Tinker Bell ½ Marathon Weekend ~ 2014 Check-in!

[Leskash75]

I'm used to running in WA weather. How warm will it be at the race? I have a sparkle skirt but right now I wear my pants under for warmth. Shirt type is another question - tank tshirt? Thanks

 

[kirstie101]

Hi all,

Can't believe we are less than 2 weeks from race day. I have only posted off and on on this thread but love reading about everyone's training and tips. This is my 1st half and I am so excited but also starting to get really nervous.

I only started running about 10 months ago. My dh was one of the few men who ran the inaugural Tink 1/2 last year and though my friend and I did the 5k, I felt left out watching all these wonderful women cross the finish line. When we got home, I told Jon that next year I was going to be the one racing.

My plan in the beginning was to just walk the whole thing bc I had tried the Couch 2 5k program 3 times before and had to stop bc of knee issues. But a couple months into my walk training I just decided to give running one more try. I changed shoes, started taking glucosamine supplements to help my joints and I finished Couch to 5k, knee pain free. I have been marching forward ever since.

Here is my problem: I am following Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan and I had a horrible 9 mile run this Sunday. Mid way through, my right knee began to twitch a little. I finished the run but now I am worried about doing my final 10 mile long run this weekend. It seems other training programs would have me tapering off by now so I am considering bagging the run altogether but having only done a 9 miler, my confidence to complete the 13.1 is shaky. Any thoughts or advice?

Just what I would personally do ...I would back off this weekend (in fact I am). Its more important to not injure yourself this close to the race than it is to get one extra mile in. Even having only done a 9 miler, you CAN complete the 13.1! I did the Nike half in October and my longest run for it had been an 8 miler. My time wasn't awesome but I didn't expect it to be. I finished! And actually I've decided to also not do a last long run this weekend which leaves me again with my longest run being 8 miles this time around too! Again, I wont finish as fast as I was originally hoping but I WILL finish! I'd rather finish slower than planned than not finish at all cause I injured myself the week befor the race!
You will do fine!!!

 

[kirstie101]

Well it happened....I'm getting a cold!!!!! I'm glad its this week and not next week at least. I'm going to drink tons of Airborne/Vitamin C and get rest. Hopefully it will go away fast! I'm gonna lose some miles this week but thats ok. If I have the energy I'll ride the bike inside the house where its nice and warm. No night runs outside right now for me!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Just what I would personally do ...I would back off this weekend (in fact I am). Its more important to not injure yourself this close to the race than it is to get one extra mile in. Even having only done a 9 miler, you CAN complete the 13.1! I did the Nike half in October and my longest run for it had been an 8 miler. My time wasn't awesome but I didn't expect it to be. I finished! And actually I've decided to also not do a last long run this weekend which leaves me again with my longest run being 8 miles this time around too! Again, I wont finish as fast as I was originally hoping but I WILL finish! I'd rather finish slower than planned than not finish at all cause I injured myself the week befor the race!
You will do fine!!!

Thank you .

My instincts are telling me to taper. I do not want to injure myself just bc I have a time goal in my mind. Everyone says your goal for your 1st 1/2 marathon should just be to finish. My training has been going so well, I think I started focusing too much on what my time will be. Hopefully I can let that go and just give my body the rest it needs.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Well it happened....I'm getting a cold!!!!! I'm glad its this week and not next week at least. I'm going to drink tons of Airborne/Vitamin C and get rest. Hopefully it will go away fast! I'm gonna lose some miles this week but thats ok. If I have the energy I'll ride the bike inside the house where its nice and warm. No night runs outside right now for me!

I drink an emergen C pack everyday but as the race gets closer I am thinking of doubling up on those packets. It may be psychological, but I really feel like they help keep me healthy. Hope you recover soon!

 

[kim3339]

Here is my problem: I am following Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan and I had a horrible 9 mile run this Sunday. Mid way through, my right knee began to twitch a little. I finished the run but now I am worried about doing my final 10 mile long run this weekend. It seems other training programs would have me tapering off by now so I am considering bagging the run altogether but having only done a 9 miler, my confidence to complete the 13.1 is shaky. Any thoughts or advice?

