Running injury...still enough time to train for Princess Half?

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I'm so disappointed. I'm new to running and had worked up to a nice 2 mile run/walk with no problems using the Jeff Galloway program. On Friday I followed the plan for the long run. It obviously was too much, too soon for me, and I injured my medial meniscus. Let's say it takes 8 weeks to heal and another two weeks before I work up to running again. That leaves me almost exactly six months before the Princess Half Marathon. Is this enough time to properly train for it?

 

[QVCshopper]

I think you will be fine. I recently finished a 10 mile run, and I started my training exactlty 2 months and 4 days before the race. I finished with an average 11:30 minutes/mile and I am by no means in wonderful physical shape; I am 37 years old. I first did Runner 5K and the Runner 5K to 10K apps. They were great! I am now trying to keep up with the 5K, but I won't be training fully for my Wine & Dine half until a little closer bc I am a SAHM and my kids will be home all day and I don't simply have tons of time. I am planning to finish slower than my 11:30 time and walk/run. My goal is to finish and not get swept. I'm also going to look at Galloway soon. Running the 10 miles was an amazing accomplishment, but it definitely takes a lot of time and commitment to train.

Good luck with your injury! I have hardly any meniscus and a cadaver ACL in one knee.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

Thanks! That gives me the hope I needed. Congratulations on running 10 miles after just a little over 2 months! I'm over 50, so I plan on taking it slow and easy. That's why I was worried that 6 months might not be enough time. The Wine and Dine Half looks like fun. Good luck with your training for that. I'm like you; I don't care about time, I just don't want to get swept!

 

[appleorchard]

Thanks! That gives me the hope I needed. Congratulations on running 10 miles after just a little over 2 months! I'm over 50, so I plan on taking it slow and easy. That's why I was worried that 6 months might not be enough time. The Wine and Dine Half looks like fun. Good luck with your training for that. I'm like you; I don't care about time, I just don't want to get swept!

I'm 63, slightly overweight, not athletic and started running last May. In October or so I decided to run the Princess Half--well, first I signed up to the 5k, then added the 10k and then added the half! I did fine and finished without ever seeing the balloon ladies-- my goal! And half my training was done with Yaktrax over my shoes because of the snow and ice--we had the worst winter ever in NJ.

You can do it!

 

[keahgirl8]

I believe Jeff Galloway's training program for the Princess Half starts in October. You should be fine! I think I started in mid September last year for this year's race. I will probably do that again, since I had to repeat a few weeks, plus I had a long trip and the flu in there!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I began running this February. By running I mean I was doing once a week on a treadmill for about a 1/2 hour. Then I signed up for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler this October and in April I began running more seriously. As a way to motivate me and keep me focused I signed up for a 10K on 6/1 and completed that with a pace of 9:02/mile. This is from someone who NEVER did distance running before and had about 50 lbs to lose.

One thing that helped me tremendously was riding my bike in addition to the running. It allows me to strengthen my legs using different muscles, while having no impact. It also allows me to get in extra cardio work. That's when I saw HUGE improvements.

So, for anyone looking to improve I would say add in some cycling. As long as you are pushing yourself and are not out for a Sunday cruise, you will see quick improvements. I was actually surprised to hear real running professionals confirm this on a new podcast I found called Runner Academy.

Long story short, I absolutely think you could be ready provided you don't get reinjured.

 

[keahgirl8]

Long story short, I absolutely think you could be ready provided you don't get reinjured.

This is key. Take it easy, let yourself heal, and start back slowly. If you get injured again, you definitely won't be ready.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I'm 63, slightly overweight, not athletic and started running last May. In October or so I decided to run the Princess Half--well, first I signed up to the 5k, then added the 10k and then added the half! I did fine and finished without ever seeing the balloon ladies-- my goal! And half my training was done with Yaktrax over my shoes because of the snow and ice--we had the worst winter ever in NJ.

Thanks for the encouragement! It's helpful to know that you began in May and were able to do it even through a dreadful winter. Did you end up actually doing all three races? If so, you are my idol!

