A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

[BigEeyore]

I get bothered by...not sure how to put this...the "culture" of Dopey. I feel like there are some who train for/complete it and they just cannot shut up about it - like "I'm SO crazy" and "I'm SO bad@$$" etc. etc. And while those things are true, I just feel like some people take it to the extreme bragging about it, and then you get the attitude that Dopey is the only event that matters. That bothers me, not sure why, but it does. Probably goes back to what I said above about wanting people to remember that EVERY event matters.

Now that I've done Dopey, which I never thought I could actually do, I think it would be difficult to be there for marathon weekend and NOT be doing all 4 races. At Star Wars last weekend, we didn't do the 5K, and I had so much regret and felt like I was missing out. But I agree that every event is an accomplishment in and of itself, and I admire the person doing their first 5K as much as the one doing their first Dopey. It's all relative.

 

[Dis5150]

I get bothered by...not sure how to put this...the "culture" of Dopey. I feel like there are some who train for/complete it and they just cannot shut up about it - like "I'm SO crazy" and "I'm SO bad@$$" etc. etc. And while those things are true, I just feel like some people take it to the extreme bragging about it, and then you get the attitude that Dopey is the only event that matters. That bothers me, not sure why, but it does. Probably goes back to what I said above about wanting people to remember that EVERY event matters.

I totally agree! We have decided to do JUST the full instead of Goofy and kind of feel like the forgotten step-child when I mention what we are doing! I have only been running for a year and will be running my first marathon in September, so I feel like a full marathon is a HUGE accomplishment all by itself! Would I like to do Dopey? Sure! Maybe next year (along with everyone and their brother!) but I don't like feeling like less than everyone else because I'm only doing the full. I also felt that way at Princess when the DJ's asked people if they were JUST doing the half instead of the GSC. I think every race matters too!

 

[Ariel484]

Now that I've done Dopey, which I never thought I could actually do, I think it would be difficult to be there for marathon weekend and NOT be doing all 4 races. At Star Wars last weekend, we didn't do the 5K, and I had so much regret and felt like I was missing out. But I agree that every event is an accomplishment in and of itself, and I admire the person doing their first 5K as much as the one doing their first Dopey. It's all relative.

I thought it would be as well, and maybe I'll regret it when I actually get there in January...but for now I'm okay with Goofy and not Dopey. I don't know why that is exactly. I do think I may regret not running the 10K more, I really like that course.

I totally agree! We have decided to do JUST the full instead of Goofy and kind of feel like the forgotten step-child when I mention what we are doing! I have only been running for a year and will be running my first marathon in September, so I feel like a full marathon is a HUGE accomplishment all by itself! Would I like to do Dopey? Sure! Maybe next year (along with everyone and their brother!) but I don't like feeling like less than everyone else because I'm only doing the full. I also felt that way at Princess when the DJ's asked people if they were JUST doing the half instead of the GSC. I think every race matters too!

Yeah, see...that's crappy to me! I feel like some that sign up for Dopey go out of their way to mention it over and over because they want that extra praise for it - it almost becomes such an ego thing, but then do they return the favor for people that have signed up for other events?

That's AWESOME that you're doing a marathon after just a year of running! I never could have done that...it took me 4 years to get there!

I HATE that the DJs do that too...I feel like it's them wanting to make sure to recognize everyone, but surely there is a better way to say it.

 

[Mimsy Borogove]

I get bothered by...not sure how to put this...the "culture" of Dopey. I feel like there are some who train for/complete it and they just cannot shut up about it - like "I'm SO crazy" and "I'm SO bad@$$" etc. etc. And while those things are true, I just feel like some people take it to the extreme bragging about it, and then you get the attitude that Dopey is the only event that matters. That bothers me, not sure why, but it does. Probably goes back to what I said above about wanting people to remember that EVERY event matters.

I ran Dopey this year and I totally agree. I approached each day as a new one and was most intimidated by the marathon because it was my first (why I did it as part of Dopey, I cannot say) and really didn't feel like a bad@$$ just because of a series of races. My first rD race was the 5K during Princess in 2013 and that was a big deal to me at the time (not realizing that it wouldn't be timed) and felt a little discouraged by the announcers making a big deal about the people running the 5K and the half marathon (this was pre-GSC), because at the time I didn't think a half marathon was in the cards for me. So even though it was my first real 5K, it ever so briefly made it feel like it wasn't a big deal. But then the starting fireworks went off and I forgot about it.