Usually the weekend before is a taper run of 6-7, but I'd go out this weekend and just play it by ear ~ see how your body feels and do what you can based on how you feel. But if you don't get out, know that you've done enough training to get you through next week. And don't worry about finishing the race, you'll finish!! You'll have the adreneline of it being race day that will carry you through the rest of the 4 miles. Just make sure to run your own race and don't start out too fast, especially at the beginning. Make sure not to get caught up in what other people are doing or how fast they're running, keep at the pace that you're used to and the way you want to run the race. You'll be fine!

I'm used to running in WA weather. How warm will it be at the race? I have a sparkle skirt but right now I wear my pants under for warmth. Shirt type is another question - tank tshirt? Thanks

Last year's race was warmer than it's been this winter, but not sure about a tank. Might be a bit cold for that. I'm bringing a short and long sleeve. But it's CA and the weather could change again by this time next week. A tank doesn't take up space so you could bring it just in case. Right now, I'm planning on capris and either a long sleeve or short sleeve w/ throw away tube sock arm warmers. Last year I was in capris and short sleeve even when I went into the corrals and was fine, but like I said above, this year's been colder plus we're starting earlier.

Well it happened....I'm getting a cold!!!!! I'm glad its this week and not next week at least. I'm going to drink tons of Airborne/Vitamin C and get rest. Hopefully it will go away fast! I'm gonna lose some miles this week but thats ok. If I have the energy I'll ride the bike inside the house where its nice and warm. No night runs outside right now for me!

Kirstie, get better soon!!! Don't go out especially after today ~ cold, cold cold.

Went out this morning for a short run. Body felt good, but that's about it. I took a Tylenol PM last night and went through so much water out there and when I got home. Then my capris kept sliding down, which I guess is more of a good thing than a bad thing except while running. And to top it off, there were sooooo many crows flying everywhere, it was like the Birds movie. Right before I turned onto my block there was a tree w/ like 20-25 of them sitting there, kinda creepy.

As for next weekend, I know we said the meet was Saturday afternoon, but did we set a time? If not, what time works for everyone?

 

[TinkerPlouffe]

Be Careful and don't take to much Vitamin C! It can actually be harmful to your kidneys.

Thank you .

Everyone says your goal for your 1st 1/2 marathon should just be to finish.

Im so glad that some one wrote that Every where I go people are always asking me what my time goal is! why? what does it matter, this is my first one. Yes, this a race... but truly im racing against that girl that did nothing with her life.. sitting there on the computer or couch doing nothing. And Ill tell you.. I already won I am nervous about getting swept, but iv trained to hard to even consider it. Im so excited for everyone, and super proud what ever one has accomplished.

Also, I was wondering if you all have any music suggestions? I am officially whipping together my Half Play list and looking for some inspiration pumper upper songs

Have a great day!!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Usually the weekend before is a taper run of 6-7, but I'd go out this weekend and just play it by ear ~ see how your body feels and do what you can based on how you feel. But if you don't get out, know that you've done enough training to get you through next week. And don't worry about finishing the race, you'll finish!! You'll have the adreneline of it being race day that will carry you through the rest of the 4 miles. Just make sure to run your own race and don't start out too fast, especially at the beginning. Make sure not to get caught up in what other people are doing or how fast they're running, keep at the pace that you're used to and the way you want to run the race. You'll be fine!

Thank you. Starting too fast is a huge concern of mine. I submitted a proof of time for a 10k I ran in San Diego and that somehow landed me in A corral. My plan is to stay in the back of that corral. Even in my long training runs, I have trouble starting off slow and race day is going to be even harder. You are right, each of us have our own race to run. Mine is against myself and that voice in my head a year ago that said you'll never be a runner.

Be Careful and don't take to much Vitamin C! It can actually be harmful to your kidneys.



Im so glad that some one wrote that Every where I go people are always asking me what my time goal is! why? what does it matter, this is my first one. Yes, this a race... but truly im racing against that girl that did nothing with her life.. sitting there on the computer or couch doing nothing. And Ill tell you.. I already won I am nervous about getting swept, but iv trained to hard to even consider it. Im so excited for everyone, and super proud what ever one has accomplished.

Have a great day!!

Hmm...maybe I should rethink doubling up on emergen C and stick to what I am used to. Thanks!

