Running week of 11/29 - 12/6

[colby]

Colby, you have made such amazing progress with each marathon. How was your training different from race-to-race? I have run 3 and the difference from my fastest to slowest was only about 3 minutes...regardless of training. My training for my most recent one was better than the first 2, but I lost my PR in the port-a-john (first time ever that I've needed to use one. I tried to hit the toilets one last time before the start, but the lines were too long...by 7 miles in I had to pee like a racehorse!). That kinda stunk!

Kudos on a great job, especially while fighting off some bug. If you are anything like me you will get sick with a cold any day now.

That's a really good question. I have dropped weight/increased muscle mass, which helps certainly. I have built up significant endurance base/capacity just by doing it year after year (and triathlons all summer). I have done different training plans each time, so I don't think that really contributed much. I think if I had to boil it down, I have more or less learned how to run and how to like running (note that I didn't say "love" running)

I have tried that "not pee before the race" thing and it only works for a triathlon because you get to pee in the water. Every time I don't pee before the race and it's a running race, I have to pee really bad no earlier than 30 minutes in, and usually can't take it anymore around an hour or so in. That's okay for a 10k, but for anything longer... always always wait in the line.

[katluvr]

Colby...thanks for the race report. I really needed to hear all you had to share. You have done great on improving your time! I hear you on the weight loss/increase muscle mass. I did not go into my training at teh weight I wanted and I NEVER seem to be alble to lose weight when in full training. Of course right now I am just in a bad eating place anyways!

Congrats again!

As for running. Today was to be a rest day. But I needed to make up 4 miles. But instead go up clean last minute stuff and vacuumed house to be ready for in-laws arriving today at 10. This darn company/party weekend is really putting cramp in training. Plus late meting last night.

I thought the rain was going to be this AM. Now it looks like the rain is tomorrow--when I am supposed to run! grumble-grumble.

P.S. I'll post my rant about Biggest Loser and the marathon in that other thread.

K

[indigoiis]

Yay Colby! You are an inspiration!

[OakLeaf]

Congrats again Colby! What a job you've done over the years. And just think how much quicker your next one will be when you aren't sick.

I'm starting to have the opposite problem of you all though I've been slacking off Yoga and Pilates this summer and have been having bladder control problems on the longer runs. Time to crack the whip on the core/pelvic strength.

I know hydration and electrolyte balance are part of that equation too, though, and I wish I knew how to get that sorted. It's something I've struggled with for decades - constantly seesawing between mild hyponatremia and dehydration, and in the meantime worrying about too much salt with my slightly high blood pressure and strong family history of heart disease, and also learning this summer that I have to supplement with fairly large amounts of magnesium. Does anyone know if there's a way to figure that out? At this point I'd be willing to pay for testing if I even knew of an exercise physiology lab that could do it.

[kacie tri-ing]

Colby! Thanks for those times! That is really amazing. It is great to see that kind of progress.

How are your hip injuries right now? I have some issues in my hip too, and I am managing to keep them at bay, but it makes me nervous!

Are you doing the same race each year (I assume so, but I wasn't sure).

That is really incredible progress! I am super impressed!

What have you done to loose the weight?

I like you "feeling full" story

[Deborajen]

Thanks for the race report, Colby. And you are not average at running - you ROCK!! I think I remember reading that only 2% of the world's population can run a mile - that makes you elite right there. But just counting runners - What percent of the world's runners can run a marathon? Well under 50%, I'd be willing to bet - plus what percent of marathon runners can beat your time? You did great - be proud of yourself!

And I'm inspired - I didn't blow off last night's run even though it had to be on the treadmill. Did a little over a half an hour worth of speed intervals. It helped being able to watch "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on t.v. while I was at it. Sometimes a little goofiness in the background really keeps the "boringness" down.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm starting to have the opposite problem of you all though I've been slacking off Yoga and Pilates this summer and have been having bladder control problems on the longer runs. Time to crack the whip on the core/pelvic strength.

I know hydration and electrolyte balance are part of that equation too, though, and I wish I knew how to get that sorted. It's something I've struggled with for decades - constantly seesawing between mild hyponatremia and dehydration, and in the meantime worrying about too much salt with my slightly high blood pressure and strong family history of heart disease, and also learning this summer that I have to supplement with fairly large amounts of magnesium. Does anyone know if there's a way to figure that out? At this point I'd be willing to pay for testing if I even knew of an exercise physiology lab that could do it.

I'll let you in on a little trick I learned when I first started running...if you wear a tampon during every run your bladder leakage issues can be greatly minimized. Works for me!

With your hydration issues do you run into cramping? This has been my biggest challenge during marathons and the factor that has really negatively impacted me most. Training and hydration don't seem to make much difference...I hit the 16 mile mark and my calves start to tighten. By 21 or so I have to start walking at intervals to keep full-on cramps at bay. Doesn't seem to matter how easy I take the first half of the race or how many electrolyte pills I pop or sports drink I ingest, the cramps are coming.

As a result I am sticking to nothing longer than a 25k next year. Not marathon training leaves me more time for the bike and maybe a century ride or two, anyhow.

As for the cramping issues, my mom and brother are both really prone to toe/foot/leg cramps, so it makes me wonder if there is some weird genetic thing at play, here.

[Jolt]

Half-hour barefoot run in the neighborhood this afternoon, taking advantage of the 60-degree weather!