It's sort of the same culture of walking around the parks post-race with "only" a half marathon medal on and people with the challenge medals kind of look down on your mere 13.1 mile accomplishment. Not all challengers do this, but a lot really seem to - luckily, I've reached the stage in my life where I don't really care!

If you can complete a half, I think you can complete a marathon. The tough part is committing yourself to actually training for it.

Agree with this. My twin-in-law (who is literally twice as fast as me) told me that the marathon is the victory lap to your hard work in training.

THIS, exactly. If you train well for a marathon, Dopey is doable (heck, that's how I trained for it - using a beginner marathon training plan).

But yeah...those wake-ups are killer.

Yep! My very first marathon was part of Dopey! And totally agree on those wake-up times. By the fourth morning, we were DONE!

 

[LindseyJo22]

OMG right?? I am really more proud of myself for training for and completing that first 5K (because it was something I NEVER thought I would do) so I really can't stand it when they put SO much emphasis on the challenges at the expense of the other races - because I'm sure there are many people there like me who are doing their first 5K, and it's a huge accomplishment for them. So to hear "only the 5K/10K/half marathon/marathon" because they aren't doing Dopey just makes me mad!

That bothers me, not sure why, but it does. Probably goes back to what I said above about wanting people to remember that EVERY event matters.

I'm just going to add on my agreement here - I'm training for my first 10k, and for me that is a huge accomplishment. I ran a 5k years ago and I never thought I'd get back into running. I'm planning on running Princess in 2017 if I get in, and that will be crazy. I'm excited about it, but after all the people running the challenge it does kind of seem like it's not as big of a deal to a lot of people. While I totally know that it is a big deal, and it will be a big deal to me, it's somewhat frustrating to hear that there is so much focus on the challenges. Every race matters, and it's an accomplishment no matter what the distance! I never thought I'd do another 5k, and I'm signed up for one on Saturday I never thought I'd even consider something like a half, and here I am planning for it. But if I never did anything beyond a few miles here or there I'd still be happy that I was accomplishing something.

Anyway, ramble over

 

[ZellyB]

Joining into the hallelujah chorus! I think Disney partly pumps up the challenges because they bring in a lot more $$$$. People who might not run the other races are more willing to do them for the sake of the extra bling. That's why I'm planning it for 2018. I honestly don't see myself doing Dopey more than once.

Frankly this year our plan was to do "just" the marathon because that's the race I love the most at Disney. It was totally the fact that it's an anniversary year for the half that suckered us into Goofy. Since I have an anniversary medal for Mickey and Goofy, I just felt compelled to get one for Donald. #sucker

Lastly, I agree that the real challenge to these challenges is more the early wake-up than anything else. I remember reading on here before we did Goofy that people said, "If you can do a marathon, you can do Goofy" and I thought, "Yeah, right." But, ya know, it's true. If you've put in the time and mileage to complete a marathon, it's only minimal more time and effort to manage Goofy and, I'm guessing, Dopey.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

Have you done an event at Marathon Weekend yet? I really do think it's my favorite runDisney race weekend - I just feel like there's sort of a buzz and vibe that you don't get with the other weekends because it's just a little bigger (as in, more events, more people participating, etc.). And the marathon is great because it goes through all 4 parks (let's not talk about ESPN Wide World of Sports ). And really, that experience of running through the parks and getting that entertainment is, I think, the only thing that could motivate me to actually do the training needed to complete a marathon (probably explains why I have signed up for local ones but then end up dropping down to a shorter distance...).

If you can complete a half, I think you can complete a marathon. The tough part is committing yourself to actually training for it.

I have not, but I would love to someday. But out of all the race weekends, Marathon Weekend would be the hardest to make happen due to working in a school and being tied to a school schedule (it's always during what is the first week back to school following Winter Break - not a time to be requesting a day off). Doing any race in general is hard enough since I only get one personal day per year. But who knows where I'll be in a couple years and what my situation will be. I don't hate my current job, but it's been tough this year and I'm kind of in a state of uncertainty as to how long I want to continue and where to go from here. But anyway, I totally agree that the Disney experience is a motivating factor and it's the only thing that is even making me consider a marathon. We'll see!

