A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

[Ariel484]

Whew!! All caught up. Lots of thoughts so this might get long.

TINK!!!!! I can't believe it's almost here. I'm excited to hear about your trip and the races. I know you'll do great. And, you'll be in Disney.

Neither can I! I also can't quite believe I willingly signed up for a Tink-themed race weekend...

The gym etiquette thing sounds really frustrating. I'm lucky that I can use the weight room at the high school since Chris works for the district. We go so early in the morning, we almost never see anybody except occasionally the ROTC kids are in there. Once summer hits though it's deserted.

It was. I'll either need to speak up about it (unlikely) or be flexible with the order in which I get stuff done (more likely).

Yeah you're never going to run into high school kids that early in the morning!

I'm loving the donut bun. Your hair is so pretty. I just don't have the hair for anything long, so mine stays nice and short. And, your arms do look totally ripped in that picture. I doubt that's all just camera angle though. You work hard for those arms.

Thanks. I'm telling you, that was a magical angle for that picture!

The running sounds like it's going great. You are getting stronger and stronger again. I understand wanting to push back to your old intervals just to try it out. Sorry it left you feeling a bit rough though. Hopefully though you are almost back to normal and it may have worked in your favor to try it and see.

Oh it did! Between that and yoga, I was totally exhausted yesterday! Almost back to normal today.

My work does the same thing with Wellness dollars. We can also get up to $1000 in an HRA account for various wellness activities. Like you, we have to have a yearly blood draw as well. I work in a lab and was trained in phlebotomy many years ago, so blood draws don't phase me much, but I know for a lot of people it's a very legitimate fear. I'm terrified of wasps and bees from a sting I got as a child. I know it's irrational, but that doesn't change the fact that I want to run screaming anytime I see one of those stinging suckers. So, you have my sympathy!!

I really cannot articulate what it is that freaks me out so much! I think I get skeeved out actually thinking about the needle going into my vein... I tried really hard to look away and think about other things but it didn't help!

Thanks for the sympathy. I whined to my brother (who isa nurse) via text message and he teased me a bit! Brothers.

Love the yoga shot with your mermaid capris. Mine shipped!!! They should be arriving today. WOOHOO!!! Also, it looks to me like Archie is trying to do a yoga pose of his own.

WOOHOOOO!!! I hope that you love them! I just looked on the website and they are gone except for size 0!

Maybe that is what Archie was doing! Namaste, puppy dog!

And, yay, for MAY!!! It's finally getting so warm and pretty here. I'm going to plant flowers this coming weekend to celebrate Mother's Day.

Yes! Hope you guys get some good weather for your gardening! I think we'll be tackling one of our flower beds next weekend!

The training plan looks solid. Glad to see you planning out into the future. A sure sign that you are well and truly on the mend. The PoT race sounds like it will be a good one. We've always only run 3 days per week other than some back-to-back stuff when we were training for Goofy, but we've also been talking about needing to do at least 4 days per week and making one of those some track work with cadence and speed drills. Seems like getting yourself comfortable with 4 days and then trying out a 5th is a good plan.

I think it should be...I used it once a couple of years ago and I think it worked well, but I can't remember for sure. I just remember thinking that those half-mile repeats were going to be the death of me. They did help, though, and they'll be worth it if I can get a decent corral for Goofy. I may try them on a track at some point, normally I just do them on the treadmill.

Adding in another day is tough, especially with wanting to keep up non-running activities. I'm not sure how that's going to work out yet.

IT'S ALMOST DISNEY TIME!!!!

SQUUEEEEEEEE!!!

 

[Dis5150]

Your bun looks so cute! I am going to get one of those to try out. If it doesn't work for running I can still use it for work. I am getting a promotion and probably should try to look a bit more "professional" than my usual messy ponytail (because I don't want to wake up more than 1 hour before I have to walk out my front door!).

I love those mermaid capris! And they look great on you. I feel like I have a weird body shape (my legs are long and my torso short) so I tend to not wear capris or running tights/pants unless I have a shirt that comes down over my rear. I probably look fine but I feel like I look weird so it's not comfortable. But those almost make me change my mind!

