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!!