~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[msblrobs]

Cindy - Once again, words just don't seem sufficient. I am very sorry for your loss and completely understand your mixed feelings here. Hopefully it'll all work out and you can pay your respects while still being able to participate in the race this weekend. Lots of for you and yours. Travel safe and please keep us updated .

 

[SilverE]

Cindy:

Sorry to learn of your DH's grandmother; my condolences, thoughts, and prayers for your families.

And I can completely understand your being upset at the posibility of missing your race--go easy on yourself . You have made a physical and emotional investment in this upcoming race; it's only natural to feel saddened at the prospect of not seeing all your hard work to fruition.

Again, postive thoughts to your families. Take care.

 

[Jodi]

Cindy - So sorry to hear about your DH's Grandmother , I hope you have a safe trip & are able to ease the pain for your MIL & DH. DO NOT feel awkward about your disappointment at the possibility of not being able to run this weekend. You've had your heart set on this for a while & have been training hard. Take care of yourself.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Cindy- I wanted to chime in with my condolenses too on your DH's grandmother's passing. All my best to your DH and your family in this time of loss. Please do not beat yourself up about wanting to run in the half marathon. I think it's very natural to have mixed feelings at times like these. As others have said you have been working, training, and anticipating this race for a long time. I hope everything works out for you.

 

[lourodrigis]

Hey all,

Once again it's been a while since I last posted. I do try to stop by as much as possible and read the posts. I'm still dealing with a lot work/business related issues which continue to consume a lot of my time. It's all good. For as bad as the economy is I am lucky to have as much going on as I do.

Steve - Good to see you back on the boards. Wow, that was an intense post. I really feel for you. It's hard to come up with words. A post like that puts a lot of things into perspective. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Howard - Nice to see you stopping by more often. I hope things are going smooth at school.

Jodi - Nice job on the 18 miles and the snotrockets!

Cindy - You seem like you are doing real well with your training. Every time I see a post from you you are cranking out LR's and tempo runs. I like the post about the furniture almost blowing off your patio. Sorry about the loss of your DH's grandmother.

Amy, Dave, Chester, Sara, Mike and any I have missed...Happy belated Easter!!

Running has taken a slight back seat over the past 2 weeks. Only got in 10 miles last week due to work and Easter. I'll try to pick up the pace and catch up with some of your guys this week. I need to get back on track. Penn Relays 20K will be next up for me on 4/20. The day after I turn 40.

Lou

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Sara, Steve, Jodi, Dave, and Lou - Thank you. I'm still feeling pretty selfish about being upset about the race, but its nice to know you all don't think I am a terrible person because of it.

I am still in DC and still don't know what is going to happen. DH's grandfather is now in the hospital and, thankfully, he is going to be ok, but they aren't going to schedule the funeral until they have a better sense of when he will be released. Since we can't take more than a day or two off of work, we aren't going to book flights until we know when the funeral is going to be. So we wait. Not knowing and having no control over the situation is seriously driving my crazy!! (I guess I have to admit I may be a bit of a control freak) I am also getting really stressed about that cost of flights. When we checked on Sunday night, we knew it was going to be expensive, but checking this morning, it is even worse. And to top it off, I'm getting crap at work. I was told by one of the people for whom I work that he really didn't think I needed to go to Phoenix because it was Matt's (DH) "problem" not mine. How are you even supposed to respond to a statement like that. I said something about feeling that it was important to be there to support Matt and that I would let him know what days I would be gone when I found out. Jerk!!

Hope everyone has a good week. And if anyone finds spring, could you let me know? I am so over winter.

 

[msblrobs]

(I guess I have to admit I may be a bit of a control freak)

Me too Nothing wrong with that .

I am also getting really stressed about that cost of flights. When we checked on Sunday night, we knew it was going to be expensive, but checking this morning, it is even worse.

A lot of airlines offer bereavement rates. I don't know which airlines you're considering but you can call and ask for the rate.

And to top it off, I'm getting crap at work. I was told by one of the people for whom I work that he really didn't think I needed to go to Phoenix because it was Matt's (DH) "problem" not mine. How are you even supposed to respond to a statement like that. I said something about feeling that it was important to be there to support Matt and that I would let him know what days I would be gone when I found out. Jerk!!.

Being a huge believer in karma, have faith that the jerk will get what he deserves That's the last thing you need to deal with so I hope you just let it slide. Does the jerk have any sort of family ?! Who says that crap ?

(And if anyone finds spring, could you let me know? I am so over winter.

I will definitely fight you for ANY sign of spring. I can't take looking @ snow any longer . Hang in there and hopefully things will be definitive soon . The not knowing is the worst but it may work in your favor in the long run. Lots of for both you and Matt.

