October Mod Squad

[ToMyHealth]

October Mod Squad

Hi ~ glad to see Monday. Looking so forward to a quiet week. And I mean quiet as dh is leaving for AL this afternoon. Meeting up with MN friend on his way to FL. 3 guys going to play some well known golf courses; he will be gone til Fri. Means I can do double workouts, eat or not eat. Clean and it will stay clean, read, watch movies.

Eve, so glad to hear you are doing better. Crocus, what a positive person you are! Thank you for prayers. NNG, hey, great job on pouring out the vodka. Em, anyone who makes a living using a talent, well, that's utopia, IMO.
Stewarts, thinking of you this week. Can you PM me your Bib# or name so I can follow you? If you are comfortable with that, but you know I'm interested, understand though if you would rather not. Having run NYC in '88 and '90 I'm sure you think I'm older than dirt...LOL. Come to think of it I think I know your name.

TMH

[Emmy Lou]

October Mod Squad

Hi there, I am on day two of no drinking. I just decided to try and keep things AF until there is actually an occasion for a drink. My friend said on Friday that she doesn't drink during the week at all, like it's the most normal thing in the world.
Anyway, last night I actually had quite a bit of trouble sleeping. It's cold here and I think I got night sweats...which made me colder! When I did finally get to sleep I had a frightening dream. It was as if I'd woken up to a singing kind of sound, like when someone runs a finger around the rim of a glass. A wine glass floated towards my face and tipped forward to my mouth. I sat up and consequently woke up! Today I couldn't figure it out and then I realised! It's my brain warning me not to continue a life of alcohol abuse!!! Funny thing was, it was a white wine glass, and I never drink white, but there is a bottle of white currently in my fridge. The only alcohol in my house right now. I bought it in case my Dad wanted some while he was here. It's unopened and I said to my boyfriend that we could save it for his sister at Christmas if Dad didn't drink it because she really likes a sweet white wine...totally weird how the brain works. I still can't figure out why I had that dream because I'm making such great progress that I've surprised myself.
Does anyone else have vivid dreams when they stop drinking?
X
Em

[Emmy Lou]

October Mod Squad

PS- I took a walk to the supermarket after yoga tonight and they had a special on tonic and soda water...I got two bottles of each!

[Stewarts]

October Mod Squad

TMH, Yes, I have my number, I will PM it to you, I don't mind at all actually.

So Sunday, I broke down, not really broke down, this didn't effect my health or training at all, but I decided to get a Coor's light bottle beer watching the Jets game and drank it real slow. I think I may have over trained a little so I took a Yoga class, the beer did feel nice...this was also many many hours after the Class so I was starting to tighten up again...I did have another after nursing the first one. I nursed that second one as well. I did feel my depression start to kick in, not in a bad way, but I was very conscious of what my brain was doing...Football Sunday was always one of my favorite days, but knowing anyone anymore, except for a bartender, which I don't count, it was weird. The I guy I knew came in....I said to myself, let me see if I can have one more and walk away.....

The bartender asked me if I was sure, because every time I've been coming in there lately I have not been drinking, and they all know I'm running the marathon, the bar is on 1st Avenue ironically enough. I said it's ok, I'm just meeting my mom for dinner after this, I'll be fine....but give me a water also....

Condensed version, I was. I didn't fall into the trap of, well their only light beers so I'll have even more; I stopped. I actually, didn't want anymore. I could actually feel what little alcohol there is in a few bottles of Coor's Light telling me what a "loser" I am. Come to think of it, I don't think I even finished the third one.

Had some fish for dinner, no AL with dinner, went home, relaxed, went to bed, did wake up at some point during the night and had a hard time getting back to sleep, but that wasn't AL related, that was something else they woke me up...Weighed myself in the morning, weight is fine, all is good.

Not sure I should've done this a week before the marathon, but I was curious how I'd react to a few beers, drinking them very slow...it was kind of interesting I must say. I pretty much felt the same when I went in to watch the Rangers game Friday, with no AL, this time perhaps just relaxed me a little more, made me lethargic as it not wanting to move...but I did... :-)

(that yoga class did a number on my back, I hope it's better for Sunday..)

j.

