MCM Ladies

[Wines Not Whines]

How's it going?

Should we try to GTG? When? Where? When is everyone planning to go to the expo?

Can we talk about the self-seeded corrals? Have you thought about where you're going to line up? 

Are you going to try to start with a pacer or go your own way?

[cinco]

I'm excited! I have no clue when I am going to do the expo. I'm hoping Dh has court in Silver Spring that Friday so I can get him to go for me

I will probably line up near the 3:25 pacer. I'd like to stay pretty close to them for the first ten, but hope I'll get a little ahead (a few seconds a mile, nothing crazy) during miles 10-18. Then if they pass me I will try and hold on tight. I always fade and I'm not sure there is any way around it.

[gt7301b]

I think I am free Sat for a GTG.

I'm planning on going to the expo Friday at lunch with a co-worker.  I think I'm going to take a half day, cause let's face it I'm not going to get any work done if I go back to work.

I am going to line up in the 3:40 - 3:59 (gulp) corral.  Do people do a good job of self seeding?

I'm going to try and keep the 3:50 or 3:55 pacer in sight, but I don't think I actually want to start out in the pace group.

[Wines Not Whines]

Oct 14, 2014 7:38:24 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

 Do people do a good job of self seeding?

No, not at all. This is my concern. I think it's probably less of a problem if you're closer to the front. I seeded myself appropriately last time, and the first two miles were SO slow. It was just a wall of people. I want to go a little slow in the first 2 miles, but not ridiculously slow. I'm trying to figure out where I should line up this year. Last year I lined up near the 4:00 pacer, but on the other side of the road, and I think my first two miles were slower than 10 min. I have no idea how the pacer managed to get through everyone. So maybe inch up closer to 3:40-3:45.

[gt7301b]

Oct 14, 2014 7:52:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Oct 14, 2014 7:38:24 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

 Do people do a good job of self seeding?

No, not at all. This is my concern. I think it's probably less of a problem if you're closer to the front. I seeded myself appropriately last time, and the first two miles were SO slow. It was just a wall of people. I want to go a little slow in the first 2 miles, but not ridiculously slow. I'm trying to figure out where I should line up this year. Last year I lined up near the 4:00 pacer, but on the other side of the road, and I think my first two miles were slower than 10 min. I have no idea how the pacer managed to get through everyone. So maybe inch up closer to 3:40-3:45.

Ugggg, that was what I was afraid of.  I worry about going out both too fast and too slow, but as long as I don't line up next to cinco I don't think I have to worry too much about going out too fast.

[cinco]

Oct 14, 2014 7:52:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Oct 14, 2014 7:38:24 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

 Do people do a good job of self seeding?

No, not at all. This is my concern. I think it's probably less of a problem if you're closer to the front. I seeded myself appropriately last time, and the first two miles were SO slow. It was just a wall of people. I want to go a little slow in the first 2 miles, but not ridiculously slow. I'm trying to figure out where I should line up this year. Last year I lined up near the 4:00 pacer, but on the other side of the road, and I think my first two miles were slower than 10 min. I have no idea how the pacer managed to get through everyone. So maybe inch up closer to 3:40-3:45.

I think this is a good idea. The congestion did help me stay slow the first few miles, but it is part of the reason I had 26.7 on the Garmin too. Lots of weaving. I am sure it is worse the further back you line up. Don't get frustrated though. It will open up and you'll get into the groove. But, yeah...aggressively seed yourself

[lb2006]

Oct 14, 2014 7:52:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Oct 14, 2014 7:38:24 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

 Do people do a good job of self seeding?

No, not at all. This is my concern. I think it's probably less of a problem if you're closer to the front. I seeded myself appropriately last time, and the first two miles were SO slow. It was just a wall of people. I want to go a little slow in the first 2 miles, but not ridiculously slow. I'm trying to figure out where I should line up this year. Last year I lined up near the 4:00 pacer, but on the other side of the road, and I think my first two miles were slower than 10 min. I have no idea how the pacer managed to get through everyone. So maybe inch up closer to 3:40-3:45.

not to thread hijack, but i'm green with envy for this race   

Last year I lined-up with the 4:15-4:30 corral and focused on not stepping on people's heels for the first 2-3 miles.  My first few miles were really slow too and i tried not to weave so much.  I ended up with 4:21 (including a bathroom break at Haines Point) - so i feel like if you want to start a bit faster, self-seed a little faster

[ebeth]

I've pretty much gone full time insane.

