Fail

Ok so we have all been MIA for about a month now. I don't even know if you two still check this. But I am failing miserably in the running department. Besides my personal troubles that seem to cause running to take a back seat my hip has really been bothering me. I have now gone three weeks while only running 1 time. Yea pathetic I know. But I my hip has still been bothering me a whole lot. I went bowling with co-workers last night and now it hurts even more. This is all bad seeing as I am suppose to run in a 5k with my parents this weekend. I will probably be jogging one mile with my dad then walking the rest like he does. Again pathetic. But I do think I will need to make an appointment with a doctor to find out whats going on. I hope you two are still doing well. If we still are serious about running the half marathon I would recommend we sign up so let me know.

I Would Walk 500 Miles

Thanks for all the advice! Last year we had a gym membership built in, but they took it away. For some reason my tuition still went up, but that's another story. I'm going to just see how it goes for now. If it gets too cold, I'll get a membership in January.

And great job Cassidy! I'm not sure how far you can run in 30 minutes, but I'm sure you've already caught up with me, in what, one week of running. Keep it up!

Anyway, I went for a run on Friday. 6 miles, with no stops! I was a little sore over the weekend though (my right knee... hopefully that's not going to be an ongoing problem) , so I just took it easy the last two days. I'm feeling much better now, and plan on running later this afternoon. Alysia, your hard work definitely motivated me to keep going, so thanks for the push, and keep up the great work!

My pace is about where I want it to be, although it would probably be hard to maintain that for 13 miles. But it's only November. I guess that's what training is for.

i ran 30 minutes i ran 30 minutes i ran 30 minutes!

then i died.

Oh well, running 30 minutes almost pain free was exciting even if it can only happen once.

Barry - I meant to tell you two things in the last post. Number one, scarves are great to wrap around your mouth and nose to prevent that bad taste in your throat and annoying cough that can occur with the cold air. Second, check a local YMCA for awesome gym prices if school gym is not an option. I pay $17 per month for my student membership.

hullllllo!

Barry, RAWR. Love that fanny pack. Ladies, WATCH OUT. Alysia, I'm very jealous of your trails - I bet those are especially nice now that it has cooled down a bit!

Beej, as for cold weather, I think it's important to stay warm but not overdress. Like lysh, I try to cover my hands and head with a warm hat and gloves. Pants are obviously a good idea. Up top, I'd go for multiple lighter layers that you can easily take off and tie somewhere if you need to. Remember that wearing too much will cause you to sweat, and sweat soaking your layers will just chill you even more! Getting out and running is never easy during the winter, but you just have to focus on how warm and refreshed you will be when it's over :)

As for me, I ran my very first painless mile yesterday! My MRI looked pretty normal....I had some scar tissue on my cartilage and a potential nick in my meniscus, but nothing too serious. The orthopedic opted for a nice, painful shot of cortisone into my joint so that's about all I can do for now. I'm going to try and start running again, but my knee still bothers me, so I'll have to take it slow.

AHHHH so out of shape but soooooo ready to get back at it. Miss ya'll :( Group run over Thanksgiving?

Baby We Were Born to Run

First off, Barry I must say running is doing wonders for you. I mean you look absolutely great in that picture. Haha. Anyway I can try to give you a little advice about the cold weather but I am definitely not an expert by any means. I know I have a really hard time wanting to go out and run when its really cold outside. But some important things to remember is that if it is too cold outside or way to windy that it makes breathing hard it may be a good idea to get a workout indoors. In high school if it was too cold we use to do speed workouts in the hallways of JRHS but since you probably don't have a HS in which to run in this does not work out. But you can do core exercises (abs and back) some lunges, weights, plyometrics (jumping exercises) etc indoors to strenghten your body and help with your run. When you do venture outside be careful if there is snow or ice on the ground. The only thing worse than getting sick is injuring yourself because you slipped on ice. Ouch not good. But make sure you dress warmly. Yes you will get hot once you start running but your sweat will evaporate leaving you cold so make sure you are still wearing emough to be comfortable. Hats and gloves are always a good idea too. I have started wearing them now even with shorts because it keeps my ears warm. I think its personal preference exactly what you wear/ how many layers etc but you will figure out what makes you waayyy to hot and what isn't warm enough. I would recommend wearing clothes that have that sweat lifting material because in cotten you sit around in your sweat and I feel you are more likely to get a cold in cold weather but maybe that is a mental thing for me. Also wind resistant tops jackets are good too to keep out that winter chill. Runnersworld.com also had a bunch of articles about running in the cold so you can check out the website. I love that site!! So I hope some of this has helped you.

