2011 WDW Half-Marathon/Marathon Thread

[Hooker]

Runners take your mark...

[Christy]

I have given up on actual running til the weather and our volleyball schedules are a little more tolerable :) But I am getting myself in shape! Insanity lives up to its name, good grief.

[xfkirsten]

Weather was FINALLY decent enough for a run tonight! Just did 2 miles, but did it in 15:13...

[Doug11]

is this thread just for halfers, or can anybody join in?

well, I have a half coming up at the end of the month. . . getting back to the workouts tonight!

[Garyhoov]

is this thread just for halfers, or can anybody join in?

well, I have a half coming up at the end of the month. . . getting back to the workouts tonight!

Well not only are you running the half at the end of the month, but you'll be running the half at Disney World with us next Jan, right?

. . . because of that, you're cool . . .otherwise we'd tell you to get the:mad out.:lol

. . . and were there 10 other "Doug"s already signed up? Is that why you had to go for the "Doug11"?:lol

[Garyhoov]

. . . or maybe you're not really Doug at all, but an imposter:lookaroun

:lol

[Doug11]

Doug11 because i can be turned up past 10 - i go to 11! *where are the smileys?

yup, i suppose the Disney half marathon would be part of the Goofy, so count me in. ha

[Roxxy]

Hi all!!

My treadmill bit the dust! (We've had some good and not so good times together.) I want to get in 5 miles this Saturday, but we're expecting rain. Have any of you done runs in the rain? Would you recommend it? (I'm a Southern Californian...we don't handle rain very well. ;) )

[BeeJay]

Have any of you done runs in the rain?

No, but I hear it's very painful. :whistle

[Doug11]

No, but I hear it's very painful. :whistle

I would think waiting around for the race to start would be the worst part of running in the rain.

[Roxxy]

No, but I hear it's very painful. :whistle
I should’ve known you would respond! :p
(Obviously I’m going to need protective clothing) :P

[xfkirsten]

Heads-up for anyone who was interested in doing the Everest Challenge this year... just checked the site and registration is now open! I'm surprised they didn't publicize that more...

[Doug11]

Heads-up for anyone who was interested in doing the Everest Challenge this year... just checked the site and registration is now open! I'm surprised they didn't publicize that more...

Fun!

It is in June? That is going to be hot, hot, hot!

I'd love to do it - don't know what my June schedule is going to be right now, but expect it to be really busy.

[jmaxwell007]

1 week and counting till the Mercedes. I am so nervous. Not that I cant do it or anything like that, but all of the sudden, I have family coming, family from out of town (Lake Martin) and friends coming. It has turned into a bit of a circus. I am trying to block all that out and just focus on the obstacle in front of me... but it is hard when I get a lot of the questions like, "Where do we need to be, What time do you think you will finish and Can we follow Sam and Isabeau down to the post race area".... :uh I dont know. Im just running a race here! :lookaroun

Anyway, Doug ans Scott, it looks like the fam (Sam and company) seems to be ok with me staying an extra day in October to run the Food and Wine Half. Everytime I bring it up, she is cool with it. I need to register for it ASAP before or if things change.

[Doug11]

get registered, Joel! :lol

and keep us informed on the Mercedes! I'd love to join you for that, well, until you mentioned hills. :lookaroun

[xfkirsten]

Fun!

It is in June? That is going to be hot, hot, hot!

I'd love to do it - don't know what my June schedule is going to be right now, but expect it to be really busy.

Yup, it's June 26, I believe. They are starting it a little later in the evening than years past (thank god for small favors!)... race kicks off at 8:30 this time, as opposed to the 7:00 that it has been the last two years. Still gonna be hot, though!

[jmaxwell007]

get registered, Joel! :lol

and keep us informed on the Mercedes! I'd love to join you for that, well, until you mentioned hills. :lookarounOh Doug, the hills are more like slight inclines. The old course was brutal and this new course for the last 2 years is pretty flat. I have just elected to run hills in my training to over prepare.

Registration for it closes Sunday night. If you get a last minute itch, let me know. I wish I had a big enough house to offer a room in the event you needed it.

Ill get registered for F&W Half as soon as this contract job Im working now goes perm. :yahoo

[LinHoov]

Hi, all!

As you know, Gary signed me up for the 1/2 Marathon at Disney 2011. I am not a runner!
BUT...as you also know, I became a member of the US Public Health Service last September and they have a physical fitness test which includes running....so I'm running...
or doing something that sort of resembles running....

I have one of those friends who says "yes" to everything and when I asked her to sign up for the Disney 1/2 marathon she said sure. Then she asked me to sign up for the 10 mile Broad Street Run in May (in Philly) and I, like an idiot, said sure. If nothing else, I'll get a cool shirt. :)

So - - all tips for training are welcome.

Oh - here's a need. What do people eat prior to running? I find I can't run if I am hungry. I found I also have an awful workout if my stomach is full. What is the best way to go.
(If I ask Gary, he just tells me to have a bacon double cheese burger with a side of chili).

PS I'll see if I can get my friend Cindy to join us in this discussion.

[LinHoov]

Gary, guess what my avatar photo is.

[Computer Magic]

Hi, all!

So - - all tips for training are welcome.


(If I ask Gary, he just tells me to have a bacon double cheese burger with a side of chili).

.I would follow Gary's advice and then stay about 10 feet down wind from him during the race...that will teach him to giving you chili advice....:lookaroun

[Doug11]

Linda, I only started running a couple years ago, and I only run enough not to get any fatter while not giving up any of the unhealthy food and drink I love so much. Well, that's not entirely true. Over 2 years, I've noticed that fried foods don't agree with me like they used to, so I guess that is one healthy benefit of running.

I am also a slow runner. My race times are in the bottom third of race runners of my sex and age group. I only say that so that you can take any of my advice with a big old grain of salt.

As far as food before a run - the biggest thing is to develop a routine and go with that. I'm not a big breakfast eater, but I will do my usual couple cups of coffee before a race, just the same as I do any other day. The biggest thing you want to avoid in a race is dehydration, so drink plenty of water the night before, and drink some water on the morning of, and give yourself plenty of time to hit the port-a-potty before "go time."

For a 10 mile run, I would take one or two gels (one every 45 minutes) and drink 4 or 5 ounces of water every 15 minutes. Most races will have plenty of water stops, but some races are better equipped than others. If there is any question, it is worthwhile to take your own water supply. The gels replace carbs that are depleted when your body is under stress. if your body burns through all the stored carbs, it will switch to burning fat, which sounds good, but when it is happening, you will feel horrible and completely energy depleted. When runners talk about "hitting the wall," they are describing what happens when the body runs out of carbs to burn and switches to burning fat.

Anyway, back to gels: They taste kind of funky if you aren't used to them, so check out the selections at your local fitness store (Academy Sports . . . Dick's sporting goods are a couple that carry gels. Any running specialty store probably carries a big selection). These will keep you from feeling the hunger pangs during a longer run, such as a 10 miler.

One last suggestion - and again, I am going from personal experience, but this advice is in a book I picked up to help train for the full marathon. "How to Train for and Run Your Best Marathon," by Gordon Bakoulis Bloch. It is good to have your first "race" a 5K. This isn't too long, and it gives you a good introduction into the whole process without putting you at much risk. A 5K is a good stepping stone to a 10K and ultimately, the half marathon.

Anyway, there are probably as many different ways of training as there are runners, but I hope some of this is helpful. Happy running!

[Garyhoov]

Gary, guess what my avatar photo is.

Well it's obviously a photo of you, but I can't place the location?:dunno

Was that in the back-yard, near the pond?:lookaroun

[LinHoov]

I would follow Gary's advice and then stay about 10 feet down wind from him during the race...that will teach him to giving you chili advice....:lookaroun

That will inspire me to work out enough that I can run faster and stay in FRONT of him! :thumbs

[LinHoov]

To Doug11

Awesome! Thanks. I'll go look up the book and the gels.
I am a sloooow runner. And I haven't been able to run long stretches without stopping to walk every once in a while.
Gary keeps telling me I will get there.

Hey, are those gels similar at all to those Clif blocks w electolytes that Gary brought back from Disney?

[LinHoov]

Well it's obviously a photo of you, but I can't place the location?:dunno

Was that in the back-yard, near the pond?:lookaroun


You got it! Near the pond.

[Garyhoov]

I am a sloooow runner. And I haven't been able to run long stretches without stopping to walk every once in a while.
Gary keeps telling me I will get there.


Considering you weigh a good bit less than me, you eat MUCH better than I do and you're willing to study and take good advice to actually do things right . . .

. . . I'm afraid I'll still be the slowest Sapphire Metropolis person next year.:blush

[Garyhoov]

Since Linda doesn't know the people around here very well yet, from left to right, The Captain, Doug (Doug11), Scott (Hooker), Kirsten (XFKirsten) and Brad and you'll get to know some of the others as we go, but I thought this would help you to start putting some names with faces.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs200.snc3/20778_1346859150766_1209919347_31040229_6307205_n. jpg

[Doug11]

loved that shirt, "Captain." /jealous :lol Too bad the photo didn't pick up the personalization. But where was the cap?

[LinHoov]

loved that shirt, "Captain." /jealous :lol Too bad the photo didn't pick up the personalization. But where was the cap?

...it is in the closet!

:huh

[LinHoov]

Since Linda doesn't know the people around here very well yet, from left to right, The Captain, Doug (Doug11), Scott (Hooker), Kirsten (XFKirsten) and Brad and you'll get to know some of the others as we go, but I thought this would help you to start putting some names with faces.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs200.snc3/20778_1346859150766_1209919347_31040229_6307205_n. jpg

... you have a lot of young ones there.

[LinHoov]

Considering you weigh a good bit less than me, you eat MUCH better than I do and you're willing to study and take good advice to actually do things right . . .

. . . I'm afraid I'll still be the slowest Sapphire Metropolis person next year.:blush

hey, it is like you are actually paying me a compliment!

[LinHoov]

Do you think with my appearance (see photo left), I'll scare Minnie and Mickey off? :uh

[Garyhoov]

...it is in the closet!

:huh

Do you want me to get it out tonight? (Oz, we need the creepy eyebrow smiley)


... you have a lot of young ones there.

Kirsten's a damn kid and Brad is ( I think ) still in his early 30's, but Scott and Doug are old farts . . . about the same age as us.

[Garyhoov]

Do you think with my appearance (see photo left), I'll scare Minnie and Mickey off? :uh

Mickey might be turned on, but Minnie might try to kick your ass.

. . . if that happens, I hope someone with better photographic skills than mine is there to snap a couple shots.:lookaroun

[LinHoov]

Do the Clif Shot Bloks taste good?

[Christy]

Had this been posted on the old forum? It was vaguely familiar...

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-258-6851-0,00.html

I need to get my feet fixed. It's starting to affect my whole lower body, my knees my back, bleh. I'm thinking a trip to the good feet store is in order :lol

[Doug11]

To Doug11

Awesome! Thanks. I'll go look up the book and the gels.
I am a sloooow runner. And I haven't been able to run long stretches without stopping to walk every once in a while.
Gary keeps telling me I will get there.

Hey, are those gels similar at all to those Clif blocks w electolytes that Gary brought back from Disney?


Do the Clif Shot Bloks taste good?

I think the consensus opinion was the blocks taste like poo. :lol

And the gels are bad in their own right. They are like goo . . . pasty but not really anything you can sink your teeth into. They get the job done though.

[LinHoov]

Had this been posted on the old forum? It was vaguely familiar...

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-258-6851-0,00.html

I need to get my feet fixed. It's starting to affect my whole lower body, my knees my back, bleh. I'm thinking a trip to the good feet store is in order :lol

Thanks. This looks like a good article.

Regarding feet: I had bunion surgery years ago. (I'm old!) No, really, it is genetic. Never really wore high heeled shoes a lot or anything like that. When I was about 18 they told me that I would have to get correction and I held off until my 30's which I thought was great. Got one side done, not the other. I'm a lousy patient! One of these days I need to go back. At any rate, you might want to think about going to a podiatrist. If the feet are "off" that can set all above out of alignment. If that is a problem, better to get fixed early on. You heal better when younger. Plus, you don't want to cause problems with the knees and back.

My Mom had the knee replacement surgery so I want to do anything I can to avoid that in the future.

Oh, and veins. Good vein health is a must. If you are prone to varicose veins or spider veins, have a consult with a specialist. Need good circulation.

Hey, does anyone have any tips on maintaining good joint and vasular health when running?

[Garyhoov]

Thanks. This looks like a good article.

Regarding feet: I had bunion surgery years ago. (I'm old!) No, really, it is genetic. Never really wore high heeled shoes a lot or anything like that. When I was about 18 they told me that I would have to get correction and I held off until my 30's which I thought was great. Got one side done, not the other. I'm a lousy patient! One of these days I need to go back. At any rate, you might want to think about going to a podiatrist. If the feet are "off" that can set all above out of alignment. If that is a problem, better to get fixed early on. You heal better when younger. Plus, you don't want to cause problems with the knees and back.

My Mom had the knee replacement surgery so I want to do anything I can to avoid that in the future.

Oh, and veins. Good vein health is a must. If you are prone to varicose veins or spider veins, have a consult with a specialist. Need good circulation.

Hey, does anyone have any tips on maintaining good joint and vasular health when running?

. . . and to think I thought you were sexy up until a few minutes ago.:blink

[LinHoov]

. . . and to think I thought you were sexy up until a few minutes ago.:blink


You thought I was sexy?

[LinHoov]

. . . and to think I thought you were sexy up until a few minutes ago.:blink

Naw...it's all falling apart.
Super Glue.
That's the answer.

[xfkirsten]

I think the consensus opinion was the blocks taste like poo. :lol

And the gels are bad in their own right. They are like goo . . . pasty but not really anything you can sink your teeth into. They get the job done though.

The gels seem to have the consistency of refrigerated pudding... but far less palatable. :p

[Hooker]

... you have a lot of young ones there.The guy in the middle of the picture is a STUD.

Linda, Doug gave you great advice. Also, just take things slow at first (really slow) and build up an endurance base. Your body will adjust, but it will take some time. Get some miles under your belt and you'll do fine. When I first began, I couldn't run a mile without having to stop. Now I've done 4 halfs and a full and numerous 5K's and 10K's. You can do it.

[Christy]

Thanks. This looks like a good article.

Regarding feet: I had bunion surgery years ago. (I'm old!) No, really, it is genetic. Never really wore high heeled shoes a lot or anything like that. When I was about 18 they told me that I would have to get correction and I held off until my 30's which I thought was great. Got one side done, not the other. I'm a lousy patient! One of these days I need to go back. At any rate, you might want to think about going to a podiatrist. If the feet are "off" that can set all above out of alignment. If that is a problem, better to get fixed early on. You heal better when younger. Plus, you don't want to cause problems with the knees and back.

My Mom had the knee replacement surgery so I want to do anything I can to avoid that in the future.