I still have yet to complete my first half marathon since it was supposed to be Wine and Dine and we all know how that turned out. Hopefully I will finally accomplish that mission in June with the local race I'm signed up for. I definitely would not sign up for a full marathon until a half happens.

 

[emilyindisney]

Almost time for Tink! Sending you good vibes! I'm way behind here so I'm not sure- did they offer deferrals yet? Seems positive that they did end up offering them for SWDS!

This year will be a great year to do Goofy! I've been tempted myself but I think I'm sticking strong to 'just' the marathon. I cannot wait to swoon over yours, and Zelly's half bling- should be great!

 

[Ariel484]

I ran Dopey this year and I totally agree. I approached each day as a new one and was most intimidated by the marathon because it was my first (why I did it as part of Dopey, I cannot say) and really didn't feel like a bad@$$ just because of a series of races. My first rD race was the 5K during Princess in 2013 and that was a big deal to me at the time (not realizing that it wouldn't be timed) and felt a little discouraged by the announcers making a big deal about the people running the 5K and the half marathon (this was pre-GSC), because at the time I didn't think a half marathon was in the cards for me. So even though it was my first real 5K, it ever so briefly made it feel like it wasn't a big deal. But then the starting fireworks went off and I forgot about it.

Oh, I agree - once the race starts I forget about it, too. I still get annoyed when they do it though!

It's sort of the same culture of walking around the parks post-race with "only" a half marathon medal on and people with the challenge medals kind of look down on your mere 13.1 mile accomplishment. Not all challengers do this, but a lot really seem to - luckily, I've reached the stage in my life where I don't really care!

I totally know what you mean! Like...I wonder if people will look at me like, "oh, just Goofy, not Dopey?" Eh, whatever.

Agree with this. My twin-in-law (who is literally twice as fast as me) told me that the marathon is the victory lap to your hard work in training.

I have read that before, and I love it! The training is definitely the toughest part for me!

Yep! My very first marathon was part of Dopey! And totally agree on those wake-up times. By the fourth morning, we were DONE!

OMG - by dinner the night of the 10K I was DONE. Dinner that night/waking up for the half was when I felt the worst over the weekend. The good thing is that being that tired is what finally got me to go to bed at a decent hour the night before the marathon, and then on Sunday morning I woke up feeling fresh as a daisy!

I'm just going to add on my agreement here - I'm training for my first 10k, and for me that is a huge accomplishment.

That is AWESOME!!

I ran a 5k years ago and I never thought I'd get back into running. I'm planning on running Princess in 2017 if I get in, and that will be crazy. I'm excited about it, but after all the people running the challenge it does kind of seem like it's not as big of a deal to a lot of people. While I totally know that it is a big deal, and it will be a big deal to me, it's somewhat frustrating to hear that there is so much focus on the challenges. Every race matters, and it's an accomplishment no matter what the distance! I never thought I'd do another 5k, and I'm signed up for one on Saturday I never thought I'd even consider something like a half, and here I am planning for it. But if I never did anything beyond a few miles here or there I'd still be happy that I was accomplishing something.

Anyway, ramble over

I mean, it's not like constant hero worship for the challengers or anything, but I do feel like the MCs mention it enough that it's a little much, ya know?

Back to you running Princess as your first half - great choice! That was my first half marathon as well. One piece of advice, because this is the one thing that I remember almost doing me in during the race - pay close attention to the slope of the road. I wasn't doing that and I started getting some major IT Band pain by mile 10...I was running with my brother and he was feeling it too, in the same side as I was, so I'm blaming the road on that one (and, let's be honest, I wasn't in as good of shape then). I've run that course twice since then (it's the same course as the WDW Half in January) and I've been, like, laser-focused on the roads after that first time. And let me tell you - I felt like SUCH a bad@$$ conquering 13.1 miles, and I know you will too. Really a great first half marathon for you to pick.

Joining into the hallelujah chorus! I think Disney partly pumps up the challenges because they bring in a lot more $$$$. People who might not run the other races are more willing to do them for the sake of the extra bling. That's why I'm planning it for 2018. I honestly don't see myself doing Dopey more than once.

GREAT POINT!!

I probably wouldn't do it in 2018 if it wasn't for the anniversary (because today I'm back to thinking Dopey for 2018 and not 10K + marathon). What really made me do it in 2015 was that I was already planning on Goofy, and then I wanted the Minnie medal...so why not do the 5K as well?

