Confessions of a reluctant runner, a DL 1/2 & PHM PTR. 7/5 race recaps and final thoughts

[KatMark]

I am trying to go do the recap on my TR and "welcome" those who have joined my PTR, but after beig gone for the weekend, I wanted to catch up with others first if I could.

I love Vegas. But only when I'm there for pleasure (I hated Mark's business trips). And I certainly here where you are coming from with the smoking (and that coming from this smoker who quit just a little over two months ago).

Where did you stay in Vegas? Gorgeous room and view.

 

[IheartDDuck]

You guys will be walking into Epcot at 9am. I'll still be running.

I know, the page count totally screwed me up! I was so confused.

Nice upgrade! I haven't been to Vegas in a few years. That's amazing that you had a view of the Bellagio fountains. Absolutely beautiful.

You mentioned it, but I was totally thinking "that is the largest bowl of yogurt I've ever seen....."

 

[PrincessInOz]

9 days? It's coming up fast.

That view looks great. An actual outdoor balcony in Vegas? Wow! You totally scored.
Huge bowl of yoghurt. Did you manage to eat it all???

 

[afwdwfan]

The good news for the week?

I managed to get through the dreaded 8/12 combo weekend without dying.

Congratulations! I'm glad you survived!

I am actually sore today for the first time since…umm….not sure! A “good” sore but it’s still odd. I also did get 2 teeny tiny blisters in the old callus/bunion area. This is a DRAMATIC improvement from last summer and is probably partially due to those heels for so many days. Still. I am glad I have a much less rigorous set of runs in front of me to let them calm down.

Well, I'm glad that it isn't a bad sore... but I hope the blisters calm down before the big run.

funny thing happened on my work trip. First of all, it was in Vegas. I HATE Vegas. I really do. It just brings out ick in people that I don’t want to see, especially clients. And because it does, they play hard and don’t really attend things all that well, making the business aspect of it less than desirable for much of the time. And then there is the smoke.

I can totally relate to that. It is a beautiful city... but I've been once and I don't exactly have a strong urge to go back. The good things in that down are incredible, but the less desirable elements of it... well, they're right out front and center as well.

Seriously. A BALCONY in Vegas, overlooking THE part of the strip, including the Bellagio Fountains!

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, that is a nice score! Incredible view!

A fun thing about this run. While I was running I was contemplating what I wanted to do for my birthday evening. I also was thinking about a medal rack I'd seen and am probably going to get after PHM. This is the rack

That's awesome.

9 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I better get busy! I have costume parts to finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck!

 

[Pinkocto]

8 Days!!!!!!


Very cool view of the fountains

Not so cool about the creepy guy

$50 to get your room? No thanks!

Sorry about the birthday run but glad you had fun birthday dinner with your man.

 

[Chilly]

Now that is a view!

 

[eandesmom]

I agree.

NICE!!!!
Were you at the Belliagio or next door? I tell you, the fact that you are NOT in Disney slaps you in the face when you try to check in somewhere else and
a- your room is not ready and you are all but scolded for even trying.
b- they won't even let you check in but tell to come back later and you have to ask if there is somewhere you can put your luggage. ( happened to me in New Orleans)
c- They want you to pay for an upgrade to give you a room.
d- They don't tell you have a magical day ....at all.

Next door at The Cosmpolitan. I don't think Bellagio has balconies. I've never actually stayed there though. Yep, no magical day vibes at ALL!

I am trying to go do the recap on my TR and "welcome" those who have joined my PTR, but after beig gone for the weekend, I wanted to catch up with others first if I could.

I love Vegas. But only when I'm there for pleasure (I hated Mark's business trips). And I certainly here where you are coming from with the smoking (and that coming from this smoker who quit just a little over two months ago).

Where did you stay in Vegas? Gorgeous room and view.

I was at The Cosmpolitan. It was a gorgeous room. Weird though. Almost had a full kitchen...but no dishes in it. No drawers to put clothing in. Just odd. Very cool tub though that had the same view as the balcony!