Lou - Nice to see you again!! Sorry life's been busy and best of luck getting back on track with the mileage . Dave and I will also be turning 40 within the next 12 months .

My DH is away on business so the kids are relying on me to step up and be a responsible adult for a few days . Admittedly, I am real spoiled, so the kids are scared to be left alone with me . I don't usually do pick-ups, drop-offs, homework, bedtime, etc. . We're still hanging in there on day two so it's all good . However, they're cutting into my running time so DH needs to come home soon .

Happy training to all .

 

[lourodrigis]

Lou - Nice to see you again!! Sorry life's been busy and best of luck getting back on track with the mileage . Dave and I will also be turning 40 within the next 12 months .

Sara - Don't be sorry for me. Like I say to everyone...the time for me to be worried is when I wake up one day and I am not busy. In this economy it is always good to be busy.

So I am not the only person on the thread dealing with turning 40 this year. I feel pretty good about the fact that I ran my first marathon at 39 and I'm getting in better shape now then I was at 20. I guess you guys feel the same.

I cranked out an easy 5 miles today in some new shoes. I was in dire need of new running shoes as the pair I was running in had over 400 miles and 2 marathons in them. My knees were starting to feel it lately.

Lastly, do any of you have problems with seasonal allergies in the Spring? I have serious allergy problems (tree pollen) and this is the first time in years I am going to run through the Spring. How do you deal with them?

Lou

 

[Jodi]

hi

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Jodi - hi. Have you nothing witty to say?

Lou - I don't have allergies, but DH does. He takes something called Alavert (I think) and it helps, but he is still often uncomfortable (guess that's not exactly what you wanted to hear).

Sara - Thanks for the advice on the bereavement rates. I've actually used them before, but it was about 12 years ago and it was much easier then. I tried to help a friend get a rate from here to Maine for her grandmother's funeral recently and there were so many hoops to jump through and the rates weren't really that great that she ended up not being able to go. But see below for good news on that front for me. Re: the jerk - I'm not really surprised by his response, he's always like that. I take lots of crap from him, so I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me. Good luck with the rest of the solo gig with your kids. How's your leg? When is your doctor's appt.?

Where's Mike?? He said he would be gone a week - that was more than a week ago.

DH just got off the phone with his parents. His grandfather is doing much better and will be moved out of ICU tomorrow (hopefully) and his parents will decide tomorrow if the funeral will be Saturday, Sunday, or Monday. Looks like I need to wait another day to figure out what is going on. I seriously have no patience!!!! If it is Sunday or Monday, we will do the race and pull a Jodi and fly out on Saturday afternoon. As for flights, the funeral home in Phoenix either has or works directly with a travel agency, so hopefully they can eliminate some of the hoops we would have to jump through and we can fly out there without breaking the bank.

 

[SilverE]

the funeral home in Phoenix either has or works directly with a travel agency, so hopefully they can eliminate some of the hoops we would have to jump through and we can fly out there without breaking the bank.

A funeral home that works with a travel agency? I have to applaud them , that is some serious vertical integration.

Cindy, I think most runners (or those that I know) tend to be control-oriented (that's my euphemism for "control freak" ) It made me anxious just reading about your awaiting the proper dates to book/fly--I feel for you; you are preaching to the choir! I really hope it all works out for you guys .

 

[Jodi]

Hi again.

Cindy - This ordeal is driving ME nuts & it has nothing to do with me . I think they should have the funeral on Mon. so you can run on Sat., just my opinion. Guess you haven't gotten any training in yet, eh? DH has allergies but I just ignore him when he complains so I don't know what he takes & if it helps . The guy you work with sounds like a big ol' D-Bag! I had a boss like that once, he used to sit in his office & beckon me from down the hall like a little kid, even though there was an intercome system in place. I'd ignore him for a few minutes, then get on the intercom & ask him "Jeff, are you trying to call me?" Well, needless to say I got fired from that job for insubordination .... Insubordination....I've heard that a lot throughout my working career.

Lou - on the 5 miles yesterday & getting new sneaks! I can't believe you all are going to be 40 this year...what a bunch of hags

Steve - Hey buddy. Really, runners are known control freaks? I hadn't heard that b4...but I am SUCH a control freak, it's frightening. My poor family. Any running on the horizon?

Sara - I weep for your children poor little things, so sweet & innocenet, left with...with....YOU! Are you still getting up @ 4:30 a.m. now that DH's away on business ?

Colleen - HI

Dave - How's the hip, man? When are you going to DW to dine w/ Kevin? We've got a Disney Cruise booked for Feb. vacation in 09, but I'im starting to wonder if, financially, it's such a good idea .

Mike - Are you coming back? I mean, not that I MISS you or anything you buttwipe.

