i wish i could run a "practice" marathon before my official marathon... :)

Oh God No--
 

For the last 2 hours i have had a sore throat that is getting steadily worse!!!!!
(emoticon for PANICKING) (Emoticon for HYPERVENTILATING)

mk - tea with lemon and honey and zinc losenges to fend off your cold! no way are you getting sick before this race!

fatpants - congrats on 5.5!!! :carrot: :carrot: Just got the tights and am going to try them out this afternoon.

We got back last night from a long weekend in SF but I was able to keep up running and hiking while I was away so not too much damage done. Happy running all!

MBN - Wow! Good for you! I can't wait to get to the point where I'm so comfortable running halfs that I do them every month! This past 10K was my very first race and now I'm totally hooked. I'm doing a half in February (though that seems impossible right about now) and then who knows where I'll go from there!

SkinnyJeans/Tights/Pants (hehe) - Damn girl! You are a freakin rock star! You just showed that mental block who's boss. Keep it up!

Dancer - Great job keeping up the exercise while in SF. Those streets are hilly so those must have been some tough runs!

Mk - You are NOT getting sick. Just repeat that over and over and over. And I second Dancer's suggestions. And make sure to get an insane amount of sleep! It's so interesting to hear about the mental aspect of marathon running, because as we all know, so much of running is mental, but I can't even imagine how much that's magnified once you get to marathon level. There's no way that you'll be disappointed in yourself after all of this, no matter what time you get. This is your FIRST marathon ever! You have the rest of your life to improve, to qualify for Boston, to train for ultramarathons, to push your body more than you thought possible, so make sure you enjoy this experience and take it for what it is - an unbelievable accomplishment, learning experience, mental hurdle, and hopefully one of the best days of your life!

SOOOOOO true! I remember back to basketball conditioning in High School and I would fake shin splints because I was sure I couldnt do it. Now I talk to myself so much while I run. My first (and so far only) 5K I trained on the treadmill thinking it was the same and OMG it was horrid. Everyone passing me and me having to walk instead of run alot! It took alot of myself to make it through. I was crying while running for a few minutes. Seeing my husband cut back across the grass to be with me for a lil bit and then at the end when he came back for me and we finished together. I was so very proud of myself for not quiting and felt SO blessed to have the husband I have. That was 6 months ago and I know that the next time I do it , I CAN do it!

Its over
 

full-blown sick. i will stop fightng this. headache, earache, SORE THROAT (my boyfriend said he can see my glands are swollen just looking at me).:?:

Oh no!! Sending healing vibes your way :hug:

Oh MK, I'm so sorry you're sick ... :hug:

Here are my thoughts right now for you: First, rest and take care of yourself. Fluids, rest, good fueling and see a doc if you need to. 72 hours can make a huge difference in how you feel, your marathon is NOT blown. Relax, rest, and take it one day at a time right now.

Second ...yes, you are experiencing "taper madness". It's very normal. Runners tend to be competitive by nature, and even though we tell ourselves that we are running "just to finish", there is this little voice in the back of our heads that starts interjecting time goals. There's the pace we THINK we can probably do, and then there's the "stretch" goal, the one that we REALLY hope that we can achieve if the stars align and everything goes just right. That voice ultimately adds stress and pressure, because now we start to think that we won't be happy at the end of the day, unless we achieve some arbitrary time goal.

My sister also runs marathons, and she has a motto: "It's Always Something". Something is always a little off on the day: clothing, fueling, terrain, weather. We are affected by how we've trained, how we've fueled, how we've slept, and the phase of the moon (if you know what I mean). The weather could be glorious or crappy. Those new shoes that we thought we'd broken in aren't feeling right. That nagging knee pain is feeling worse. I should have had the bagel this morning and not that banana. I hate the gatorade flavor supplied by the race director but I need to drink it anyway. It's Always Something.

We put our best effort into the training, but on the day -- you have to just let go and see how it flows. Let go of time expectations. It doesn't matter what other people think. Just go out there and experience the moment. The bands! The crowds! The beautiful scenery. It is the best of times, and the worst of times. There will be a point when you are REALLY tired, but you will find the strength to dig down and keep going until the end. When all is said and done, the ONLY thing that is important is for you to go out and do your best, on that day, considering everything. This is a huge accomplishment and, frankly, your time doesn't matter one bit. You will have that big beautiful medal, and the pride and thrill of achievement. That is all that really matters.

