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Best sports bras for big girls

guest — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:06:26 GMT

Bra recommendations for all sizes from the Aug 2012 edition of Runners World.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-320--14447-F,00.html

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:48:28 GMT

OK...so is anyone else having problems listening to their bodies? I've undertaken this really outrageous schedule all in the attempt to qualify at the highest level for Half Fanatics. Thankfully it's not about speed because instead of setting new PRs I'm setting more WRs (personal worsts) lol! Did my double last weekend in IN/MO. Kept a decent, fairly normal pace of 12:19mm in IN on a relatively hilly course and a 13:13mm in MO. At mile 8 in MO I was even 10 minutes ahead of my goal finishing pace of 2:40 but hit a major wall at mile 9 and walked the majority of the remainder of the course finishing over 13+ minutes on my PR. I ran what should have been a flat (and I mean FLAT), fast race yesterday but ended up walking the majority of it after mile 2 because my ITBS kicked up again thus setting my PW at 3:07:26 (14:17mm). Today I'm more sore than I have been after any of the 2 doubles that I've done so far.

At this point I'm not really concerned about time, just finishing. The thing is, I have 4 more races in the next 3 weeks (one double) that are already paid for and I'll be damned if I let the money go to waste. I know I'll do these 4 at least and another 2 that are paid for in June and November, but I have a mega list of races that I want to get done before August. I might be able to talk myself into taking a month long break between May and June, but at the same time I feel like I'd be wasting time. This is what the remainder of my summer schedule looks like it includes 4 doubles, 1 triple and the rest singles (all HMs).

OKC Memorial	4/29/2012
Wisconsin	5/5/2012
1st Midwest Bank Southwest	5/6/2012
Hope & Healing Place	5/13/2012

Fargo HM	5/19/2012
Papillion HM	5/20/2012

Taste of Louisville	6/2/2012
Casper	6/3/2012
Wounded Warriors	6/10/2012
Foot Traffic Flat	7/4/2012
Womens Moon Run	7/7/2012
Langley Half	7/8/2012
Idaho Falls	7/21/2012
Legacy Midnight Run	8/3/2012
ET Full Moon Midnight	8/5/2012
Leading Ladies	8/19/2012
Wausau	8/25/2012
Shick Lady Speed Stick Wmns	8/26/2012

So, honestly, would you be able to listen to your body or would you be on the stubborn side and keep going as long as possible? I'm thinking that I'll wait until after OKC to determine if I'll actually take a break or keep going...

EDIT 3/25/12: I decided to go ahead and take a month off. Dropping Fargo/Papillion/Louisville/Casper off the schedule.

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:26:15 GMT

Croz69 -

I would say it's all in your perception of things. We have some people on this board that run an 8 minute mile who consider themselves slow and others (like me) who run an 12+ minute mile. Like SoulSong said if you're at the back of the pack you might consider yourself a slow runner...but if you've just gotten off of the couch and just started with say a 16 m/m but now run a 13 m/m you might not consider yourself so slow anymore. You might judge it as well from the point of view of where you want to be as far as pace...say you're at a 10 m/m but want to be at an 8 m/m maybe you'd consider yourself slow. There's not textbook answer to the question...it's all in the perception of the person who's running (and the idiotic others who sometimes make rude comments).

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:32:45 GMT

Well, I've been busy. I've run a double (Sat/Sun halfs) last weekend at the Bloodgusher HM in Midland, TX on Saturday and the Arbuckles to Ardmore (A2A) HM in Ardmore, OK on Sunday. This weekend I ran the Wayland Wellness HM in Plainview, TX. None of these ended up in a PR...but the A2A did end up in my WR (Worst Record...lol!) at 3:00:56, but the improtant thing was that I finished. I was just too worn out from the run in Midland where temps were in the mid-80s by the time I finished at 11:30 or so (late start at 9am). That was just a miserable run...started out at about 65° with NO wind then steadily the temp went up into the 80s. By the time I was finished I was soaking wet from sweat and from having thrown water all over myself and using ice cold wet rags that they offered every few miles. Again I ended up with cramping, I'm guessing from all the sweating, of the calves but not as severe as when I ran in AZ. I did end up walking the last 3 miles but I was fine with that. As long as I finished. The A2A had better weather, started off slightly overcast with a nice breeze. The start was fairly cold in the high 50s. The race started as a downhill for the first 8 miles or so and then the rolling hills started...something I didn't really expect. Again I ended up walking the last 3 miles, mostly due to the hills. Thankfully the temp maxed in the low 70s and the breeze was fairly constant, so no excessive sweating and no cramping. I managed to finish in 2:46:28. Finally I ran today...it was a little on the cool side in the high 50-low 60s at the start with a decent wind at maybe 15mph max. I stuck to a 5:1 minute interval at a slower pace than I wanted just because I was still tired from last weekend (wait until you read what I have coming up). Just after 8 miles we hit the turnaround and I found myself running headon into a 20+ mph wind. Since I didn't feel like I was moving when I ran I decided to walk instead...the wind was so stiff that I started to make arm motions like I was trying to swim through the wind! lol! I did manage to stick with intervals throughout the race but the running intervals did become shorter as I headed for the finish. I finished in around 2:47 or so (still waiting for them to post results). So that's 4 halves in 3 weeks (including the AZ race).