I feel exactly like you do. A year ago, I was full of excuses why I could not run. I sat on the sidelines of all my husband's races being a good cheerleader and truly enjoyed supporting him, still do. But after seeing the Tinkerbell Race last year, a women's focused event, I was inspired to want more for myself. I have already won. This year, those spectators will be cheering for me, maybe a few of them feeling just like I did last year, thinking "Hey, I want to do this next year!"

 

[jessicaerv]

Im so glad that some one wrote that Every where I go people are always asking me what my time goal is! why? what does it matter, this is my first one. Yes, this a race... but truly im racing against that girl that did nothing with her life.. sitting there on the computer or couch doing nothing. And Ill tell you.. I already won I am nervous about getting swept, but iv trained to hard to even consider it. Im so excited for everyone, and super proud what ever one has accomplished.

You took the words right out of my head! I have been slacking on my training in a big way, but I know I can still finish this half-marathon. A year ago -- no freaking way. Do I wish I could finish in less than 3 hours? Absolutely. Am I still pretty pleased as punch that I'm doing this in the first place? ABSOLUTELY!

And honestly, its thanks to the ladies on this thread that I'm here. I was first inspired by Indygirl99 (has anyone seen her lately??? I'm a little worried.....)

Then Kim, Patty and Sarah have been so super supportive that I kept going even when I thought there was no way I could push past 7 miles.

What I've learned is I'm really only limited by my own mind. If I can just stop that little (lazy-a$$) voice in my head I can accomplish anything. Except maybe a FULL marathon. Or a half-marathon followed by a full one the next day (crazy Kim!!!)

See you ladies................. NEXT WEEKEND???!!!

 

[longhorns2]

Almost time ladies!

I'm suffering from the "cold from hell- possibly exhaustion" per my doc today. Just what you want to hear right before you go on a running vacation, no? LOL

The good news- I am starting to feel a little better. And I am sure I can complete this sucker (YAY for finishing!)

It may not be in the time I originally planned, but it's cool- my PR is REALLY pretty bad, so I'm crossing fingers I can PR even with a head cold.

It's been a great thread- lots of support here! I agree Jessica! We got this!

Clothes: My costume is coming along. As long as it's dry, I'll be dressed as the Campfire Girl Isabella. I got an A corral start but figure I'll be moseying back to B. If I brave it and try to start in A- don't worry- I'll be in the back! But say hi as you pass me.

I need to pack, but I am so overwhelmed with my house right now (DH decided to change a bunch of rooms around and we are mid move!) that it's not happening until next week! Eeek!

It's going to be fun guys! I promise! It's Disney! Plus 13.1 miles. LOL

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Also, I was wondering if you all have any music suggestions? I am officially whipping together my Half Play list and looking for some inspiration pumper upper songs

Have a great day!!

I meant to give you a few of my favorites, my taste is all over the place but these songs I am currently considering formy Tinkerbell playlist, some are for personal reasons (The Florence + the Machine song is the one I remember most when I started running Couch to 5K) and others just make me go!


1. Top of the World-Imagine Dragons (BEST new running song I have found in a while)
2. Dog Days are Over-Florence +The Machine
3. Hello-Martin Solveig
4 Wild Ones- Flo Rida
5. My Name is Jonas- Weezer
6. Starry Eyed Surprise-Paul Oakenfold
7. VooDoo Child-Roque Traders
8 1901-Phoenix
9. Galvanize-Chemical Brothers
10. What You Waiting For?- Gwen Stefani
11. Tonight is the Night-Outasight
12. Killing in the Name- Rage against the Machine (Warning: you have to be cool with the F word for this one)
13. The Sound of Sunshine- Micheal Franti & Spearhead
14. Lights- Ellie Goulding
15. Into the Wild- LP (it's that song from the Citibank commercial )
16. Midnight City- M83
17. Holiday-Vampire Weekend
18. Paint it Black-Rolling Stones
19. Young Blood-The Naked and the Famous
20. Electric Feel-MGMT
21. Neighborhood #3- Arcade Fire
22. Locked out of Heaven-Bruno Mars

Love to hear what everyone else is running to right now!

You took the words right out of my head! I have been slacking on my training in a big way, but I know I can still finish this half-marathon. A year ago -- no freaking way. Do I wish I could finish in less than 3 hours? Absolutely. Am I still pretty pleased as punch that I'm doing this in the first place? ABSOLUTELY!