For now, try to rest and chill. :D

MBN... wow. That was incredible! You're SO right about the little voice in the back of our heads that creep in and say "but wouldn't it be great if you finished in X time?" (Even though probably unrealistic?) :lol: I definitely struggle with that. Thank you so much for your inspiring words!

mk - hang in there! we are all rooting for you to feel better and make it through you race!

Hello ladies! Sorry for being MIA, just been a bit overwhelmed lately. Still running, but still on the treadmill so I'm difinitely not loving it. :(

Sharon~ sorry your 10K wasn't all that great, but I'm super crazy proud of you for toughing it out!!:woohoo: I can't wait to read your blog!

TakingCharge~ you're beautiful hun! Congrats on your race as well, how I missed that you were having one I don't know!

SkinnyPants~ you're doing awesome! Way to tackle that trail hun!

MK~ Nothing but big giant *~*~*~*~Heathly Vibes~*~*~*~* coming your way!!! Congrats on a FULL MONTH of not smoking! That's fanfreakin'tastic!!! Take care of yourself hun, lots of fluids, take it easy, get this thing under control and don't count yourself out--you've got plenty of time to whip it and be healthy for your race!!

Okay girls, I know I missed a lot of you--but I need to get going. As I said, I've been beyond overwhelmed with stuff lately and my house has suffered big time! So I must get myself off of this computer and get crackin'!!! Have a great day everyone!!!

Did two miles: 8:30/9:30. Ugh, sleep deprivation from school work has been catching up to me along with calorie counting. I just don't have the energy with so little sleep. :( Hopefully tonight.. a good run! Going with my friend! :D

1LB TO GO BY FRIDAY! Then, I've met my mini goal for October! :) And I've lost then 10lbs aka 30% of goal!

The guy I'm dating picked me up (and kissed me) and I secretly said to myself, next time this happens...I'll be lighter! :dance:

thank you all so much!! When i said above "its over" what i really meant was that i was accepting the fact that i was sick, and i wanst going to deny it anymore!! Im running this marathon even if i have the SWINE FLU!! (which i dont). My throat feels better (thanks to Ibuprofen?) but my head hurts still :(
Once again i have to wonder if im just being psycho-symptomatic (read: taper madness?)
On the PLUS Side, with nothing better to do here at home i figured out how im gonna do my hair for the marathon!! YAY!! I know, doesnt sound important, but it was actually giving me ALOT of stress. not that i care about looking cute (lets face it, im running 26 miles and will be DISGUSTING 5 miles in!) its just that i cut my hair this summer, and its TOO short to put in a pony, but too long to just leave down (gets in my face...its a very dramatic A-LINE with a big stack in the back--ITS SO AWESOME, best haircut ever). In any case, if i just wore a hat i was afraid it would piss me off for 26 miles, and if i just left it down, i would prob end up borrowing a spectators pocket knife and sawing it off by mile 10. The Fix--- two cute TINY little sad pig tails in the back with one of those rubber-bandy thin headbands that fit all the way around your head, to keep the front out of my face. Who cares, really, but at this point im grasping at little staws of positive...... gonna go take a nap now
ps did you guys know that the EMERGEN-C supplemnt stuff, they dont make a Sugar-FREE variety?? I dont eat sugar...bas**rds...

MBN--thank you for deciding to jump into our little forum right when i think we (read "I") needed you most!! Tell me more about your marathon experiences??

i luv all of you guys

Still hibernating in my running funk but just wanted to pop up and say...MK! Keep your eyes on the prize! Don't worry about right now! Just do what your body needs you to do until you're standing on the starting line and then - GO! You've trained hard for this, physically and in your runner's spirit, and all that training won't let you down. I'm so sorry your body is being uncooperative right now, but just remember - your mind has the greater power! Stay focused on your goals and only listen to your body enough to make peace negotiations - but you keep the upper hand! We're all rooting for you...HUGS!!!!

MK I'm rooting for you too. Perhaps this illness is a way of your body forcing you to hold true to your taper. You can so do this. Relax, be good to yourself and you'll make it.

On a personal note, I made it through another 5kms today. I think I've found a pace I can work with.

You are welcome! I float in and out of posting, because life gets busy!

I can't quote the studies to back this up, but I believe that although regular exercise normally boosts the immune system, very intense training (like long 20+ mile runs) can stress the immune system because the training is so much more taxing to your system overall. Not a reason to stop training, but a possible reason why you are fighting something off now.