[Emmy Lou]

October Mod Squad

Stewarts I really wish you wouldn't call yourself a 'loser' like its a fact! Its not a fact! You said even the tiny bit of al in light beer told you what a loser you are...it didn't tell you that! I think perhaps depression made you feel bad and your description for that feeling is being a loser. I really wouldn't want you to stop freely express how you feel, but have you ever considered that you're not a loser? Truly, you need to consider that!
I hope my two cents worth doesn't offend you, I just learnt many years ago that there is a huge amount if power in positive thinking,
Take care all, I think this ist he first time I've posted at the other end of the day!
X
Em

[nonamegirl]

October Mod Squad

Hey, Stewarts, I am going to jump in and second what Emmy Lou said. You are NOT a loser, my friend, so quit that kind of talk. Emmy is right, positive mindtalk really really does help, and negative mindtalk really hurts. I am so excited waiting for the marathon that I can hardly stand it. I am PROUD of you! And you should be too. I had forgotten that in 2010 the marathon was on the day after the time change, too, just like this year. Uggghhh! You poor guy! Makes it all that much earlier. Are you busing out to the start?

Emmy, congrats on your decision to not drink during the week. I know that is something I should do, too. I love hearing you talk about your work. Such talent! Such joy you get from it! I sew, but my little jobs have to be finish-able really quickly or I lose interest. I can't imagine the skills you must have to work your way through such a great many. I want to see them!

TMH, you sound very happy to have you husband gone for a week, and I can relate to that. Isn't it funny how a guy can empty a pretzel bag, for instance, and put it on the counter right above the trash can but not IN the dang trash can? What's up with that?
Double workouts - you go girl!

Crocus, how are you doing today? Sending you hugs.

[Stewarts]

October Mod Squad

The few beers were actually good, as you say, for my tweaked back, people forget AL is a drug...

I actually forgot about that too, actually I'm glad, the extra hour sleep will be nice...(or am I getting them confused)... :-)

This season was training, not sure if I said so or not, physically I feel fine, mentally it was a tough one. I think it's all coming together this week though. At this point, there's not much one can do, whatever is going to happen out there is going to happen. It's finally, people have asked me the same questions: "How long is that?" "Are you sure you can finish?" -I answer, "I've already finished 5."...nest question..."WOW, is this one 26.2 miles also?" Then there's always, "You most be excited?" My answer, "Eh, I've done this before..."

I will say the emotion are starting to creep up this week. I remember all my marathons for distinct and separate reasons...Chicago was my first and always special for that reason, first NYC - enough said, DC was the one I associate with pain - I was on three marathons in row per year, and not really into this one, burnt out, bad training, Second NYC (first time to be last) - was very emotional, I remember standing on the bridge tearing, thinking, "This is the last time I will be standing here." I also PR'd that one at 3:47, that was 2010, so that's a special one. Harrisburg, was more of a consolation prize because NYC got cancelled - that was more of the, "let's see how brazen I can get disregarding my pacing..." paid for a little, but it was nice that the city of Harrisburg opened up their race to an extra 1,000 people (they usually only have 800 participants).

This one, I'll have a lot on my mind....disturbed ex-gfs, even my ex-wife to some extent - not in a bad way, in 2010 she threw a marathon party for me, well, more for some friends, because I was running. I live off First Ave, by 79th Street, so I knew where they'd be, I came up the right side and saw them all, my lovely wife at the time first....it was probably one of the last happy moments we had together.

Anyway, I am rambling...it's the marathon jitters.

[ToMyHealth]

October Mod Squad

Yep, Stewart's it's in the bank now. Except for a slow 2-3 miles to stay loose you are basically done. Always had to control my attitude when asked "well how long is this marathon"? Or this one- I bet you can eat anything you want. Not! BTW, met very few runners I didn't like. For the most part, good, honest people sharing a passion, That 1st one remains the best. The other 2 special ones were marathons that qualified me for Boston. Needed to break 3:50, and ran 3:48. 2nd time I was 50 so had a 4:00 qualifying time and ran 3:58. I am so excited to follow you, thanks for #. You're going to do great! And NYC is so huge that you can't expect a PR. Just Enjoy and jitters be gone!

NNG, to answer the guy question, pretty universal, I think. Or placing plate on counter right above the dishwasher. Oh, were you going to have more? Can't live without them though and by end of week I will very much look forward to his return. Often I need to remind myself that he does a lot for me.

Played golf this a.m. Not very well. Going to make a library run, then either hit the FC or go for a bike ride. Maybe the latter so can have a good run in the a.m.

Be well, everyone!

TMH

[Stewarts]

October Mod Squad

Hmm I think my last post didn't go through. Anyway, I was just going to add, TMH, as crazy as it sounds I always PR in NYC, all my best races have been there, don't know why, it's by far the hardest course I've run, but I always do well on it ; maybe because I understand the terrain the most? I don't know, but I am pretty sure I will PR or get damn close to it, but we shall see, lots of things can happen out there

[nonamegirl]

October Mod Squad

Silly me! Of course the time change now means you get an extra hour's sleep. What was I thinking? I remember that because of the time change in 2010 it was dark when I crossed the finish line. Okay, Stewarts, you can laugh now. I finished in 6 hours. And then, we had to walk three more miles to our hotel. Oooph! No cabs, of course.

[Stewarts]

October Mod Squad

That walk after the marathon is the worst! I know. I think they've changed it up a little. I wish I could exit the Park right at the finish, I leave all my stuff at the New York Athletic Club, it's right frigin there! This year they have a no baggage claim option, which of course I took. I'm hoping it gets me out of the Park earlier.

My back is starting to feel normal again. I have my last speed workout today, it's not a crazy one just mile repeat X2 with 500 jogs. I know some people wouldn't do it, I will, I just won't try and kill myself on it, obviously. I also was late in getting my pair of shoes to run the race, this will be a good little workout to start breaking them in...after that it's only one or two small, light runs until the race...

j.

[Emmy Lou]

October Mod Squad

Oh dear, I worked 10 hrs today and finished at 11. Now I've sat watching stupid tv and drank nearly a bottle of wine. I wasn't even going to open it, it was a bottle I bought to take to my boyfriends place last night that we didn't drink. I re heated a gorgeous bolognaise for dinner and really felt like a can Sav to go with it. Even after dinner I went back to work after only one glass. I should have put it back on the rack but I left it on the table. Ho hum. Bed now, a new day tomorrow.
X
Em

[Emmy Lou]

October Mod Squad

Oh I've just realised why I don't see a lot of posts! I re open the page from my phone but it doesn't always refresh! I've changed to a cheaper provider and the service isn't quite as quick. If I start to type before it's refreshed it doesn't get a chance.
Stewarts, all the best for your marathon, I can't imagine doing anything so physical! You've proven time and time again it seems that you have skill and dedication(not loser qualities at all! )
And I also just saw what someone said about partners...leaving empty rubbish on the bench above the bin...OMG I soooo relate to that! Gluggy cereal bowl in the sink, filled with water but not rinsed! Why bother even turning on the tap? Beer bottle tops on the table? Beer bottles on the bench above the recycle bin? Honey jar on the bench under the food cupboard? Shopping bags on the floor next to the bag holder? Oh stop me now...before I go on about the wet towels on the end of the bed and gluggy soap on the basin (toothpaste overflow?) argh?
X

[crocus]

October Mod Squad

HI Emmy Lou, Sounds like you and I had a similar experience this week. NNG gave me a boost, so I want to do the same for you. I'm not thrilled that I finished off the bottle last week, but she is right that the drinking you (and I) described is a far cry from the sort of nut-job behavior I've committed in the past, and a real far cry from the kind of drinking I never want to do. Having a busy day here today, but wanted to send my best thoughts out to you and NNG.

[nonamegirl]

October Mod Squad

I just love all you folks. I come here and you make me smile. Thanks!