No ticker and no planning make me GO CRAZY.. Feb. 2013 PTR

[pinkxray]

Today was my long run. Last week I tried the 3:1 jog/walk ratio but this week I tried 2:1 jog/walk. I read that some people go faster with 2:1 than 3:1 and I thought it was worth a try.

Today my route was 4.28miles. I did a 5 minute warm up, 2:1 jog/walk intervals and a few minutes for cool down.

Time 55.2minutes. Pace 12:56

My pace with 3:1 was 13 so I guess not much of a difference. Not sure which one I liked better. I felt with 2:1 I could push harder during the runs but then I felt like I was constantly stopping.

 

[Nermel9]

I was actually going to sign up for the EE challenge, so I looked a few days ago to see how much it was, and it's full. I was actually all set to just do it. Oh well. I'm going a Disney 5K within the next year, I don't know which one, but I'm doing one!!

And I tried on some Nike running shoes yesterday, because they were pretty and purple, and they hurt my feet SO bad, just walking around the store with them. So I guess I really need some expert advice when I do buy running shoes, because I have no idea what I'd need.

 

[pinkxray]

I was actually going to sign up for the EE challenge, so I looked a few days ago to see how much it was, and it's full. I was actually all set to just do it. Oh well. I'm going a Disney 5K within the next year, I don't know which one, but I'm doing one!!

And I tried on some Nike running shoes yesterday, because they were pretty and purple, and they hurt my feet SO bad, just walking around the store with them. So I guess I really need some expert advice when I do buy running shoes, because I have no idea what I'd need.

That stinks that the EE challenge is full. I believe that is on the same day as the Run for your life thing. I told John that I should be able to go since it would take 3 hours to get there while it takes him 3 hours to get to where that run is. Apparently a 3 hour drive isn't the same as a one hour drive to the airport and two hour plane ride to him Seems the same to me

Just go to the darn store! I heard that place in the center of town, Arc...something or other will measure you feet and help you pick shoes, but I also heard that they are way too expensive. I saw a picture of Reese Witherspoon wearing the shoes I have. If they are good enough for her.....

Most people I have talked to like Asics, New Balance or a few like Brooks. But just go to the store. Once you know what you need you can order them online from there on out.

 

[pinkxray]

I can't believe that I just started this PTR and already I am neglecting it It has been a busy, busy week. I had good intentions of doing a possible resort choice update and Sunday was supposed to be our first Disney movie night. Um, yeah. That never happened.

Last Thursday I worked 8-4, came home, went back to work at midnight and then worked the next 5 straight midnight -8 shifts. Today was my first day off and of course the house looked like a bomb went off. I spent all day cleaning until Caitlin came home, where I then had to bring her to CCD, pick her up, drive her to Judo practice, run to the bank, run to Target, pick her up, make dinner.... Ugh, I am soooooo tired.


Alright, enough whining. Needless to say with all of the working and sleeping during the day over the last week I only managed two runs last week. I did jog about 2 miles on Sat. with Caitlin riding her scooter but she stops about every 3 seconds so I don't know if that really counts.

I had my long run today. I didn't map it out and it ended up being shorter than I hoped. 4.29miles in 56 minutes. Pace- 13.03. Not bad, I am surprised I made it through. The lack of sleep has every single joint in my body aching.

I am back to the day shift tomorrow and Friday, than overnight Sat. I guess that means no runs until Sat.

Tomorrow is also my recommitment day to weight loss. I lost about 15lbs with WW in the fall, but fell off track over the holidays. It's starting to creep back so I would like to lose the 5lbs that have creeped back plus another 5.

I have decided for the next 4 weeks I will try to be 100% committed to being on plan. (ok, 98% we are going to the casino for a day in April and that day is not going to count) I am also cutting out fast food and all chips for those 28 days I need to run 3 days per week, plus 2 other 30 minutes workouts that week. I need to think of a reward, I was thinking of maybe starting a vinylmation collection or taking Caitlin to the Disneystore and Rainforest Cafe over her April break?