Oh gosh, what do you want to know about marathons? :D I like running halfs because I find that level of training is easier on me (I am considerably older than you!) and I still have time and energy to do all of the other activities that I like. My knees started bothering me when I got up to 18 plus mile runs, but if I stick to 16 or less, they are fine. I keep a long run base of 10-12 miles now, so essentially I can go out and do a half any time with no pressure. I just enjoy participating in the events. Sometimes I go faster, sometimes slower, but my time isn't the most important factor - participation is. I've had magical races where everything goes right, and I've had races that were bonk city. Note to self: DON'T kayak for 4 hours in the hot sun and then expect to break speed records in a half marathon the next day. :dizzy:

One of the things I did before my first marathon was to ask my family to email me their favorite motivational sayings. I printed them and put them in my fanny pack and carried it with me during the race. At mile 20, I pulled them out and read them and remembered everyone's good wishes and love. Those sayings became my mantra to pull me through those last difficult miles. Distance running definitely requires as much mental stamina as physical.

Feel better Mk!!! It seems like you're taking care of yourself and doing all the right things so you'll be totally fine by race day. Just please make sure to eat well and not worry too much about calories and all that business this week because your body is clearly craving fuel and energy! And keep up your great attitude because that'll get you through this even faster!

Loquacious - Nice speedy 2 miles! I totally know what you mean about school work and sleep deprivation..uh...I find that running is one of the few things that keeps me sane through it all though, so even if you can get in a quick 2 miles or a slow and steady few miles, it'll do great things for your mental (and physical!) health. Good luck with school!

Sylvied - Nice job on the 5k!

Sharon - I'm glad you're listening to your body and taking it easy with the running. Hoping you get out of your funk soon so you can regail us with more stories of your progress!

No running for me today. I ran yesterday (and Tue) and then yesterday went to my first boot camp class, which totally kicked my butt! The only problem is that there's a fair amount of running (warm up laps, sprints up a hill) and I'm afraid that more running on top of my 4 days a week will stress my shins. They're totally killing me today but I'm hoping that's just because I ran and had the boot camp yesterday, so if I don't do both on the same day (which is the plan), then I should be fine. I guess we'll see!

Hullo ladies! Still very inspiring reading your posts- MK- get better! We're nursing a 12yo with strep in our house and it's been miserable.

I got the results back a few weeks ago on my ankle, and there is no major damage. So I've been steadily working it, keeping it limber, stretching, doing weight bearing exercises, etc. Today, I bought myself an ankle stabilizer that has a little flex in it so I can start with a slow jog starting next week. I have my friend here at work who is also doing the C25K and she has been doing awesome. She has been totally an inspiration, and we've been pushing each other as far as running, working out, eating right, etc. It's good having that support so close.

Since I'll be running again, I guess I can come back and start being more of a participant instead of the jealous-occassional-lurker ;) I'm digging reading all the posts :)

Ummm guys, guess what...I RAN TONIGHT! and it was awesome! I'm so relieved to be back in my running zone. I was exhausted after work, and I didn't want to go, but I could tell my body needed it, and I just forced myself out there in the cold rainyness. It felt so good. I think I'm running much faster - I'll have to time a run this weekend to know for sure. I ran 2.7 miles to the library, returned my books, then 2.7 back, with no breaks except when I had to wait at lights. I'M BACK!!!

I haven't been running... my period got the best of me for the past 2 days. Saturday AM back on it - 6 miles planned!

Iris - that's one reason why I made myself run. My period always destroys me and it's right around the corner. Good luck tomorrow morning!

In other news...FINALLY lost weight! All the pounds I've been losing and regaining are gone and I'm at a new low since starting this project in July. Feeling AWESOME today!

Hey ladies!! Happy Friday! :carrot: Anyone doing anything fun or exciting this weekend?

Sharon - I'm so happy you've gotten back into running... I felt the same way after my first 5k... in a running slump and disappointed from the race. I think it took a week or so for me to become excited/happy with running again. So I can really relate! And you know what? Now that you have your first 10k under your belt, you can work on improving your time for the next 10k!

MK - Two more days!!! I will be silently rooting you on from down here in the Springs!! :D

TC - How are you liking boot camp? I've thought of trying to find one here for when I get into an exercise slump...

Well I have two exciting things to share. One is that my DH and I were talking about going somewhere for our anniversary in December and I suggested Moab - it's 6 hours from where we are and I LOVE Moab... we went two years ago and have been wanting to go back ever since. I was looking up places to run and I saw there is a 10k the weekend we would be there! So now I just need to convince my hubby we should go and I am totally going to sign up for it! I would love nothing more than to race in one of the most beautiful places in the country!