Frankly this year our plan was to do "just" the marathon because that's the race I love the most at Disney. It was totally the fact that it's an anniversary year for the half that suckered us into Goofy. Since I have an anniversary medal for Mickey and Goofy, I just felt compelled to get one for Donald. #sucker

Seriously, exactly the same for me. That and this injury that I had - it was sort of a #treatyoself moment deciding to sign up for Goofy for me.

Lastly, I agree that the real challenge to these challenges is more the early wake-up than anything else. I remember reading on here before we did Goofy that people said, "If you can do a marathon, you can do Goofy" and I thought, "Yeah, right." But, ya know, it's true. If you've put in the time and mileage to complete a marathon, it's only minimal more time and effort to manage Goofy and, I'm guessing, Dopey.

It's totally true. And I think another challenge beyond the wake-ups is sort of planning the weekend out a little more...like being more conscious of how much you're walking in the parks, taking the earlier races easy (in my case, at least, since I never try to PR at Disney races)...so it's more planning in that regard, I guess. But I trained just like I'd train for a marathon, with the exception that I shuffled a few days to get some back-to-backs in. But I think that was more of a mental benefit, not sure that it helped me physically or anything. But the mileage I did when I trained for the marathon vs. Goofy vs. Dopey was pretty much the same.

I have not, but I would love to someday. But out of all the race weekends, Marathon Weekend would be the hardest to make happen due to working in a school and being tied to a school schedule (it's always during what is the first week back to school following Winter Break - not a time to be requesting a day off). Doing any race in general is hard enough since I only get one personal day per year. But who knows where I'll be in a couple years and what my situation will be. I don't hate my current job, but it's been tough this year and I'm kind of in a state of uncertainty as to how long I want to continue and where to go from here. But anyway, I totally agree that the Disney experience is a motivating factor and it's the only thing that is even making me consider a marathon. We'll see!

My husband is a teacher, so I totally get the lack of time off (though he gets 3 personal days...1 seems harsh!).

I still have yet to complete my first half marathon since it was supposed to be Wine and Dine and we all know how that turned out. Hopefully I will finally accomplish that mission in June with the local race I'm signed up for. I definitely would not sign up for a full marathon until a half happens.

Oh, what happened with Wine & Dine?! haha, just kidding. I was the same way, I had to complete a 5K before trying a 10K, 10K before a 10-miler, etc. I needed that mental boost, so I totally get what you're saying!

Almost time for Tink! Sending you good vibes! I'm way behind here so I'm not sure- did they offer deferrals yet? Seems positive that they did end up offering them for SWDS!

Woohooo! I can't believe I'll be done with my Tink races 2 weeks from today. It doesn't seem real somehow!

They did open deferrals on Monday around lunchtime...I'm pretty sure they opened them and I had my deferral submitted, like, 5 minutes later! But honestly, it's a good thing because deferrals were FULL by Wednesday afternoon! I'm not sure exactly when they closed, but OH MAN. I am SO thankful someone texted me that they were open, because I very well may have missed it otherwise!

This year will be a great year to do Goofy! I've been tempted myself but I think I'm sticking strong to 'just' the marathon. I cannot wait to swoon over yours, and Zelly's half bling- should be great!

Honestly, they always do whatever with the anniversary bling, but the marathon medal has consistently been my favorite. You just cannot beat a Mickey medal, in my opinion.

 

[cavepig]

Glad your training is go well for Tink! Each race weekend I get excited for even when I'm not there, it's just so fun to see posts/pics from the weekends! So, yes I'm already awaiting your Tink trip report!!!

I agree with the DJs emphasizing too much on challenges, in 2015 during the full it was "go Goofy's", "go Dopey's" but I didn't here go marathoners, & I remember distinctly a DJ in studios doing that?!?! But this year, 2016, I didn't pick up on as much of that, maybe I just tuned it out or maybe they actually were better about what they said.

I hope to do the marathon again in 2018, I know I'll be missing it big time in 2017, I need major redemption with it! I think I'm the only one who doesn't mind all the early wake-ups it seems!!!
Here's to Good last runs into your final weeks to Tink!

 

[Ariel484]

Glad your training is go well for Tink! Each race weekend I get excited for even when I'm not there, it's just so fun to see posts/pics from the weekends! So, yes I'm already awaiting your Tink trip report!!!

