Exercise! - Cool Runners - October

Hello everyone, I thought I'd start the new monthly thread.

I had a good run this evening with running club, it was pretty short because a lot of people raced yesterday, but I kept it pretty fast which was what I needed after doing the half slowly yesterday. I was really surprised this morning how fresh my legs felt - usually they let me know even if I walk 13, so to run/jog a half and not feel it at all felt pretty good!

I realised this morning that I'm meant to be tapering now, but depending whether I need to visit my grandmother at the weekend, I'm more and more tempted to do one more longish run before scaling back, but I might cut back my mileage a bit during the week to compensate, so my overall mileage does go down to about 75% of normal, even if my long run isn't much shorter. Decisions decisions.

I have not been posting here much because my progress has been regress. I wasn't enjoying it like I did earlier. The triumphs seemed far apart. I started C25K in June, but I was not too dedicated. The first six weeks, I was fine, then I lost interest. Why kill myself when I can do 40 minutes on the elliptical, burn as many calories and not feel like my lungs are going to explode?

Tonight, finally, after 4 freakin' months, I did it!! 30 in a row.

I am a runner.

Helen, whatever you decide about your taper, I'm sure your body will handle it -- you running queen, you!!

onthetee -- yay you!!! That's fantastic!! :cheer2:

I did a tough track workout with the kids tonight, where we alternate sprints and recovery jogs for 25 minutes. You don't get much recovery between sprints, so it pretty much kills you. Then I walked the cross country course with my husband to mark it for our home meet. I'm TIRED!

I am thinking next time I will taper less. I didnt respond well and it occurs to me that ALL of my PR's have been on tired legs. I'll see sunday! I was reading the RW article and that is kind of how I feel now, sluggish, not revived.

October! Where does the time go.

onthetee - Way to go, that is awesome!

I've been plugging along. Joined the YMCA over the weekend so I am super excited about that. I'll be doing other cardio in addition to running now (spin, elliptical, swimming, etc) so I think I'll just hang out where I am with the mileage while I'm adding new stuff in. The cross training should be good for my cardio endurance. Plus I plan to get back to weight training and yoga with more regularity. May give pilates a go again, after begin a yoga nut for a while I found that pilates was not as much to my liking, but maybe a new class and new instructor will do something for me.

Now that I have treadmills available I decided to see if I could knock out a 9 min mile, and I did :) It felt like I was pushing and I definitely couldn't do much more than a mile at that pace right now, but I was still pretty impressed. My fastest 5k has me at a 10 min mile pace.

I just found out about a 5k for homecoming at the UW here, might sign up for that. I’ll have to keep my football partying in check the day before though. :p

Hope everyone is having a good week.

3.25 miles for me today... feeling like I am finally getting back into running properly :)

Good for you tee - it's so hard to resume something once we slip, so well done!!

Everyone else, have a great day!

Heather :D

Netball, cycling and weights for me today, my trainee said to me at lunch time "you do realise you're meant to do less during the taper, don't you..." the netball was only 20 minutes though, and not too strenuous, but I will probably only do the normal length run tomorrow rather than adding a few extra miles before the start.

Hello again. Greetings from the land of the lazy, excuse giving, fell off the wagon world! Wow what a waste of two weeks! But I am back, and the past two days have been SO MUCH BETTER!

Funny story. I hurt my back last week, so I sat out for a week. Finally, after I couldn't take it anymore I called the dr. who didn't have any appts. So I decided to walk on my treadmill just to get my legs moving before they atrophied :) I get on there and it was like my back started to unknot, so I started to run and the spine jiggling almost completely undid all my pain! Moral of story, sitting on your butt apparently hurts me more than running does!

Ran 1 miles yesterday at 12:30 pace and today I ran 1.25 miles at a 12:00 pace. I could have gone faster or longer but I think I am going to try the 2 on 1 off approach and add in a 1/4 mile each day now that I feel good. Still trying to work up to 5k. I also did weight training today for the first time in 2 months *blush* and man that makes all the difference. I am going to start going back to the gym 2-3 times a week and the other days I'll use my treadmill.

I am moving at the end of the month onto post (where the gym is) and I will be adding in some water exercise then. I'm pretty excited to be back on track!

Yay for being back on track, Heather and cakses!! :cheer2:

I ran 2.5 miles tonight with my team. Felt pretty good, even though I almost tripped and fell on several roots in the woods. Cross country running is scary sometimes!!

Ennay, put down the Runner's World article, it will only mess with your mind (I should know:))

Ran my short little 3 miles today - at least with the shorter mileage, it's easy to get up and get it done first thing in the morning.

Cakses and Heather, very glad to hear you're back on track. And onthetee - a big WOOHOO :carrot: to you for reaching the 30 minute mark!

Now, I just need to figure out what to pack for the weekend - at this point, I'm considering bringing so much that it may be easier to figure out what I'm not taking! At least I know that the only truly critical items are the shoes and the running bra (both of which are going into the carry on luggage)...everything else is replaceable in a pinch.

Thanks everyone - I'm going to arrogantly speak for Cat here as well as myself: THANK YOU for all your support - it's great to be back to it! :lol3:

Cat - feel free to :kickbutt:!

Heather :D

BTW Rachel...take what I sent you about the pace calculator with a grain of salt. I am just now starting to fit the normal curve. Before I got pg I was much slower on short distances than predicted and much faster on long distances than predicted. I had a nearly flat pace curve.

It would be very hard to pack for this weekend...even I dont know what I am wearing to race yet.

I did one of my least favourite running club routes today, it's 7.2 miles and has a couple of really evil hills. Still, I got round it OK, but I'm glad to have got it out of the way for another month or so. still trying to work out my running plans for the rest of the week, I don't know whether I'll have to go to see my grandmother in hospital, or whether my sister and her fiance are intending to come to stay with me, so it's all a bit up in the air. I hate not being able to plan when I'm going to run.

I hate not being able to plan when I'm going to run.


I might be wrong, but I am guessing you do not have a two year old....

Today is a walk day, and I am not as sore as I thought I would be after 2 days of running, so I am guessing the lifting is helping. Tomorrow I will attempt 1.5 miles and I think I should make this just fine. I seem to do better at the gym - I push myself a little harder than when I am at home and no one can see me :)

I have 9 months until my hubby comes home for leave, so I am hoping to be as svelte as possible, and I can't wait to take him for a run and be able to keep up or at least hold my own for a bit!!!

I might be wrong, but I am guessing you do not have a two year old....

:rofl:

Another 3.25 miles for me today - that's the first time back to one day off between runs in weeks; feels good... a little sore, but good! :lol3:

Heather :D

Arms....What do you do with yours?

I saw a woman running today that looked like she was throwing round house punches. I always try to use mine to propel me forward. I try to keep my shoulders square and not take my energy side to side in anyway.

Did the runner I saw today know something I don't? It just seemed like she was wasting power.

Arms....What do you do with yours?

I saw a woman running today that looked like she was throwing round house punches. I always try to use mine to propel me forward. I try to keep my shoulders square and not take my energy side to side in anyway.

Did the runner I saw today know something I don't? It just seemed like she was wasting power.

Well, my left arm is holding the dog's leash and constantly tugging at him to stay at my side rather than in front of me (so I don't trip on him). My right arm hold my flashlight (I run at 5 AM).

I might be wrong, but I am guessing you do not have a two year old....

You're right there, and to be honest I'm not likely to acquire one either...

I've just got my info through for Amsterdam and starting to get a bit twitchy about it. I know that I should be OK to do both Amsterdam and New York, but I'm worried about going into Amsterdam if my mind is thinking I'll ease off to preserve myself - if I'm not prepared to push myself should I be running it at all? I can switch to the half right up to the day of the race, but I'm still a bit undecided.

I'm planning to run into work tomorrow, with the comparative lack of running I've done over the past week or so I'm hoping not to get too carried away because I'm meant to be doing a longish one on Saturday, other people's plans willing.

Arms...I try not to do too much with them... I shake them out everyonce in a while to relax them. I try not to have them using any energy or tension. The only thing I can guess is maybe she was trying to get an upperbody toning thing in at the same time? Save your time and go do pushups after.

Helen - which race matters more to you? NY? I have a good friend who quite often runs marathons during her training for a marathon. She sees it as an opportunity to do a long run with full support. BUT she would not taper leading up to the first one, she would just treat it as a long run. Long run pace (well truthfully she probably goes out harder than most long runs, but not quite marathon pace...maybe 20-30 seconds per mile slower). I dont think there is anything wrong with doing the distance, but RACING both could be a problem.

I cant remember...are you pacing someone in NY? Will NY be able to BE a race for you?

No, NY won't be a race for me, but I'll have to be alert the whole way round because I'm guide running a wheelchair again and need to be able to shout at other runners and make sure they don't get trampled underfoot. It should be OK, but I think it's my head trying to talk me out of it more than that my body isn't capable of it. I'll see how I feel on the day I suppose.

Re arms or any gait or stance issue, I'm on the "don't fix what's not broken" bench. Even among professional runners there's no one right way to hold ones body-- look at how different even the best distance runners look from one another.

Well I did a 1.5 mile run today, the longest one since getting hurt. sped up in the middle sort of do get it done faster, so the first 1/2 mile was 12 min pace, the middle 1/2 mile was 10:30 pace and the last 1/2 mile was 12 min pace again. It felt pretty good and it was easier to sort of divide it into 3 sections and focus on each of those instead of wondering how much longer I was going to last. I find I am more comfortable at the 10:30 pace because I can really stretch my legs out and run, but I can't keep it up for long yet. The 12 minute pace I can do for a lot longer but it's like a fast jog and sometimes I trip :) I am a klutz!

Did weights again today and that is truly helping with my soreness issues. My hip is still a bit sore, but way less bothersome than it has been in the past. I think I am going to keep this running schedule for October and see how it works.

Well, I haven't been able to run since Tuesday because of really long after-school things, and the same will be true tomorrow. I can't wait to run Saturday -- I'm itching for it.

