Wk of Nov 26--WISH Walking/Running Club

[Honeibee]

Good morning team.

This morning I did 30 min on the TM @ 1%. 10 walking at 3.8 then 20 running @ 5.0. NOTHING HURT.

I would like to take this opportunity to point out that when I tore my meniscus, I did it at the office. Conclusion: Working at this place is bad for my health and must be avoided whenever possible.

Thank you all so very much for being so supportive and sweet. I wish the people I dealt with IRL everyday were as nice as you all are. I talked things over with Charlie last night and he said it was up to me. He knows how important this race is to me. The risk I am taking is that there is a possibility the tear will be bigger. Even Dr Hunk-a Hunk-a Burning Love said if that is the case, he'll just take out more. I can live with that.

Dave - That is such an excellent point! I DID actually cancel that appointment once already because I thought it was a waste of time. I really thought he was just going to tell me it was old age or a touch of arthritis or the dreaded...."You need to lose some weight." I really didn't think anything was seriously wrong. And no, it's not affecting my training at all. And that's what I told him yesterday, repeatedly. So I'm just being really really careful. Hey, I didn't even think of a pool! Yet another excellent idea! I'm going to check out the community center pool. Excellent thought!

Minnie - Wait. You're not going?? Did I know this? I guess I just assumed you were! Oh no, this is sad....

Sunny - I forgot to mention yesterday that your pictures were great! What fun! We put up one wreath by our door. But honestly, our house is 940 feet from the road. Who would see it if we really decorated? Well, I guess we would. I concur with your "necebo" theory! Which is why I am totally ignoring Dr. Gorgeous for now. I mean, starting after this post.

Kristi - You are too funny! I enjoy your....obsession!

Amy - Wow! I've been called a lot of things in my day but never tough! THANKS! I'm eating that up! Holy cow, Amy, you sound like me. On the way home last night I turned up the radio and had a good long hard cry and a couple of screams. I was yelling "I JUST WANT TO RUN! PLEASE JUST LET ME RUN!" I have to say, I felt immensely better afterwards.

In a way I'm kinda glad to hear a lot of you having "LR related aches and pains". Not that I am glad any of you are hurting, but you know what I mean. I have some, but honestly not much. I feel kinda stiff, in my quads, and umm...butt, if you can feel stiff in your butt. However, I am embracing the pain, cause it's not all that bad and because it makes me feel like I'm really doing something! But the thought does cross my mind, are these normal pains? I THINK yes, and hearing that you guys have them too, I feel a little better about it. Of course, honestly, I am a lot older than most of you. And a lot heavier.

Carrie - Oh no..... and for you. Thanks for the really good advice. And thank Scott too!

Craig - Wow, THAT scares me. You're right! I didn't even think of the "what if it doesn't go perfectly" scenario. That does it. I have made the right decision. You know, I just spent a year in a knee brace on the other leg because of a torn meniscus and ACL replacement. I don't even want to THINK about any more surgery. Grrrrrrrr.

Bill - Oh you made me laugh! I WISH I could sneak Mist in! I think they had closing arguments, or whatever you call it, yesterday. I am hoping and praying for the call to be the right one when it comes. It would be the best Christmas gift I ever got if it goes the way it should.

Cecilia - Please don't use "knee surgery" and "ending his long distance running career" in the same sentence.

Cam - Oh no. I'm sending all the prayers and I can summon up for Howard. I'll tell you though, Cam, I think he's pretty amazing. Honest I do.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Cam & Howard I can only imagine the stress he is under. I think back to my grad school days and absolutely can't imagine training for Goofy while facing finals in Dec. I will keep you both in my prayers.

Hey, has anyone tried a V-8? I just downed one of those mini cans (5.5 oz) and looked at the stats: Sodium 420 mg, Potasium 320. Not the kind of stats one would want in an every-day drink, but on a LR? I don't know if it would be too thick going down, though. I might take a can with me on my 20 miler. I am so sick of the Accelerade I mix. Or, maybe just as a post-run electrolyte recovery drink?