Oh, and veins. Good vein health is a must. If you are prone to varicose veins or spider veins, have a consult with a specialist. Need good circulation.

Hey, does anyone have any tips on maintaining good joint and vasular health when running?

I was on the fence about where to go, but those commercials for the good feet store are so darned convincing. But yeah, a podiatrist may be the better bet, and actually, with insurance, would probably be cheaper!

My veins seem to be ok, so far, even after 5 pregnancies! :lol

[Garyhoov]

The guy in the middle of the picture is a STUD.



True! From what I understand, small, Asian men simply can't resist Scott's back-rubs.:lol

[Hooker]

True! From what I understand, small, Asian men simply can't resist Scott's back-rubs.:lol:chair The legend that will never die...

[jmaxwell007]

Since Linda doesn't know the people around here very well yet, from left to right, The Captain, Doug (Doug11), Scott (Hooker), Kirsten (XFKirsten) and Brad and you'll get to know some of the others as we go, but I thought this would help you to start putting some names with faces.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs200.snc3/20778_1346859150766_1209919347_31040229_6307205_n. jpgHi Linda. Im Joel. < Im over there. Im from Birmingham, Alabama... and you might have heard of us in the news lately. We are the city that has the most corrupt mayor's nation wide. :bag

I know most of the group from the Disney boards. I too am new to running. I actually never thought I would enjoy it... but I am making arrangements months in advance to participate in other runs besides the original one this Sunday that got me started.

Good luck. Just wanted to introduce myself.

BTW, I look all serious in that photo but far from it most of the time. I think I was concentrating since it was a mobile pic self taken. LOL

[Garyhoov]

Joel, I can't remember (and I guess the old thread is lost now) are you registered and planning to go in January? And if so, are you doing tthe half or the full? I seem to remember you were doing some of the other races, but I can't remember what you're doing in Jan. (if you've mentioned).

We should have a pretty good sized group next year.

[Doug11]

Here ya go, Christy. . . a training partner! :lookaroun

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=547097


(note the location)

:D

[Christy]

Here ya go, Christy. . . a training partner! :lookaroun

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=547097


(note the location)

:D


Fit - Can run 5 miles continuously at about a 9 min mile pace, not a "natural runner" by any means


:blink:

She would smoke me :lol What makes for a natural runner by her standards, I wonder? :faint

[jmaxwell007]

Joel, I can't remember (and I guess the old thread is lost now) are you registered and planning to go in January? And if so, are you doing tthe half or the full? I seem to remember you were doing some of the other races, but I can't remember what you're doing in Jan. (if you've mentioned).

We should have a pretty good sized group next year.I was going to go down for the one in January, but we will be down for a family vacation in late Sept into October 1 and 2. Financially, it makes more sense to do the Food and Wine Half on that 10/2. I dont have the money or the will power to convince Sam that I need to spend the money and get another plane ticket and room/board 2 months later.

Kind of killing 2 birds with one stone. I would like to do my first FULL at WDW. Maybe 2012.

Are you going to do the Food and Wine Half? I think Scott said he was. It will be nice to have somebody there I know since the fam is traveling back that saturday morning leaving me by myself to run like a moron, at 10 at night. :faint

[Garyhoov]

I was going to go down for the one in January, but we will be down for a family vacation in late Sept into October 1 and 2. Financially, it makes more sense to do the Food and Wine Half on that 10/2. I dont have the money or the will power to convince Sam that I need to spend the money and get another plane ticket and room/board 2 months later.

Kind of killing 2 birds with one stone. I would like to do my first FULL at WDW. Maybe 2012.

Are you going to do the Food and Wine Half? I think Scott said he was. It will be nice to have somebody there I know since the fam is traveling back that saturday morning leaving me by myself to run like a moron, at 10 at night. :faint

Makes sense, but it's a shame I won't see you in Jan.

The Food and Wine one sounds fun (as does the Tower of Terror), but, like you, I don't think I'd want to go down twice in such a short time. And, between the two, I like the timing and cool weather of the January one. I also like the scale and spectacle of the Jan weekend, so I'll probably stick with that one until I have the time and money to do both.

I'm also still not much of a runner and it takes me a loooong time to feel ready to do one of these things. I can't do one every weekend like Doug.:lol

[LinHoov]

The guy in the middle of the picture is a STUD.

Linda, Doug gave you great advice. Also, just take things slow at first (really slow) and build up an endurance base. Your body will adjust, but it will take some time. Get some miles under your belt and you'll do fine. When I first began, I couldn't run a mile without having to stop. Now I've done 4 halfs and a full and numerous 5K's and 10K's. You can do it.

Thanks! That is so good to hear.
I never did anything related to sports before in my life....
and I'm an Old Dog learning a New Trick.

[LinHoov]

Hi Linda. Im Joel. < Im over there. Im from Birmingham, Alabama... and you might have heard of us in the news lately. We are the city that has the most corrupt mayor's nation wide. :bag

I know most of the group from the Disney boards. I too am new to running. I actually never thought I would enjoy it... but I am making arrangements months in advance to participate in other runs besides the original one this Sunday that got me started.

Good luck. Just wanted to introduce myself.

BTW, I look all serious in that photo but far from it most of the time. I think I was concentrating since it was a mobile pic self taken. LOL


Thanks for the support! Good to hear.

Hey, who is that cute little baby on your back??
:)

[LinHoov]

So...last week I was getting to the Ballys at 6 am to work out on the treadmill (in this cold weather here in NJ) and felt like I was doing well...and then I came down with a nasty flu! Ugghhhh!!!

So this week I've been trying to get back into it, and now we are getting slammed by the horrible storm tomorrow. I guess I will get my exercise shoveling again. Well, I do need to lose about 10 lbs of fat and gain about 10 lb of muscle.

[LinHoov]

Oh, and if anyone is wondering...

my avatar is a long nosed bandicoot.

Gary always said that I looked like one.

[Doug11]

I always thought you looked more like a llama with lips. :whistle

[Doug11]

but really pretty lips. :lookaroun

[jmaxwell007]

Makes sense, but it's a shame I won't see you in Jan.

The Food and Wine one sounds fun (as does the Tower of Terror), but, like you, I don't think I'd want to go down twice in such a short time. And, between the two, I like the timing and cool weather of the January one. I also like the scale and spectacle of the Jan weekend, so I'll probably stick with that one until I have the time and money to do both.

I'm also still not much of a runner and it takes me a loooong time to feel ready to do one of these things. I can't do one every weekend like Doug.:lolWell, I guess we will have to wait another year. Ill get there one day for the January event. I think this weekend will prepare me for such the crowd. The Mercedes pulls 10,000 people. To get a scope of that visually, (Doug will get this) I pretend Im sitting in my parents seats at Bryant Denny Stadium and 1/10th of the stadium is running.

Slightly intimidating.


Thanks for the support! Good to hear.

Hey, who is that cute little baby on your back??
:)Hey no problem. I have learned that these guys can be a great support system.

Oh. She is just my little Isabeau. It is hard to see her in that 1980's version hand-me-down Kelty pack. She is making her maiden voyage to WDW this Sept. BTW, she loves loves that Kelty pack.

[BeeJay]

:blink:

She would smoke me :lol What makes for a natural runner by her standards, I wonder? :faint

I thought the same thing when I read that!

Has anybody responded to the poor girl's thread yet? :lol

[Christy]

Not I, said the mouse :blush

[Garyhoov]

Linda's never going to be able to run a half-Marathon until she has a better understanding of the nutrition basics.:whistle

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=308649217568&id=1186677456

[Doug11]

Linda's never going to be able to run a half-Marathon until she has a better understanding of the nutrition basics.:whistle

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=308649217568&id=1186677456

:lol nutrition or math? :lol

An e-mail reminder was sent to me yesterday. Apparently there is a half marathon in New Orleans at the end of the month that I am registered to participate in. With all the stuff going on around the house, I haven't run in a week. Treadmill tonight!

[Christy]

:rotfl

At first all that came up was her profile pic, with her and a half gone glass of wine in her hand, and what looked like at least 3 empty glasses on the table!! :goofy

I'm thinking that's the only way I'll make it 13 miles :lookaroun

[jmaxwell007]

The last 3 days have been hell. I have something I thought was viral in the sinus department, but the doctor confirmed yesterday that we need to treat as it isnt. One steroid shot, a Z Pack, a chest decongestant and Claritan pills.... I am a walking "Buzz" right now. For the first time in 3 days I can breath and Im not blowing my nose every 10 minutes. Lord I hope things get better by Sunday.

Ahhhh!

On a brighter note, I think my child felt sorry for me. She has woken up every 2-3 hours for the last 3 months and is "up for the day" by 5am... in the last 4 nights, she has woken up once a night and sleeps till 7. The first night I woke up not knowing what to do. LOL. Thank you Isabeau for sleeping.

[Garyhoov]

:lol nutrition or math? :lol



Linda needs to learn that the human body can't function on the fruits, vegetables, yogurt, granola bars etc. that she eats.:sick A true endurance athlete needs a diet rich in fat and sugar.

. . . but we should cut her a break. After all, she's not an experienced endurance athlete like you and me.:lookaroun


:rotfl

At first all that came up was her profile pic, with her and a half gone glass of wine in her hand, and what looked like at least 3 empty glasses on the table!! :goofy

I'm thinking that's the only way I'll make it 13 miles :lookaroun

It does seem that there are a lot of photos of Linda with wine.:whistle


The last 3 days have been hell. I have something I thought was viral in the sinus department, but the doctor confirmed yesterday that we need to treat as it isnt. One steroid shot, a Z Pack, a chest decongestant and Claritan pills.... I am a walking "Buzz" right now. For the first time in 3 days I can breath and Im not blowing my nose every 10 minutes. Lord I hope things get better by Sunday.

Ahhhh!

On a brighter note, I think my child felt sorry for me. She has woken up every 2-3 hours for the last 3 months and is "up for the day" by 5am... in the last 4 nights, she has woken up once a night and sleeps till 7. The first night I woke up not knowing what to do. LOL. Thank you Isabeau for sleeping.

Hope you're feeling better.

[jmaxwell007]

Linda needs to learn that the human body can't function on the fruits, vegetables, yogurt, granola bars etc. that she eats.:sick A true endurance athlete needs a diet rich in fat and sugar.

. . . but we should cut her a break. After all, she's not an experienced endurance athlete like you and me.:lookaroun



It does seem that there are a lot of photos of Linda with wine.:whistle



Hope you're feeling better.She would fit right in at casa Maxwell.

Gary, feel 100% better. Probably all the drugs, but that is ok.

[Christy]

She would fit right in at casa Maxwell.

Gary, feel 100% better. Probably all the drugs, but that is ok.

Whatever it takes sometimes! Especially if you have a little one you have to be able to function to take care of :lol

[LinHoov]

I always thought you looked more like a llama with lips. :whistle


:rotfl

[LinHoov]

:rotfl

At first all that came up was her profile pic, with her and a half gone glass of wine in her hand, and what looked like at least 3 empty glasses on the table!! :goofy

I'm thinking that's the only way I'll make it 13 miles :lookaroun

Heee! I didn't realize you could see the empty glasses on the table! :blush

That was in 2007 when I was on a terribly romantic dinner cruise going down the Seine River in Paris...with my Mom!! They offered us champagne. Oui! They offered us white. Oui! They offered us red. Oui! Some dessert wine. Oui!! Oh, it was a fantastic evening!

If you ever get a chance to go...Do! It was just wonderful. But I recommend strongly, going with a significant other you can be romantic with. :love

[LinHoov]

Did someone say there was a wine marathon?

;)

[jmaxwell007]

Whatever it takes sometimes! Especially if you have a little one you have to be able to function to take care of :lol

She has been an angel. I think she senses when we are sick and she go and gets her vet kit stuff and puts "boo boo cream" on us. Now that is better then any medicine the doctor gives you.

[jmaxwell007]

Did someone say there was a wine marathon?

;)There will be at the Food and Wine festival Half. I cant wait for that one... then one to the vino!

[Christy]

Heee! I didn't realize you could see the empty glasses on the table! :blush

That was in 2007 when I was on a terribly romantic dinner cruise going down the Seine River in Paris...with my Mom!! They offered us champagne. Oui! They offered us white. Oui! They offered us red. Oui! Some dessert wine. Oui!! Oh, it was a fantastic evening!

If you ever get a chance to go...Do! It was just wonderful. But I recommend strongly, going with a significant other you can be romantic with. :love
:thumbs

But you chose your mom instead of Gary anyway? :lol :lookaroun ;)

She has been an angel. I think she senses when we are sick and she go and gets her vet kit stuff and puts "boo boo cream" on us. Now that is better then any medicine the doctor gives you.

:love

Well, to the thread topic, I put in my almost 3 miles on the treadmill last night :lol I do not know how I'm going to do this when I hate the treadmill as much as I do. The weather will be breaking soon and I can get outside, but then we'll get to next November and then what :lol Maybe I will get a gym membership at that point. I think half the problem was being in the basement, the heat kicked on and the hot air was right at my head, it was awful.

[Christy]

Also, if nothing else, I am losing weight... weighed myself last night for the first time in I don't know how long and I've lost five ish pounds. :)

[jmaxwell007]

Just wanted to report that it was a great day at the Mercedes Marathon. I completed the course (half) in 1:48:59 or what I like to look at a 8:20 pace.

10 weeks till Nashville half. *dr evil laugh*

I was extremely proud. My goal was to be under 2 hours. The encouraging thing is that the last 2 miles I started running out of gas. A little of that was mental and while looking at the last mile which a lot of it is on a slight incline. I will experiment now in training with possible Gu energy etc for a quick burst. The were giving them out free on the course. Top notch event.

The only thing I would offer as criticism, I just wish the city of Bham would have taken a street sweeper to 2 of the roads that had some work done to them at some point recently. Nothing like running over loose gravel on cement.

[Doug11]

Great job, Joel! It wasn't too cold out there, huh?

[Doug11]

Oh, and Joel - if it isn't too much trouble, a photo of your bling would be appreciated. :D

[Garyhoov]

Great job Joel!:thumbs









seriously, can't we get one:mad around here who's :mad slower than me.:sealed:lol

[xfkirsten]

GREAT time, Joel!!! Congrats!! :D

[jmaxwell007]

Great job, Joel! It wasn't too cold out there, huh?

Oh, and Joel - if it isn't too much trouble, a photo of your bling would be appreciated. :D Thanks Doug. Here is the Bling!
45
46


Great job Joel!:thumbs

seriously, can't we get one:mad around here who's :mad slower than me.:sealed:lolThanks Gary...

:)


GREAT time, Joel!!! Congrats!! :DThanks

[Christy]

Just wanted to report that it was a great day at the Mercedes Marathon. I completed the course (half) in 1:48:59 or what I like to look at a 8:20 pace.