And honestly, its thanks to the ladies on this thread that I'm here. I was first inspired by Indygirl99 (has anyone seen her lately??? I'm a little worried.....)

Then Kim, Patty and Sarah have been so super supportive that I kept going even when I thought there was no way I could push past 7 miles.

What I've learned is I'm really only limited by my own mind. If I can just stop that little (lazy-a$$) voice in my head I can accomplish anything. Except maybe a FULL marathon. Or a half-marathon followed by a full one the next day (crazy Kim!!!)

See you ladies................. NEXT WEEKEND???!!!

Such nice words, I don't post here regularly like everyone else but what you wrote is the kind of thing we all need to focus on as we build each other up in these final weeks so thank you

 

[kim3339]

Also, I was wondering if you all have any music suggestions? I am officially whipping together my Half Play list and looking for some inspiration pumper upper songs

1. Top of the World-Imagine Dragons (BEST new running song I have found in a while)
2. Dog Days are Over-Florence +The Machine
4 Wild Ones- Flo Rida
8 1901-Phoenix
11. Tonight is the Night-Outasight

I have those too! As for the others on your list, wrote them down, b/c I am in need of some new music. And the Top of the World song... I heard it during the World Series and started searching the internet like crazy for it.

Some other ones I love to run/workout to are
Shippin Up to Boston ~ Drop Kick Murphys
Good Feelin ~ Flo Rida
Don't Stop the Party ~ Pit Bull
Sunday Morning ~ No Doubt- heard it on the way to work and forgot how good that one is, so downloading tonight
Feel So Close ~ Calvin Harris - love love love this one, I literally dance in my car when it's on the radio!
Give Me Everything ~ Pit Bull
We Found Love ~ Rhianna
Kids ~ Mgmt
25 miles ~ Edwin Starr - funny to run to b/c he counts miles, and if you're a child of 80s movies, it's also in Adventures in Babysitting at the end.

 

[kirstie101]

Almost time ladies!

I'm suffering from the "cold from hell- possibly exhaustion" per my doc today. Just what you want to hear right before you go on a running vacation, no? LOL

The good news- I am starting to feel a little better. And I am sure I can complete this sucker (YAY for finishing!)

It may not be in the time I originally planned, but it's cool- my PR is REALLY pretty bad, so I'm crossing fingers I can PR even with a head cold.

It's been a great thread- lots of support here! I agree Jessica! We got this!

Clothes: My costume is coming along. As long as it's dry, I'll be dressed as the Campfire Girl Isabella. I got an A corral start but figure I'll be moseying back to B. If I brave it and try to start in A- don't worry- I'll be in the back! But say hi as you pass me.

I need to pack, but I am so overwhelmed with my house right now (DH decided to change a bunch of rooms around and we are mid move!) that it's not happening until next week! Eeek!

It's going to be fun guys! I promise! It's Disney! Plus 13.1 miles. LOL

Glad you're at least starting to feel a bit better! Get as much rest as you can. And you're right, its still going to be fun! We are going to have an amazing time!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

I have those too! As for the others on your list, wrote them down, b/c I am in need of some new music. And the Top of the World song... I heard it during the World Series and started searching the internet like crazy for it.

Some other ones I love to run/workout to are
Shippin Up to Boston ~ Drop Kick Murphys
Good Feelin ~ Flo Rida
Don't Stop the Party ~ Pit Bull
Sunday Morning ~ No Doubt- heard it on the way to work and forgot how good that one is, so downloading tonight
Feel So Close ~ Calvin Harris - love love love this one, I literally dance in my car when it's on the radio!
Give Me Everything ~ Pit Bull
We Found Love ~ Rhianna
Kids ~ Mgmt
25 miles ~ Edwin Starr - funny to run to b/c he counts miles, and if you're a child of 80s movies, it's also in Adventures in Babysitting at the end.

Ooh, I AM a child of the 80s and I LOVE that movie! Off to find that song for sure!

I LOVE Imagine Dragons. I bought their whole album the day it came out and the entire album is great. They have other songs that are great for running too like 'Amsterdam' and 'Bleeding Out'.