As for the arms question, my husband and I are really big on getting our cross country runners to make sure they're not crossing them in front of their bodies at all. They should be slightly bent and hanging loosely at the sides, but if you're crossing them in front you're wasting energy. Our girls tend to do that, especially during hill sprints. You definitely have to pump them a little to get up hills, but front and back, not side to side in front of you - that's inefficient.

Hi ladies - stopping by for one last post before the Portland marathon. I spent tonight packing like a fiend - I think I've packed running apparel and play apparel for all weather conditions known to mankind. As to the race itself, I am feeling a combination of excitement, nerves, and all-around just feeling ready to have the big day arrive. Ennay, I am really looking forward to seeing you Saturday at the expo. As for the rest of you, you'll have to wait to hear from me again until I get back to Chicago.

I'll be sure to post a full race report when I get back to Chicago. But, just want to say a big THANK YOU in advance to everyone who posts here, it's been so nice to have a group like this to come and visit for advice, inspiration and shared experiences. I'll catch up with you all next week!

Rachel, I'm so excited for you!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!

And I'm jealous that you and ennay get to meet! I'd love to meet you guys one day!

Good luck Rachel - thinking of you!! :cheer:

HAve a good flight Rachel and I will see you tomorrow!

I think we will have a damp cool run. BUT if you were staying in chicago it would be unbearably HOT for a marathon so its really better here! (see how I try to psych myself up for a marathon in the rain)

I can not believe it is only 2 more days:o...did my last run this morning.

Rachel and ennay - Good luck!

cakses - Good to hear your getting back on track and healing up.

I try to keep my arms pretty lose when I run, I only really use them to propel me when going up hills. I do hold the dog leash in one hand but he's pretty good at keeping pace with me (unless there is something he just HAS to stop and smell) so I don't usually have to spend too much energy on that.

alinnell - It's very dark out when I run in the am now (also at 5) but I can't stand to hold things or have my hands actively occupied while running. Is it a regular flashlight, or is there some kind of flashlight that attaches to your forearm or something? I was thinking maybe I should get one of those lights you strap to your head, like spelunkers wear.

Perfectly average 3.5 this morning. Flying out for the weekend so no running till I get back, maybe Monday if I'm not dead tired.

Ennay and Rachael, that is so cool that ya'll are meeting up! Rachael, good luck to you in your marathon, I know you will do great and I can't wait to hear all about it! :)

Cakses, glad that you are doing so well, sounds like you are well recovered! I know what you mean about breaking it up.

Onthetee, my arms are on my stroller handle lol. Well, not my arms, my hands, but there you go. I will try to notice what I do without the stroller in a couple of days.

I wanted to see how far I can run in the amount of time I usually run. I don't know how long the track is that normally run at, so I usually just time it and don't worry about it. But I have a 5k coming up at the end of the month and was wondering how long it took me to run a mile. I timed it today on a different track(with stroller) at 12 1/2 minutes...I'm assuming I'll go faster without the baby. I did 1.5 miles today. I could've done a little more, but I was pressed for time.

Good luck to both of you!

I'm planning to do just one more long run today and then I really will start to cut back before Amsterdam, I'll be back later no doubt with an update on how it went.

Right, I'm officially tapering now with another long run under my belt - just under 22 miles. It's a bit longer than they advise two weeks before, but I took it fairly steady and hopefully won't have any ill effects. I decided that my main problem is confidence rather than freshness, so I wanted to get a morale boosting run under my belt, as the confidence will probably get me through the last part of the mara better than having slightly fresher legs. Because of various factors my last three long runs before this had been 17, 17 and 13. Adequate, but not really giving me the belief that I can carry on past 20 which has always been my stumbling block. So I decided that today's goal was to get past that marker to remind me that I can do it. The pay off is that I'm planning a sharper taper than usual as I've got more to recover from.

Hello,
I'm wondering if any of the "Cool Runners" here are members of the Cool Running website? Maybe that's the basis for the name of this thread. I've registered because I plan to start the C25K program in November. They have a thread specifically for people that are runners and doing WW which is great because I'm doing WW. I've been reading some of the posts here and there on Cool Runnings and the "experts" say "run for fitness and diet for weightloss". This was in response to a poster doing the C25K for 5 weeks and not losing wt. One person basically said you will not lose weight running. The responses were interesting bc many assumed the poster was relying soley on running to lose and not watching her diet. I think that's a weird jump to make. Anyways all that to ask what do you think about the "run for fitness and diet for weighloss"? I'm asking because initially when I start the C25K program that's all the exercise I will do. I may determine it will be the only exercise I will do for the duration because I'm self aware. Meaning if I try to do too much I will burn out and not exercise at all. That's where I'm at now ,not exercising, and I don't want to keep returning there. Its become a never ending cycle.

Not sure how I feel about that phrase... I think there must be some truth in it, but they certainly work together. I doubt I would lose a whole lot of weight, and not steadily, if I relied solely on running. On the other hand, I started running to enhance my weight loss, after about 10 weeks, and it has certainly helped A LOT! I do strength training too - and the combination of diet, cardio and strength is the winner for me, for sure. :)

What's everyone else think?

Heather :D

Oh ennay, something else I remembered. My running magazine this month had an article in it about the Hood to Coast thing, I hadn't realised what it involves, it looks like a fantastic experience!

Good luck ladies on your marathon today in Portland! It's nice and cool up here in Olympia, so I am guessing you guys will be cool as well.

I didn't lose any weight for the first couple of weeks on C25K, but man did I lose inches galore. I also wasn't dieting properly (I was doing one extreme or the other, 1200 cals which wasn't enough or eating like an idiot). But now that I am focusing on what I am eating and portions of that food, the weight is coming off as well as the inches. I started C25K in July, and to date I have lost 13 pounds and 25 inches overall. So running works!

Oh ennay, something else I remembered. My running magazine this month had an article in it about the Hood to Coast thing, I hadn't realised what it involves, it looks like a fantastic experience!

It is...and completely crazy! I think more than the marathon it made me feel like a runner.

Cakses - thanks! Marathon is tomorrow, today would have been perfect as it is cool and cloudy but NOT rainy. At this time tomorrow if all is going well I should be more than halfway done!

So from all the books on what to do the day before the marathon: "Rest, take it easy, you may be tempted to do some extra sightseeing or chores, dont!"

Reality: dh went off for a 4 hour bikeride, dd had her first accident in months requiring a change of bedding and ds has been screaming non stop since 5 am.

Hmmm....something tells me that is not "optimum"

Helen - good run, I dont think I'll do a 3 week taper again, all I did was gain weight and I dont feel any more rested, I feel off my game. I am also not going to try carbo loading again. All of my attempts to shift my diet to a 60-70% carbs resulted in binge fest 2007. I feel like I am MORE hungry and need more food to sustain my activity the last few weeks. Like I used to be able to do 10 without fuel, now I feel the need for something.

I'm glad I am doing a shorter taper. At least I have a reason and a theory in my head for why I'm doing what I'm doing, based on what I feel like I need. If it doesn't work, I won't do it again, but I hate slavishly following a plan (e.g. the three week taper) if I'm not sure it's actually what will work for me physically and psychologically.

The first mara I did, the carb loading went badly wrong. A load of people were suggesting various high GI type carbs, I went mad on them because they were things I hadn't eaten for ages before that, and then found that they were too sugary and I couldn't really stomach them. The second time I was a lot more restrained and it seemed to work a lot better.

Good luck again!

Yeah thats what happened to me...I feel sick from the extra carbs and bloated. I was just trying to shift my diet a little, but it really didnt work for me. Hopefully I didnt screw myself up too badly. I went from really confident 2 weeks ago to pretty shaky today. I know I can finish, but I dont feel strong.

keep it going

Wow I can't wait until I can even contemplate doing a marathon. I know you ladies will do awesome!

Going running with the pooch later on, should be fun to have a little break from the baby and the house.

Running lets me eat without putting weight back on, but I do find that eating is the more important component of losing in the first place.

A 150-pound person burns around 100 calories a mile running. That's not all that much when you think about how far a beginning runner runs.

Hello,
I'm wondering if any of the "Cool Runners" here are members of the Cool Running website? Maybe that's the basis for the name of this thread. I've registered because I plan to start the C25K program in November. They have a thread specifically for people that are runners and doing WW which is great because I'm doing WW. I've been reading some of the posts here and there on Cool Runnings and the "experts" say "run for fitness and diet for weightloss". This was in response to a poster doing the C25K for 5 weeks and not losing wt. One person basically said you will not lose weight running. The responses were interesting bc many assumed the poster was relying soley on running to lose and not watching her diet. I think that's a weird jump to make. Anyways all that to ask what do you think about the "run for fitness and diet for weighloss"? I'm asking because initially when I start the C25K program that's all the exercise I will do. I may determine it will be the only exercise I will do for the duration because I'm self aware. Meaning if I try to do too much I will burn out and not exercise at all. That's where I'm at now ,not exercising, and I don't want to keep returning there. Its become a never ending cycle.

I think there is a lot of truth in it...not that you will eat junk, but that relying solely on exercise (ANY kind of exercise) for weightloss is typically not successful. For one, if you are not ALSO dieting (read as "paying attention to what you are eating and how much"), you are likely to slightly increase your caloric intake when exercising.

Both is best, but dieting is crucial for weight loss. Many people find that exercise, in addition to helping you to lose fat instead of muscle, helps them be in a better mindset and feel better...all of which helps dieting.

Over time exercise will boost your metabolism, but the effects are small compared to the effect you can have with the food you eat.

Running lets me eat without putting weight back on, but I do find that eating is the more important component of losing in the first place.

A 150-pound person burns around 100 calories a mile running. That's not all that much when you think about how far a beginning runner runs.

But those numbers are based on 150-pound people who are used to running. I can tell you that the first time I ran 10 minutes and for me to run 10 minutes now, at the same weight, were very different. I was not as efficient as I am today. I would bet that in the beginning, I burned 20% more calories for whatever I ran than I do now. The first minute I ran vs. a minute of running now...night and day.

