Good morning everyone....

I'm going to assume that with Marathon Weekend fast approaching, those who are planning on running/walking have started training. I'm starting Week 4 of my 18 week program and although my longest run thus far into training has been 9 miles (with 11 and 12 lined up this Sunday and the following) I'm feeling real good so far.

How's everyone doing?

For you veteran marathon runners, do you tend to keep the same routine that's worked for you previously? Do you change up a bit?

Also, a few things I've found, I start my runs between 5 and 5:15am, a REFLECTIVE VEST in an absolute necessity, I've also found that I don't mind running without my iPod or my radio. I find the silence and just the overall atmosphere that early in the morning clears my head a bit.

Have a great day everyone!!!

Bobcat

I'm doing okay. I ran 9 miles on Saturday, but I've got a bit of a cold/cough, so my energy level is low. I made it through, but it was more of a slog than usual. I've also had some ankle discomfort, which makes me a little nervous.

I am doing the 18 week schedule provided by the TNT people. I like it because there aren't any longer runs during the week. I was thinking of using one from Runner's World, but there were some longer runs on weekdays, which is harder for me to fit into my schedule.

I like it because there aren't any longer runs during the week. I was thinking of using one from Runner's World, but there were some longer runs on weekdays, which is harder for me to fit into my schedule.

I have a few 8 mile runs scheduled for a few Wednesdays down the road and with Wednesday being a work day, although it'll be tough to squeeze it in, it's at least a manageable run for a work day. I chose the Hal Higdon 18 week intermediate program for that reason.

I'm sidelined with an injury - morton's neuroma - which is an inflamed nerve between my metatarsals. A week ago my podiatrist recommended surgery, but I got a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon today and she says no surgery - custom orthotics:eek:

I hope they help. I am supposed to run a half marathon on 10/13, but I haven't been able to stand the pain past 8 miles. I also have the ToT coming up at the end of the month. I'm happy with the "no surgery" alternative because best case scenario would have me back to running late November. I am trying to stay positive that the orthotics will work and I'll be back on track for my goofy training.

this is to be my 1st marathon. i've been blessed to have 3 family members crazy enough to run with me. they're newbies too.
we're all using the Penguin's book, i and my aunt are run/walking it while my seester and mom are walk/running.

training for me has been going great. i learned early on this year not to do too much too soon as i came down with "runner's knee". i actually look forward to my long runs, i like the feeling afterwards of adding on the miles.

good luck to everyone!! it's gonna be a blast;)

I AM NOT READY!!! LOl. I am training for a half marathon Oct 21. But I signed up for the Goofy and I've been training for a half marathon and not a full marathon. I'm afraid I'm not training enough and I won't be ready....I guess it's called runners guilt/anxiety! LOL HELP! I NEED MOTIVATION

I'm doing the Runner's World 16 week plan. Oddly enough, my normal schedule is running 4-5 miles/day 5x week, so their three runs/week plan is making me feel like a slacker, lol. I did do a 10 mile run last Sunday, though, which felt like a great accomplishment (I haven't done anything longer than 5.5 miles since the Minnie Marathon 15K in early May).

Tink 13.1 - Sorry to hear about your injury. Take care of yourself!

Good job everyone.

september - I thought about using the Runner's World plan, but decided that I didn't want to have to do longer runs during the week. The total weekly mileage is about the same as the plan I'm on though.

september - I thought about using the Runner's World plan, but decided that I didn't want to have to do longer runs during the week. The total weekly mileage is about the same as the plan I'm on though.

The longer runs midweek ordinarily wouldn't work for me, either, but my four year old has afternoon preschool this year (12-2:30), so I've been having my one year old take his nap then and I've been able to get the two hour chunks I need. Granted, those weekday runs are always on the treadmill, but it's really nice to have it be quiet time for me without any small people interrupting me.

For those doing the TOT 13K, what are you doing for long runs that week? According to my schedule the week prior has only a 6 mile run as the "long" one on Sunday, but then TOT weekend I'm scheduled for a 16 miler...I'm thinking of just flipping the weeks. Do you think that would work? The buildup on the long runs seems really important so I thought that would be better than just skipping the 16 mile run entirely, and there's NO way I'm going to be ready for it right after the TOT run that Saturday night.

