Half marathon - Support and Motivation!

curlytop89

Took a rest day Friday and I was up sick all night Friday night so I was so exhausted Saturday that I didn't do any work out. Oh well... I felt better sunday so I got my 5 miles in and walked a mile for cool down/warm up. I really think that running a lot on the treadmill is what makes my legs hurt more. Sometimes there's just no choice with kids and all. Anyway, I helped haul pumpkins for 2 hours after that and my shoulders and arms are tired today. Did get on the elliptical for 55 minutes at a good clip. I think the cross training has helped keep me from getting so stiff. I might just need to work on more stretching, especially now that I am in the home stretch.

lisajuly

Well, I don't know if I'll be running on Sunday. (and this post contains a little bit of TMI, sorry in advance).

Yesterday i was having a great run. I was about 4.5 miles in when suddenly, my left calf seized/cramped like you can not believe. there was no warning pains/niggles. One minute everything was fine, and then the next, I was literally bent over on the side of the road. I have not had a cramp like that since charley horses when i was pg with my first child. i tried rubbing it on the side of the road, walking for five minutes, running slow, walking again, rubbing again, walking, etc. I wound up walking most of the 2+ miles home.

A little background. Saturday night I had a couple of drinks. woke up somewhat hungover on Sunday Not naseaus but when I went to the bathroom, I basically had the runs but no stomach cramping. Did much of nothing on Sunday except go out for dinner. had some salad bar and a couple of ribs and a couple of onion rings. Yesterday morning, got up and had some coffee, went to the bathroom and kinda had the runs again. Not as bad as Sunday--again no stomach cramps. I wrote it off as being from the onion rings. Not something i normally eat, fried food, etc. Had coffee and breakfast (baked oatmeal and milk) around 8:30 and at 10:30, i left for my run. did not take water with me because i was only planning on being out there for an hour and it was cool out...don't even think it was much over 60 degrees.

Later, my MIL took me to lunch for my bday. had salad bar and a little lf ice cream at Jason's Deli. I was not home for five minutes and had to go to the bathroom and literally EVERYTHING came out. So, now I'm thinking that i've got some kind of stomach/intestinal bug and I'm dehydrated and that's what caused the cramp in my calf (and everything else )

My calf is still SO sore. sore to the touch. Hurts when I walk on it. spoke with a couple of people at school and there is a bug going around. No vomiting, just the runs. I've taken Advil. I've iced. A friend gave me a Potassium supplement. I'm drinking water like no tomorrow and using the foam roller, but it seems to be sore more on the side of the calf than the large calf muscle in the back.

I CAN NOT believe that I've gone the whole training period with almost no issues and then yesterday (which technically wasn't even a run day for me) this happens. Does anyone have any other suggestions on getting relief?? I don't know if I damaged myself more by trying to run on it (or even walk home). I figure I'll wait until thursday and if the pain is gone, try to get 4 or 5 miles out and see if it cramps up on my again or not. It's a little better today than yesterday, but it's still sore. Off to ice, again.

Help!!
Lisa (who is trying to stay positive but really is freaking out at this point).

.

LaraeTX

I just found this thread, and am starting half training next monday (18th)

LaraeTX

Hey Folks!

I need some advice! Is it crazy to register for a half marathon in early Nov (13th) if I am only at 6-7 mile long runs right now?

I just found the thread, but I'm planning on running my first half in Austin on Feb 20th

akasullengal

I have to say, with my parents visiting in town, I've been lax on my last week of training. I did get an 11 mile training run in late last week, and a 5 miler on Saturday morning, but haven't run since. We've been on the go all day (at least a lot of walking for me), but I didn't get my planned 4 miler in. I'll either do that tomorrow or hit the gym, with a final 2-miler on Thursday, with 2 rest days before the half on Sunday. Supposed to be sunny! Yes!

curlytop89

Help!!
Lisa (who is trying to stay positive but really is freaking out at this point).

.