As for the question about the original quote...
I think it is naive to believe that running, or any exercise, does not have an impact on metabolism, blood sugar processing and maintaining a good chemical balance for weight loss. For me, I eat what I eat, and I exercise what I exercise. I don't up my calories on days that I work out. I don't lose weight if I overeat, even if I hit the gym 6 times a week. I don't lose weight if I eat like a bird and do it from my couch.

After not being able to fit in a run for the last three days, I finally got out there and ran 5 miles today. It felt soooo good! I kept a decent pace (average 10:19) throughout and I was quite comfortable, especially for the last 2 1/2 miles. I'm hoping to get in a 10 miler tomorrow.

The last 10 pounds I've lost have made a difference in my running, I think. I feel MUCH lighter and it's easier to pick up my pace now. It's weird that I didn't notice that much of a change until the last 10 of my 110!! I mean, I DID, of course, but I can really tell now. It's like my body was waiting to get down to this weight before it would become really efficient or something.

Lisa, that is great that you feel so much lighter. I always wonder if it will be easier once I lose more weight. I haven't noticed a difference in the last 10 pounds I've lost, but I'm sure it will come.

I didn't get to go for my run today, probably tomorrow *grumble*

Thanks everyone for the input. I really appreciate the information you provided. I definitely plan to monitor my eating. I will continue with WW Flex Points. In addition to that I will do the C25K plan. A combination of diet and exercise. My concern was relying soley on running and diet. I will incorporate weight training/resistance training (stability ball, dumbells, dynabands, body weight) after a month of C25K and a little further on into the program yoga and/or pilates.

I have noticed that my weight is higher than all of you. I'm also shorter than everyone. Did any of you start running at the higher end of your weight?

Met Rachel! She is a tiny thing! Well to bed, perchance to sleep:)

I did indeed start running at the higher end of my weight. I attempted a 1 mile race right at the very top end, which was what persuaded me to join a gym in the first place, I did my first 5k at about 220lb, having lost 40lb while training for it, and took things from there increasing distances as my weight went down.

Thinking of our ladies in Oregon! I hope all is well!

Edited to add...duh, they are three time zones away from me....

Good luck on the marathon today ladies, now that I have the right day!!!

I believe Heather started running arouns 220-230lbs for the person who asked about higher weight. I started at 220lbs as well. It can be done, just with care for the joints so that you don't hurt yourself.

Cat's right - actually, I was a bit heavier than that: about 240lbs when I started the C25K first week in June.

Had a good run today - another 3.25 miles, but with hills, and WITHOUT a knee brace :)

Hope all is going well for you girls, those running marathons AND everyone else!! Chat soon -
Heather :D

Thanks again for the input ladies. I am looking forward to starting soon and reporting my progress here. My new sportsbra should be here sometime this week. If I like it I will order a few more.

Back...4:02:53 - very happy with my time, but I now know what the WALL is. I hit it hard. I will give a full report later. But at this point I think 1/2 mary's are just LOVELY :lol:

The finish area was a zoo and I never did find Rachel, but I looked up her time and she did very well, but that is her race report, so I wont bogart it.

Wow, I'm in awe of both of you! That's a great time, congrats! Can't wait to hear the whole story.

Didn't manage to get my 10 miles in today because I got up late and then it was crazy hot (when is fall weather going to get here???) So I managed to squeeze in 7 miles before it got dark, barely. Felt really good, though.

More importantly, however -- woooooohooooo, ennay!! :cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: What a fantastic time! I can't wait to hear full reports from both you and Rachel! I'm so proud of both of you! :hat:

Yippee for our women in Oregon! Who knew I would be so proud of two people I have never met!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/07/chicago.marathon.ap/index.html

Oh that is awful. Heat is so much more dangerous than people realize.

Congratulations on the marathon! Saw several people limping in the downtown area this afternoon. :) That was quite the finish for the first place woman. Absolutely perfect weather, wasn't it?

That was terrible about the Chicago Marathon...so sad :(

Pre-Race: Not an auspicious beginning. I woke up at 3 with a pinched nerve in my back, ds woke up at 3:30 so I nursed him even though I said I wasnt going to. Ran in to a laundry basket in the dark and scraped up my shin. They didnt have bag check set up in time for me to get in any warmup and then I barely squeezed in to the wave with the 4 hr pace team.

Miles 1-3 9:41, 9:08, 9:09
My original plan was to stick with the pace team until after the bridge (mile 18). The pace leaders say they are going to run an even pace as much as possible, so I thought that would keep me from going out too fast. It didnt work out well. I was considerably behind the pace team at the start so I started out a bit fast to try to catch them. But they kept pulling away, every time I tried to run with them they were running 8:30's. Thats when I realized they were trying to make up the 2 minutes of gun time.

Miles 4-6 8:43, ~8:40, ~8:40 (missed mile 5 marker)
Lacking a pace team I was trying to stay at ~ 9 minute miles which was probably a bit fast. I seem to be able to run 8:45 or 9:15 but have a hard time running 9:00. At the 6 mile mark I was right on a 9 min pace avg. I figured if they settled in to their pace, I should catch the pace team at about 16 miles.

7-13 8:50, 9:09 9:22, 9:10 8:59, 9:09 9:00
I did a really nice job with pacing through here. Got hung up a bit at a water stop, but otherwise smooth. Noted as I cross the 1/2 marathon mark that I have made up the 2 minutes of gun time, so why is the pace team still ahead of me by a lot? Gu at 7 1/2. Hip flexors are cramping a bit, but that isnt uncommon, did wish I had done a warmup.

Can see the St. Johns bridge looming in the distance

14-18 8:56, 9:07, 9:12 9:17, 9:40
Gu at 14 This stretch you can see the bridge the entire way, just growing and taunting you by being so far overhead and you know you have to cross it. In mile 16 I catch the pace team, but they are running slower now. At the 1/2 they switched pace leaders and the new leaders are trying to lower the pace to bring them back in to target. It is too crowded so I pass and go on. And then the hill starts. The climb to the bridge is a serious hill. I slow to about 11 min miles for part of it, but once we are on the bridge I feel good and climb the span pretty smoothly. I am feeling good but a bit hungry.

19 - 23 9:22, 9:29 9:05 9:57
I start struggling suddenly. It really was 1 minute ok, next minute everything hurts. I gu at about 18 1/2 and push through. Try a bit of banana but tummy rebels. At 20 I take a deep breath and say...only a 10K to go...suck it up. 9:05...good girl...and then the wall hits hard. It is all I can do to maintain a run. The pace team catches me and passes me.

24-end 8:58, 9:42, 12:04(10:03 pace)
Mile 24 is almost all downhill and I still struggle to maintain pace, I add it up and realize that 4 hours will take sub 9's. For a brief moment I try. Really hard. And then I realize that I am thrashing and not going any faster, in fact I am slowing down more by pushing harder. I give up 4 hour goal and relax and feel a bit better. I decide to push for 4:03. The last mile is brutal, every step I want to stop. I start looking for dh and then realize it is wasting energy. He has a loud voice let him find me. I turn up the last hill and hear him and manage a smile. He tells me I am flying. My watch disagrees. But I slog across the line at 4:02:53 chip/watch time

Post Race: If there is anything worse than hitting the wall it is stopping. My whole body cramped and I had to hang on to a bar while they clipped my chip. I went and got grapes and chocolate milk, nothing else was appealing. Couldnt stop or I would collapse. The end was really packed and I was getting dizzy and claustrophobic ( i dont do well in crowds) and panicky looking for the bag drop for my clothes and phone. I actually would have stopped at a med tent if I could find one. My nose went numb. I think I was hyperventilating. They never got the bags moved to where they were supposed to be and it took me almost 20 minutes to find it as none of the volunteers seemed to know where it was either. I dont know if it was the panic or the food finally kicked in but as soon as I pulled on my clothes, I started feeling better. Called dh, got my official time and went to lunch at the nearest restaurant.

Other than my hip flexors I think I will be ok in a few days. Quads are pretty sore but that is purely muscle ache

I am really pleased. My original goal for Portland was to get back to where I was when I sprained my ankle training for Tucson right before I got pg. At that point I was looking at ~ a 4:20-4:30 marathon so I think that is not bad for a rebound year post pregnancy. :D

Wow, ennay - that's amazing - and thank you for posting all that info... I even know what most of it means! :lol3: I honestly cannot even fathom running a marathon - that's truly fantastic!! :yes:

Can't wait to hear Rachel's take, too!

Heather :D

Truly amazing Ennay, I am so impressed. I can only hope to do as well one day.

Well done ennay! (And Rachel too, for when you get back and fill us in how how your race went ;) )

I did 7 miles this evening, I wasn't sure how my legs had recovered from Saturday's long effort, but they seemed OK. It feels really wierd cutting down now, the stupid thing is I've been looking forward to tapering for ages but now I'm trying to work out what I can do with the time I'm not going to spend running (and hitting myself if the thought of spending it cycling crosses my mind...)

Thanks for the report, ennay -- I really enjoyed reading that, and I'm so proud of you!!

I did a tough hill workout with the cross country team today in the icky heat. Only 2.7 miles, but tough, tough, tough. Got home and weighed in at 163 - I think I sweated off another 2 pounds today.

Hi everyone - I'm back, and here with my race report! I finished in 4:45, which I'm thrilled with! I'm just going to paste in the email I sent out to my friends and family today, so some of it might not make sense to you and it's a bit long - but I'm sure you can follow through it. Ennay, glad to hear it went well for you - it was so nice to get a chance to say hello in person! (and you made my race report, as you'll see further on). I've come home to Chicago to hear absolute horror stories about what happened here this weekend, so I am so incredibly grateful that my first marathon wasn't here. The organizers had the nerve today to get on the news and talk about how well they adapted to the weather conditions - don't know how they have the guts to say that when from what I've heard, there was a serious lack of water and gatorade at the aid stations, and medical treatment was pretty iffy if you weren't in total distress. The only good stories I've heard was how people in the neighborhoods jumped in with hoses, water from their homes, access to cell phones, etc. to help runners in distress. Anyway...on to my report of a more pleasant marathon experience:

This weekend I ran in the Portland marathon, and since I’m also approaching another birthday soon, I’ve been reflecting a lot about this past year, and how fortunate I am to have people like you in my corner. Two quotes have been rolling around in my mind all week. One is from one of my favorite columnists from Runners World (John “the Penguin” Bingham, who was himself a “late onset” runner): “The miracle is not that I was able to cross the finish line, the miracle is that I had the courage to start”. A lot of that courage for me came from having the love and support from my friends and family over this last year (and for that matter, during my first 40 years too), so for that, I thank you. You will never know how much your encouragement has meant to me. This past week has really brought that home to me, as so many of you have reached out to offer words of advice, and to wish me well in the race. Even before hitting the first step of the race, the experience has been truly wonderful, and I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity to appreciate the people in my life. You were all in my thoughts throughout the day.

