Wk of Jan 28--WISH Walking/Running Club

[chimera]

Just a quicky, then back to studying.

50 min today on the TM for a 13:12 pace. Got all the way up to 5.2mph for one interval 10 miles on deck for Saturday!

Helen...you asked about topical anti-inflammatory. I'm afraid it won't be much help unless you apply it to the sore spot. Nuprofen will help but may bother your tummy long-term. Do you have plantar fasciitis?

For the record, I've not lost any toenails. I thought I had one that would blacken after this year's half but it never did. My toenails have been purple since just after the half, though, so not entirely sure of their true color at this time

 

[nucpharm29]

Kids and running--our achilles heel right now, so to speak. We have a 15 month old and 3 year old. Luckily, both kids love the daycare at the gym, so they don't mind spending 3-4 mornings up there (and it's only $1/hr. so not bad for the pocketbook either) But LR's are going to be a different story. My dsis will babysit some, but I hate to take up all her Sat. mornings--so, when DH and I are getting into the Long LRs next fall, we'll probably be switching off days--he'll do his LR on Sat. and mine on Sun. Right now, DH isn't doing LRs with me, so he watches the kiddos on Sat. He did get a little jab in last Sat. saying "Boy, this 18 mile run has ended up being a 5 hour process!" Good thing I knew he was joking or I would have slugged him!

Ugh, and I know the feeling of people scoping out what you're doing on the TM. This older lady (probably in her 70s) kept looking at me today--I was getting really uncomfortable--Like I was going too fast or something.

melr--Ooohhh you have me intrigued!! I'll have to get over the swim part though--I'm not the greatest swimmer. But I'll definitely keep it in my mind!!! Hope you don't get too much snow tonight!

Meaghan--Welcome!

Okay, gotta finish dinner!

 

[Kristi1357]

Just to further beat the toenail issue to death...the one I had fall off never turned purple/black, looked weird, or anything. Just one morning when I woke up, I felt like I had a string or something around my toe. I was half asleep and reached down - low & behold the nail was hanging by a thread! Weird stuff man.

Sunny- I will definately keep my eye out for shorter races around here. I'd do that one in VT with you, but it's only a Full. I don't think I am ready for that yet!

Does anyone else walk or run on an indoor track? (Jen does, I think) I have a HUGE pet peeve! As much as I like the track better than the freezing cold, the other people are driving me batty. Our track is 2 lanes, with a sort of half lane around the outside. Anyway, they finally labeled the lanes - inside one is "run," outside one is "walk." Is there any reason on God's green earth why people have to walk side by side across both lanes? I mean, if you are there to walk really slow & chat with your friend, could you move over to the walk lane and the half lane near the wall? Is that really too much to ask? I am so sick of dodging people and having to dead stop at times. It's not like they can't hear me coming - I clomp my feet extra hard to get their attention sometimes. And it's not like this happens once & then they get the hint. This will happen ten+ times with the same people! They just don't care. I am about ready to 'accidently' plow one of them down. Maybe then they'd get it.

 

[scuba diver]

A big Thanks to all you posting about having to find baby sitters and family to watch the kids while running.

It gives me another reason to appreciate my 16 year old, who is currently standing at the refrig!

 

[scuba diver]

the diving isn't so good in Montana and Charlie loves to dive. Well, maybe you can lake dive there but he likes it warm.

Next time you come down south let me know. I would love an excuse to go diving.

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

Thank you for the hugs!!! They really helped alot.

Dena it is the most wonderful feeling when you feel new life awakening!!

Kevin I am truely sorry over the loss of your friend and coworker!!

I don't know how or why, but ever since I did the marathon at the world, I have noticed my times have improved significantly. I did a 3:08 half in 06 at the world, and a 3:06 a few months ago. Today I did it in 2:49:07!!!

Hope everybody is doing good! Haven't had time to read todays posts yet, but I will here shortly!!


Erica

 

[Calcio]

Kristi

You hit one of the rawest of my raw nerves. Tracks are for working out. Yes walking is very cool, in the outside lanes. Speed resides inside. Slower people should always clear to the right for faster people. That goes all the way up the ladder from Steve Prefontaine to me. I expect, well basically demand runners slower than me clear the inside, and I always clear for runners faster than me.

I typically go up the ladder of aggressions when facing this problem, but one rule is I never, ever stop. I keep on moving. If stomping of feet doesn't work, and it often doesn't, going around them and cutting the corner closer and closer every time often relays the message. Go around them inside or outside, and if you bump them a bit, kakka passa. They need to move, not you. Eventually these folks get the message.