 

[plutosmyfav]

Sunny - I concur with your "necebo" theory! Which is why I am totally ignoring Dr. Gorgeous for now. I mean, starting after this post.

Remember Dr. Dumb-dumb? It was just last November that he so "sweetly" told me, "Not everyone was meant to run a marathon...." and proceeded to tell me my (unmentionable body part, like yours) was slightly deformed and wouldn't hold up. Clearly, renaming him Dumb-dumb and ignoring him was the correct solution to the problem

Craig made a good point. My Dad had that surgery last June and had high expectations of being back on the golf course a day or two later. It was nothing like that for him

Sunny

 

[keenercam]

Kim – I am so glad you are here. I totally agree that you might not want to push the running right now. I think any physical activity you get in now is great for you to move toward a more fit body if and when you decide to add some running. I think a lot of the official training plans start at 14 or 16 weeks out from the event, so you have plenty of time between now and then to do “cross-training”. Until I was ready to officially train in July of 2005, I spent a lot of time just walking outside or on the treadmill and LOVED doing the Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds tapes in my basement. I really think those tapes helped me to build up some stamina for when I started training. Enjoy the journey. It is so much fun to watch yourself get healthier!

Judy – Great attitude, chickie! You do your part by being very careful and very positive and we will do our part in praying and/or sending pixiedust and positive vibes : and good WISHes and we’ll see you at the FINISH line!

Sunny – The V-8 sounds like it has great potential. I used a slim-fast recently before a LR and found it did help me not get so hungry so fast and I’m sure it had other good properties, too. Let us know what conclusions you come to about the V-8.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi WISH Team!

Kim, Welcome! It sounds like you have a great plan in place as you build your base for the training to train part of the event. Keep up with your plan and let us know how things are moving for you.

Cam, prayers going for Howard that he can find the peace he needs to get through the tests and everything else he has on his plate. You know, since I've been saying this to everyone anyway, you could tell him, or hey what the heck, I'll tell him...

Howard, you know if you are still of a mind to get on with the event and want to have an awesome fun time, you could play at the back of the pack with me and whomever else will be there. We're going to have such a good time! Going slow isn't such a bad thing. I know we will be having fun! Yes! we will.


Everyone, remember you've been at it a long time now. Don't stress over a few missed training times as you allow your body needed rest if you are hurting. Many of us have developed a good base to support us through these last weeks and if you have to miss here or there, it is ok.

PS to all those not training for the January event. Please don't let our aches and pains scare you away. It's all good. Really though, build your base as you prepare for your event so the last few weeks when the aches do creep in you will have strength to get through. We would like to help in any way. And, please post here to give us encouragement. I would sure like that too.

Thunder, thunder, thunderation!
We're the WISH group delegation.
When we move with determination,
We create a Great! sensation!

more later...

 

[jodistar]

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick post for right now. I have a question....the therapist suggested going to another office location for a conseltation for Orthodics. Are these truly helpful? Or is it (as my husband put it) a scam?

 

[wtpclc]

Hey Everyone,

Just a quick post for right now. I have a question....the therapist suggested going to another office location for a conseltation for Orthodics. Are these truly helpful? Or is it (as my husband put it) a scam?

Jodi - I don't know your case, but I do know orthodics have helped many.

 

[jodistar]

Jodi - I don't know your case, but I do know orthodics have helped many.

Well, right now - - I have tendonitis in my knee but I also always had an overpronation....especially on my right foot, this is why they suggested the orthodics.

I have a feeling what I need but my husband - - thinks that it is a scam.

 

[gatorphipps]

Cam and Howard lots of and to you guys!

Kim! Your plan sounds great!

Sunny - V8...interesting...let me know how it works.

swam 1 hour today and boy am I tired! Just ate everything I could get my hands on and starting to feel better!

