From Marilyn on 12/11/11
“My running is going really well. I’ve really concentrated on form (reducing heel strike), and I’ve had zero injuries, for which I am so thankful. Did 13.8 in the mountains last weekend! My youngest daughter met me and ran the last 3 with me, which really helped. She mostly teased me about my dorky “backpack” – a hydration pack. Vanity goes out the window when the distances go up.”
From Jessica on regarding her 13-mile run on 12/4
“I reached my goal of 13.1 miles on 12/4/11. Unfortunately my time was quite a bit slower thank I anticipated. Going to have to get my wheels turning faster to hit my goal time of 5 hr flat for the full in June! I felt really tired at the end of the run. My muscles felt like they were seizing up on me. The conditions were: 40 degrees and windy… flat surface. I hydrated at miles 3, 6, and 9 and ate a packet of Gu Chomps for fuel at mile 8. I think the fact that the run was at night didn’t help much, either. I tend to have faster runs earlier in the day. Despite the cold, it still beats running inside on a treadmill!”
From Rachel on 12/24
“I am HOPING to be able to run the Post Oak Half Marathon http://www.postoakrun.com/ in February. My 2nd choice for my first half marathon ever is the OKC Memorial half in April. It all depends on training/knee issue/my 5-month old baby boy who refuses to take a bottle, etc.”
From Samantha on 12/26
“So. I never thought I’d be someone to say, “I’m gonna run a half marathon.” But I’ve been running with my coworker (who has done 3 halfs herself) and one day at work after a run I declared to her (more like stated as a question), “I think I’m going to run a half-marathon.” She was really excited for me and I started to get excited too. The more people I told (and the more people I tell) it becomes more and more real.
“Yet, it wasn’t real until yesterday (yes Christmas day) when I clicked the Register button online that it became an absolute. I’m going to do it. I think I’m surprising a lot of people. In fact, I’m surprising myself. But I think my 25th year is going to be a great time to make time to make myself over.
“Add me to your challenge please! I’m signed up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Seattle on June 23rd. Thanks for being an inspiration to me.”
From Leslie on 12/18/11
“I was only able to run 7 miles today because I estimated incorrectly and only had 30 minutes to eat and shower before we had to leave the RV park by noon. I’m happy though. I could’ve run the last one, but I knew I was getting a blister on one foot and ended up with one on each, so it’s probably better that I stopped. Because I have the blisters I’m not sure that I will do the last mile tonight. On the program they have us running 14mi two weeks prior so maybe I’ll just adjust and have it be 13 miles.”
From Julia on 1/9/12
“I did my 10 miles on 1-7-12 and it felt good. Not up to the pace I want to be at yet as I hurt my foot and have been icing and wrapping it. Using a training schedule for marathon walkers and will do 12 miles in two weeks.”
From Julia on 1/22/12
“Did twelve miles yesterday. I felt strong but got pretty stiff near the end. I think it was because I was still having to dodge lots of ice patches and puddles of melting snow on the trail. Ibuprofen has become my new best friend. Was having foot problems but saw my Dr. who suggested orthotics. He suggested Spendco brand. I got a pair that was labeled for runners and walkers and my foot problem went away immediately! They are kind of pricey but I found them by accident for only $17.00 at the shoe repair place in the mall.”
From Marilyn on 2/16/12
“I’m running the Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon this weekend. I’m excited! My IT band injury reared its ugly head about 10 days ago. I feel like Humpty Dumpty – all the king’s horses and all the king’s men are working on me (chiropractor, acupuncturist, and massage therapist)! Acupuncture is the only thing that seems to help me. I had terrible issues last year. Going once a week and using a cream called Penetrex (I know, it sounds dirty) that you can get on Amazon did the trick in about a month.I hope staying on top of it allows me to run Pittsburgh with you. I feel optimistic.”
From Julia on 2/18/12
“Did 16 miles today in the pouring rain. I felt good. I am always amazed at how much of Bellingham it takes to get my longer mileage days in. I basically went from the north of Bellingham to the south and then some. We do have a beautiful town. I don’t mind walking in the rain, it is almost spiritual. When I felt that I was slowing my pace I started singing “Dancing Queen” to myself and that got me back on track. One of my friends used this song when she ran the Boston Marathon last year. I am sure that as I speed walk down the trail I give many a chuckle as I am sure that my form is interesting to view. I have been speed walking too long and am far too old to care…..I am more than happy to bring a grin to a persons face as I whiz by!”
From Marilyn