Training Check-in/Encouragement Thread

[JMTStone]

That is really cute! I must admit though that I haven't had any luck with the bondibonds. They fall right off my head after just a few minutes. Do you have a secret for getting it to stay?

I think my curls and possibly a misshapen head may be the reason they stay on.

[Tri Minnie]

I think my curls and possibly a misshapen head may be the reason they stay on.

I tried to wear mine again today and again had no luck. Clearly, I am the one with the problematic head I guess I will have to continue my search for something to hold back my hair.

[mickeyd]

The continuing saga of my Dopey training. A sad and sorry tail at the moment.

First of all – sorry that it has been so long since my last update. There have been a few developments and I was waiting for some resolution before posting, but I shall wait no longer.

A few weeks after my last update in September, I developed some stiffness in my right heel / foot. At first it was very slight and as I warmed up during my run things loosened up and I was ok. The next run it stayed stiff a little longer, but loosened up after a few minutes. Buy the third run it was starting to get painful, more than just stiff, so I stopped running and rested it for a week. Unfortunately it remained sore, so I promptly took myself off to the physio. Initially she suspected Achilles tendonitis, and we spent a few weeks doing some strengthening exercises and stretches. Unfortunately after about 6 weeks I was still unable to run on it, so the physio referred me to a sports doctor.

The sports doctor’s initial assessment was bursitis, and he booked me in for an ultrasound to confirm and administer a cortisone injection. By this stage I was getting pretty down about the amount of training I had missed. The prognosis for bursitis was good – the doctor felt that the cortisone injection should get me back to running in a week or so. Unfortunately, the ultrasound showed nothing wrong with my bursa and no obvious tendon damage. I was pretty upset by this stage getting pretty down about the amount of training I had missed. A sore foot with a problem still undiagnosed. I felt like my Dopey goal slipping away. Not only that, but perhaps the prospect of running any of the races that weekend.

Next thing to rule out is a bone fracture, so the doctor sent me off for a bone scan – complete with a delightful radio-pharmaceutical injection (I was thinking I might end up glowing in the dark, but I didn’t). That was Tuesday, and I’m now waiting for the doctor to call back with the results. I really don’t know if it is a fracture, it doesn’t feel like one. However, there was definitely something different between my left and right heels on the screen during the scan. In the meantime, the doctor has given me a prescription anti inflammatory, which frustratingly work so well that my foot feels normal. I feel like I could go out and run but I know I’m still injured, and I don’t want to make things worse.

I have tried to keep my strength and cardio up as much as I can for the past 9 week without running (swimming, water jogging and seeing a personal trainer). But I suspect things are getting a bit late for me to be ready to run in January. Pending the outcome of the scan, I may not be able to run at all. I’m pretty down about it all right now. I have worked so hard to reach this goal, and was doing so well. I have never stuck to a physical goal they way I have for the WDW marathon weekend.

I considered cancelling the trip – but I am not beaten yet. I have my fingers crossed that whatever the outcome of the scans, I can at least get to the start line for the 5k and 10k – even if I have to power walk them (which was pretty much my plan anyway for the Dopey). I’m still praying that by some miracle I can do all four races, but it’s a long shot. I’m not concerned about times – just want to finish, even if I take the full 7 hours for the full. Maybe I’m dreaming, but it is a hard dream to let go of.

I’ll keep you updated with the outcome of the scan. I really just want to be part of the Marathon Weekend after all the work I’ve put in.

[JMTStone]

I considered cancelling the trip – but I am not beaten yet. I have my fingers crossed that whatever the outcome of the scans, I can at least get to the start line for the 5k and 10k – even if I have to power walk them (which was pretty much my plan anyway for the Dopey). I’m still praying that by some miracle I can do all four races, but it’s a long shot. I’m not concerned about times – just want to finish, even if I take the full 7 hours for the full. Maybe I’m dreaming, but it is a hard dream to let go of. .

You've worked so hard and I know you're frustrated. Don't despair. You will still be there. You'll still finish (if the Dr gives his go-ahead of course). I'll still cheer for you! Chin up and I'm hoping for good news from Doctor.

[GMRO]

Good luck! I hope the results are positive. And I hope you can get some running in at the event.

Let us know what the final results are...if you don't mind. Interesting. It came on at once? And gradually got worse? OUCH!

Stay positive!

[mickeyd]

UPDATE:
The good news is there is no bony stress reaction/fracture. But the scan does show mild changes around the calcaneal tuberosity (the bone at the back of the heel) consistent with mild Achilles enthesitis (enthesitis is inflammation of the tendon to bone attachment). More strengthening exercises for me. Fingers crossed.

[badkitty]

Hang in there Michael. I'm wishing you a speedy recovery and are back on the road soon.

[JMTStone]

UPDATE:
The good news is there is no bony stress reaction/fracture. But the scan does show mild changes around the calcaneal tuberosity (the bone at the back of the heel) consistent with mild Achilles enthesitis (enthesitis is inflammation of the tendon to bone attachment). More strengthening exercises for me. Fingers crossed.

So glad you finally have a diagnosis you can work with. Hoping for a quick recovery for you.

[Melanie]

Good luck, Michael!

[GMRO]

UPDATE: More strengthening exercises for me. Fingers crossed.

Now you have a plan! GOOD LUCK on your recovery and training too!