I have the Calvin Harris one, I forgot about that one, it is great for running and I love MGMT and have that Kids song but I need to put it on a running playlist. I will check out the other ones on your list, thanks!

Also, I have been combing the internet today for new songs and have had a lot of fun playing around with spotify and jog.fm. Jog.fm is great bc it lists BPM rates for songs so if you want to match your pace with your playlist it will help.

2 GREAT ones I found today:

1. My Body-Young the Giant (along the lines of "On top of the World" words and music VERY motivational)

2. Sweet Disposition- The Temper Trap (Good beginning song, good tempo but slow building)

 

[Jeffreelancer]

Thank you .

My instincts are telling me to taper. I do not want to injure myself just bc I have a time goal in my mind. Everyone says your goal for your 1st 1/2 marathon should just be to finish. My training has been going so well, I think I started focusing too much on what my time will be. Hopefully I can let that go and just give my body the rest it needs.

As other have said you definately need to taper. All your runs over the next week need to be very easy or even just walking to prevent injury. At this point you cannot gain any more fitness/endurance before the race so just take it easy.

Also, the minimum mileage you need to complete in training for a half is 8 miles so you will be fine.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

As other have said you definately need to taper. All your runs over the next week need to be very easy or even just walking to prevent injury. At this point you cannot gain any more fitness/endurance before the race so just take it easy.

Also, the minimum mileage you need to complete in training for a half is 8 miles so you will be fine.

Thank you. I need a little validation. My 8 mile run a few weeks ago was my best run of all my training and it was after skipping a long run the week before so I am hoping it will all work out bc the sucky 9 mile run I had this Sunday really shook my confidence.

 

[kim3339]

Thank you. I need a little validation. My 8 mile run a few weeks ago was my best run of all my training and it was after skipping a long run the week before so I am hoping it will all work out bc the sucky 9 mile run I had this Sunday really shook my confidence.

Another thing I just thought of ~ having a bad run, especially a bad long run, is that it's actually a great thing to happen at some point during your training. It gives you a good opportunity to figure out how to finish your race, like you finished your 9, and if there's anything you can change so that it doesn't happen again ie: more gu/water/stretching/slower pace, etc. Your's was a little different b/c it was your knee, but you can also play w/ that in what you'd do if that happens next week and should you tape or wrap it before the race. Something else is that you said it shook your confidence, b/c it was bad, but when you're running next weekend you'll know that you had a bad 9 mile run, but you still finished your 9 miles and didn't turn around which would have been the easy thing to do. See... you're stronger than you thought!!!

Just thought of another song. Extremely embarassing but it's really a good song beat-wise to work out to is Party in the USA. I have a remix version instead of Miley's so it's a little faster, but it just gets in your head.

 

[longhorns2]

I was watching pitch perfect today and thought party in the USA would go on my run list! Great minds!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Another thing I just thought of ~ having a bad run, especially a bad long run, is that it's actually a great thing to happen at some point during your training. It gives you a good opportunity to figure out how to finish your race, like you finished your 9, and if there's anything you can change so that it doesn't happen again ie: more gu/water/stretching/slower pace, etc. Your's was a little different b/c it was your knee, but you can also play w/ that in what you'd do if that happens next week and should you tape or wrap it before the race. Something else is that you said it shook your confidence, b/c it was bad, but when you're running next weekend you'll know that you had a bad 9 mile run, but you still finished your 9 miles and didn't turn around which would have been the easy thing to do. See... you're stronger than you thought!!!

Just thought of another song. Extremely embarassing but it's really a good song beat-wise to work out to is Party in the USA. I have a remix version instead of Miley's so it's a little faster, but it just gets in your head.

Thank you, you are right, a bad run is a great learning experience. It was my knee but the main problem was it was really windy that morning and my route had me finishing the last 3 miles against headwinds. I had a pace goal in mind for the run and I missed it and it just messed with my head. But I did not quit until my Nike+ said 9.0. I WILL not quit, it is too important to me.

I love your Miley Cyrus confession. That is a great song, you have no reason to be embarassed!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

I was watching pitch perfect today and thought party in the USA would go on my run list! Great minds!

My oldest daughter and I went and saw Pitch Perfect at the cheap theater this past week. What a great movie. Need to get it on DVD!