Good luck and have fun at Tink! So envious! I wanted to do that race weekend so much to get my pink C2C! Sigh, another year maybe lol!

Your training plan looks super intimidating to me! I am starting Higdon Novice 1 Marathon plan this week and am intimidated with running 4 days a week instead of the 3 I'm used to with JG. I know you will rock it though! I love reading your reports (hope you do the Tink one!) because they inspire me to try harder/be less lazy, lol!

 

[Ariel484]

Your bun looks so cute! I am going to get one of those to try out. If it doesn't work for running I can still use it for work. I am getting a promotion and probably should try to look a bit more "professional" than my usual messy ponytail (because I don't want to wake up more than 1 hour before I have to walk out my front door!).

Thanks! I think ballet buns are so pretty and wish I could do that with my hair...I think this is as close and I'll get.

Congrats on the promotion!!

I love those mermaid capris! And they look great on you. I feel like I have a weird body shape (my legs are long and my torso short) so I tend to not wear capris or running tights/pants unless I have a shirt that comes down over my rear. I probably look fine but I feel like I look weird so it's not comfortable. But those almost make me change my mind!

Thank you! They are my new favorites - love the colors and the fact that I (personally) think they slim my legs out a bit. Never a bad thing.

For me, I would avoid capris because I am "blessed" in the booty area and didn't want to put that out on display, but I'm starting to not care and just wear what I want.

Good luck and have fun at Tink! So envious! I wanted to do that race weekend so much to get my pink C2C! Sigh, another year maybe lol!

Thanks!! That pink C2C is on my to-do list for next year, I totally know what you mean!

Your training plan looks super intimidating to me! I am starting Higdon Novice 1 Marathon plan this week and am intimidated with running 4 days a week instead of the 3 I'm used to with JG. I know you will rock it though! I love reading your reports (hope you do the Tink one!) because they inspire me to try harder/be less lazy, lol!

It's intimidating to me too! Mostly the speedwork/tempo run day. But I have done it before so hopefully I can do it again and get decent results. I AM looking forward to (hopefully) getting some speed back.

I've used Novice 1 for the marathon, Goofy and Dopey and I haven't died yet, so I'm sure it'll work great for you! I am 95% sure that is what I'm using for Goofy in 2017 too.

Planning on a trip report, yes. I miss writing them!

 

[FFigawi]

It's intimidating to me too! Mostly the speedwork/tempo run day. But I have done it before so hopefully I can do it again and get decent results. I AM looking forward to (hopefully) getting some speed back.

I've used Novice 1 for the marathon, Goofy and Dopey and I haven't died yet, so I'm sure it'll work great for you! I am 95% sure that is what I'm using for Goofy in 2017 too.

As long as you increase the miles & your intensity slowly, you'll have no problems running four or five days a week. Your body will adapt if you give it the opportunity to do so. And who knows, if you like how you feel during the trading for your 10-mile race, you might keep that frequency of running going all the way to Goofy.

 

[Ariel484]

As long as you increase the miles & your intensity slowly, you'll have no problems running four or five days a week. Your body will adapt if you give it the opportunity to do so. And who knows, if you like how you feel during the trading for your 10-mile race, you might keep that frequency of running going all the way to Goofy.

Thanks for your input, John. I've never tried running more than 4 days per week...who knows, maybe it would really agree with me? Or maybe I'd hate it. May as well possibly give it a shot maybe? (Non-committal much? )

 

[FFigawi]

It's not for everyone, but if it does work for you, you'll see a significant improvement in your strength, endurance, and speed too. The extra miles really do help.

 

[emilyindisney]

Got my mermaid pants yesterday and wow- they are amazing! Love yours with that top! Thanks for sharing the obligatory Justin May meme. Is it really May if you didn't see that joke and giggle just a little?

I love how dedicated your plan is while you're on your cruise. I know myself- I'd be all over the free soft serve and not so much the gym Castaway Cay 5k seems to have lots of nice views so that's something, I suppose.

Here's to hoping for new runDisney PoTs!