The other quote is a line from an Emily Dickenson poem, “Dwell in possibility”. This has been a big part of what has made my 40th year a milestone year in my life…between discovering a long distance runner within me, starting a job that I actually enjoy, and traveling to India (and soon to Antarctica), it really has been a year of discovery about who I am, and realizing that if I’m not happy with things in my life, the possibility to change them lies within, and the time to do it is now. Anyway, enough mushy stuff, I’ll move on to the race report. If you’re not interested, do not feel obligated to read it, but for those of you who have expressed interest, this is a blow-by-blow account of how it went.

Mile 0 – 2: I’m up like a shot at 4:30 this morning, very excited to finally have race day here. At 6:30, Sara drops me off downtown a few blocks from the starting area, and I join the stream of 7,500 runners headed to the starting corrals (and yes, corral is the right word, I do feel like part of a herd of cattle). Everyone is in good spirits, chatting and excited. I meet several other out of towners, including a woman from Denver who says the rest of her running club is running the Chicago marathon today. We congratulate ourselves on coming to Portland instead – the forecast for Chicago is 88 and humid. Here, it’s about 55 degrees and slightly overcast, ideal weather for a marathon. I line up behind the 4:45 pace sign since I’m hoping to finish in under 5 hours, and I think I might be able to do even a little better than that. At 7:00, the first group of runners starts…it takes a little while for the wave start to bring my group over the starting line, but we are soon underway. The first stretch is crowded, but not as bad as the Chicago half marathon I did a few weeks back, and within half a mile, I’m able to comfortably set a pace. I start out at what feels like a nice easy pace, then check my ipod - ack! I’ve started at 8:48 per mile…given that my fastest mile to date is 8:40, this is way too fast. Amazing what a little adrenaline and anticipation can do. So, I quickly rein myself in and slow it down. I chuck the long sleeved t-shirt I was wearing to keep warm by mile 1.5 – one less PeopleSoft remnant in the wardrobe. The tank top and knee length running tights are feeling like just the right wardrobe choice for the weather today. And the weather gods smile on us – we have no rain during the entire race, and even a little sunshine here and there.

Mile 2 – 6: This is the first out-and-back, south through a stretch of downtown Portland, so lots of friends and families are there cheering on runners they just dropped off (and the runners they don’t know – crowd support was really great throughout the whole race). The first of two significant hills on the course come in this stretch, with a total elevation of 115 feet. It’s early and legs are fresh, so no problem at all. And, since the later hill is only 150 feet in elevation, it’s a good confidence booster to know that a hill this size is no big deal. We return back to the starting/finish line area, then head out to the northwest for the next part of the course.

Mile 6 – 12: A second out-and-back stretch, running along the river through more industrial sections of downtown Portland – lots of trains and shipping docks, so not the most scenic part of Portland, but it’s flat so I’m not complaining. I settle into a steady pace and cruise along, this part of the race seems to pass very quickly. I see the only injury of the day that looks like a race-ender here, one of the runners is on the side of the course having what looks like a sprained ankle attended to by the medical staff and looking bitterly unhappy. On my way back, I also see someone cut across from the outbound lane to the inbound lane…since I think there was a timing checkpoint near the turnaround, this seems very odd, I still haven’t quite figured this one out.

Mile 12 – 18: We make a turn through the downtown streets which takes us away from the docks and rail yard area and continue northwest along the river heading toward St. John’s Bridge, which is the second major hill and the source of much of my pre-race nervousness. Fortunately, Sara drove me past the bridge yesterday so I could see the elevation really wasn’t that bad, but I am still mentally focusing a lot of energy on how I’m going to tackle the hill when I get there. We pass 13.1 miles, the halfway point, yippee! The bridge looms in the distance and seems to take forever to reach, but inevitably, I reach the approach, mile 16-17. Even though many runners are walking at this point, I have decided to try to run the entire elevation, and am able to do so. Reaching the midpoint of the bridge is the highest point of the course, and I remember what a veteran Portland marathoner told me this morning – make sure to look around and enjoy the view from the top of the bridge – and he was right, the view toward downtown is beautiful (although I wish downtown appeared a little closer…since I know that’s the distance we have to return to the finish line). The sun has even come out for a brief moment. Unfortunately, I see a runner with his shoes off, and what is clearly blood seeping through his socks. I feel for him – there are still 8 miles to go, and that’s a long way to run with feet that are in that much pain.

Mile 18 – 22: We’re now running southeast back toward downtown through some residential areas on the north side of the river. This was the toughest stretch of the race for me…I didn’t exactly hit “the wall”, but I think I was so focused on getting over the bridge that I am now experiencing a bit of an emotional let down. And – let’s face it – the legs are getting tired. I’m now exceeding the longest run I’ve done to date in training, 20 miles. The wind has kicked up a bit, and we’re running into it which doesn’t help matters. Having some issues with a pulled muscle in one of my hamstrings to boot (that run up to the bridge took a bit of a toll after all). So, I decide to try walking for a stretch…but quickly realize that as soon as I stop running, my legs feel as if they are turning to concrete. So, I just gut through it, keep things moving and eventually the hamstring loosens up and the miles do pass, although quite slowly. I get a nice bit of encouragement from another runner who passes me – she must have seen I was struggling a bit, and she gives me an encouraging smile and tells me that I’m doing great. It gives me a little boost – as does the moment later on when I caught up to her and passed her :)

Mile 22 – 26.2: We’re into the home stretch now – I’m reminded of what one of the runners on an online forum I visit said recently. She said she’s like a horse heading to the barn by the end of the run. (She’s running here today too – I met up with her to say hello in person at the registration expo yesterday, yet another great experience for the weekend). I’m thinking a lot about the bubble bath in Sara’s tub that awaits me…my “oats” are not too far away now. The course is mostly downhill now, which is certainly easier from a cardio standpoint, but is a bit tough on the legs, especially for a gal from the flatlands of Chicago – this is hitting muscles that aren’t used to running on an incline. I know we have one more bridge to cross into downtown, the Steel Bridge, and I’m praying that there isn’t much of an elevation to it…fortunately, when it comes into sight, it’s very clear that this will be a piece of cake compared to St. John’s Bridge. We cross over the bridge and enter the last mile, through the downtown section of Portland again. There are spectators everywhere cheering us on. A runner passes me at a dead sprint. Unbelievable that he has that much energy left, I am totally impressed. I’m picking up my pace a bit, but certainly nothing like that!

The Finish Line: Finally, the finish line is in front of me, and I hear the announcer call out my name as I cross. Quite a moment - I have to say I shed a tear or two there. Thank goodness, there are volunteers there immediately to wrap me in a space blanket (the cool air feels a bit different as soon as you stop moving), hand me my finisher’s medal and clip off my timing chip. I move into the finishers area, and grab a little food – I had read chocolate milk was the perfect recovery drink based on its ratio of carbs to protein, so I drink down a bottle, then eat a banana and a chocolate chip cookie. All of a sudden, I start to feel a bit queasy and light-headed at the same time – bleh, this is worse than I felt the entire race (I may not be able to face chocolate milk ever again). Feeling like I might just faint, I sit down in a waiting chair for a few minutes and eventually feel stable enough to get back up again. I continue collecting the finisher’s goodies – a few symbols of Portland, a rose and a Douglas fir seedling, and a pin. Wait in line to have one last photo taken by the course photographers…while waiting, I chat with a runner from Texas who was rather bitter about the course, he thought it was much too hilly and said this was his first and last marathon. Guess I’m feeling a little more positive, since I’m still talking about running Chicago next year (maybe not after reading the newspaper reports on the troubles at the Chicago race later on). The gal in front of me starts to look a bit green as well, so she goes to sit down…perhaps too much chocolate milk for her too. I get my picture taken, and now I’m ready to leave the runners area and meet Sara, Jamie and Kate at the reunion area. There they are, waiting and I tell Kate that I “won” the race, just as she hoped I would – I certainly feel like a winner. One more goodie bag full of snacks to collect on the way out (turns out to have some more chocolate milk in it – this is quickly turned over to Kate and Jamie as there is no way I have any interest in chocolate milk at this point). We take the train back to Sara’s neighborhood, where I immediately hop into a nice, long, hot bath. The recommended recovery routine is an ice bath, but that sounds sooooo unbelievably unappealing, regardless of what it is supposed to do to speed recovery. After that, much lying about watching football, rehydrating, making a few phone calls to share the news of the day, and then a nice celebration dinner out, the perfect end to the day. I’m in bed by 10:00 and sleep like a rock. I wake up with some pretty sore legs, but fortunately, Sara scheduled a massage for me that helps tremendously. I head to the airport wearing my finisher’s shirt, and I think about half of the staff at the Portland airport congratulates me or asks how the race went for me. As I write this, I’m on the plane on my way back home to Chicago…a bit tired, a few aches and pains, but very happy about the weekend.

Oh yeah - and here's a picture after the race...

ennay, Rachel, I'm so glad you both ran Portland instead of Chicago. Congrats to you both!

Anne

Congrats to the marathoners.....I'm wondering if it might be contagious!

Congrats Rachel, what a great story! Sounds like you did awesome!

Congratulations, Rachel!! You rock sooooo much!!! You're such an inspiration for me, particularly because we had the same starting weight. Imagine -- two 275-pound ladies who now get to talk about their running experiences!! You make me feel like I can do a marathon one day too, and that's such a great feeling (though I'm not convinced I'll be able to!)