Case in point: took a HPT on Saturday because my period was two days late following peak week. Also, running 'felt hard' on Friday and Saturday. It was negative. I'm just going insane.

I'm having serious doubts in my abilities to break 4 hours. No reason why! Just general craziness!

I was thinking about expoing on Thursday night or Friday during the day because I took off when my sister was to be in town but she's not coming and I see no reason to go to work.

We can try to GTG on Saturday for brunch/lunch if people are interested.

I'll line up in the 4-4:10 corral. I don't think I'll run with the pacer. My general strategy is to start out conservatively in the first 10k and pick it up at the 10k, 13.1, and 20 mi mark.

[ebeth]

Oct 14, 2014 7:52:53 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Oct 14, 2014 7:38:24 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

 Do people do a good job of self seeding?

No, not at all. This is my concern. I think it's probably less of a problem if you're closer to the front. I seeded myself appropriately last time, and the first two miles were SO slow. It was just a wall of people. I want to go a little slow in the first 2 miles, but not ridiculously slow. I'm trying to figure out where I should line up this year. Last year I lined up near the 4:00 pacer, but on the other side of the road, and I think my first two miles were slower than 10 min. I have no idea how the pacer managed to get through everyone. So maybe inch up closer to 3:40-3:45.

Well shit. Looks like I'll be lining up in the 3:40-3:59 corral instead. Even though as I type that I'm all 'really ebeth? Who do you think you are???'

[Raggedeannie]

I am registered for the 10k and am waffling on whether to do it or not. I am about 8 weeks post-ankle-sprain and haven't tried any running yet. I'm going to talk to PT tomorrow and see if we can try some sort of run-walk. I'm not sure if walking the whole thing is allowed or advisable...?

Either way-- would love to meet up at the Expo or otherwise!

[clseale]

Oct 14, 2014 9:59:05 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I've pretty much gone full time insane.

Case in point: took a HPT on Saturday because my period was two days late following peak week. Also, running 'felt hard' on Friday and Saturday. It was negative. I'm just going insane.

This has happened for my last two training cycles. (Except for the actual taking of the HPT, because me and denial are bffs.) I'm usually like clockwork and never had an issue before, but the last two times, everything was off during peak training time. I had the whole "It feels so hard. Why am I so slow??" moment too, but duh, I always run horribly the few days leading up to my period. Of course instead of thinking through it like a rational person, I freaked out and secretly scolded the imaginary fetus who messed up my race by not waiting just one more month. Glad it was negative!

[ebeth]

Oct 15, 2014 8:26:07 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Oct 14, 2014 9:59:05 GMT -5 ebeth said:

I've pretty much gone full time insane.

Case in point: took a HPT on Saturday because my period was two days late following peak week. Also, running 'felt hard' on Friday and Saturday. It was negative. I'm just going insane.

I'm having serious doubts in my abilities to break 4 hours. No reason why! Just general craziness!

I was thinking about expoing on Thursday night or Friday during the day because I took off when my sister was to be in town but she's not coming and I see no reason to go to work.

We can try to GTG on Saturday for brunch/lunch if people are interested.

I'll line up in the 4-4:10 corral. I don't think I'll run with the pacer. My general strategy is to start out conservatively in the first 10k and pick it up at the 10k, 13.1, and 20 mi mark.

You will be fine. This is normal.

(remember who said those exact sage words to me? )

I know, I know. I've accepted the crazy and now I'm just letting it wash all over me. At least I know I'm insane! Ha!

[Wines Not Whines]

Oct 15, 2014 8:28:51 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

MCM vets! I have a logistics question.

Mr. Cupcake isn't going to be standing at the finish line for the entire race, but would like to be there when I finish (mostly so he can collect my charred corpse and bring it back to the hotel). Which Metro station would be his best bet (ie, least amount of walking or best Metro/bus combo)?

Also, when/where are we brunching all the things on Saturday?

The finish festival is near the Rosslyn Metro. Keep in mind that the Rosslyn Metro is going to be really chaotic on Sunday, but I don't think he'll have too much trouble getting *out* of the station (most people will be trying to get in, post-race). My H met me at the finish 2 years ago, and he said getting there wasn't too bad.

My ILs are arriving in town at some point on Saturday (so they can babysit during the marathon), so I'm not sure if I can brunch, but I'll try! But I probably shouldn't be the main point person/organizer in case I can't make it.

[mrshandy]

I'm going to be spectating!! Probably in Crystal City! Not to be too stalkerish, but I would love to get text updates from all the ladies running. So I know when to look out for you. Let me know if you're willing and I will PM you my phone number.

[ebeth]

Oct 15, 2014 8:28:51 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

MCM vets! I have a logistics question.

Mr. Cupcake isn't going to be standing at the finish line for the entire race, but would like to be there when I finish (mostly so he can collect my charred corpse and bring it back to the hotel). Which Metro station would be his best bet (ie, least amount of walking or best Metro/bus combo)?

Also, when/where are we brunching all the things on Saturday?

Rosslyn is the closest metro to the finish.

I'll start an email re: brunch. I think I have everyone's email.

[Wines Not Whines]

Today's taper madness thoughts:

I had a minor freak-out this morning about the weather. It felt like July this morning. It's 74 and humid. It can't be like this on race day. No no no no no.

The 10-day forecast comes out on Friday. Then I'll start stalking the weather like it's my job.

I think yesterday and today are the worst days of my cold, and then hopefully I'll shake most of it off over the weekend. I can't get two colds in two weeks, right? So I should be ok by next weekend?

[Wines Not Whines]

Oct 15, 2014 8:52:44 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

I'm going to be spectating!! Probably in Crystal City! Not to be too stalkerish, but I would love to get text updates from all the ladies running. So I know when to look out for you. Let me know if you're willing and I will PM you my phone number.

I'll PM you my bib number.

[mrshandy]

Oct 15, 2014 8:56:52 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Today's taper madness thoughts:

I had a minor freak-out this morning about the weather. It felt like July this morning. It's 74 and humid. It can't be like this on race day. No no no no no.

The 10-day forecast comes out on Friday. Then I'll start stalking the weather like it's my job.

I think yesterday and today are the worst days of my cold, and then hopefully I'll shake most of it off over the weekend. I can't get two colds in two weeks, right? So I should be ok by next weekend?

You will be fine! The weather looks like it's going to be cold next week so I think you guys are going to have perfect racing weather.

[gt7301b]

Oct 15, 2014 8:56:52 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Today's taper madness thoughts:

I had a minor freak-out this morning about the weather. It felt like July this morning. It's 74 and humid. It can't be like this on race day. No no no no no.

The 10-day forecast comes out on Friday. Then I'll start stalking the weather like it's my job.

I think yesterday and today are the worst days of my cold, and then hopefully I'll shake most of it off over the weekend. I can't get two colds in two weeks, right? So I should be ok by next weekend?

I look today off because of the impending storms, but if the temps on race day are like they were yesterday I'd probably just run MCM easy and sign up for Philly or Richmond.  Turns out I'm not as breezy as I thought I was

[ebeth]

Oct 15, 2014 8:52:44 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

I'm going to be spectating!! Probably in Crystal City! Not to be too stalkerish, but I would love to get text updates from all the ladies running. So I know when to look out for you. Let me know if you're willing and I will PM you my phone number.

I'll pm my bib number.

[gt7301b]

Oct 15, 2014 8:52:44 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

I'm going to be spectating!! Probably in Crystal City! Not to be too stalkerish, but I would love to get text updates from all the ladies running. So I know when to look out for you. Let me know if you're willing and I will PM you my phone number.

I PMed you my bib number

[Raggedeannie]

mrshandy for what it's worth I'll PM you my bib as well. Gimp run/walking the 10k so finishing at all will be a feat. Could use the moral support if anyone has some to spare.

[cinco]

I sent mine too mrshandy

I'm not too nervous about the weather yet, but I'm on the crazy taper train for everything else. I have insane amounts of energy. I seriously don't know how I'll last another week and a half. I'm like a hyper 3 old or a puppy that has been inside all day.

[ebeth]

Oct 15, 2014 10:47:54 GMT -5 cinco said:

I sent mine too mrshandy

I'm not too nervous about the weather yet, but I'm on the crazy taper train for everything else. I have insane amounts of energy. I seriously don't know how I'll last another week and a half. I'm like a hyper 3 old or a puppy that has been inside all day.

