~Philadelphia Marathon 11/23/08~

[lourodrigis]

Howard - You must have forgotten to eat your Wheaties before that 15-miler.

Colleen - Nice work with the 4 miles.

Jodi - Nice job on the 5. With kids back in school I'm running early too.

Steve - You can always run the 8K at Philly if you just want to run something and not blow out the heel. I think you are doing the right thing with holding off on Goofy 2009.

Sara - Cowboys fan? NO! I'll try not to hold that against you. Just make sure you keep your Cowboys running gear at home for Philly. You're from Upsate NY. You gotta be a Bills fan first.

Cindy, Mike, Chester, and the rest...HI!

Going out for an easy 3 now. Hopefully the knee responds well.

Lou

 

[Jodi]

Hey PhillyBots

Sara - Ewwww! The Cowboys? They're heinous . Ok, what's the heck is a brick workout & WHY are you hungover???

Louellyn - How'd that 3 go with your knee? Oh, BTW, where ARE we eating on the Sat. b4 the Philly marathon?

CeciBean - So glad you're back. Sorry about the achilles, if it's any consolation, I have no injuries & I STILL can't run! I really hope you'll be in Philly either way. Goofy would be out of the question I guess, hope you're trolling on line to sell that bib!!

Hi to all my other Bots .

I didn't do anything today . Oh yeah, my dog is still eating herself & yesterday she woke up almost unable to walk! Took her to the vet after work & she's got Lyme disease....again. $125 later we've go her on Amoxycillin The only good that came out of this is that the vet & I decided not to send her back to the dermatologist & just give her the dang Prednisone 'til she croaks . But seriously, what else can I do? She's got no quality of life chewing herself all day & night!! Poor puppy!

 

[lourodrigis]

Louellyn - How'd that 3 go with your knee? Oh, BTW, where ARE we eating on the Sat. b4 the Philly marathon?

I didn't do anything today . Oh yeah, my dog is still eating herself & yesterday she woke up almost unable to walk! .......

So I decide to take my dinner into the home office and read Jodi's latest post while I eat. Man was that a big mistake.

Jodi - The knee feels better but far from great. After I had to take an emergency Jodistop at DL I think I am not going to plan to eat much the night before Philly. I'm more concerned with where we are going to find a big a$# mug of beer to drink after the race. I'll scope out a few bars near the Art Museum that serves mugs of beer like the one Mike drank out of in his pics. Hopefully Sara leaves the Cowboys gear at home or we can expect to get showered with beer after the race.

 

[Theta]

I am not going to plan to eat much the night before Philly. I'm more concerned with where we are going to find a big a$# mug of beer to drink after the race.

I hope we are still doing both. I will be eating the night before the race!

That gets me to thinking..scary I know! But, WDW marathon is 90% full now and I need to decide whether I am going to enter or not. So who ir running what at Disney? Where are you staying? If I go, I will probably go solo again, so can we plan stuff?

 

[SilverE]

I'm more concerned with where we are going to find a big a$# mug of beer to drink after the race.

Since I'm only doing the Half, I'll probably already be a few in while I await all you full marathon finishers. By then I'll be in a really good mood when Lou leads us to a local watering hole.

 

[KeenHo]

Colleen: Hi! I am running the 5K on Friday (with DS) and Kevin Z. and his DS. I am running the Half with Cam, DD (20)- hopefully and her friend, and the Marathon on Sunday. Kevin Z. and I are going Goofy but not running together to allow each other to get a PR and/or a personal shot at running our own race. Hard to imagine, but we are like brothers and want this for each other.

Lou: I actually had some Special K with Red Berries prior to that 15 mile run, but the sun and the distance took its toll. Unfortunately I hit the streets close to 11 AM and the sun was hot that day my friend. I had a Marathon Energy Bar just before the half way point and it didn't help much. I ran out of fluids too... not good. And just where was my support team?

I am here to report some actual, bonafide, training! Hard to imagine, huh?

