A Disney-addicted mom runs her first 1/2 marathon - Jan 2011 *update 1/11 Results!*

[DrMomof3]

That's me! A totally crazy Disney-addicted mom of 3. And I'm currently training for my 1st half-marathon which will take place in Disney.
I decided to start a separate PTR for the January trip so I can keep the 2 trips separate in my mind. And it'll allow me to keep track of my training progress here. Yes, that means that I'm planning 2 trips simultaneously. Which means I never have to go long without thinking about Disney!!!
Here is the link for my August, 2010 PTR:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2397375

Cast of characters for this trip:
Amanda (me!) age 38 (I'll be 39 before the trip)
Tom (DH) age 41
Nathaniel (DS) age 6
Jessica (DD) age 4
Zachary (DS) age 2
Nana (my mom) in her early 70's
Popsie (my step-dad) in his mid-60's

I'll update more in a bit, including pics of the gang.

 

[DrMomof3]

This is Tom. He enjoys Disney but is unable to think about or plan anything until a few weeks ahead of time. Which means he relies on me to do all of the planning!

That's me. Queen Mommy. Almost 39 year old physician. I work full-time and have a high-powered but rewarding job. In my "spare time" I think about Disney. A lot!

Nathaniel, age 6. Entering 1st grade. He loves Star Wars, Harry Potter, video games. He's an amazing artist and plays violin. He also loves the NY Yankees, and plays baseball and soccer. He can be painfully shy and incredibly stubborn but is beloved by teachers and classmates alike.

This is Princess Jessica. Age 4 1/2. Entering pre-K this fall. She's 4 going on 16. She's loves Princesses, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, shopping online for clothes , and anything else girlie.

My Zachary, age 2. He's a charming and funny little boy. Easy-going, social, and a hurricane. He loves Mickey Mouse and Little Einsteins. He was a 34 week preemie and probably has very, very mild CP (he walks and talks and does great). His goal in life is to do whatever the big kids are doing and he's a major thrill-seeker!

Popsie on Buzz Lightyear. Lots of fun and full of energy. He's been my step-dad for over 25 years! Sadly I can't find a recent picture of my mom. She's pretty active but has some emphysema that limits her mobility a bit.

All of us from last May in Disney.

As you can guess, we're regulars at Disney. I went a few times as a young child and we always stayed off-site. Epcot hadn't yet been built! I went back when I was pregnant with Zachary and fell in love with Disney! Since then we've gone regularly...

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Ok. Now that I've introduced the Cast of Characters (and characters we are!), let me introduce the plot:

I was a pretty good athlete growing up. I graduated high school with 9 varsity letters (4 gymnastics, 3 soccer, 2 lacrosse) and started competing in gymnastics when I was 6. Med school, residency, and 3 kids put a big end to all exercise. I started the C25K program in early January in an effort to get back into shape. My commitment was spotty at best and I wasn't progressing as well as I should have. I read about the Disney 1/2 marathon (here on the disboards) and thought that signing up would force me to exercise. And it has - sort of. I need more accountability which is another reason to start this PTR. We invited the extended family to join us for the January trip. Although it looked like we might get a big crowd, it's only going to be us and my parents.

The Setting:
We're staying in a 2 bedroom villa at BLT. I'm dying to buy DVC but we're waiting until our finances allow us to pay cash (or put down a significant amount of cash). We're AP holders and hoping for a discount for the trip. I figure BLT will be convenient to the 1/2 marathon and to our 2 favorite parks: MK and Epcot.
I haven't booked flights yet but I think we'll leave NY early on Thurday morning (1/6) and return late on Monday evening (1/10). I don't want my 1st grader to miss too much school right away he returns from the holidays.

The food:
I couldn't get anyone to discuss dining with me so I finally just made a decision myself. We have a TIW card so no dining plan for us. Our ADRs (so far):
Thursday night: Crystal Palace
Friday night: Biergarten
Saturday night: California Grill (hopefully)
Sunday morning: Chef Mickey's
Sunday night: Narcoosee's

I learned something interesting recently. Kids' meals at the signature restaurants cost $7. The same as anywhere else. Since we aren't using the dining plan, we might as well eat good food for the adults! We're New Yorkers so we're used to paying a lot at restaurants. The prices at California Grill and Narcoosee's aren't any more than we'd pay for comparable food in NY.
We'll eat most breakfasts and some lunches in our villa. My mom and I don't mind cooking simple food on vacation (mac n cheese, eggs, etc.).

Amanda

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

*subscribing*

I'm mostly doing the Wine & Dine half because I'm scared of the January weather.

You have a gorgeous family!

 

[DrMomof3]

*subscribing*

I'm mostly doing the Wine & Dine half because I'm scared of the January weather.

You have a gorgeous family!

Thank you!!! I would *love* to do the Wine & Dine (especially since I love food and wine!) but I doubt I'll be ready by then. If we don't do any of the ABD trips for my 40th (next October), I might do the Wine & Dine instead.

Amanda

 

[-Hope-]

Hi Amanda, subscribing!

What happened to the in-laws on this trip?? I guess you don't have to worry about the room issues since they aren't coming along.

I love your dedication to the 1/2 marathon- I'm hoping following along will help me find some inspiration of my own.

 

[DrMomof3]

Hi Amanda, subscribing!

