Running into trouble...week of 11/30/08

[kacie tri-ing]

Tacky? I think it is awesome!

I ran 20 today on trails. I only fell once, but it was quite dramatic. I always feel like I am in slow motion when I trip and fall. I tried to catch myself, but I think it just made the fall worse!

By the end, I was feeling strong still, which is more than I can say the last time I did this run. But--I was tired of being in the cold, my nose was running, I had to go to the bathroom, and my feet hurt. I was glad to be done, even though I felt much better aerobically! I think that is progress! 5 weeks until my marathon with mickey! Must stay healthy!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend of running! Post about it!

[michelem]

Well, I'm alive and completed the California International Marathon this morning. I'll post a race report in separate thread . . .

[colby]

I guess I'll post here, since I technically haven't ran since last Sunday...

I DID turn out for the Seattle Marathon's Half Marathon. I knew it would be slow, I knew I would be walking aid stations and taking it easy. I knew I'd stop when I had to go to the bathroom, I knew I'd be passed by a lot of people I should be passing in a normal year. But, it was the principle... it was a "stretch" - not impossible, but it wasn't like I was excessively well-trained either. Probably minimally trained. No super "long" runs but reliable every-other-day running with some longer days.

Anyway, I finished, hooray. It felt like miles 10-23 of a full marathon. (Maybe more like miles 1-3, miles 6-11, miles 20-23) The first couple of miles were fast and felt really good. Once I get back to full training volume, I'll be much better off. The next few dwindled. The last few were hard - I haven't been training hills to try to "take it easy" (relative) and the Seattle Marathon has hills.

The Half Marathon is pretty much all the "pretty" or scenic parts of the marathon (except maybe Seward/Gennessee Park, but you have to do that twice and it's not as fun the second time ). I still think they should ditch the express lanes, even if I "get" why they do it, but the half marathon at least didn't include the super-boring (and super-windy, super-cold, whatever) section across the lake. It is by no means flat, more like a quad burner, but it's not the Pike's Peak (or what I imagine that to be)

It was SUPER WARM... 50+ degrees. Way warmer than I expected - 2006 it was snowing, last year more normal (overcast, sunbreaks, 40s). I wore a sports bra and my cw-x insulated bra top (full length) under a long-sleeved shirt and it was too warm for the shirt, I had to take it off. I finished in 2:30 or so, I could have shaved off 7 minutes (I am not joking) if I didn't stop to go to the bathroom. I was running with the 2:00 pacer for the first few miles, then right at the bathroom stop the 2:15 pacer caught up. The half marathon starts at 7:30, 30 minutes before the full marathon start. I assume it's for staggering the finish to be a pretty constant stream of people.

Anyway, pictures... I look like I'm about to punch someone out http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_e...32678&BIB=8787

To keep from injuring myself, I will not be training for a marathon this year - it'd have to be about March before I could run that distance. I would love to do the Disney World Half Marathon but it's very much sold out. I'll probably fall into base Ironman training after my PT - which is about 50% of normal running training volume right now. PT is going really well, though.

I am shopping for new shoes. Trying to avoid injury in as many ways as humanly possible. I have been wearing mens Asics (the GT-21xx series) because I need a 2E width and there's not a lot of womanly shoes that fit the bill that are easy to find. I went to a shoe store last weekend and tried to discuss my fit with the dude, who was skeptical about my need for a 2E. He had me try on regular width shoes in "normal" size, and I said they felt narrow. Stood up to show him how well my foot deformed the shoe, he said... "oh... yeah. You'll need the 2E. We don't stock those." We talked about shoe volume and why wearing mens shoes was bad (which I already knew, but was lacking in many other choices). At this point, I'm debating ordering online, or finding another store that can order them here and would be willing to let me test them. I tried on a few styles at New Balance's store and they just didn't feel right. His recommendation (he did not do any weight/motion analysis, just looked at the shape of my foot) was the Brooks Addiction.

Longer than I intended... hope everyone's week is going well.

[Urlea]

Yay! It's good to see that more of us got out and ran this week.

I couldn't be more jealous of the 20mile trail run Kacie. I would love that!

Eclectic: The Fargo Marathon is as enjoyable as you've heard.

Last year I ran the 1/2 (my first ever) and this year I will be doing the full. I'm really looking forward to it.

Don't think the 1/2 is pie in the sky. You can do it and the Fargo Marathon is a good place to run it. With over 5,000 runners you're surrounded by both runners and spectators encouraging you on. The whole community does a lot of fun stuff between live bands and polka dancers to keep you distracted from the actual mileage you're covering.

Registration has opened, http://www.fargomarathon.com/registeronline.htm

Definitely think about it!

