Wk of Jul 23--2007 WISH Walking/Running Club

[wtpclc]

Amy - Good luck on your race today!!! And good to see you again!

Sunny - SO glad someone's finally listening. Hope they get this figured out soon!!!!! Glad to hear you did not cause it with overdoing it, but I hope you do follow Dr's orders now!

deb - so cool that you met someone doing DL!

Tiff - My SIL schedule a basket party on my b-day. I was not happy, but at least I liked the peole there. That your b-day goes wayyy better than expected!!!

OK, here's my current whine. WHen I signed up for th 10K, I was not happy about a 9 am start (too warm), but it was only supposed to be 75 degrees. DH informed me this am that it's now supposed to be 92! I tend to lose it btwn 80 and 82 if it's humid (and it's supposed to be). I know, those of you from the south are thinking what a whimp I am and it's true. No, I will not bail, but I'm getting a little worried. Looks liek water is the word for the next couple days.

 

[wtpclc]

Newsflash:

Less than 4 weeks until the "real" training starts for the full!!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Newsflash:

Less than 4 weeks until the "real" training starts for the full!!

Don't remind me. I'm hoping I can run 3 miles straight by the end of August, and then I can start my "real" training.

 

[Minnie]

Sunny - I am sooooo glad that you finally have a DR that will listen. I hope you get a resolution soon. My DR wanted to do back surgery on my disk and I just can't contemplate it so I sit here with good days and bad days and pain pills. Hope you get a resolution you can live with soon

Judy - Welcome Back!!!!!!!!! Missed you

Tiff - Last year on my birthday I had to fly 5 hours to my finacee parents anniversary party while leaving my DS at home so he could attend his father's wedding Can you imagine planning a wedding on your ex's birthday Life is sooooo not fun or fair sometimes

 

[keenercam]

Sunny -- I am so glad this doctor is listening and is considering the link between this condition and the levacquin. Take it easy and DO NOT disobey his "no activity" order.

Kristi -- your before/after pix are wonderful! You look gorgeous!

Jodi -- Yes, I am extremely fortunate and spoiled. Howard is much like a single parent during the week because of my work schedule. He does all the kids' appointments, cooks for them, does all sorts of errands, and all the laundry!

I will tell him he has to check in, though his posts are always fly-by with quick updates on training and none of the juicy stuff that I love to read in everyone's posts.

Dave -- I am thinking you will have to come up with something very creative to tell DW about the plan. Do you have to do anything to be sure she can take off work?

Carrie - on the whole "4 weeks" thing -- thanks. Just thanks. [where is that "hurling" smilie?]

AmyBeth -- great to have you back! We are going to Williamsburg on Friday, just for the weekend. We haven't been since 1999, so I feel completely clueless.

Judy -- Have you recovered? Hurry up! We want stories!

Deb -- How cool to have met someone doing the DL 1/2! Okay, sing with me --"It's a Small World After All"

Tiff -- Happy early birthday, sweetie! I am sorry you are stuck with your SIL on your special day, but just enjoy all the other special people surrounding you, and sit as far away from her as possible.

Today is supposed to be a rest day for me, but I may go to the Y and do the elliptical or the bike for a while, just to be able to read somewhere far, far away from the kitchen!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave -- I am thinking you will have to come up with something very creative to tell DW about the plan. Do you have to do anything to be sure she can take off work?

Hmmm, this is not my strong suit. DW kids me that I asked her to marry me by pulling the car off the road and just popping the question (long story). No, I don't have to do anything special about work. We're both very lucky in that we have very flexible schedules, and are in charge of our own schedules. We both are neuroscientists and share the lab here. So if she plans an experiment or something around that time I can gently suggest that woudn't be the best time to do it. I can make up some reason...

 

[keenercam]

Hmmm, this is not my strong suit.

In that case, and if you don't mind, maybe we can all help you with some suggestions.