Hi Steph, I haven't made it to this board for a while. Are you going to run the Nike virtual half marathon on 10/21 as part of your training?

Hi Steph, I haven't made it to this board for a while. Are you going to run the Nike virtual half marathon on 10/21 as part of your training?I really would like to do it, but I don't think it will work out. I have the ToT 13K the following weekend.

Are you registered for it?

Hurray! I was able to finish the Hartford half marathon yesterday in 2:31!!

I was really worried about my foot problem, but I saw a suggestion on-line to cut a whole in the shoe insert right where the Morton's Neuroma (pinched nerve) is on the bottom of the foot. This helps the area "float" and it doesn't get such a pounding. I knew by mile 5 that it made a difference. My foot still hurt - but the pain was never unbearable- which is GREAT news.

I wasn't able to train much for this 1/2 because of the pain. On my 10 miler I had to walk a mile right in the middle in hopes that the pain would subside, and by mile 10 I felt like I couldn't go another step. Yesterday, the pain was present and constant, but I was still able to keep running (and while I did have to take some walk breaks it wasn't because of the pain in my foot;)).

I felt stronger as the race went on, and I thought I might be able to break 2:30, but there were quite a few big hills (or at least they seemed like big hills at the time!) right in the last mile and a half. I thought I was at about 2:34 - if I knew I only had to shave a minute off I might have been able to sprint it out - but that's okay, I'm still happy with the time.

Today I feel pretty good and I plan on going out for a 3 mile run. I figured since I will be doing Goofy in January, this is truly my only opportunity to find out what it's like to run the day after a half marathon.

My custom orthotics should be in this week, and I'm really hopeful that they are going to relieve the pain even more. It's a good day:)

Hurray! I was able to finish the Hartford half marathon yesterday in 2:31!!


Congrats on the "healthy" finish!!!! Glad to read that you felt stronger as the race went on.

Bobcat

Glad to hear the race went well Tink13.1!

It's less than two weeks to my next race, ToT 13K. My long run on Saturday was 10 miles. It went pretty well, but I took it a little easy because my groin muscle was bothering me a little bit. It seems to be okay now, so it's probably good I didn't try to push the pace at all.

Okay, this will be my first marathon (longest previous race has been 15K) and I have a few questions:
1. suggestions for post-run food would be appreciated. I drink gatorade (diluted by 1/2 as I hate the taste) during/after the run (about 40 oz or so) and then chocolate milk afterwards (combo of protein and carbs). I also stop mid run and eat something (peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat or similar) but after my long runs I'm always feeling *so* nauseous and I'm not sure what to do.

2. The arches in one of my feet has been sore after long runs. Not horrible and not getting worse, it's just there, and mostly noticeable after my weekly long run. Is this normal?

3. When does it start to get easier?? I've been a 5 mile/day (25-30 miles/week) runner for the past year and a half so I should be in fairly good shape. Prior to this my longest run ever had been 12 miles and that was last spring. I don't know why but each time I do my long runs I feel like I'm not sure I can make it. Yesterday was 14 miles and--though I did it--the last two miles were a grind. Is this normal and part of the training process and just something to plough through?

Thanks all!

Is the chocolate milk the only thing you're having after the run? You might try eating more within an hour of your run.

Also, have you tried eating more during your run? One PB sandwich on wheat bread is not the best way to go IMO. You don't really want foods high in fat, protein or fiber during the race. Your body needs easily-accessible carbs for fuel. One of my favorite race foods is gummi bears.

It's tough to give advice simply because everyone's different and what may work for me may not work for you but I find that about a 1/2 hour before my long run, normally on Sundays, I'll specifically get up a bit earlier to have a Power Bar for a little fuel. During my long runs I normally take a water break every 3 miles or so along with a Gu or a Power Bar Energey Gel based upon how I'm feeling. I've found that this really seems to work for me. I must say, the thought of chocolate milk after a run doesn't sound all that appealing but hey, if it works for you, great!