10 weeks till Nashville half. *dr evil laugh*

I was extremely proud. My goal was to be under 2 hours. The encouraging thing is that the last 2 miles I started running out of gas. A little of that was mental and while looking at the last mile which a lot of it is on a slight incline. I will experiment now in training with possible Gu energy etc for a quick burst. The were giving them out free on the course. Top notch event.

The only thing I would offer as criticism, I just wish the city of Bham would have taken a street sweeper to 2 of the roads that had some work done to them at some point recently. Nothing like running over loose gravel on cement.

Well done! :)

[Hooker]

Thanks Doug. Here is the Bling!
45
46



Small, but cool!

[jmaxwell007]

Small, but cool!I think it is supposed to be the actual size of a real Mercedes hood ornament. I would go out in the drive way to tell you, but I dont have a mercedes. :) It seems about the right size for that.

[Doug11]

I think it is supposed to be the actual size of a real Mercedes hood ornament. I would go out in the drive way to tell you, but I dont have a mercedes. :) It seems about the right size for that.

looks pretty close to me. :lookaroun

Maybe Scott was talking more about the size of your photo. :)

[Hooker]

looks pretty close to me. :lookaroun

Maybe Scott was talking more about the size of your photo. :)
Maybe I'm spoiled by the giant bling that we get from Disney. After I ran the Country Music Half in Nashville two years ago, I was greatly surprised in the size (smallness) of the medal.

And, if you ever get tired of your bling or just get too much, here's a great way to get rid of it.

http://www.medals4mettle.org/

[Doug11]

I am in the process of inventing a bling display case worthy of being purchased. It will catalogue and showcase your bling, no matter how many medals. :lol

As soon as I get my "inventor kit" ordered off the radio. :lookaroun :lol You know you've heard those inane ads! :lol

[jmaxwell007]

Maybe I'm spoiled by the giant bling that we get from Disney. After I ran the Country Music Half in Nashville two years ago, I was greatly surprised in the size (smallness) of the medal.

And, if you ever get tired of your bling or just get too much, here's a great way to get rid of it.

http://www.medals4mettle.org/I was thinking about doing the Nashville Half in 10 weeks but with that $100 entry fee, I might do the Talladega Half in 8ish weeks. It has a $50 entry fee and it goes to support UAB and Prostate cancer reseach. Half the price, half the distance to travel and double the importance since I have family that just survived prostate cancer.

I want to do Nashville one day. Was it a fun course? Yes, those medals did looks small for Nashvegas too.

[Hooker]

I was thinking about doing the Nashville Half in 10 weeks but with that $100 entry fee, I might do the Talladega Half in 8ish weeks. It has a $50 entry fee and it goes to support UAB and Prostate cancer reseach. Half the price, half the distance to travel and double the importance since I have family that just survived prostate cancer.

I want to do Nashville one day. Was it a fun course? Yes, those medals did looks small for Nashvegas too.It vwas an o.k. course, kinda hilly. It was an overcast day, so it wasn't the most beautiful middle TN day.

[jmaxwell007]

Look at this race course. It is a bit small (image size) but this is all they had. I can see this getting a little crazy and long circling in and out of the track, through the grandstands and into the pits... but I'll try it.

Talladega
48

[Christy]

My birthday is fast approaching... I am going to see if I can guilt Andy into making up for the last 15 or so birthdays I haven't really gotten anything and getting me a treadmill :lookaroun :goofy

[Christy]

Attempt 1 was a failure. Plan B, lots of beer for him and having my credit card ready at all times. Operation Treadmill will continue Friday night!

[Computer Magic]

Attempt 1 was a failure. Plan B, lots of beer for him and having my credit card ready at all times. Operation Treadmill will continue Friday night!

Just go out and buy it....place a cover over it when he is around. See how long it takes for him to notice.

[Christy]

Just go out and buy it....place a cover over it when he is around. See how long it takes for him to notice.

Better to beg for mercy than ask permission, huh? :thumbs

[Garyhoov]

Attempt 1 was a failure. Plan B, lots of beer for him and having my credit card ready at all times. Operation Treadmill will continue Friday night!

:rotfl


. . . there's always the BJ card.:lookaroun

[Christy]

:rotfl


. . . there's always the BJ card.:lookaroun

:uh :rotfl

He's caving, a little :D

Anyway, my brother is going to start training so he can run with me in January!! :yahoo

[Garyhoov]

Anyway, my brother is going to start training so he can run with me in January!! :yahoo

:thumbs

We're going to have to rent out a wing at the ESPN club this year.


. . . if he's not afraid we'll eat his liver.:goofy

[xfkirsten]

Just got in a 6-miler today... great weather, but REALLY windy!

Anyways, Joel, I found myself remembering what you said about finding runs less than three miles to be a bit useless... well, lately I've been running a lot of 2- and 3-milers, leading into my training for this summer. And I've noticed that I've had some breathing problems - I just can't find my rhythm and I end up with sideaches after one or two miles. (Admittedly, part of that probably has to do with pushing my pace a bit, but I'm not pushing it more than a few seconds per mile... and it's a problem even when I'm not pushing it) Well, today when I went out and did 6, I found myself starting out the same way. I struggled to get my breathing right at first. But suddenly it's like, around the 3-mile point, it all clicked! I settled in and my breathing got easier. I had virtually no sideache issues the whole rest of the run. So either it's taking those first few miles to find my rhythm and settle into it... or after 3 miles the adrenaline starts kicking in and I just don't notice it anymore. :lol: Finished 6 in 54:11... with plenty of energy to spare!

[jmaxwell007]

Just got in a 6-miler today... great weather, but REALLY windy!

Anyways, Joel, I found myself remembering what you said about finding runs less than three miles to be a bit useless... well, lately I've been running a lot of 2- and 3-milers, leading into my training for this summer. And I've noticed that I've had some breathing problems - I just can't find my rhythm and I end up with sideaches after one or two miles. (Admittedly, part of that probably has to do with pushing my pace a bit, but I'm not pushing it more than a few seconds per mile... and it's a problem even when I'm not pushing it) Well, today when I went out and did 6, I found myself starting out the same way. I struggled to get my breathing right at first. But suddenly it's like, around the 3-mile point, it all clicked! I settled in and my breathing got easier. I had virtually no sideache issues the whole rest of the run. So either it's taking those first few miles to find my rhythm and settle into it... or after 3 miles the adrenaline starts kicking in and I just don't notice it anymore. :lol: Finished 6 in 54:11... with plenty of energy to spare!EXCELLENT! Great time.

Im guess Im not the only one eh? Good job. Im glad that it worked out. I wonder how many people quit trying to run once they get up to 2-3 miles at a time thinking it never gets easier. Usually my breathing takes around 3 miles and my body (shins, knees etc) takes around 5-6. In the mercedes this past weekend, once I hit the 6 mile mark, everything was really clicking with no pain. I guess Ill just have to continue to run long distances.

[Doug11]

This is what's cooking for tomorrow:

http://www.runnotc.org/races/2010/elmwood_300.jpg

I'm hoping the 10K will be a good warm up for the half marathon next Sunday. I haven't been running as much of late as I should be. It has just been so cold!

[jmaxwell007]

This is what's cooking for tomorrow:

http://www.runnotc.org/races/2010/elmwood_300.jpg

I'm hoping the 10K will be a good warm up for the half marathon next Sunday. I haven't been running as much of late as I should be. It has just been so cold!WHAT? LOL...kidding

I have actually enjoyed running in 15 degree weather more then 50. Odd I know. I guess I can just really feel how deep I can breathe in the cold as apposed to the 50's and 60's as of late when I dont feel that. I guess I'll have to really adjust when it gets in the 90's come spring/summer.

[Doug11]

Thanks, Joel.

The directions for the race said registration began at 7 am, and there would be a kids' 1/2 mile run at 8 am, followed by the 5K at 8:15 and the 10K at 9.

I left the house at 6 am ( :uh ) and arrived shortly after 7. There was a short supply of tee shirts and a big crowd, and for people like me who registered on race day, you could only get your shirt after you completed your run. Well, I might have mentioned here before that I am . . . not fast. I imagined all the 5K runners finishing, followed by the fast 10K runners finishing and then me . . . and them being out of shirts. It happened to me once before, last December, that they ran out of shirts before I got to the table.

Anyway, when I turned in my registration, I told the guy I was there to do the 10K. He said "you can do whatever race you want, or you can even do all of them."

As the half mile race was wrapping up, I decided I'd run the 5K to ensure I got a shirt. I ran my fastest 5K time - 27:24, grabbed my shirt and decided to skip the 10K. That was just a momentary delusion, so when it came time to run the 10K some 20 minutes after my finish, off I went. My energy level was low - I had really expended my reserves in the 5K, but I just took it steady and ended up with a 1:03:44 finish time. Adding my two runs together, my pace was right around 10 minutes per mile, and I am happy with that. I would be very happy to run close to 10 minutes per mile next Sunday at the half marathon.

[Hooker]

You're an animal, Doug!

I was confirming my Gasparilla 15K registration last night and I'm not showing up anywhere. I also haven't received a final confirmation from them, so I have a # I will need to call tomorrow to figure out what is going on. The race is Saturday and I should have all that stuff by now.

[Christy]

Isn't a 10 minute mile something of a gold standard? :lol I'd say that's pretty great!! :thumbs

[Garyhoov]

I don't know if I'll ever be able to do a 10 minute mile. The closer I get, the harder it gets to gain any speed.

. . . and that's just for relatively short distances. I can't imagine ever going 13 miles at that pace.

[Christy]

I've run on the treadmill at that pace, for a very brief period of time, and I thought I would die :lol It was HARD!

[jmaxwell007]

Thanks, Joel.

The directions for the race said registration began at 7 am, and there would be a kids' 1/2 mile run at 8 am, followed by the 5K at 8:15 and the 10K at 9.

I left the house at 6 am ( :uh ) and arrived shortly after 7. There was a short supply of tee shirts and a big crowd, and for people like me who registered on race day, you could only get your shirt after you completed your run. Well, I might have mentioned here before that I am . . . not fast. I imagined all the 5K runners finishing, followed by the fast 10K runners finishing and then me . . . and them being out of shirts. It happened to me once before, last December, that they ran out of shirts before I got to the table.

Anyway, when I turned in my registration, I told the guy I was there to do the 10K. He said "you can do whatever race you want, or you can even do all of them."

As the half mile race was wrapping up, I decided I'd run the 5K to ensure I got a shirt. I ran my fastest 5K time - 27:24, grabbed my shirt and decided to skip the 10K. That was just a momentary delusion, so when it came time to run the 10K some 20 minutes after my finish, off I went. My energy level was low - I had really expended my reserves in the 5K, but I just took it steady and ended up with a 1:03:44 finish time. Adding my two runs together, my pace was right around 10 minutes per mile, and I am happy with that. I would be very happy to run close to 10 minutes per mile next Sunday at the half marathon.
VERY NICE Doug. very nice.

Those are times to be proud of.

Can you or anyone else recommend what they use for hydration in hot weather while training. I have seen those belts that clip in 4-6oz water bottles or even the camel packs. I havent made up my mind on what to get since I havent needed major hydration thus far in training due to the cold. After this past Sunday's 7 miler, holy cow! About mile 6 I didnt think I was going to be able to finish. I actually went into a friends backyard and hit the gardern hose. LOL

Any suggestions? What products have you guys used or tried?

[Hooker]

Joel--I don't train with anything besides water. I started that way and have stuck with it, simply because I was afraid of putting sugars back into my body while training and getting sick. So, I just do water and have stuck with that. I could probably change now and be okay; I just haven't.

So, train with what you want and run your races the same way. That being said, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Hydrate before, hydrate during, hydrate after. I think the rule of thumb I've heard is 6 oz. for every 20 minutes of running. Seems like a lot, but you don't want those muscles cramping up on you and when you train in the hot weather, you know how much fluids your body will lose. Watch the color of your pee--keep it light, straw-colored. Anything darker means you're not hydrating properly.

Good luck! Keep those questions coming.

[Doug11]

If I am on a treadmill, it is easy enough to get off and hit the water fountain, but if I am doing a road course, I take the water belt. Geeky looking? Okay, but it really does the trick. The weight is evenly distributed as compared to a single water bottle that sloshes around - didn't like that.

Another guy here in my office uses the camel back and swears by it. You probably can't go wrong with either one. I just don't like a lot of encumbrances up top. heck, I don't even like a shirt with sleeves!

[jmaxwell007]

Joel--I don't train with anything besides water. I started that way and have stuck with it, simply because I was afraid of putting sugars back into my body while training and getting sick. So, I just do water and have stuck with that. I could probably change now and be okay; I just haven't.

So, train with what you want and run your races the same way. That being said, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Hydrate before, hydrate during, hydrate after. I think the rule of thumb I've heard is 6 oz. for every 20 minutes of running. Seems like a lot, but you don't want those muscles cramping up on you and when you train in the hot weather, you know how much fluids your body will lose. Watch the color of your pee--keep it light, straw-colored. Anything darker means you're not hydrating properly.

Good luck! Keep those questions coming.Hey Scott,
I think you misunderstood my question or I didnt state it well. LOL. I have stuck with water thus far since you and Doug suggested it. I have been cool with that so far.

I was wonder what people took with them on long runs. I dont like carring anything in my hand like a water bottle. I like them free. There are a few belts that I can afford at Dick's Sporting Goods. There are also the camel packs. Im not sure I would like anything actually on my back though. I feel that would make me really hot. At least the belts with a water bottle holder are on your center of gravity.

Thoughts? This is what Im referring too (what I can afford right now) http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1983603&cp=2367438.2367828.2651892

[jmaxwell007]

If I am on a treadmill, it is easy enough to get off and hit the water fountain, but if I am doing a road course, I take the water belt. Geeky looking? Okay, but it really does the trick. The weight is evenly distributed as compared to a single water bottle that sloshes around - didn't like that.

Another guy here in my office uses the camel back and swears by it. You probably can't go wrong with either one. I just don't like a lot of encumbrances up top. heck, I don't even like a shirt with sleeves!I dont think I would like anything like that not on my center of gravity. Extra weight and heat on my back is the last thing i need. I have a herd enough time getting through 10 miles without my lower back hurting. I need to do some "superman" poses and strenghten it back up.

[Doug11]

Hey Scott,
I think you misunderstood my question or I didnt state it well. LOL. I have stuck with water thus far since you and Doug suggested it. I have been cool with that so far.

I was wonder what people took with them on long runs. I dont like carring anything in my hand like a water bottle. I like them free. There are a few belts that I can afford at Dick's Sporting Goods. There are also the camel packs. Im not sure I would like anything actually on my back though. I feel that would make me really hot. At least the belts with a water bottle holder are on your center of gravity.

Thoughts? This is what Im referring too (what I can afford right now) http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1983603&cp=2367438.2367828.2651892

In my experience, and based on your similar expressions, for the same price, I would buy this: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3084221&cp=2367438.2367828.2651892

[Hooker]

Yes, I did misunderstand the question....BIG TIME!

