2013 Running Thread

oma4

I have never been a runner,yet I let my daughter talk me into doing the Diva 1/2 marathon. So at age 62, overweight, with RA and bad knees, I will be doing my very first run in San Juan on November 10, 2013. I've been walking and have started doing some cross training. I am determined to cross the finish line standing upright on my own two feet!!

301724

Just finished 11 miles! Gorgeous run on the lakefront in Chicago (visiting my daughter). Life is good!

dltnhm

oma4,

You have plenty of time to train for this 1/2 marathon and go from "never been a runner" to crossing "the finish line standing upright on my own two feet" !!!!

Lots of runners will respond to you and encourage you with the getting started! And firstcall will also post your date on the top of the thread ... so there's no backing out (lol).

I would encourage you to crosstrain and do exercises that will strengthen your core and your whole body. Strengthening your core and your legs will take you a long way to getting into this injury free!

Lots of encouragement!

Diana

LuvLuLu

Boston's Run to Remember is full! Glad I signed up months ago. Looking forward to an 11 mile run on Sunday with my son.  He says, "Ma, I want to go SLOW" and I replied, "I LIKE slow. Slow is fine w/me!" But I'm thinking to myself I've been running since 1978 - back in the dark ages - so I must have some kind of running reputation. But really, kid, you're 26. Do you really think you'll have a problem keeping up w/60 year old me? I'll report back and let you guys and gals know if he CAN in fact keep up w/mom.

Would also like to go into town this weekend and spend some $$$ on Boylston St. and that whole area where they lost so much business since the Marathon. The streets are finally open again. Maybe I can pop into Marathon Sports and pick up a couple of new items.

Happy Friday, everyone!!

lovestorun

Welcome KC, NewGrrl and Runnermom.  Lurk as much as you want here. It's so very hard to have your outlet for stress relief and working things out not available to you.  You are not alone.  I hope you find the people here encouraging and helpful.

Mary - good luck on Sunday! You will do great! It should be a beautiful day for a run.

Sharon - what a remarkable year you have had.  If you are still doing the 5K listed, have a blast with your family. 

And Roan, FirstCall & Groovygirls, thank you again for sharing your Boston stories with us. Have been thinking of you and hope that these past few days have gotten easier. You too LuvLulu.

Am off of running for a bit while I finish up radiation.  Your stories and posts are helpful, so please keep 'em coming!   LuvLulu - do let us know how you show a 26 year old how it's done : )

CassDugan

Is this thread for any runners?  Or those who compete in organized events only?

301724

Any one who runs or thinks they might! Welcome!

runnermom1956

Oma! Hey neighbor..I live in Martinez..YOU CAN DO THIS! Check out Galloway;s programs to get you started. I am 56..I had been running for years (many times on the canal) but been out of it for some time due to surgeries..BC etc. If you ever want some one to walk along with..PM me! I am starting all over from the beginning!

I am proud of you for trying this..I know you can do this and G bless your daughter for wanting to do this with you. My daughter is an Equestrian eventer..if I want to run with her, I will ahve to chase her horse! LOL

Good luck my friend and stay with it...be patient so you don't become a patient(well, not that we aren't patients already, huh?)

BIG HUGS

runnermom56

dltnhm

CassDugan,

Welcome! I'm a runner (for years) - but I don't do too many organized runs. Please join in!

Diana

CassDugan

Thanks for the welcome!

I run, but trails only and never in races.  I don't want to get competitive about it.  During the semester I live near school during the week and come home on weekends.  I don't like going out without my dog so I haven't been running as much as I'd like - only on weekends.  That said, I spent last night at home since my partner and I drove into Boston together for yet another diagnostic appointment.  I ended up playing hooky today and so I was able to get out for ~4 not-too-hilly miles this morning.  

I'm loving that the snow and ice is gone and that my feet are back into VFF's.  Not so much that the ticks are back out.  

lewing

Welcome, CassDugan and Oma4!

Mary, good luck in your half on Sunday.  Looking forward to hearing all about it.

301724, what a coincidence!  My daughter also lives in Chicago, and the lakefront is also one of my favorite places to run.  (I'm sure I'd love visiting her even if I weren't able to run along the lake, but it's definitely one of the attractions.)

Linda

Tammy_M43

Piper, I have to agree with Gold about shoes. You just need one good pair that match your feet!



You don't want to end up like me.....I was a non-runner training to do 5K. Around week 4-5 I had some soreness around my knees but it resolved. Then at week 7 I started getting soreness in my left hip. At week 7, day 2 I did a great 20 minute run on hilly terrain and I felt great....on day 3 I only ran for 11 minutes before I had to stop due to pain....



I'm now being treated by a physio and podiatrist. I've new shoes and orthotics...I probably a week or so away from running again...if only I'd got those new shoes earlier!!!

goldlining

oma4: upright and smiling, baby! who cares about time? There's enough medals for everyone.