Haha, that's very glass half-full of you. I'm the total opposite - I HATE seeing pictures from race weekends that I'm not a part of. It makes me jealous! I probably need to work on that.

I agree with the DJs emphasizing too much on challenges, in 2015 during the full it was "go Goofy's", "go Dopey's" but I didn't here go marathoners, & I remember distinctly a DJ in studios doing that?!?! But this year, 2016, I didn't pick up on as much of that, maybe I just tuned it out or maybe they actually were better about what they said.

I just need to be better about tuning it out like you said...I think we all agree that it's an issue, and I know it's not like they're slighting people on purpose. It's so annoying though!!

I hope to do the marathon again in 2018, I know I'll be missing it big time in 2017, I need major redemption with it! I think I'm the only one who doesn't mind all the early wake-ups it seems!!!

AH, you totally do!! And no condiments bar!!

Normally I don't mind the early wake-ups, but it throws me when it's part of a challenge. I guess that's what I get for signing up for them!

Here's to Good last runs into your final weeks to Tink!

THANKS!

 

[Ariel484]

Tinker Bell 15K Training - Week 7
Monday, April 18 - Sunday, April 24, 2016
10.5 miles completed!!!

Wrote a novel this week! Oops! I just have so many feeeeelings

Monday, April 18 (lifting)
Monday, Monday, Monday!

Small victory today - I got up about 10 minutes earlier than I normally do. It doesn’t sound like much, but that’s the best I have done in months. As a result, the drive was a little faster and the weight room was actually empty when I arrived!

Literally 1 minute later, 4-5 dudes arrived. Boo!

Good lift today. After my 5-miler I had very slight soreness in my left foot (sort of on the side up by my little toe)...it feels better and doesn’t bother me at all at times, but then sometimes it comes back. Not sure if it’s nerve-related or muscle-related...the numbness is still there on the outside of my foot but I’m hoping that will start to go away soon. Or eventually. Something.

The big news from today is that I was able to defer my Pixie Dust Challenge entry to next year! Such a relief!

Tuesday, April 19 (3-mile run)
Back to the treadmill this morning. Annoying thing happened - I wanted to pause the treadmill a few minutes into the run to adjust something, so I pressed the stop button, and it just ENDED my run. There are separate "pause" and "stop" buttons and apparently I should have pressed pause. I haven't used the "pause" button in months and I guess I just forgot it was there (now that I'm thinking about it more, the same thing happened the last time I wanted to briefly stop my run...6-8 months ago or so?). ARRRRG!

Luckily I did see exactly how far I'd gone once I accidentally ended the run (0.30 miles in, 3:36 time elapsed), so I knew I now needed to go until I hit 2.7 miles...but mentally it really threw me off. Ah well, at least I finished. I upped my running intervals to 2:45 at 10:30/mile pace, which went pretty well. After experiencing a little soreness on the outside of my left foot after Saturday's run, it didn't bother at all today, which was the best part - I was concerned I'd have to cut this run short and possibly skip my next one to rest it. Just a little stiffness, which sort of reminded me of how my lower left leg felt a few weeks back when I was starting back up again. I really hope this is a sign that the numbness in my foot is starting to work itself out!

So anyway...ran for 2.7 more miles wearing the outfit I'm planning on wearing for the Never Land 5K. Total time for the entire run was 35:25, 11:48/mile pace. Not sure why I was so much slower today compared to my other recent runs, I guess because I did the run intervals at 10:30 instead of 10:20? I sort of thought extending the run intervals a bit would make up for that, but apparently not.

Other happenings for today: Goofy registration! Woohooooo!!

Wednesday, April 20 (lifting)
Another day of lifting - it went pretty well today! Feeling good and strong, and my foot isn't bothering me after yesterday's treadmill run. Just the normal weirdness due to the numb feeling. Sigh.

Thursday, April 21 (2-mile run)
So, today was sort of a weird day. I didn't sleep well last night...every once in awhile I have bad nightmares, and last night was one of those nights. Not fun!