On Saturday, Caitlin and I spent a few hours at the beach. It was beautiful weather and Caitlin said " Doesn't this weather remind you of being at Disney? I wish I was at Pop right now?"

Of course she didn't really like Pop since there was no hot tub or slide, but when I mentioned this she said "Well, I liked the food court"

I wouldn't mind being at Pop right now.


I will have a real Disney update early next week. As long as I don't get any extra shifts dumped on me for next week.​

 

[teekathepony]

Yikes, sounds like a hectic week! 4.29m in 56 minutes sounds pretty good to me!
We are having some beautiful weather here now too, not quite Disney heat, but it does put me in mind of being at Pop Century.

 

[jenseib]

I'm in too. I had one of the longest PTRs started in 2010 and things kept going awry, but we finally did make it down.

 

[oboedm]

I think you should do the zombie run! It looks like so much fun! I will have to tell my husband about it... He would think it's hilarious!

 

[pinkxray]

Yikes, sounds like a hectic week! 4.29m in 56 minutes sounds pretty good to me!
We are having some beautiful weather here now too, not quite Disney heat, but it does put me in mind of being at Pop Century.

Beautiful weather always make me long for Disney The nice weather has turned a bit, but that just makes me wish I was there more. I would love to be at Pop right now.

I'm in too. I had one of the longest PTRs started in 2010 and things kept going awry, but we finally did make it down.

Hi Jen, Thanks for joining in. I remember your PTR and all of your changes. I am just hoping our dates end u being sooner than I thought, instead of later. I need to hop over and check your PTR. Your trip should be going on now, I think anyway.

I think you should do the zombie run! It looks like so much fun! I will have to tell my husband about it... He would think it's hilarious!

It does look like fun, however I am so nervous. I think I have chickened out. DH is definitely doing it, so at least I'll get some good pictures.

 

[pinkxray]

It’s been another busy, busy week. I’ve barely even had time to lurk on TR’s, let alone do an update.


Today was my first weigh in after recommitting to Weight Watchers last week. I ran 3 days, walked twice and did 1 day on the elliptical. I stayed 100% on plan and had NO fast food or chips all week. I am down 1.6lbs which is a bit low for the first week, but considering I only have about 10-15lbs to lose it’s pretty good.


In other news we got that lovely monthly reminder that we are not pregnant this month. I am a little sad, I was really hoping this would be the month. We are going to keep trying for a few months before we head to my ob-gyn for advice. Maybe give it until after summer? We haven’t both been 100% committed to the idea to getting pregnant until recently so I think that was holding us back before, but we are finally 100% behind getting pregnant so I hope it happens soon.


The timing of getting pregnant is really going to have an impact on our Disney trips. If we get pregnant in the next few months my current plans should work. If we don’t get pregnant by the end of the summer we might just take a break for a bit and our next trip will be Feb. 2013 for the Princess Half Marathon.



Positive thoughts that I will be pregnant soon and onward to our mother/ daughter trip planning.



Our trip dates will most likely be the weekend of Dec. 13, 2013. It will most likely be 4 nights, maybe 5. It will be just Caitlin and I. The trip will be totally focused on doing all the things that Disney has to offer for x-mas. I have a few resorts in mind but it will all depend on how much $ I am able to save by that time.




Before we get to my top picks for where to stay, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and visit the places we have already stayed.


All of my trips as a kid were offsite. We stayed in cheap, but clean hotels that my dad found in the AAA guidebooks. Clean rooms, free breakfast, and a pool were pretty much the requirements. On our last family trip when I was 13, we did a split stay between one of the Downtown Disney hotels and Dixie Landings. I have no idea which DTD hotel it was but it was our first time in a room with a balcony. I barely remember staying at Dixie Landings other than our room décor in one of the Alligator Bayou sections.


