2012 Running Thread

OK friends, I want to ask your opinion.  All summer, I trained with a goal of completing a half this fall...and with the heat and my crazy work schedule, things got derailed a bit but I was still up to 10- and 11-mile long runs all through August and early September.  Then my friend called and asked me to do the relay with her, and at the time I was relieved... and it was a terrific experience!  But I have to admit, I saw those half-marathoners and felt a but like... damn, that could/should have been me.  So I poked around and there *is* another HM opportunity, it's next weekend in a city just over an hour away.  It's tempting!

So I've been talking it through with friends and fellow runners, and the responses I get are, with a few excpetions, anywhere between neutral and discouraging.  Generally people say if I haven't already done the 13, that day would not be the day to try it.  And I should just wait until next spring, I'll have plenty of time to train, etc.  Now I don't know a ton about this whole running thing, but I didn't think that was necessarily the case!  Especially if I give myself permission to walk, what's the problem?

I asked my boyfriend why people don't seem to be saying 'go for it!'  He more or less surmised that maybe people don't understand that I'm mentally and emotionally ready, even though physically I might not be 100% of the way there yet.  It occurred to me through that conversation that maybe people don't understand that a year ago at this time... I was bald and sickly, in pain, and gearing up for surgery and rads still.  Maybe the reason I want to do this is as a huge FU to cancer!!  

This morning I did a 7.5 mile group run, came back home, sat in my car long enough to warm up, then went out for another 4.5 on my own.  I did 12 miles today and am feeling great so I ask you... what is the worst that can happen if I sign up to do this HM next weekend  Or am I being totally delusional, too caught up in some crazy "cancer survivor comeback" story?

Please be totally honest with me.  The race is $85 if there's something I'm not seeinng I'd rather know about it now than pay up and wish I hadn't.  Thanks for letting me talk... Kat

i say go for it. did my first 1/2,   2 yrs ago never running more than 10. maybe i did a 12 one day but walked some of it. i was spent after the first 10 cause that was what i was used to, but i still ran (very slower jogged lol) across the finish line. my last 3 miles were about 13 min miles or more ha ha.  but you can do it. i was told to take your drinks at the beginning of each water station and walk through the station then keep running. that really helped.

good luck

firstcall, please update the list: I'm doing the Empire State Half on October 21st!

Oh, and yes, upright and smiling is the goal.  

OK, I don't think it's going to far to declare my love for you all!  I just really needed one (or more) people to affirm that this wasn't too far-flung an idea after all. Thanks SO MUCH for the encouragement.  Will post the outcome in just over a week.

HI Kat,

I would say go for it. I just ran the Chicago Marathon( my very first one) and I have to say I didn't complete all my runs in training. To be honest the longest run was a 18 miler. I had a stress fx in Sept so no running for 4 weeks and that was right before the marathon. But I was determined to run the marathon even when people told me I was crazy to do this. But I ran / walked it in 6 hr 13 min, crossed that finish line and was a happy girl and I got my sooo deserved metal.

 So if you feel you are ready.... go girl you can do it.!!

Happy running to you

Blackjack

Go Adey.....you can do it. I was going to due the Santa shuffle but I will be coming home from Florida and don't think I would be ready for it. Busy time of year with school. See ya soon.!!

BJ

Adey... week 5 is my favorite week in C25K.  Prepare to be amazed with yourself

mlw, you will be amazed at how your body responds to the challenge of running again, when the time is right.  It takes a while to get going but it's really not long before you're (literally) off and running!  Keep your chin up - you'll be out there again someday soon...

The HM I did today was an awesome experience.  Well organized race and beautiful weather too!  So proud to be able to say I did it - a year ago I was on medical leave following 4 months of chemo and the first of two surgeries.

A sincere thank you to all of you who encouraged me. 

YEAH, Kat!!!

I ran my 10K today, and met my goal!  I was a little reluctant to run because I have been sick all week, so I am especially glad I did it as well as I had originally hoped...:)

So, now, I am committed to training for a half.  Hmmm.  Next spring.

I hope this finds you all well...

Claire

Wow, firstcall, I'm jealous of your time!

Claire... so happy for you to have met your goal.  Wasn't it a gorgeous day here in NY??  Yep, you can totally rock a half.  There's one in February in Syracuse lol doesn't that sounds like a snowy good time?

My new gym just opened last week, so I think I'm going to ride the wave of excitement over that for a while... will still run outside of course, but I'm looking forward to mixing it up with weights, spinning, and swimming.  Just feel great to be 'in motion' again!

Congratulations to all the good weekend runs, everyone. I'm enjoying them vicariously, trying to make sure my stress fracture heals again for November. I did walk about 12 hours at no particular speed but fairly nonstop yesterday at Disneyland, and did not get the renewed aching I did from Berlin a couple weeks ago. Will wear the air-cast boot through the airports where I'm weight-bearing and possibly needing to rush. Only 3 weeks to the Half so looks like I'll be another 3:00 "I'm here for the medal and snacks" event, but that's okay.

Hi all! I ran 15 miles last Thursday (my longest since pre diagnosis), and then I had my exchange surgery Friday morning. I am doing pretty well---much, much better than after my BMX. I have two drains which are causing some discomfort, but overall I am really pleased with how good I feel. I am incredibly sleepy, and I just keep napping in the recliner. I go back to see PS Thursday to hopefully get these drains out and find out when I will be cleared to walk and then run again. I am signed up for the St. Jude Half in less than 6 weeks!

I hope everyone is having a good week.

Hey CLC, a bit west of the zone you're looking in, you might look at Toronto Goodlife Half in May. The part I did NOT like was the sponsor name plastering the medal ribbon: a light beer (http://www.torontomarathon.com/awards-prizes/201-medals.html). As you know, I am all about the medals. 

I can't remember how many participants were in it when I did it, but it wasn't a dense crowd except the start corral. It's "downhill" (but has a wild uphill early in the course). Goes along "main street" type of roads as well as through some nice leafy areas and historic sectors. (I ran it on a rainy day and it sucked for me but in theory I like it.) 

If you delay to June, look at the Niagara Falls Women's Half. It is a really nice course, very small crowd and good swag (makeup and and bottle of wine in the goodie bag). http://nfwhm.com