What happened to the in-laws on this trip?? I guess you don't have to worry about the room issues since they aren't coming along.

I love your dedication to the 1/2 marathon- I'm hoping following along will help me find some inspiration of my own.

My MIL "dropped out" a few weeks ago. I was discussing trip costs with her and when she found out that it would cost her more than $1000 (including airfare, park tickets, hotel, and food), she decided not to come. She says she'll join us on another trip.
It definitely makes life easier since she and my parents aren't a great combo.

Amanda

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm definitely in for this! I'm signed up for the full and have got to get seriously training soon, so we can help keep each other accountable!

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm definitely in for this! I'm signed up for the full and have got to get seriously training soon, so we can help keep each other accountable!

Awesome!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet up, too!

Amanda

 

[lexmas]

I'm here! Sorry I forgot to come over sooner! Can't wait to read all about it!

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm here! Sorry I forgot to come over sooner! Can't wait to read all about it!

Thanks!!! Welcome!

So I didn't have a great week of training last week. I only did 2 runs all week and the 2nd run was pathetic. This week I need to do better. Today I did my 2 mile run but it wasn't great. Including a 0.25 mile warm-up and cool-down, I went 2.5 miles in 37 minutes. But I felt every step! Hopefully Wednesday's 2 mile run will be better. It's a little discouraging because 2 weeks ago I did a great 3 mile run without a problem.

Amanda

 

[dismagiclover]

Running is sometimes strange like that. It sometimes feels like you take a step forward and then 2 steps back. For me the most important thing is consistency. Just getting out there on a regular basis. (This is from someone who hasn't run for 3 weeks because of vacations and such. DH is gone until Friday night so I can't run until Saturday morning.)

 

[DrMomof3]

Running is sometimes strange like that. It sometimes feels like you take a step forward and then 2 steps back. For me the most important thing is consistency. Just getting out there on a regular basis. (This is from someone who hasn't run for 3 weeks because of vacations and such. DH is gone until Friday night so I can't run until Saturday morning.)

I totally agree. For a few weeks I did all 3 runs. Last week I didn't. And I'm paying for it! I may repeat last week's plan instead of trying to move ahead.

Amanda

 

[starann]

I'm here, I'm here!!!!!!

 

[MommyMcQueen]

Hi Amanda!

I saw your title and had to join in! I'm a pretty new runner myself, just started in spring of this year and love reading and following along with others on their training and running experience!

Also, we'll be in WDW in August at the same time you are! It's our first trip though - we're complete newbies! I have to hop over to your August PRT next!

I also did the C25K - that got me started in running. I did a 5K and then trained for a 10K, and I'm training for a half marathon for this fall - it's been a crazy, bumpy ride! It can be a complete "runners high" after a great run and crushing disappointment after a bad one! Don't let the bad runs get you down - everyone has them!

Looking forward to reading more about your training and your trip plans!
Karen

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm here, I'm here!!!!!!

Welcome!!!

Hi Amanda!

I saw your title and had to join in! I'm a pretty new runner myself, just started in spring of this year and love reading and following along with others on their training and running experience!

Also, we'll be in WDW in August at the same time you are! It's our first trip though - we're complete newbies! I have to hop over to your August PRT next!

I also did the C25K - that got me started in running. I did a 5K and then trained for a 10K, and I'm training for a half marathon for this fall - it's been a crazy, bumpy ride! It can be a complete "runners high" after a great run and crushing disappointment after a bad one! Don't let the bad runs get you down - everyone has them!

Looking forward to reading more about your training and your trip plans!
Karen

Thank you for joining me! I love hearing inspiring stories of other beginners!!!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Today's run was much, much better. I went 2.5 miles (including warm-up and cool-down) in 36 minutes. Only a min faster but it felt much better!

Amanda

 

[loritemp]

Your PTR title hooked me too!! COngrats! The feeling you will get crossing the finish line will make all the training well worth it. I am currently sidelined from running (baby 2 on the way) but am already planning to do the F&W half next year.

Starting with C25K was a great idea (I am biased though, my friend actually designed that program ) ANd as a PP said, every run is different. You can suffer through an easy 2 miler and then bang out an amazing 5 miler a day later with no rhyme or reason. Consistancy is key though. And long runs. If you need to skip a run, don't make it a long run!

Ok, enough about running (but I do belong to a fab online running group if you need more motivation). Can't wait to hear more about your plans. Your family is just beautiful...but more pics are always fun

 

[-Hope-]

Today's run was much, much better. I went 2.5 miles (including warm-up and cool-down) in 36 minutes. Only a min faster but it felt much better!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Your PTR title hooked me too!! COngrats! The feeling you will get crossing the finish line will make all the training well worth it. I am currently sidelined from running (baby 2 on the way) but am already planning to do the F&W half next year.

Starting with C25K was a great idea (I am biased though, my friend actually designed that program ) ANd as a PP said, every run is different. You can suffer through an easy 2 miler and then bang out an amazing 5 miler a day later with no rhyme or reason. Consistancy is key though. And long runs. If you need to skip a run, don't make it a long run!

Ok, enough about running (but I do belong to a fab online running group if you need more motivation). Can't wait to hear more about your plans. Your family is just beautiful...but more pics are always fun

Thank you! Thank you! Congrats on baby #2. It certainly makes life more interesting....

Thank you!

Amanda