Secondly, I had dinner with my friend who runs marathons and we discussed me doing a half marathon next May, and a full marathon next September/October. She helped me put together a training schedule (a long one, since I'm slow lol) and I'm officially starting next week! It's not so much the marathon itself but just sort of like... you know, I used to be so fat and out of shape. I just accepted that I would never be physically active, but since becoming a runner, I've discovered all these things that I was missing out on by being obese. It's not just EXERCISE, it's the act of being a RUNNER that encompasses more than just physical activity. If you asked me a year ago if I would be training for a marathon, I would have laughed until I cried. Like MBN said, it's not so much the time or how fast I go or all that, it's the sense of personal accomplishment from doing this. :)

Hey girls...

Wow, you gals amaze me and keep me motivated to do better...

Yesterday I went out and it was the perfect type of day for me 5c/41f sunny and bright with a slight wind... I did 5.15k/3.23miles with a 11.something pace, I was very pleased with that because I usually run 12.35 pace ....

Yay for the cooler weather...

Fat---CONGRATS on a HUGE DECISION!!!!! talk about taking the plunge!!!!! What half in May and full in september are you looking at doing?? I have a couple suggestions if you havent picked yet...in May in Ft Collins is the Colorado Marathon/Hlaf MArathon. its a "downhill" half down Poudre Canyon into old town Ft Collins. Easy Course (but not overly well run, in my personal opinion, but still a good course) There is also the Rocky Mountain Half MArathon in June up here in Denver. A Flatish Course that takes you around Lodo in denver, and then out west a little bit then back into denver. Of course, for the FALL, i recommend the denver marathon. I know youre in the Springs, but for a marathon/half marathon i think the travel time is worth it.
Theres also Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half in August, which is usually FANTASTIC. i do NOT recommend the Boulder Backroads in September, personally. I DONT Like runningon Dirt, and its very hilly and full of.... BOULDER PEOPLE- UGH! Can you tell how i feel about People from Boulder?

LOL hahahaha. You're preaching to the choir.... I live in Colorado Springs. How do you think I feel about people from Boulder? :rofl: :lol:

A couple ones I'm looking at: my friend has done the Ft Collins Half and she recommended that one because it is downhill. My original plan was to do the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half but that's one month before my planned marathon, so I'm not sure that I want to do my FIRST half marathon just a month before. I'd like to have at least 2 half mary's under my belt... so I'll probably do the Ft Collins Half and Georgetown to Idaho Springs.

For the marathon I'm considering the Crested Butte to Gunnison (Mountain Air Marathon) in September - it's a small marathon but it's down hill and Pikes Peak Road Runners suggested it for first-timers. If not that one, then probably the Denver Marathon in October.

Skinny Jeans - woot!!! What an exciting goal! I know you'll do great!
I might ask you later for more details on how you planned a training program. I'm flirting with the idea of a spring or summer half marathon...

Ilene - sounds like such an enjoyable run! Congrats on the pace increase!

MK - how are you feeling??!!

Sharon - Yay for getting back into running AND losing weight!! Talk about double whammy!

Iris - Have a good run tomorrow!

Ilene - Way to go on the new faster pace! It feels so great to beat your own personal best and really push yourself. Great job!

Fat Pants - WOW! You are hard core! There's really no better way to challenge yourself with running than signing up for such amazing races and working towards them. And you already have a plan and everything! I'm super impressed with your dedication. And I'm totally with you about never really thinking I could be an athlete, but as it turns out, we are! Keep it up girl!

I'm really liking the boot camp. My arms were soooo sore after that first day, but on the other hand, my shins were really sore also. Though I just got in a 4 mile run and my shins felt pretty good, but I've been icing them like crazy so I think that helped. If it ends up being too much running, I'll prob just ask the trainer to give me something else to do while people are running, but I don't wanna be lame and seem like I can't keep up (I know, I shouldnt' care what other people think, but still!) so I'll stick it out for a bit and see how I feel.

Good evening ladies!

MK~ hope you're feeling better today!!! I hope a million times better!!

Sharon~ Congrats on running today! So nice to hear you're back in the game!! :carrot: And Bravo on the weight loss! Nothing like smashing through a plateau to make your day!!

SkinnyPants~ :woohoo: on the upcoming Anniversary trip! That's so cool!! And I hope you're able to talk hubby into you running the 5K--I'm sure he'll go for it! Secondly, how awesome that you're training for marathons!!! WOW!!!