DH and I traveled to Disney twice when we were first married. He was in the Marine Corps and I wasn’t working so we stayed in okay hotels around Universal Studios. Since I grew up staying offsite they were fine by me.
On our first trip with Caitlin in 2010 we stayed in POR followed by a few days offsite at Buena Vista Village Resort and Spa.


We loved POR!!! I loved the grounds and the look of the mansions. The food court was great and so was the pool. The only negative I had about our stay there was that I didn’t like the room décor, but since that been taken care of I can’t wait to stay here again soon.


We stayed in Magnolia Terrace, I think. It was a short walk across the bridge to get to the main areas. We also loved having the quiet pools available.

I am so glad they redid the rooms. They just reminded me of something my grandmother would pick for her room.

Offsite- I know people on the boards are crazy about staying onsite, and I really enjoy the extra Disney magic but I also like some off the benefits of staying offsite. Mostly more space for less money. We stayed at this place b/c DH’s sister had a Wyndham timeshare at the time and we stayed here super cheap to do the presentation for Wyndham. The only thing I really, really miss about being offsite is being in the pretty Disney bubble. I hate the driving past the cheap, touristy strip malls. I like the Disney trees and resorts signs passing by while we drive.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom unit and the cost is less than POR. The pool( according to DH and Caitlin anyway) was 100 times better.

Huge balcony, unfortunately – no Disney firework or Theme park views offsite

 

[pinkxray]

In May 2011 I decided to rent points for the first time. We did a triple split stay between VWL, AKV, and BCV.


VWL

DH didn’t like anything about it. I liked it but I thought it would have been better to stay there for a winter or x-mas trip. It just felt wrong being near a fireplace in the middle of May. Though lately I have been seeing pictures of WL and find myself wanting to go back. Maybe when the new rooms are done?


AKV

AKV has been our favorite resort ever. We will most likely try to stay here at least a few days whenever DH is along for the trip. The only thing I missed was a quiet pool and maybe a bigger food court selection. However I think next time we will stay at Kidani to try out that pool.

I love the beds and carpet at AKL.

Best view ever!

For the remainder of our stay we moved to BCV. 2 nights in a studio and because I added a day close to our trip, 1 night in a one bedroom.


I really liked BCV, but I don’t think it got a fair shot with DH and DD after they fell in love with AKV.

We totally lucked out with our views.

Loved breakfast at Cape May! I hope to try it for dinner next time.

Yummmmm!!!!

 

[pinkxray]

I think we are the only people in the world who preferred the villa quiet pool to SAB. I just found SAB too overwhelming with Caitlin. She was constantly wanting to go down the slide, go to a different area. It would have been better if she was young enough for the sand area or old enough to go off on her own.

This is what we thought of all the table service options around.


DH was much happier at BCV when we moved into the one bedroom.

We also stayed at Pop for one night In Oct. 2011 after our cruise on the Disney Dream.

I thought it was okay. It was very fun, but I didn’t love the small beds. DH and I usually end up in separate beds and whoever ends up with Caitlin does not get very good sleep. The bathrooms were a bit small and I missed the ceiling fans and hot tub. DH and Caitlin missed the hot tubs and slide. We probably won’t make it back to a value for awhile unless it is for a solo trip. I do love Pop’s food court though.

Now that we’ve covered where we have stayed, next up will be where I hope to stay. (Although my ticker might give it away )



Also this weekend will be our first Disney movie night. Caitlin and I are very excited with my movie choice, DH is of course, not.




In running news- I chickened out of the zombie run. It was the rope climbing that got to me. I just pictured people behind me and crowds building when I couldn’t make it through the obstacles. DH is going to do it though, so at least I’ll have some fun pictures.


I did sign up for a local 4 mile run on April 15th and a 5k on April 22nd.

 

[amandaw]

I'm joining in!

Between Ed running & doing all these races & reading about you running, y'all have me really want to try this whole running thing again. My problem is that I'm not a morning person so I don't even try to fool myself into thinking that I can wake up early & do it. I could do it at night but Ed runs at night a lot of the time. So, it may be hard for us to both to find time at night & not leave Reid alone, sleeping in his bed.