I had the best 5 Mile run OF MY ENTIRE LIFE and it wasn't easy. I'll mention the stats which should speak for themselves:

Miles: 5
Time: 39:56
Pace: 7:59

Splits: 8:12, 8:18, 7:52, 7:54, 7:39

I pushed each mile, up hills and down out and back. I was (and still am) one tired puppy.

Have a most excellent evening!



Howard

 

[Jodi]

GoodMorning from your non-waking-up-on-time-to-run-this-a.m.-loser-fellowposter (aka Jodi)

So I'll be running this p.m. after work (obviously). Thank goodness it's a beautiful, semi-cool day. But this a.m. was even cooler .

EmmyLouHarris - So nice to be able to eat dinner while you "work". . About this biga** beer after the marathon....Does the train station have a bar we can meet in?, as I'm not sure logistically how this will work for me...I think my train leaves @ noon or something . But I'm with Colleen, we still have to meet for dinner the night b4, it's tradition. Just b/c you poop all over yourself on LRs doesn't mean the rest of us should suffer & not eat dinner, does it? 'Sides, I thought you were coordinating this merry shing-ding . Awright, awright, just give us the name of the restaurant you recommend I we'll go without your incontinent butt!

Colleeneeee - What are your travel plans for Philly? As far as WDW, I'm signed up for the 1/2 only. Arriving on the Thurs a.m. b4 & leaving on Sun. (not right after the race like usual ). If you don't sign up for the full just come to hangout . We're staying @ OKW!

Howard - "Real training"? What the heck do you call what you've been doing for the last 3 months or so? Nice job on your fastest 5 miles yesterday!! Taking a day off today I hope?

Pea - Guess that means you'll be in Philly!! That's great news. Will you still go to WDW to run the 1/2 portion of your Goofy??

Dave - How pumped are you for the Yeti-crap? Not long now. Thanks for the pumpkin .

Sara - Sobered up yet? What step are you on in your road to recovery?

Mike - What, are you working or something and can't post?

Cindy - You & Matt ready for Yeti? What happens if there's a freakin' hurricane that weekend? How's your....ahem.....chest.

Chester - Did I do something wrong? Why won't you post? Please, please tell me if I've offended you in some way. Please don't take it out on the others....I'm sorry for anything I might have done to upset you.....
That was funny, now where the hell are you?!

 

[Theta]

GoodMorning from your non-waking-up-on-time-to-run-this-a.m.-loser-fellowposter (aka Jodi)

Oh, I was the same this morning. In fact, right now I am covered up on the couch watching Regis and Kelly (I didn't know he was still doing this show. ) I felt like crap the last few days. I have no energy, I think it may be the wacky weather we have had lately.

Howard, awesome results! You should be tired!

 

[msblrobs]

Jodi - One glass of wine and I'm hungover I am a lightweight both literally and figuratively so for the most part I abstain from that nonsense. I haven't had a beer in over a decade . A brick workout is run-bike-run .

Lou - I never said I was a Cowboys fan but I do know enough NEVER to sport anything but Eagles green in Philly. That would be like wearing Yankees gear to Boston . In Upstate NY it's either Giants or Patriots.

Colleen - I had a layover in Charlotte on my way to Knoxville yesterday afternoon and I thought of you . I am only volunteering for the WDW full this year but keep me in mind for sharing a room.

Howard -

Steve - I have to seriously look at my Philly training program and decide which distance I'll be doing in November .

Well, I did bang out 6 miles yesterday morning on the TM. Since I'm very sleep deprived I am abstaining from any running today. Killing time in Knoxville right now and heading home in a bit. Of course DD7 has been running a 102 fever since Saturday ...

 

[Jodi]

Sara - So that's a brick workout...ok. I suppose that makes mine something like linoleum workouts. Glad you're on your way home to your little pumpkin! That's one heck of a fever to have for that long!

Colleen - I think Regis is actually dead & they somehow scientifically petrified him. How's your DS doing in school?

