New York Marathon 2009

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  • Snap! MittyBob, NYM will be my first too (after pulling out of two marathons so far this year because of injury...) With flights booked and hotel all sorted, pulling out of NYM is just NOT an option! But hey, what a one to start on!

    I have been struggling with an undiagnosed knee injury since March. Managing 5 miles at the moment fairly pain free although knee still isn't properly fixed, but niether physios nor MRI scan can get to the bottom of the prob which is v frustrating. Pain is on inner side of left knee - trying to stregthen the inner quads to support the knee better, but sometimes the exercises can be quite sore (esp squats) and I'm just not sure whether to carry on with them or whether it might make it worse...any advice?

    Anyway, delighted to have a place...it's kept me positive, particularly when I ended up in Edinburgh last weekend, having had to cancel my place in the marathon image

  • tri bean. I would love to say welcome" and "congratulations" but I'm really not sure I should be. If I had a knee injury that experts couldn't diagnose and I couldn't run 5 miles pain free, I'm not sure I would be planning my first marathon. You are clearly a determined man, though, so I wish you the very best with your ambitions AND your well-being.

    I have no medical expertise at all, but I do know I would not be doing squats if my knee hurt at all. I know that, because my knee has a very mild discomfort, very occasionally, and I have stopped all exercises that put pressure on my knees, especially squats, lunges, and anything that requires me to kneel on my sore knee (e.g., hip flexor exercises). I am also sure never to lock my knees during, e.g., hamstring stretches. Doing these things, I find that running reglarly helps reduce the pain. However, there are many, many things that knee pain can indicate. Beyond recommending that you see physios, medics and the like who are sports specialists, I really have nothing constructive to advise, I'm afraid (other than suggesting that you look around on the UR runner's world website - including the forums - which has a lot of information on various ailments). Do please keep us informed about your progress, though. GOOD LUCK.

  • Hi Tri Bean

    I went to the docs as my problem is similar.  I have been running for about 18 months on a regular basis and about 6-7 weeks ago after about 4 miles my knee started hurting so walked home.  Left it a couple of weeks and then did about 3 miles to test it out - fine.  Also worth noting that after my knee hurt (first time since running that I have a pain rather than an ache) that I did some reading and have been trying to change my running to land on the ball of my foot (forefoot running or POSE I think it is called) to try and reduce impact through the heel - makes the calves hurt !!  Had a couple of weeks break for a family holiday so just walked and a little bit of swimming and then came back and set off on for a steady 6 miles (8 minute miles).  My knee started to hurt after about 4 miles again (not as bad) and was a little iffy the next day.  Visit to the doc and they said no fluid around joint and doesnt think it is ligaments so anti-inflammatory and just taking it easy.  In the next couple of days I will just do some cycling (30 mins) and then start again with a couple of miles (again forefoot running).  I will see how I go and just build it up a little at a time as I want to start my marathon training plan to prepare me for the full thing.  I am also going for a gait analysis as well - must be taking this seriously - to see what my foot is doing, although choice of footwear versus forefoot running appears to be a whole debate in itself

    I am just aiming to be steady eddie and build it up gradually and any pain indicates take a rest (if I get pain after the same distance with no improvement then its back to the docs for me

  • Well I'm cream crackered after the Wharfedale half today. It's the first time I've run an entire race (or any portion of one for that matter) in a waterproof jacket. Got a bit hot at times but then the wind would come along and make me glad I was wearing it. Started off very slowly as I was chatting to a friend but after a couple of miles I left him as it was just too slow. It did mean that I spent the rest of the race overtaking people though which made a nice change.image Finish time was nothing to shout about but I only did it to get a qualifier for the 3 peaks race so wasn't racing it.

    Tri bean -  I ran my first ever marathon (also NY) with a knee injury which developed 8 weekds before the race. I took a couple of painkillers before the race and strapped it up and it was ok until I took a walking break at 20 miles. Then the pain came and it seized up so much I couldn't run another step. Had to walk the rest of the way and spent weeks recovering. Have you tried going for run without shoes on? Try it on a treadmill if you don't fancy it outside. I 've had a nagging achillies injury since November but it doesn't bother me at all when I run without shoes. Alternatively, see a podiatrist about orthotics. I used to get terrible knee injuries before getting orthotics and although not 100% injury free they do allow me long stetches of time between injuries usually. Expensive though.

  • Well done Tortie. Isn't it weird that the half qualifies you for the Three Peaks, whereas the full doesn't?!

    Let me know if you're thinking of doing Stirton on July 8th (short midweek race) - I should be there if all goes to plan.

    Right, time to go and do my long run....

  • Its very quite on here, just done 6 miles to start a new week.

    I am running Wargrave 10k this weekend. I like this start to marathon training when it's lots of 10k runs through the summer before the really long runs start.

  • I was thinking it seemed a bit quite too image

    I have a 5k in a couple of weeks then a half the week after.  I'm trying to get my 5k time below 20 minutes, it is hovering around the 21 mark at the minute.

     I have sort of started training for the NYM but mainly light work outs and a few speed sessions.  I've been looking at the Garmin downloadable training plans from this site to try and get below 3:10.  Main problem seems to be that what I call an easy workout is not what they call an easy work out, and as for a 'steady' one then... image

     I have my first speed sessions today from that training plan 3  * 2 miles fast image

     I still haven't booked a hotel yet, will get on to that soon other wise prices will get sky high.

     When are the rest of you starting to train and what plans are you using?

  • I have a kind of made up plan based on a sub 4 and I have extended it to 20+ weeks and added a bit more distance and speed work. I have done a couple of sub 4 marathons ( but only just 3.58) and I would like to try and get down to around 3.50 if possible.

    DeejP- Thats an impressive target for the 5k, I would be happy with a sub 24 mins.

  • Well back on line after my quick trip to South Africa. Wasn't chased by a rhino, but successfully raced 75 miles and got a bronze medal ........(on horseback)!!

     Still feel tired with all the travelling, but will have to get my running shoes back on tomorrow as doing Man v Horse on Sat image

  • hi- hudds and deepj

    i've never really concentrated on 5k times , do you feel they benefit longer runs ? or do you do them to mix up your training?

    did a 9 miler tonight ,nice cool breeze all the way round, didnt time myself but felt i kept a good pace going.

    do you both use garmins and if so which one and would you recommend it?

  • Hi Chowster,

     When I started runnig a couple of years ago my main aim was to be able to run a 5k (I was a little rotund from too many burgers).

     I did my first 5k in about 30 minutes and while I have sinced moved on through the distances and I much prefer half and full marathon than what I call sprint races (5k/10k) I have found that I like to keep going back and seeing what my 5k time is so I can compare it to my first one and see how far I've come.

     I don't do any specific trainging for the 5k's just do it for a change.

     I have a Garmin 305 with heart rate and footpod and as sad as it is to say I wouldn't want to run without it.  I train both out doors and on a treadmill fairly evenly and so the footpod lets me track my runs that are inside (GPS is not so great when you are running on the spot image )  During training I use it much more as a log tool and to see how I'm improving, if at all.  It is good to compare similar runs from week to week and see if my heart rate has lessend over time.  So Isuppose apart from that I could make do, but it is racing where I find it indespensible.

     I'm not great at pacing myself, often going out to quick etc... so with the Garmin I know what speed I'm going I know what my target speed/time is and I can adjust quickly to get into a rhythm.  My first marathon I only had a watch and found that I got to the first mile marker far to quickly becasue of the adrenlin of the race but then to compensate I slowed down too much but didn't know that untill the second mile marker.  

     I just like the instant feedback on how I'm doing,  I probably should concentrate more on getting better at pacing but hey what can you do. 

     Two friends also have 305's and they love there's as much as me so I'm not alone.

     Hope my sales pitch helps image

  • hi -deejp

    seen the 305 for £150 on amazon.

    my wife says i should just go for it and get one , but since i'm only planning on one marathon the scotsman in me is having a hard time justifying it.image

    can you download full marathon schedules to it?

    does anyone sell them second hand? (scottish question again)

  • Hi Chowster,

     Think you should go for it  - after you have done your one and only marathon you might just find like a lot of us on here that you just have to do another one!! image

  • Hi MittyBob, L'ardvark, Tortie

    Thanks for all your thoughts, suggestions - much appreciated. Managed a pain free 4.5 miles off road last night so I think I'm making progress. Going to get a second opinion though, so will keep you posted...

  •                                                Goal                          Hotel (Dates)

    • Champagne          3:30                          Rented accommodation Brooklyn (25-1)
    • Chowster                3.59.59
    • Dave101                 3:50                          Novotel Times Square, Midtown (29-4)
    • DeejP                      3.10
    • Djwolf                      3:29                          Crowne Plaza (with Mrs Wolf)
    • Gary Jones             2:44
    • Hudds Dave           3:50                          Eastgate Tower Hotel, Midtown (30-3)
    • Kiwidave                 3:29                          The Marcel at Gramercy (30 - 2)
    • Iain Harrison          2:55
    • L’ardvark                 3:05                          Ramada, NJ (29 - 2)
  •                                                Goal                          Hotel (Dates)
    • NotCat                     3.10
    • Over the Hill            3.45                          Jersey City (29 - 1) at a friend's
    • Paul Ward              2:59:59
    • Steven S                 3:30
    • Stray Celt                3:30
    • Sue Osborne         3: 50                         The New Yorker
    • Tiptree                     3:45                          Big Apple Hostel (30 - 5)
    • Tony Hodge 6        3:30
    • Tortie T                    3:30                          Ramada, NJ (30 - 2)
    • Tricia Hurst             3:59                          Crowne Plaza (28 - 3)
  • Hi Chowster,

     Yes you can download schedules either directly to it with maps etc or you can download them to the software it come with so you can have your training log and schedule on your PC. 

     There is also some great free software out there called sporttracks which a lot of Garmin owners use, it displays a map of where you have run and you can click on any section or high light and area and see heart rate, pace, elevation etc for that point/area.

     I would say go for it, as if you train for a marathon you will probably either do another or at least keep running afterwards and plus you can use it for other activities like hiking, cycling, skiing and pretty much anything you do on the move, I've even used mine for a skydive once image

  • Tricia. CONGRATULATIONS on your bronze. Supreme.

    Chowster. I've got a 205, which I love for training and for recording races. As I have got faster in races, I look at the Garmin less, even though my pacing 'aint so hot. In 'sprint' races (up to 10k) the sacrifice in form is too much. In longer runs, my brain is too mushy to make much use of the information anyway. In training, though, the Garmin is invaluable, especially on interval work. You can download training programmes (although I never have) and you can buy them very cheaply, especially after new models have been released (and two more are due out soon).

    DeejP. I'd love to have seen the altitude readout for that one!

    Tiptree. My pleasure.

  • L'ardvark: Here is my motionbased entry for the skydive, the best view i think is the heartrate page with elevation overlaye, who would have thought that sitting still could get your heart rate so high! The GPS signal was lost for a little bit while the plane was taking off but you get the idea:

    http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=8254687

    Chowster:  Not sure if this will link will work but to give you some idea of the data you get from a Garmin here was my record of the Paris Marathon:  http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7934433 if it does not work then let me know and I'll try again.

  • I got in through the Ballot on the 2nd time of asking. Found that Delta airlines were the cheapest from Heathrow to JFK at £280. Flying out on the 29th Oct returning on the 4th Nov. Staying at the ' Milford Plaza'. There is a special rate at the moment for this place on Hotel.com. Cost me a total of £594 for me and the wife. Roughly a grand total of £1160 for 6 nights & Flights.

    Will be looking to finish around 4:15 gone, have the days of around 4 hours.

  • I'm staying at Marriott Brooklyn Bridge 28/10 - 2/11. My first marathon so anything under 4hrs would make me smile, in fact just doing it will be fab
  • hi deejp- garmin does look impressive, just not sure which organ to sell.

    the skydive got the heart pumpingimage

    was watching I'M A CELEBRITY a few years back and made the innocent comment that when they jumped out of the plane on the 1st episode that it must be a great buzz.!  little did i know , i had just given my wife a BRAINWAVE about what to buy me for christmasimage

    spent 3 weekends up in strathallan waiting for clouds to disappear before we finally gave up(gutted)image

    hi tricia and l'ardvark -think i'll order the 305 at the weekend and watch the price drop the following week.lol

    cannot be bothered with work this week, roll on friday ,imageimageimage

  •                                                Goal                          Hotel (Dates)

    • Champagne          3:30                          Rented accommodation Brooklyn (25-1)
    • Chowster                3.59.59
    • Dave101                 3:50                          Novotel Times Square, Midtown (29-4)
    • DeejP                      3.10
    • Djwolf                      3:29                          Crowne Plaza (with Mrs Wolf)
    • Gary Jones             2:44
    • Hudds Dave           3:50                          Eastgate Tower Hotel, Midtown (30-3)
    • Kam                         4.15                          Milford Plaza (29 - 4)
    • Kiwidave                 3:29                          The Marcel at Gramercy (30 - 2)
    • Iain Harrison          2:55
    • L’ardvark                 3:05                          Ramada, NJ (29 - 2)
  •                                                Goal                          Hotel (Dates)
    • NotCat                     3.10
    • Over the Hill            3.45                          Jersey City (29 - 1) at a friend's
    • Paul Ward              2:59:59
    • Steven S                 3:30
    • Stray Celt                3:30
    • Sue Osborne         3: 50                         The New Yorker
    • Tiptree                     3:45                          Big Apple Hostel (30 - 5)
    • Tony Hodge 6        3:30
    • Tortie T                    3:30                          Ramada, NJ (30 - 2)
    • Tri Bean                   4.00                         Mariott Brooklyn Bridge (28 - 2)
    • Tricia Hurst             3:59                          Crowne Plaza (28 - 3)
  • Kam. WELCOME. Thanks for the info, entered above.

    DeejP. Thanks for sharing the Motion Based of you proving that what goes up. I used to use MB myself but got out of the habit. Do you pay the subscription or just use the free basic service? What benefits do you get from going to the trouble of uploading, etc?

    Chowster. How about asking your DW to buy you the Garmin for your birthday, if only to prevent any further scary surprises?

    Tri Bean. "Just doing it would be fab". That's the right attitude, then your certain to make the most of it (and quite likely get a time you're happy with, too).

  • I seem to have disappeared of the list - M must be between each post

    I've booked my better looking half into the funrun as well now so she gets to jog the Big Apple - I'm sure she'll thank me !!

    Nov 1 seems a long way away after the flourish of booking flights, hotel and a show on Broadway but going for a 5 miler at lunch today to just test my knee out a little (you watch - the right will be ok and the left willgive me some jip)

  • Managed 7.5 miles today on a new route which has much more grass. It really slows me down running on grass compared to road. I am sure it is all good training and the route is along river bank so a bit more interesting.

    Just doing 25 miles a week until the end of July and then it starts to step up a bit.

  • Did Seville Marathon in 2005 and did all my trianing Off Road, Even my long runs. You'll find once your back on the hard stuff, you'll be flying.
  • Chowster:  I had simlar problems sorting out my skydive untill when I was in the USA, not too much cloud in Texas image  It is so annoying when weather plays it part, I must have turned up 5/6 times to do it and was cancelled for various reason, you get all excited and nothing.

     L'ardvark: I use sporttracks for logging my runs and No I don;t pay the subscription for motionbased, one big reason for that is they can't take treadmill workouts on that site.  No hassle to upload to it though, just run the upload program on pc, two buttin clicks and it is done.  The reason I do is one for security, if I lose my data on my pc, at least I have some running data still and alos I have several runner friends and we like to compare and contrast the runs we do together which the online thing makes easy.

    As for training, I have hit a slump this week,  I'm moving house and we everything going on, running has had to take a back seat.  Will probably only get in a few 5k's over the next fortnight, then I will have to get on with training proper.

     I was looking at hotels last night, and I'm just freaked out by how much they all are!  Will need to do that soon or they are just going to get more expensive image 

  •                                                Goal                          Hotel (Dates)

    • Champagne          3:30                          Rented accommodation Brooklyn (25-1)
    • Chowster                3.59.59
    • Dave101                 3:50                          Novotel Times Square, Midtown (29-4)
    • DeejP                      3.10
    • Djwolf                      3:29                          Crowne Plaza (with Mrs Wolf)
    • Gary Jones             2:44
    • Hudds Dave           3:50                          Eastgate Tower Hotel, Midtown (30-3)
    • Kam                         4.15                          Milford Plaza (29 - 4)
    • Kiwidave                 3:29                          The Marcel at Gramercy (30 - 2)
    • Iain Harrison          2:55
    • L’ardvark                 3:05                          Ramada, NJ (29 - 2)
    • Mittybob                   3.59                          Grand Hyatt (30 - 3)
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