Wk of Nov 27--2006 Disney Half-Full Marathon Info/Training

[crzy4pooh]

Thanks so much for all the advice about the training schedule! Here is my plan - do at least 10 on Saturday, hopefully 12, then see how my knee feels. I only missed a 10 mile run last week - the week before I did 17 (supposed to be 16, but got lost...) So, I guess I can figure out my next LR after my knee tells me what it wants to do!

Lynne - I have been looking into the Meek and Mighty Tri since you first mentioned it - I would love to have something before Danskin, and that sounds perfect! I talked to DH a little already, and will hint a few more times... I think the main concern was that it would be the M 'n' M tri, then the Minnie, then the Danskin in three back-to-back weekends... That would be sooooo fun, though!!!

Lisa - YEA for your trip to Hawaii - it sounds awesome!!!

I am still waiting on my packet... Does anyone else still not have one??? I did check on the site, and I'm registered, so I guess I'm still okay!

Great job on all those LR/LW!!! Lots of for those running this weekend!!!

 

[TEK224]

Lisa - Great news about your Hawaii trip. You'll have a great time!

I only got in a 30 minute walk today. My Mom had a medical condition flare up this morning and I had to help with that. She doesn't feel that great right now, but she'll be okay.

Tomorrow is an off-day for me (if you call several home repair projects "off").

I'll be gearing up for 18 on Sunday.

Just about 5 weeks to go! I'm starting to get anxious.

Terri

 

[chersheyb]

Good Morning, I can't believe that next month we will all be achieving our "goal". However I am again doubting myself. I don't know if I can do this. I am registered for the full. Running consistently until my DS2 had surgery, then 2 days later spiked 105.3 and up and down for 4 days 104.5 to 97.1 every 4-6 hours. Rough nights sleeping rough days caring for him had no energy or desire to run let alone leave him while he was feeling so crappy. Everything is fine now ( a little blood work showed high white blood cells and he was fighting a Viral infection, his viral warts did go away after he spiked the fever)

Back to me.. When I started training I found a great schedule to finish in the alloted time, however I am curious to know if any of you would share what you will be doing over the next 35 days to prepare for the FULL marathon. I know this week should be my longest run and then tapering should begin I just want to see what everyone else is doing.

Thank you for you continued support, encouragement, making me believe I can complete this!!

Thank YOu Chersheyb

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

cherseyb--sorry about your son and glad that he is better. The key for you is to do what you can and if it feels too much while he is sick--it is okay to back down a bit. The more fatigued you are--the increased chance of injury. So not running and caring for him was the best thing you could do for both him and yourself .

I can't speak for myself this season as I am doing the half....but the big build up for the next 35 days for my team (and last year at this time for myself)--was getting to that big 20 miler. Thing of the marathon as the dessert of the season. The sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top (or your own favorite decadent dessert). The hard work--for all intents and purposes--is over once you get to your long-long run...in most cases I think that is 20 miles for most here. That is what is important in the next 2-3 weeks. The marathon after that--simply the reward and an experience to be enjoyed and not fretted over.

The next key point--AVOID injury! I think my coach told us once--that lots of injuries can happen towards the end...your very excited, it's almost here, you're a dynamo!!! My injury last season happened on my 20 miler. I did something different that day which didn't seem at all noticibly different and in retrospect had a HUGE impact on why I sustained injury. The injury was many years in the making (since I was pregnant with my oldest). What happened that day? I chose to run with someone on my team b/c I needed a buddy. So we chatted---and chatted and chatted and chatted. Why is this bad? B/c I was trying to keep up with his pace (we had the same net pace....but he's one of those ones that runs out of fuel a la the tortoise--and I'm the slow and steady hare), I was running a smidge faster than usual. And b/c I was chatting--it was too easy to become lax on my form and lose focus. That is what happened with me. I went all season--and then on that last long run...I stopped paying attention. My form "broke" (we have a photo of me at the end and I had poor posture--something that I didn't have all season long). I think that was when my sacrum tipped (diagonosed about 2 months later)--the area was inflamed and swelled over the next 3 days. I had to take about 10 days off of running. But you know what--in the end....it didn't impact me physically for the full. In fact--despite teh later need for physical therapy, I was blessed with my back being pain free for the full. Now I had other issues--but injury was not the cause.

