Cool Runners-November!
 

Happy November!

Just wanted to drop in and let you know I'm once again on running hiatus until sometime next year. We're expecting again, and I don't seem to be one of the lucky ones who can mix running and pregnancy.

Anyway, everyone keep posting and running. I need some kind of running fix, even if it is virtual.

Good luck in NY Helen!

Anne

Just a little cross post of sorts here....

As if I didn't have enough to do on Thanksgiving (6 out of town house guests and 25 out of towners for T. dinner) I entered myself in a 5k Turkey trot. I'm sure I'll be home in plenty of time to get the turkeys in the oven. Best of all, I persuaded DS, DD and DH to join me (although they'll probably walk).

Hey allison, that turkey trot sounds like fun. It's really neat that your family is going with you. Hope you have fun.

Ann, congrats on the baby!! I always wondered if I would be able to continue running while pregnant, but I agree you have to do what is best.

Anne, what blessed news! Congrats! What a great reason for a hiatus!

Congratulations, Anne! :)

Today I ran 3 miles in 25:48. I'm getting kind of speedy lately! :carrot:

I bought a book about training for marathons -- I'm kind of determined to do one by the end of 2008...

Hi everyone! I'm fairly new to 3FC, and just discovered this section of the forum. I got into running this summer and did a bunch of races, but then in the fall didn't have time so I stopped for a while. A few weeks ago I started up again, but doing short runs (2-3 miles) and usually on the treadmill, because my new job doesn't really give me the opportunity to run outside except when it's unsafe.

This summer, no matter what distance I did, I ran a 9:31 pace. Exactly 9:31. Whether it was a 5k or a 10M. I tried hard to do speedwork to get that to drop, but seemed to always settle into this pace. However, taking a break seems to have helped - last week I ran a 5M (first race since July or so), and I dropped down to an 8:30 pace!!! I'm really thrilled, and attribute it to the cross-training (swimming, elliptical, weights) I've been doing.

I'm watching the marathon on TV right now and it's pretty exciting - if you have some free time, definitely turn it on. In a few hours some friends and I are going to head over to mile 18 to cheer on one of our managers who is running. I still haven't done a marathon (even though I've read a ton on the subject and got as far as running a 10 miler in preparation), but next year I really want to try to run the NYC. Hopefully I can run something sooner, but it's a good goal to have.

Hi laura, welcome! Congrats onthe 8:30 pace, that is fantastic! I am still trying to get to a 10 minute pace lol. I don't think the marathon is showing on any stations near me, but I would love to see it. I will check espn, maybe it's on there or something.

My name is Renee, I just started running a few months ago using the Couch to 5k program. I currently can do about 3 miles. Anyway, welcome to the group, glad to have you :)

Anne, congratulations! Be sure to keep posting here to let us know how things are going even if you're not running (for the best reason in the world).

Welcome Laura! You are a speed demon compared to me, so keep up the good work and post about it here anytime.

Lisa, what book did you pick up? I'm excited to hear you talking marathon...once you get your mind on track to doing it, it becomes so much more real.

Short runs for me this week - I have a little medical issue that is probably going to turn out to be nothing, but I'm a little freaked out by it right now, so am keeping things slow.

Welcome, Laura!

Rachel, I picked up Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide by Hal Higdon. I have another book on speed training by Higdon and I like that one, and I'd seen this marathon book at the bookstore a million times and nearly bought it. I'm definitely thinking I'll do one by the end of 2008. The problem is that I want to do the Richmond marathon but if it's at the same time next year (this year it's Nov 10), it's the same day as the cross country state meet. I imagine the state meet will be scheduled for the same time next year, and I imagine our boys' team will go to state again next year so I won't be able to do the marathon. I'll have to find another one!! I can't find one too far away, however, because I definitely won't have the funds to travel, since we're planning a trip to Italy next summer!

I ran 10 miles today and my legs are tired tired tired. I didn't feel that pain in my sciatic nerve or hamstring or whatever the problem is, however, so that's good news. Yay for Sunday long runs -- they're back! :carrot:

This is my last week of running with the kids at CC practice, and then I can set my own schedule!