Beyond that, the weirdness came in the form of a schedule adjustment. Mr. A is actually out of town this weekend for a baseball-related trip - he and his parents were planning to meet up with a family friend who lives in California, and Kansas City is a great halfway point, so the plan was to go to Royals games each day. Unfortunately, the friend had to cancel at the last minute because his wife is having a bad reaction to some dental work (I didn't get the full story there, but I know it involved some ER trips poor thing!!) so it's just Mr. A and the A-in-laws. SIDENOTE: I forget if I mentioned it, but we were supposed to meet up with this family friend who lives in California while we were there over Christmas. They live 1.5 hours or so south of San Francisco, so originally we were going to stay with them for 1 night in between San Francisco and Disneyland. That didn't happen because the friend's mother-in-law (so the mom of the wife who is now having the dental issues) started declining rapidly health-wise right before we arrived in California. So they were away dealing with that and we ended up not seeing them. These poor people!! I'm thinking that planning on meeting up with us is sort of bad luck for them lately!

What that means for me is that it's just me and Archie for the weekend! Mr. A leaves home later than I do each work day (because I go to the gym early) and also gets home before I do, so he's normally on Archie duty for breakfast and for getting him out in the afternoons after work. Since he's not here, I am adjusting my schedule to make sure the monster pup's life of luxury is in no way interrupted. That is to say...I slept in this morning and dropped him off at doggy camp. If I stick to my normal schedule of gym + work, that leaves the monster at home waaayyyyy too long without a bathroom break! So camp it is - I'll pick him up tomorrow (going to be INCREDIBLY weird being at the house by myself tonight!). He LOVES going to camp so he was pretty excited when I told him he was going this morning.

Camp doesn't open until 6:30, which is too late for me to go to the gym, so I pushed my run to after work. Mr. A left home at about 5:30 this morning to head to the airport...I'll miss him, of course, but I also think it's good for us as a couple to have separate interests and be okay doing separate things once in awhile. i.e. my heading to Disneyland 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! SQUEEEEEE

Anyway - the run (done at 2:45/1:00 intervals). It was sort of a weird one...a tale of two runs, if you will.

Mile 1: 11:17 (normally my watch won't give me mile-by-mile splits, but I could figure them out for this run)

This mile felt TERRIBLE. There's no eloquent way to say it, but there is a Disney-ish way to say it - I was feeling flabby, fat and lazy. Seriously, I just felt like such an out-of-shape blob. It was like sitting at work all day (I really need to actually use the "stand" function of my standing desk) caused my muscles to atrophy or something, and I felt like such a flabby mess. Crazy stiff and not strong at all. Which is interesting since, time-wise, this was a pretty decent mile for me.

Mile 2: 10:11!!! This is why I could figure out the other mile - my watch informed me at the end of the run that this mile was a new record for me, pace-wise. Fastest mile I have run since I bought my FR235 in December.

So once I turned around to head back home, I started to feel better...I think I just needed to get warmed up, maybe? And I'd gotten a glance at my average pace, which was under 11:00/mile...which is almost unheard of for me these days, so I was excited about that. And looking back at my stats later, all of my run intervals were between 9:03/mile and 10:03/mile pace (only 2 of them were above 10:00/mile), which is way closer to where I was pre-injury. So to say that this run feels like some sort of a breakthrough for me is a huge understatement.

Total time: 21:28, 10:42/mile pace

(Temps int he 60s today...the arm sleeves were overkill.)

I know pace isn't everything, but I'd be lying if I said I'm not happy to be seeing those numbers going down (and I'm sure as heck not planning on running this fast for every run that I do - pretty sure I'd keel over and die). Above all, though, I'm just so freaking grateful that I am even able to run again at all. I'm approaching 2 months since I started running again and 4 months since that awful morning in January when I woke up and the nerve issues started, and I really feel like I have come a long way since then! It feels good.

Friday, April 22 (lifting/yoga)
Lifting - fine, nothing really earth-shattering to report there.

Yoga - SO did not want to go today! But I went and actually had a pretty good class. It was weirdly crowded today, but not so much that we were on top of one another. I tried side crow and did it for, like, 1 second...and I didn't face plant. So that's something. I really wish I could do some of those cool arm balances...maybe I'd be better at them if I went to yoga more than once per week on occasion? I can do regular crow pose sometimes, but that's as far as I get. My and my noodle arms!

I felt really good when I was done, so I'm definitely glad that I went!