May I suggest that you start compiling stuff now, like hotel confirmations (ahem! ) and park maps and put together a gift box where she has to open each item (in a specific order) which will represent your itinerary? We did this with our kids for a trip to Hilton Head Christmas week 2003 and they both remember to this day, opening fishing rods and going "huh?" and then new year's eve decorations and then the event schedule for the week we'd be there. They were blown away and I think the excitement built as they opened each gift/hint. It was soo much fun! If you decide to do this, let us know -- I'd bet between us all, we'd have park maps and other "hints" you could use.

 

[Honeibee]

Greetings all. This morning I did 45 min @ 3.8 @ 1% then 3 min running at 4.5 @ 1%. It felt good to get back in the groove, but man, am I tired! I think it's a combination of this heat, some left-over jet lag and not really training for a week. But I'm in my office now, so I can look like I'm doing something important but really I'll be napping!

I was wondering about fanny packs at the Half. If you wear one, what do you put in it? I was thinking about what I might possible need during those three and not quite a half hours....Tell me what you bring if you wear one. Also, do you train wearing it? I have never even tried one on, probably for fear that it wouldn't not fit around my rotund girth. Let me rethink that....

Judith Anne's Beginner Question of the Day.....when you guys say you're doing a 1 minute run/four minute walk, etc,, how are you doing this? Are you watching the clock or your Garmin that carefully? I give you credit if you are! I guess that's a skill I'd better start learning. I'm more the type to get on the TM, crank it up to speed, and just go. Most times I get involved in a movie or thoughts and before I know it 20 minutes have passed. I've started adding runs to the end of my 45 minutes, with the idea that I would run for five minutes, walk for five minutes, run for five, walk for five, etc etc and that is how I would do the Half. Is this an unreasonable plan? I don't know that I could do such small splits, 1 then 4 then 1 then 4. I'd spend all my time looking at my wrist. How do you guys do it???

Kevin - You had a very good point. I would not have lasted for three weeks without seriously hurting someone. I have to say, you always make me laugh. I can't wait to meet you IRL.

Kristi - What a cute picture! He's a doll and gosh you are so pretty!

Sunny - First off, let me get this straight...Your new doctor is a horse? Ha ha ha! Sorry, I couldn't resist. I have to say, I am so far impressed with him. I really respect any doctor who will LISTEN and also who will admit he's not sure.....So many times I think if they don't know they just drug you up and send you on your way. I think I like this guy. It all sounds so serious and scary but won't it be wonderful to finally find out what it is, deal with it, and move on?? Sunny, I am sending tons of and prayers your way.

Everybody - Thank you all so much for all the welcome backs! You guys are great friends, especially for people I haven't even met yet!

Tiff - That really stinks about your birthday. I do know how you feel. I ended up recently spending my 45th birthday with DH and someone I did not care for. It ruined the whole day. So I hear ya.

Dave - I thought of you often when we were in Tuscany. It was soooooo hot, training was miserable. So DH and I got up early four of the days and wogging in the pool. Man, that is hard! At first, DH was chuckling but then I told him "You try it!" and then he changed his tune! I do have a question for you though, how far in the water are you? Up to your waist? Your shoulders?

Carrie - Don't I know! I'm counting the days, got my calendar out, making plans for "real" training. I'm ready!

Minnie - How are you feeling? I might have missed any updates. I hope all is well and you are getting back in the saddle soon. BTW we were supposed to ride in Tuscany last week, but since the entire vacation was a huge fiasco, we didn't get to go.

Cam - Oh, please. I don't know that you want to hear my Tuscany stories. I'll tell you this: Parts of Tuscany are stunningly beautiful. But this trip was ill-fated from the beginning. The cast of characters alone was ill-suited for a trip like this. I was never so happy to be home as I was after this trip.

 

[keenercam]

I was wondering about fanny packs at the Half. If you wear one, what do you put in it? I was thinking about what I might possible need during those three and not quite a half hours....Tell me what you bring if you wear one. Also, do you train wearing it? I have never even tried one on, probably for fear that it wouldn't not fit around my rotund girth. Let me rethink that....