Chester - OK, now you've got me worried.

Rested on Sun., 4 miles Mon. 40 mins CT today. I don't even feel like CT is actual training anymore...it's like a rest day. My psychotic mind has me convinced that if I don't run I did nothing to train for that day...anyone else dealing with this? I had every intention of running today, but I'm a little more sore from that 18 on Sat. than I'd like to admit. left hamstring is stiff & some other little bits here & there kinda ache. Oh well, I plan to run tomorrow 'cause it's supposed to be 50. We'll see about that

 

[CynthiaCindy]

I am on hold right now with Dignity Memorial Travel Service - I'm serious, that is the name of the travel agency. i just found out that the funeral has been scheduled for Monday so we can run the race - I'm really happy and excited about that (I kind of want to insert the dancing banana, but that seems really wrong to put the dancing banana in the same sentence where I am talking about going to a funeral ).

 

[Optimator]

Hey Everyone!!

Multiple Choice Test

Mike was off the boards for over a week because:

a). He decided to become Amish but recanted because he couldn't deal with the wool running shorts.

b). His last post offended so many people that he was asked to take a hiatus.

c). His family took a trip to Gatlinburg TN to hike in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

d). Taper madness took full control and he was temporarily incarcerated after an incident involving a turkey baster, a leaf blower, and a Costco sized can of Beefaroni.

The correct answer is C. Talk about a taper! I did NO running all week long and didn't feel a bit guilty. We did get a couple of great 2.5 mile hikes in the mountains. Very nice!


Dave, Steve, and Cindy - A heartfelt sorry for your losses.

Steve - It's so great to see you back here. Thanks for feeling comfortable enough with us to share.


Dave - I'm glad to see you're running. Hopefully the hip will continue to improve.


Cindy - I know it's not the primary thing, but I hope the timing works out so that you and DH can enjoy the race Saturday. You've worked really hard. It would be a shame to miss it. If you have to, what about the Cherry Blossom 10 miler?


Sara - Good luck playing single parent! I hope the little beauties survive. Any word on the doctor/MRI front?


Colleen - Hi!! Excited about Boston yet?


Lou - Good to see you're busy. I hope things are going well. 40, huh? Better be sure to oil up the wheels on your walker before your next race .


Chester - Did you get ate up by a big gator? Still planning on Nashville?


Amy, Bill, and any others peeking in - Just so you know, Jodi has hacked into my computer and uses my password every once in a while. If I post something completely tasteless and offending, it's really her!

Mike - Are you coming back? I mean, not that I MISS you or anything you buttwipe.

Buttwipe, hang time on spit... You are a delicate flower, aren't you?

WTG on the 18 miler! I hope you are feeling recovered. So was that your one and only LR?

Does your ultra have a website? Just curious to see what you've gotten yourself in to.


O.K.. As previously stated, I'm in full taper mode. No actual running between last Monday and yesterday when I did a 5 mile tempo run. Rest day today, 5 or so tomorrow, 3 or 4 easy miles on Thursday then race on Saturday.

I went into work last night to find that the Internet Gestapo had big old banners on the computers essentially saying "No Internet Surfing. You've Been Warned!" so I won't have near as much time to keep up with everything in my spare moments (DISing, scoping out future races, etc.) It's really cramping my workflow !

I'll have to do my best to squeeze in time at home. This may be a good time to invest in a laptop.

Take care everyone.

 

[Optimator]

Cindy - I just saw that you're still in. Great!!!

Now we can talk logistics. When are you going to the expo? What coral are you and DH in (I'm in 4).

I've never even tasted Red Bull so I think I'll skip unless it's offered after the race.

 

[Theta]

Oh my, so much happening here, I will try and remember...

Mike, yes, we are getting excited about Boston. I really have no idea what to expect. I convinced DH to just do 12 miles last weekend because he was still a little jetlagged from his overseas trip. He has 20 miles on for this weekend, but it will be on the treadmill because the tree pollen here is really nasty. He can't be outside for more than a few minutes.

Lou, was it you that asked about allergies? DH takes Zyrtec, Flonase nasal spray and something for his eyes as well?? Can't remember the name. I think he has take Alavert in the past was well. We also stock up on the Canadian equivalent to Zyrtec when we are there, it is called Reactine and is MUCH cheaper than the meds here. Zyrtec is now sold over the counter here, but I haven't compared the dosage vs. what a person used to get via perscription.

Cindy, so sorry to hear about DH's grandmother. Your feelings are totally normal! Oh, and there MAY be an outside chance I still might do Minnie. Long story for another time.

Steve, glad you had a chance to stop in, I have been thinking about you and your family!