Track manners are important, especially on a track as narrow as the one you describe. It could be these people just know, it could be they are total dopes and don't care.

Again, I am NOT talking about walkers out for exercise who are outside, or come inside and slip outside when faster folks come by. Obstructing faster runners is a capital crime in the world of track. If you get a chance watch an elite level race, maybe a mile, on television but don't watch the leader, watch the pack. There is an amazing amount of pushing and shoving going on in the pack as runners keep danger away from them and move slower runners out of the way.

Do the best you can, and sorry about this problem, but it's quite common. Manners matter at a business dinner and on the track. Sometimes you have to be the enforcer of correct manners on those who don't comply.

And if you get really testy, elbows are always an option . I don't use them much when running in crowds anymore, but when necessary they still do the job.

Good luck

Craig

 

[wfloyd]

Does anyone else walk or run on an indoor track? (Jen does, I think) I have a HUGE pet peeve! As much as I like the track better than the freezing cold, the other people are driving me batty. Our track is 2 lanes, with a sort of half lane around the outside. Anyway, they finally labeled the lanes - inside one is "run," outside one is "walk." Is there any reason on God's green earth why people have to walk side by side across both lanes? I mean, if you are there to walk really slow & chat with your friend, could you move over to the walk lane and the half lane near the wall? Is that really too much to ask? I am so sick of dodging people and having to dead stop at times. It's not like they can't hear me coming - I clomp my feet extra hard to get their attention sometimes. And it's not like this happens once & then they get the hint. This will happen ten+ times with the same people! They just don't care. I am about ready to 'accidently' plow one of them down. Maybe then they'd get it.

I usually don't run on a track but I have the same problem on the sidewalks. They somehow figure that 2-3 across should be great for them and don't make room for anyone else. I either plow through them or run really close next to them. They usually get the message and make room for me to get by.

The dog walkers are another problem when they wander everywhere and there is no telling where the leash is going to be when I get there. Most of these people are courtious and try to get out of the way, but there is always someone who could care less.

Bill

 

[nucpharm29]

Ugh, it sounds like bad manners is an epidemic. I posted a few months ago about an experience I had on the major running/biking/walking trail here. There was a group of walkers 2 deep and 4 across--blocking the whole path--that literally pushed me off the trail. Now I know they were out there for the exercise, but jeez! Okay, off the rant now!

 

[Cruella de mom]

I think I am feeling ornery right now. When I am working out tonight (Spin and run), I will look to find more positive things about working out at the healthclub. Then you will all think I am a more cheerful person than I am letting on right now!

Ashley - you don't sound ornery to me! The only thing positive I found about the people working out with me today was that they were at least working out. Although what benefit they get from 10 minutes on the treadmill I don't know. Its like those slow walkers on the track....

My toenails have been purple since just after the half, though, so not entirely sure of their true color at this time

Not to worry you, but thats how mine looked at first. Some just healed up, a couple turned black then fell off and a couple turned white (?) and then fell off. I hope yours just heal up.

Cecilia

 

[CaroleD]

Hi,
I was already for my workout today and ready to leave the locker room when the power went. I couldn't believe how disappointed I was. I guess I could have done my walking outside but it was 13 below Celcius and I'm a cold weather wimp. So I packed up and headed to the local bookstore. I got a book that I think was perfect for me. As i've mentioned I had my ankle fused (arthritis) last March so I'm very worried about injuring my lovely pain free ankle. So I found a book called "Walking for Fitness-The beginners handbook. It had progressive walking plans that take you up to a 10 K walk over 16 weeks. With lots of advise on preventing injury. Never increasing over 10% etc. I'm so glad I found this. I had gotten up to 3 miles in 45 minutes doing it my way but kind of realized that getting to 4 miles at that pace was going to be hard for me. This book has me going back to 20 minutes and slowly increasing--going backwards and forwards-until I get up to 10K. Now this I can do without worrying about injury. I'll worry about more miles and faster pace once I've achieved this goal. Guess the lights had to go out for the light to go on in my brain. lol. So that was my day. Not very physical unless reading a book about fitness could count.

Meghan-Congrats on taking the plunge for the 1/2 Marathon....Someday I will do that too.

Now tomorrow...Hopefully the transformer is fixed and the gym has power. Because I start my new program tommorrow. You would think they could create energy with all the treadmills going.

Hope everyone has a great workout!

