I lost a friend to cancer this week. She was a very special person who positively affected everyone she met. She was a runner but hadn't been able to run for the last couple of years because of her health. She had a plaque by her bed that read: "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must. Don't ever give up!" It helped her fight till the end. If training gets you down or a long run seems too long that day. Remember my friend's motto to get you through. As an elementary school principal, her life was all about motivating others. Maybe this will help you as well.
tammy23 says:
Runners world magazine is a definite Yes to help with my motivation. Second is I find listening to other runners training and runs also gets me pumped to run. And thirdly, watching runners as Im driving somewhere...envious that Im not out there with them, then when I get home, I put on my shoes and shorts and away I go...
I was always a sprinter. In high school I was a running back for football, a sprinter for the track team. Long distances were for punishment , not enjoyment. That all changed on Sunday with my first ever long race. A half marathon. I never knew pace, I always knew go as fast and hard as you can. Not Sunday, I had a pace. I kept it almost the entire run. I picked it because it was the most comfortable on a damaged knee. I kept that same stride til near the end, when a friend said "dude i think you're getting faster". I really wanted to fininsh in under 2 and a half hours. Finished at 2 hours 22 minutes. Slow , I know, but a success for me.Also means this old dog can learn at least one new trick. I can run for long distances.So, to all the newbies. Keep with it, it will come. I started training at the end of July. Numerous times I couldn't run because of my knee. Just find other ways to train: weights, swimming, biking. Don't give up. Then you can know that feeling at the finish line... Read full entry
Ran today for the first in over a week cuz of bad knee. It was too nice in Northern Illinois not take advantage of it. Now I am icing my knee and took a vicadin. But it was worth it. Park was brilliant with color. Hope evryone got a chance to run with the sun on their face today.
ddamon says:
sigh... that sounds wonderful. I woke up to a nice cold rain, but I went out anyway. I am sure I look insane running in a downpour.
I was wondering about pre race eating. What foods should I eat the night before or for breakfast the morning of? How long before the race should I eat? What about bringing snacks along for a half marathon? Gel packs? Any tips for race day would be good as well. Thanks.
Ps Sweick(steve) send me a private message. I have questions about Seattle but having problems getting in contact. Thanks.
jezebel777_999 says:
It's cliche, but the night before your race you should have a carbo loaded dinner like pasta. I like to add a little protein to balance it out. Also make sure to eat dinner at a normal hour and get to bed early. Also make sure to hydrate throughout the day. For my last 1/2 marathon I packed at least two Gu (gel packs) in my belt, and I'm also a fan of the powerbar gel blasts which are small gummies that provide small bursts of fuel. For breakfast I like to stick to raisin toast, a wheat bagel, or oatmeal with a banana. Most recommend eating at least an hour before you run (which is also a good idea for digestion BEFORE you're on your 13 mile race). Hope this helps.
I have just over 4 weeks to my half marathon. I think the weather in Lacrosse Wis. is going to be rather cold in the morning. So, I need some tips on how , what to wear. Layers, sweats ,brands? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
PS Any members from the Seattle Washington area? I might be moving there soon after my half marathon so could use some info that you cant find on the internet.
sweick says:
I can probably help you out on your Seattle questions.
Steve
rcblu2 says:
I was just in the Wisc Dells this week which looks to be about 120 miles ESE of La Crosse and went for a run at 6:45am. I went out in a long sleeve cool-max shirt and shorts. I was a bit chilled starting out, but I knew I would warm up. My hands were pretty cold for the first 2 miles. I only ran 4.5 miles, but felt comfortable when I finished. If I had some throw away gloves I would have been fine. That is the extent of my experience around there.
johnnyk8 says:
Hey Bud - I live in Rockton IL and just broke out the thermal under armor and a hoodie this week. Usually I run for about 5 miles and swing back past my house. There I toss my hoodie on my driveway and keep on going. Most of the time the thermals are all I need. Go find some thermals. You can also get some Starter or Champion brand thermals too.
Every other day is a bike day. Then I really have to bundle up. That constant 15 - 20 mph wind tends to cut through you after a while. I can't wait for the water in my camelbak tube to freeze at about the 1/2 point.
I see from your other posts that you are a morning runner. ROCK ON!!! That's the only way to fly! Make sure you get blinkers or reflectors when you are running in the dark.
This weather is incredibly *@#*%. It wa so so hard to get my over sized butt up out of the chair and go on a 7 mile run. What was harder was dragging my teenage daughter with me.There is no way I was like that when i was a teenager. Absolutely , NO WAY. Running in the wind and the cold was almost depressing. I need my runs to clear my head not etch misery and gloom into the neurons. The run was slow and well off the pace I wanted but when we got home I was satisfied that it was a lot better than sitting in a chair for that long. My daughter isnt talking to me now but that's an added bonus. It won't last,she needs too many things between now and homecoming(2 weeks). LOL
