I know. Without that carrot I have floundered. And I keep saying that as long as I maintain the weight I've lost I'm ok. That is fine to a point but how long? All stuff I have struggled through. I guess I still need an external motivator.
I'm going to try to get back into a routine. For me, running wasn't the bulk of my activity. If I'm completely honest I really only ran on Sundays and that was to get my long run in. Kind of sad actually. There is a 5.3 mile loop near me that I would love to be able to run regularly but obviously my fitness level is not there yet.
I know I'm not Chiomaca, but my answer is it depends on your goals. What is more important to you? Don't downplay the awesomeness of running a marathon. Is Boston enough of a motivator? Will you be bummed if you don't BQ in October and then feel that you can't due to Goofy? Do you want the time in the parks or is it just about the races?
I finally got new sneakers yesterday.
They were so comfy. It makes me regret waiting so long! lol
I'm going to make an effort to post daily during the week if my work schedule allows it. You both tell me what I tell myself most of the time. Sometimes I needs someone to kick my butt into gear. The stress in my life is just life really. Illnesses and deaths and then just day to day stuff as a family. It just has been nonstop recently. I know I need to get back to exercising for stress relief. It's just a mental battle.
I understand what you mean about the carrot. Last week when I first thought about signing up for the marathon I had such a good run because I was excited. Why can't you sign up for another Disney race? If you just go just for the weekend of the race, by yourself, it is pretty affordable. Just a thought.
I am glad you didn't gain weight but I am also afraid that as long as you maintain you will not be motivated to move forward. Even though you are still not at your goal.
I went through a negative period over the winter and you always called me out on it. (I mean that in a good way) You never let me make excuses and yet you are falling into the same pattern. There is no question, you have had a tough stretch, just from the stuff you have shared with us. The problem is, you are going to be in a better position to handle it all if you are taking time for yourself and taking care of yourself. It is easy to not do that but you have to fight through. You have to apply all the advice you gave me to yourself.
I didn't mean that your opinion didn't matter. I just mentioned Chiomaca because she has run Goofy. I figured if she told me it was such an awesome race and not to miss out on it that may help make a decision whereas if she said it was no big deal I wouldn't feel bad missing it.
Good news on the new sneakers. Now put them to use.
I have to admit that I do like the running. I hate the first three miles, and the part where I have to go from doing one thing to another (convincing myself to leave the desk, for instance) but once I get going, I'm happy. But I do choose my running routes to make me happy. Running the Naval Base in San Diego is depressing, so I run elsewhere when I'm there. But I love feeling the way my body changes and opens up during the run from my legs loosening up to my lungs opening, it's always a cool feeling to process.
As StayCool said, you need to decide what your goal is. I did Goofy because my friends were doing it and I knew I wanted to test myself. I'd have been just as happy doing the marathon otherwise - and I think if I were to ever try to use it as a BQ, then that's the only thing I would do. Physically it wasn't a huge deal because I went in with the plan to run the half like a race and the full like a fun day in the parks but without the buses to get you from place to place (and more time in Wide World of Sports than I would have spent otherwise...) So, it's do-able, and coming off the earlier marathon, you'll just have to maintain yourpace. I didn't run more than 15 miles between Marine Corps and Goofy - but again, I wasn't training for a desired time. If you want to do the marathon for time, then just do that. If you want the full challenge experience, do Goofy. Take your time, ride the roller coasters, stop and get a margarita in Epcot, take lots of pictures.
I think they key to not injuring yourself with cross fit is not getting pressured to lift more than you can do with good form. I'm pretty good at resisting pressure but if I see them putting that pressure on, I will probably pass on further training with them. I coudn't go on Tuesday, so will hit them today.
Chiomaca, I feel the same way you do. I dread the first 3 miles. When my co-workers say something to make about running a marathon I tell them it is easier than a 5K and they laugh at me. But it's kinda true. The first 3 miles are hard. After that, when the muscles are warmed up and the breath is regulated, and you get in a flow it becomes fun.
I think if you go into the Crossfit with the right expectation you will be fine.
As for my decision. I actually had an answer before you both responded this morning. But, you helped me confirm it. I spent some time thinking last night. My goals are simple, to get to Disney. That's goal #1. I love it there and it makes me happy. Goal #2 is to experience Marathon weekend and see what it is like. I picture it being so fun. ToT was a blast and this is bigger. So, either choice is a good choice based on those goals. I know my wife will give me a hard time if I go so that may backfire but it doesn't really matter which race I pick.
So, I am going to go with the marathon. If I had signed up for Goofy through RunDisney it would be different because I could bargain shop for lodging. Through the travel providers I have less options and have to pick one. And they don't even know what their inventory is yet and won't know for a month. If they only have deluxe I have to do that. So, I will go for the one race, have more park time, and with the savings doing it on my own I may splurge on a nicer hotel or rent DVC.
As for the BQ issue. I am no longer worried about it. I wanted to BQ because I didn't think I could raise the money to run for charity. I just want to run the race and hang a Boston Marathon medal on my wall. If I do BQ, great. If I don't qualify in October (which isn't looking promising) but I am close I will try it again at WDW. If I am not close I will go to WDW and have a blast, take pics, run for fun, and just take it all in.
So, that's the plan. I'm sure the wife will try to throw a wrench in it but at least I have a plan now.
Thanks for the responses though, it helped.
I woke up stuffy with achy joints. Today was a planned day off anyway but as long as I feel good tomorrow I am back at it.
Which is so funny to say considering a year ago I couldn't run a mile.
I know I've been MIA for so long you probably thought I forgot about you but I didn't! I still think about you guys all the time but it's hard to come in here and post when I have nothing positive to say. So I keep it to myself. This year has just been ridiculous stress-wise. Starting at Christmas last year and up until now it just seems that there is constantly something bad happening around me (to my family). Every time I think it is over, there is something else just waiting around the corner. So I'm just trying to keep moving forward and deal with it as best I can.