CassDugan, we talk about organized events because they're goals. We're not competing with anyone except the finish line and the whiny little voice that says "I'll run tomorrow instead" or the therapist that says "take it easy, and don't push too much" when we're itching to run. I love events for the crowd energy, and medals. As we say on the tweeter: #BlingMe. I am so bad that probably half the miles I have run in the last year have been half marathons with medals. I really should train also! But we love reading run reports because some of us need the vicarious runs while laid up with stress fractures or chemo fatigue. We like reading about equipment, sports medicine tricks, sports bras, race reports and runs with the dog, and everything in between. Like we say at the top: the happiest thread on BCO.

NatsFan

Oma - you can do this!  I'm 57, overweight, and was never a runner till 2 years ago.  I entered a few 5K and 10Ks just for run and found I enjoyed the raceday experience.  I'm not fast at all, but I just keep plugging away and haven't finished last yet.  Having a goal is great - just take it easy and don't overdo at first.  Get a training plan and stick to it - the Galloway idea is excellent. 

I picked up my packet and bib for my HM tomorrow - I guess I'm really going to do this crazy thing. 

I just learned on the Facebook page that they're going to have pacer runners for each pace group.  (<rant>Heaven forbid Nike could have put this info on the official website weeks ago, but that's how Nike has handled pre-race logistics - info available in drips and draps via Facebook postings in no coherent fashion - but hey, it drives traffic to their Facebook page, right?  And of course that's more important than actually communicating with the runners. </rant>) 

Anyone ever use one of those pacers during a race?  Any suggestions about whether to use a pacer or not?  It seems like it might be a good idea, especially for a slow runner like me who is in fear of being forced into the straggler van.  I'll have my running app timer, but wonder if a pacer might be useful to me. 

LuvLuLu

Hey, Nats, Go Get 'em tomorrow!!  Finish Strong!!! xoxox

goldlining

NatsFan, I use the pace bunnies (that's what they are called here, and even wear bunny ears). It saves checking your watch for pacing and allows you to take in the atmosphere and people-watch as you go. 

I follow the one that does 10 minute run, 1 minute walk, for the total time that I hope to do but would settle for 15 minutes slower. So, maybe follow 2:30 bunny hoping to end at 2:45. I understand about being conservative to start and speeding up but I can't. I am just going to start off slow then back off (as the shirt says). I can usually keep up with 2:30 for the first 10K and then depending on my condition, maybe longer, but I'm not ready to finish in 2:30 (or even 2:45, lately).

I don't follow-follow, like stay in the actual group like some of the people they're pacing, but I keep their sign in my range of vision. But in the groups they seem to chat and encourage people, which seems kind of nice too.

NatsFan

Thanks Luv.

Also, after reading the experiences of our Boston runners being stranded with no money and no cell service, I've tucked my ID, a credit card, and 20 bucks in my little running pouch.  This is DC, so one never knows when something will be shut down abruptly for security reasons. 

ReneeinOH

Good luck Mary!

SharonLC

Welcome Oma4 and CassDugan!! Oma4 I'm only 45 but I was overweight (lost 35 lbs in the last year) ... training for a HM will definitely help with loosing pounds/inches ... I did my first HM 10 months after starting to run with the C25K program and I had to take time off from training for lumpectomy recovery 2.5 months before the race ... it's worth a try ... running has so many benefits and it's addicting!!  Galloway's run/walk method once you are able to run 5 miles straight is an awesome program to help you achieve a goal of finishing it and wanting to do another one again!

NatsFan and Katlou Have FUN at your HM events tomorrow ... remember goal is just to finish ... upright   Member ... you're a pro ... good luck racing and have FUN, too!! Let us know how you all do!!

NatsFan Yes, it's good to be prepared ... I'm with you on carrying all that now during long races. The Galloway pace groups were at the Run with Donna race ... the key is finding the correct one that corresponds with your running pace/mile but if you fall behind, it's okay, just keep them in sight ... the groups I saw seemed to be having fun and encouraging one another and the energy from running in a large group is catagious, so it could help you do better than you expect. I didn't use one, just used my timer, but briefly ran or walked with a few as I passed them along the course.

Lovestorun ... Thanks! I did do run the Red Shoe Run today but I ran just the mile with Morgan (7 yo daughter) ... 9:07  which is her fastest ... we held hands most of the way ... Ronald McDonald started our race and ran across the finish line with us  and some others, too. My husband and Madison (12 yo daughter) ran the 5k together ... Madison's first 5K ... they ran it in 27:37 and she won 2nd in her age group. Madison wanted me to do the 5K, too but I am not healed 100% and dad did just fine ... I don't want to reinjure so I am sticking with Morgan's pace for now plus I don't think I could have kept up with her for the whole 3.1 miles after 8 weeks off and only 2 weeks of very slow training. Sorry to read that you are on a hiatus due to RADs ... it's best to listen to what your body is telling you to do (like you are), you'll be running before you know it!

LuvLuLu

Nats, you got the job done! Way to go!

Promised I'd report back re my run with my son this morning. We did two 5+ loops for a total of about 10.5 miles. The first loop was extremely slow, and I'm thinking how out of shape he must be, he was still lagging behind me!  Well, on the 2nd loop he decided he felt great and he totally blew me away!  I asked him after if he had planned that and he said no, he just felt good so he picked it up!  I think he probably got scared and started slow cuz he had never done the distance, and then on the 2nd loop he just went all out.

