WISH'ers walking, running and "other"ing in 2012--General Discussion thread

[joan4mickey]

Diane Not nearly as scary as I had imagined...I imaged full black head covering with just eyes showing. I love ID on Discovery TV so I have great images of bad guys running around in my head.

But to you that run in that cold.

 

[johde]

Hi all

Joan- Good getting out there again. Hopefully you'll get your base back quickly.

Maura - Hope your last 20 miler goes well.

Debra - Our weather turned cold again also. It's supposed to stay that way for the next week then warm up.

AFM - Thanks for all the support about the parents. Mom is in as good of health as can be expected. In the stroke, she lost the ability to get the proper name on things on her own. So she'll say "I want a" and she knows what she wants but most of the time she won't use the right word. If we repeat the wrong word, she knows it's not right, and if we get the right word she'll confirm it and repeat it back to us. So we end up doing 20 questions to figure out what she want. The real miracle is after the stroke, the doctor said she had more brain injury than anyone that wasn't in a vegatative state. So the fact that she can walk, and talk, and recognize everyone is a real miracle, even if she doesn't use our right names at times.

Dad's fairly health for a 72 year old. He got a clean bill of health at the doctors a couple of weeks ago. His biggest problem is stress and lack of sleep. The medicine we had mom on was to help her sleep, but would make her a zombie during the day. She couldn't stand on her own, needed major help walking, etc. Taking her off the medicine improved her quality of life greatly. The Disadvantage is she has trouble staying asleep. That means dad doesn't get the sleep he needs.

So, dad does most of taking care of mom, with the help of aids that give her a shower, and check in on them. I cook most of the meals in the evening and on the weekends. During the week, we have "meals on wheels" bring lunch in while I'm at work. My mom's sister lives 2 doors down from us and also helps out.

On the running front. Monday: I got the 5 miles in at goal run/walk ratio but it ended up being a little more dificult that I had wanted. The tempreture was hovering around 70, and I didn't slow down enough. I averaged about a 14:00 mile. Only a minute below goal pace.

Yesterday: I got out in the morning because of the risk of Rain and went to the track for the last set of speedwork. I did 4x 800m repeats in times ranging from 6:08 to 6:13. My goal was 6:10 - 6:15 that Galloway recommends for a 2:45-2:50 expected finish. It was starting to rain and the Clouds were getting dark so I finished up with a 400m in 2:47. The original goal was to get 6-7 repeats in but the threat of weather cut it short. Of course once I got home, the skys cleared for several more hours before the real rain came.

So I'm semi officially in Taper mode. Friday I'm thinking 6 miles race rehersal. Most of my running this winter has been in the afternoon So, I'm going to try to get up get started by 8:30, the start time of the race. On the run I'm going to focus on early race strategy. I was listening to one of Jeff's podcast yesterday, and he mentioned progressing slowly to your final race interval as a way to avoid going out too fast and letting your body warm up again. The first 4 miles of the race are also uphill so a lower ratio maybe useful there as well.

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Everyone,

Jeremy: Yea for taper!! Hope it goes well for you. Be sure to ignore all those phantom pains that might crop up in the next 2 weeks. The mind can do some funny things while in taper mode. It is amazing that your Mom is still so functional despite the brain damage. It’s great that you are able to help your parents out.

Debra: Hello, always nice to see you.

Diane: I have to admit I hadn’t heard about the jackets being screened rather than embroidered. I had looked at them briefly online but hadn’t noticed that they said screened logo. I hadn’t planned on buying one this year since my big splurge was to buy one last year. At $80 it was a splurge for me since I’m not sure I’ve ever spent that much money for a single piece of clothing outside of my wedding dress. (Running shoes don’t count!) I think they really ought to be embroidered at that price. I don’t regret buying the jacket last year even though I haven’t worn it too many times. Most of the time I worry that I’ll get it dirty or I’ll have to take it off because it’s too warm then I’ll leave it somewhere and someone will take it. I’m probably a little too concerned about it.

Maura: Did you get your Welcome package in the mail yet? I just got mine today but then I’m only about 25 miles from Hopkinton so it didn’t have far to get here. I’m getting very excited looking at all the info. My number is 20410 so I’ll be one corral back from you. Are you planning on taking the busses from Boston? It looks like you can wait until 7 if you’re in the 3rd wave. Since I’m in the western suburbs it’s easier for me to go from the lots at the industrial park so I can sleep in a bit since it’s a shorter ride. Good luck with your 20 miler.

Wasabi girl: Welcome. I have a secret that will make 13 miles seem easier, but you may not want to hear it. You start training for marathons then when the 13 miler comes up on the schedule you say “oh, just 13 today”. Good luck with your training. You’ve found the best place to come to obsess about your race 9 months away because none of us here will think you are weird to be obsessing because we have probably done the same or are doing the same thing.

Mike: Glad you found some new routes to run. Very cool about running with such a legend.

As I mentioned above I received my Welcome package for the Boston Marathon. I am very excited. Just 3½ weeks!!

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[jmasgat]

Must.....move.....today.... I skipped XT yeseterday and now I feel guilt. So need to go find a class at the gym.