Congrats on the quitting smoking!!!! I actually thought of you as I wrote that post and what happy news that you have quit, I didn't know. That is wonderful.

You guys will be walking into Epcot at 9am. I'll still be running.

I know, the page count totally screwed me up! I was so confused.

Nice upgrade! I haven't been to Vegas in a few years. That's amazing that you had a view of the Bellagio fountains. Absolutely beautiful.

You mentioned it, but I was totally thinking "that is the largest bowl of yogurt I've ever seen....."

Yeah, the page count thing is wierd! I still have no idea. You won't be running a whole lot past that, we have a head start simply based on corral releases so that doesn't help. You are going to rock this and I can't wait to celebrate with you.

Can you believe the size of that yogurt? and amazingly yes I did eat the whole thing. It was absolutely incredible and they it included actual berries and granola, it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!

9 days? It's coming up fast.

That view looks great. An actual outdoor balcony in Vegas? Wow! You totally scored.
Huge bowl of yoghurt. Did you manage to eat it all???

I did eat the whole thing, I couldn't believe it either but it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good, some of the best yogurt I've ever had to be honest. I have never seen an outdoor balcony in vegas before. It completely spoiled me. I only walked through the casino once on the first day to get to my elevator tower, cut through on other floors after that and was able to be outside without really "being" outside on the strip. Made it much more palatable to be sure! It was chilly at times, I had a blanket out there with me.

Congratulations! I'm glad you survived!

Me too!

Well, I'm glad that it isn't a bad sore... but I hope the blisters calm down before the big run.

They are better and were tiny. Still a bit there but I am fairly sure they will be a non issue on the big day which will be a dramatic improvement to be sure.

I can totally relate to that. It is a beautiful city... but I've been once and I don't exactly have a strong urge to go back. The good things in that down are incredible, but the less desirable elements of it... well, they're right out front and center as well.

yes they are.

Wow, that is a nice score! Incredible view!

MAJOR score, it really made the week so much better, I can't even begin to tell you how much it helped! Spoiled now though.

8 Days!!!!!!

I am SO ready and yet SO not! LOL!

Very cool view of the fountains

Not so cool about the creepy guy

$50 to get your room? No thanks!

Sorry about the birthday run but glad you had fun birthday dinner with your man.

He was more pathetic than creepy but I wasn't in the mood for dealing with it. The view really really helped! I'm just glad that weekend of running is OVER lol. This one will be much nicer I think. Well, depending on the weather, I did get really lucky with that aspect last weekend.

 

[eandesmom]

Now that is a view!

Isn't that? Almost makes Vegas look like a great place to go!

 

[MEK]

That view is so gorgeous, both night and day.

You are going to kill this 1/2 marathon. I wish I could keep a 10:30 pace for the whole race, but I am so afraid I won't finish that I just slow myself down.

On the bright side I have gotten my treadmill 5K time down to 8:48 pace. And a 5K on the treadmill is nothing anymore. Before I know it, it's over. I probably should be doing what you are doing by pushing the pace faster and then walking, but I like what I'm doing and I'm going to try to get the pace down to 8:45 on my next short treadmill run.

Not sure what is going to happen this weekend. It's going to be recordly cold this weekend. Saturday will be the warmer of the two days, so if its tolerable I will do 5 or 6 outside. If its freezing I'll do 5 inside and see if I can go for a 9:30 pace.

I am NOT surprised you are sore. That's a lot of running. I did 6 on the treadmill and 12 outside two weekends ago and I felt like crap after that. It was too much probably.

 

[eandesmom]

That view is so gorgeous, both night and day.

You are going to kill this 1/2 marathon. I wish I could keep a 10:30 pace for the whole race, but I am so afraid I won't finish that I just slow myself down.

It's a mental game, we are all our own worst enemies there for sure! So you slow yourself down on purpose earlier in the long run to make sure you can finish? Dude even if you ran a 10m mile or whatever for 10 miles and walked the last 3 at a 20 min pace and took a bazillion pictures you'd finish. Not that you would do that but you WILL finish, in good time, and don't let yourself think otherwise.