Wow, Lisa, I am sorry about your muscle cramp and digestive issues. I have also been having the runs, I'm not sure what from. I have been so tired the last couple of days and I am trying to keep plenty of fluid in and decrease my fiber, which feels odd. I think I am some better today, but this weekend was terrible.

I hope the muscle gets better. Are you sure you didn't do more than just get a cramp? I know I have had charlie horses that are sore for a couple of days, but just be careful. I know I am not helpful. I think you are right to take it slow and do plenty of stretching. Hopefully the stomach bug will pass and your leg will feel better in time for this weekend. You still have several days left. Even if you don't get any major running in over the next few days you should still be okay for race day as much as you have been doing before hand. I wouldn't run if that leg is bothering you though, you don't want to make an injury worse if you have one.

Iffer75

I guess I have not been on here for a while, but I just read through several posts and it looks like everyone is doing great. Some people are running their Half's this month and I wish you all the best of luck.

Welcome to the newbies.

I can say that I am still really new at this myself. I was finally able to re-start my HM training and I am now on week 3 of Hal Higdon's Novice program. I am doing pretty good, but obviously I want to get better. I am trying to decide what to do with my $50.00 birthday money I received. So, here is what I posted in my blog earlier, if anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

Okay, I am in a little delema, hoping my friends can help me out here. I found this running group out of Burlington called The Beast and they are a group of about 60 people who get together and help each other out with training for any type of endurance. It is $45.00 every six months, which really is rather inexpensive. I would really like to join so I can find someone who would be willing to work with me and my running technique. Then on the other hand I have a 5k that I want to run Thanksgiving Morning that is $20.00 and my Half-Marathon in December which is $35.00. Should I sign up for the help or save the money for my two runs?

I have been averaging about 11:30 min miles, which is not bad for me, but I would really like to get down to 10:30 at least. With the proper training, I could more than likely do it.

Lisa-I really don't know how to answer that question for you. Maybe it was just the combination of foods that did your stomach in. I hope you are feeling better today. :bigsmile:

curlytop89

Jennifer, is the $45 due right up front? If not, then maybe you can do all three?! Just wondering. I think to pick up speed you should do speed work drills. I know the runnersworld.com training plan includes a day or two of it a week. I do one from the biggest loser book which can be modified for fitness levels. Good to do on a treadmill. it is
3 minutes at level 3-4 (a pace where you can talk easily)
5 minutes at level 5-6( a pace where it takes a little effort to talk)
1 minute at level 3-4
3 minutes at level 6-7( a pace where it is more difficult to talk)
1 minutes level 3-4
3 minutes at level 7-8(a pace where it takes some more effort to talk)
1 minute level 3-4
3 minutes level 8-9(a pace where it is starting to get challenging to talk)
1 minute at level 3-4
3 minutes at level 8-9
1 minute level 3-4
1 minute as fast as you can
2 minutes at level 3-4

I have to say when I started doing it it was very hard, I always did the lower end on all the levels, but now I can do the upper end and for the 1 minute cool downs I usually just slow jog at level 5, but it's just an example. You can adjust the levels to your needs and capabilities. A lot of people do laps on a track at certain speed, but it is difficult for me to know how fast I am running out side. Sometimes I think I am doing great and then I look at my time and think "what?" ha ha. Anyway, hope it helps. Marcie.

Iffer75

Curly, thanx so much for the suggestion. I wish I had a treadmill and it would probably make it easier, but I don't at this time. I just have the rugged outdoors. I may try this at some time next week, but not this morning. As I will be out in a few minutes to run my next 4 miles.

The $45 is up front, so I really don't see how I can do all three. So, I will just (unfortunately) skip the 5k on Thanksgiving and sign up with the group this week and save for my half. It makes the most sense. I told my husband that we will run our own 5k Thanksgiving morning before we start to cook our meal for the day. We are not turkey eaters so we are looking to having a pot roast. My mom will be here so she will help with that, since I have not ever made one. It will be fun.