Lisa, I followed one of the online Hal Higdon plans in training for my marathon, so I'm sure his book is a good way to go. As to looking for marathons that are close to the same time and near where you live, if you haven't already done so, you should visit www.marathonguide.com - they have a map with all the marathon races in the country, and you can search by dates to find one that works for you. They also have reviews from runners who have participated in past years, elevation charts, etc. - it was a great resource for me when I decided to go to Portland.

I'll admit to tearing up a little when Paula Radcliffe won NYC marathon yesterday. For those who dont follow, she just had her baby 9 months ago. Whoooooo Mommy power!

Cant wait to hear from Helen!

Three of the top 5 women finishers (Radcliffe, Wami, Ndereba) have kids. You'd never know it from the coverage Radcliffe's motherhood is getting.

Yes they have kids, but not many have a baby that young. Considering there are still people who look at you like you are a freak if you run while pg, I think it is a good sign.

I'm with you Ennay, that is amazing!

Count me among those who think it's pretty awesome to see Paula come back and win 9 months after giving birth! And the other wonderful moment of the NYC marathon (of course, besides what we will read about from Helen in her personal report) - Katie Holmes ran it, and she was 45 minutes slower than my marathon time - gotta confess I get a little joy out of knowing I can run faster than a hollywood starlet ;)

Woohoo, Rachel! Your time kicked her butt! :carrot:

I ran a mile on the trails and then 2 miles on the track today with the CC kids. The track workout was an interval one, so I'm kind of worn out! It felt good, though, especially the part on the trail! Tomorrow we're doing 5 miles, which is farther than we usually go, so I'm excited about that, especially since I won't be able to run Thursday or Saturday this week and Wednesday and Friday will be short runs.

I'm getting really excited about the prospect of doing a marathon, but I'm not really finding another marathon for 2008 that works for me, so I'm just hoping the scheduling works for Richmond. The Charlottesville one could work, but it's in April - that just seems wayyyy too soon! I would like to do the half that day though. It's supposed to be a really pretty, scenic route.

Anybody know when Helen is coming back? I'm looking forward to her race report.

Anne

Paula Radcliffe is my new hero, even though I only heard of her about 1 day ago hehe. I wish my body looked like that 9 months after giving birth. Oh and that I could run a marathon that soon.

That soon?

She's been a world-class runner for 15 years. Probably been running for closer to 20. All those years and all those miles matter, a lot.

I think she means that soon after giving birth, which seems impressive to me too. I've never had a baby, so I can't speak from experience, but I imagine the process of pregnancy and childbirth does a number on your body. To be able to run a marathon within a year of giving birth seems like a feat, even for a very experienced runner. So...yay for her! It's fun to celebrate other runners' accomplishments!!

Speaking of which, where IS Helen?

I'm here, I just dragged myself back home today. Quite worryingly, the first thing I did when I got home was to put my running kit on then I went for a short jog before jumping into the shower I needed after 19 hours of travelling!

Things are manic back here still with family stuff, so I'm only here for 18 hours (most of which needs to be spent sleeping) before heading off again. I promise I will write more about the marathon (which was the most fantastic experience of my life), but for now I'll give you the link to the bbc report on our team - it's about 2 and a half minutes long, and it sums the day up pretty well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/new...m&asb=1&news=1

You can also go here and look at the photos under bib numbers 42086 (one of the official runners) and W513 (the number the three guide runners including me wore). Of the seven of us, three were registered in their own right and three were guide runners. That means we weren't in the official results, but did get the t-shirt and the medal as long as we finished with our designated disabled athlete - in our case Matt.

I've just checked and our official time was 6:48:40, not bad considering the battery in the wheelchair died and we had to push it for miles which wasn't part of the plan. If you watch the finish video you'll see that I had to push matt over the line, there was also a spell between about 4 and 11 miles when we had to push (and as the strongest runner a lot of the responsibility for that fell to me) - that's why he talks about wanting us to go ahead at mile 5, because we were slowed down a lot by pushing him, but it was a team thing so there was no way we were leaving him, and we told him that!

Hey all. It’s been a while, just catching up here. Not too much to report in my running world, same old.

Lisa – Congrats on your team going to state, no doubt that’s a credit to your awesome coaching, and you hubby too! Glad your hamstring seems to be better. A marathon for you too? I’m starting to feel left out. Hope you find a good one at a time and location that works for you.