Judy -- I don't think I'd do the 1/2 without a waist pack. I bought one on the REI website that has a pretty substantial zippered pouch and then a water bottle holder that is on a slant so it sits diagonally at the small of my back and the pouch is on my left hip. You can see it in Lily's pix earlier in this thread (geez, I look SOOOO fat in those pix and definitely NOT a fashion statement! ). I insisted on carrying my own powerade/water mix because I wasn't sure of what brand/flavor would be available on the course and didnt' want to chance trying something new during the race. Also, I can only tolerate certain sport drinks (others require me to carry tums).

What I carried in my waistpack (IIRC) -- digital camera, cell phone, ipod shuffle, kleenex, advil or aleve, power bar, honey packets (and small ziploc snack size bag to put the empty ones in), KTTW card, and lip balm with sunscreen. I hope that helps. BTW, the waistpack I bought said it was specially designed for women, and I was THRILLED that the straps were plenty long enough for my very large size.

I absolutely recommend buying a waistpack and using it for your LWs so that it becomes very comfortable. I still use mine every weekend. Oh, and BTW, I just ordered a second water bottle in the hopes of figuring out how I can have a spectating WISHer hand it to me on the course in exchange for my empty bottle.

 

[wtpclc]

Good ideas Cam!

Judy - Fanny Pack: I used it for teh full. I use it for anything longer than 6ish? Maybe more like 10. Anyway, I used it for all my long runs. I put my Gu, cell phone, baggie for consumed Gu, Kleenex, and chapstick. Think that's it. For teh race, we packed Tums too.

Intervals: Before we had our Garmin, I used my Timex IronMan (less than $30). You can set intervals on that.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Morning WISH Team!

What kind of training are you following for the Goofy? Trying to survey the Goofy people here.

Jodi, I have a great plan that works. It was linked up by Christa or Bree to the training on the tricharlotte.com site, but I see it is no longer up there. Anyway, train as whatever program you are using calls. I am a huge John Bingham MfM fan. Make the modification on the LR weekends when you get to 12 mile LRs. The Saturday do half of that long run. Long run on Sunday. REST DAYS before (Friday) AND after (Monday). Worked for me!

Enjoy and don't overwork youself those training days. Listen to your body and rest where required. If during training there were times my body said "not today" then I backed off and didn't overwork so as not to injure myself.

This tidbit would be for all events that weekend. Speed is not necessary.

The building of the base has been ongoing. Once "real" trainig for the event begins don't overtrain and injure yourselves.

Everyone remember that you have 3 1/2 hours to finish the half and 7 hours to finish the full. Train to enjoy that time and use as much of it as you can. As John Bingham has said, you paid for the race use all of the time you can.

Judy, glad you survived and that MIL did too so we don't have to worry about you being in jail somewhere.

Sunny, I don't know how to respond to your dilema. You are such an inspiration to me and have always made things better for me. I feel inadequate that I cannot make it better for you. I am glad that you have been told it is nothing you have done to injure yourself. I am so sad that you are going through this at all. I am praying for you to have the strength to get through this frustrating time and am glad you have a doc that seems so fantastic and praying that he will find a way to make it better. I will send tons and tons of PD to all involved hoping that every little bit helps!

More later...

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - I thought of you often when we were in Tuscany. It was soooooo hot, training was miserable. So DH and I got up early four of the days and wogging in the pool. Man, that is hard! At first, DH was chuckling but then I told him "You try it!" and then he changed his tune! I do have a question for you though, how far in the water are you? Up to your waist? Your shoulders?

Arrrrrr Judy- I be in the drink up over me head!!! Actually, I am in water so I can't touch bottom. I wear a life jacket to keep my head above water. Which made me feel like an ultradork heading into the university pool with all these ultrafit students and me with my life jacket on.