Ok so onto my running so far. Yesterday I went on the most awesome run down the trails behind my apartment and along I66. Running seemed so easy it was beautiful weather, I felt really good, and it had that fall, Thanksgiving is around the corner, holidays are here type feeling in the air. It was awesome. When I got back I realized I did both my longest and fastest run so far. I ran nearly 5 miles and I managed to go at a pace I hadn't been able to accomplish on the treadmill or outside. I was impressed because that just means I should be able to pick up my pace for the shorter distances and eventually be able to go even further. So exciting.

Lastly, I have the money now to register for the race so you all say the word and I will sign up.
Well I miss you all and I can't wait to see you/ run with you all over Thanksgiving Break!!

Oh the Weather Outside is Weather

So I went running this evening (that's me in the picture), and I noticed the temperature has taken a bit of a nose dive. It isn't terrible yet, but in a few months I'm sure it will be much worse.

Now that I've stated the obvious, let me get to the point. Obviously training for this race is a huge commitment, and saying "Oh it's too cold to run," or "The snow is up to my waste," or "I am frozen to the floor and can't move" are not really options. So I was hoping we could get a dialogue going about how to keep working out in the winter months. I'm considering starting a gym membership, but I much prefer the cheaper, and more enjoyable outdoor running trails. Obviously dressing in layers could help, although my purple running shorts and shirtless approach has really helped me with the ladies. Then there is the problem of overdressing. Once I got going today, I was perfectly fine. It could be hard to draw the line as the weather fluctuates.

I'm new to this whole running thing. It wasn't until last May that I actually took it seriously, and even then I was just trying to get in shape, as opposed to going for distance. In any case, I've never attempted to run during the winter season, so any suggestions for keeping me motivated are definitely welcome. Right now, I find running very tranquil and relaxing. I'd like it to stay that way.

Running Down a Dream

Just got in from an evening run. Unfortunately it's been a busy week, and the next two weeks aren't getting any easier. This was only my second session of the week. I did, however, bump the distance up to 4+ miles! Almost a 3rd of the way there! I feel pretty good, but we'll see how my body responds tomorrow. What time should I be shooting for if I'm running 4 miles? I feel like I was gone for about 40 minutes, but that includes putting on my shoes, walking out of my apartment, stretching, and cooling down. That time might not be that accurate either.

Right now the weather is perfect for running! A rainstorm rolled in, and cooled everything down about an hour before I left, and a mix between my mp3 player and the tail end of the sunset really made for a relaxing experience.

is it really almost november?

Hello! Alysia you are doing so wonderful! I feel like you and Barry both are pretty natural runners, so you guys will have no problem with running the half. Alysia, I sure hope I can run over Thanksgiving with you - that will be so much fun and I will totally need to the push to get my fat butt moving again! haha

I didn't actually get to run the Richmond Marathon...it would have been in two weeks on Nov 13, but I got injured just 4 miles from the end of my training program. Boooo - it was so hard to work for so many weeks just to be let down. I really hope I can try again next year.

Also, my knee hasn't improved one bit so I'm getting an MRI on Friday so make sure there's not something more serious going on. Then I'll have to get another follow up next Thursday to see the results. If everything looks okay, I'll just get a big ol' cortisone injection to decrease help the inflammation. Maybe I'll be able to run again when the swelling is gone...? Gosh, this whole process is so time-consuming and expensive. Thank god my parents flex card has so much to be used before next year.

I got my loans on Monday (finally!) so I'll actually have the dinero to sign up. Ready when ya'll are! March will be here before we know it!