That picture of you is so beautiful, and you really are tiny!! I showed it to my husband and said "Look, she started out at my starting weight and she's a runner now too. She did a marathon!!!" He said, "Wow! She's so little!" :)

As for my running, I just did a 2.2 mile trail run with my team yesterday and I can't run today because we have a meet. May not be able to run tomorrow either (eek!)

Congrats to the marathoners.....I'm wondering if it might be contagious!

I am thinking of doing a half in the spring.

I cannot imagine a time in my life when I would have time to train for a full.

Well done Rachel, another fab time, race report and picture. I've got a lot to live up to in Amsterdam!

I did a fast-ish 6 miles with running club tonight. I was a bit naughty though, I popped into the pub on the way there for a work ladies network evening thing and ended up having a glass of wine before running. Oops! Luckily it was one of our easier routes so I didn't struggle too much with it.

Congratulations ennay and Rachel! What great stories, you both did awesome. Almost makes me want to run a marathon some day. Almost. ;)

Did 3 miles in the freezing cold and wind this morning.

Sigh....it has to be a good sign that I am saying this...

I WANNA GO RUNNING!!!! ...and I cant. Everything about me feels fine except my right foot is very sore post marathon. Hoping it will heal soon.

This marathon really was an amazing experience. Because even at 22 when I started to bonk big time I was thinking. TWENTY TWO. It took 22 miles to feel badly and the first 18 felt GOOD. WOW. This from the girl who failed the 12 minute run in highschool. WOWOWOW. I have never been so physically miserable and psychologically high at the same time before!

I'm back in the saddle - ran 4 easy slow miles today - my legs definitely were protesting the first mile (I could almost hear them saying "what, are you crazy, after what you did to us Sunday?!"). But, then they loosened up, and I feel better for having done the run.

Thanks to all of you for your congratulations. Lisa, I do feel like you and I are joined together on our journey, we share a lot in common beyond just a starting weight. And if you ever decide you want to tackle a marathon, I know you could do it - and I'll be here to cheer you on.

Finally, thanks to you. your hubby and Ennay for calling me tiny - I think that's the first time that word has ever been applied to me! While I know I'm a heck of a lot smaller than I used to be, somehow I never thought of myself as tiny...maybe I really am getting to that point. (My Jewish mother certainly thinks so :))

The aftermath of the Chicago marathon continues to swirl in the news here. Seems to split down the line of those who think anyone who decided to tackle a run in that heat knew what they were getting into and deserved what they got (not my opinion) and those who think that the race organizers could have done more to make sure adequate water and medical care was available on the course. Also a lot of bitterness about how communication when the race was called was handled. Had I been here, I'm sure I would have probably made the attempt to run it - I don't think I could have walked away from all that training without giving it a shot, but I have a feeling I would have not made it to the finish line.

Rachel, great job, I loved reading your account of the whole thing, big congrats to you!

As for Chicago, if people had to stop along the way at convenience stores to buy their own water and Gatorade , then I definitely think the race organizers were at fault. Even if it had been 60 degrees, there still needs to be enough water.

I did almost 2 miles yesterday, took me 25 minutes. (with stroller)

Race organizers failed to up the water for the heat...that is their fault.

Ironically the people most likely to NOT run because of the heat are the people most likely to be ok. Experienced faster runners with lots of training and several marathons under their belts. First time marathoners are least likely to bail. I had injury after injury for my first marathon and I still ran the sucker, injured and sick. I wouldnt have bailed for WWIII.

More experienced runners tend to be more concerned about times and would pass on a 90 degree marathon, go home, and look online for a marathon in a week or two to do instead.

And tiny is DEFINITELY the word to describe you Rachel. T-I-N-Y!

I'm really enjoying reading the marathon stories. I know two people who were in Chicago. One finished in 3:30, before they called the race, and the other had about 6 miles to go when they called it and she walked to the finish line.

It's been a year since my one and only half-marathon and I have started building up mileage for another half in January.

You guys accomplish some pretty fantastic mileage.

After all the marathon talk, I almost feel silly posting my little running victory today, but here it is anyway!

It was nice and cool today and I didn't have CC practice, so I got home around 6:00 and decided to go for about 3 miles. It felt so good outside that I thought I'd try for a little speed. I made it in 26:55, which was 31 seconds faster than the last time I tried for speed on this route. It was also the first time I had an average pace time under 9:00 per mile. Sure, it was just one second under, but still! My first mile was 9:14, the second was 9:18, and the third was 8:23!! 8:23? Me? I know that to people like my husband, 8:23 is a snail's pace, but to me it's like I'm a freakin superhero all of a sudden. :lol:

THat is fantastic Lisa!!!!!

Lisa - Go you speed demon!

Was going to go for an early run but opted to wait for an afternoon run. My lower body is a little tender after my first try at Power Pump class yesterday, plus it was COLD! It will at least be in the 50s by the time I get home tonight.

Wow - as usual, you guys are all so motivating - Lisa, awesome! I'm totally sticking to my 11:30 pace - :lol3:!!!

Ennay, hope your foot feels better soon; no doubt you'll be running in no time! Rachel - I've loved reading both yours and Ennay's marathon accounts - you are both just simply amazing - !

Ran my 3.25 miles yesterday... I'm so terrified of hurting myself that I'm sticking to that for a while now... I'll build endurance later... and speed? Not even thinking about it! :lol:

Heather :D

Lisa, that is superhuman speed as far as I am concerned hehe :) Good job!

I ran 28 minutes this morning. The weather is great here now. My 5k is in 15 days. I really think I might be able to run the whole thing.

Nice job on the speedwork, Lisa!! I'm v-e-r-y s-l-o-w but maybe someday I'll be a little faster!

I am so inspired by everyone on this thread. The weight loss and the running. It is amazing. It's been about 3 years since I ran. I ran with a trainer outdoors for 3 miles and ran about a 11 or 12 minute mile. We were getting to the point where we were going to work on speed. I got a new job and that was the end of that. She was funny. She told me I could run all the way to Egypt with the speed I was going. Like Heather my concern is not speed. I want to run for time. After the C25K I want to do the One Hour Runner (OHR) plan.

I'm getting a little antsy about running but I know the best thing is to wait until November. I don't want to further damage my foot. The fiona sportsbra has arrived. Nothing is moving in that. I am planning to buy a Maia next. That encapsulates and right now the Fiona is compressing. Which is fine but I want to try out the Maia too.

Shoes--Currently, I have New Balance cross trainers. Do you think I need to buy running shoes? I'll be running on the treadmill.

likenoother, it's probably a good idea to invest in some good running shoes. It's good to go to a specialty store where they can fit you with the right ones for your feet. The wrong shoes can cause some serious problems, so you want to make sure you've got good ones.

I ran 7 miles with the CC team today and my left hamstring bothered me quite a bit. It's hurt constantly since last night's speedy run, and it's been hurting off and on during runs for a while now. I'm just going to keep an eye on it and see how it feels the next few days, and then I might see someone about it.

Taking tomorrow off...

likenoother, please buy a good pair of running shoes, especially if your foot had a previous injury. I tried to run in some other shoes and hurt my ankle because of those shoes. I now have a nice pair that I love, I never knew that my feet needed such support.
I may have to try that sports bra. I like the enell, but I'm nursing and really need a larger size than the one I have now. I've been thinking of trying different types. No more walmart bras for me!

I did three miles!! I have no idea how long it took me. I was running in the cold dark night, but I found a new CD that gets me pumped. Def Leppard's Slang of all things! I am a fan, but I never would have thought to run to it. My iPod puked a few weeks ago, and so I borrowed DH's. It rocked!

I may have to try that sports bra. I like the enell, but I'm nursing and really need a larger size than the one I have now. I've been thinking of trying different types. No more walmart bras for me!

Always make sure the boobs are empty before you start out :smug:

Thanks ladies. In the Metropolitan DC area I have a few options for specialty running shops. Maybe more than a few I'm sure. I will start researching. Do you have any ideas about price range?

I had forgotten that last year about this time I had been with a different trainer at my gym and he had me alternating walk/run laps on the track. I liked him but then they tried to switch trainers on me to a more experienced trainer (read as more $) so I quit. That really pissed me off because I had a great relationship with my trainer and that's important. So that reminds me that it may not be as hard as I think to run again. But then again what worries me is the treadmill piece. I do better outside or on a track but the thought of running outside on my own...that is not going to happen. Treadmill it is. At some point I may join my local road runner's club but that is way in the future.

LeedaRenee-Congrats on the 28 minutes!
Onthetee--Thumbs up on the 3 miles!
LisaMarie--Great job on your per mile time!

likenoother, I paid 100 dollars for mine, though I saw them ranging from 80-180. Now that I've been properly fitted, I will probably just try to find them online from now on, where they will be cheaper.

Thanks LeedaRenee that would be my plan also. Once fitted and I know what works for my feet I will buy replacements online. I am a big online shopper. I was thinking that would probably be the price range. Everyone has been so helpful here.

Hi everyone, sounds like we have great runs here this week from lots of our coolrunners! Lisa, way to go on your speedy run - we'll have to start calling you speed racer. ;)

Ran 5 miles this morning, beginning to feel back in the saddle again after the pounding from the marathon. Now I have the post-marathon blues...I have to figure out my next goal!

Rachel, I'm jealous of your post-marathon blues! The more I think about it, the more I want to do a marathon within the next year or so...

I didn't run today or yesterday, however, because of the pain in my left hamstring. It's just not going away. My husband is telling me to rest and I really don't want to! I won't be able to run Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, and I'm trying to figure out if I should just take tomorrow off as well. We're doing a tough interval workout on the track, which would definitely stress my leg too much. I could do something else, but it would mean being away from the kids when I won't be at practice Tues or Thurs either, and I really don't like that. Would it be terrible to take off this week? I want to make sure I don't lose the gains I've made in terms of my speed, because my 5K is on Oct. 27. Cursed left thigh! :mad:

Hi guys! :wave:

I took the weekend off, but ran 3.5 miles today and it was good - sweaty, but good :)

How ya'll doing?