 

[Kristi1357]

Craig & Bill - I am so glad to know I am not just some crazy witch on the track making faces at people, shaking my head at them and thinking mean thoughts!

Sometimes the little kids walk or run the track and get in my way. But that doesn't really bother me (as much). They are kids - the teens & adults should know better!

The time I had to dead stop was because there was a group of teenagers walking. I did have enough room to squeeze by. But then some guy came out of the tennis court in the center of the track with his huge cart of tennis balls & was coming at me head on (to return balls to storage). Ugh!

And don't even get me started on the amount of time I spent running & walking fast (faster than some runners) on the grass during the Half at WDW this year to get around the same types of people...grrrrr.

I am going to try saying "excuse me" or "coming through" MUCH louder - I usually try to be quieter about it. Damn my shyness! Maybe that will kind of embarass them. All else fails, the elbows are coming out!

I am 99% sure I am hitting the Y today - I'll report back...

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Good morning TEAM! Happy February!! I took a self-imposed rest day last night, I figured doing laundry so we'd have clean clothes to wear was more important than doing 3 miles. I was tired of doing the sniff test!! I'm heading to the Community Center after work tonight to do the elliptical and lift weights.

Meghan-- Meghan is one of my favorite names and that is my favorite way to spell it! I may be borrowing it from you someday.

Kristi--You go girl!! Do whatever you have to do to get your runs in. Just don't get arrested!! Chad might not like having to come bail you out of jail.

Bill--Stephen do housework??? (I'm really just kidding, Stephen and I both do equal amounts of work around the house. Well, maybe I do a little bit more. )

Stephanie--Do not worry about having a not-so-great run after a good lr, that was my struggle every Monday when I was training for the marathon. I used to get so frustrated! The problem for me was (or is, since I'm sure it'll happen again) I like running longer distances better, so for me 12 miles or whatever is fun and relaxing, but 3 or 4 is like doing a necessary chore. Also, I would get pumped up all week long about my long run, I would tell myself I could do the distance and I would actually dream about running it, so by Saturday morning I was raring to get out the door. For my short runs, I never think about them, get excited about them, and again it was just something I *had* to do when I got home from work. How is your ankle?

Cecilia--I get amused by the people at my Community Center on the treadmills too. I usually do the elliptical, which are in a line behind the treadmills, so I get quite entertained. You're right, most people only stay on for about 10 minutes and they are walking so slow (like 25:00 miles), it's like what is the point? My favorite are the people who set the incline at like 5 or 6 degrees and then hang on to the bar for dear life. I just want to offer to train them (not that I'm an expert, but I clearly know more than they do!), but I figure that might be rude.

Carrie--How are your wounds today?

I better get off here, I actually have things to do! I'll be back later!!

 

[TiffJ]

Hi Team! I know I haven't been posting much. I've been lurking but until this week havent been training at all.

We are going to Mobile(my parents live there) for Mardi Gras in a couple of weeks & do the Joe Cain Day 5k. Since it is Mardi Gras & debotchery is the theme for 2 weeks guess what they have for post race refreshment. BEER! I am thinking this will be gross to me at 9:00 on a Sunday morning, but I'm sure DH will appreciate it.

We actually woke up to snow today!!! The weather men are never right, but the kids are going to school 2 hrs late today. For all you northeners, if we get the slightest amount of frozen stuff the city is in chaos. We do have alot of overpasses that freeze up but other than that it's not bad. We rarely actually get snow, just frozen rain. The kids are out in the yard playing in snow while it is raining.

For those asking about bringning kids to marathon weekend: I have a 4th grader & kindergartener & they LOVE marathon weekend. They love the expo, they love being my scream team, they love going to POP & meeting the DISers (Parker was so thrilled to talk to Lynne about Ironman stuff, she had a new admirer!) But, I have my DH & my dad that both dont do the race & keep the kids. Me & mom do the race & they are our scream team. We have started making it a family tradition & love it. Having said that, I would definately not bring them if I had to drive to Tampa & back during that time.

Krisiti-at our indoor track, the walking slowly, chatting moms also push their strollers! 4 acrss I'm back to training, have you registered yet?

Wow ou team is really growing. That is so cool! Welcome to all the new people.

 

[keenercam]

I have sort of blocked it out of my memory, but I think that right before I fell during the marathon, we had moved over to the grass to let a large pacing group get past us. I think we were actually doing what we were supposed to by moving right, but next time, I guess we won't move off the road. It was when I went to get back onto the road that I misjudged the height of the step back onto the pavement and fell. So, for all of you slower movers who are being courteous and moving right, be sure to pay attention to where you are stepping.

