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!

Heather

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).

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!!

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...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.