The rest of my day:

Also...it's Animal Kingdom's birthday today! Here's hoping Avatarland doesn't ruin that beautiful park (I know it won't, it's just one area...I just still don't get why it's going there!)

Saturday, April 23 (5.5-mile run)
Woo! Another week done, and 4 more training runs left until Tink weekend!

Today it was back to pullover + tights weather...even though I was in a tank and shorts just two days ago. Oh, Ohio.

Random aside that will probably not be interesting to anyone: my hair has gotten pretty long lately, and I've been struggling with how to wear it during runs. Normally I do a ponytail + SweatyBand type deal, but it's gotten long enough that sometimes it swings around and whacks me in the face...or I can feel it whipping my shoulders, which is pretty annoying. So today I took a little extra time and braided my hair:

I actually liked it quite a bit and it didn't take very long to do. I like the variation in this article where it ends in a bun instead of a low pony tail (the model in the blue jacket), so I may try that at some point since I'm sure I won't love a low ponytail as it gets warmer out - but today it was like 40 degrees out, so it was fine. Seems like the bun-type look could get to be a lot of work though.

Long hair probs, am I right?

So...I know that was exciting. Now, the run! Weather, like I said, was in the 40s, light wind and overcast. Actually felt pretty decent, which is good because I had SUCH a hard time dragging my butt out the door today because I knew it was cooler outside. Not sure why, in general I prefer running in colder weather vs. warmer weather.

Anyway, I stuck to my 2:45/1:00 intervals and I think I'm ready to move up to 3:00/1:00 on Tuesday. Since this was a longer run I made sure to keep my running intervals way more relaxed compared to Thursday. I think they all ranged from 10:08 - 10:58/mile pace, with most around 10:30/mile. I felt a lot better this week compared to last week's 5-miler, and again, I made a huge effort not to look at my watch during the run - just follow the intervals. So I was surprised at the end to see that my total time was 1:03:43, 11:35/mile pace - exactly the same as last week. I thought for sure I was a little faster today...ah well.

Sidenote: this is a dumb problem to have, but lately I have not been tying my shoes tight enough. I don't realize it until later in the run, and it starts to hurt my feet - toes slamming around a bit, feeling like I'm getting blisters, etc. I told this to Mr. A and he was like, "...so just stop and tie them tighter." Is it weird that I get far enough into a run and just don't want to stop, though? Again, dumb problem.

Haha, what enlightening commentary from me today: hair and shoe tying.

One last thing...today was (hopefully) the day of the last race I had to DNS due to my sciatic issues - a local 10-mile race I signed up for days before I started having my most serious symptoms. This race is my favorite local event and is normally what I use for proof of time for Disney events - I participated for the first time in 2011 and have run it every year since then. Believe it or not, it actually bothered me more to see pictures from this race on social media than it did to see pictures and updates during Princess weekend. I'm disappointed to not have made it to this race for my 6th year in a row, but I definitely plan to be back next year.

Sunday, April 24 (Rest)
Rest day, AND - Mr. A is home! Archie and I are pleased to have him back.

Continued in Next Post

 

[FFigawi]

Maybe the way to have people not feel unworthy is to have everyone, DJs & people here included, stop saying "just" race X and say "only" race X instead. Just implies that more is better, whereas only sounds like you could've chosen to do other races but opted not to.

 

[DopeyBadger]

Congrats on the fastest mile since December. I know it's got to be a good feeling. Keep up the good work!

 

[cavepig]

AH, you totally do!! And no condiments bar!!

Yes, it's a half joke around here we always say now, but my parents stayed clear of all condiment bars leading up to their darkside races (& of course totally skipped Pecos). So, yes be careful of those condiment bars before Tink!

I'm looking forward to Avatarland only in that it's new stuff, the movie was just not that epic too me, & yeah hope it fits in. I think it's their way to finally have the mythical land as that's where Beastly Kingdom area was supposed to go in originally with dragons.

Jealous of your braiding skills! I get the shoe stopping tying thing...but I've learned better to fix it though then run with it feeling off. I was just telling my mom that's why I like the walk to Disney corrals, it's a good time to test my shoe is tied good!

Congrats on the mile time, bet it feel so good to be feeling more 'normal'!

 

[Ariel484]

Maybe the way to have people not feel unworthy is to have everyone, DJs & people here included, stop saying "just" race X and say "only" race X instead. Just implies that more is better, whereas only sounds like you could've chosen to do other races but opted not to.