Aside - anyone remember the Saturday Night Live skit on men's synchronized swimming with Martin Short and Christopher Guest? "I'm not that strong of a swimmer." That's what I first felt like.

Anyhow, when I'm running then, my feet don't touch bottom at all and I have no impact whatsoever. I found a good link for a website that shows you one way to do it. I don't use their equipment, I just use a life jacket I had from my loon kayak. Yes, the ultradork in the pool using a life jacket is using a "Loon" lifejacket too. What a looney!!!
aquajogger.com/default.htm

Running/walking in the water up to your waist or shoulders would work too. It would just would be low impact as opposed to no impact. The more water you are in, the more resistance you have, and the harder it is.

ETA: Judy- It's nice to know I was on your mind so much during your painful vacation.

 

[kareneast]

The last few weeks I have only been skimming as a lurker. As usual, I have lots of catching up to do. You guys move so fast….I really need to find the time to get on here everyday. You all really do help keep me motivated.

Thank you to everyone that has been posting pictures of their races, adventures, trips, etc. I have really enjoyed them.

Mel – I get RealAge Tips of the week. This weeks tip had to do with tai chi. Here’s the link to what they have to say if your interested. http://www.realage.com/news_features/tip.aspx?v=2&cid=17024

Cam – Congratulations on your 5k & pace! Your continued improvements are fantastic!

Sunny – I love the graphics. for all the work you have been doing on them and for sharing them with us. Looks like I will be doing some shopping at CafePress. I am so sorry your back is still giving you trouble, but glad you now have a dr who is listening to you & not just blowing you off. that you get some answers soon. You may not be able to exercise to relieve the stress, but hopefully posting here will still help relieve some of it…..so please keep posting. Hang in there!

Helen – So sorry for your loss.

MelR – I like the idea of you doing your own ½ ironman. Sounds like it would be fun.

Dave – Glad to hear the legs are improving. Have fun at your race series.

Carrie – That is great that you re-connected with your cousin & that you will have an addition to your scream team. Glad to hear you decided to do the 10k. You’re out there & that is all that matters. Good Luck!

Jen – Take it slow & easy until you see your dr. that you get answers quickly.

Kelley –

Sonya – Congratulations on your 1st race. Your finish time was great!

Debm – Congratulations on your 10k & coming in 3rd in your age group.

Judy – Welcome back. You may not have had big accomplishments in your training while you were away, but you had a huge accomplishment in surviving the trip with you MIL. Love the silly picture.

Tiff – Have a Happy Birthday! Sorry you won’t be spending it the way you had hoped.

Amy – Good Luck & have fun on your race tonight.

Congratulations to everyone that has been out there training & training to train! Keep moving…one step at a time!

John (DH) & I did our 1st 5k a couple of weeks ago. It was part of the local running clubs summer series. I finished in 39:38 75/82 and John finished in 45:16 78/82. I was happy with my time & felt pretty good throughout the race. We were not able to do the last 2 races due to other obligations, but hopefully we will be able to get there next Tuesday for the 4th & last one in the series.

John, Sean (DS20) & I have also signed up for the Batsto Pig Iron 5k in Batsto Village, Wharton State Forest on Aug 13th. John is having surgery on his shoulder to repair a tear in his rotator cuff on Aug 8th so he will be walking it at a slow pace if he feels up to it, if not he will sit it out.

Is anyone doing the Jefferson Hospital Philadelphia Distance Run ½ Marathon on Sept 17th? John & I have signed up for it. It has a 4 hour time limit. Sean was supposed to do it too, but it is the same weekend as the Firemen’s Convention (he is a volunteer fireman) in Wildwood so he bailed on us. LOL I know a lot of you will be doing the DL ½ Marathon on Sept 17th. I will be thinking about you while we are walking/running around Philly.

 

[Jen117]

JUDY - Welcome back. I am impressed that you are back into the groove already. When I do my intervals on the treadmill, I just watch the timer. Since I don't have a Garmin yet, on the road I use a stop watch. I am not exact to the minute, but just try to be close. If I feel like running longer, I do.