[indigoiis]

Oak, I wish I knew the secret to proper hydration and nutrition -- have you seen a nutritionist? I know that when I went on WIC (a program for low income families) when my daughter was young and we were bringing home very little bacon - they sent me to a nutritionist to talk about ways to maximize on proper nutrition without it hurting too much wallet-wise. That nutritionist had a huge influence on me and I learned a LOT. And she asked me very simple profile questions and was able to give me some very direct answers. At the time I was nursing and losing about 2 lbs a week while my daughter gained. She helped me keep weight on while making sure everyone got what they needed.

I hope you will go see a nutritionist. They are awesome.


Re: the tampon thing - how does that help keep you from peeing? I am trying to figure that one out.


I FINALLY ran today after my week off. I am reading Born to Run and I just had to get out on my feet today. 3.5 miles, 36 minutes. More tomorrow, maybe the VFFs as the weather is supposed to be fine.

Indy

[zoom-zoom]

Re: the tampon thing - how does that help keep you from peeing? I am trying to figure that one out.

It forces your PC muscles to remain engaged...kind of like doing kegels for the entire run. Regular core work is good for bladder issues, too...gets more than just abs and back muscles strengthened (says the woman who hasn't done so much as a crunch in months).

[zoom-zoom]

Colby, I just noticed your custom title...I supermegaheart Firefly (especially Captain Tightpants. Love my weekly doses of Nathan Fillion on Castle)!

[colby]

Colby! Thanks for those times! That is really amazing. It is great to see that kind of progress.

How are your hip injuries right now? I have some issues in my hip too, and I am managing to keep them at bay, but it makes me nervous!

Are you doing the same race each year (I assume so, but I wasn't sure).

That is really incredible progress! I am super impressed!

What have you done to loose the weight?

I like you "feeling full" story

I would not say my hip is perfect and they are not symmetrical, but I am leaps and bounds over where I was a year ago - it's actually quite amazing. I have to pay more attention to my right hip flexors, glutes, and my low back/core, and the whole system on the right stresses more easily than my left, but I did not feel sore anywhere I shouldn't after my marathon. I think cycling helped - it being a more symmetrical sport - on a well fitted bike. I also think that keeping up the glute/hip flexors/hamstrings/core/back exercises really helps, too. If I feel myself slipping, I am sure to stretch and strengthen. It is possible to recover and learn to love your asymmetries

It is the same race, same course. I only do one marathon a year (this is the first time I considered two), and Ironman the last two years.

Losing weight has been a long journey for me. I saw my mother in law do a triathlon about ... 4 years ago? 5 years ago? and I thought "there's no reason I couldn't do this." There were women of all shapes and sizes there, it was very inspirational. At that point, I started walking/running, I committed to the next year's triathlon, but because I was running I ran the local 12k, then a half marathon ("just to see"), then debated doing a marathon after I did my triathlon. I committed to that, ran my first marathon (2006). The weight basically came with the commitment to myself to keep going, keep training, keep setting goals. Through triathlon, I was able to keep myself entertained with all three sports and not get too burnt out (or injured) on any of them - until my hip injury, for which I put lots of PT time in during a gap between August and December of last year.

Now, weight loss is much harder. All of last year I was pretty much stuck at the same weight, though slowly trimming down. This year, I have only dropped 10 lbs in the last 9 months, still trimming down. After being so heavy and unhealthy, I have trouble telling myself it's okay to eat so much, even if it's the right amount for my activity level, which leads to starving my metabolism, and I don't lose weight. I know it's a backward problem to have, but the fear of being unhealthy is pretty strong... like that one cookie is going to add that 75 lbs and inability to run to the corner back on overnight. I seem to lose weight well when I just do the 30-45 minutes a day and eat my 1500 calories or whatever... but when I step it up, not so much. I really just hope to maintain.

Anyway, I really appreciate everyone's kind thoughts and comments about my race, even though it wasn't the one I wanted, it is still a gift.

[colby]

Colby, I just noticed your custom title...I supermegaheart Firefly (especially Captain Tightpants. Love my weekly doses of Nathan Fillion on Castle)!

I kind of dismissed Firefly when it was first on then when I saw Serenity we went back and watched them all with new appreciation. The look on his face when he says "I am a leaf on the wind" in Serenity is so perfect, even if what happens next isn't. It has become one of my favorite mantras, and I love revisiting the series.

[zoom-zoom]

I kind of dismissed Firefly when it was first on then when I saw Serenity we went back and watched them all with new appreciation. The look on his face when he says "I am a leaf on the wind" in Serenity is so perfect, even if what happens next isn't. It has become one of my favorite mantras, and I love revisiting the series.

I saw Serenity first (I know...what's up with that?!) and was sorta...meh, whatevs. Then my brother bought us the series and I was hooked from the first episode.

A friend of mine just got this shirt...cracks me up!

[katluvr]

Indi...you will LOVE Born to Run. I need to read it again.
Dont' think I'll be trying barefoot during the next 11 weeks...but maybe when my marathon is done.
So I did it...I got up at 5, was out on the road to run before 5:30. Did my 4 miles in exactly 45 mins---so a smidge faster than I normally do this route. It was misting--but I was determined even if it rained.

So here it is the BIG annual X-mas party and having family in weekend--PLUS rain. But I'll do my long run tomorrow (pre-party) come rain or rain (it is definitely going to rain!) I really want to take a nap tomorrow...between run and party, but so much to do!!!

Colby your race report was VERY valueable to me. To know how you felt in training and then your race experience...good learning for me.

Happy Friday all!