Anne – Congratulations! How exciting, enjoy your running hiatus and keep us posted.

Allison – That turkey trot sounds fun. My DF and sometimes the dog come to cheer me on but I’ve yet to get anyone I know to participate in any of the 5k events I’ve done.

Laura – Glad you’ve joined us! I’ve started a bit of cross training with lifting and a bit of cycling, hope to get back to swimming soon. I do think it’s helped me get a bit faster, I’m pacing at a little under 10 minutes now.

Rachel – Hope your med issue is resolved and all is well.

Helen – Sounds like an incredible experience! You’re amazing. Can’t wait to hear more.

Had a pretty good 4 miles on Monday. Yesterday I was really not in the mood to run at all, I was just doing it to get it done, my hamstrings were pretty spent from lifting and yoga the day before. However, it was a pretty speedy 3 miles so maybe being impatient to get it over with already isn’t such a bad thing. :p Getting too cold out, I could have used an extra layer. Plus it’s dark out too so I have to wear reflectors and my safety light and be extra careful not to get hit by cars. Oh well, beats the treadmill, which I will sadly have to resort to pretty soon. :(

Yes, I meant that soon after giving birth.

This is my full race report from New York.

You missed my point, though.

Her many years of high-level, serious training-- years and years of lots of fast miles--probably have a lot to do with her being able to run a fast marathon so soon after giving birth. So, for that matter, does her not stopping training during her pregnancy.

It's not just Radcliffe's talent that's in another league compared to those of us who post at 3FC, it's also her training and her history of training.

Helen--What a fantastic story. I just started posting in these threads last month so I must have missed the fact that you were helping an athlete with a disability. I have worked with individuals with disabilities more than half my life and they are an amazing bunch. I mostly work with those with intellectual disabilities but I am getting more opportunities to work with those with physical disabilities. Of course I cried when I read your story just as I do when I cheer my athletes during Special Olympics.

Helen - your story brought tears to my eyes too...Congratulations and :bravo:

What a great story...thanks for sharing.

:D

Mine too. It sounds like a wonderful experience. (Although a slightly harrowing experience for Matt and his parents! They seemed very pleased on the video that he had declared his intention never to do another marathon.)

Helen, what a great story. I bet it felt better than a PB time, to be able to help and support Matt to the finish line. I love stories like these, you guys contsantly amaze me!

Congrats on the pregnancy, Anne!! Hope you're feeling well.

I, too, am in awe of Paula Radcliffe. I thought the way the articles phrased her triumph was interesting.....she is such an elite athlete that they might have mentioned that in the headlines. Might have saved countless women from a moment of woeful inadequacy!

I've been so inspired by our marathoners around here that I am planning a half in January and a full in October. Should be fun! :-)

I can't wait to read your race report, Helen! it's blocked on my computer at work. >boo hoo<

Good luck with ya'll's mileage this week!

Helen, what a wonderful story! I'm so glad you had that fantastic experience. I can't get the video to work on my stupid computer, though, which is annoying me. :(

midwife, you and I can share the experience of training for our first marathon! I plan to do one next November, as long as scheduling problems don't knock me out of it. It's the Richmond Marathon, which happened just yesterday. I'd planned to run the 8k that was happening at the same time but couldn't go because I had to go with my cross country team to the state meet.

Speaking of which -- our boys finished FIFTH in the state!! I can't remember if I posted anything about it here because I've been bragging about them all over the place! :lol: Six of the seven boys had a PR yesterday -- they were AMAZING. I'm sooooo proud of them I just can't stand it! :cheer2:

I had a fantastic run today -- my long 10-mile run. I felt so good -- I kept up an average 10:00 mile pace the whole time (well, I finished the first 5 miles in 52 min and the last 5 in 48 min, so it evened out that way). I must just be a distance runner kind of girl, because I always feel really good between miles 5 and 7, and I almost always run the last half faster than the first. The difference in my long run pace just a few months ago and the pace I'm at now is huge, and I believe it's partly because of all those short, faster runs I've been doing with my XC team. I'm kind of sad that XC is over, but some of the kids are going to keep running with me and my husband after school in a very loosely structured kind of schedule. A few girls have asked me to start sort of a "fitness club" where we can lift weights and run and I can help them get in shape. Can you imagine? ME?? My life is sooooo different these days...