Ilene~ congrats on a great run! Isn't it great when conditions are just right? :)

TakingCharge~ boot camp has always intregued me. I'm not sure I could commit to it though. I'm not great at getting out of bed at the crack of dawn (my girls wake me up mulitiple times a night and I can't count on hubby to make sure I'm up and out of bed on time) and I'd hate to pay for it and not make it. I think it would be a good idea to sit out the running portion if your shins bother you too much--gotta save 'em for your runs!!!

Well, I finally got outside for a run today. I really had to talk myself into getting out of my cozy warm bed to brave the 40 degree weather--go ahead and laugh, I'm a big baby about the cold :lol: Once I got out there I was warmed up in 5 mins so I'm glad I didn't wear a sweatshirt or anything (even though hubby told me I should). I made much better time than I have been on the treadmill, might have run it close to 30 mins, but I had to stop and tie my shoe then I had to re-tie it because it was too tight and then there was the car backing out of the driveway I had to slow my pace for...sheesh! :lol: So I ended up closer to 33 mins, still way better than the 45 it takes me on the treadmill! Why on earth do I run slower on that thing?!

Anyway, been really trying to decided if I'm going to stick it out through the Winter or not. I just don't see me braving snow and ice to run and I really, really hate the treadmill. Plus, doing the P90X schedule is hard with running to add to the mix, just not a lot of time to squeeze it all in sometimes.

Sigh...I dunno. Someone smack some sense into me!!! Maybe I could drop a day of running, but still do it 2 days a week? Maybe I should drop the HIIT and just do running? Ack!!! I can't make up my mind!!! :crazy:

Well, enough of that. I better get going. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! I'll be checking back in tomorrow to see how MK is feeling and how everyone's doing. Anyone got a race this weekend? Besides MK that is. :)

i feel alot better you guys!! Thanks so much for the concern.... Not sure WHAT was going on...maybe taper madness manifesting itself in psycho symptomatic illness (ie, freaking about the marathon caused my subconscious to MAKE ME feel ill?) Maybe i really WAS coming down with something, but since i have such a great immune system (we ALL do, from all the running) i was able to fight it off before it got worse? Maybe cuz i tapered down to NO running at that point, my body just kinda "relaxed" and let the bugs come in...i dont know....but i DO feel alot better...a little congested..... I ate a half a cookie yesterday afternoon and ive felt better ever since!! Whatever THAT means!! :)
So, went to the expo..picked up my bib and shirt and other race swag. I splurged on myself and bought a long sleeved, lightweight girl tech running shirt!! I will consider it a b-day present, and hey, i only run ONE FIRST marathon, right? It was 50 bucks but i know i will get alot of use out of it this winter, plus it will make a great base layer for skiing......i prob shoulda bought TWO i ski and run so much!!

MK~ so very glad you're feeling better!!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes tomorrow!! :carrot: Congrats on the fancy new shirt!! A totally justified purchase! :D

No run for me today. Decided to only do HIIT when I'm feeling extra energetic and keep the running up as long as I can. :)

Have a great day everyone!!!

Idream - Good job on your speedy outdoor run! If you're not really feeling the running or it seems more of a chore to fit in with your busy schedule, then just take a rest from it! For me, running is (usually) a joy and a much needed escape from everything so I couldn't give it up, but if it doesn't serve that purpose for you, if it's just another exercise, then just go with P90X and HIIT and fit in running when you can until you really feel the desire to get back to it. It should be fun! Let us know how it goes!

Mk - OMG, tomorrow!!! I'm so excited for you!!! KICK BUTT!!!

Today is glorious rest day for me and then long run tomorrow. Well, not long compared to Mk's marathon! Maybe that's what I'll use as motivation to get me through 6 miles...Mk is running 26 miles right now and I can't even finish 6? Haha!

yeeeesh, that was tough 6 miles! And in truth we only ended up doing 5.8 because that was two laps around the park. BUT I stuck it out even though I wanted to give up and just walk, so I'll be proud about that!

I'm thinking I might hit the gym again, just need to fit it into my budget. I want to train on the treadmill a bit because I can set my pace, plus it won't bother my allergies like running outside does.

Good luck and vibes MK ... Kick butt :hug:

Yes, good luck! We will all be thinking of you :) :hug:

Thank you guys!!! Im totally freaking out right now.........im scared....

You will do GREAT, mk!! =)

GOOD LUCK, MK!!!! We are all rooting for you and can't wait for you to be back post-marathon to tell us all about it! You will do fantastic - you have trained for this. you OWN those 26 miles!!!

I'll be cheering for you from about 60 miles away! :cheer:

In 13 minutes it will be MARATHON DAY! Go you!!!!!!!! Finish Line, get ready for MK! She's on her way!