With regards to when it gets easier, it'll get easier January 14th!!! :)

Steph, I may give the gummy bears a shot! I'm curious, have you or anyone else tried the Jelly Belly energy type jelly beans?

Steph, I may give the gummy bears a shot! I'm curious, have you or anyone else tried the Jelly Belly energy type jelly beans?Yes! They're yummy! I haven't really noticed any noticeable performance effect since I haven't used them in a race, but they go down well and have caused no stomach upset. I also like that I don't have to have them with water. The same with gummis. They're great if I'm somewhere between water stops and I need a boost. Just pop a few in my mouth as I'm running.

My Target has Sport Beans, so you might check there. They're with the other energy bars and they're cheaper than at the running store.

I used the sports beans during my half marathon and I loved them! I definitely think I got the same boost as I would have with gu or gels (without the gagging!) One of the things I really like about the sports beans is that you can eat 1/2 a pack at a time if you want to - it's not like gel in that once you open it you either have to eat it all or throw half away (Never, try to fold over the top and put an opened gel back in your pocket or pouch;))

I bought a case on line at jellybelly.com, so now I have plenty handy for long runs. There's more info. about them at that site too if you want to check it out. I will probably have to buy another case before marathon weekend, but that's okay. I love all of the flavors too! Definitely 2 thumbs up for sports beans!!

Steph, I'm going to ToT also - we leave next Wednesday.
Good Luck!

Steph, I'm going to ToT also - we leave next Wednesday.
Good Luck!

Then come to the meet! (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=81694)

I just looked out on the Jelly Belly website -and they're going to be introducing the Sports Beans with caffeine. I thought caffeine helped to dehydrate you, which I would think would be a bad thing?

If Sports Beans make you happy by all means eat them. They seem way to imprecise in the way they effect the contents of the gut for my liking. If you get the carbohydrate concentration wrong electrolytes don’t get delivered to were they need to be in a rapid manner.

Caffeine may help you burn more fat and delay the burning of glycogen. The diuretic effect is mild. Caffeine may inhibit salt loss to the urine.

You are more likely to get your hydration wrong by having the incorrect carbohydrate-to-water concentration in the belly during your run. If you drink Gatorade and eat Sports Beans you are likely to have too high a concentration of carbohydrates and therefore a slowly empyting stomach. You should have a concentration of between 6-8% carbohydrate to water solution for the most rapid stomach emptying.


Caffeine Info:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/caffeine_sports.htm

I never take gel or sport beans with sports drink, but thanks for the reminder.

Hi Steph, I did run the Nike+ Women's Half Marathon. It was my third half marathon in 3 weeks. I ran one near home on the 7th, then we flew to Oklahoma for the Spirit of Survival race on a wild life refuge. It was very cool, but I tripped near mile 12 and landed hard on my knees. I got a bruise on one and 7 stitches in the other. It was my first DNF. It's been a big year. I got to finish last in July. I'm living every runners worst fears ;) I signed up to do the Nike+ race with a group from a Seattle running store. I had iPod problems and after nearly 2 miles it had only recorded .39. I ended up walking back to the store to buy a new sport kit. By the time I got going again I was 90 minutes behind, so I made my own course by running 4 laps around the lake. I ended up running/walking 17 miles to get the 13.1. Did I mention I've been living every runners worst fears? :D

I had iPod problems and after nearly 2 miles it had only recorded .39. I ended up walking back to the store to buy a new sport kit. By the time I got going again I was 90 minutes behind, so I made my own course by running 4 laps around the lake. I ended up running/walking 17 miles to get the 13.1.

I admire your passion!!!! Congrats on the 17 mile 1/2 marathon finish!!! :)

I had my longest run to date yesterday, a 14 miler. I came away fairly unscathed, a little sore here and there but overall, very pleased with my progress up until this point.

How's everyone doing as we approach November?

Bobcat

Eeeeek, I must admit I haven't ran much at all lately. Kicking it up a notch NOW!