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Wait I thought Lou was taking us to a place where Howard and I could cheer on the Steelers!

 

[rKyDeX]

Jodi
All right, I'll come out of hiding and play.

DL Half Marathon report
After watching the weather channel to see where Hurricane Hannah was heading, Tracy and I headed out Friday morning for a 6:35 am flight out of Tampa. Tried to check in our bag but were denied. I didn't pay attention to the fine print that said that luggage had to be checked in 45 minutes prior to flight. And the flight wasn't scheduled to leave for 40 minutes. Oops. So I had to trash the 6 bottles of Cytomax stashed in a the bag and high tail it to the gate knowing that we would have to somehow get the bag through security. Security found a couple of pocket knives and a too big bottle of shampoo that they wouldn't let through. The knives were put in the mail back to me and the shampoo got trashed. Then, on to the gate where we were able to check in the bag since it was too big to carry on.

Changed planes in Houston and continued on to Orange County International. We landed about 11:00 am, got our bag and caught a Disneyland Express bus to the Anahiem Marriot. Checked in and made our way to the Expo.

We walked the mile over to the Disneyland Hotel Convention Center and lined up for packet pick-up. I had to go to runner relations to verify my eligibility for the Coast to Coast Medal and then picked up the 5k race packet. Then we picked up our shirts - Navy blue short sleeve tech shirts for the half and a typical t-shirt for the 5k.

While at the expo, Tracy purchased a Body Beat mp3 player that sorts and selects music based upon beats per minute and keeps track of heart rate and distances. She has been wanting one of these since seeing them at the WDW expo, but they just recently became available for sale.

Saturday morning I walked over to the start of the Family 5k that was base on a Toy Story theme. I saw Wendy and her son lined up about 3/4 of the way back in the start corral. I made my way up to about the 1/4 point of the corral and waited for the start. While waiting, I saw Pat, Susie and Tracy who were there to Scream Team. I also got a chance to meet Aloha Jeff.

The race wasn't chipped but according to Garmin, I went 3.23 miles in 29:22 for a 9:06 mpm average. After my finish I worked my way back to the last turn before the finish to watch and cheer for W.I.S.H.ers. I hung out for a while with Pat, Susie, Tracy, Jeff, Marcia, Michele and ???.

Saturday evening Tracy and I headed over to Downtown Disney to the W.I.S.H. meet at Jamba Juice.

Sunday morning Tracy and I walked over to the start for the Half Marathon. We did the typical pre-race port-o-let line thing and then headed over to the corrals. We were in the first of 3 start waves and were in corral C. While waiting we met Casey and her DH.

We crossed the start line after about 5 minutes. I said my goodbyes to Tracy and started off on my own. After the start the course wraps around the South border of the parks and then you enter California Adventure. From there, you work your way through Disneyland and then exit the parks in the Northwest corner.

The course works its way East through Anaheim with a couple of switchbacks that bring you to the Anaheim Ducks Honda Center. Then you follow the Santa Ana River (there is no water in this river) to the Southwest where you circle the Angels Stadium. Now its 3 mile West back to Downtown Disney and the finish at the Disneyland Hotel.

I finished 13.47 miles in 2:14:51 according to Garmin at a 10:00 mpm pace. This is my best time for a Half by about 2 minutes. I gathered up my Castle medal and my Coast to Coast medal, grabbed some food and drinks and found a place just before the 13 mile mark to cheer folks on.

Somewhere around 4:00 clock time Tracy and a new friend were strolling towards the finish. I made my way back to the fish area to Cheer Tracy on for her first Half Marathon finish. She received her medals but was not awarded an "official" finish. It mattered not to her though. She crossed the finish line and she had her medals. I think it took a couple of minutes for her to realize that she had actually done it. Now she can't believe how she will ever be able to finish 26.2 in January.

We celebrated with a big dinner at the Hotel Steakhouse that night. Tracy had filet mignon and I had a huge Seared Tuna steak.