Heather :D

Lisa, marathons are fuuunnn. Or that's what I'm trying to persuade myself.

6.5 relatively gentle miles with running club tonight. I'm planning 4 or so on Wednesday, then about 2 on Friday then I'm done.

Lisa, marathons are fuuunnn. Or that's what I'm trying to persuade myself.


I believe you! I just don't know when I would ever have time to train for one! I was able to train for the half marathon because I'm a teacher and had the whole summer off. I could do a long run and then just lie around all day and recover. Plus...I had time to do a 2-hour run here and there! I guess I still could on the weekend, but I wouldn't be able to do more than one long run a week while I'm working. I just don't get how people fit it in!

As for this week, I'm benched... I talked to the trainer here at school and she advised me to rest and ice the hamstring until Friday. She said all I've been doing by continuing to run is keep making it worse... :( She said "I know you won't listen to me, because you're just like your husband, but STOP RUNNING, just for a few days!"

So cool to be known as a person who won't stop running, instead of being known as fat and lazy, as I was for so many years!!

Interesting article on running shoe prices:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20071010/running-shoes-dont-pay-more

I did three miles again tonight, which suprised me. It has seemed that with every milestone, I would regress and have to kick and fight to get it back. After I did 20 minutes the first time, it was weeks before I did it again. Back to back 3 milers was shocking.

I swear....it's the music. I was listening to a perfectly lovely podcast and got droopy. I skipped to the music, and off I went. There is one song that I listened to three times because it gets me so pumped.

Lisa, I only normally do one long run a week, although I suppose that depends what you class as long...

Lisa - one of the things to remember is that how much you need to recover after a long run changes. I used to "lie around all day and recover" after a long training run....now I dont need as much recovery. The day I ran 19 I took my kids to the zoo afterwards.

If you have more time in the summer, then pick an early fall marathon to train for next year. You are a fairly new runner, I think it is best for injury prevention to spend a long time ramping up anyway. Train for another half in early spring and another in early summer - then you can do the major ramping in the summer when you have more time.

If last summer was a one time deal, then I still think early fall is the easiest to train for if you have to run before or after work because you get more daylight.

Also, while it isnt ideal those midweek 7-10 milers (which is what I assume you mean by second long run) can also be done split, like a 5 miler in the morning and a 3 miler after work, etc.

Still nursing this foot and getting ticked and lazy.

Lisa - one of the things to remember is that how much you need to recover after a long run changes.

I've definitely noticed a change in this as well -- I can run 10 miles and still have the energy to actually leave the house now, when before I was pretty much dead the rest of the day! I hope I don't lose that now that I'm not doing long runs as often. And you're right -- it's the medium-long runs I was worried about, and I assumed I'd need to up the mileage on those since I'd be training for twice the distance I trained for last time!

The ideal marathon for me to do would be the Richmond Marathon, which is always in early November. I'm always going to do the VA Beach Rock-n-Roll Half, which is end of August or early September, so I can't really schedule a marathon for that time, though it would be perfect. The Richmond marathon, however, is a mere half-hour drive away and also at a fairly good time of year. The only thing that will be a bit screwed up is that my cross country practice runs may conflict with my training schedule, but that may mean just running longer than the kids do, which would be fine.

This year I'm doing the 8k that they run along with the Richmond marathon (on Nov 10), so I'll get to see some of the action, and I'm sure that will inspire me to prepare for doing it next year. Also, that's a WHOLE YEAR away! Look how much I've changed this past year, after all! Surely I can do a little 'ol marathon in another year's time. ;)

A year is plenty of time to build up, lots of time to build a bit of a base before ramping up the mileage.

I did about 4 and a half miles this evening, I still don't feel like it's a marathon week for some reason. Maybe once I pack tomorrow it will start to feel a bit more imminent.

New York plans seem to be coming together, apparently we might be on US tv as well as having a British tv crew following us round and sending regular bulletins back home :faint:

Yep, I do want to ramp up my mileage now that cross country season is nearly over and I can do longer runs after school on my own (except when it starts getting dark really early). Right now I've just been doing between 15 and 25 miles a week, depending on our workouts at practice and on whether I get a long Sunday run in.

Just ran 4 very slow, easy miles, mostly to clear my head. My grandfather died yesterday and I'm about to go out of town for the funeral, so my mind is kind of...heavy. My hamstring did ok on the run, but I took it really really easy. I'm just hoping it'll be ok next Saturday on my 5k. I really want to do well.

likenoother – Welcome back to running! Never heard of that OHR plan… off to Google

onthetee- WTG on those three milers! My iPod has been out of commission for many moons, I’m afraid to find out what it would cost to fix. I figure it’s safer when running outside to be able to hear stuff, like traffic and other people and dogs, but when winter hits and I have to start running at the gym I’m going to wish I had it. Music is great for pumping you up!

Helen – Have a great trip and good luck!

Lisa – So sorry to hear about you loss. Glad to hear your hamstring is holding out. Take care of yourself!

I signed up to do a 5k this Sunday to kick off homecoming week here, proceeds go to the Alumni Association. Haven’t been running enough to really hope for a time improvement, but it’ll be fun and it’s a nice route around the beautiful campus.

My latest goal is to build the ultimate running play list now that I have a new iPod. I have one that is fairly good that is 34 minutes. I think I can do better. My kids just don't allow me to spend hours going through all of my CDs, contemplating each song and deciding whether or not to audition it for the very prestigious spot on my run. It did force me to buy my very first song from iTunes, though!

I have started jotting down songs when I hear them. I got my hair cut this afternoon, and I had my head cocked to see if any of the songs were worthy. I think listening to the 80s station will inspire me as well.

I have been consistently running 3 milesb with no problems. I NEVER thought I would actually do it. I guessed that it would be too hard and that I would just revert back to the safe elliptical. Thanks for all of the support that I have gotten here!

Lisa - :hug:

I've just done my last (very short) run, I'm going to work for most of the day then going straight to the airport, so I might not be back online until Monday or more likely Tuesday. I'll let you know I get on.

Have some good runs over the weekend, everyone!

onthetee,

How nice that you have your own iPod! I borrow dh's or dd's and so my running music varies between Queensryche for the former and Avril Lavigne for the latter. Both keep me running. If (only!!) I have time, I'd like to set up my own list of running songs, but I also just learned how to turn an iPod off. I am technologically inept.

5.1 miles today. I am increasing one run a week as a long run, building up to the half in January. Maybe I should check out the full. You guys all make it seem so doable....this huge massive athletic achievement seems doable, cause, well, you guys have done it!!!

Good luck Helen! Can't wait to read your report!

I feel silly posting this, with of all the great ladies here who ran marathons, but...I am SO excited about my 5k next weekend. And I have a few questions:

Is it ok to listen to music while I run?
Do they usually have refreshments (water, gatorade) available or do I need to bring my own?
If I'm last place, will anyone laugh at me? lol

Any other tips you ladies have would be greatly appreciated :D

Yes, bring your own, no.

LeedaRenee, check the rules of the race posted on their website - some do prohibit wearing headphones, so if they do, you should follow the rules. But, if there isn't anything indicating headphones are prohibited, go right ahead. As to refreshments, the website again should tell you what they'll have available - I'd be surprised if there wasn't at least some water/gatorade station.

And finally - don't worry about being in last place - there's always someone slower than you, trust me, I know!

Most important tip - relax and enjoy the moment! And post a full report when it's over so we can celebrate your success!

LeedaRenee, please note the USATF, the US governing body for long distance races, has banned headphones from use to increase runner safety. This means that you could theoretically get disqualified if the race is USATF certified and they decide to enforce the rule. If you wear headphones, you'll also have trouble hearing last minute race instructions, and instruction from race officials on the course, which could mean finishing or not, even if you aren't disqualified.

Have a great race!

Anne

The other thing about headphones and races is that a race is usually more social than a training run. (For me, anyway. I race to finish, not to win). There are folks cheering you along the way, runners saying good job as they pass you or you pass them, and it's a lot less boring than training runs. Not that all training runs are boring, but I like music to help me on the longer, lonely runs, and I've never missed music during a race.

Good luck with your 5K!! Even if you are last (which you won't be!) you are an athlete for getting out there....and that is awesome!!!!!

Friday I ran 1.75 miles - the most I have done since I hurt myself last month. And I am proud to say I am still not hurt! Next week I will be trying for 2 miles and so on. It felt good to get past the 1.5 barrier though!

I must say even though this is obvious...it is SO MUCH EASIER to run being 16 pounds lighter! I feel even lighter than that some days when I run. It used to hurt so bad and now it feels good! So glad I bought a treadmill and kept with it!

Shananigans

OHR--One Hour Runner
http://www.coolrunning.com/major/97/training/swit0214.htm#run

Scroll down to Becoming a One Hour Runner.

Shay thanks for sharing the link. I have it saved for after completing the 30 min runs!

So, I ran a "virtual" half marathon today, for something new. For those with the Nike Ipod kit, they had a virtual race today...anyone who logged 13.1 miles today is a finisher. I signed up for it months ago, and forgot about it in the marathon excitement, so good thing they sent a reminder. Anyway, went fine, it was kind of cool to think about other people running all over the country for this event.

A quick post, I just about managed a new PB - 3:50:35, the race was pretty much identical to Edinburgh - stuck with the 3:45 pacers until about 22 miles then couldn't keep it up to the finish. I'm in an internet cafe in Amsterdam, so won't fill you in on all the gory details until I get home, at the moment I'm wondering what state my legs will be in for New York. They're not too bad, but they don't feel like running another marathon just yet!

Congrats Helen!!!! Great job!

cakses – So glad you’re back and doing better!

LeedaRenee – Was your 5k this last weekend? If so, how did it go?

Shay – Thanks for the link. Looks like I can jump in to week 5 of the OHR program, it’s perfect because I usually plan just one longer run a week and this plan has nothing longer that 40 min for the shorter runs.