I use a single bottle, but it is centrally located in the small of my back, so it stays in balance. I don't mind it because I can get a lot of fluid in it and I go through it fast down here. The extra weight is a little tough at first, but as I drink and take it down, it's easier.

[Christy]

I dont think I would like anything like that not on my center of gravity. Extra weight and heat on my back is the last thing i need. I have a herd enough time getting through 10 miles without my lower back hurting. I need to do some "superman" poses and strenghten it back up.

Yoga! Or pilates. Both :lol Both are good for that sort of thing :flower

[Hooker]

Yoga! Or pilates. Both :lol Both are good for that sort of thing :flower
Christy, you have any good lower back exercises?

[Christy]

Nothing specifically, but I will say, as I have before, pilates saves me after each pregnancy :blush I have read that weak abs and tight hamstrings can give you major lower back strain and pilates is a lot of working on both those areas. Yoga would help flexibility in the hamstrings for sure. I found this: http://www.inneridea.com/library/pilates-based-moves-for-low-back-pain?utm_source=BMSR+November&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=M2 but I would say adding a 20-30 minute routine (a dvd ) a couple times a week would be a very good thing :)

I :love pilates :thumbs

[Christy]

Here's the series I use, but I use the 2nd intermediate dvd: http://www.gaiam.com/product/fitness-center/fitness-instructors/ana-caban/pilates+beginning+mat+workout+dvd.do?search=basic&keyword=pilates&sortby=bestSellers&page=1 30 minutes for the 2nd which is PERFECT... can't say you'll feel like a really manly man while doing some of the exercises :lookaroun but they work :lol

[jmaxwell007]

In my experience, and based on your similar expressions, for the same price, I would buy this: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3084221&cp=2367438.2367828.2651892I check with Sam since she would possibly be using too and she likes the 1 water bottle and nothing on your back. The boss speaks. :D


Yes, I did misunderstand the question....BIG TIME!

I use a single bottle, but it is centrally located in the small of my back, so it stays in balance. I don't mind it because I can get a lot of fluid in it and I go through it fast down here. The extra weight is a little tough at first, but as I drink and take it down, it's easier.I think I can get use to it.

I think almost as important as the fluids, I need to carry an ID card with my name, Im not allergic to anything but lettuce and Brittney Spears, and Sam's contact info in the event Im lying in the gutter.


Yoga! Or pilates. Both :lol Both are good for that sort of thing :flowerThe "superman" exercise that I was referring to really works. If any doesnt know what it is, it was a move I learned from P90X.

You lie on the floor face down and in increments of 10 seconds or so, you arch and raise as much of your body off the floor as possible. Arms, chest thighs and knees off the ground. It really kicks butt.

[Roxxy]

Isn't a 10 minute mile something of a gold standard? :lol I'd say that's pretty great!! :thumbs

I'd be happy to keep a 10-minute mile pace! :D




The "superman" exercise that I was referring to really works. If any doesnt know what it is, it was a move I learned from P90X.

You lie on the floor face down and in increments of 10 seconds or so, you arch and raise as much of your body off the floor as possible. Arms, chest thighs and knees off the ground. It really kicks butt.

Like this? http://www.ab-cor-and-stomach-exercises.com/images/lower-back-exercises-2.jpg http://www.ab-cor-and-stomach-exercises.com/images/lower-back-exercises-4.jpg

[Garyhoov]

Christy, you have any good lower back exercises?

My karate teacher used to claim (and take this for what it's worth, because the same guy thought that closing the door in the summer and taking the temperature up to 120° was a good idea:uh ) that if you had lower back problems, the real problem wasn't your back muscles, but your stomach muscles which he claimed had more of a role in stabilizing your mid-section and preventing stresses on your back.:dunno

[Doug11]

it all comes back to the core, doesn't it? It is my plan to take a sketch of the human body up to my gym with a big circle around my big ole belly and tell them that getting that under control is priority 1 for 2010. After that, the chest is #2 as it seems to be on a downward slide to the belly :lol and #3 would be arms.

But yeah, the #1 fitness goal for 2010 is to slim the biscuit in my midsection. :lol

[Garyhoov]

But yeah, the #1 fitness goal for 2010 is to slim the biscuit in my midsection. :lol

Yeah. Same here.

. . . now if you'll excuse me, I have to go pick up those wings I just called in.:bag:blush

[Christy]

I check with Sam since she would possibly be using too and she likes the 1 water bottle and nothing on your back. The boss speaks. :D

I think I can get use to it.

I think almost as important as the fluids, I need to carry an ID card with my name, Im not allergic to anything but lettuce and Brittney Spears, and Sam's contact info in the event Im lying in the gutter.

The "superman" exercise that I was referring to really works. If any doesnt know what it is, it was a move I learned from P90X.

You lie on the floor face down and in increments of 10 seconds or so, you arch and raise as much of your body off the floor as possible. Arms, chest thighs and knees off the ground. It really kicks butt.

Superman/banana... I know it well :lol

[Doug11]

Yeah. Same here.

. . . now if you'll excuse me, I have to go pick up those wings I just called in.:bag:blush

:rotfl I have given up a bunch of bad for me foods for lent and am doing better with keeping to that pledge than I am with church attendance :blush My hope is to have lost a few pounds by Easter and to be on a routine of diet and exercise by then. :lookaroun

[Christy]

I am low carbing it, which works for me... so I could have the wings, just no carbs the rest of the day :lol

The beauty of low carb, you can have bacon! But that's honestly the highlight. :lol It works so dang fast though, and I am thisclose to being able to fit into my pre pregnancy shorts. They fit, and I bet if I did lunges around the room in them they'd be fine, but I'd rather not have to :blush

[Garyhoov]

:rotfl I have given up a bunch of bad for me foods for lent and am doing better with keeping to that pledge than I am with church attendance :blush My hope is to have lost a few pounds by Easter and to be on a routine of diet and exercise by then. :lookaroun

I decided this week that I would try to really cut back on lunches and only have something very light. So I bought a couple boxes of Nutri-Grain bars (because . . . you know . . . with a name like that they have to be healthy:lookaroun) . . .

. . . but then lunch was approaching and I felt like having something more interesting than a Nutri-Grain bar, so I called in the wings and pigged out . . .

. . . and just now, I saw the box of bars . . . so I had one . . . :lookaroun

. . . I have a feeling I'm not doing this quite right.


I am low carbing it, which works for me... so I could have the wings, just no carbs the rest of the day :lol

The beauty of low carb, you can have bacon! But that's honestly the highlight. :lol It works so dang fast though, and I am thisclose to being able to fit into my pre pregnancy shorts. They fit, and I bet if I did lunges around the room in them they'd be fine, but I'd rather not have to :blush

That's why I've never been a fan of the low-carb approach. You may lose weight by cutting out carbs, but replacing carbs with fat just doesn't seem the healthiest route to me.

I prefer my approach of eating anything I want . . . and then feeling guilty about it.:blush

[Christy]

I decided this week that I would try to really cut back on lunches and only have something very light. So I bought a couple boxes of Nutri-Grain bars (because . . . you know . . . with a name like that they have to be healthy:lookaroun) . . .

. . . but then lunch was approaching and I felt like having something more interesting than a Nutri-Grain bar, so I called in the wings and pigged out . . .

. . . and just now, I saw the box of bars . . . so I had one . . . :lookaroun

. . . I have a feeling I'm not doing this quite right.



That's why I've never been a fan of the low-carb approach. You may lose weight by cutting out carbs, but replacing carbs with fat just doesn't seem the healthiest route to me.

I prefer my approach of eating anything I want . . . and then feeling guilty about it.:blush

:rotfl

I had 2 pieces today, as part of a breakfast that was mostly strawberries and some almonds. For lunch it was salad with chicken and some sunflower seeds. I have eaten other stuff inbetween there, can't remember what exactly :lookaroun but it wasn't bacon. Still, as part of most eating plans, bacon would be a huge nono :lol

I cut out more carbs in the form of sugar and flour than those found in foods naturally (fruits and vegetables and nuts) so I'm ok with it :) I won't be doing this forever, but it's a tolerable way to achieve a short term goal. A little kick start.

[jmaxwell007]

I'd be happy to keep a 10-minute mile pace! :D



Like this? http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/images/lower-back-exercises-2.jpg http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/images/lower-back-exercises-4.jpg

I remember doing that in high school and it was a butt kicker!Oy!


Superman/banana... I know it well :lolAhh. I loathe those memories of Greta on the P90X vids. She was so freakishly fit and not in a good way for me. Just a little too much.

Yes, that combo killed me. I will say the Ab Ripper was probably the worst 16 minutes.... and then you have the 60 minutes of Plyo pain.

I looked good after those 90 days, that is what I have to say about that. :D

[Christy]

You could jump over to the diet thread and tell Oz your thoughts on the program :) He was asking about it (unless you did already) Alicia had asked about it as well. I would have to hire a full time baby sitter to give it the time they want you to spend on it, so we switched to that new Insanity thing, it's shorter, and really good. :thumbs

[jmaxwell007]

You could jump over to the diet thread and tell Oz your thoughts on the program :) He was asking about it (unless you did already) Alicia had asked about it as well. I would have to hire a full time baby sitter to give it the time they want you to spend on it, so we switched to that new Insanity thing, it's shorter, and really good. :thumbsIt is done.

[Garyhoov]

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/What-Is-Your-Ideal-Racing-Weight.htm?act=AFC-SocialMedia&Property=Active&Sport=Running&PageType=Content_Articles&Emp=SA&PostType=Social_Network_Wall&Site=FacebookPage&Dy=02_23_10&Note=What-Is-Your-Ideal-Racing-Weight&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

Most of us know that body weight affects running performance. The lighter you are, the less weight you have to lift off the ground with each stride and the more economically you can run. It's no accident that the men's marathon world record holder, Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie, weighs 113 pounds!
One study on the effects of weight on running performance found that the addition of 5 pounds of weight to the body reduced running performance in a 12-minute time trial by 5 percent. Runners routinely lose 5 pounds or more in the process of training and dialing in their nutrition for races. This makes body weight one of the most influential and controllable factors in running performance.

Each runner has his or her own ideal racing weight. In almost every case, a runner's optimal racing weight is the lowest weight he or she can attain without overtraining or consuming too little energy to support optimal running performance and recovery. Individual racing weights are influenced by a variety of factors, including height and frame type. Naturally, a runner who stands 6'1 and has broad shoulders cannot expect to get as light as a runner who stands 5'4 and has birdlike bones, as Haile Gebrselassie does.

What's true of all runners at their individual racing weights is that they have low body fat levels. In any single runner, it is primarily the amount of fat on the body that determines how close he or she is to racing weight. Your muscle and bone mass will not change much in the process of training and dialing in your nutrition for a race, but the amount of fat on your body will probably decrease.

While all runners are very lean at their racing weight, not all runners are equally lean. That's because body fat levels are influenced by several factors that we have no control over, including age, gender, and genes. It is estimated that the lowest healthy body fat level for each individual is 64 percent determined by genes.

Some runners are fortunate to be born not only naturally light, but also with a natural ability to healthily attain a very low body fat percentage. And according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, these naturally super-lean runners have a performance advantage over others. In this study, skinfold measurements were used to estimate body fat percentage in 12 elite male and 12 elite female Ethiopian distance runners. These estimates were then compared to the runners' individual race performances. The researchers found an 80 percent correlation between skinfold measurements and race times in the men and a 78 percent correspondence in the women. All of these runners were very lean and very light, but the leanest among them were the fastest.

As I have hinted above, it is possible to become too lean--that is, to have a body fat percentage that is too low. That's why your racing weight is defined as the weight that is associated with the lowest body fat percentage you can attain without overtraining or under-nourishing your body. Because of the strong influence of individual factors, there is no way to accurately predict your lowest healthy body fat percentage, although it is likely to fall in the range of 3 to 9 percent if you're a male under 40, 5 to 12 percent if you're a male over 40, 12 to 17 percent if you're a female under 40, and 15 to 20 percent if you're a female over 40. The only way to definitively determine your lowest healthy body fat percentage is functionally--in other words, by getting there.

By definition, your optimal racing weight and optimal body fat percentage are the numbers that are associated with your highest level of fitness. Thus, the surest way to determine your racing weight and optimal body fat percentage is to get in the best shape of your life and then weigh yourself and measure your body composition on the day of a big race.

Along the way, you can generate better and better estimates of your racing weight and optimal body fat percentage by regularly tracking these measurements against performance. For example, every four weeks run a 10K fitness test (at 95 percent effort) and record your time. Note your weight and body fat percentage on the same day. As you get fitter you will observe trends that will enable you to roughly predict your racing weight and optimal body fat percentage.

This functional method of determining your racing weight will protect you against becoming too lean. If your body fat percentage falls too low, your running performance (and health) will begin to suffer. Almost always, your running performance will improve as your body fat percentage decreases. But if your running performance ever gets worse as your body fat percentage decreases, you may have become too lean.

As you pursue your racing weight, always remember that anything that aids your performance will also make you leaner. Training smart and progressively will make you faster and leaner. Fueling your body well for running and recovery will make you faster and leaner. Prioritize performance and the rest will follow.

[Garyhoov]

. . . I don't think my body fat percentage is too low yet.:goofy

[Doug11]

. . . I don't think my body fat percentage is too low yet.:goofy

I have no idea what that active.com article was trying to say, but add me to the list of runners who have no problem being "too low" in body fat percentage. :D

I thought about doing the banana exercise last night. I bet it would have been hard. :lol

[Garyhoov]

I have no idea what that active.com article was trying to say,

I choose to believe it says it's okay to be a big, fat pig . . .

. . . but I think that may be a liberal interpretation.:lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

I like how they talk about running at 95% effort for taking your times to determine how it's working.
Yeah, I'll just dial that 95% in.:lol

[xfkirsten]

So the fact that I'm skinny as a rail is finally good for something? :D

[LinHoov]

You know, I know pepole who go running just so they can eat whatever they want.

[LinHoov]

I'm also sitting here in a hotel, stuck at a training for work for a week in Rockville, MD, with zero time for working out! Power Point during they day and lack of work-out at night! Eeeee....I'm getting wwwwiiiiidddddeeeerrrrr!

[LinHoov]

I'm also sitting here in a hotel, stuck at a training for work for a week in Rockville, MD, with zero time for working out! Power Point during they day and lack of work-out at night! Eeeee....I'm getting wwwwiiiiidddddeeeerrrrr!

So should I eat the cheddar chips before or after I eat the cookies while going through my work email?

[Garyhoov]

So should I eat the cheddar chips before or after I eat the cookies while going through my work email?

Make sure you eat the chedder chips in bed and roll around in them so you can get all of that out of your system before you come back.