Sara, oh parenting, I have my 2 lovely children 24/7 this week for Spring Break, they still have swim team practices, trips to the science center and library, playdates but all I have to say is ...thank goodness for Webkinz! I never thought I would ever say that! Some of those games are actually quite good, meaning challenging in a problem solving sort of way.

Hey Jodi, so when is this Ultra? A few weeks?? What is your game plan?

Hi Dave!

 

[CynthiaCindy]

I don't even feel like CT is actual training anymore...it's like a rest day. My psychotic mind has me convinced that if I don't run I did nothing to train for that day...anyone else dealing with this?

Seeing as I haven't actually done any CT recently, I don't believe I am qualified to answer that.

Colleen - Thanks.

Mike - I am so excited for Saturday I have been feeling great on all of my runs lately. Did some intervals at the track this morning and will do a 30 minute easy run tomorrow and rest on Friday. We are going to have to go to the expo after work on Friday, I'd guess between 7 and 8? I assume you will probably go earlier in the day? On Saturday, I have been assigned to corral 6, but seeing as the email said "please memorize your corral number," I'm guessing corrals are not going to be strictly enforced. I am (once again) toying with the idea of going for a sub two hour half. If I decide to do that I will probably move up to corral 5 (corral 6 is for paces 9:16 to 10:00). DH Matt is in corral 4. If you want to, I would love to try to meet up and say hi before the race.

 

[msblrobs]

Cindy - So glad you're on for Saturday especially since your runs have been feeling fine.

Colleen - What's up with the Minnie ?! Yeah, my girls like the webkinz site also. Rinne's panda Abigail had a "birthday" on Monday . You definitely get major kudos for holding down the fort while DH travels regularly. I don't have the fortitude for that job .

Mike - Tennessee . Glad you guys had a great time Best of luck Saturday . I am back to the doctor's on 4/3 so we'll see

Lou - I definitely feel better now than when I was 20 . I take Nasonex, an inhaler and over-the-counter meds for the allergies but most of my running is indoors on the treadmill. Best of luck keeping the allergy symptoms at bay.

Jodi - Hopefully you got in a good run today and the residual soreness has left the building .

I got blood test results back today and I'm happy to report my cholesterol is below 200 for the first time ever . Unfortunately, my hemoglobin is WAY low again and I am anemic. Perhaps that's why I am unmotivated and everything is overwhelming these days . I've already been to a hematologist in the past and I take iron regularly but I have to go back to my doc to discuss. Being a vegetarian I guess I need to watch my diet more carefully to get in additional iron sources. I need energy to run

 

[Jodi]

Cindy - whoop Whoop Doing the happy dance that you'll be able to run on Sat. Thank goodness, I was getting a bit agitated @ the whole situation Go for the sub 2 hour! You can do it, take all that confidence from your recent runs & go nuts!

Theta - C'mon, what's going on with MINNIE? I can't believe you're going to go...you KNOW you're going to go, so just tell us who the lucky roommate is Is he HOT? My ultra is on April 20 & I'm SO not ready .

Mike - Can't believe you got busted @ work. You KNOW they were talking to you specifically! Glad you had fun in TN & didn't run at all! What kind of time are you shooting for with this race on Sat.? Are you pumped? I AM a delicate flower...sorta like a venus flytrap . Yeah, that 18 miler was the one & only LR. But I figure what the heck? My only LR for the Goofy was 17 (or less) miles...it seems like less is better for me . Go to www.roadntracksports.com/LWUM to see the deal on the ultra I'm doing. Seems pretty generic, lowkey with not a costumed character to be found I don't know....

Sara - Anemic? Ugh, I don't know how you even have the strength to run/yoga/stuff. You must eat well b/c of the no meat thingie...do you eat cheese & stuff or are you totally off the deep end? I don't really eat too much meat either, it adds to the jodi stop issues, long story you DON'T wanna hear! Are the kids ok? Do I need to call DCF?

Hi to all the others MIA today!

It's so nice out today but I didn't run...not yet anyway...I think I'm going to go for a long walk with the dog & the son (both on leashes) instead. I'll run tomorrow. Runnings beat.

 

[lourodrigis]

Mike & Cindy - Good luck in DC this weekend!

Colleen - Thanks for the allergy input. I took Zyrtec last year but it really didn't work when the pollen hit it's peak. I'm not sure if anything works.

Sara - Way to go on the sub-200 cholesterol. Sorry about the hempglobin. I was thinking about running indoors during the bad pollen weeks but I just hate the treadmill. After months of bad weather I just want to get outside.

Jodi - I give you credit for doing the ultra. Are you doing 50K, 100K or 50 miles?

I did 4 easy miles today. I'll do 7 or 8 tomorrow.

Lou