 

[Cruella de mom]

Cecilia - WHERE WERE YOU?? We probably could have done our LR together??

I was outside Diamond City or Lead Hill (I can't tell the difference since neither qualifies as a town in this city girls mind) in a state park on the shore of Bull Shoals Lake. At least I think its called Bull Shoals.....

Boy I could really have used your company too!! Dh said I got pretty cranky at about mile 15. Evidently I told him that he and his bike were "annoying me" and would he please stop checking on me. I am thinking " I said please?!"
Thats when he got off his bike and ran with me for a couple miles. He doesn't talk when he runs.

Cecilia

 

[solotraveler]

I am a 27 year old man who just woke up this morning and was forced to pluck THREE grey hairs out of my eyebrows. What, me stressed??

I'm totally going to miss people, but I'll give it a shot....

Judy-- Aww shucks. I think Craig's right.... you can put this off and be just fine. Especially since you had such a good training day today. Just be careful, OK??

Cam-- I kind of imagine that Howard looks a little like me right now. Trust me, I know all about the fun of work/school/training stress. I'm pretty burnt myself right now. He'll be fine with the Goofy, I'm sure.

Kim--

Amy-- I hope you feel better soon!! Take as much time off as you need.

Sunny-- Now, mind you, I am not a fan of V-8 to begin with, but as a mid-run or post-run beverage..... eeeeewwwwwwwwwww!! (Probably has something to do with not being a fan of it, huh??)

Jodi-- Orthotics are certainly no scam, particularly for folks with chronic conditions (bone spurs come to mind). If you are looking for something just for running, you may be able to get away with something bought off the shelf as opposed to going to a podiatrist to get fitted.

OK, so I did get out on Thanksgiving morning and managed to get 13.1 miles in with a time of about 2:06. So, at least I know I can go that far. I was pretty pleased to be honest and the weather was perfect. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were consumed by work, and planned for those to be rest days.

Yesterday I got out in the morning and did a mile in the rain before my Garmin ran totally out of juice (oops). I decided to just head back and not risk having to deal with wet shoes for the rest of the week. In the afternoon I did 45 minutes on the treadmill (4.68 miles), so I got my full mileage in. Today will be 55 minutes and then XT tomorrow before a 9/18 back to back Thursday and Friday.

Is anyone thinking race strategy or goals yet?? I think I've finally settled on a goal of completing the Goofy in 7 hours. That would be about 10:40/mile for the duration, which is competely doable for where I am in my training. I think I am going to pass on trying for a sub-2 half--- I just don't think my training is there yet and I certainly don't want to go into Sunday with my tanks empty. I can't believe it's just 5.5 weeks away-- I'm starting to get excited!

OK, off to do more work--
Happy training all!
Kevin

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Thanks for the all advice on my leg. If something is truly wrong with my quad, then I have no problem resting it or taking some time off, I just don't want to be lazy or a slacker, kwim? This marathon training thing is not for the weak, that's for sure!!

Cecilia--Thanks for the epsom salt reminder. I think I will take a nice long soak tonight!!

Sunny--Stephen drank a can of V8 every day the week before the marathon last January to get his sodium levels up. I don't know if there's a correlation or not, but he never hit the infamous wall during the marathon and felt strong the whole way through. Of course that could have been because of his training as well. I can't stand tomatoes and the smell of V8 alone makes me so I will not be partaking of the V8 this year! By the way, your house looks great! Stephen decided that our Christmas tree in the front window and a wreath on the door will be plenty as he has sworn off ladders until after the marathons.

Kim--Welcome!! Your plan sounds great. Like others have said, you don't need to get serious with training until about 14-16 weeks before the half. Use this time to cross train--build up your muscles and get a base, if you do that, you will be way ahead of the game come Sept/Oct. And if you want to lose weight, focus on that now, as you will not be able to lose a pound once training starts!!!

Howard-- Please take care of yourself!! Whatever decision you make, we'll support you and if you decide to run Goofy, we'll help you across the finish line!!