So--between now and that long run--don't lose focus, don't change anything, and get those miles in! And if you do have a set back--just stop! (cease activity if necessary until pain subsides and then sub out cross training). Chances are the set back will heal enough for the race. Mine did.

Between your last long run and the marathon--the big thing is TAPER! You will soon feel like a nervous bundle of energy. Your body wants to work hard--it wants to log those miles....and you must baby it and not give in one little bit! Your body will beg and plead with you! Just say NO! All you are doing in those last 2-3 weeks is maintaining fitness/cardio. The work has been done, there is absolutely nothing--I mean NOTHING that will improve what you can accomplish on race day. But there is lots of things that could happen that will cancel your plans to go to the start line.

So for the next 35 days---divide it into 2 parts....get to that 20 miles!!! And then back off according to your training schedule. LR's cut down drastically. Perhaps throw in a day or two extra a week of cross training (instead of your run) to minimize chance for injury.

And on race day--enjoy the exciting conclusion of all your hard work. It will be the best day of your running career!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Drum roll please......

8 miles.....



97 minutes 40 seconds.....

translates to a 12.4998 mile....which I guess means 12:30 mile pace....and this is with 3:2 intervals per the MFM training schedule.

Let's hear it for the Big Puppy! Bow Wow yippee yow!

ETA: My last run--a 12 miler on the Saturday before surgery (Oct 22) was a 12:49 pace...I think it was 3:2 intervals that day as well. 5 weeks since a run in excess of 4 miles....not too darn shabby.

 

[chimera]

This is probably a dumb question at this point, but I haven't paid close attention to the course for the full until I got my program in the packet. I noticed that mile 24 goes right past BCV where we're staying. If I'm out there around 8 am, will I be able to see most of you that go by? Or would I need to be out earlier?

chersheyb...so sorry to hear about your little one. Glad he's feeling better.

Lisa...great pace! The big dog is back

Cam...you'll do great on the 8!

I'm off to do 6 miles, W3/R2 this am. Going to WDW this evening for the weekend to meet up with my cousins!

Good luck and good pacing to everyone on their LR this weekend!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Mel--you can catch them at two places--walk up to the bridge next to the swan/dolphin as that is where racers will enter the area. They head towards the Yacht and Beach Clubs (they don't actually pass the boardwalk area). You can also catch them on the otherside as they make their way to the back door of EPCOT.

At 8am--you may catch the winner as he is racing towards his finish.

The race concludes at 1pm--so you will catch various wishers between 8 and 1pm.

 

[welovedis]

While I know that I didn't post here much lately, some of you have been asking about my mom, she passed away last night-it was very peaceful and she's now dancing her way around heaven. Thanks for your prayers & support.

My mom's obituary

 

[TXBelle]

Karen- So sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

I have been swamped with work and other things. Tomorrow I hope to get my steps in, then it's 20 miles on the bike on Sunday.

We finally got our race packets! I can't believe the 1/2 is just 4 weeks from tomorrow. We bought our plane tickets this week and reserved a rental car. We are ready to go.

 

[keenercam]

Karen -- I am so sorry for your family's loss. I know how difficult this time is. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

We finally got our race packets! I can't believe the 1/2 is just 4 weeks from tomorrow. We bought our plane tickets this week and reserved a rental car. We are ready to go.

Heather -- I actually gasped when I read this! Don't scare me that way!
The 1/2 is still 5 whole weeks away!!!

Lisa -- I knew you'd be back running with the big ug: in no time! Congratulations, kiddo! You worked hard for this! What an inspiration!