Hello runners! Been busy all week, so haven't had much of a chance to post here, but I've been logging my miles. Helen, I loved reading your New York report, it sounds like it was a really amazing experience, so thanks for sharing it.

Lisa, congrats on so many things - the success of your boys team, your improving long run times, the fitness club, it all sounds wonderful! And I am soooo excited that you and midwife are in marathon planning mode now, I am going to enjoy reading all about your training.

Rachel, thanks for all the congrats! I feel great about all those things! :) And you're one of the biggest reasons I've decided to do a marathon, by the way -- you've inspired me to believe that I can do it!

I did 4 fairly speedy miles yesterday and a 1.8 mile trail run today with some students. I'll be off tomorrow because of an after-school commitment, but I'm planning a 6 or 7 mile run Thursday (again, with students. I guess even though the season is over I'm still going to run with them).

I'm baaaack...

Since I got back to the UK on Thursday I've just done a couple of 3 - 4 mile runs, but tonight I managed 8 with running club. It wasn't easy, but it felt good to get some miles into my legs again. I'm running into work in the morning, but haven't decided which way I'm going yet - I have the choice of anything from a 5 mile mainly downhill run to about 12 miles with hills in the way. I don't think I'll go for the long version, but there's a 9 mile route which isn't too bad - no uphills after about the 3rd mile But as I'm still recovering I might just go the short way. I'll see how I feel.

Is it really worrying that I've started plotting my next marathon already. Although what's really worrying is that I've found one on my 30th birthday which is really tempting me. It's the next one Matt might do (Stockholm) and I agreed to do it if he did without checking the date. When I checked the date and realised I could make a holiday out of it I started to get tempted to do it anyway, even if he doesn't...

Helen, a marathon on your 30th birthday would be a VERY cool thing to do!

My run tonight was kind of icky. I didn't have my iPod with me, which would normally be ok but sometimes you just NEED music and tonight was one of those times. Plus, I was freezing and just couldn't warm up. I was very tired and even though parts of the run felt ok it ended up being slow and sluggish and a little unpleasant in general. The only good thing is that I went ahead and pushed myself to do 7.2 miles instead of the 6 I'd planned. Oh well, bad runs happen. I've been having a string of good ones, so I was due a bad one!

4 miles yesterday and 5 miles today. I really need to program my iPod, cause right now it plays random songs and I definitely slow down to some of them. Tomorrow will be 6.8 miles and then Sunday will be a no run day. I'm starting to build my long runs to prepare for the half marathon in January.

I've been struggling a bit with negative self talk. I am the slowest runner I know and all my running partners are much faster. Usually I can shake it off, but a friend told me she saw me "speed-walking" yesterday. Noooo....that's my running. And then sometimes I consider the mileage I have planned and my instinct is to say "I can't do that." But I can and I have done it and I don't know where that voice of negativity comes from.

So I'll just ignore that negative voice and drown it out with action and positive thoughts. It's just annoying.

A woman I know saw me running and called it "trudging." :) Yup, shake it off, and just do what you can do. You're getting lots of good benefits from it no matter how fast or slow you are.

I do the negative thing when I'm cycling. I swear I run faster than I cycle sometimes (OK, so I'm comparing flat, short races with uphill cycles in traffic, but it took me 45 minutes to do 5 miles yesterday - my 10k PB is 47 minutes!). I just try to remind myself that at least I'm doing it, even if I'm doing it incredibly slowly, and if I want to improve there's no option other than practising.

I ended up doing about 6 miles to work yesterday and fell over about half way there, putting a big hole in the knee of the running tights I bought the day before. Luckily they were only cheap ones, and I'll still wear them for cycling and running when no-one is likely to spot me, but it was a bit annoying. Today I tried to get back into my treadmill speed sessions. I find that it does help my speed when I get into the habit of doing them, but I tend to drop them in the later stages of mara training. Today's session was relatively gentle - 1 minute fast, 4 minutes recovery for 30 minutes, but at least it's getting me back into the habit of doing the fast bits even if it's only for a minute at a time. Next time I'll try to make it a bit harder to get my speed back up again.