[Garyhoov]

So the fact that I'm skinny as a rail is finally good for something? :D

When I was standing around at the start line watching everyone else shiver, I felt like my blubber was finally worth something.

[Hooker]

You know, I know pepole who go running just so they can eat whatever they want.

1. Scott
2. Doug
3. Gary

[Doug11]

How true! :lol. Add Brad to that list even if he isn't here to defend himself.

I have given up desserts for Lent and it is killing me!

Looking so forward to Sunday - the exempt day of the week- race in New Orleans followed by beignets, pralines and banana creme pie! :D

[Christy]

1. Scott
2. Doug
3. Gary
Everyone I've ever met? :lol Why else would you work out? :lookaroun

Although I do hope to have babyweight gone before attempting to run again, to save a little bit of wear and tear on the joints. I finally got some inserts for my shoes, just for wearing around whenever, I'll get something decent when I'm ready to really commit to training.

How true! :lol. Add Brad to that list even if he isn't here to defend himself.

I have given up desserts for Lent and it is killing me!

Looking so forward to Sunday - the exempt day of the week- race in New Orleans followed by beignets, pralines and banana creme pie! :D

Hush right now! :faint

[jmaxwell007]

1. Scott
2. Doug
3. Gary

EDIT:
Joel

Although, if im putting that much time and energy into running, I feel guilty at times eating crap food since I know it will be sludge in my system and hinder performance.

[Hooker]

EDIT:
Joel

Although, if im putting that much time and energy into running, I feel guilty at times eating crap food since I know it will be sludge in my system and hinder performance.Yeah, but it makes the bowl of Blue Bell ice cream weigh a little less on the ol' conscience.

[Hooker]

Gasparilla 15K in the morning--temps in the low 40's to start the race and a chance of rain near the end when it's warmed up to the upper 40's.

:uh

Still beats the upper 20's on WDW marathon day, and that's what I'll keep telling myself.

[Doug11]

Have fun at Gasparilla, Scott! The 2010 Disney prepared you for this weather! :D

[Christy]

I'm waiting for it to get up to 40 degrees so I can start running :lookaroun

Have a great run Scott :wave

[jmaxwell007]

Gasparilla 15K in the morning--temps in the low 40's to start the race and a chance of rain near the end when it's warmed up to the upper 40's.

:uh

Still beats the upper 20's on WDW marathon day, and that's what I'll keep telling myself.Good luck. The 40's sound great... but the rain at the end is no good. Hopefully it will hold off.

I went to Academy to take advantage of a pack that was comparable to the one at Dick's that I referenced earlier. It is $10 cheaper and basically the same thing. See Here (http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/fitness/running/accessories&start=0&selectedSKU=0428-01957-4611)

While I was there I walked up on a sale of their house brand athletic wear; BCG. 2 new pair of running shorts for a cool $4.88 a pair. I walk up on deals like that all the time. What a great Friday.

[Hooker]

Gasparilla recap.

Good race! Nice course, flat the whole way, would've been gorgeous if we could have had sunshine. Started in downtown Tampa and then ran along Bayshore Blvd. right along Tampa Bay.

Saw Brad at packet pick-up this morning and then never saw him again. He was also running the 15K. I'm assuming he beat me.

My race goal was 1:40:00, and I finished in 1:36:42. My first 5K was in 32:53 and I didn't see a 10K split mark, but that means I did the last 10K in 1:03 and some change. This put me at a 10:23 mile pace, good for a 2:16 finish if it had been a half-marathon. All in all, I'm pleased with my results, especially since I didn't train the best for this race.

Temps were in the mid to upper 40's and a light spitting rain. There was a 5K after my race and I think they got soaked.

Local 5K next week!

[jmaxwell007]

As I said on FB, great pace and time. Way to beat your goal. That is great Scott.

Good job.

[LinHoov]

So Gary is doing well with his working out. He's running his best time ever! Way to go, Gary! :rollseyes

OK - so I was stuck in training all week and felt like a BLOB. Had to study in my hotel room each night because there was a final.

So Friday night I drove back from MD to NJ, and went straight to the Ballys. Got into a good zone on the treadmill....and then, alright, I'll admit it, inadvertently...well,...passed gas. :sick
SO...what do you do if you fart and while running on the treadmill while having your iPod on so loud...you can't tell if it was audible? :huh Couldn't tell how embarassed I should be! Or if I should apologize!

Fortunately, for me, there was an old guy on the treadmill to my right. So I was able to cover by making a sideways glance at him, making it look like HE did it...just in case!

Unfortunately, for the old guy...it was Gary! :goofy

[Hooker]

:lol

Or, when you're lining up for registration/packet pick-up with lots of other people and someone lets out a really stinky one and you know everyone smells it, but no one knows where it came from. :whistle

[LinHoov]

:lol

Or, when you're lining up for registration/packet pick-up with lots of other people and someone lets out a really stinky one and you know everyone smells it, but no one knows where it came from. :whistle

:rotfl

Heeeee! Too funny!

Did you see that movie with Jim Carrey, Liar Liar, where he jumps out of the crowded elevator, looks back, and says, "It was ME!"

:tongue

:lol

[Garyhoov]

When Linda was leaving to run today, I told her to "run like the wind" . . .

. . . before realizing how poor my word choice was.:lookaroun

[Christy]

OMG :rotfl

[LinHoov]

When Linda was leaving to run today, I told her to "run like the wind" . . .

. . . before realizing how poor my word choice was.:lookaroun

That's true! He did, and I bust out laughing.
I guess Gary and I have lived together for too long.

Anyway, I had a decent run on the treadmill. I still have a long way to go! Will keep trying.

Quick question for you runners: when I am at the Ballys on the treadmill, I have my water bottle right there, but when I am running on the road, it is not easy to carry. I haven't gone long distances yet, so it hasn't been a problem, but I want to start running longer. What do others do?

[jmaxwell007]

That's true! He did, and I bust out laughing.
I guess Gary and I have lived together for too long.

Anyway, I had a decent run on the treadmill. I still have a long way to go! Will keep trying.

Quick question for you runners: when I am at the Ballys on the treadmill, I have my water bottle right there, but when I am running on the road, it is not easy to carry. I haven't gone long distances yet, so it hasn't been a problem, but I want to start running longer. What do others do?Interesting you ask. I just had a conversation about this. This past week, I went and bought a water belt. I was looking at one with a single water bottle, but once I tried them on, I felt that 2 10oz bottles would be better since they sit on my back hips. I ran 9 miles with them Saturday morning for the first time and didnt even know they were there really. Before, it wasnt that hard to train outside (since that is all I have) since the weather was so cold and I really didnt need water until i was done.

Here is the one I got. Click Here (http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/fitness/running/accessories&start=0&selectedSKU=0428-01957-4611)

[Doug11]

Water belt it the way to go. Mine has holsters for 10 ounce bottles and that works out really well.

I've tried the belt that holds the single full size water bottle but find it too sloshy, but that is personal choice.

***

Finished the Rock and Roll Mardi Gras 1/2 this morning somewhere around 2:25. i was hoping for a faster time, but I had some problems with my feet a little after mile 9 and then I got out of sorts and hit the wall. I kept on going, pushed through and finished the last 3/4 mile strong.

All those Bombay Blue Sapphire gin and tonics last night probably didn't help my finish time, but dang, the race WAS in New Orleans and we couldn't get a dinner reservation until almost 10 pm! I felt okay though - I can't really blame anyone or anything for my not finishing faster except my recent slack off in training. :shrug

The race course was beautiful and ended up at New Orleans City Park, just past the Museum of Art which happens to be hosting an exhibit sponsored by Disney of rare and original animation cels and storyboards from some Silly Symphony toons, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and, of course, Princess and the Frog.

So after finishing the race, recovering a bit and listening to some live music from Sister Hazel (we didn't hang around for Cowboy Mouth), we all hit the art exhibit and then caught a bus back to the hotel, grabbed our stashed bags from the bell hop and hit the road.

It was a great weather day today. It warmed up to about 60 degrees at the time of my finish, and started out around 50ish. The race ran through some beautiful neighborhoods in the Garden District, through the edge of the French Quarter and ended at the park. There were live music bands set up at almost every mile. Lots of fun and I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to try it next year. Flat course! We didn't run up a single overpass cloverleaf!

[Hooker]

Sounds like fun, Doug! That would be a fun one to do.

[Doug11]

Thanks Scott - I'd love to run this one with you sometime. It would be a homecoming of sorts for you, I'll bet.

here are my splits:

5k - 30.54 9.57 minutes per mile

10K - 1:02:45 10.07 minutes per mile

10 mile - 1:46:29 10:39 minutes per mile

11.9 mile (?) 2:10:57 11:01 minutes per mile

*Oh, I know why they had that sensor at that odd point - there was a down and back just before the last leg of the race, and I'll bet they put that sensor down there to keep people from cheating and cutting the corner.

finish: 2:24:42 11:03 minutes per mile. :)

overall finish place: 5,332 / 9,300 finishers

sex: 2,461 /3,367 finishers

Division: 408


I'll try and upload a photo of the medal. It is not bad looking!

[Hooker]

Looks like you need to save some strength at the beginning to finish stronger! I typically will start out slower and pick up towards the end. If we ran together, we would start together at the line and then meet up again at the end. :lol

Speaking of medals, for a $30 entry fee, I'm kinda impressed with what I got for running the 15K. Picture forthcoming...

[Doug11]

I've been asked to run Gasparilla next year with a client - so maybe I will see you down there!

I do tend to run out of gas in the longer races - I recognize that is the result of my lack of dedication to training. :blush

But yesterday, I felt that I could have run those last miles faster except that my feet were really bothering me. This was my first warmer weather long race in those shoes, and they may be a half size too small for when those feet start swelling. :(

[Garyhoov]

Nice jobs Doug and Scott!!:thumbs

[Hooker]

I've been asked to run Gasparilla next year with a client - so maybe I will see you down there!

I do tend to run out of gas in the longer races - I recognize that is the result of my lack of dedication to training. :blush

But yesterday, I felt that I could have run those last miles faster except that my feet were really bothering me. This was my first warmer weather long race in those shoes, and they may be a half size too small for when those feet start swelling. :(This was the last year for Gasparilla marathon. All the races will return, except for the full.

[Doug11]

https://www3.marathon-photos.com/shop/photos/Sports/RRUS/2010/Rock%20%27n%27%20Roll%20Mardi%20Gras%20Marathon%20 and%20Half/fullsize/MGSB0460.jpeg

ASI is onto us! :lol Can't get a decent thumbnail to show you anymore. :shrug

https://www3.marathon-photos.com/shop/photos/Sports/RRUS/2010/Rock%20%27n%27%20Roll%20Mardi%20Gras%20Marathon%20 and%20Half/fullsize/MGTB5472.jpeg

See what I mean? I think the guy under all those letters is supposed to be me. :lol

https://www3.marathon-photos.com/shop/photos/Sports/RRUS/2010/Rock%20%27n%27%20Roll%20Mardi%20Gras%20Marathon%20 and%20Half/fullsize/MGRI2612.jpeg

https://www3.marathon-photos.com/shop/photos/Sports/RRUS/2010/Rock%20%27n%27%20Roll%20Mardi%20Gras%20Marathon%20 and%20Half/fullsize/MGRW1088.jpeg

[Doug11]

okay, no copyright violation on this one. bling bling bling! :D

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/MKCP/March22010030.jpg

[Christy]

Sparkly! :love

[LinHoov]

Interesting you ask. I just had a conversation about this. This past week, I went and bought a water belt. I was looking at one with a single water bottle, but once I tried them on, I felt that 2 10oz bottles would be better since they sit on my back hips. I ran 9 miles with them Saturday morning for the first time and didnt even know they were there really. Before, it wasnt that hard to train outside (since that is all I have) since the weather was so cold and I really didnt need water until i was done.

Here is the one I got. Click Here (http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/fitness/running/accessories&start=0&selectedSKU=0428-01957-4611)


Awesome! I checked out the link.
Thanks!!!!!!

[LinHoov]

You runners are amazing!

Inspirational!

[jmaxwell007]

okay, no copyright violation on this one. bling bling bling! :D

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd301/MKCP/March22010030.jpgI LOVE IT. I must do that next year. It has to go in my collection.


Awesome! I checked out the link.
Thanks!!!!!!Great Linda. It was a great reference from Doug about the multi. This one at Academt was $10 cheaper then anything at Dicks. Works just as good.

[LinHoov]

OK,
I've been loading up my iPod with songs to run to. I think I'm getting a fairly good collection going.

Here is one I had fun with! It has a nice slow pace for a slow runner like me
and I think it will be PERFECT for the half marathon next year.

See what you think.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0hNDaY78lA

[LinHoov]

So what songs do you run to?

[Hooker]

So what songs do you run to?

A mish-mash of everything--Contemporary Christian, country, 70's, techno stuff, instrumental, Disney, Avril Lavigne, Aerosmith, Styx, movie soundtracks, Disney. It just has to have a beat and be at least semi-driving.

[Doug11]

My "power song" is Going the Distance, by Cake. :king.

:lol

My list has evolved over the past two years but has a lot of songs about driving or going fast, a lot of fast paced songs like Black Eyed Peas and songs with a steady beat that translate to the rythm of a steady plod on the treadmill or pavement. :lol

[Christy]

By Cake, not hercules? :lookaroun

I told you all what my song will be :rotfl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY41o-iZStI

(could you just die over the video here? :thumbs)

[Christy]

Aaaaaaand since I am fairly certain none of you will know what I'm talking about :goofy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zve0_ZQLa0A

Actually one of my favorite disney movie songs :love but yeah, not so great for running :lol

[jmaxwell007]

So what songs do you run to?I listened to all my heavier stuff in my collection. I just cant stay motivated over 2 hours of running listening to some of my favorite artists like Widespread Panic, The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond or The Beatles. :lol

I would say this is a small list of the most played Bands on my playlist affectionately and cleaverly titled "iShuffle Running":

30 seconds to Mars
Foo Fighters
KISS
Green Day
Motley Crue
Ozzy
Black Sabbath
The Cult
Velvet Revolver
The Prodigy
The Donnas
Shiny Toy Guns
Stone temple Pilots
Soundgarden
Audioslave

I will say that about an hour before a big run or race (I have only been in 2 races so far but plenty of big runs) I will have 1 hour of Hans Zimmer (ie:PotC: At World's End) soundtrack or John Barry and the Dances with Wolves soundtrack to help settle my nerves and drown out all the annoying people around me at 5:30 am at a race.

[Hooker]

Doug, Gary, other runners....

What do you do with your old running # bibs? Do you save them? If so, what do you do with them? Cram them in a drawer? Display them? I found all of mine this morning and don't really want to get rid of them, but I'm looking for a way to display or keep them. Ideas?

[Doug11]

I have a shelf in my office at home where they are piled up. I write the name of the race if it isn't obvious from the front, the length of the race, my finish time and place all on the back.