Another great one is the **** Beardsley 1/2 in September. It's quite a bit different though, very scenic (you run around Detroit Lake in MN). Fewer runners and cheering spectators. I enjoyed it just as much as Fargo's, but if you're one that prefers to run races with a lot of people and entertainment this race is a little light on that.

HTH!

[Jolt]

Last 2.5 miler today...next time up to 3! No IT band pain...seems it's fine now and just a matter of building up slowly to prevent a recurrence. I did have a few twinges from that vastus lateralis trigger point--time to roll around on a tennis ball since the foam roller doesn't get into that particular spot. It was cold this evening--about 15 degrees. The shoe companies should make winter running shoes, that don't have mesh uppers!! Even wool socks don't compensate for all that cold air flowing through the shoes... Who else had a chilly run today?

[eclectic]

WOW colby! thanks for posting the pics.

and Kaci tri-ing 20 mile trail run i can't even imagine! but it would be a lot more fun than going 'round and 'round and 'round . . . . on the track

Jolt - I agree - cold toes but then I don't plan on running outside anytime soon

Urlea - are there old, more "rubanesque" ladies running the 1/2 ? I am not young and I am not the typical body type runner (that is because until now I have not BEEN a runner)

I did not realize the Fargo Marathon was that big! I really think I will have to shoot for it! (I just hate the thought though of coming in last . . . but then I guess someone has to. . . and just think of how I would make everyone else's day . . . they could say "well at least I didn't come in last"

Well you have all motivated me - time to go run

[Urlea]

Jolt: Glad your recovery is coming along. I'm sure it's a challenge of patience to ease back into it, but you're doing an awesome job!

I'll ask my hubby when he gets home, but I remember seeing and hearing good things about a new shoe that Nike came out with. It has Gore-Tex technology and is supposed to weather the elements better.

I think it's this one...

http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?coun...d-1/pid-192954

(He just got home and says "yep, it's that one".)

Unfortunately my shoe budget was spent last month so I can't give them a shot, but I am curious.

http://www.inov-8.com/

Is another good resource. They customize in trail running shoes which typically means more water/junk proof. I've heard very good things about these from guys at the LRS here.

As for me, I got a 5.3 (according to mapmyrun.com) mile run in today. About 2-3" of snow covered most of the paths with 6" in spots where there was drifting or where the plow had sprayed snow onto it.

Overall a pleasant run in about 20 degree weather. Kind of felt like trail running. Took a bit more work to make sure I wouldn't roll an ankle on the uneven surface, but I'm definitely a lot more content running in the snow versus running on a dreadmill.

[Jolt]

Jolt: Glad your recovery is coming along. I'm sure it's a challenge of patience to ease back into it, but you're doing an awesome job!

I'll ask my hubby when he gets home, but I remember seeing and hearing good things about a new shoe that Nike came out with. It has Gore-Tex technology and is supposed to weather the elements better.

I think it's this one...

http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?coun...d-1/pid-192954

(He just got home and says "yep, it's that one".)

Unfortunately my shoe budget was spent last month so I can't give them a shot, but I am curious.

http://www.inov-8.com/

Is another good resource. They customize in trail running shoes which typically means more water/junk proof. I've heard very good things about these from guys at the LRS here.

As for me, I got a 5.3 (according to mapmyrun.com) mile run in today. About 2-3" of snow covered most of the paths with 6" in spots where there was drifting or where the plow had sprayed snow onto it.

Overall a pleasant run in about 20 degree weather. Kind of felt like trail running. Took a bit more work to make sure I wouldn't roll an ankle on the uneven surface, but I'm definitely a lot more content running in the snow versus running on a dreadmill.

Good point on the trail shoes; maybe on cold days I should just wear mine (assuming wearing trail shoes on the road won't be a problem...).

[Urlea]

Eclectic there wasn't a single body type or age I didn't see running the 1/2 and I'd say that a fair bit of them were easily over 40.

In fact I spent a portion of the race chatting with a 70yr. old! (I really hope I'll be able to continue running into my 70's.)

As far as coming in last, I wouldn't worry about it. Nobody would ever know because the 1/2 and Full runners all start at the same time. You might even be confused with a fast full runner when you cross that finish line.

More importantly though it's your own race.

I'm sure most of the people here would agree that if we focused on how much faster and athletic looking the other runners around us were we'd spend the race discouraged. But, if you focus on your own goals it makes it a lot more enjoyable.

Best of luck with your training!

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, I never fail to be inspired by the running talent and perseverance here! 20 miles on the trail...that's gotta be equivalent to a road marathon as trails are trickier, at least the ones around here (curves, roots, rocks, wet leaves, etc!)

I haven't run outside lately but did manage 4.5 on the treadmill today. I've been doing intervals of flat vs incline. I change every .25 miles from flat to a grade, starting at 1% and working up to a couple 2% and 3% grade quarter-miles. I go slower on the "climbs" and faster on the "flats" so it's more like an outdoor run and seems to help my hillwork when I do get outside to run or even just hike.

Felt really strong today!

[Urlea]

Well I did something I have yet to do since I started running and that would be setting out for a run before the sun came up. I've ran in the dark even as late as midnight, but being an "early-bird" definitely doesn't come naturally.

My husband and I found out about a new group run that is on Thursday morning. Starts at 5:30 a.m. Yeah, I'm basically running in my sleep that early in the day. Anywho, you earn free gear at set points once you've covered X-amount of miles. Stuff like free socks, L/S tech shirt and if you run 300 miles with them you get a *FREE* pair of Brooks shoes. How awesome is that?

There are 3, 5, 7 & 9 mile courses to choose from and you decide each time which one you want to do. This morning I went for the 5mi. since I've felt pretty comfortable running that lately.

It was a good strong 5miles. Very quiet though. Because the battery in my ipod dies before 4miles in the cold I decided not to take it. That and I was hoping to be running with the group which would involve at least some conversation. No such luck though, as it turns out nobody in the 5mile group runs over a 8.5-9min mile. After the first two miles I couldn't even see the faster runners. Still glad we went. Definitely going again next week.

How is running going for the rest of you this week?

Colby Somehow I missed your RR in the other posts. So here's a belated WOOHOO & Good Job!!! The photos look great. I'm glad I'm not the only one who throws up my arms at the end of a half. It's something to celebrate!! (Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I do this after a good training run too.)

[Jolt]

3 miles today in the cold rain! Not the nicest weather but I wore waterproof/breathable pants, jacket and shell mittens and it wasn't bad.

[teigyr]

Colby, am glad to see you did the Seattle 1/2 Marathon! I heard stories about the lines for the restrooms and I know using the portapotties took a lot of time. I used to wear mens 2E ASICs, btw, and have now gone to womens Brooks. I love them. The Defyance is my personal favorite but they might not have as much support as you might need. I have some pretty hefty orthotics so the more minimal shoe works well for me.

Urlea, I love that jacket!

Eclectic, there are all sorts of people in races. Even in the marathon I ran, there were all ages and sizes. I've learned to never judge by appearance because sometimes the most unlikely looking people are the most impressive.

It sounds like everyone is doing well and is surviving the winter.

I just JUST got my Garmin. I'm going out for a wet, windy, and rainy run with it tomorrow. Ten miles. My mentality is ten miles in the cold rain is FAR superior to ten miles on the treadmill. I am so excited to see my ten mile course downloaded from the Garmin though.

[kacie tri-ing]

Hello and happy weekend!

Colby--I like the pictures!

Ok--this week, I got in 6 on Tuesday, 8 on a treadmill Wednesday, and 6 on Thursday. I have a ride to do Saturday and another 20 miler on the trails on Sunday. Then I have one more 20 miler, 16 miler, and then I am really tapering. I try to keep respecting the distances. Even though I have done this run twice, I still have two more times to do it, so I have to keep my mind in the right place! Think good and long run thoughts for me! I am starting to think about the actual disney marathon all the time! I have found myself talking about it so much more with my friends/family. I just have a lot of miles left between now and then!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[colby]

Colby, am glad to see you did the Seattle 1/2 Marathon! I heard stories about the lines for the restrooms and I know using the portapotties took a lot of time. I used to wear mens 2E ASICs, btw, and have now gone to womens Brooks. I love them. The Defyance is my personal favorite but they might not have as much support as you might need. I have some pretty hefty orthotics so the more minimal shoe works well for me.

Good to know - do you size up from your regular shoe size? I measure a womens 8 (often a mens 7), but I wear size 40 bike shoes and my running shoes are a mens 8. I'm afraid to buy something that I'm going to burst at the seams, but I REALLY want a shoe that fits.

Colby Somehow I missed your RR in the other posts. So here's a belated WOOHOO & Good Job!!! The photos look great. I'm glad I'm not the only one who throws up my arms at the end of a half. It's something to celebrate!! (Don't tell anyone, but sometimes I do this after a good training run too.)

It was a victory for me... that qualifies for arms up.

I have ran a couple times this week, working on eliminating walk breaks and adding a few minutes over the course of a week to get me back up to my 45min-hr 3x/week and longer on weekends. Right now I'm at about 25 minutes running + 10 minutes of walking (except that half marathon... which was more like 2 hours of running, 10 minutes of debating and waiting and using the bathroom, and 20 minutes of spread out walking/stretching). Today it snowed, first big snow of the year, and is supposed to be SUPER cold this week (today 30F, tomorrow 9, monday/tuesday 2, wednesday 7). Time to break out the insulated tights and consider the treadmill if it's windy or icy.