 

[wtpclc]

Karen - I am so sorry anout your mom.

mel - If you want to see me, you'd better sleep in a bit more. I'm thinking btwn 11:45 and 12:30.

MelR - Did I metion wearing a sweatshirt with the bottome rolled up. It helps a lot. COngrats on the 20-miler. You know, somewhere btwn miles 3 and 4 is when I finally get warmed up these days. Sounds like you may be similar. (How scary does that sound??)

Lisa - You are stagin a huge comeback!!! BTW - Ypou've done this before, automatic Big dog status.

c4pooh - If you did 17 a couple weeks about, I think missing the 18 is really not aproblem. Just do what you can.

Lynne - So good to see you around! SOrry about the bummer class!

cherseyb - My top week is not for another 2 weeks. We do 18 this week, 8 next then 20, 10, 8. If you need more info on during the week, let me know.

Cam - You can do the 8! Good lucjk on your pace!!

As far as eating, teh manager at Curves was talking to me about how the first couple weeks that you start and exercise plan, you eat like crazy. Then your body gets used to it and you taper out. Well, we have been building for a long time now, so I don't think our body ever "gets used to it." That may be why eating is such a challenge. I've been down a pound each of the last 2 days.

I've been really watching what I eat for the last few weeks (minus last weekend) and I think it's finally paying off!

Skipped my last 2 runs as it's been icy and my hip has been bothering me a little. Slippery, dark, and hip that gets easily re-injured if I step wrong are a bad combination. I really want it to be good for my 18-miler and at least for that, there will be light. 3-4 inches of snow on the ground right now, so I don't know where we'll be running, but at least I'll be able to see it.

 

[MelRhoads]

Karen - Sorry to hear about your mom. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Chersheyb - I'm doing goofy and using the 3day/week running prog that was in runner's world a few months ago. It is a 16 week program and it has 2 20 mile runs. (i modified it a little to get the back to back runs for goofy) . I just did my first 20 this week. Next week is a step back to 15 and then the week after is a 20. After that, I taper. I'm not using the taper in the the program I've been doing. I'm going to use the hal higdon taper because mine seems like too many miles. Basically, the novice programs I've seen have 1 20 mile run that would happen in 2 more weeks from this weekend and then taper. Maybe you can check out the hal higdon program and see what is scheduled for the remainder of the training. I think mel has a link in the first post!

I'm stiff and a little sore today. I'm thinking the day after goofy is going to be a hard day to explore the parks on foot. maybe we can go to a bunch of shows or something. does anyone have any ideas for attractions that we can do sitting (i think I'm going to open that overwhelming book again and look at the info for WDW and visitors with limited mobility!)

Can't wait to hear about everyone's long runs this weekend

Bree and Christa - GOOD LUCK

 

[solotraveler]

3-4 inches of snow on the ground right now, so I don't know where we'll be running, but at least I'll be able to see it.

This is my problem right now. I am all set to do my 12 miler and I wake up this morning to 6-7 inches of snow on the ground... and still snowing. Sigh. So, I guess my options are to give it a whirl outside and risk slip sliding away, wait a couple days and try it on what already could be a very busy Sunday (Saturday is out), run it here on the indoor track (162 laps)..ugh, or the dreaded TM (double ugh). I don't know what to do.

At least one positive thing about my possible upcoming work trip is that I would be able to run my 8 miler in Alabama, where I am assuming they don't have snow yet.

ANy advice on how to proceed today?
Solotraveler

 

[MelRhoads]

Carrie - Even though I said I didn't want to talk about it, I will say it reminded me of the time I went canoeing on mother's day out in January and we FELL IN THE LAKE. AGhHHHHHH

 

[wtpclc]

MelR - I so hear you about the bath. Sorry to have re-opened that wound. If it didn't help me so much..... FYI - dh and I are doing MGM on Monday so we can mostly do shows. We have the fantasmic dining package at Brown Derby lined up. We rarely do sit downs because we are usually getting in as much as possible, but thought that might be a good thing for Monday. If you want to join us for dinner, let me know. Does the man child do restaurants ok? DH has a way with kids, so just let us know if you're interested.