Soon, I am going to have to do something else with them. They are starting to pile up.

However, I have shadow boxes on the wall in that same room with finisher medals, bibsand photos from four Disney races. Can you guess which ones? :lookaroun

2008 The Inaugural Everest - because it was my first Disney race and my only race with all four members of my family.
2008 The Tower of Terror 13K - because it was my longest race up until that point in time.
2009 Half Marathon - my first half marathon, and the longest I'd ever run in my life up until that point.
and
2010 Marathon - for the same reasons.

I am saving a place on the wall for the 2011 Goofy. :D

[Doug11]

oh, now this is funny:

From Active.com 10 ways to ruin your race . . . let's see how many of these I am guilty of:


10 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Race
Combine two or more of these tips together and you stand a much greater chance of accomplishing a ruined race.

By Gale Bernhardt
For Active.com

Some people try to sabotage their own race. To make it easier for these self-saboteurs to ruin their potential for the benefit of their competition, I'll offer some tips. Each tip can be used solo or in combination with other tips. While there is no guarantee that you'll spoil your race, the odds are better if you use the multi-tip package.

Let's get started.

1. Increase training volume. This tip is best executed in the four weeks prior to race day. Athletes who implement this item take a look at the calendar and notice that the race is getting darn close. Worried that they haven't done enough training, these athletes significantly ramp up the volume in the weeks and days leading up to their event. The result is fatigue and slow times on race day. *No problem there :lookaroun

2. Decrease or eliminate training. Training has gone well up to the four or six weeks from race day. However, multiple things distract you from your training plan. You're busy and there just isn't enough time or energy to train. Because the race is on your mind and you think of it often, it almost seems like you are training. After all, you do have good intentions. I'm not talking about race tapering here--I'm referring to training only one or two times per week. The result on race day is the death-march feeling. *Guilty

3. Don't keep a training log. If you don't keep a training log, your unreliable memory will play tricks on you. Because there is no data, it is hard for you to determine when you're heading for trouble. After you're in trouble, it is difficult to diagnose what items caused the problem because your path to race day is invisible. If you manage to have a bad race, it is more difficult to prevent this from happening again without a training log. The result is that you can repeat old mistakes, ruining more than one race. *Guilty

4. Get new gear less than a week before the race. Purchase as much new gear as possible in the few days before the race. If you must try it out, keep the testing minimal. Increase the odds of ruining your race by using as much new gear as possible on race day. *Guilty - I ran the full marathon in shoes I bought the day before

5. Try new techniques on race day. To ruin your race, try new techniques--the more the merrier. A good example is running without socks. Make race day the first time to run in your new racing flats without socks. This sets you up for a high probability of blisters and other foot problems.

Compromising your form because you're limping or hobbling from blisters can cause knee, hip and back problems. Injuries that take a long time to heal are a long-term bonus to merely ruining one race.

6. Schedule more than normal amounts of work and personal obligations. This tip is for the superhero person who believes he or she can do it all. After committing to training for a race, this person accepts more work responsibilities. It is best if the work responsibilities include travel, though cross-country or foreign travel is not mandatory. In addition to taking on more work, seek more personal obligations, too. The absolute best result is if you never say no to any request for your time.

7. Eat high-fiber foods in your last few pre-race meals. High-fiber foods are wonderful and healthy. They keep your digestive system regular. There is a time and place for these healthy foods. Eating them the night before the race and for race morning breakfast is sure to make you miserable. If those two meals just aren't enough to make you feel wretched, use high-fiber foods for your race fueling.

For example, a mix of black beans or lentils, broccoli and brown rice for your pre-race meal is a nice start. Dessert must include fresh raspberries. Bran cereal for breakfast is a must. Nice toppings include fruits with the skins left on--green apples are a good choice. Eating high-fiber foods pre-race will ensure you get full use of the port-a-potties.

8. Plenty of alcohol and little sleep the night before the race. Get yourself caught up in visiting and partying with old and new friends the night before the race. Or get an early jump on celebrating race victories. Those that stay up late enough and enjoy enough alcohol can begin assigning podium spots. Race day can be a rude slap of reality, but heck, worry about that tomorrow. *Um . . . VERY Guilty :lol

9. Base your goal race performance on others. Certainly don't base your training and race goals on your own capabilities and time standards. Rather, base your goals on the top athletes in your category or even professional performances.

10. Arrive to the race as late as possible. Assume the roads to the race will be traffic-free and parking a breeze. Imagine a completely unobstructed path from house to venue and from your car to the transition area. While you're dreaming, envision a race transition where everyone but you has racked their bicycles, but magically they left you the best spot on the rack. If you want to excel on this tip, leave even later and create that fun adrenaline rush panic causes. Race-morning mania is always appreciated by your support crew, race staff and other racers, too.

There are definitely more ways to ruin your race, and this list is far from complete. When you read the list, did you see any items that you've already accomplished? How about some of your training and racing buddies, did you see any of their race-ruining antics?

If you decide you don't want to ruin your race, consider doing the exact opposite of these tips.

[Garyhoov]

Doug, Gary, other runners....

What do you do with your old running # bibs? Do you save them? If so, what do you do with them? Cram them in a drawer? Display them? I found all of mine this morning and don't really want to get rid of them, but I'm looking for a way to display or keep them. Ideas?

I think I have my first one on a shelf in my closet. I think I kept my second one but I'm not sure where it is now.

They're probably a little big and ugly for display, but you could make a book out of them or something.:dunno

The medals are enough of a keepsake for me though I haven't really done anything with them. At the moment, they're hanging on my heavy punching bag just because it seemed like some place I could put them.:goofy


oh, now this is funny:

From Active.com 10 ways to ruin your race . . . let's see how many of these I am guilty of:


10 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Race
Combine two or more of these tips together and you stand a much greater chance of accomplishing a ruined race.

By Gale Bernhardt
For Active.com

Some people try to sabotage their own race. To make it easier for these self-saboteurs to ruin their potential for the benefit of their competition, I'll offer some tips. Each tip can be used solo or in combination with other tips. While there is no guarantee that you'll spoil your race, the odds are better if you use the multi-tip package.

Let's get started.

1. Increase training volume. This tip is best executed in the four weeks prior to race day. Athletes who implement this item take a look at the calendar and notice that the race is getting darn close. Worried that they haven't done enough training, these athletes significantly ramp up the volume in the weeks and days leading up to their event. The result is fatigue and slow times on race day. *No problem there :lookaroun

2. Decrease or eliminate training. Training has gone well up to the four or six weeks from race day. However, multiple things distract you from your training plan. You're busy and there just isn't enough time or energy to train. Because the race is on your mind and you think of it often, it almost seems like you are training. After all, you do have good intentions. I'm not talking about race tapering here--I'm referring to training only one or two times per week. The result on race day is the death-march feeling. *Guilty

3. Don't keep a training log. If you don't keep a training log, your unreliable memory will play tricks on you. Because there is no data, it is hard for you to determine when you're heading for trouble. After you're in trouble, it is difficult to diagnose what items caused the problem because your path to race day is invisible. If you manage to have a bad race, it is more difficult to prevent this from happening again without a training log. The result is that you can repeat old mistakes, ruining more than one race. *Guilty

4. Get new gear less than a week before the race. Purchase as much new gear as possible in the few days before the race. If you must try it out, keep the testing minimal. Increase the odds of ruining your race by using as much new gear as possible on race day. *Guilty - I ran the full marathon in shoes I bought the day before

5. Try new techniques on race day. To ruin your race, try new techniques--the more the merrier. A good example is running without socks. Make race day the first time to run in your new racing flats without socks. This sets you up for a high probability of blisters and other foot problems.

Compromising your form because you're limping or hobbling from blisters can cause knee, hip and back problems. Injuries that take a long time to heal are a long-term bonus to merely ruining one race.

6. Schedule more than normal amounts of work and personal obligations. This tip is for the superhero person who believes he or she can do it all. After committing to training for a race, this person accepts more work responsibilities. It is best if the work responsibilities include travel, though cross-country or foreign travel is not mandatory. In addition to taking on more work, seek more personal obligations, too. The absolute best result is if you never say no to any request for your time.

7. Eat high-fiber foods in your last few pre-race meals. High-fiber foods are wonderful and healthy. They keep your digestive system regular. There is a time and place for these healthy foods. Eating them the night before the race and for race morning breakfast is sure to make you miserable. If those two meals just aren't enough to make you feel wretched, use high-fiber foods for your race fueling.

For example, a mix of black beans or lentils, broccoli and brown rice for your pre-race meal is a nice start. Dessert must include fresh raspberries. Bran cereal for breakfast is a must. Nice toppings include fruits with the skins left on--green apples are a good choice. Eating high-fiber foods pre-race will ensure you get full use of the port-a-potties.

8. Plenty of alcohol and little sleep the night before the race. Get yourself caught up in visiting and partying with old and new friends the night before the race. Or get an early jump on celebrating race victories. Those that stay up late enough and enjoy enough alcohol can begin assigning podium spots. Race day can be a rude slap of reality, but heck, worry about that tomorrow. *Um . . . VERY Guilty :lol

9. Base your goal race performance on others. Certainly don't base your training and race goals on your own capabilities and time standards. Rather, base your goals on the top athletes in your category or even professional performances.

10. Arrive to the race as late as possible. Assume the roads to the race will be traffic-free and parking a breeze. Imagine a completely unobstructed path from house to venue and from your car to the transition area. While you're dreaming, envision a race transition where everyone but you has racked their bicycles, but magically they left you the best spot on the rack. If you want to excel on this tip, leave even later and create that fun adrenaline rush panic causes. Race-morning mania is always appreciated by your support crew, race staff and other racers, too.

There are definitely more ways to ruin your race, and this list is far from complete. When you read the list, did you see any items that you've already accomplished? How about some of your training and racing buddies, did you see any of their race-ruining antics?

If you decide you don't want to ruin your race, consider doing the exact opposite of these tips.

1. Yep, I always end up thinking "crap, I'm not going to be able to do this" and go crazy leading up to the race.

2. Not really . . . but I only run 3 days a week on my best weeks.:blush

3. Yep. I started with charts and graphs for the first few months when I first started . . . then I realized I sucked and it was depressing and I haven't done any kind of log since.

4. Yep. First year I got special shorts with a pocket and wore them for the first time on race day. This year, because of the cold, I was wearing brand new clothes that weren't like anythin I've ever worn before.

5. Not really, though the whole atmosphere and environment at Disney os so different from my training, that it's hard to really match.

6. Not really.

7. Mmmmmm, chili.

8. I TRY to get to bed early, but typically can't get much sleep the night before.

9. Yeah, I'm always thinking: "Why can't I run as fast as those sons-of-bitches on Sapphire.":tongue

10. Not intentionally, but everything went wrong at my first one and I ended up strolling into the corral just as it started moving.


When it comes right down to it, I probably do things so wrong that the person writing this article wouldn't even think to include them.:lol

[Christy]

So Joel mentioned something about nerves, and Gary you said you don't sleep well... does everybody have this problem? It never occured to me I would be nervous before running but now that I think about it, I probably will :lol

[Garyhoov]

So Joel mentioned something about nerves, and Gary you said you don't sleep well... does everybody have this problem? It never occured to me I would be nervous before running but now that I think about it, I probably will :lol

I think we touched on this before, but I'm sure it depends on your expectations. If you're just planning to go down, give it a try and - if you can't do it relax and have a drink - you should sleep fine.

In my case, once I had decided to do it and spent all that time working toward it, I wasn't going to accept not finishing . . . but at the same time I had serious doubts that I could do it. Combined with the fact that (even though I TOLD her not to) Linda was telling everybody that I was going to do it, I felt like I had no choice.

Also, I always have trouble sleeping in hotel rooms, so, at least for the first one, I didn't sleep much the night before. I did better this year. It was mostly just the hotel-room thing that kept me up, but I did get at least a few hours.

[Christy]

Ok... I don't sleep well in hotels either. I guess, since I haven't even begun anything resembling training yet, I do not have any expectations. But you know, that's kind of how I roll... "Hey, wonder how this will turn out, might as well jump, WEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!" :goofy :lol :blush I suppose I'll be fine.

Two biggest concerns are what to eat in the morning (which I read what everybody else ate, and it makes sense, but sure doesn't seem like enough) and my feet. They are so bad. I got some arch supports for heel pain/plantar fasciitis to wear day to day, and it's not doing much. I don't know what to do.

[LinHoov]

Wow, looks like a lot of good advice. I seem to sabotage myself regarding training - - so I'll probably find a way to do it for the race!
And, yes, I had the high fiber foods this week and tried to go running. It was a really bad workout, so there you go!

I'll have to print out your list and try to steer myself away from the pitfalls!

What is the best breakfast to eat the morning of the race?

[LinHoov]

Lots of good music listed!

[Doug11]

I never sleep well before a Disney marathon race - you have to be up so early that I am always afraid I am going to oversleep.

I am not a big breakfast person before a morning race. I like to have a big high protein or high carb dinner the night before, then go have a big breakfast as soon as possible after the race. I'll just eat a banana and a bagel before the race, plus a cup of coffee and a glass of water.

[Doug11]

and I agree with Gary 100% about nerves relative to finishing. When I ran my first half marathon (with Gary), I trained for a year :lookaroun and there was no way I was going to accept not finishing. On the night before the race, I started coming down with a virus and I was sick on race morning to the point I didn't know if I would be able to run. It all worked out and I surprised myself at how emotional it was at the finish line.

I don't have any nervousness at all when running a 5K or a 10K because . . . pfft . . . I'm going to finish in the middle of the pack and who cares? (hence, the history of excessive alcohol consumption on the night before these races which are usually on Saturday mornings and I am usually kicking back with the other baseball parents celebrating the wins and mourning the losses of the Friday night games on the night before the races.) :blush

[jmaxwell007]

Doug, Gary, other runners....

What do you do with your old running # bibs? Do you save them? If so, what do you do with them? Cram them in a drawer? Display them? I found all of mine this morning and don't really want to get rid of them, but I'm looking for a way to display or keep them. Ideas?I plan on making something out of them... It will come to me one day. I just dont know. I have scrap metal and all sorts of stuff in the garage. I have no idead what Im going to do with them, but as all my projects work, one day it will dawn on me and Ill have a masterpiece.


So Joel mentioned something about nerves, and Gary you said you don't sleep well... does everybody have this problem? It never occured to me I would be nervous before running but now that I think about it, I probably will :lolSee below.


I think we touched on this before, but I'm sure it depends on your expectations. If you're just planning to go down, give it a try and - if you can't do it relax and have a drink - you should sleep fine.

In my case, once I had decided to do it and spent all that time working toward it, I wasn't going to accept not finishing . . . but at the same time I had serious doubts that I could do it. Combined with the fact that (even though I TOLD her not to) Linda was telling everybody that I was going to do it, I felt like I had no choice.