Jodi--I don't wear orthodics myself, but I don't really think they are a scam as they seem to really help many people. Check with your insurance provider as they might be covered under your policy.

Kevin--I'm 28 and I pluck gray hairs regularly.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Jodi, I was recommended by my podiatrist to use "Powersteps" inserts. He said he liked this brand best. The running store I use has another brand and I am trying them out. These both brands are supposedly just under the customized version. If they don't do the trick for me podiatrist suggested custom orthotics. My ortho recommended a soft insert (thin pad) just under the heel of the orthotic to ease my Achilles tendonitis that should be changed frequently. So far all is still well.

I know that Craig, I think, says wonderful things about custom fit orthotics and his family have converted to custom orthotics. I guess if you've tried inserts and they don't do a thing for you, then I'd go for it. The ohter thing that is coming to mind is if you are in the style of shoe that is correctly fitted to the style of foot you have. I think you've already got past that one though.

Good luck with our "free" sport!

 

[Calcio]

Jodi

If you find someone who is really good the orthotics are definately not a scam.

My DD nearly broke her tibia during freshman lacrosse in high school, due to bad mechanics and tons of running. The orthotics solved her problem and allowed her to play at faster speeds and higher levels through college.

My spouse had horrible ankle problems, also headed towards stress fractures when she began training for Disney. The orthotics allowed her to train and get 2 nice Disney half marathons, pain free.

I would ask around to make sure you are using a true pro. Our source does lots of podiatry work with elite athletes, male and female, professional and amateur, in the Boston area.

Good luck.

Craig

 

[MelRhoads]

My shins were sore so I iced them for 20 min, and I'm getting MelR's left booty pain. I did a lot of hip flexor stretches to try to help.

Dave - are you saying i'm a pain in the booty??

Cecilia - AHHHHH!!! I wish i had known. We were in cotter. I don't think they are very far apart. Cotter is near both bull shoals and norfork lakes!! Next time you are planning on coming, let me know. If i'm visiting my family there, i'll keep you company on a LR.

Did a 9.5 trail run today. Hilly and the booty hurts, but at least it is done. I was thinking about doing the 2 loops again this weekend but one was hard enough for some reason, so i might bike it then run it on sat. Who knows?

 

[princessmomma]

Hey, has anyone tried a V-8?

Oh Sunny, LOVE Spicy V8, I drink it for a few days before a LR and after a LR as well. I really need that sodium. Speeds recover for me!

Cam, oh Howard sounds just like my DH, he too is burning the candle at both ends. DH just got a promotion and he is doing the new job AND his old one because they haven't found a replacement for him yet. He is seriously considering not running Boston in the spring because he is so exhausted at the end of the day to train. The good thing for Howard is that the end will come, I hope it all works out for him.

Judy, so sorry to hear about your knees, good luck with your decision. I would be afraid what they would find in my knees from a MRI.

Ran 9 miles today (really took it easy in 1:45) and I have 18 miles tomorrow for my back to back runs. I had to change up my training plan because I am running a half marathon on December 9th with a bunch of girls (35-45 year old girls that is). Should be fun, we are going to Kiawah Island for the weekend and to run, so I needed to get this set of back to backs out of the way so I can start my 10 day taper for the half.

Colleen

 

[monte]

Sunny I drink an 8oz. glass of V-8 every day, but I get the low sodium....1 8oz. is = to 3 servings of daily veggies. Can't beat that!

So, I finally tried out my YakTracks today and walked about 4.5 miles in the snow...we've gotten about a foot so far. The only problem is that half way through the walk they fell off w/out me knowing it, thank goodness my friend was with me and brought it to my attention. Now I have to find a strap, or something to tie them on with, other than that they work great! I didn't slip, or fall at all.

 

[chimera]

Just 40 min on the TM tonight...just slightly over 3 miles for a 13:12 pace. I'm having a hard time fitting it all in lately...supposed to run yesterday, but couldn't then had to cut it short tonight.

Lots and lots of for all the injuries

Kim... You are officially training to train! I started about this time in 2004 to prepare for the 2006 races. I just worked up from walking occasionally to 3 miles, 4 days weekly by the time the half training started.

Monica...are YakTracks really cool snowshoes?

Jodi...I've been too stubborn to get the orthotics the podiatrist recommended, but I have a couple of patients that swear by them. One told me hers lasted 11 years so that makes the cost a bit more palatable.

Kevin...just wait til there's too many grey hairs to pick out I'm torn between goals...the goal to have a 2:45 PR for the half or the goal to have fun and take lots of pictures with the characters. Last year I was too busy trying to finish to consider stopping for anything.

 

[skfulkers]

Hey guys! I'm out of town for work (again ), so I actually have a few minutes to post.

Kim--welcome!!

Judy-- and good for you on sticking with it. I'm with the others--I think you have nothing to worry about, just take it easy and you should be fine till after the half.

Sunny--yeah, the good ole V8. I absolutely hate the stuff. I used it last year trying to keep my sodium levels up, but I have no idea if it helped or not. Since I was drinking like 12 gallons of water a day the last week before the marathon, I figured I had to do something to get some sodium. Let us know how that works with the LRs. I don't envy you.

Kevin--I've been trying to figure out my strategy for the weekend, too. I've finally decided that I'm going to take it easier on the half (about a minute slower per mile than I plan for the full) and then shoot for a decent time on the full. I was originally going to go for a sub-2 hour half as well, and decided to go for 2:20-2:30 instead. I'm still hoping for a sub-4:30 for the full, but I guess a lot of that will depend on how much I have left in the tank on Sunday morning. Maybe I'll just stay in bed on Sunday and dream about a sub-4:30 full.

Howard--take it easy and don't kill yourself. We're all thinking and praying for you.

Jodi--I guess everyone has already given advice on the orthotics, but I'll give them thumbs up as well. I have the new balance cushioned inserts (about $30 per pair) that I use instead of the standard shoe sock liners, and I love them. I know my mother-in-law has custom orthotics that she wears in her running shoes, and it has helped her immensely.

Mel--you're still biking this late in the season?? I'm jealous. It's getting too cold around here to do much outdoor biking, so I'm stuck with the stationary bike all winter. And I was telling another guy at work yesterday that I could really go for a nice, long ride about right now. How warm is it in Arkansas this time of year?

Not too much else to report. Did 5 miles tonight on the treadmill. It's a high-mileage week for me (45 total including the 10/20 this weekend), so I'm trying to take it easy on the shorter runs to save some energy for the weekend. And I'm stuck walking around a big job site for the next three days. I think I'm going to try to steal the site supervisor's golf cart as much as possible to save the stress on the legs.

Have a good week all, and to those fighting injuries (including my lovely wife)--take it easy, ok? Only 38 days to go...

Steve

 

[Jen117]

ONLY 38 MORE DAYS TO GO??? When you put it like that, it scares me. Why does 5 1/2 weeks sound so much longer???

OK, I did just under 40 minutes on the elliptical tonight. That was all I had time for. I guess I will just have to fit things in when I can. Tomorrow is a rest day...

My poor dog (see earlier posts on diahrea issues) is feeling much better. In fact she was so hungry tonight she ate a frozen piece of broccoli that I dropped. She dive bombed it and tried to knock me over (she is 70 pounds of muscle). I know she will be sad when I tell her that she can't run with me this weekend. Our weather turned nasty and I think I will be doing 120 laps for my 10 miler.

I have been busy posting things on ebay and making more than I thought I would... Yah WDW Spending money!!!! I still need to purchase park passes!

Mel - I am having a hard time fitting the workouts in also. It freaks me out a bit, but then I remember that I just have to make a 16 minute mile. You can do that!!!!

Have a great night all...