I'll going to keep you in my thoughts & prayers while you're trying to conceive!

 

[teekathepony]

I would love to see some pictures of your DH doing the zombie run! It sounds so cool!

Looks like you guys have been around quite a bit in hotels in/around Disney! I've got to start broadening my hotel horizons.

 

[jenseib]

Of all your pictures, the one I loved most was the no way jose. I just had one this week!!!!! it's what dreams are made of.

 

[PirateKate]

I think that zombie run would be kind of freaky! I don't know, I just wouldn't want a zombie chasing me on a race. Sounds like a great spectator sport though!

Choosing a resort is always so hard. Too many great choices!

 

[crostorfer]

Hi Diane!!!

Things look well over in your part of the world, I'm happy to see you again!

I'm signed up for the Run For Your Lives here in August. I signed up the minute registration opened and talked another girl from work into going with me. It's going to be amazing!!!!!!!!!!

I have a request though, if you go will you take pics and send them to me? I am a writer for Zombie Training magazine, and we are always looking for extra pics to put in the magazine. You'll get credit for the photos. I'll PM you my e-mail address to send the pics to, if that's ok.

I, of course, am writing this right after I saw the Run For Your Lives post, so I haven't read farther and you may not even be going so all of this could be moot, LOL.

Along that same line, good luck with the little bun in the oven!!!

XOXO--Casey

 

[pinkxray]

I'm joining in!

Between Ed running & doing all these races & reading about you running, y'all have me really want to try this whole running thing again. My problem is that I'm not a morning person so I don't even try to fool myself into thinking that I can wake up early & do it. I could do it at night but Ed runs at night a lot of the time. So, it may be hard for us to both to find time at night & not leave Reid alone, sleeping in his bed.

I'll going to keep you in my thoughts & prayers while you're trying to conceive!

I don't know how I would find the time to run if I didn't go in the morning, either on my day off or at 8am after working the overnight shift. I have been working like crazy and have had to squeeze in a few runs in the evening and I hate them! I like just running in the morning and getting it over with. Not sure how I would do that without Caitlin in school though How many days does Reid go to preschool?

Thanks, I can use them

I would love to see some pictures of your DH doing the zombie run! It sounds so cool!

Looks like you guys have been around quite a bit in hotels in/around Disney! I've got to start broadening my hotel horizons.

I feel like we have barely tried any resorts. I hope we are always able to do split stays so that we can stay at as many resorts as possible. I love trying new ones, but love going back to the ones we like. I am thinking of doing split stays with one new resort/ favorite resorts.

I can't wait to see the zombie run. I just hope I am not confined to one area and can get some good pictures.

Of all your pictures, the one I loved most was the no way jose. I just had one this week!!!!! it's what dreams are made of.

Mmmm, you are so lucky you just had a No Way Jose. I could go for one of those right now.

I think that zombie run would be kind of freaky! I don't know, I just wouldn't want a zombie chasing me on a race. Sounds like a great spectator sport though!

Choosing a resort is always so hard. Too many great choices!

About once a day I think maybe I should just do the zombie run, but then, I chicken out. I am sure it will be very fun to watch though.

Hi Diane!!!

Things look well over in your part of the world, I'm happy to see you again!

I'm signed up for the Run For Your Lives here in August. I signed up the minute registration opened and talked another girl from work into going with me. It's going to be amazing!!!!!!!!!!

I have a request though, if you go will you take pics and send them to me? I am a writer for Zombie Training magazine, and we are always looking for extra pics to put in the magazine. You'll get credit for the photos. I'll PM you my e-mail address to send the pics to, if that's ok.

I, of course, am writing this right after I saw the Run For Your Lives post, so I haven't read farther and you may not even be going so all of this could be moot, LOL.

Along that same line, good luck with the little bun in the oven!!!