[JMTStone]

The 5K #runICOT crew will be representing during the run. Did you guys see the posted picture on the runDisney website?

The waivers are out there as well.

ARE YOU READY?

TBH - I have my outfit all ready. I've "tested" my outfit on long runs. It matches my runICOT tech shirt. Which is really big on me now. But that may be good in case I have to wear something under due to weather.

Here's the course map for 5K and 10K I'm sure the runners we will be supporting will have their courses up too. I think Mel said we were cheering at Boardwalk. Now I have to find a way to get a cool runICOT sign past security!

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rund...4/10K5KMap.pdf

[AgentC]

The 5K #runICOT crew will be representing during the run. Did you guys see the posted picture on the runDisney website?

The waivers are out there as well.

ARE YOU READY?

TBH - I have my outfit all ready. I've "tested" my outfit on long runs. It matches my runICOT tech shirt. Which is really big on me now. But that may be good in case I have to wear something under due to weather.

Here's the course map for 5K and 10K I'm sure the runners we will be supporting will have their courses up too. I think Mel said we were cheering at Boardwalk. Now I have to find a way to get a cool runICOT sign past security!

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rund...4/10K5KMap.pdf

I'm so far behind. I have no idea what I'm wearing and it dawned on me this week that I better buy something new. I don't want to be seen in my current ratty workout wear. I also forgot to order my runICOT shirt. Maybe I can find something in the same green.

[cer]

I'm so far behind. I have no idea what I'm wearing and it dawned on me this week that I better buy something new. I don't want to be seen in my current ratty workout wear. I also forgot to order my runICOT shirt. Maybe I can find something in the same green.

I hear you.

I need some new running capris... mine are barely hanging on! We did not get the runICOT shirts either, but I do have a green underarmor that looks pretty close!

[BriarRose0708]

I got some new running capris at Old Navy on black Friday that I really like. Hope you all can find some new gear that you like during holiday sales!

I'm planning on black capris (with purple accents of course), #runICOT shirt and my silver glittery Minnie ear headband.

[JMTStone]

I got some new running capris at Old Navy on black Friday that I really like. Hope you all can find some new gear that you like during holiday sales!

I'm planning on black capris (with purple accents of course), #runICOT shirt and my silver glittery Minnie ear headband.

We'll be quite a pair. I have a pink bow minne ear headband!

[PirateLover]

Sorry I went MIA again for a bit. Michael, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I'm glad it's not as serious of an injury as it could've been.

Our training was slightly derailed when my DH suffered a bad back spasm a few weeks ago. He has degenerative disc disease and actually had back surgery 6 years ago to have some bulging discs sliced off. He was pushing a bit too hard with training and just being overconfident with how great he's been feeling and I think this put too much stress on his back. Recent Xrays show a bit of arthritis starting in his back (he's only 30). His doc said he really needs to take it easy with the running and consider transitioning to biking, swimming, etc. due to his condition. He is feeling much better and we are still doing the 10K but this will probably be the longest race we do. We did a 5K last weekend and he felt good, but better safe than sorry.

Looking at the course and realizing how close it's getting is lighting a fire under me and scaring me back into focus. This is a hard time. Thanksgiving, followed by my birthday, followed by holiday parties, Christmas etc. So much good food, overindulging, and bad habits!!! And I've been fighting Plantar Facitis in BOTH feet so I've let myself slack off. But I want to enjoy the second half of the race as we pass through the park and resorts. I don't want to be a huffy puffy mess. I had thought about getting a Minnie tutu, but I waited a bit too long. For the ones I was looking at that were halfway decent, they need at least a week to make them custom to you. At this point, with Christmas coming up, followed by new years, I don't want to have to pay extra for rush delivery. Plus I've never worn one so I don't know if I will like the feeling. I'm very particular about that sort of thing. I will probably just wear my runICOT tee, leggings, and Minnie ears. Maybe a Minnie fanny pack someone once gave me as a joke... I have to do a test run and see how it feels.

[JMTStone]

I'm so ready to get out of this cold. Training is HARD when its this cold.

I'm thinking about signs for our runICOT team. NEON GREEN of course to match our team shirts.

[disneygoofball]

The 5K #runICOT crew will be representing during the run. Did you guys see the posted picture on the runDisney website?

The waivers are out there as well.

ARE YOU READY?

I may have missed it (a distinct possibility with how scatterbrained I've been lately), but is there a planned place/time to meet up with others running the race(s)? I know the cheering section is all set, but are runners meeting up in the starting area? Or are we just winging it?

[Melanie]

I may have missed it (a distinct possibility with how scatterbrained I've been lately), but is there a planned place/time to meet up with others running the race(s)? I know the cheering section is all set, but are runners meeting up in the starting area? Or are we just winging it?

Hmmm. Well, I'm guessing we didn't approach this since everyone will likely be in different corrals? And there are SO MANY corrals this year. We can certainly designate a place if there is enough interest.

We are meeting up before the 5K near the Information tent for a group picture and to go to the starting line together as a group.

[disneygoofball]

We are meeting up before the 5K near the Information tent for a group picture and to go to the starting line together as a group.

Well, that's helpful! What general time is everyone meeting? - I'll definitely look for everyone (the #runicot shirts should help!). How is the 10K set up? I have my corral placement for the 1/2 and full marathon (corral i, anyone else with me?), but I wasn't sure what the deal was for the 10k. Do they have corrals, or just a mass start?