I have a super aching back this week. I have an equestrian injury from my college days that get agrivated every once in awhile. Since my second PG (3 years ago) it is more often than not agrivated. So eventually I will have to do something about this part of my body. But one step at a time, first I have to have the EIA (asthma) checked out next week. The back problem is on going for 15 years, so the doctors are aware of it.

I am super exhausted because my dog kept me up last night, so I am taking the day off. Tomorrow is my running group and they are predicting the super high temps again. I am worried about the breathing problems again, but feel guilty for not showing up. I definately will strap on a water bottle this time!

 

[Jen117]

Aside - anyone remember the Saturday Night Live skit on men's synchronized swimming with Martin Short and Christopher Guest? "I'm not that strong of a swimmer." That's what I first felt like.

That is one of my favorite skits of all time and that line is so funny coming out of his mouth!!! Do you wear a nose plug too???

 

[MelRhoads]

Judy - sierratrading post has some great ultimate direction waist packs right now. I use one like those. I use it for almost all of my long runs (8+) You can link to sierra trading post through sunny's site. I like item# 82933 and I use one like item #'s 82941, 82907. I like the bottle cap style better in item #82941, but the bottle is bigger in 82907 and I use it frequently. I ordered some extra of the bottle styles I like (i think it is called the sports flask. I does not have the rubber thing on the mouth piece and i think it is easier to drink from) Happy shopping!!

I am so tired this week. I have not been motivated at all! I jogged a little yesterday while phil and I were orienteering and i was so tired and stiff! I'm going to try to do 3 miles on the TM today b/4 lunch and tomorrow is a long workout day. I would really like a nap!!!!!

Sunny - Thank you for giving us the update. I hope you get some answers soon. In the mean time, rest and post often!!!

 

[solotraveler]

Hi all!

I'm forcing myself to do a proper post--- I'm on a super important deadline at work right now and I just need a moment......

Sunny-- I am thrilled to hear that you've found a great doctor that is meeting your needs. The tone of your post is significantly more positive, which is wonderful to see. I hope everything continues to go well.

Carrie-- 4 weeks?!?!? 92 degrees?!? Yikes. Maybe it'll be cooler by the lakeshore?? (Hopefully....)

Denny-- Congrats on your DD's scholarships. I work in athletics at a Division II school myself, so I understand the caliber of athlete it takes to get recruited.

Judy-- Aww shucks , I try. I fear I may be more interesting online than in real life, however.

Re: the Beltpack- I absolutely used one for the full and will for the Goofy this year. It was fairly good sized and housed a camera, GU, my room key and park pass, cash (just in case I had to stop at AKL and get a ride back to the hotel), my sunglasses, my gloves (once it was warm enough to take them off), and my cell phone. I would make sure you train wearing it several times before the race to get used to how it feels on your waist and the weight.

Re: Intervals- Yes, I pay that close attention to the Garmin. I'm pretty good about judging my intervals at this point, so I don't have to stare at the thing, but I check it often enough to keep me in line with both my intervals and pace.

Jodi-- Goofy training.... I went back and forth and back and forth on this for a LONG while, but I finally settled on a modified Marathoning for Mortals Run/Walk plan. Here's the summary:
Weeks where the long-run mileage INCREASES:
Monday: Interval Run
Tuesday: Interval Run
Wednesday: Interval Run + Speedwork
Thursday: Crosstraining
Friday: Long-ish run (One-half the distance of Saturday's run)
Saturday: LONG RUN
Sunday: Off
Weeks where the long-run mileage STEPS BACK
Monday: Interval Run
Tuesday: Interval Run + Speedwork
Wednesday: Crosstraining
Thursday: Interval Run
Friday: Crosstraining
Saturday: LONG RUN
Sunday: Off

I wanted something that would allow me some consistancy. The interval runs are the same as listed in MfM on a week-by-week basis. I also wanted to train my body to get used to "running tired," hence the back to back longs on the step up weeks. It seemed like this was the consensus around these parts among the vets. I know some people I talked to at the race did Goofy while only training for the full--- which I imagine is doable. My race plan is to go really easy during the half and then go harder during the full. Let me know if you have any questions.