I will come back later and let you know how my run went. Have a beautiful day everyone. :bigsmile:

pinbotchick

Ran 5 miles this morning at 13:27 pace. YEAH!!! 3 more days until my race.

Jen - I think your idea to run your own race on Thanksgiving is great!!! Running with the group sounds like the better investment. The info and encouragement will be priceless.

Marcie - way to keep at it!!!

Lisa - hope you're feeling better.

Kristina - see you in 3 days... I can't wait...

Iffer75

Ran 5 miles this morning at 13:27 pace. YEAH!!! 3 more days until my race.

Jennifer - I think your idea to run your own race on Thanksgiving is great!!! Running with the group sounds like the better investment. The info and encouragement will be priceless.

Great job on your run this morning. Believe me I know how rewarding it is to start and finish. You are doing AWESOME!!!

Ya, I am excited about starting up with them and seeing what I can accomplish with a little help. I ran 4 miles this morning at 11:13 pace, which is not bad, but I sure would like to knock that down to 11:00 or even 10:45 before my Half. :bigsmile:

Iffer75

So, like I said in my earlier post, I ran 4 miles this morning. It went really well considering my last few runs. My stitch showed up and I slowed down and took some deep breathes and it slowly went away and I was able to run the entire 4 miles without much walking at all. Only to take a few sips of my water. Other than that, all the way through. I was smiling when I was finished. I always like that feeling.

I believe tonite's workout is Fire 55 EZ and Stretch 10 with TurboFire. I am looking forward to it. Oh yeah and strength training. Today is one of my longer workout days.

Have a beautiful Friday Eve everyone. :bigsmile:

curlytop89

Jennifer, great job with the running. By the way, if you want an easy way to cook a pot roast, just throw it in the crock pot, vegetables and all and cook on low for 8 hours and it will be tender and tasty when you are done. I like to brown mine first and throw in some soup mix, broth and a can of cream of mushroom soup, then the grave is practically made as well. Just an idea.

I had to work early so I skipped the long run this week and did 4 on the treadmill. I did 1.75 at about a 9:15 pace and then 2.25 at an 8:30 pace, felt good. I think that's the longest I've ran at that speed since highschool. May have to try for 3 miles at that pace in the future. It seems funny to say that I did a short run of 4 miles, ha, a year ago that would have been murder. Hope to stick with it even after the half marathon. 3 more weeks until mine.

Lisa, I hope you are feeling better.

Victoria, you are doing so good. I bet you are excited about this weekend. Hope you can post a picture post race!

Iffer75

Curly-Thanx for the suggestion on the pot roast. I am actually looking forward to it. I have not had my mom's pot roast in years and I will have her make it. :happy: Since she is so good at it. But in the meantime, I will keep your suggestion for when I feel brave enough to try it.

Great job on your run this morning. I sure would love to run that fast for that long. Maybe someday.

Have a great evening. :bigsmile:

fitreporter

Is there a certain weight that would be considered too big to start jogging??? I want to start but feel like I need to lose weight first before I can start.

akasullengal

Is there a certain weight that would be considered too big to start jogging??? I want to start but feel like I need to lose weight first before I can start.

I think certainly if you weigh less, you will have less impact on your feet and joints, but you can certainly be pretty big when you start running. I was around 215-ish when I started the Couch to 5K program. I've certainly noticed that as weight has come off me, there's been a difference in the impact, but I think as long as you take it slow, it's worth a shot. Just listen to your body!

akasullengal

Did my last training run this evening: 2.6m at a 10:30 pace. Can you believe it?? Super fast for me. It felt good, but I was definitely pretty spent. I could not have run 5 miles at that pace, but it's nice to know that I can get under 11 min/mile if it's shorter distances.

Definitely looking forward to running the half marathon with Victoria this weekend. We'll try to get pics!

Everyone is doing great!

curlytop89

Is there a certain weight that would be considered too big to start jogging??? I want to start but feel like I need to lose weight first before I can start.