Also, I always have trouble sleeping in hotel rooms, so, at least for the first one, I didn't sleep much the night before. I did better this year. It was mostly just the hotel-room thing that kept me up, but I did get at least a few hours.I think this is it for me. I have high expectations with everything I do in life. I try very hard to do my best since I know I can. I think with the Mercedes, I had kept it quiet, I didnt really talk about it but only to my aunt, Sam and her best friend Danielle. Before I knew it, I had 6 people showing up to watch me finish. I had to work to keep things in perspective and remind myself that it was about me and my goals.

Saying that, I know that I have only been doing this for about 4-5 months, but I listened to what other runners told me (Scott and Doug) and what I read and I have stuck too it. Dont change anything on race day. Dont get any new gear without breaking it in first. Stay motivated. I keep a log of my schedule. Yes, I know that is extreme and possibly dorky, but i figure I would like to improve everytime I go running (except the first runs after a big run day, those I run as slow as possible). Basically, I have pushed myself and challenged myself.

I read that article Doug. Like I said, i havent broken any of those rules yet, but I have only been running for 5 months.

:lol

[Hooker]

27:21, baby! :yahoo

Belleair Classic 5K this morning. FREEZING (for us ) temps to start, right around 40 degrees. My plan was to go out pretty much as hard as I could go and then hang on for the end. I missed the one mile marker, but I passed the two mile at 17:18, so I knew I was moving out, at least for me. About halfway through the race, I got a stitch in my side and could not shake it. So, I did the last 1.1 miles in 10:03, and I was pretty much gassed with that cramp. But, still a PR! Finished 109th overall, not sure how many were in the race, probably close to 300 or 350.

[Christy]

Way to go Scott!! :thumbs

[Doug11]

Way to go, Scott! The cold air 5ks are so much better as compared ro the hot/humid races, don't you agree?

Waiting for the start of a 5k Leslie wants me to walk it with her. This is her first outing since her surgery and is the kickoff to her training for the 2011 Disney half marathon. :)

[jmaxwell007]

27:21, baby! :yahoo

Belleair Classic 5K this morning. FREEZING (for us ) temps to start, right around 40 degrees. My plan was to go out pretty much as hard as I could go and then hang on for the end. I missed the one mile marker, but I passed the two mile at 17:18, so I knew I was moving out, at least for me. About halfway through the race, I got a stitch in my side and could not shake it. So, I did the last 1.1 miles in 10:03, and I was pretty much gassed with that cramp. But, still a PR! Finished 109th overall, not sure how many were in the race, probably close to 300 or 350.Woot Woot. Great job.

[xfkirsten]

Great job, Scott!! I'd love to have a 5k time like that! :P

Got the Disney Princess Half Marathon tomorrow! I'm psyched - weather should be great! I also got placed in Corral A... and it makes me feel all elite. :lookaroun

[Doug11]

Great job, Scott!! I'd love to have a 5k time like that! :P

Got the Disney Princess Half Marathon tomorrow! I'm psyched - weather should be great! I also got placed in Corral A... and it makes me feel all elite. :lookaroun

Have a great race and kick some butt out there!

Oh, that wouldn't be very princess like, would it?

Hi to Roxxy, too, if she made it. :lookaroun

[Garyhoov]

27:21, baby! :yahoo

Belleair Classic 5K this morning. FREEZING (for us ) temps to start, right around 40 degrees. My plan was to go out pretty much as hard as I could go and then hang on for the end. I missed the one mile marker, but I passed the two mile at 17:18, so I knew I was moving out, at least for me. About halfway through the race, I got a stitch in my side and could not shake it. So, I did the last 1.1 miles in 10:03, and I was pretty much gassed with that cramp. But, still a PR! Finished 109th overall, not sure how many were in the race, probably close to 300 or 350.

:thumbs

[xfkirsten]

Disney Princess Half Marathon 2010...

1:52:44

Rock. ON.

[Hooker]

Disney Princess Half Marathon 2010...

1:52:44

Rock. ON.:thumbs :bow :thumbs :bow :thumbs :bow

More info when you can, please!

[Doug11]

That is SMOKIN' fast, Kirsten!

Congrats!

(I hate you! :lol )

[xfkirsten]

Now that I'm rested and actually awake...

Had a blast this morning! It was COLD at race start, around 40. I had shorts and a singlet on, and I FROZE in the chute. The lady standing next to me tapped me on the shoulder and handed me her sweater. She said she was ready to go and comfortable and was going to toss it aside at the start anyways, and I looked like I needed it. I thanked her profusely, and it made a huge difference in keeping me warm.

I definitely started to warm up after the first mile or two, but it took quite awhile for my hands to thaw out. Lots of great on-course entertainment - a big Disney Heroes float with John Smith, Tarzan, Aladdin, and I think Hercules (can't really remember)... the pirate ship float was out on World Drive, with Jack Sparrow standing out on the road high-fiving everyone as they ran by. I think the coolest thing, though, was the gospel choir (the same one from the half in January? not sure) was just about 50 yards from the finish... really the perfect feel as you're coming down the home stretch.

The course itself was exactly the same as the half in January... so it was nice going into it and knowing exactly what was coming up, knowing when I had to save for hills and such. I went in with a "realistic" goal of 2:05:00, and an "it would be nice" goal of 2:00:00... I honestly didn't think I could keep a 9:00/mile pace up the whole way. I started fast... and realized that it wasn't sapping my energy like I thought it would, so I kept it up. I did have to stop and use the port-a-potties just past the TTC, and learned a great thing: when you're in the first corral and hold a good pace, no one's used the potties yet by the time you get to them, and they don't reek! :lol: It's the little things...

I really pushed myself, and finished in 1:52:44!!!

I didn't stick around the family reunion area long - just enough to meet a friend and get a couple of photos with princesses and eat my snacks. Decided to go to MK and visit with Frontierland friends, and I tell ya, one of the most awesome feelings in the world: even after I ran, finished running, did all the post-race stuff, and got in my car and drove toward MK, there were still thousands of women running down World Drive and Center Drive, packing the course. It's a cool sight to begin with, but to know that I finished, did all that, and they're STILL running... makes me realize how fast I ran. :lol: The medal got a lot of comments in the parks, too, both from CMs and other guests who wanted to know about the race. Good times! Played at MK, then went to Studios and met with my friend again for awhile before coming home to nap. Now I think I'll sleep for a week! :lol:

[jmaxwell007]

Disney Princess Half Marathon 2010...

1:52:44

Rock. ON.WOOT WOOT. Great time.

Taking into consideration that you stopped for a potty break, my 1:48:59 would have put us close by throughout the whole race. Cant wait to run a race that you are participating in one day and possibly pushing each other for even better times

[xfkirsten]

WOOT WOOT. Great time.

Taking into consideration that you stopped for a potty break, my 1:48:59 would have put us close by throughout the whole race. Cant wait to run a race that you are participating in one day and possibly pushing each other for even better times

If I can scrape some cash together, hopefully the Wine and Dine half?

[jmaxwell007]

If I can scrape some cash together, hopefully the Wine and Dine half?AWESOME. Ill need someone there too talk too. I think the fam (Sam, Isabeau my mother and father) will be traveling back to Bham that Saturday morning leaving me to run.

1 Question: When Im running anything over 6or 7 miles Im getting blisters on my 2nd and 3rd toes. My 2nd toe is even with my big toe and my 3rd is obviously a little smaller then the 2nd. Sunday I did 10. Those toes on both feet are tender and one has a physical blister. Am I wearing the incorrect socks (ankle cottons)? Would it help if I placed a little Vaseline on them before starting? Anyone have any tips or tricks... or even the same problem?

Also, doesnt it suck when I have run 48 miles in the last 3 weeks training for the next half and I have avoided injury once again (Yea!) but getting out of the shower last night I accidently kicked the side of the tub and my 3rd toe is blue from the bruise. It really hurts to bend it. GREAT! Guess I'll have to put on my big boy pants and tough it out eh? LOL

[Hooker]

Are your shoes too small? Wait until you start losing toenails.

[Doug11]

I have not yet lost a toenail . . . just some bruising. :lookaroun


Joel: the best rule of thumb is the less cotton, the better you will be. Dri-tech socks and I've never had a blister, although I thought I was going to get one during this last 1/2 marathon. I didn't.

[jmaxwell007]

Are your shoes too small? Wait until you start losing toenails.My shoes are fine... I think it is my socks. It would make sense. On long runs is the only time my feet really sweat.


I have not yet lost a toenail . . . just some bruising. :lookaroun


Joel: the best rule of thumb is the less cotton, the better you will be. Dri-tech socks and I've never had a blister, although I thought I was going to get one during this last 1/2 marathon. I didn't.I bet it is the combo of long runs, with cotton socks.

It isnt actual blistering... it is almost like chaffing. Weird. Not red blisters... just sensative skin like a blister. It hurts, but I guess I can manage. LOL

[Hooker]

Did a local 5K last night for St. Patrick's Day. It rained cats and dogs all day yesterday, so it was very muggy running last night. I turned it in 28:59. I knew I wouldn't best my run from last Saturday with this race being at night (some of those roads were unlit), wet pavement, and brick roads. Brick roads tend to undulate over a period of time and it was dicey on your footing. Still, it helps the locals and we got a meal from Sonny's BBQ afterwards. No regrets.

[Garyhoov]

Did a local 5K last night for St. Patrick's Day. It rained cats and dogs all day yesterday, so it was very muggy running last night. I turned it in 28:59. I knew I wouldn't best my run from last Saturday with this race being at night (some of those roads were unlit), wet pavement, and brick roads. Brick roads tend to undulate over a period of time and it was dicey on your footing. Still, it helps the locals and we got a meal from Sonny's BBQ afterwards. No regrets.

:thumbs Nice job!

With all the problems I've had (at the moment, I've got an inexplicable ankle pain that just popped up last night for no reason or action that I can figure:dunno ), I've never had a problem with blisters or toenails.

[BeeJay]

Greetings, runners. I'm somewhat hesitant to post this because I don't want you all getting jealous.

As you can plainly see, I have received a Special Award. The ribbon signifying this Award is purple, which you will all recognize as the color of royalty. Now now, don't crowd around...everyone will have a chance to see the Award.

The Award is in honor of the fact that I ran ONE CONTINUOUS MILE, which I'm fairly certain no one in history had accomplished before today. Yes, yes, gaze upon the Award in hopes that one day, you might achieve such fame and renown.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/mildmannrdreprtr/purpleribbon.jpg

Actually, I had signed up for a 5K today, but didn't feel like my training was far enough along to tackle it just yet. Plus it rained all week and threw off my preparation. (See, that's TWO excuses!) But I was already committed to write a story about the event, so I decided to show up for the "fun run." When I saw all the little kids lined up, I knew I was in the right place! :king

I beat almost every one of their scrawny little asses, except for two of the little rats, who were too fast for me. :chair

So anyway...this was my toe in the water. There's a 5K with my name on it May 1. :king

[Doug11]

St Patricks 5K race this morning - 26:58.

Under 27 minutes - by far a personal best! :D

The St Patricks Day race was my first race in competition - 2 years ago. This was my third time to run this race. :)

[Doug11]

Welcome to our runners' world, BJ. It is our world - everyone else is just getting passed by. :D :lol (like I really believe that!) but yeah - keep us posted on that May Day 5K

[Hooker]

St Patricks 5K race this morning - 26:58.

Under 27 minutes - by far a personal best! :D

The St Patricks Day race was my first race in competition - 2 years ago. This was my third time to run this race. :):thumbs Great job, Mr. V! We're getting faster!

[Christy]

Greetings, runners. I'm somewhat hesitant to post this because I don't want you all getting jealous.

As you can plainly see, I have received a Special Award. The ribbon signifying this Award is purple, which you will all recognize as the color of royalty. Now now, don't crowd around...everyone will have a chance to see the Award.

The Award is in honor of the fact that I ran ONE CONTINUOUS MILE, which I'm fairly certain no one in history had accomplished before today. Yes, yes, gaze upon the Award in hopes that one day, you might achieve such fame and renown.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/mildmannrdreprtr/purpleribbon.jpg

Actually, I had signed up for a 5K today, but didn't feel like my training was far enough along to tackle it just yet. Plus it rained all week and threw off my preparation. (See, that's TWO excuses!) But I was already committed to write a story about the event, so I decided to show up for the "fun run." When I saw all the little kids lined up, I knew I was in the right place! :king

I beat almost every one of their scrawny little asses, except for two of the little rats, who were too fast for me. :chair

So anyway...this was my toe in the water. There's a 5K with my name on it May 1. :king

Awesome! I believe they give those ribbons out at school on field day :lookaroun

j/k Way to stick that toe in the water :thumbs

[Garyhoov]

Greetings, runners. I'm somewhat hesitant to post this because I don't want you all getting jealous.

As you can plainly see, I have received a Special Award. The ribbon signifying this Award is purple, which you will all recognize as the color of royalty. Now now, don't crowd around...everyone will have a chance to see the Award.

The Award is in honor of the fact that I ran ONE CONTINUOUS MILE, which I'm fairly certain no one in history had accomplished before today. Yes, yes, gaze upon the Award in hopes that one day, you might achieve such fame and renown.

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/mildmannrdreprtr/purpleribbon.jpg

Actually, I had signed up for a 5K today, but didn't feel like my training was far enough along to tackle it just yet. Plus it rained all week and threw off my preparation. (See, that's TWO excuses!) But I was already committed to write a story about the event, so I decided to show up for the "fun run." When I saw all the little kids lined up, I knew I was in the right place! :king

I beat almost every one of their scrawny little asses, except for two of the little rats, who were too fast for me. :chair

So anyway...this was my toe in the water. There's a 5K with my name on it May 1. :king

Very cool!! :thumbs Welcome to the club!

Can we pencil you in for the half-marathon in January?

[BeeJay]

Awesome! I believe they give those ribbons out at school on field day :lookaroun

j/k Way to stick that toe in the water :thumbs

No, that's exactly what I was thinking too: "This is like one of those 'Everyone's a winner!' things." :lol

Gary...only if your pencil has a good eraser. I'm going to tackle this 5K and go from there.

And thanks for the welcome, Doug. I've half-assed this long enough, it's nice to have something concrete to shoot for.

[Christy]

I feel like I'm never going to get started. Very frustrating.

I have to get my feet in order. And, after a few days in Disney, it occured to me how far I think I'm going to run. I can barely walk :rotfl

[jmaxwell007]

Awesome! I believe they give those ribbons out at school on field day :lookaroun

j/k Way to stick that toe in the water :thumbsI thought it was for Spirit fund raising by the cheerleaders the Thursday and Friday before football games. :)

Hey BJ. Good job.

Ok, I have found that training for my first half in 15-30 degree weather is A LOT different then training for my next half in a few weeks in 40-60 degree weather. HOLY COW. I have to take my water belt even on easy 4 mile runs. It is a whole different ballgame.