And then we will go have a feast with PRINCESSES!

On the bright side I have gotten my treadmill 5K time down to 8:48 pace. And a 5K on the treadmill is nothing anymore. Before I know it, it's over. I probably should be doing what you are doing by pushing the pace faster and then walking, but I like what I'm doing and I'm going to try to get the pace down to 8:45 on my next short treadmill run.

And that is a LOT faster than I could ever do a full 5k on the treadmill or on a training run. I couldn't get my 4 mile tempo run under 9, fastest I've ever had on a 5k is one race which was an aborted 10k so I'm not sure that counts, the other 5K I had was under 9 but not by much. I have a 3mile tempo on Sat, it will be interesting to see where that comes in at. Bear in mind what I am pushing is much shorter intervals: quarter, half and full miles. Not a 5k.

I swear to god I think I'm going to die on that stupid treadmill when I have to run a full mile at a time. 3.1 miles straight? The thought gives me hives.

Not sure what is going to happen this weekend. It's going to be recordly cold this weekend. Saturday will be the warmer of the two days, so if its tolerable I will do 5 or 6 outside. If its freezing I'll do 5 inside and see if I can go for a 9:30 pace.

I bet you can

I am NOT surprised you are sore. That's a lot of running. I did 6 on the treadmill and 12 outside two weekends ago and I felt like crap after that. It was too much probably.

Thankfully it didn't last long. Or at least it mostly didn't last. I was a bit stiff on Monday and it was gone on Tuesday except...

my ankle isn't exactly thrilled with me.

And last nights speedwork, outside in the dark instead of on the treadmill, didn't seem to help it any. Good thing it was short (3x800) but still. It's twingy today which is not good. I am very glad I have lighter runs scheduled and may not push it as much if it seems cranky still. We will see.

 

[eandesmom]

1 day until I leave, 5 days until I run through a castle.

Again!

It’s been a crazy week, I can’t believe it’s only Tuesday!

LAST training recap.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: Gym. Attempted to do speedwork on the treadmill and get it over with and bailed, far too hot in there, was NOT into it it all.

Wednesday: Speedwork. Outside. In the DARK! This was interesting. Jeff has a semi green light (he is totally running more than he is supposed but it’s gone ok so far. It was really nice to be outside and really weird to run in the dark again, it’s been months. As a result it was just…awkward. When I first thought about attempting this outside versus the treadmill I though I had the perfect measured route to use. Except, it was dark. Our club closes at dusk so we have to park at a nearby park instead, that completely changes the route!

The first set, my headlamp was bouncing all over the place (strap had come loose while it was just sitting in my basket apparently?) so had to stop and fix that. While I was doing the second one the phone rang. Had to call back in between the intervals to resolve and Eric/Technical challenge/Computer/Boy scout issue that was time sensitive. Got the other two done but between the darkness and trying to watch the distance plus the fact that the route changed needed up including some underpasses (slight hill back up) and general night running not feeling as sure footed, it wasn't my best attempt. My ankle bugged me a little too.

3x800 (3 half mile sets) at an average pace of 8:18.

Thursday: Work trip, rest day

Friday: Work trip but got home early enough we hit the gym.

Saturday: 3 mile tempo run. Apparently Mary Ellen lit a little bit of a competitive fire with her super fast 5k treadmill runs. This was a PR (personal record)run for me 3.01 miles at 25:44 or a 8:33 pace. I did not make it to the gym at all this day for other reasons which will be mentioned shortly.

Sunday: 6 mile long run. Nothing earth shattering here. 6 miles at 57:58 or a 9:40 pace. Supposed to be slower and easier and it was. I tried a gel before the run to see what I thought and...meh. LOL! I really have no idea what I'll use on race day, it is possible that I won't use anyting. Again I did not make it to the gym. Which, I really should have. Ankle is..ok. I definitely noticed it over the weekend but today it seems ok. I suspect I just pushed it with the 20 miles in 2 days and it was protesting. Not a different sore, it just took me aback a bit as it had been completely ache free.

In exciting news though, (well to me anyway) I did finally go to the doctor a week ago and they put me on a totally different rx and regiment for my skin allergy issues. The new stuff works SOOOOOOOOO much better! My skin is NOT on fire! Excited to see how it does in FL with the humidity, even more excited that the main rash area that had flared up, is now completely healed.

Other things that have been going on.

My parents sold their house! THANK GOODNESS! This has been a LOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGG saga that started back in July with an injury to my fathers knees. I have spent, as have my kids and siblings, most of the fall helping get them moved and dealing with 37 years of stuff . The sheer volume has been mind boggling. Selling is very very good news on pretty much every level. However, it was pretty short notice. They sold to a flipper which means a uber fast close. They called Thursday and the boys spent much of Saturday helping with goodwill runs. I couldn't help, other than drive them back and forth.

Why?

I had work to do!

Want a clue?

Nothing like waiting until the 11th hour. In my defense, while I have had the supplies for almost a month, I’ve had to add some additional supplies twice now. Once simply as I hadn’t thought of it and the second, because I didn’t buy enough of something. And lastly….I really REALLY needed new fabric only scissors. That sparkly stuff? Is slippery as all get out let me tell you!. Finding time to run to the fabric store and then work on the project was a bit of a challenge until this weekend. Speaking of work trips, lest you all think they are super glamorous based on those Vegas pictures…check this out. This is how I roll, solo.

Yep. Glamorous! The red bag is mine, the rest...all work stuff.

When my mom brought the boys back, she brought me a valentine. Well actually she brought all kinds of stuff from the house for me but this was a surprise and a huge treat.

I have a snowglobe collection as it is that comes out at xmas but this, this is on my windowsill right now! And really, it IS more special to me because I've run through that castle.

And then of course it was Valentines so I enjoyed a lovely evening out with Jeff.
Sunday, other than my run, was completely eaten up with a youth group fundraising lunch for the boys, grocery shopping, laundry and PACKING!

Ok that’s not entirely true. Before I got to my chores, post run, I did do this. Oh it was LOVELY out, so hard to go inside.

It would appear I am taking a ridiculous amount of things to Florida this trip. The good thing about having status on Alaska is…I can!

I’ve been watching the forecast. As the week went on….race day kept getting warmer

the low moved up

and our arrival day colder

Our arrival day is actually pretty darn cool. Colder than it will be at home, though luckily it looks like it will be raining here and lovely there. No pool on Thursday that’s for sure! However with a forecast that goes from lows of 32 (and with landing at 4:40am, it could be at that low!) to 80…well, it requires options! I really do hope that the temp (at least the low) goes down a bit for Sunday. 59 degrees is warmer than I’d like. I won’t need to worry about being cold in the corrals but I had hoped for slightly cooler. Still, it could be a LOT worse either way. That is of course assuming the forecast holds.

It is Florida.

5 days until I do this. I can’t wait! look...Bubbles! (and no, I didn't notice them at the time either!)

Yeah, the smile stops a bit after the mat huh.

Do you think I will notice if there are characters at the finish line this time?

Probably not. I kind of like my middle of the mat strategy, it did mean I got a ton of pictures

1 day!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope today is better than yesterday (although I did get my little costume project DONE so that was huge). I rolled out my new website at work late on Friday, yesterday was triage day. Hopefully that's all taken care of as I have some significant work to get done before hopping on that plane! In not so fun news, I am fairly sure I have a sinus infection. My amazing doc was willing to call in an Rx so hopefully that kicks in by tomorrow or it could be a rough flight. I should be fine for the race though. Poor Evan was sick all day yesterday, we will be chatting with the doc today as it's likely from some medicine, which means they may change it and then Jeff will have to oversee while I am gone, boo. Not boo on Jeff mind you but I have a feeling I'll be getting a lot of texts and calls. Not to mention another trip to the pharmacy today!