Rachel – That virtual half sounds cool. I wish I had one of those iPod kits. I hear you don’t necessarily have to use the Nike shoes with the special place for the device, it that right?

Helen – Congrats on your new PB! You’re amazing.

I have a new PB to report, my first sub-30 5k! I posted about it in mini goals (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1901208&postcount=1). I really wish I had an official chip time, I even forgot my stopwatch so all I had to go by was the clock at the finish line. When I rounded that corner saw the clock at 28:30 I couldn’t believe it! Found a little extra energy to make it over the line by 29:00. :D

Woot, Helen!! That is terrific!

Rachael, my best friend has something like that that came with her Nikes, I didnt know they had events like that to go with it. How neat is that? I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Shay, thanks for the link, after my 5k, I think I will start that program.

Cakses, your ticker is just amovin' (sorry, been hanging out in the country)! You are so right about the weight loss maknig it easier. I can't wait to feel the difference 40 more lbs would make! I'm glad you're back and without injury.

Shananigans -My 5k is this saturday. I am super excited and a little nervous. Thanks for thinking of me though! Grats on the 29 minutes, I know that must have felt amazing! I will be happy if I make sub 40 hehe. That sucks about your chip, but at least you know you did do it!

I ran 2.3 miles yesterday and it took me 31 minutes, though I did stop once to tie my shoe. This was without the stroller. My next few runs before the 5k will be with the stroller. It's supposed to be terrible weather here this week, so I'm going to go and look for a stroller cover and a poncho for myself.

Helen---Yay! Happy for you.

Come run with me, ladies!
http://www.geisthalf.com/

Any of you Midwesterners who are looking for a half this spring, I am going to train for this one. I am realistic and suspect that I will have to walk part of it, but I plan to do this one.

Congratulations, Helen!! :cheer2:

I ran only one mile tonight and my pulled hamstring started hurting pretty bad. Seriously worried about Saturday's 5k....

Look at those leg muscles...

Oh my gosh, I can only dream of having legs like that one day! Looking great, Helen!!

Look at those leg muscles...

Those muscles represent a lot more work than I am willing to do. Hats off to you, Madame!!


(not worthy, not worthy, not worthy) :)

Right, I've written the full race report on my blog, it's a bit long to paste onto here, so you can click here (http://ypweightloss.blogspot.com/2007/10/amsterdam-gory-details.html) if you want to read it.

I'm trying to decide when to get my legs ticking over again before New York. I'm going to do a short-ish, gentle-ish swim tomorrow morning. In the evening it's running club, and I'd like to go to have a chat with everyone but suspect that they might be running further than I'd like to go - my "two weeks between marathons" training plan (isn't the internet a wonderful thing...) suggests 2 miles, and the shortest run I'll get away with them is about 4, so I might just run on the treadmill on my own if I feel like it, it will be more cushioned too. Or if I don't feel like it, I might not run at all - I think that recovery is more important than training!

Oh my, I dind't know that was a 40k! Wow! I enjoyed reading your account, thanks for sharing it.

I ran almost 2 miles today. It was freezing here (yes, low 50s is 'freezing' in Mississippi lol) and I decided to go the course nearest my house. I've been avoiding it just because it's VERY hilly and I also tend to encounter a very rude woman there, but she only comes in the morning, so I thought I would be safe from her hehe.
I wore jogging pants and a tshirt and was sooo cold at first, but then once I got moving, I of course warmed up. Those hills always get me, sigh... Luckily the 5k route is relatively flat. The wind was also hammering me and pushing me back, so it was a difficult run, especially on a stroller day.
DS enjoyed his ride though!

Edited to add: I also had the biggest, ugliest red hat on while I was running. People were doing double takes at the sight of me. I dont know why I felt the need to include that last bit.

:lol: I like the ugly red hat detail, LeedaRenee!!

I did a quick 2-mile trail run tonight with the cross country team. My leg felt better today, so that's good...

Congratulations Helen, sounds like you had a great race, and could still do even better. 3:50 is amazing to me, you rock! Loved reading your report on your blog too - I felt like I was right there running it with you.

Shenanigans, to answer your question about the Nike iPod kit - you do not need to run in Nike shoes to use it. I have a little pouch that I bought which holds the chip on top of my shoelaces and it works just fine.

Lisa, glad to hear your hamstring is feeling better. Sounds like you've been battling the injury demons lately...here's hoping that you continue on the mend.

Wooohoo Helen - that is awesome

We are still trying to figure out what is wrong with my foot. I ran up to 3 miles on treadmill last week so tried to run on pavement and made it 1/4 mile before the pain came back.

I had an MRI yesterday so hopefully today or tomorrow I should know if it is a stress fracture or not. Meanwhile I am not doing any weight bearing exercise, just recumbent bike:yawn: boring boring boring.

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if there's a product similar to the Nike Ipod thing that doesn't require an ipod? I have a non-ipod mp3 player so the gadget wouldn't work for me. I'd love a little device that can tell me my speeds--I find it very difficult to gauge how fast or slow I'm running when I run outdoors.

oh baffled there are MANY

There are many brands of pod style data collection systems which link to watches, I think nike's is currently the only one that links to an MP3. Google Footpod. Sumpto (sp?) and polar are well respected.

There is also the GPS option (Garmin and a few others)

GPS needs no calibration but does not work well in heavily wooded areas, also if you run in the city with tall buildings, it is less reliable. I have a 305, I have heard good things about the next generation but any GPS needs to be able to recieve a sattelite signal. Elevation is less accurate so hilly runs may measure short. I find typically on an open (suburbs and country) run that the accuracy is within 1-2% - certainly better than my car odometer!

Footpods need calibration and some people find that their stride length changes significantly with pace and have a more difficult time calibrating one than others. But if you run on trails with tree cover they are really the only way to go

I am intrigued because when I googled footpod apparently I can get one to talk to my garmin and have data when I cant get a signal, although I think I would have to choose one or the other for the run.

I have a polar RS200SD footpod, there's a thing you put on your shoe, a heart rate strap and a watch unit. The shoe thing looks quite bulky but I don't really notice the weight (you can see it on my foot in the photo on the previous page). It's not 100% accurate, but it gives a decent enough idea.

Did I say very short and very slow earlier? Oops. My legs feel surprisingly good, so even though I was wondering whether to go to running club at all, once I got there and started to run I decided to go a bit further and faster than I was intending. I was quite prepared to bail out early if my legs felt tired, but they didn't, so I carried on. We'll see how they react tomorrow morning. I ended up doing nearly 6.5 miles, had been aiming for 3...

Hi everyone,
Congrats to Helen & Shananigans on new PBs.

Well tomorrow is the day I will be going to get fitted for running shoes. I will let you know how that goes.

I've already decided on my first 5K even though I haven't started running yet. I plan to do it in March. My friend's dd's school is doing it as a fundraiser. We plan to do it together. I think my supervisor plans to do it too. All of our paces are different but it will still be something we do together.

I did 2 miles today. It has been raining off and on all day and I waited until it cleared up a bit. It started really coming down after I hit my 2 mile mark and since I don't have a stroller cover, I cut it a bit short...not that I would've gone much further anyway. Tomorrow is rest day and then 5k. Maybe do some yoga tomorrow.

I did just over 5 miles today. I didn't use my HRM/footpod and strangely ended up running the route faster than I ever have before. Admittedly I don't run it too often, but still... that wasn't meant to happen!

This time next week I'll be getting very excited in New York...

I'm already excited for you about New York, Helen! :carrot:

Cross country practice was cancelled both yesterday and today (for a school problem that had us released early yesterday and for heavy rain today), so I just did a quick 2 miles on the treadmill today. My hamstring hurt, so I'm still worried about tomorrow. I worry that I'll just manage to get through it without running the race well. Ah well -- I have plenty of races in my future anyway!

I'm back from my 5K and I have something to celebrate! I didn't get a little trophy, but I did hit one of my fitness goals. I wanted to finish under 30 minutes, and I finished in 28:26!! Woohoo!! :carrot:

It turned out that the age groups were just the following: women under 40 and women over 40. Well, two teenagers and a 33 year old came in before I did. Oh, and a woman over 40 was the first woman overall! So I was 5th in the race and 4th under 40, but the top 3 got trophies. That was ok, though, because one of my cross country runners was 2nd place under 40, and I was so happy for her! She ran a much better time than she's been running at our meets, and we were there to congratulate her so that was fun! It was so great for her to get a trophy, too, because she's not one of our top runners so she doesn't get that much praise from her teammates.

It was cold and drizzly and my hamstring hurt pretty bad, but I'm quite pleased with my time. The race was relatively flat, just out and back, but on the way back most of it was a gradual incline. So I ran much faster in the first half than the 2nd, and my goal is always to push it at the end. I pushed too hard in the first mile, because when I checked my time at that point it was 8:28, which is a considerably faster mile time than I usually do. I struggled, but it was fun!

Oh, and my husband won the whole thing again this year! :dizzy:

Congrats, Lisa!! What a great time!

I just finished my first 5k.
It was blast, very fun! There were tons of door prizes given out and I got a free 2 week pass the to Y, along with a t-shirt, and some clinique stuff. What I didn't like was the hot wings, pizza, and sausage biscuits they had waiting afterwards. Talk about temptation. I came in at 37 minutes and some change, I will know the exact time tomorrow. I'd never done 3 miles before, so this was the first time. My time was MUCH better than I'd thought it would be. I'm pretty happy with it.

Congrats Lisa and LeedaRenee! Love reading those race reports, it sounds like you both had a great day.

I ran 8 miles today, finally feel like all the marathon aches are gone, so it felt really good. The only problem is that I've realized my fall running wardrobe needs serious updating - my tights from last spring are literally falling off me!

You all have different stories and achievements...but you are all..

AWESOME!

Congrats on the great races Lisa and Leeda Renee!

I forgot to come over here and report I did get fitted for my shoes on Thursday. I got NB 766 8 Wide. He told me I overpronate and that I had probably been wearing my shoes too tight for years. I've been wearing a 7.5 wide. I lucked into a sale. Normally the shoes would be $90 but I got them for $75.60 including taxes. Well my starting date is almost here. I'm scared and excited at the same time.

