ran home. Pretty uneventful except for the fact that I didn't quite "prepare" myself beforehand and seriously needed a Jodi-stop after about a mile or so. Unfortunately, there was no good place to stop.

I'm sure pilates is good for the core and all that, but I can't imagine it being much tougher than running 6 miles all puckered up and holding tight!

On that happy TMI thought, good day all!

 

[Jodi]

I didn't quite "prepare" myself beforehand and seriously needed a Jodi-stop after about a mile or so. Unfortunately, there was no good place to stop. I'm sure pilates is good for the core and all that, but I can't imagine it being much tougher than running 6 miles all puckered up and holding tight!

That's the method of choice for my core workouts!

Hey All-bots

Not much going on here lately...nothing to train for so I fear my running may drop off. I plan on doing 4 or 5 today after work, it's supposed to be nice, almost 40 or so, you know, cookout weather! Cindy, you must stop working so much!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey Everyone:

So I did 30 min on the bike yesterday and 40 min this morning. Nothing much else to report.

Jodi- I read the first 3 chapters of Chi Running. It sounds kind of interesting. I must admit this is my second injury I've had to deal with in the 2 years since I started back running. I'm curious if this Chi Running stuff might help.

OK, gotta get ready for class.

 

[Jodi]

Dave - If you can get through all the "uuummmmmmm " aspect of it, I'm convinced the book will help you! It takes a while (I'm always working on it) to get the gist of the running style, but once you get even a little bit of it, you'll feel the difference. It may help to take one of their seminars if one comes up local to you. Good luck!

Hey, anyone read about that new race in Sept.? Expedition Everest Challenge? It's a 5k w/ an obstacle course & scavenger hunt built in...sounds different. I may bring DS to this & forgo the Twilight Zone thing, although it DOES just seem like another way for Disney to get your $. Hey, at least THIS race includes park admission...Lemme know what you guys think

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Just popping on here to say !! You guys are training fools!

Jodi--I'm still mad at you for not waving to me at mile 24. I wore my Wish shirt just for you.

Do you think it would be acceptable to wear my running clothes in an office environment? My pants are getting too tight and I'm tired of the button imprint on my stomach.

Krista

 

[lourodrigis]

Cindy - I'm with Jodi...don't let work wear you down. Glad you had a good time skiing.

Mike - That's a funny story...when it's not happening to me. Impressive that you managed to hold everything together for 6 miles!

Jodi - I hear you. It's pretty tough to get motivated right now. Nothing like these short, gray, cold days to kill your running buzz.

HELLO to everyone I missed!!!

I got in 6 very unmotivated "easy" miles on the TM this morning. I set the thing at 6 and finished in an hour. I so wanted to stop but made myself finish. I considered running outside but it was too cold for me at 6AM.

All I know is pitchers and catchers start next week so that's the unofficial first sign of spring for me. Hopefully Spring comes early so I can get off this TM and get outside.

Lou