Meantime.....

Cindy If the post office does its usual job of delivering the mail, I should see that next week sometime. (Let's just say they have issues)

Diane I am not a logo or merchandise person. So I had not really thought about buying a jacket--unless I find something subtle and totally functional as an article of clothing that I need. I expect we get a shirt anyway.

Debra But you ARE motivated. So that is why you will run...even if cursing the weather (hey, I have done it out loud while running. So far noone's called the cops on me!)

Jeremy Happy, relaxing taper!

So I volunteered to help out 2 days at Martian Marathon next weekend, although not race day. I kept that open in case I wanted to run it. I need to do 13 anyway, but I don't really need to race it. Then I saw this picture of the medal.

So now, maybe I will!

Maura

So just finished 45-50 minutes on the trainer in the basement watching Fantasia 2000. And now lunch!

 

[mousemgr2]

Maura Thank you for posting the picture of the medal. We are going to be out there for the 1/2. I've done the race before, but my buddy want's to cross Michigan off of her list of states. We are kind of calling it a training day with the benefit of a medal. We train at Hines Park, so this will just be a long training day with a bit more excitement.

I'll be sure to look for you!

Susan

 

[WVUFan]

Maura- where is the Martian Marathon? I LOVE the medal!
I did the Just a Short Run 30k today. It gave me confidence about my time for my next marathon. The course was mostly rolling hills with the exception of two big hills at the beginning, and I can feel it tonight!

 

[geaux_half]

So I volunteered to help out 2 days at Martian Marathon next weekend, although not race day. I kept that open in case I wanted to run it. I need to do 13 anyway, but I don't really need to race it. Then I saw this picture of the medal.
So now, maybe I will!

Maura

So just finished 45-50 minutes on the trainer in the basement watching Fantasia 2000. And now lunch!

Cool medal. The year I ran it they had the coolest theme shirts.

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[jmasgat]

WVUFan The race is in Dearborn, MI. 10k, 1/2 and full marathon.

Pat They have tamed the shirt down--made it a lot less "nerdy". I actually like the one from last year. It is actually a usable shirt.

Maura

 

[jmasgat]

So back to report that I finished the final 20-miler this morning and now let the taper begin! A nice, albeit cold, morning for a run. Ran my usual long route which goes into a wealthy community and by a beautfiul church, which last Monday was the scene of a movie shoot with George Clooney. Now maybe I should have run long then--nah, I probably would have been aggravated that they had my route blocked off!

Got my Boston runner info in the mail yesterday. So it's definitely getting to feel more real.

Anyway, stretching, shower and chocolate milk are done--although not in that order. Time to read or nap (although I should go grocery shopping)

Hope everyone has a great upcoming week. It's nearly April!

Maura

 

[joan4mickey]

Maura Can't wait to hear how the actual race goes.

 

[DrMomof3]

I love reading all the amazing things going on here. It's so inspiring!

One week until the More Magazine 1/2 marathon. It looks like it'll still be pretty cold here, and possibly raining. I did a 7 mile run yesterday which was a bit faster than manyof my recent runs. This will only be my 2nd race and I'm quite excited!

I've been looking for an appropriate fall 1/2 marathon and I think I've found it! Westchester Medical Center sponsors and 1/2 marathon and a 1/4 marathon on October 9th. The timing is perfect for me (training for my 1st full in Jan) and my DH can run the 1/4 as he trains for his first 1/2. It's super close to where we live, inexpensive, and looks like fun. We're both physicians in the area and even though we don't work there, we know people whondo. And I love to support good medical care in our community!

Amanda

 

[DianeL]

WTG Maura! Congrats on the final 20 miler

Pat, I have that shirt

Hi Amanda! *waving*

Hey Jeremy, Hope the weekend miles treated you well


AFM: Friday I survived another stretch & tone. Though my heel is slightly annoyed again. Not as bad as last week though so a small yay. Tomorrow is another gym day which is good because at least I can do a nice hard elliptical workout and not tick off my heel.

Have a great week everyone!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Poking in here to see how things are. I too have stepped away for too long. Time to get back at it!

I am so excited to be reading of the Boston training. I think it is awesome.

Really like the Martian medal for this year. Makes me want to do that one again. They do have cool bling and shirts too. Oh, and I enjoyed the event too.

I did the Shamrock/Anthem Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia on the 20th and had a great event even if it was a cold windy start. Thankfully the weather got better as the sun stayed out and it was then perfect brisk weather to be out doing it.

Getting back into a routine is on my agenda. So many directions and I really need to focus now.