XOXO--Casey

Hello, it's nice to see you around again I love your ticker- one more time before you venture onward? I feel the same way. We will mostly take a long break after our year of Disney to try some new places. I am really hoping to try some more cruise lines in the Caribbean, an Alaskan cruise, maybe Hawaii. I just can't afford to do Disney every year and try to save for those.



I am so torn about the race. If my friend that normally runs with me was doing it, I would most likely run it. She is going to be out of town that weekend though However DH is way out of my fitness range and will leave me in the dust (or mud)

I will be watching, so if I am able to get any good pictures, you are welcome to them. I am going to try to convince DH to carry the Kodak playsport, but we'll see.

 

[amandaw]

I don't know how I would find the time to run if I didn't go in the morning, either on my day off or at 8am after working the overnight shift. I have been working like crazy and have had to squeeze in a few runs in the evening and I hate them! I like just running in the morning and getting it over with. Not sure how I would do that without Caitlin in school though

I think I have finally figured out that I like exercising at night. One night last week, I went out after Reid went to bed & walked a 5K. Tonight, I started up the C25K program. I really hope I can do this!

How many days does Reid go to preschool?

This year he's going on Tuesdays & Thursdays. School is from 9-12 but I signed him up for extra time, so he stays until 2:30 & has lunch there. Next year, he'll go 5 days a week (9-12). I may let him do the extended stay either 1 or 2 days a week. He loves school so much!

 

[crostorfer]

Hello, it's nice to see you around again I love your ticker- one more time before you venture onward? I feel the same way. We will mostly take a long break after our year of Disney to try some new places. I am really hoping to try some more cruise lines in the Caribbean, an Alaskan cruise, maybe Hawaii. I just can't afford to do Disney every year and try to save for those.

I am so torn about the race. If my friend that normally runs with me was doing it, I would most likely run it. She is going to be out of town that weekend though However DH is way out of my fitness range and will leave me in the dust (or mud)

I will be watching, so if I am able to get any good pictures, you are welcome to them. I am going to try to convince DH to carry the Kodak playsport, but we'll see.

Yeah, one more time. And this time, I'm sticking to it, LOL. Kassidy turns 9 in June, so this will be her last year as a Disney "kid". I'm not paying adult ticket and DDP prices for a 10 year old, I think thats ludicrous. Plus, Kass is an adrenaline junky. She wants roller coasters that go super fast and rides that flip you upside down. I can't get her on rides like Peter Pan and Dumbo. She has no interest. At the MK she only ever wants to do Splash Mountain, BTMRR, and Space Mountain. She could skip the rest. As much as I love Disney World, they have a rather sad lack of "thrills". It's more about the overall experience, but that's lost on my kiddo. It's time to hang it up for a while and re-visit when she's older.

I have my sights set on going to Hawaii next year instead. I checked Aulani prices, as the resort looks beautiful, but unless they offer a HUGE military discount, (which right now, they don't), we can stay for much, much, much cheaper closer to Honolulu. They want like $35 a day to park in the lot there, it's insanity.

I also kind of have my heart set on doing England/Scotland, and going to the castle that they filmed Harry Potter at. They do tours there, I have a friend going over the summer to do it. Speaking of Harry Potter, our next Orlando trip after August will likely be when they complete the 2nd half of the WWoHP and make it a 2 park experience there at US. For that trip we'll stay on site at US and do those parks, Seaworld, and Discovery Cove, skipping Disney all together.

As for the race, there are a ton of youtube videos from the Atlanta race last month you can watch to get a feel for what it's like. The Atlanta race was a mud-pit because of their weather, I'm hoping that ours here in August will be a little drier. Many people couldn't actually run because of all the muck, people were slipping and sliding all over the place. You guys are going to have a great time, no matter what!

 

[lbuzz52]

Hey Diane!
It was fun going down memory lane with you! Some of your pictures were quite useful to me actually.
I was thinking about your scheduling issues and realized that my household seems to be running about a year behind yours right now. we will have a trip this year, but not one next year; hopefully a baby the next; hopefully the mother/ daughter turning ten trip 2015.
the rope climbing would turn me off too!