Next week on tap is the Southern Indiana Classic in Evansville, IN on Saturday and the GO! St Louis HM in St. Louis, MO on Sunday. The following Saturday is the New Mexico Centennial HM, the Saturday after that is the OKC Memorial HM in OKC, OK and then the following weekend is the Wisconsin HM in Kenosha, WI and the 1st Midwest Bank Southwest HM in Palos Heights, IL. All this is followed by another single and double...ugh.

The question of "Why?" is probably going through your head about now. Since I joined Half Fanatics, there is a level/ladder system and my goal is to get to the highest level by March which means 30 HMs in 30 different states in 365 days. I figure I'll have myself at the next to the top level by August and during Sept and Oct I'll begin work on joining Marathon Maniac (need 3 fulls in 90 days) before finishing up the last 7 HMs that I'll need to reach the top level of Half Fanatics. Yes, I am certifiable! Let's see if I can do it!! lol!

Happy running, run safe and listen to your bodies! (If only I could follow my own advice!)

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:08:46 GMT

Ogr44, any bruising/swelling? Any specific point of tenderness? If not and you are sure about a significant improvement over the last couple of weeks I'd continue with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation...you hadn't mentioned if you have any compression/elevation going on). I might give it a week but not more than 2 and if there is not even more significant improvement I'd recommend you getting it checked out. Continue with the ibuprofen 800mg as well, as needed every 8 hours (be cautious of extended use if you have issues with ulcers or bleeding). I know you mentioned that you have had issues with ligamental injuries, but I'm still concerned that this might be a partial tear of the ACL and less likely the MCL. I would urge you to get it checked out sooner than later so that you don't start feeling better and start activities again only to aggravate or even worsen a tear if present. Just my 2 cents...

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:15:54 GMT

Hi All! Just back to give a quick report on the Arizona Distance Classic in Tucson/OroValley. I live in the flat desert of New Mexico and had been warned about this course having rolling hills. No joke!! They weren't big, huge hills but were pretty constant and some seemed to never end!! lol! Anyway, I got through about the first 6 miles feeling okay and then came to the last big hill before the turnaround. I don't know what happened, whether I just bonked or what, but I was working hard to make it up the hill...WALKING!!! For the next 2-3 miles I struggled with a walk/run interval where the walking started to get longer. By mile 9 I had pretty much given up on running only able to jog about 100 or so feet before the walking began. I found that in the next two miles whenever I tried to run one or another calf would start cramping. Not just a light cramp, but enough of one that I knew if I didn't walk I'd be face first into the pavement. Thankfully it never got to the point where the cramps were so bad I had to actually stop. Walked the last 2.1 miles completely...was passed by the the 2:45 and 3:00 pacers on the way. Saw the finish line and walked until I got about 100 yards from it, tried to run and BAM! more cramps. I ended up walking across the finish. I made it under 3 hours, which is my goal for any HM whether I'm hurting or not with a time of 2:59:31!!! lol!! My current PR is 2:37:16 so that's what...roughly 22:15 added on to my PR. Oh well, the major thing is that I finished and didn't end up as a DNF!! So I'll take it. I'm planning to go back in 2 years when they have their 10 anniversary and teach those hills a lesson! lol! Anyway, there was some decent bling and I was able to see my son and meet his fiance and go to the Biosphere. So it was still a good trip even with the poor showing. If you want more details I have a 3 part post in my blog (link in sig). But here's the bling:

I'm off to a double tomorrow...the UBS Bloodgusher HM in Midland, TX on Saturday and the Arbuckle to Ardmore (A2A) HM in Ardmore, OK on Sunday. Wish me luck...hopefully I'll survive both of them!!

Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:34:03 GMT

Hi Everyone...I was just wondering if anyone is going to be at the following races in the next month. If you are going and would like to meet up, just let me know!

3/25 - AZ Distance Classic, Tucson

3/31 - The Bloodgusher, Midland, TX

4/1 - A2A HM, Ardmore, OK

4/14 - Southern Indiana Classic, Evansville

4/15 - Go! St. Louis HM

4/21 - New Mexico Centennial HM, Lovington/Hobbs

4/29 - Oklahoma City Memorial HM, OKC, OK (still debating on this one)

Re: Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:48:03 GMT

Wow! Haven't seen the board this active in a long while!! lol!

