Congratulations. No doubt you are physically prepared. If you let me, I will share what I try to tell myself. Relax your mind. Control your thoughts and your breathing especially in the first few miles. Run as relaxed as you can. When you get to mile marker say 5, try not to think -- I still have 8 miles to go but instead tell yourself --WOW, I have made it 5 miles already. Dont worry about the time too much. I always have to win the battle in my mind, and conquer my persistent continued doubts. Enjoy the crowd and the other runners. If something funny happens think on it and the joy you will have of sharing the story with your loved ones. I pray. At the beginning, the middle, and the end. I still have my medal and bib from my first half marathon in a shadow box. It is priceless to me. Your hard work will turn to joy tomorrow . Congratulations again.
New topics (two-fur) - 1) best sign ever seen at race; 2) memorable occurrence at a race —- for me: 1) “Run Faster, This sign’s Getting Heavy” 2) was in porta-potty at start of National Anthem
Turned 60 and decided I needed a challenge. Running my first 1/2 tomorrow in Hartford after many years of no running. Any advise or last minute tips? It has suddenly turned very cold… will be 37 degree start.
Get a good night's sleep and make sure you've got some hand warmers and/or a light jacket that you'll feel comfortable discarding if you start to warm up later in the race. And have a great time!!
Bring a light jacket you can tie around you when you heat up. In the cold, I always wore cheap painters gloves I could disguard when it warmed up. Also, run your own race! A lot of people will pass you and I find I catch them before the finish line. Most of all, enjoy the experience.
You WILL be fine. Lined running pants helped me in Austin in January 2023 … 41 at the start of the race but it did get up to 50. also, running gloves (which I stuffed in my pockets at Mile-3 and my favorite Snoopy ski cap
I signed up for Grandma's 1/2 Marathon in Duluth MN in June (they tell me it is all down hill) I am just getting back into running and at 75 been doing pretty good.....I have won my age group (I always check 60's and 50's to see where I would place there and seem to do well............it has been a while since I have done long runs......would it be crazy to sign up for the Chicago Marathon 2025 or better to wait and do another marathon and do the Chicago Marathon 2026.........It is my dream to run the Chicago Marathon ..........I have done smaller races there and love the city (hometown) and the people.............Thoughts, remember I'll be 76 in 2025 and 77 in 2026...........I know there are older runners , but most have been at it a while..............really looking forward to your input...........
Terrell hit the nail on the head - how much time do you to train? I stopped running full marathons and just have done 1/2s when I turned 72 (I'm now 84) I found that the time to train for a full was more than my wife could tolerate. Staying with the 1/2s is fun - not too many of us octogenarians out there and at a slower pace, you meet a lot of wonderful people to chat with along the way. Enjoy the 1/2, but if you have time to train for the full, I'd say go for it!
Who cares … it’s the fact that you signed up and are doing a half or full at the ripe young age of 75 (turning 75 in December). For me, it’s just being out there with our running family.
Great question, Marianne! I guess I'd ask first, how much time do you have to train? A marathon, as I'm sure you know, can be pretty demanding in terms of training time -- and, do you have some friends or a friend who you could train with?
I have from now until June 21st to train for the 1/2 Marathon........I belong to a running group that meets 2 times a week.........although I am in NW WI and running in the winter is "iffy" ........I do have running snow shoes (different movement but good) and access to a tread mill that is "self propelled" and then would have enough time to use a training program for the 1/2...........however not sure about recovery and getting ready for the full Marathon that would be on October 12............that would give me less than 4 months to recover and train............I am planning to do this once and want to enjoy the experience!!! Then I can figure out from there is I want to move back to shorter races........I love the people at the races and their families......it is something I never want to give up.
I’m looking forward to hearing which race is selected in Spring 2025 😊. I won’t have an opportunity to meet everyone at the Ath Half because of my training schedule in preparation for the Big Bear Marathon on Nov 16th. So, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at the next half marathon race.
Question for the group - does anyone listen to Christmas music while running around the holiday season?
Any plans for the meet-up this spring? I know that the Ath-Half is out! my training is zilch. Will start tackling hills today--weight is going UP. so I'd better do something, fast!!!!:)
I'm bummed to hear that, Nilima! But I also understand -- it's a long way from the West Coast to here, I get it! (Especially if you haven't been able to train like you'd like.) Definitely next time! I need to figure out what our race for the spring will be -- stay tuned!
Me. too:( Everything would have worked, fine, too--hotels, flights, etc. Just no-co-operation from my daughter--and truthfully, I'm a bit scared to travel alone, since it has been such a long time and my training was not anywhere up to par for a Half! I'll be at the Bend Half on April 13, 2025. Not too far from Eugene (3 hours) on the Deschutes River. I know the course well. I lived in Bend in 1984 with my friend--her roommate used to run 5 miles along the river every day!
I'll stay tuned. . . don't worry. . . still training with my Coach in Tempe. She's coaching me for an uphill ultra Sept. 20th next year--same one Karen Sullivan is running in Bryce Canyon. . .only I think it will only be 30K instead of the 50K Karen is tackling.
Cold today. . . 6 inches of snow in Cedar City, UT. Winter is coming on fast! :)
These are great questions! I've known I need to re-commit myself to strength training for a while now, but now have finally set a resolution for myself to do it. Years ago, I worked out with a personal trainer, who used to set aside one day every other week specifically for legs -- we worked out with the weight machines at the gym, also with flexibility exercises on a bosu ball. Have you ever tried that?
My friends lemon bars which melt in your mouth..........I eat GF, Dairy and Soy Free sooooooo..........when I have one (can't stop at one)...........I have to prepare for the reaction but it is the best treat ever!!!!
If you live in Southern California or if you visit and have time to explore more than the touristy areas, make your way to the northeast corner of San Diego County: Julian, CA. It is an old mountain, mining town that traded gold for apples and makes the best apple pie ever. I prefer the Julian brand apple pie over the Mama's. The town is quaint. Then you can drive down to Anza Borrego Desert State Park and visit one of my favorite places in the world. You can then eat your dessert in the desert!
Julian looks like many of the old mining camps that I've lived in. . . right down to the apple pie! Believe it or not, I had a store right on the Main Street in Virginia City Eventually bought V &T Cafe and made it over into the best eating joint in Virginia City. Specialty of the house was Apple Pie and Rum Sauce at 6500 ft. . . such good memories. :) Another place to visit!
Any advice to help with vomiting and no appetite after races? I don’t generally feel bad or nauseated during the race but I have a hard time with fueling during and most races I have a few episodes of sudden onset vomiting once or twice. Open to any suggestions. Hope everyone is well. Good luck out there.
Congratulations. No doubt you are physically prepared. If you let me, I will share what I try to tell myself. Relax your mind. Control your thoughts and your breathing especially in the first few miles. Run as relaxed as you can. When you get to mile marker say 5, try not to think -- I still have 8 miles to go but instead tell yourself --WOW, I have made it 5 miles already. Dont worry about the time too much. I always have to win the battle in my mind, and conquer my persistent continued doubts. Enjoy the crowd and the other runners. If something funny happens think on it and the joy you will have of sharing the story with your loved ones. I pray. At the beginning, the middle, and the end. I still have my medal and bib from my first half marathon in a shadow box. It is priceless to me. Your hard work will turn to joy tomorrow . Congratulations again.
New topics (two-fur) - 1) best sign ever seen at race; 2) memorable occurrence at a race —- for me: 1) “Run Faster, This sign’s Getting Heavy” 2) was in porta-potty at start of National Anthem
Love these, Dave!!!
Turned 60 and decided I needed a challenge. Running my first 1/2 tomorrow in Hartford after many years of no running. Any advise or last minute tips? It has suddenly turned very cold… will be 37 degree start.
Really nervous for some reason.
Get a good night's sleep and make sure you've got some hand warmers and/or a light jacket that you'll feel comfortable discarding if you start to warm up later in the race. And have a great time!!
Thank you for your advice. Ran a great race… won my age group :)
LOVE hearing that, Annabelle!!! How awesome! 🙌
Bring a light jacket you can tie around you when you heat up. In the cold, I always wore cheap painters gloves I could disguard when it warmed up. Also, run your own race! A lot of people will pass you and I find I catch them before the finish line. Most of all, enjoy the experience.
You WILL be fine. Lined running pants helped me in Austin in January 2023 … 41 at the start of the race but it did get up to 50. also, running gloves (which I stuffed in my pockets at Mile-3 and my favorite Snoopy ski cap
I signed up for Grandma's 1/2 Marathon in Duluth MN in June (they tell me it is all down hill) I am just getting back into running and at 75 been doing pretty good.....I have won my age group (I always check 60's and 50's to see where I would place there and seem to do well............it has been a while since I have done long runs......would it be crazy to sign up for the Chicago Marathon 2025 or better to wait and do another marathon and do the Chicago Marathon 2026.........It is my dream to run the Chicago Marathon ..........I have done smaller races there and love the city (hometown) and the people.............Thoughts, remember I'll be 76 in 2025 and 77 in 2026...........I know there are older runners , but most have been at it a while..............really looking forward to your input...........
Terrell hit the nail on the head - how much time do you to train? I stopped running full marathons and just have done 1/2s when I turned 72 (I'm now 84) I found that the time to train for a full was more than my wife could tolerate. Staying with the 1/2s is fun - not too many of us octogenarians out there and at a slower pace, you meet a lot of wonderful people to chat with along the way. Enjoy the 1/2, but if you have time to train for the full, I'd say go for it!
Who cares … it’s the fact that you signed up and are doing a half or full at the ripe young age of 75 (turning 75 in December). For me, it’s just being out there with our running family.
Great question, Marianne! I guess I'd ask first, how much time do you have to train? A marathon, as I'm sure you know, can be pretty demanding in terms of training time -- and, do you have some friends or a friend who you could train with?