 

[Ariel484]

It's not for everyone, but if it does work for you, you'll see a significant improvement in your strength, endurance, and speed too. The extra miles really do help.

I'm sort of excited to try it. Just gotta be super careful with the build-up!!

Got my mermaid pants yesterday and wow- they are amazing! Love yours with that top! Thanks for sharing the obligatory Justin May meme. Is it really May if you didn't see that joke and giggle just a little?

Yay! I'm so glad you like them!!

I'm so glad someone appreciate that meme.

I love how dedicated your plan is while you're on your cruise. I know myself- I'd be all over the free soft serve and not so much the gym Castaway Cay 5k seems to have lots of nice views so that's something, I suppose.

I've been weirdly good with sticking to workout schedules while on the cruises. During a parks trip, not so much. I think because with cruises it's not like I need to get my run in to get to the park on time or whatever? That and the added guilt of all of the cruise food....

Surprisingly, Castaway Cay 5K actually DOES NOT have great views. I'm going to take more pictures this time around, but the majority of the race is in the enclosed bike loop on the island, and you're just surrounded by trees the entire time. I think that the 5K they do as part of the challenge with the January races has a different course, but the free one has a "meh" course, in my opinion. But at least it's free!!

Here's to hoping for new runDisney PoTs!

FOR REAL. We're gonna do it, I have faith!!

 

[Ariel484]

Tinker Bell 15K Training - Week 9
Monday, May 2 - Sunday, May 8, 2016
11.3 miles completed (I mean, I assume so, anyway...)!!!

Monday, May 2 (lifting)
IT'S DISNEY WEEK!!! Feels appropriate to be carrying this beauty in May!

Lifting today! My legs were pretty sore when I got up this morning (from running? Yoga? Both?) but once I got going I felt way better.

At this point, I am mostly packed for Disneyland. Yesterday I made out a meal plan for Mr. A to follow while I’m gone (by "meal plan" I mean "dinner and lunch ideas") and we went grocery shopping, so I am glad that is taken care of (I am the main meal prep/grocery shopper for Team Ariel484). I realized that I'll end up grocery shopping after work on Tuesday after I get home from work...that's going to suck.

But that's so far away, who wants to think about that?!

3 sleeps...
Less than 3 days of work...
And 1 run left!

Tuesday, May 3 (rest)
Rest day! It's a beautiful thing - I slept in and got 8 hours+ of sleep last night! That pretty much never happens during the week.

It's a good thing I got all of that sleep because I have a project at work that I REALLY would like to wrap up before I leave for Disneyland on Thursday. I figured out the difficult part, but the rest of it is just going to be time-consuming and tedious. I got a good chunk done yesterday and if I put in a good day of work today I THINK I can get close to being done, which would be awesome. I'm just gonna play some Disney parks loops on my phone, put in my earphones, and get it done!!

2 sleeps...
Less than 2 days of work...
And 1 run left (yes I’m going to do this every day)!

Wednesday, May 4 (2-mile run)
Happy May 4th! My little buddy and I went for a run this morning!

It was...okay. I feel like my last run before a race is always tough for whatever reason. But it's done (in a little under 23 minutes).

So that's it! Half a day or work (my tedious project is mostly done, yay!! My brain was mush by the end of the day yesterday) and 1 sleep left!! I'm checked in for my flight and just want to gooo!!

For anyone who has Instagram, I'll be posting there this weekend - my username is @_shannymac4

Thursday, May 5 (rest/travel)

OFF TO NEVERLAND!!

Friday, May 6 (Never Land 5K!)

Saturday, May 7 (Tinker Bell 10K!)

Sunday, May 8 (DISNEY!)

Continued in Next Post

 

[Sailormoon2]

Happy travels!!!

 

[ZellyB]

Have a great trip!! Can't wait to read about it.

Also, I'm on the ISO for that nerd tech shirt. I love that one!!!!

 

[roxymama]

I have catching up to do on your journal at my lunchtime today. So past-you gets the honor of entertaining me here in a few minutes. But can I say I'm like a little kid at Christmas...TINK UPDATES ARE COMING>>>THEY ARE COMING!!! AHHHHH

I'm so pathetic...I'm not even going and I'm all giddy.