I don't have your email.

I know it's a hike for you but PM me your email if you are interested in a Saturday GTG.

[Raggedeannie]

Oct 15, 2014 10:48:27 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Oct 15, 2014 10:16:32 GMT -5 Raggedeannie said:

mrshandy for what it's worth I'll PM you my bib as well. Gimp run/walking the 10k so finishing at all will be a feat. Could use the moral support if anyone has some to spare.

Have you done the MCM 10k before? It is fantabulous. So much energy! So many amazing costumes! The atmosphere will help lift you up and carry you when you need it

Here is my "I, too, was a gimp before the MCM 10k" story:

You can do this! Even if this isn't the race you wanted when you signed up, it's one hell of an experience.

I have not!  I signed up back in August and was (am?) super excited!  Eek do I need a costume?

Are we twins?  My accident was August 22nd and after flying home from China was put in an aircast for 3 weeks.  I've since spent 3 more weeks in a full-time brace and started PT.  I've done a lot of walking and quite a bit of pilates in the couple months since.  Doc gave me clearance last Monday to start trying out "normal" activities - running, yoga, but I hadn't tried running yet out of fear.  I've been to 4 yoga classes in the last week.  Yoga is TOUGH, man, not only on my "bad" left leg which still has limited range of motion but also because my right leg hasn't lunged in 8 weeks, either, and my arms haven't chaturanga'd in that long.  But it is GREAT to be back into it.

I went out this morning to the soccer field behind my apartment to see if my legs remember how to jog.  I just did 8 easy reps of 30 seconds with 1 min walking in between -- suuuuper easy to see if anything hurt afterward.  So far, so good.  I've got PT this afternoon and will check in with her. I'll also see if I can get up to 3-4 miles this weekend.  FX.

I cannot believe you finished so strong!  Rock star!  Thanks for the story and the confidence.  I've got 11 days to sort myself out!

[clseale]

Oct 15, 2014 8:56:52 GMT -5 Wines Not Whines said:

Today's taper madness thoughts:

I had a minor freak-out this morning about the weather. It felt like July this morning. It's 74 and humid. It can't be like this on race day. No no no no no.

The 10-day forecast comes out on Friday. Then I'll start stalking the weather like it's my job.

I think yesterday and today are the worst days of my cold, and then hopefully I'll shake most of it off over the weekend. I can't get two colds in two weeks, right? So I should be ok by next weekend?

This is what accuweather is for! So far, you're looking at mid-60s and mostly cloudy. 

[lb2006]

i am so pumped for y'all! I LOVE this race!!!

[melmel48]

I am doing the 10k       My friend is doing the full.

[Raggedeannie]

Ugh you guys I am bummed. PT said... I'm not going to tell you not to do it... but... don't do it. She DID say that if walking the whole thing is an option to go for it. But she's not clearing me for more than 20 min or so of jogging.
Website says 10k'ers must maintain a 15min mile, but they also have a corral option for 1:40+ ??
ETA, looking at the results from last year, there are tons of people who finished in 2+ hours so maybe I shouldn't worry about this after all and just plan to walk the whole thing with a bit of jogging tossed in.

[Raggedeannie]

Oct 15, 2014 18:34:59 GMT -5 @vtcupcake said:

Oct 15, 2014 17:19:35 GMT -5 Raggedeannie said:

Ugh you guys I am bummed. PT said... I'm not going to tell you not to do it... but... don't do it. She DID say that if walking the whole thing is an option to go for it. But she's not clearing me for more than 20 min or so of jogging.
Website says 10k'ers must maintain a 15min mile, but they also have a corral option for 1:40+ ??
ETA, looking at the results from last year, there are tons of people who finished in 2+ hours so maybe I shouldn't worry about this after all and just plan to walk the whole thing with a bit of jogging tossed in.

I say pick your 20 minutes on the course wisely and enjoy the course along the way.
I have a good friend who has a heart condition and she has to maintain at LEAST a 13min mile on a good day. She loves this race for the 10k and if she weren't spectating i would introduce you two. She always has a great time when she does the 10k and there's no reason you shouldn't either.

you are awesome. Any tips on where I should spread them out? One minute for the stretch between the final hill and the finish line...