I think you do what your body can handle. I have seen people a lot heavier than me kick my but at runs before, so if your body (joints and heart and lungs) can handle it, go for it. Do start slow, walk and see how it goes, then when that is getting easier, add in some slow jogging. Hopefully as you lose weight you will simultaneously be able to run farther and faster. Just take it slow, by that I mean, don't try to go run three miles if your body is used to a more sedentary lifestyle. You can do it! It would also be a good idea to see a doctor who can give you advice. Sometimes when you have someone like that tell you it's a good idea, or not, it takes the stress off and you know what direction to go in.

Iffer75

Is there a certain weight that would be considered too big to start jogging??? I want to start but feel like I need to lose weight first before I can start.

I think certainly if you weigh less, you will have less impact on your feet and joints, but you can certainly be pretty big when you start running. I was around 215-ish when I started the Couch to 5K program. I've certainly noticed that as weight has come off me, there's been a difference in the impact, but I think as long as you take it slow, it's worth a shot. Just listen to your body!

I agree with this post. If you just start out with a good program like Couch to 5k it will definitely be easier for you just starting out. I wish you the best of luck with your running. Keep coming back and let us know how you are doing and if you have anymore questions. We are all here for you. :bigsmile:

Iffer75

Did my last training run this evening: 2.6m at a 10:30 pace. Can you believe it?? Super fast for me. It felt good, but I was definitely pretty spent. I could not have run 5 miles at that pace, but it's nice to know that I can get under 11 min/mile if it's shorter distances.

Definitely looking forward to running the half marathon with Victoria this weekend. We'll try to get pics!

Everyone is doing great!

Can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck and remember to have fun. :drinker:

a1schwei

happy halfs to all who are running this weekend...its supposed to be beautiful weather to run in MI for the detroit half have fun and i can't wait to get reports!!!!!

lisajuly

Good luck racers! :flowerforyou: Enjoy and I want to hear all about them in the next couple of days.

I've accepted that I'm not going to have the race I planned for or trained for My calf is doing a little better, but I don't expect it to hold for the half. So, I'm going to run and if the pain gets worse, well, that's when I'll start walking. I've decided to walk because i want my medal, i want to say that i finished so that i can wear my shirt and i want to get my free beer, lol.

There will be other races for me.

Iffer75

Well, today was 5 miles for me and I did it, even with my foot hurting. It is weird because after a while the pain goes away, but I can just feel it. I would say between miles 3 & 4 I realized that I was breathing normally and at a pretty good pace. I was absolutely amazed by how that felt. I don't recall that feeling before, it was wonderful. drinker Then when I just passed to start my last mile I twisted my left ankle, my sore foot. I had to walk for several minutes. I stopped and stretched it a little and was able to continue walking and then I just pushed myself to start running again and I realized I was fine. When I got home and stretched I seemed fine until I did my quad stretch and for some reason that one kinda hurt. Then putting any pressure on it really hurt. Now, it is just kinda sore after not moving it for a while. I am still confused on how this happened and wish it would just go away, because I don't want to sit back and let it heal. I want it to heal overnite. :laugh:

lisajuly

Lisa's Denver Half Marathon Report

.I find it ironic that the half that I best trained for and had some of the best runs was the absolute worst half I've run and a PW by like 7 1/2 minutes.

BUT, given my calf and the stomach virus, I AM happy with my time...well, not my time so much, more the fact that I got to run it and that I finished it. I know that having a bad race is a possibility and I was so pissed that I might not have even had that option.

I don't have splits because once again, my Garmin went backwards in the first mile. It's kind of discouraging to hit .40 miles three times Next year when i run this, I think i'm going to go Garmin-less. Yes, I do plan on running it again.