You can do it!

I believe Jeff Galloway's training program for the Princess Half starts in October. You should be fine! I think I started in mid September last year for this year's race. I will probably do that again, since I had to repeat a few weeks, plus I had a long trip and the flu in there!

Great! I didn't realize Galloway's training program for the half begins in October. Does that program start out assuming you can run a 10K? Before I got injured, I was just at the point that I probably could have done a 5K. I'm registered for a 10K in September, but in case I'm not healed enough to do that, I found another one in October and one in November. I really want to get a registered time to turn in and hopefully avoid the last corral.

I began running this February. By running I mean I was doing once a week on a treadmill for about a 1/2 hour. Then I signed up for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler this October and in April I began running more seriously. As a way to motivate me and keep me focused I signed up for a 10K on 6/1 and completed that with a pace of 9:02/mile. This is from someone who NEVER did distance running before and had about 50 lbs to lose.

One thing that helped me tremendously was riding my bike in addition to the running. It allows me to strengthen my legs using different muscles, while having no impact. It also allows me to get in extra cardio work. That's when I saw HUGE improvements.

So, for anyone looking to improve I would say add in some cycling. As long as you are pushing yourself and are not out for a Sunday cruise, you will see quick improvements. I was actually surprised to hear real running professionals confirm this on a new podcast I found called Runner Academy.

Long story short, I absolutely think you could be ready provided you don't get reinjured.

You are an inspiration. A 9:02 pace is something I can only dream about right now. I've never been a runner. I've always walked, but never run. However, I am very goal oriented, so once I started running just a little with Galloway's program, I discovered that I LOVED it. Who knew?? Before I was injured, I had worked up to a 13 min/mile pace. I was kind of proud of myself! I do plan on doing some kind of cross training. I was using the elliptical on non-running days and had looked into various gym classes.

This is key. Take it easy, let yourself heal, and start back slowly. If you get injured again, you definitely won't be ready.

That is definitely the key! I am just about six months into being symptom free from Lyme disease which knocked me on my rear for about two years and caused me to gain 30 pounds. I'm now within 7 pounds of my goal weight. (Or at least I was.) I've been feeling sorry for myself, and chocolate is very soothing! I am very aware of what my body is telling me, which is why I'm surprised that I injured myself my overdoing it. My long runs will have to increase gradually once I'm back to training. Right now, I've spent most of each day elevating and icing my knee. Today was the first day I could walk up the stairs kind of, sort of, normally.

 

[Waiting2goback]

You are an inspiration. A 9:02 pace is something I can only dream about right now. I've never been a runner. I've always walked, but never run. However, I am very goal oriented, so once I started running just a little with Galloway's program, I discovered that I LOVED it. Who knew?? Before I was injured, I had worked up to a 13 min/mile pace. I was kind of proud of myself! I do plan on doing some kind of cross training. I was using the elliptical on non-running days and had looked into various gym classes.

That is nice of you to say but I don't think I am an inspiration by any stretch. When I started running on the treadmill in February I was at 13:00 miles. I have just always been someone who pushes myself very hard, once I finally commit to doing something. Perfect example, I have never run before but I decided that why not run a marathon so I signed up for one 2 weeks after I run the Tower of Terror in October. So, 8 months after I start running I'll be running a marathon. I just do crazy stuff like that. I am now thinking I am crazy but I will give it my all and see if I can at least finish.

My point in sharing this, is not to brag at what I have done or am planning to do. Hopefully it isn't coming across that way. What I realized when I crossed the finish line of my 10K was that our minds limit us more than we think. I say that because that 9:02 pace I ran in that race, I had never run that fast in my training runs and I haven't done it since in my training runs. But, I ran that race as my POT for the ToT and I started it with the idea of running as fast as I could so I could move up as many corrals as possible. That focus, along with the pacing of other runners (which I am not used to in my training) helped push me.

I think once you heal that with the right focus and the rights goals you will easily be able to finish your race.

Not sure if you listen to podcasts or not but I just discovered one. I have been recommending it to so many people someone might think I am making money off this podcast or something. Anyway, it is called Runner Academy. The host is a certified USTFA coach and a marathoner. His guests are big names in running. I have listened to the first 15 so far and have gotten A LOT of great info that have helped temper expectations, ideas on how to properly train to improve my pace, etc... It has now replaced my music on my runs and bike rides.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

That is nice of you to say but I don't think I am an inspiration by any stretch. When I started running on the treadmill in February I was at 13:00 miles. I have just always been someone who pushes myself very hard, once I finally commit to doing something. Perfect example, I have never run before but I decided that why not run a marathon so I signed up for one 2 weeks after I run the Tower of Terror in October. So, 8 months after I start running I'll be running a marathon. I just do crazy stuff like that. I am now thinking I am crazy but I will give it my all and see if I can at least finish.

My point in sharing this, is not to brag at what I have done or am planning to do. Hopefully it isn't coming across that way. What I realized when I crossed the finish line of my 10K was that our minds limit us more than we think. I say that because that 9:02 pace I ran in that race, I had never run that fast in my training runs and I haven't done it since in my training runs. But, I ran that race as my POT for the ToT and I started it with the idea of running as fast as I could so I could move up as many corrals as possible. That focus, along with the pacing of other runners (which I am not used to in my training) helped push me.

I think once you heal that with the right focus and the rights goals you will easily be able to finish your race.

Not sure if you listen to podcasts or not but I just discovered one. I have been recommending it to so many people someone might think I am making money off this podcast or something. Anyway, it is called Runner Academy. The host is a certified USTFA coach and a marathoner. His guests are big names in running. I have listened to the first 15 so far and have gotten A LOT of great info that have helped temper expectations, ideas on how to properly train to improve my pace, etc... It has now replaced my music on my runs and bike rides.

Oh, I don't feel like you're bragging at all. I take it as encouragement for me as to what can be accomplished. I've never let age determine what I can or can't do, but feel discouraged that I injured myself so soon. I know I can achieve whatever I put my mind too (if my body cooperates). I was 50 years old before I started karate and earned my black belt within two years. I keep telling myself, that if I can do that and not give up, then surely I can run a half marathon. However that was almost 10 years ago and life and Lyme disease got in the way of my fitness.

Thanks for the idea of the podcasts. I will definitely check out Runner Academy. Whenever I start something new, I have an obsession with learning as much about it as I can!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thanks for the idea of the podcasts. I will definitely check out Runner Academy. Whenever I start something new, I have an obsession with learning as much about it as I can!

I am the same way. I hated running for my whole life. I took this on as a challenge because of some life changes (getting a divorce once we can afford to move on) and now I am all about running. I am constantly reading about it and thinking about how I can improve.

I think you will be able to do the 1/2 marathon too, as long as YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN. I spent my whole marriage as a couch potato. I used to be athletic. So, I spent 15+ years doing nothing to improve myself. Always talking myself out of stuff. I did some exercise here and there but nothing consistent. The decision we made to get a divorce was hard but it kinda woke me up out of the lazy fog I was in all those years. Without having run a step I signed up for this year's ToT 10 Miler knowing that going to Disney to run that race would motivate me. It did. On the days I didn't want to workout I just remembered I am going to have to run 10 miles in some serious heat and humidity and if I want to finish (without puking along the way) I better do the work.

Then, I signed up for the 10K I mentioned earlier as a way to submit a proof of time so I wasn't in the last corral. That worked. After that race I decided why not try a marathon. So, I signed up for one of those 2 weeks after the ToT race in October. Some days I think I am crazy and question if I will be ready or not. But, at least I am questioning it while I am running and improving as opposed to sitting on the couch like I used to.

I tend to ramble in making my points but what I am saying is, the mind is the biggest obstacle. Injuries can heal. Might it impact your time in the 1/2? Sure. But, I know you will finish if you want to.

I heard this motivational quote before and it is so true. The only disability is a negative attitude!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm so disappointed. I'm new to running and had worked up to a nice 2 mile run/walk with no problems using the Jeff Galloway program. On Friday I followed the plan for the long run. It obviously was too much, too soon for me, and I injured my medial meniscus. Let's say it takes 8 weeks to heal and another two weeks before I work up to running again. That leaves me almost exactly six months before the Princess Half Marathon. Is this enough time to properly train for it?

I don't know much about your injury so pardon my ingnorance with this question. Can you do anything with this injury, like ride a bike for example? Or, is it in a brace so you can't move it kinda thing?

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I am the same way. I hated running for my whole life. I took this on as a challenge because of some life changes (getting a divorce once we can afford to move on) and now I am all about running. I am constantly reading about it and thinking about how I can improve.

I think you will be able to do the 1/2 marathon too, as long as YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN. I spent my whole marriage as a couch potato. I used to be athletic. So, I spent 15+ years doing nothing to improve myself. Always talking myself out of stuff. I did some exercise here and there but nothing consistent. The decision we made to get a divorce was hard but it kinda woke me up out of the lazy fog I was in all those years. Without having run a step I signed up for this year's ToT 10 Miler knowing that going to Disney to run that race would motivate me. It did. On the days I didn't want to workout I just remembered I am going to have to run 10 miles in some serious heat and humidity and if I want to finish (without puking along the way) I better do the work.

Then, I signed up for the 10K I mentioned earlier as a way to submit a proof of time so I wasn't in the last corral. That worked. After that race I decided why not try a marathon. So, I signed up for one of those 2 weeks after the ToT race in October. Some days I think I am crazy and question if I will be ready or not. But, at least I am questioning it while I am running and improving as opposed to sitting on the couch like I used to.

I tend to ramble in making my points but what I am saying is, the mind is the biggest obstacle. Injuries can heal. Might it impact your time in the 1/2? Sure. But, I know you will finish if you want to.

I heard this motivational quote before and it is so true. The only disability is a negative attitude!

Yes, I DID believe I could do it. I just don't know how long I'll be out of training. In fact, I am committed to it because before I was injured, I reserved one of the Villas at WL by renting points. This is nonrefundable! It does sound like I will have plenty of time to train once I'm healed. I may not go very fast, but I will be trained and ready.

Like you, I embraced running because I am going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. With running and setting the goals of a 5K, 10K, and the Princess Half, I am proving to myself that I am strong and invincible! I was happy when I was running! I am so looking forward to getting out there again, but have learned my lesson. I will wait until I am pain free and then EASE back into it.

The injury is a sprain to my medial ligament. It hurt so much that I couldn't even bend that knee. Bicycling would hurt. I am going to begin using the elliptical again in a few days if my knee continues to improve. For 8 days, I saw no improvement at all, so I was scared. Now I feel a difference each day. Luckily I have a wonderful elliptical machine at home, so I can ease into it with a few minutes at a time.

Thanks soooo much for all your encouragement and support.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Yes, I DID believe I could do it. I just don't know how long I'll be out of training. In fact, I am committed to it because before I was injured, I reserved one of the Villas at WL by renting points. This is nonrefundable! It does sound like I will have plenty of time to train once I'm healed. I may not go very fast, but I will be trained and ready.

Like you, I embraced running because I am going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. With running and setting the goals of a 5K, 10K, and the Princess Half, I am proving to myself that I am strong and invincible! I was happy when I was running! I am so looking forward to getting out there again, but have learned my lesson. I will wait until I am pain free and then EASE back into it.

The injury is a sprain to my medial ligament. It hurt so much that I couldn't even bend that knee. Bicycling would hurt. I am going to begin using the elliptical again in a few days if my knee continues to improve. For 8 days, I saw no improvement at all, so I was scared. Now I feel a difference each day. Luckily I have a wonderful elliptical machine at home, so I can ease into it with a few minutes at a time.

Thanks soooo much for all your encouragement and support.

I think you need to see just how much you have accomplished from the age of 50 on, when most people don't try new things because they think they are too old. Yes, it is frustrating you got injured but it is all in how you look at it. You got injured with plenty of time to heal and then still train to run the race. Better than getting all the training in, doing all that work, and then getting injured just before the race and not being able to run the race.

Besides, you have your money spent on the trip, your room booked, etc... You have no choice but to make it work because you could just go on the trip but being there and not running would stink.

Is your divorce final? How is single life for you?

Once you can do the elliptical just do that to work on the cardio conditioning until you can run again. If you have a bike I would strongly recommend adding some biking in once you can run again. It builds the legs and the cardio without the impact. I think all of these things will help you get ready for the race much quicker.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I think you need to see just how much you have accomplished from the age of 50 on, when most people don't try new things because they think they are too old. Yes, it is frustrating you got injured but it is all in how you look at it. You got injured with plenty of time to heal and then still train to run the race. Better than getting all the training in, doing all that work, and then getting injured just before the race and not being able to run the race.

Besides, you have your money spent on the trip, your room booked, etc... You have no choice but to make it work because you could just go on the trip but being there and not running would stink.

Is your divorce final? How is single life for you?

Once you can do the elliptical just do that to work on the cardio conditioning until you can run again. If you have a bike I would strongly recommend adding some biking in once you can run again. It builds the legs and the cardio without the impact. I think all of these things will help you get ready for the race much quicker.

No, the divorce isn't final yet, so running was helping with the stress. Luckily, it's a very friendly divorce. We still care about each other and are working together to figure out an agreement. Daughter is all grown up and there is no debt except the house. I'm doing well. I was single for more years than I've been married, but it's still sad to when I think about how great our marriage used to be and the fun times we had.

My knee keeps getting better every day. I'm feeling encouraged. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Waiting2goback]

No, the divorce isn't final yet, so running was helping with the stress. Luckily, it's a very friendly divorce. We still care about each other and are working together to figure out an agreement. Daughter is all grown up and there is no debt except the house. I'm doing well. I was single for more years than I've been married, but it's still sad to when I think about how great our marriage used to be and the fun times we had.

My knee keeps getting better every day. I'm feeling encouraged. Thanks for your advice.

Yes, running does help with the stress. My wife and I are still living together until we can get things in better shape financially. It started out friendly but she seems to be moving away from that.

It is sad, I agree with you. Sorry you have to go through it. But, good things are just around the corner for each of us even if it doesn't seem it now.

Glad to hear about the knee. Hope to hear about your progress as you begin to run and get in shape.

 

[nerderella]

I have bad knees due to years of rugby abuse and have gained about 60lbs since my "real" running days, so I often struggle with knee pain post-run. I follow Hal Higdon's training plans and will substitute the elliptical for mid-week runs just to preserve my knees. I always get in the long runs, but go for distance and not time.

It's OK if your training runs are slower than your race pace.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I have bad knees due to years of rugby abuse and have gained about 60lbs since my "real" running days, so I often struggle with knee pain post-run. I follow Hal Higdon's training plans and will substitute the elliptical for mid-week runs just to preserve my knees. I always get in the long runs, but go for distance and not time.

It's OK if your training runs are slower than your race pace.

Thanks for the encouragement. My knee has healed beautifully, and I have even run a 5K. I'm gradually going to work up to the 10K in the middle of September for proof of time for corral placement. I'm anxiously waiting for the Princess Half sign-up tomorrow!

 

[keahgirl8]

Thanks for the encouragement. My knee has healed beautifully, and I have even run a 5K. I'm gradually going to work up to the 10K in the middle of September for proof of time for corral placement. I'm anxiously waiting for the Princess Half sign-up tomorrow!

Yay! Me too!

 

[nerderella]

Thanks for the encouragement. My knee has healed beautifully, and I have even run a 5K. I'm gradually going to work up to the 10K in the middle of September for proof of time for corral placement. I'm anxiously waiting for the Princess Half sign-up tomorrow!

Congrats!

I signed up with the AP advance registration, and went for the Glass Slipper Challenge. I have my husband and a few friends running their first Disney 10k that weekend so figured this was the best way I could maximize my running bucket list. I hope you got in!!