Yesterday was a rest day on my schedule but I'd hoped to get to the gym anyway and didn't. Went home from work very late (I used the "I'm too hungry to work out" and "I forgot my ipod" excuses), went to the grocery store (you should have seen the looks I got for wearing my long dress coat over shorts and a tee shirt! ), and then went home and cooked homemade lentil soup.

This afternoon is my appointment with the pulmonologist to go over test results and strategize on how I am going to re-learn to breathe. I was definitely in vtach during the testing, so I'll discuss that aspect of it with my cardiologist, but am hoping this doctor's expertise will lead to better ability on race pace. Now, where is that fingers-crossed smilie? :

 

[wtpclc]

Cecilia - It took me a bit, but I think Mel meant that htey're painted purple. Hard to understand when you're in a climate when your toes won't see the light of day until May.

Krista - Wounds are better and worse today. although Scott tries, I did go this am on the way in to get non-stick gauze pads. I forgot to specify that earlier. Ouch!!!! If it hurts at the end of the day today lime it did yesterday, I will not likely run tonight. Still, it could have been much worse. Thanks for asking.

Cam - Good luck today! I'll be thinking of you!!! (At least when I'm not talkign to the people who may be my new employers. )

Carole - Ugh! Don't you hate it when teh powers that be sabotage your work out? I like to think that perhaps it's protection. Maybe the equipment was going to go haywire on you today. (I hear there's been a spree of drive-by TM attacks these days. )

Kristi - I vote for "Move it or lose it!"

Erica - That's awesome!!! Way to go!!!

Big thanks to all those who have shown me pitty, even if you did laugh a little. I can take telling embarassing moments to people who know me adn expect this kind of stuff. It's the strangers in teh gym that make it hurt. Although even Scott thought Craig was a bit cruel!

 

[Hockeychic]

Good morning team.

Just stopping by to say hi again. I have been lurking and reading all the posts but only have time to say hi this morning, on my way to another boring meeting....

Have a great day all.

Kim

 

[Cruella de mom]

Good Morning Everyone-

Wow is it ugly outside. Atlanta does not handle cold and rainy well at all. It took 45 minutes for the news to get through the wrecks tying up traffic. Yuck.

I handle cold and rainy very well - stay inside and bang on the computer keys! I will drag myself to the gym to run later. Who said they struggle on the short runs? That is me too. However, I know how much easier the short runs make the long runs so I force myself to get them in.

I bought one of those super cheap ipod clicks someone mentioned on the boards. I wish I had it today.

Tiff- Dh and I had a beer when we finished the Peachtree Road Race - at 8:45 am!! I enjoyed the beer, but regretted it later. It intensified the exhaustion. Just make plans to nap later and it will be fun!

Cecilia

 

[nucpharm29]

Cecilia--I feel your pain about the rain in Atlanta--we got snow/ice mix last night and you'd a thought it was the end of the world. Enjoy your new iPod! And it was me that posted about the icky SR yesterday, I know they are a necessary evil, but it was very disheartening

cam--will be thinking of you today!

Krista--the ankle is feeling much better, thank you for asking.

Well, I may have a nature imposed rest day today. Only emergency city workers are to report today, and I'm assuming that means that the folks that staff our community center will be MIA. Don't they know that my marathon training is an emergency!! Ugh, some people, only thinking of themselves..

 

[gatorphipps]

Good Morning Everyone-

Wow is it ugly outside. Atlanta does not handle cold and rainy well at all. It took 45 minutes for the news to get through the wrecks tying up traffic. Yuck.
Cecilia

Cecilia - I am right there with you on that one! DDs are out of school today b/c the small amount of snow we got! We played outside in it. It is sleeting and freezing rain now...that is the problem in the South....snow is one thing, ice is a whole different animal!

OK the track and TM rants!
I also run on a track (a very small track..20 laps is 1 mile! ) when DDs are out of school. This track has a built in bench around it so it is the perfect place for them to play without getting in anyones way. Anywho, people are so rude! They take up the whole track. If this happens too much, I tell my children to start getting in their way. When the people complain, I just say (trying to be nice) "well I guess we are even, I have had to dodge you for 5 miles." OOOH, I am mean!
The sidewalk and trail also have the same problems. Last week this woman had the HUGE lab on the trail. I had my JRT. She did not have the lab on a leash, so when we ran by, the lab jumped on me and JRT and she could not get control of him. He was only playing, but irritation! KEEP THE DOG ON A LEASH!