Monday morning I woke up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat. We caught the Disneyland Express bus back to the airport and I had miserable flights back home. I've had a head cold for over a week now and my ears still aren't right. I ran last night for the first time since the Half. 4 miles at 10:05 average.

So, I'm back on track for Philly training. Flight and Hotel reservations have already been taken care of and I am already registered for the race.

Jodi and Dave, I will see you at Expedition Everest. Tracy, Miranda and I are staying at Fort Wilderness. The dogs and I are heading over in the Ark on Friday the 26th and Tracy and Miranda will head over on Saturday since Miranda has to march with the band at Fridays football game.

Run happy everyone,

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

 

[lourodrigis]

Dave - You'll find plenty of Stillers fans (as they are called) and places to watch the Steelers on Sunday around Philly. We tend to give them a free pass since they beat up on Dallas so many times in the 70's.

Chester - Sorry I missed you at DLR but I'll see you at Philly. Much like you I ran into Aloha Jeff multiple times during the DL 1/2 weekend. He's omni-present.

Sara - I thought I read Cowboys fans on one of your posts. You may want to keep your Giants and Pats gear at home too. Those blue and red Giant shirts are magnets for all kinds of projectiles in Philly. Have fun in Knoxville!

Colleen - I hear you about Regis. They must have to prop that guy up every morning.

Jodi - There's a bar in 30th St Station but you have to hang for a few hours before you get on the train. Just don't get too drunk and end up somewhere in Maine or Canada on the way home. We'll get something figured out for Saturday night dinner but it's September. I barely know what I am doing this weekend. I'll start planning for Philly after I get past MCM on 10/26. Give me some cuisines (Italian, Asian, Steakhouse, Mexican, Seafood).

Howard - You're on fire! You must have eaten 2 bowls of Special K before that run.

No running to report today...I bagged an 8-mile speed workout. There's no speed in my knees right now anyway. I'll try to get in the miles tomorrow AM. I want to get in a long LR this weekend but I'm worried about the knee and the PDR on 9/21. I may just rest the knee and try to put up a PR at the PDR.

Lou

 

[SilverE]

A brick workout is run-bike-run

Sara - So that's a brick workout...ok. I suppose that makes mine something like linoleum workouts.

Geeez, I'm doing styrofoam workouts.

 

[SilverE]

Chester: Thanks for the great DL race report and congratulations on the 2-minute half PR. . And please pass on to Tracy: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! A first half-marathon finish is a tremendous accomplishment!

 

[KeenHo]

Chester~ Congratulations on your DL Half time! Great effort!

I missed a scheduled 8 miler tonight due to "Back to School Night" at DS'sHigh School. I will make up for it later in the week I hope. Next weekend is the Philadelphia Distance Run!

This weekend I will be in Upstate NY visiting Judy's (Honeibee's) hubby -Charlie (yes the infamous one in my signature below) and we plan on running 13.1 on Saturday (the Ridgeville half course?). I did have 7 and 17 planned for my MCM training. However, this will be the most I can handle due to the travel home on Sunday.

Have a great Thursday!

Howard

 

[msblrobs]

This weekend I will be in Upstate NY visiting Judy's (Honeibee's) hubby -Charlie (yes the infamous one in my signature below) and we plan on running 13.1 on Saturday (the Ridgeville half course?).Howard

Howard, You CANNOT be referring to Westchester County as "upstate NY" . I hope you and Charlie both have a great 13.1 this weekend .

Lou - DH and the DD's ARE Cowboys fans for sure . I just don't subscribe to the idea of being an athletic supporter and much prefer 'doing' as opposed to 'spectating', KWIM ? Are you diligently doing "research" for an acceptable drinking establishment for the Philly WISH meet ?

Chester - Awesome race report ! Congrats to both you on the PR and to Tracy for covering the distance .

No running again today due to needing to catch up on sleep and some SERIOUS allergy symptoms going on . So glad to be home

 

[lourodrigis]

Lou - DH and the DD's ARE Cowboys fans for sure . I just don't subscribe to the idea of being an athletic supporter and much prefer 'doing' as opposed to 'spectating', KWIM ? Are you diligently doing "research" for an acceptable drinking establishment for the Philly WISH meet ?