OMT, why does it feel that mother nature is always playing a joke on me by giving me a STRONG head wind regardless of what direction I am running. LOL

[Garyhoov]

OMT, why does it feel that mother nature is always playing a joke on me by giving me a STRONG head wind regardless of what direction I am running. LOL

To give you just a tiny taste of what if feels like to be a fat old man who can't run like me.:tongue

:lol

[Christy]

Well I have taken the first (figurative not literal :lookaroun ) step by printing off the trainign program from runners world :rotfl

[BeeJay]

Well I have taken the first (figurative not literal :lookaroun ) step by printing off the trainign program from runners world :rotfl



Which one are you using? I'm on the Couch to 5K one; it's worked pretty well for me so far.

(And thanks, Joel.)

[Christy]

Yes I am just looking that one up now... I had printed off the half marathon training guide from runners world, but beginners by their definition have been running for quite a while now :lol Couch to 5k it is :thumbs

[Christy]

And, what kind of shoes are you all wearing. I know Brad had said in the past he wears Brooks, and I think Doug. I got some but I do not notice a great difference with them :dunno I think I should probably go and have somebody who knows what they're doing tell me what kind of shoes I need :lol

[Doug11]

Actually, I run in Spira shoes. They are controversialbecause they have springs in the soles :lookaroun but are great for your feet. Leslie wears Asics and they are highly rated for running

[Christy]

I am not opposed to springs, what are we, professional athletes here? :lol I'll take all the help I can get! :goofy

[BeeJay]

W00t for synthetic socks! I came in here a week ago with the beginnings of some righteous blisters on both pinkie toes, read someone's advice (Doug, I believe) about cotton socks being the devil, and went out and got three pairs of polyester running socks. Just did 2 1/4 miles, and nothing down there but firm skin. :yahoo

[Hooker]

Saucony shoes here. They have arch locks where the shoe, when laced properly, grips the top of the foot. Spira shoes, Doug? We've just eliminated all of your times from the SM annals. *winks*

[Doug11]

Spira has been an official sponsor of WDW endurance races. :lol I see my support of Spira as doing my part to ensure WDW continues to offer these races we all enjoy so much. :lookaroun I used to run in Nikes until the day after the Tower of Terror 2008 race my foot hurt like it had a stress fracture - it was after that race I bought my first pair of Spira shoes and my feet have never hurt the day after a race, no matter how long. :D

[xfkirsten]

I think god is trying to foil my attempts to run... first it was bad weather, now it's getting force-extended at work, too late to get a good run in. Gah! Tomorrow, anyways!

I've got a pair of Nikes and they're great! I think for my next pair I'll probably go to Track Shack downtown and have them help me pick out a good pair for me, rather than just picking one at random that looks cool. :lookaroun :lol I also use those "performance" socks they sell at sports stores. I love the ones by Adidas, they're really lightweight and breathable, and don't chafe. :)

[jmaxwell007]

I have a quick question and comment: Does anyone here train with a running partner?

The reason I ask is that more times then not when talking about running here locally (in BHAM, not SM), people ask if I have a running partner. I tell them no. They proceed to "inform" me that I should have a running partner or run with groups that are organized here around town. For some reason, that really irks me. One major reason I can go run with any groups in town is my life with a 22 month old is too unpredictable. I go run my long/short runs at different times each day. I dont want to give up my Saturday morning to go run with a group when I could be playing with my daughter.

Mainly, I guess it irks me that they insinuate that unless i get a running partner I wont improve. Im not going to list my running times here since that part is irrelevant, but I will say that everytime I have set out to run my weekly 4, 5 or long run (10,11,or 12) I have improved my time by 15 seconds to 3 minutes. I keep a log of my times, route and how I felt that day. Even on bad days I at least improve by 15 seconds form the last time I ran that route. This past Sunday I shaved 2 minutes off my 11 mile time. It was a GREAT run too and had plenty left in the tank at the end. Loved the new route I did around Bham. I guess I dont need anyone else to help puch me when I push myself enough.

I might be the only one that does it solo, or a bunch of you might train with partners. Either way, I guess it is what works for you. I also like the time alone. It is my break from everybody for that 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

[BeeJay]

I run solo. My schedule is too erratic to plan my running times too far ahead and try to sync up with someone else. Plus I enjoy the solitude.

[Hooker]

Solo runner.

I can see the benefits of running with someone--camaraderie, accountability, etc.--but there's nothing wrong with being by yourself. It's therapeutic for me and I don't want to feel like I've got to talk to someone my entire run or be talked to. Let me run, let me think, let me listen to my music. And if you go out with a plan, you will get faster.

Joel, I'm a big proponent of mapmyrun.com for tracking mileage. Have you checked that out?

[Doug11]

I would enjoy the occasional group training run, but have not ever had a running partner.

[jmaxwell007]

I run solo. My schedule is too erratic to plan my running times too far ahead and try to sync up with someone else. Plus I enjoy the solitude.Me too. I love schedules, but life gets in the way a lot of the time.


I would enjoy the occasional group training run, but have not ever had a running partner.Thanks Doug for the response.


Solo runner.

I can see the benefits of running with someone--camaraderie, accountability, etc.--but there's nothing wrong with being by yourself. It's therapeutic for me and I don't want to feel like I've got to talk to someone my entire run or be talked to. Let me run, let me think, let me listen to my music. And if you go out with a plan, you will get faster.

Joel, I'm a big proponent of mapmyrun.com for tracking mileage. Have you checked that out?Amen on the bolded. I love to think on those runs. IT also helps block out the possible pain and that little voice telling you that it is "too hard; walk walk walk"

I use mapmyrun to plot my routes. I have a basic membership so I save them and refer back to them and sometimes modify them if Im bored of the route. I saw that on you FB profile one day. I have been placing them in a xls with tabs for each event. I guess this summer it will especially come in handy when I try new ways of training like try hill training and sprint training.

I have wanted to share my routes with locals but the start at my driveway and end there. LOL... im not sure I want that public among a group of local runners. Next thing you know, they will be congregating around my hose afrterwards and setting up chairs in the front yard.

[Christy]

Not that I've started yet, :goofy but I can't see me running on someone else's schedule, for all the reasons listed. Working around my kids is the biggest thing, but also, kind of what you guys said, I'd just rather be left alone in that sort of situation.

[Garyhoov]

They proceed to "inform" me that I should have a running partner or run with groups that are organized here around town. For some reason, that really irks me. One major reason I can go run with any groups in town is my life with a 22 month old is too unpredictable. I go run my long/short runs at different times each day. I dont want to give up my Saturday morning to go run with a group when I could be playing with my daughter.

Your personality sounds similar to mine. I'd rather stay fat and slow than do anything anyone else tells me to do.

. . . and besides, I hate people.:lookaroun

[xfkirsten]

Most of the time, I run solo. Like you guys, my schedule is just too unpredictable for group running. And it's easier to stick to my own training schedule that way. I do run in a group sometimes, though. I've gone running with Brad and some of his co-workers quite a bit - it's just hard to fit that into my schedule regularly. :)

My last two days of training have SUCKED, though. Did a slow 3 miles yesterday (27:06)... and my 9 miles today? Pathetic. I struggled to go more than a mile at a time. Seemed like I was having problems with my breathing. Finished it in 1:40:35. Gah. At least I did finish it, though.

[Hooker]

Most of the time, I run solo. Like you guys, my schedule is just too unpredictable for group running. And it's easier to stick to my own training schedule that way. I do run in a group sometimes, though. I've gone running with Brad and some of his co-workers quite a bit - it's just hard to fit that into my schedule regularly. :)

My last two days of training have SUCKED, though. Did a slow 3 miles yesterday (27:06)... and my 9 miles today? Pathetic. I struggled to go more than a mile at a time. Seemed like I was having problems with my breathing. Finished it in 1:40:35. Gah. At least I did finish it, though. :uh :chair :mad and the little guy who used to pull down his pants and moon you!

:lol

[jmaxwell007]

Your personality sounds similar to mine. I'd rather stay fat and slow than do anything anyone else tells me to do.

. . . and besides, I hate people.:lookarounLOL... I just hate when people tell me and it has happened 2 times, "You wont improve and stay motivated without a partner". That just really pisses me off to be blunt. I wanted to reply, "If you have to tell me that to justify you having to stay motivated by a partner you are a loser".


Most of the time, I run solo. Like you guys, my schedule is just too unpredictable for group running. And it's easier to stick to my own training schedule that way. I do run in a group sometimes, though. I've gone running with Brad and some of his co-workers quite a bit - it's just hard to fit that into my schedule regularly. :)

My last two days of training have SUCKED, though. Did a slow 3 miles yesterday (27:06)... and my 9 miles today? Pathetic. I struggled to go more than a mile at a time. Seemed like I was having problems with my breathing. Finished it in 1:40:35. Gah. At least I did finish it, though.I had those days 2 weeks ago. My times were crap and it just didnt feel good. It was the first off day in 5 months. I took it hard. I came back strong. I was fatigued and tired mentally.

You can get through it. I started to panic a bit but dont, you will be fine.

BTW, I will say that i did get a good bit of advice from a person that ran at Auburn for the track team (long distance). He said that your first run after your long day (mine is Tuesday) should be very easy. Not a fast run. I did 11 Sunday so today I did a easy 4. That has really helped my medium runs on Wednesday/Friday and big run Sunday. Just thought I'd share a success tip that was givent o me.

It has really helped this time around. My calves and feet are fresh. During the Mercedes, at 11 miles I was right at 1:30:30. After that I really started slowing down that last 2. Mentally I was worn out. This time around, I am improving. At 11 Sunday, I finished in 1:28:30 and had plenty of gas left physically. I was really fresh mentally.


:uh :chair :mad and the little guy who used to pull down his pants and moon you!

:lolI expect the chair from above after my above post.

*ducks and hides*

[Christy]

I took a lucky glance to the right as I was pulling onto the highway coming from the mall yesterday :lookaroun and lo and behold look what I found!

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

I just went online and found what shoes I need, I may have to stop in there and try them on :D

[Christy]

I just realized that around the playground right by our house is a paved path. It takes me a few minutes to walk there (maybe 5) and then I could run, but I mapmyrun-ned it last night, and making a full loop around and coming back is only 1.43 miles :rotf Sure seemed like it should be longer. Where do you guys go to do your long runs? I know there are trails in the parks and whatnot, but I don't want to drive once I get to that point, to be able to run 5 miles. Do you just run roads around your houses?

[Garyhoov]

I just realized that around the playground right by our house is a paved path. It takes me a few minutes to walk there (maybe 5) and then I could run, but I mapmyrun-ned it last night, and making a full loop around and coming back is only 1.43 miles :rotf Sure seemed like it should be longer. Where do you guys go to do your long runs? I know there are trails in the parks and whatnot, but I don't want to drive once I get to that point, to be able to run 5 miles. Do you just run roads around your houses?

We've got developments that wind all around. It's boring, but I don't run for the entertainment value.:shrug

After playing around a little bit, I found a 4 mile loop. In the middle of the 4 mile loop, there's a 1.5 mile loop, so the main loop plus 1 trip around the smaller loop gives me 5.5 miles. As I get close, I add 2 smaller loops to get 7 miles, 3 to get 8.5 . . . 5 gives me 11.5 and I think that's the most I've ever done.

Like I said, sort of boring. As long as you don't mind boring, you can always do your 1.43 loop 9 times.:lol

[Christy]

Yeah boring is ok, since the rest of my life is so full of variety and all :lol

No really I don't care, and maybe later I can venture off onto those running paths along the rivers :)

[Christy]

I found another going through the neighboring neighborhood that's aaaaaaaalmost 2 miles :lol It's just crazy because I'd have thought that was a lot more than 2 miles.

It is putting into perspective what I plan on doing here :blink

Sorry if this has been addressed in the past, but how often do you guys workout NOT running, strength training or whatever? Do you at all?

[Hooker]

I am very fortunate that I live near a county trail and I can get on it and run "forever". I've been on it so much that I know exactly what my mileage no matter where I go on it. Priceless for training.

As for working out not running, I do very little, but I want to concentrate on doing more. I want to strengthen my core, working on my back muscles and doing some sit ups for starters. Perhaps that will also help me to lose some of my gut. And the core strengthening will also help my running. Just gotta do it.

[Doug11]

one of my goals is to get into a routine of going to the gym every day. honestly, right now i am focused on my son's senior year of baseball and with games three nights per week, my running is taking a back seat for now.

but the goal is to run 4 days a week and to lift 3. . . starting in . . . June? :lookaroun

Azalea Trail 10K Run in Mobile, AL is this Saturday morning. Looking forward to doing this race for the first time. A little unhappy with myself for slacking off on the training, but will get in a run this afternoon after work.

[jmaxwell007]

one of my goals is to get into a routine of going to the gym every day. honestly, right now i am focused on my son's senior year of baseball and with games three nights per week, my running is taking a back seat for now.

but the goal is to run 4 days a week and to lift 3. . . starting in . . . June? :lookaroun

Azalea Trail 10K Run in Mobile, AL is this Saturday morning. Looking forward to doing this race for the first time. A little unhappy with myself for slacking off on the training, but will get in a run this afternoon after work.I think you have a great excuse. I would skip all this to watch my child in anything. :)

We still havent rejoined the YMCA. Im not sure if we will. I started doing some of my P90X stuff the last 2 weeks. Very light stuff. Not extreme like the videos. I couldnt do that again and run as much as I am. No way.

I will say that Sundays run was a great accomplishment. I finished 12 miles with a pace of 21 seconds faster per mile from last Sundays 11 mile run, and from my stats 2 months ago, I completed 12 miles the other day 5 minutes faster then I ran 11 miles 2 months ago.

Lately, I have been mixing 50/50 Powerade and water in my belt. In this climate, I just want recovery of the Powerade. I know that it isnt too popular with some runners, but I have experiemented with GU around mile 6 on my long runs only. It really seems to give me a huge boost in the second half of my run. They taste like ass, but they are compact and easy to carry in my belt.

[Christy]

I had kind of the same though, Joel, run every other day alternated with a p90x video, probably an upper body then the lower body, or the core one. Makes sense to me. :thumbs

I'm kind of in the same boat as Doug, with sports and such for the kids, it makes it hard. This month is just ridiculous, but April should open things up a bit.

[jmaxwell007]

I had kind of the same though, Joel, run every other day alternated with a p90x video, probably an upper body then the lower body, or the core one. Makes sense to me. :thumbs

I'm kind of in the same boat as Doug, with sports and such for the kids, it makes it hard. This month is just ridiculous, but April should open things up a bit.Ok, I might need to rephrase that, I am doing some of the P90X daily workouts. Like, maybe 30% of 1 single day. I seriously dont have the time, energy or focus with things like life, my child, my wife , 2 dogs and a boat load of freelance on top of a job. All things considered, ill take exactly what I have right now. :D