 

[Slogger]

Have a great time @Ariel484.
Glad that you have overcome the injury bug and getting back to normal again...isn't it amazing when "Normal" is what we strive for?
Looking forward to your updates and reports....they are always interesting and fun to read.

Hope everything is Awesome!

 

[Ariel484]

Happy travels!!!

Thank you!!

Have a great trip!! Can't wait to read about it.

Thanks Gisele!!

Also, I'm on the ISO for that nerd tech shirt. I love that one!!!!

It's a good one! Lots of detail on it. I hope you find one!

I have catching up to do on your journal at my lunchtime today. So past-you gets the honor of entertaining me here in a few minutes. But can I say I'm like a little kid at Christmas...TINK UPDATES ARE COMING>>>THEY ARE COMING!!! AHHHHH

Okay, SO...I read a rumor on Facebook* yesterday that Tink weekend will change to PIXAR!

I would FREAK OUT with happiness if that happened!


*It's on the internet so it must be true!

I'm so pathetic...I'm not even going and I'm all giddy.

Not pathetic!!

Have a great time @Ariel484.
Glad that you have overcome the injury bug and getting back to normal again...isn't it amazing when "Normal" is what we strive for?
Looking forward to your updates and reports....they are always interesting and fun to read.

Hope everything is Awesome!

Thanks!! Yeah I'm glad too...if you're told me that this normal is what I'm striving for 7-8 years ago, before I was a runner, I never would have believed you.

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

I've been gone on vacation, so I'm behind on all disboards, but I had to pop over and wish you safe travels! I'm sooooo excited for your Disneyland time!! You are going to rock this girl!

 

[emilyindisney]

Surprisingly, Castaway Cay 5K actually DOES NOT have great views. I'm going to take more pictures this time around, but the majority of the race is in the enclosed bike loop on the island, and you're just surrounded by trees the entire time. I think that the 5K they do as part of the challenge with the January races has a different course, but the free one has a "meh" course, in my opinion. But at least it's free!!

Meh. Well that's a big ol' let down!

Good luck this weekend and have fun! I'll be living vicariously through whatever you post on IG this weekend!

 

[Ariel484]

I've been gone on vacation, so I'm behind on all disboards, but I had to pop over and wish you safe travels! I'm sooooo excited for your Disneyland time!! You are going to rock this girl!

Thanks so much! I just got suuuuper excited for it like 5 minutes ago! I think it just hit me!

Meh. Well that's a big ol' let down!

This is the map. Enclosed in trees almost the entire time. It gets toasty!

Good luck this weekend and have fun! I'll be living vicariously through whatever you post on IG this weekend!

Thanks! I love to 'gram so you may get sick of me.

 

[*DisneyDreamer]

@Ariel484 Have an amazing time!! I'm so jealous and will definitely be following along on Instagram. I always stalk Instagram and the RunDisney hashtag like crazy during event weekends.

 

[SarahDisney]

YAY Disneyland week!!! That bag is definitely appropriate for a Disneyland trip month!

Have a wonderful trip and have fun at the races! I will definitely be stalking you on Instagram (as I usually am), and I'm excited to see pictures from your 15K victory (and, of course, general pictures of my favorite place on Earth)!

 

[Ariel484]

@Ariel484 Have an amazing time!! I'm so jealous and will definitely be following along on Instagram. I always stalk Instagram and the RunDisney hashtag like crazy during event weekends.

Thanks! I'm the opposite, I get so jealous and bummed if I'm not at a Disney race that I avoid social media as much as possible! I'm a baby.

YAY Disneyland week!!! That bag is definitely appropriate for a Disneyland trip month!

Have a wonderful trip and have fun at the races! I will definitely be stalking you on Instagram (as I usually am), and I'm excited to see pictures from your 15K victory (and, of course, general pictures of my favorite place on Earth)!

Thanks!! I'm so excited to go back and get that bling, even if it's Tink bling.