Sara - I hear you. Around here everybody is an Eagles fan. DW is probably a bigger fan than me. We have and Eagles door mat, Eagles Christmas tree, Eagles soap dispenser, Eagles just about everything. Last year the the PDR the Eagles Fight Band played "Fly Eagles Fly" on the course. I even have it on my iPod.

I think I wrote a thesis on drinking establishments. We'll figure out a game plan as we get closer.

Got in 7 miles at 5:30AM in complete darkness. Saw a shooting star at Mile 1...pretty cool. Knee feels better but not great.

Lou

 

[Optimator]

Hey Philharmagics!

Mike - What, are you working or something and can't post?

Dodo - Actually had a couple of days off but was just good ol' busy. I had to choose between running and posting and for some idiotic reason picked the running.

Θ - Regis is actually a Disney created audioanimitronic thing. Haven't you noticed the resemblance to Pres. Bush in the Hall of Presidents?

I hope you are feeling better.

Dave - How's the new job going? Are you teaching or researching or something else (checking parking permits, helping co-eds find their classes, etc.)

Lou - Glad to hear the knee is improving. Probably a wise decision skipping the speed work.

Sara - I hope your allergies are calming down a bit.

Chester - Thanks for checking in and thanks for the race report. Tell Tracy "Congrats" and way to go to you on your PR.

Garbanzo Bean - Sorry to hear about the continued achilles woes. They do take forever to heal, heel, whatever. I am happy that you are still coming to Philly. We need your sunshiny attitude to counteract Jodi.

Howard - Have fun with Judy and Charlie!

Cindy - Are you on the road? I am seriously considering the MCM 10K. All the fun with only 0.237 the pain. Does this race fill up?


Well, I decided there was no way I could catch up to my training schedule after my extended time off on vacation so I went to Plan B. Same Smart Coach parameters but condensing it to 11 weeks instead of the original 18. That gives me some more reasonable LR's for the next few weeks.

I ran 6 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Rest day Thursday and doing 12 Friday AM. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Jodi]

Hi!

Chester - So glad to see you don't hold a grudge. I loved your report, but what a freakin' luggage nightmare. I'll keep that 45 min. thing in mind for the next time...When are you going to the expo to pick up your EE crap? Have you read the final directions? I don't even get the clues . Oh well, we'll see what happens . Are you going to that 1/2 hour "meeting" that they suggest everyone attend? What the heck is that all about???? Puh-lease!

Mike - Glad you're back on track for Philly, don't worry about that training stuff, it's soooo over-rated! Did you do your 12 today (in your post, you wrote it like Friday was some far off day... ). Did you sign up for Philly yet? Have you made travel arrangements or what?

Dave & Cindy - So when are you arriving? & when are you going to the expo? Do you understand any of the clues? Is your wife coming to the after party Dave?Where are you Cindy? I can't believe that they don't even feed us after this race...did you see "food available for purchase?". Cheapskates!

Sara - Allergies any better? Tony Romo is a tool .

Colleen - Out walking?

Loudicrous - I seem to remember from past posts that you had a place in mind for us to eat on Sat. in Philly, but it filled up fast or something. Any place that serves Guiness is fine by me . Is the train station far from the finish line? You work too much.

Ceci - It's even ok if you don't run in Philly...you could just hang out on the sidelines & smack those blow-up things together to make noise! Seriously, do you think the achilles is going to be ok?

Howard - Have a good trip "up north"! I grew up down near there.

So I ran yesterday a.m. & it was so cool out, I loved it...almost feeling like, I run, again. Been out with my boy run/walking with him, too. He's discovered that when he puts his ipod in his ears it makes it a lot easier to run. We "ran" 2 miles a few days with only 2 short walk breaks (up hills). My little slug is trying his best, that's for sure.