Let the Fun Begin

Hey Guys,

So it's been quite a while since I have ran regularly and even longer since I have been in a race. So I agree that we are all in the same boat... each of us are going to have to regain strength and endurance. I have started out somewhat slowly, running 4 or 5 times a week, max 3.5 miles each run. I prefer running outside tough with a full time job cause it gets dark so early these days so I have been alternating between outside and inside depending on the day. (weekdays=treadmill, weekend=outside) Once daylight savings occurs I will try my hand at waking up in the morning and going for a run but I am not exactly a morning person so we will see how that goes.

As far as training schedules goes, I like the one you found Barry, and will probably do a variation of that to train as well. I am planning to run in the Toys for Tots 5k in Richmond on Dec 12 with my parents. Well Mama and Papa C will probably run/walk the race while I run. But I strategically placed the race in December so that I could build up a good base for the 5k and then work towards the 1/2 Marathon from there until March. Cass if you are better by then and want to join bring Mama and Papa T along and we will have a party!!

Other than that we need to make sure that we have registered for this event by December 31st before the price increases by $10. Also it is only available to the first 8,500 runners so sooner is probably better than later. So let me know when you all have saved up your money and we will all register.

Barry I have also been using a google excel spreadsheet to help log my running times and distances and any other type of cross training I have been doing. It helps motivate me as well as reading yours and Cassidy's blogs. Good luck on your exams!!

Lastly, Cassidy, I had no idea you ran in the Ricmond Marathon. I know you have been running like crazy but Congratulations that is a huge accomplishment. I honestly don't know if I could ever do that. I hope all goes well at your doctor's appointment tmwr. Let us know how it goes. Also if you have any tips for helping bump up the mileage let me know because I have a feeling I am going to have some trouble in the beginning extending my runs past 3 miles.

PS I was thinking of heading somewhere like Rockwood Park or Pocahontos Park to run one day over Thanksgiving break. Probably Sat. Maybe Fri. In High School I really liked Rockwood Park. Anyway I will let you know over the break if either of you would like to join me.

Miss you both,

13.1 miles on foot? That's going to take some kind of marathon running session.

Let me start out by saying, I must be insane. The two of you will be able to do this easily, but the prospects of me running 13.1 miles seem, well... a little improbable if not downright impossible. But I guess it was my idea, so I have no one to blame but myself.

Anyway, now that we’ve made a commitment to this, I’ve decided to tweak my workout program into 4 day cycles. Day one consists of running, as well as light upper body weight training. Day two includes cycling as well as shoulder, chest, ab, and back lifting. Day three includes running and lower body training. On the 4th day, I will just do some stretching, and maybe some push ups and pull ups. My goal is to build up a strong core before New Years, and then go with the 12 week program I found online: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm . Actually, it seems a little light for the first few weeks, so I might customize it a bit. I’d try the intermediate training, but attempting that would be an “exercise” in futility.

So that’s my plan. I’ll try to post my progress every week or so. You don’t have to read them if you don’t want to, but it will help to keep me motivated. Exam season is right around the corner, but I’ll do my best to keep up.

the excitement begins

Hello, friends!

Thank you, Alysia, for creating this. I am really so excited about running together in March.

I'm still currently out of commission. I've been going to physical therapy twice a week, swimming, and using the eliptical in the meantime, but nothing compares to running. I have my follow up with the orthopedic doctor on Tuesday, so I decided to try out a slow jog on the treadmill today to see how things felt. I only made it to seven very slow minutes before my knee stiffened and starting hurting. UGH. Major defeat. I told the my PT, Rob, at therapy today, and he was pretty bummed too. All these hours of work we've been putting in have had no payoff. You would think that six weeks would be enough time for my stupid cartilage to build back up! Rob thinks the doctor will probably want to do do a steroid shot into my knee....but I don't see how a cortisone injection will really help the problem since the pain is only significant while running. Who knows...

I just want to run again....why is that so hard for my body? boooo. :(

I will update ya'll as to the results of my doctors appointment Tuesday.

The good news for you guys? I will be basically starting from scratch when I finally do get to run again. No more marathon-cassidy haha.

What's the point??

Cassidy, Barry and I are planning on running in the VA Beach Shamrock 1/2 Marathon. This blog serves as a place for us to keep in touch and motivate each other since we all live in different parts of VA.

Believe me I am gonna need help with the motivation!!