 

[wtpclc]

Solo - last weekend we took back/subdivision roads, because they were clear enough but the bike path wasn't. That was only 8, though I'm at a loss for this weekend, especially out by you. Maybe I can convince dh to cross train by snow-blowing the bike path tonight?

Football tomorrow? Are you secretely hoping they'll lose so the season will be over?

 

[plutosmyfav]

Karen-- you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

MelR-- You're no longer a WEENIE Great b2b runs. I'm jealous you're done and I'm not!!!!!! I hadn't thought about which park to hit after, MGM is a good idea. Avoid Epcot because it is tons of walking to get around.

Solo-- I hear your pain! I was planning on doing my 20 miler tomorrow but Dx is working. Sunday is forecasted for snow, so I am taking time off today to do it at noon. This is scarey because I am not mentally prepared, this was a decision on a whim. I also don't know if I've eaten properly since I don't normally do LRs mid-day. Hope it goes well.

Cam-- I can't wait to hear about the 8! Go for it!

Lisa-- Woo Hoo you're back in action Great job!

Carrie & MelR-- I often think I can't make it around 3-4 miles and then feel invincible around 5-10 miles, then start the mind games thereafter. I think its important to be aware of so we don't panic if we feel lousy at 3 or 4 on race day.

Happy LRs everyone. Stay warm and don't slip

Sunny

 

[msblrobs]

Karen - so very sorry to hear about your mom.

Chersheyb - you CAN do it!! Keep positive and stay injury free.

Runs are going well, although I am beat this week. I have 10 miles to do tomorrow and 20 miles on Sunday. My enthusiasm hasn't waned, but I will admit I'll be happy once my last scheduled 20 milers are behind me.

Best of luck to all on their LR's this weekend. Everyone sounds like they're hanging in there. The reward for all of the hard work is nearly here

Still no packet for me!!

 

[Jodi]

Karen - So sorry to hear about your loss.

Some injuries seem to be popping up here & there for people, be careful. I have a question about mine, & my training.

Yesterday was a sched. 50 min. run, but opted for the ArcTrainer (like an elliptical) @ the gym instead, to give my knees a break. They're still painful, but I've just been training through it. Last night (like most nights) there's a shooting pain in my knees that wakes me up out of my sleep. The pain runs from above my knee to half way down my shin. It disappear as fast as it appears, real weird. Nothing takes the edge off. I'm wondering if some muscle above or below is spasming & just pulling @ my knee joints. I ice, heat, blah blah blah. Anyone else have this kind of pain?

But I digress, my question is this: Do you think it'd be alright from here on in to take that Thurs. 50min. run & CT instead? I want my knees to be 100% for the LRs on each Sat. from here on in. This week it's 8, then 6, then 10, then 8, then taper. Should I be ok skipping that 1 run a week & CT instead? Or do I need to get the miles in? Don't forget, I'm only doing the 1/2. Any input would be appreciated.

Solo- Put the headphones on & go to the indoor track. Don't risk getting hurt out there, & forget the TM!!!

Good luck w/ the LRs this weekend everyone!! Be safe

 

[chimera]

Karen...

I am pretty pleased with this morning's outing...6.05 miles in 1:22:31. That's a 13:38 pace. I got to train in layers since it was cold this morning I ended up leaving my sweatshirt on a bush at about 2.5 miles cause it was driving me nuts around my waist. Picked it up on the way back...is that bizarre?

I'm excited that I'll be able to see y'all running the full as you go past BCV! We're leaving that day so I'm not sure how long I can stay, but I think I'll get to see most of you!

Carrie...whatever you need with the shirts, let me know! I'm happy to help.

Have a good weekend and great LRs!