This time next week... (I'm not sure on the time difference, what time the race starts, or how long it will take us) ...I'll either be running, or just have finished, the New York marathon! I think it's officially time to start getting excited.

I did about 8.5 miles this morning, that's actually longer than I normally do the week before a mara, but I wanted a bit of confidence that my legs have recovered from Amsterdam. luckily it started pouring with rain after about 6 miles which removed any desire to push it by going further, which might have tired me out too much. I'm setting off on Tuesday morning - I'm travelling down to London and "working" from there on Tuesday (not sure how much work will be done) then meeting up with the rest of the team in a hotel before flying out on Wednesday, then a couple of days to prepare, mara on Sunday and a bit of time to relax and enjoy New York before flying back on Wednesday evening. I can't describe how much I'm looking forward to it!

Helen, I am officially excited about your NY marathon too! Can't wait to read all about it - and I'm glad you have a little time to enjoy the city, it's a great place to visit (even if I wouldn't want to live there - at least not unless I inherited a boat load of money).

I had one of those difficult run days - some sort of tummy upset, but it's my long run day, so I plowed through and managed to grind out 10 miles, but felt pretty much awful the whole way.

LeedaRenee, that's a weird post-race feast! I'm used to bagels and bananas! I'm so glad you enjoyed your first race -- you'll be hooked now like the rest of us!

Rachel, I know what you mean about needing new fall running clothes. I have NOTHING. In fact, I don't even have a fall jacket or winter coat that I can wear this year. I think most of my coaching check will go to winter clothes, both running and everyday clothes! On my run today, I wore a Brooks running shirt I bought in the summer and it felt really good but it was an XL and it basically swamped me. It was $30, though, so I'm going to keep wearing it!

I ran 8 miles today. I ran the first 3 with my sis-in-law and we had to go really really slowly because she hasn't been running. I tried to make up for it a little in the last 5 after she left, but I'm sore from yesterday's race. Felt good to do a slightly longer run, and I wanted to go for 11 miles but I didn't have time.

Lisa, you are correct, I'm totally hooked and have already signed up for my next one lol. Your new 5k time is awesome, I am jealous!

Helen, I know you will do great in your mara...very excited for you!

I did 2 miles today with the stroller on a very hilly course.

Lisa and LeedaRenee - Congrats on your 5k races! Sounds like you both did great.

At my last 5k they were only serving Bratwurst after (Johnsonville sponsored the event) so nothing for me! At least the T-shirt I got at that one was nice. Race for the Cure had the best munchies I've seen at any race, practically a full buffet sponsored by Whole Foods.

Helen – I’m so excited for you! That’s so crazy that you’re doing 2 marathons so close together, I am in double awe. My brother did the NY marathon in 2003, we drove up and had a great time.

ennay – love the new avatar! So cute.

Been churning out my usual 3 to 3.5 miles every other day, mixed in with a few yoga and strength training sessions. Think I'm finally gaining a little speed these days. :D

Hi all - I didn't run for 11 days, but got back to it on Saturday with 2 miles, and today with 4. Felt good to run again; and no achy legs - bizarre! Odd how the body will bounce back from years of abuse.. :lol3:

Heather :D

Yay for getting back to it, Heather!!

Yay for your consistency, shananigans!

Yay for signing up for another race, Leeda!

Ok, after all the yays...:lol: I just ran 1.8 miles with the kids today, but I had pain pain pain in my left leg. The pain is extending from my butt to my calf now, and my husband thinks it's sciatica. Eek! I guess I really do need to see a doctor. I've been reading up on it and that actually sounds like what's going on. So the pulled hamstring thing was probably not what it is. It's pretty painful, though, so I probably should see about it and stop running! It's so hard to do that, though, because I'm seriously into it now. Oh well. At least I don't have a race coming up, now that I can't do that 8k I was scheduled for (it's the same day as our state cross country meet).

Hi guys, sorry I havent been on in awhile

The good news is my foot is not broken, the bad news is my podiatrist says no running for several more weeks. :(

Lisa great race! - You did it right, 5K's are weird, push hard and then slow down, totally backwards.

:woohoo: Leeda!

Thinking of you Helen! when do you fly to the states?

I fly tomorrow! I've just been out for my last run here, I'm travelling down to london this morning, meeting up with everyone (they're doing some media work this afternoon but I have a meeting I need to go to on the way so won't get there in time) and staying in a hotel down there tonight, then flying tomorrow.

Keep an eye out for us - apparentlywe might be featured in the US press. It's been put together by the Christopher Reeve Foundation and a UK charity called XIII Heroes, and the guy I'm running with is called Matt King.

Heather--Glad your were able to get right back into it!

Ennay, I'm glad your foot isn't broken, but that has to be a bummer not being able to run :( I have a friend that's been running for years and she said when she had to stop for a few weeks due to an injury, she started having dreams where she was running. Nothing else would happen, she would just run hehe. They went away when she got better.

Lisa, that does sound like sciatica. I had it really bad when I was pregnant. Let us know what the doc says.

shananigans--there is something so wrong about the thought of brautwurst at a 5k...ok brautwurst period! The whole foods buffet sounds just right.

Don't know if I will go running today or not. I got a free pass the YMCA for 2 weeks during the 5k and I thought about going to use it today. It would be nice to swim in a heated pool and run on a nice indoor track or treadmill without the stroller (they have daycare) however, I'm not sure how baby will act in daycare. Oh well, we will give it a shot.

I forgot that I wanted to ask. I would like to get a garmin and saw a few on ebay that were second hand. Is there any reason that it would be bad to buy a used one?

I know people who have gotten garmins off of ebay. Several of the 201/301's went on ebay when the 205/305's came out as people upgraded. DONT get a 100 series whatever you do.

What's wrong with the 100 series?

shananigans--there is something so wrong about the thought of brautwurst at a 5k...ok brautwurst period! The whole foods buffet sounds just right.

Here in WI bratwurst are considered appropriate in almost all settings, as is beer in can. However, no beer was served after the 5k, just water. ;)

Lisa and ennay - So sorry to hear about your issues, hope they get better fast and you can get back to running soon!

Heather - Great to see you back :)

Helen - Hope you had pleasant travels and are getting plenty of rest before the big event!

This talk of brats reminds me: a friend of mine did something called a "Big Man Run" (or something to that effect) a few years ago in Boston. It's a 5 mile run combined with regular stops for mandatory hot dogs (plus roll!) and beer. Can you imagine anything more terrible? My stomach turns just thinking about it. I don't even like to run 3 hours after lunch!

This talk of brats reminds me: a friend of mine did something called a "Big Man Run" (or something to that effect) a few years ago in Boston. It's a 5 mile run combined with regular stops for mandatory hot dogs (plus roll!) and beer. Can you imagine anything more terrible? My stomach turns just thinking about it. I don't even like to run 3 hours after lunch!

Oh gosh...yeck!

This talk of brats reminds me: a friend of mine did something called a "Big Man Run" (or something to that effect) a few years ago in Boston. It's a 5 mile run combined with regular stops for mandatory hot dogs (plus roll!) and beer. Can you imagine anything more terrible? My stomach turns just thinking about it. I don't even like to run 3 hours after lunch!

:yikes:

:barf:

I did 3 miles today, I wore some new shorts and those suckers chafe something terrible! Or rather, they ride up so that my chubby thighs have too much friction. :( I will be so happy when my thighs don't touch. Anyhoo, I was thinking of training for a half marathon in February, using Hal Higdon's plan. I'm going to think about it some more and maybe try the first few weeks to see how it goes.

Renee, I would love to be running somewhere that shorts are even an option this time of year. I'm wearing tights, a long sleeve shirt, a warm jacket, a rain jacket, gloves and a hat. I'd probably contract hypothermia trying to wear shorts. :)

Did you guys see this article in the NYT today? Comments?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/sports/othersports/01marathon.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1193890611-x+LA/dr/ZMKubAF8VMGpbg

Baffled, I wouldn't dare wear shorts in the morning, but it's not so bad in the afternoon here. I would really like to try some compression shorts.

Interesting article. I thought it was a good point about how they might as well ban deaf people too. I like to occasionally run without music, it's nice just to look at nature or people and animals while I run. I don't know about on a longer run though.

I can look without having to hear myself breathe.

I can look without having to hear myself breathe.

That's how I feel too.

I liked the point that many people who are not fitness professionals are now taking part in marathons, and casual runners who don't train with trainers and teams are more likely to want to run with music. It's a democratization thing, and really, I think the more people who get into running, or exercising generally, the better, and that the diversity ought to be encouraged. That said, I've never run in a race or a marathon of any sort, so I don't know how important it is to be able to hear what's going on. But I do know that music really does help me to get through my runs.

When I started running, I listened to the C25K podcasts just so I would know when the intervals started and stopped. Now I run without music. My problem is that the music I pick doesn't seem to have the right uumph to really motivate me! I've put together workout playlists and I get bored listening to them. Now if someone were to give me a playlist, then I'd listen to it. I know, I'm weird. I also make my own jewelry but I don't like to wear it--I give it away because if I wear it, I notice every little imperfection.

Now if someone were to give me a playlist, then I'd listen to it.

Link to two of my playlists here (http://lifewithanna.blogspot.com/).

I ran about 2.5 miles today and I had a little bit of pain in my leg but not much. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do about that...

I have FABULOUS news about my cross country team, though! We placed 3rd in the region yesterday at the regional meet and we're going to the state meet next Saturday! Woohoo! (The boys' team, not the girls' -- but I'm determined to get the girls to really improve next year). Our school's cross country team hasn't gone to state in something like 20 years, so this is a really big deal for us, especially with it being my husband's first year as head coach and my first year coaching. The kids worked really really hard this year, so we're sooooo proud! Yay! :cheer2:

As for listening to music, I usually listen to it while I run, but I generally don't want to during a race. I like to hear people cheering, hear bands if they're there, and just be fully attuned to what's going on. I did, however, turn my iPod on really low volume during my half marathon, just because that playlist got me through all that training and I just felt like I needed it!