MelissaGraham7 - Congrats on your sky diving experience!! Since I have somewhat of a fear of heights/flying I just don't see that as being something on my own bucket list, lol!! I totally can understand your view of how running can change our perspective on things. I can't say that I "love" the actual running but I do at least enjoy it for the sheer enjoyment of being outside plus all the things you listed and more.

Scotty67 - I would love to have you pace! lol! I'm currently at about 11:30-13:00 pace on race days and most training days (just started speedwork once a week) at about 12:30-14:00. I made my 2012 race schedule in late 2011 but have changed it multiple times since. What's on my blog now is bare bones races, I actually have a spreadsheet of about 35 races (most weekend double HMs) as I'm trying to move up in the Half Fantics levels. I think I'll be able to pull off at least 20/23 HMs in 20 states in 365 days but money and travel will be limiting factors. I'm also trying to do at least 4 fulls this year. I've already got a 2013 race schedule made up AND a partial 2014 schedule (Jan - June, I believe). LOL!!

Ogr44 - I hope you had a good winter! How'd your race go?

SloMo2, Wayna72, MelissaGraham7 & MoonlightCellist - I, like others, am there with you on the plateau. I'm about 15# from my goal. I've done a couple of months of the South Beach Diet in the past (before I was running) but I don't want to limit my diet that severely during training. I need to add some additional cross training (currently doing Aqua Zumba and yoga) and hopefully that'll help burn a little more fat. I need to find something because I'd like to have to weight off by late June for a class reunion. Other than that I know I need to cut the Pepsi from my diet...started again after my first half in January and haven't been able to kick the habit again yet. I'm going to also cut the sugar and white flour out as much as possible. Hopefully that'll help kick start things. Add a day of speedwork if you're not doing it already but don't worry what others tell you you should be doing. You're the only one that can judge that and speed with come with time...that's what I keep telling myself! lol! Remember, speed is all relative...what's comfortable to us may be slow to others. I myself would rather enjoy the experience and finish without collapsing at the finish line...if a PR happens then great! If I place in my division that's great! But as long as I finish whether first or last I've done what I set out to do! What's that Penguin saying? "Yeah, I'm slow. Get over it!"

scottdeclan - You posted the same thing as SloMo2...are you one in the same?

amsparky & PhotoChyck - Sorry to hear about your illness/injury. Be sure to allow yourselves time to heal completely and prevent re-injury/worsening of symptoms. I say that, yet I got a cold last month 2 weeks before my second half and was barely starting to improve when I went ahead and ran the half. Not the best choice. I still have a lingering cough but I think it's more related to allergies and post nasal drip than anything else. I hope you are both able to get on the road/treadmill at pretty close to 100% very soon.

Well all, I have another race the AZ Distance Classic in 10 days in Tucson, then a double (Sat/Sun) half marathons the following weekend in TX (Bloodgusher HM in Midland) & OK (A2A HM in Ardmore). It'll be my first double so I'm curious how I'll do...if I'll be able to run/walk both or just run the first and walk the second. I'm trying to move up the Half Fanatics ladder and have set a minimum goal of 20 half marathons in 20 states in 365 days (beginning the count on 3/25 at the AZ race). Goal for the races...1st - to finish and 2nd - don't injure myself...primarily the IT band as my concern. I have doubles on the schedule (registration not yet paid) for all but one weekend in April and 2 weekends in May...I'll decide to register for them after I see how I survive this first double. In my head I keep telling myself that this is a good way to ease into marathon training...right? Of course $$, lodging, price of gas, travel time are all factoring into my choices for races and the $$ will be the limiting factor as to whether or not these races/this goal happens.

Run happy, run safe everyone!!

Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:07:29 GMT

Not a problem Soulsong! Team in Training works very similarly. I did the FLEX option for people whose schedule for live training doesn't work or for those who live too far from the live training. Team members work with a coach on Training Peaks using a modified Galloway plan along with a closed Facebook group, email and phone if needed. They also have online seminars on fundraising, injury prevention, nutrition, etc. I had a really good experience with them and plan to run with them again in fall 2013 for the Nike Women's Marathon.

Calling all Penguins (slow runners)

guest — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:37:35 GMT

Hey All! Just a quick update..

Since I was last here I've run 2 more halfs, both in the last week. My first was 2/25 at the Pecos Valley Stampede where I set a new PR of 2:43:19/12:27mm. My second was yesterday at the inaugural Xpress Half Marathon in Wichita Falls, TX where I improved my PR by about another 7 minutes (2:37:39/12:02mm UNOFFICIAL RESULT). I've got three weekends off before I do 3 halfs within 8 days!! Two of them back to back on Sat/Sun! Woooohooo!!

Lastly, I qualified for the Half Fanatics with yesterday's race...I'm officially in (paid fees/ordered shirt) and am just waiting for confirmation of my number (I had specifically requested #1982 because it's the year of my high school graduation).

Happy & Safe running, y'all!! I'm going to head out later for what will hopefully be at least a 10 miles just to see what it's like to do 2 long runs on consecutive days!