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Hi Fellow runners,
I am a 57 year old female who took up running last fall when my daughter asked me and my older sister to join her at the Disney Princess half marathon in February. I have always hated running, but always did lots of exercise including walking/ eliptical machines/tennis, etc. Reluctantly, I agreed and started training with a program I found online (walk/run). We did our first race (DD and I) on Thanksgiving, a 10K so we would have corral placement at the Princess. We both thought we would die at the end, but finished in 1:02 which seemed okay for a first race. We managed the long cold runs in the winter and were quite proud of our first 1/2 marathon finish in 2:28.
My sister and I are now going to Disneyland to complete the C2C in September. My "one and done" half marathon has turned into an addiction! I loved the Disney race so much I am trying to get my sister to run with me in the relay in January at DW. She is a superb runner who had not run a race in over 20 years. At the Princess, she won her age group! So....needless to say, she would make an awesome partner!
I love this board and the all the useful tips and information runners so willingly share. Last of all, today I challenged myself to a 5K, a small local race in Wilmington, NC hoping to finish in 27 minutes. When I saw my time of 25:27 minutes I was thrilled! SO.....as I said before I am hooked.
Happy Running!
Pam

 

[joan4mickey]

Pam Welcome! And I want you to know that I think that you are amazing! Your times are fantastic! My DDs and I finished our first half in 2:28 too!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Joan,
Thanks for the kind words. I noticed you also live in NC.....do you ever race in Wilmington?
Happy Running, Pam

 

[WVUFan]

I don't post often (but I follow a lot!), but I had a great race experience this morning that I wanted to share. I was running a 5k in great conditions for me, and I thought I could PR and possibly even break my next minute goal. I was well on my way until mile 3 when I could see the finish but felt myself slowing. The man who had been right behind me for most of the race said, "Come on, we can pick up the pace to the end!" He was there for the last part encouraging me, and told me to run ahead as we got to the finish. I now have a PR and made my goal by 1 second! I'm am thankful for runners like him who help others suceeded. There are so many unsung heros who help us along in running and in life. You all are part of those who keep me encouraged.

 

[DianeL]

Welcome Pam!!!


WVUFan ... Congrats on the new PR! What a great experience! What a wonderful guy

Amanda... Getting closer to the race The fall race sounds cool

Joan? The boss said hello. He about floored both me and my co-worker when he walked by my desk this past Monday and said "Good Morning Joan" Some days he just scares me

Lily

Another week at the gym. Skipped my class though Friday. Sported beautiful bright green tape from Tuesday on. Note to self: more subtle colored tape is a better idea for the work week. The good news is I don't have shooting pains when standing. So it's getting there. Just not as fast as I would like.

Have a great weekend!!!!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Wow. Thought I was pretty current on this thread, but realized that it must have been a while!

Qltrgrl2 - We're looking at the Fort Fisher 5k in a couple of weeks. Trying really hard to justify getting up at 4AM to drive that far for a 5K. But then we started thinking about going to Britt's for donuts afterwards...

Diane - I had my leg taped in orange and black for MCM last year. The race was on Halloween. That was colorful, to say the least!

Maura - You have to get the jacket. That's all there is to it. And if I show the Martian medal to DH, we'll be roadtripping to Michigan before I know it!

WVUFan - It's runners like that who make me proud to be part of this community. The last race I ran (Turkey Trot last Thanksgiving) I was feeling like I was dying and was getting ready to throw in the towel and walk it in, when a woman came up behind me and told me she was pacing off of me because I looked so strong. Suddenly I had all sorts of energy, and finished just a few seconds short of a PR!

Jeremy - Glad the change in medication worked so well for your mom. I have huge amounts of respect for you and your dad for being able to do what you're doing.

Tracy - Even we southerners break out the shorts for running when it hits the 50's. But I still keep the gloves!

Wasabi girl - Welcome! It's perfectly okay to obsess over every detail here. We've all done it. And still do it. And do the rest days. Especially once you're of a certain age. The body will thank you!

Cindy - I love your training technique. Train for a full so the halfs seem easy. DH needs to learn that one. He did exactly the opposite. He's only done halfs, so all of his training has been 10-14 mile long runs. Two weeks ago, on a whim, he signed up for a full at the expo. Ran a perfectly respectable 4:10, but boy did he pay for it the next few days!

I'm just beginning to get out and run since the doctor cleared me to run post-surgery. I've done most of my runs on the TM, but have actually been outside twice. I'm up to almost 3 miles, all done at a 1/1 run/walk interval. I'm planning to run a 5K here in Raleigh on the 30th, and think I'm going to do the 8K in Williamsburg on May 21st. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Jackie

 

[jmasgat]

Hey...checking in on a rare Sunday without a run. Course, I did the Martian 1/2 yesterday. I did a race report over on the race thread.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2689708

Long story short....good weather, PR'ed but didn't (yet....course was long and results may be adjusted), met Todd (jeanigor) and Susie(mousemgr2). Medal is cute, but less hefty than last year. Shirt is pretty good, though. And it is nice and reasonably flat running on Hines Drive--not a lot of spectators, and there isn't entertainment on the course, but that's not my bag anyway.

Pam You're one fast newbie! I bet that you will see great improvements in your times this year. Then we'll have you thinking of doing a full marathon!

WVUFan Congrats on your PR and that's a great story. I am so focused on my own running that I am not sure I would be aware enough/unselfish enough to do what he did. Kudos to the unknown runner.

Diane Thought of you running yesterday when I went by the spot where you cheered last year. Gave me a boost---just as though you were there!

Jackie Glad your recovery is going well and that you are running outdoors. I think it would be neat to run at Williamsburg.

Hi to Joan and Lily

Maura