Oh sure, go ahead and suggest the most reasonable, simple solution...I see how it is!

Completely agree with you on all counts. I think part of the problems too is that they, the MCs or whatever you want to call them, have all of this time to fill and just feel like they need to talk the entire time. I wonder if they realize what they're even saying half the time...

Congrats on the fastest mile since December. I know it's got to be a good feeling. Keep up the good work!

Thank you!! Yes, it is...glad to know that I can still sort of run fast-ish.

Yes, it's a half joke around here we always say now, but my parents stayed clear of all condiment bars leading up to their darkside races (& of course totally skipped Pecos). So, yes be careful of those condiment bars before Tink!

Man, no joke about it - NO CONDIMENT BARS! That seems like a good general rule to follow at Disney parks...

I'm not sure where we're eating dinner or anything before the races. The place I've eaten at the most in Disneyland is Cove Bar, so I know we'll be going there a lot. But I had been hoping Naples would be my go-to on the West Coast for pre-race dinner and it SO did not agree with me, so I'm sort of at a loss.

I'm looking forward to Avatarland only in that it's new stuff, the movie was just not that epic too me, & yeah hope it fits in. I think it's their way to finally have the mythical land as that's where Beastly Kingdom area was supposed to go in originally with dragons.

That is true, I am definitely looking forward to some new stuff. I guess I should probably see the movie at some point here...

I wish they'd done Beastly Kingdom. That would have been so cool!

Jealous of your braiding skills! I get the shoe stopping tying thing...but I've learned better to fix it though then run with it feeling off. I was just telling my mom that's why I like the walk to Disney corrals, it's a good time to test my shoe is tied good!

My mom taught me at a young age...the weird thing is, I can do my own but I totally suck at braiding others' hair. Seems like it should be easier since I can see what I'm doing.

You're right about the shoe fixing early on...I just need to remember to be better about that. It makes such a huge difference.

Congrats on the mile time, bet it feel so good to be feeling more 'normal'!

Thanks, it's reassuring in a way. Not like I never thought I'd run "fast" again, but it does feel good.

 

[emilyindisney]

Archie is too adorable!!!

Anywhoooo...isn't is great when all your plans come together?! Glad you were able to get your Tink deferral all set. Such a relief when everything works out your way, haha!

I love those robo-like InB pants you've got on in your lifting photo

 

[Ariel484]

Archie is too adorable!!!

I think so too, but I may be biased!

Anywhoooo...isn't is great when all your plans come together?! Glad you were able to get your Tink deferral all set. Such a relief when everything works out your way, haha!

OMG, yes! Especially when "all [my] plans coming together" involves my NOT losing a $300+ race fee! Have I mentioned that I'm relieved? Because I am!

I love those robo-like InB pants you've got on in your lifting photo

Thanks! Me too! I find them hard to match to shirts that I have, so they don't get worn as much as they should. So sad.

 

[Dis5150]

Normally I do a ponytail + SweatyBand type deal, but it's gotten long enough that sometimes it swings around and whacks me in the face...or I can feel it whipping my shoulders, which is pretty annoying.

OMG, I was having this problem on my long run last weekend! My hair isn't super long but past my shoulders and I usually put it in a high ponytail and wear a visor. But it kept hitting my shoulder on one side and annoying me. I tried to tighten it and it ended up hitting my other shoulder! I seriously considered just cutting off all my hair for a pixie cut! But then I figured I would just have other issues lol! I am not coordinated enough to braid my own hair. I actually went to cosmetology school while I was in high school and can braid pretty well - just not my own hair! Glad it worked for you!

 

[ZellyB]

Great training report and congratulations on starting to see your speed return to pre-injury normals. Glad you survived the time with Mr. A away and that you and Archie are no worse for wear. I agree that sometimes those short little mini-vacations away from each other can be good. Archie looks pretty darn comfy on your race shirt blanket.

Happy Birthday, Animal Kingdom. AK is my favorite park (even though I know a lot of people don't love it), so while I'm excited about expansions, I kinda worry it will make it too popular. But, I actually did like the movie Avatar pretty well, and the shots I've seen of the expansion as it's being built look pretty spectacular. After my disappointment in seeing the New Fantasyland expansion, I'm really hoping Disney does a great job on this one and enhances my beloved AK.