Training last night for me was non-existant. After a crazy work day, I was exhausted so I pretty much sat around and went out and ate seafood enchiladas. I know, I know. Hopefully 3 miles this afternoon.

Well, back to work!
Happy training all!
Kevin

 

[keenercam]

Karen -- we will be in DL on 9/17 but I'll be thinking of you doing your event in Phila. We definitely WON't be doing DL again next year, so I am thinking that 1/2 in Philly might be perfect for next fall. BTW, DH and I and my colleague are doing the Lance Armstrong 10K in Philadelphia on 9/10. Do you have any interest in joining us? My 1/2 marathon training plan calls for 5 miles that week, so I am thinking 6.2 would be perfect as the run-up to DL.

Oh, yeah, Judy, Melissa raises a very good point. Be sure to find a water bottle you like. Some that we've all used the water comes out too quickly, others you have to practically suck it to get enough water, and some mouthpieces give you so much air with the beverage that it isn't great. I think Melissa was the one who turned me on to the ultimate direction bottle and that is what I prefer. (Thanks, Melissa! )

Hey, can anyone here help me with 2 huge favors?

First -- I am looking for a DL map from this year. I just can't print a good enough quality one off the internet, and would really like to have one while I am planning our trip.
Second -- Can anyone suggest ideas for a birthday gift for DD who is turning 18 about 2 weeks after she starts college. She will be living in a dorm and now has "everything" we think she'll need for her dorm room. She owns a car, but won't have it at college with her. She had a fender bender with it in May and it needs some repair, so I thought of offering to do that for her as her birthday gift (not covered by insurance) but I'm just not sure. What do you guys think? What did you get for your 18th birthday? (Oh, and we bought her a really nice watch for graduation).

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Hey, I just found this on www.disneyrunning.com, this sure looks like a Wisher to me!!

http://www.disneyrunning.com/06photos/06rmhalf22.jpg

It won't let me post the picture, but that is address.

 

[keenercam]

Goofy training.... I went back and forth and back and forth on this for a LONG while, but I finally settled on a modified Marathoning for Mortals Run/Walk plan. Here's the summary:
Weeks where the long-run mileage INCREASES:
Monday: Interval Run
Tuesday: Interval Run
Wednesday: Interval Run + Speedwork
Thursday: Crosstraining
Friday: Long-ish run (One-half the distance of Saturday's run)
Saturday: LONG RUN
Sunday: Off
Weeks where the long-run mileage STEPS BACK
Monday: Interval Run
Tuesday: Interval Run + Speedwork
Wednesday: Crosstraining
Thursday: Interval Run
Friday: Crosstraining
Saturday: LONG RUN
Sunday: Off

Hey, Kev, any chance at all that you could talk some sense/er, um, I mean, provide some guidance to Howard? I am SOOOO worried that he will not take the time to plan a really solid GOOFY training schedule and will end up hurting himself or wiping himself out that weekend. We are doing the DL 1/2 on 9/17 (oh, have I mentioned that before? ) but when we get back I think he'll have to be in full Goofy training mode and I am not sure he has paid much attention to the absolue necessity of back-to-back long runs.

If you are willing to share your training calendar with him, I'd really appreciate it!

Or if anyone else is willing, I'd really appreciate it. It was so scary to see him struggling during his first full marathon in May. I simply cannot believe that he recovered and finished in 4:40. That blew me away.However, I think we all agree that is an entirely different animal. And I will be literally miles and miles behind him on the full course and not able to help him at all.
I am hoping other WISHers on the course and sidelines will keep an eye open for him and do a quick visual check on whether he looks okay.
If anyone wants to bombard him with emails let me know, and I will PM you his email address.