I have from now until June 21st to train for the 1/2 Marathon........I belong to a running group that meets 2 times a week.........although I am in NW WI and running in the winter is "iffy" ........I do have running snow shoes (different movement but good) and access to a tread mill that is "self propelled" and then would have enough time to use a training program for the 1/2...........however not sure about recovery and getting ready for the full Marathon that would be on October 12............that would give me less than 4 months to recover and train............I am planning to do this once and want to enjoy the experience!!! Then I can figure out from there is I want to move back to shorter races........I love the people at the races and their families......it is something I never want to give up.
I don't have advice. I just have admiration. You aren't just running. Not just running 13 miles. You are even winning your age group! Amazing!
You know your body and on ly you can make that decision. Also, do you want to run and finish it or actual race?
I’m looking forward to hearing which race is selected in Spring 2025 😊. I won’t have an opportunity to meet everyone at the Ath Half because of my training schedule in preparation for the Big Bear Marathon on Nov 16th. So, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at the next half marathon race.
Question for the group - does anyone listen to Christmas music while running around the holiday season?
Any plans for the meet-up this spring? I know that the Ath-Half is out! my training is zilch. Will start tackling hills today--weight is going UP. so I'd better do something, fast!!!!:)
I'm bummed to hear that, Nilima! But I also understand -- it's a long way from the West Coast to here, I get it! (Especially if you haven't been able to train like you'd like.) Definitely next time! I need to figure out what our race for the spring will be -- stay tuned!
Me. too:( Everything would have worked, fine, too--hotels, flights, etc. Just no-co-operation from my daughter--and truthfully, I'm a bit scared to travel alone, since it has been such a long time and my training was not anywhere up to par for a Half! I'll be at the Bend Half on April 13, 2025. Not too far from Eugene (3 hours) on the Deschutes River. I know the course well. I lived in Bend in 1984 with my friend--her roommate used to run 5 miles along the river every day!
I'll stay tuned. . . don't worry. . . still training with my Coach in Tempe. She's coaching me for an uphill ultra Sept. 20th next year--same one Karen Sullivan is running in Bryce Canyon. . .only I think it will only be 30K instead of the 50K Karen is tackling.
Cold today. . . 6 inches of snow in Cedar City, UT. Winter is coming on fast! :)
What cross training do you do? How does your running schedule look with cross training?
Also, what are some things to do to help with leg strength? When running I often find my cardio is there but it's the legs that get tired first
These are great questions! I've known I need to re-commit myself to strength training for a while now, but now have finally set a resolution for myself to do it. Years ago, I worked out with a personal trainer, who used to set aside one day every other week specifically for legs -- we worked out with the weight machines at the gym, also with flexibility exercises on a bosu ball. Have you ever tried that?
I don’t know if this is cross-training or not, but I’m at the gym twice a week either swimming or working on elliptical and stair-climber
Favorite dessert?
Baskin-Robbins ice cream, no question about it! Mint chocolate chip + peanut butter and chocolate. Can't go wrong.
Baskin-Robbins, it is! Jamoca Almond Fudge, though!Have to try the skillet Brownies that I've seen recently on Southern Living! :)
My friends lemon bars which melt in your mouth..........I eat GF, Dairy and Soy Free sooooooo..........when I have one (can't stop at one)...........I have to prepare for the reaction but it is the best treat ever!!!!
Ben & Jerry's ice cream . I only eat half at a time. Still trying to lose the last 5 pounds I gained while not being able to work out.
Half of what????:)
LOVE Cherry Garcia!
Skittles - I can devour a large sharing packet after a long run / feels like I earned them
I LOVE them and have to control myself or I'll eat the whole bags!
Lemon bars, brownies, raspberry jelly donuts
Julian Apple Pie.
If you live in Southern California or if you visit and have time to explore more than the touristy areas, make your way to the northeast corner of San Diego County: Julian, CA. It is an old mountain, mining town that traded gold for apples and makes the best apple pie ever. I prefer the Julian brand apple pie over the Mama's. The town is quaint. Then you can drive down to Anza Borrego Desert State Park and visit one of my favorite places in the world. You can then eat your dessert in the desert!
Julian looks like many of the old mining camps that I've lived in. . . right down to the apple pie! Believe it or not, I had a store right on the Main Street in Virginia City Eventually bought V &T Cafe and made it over into the best eating joint in Virginia City. Specialty of the house was Apple Pie and Rum Sauce at 6500 ft. . . such good memories. :) Another place to visit!
How often do you replace running shoes?
Any advice to help with vomiting and no appetite after races? I don’t generally feel bad or nauseated during the race but I have a hard time with fueling during and most races I have a few episodes of sudden onset vomiting once or twice. Open to any suggestions. Hope everyone is well. Good luck out there.
Sorry, no advice here. I just don't eat before, during, or after a race. Probably bad, but that's the way I'm built. :)