Kids . . .

sandpiper1

Hope everyone had a nice run today!

W6D1 complete!

Sweet dreams.

xoxoxo

piper

Annette47

Just thought I'd check in since I haven't in a while.   My daughter's Bat Mitzvah was last weekend so I was pretty busy with that, but did manage a few 3-4 mile runs in during the week before and after.

This past weekend I went away for the weekend with some fellow cancer survivors and decided to go for a run yesterday.   Ended up running a little over 6 miles, which was the longest I have run in about 4 years - felt good too, and not even sore today, so if my schedule permits, I think I will try a 10K in June!

NewGrrl

Thanks so much 301!  You DO rock.  I've been walking for the past few days.  I now just have to take the plunge and move a little faster.  After my radiation, I walk up the 3, 4 or 5 flights of stairs of the parking garage to my car.  Whew!  I used to be able to run something like that and I know I will again before too long.

goldlining

Welcome NewGrrl! Stick around. Hang in there. The stairs are a fine start.

I have been mired in marking and missed running lately, but have finished all but one thesis and am very nearly ready and itching to go out for a run. Almost did yesterday then it turned cold again. Keeping my head in the endorphin zone with second-hand runs here.

NatsFan

Did my HM Sunday - 15,000 women running - quite exciting.  I finished AND managed to stay ahead of the straggler van, so that's a victory for me. 

All finishers got a Tiffany necklace made especially for this race.  They had handsome tuxedo clad men handing them out to the finishers as we crossed the line.  I'm having a wonderful time wearing it today - I may never take it off! 

Thanks to everyone here for your encouragement and advice through my training process.  It really made the difference between success and failure for me.  You guys rock!!

SharonLC

NatsFan CONGRATS! I knew you could do it! Wear that bling proudly!

Piper Keep on going ... AWESOME ACCOMPLISHMENT ~ W6D1!

Annette Let us know what 10K race you are doing ~ YOU CAN DO IT!!

LuvLuLu HM is in a few weeks, sounds like you're right on track with training, race day will be here before you know it, maybe you'll blow him away then

Goldlining Cold weather still + lots of work  ... I hope you are able to get a nice outdoors run in soon.

Ran a trail run this morning for 55 minutes ... nice compacted dirt paths with a few roots here and there ... easy on the legs. It was really a fun run!!

dltnhm

All right Running Friends .... I was taking a look at my feet a couple weeks ago and told my husband "One of these things is not like the other" (sing along with my Sesame Street fans). My husband said he thought I had a bunion. A bunion? I thought bunions were for older (senior) people ... and I didn't even know what was one. Besides ... I have no pain.

So to Dr. Google I went ... but only reputable sites for explanations (and pictures - gotta have pictures) ... Mayo Clinic, Harvard Md, Runner's World And my self-diagnosis is that there is a bunion on my right foot AND possibly bunionettes (who knew they existed?) on both feet. Fortunately I am seeing my PCP tomorrow for a scheduled 6 month follow-up (even though I saw him last month for a pre-op). So I can ask for a referral to see a specialist and hopefully something like a night splint might be in order rather than surgery.

Also, I had a little revision surgery on April 5th and have not been cleared to run yet. UGH! So I've been speedwalking instead ... and for a much longer time. (This was such a minor thingy compared to my all-in-one huge umx with immediate DIEP reconstruction last year and I was cleared to run in 6 weeks then.) Stithces come out Friday ... then maybe a run?!

Thanks in advance for any experiences, suggestions, encouragement, etc. on the bunion front.

Diana

kcmanis

I just realized I didnt have my email notification set up and wasnt sure if my post had gone up.  Thank you for the words of encouragement.  I was able to get 7 miles in on Saturday and 6 on Sunday.  Thursday marks treatment #7 and I know will be knocked out for a good 5 days after.  I loved the analogy swimming in molasses.  Thats exactly what my running feels like.  its really great to talk with those who 'get it'  thank you!! kerry

sandpiper1

Di, I have had bunions since I was young. In fact there are many young women at work who have them and one recently had a bunionectomy. I would love to have both of mine done, however, recovery time is long. Buying shoes are a pain and anymore I am getting tired of not finding shoes that fit. So I have many old shoes that fit well and get frustrated when I do have to shop for shoes. When I find tennis shoes I always buy 2 at a time. Anywho, there are a couple of really great running stores near my house that I am going to check out tomorrow.

My knee (really-slightly below my left knee) has been hurting intemittently. Hurt/ached so bad after work last night and absolutely no pain this morning. Just weird. I am almost suspicious it is more of a soft tissue injury ? No bruising, but some minor edema and unbelievable aching. Anywho, enjoying the no pain zone today and contemplating an easy run/walk in the woods. I do like trail running better

Ty for the encouragement all. Nice to see new people, many running through tx and those updates for recent runs (Go Mary).

Have a wonderful day!

xoxoxoxo

piper

kcmanis

Piper.. one of my good friends who is a runner has bunions as well.. she was a dancer.  She has found comfort in the nike frees and lunar racer.  they are light running shows, but they are wide and give... just a thought!