Last pre-trip run is tonight and then a short one on friday, at Fort Wilderness!

I will likely be online a bit through tomorrow night and will definitely be updating on FB while we are there. Not sure about the DIS as it's a bit odd with the phone I think but I'll be around I am sure. LOTS of DIS meets planned!

 

[KatMark]

Have a marvelous trip and enjoy your run through the castle. I'm having dinner with Danielle when she comes back and can't wait to hear all about it from her and from you and MEK.

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Have fun! I know you'll do great!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I know what your costumes are!!!!! At least I'm pretty sure and if I'm wrong we can just out me out of my misery later. I'm sitting in the airport currently waiting to board my plane. Can't wait to see everyone and run this 1/2!

 

[eandesmom]

Have a marvelous trip and enjoy your run through the castle. I'm having dinner with Danielle when she comes back and can't wait to hear all about it from her and from you and MEK.

I can't wait to see her and the whole gang!

Have fun! I know you'll do great!

Thanks Matt!

I know what your costumes are!!!!! At least I'm pretty sure and if I'm wrong we can just out me out of my misery later. I'm sitting in the airport currently waiting to board my plane. Can't wait to see everyone and run this 1/2!

I have another clue but am going to wait to post that until we are a tiny bit closer. Can't wait to see you! Need to surrvive the next 24 hours and then I'll be headed to the airport myself. Nothing like a 2 hour budget meeting in the morning to start vacation off right.

 

[MEK]

When my coworker told me the expected temps for sunday I said "waahhhhhhh". I want the cold day. I am serious. I am too used to the cold. My coworkers think I'm crazy, but I have a hard time readjusting my thermostat to spring.

Happy travels. I am almost packed. I have all those annoying last minute details to take care of tomorrow and thursday.

Post lots of pics please.

 

[Poolrat]

Safe flights to everyone and I can't wait to see everyone. I do notice how warm Sunday is. I hope everyone gets a cool low humidity morning.

 

[eandesmom]

When my coworker told me the expected temps for sunday I said "waahhhhhhh". I want the cold day. I am serious. I am too used to the cold. My coworkers think I'm crazy, but I have a hard time readjusting my thermostat to spring.

Happy travels. I am almost packed. I have all those annoying last minute details to take care of tomorrow and thursday.

Post lots of pics please.

I want cold too! Although admittedly not 29 cold lol.

I have a crazy amount of stuff before our flight, we will see what I can really pull off. Business as usual lol!

Safe flights to everyone and I can't wait to see everyone. I do notice how warm Sunday is. I hope everyone gets a cool low humidity morning.

one can hope for low humidity but it IS Florida lol! See you soon!!!!

 

[Woth2982]

Yay!! So glad everything has come together for you. Congrats on selling your parents house! That must be a huge relief, although getting out quickly is never fun. I have so many friends moving right now, which is weird because it never happens in the winter here. However it works for me as one of my Marathon fundraisers is a clothing drive and people are more than willing to purge all their unwanted items. My guest room looks like a recycling center!

I THINK I know what your costumes are! Love the colors! So exciting you are so close to running through the castle! I go back and forth on my feelings of it. I was looking at my medal wall last night and just got sad I won't have a new shiny medal on Sunday morning. I may get out to watch the race, but similar to how Anne's husband felt, it may be too hard. I think I am going to sign up for Avengers though in November. My foot should be healed completely by then! I also think I am going to pick up my number, it was too late to defer and I want my t-shirt. I paid $120 for it! Plus I want to buy some of those no rise running shorts for the Marathon.

I am however looking forward to leaving Boston for a few days. My patio in inaccessible, I can no longer find my patio furniture or grill, I have some ice dams forming on my roof, and my gas vent, which is 5.5 feet off the ground has had to be dug out twice! I have to hang out the window to do it since the snow bank makes it impossible to get to it! I did get two new puppies last week so I will miss being able to take them this weekend, but I need to get out of here lol.

Looking forward to trying to meet up with you guys Sunday night!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Have fun storming the castle! And good luck with the race!