The first 8-9 miles weren't that bad. I was keeping a decent pace and I was actually way happy that my calf didn't get any worse than "just" sore. Miles 9-10 were bad, lol. by mile 10, the wheels fell off the bus and I had to do a lot of negotiating with myself to keep going. between miles 10-12, I did a bit of walking. walk 1 minute, run 3 or 4, walk 1 or 2 minutes, etc. by this point, my calf is way sore, my bad knee has started to speak to me and my quads have started to tighten up. I have never had a race....or even a long run in which I felt so horrible.

I was so happy that the last 1.5 miles or so is a gradual downhill. At least I was able to run that and I gave it my all to cross the finish line as strong as i could because every step was an effort.. I went straight into the med tent and had them tape a bag of ice to my calf.

After the race yesterday was pretty bad. I was sick to my stomach (not sure if it was the stomach virus making another occurrence or the sugar from the gel and gel shots I ate) shortly after the race and again when I got home. I didn't even consider having my free beer...and didn't even think about giving it to someone else. It took until 2:00 for me to eat anything of substance and I looked like a cripple trying to go up and down my stairs. I'm much better today...I'm expecting the appetite to come back full force and I think I'm going to go for a short walk because if I keep moving, I seem to get some relief that way.

So, not the race report I was hoping to write but oh well. Thanks so much for cheering me on. Rock 'n Roll did a fun race, I have to say and if you register early, it's not as pricey as it could be.

thanks for reading.
lisa.

Douniap

Lisa's Denver Half Marathon Report

.I find it ironic that the half that I best trained for and had some of the best runs was the absolute worst half I've run and a PW by like 7 1/2 minutes.

BUT, given my calf and the stomach virus, I AM happy with my time...well, not my time so much, more the fact that I got to run it and that I finished it. I know that having a bad race is a possibility and I was so pissed that I might not have even had that option.

I don't have splits because once again, my Garmin went backwards in the first mile. It's kind of discouraging to hit .40 miles three times Next year when i run this, I think i'm going to go Garmin-less. Yes, I do plan on running it again.

The first 8-9 miles weren't that bad. I was keeping a decent pace and I was actually way happy that my calf didn't get any worse than "just" sore. Miles 9-10 were bad, lol. by mile 10, the wheels fell off the bus and I had to do a lot of negotiating with myself to keep going. between miles 10-12, I did a bit of walking. walk 1 minute, run 3 or 4, walk 1 or 2 minutes, etc. by this point, my calf is way sore, my bad knee has started to speak to me and my quads have started to tighten up. I have never had a race....or even a long run in which I felt so horrible.

I was so happy that the last 1.5 miles or so is a gradual downhill. At least I was able to run that and I gave it my all to cross the finish line as strong as i could because every step was an effort.. I went straight into the med tent and had them tape a bag of ice to my calf.

After the race yesterday was pretty bad. I was sick to my stomach (not sure if it was the stomach virus making another occurrence or the sugar from the gel and gel shots I ate) shortly after the race and again when I got home. I didn't even consider having my free beer...and didn't even think about giving it to someone else. It took until 2:00 for me to eat anything of substance and I looked like a cripple trying to go up and down my stairs. I'm much better today...I'm expecting the appetite to come back full force and I think I'm going to go for a short walk because if I keep moving, I seem to get some relief that way.

So, not the race report I was hoping to write but oh well. Thanks so much for cheering me on. Rock 'n Roll did a fun race, I have to say and if you register early, it's not as pricey as it could be.

thanks for reading.
lisa.

Hi Lisa,
great job for finishing it as strong as you could be given the circumstances .:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: . Make sure to stay hydrated and have some chicken noodle soup as it helps with the stomach bug.. I know exactly how you are feeling. I had a stomach bug during the San Diego marathon in June and i was literrally running from Porter-potty to the next.. It was horrible and i don't wish it on anyone.
Yesterday was a fun race. I did it with my husband and few friends too (1:43:10)..
As for your muscles, try taking an Epsom Salt bath as it helps with the recovery and then by tomorrtow go for a sports massage.
to your health
Douniap

Iffer75

Lisa-so sorry to hear about your calf, knee and stomach problems during the race. But Kudos to you for finishing. :drinker:

Douniap-Great job on your half. AWESOME time and it must have been really fun running with your husband and friends. :bigsmile:

This morning was another 4 mile run and it went pretty well. It is weird how my foot was throbbing when I woke up this morning and while walking around the house, but as soon as I put on my running shoes and started to warm up, it started to subside and then once I started running it did not hurt at all. I guess that is a good thing, because I don't want to have to go to the doctor and he tell me to stop running, because I will not stop. I have exactly 9 weeks of training left and exactly 9 weeks till my half, no time to stop. I will do a TurboFire HIIT workout tonite and tomorrow will be my rest day. :bigsmile:

akasullengal

I completed my first half-marathon yesterday!!

The Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon was great overall. Couldn't have found a better day to run. The weather was perfect. Going into the race, my only real goal was to finish (met), but I really wanted to run the whole thing (met!), and a bonus goal of being under 3 hours (met!!!). I finished in 2hr53min, which I'm pleased with, especially considering there were a few bottlenecks of runners on the course, most notably on the Ambassador Bridge, where we stopped to a halt for a while. Bummer! But the sun rising over the US/Canada border was gorgeous. Definitely recommend the race-- it was flat most of the race except for the bridge and the tunnel crossing the borders. My only real complaint was that the tunnel was definitely hot and stuffy, so that mile underwater was pretty painful. I felt good throughout the race. I had a few times where I felt the distance, but was able to finish strong.

Best of all, I was able to run the vast majority of it with Victoria (pinbotchick), here on the thread. It was great to have a running buddy, and she was able to help me keep up the tempo and not fade very much. Plus, our parents were able to come, which was great to have that extra support. I'm sure she'll have more to add, but just wanted to say it was a great race. You've all been a great support and I can't wait to hear from others as they run their halfs!!

curlytop89

Well, did 5 miles today at 10:15 pace, pretty good considering I was pushing the baby in a stroller. I was tempted to get on the treadmill, but I really hate to do that when it is so nice outside, and I think the treadmill causes my legs to hurt sometimes. Maybe because varied movement is restriced, I don't know. Anyway, long run on Thursday then that's all the long running until my half next week. I got an iphone and have been using the free mapmyrun app which worked nicely today, giving me time, distance, pace, elevation. Pretty neat, plus I can look it up on the computer later. Anyway, hope everyone has a good week.

pinbotchick

Hey gang - wow the feeling of finishing your first half is priceless!!! I may not have had the fastest time but I loved the race. I came in at 2 hrs 56 min for a pace of 13:26!!! Running the first 10 miles with Kristina was awesome!!! I too recommend the race - beautiful sunrise on the Ambassador Bridge, hot Canadian mounties, support of friends, family and the crowd - awesome... I loved wearing the medal all day yesterday - I may wear it all week (blushes)...All the long runs and sleepless mornings were worth it.

Great job on your run Lisa - at least you finished!!!

Kristina - thanks for a super time!!! It wouldn't have been the same without you. I can't wait to plan our next run...

Iffer75

Kristina-WOW fantastic time and finish. Congrats to you. :drinker:

Curly-Good job on your 5 miles with a great pace. Keep up the good work. :bigsmile:

Victoria-Congrats to you also on the Half. That is so AWESOME that you and Kristina were able to run it together. I would wear the medal ALL week.

Well, today is my rest day and I am taking full advantage of it and glad for it. For this week I am switching up Wednesday and Thursday's workouts due to an interview Thursday morning. So I will be running 4 miles with strength training and TurboFire 55 EZ tomorrow.

I am taking in my paperwork to the running program tonite and I am really excited about it. I actually talked to someone today about possibly helping me find the proper running shoes for me. I know I am in terrible need for new ones. I emailed a guy that currently runs marathons and I know that he will definitely give me good advice. Can't wait. It will be great to finally run with other people on ocassion.

Have a beautiful afternoon everybody. :bigsmile: