A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

[ZellyB]

Yay on the updates. That pie looks delicious!! YUM!!! Chris made a homemade cherry pie Sunday night for dinner. I love pie. Yet another reason I run.

I don't have my steampunk tights yet. The tracking originally said they were supposed to be delivered on Saturday, but the tracking website still just shows them in transit. Maybe mine made a stop in Pensacola as well.

I have not watched Jessica Jones but read some reviews about it. It was clear from those that it was seriously DARK, but also sounded like it was a good show, so I might need to check it out.

The Daisy outfit is adorable and looks great. I've thought about buying that white skirt as well (I have the black linen and like that fabric), but they don't make it in a slim cut and I'm not sure I want to buy a swing in it. Plus the whole concern about keeping it clean like mentioned above. But, I'm always attracted to it when I see it in pictures. I could always do a custom I suppose...

Your training is going great. You are being so consistent and disciplined. Well done! I know that will pay off. I've been lazy since finishing our last half run a couple of weeks ago. We ran the local 5K turkey trot, but that's been it for me for over a week. I have to get back at it. Chris and I are planning to design a year-long training regimen for next year. Oh, and that whole we may be done with Disney races for awhile??? We are talking about using the marathon in January 2017 as a possible third marathon to qualify for maniac status. LOL. We are so weak.

 

[Ariel484]

Since you are finding the training easy so far, let's focus on some other aspects of your running during this time.

Breathing - Ultra important during shorter distance (speed) racing, but useful in all distances. The body struggles to get sufficient oxygen when racing near the ventilatory threshold (point at which breathing is no longer rhythmic). During all of your runs try to breath in a 1 in + 1 in + 2 out pattern (i.e. in on left foot, in on right foot, out on left/right foot). In addition, these breaths in should be from as deep in your lungs as you can. Relax your stomach and this will allow for deeper breathing (like you do in yoga). The most active area of the lungs is the bottom, thus the more oxygen you can get down there the better it transports throughout the body. The key is to have a nice rhythm to breathing. You may find a different pattern works best for you (1 in + 1 in + 1 in + 2 out, etc.). When I run any pace (easy or hard) at any distance I am working my lungs by intentionally breathing hard and loud, but controlled and rhythmic.

This is definitely something I don't think much about...in general though, I guess I do have pretty rhythmic breathing when I run already, so that seems good! But I know what you're talking about when comparing it to yoga and I would say it's not quite like that, so that is something to try.

Shoulders - Try this right now. Stand up with your feet shoulder width apart. Interlock your fingers in front of your body and turn your hands so that you see the top of your hands. Lock your elbows, and slowly swing your arms in front of you until they are now above your head. Memorize how your shoulders/chest feel. Now release your interlocked fingers, but try to not move your chest or shoulders. This is your proper upper body running form. It may seem awkward now, but over time it will feel normal. Keep the chest puffed out, but relaxed. Since we're easy running right now this should be easier to maintain and makes for a good habit once we start getting harder.

Definitely awkward, it feels like I'm hunching my shoulders up? I can really feel that in my upper back/backs of my shoulders. Does that seem right?

Arms - Arms should stay tight to the body with your hands closed but relaxed. Try to keep the arms parallel to the ground, but without swinging across your body.

Okay, I can honestly say that I am good at this one!

Eyesight - Keep your eyes up. Your eyes should stay at horizon or higher. As your eyesight drops to look at your feet you reduce your lung capacity by as much as 30%. Since oxygen is so important to running, this decrease in oxygen can have a large effect on finishing time.

50/50 on this. Sometimes I catch myself looking down.

Footstrike - Like we talked about earlier, keep the foot light and low. Taking as many steps as you can at the pace prescribed. I would guess at the current pace your steps per minute would be around 160-170. As you start to move into Phase 2 work, we want to get the steps per minute into the 180+ range. This keeps us running efficiently by keeping our feet close to the ground.

I think I'm okay at this. You posted about taking light, quick steps last week and I have been trying to focus more on that.

In order of importance, I would put these as Footstrike, Eyesight, Breathing, Shoulders and then Arms. However, once you start to master all of these running becomes easier.

Of course the one thing I am good at (Arms) is last on the priority list!!

Thank you!!

Yay on the updates. That pie looks delicious!! YUM!!! Chris made a homemade cherry pie Sunday night for dinner. I love pie. Yet another reason I run.

OMG it was so good. The leftovers are gone now and I am sad.

Good joob on the pie, Chris!!

I don't have my steampunk tights yet. The tracking originally said they were supposed to be delivered on Saturday, but the tracking website still just shows them in transit. Maybe mine made a stop in Pensacola as well.

Ack! I hope they get there soon. I had another package I was waiting for that didn't update the tracking for 5 days or something, and it finally arrived. This is just not the best time of year to order stuff by mail!

I have not watched Jessica Jones but read some reviews about it. It was clear from those that it was seriously DARK, but also sounded like it was a good show, so I might need to check it out.

It is TOTALLY dark. That is really the best word to describe it. Dark and at times, disturbing. It's definitely not for everyone but I thought it was really good.

The Daisy outfit is adorable and looks great. I've thought about buying that white skirt as well (I have the black linen and like that fabric), but they don't make it in a slim cut and I'm not sure I want to buy a swing in it. Plus the whole concern about keeping it clean like mentioned above. But, I'm always attracted to it when I see it in pictures. I could always do a custom I suppose...

Thanks! With my discovering INKnBURN I went crazy buying solids from SparkleSkirts, hence WhiteLinen. I do like the fabric a lot...if my BlackSilk ever bites the dust I'll probably replace it with a BlackLinen.

It seems like they should have all of the solids available in all 3 styles... But what do I know.

Your training is going great. You are being so consistent and disciplined. Well done! I know that will pay off. I've been lazy since finishing our last half run a couple of weeks ago. We ran the local 5K turkey trot, but that's been it for me for over a week. I have to get back at it. Chris and I are planning to design a year-long training regimen for next year. Oh, and that whole we may be done with Disney races for awhile??? We are talking about using the marathon in January 2017 as a possible third marathon to qualify for maniac status. LOL. We are so weak.

Thanks! I am trying to stick to my weekly schedule as best as possible. I hope it does pay off in May with my local marathon.

It's really easy for me to fall off the wagon after a race (I feel like that happens to me a LOT), so I totally know what you are talking about. I imagine what happened at Wine & Dine didn't help, I know you guys were pretty discouraged after that (understandable).

HAHAHAHA I knew runDisney would suck you back in!! But you know...I ran the marathon in 2012 and I remember that that year was an anniversary for the half marathon. I just looked it up and it was the 15th, so that means 2017 will be the 20th half...so maybe you guys will be Goofy again? Mwahahahaha

 

[dmross]

Since you are finding the training easy so far, let's focus on some other aspects of your running during this time.

Breathing - Ultra important during shorter distance (speed) racing, but useful in all distances. The body struggles to get sufficient oxygen when racing near the ventilatory threshold (point at which breathing is no longer rhythmic). During all of your runs try to breath in a 1 in + 1 in + 2 out pattern (i.e. in on left foot, in on right foot, out on left/right foot). In addition, these breaths in should be from as deep in your lungs as you can. Relax your stomach and this will allow for deeper breathing (like you do in yoga). The most active area of the lungs is the bottom, thus the more oxygen you can get down there the better it transports throughout the body. The key is to have a nice rhythm to breathing. You may find a different pattern works best for you (1 in + 1 in + 1 in + 2 out, etc.). When I run any pace (easy or hard) at any distance I am working my lungs by intentionally breathing hard and loud, but controlled and rhythmic.

Shoulders - Try this right now. Stand up with your feet shoulder width apart. Interlock your fingers in front of your body and turn your hands so that you see the top of your hands. Lock your elbows, and slowly swing your arms in front of you until they are now above your head. Memorize how your shoulders/chest feel. Now release your interlocked fingers, but try to not move your chest or shoulders. This is your proper upper body running form. It may seem awkward now, but over time it will feel normal. Keep the chest puffed out, but relaxed. Since we're easy running right now this should be easier to maintain and makes for a good habit once we start getting harder.

Arms - Arms should stay tight to the body with your hands closed but relaxed. Try to keep the arms parallel to the ground, but without swinging across your body.

Eyesight - Keep your eyes up. Your eyes should stay at horizon or higher. As your eyesight drops to look at your feet you reduce your lung capacity by as much as 30%. Since oxygen is so important to running, this decrease in oxygen can have a large effect on finishing time.

Footstrike - Like we talked about earlier, keep the foot light and low. Taking as many steps as you can at the pace prescribed. I would guess at the current pace your steps per minute would be around 160-170. As you start to move into Phase 2 work, we want to get the steps per minute into the 180+ range. This keeps us running efficiently by keeping our feet close to the ground.

In order of importance, I would put these as Footstrike, Eyesight, Breathing, Shoulders and then Arms. However, once you start to master all of these running becomes easier.

You answered a question that I had about speed. There are different ways to speed up, right? You can increase your cadence or you can increase your stride length? It sounds like you're going to have a phase that's all about increasing cadence.

This is good stuff. Thanks.

And on the other important topic, i am just wanting a pretty outfit for my next race. That's all. Doesn't have to be a costume. I've got a cute flouncy yellow skirt and tank, but I've been Belle for my last 3 runDisney races. I can't seem to find pretty running clothes that'll suit for a marathon. But keep posting and I might get some ideas

 

[Ariel484]

And on the other important topic, i am just wanting a pretty outfit for my next race. That's all. Doesn't have to be a costume. I've got a cute flouncy yellow skirt and tank, but I've been Belle for my last 3 runDisney races. I can't seem to find pretty running clothes that'll suit for a marathon. But keep posting and I might get some ideas

I've worn SparkleSkirts for 2 of my 3 marathons, so I can definitely recommend those. I know @ZellyB will agree with me...the pockets are awesome (1 big one on each short leg and another big one with a zipper on the waistband) and, once you figure out your correct size, the shorts don't ride up. Pricey but worth it.

I've also talked a bit about INKnBURN...I love their stuff too. I haven't worn their stuff for a ton of long runs yet...so far the longest I've gone, I think, was a 10-miler in one of their shirts (which was fine). I'm not sure I'll wear their bottoms for a longer race just because they don't have enough pockets for me.

But I am where you are now with outfits for races...I just want to feel like I look good/pretty for these runs. If that happens to be Disney-inspired, great, if not, that's okay too.

 

[IrishMel21]

PHASE 1

Okay, so new training plan time…

Continued in Next Post

The plan looks interesting. And I'm with you on it being hard to wrap your head around a slower pace. I'm curious to see how this works out and how you're progressing during training. Keep up the great work!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Definitely awkward, it feels like I'm hunching my shoulders up? I can really feel that in my upper back/backs of my shoulders. Does that seem right?

Yep, think of it this way. Your chest should feel like its in front of your shoulders. So, maybe your shoulders should feel a bit more back than up, per se. This opens up your lungs and increases their capacity. It does take some getting use to though.

You answered a question that I had about speed. There are different ways to speed up, right? You can increase your cadence or you can increase your stride length? It sounds like you're going to have a phase that's all about increasing cadence.

Yes, you can increase speed either by cadence or stride length. It's my opinion that until you've maximized cadence, I wouldn't worry about your stride length. People tend to start to overstrike with their feet when they intentionally try to increase stride length which tends to cause force injuries. I aim for around 180 steps per minute during TEMPO based workouts, and during 5K/10K speed work I try to get into 200 steps per minute. By forcing myself to take this many steps per minute, it starts to naturally increase my stride length without causing me to overstrike. I still do this with low and quick steps and don't do any kick back or knee up while running.

 

[Ariel484]

The plan looks interesting. And I'm with you on it being hard to wrap your head around a slower pace. I'm curious to see how this works out and how you're progressing during training. Keep up the great work!

It is definitely interesting so far. I've been reading the book behind @DopeyBadger's plan and it's all starting to make more sense to me. Thanks for checking in!

Yep, think of it this way. Your chest should feel like its in front of your shoulders. So, maybe your shoulders should feel a bit more back than up, per se. This opens up your lungs and increases their capacity. It does take some getting use to though.

I tried that today and I think I was doing it correctly! There's a window on the one side of the room of treadmills here at work so I could look over every once in awhile and check out my form, which was helpful. This makes me very aware that I need to work on my posture in everyday life.

 

[FFigawi]

YES, 1 MONTH OF YOGA! Who would have predicted that?!

Yoga feels like 100% *me* time. It's so relaxing and it just feels so good. Get on that, Beth!!

Best thing I've read online today!

 

[Ariel484]

Best thing I've read online today!

Namaste, John!!

 

[dancingtodisney]

I didn't realise you had a journal going! YAH!

Here are the sets of ears that I have so far...let's not talk about how many more I still have coming.

Your threads always lead to new shopping addictions, these are AWESOME!

Your training seems to be going really well so far, well done on keeping yoga up too! I noticed you posted about the brooks 15gts and I think you'd read bad reviews I just thought I'd add my experience in here. I am currently alternating between a pair of 14's and 15's and I do notice a difference between them (I feel more support in the 15's) but nothing major and certainly not any major negative towards the 15's. I know everyone is different but if you could get a pair of 15's on sale it might be worth trying them out. I got a second pair of 15's less than half price recently myself.

Love the daisy outfit & also the Christmas decorations, very organised getting them up so early! I bought lots of decorations from the Disney store over here but I only got my tree today!!

I'll be following along and wishing you all the best! I've been in a bit of a funk the last month or so myself, still running but just not feeling as motivated especially when it comes to writing about my running if that makes any sense but as always thanks for sharing as I always enjoy your posts.

 

[emilyindisney]

Hi Shannon! Joining in for your training journal because I love your trip reports! Can't wait to live vicariously through your rD adventures while I wait for my next race to roll around. I loved your real talk about the love/hate that running can be sometimes in one of your first posts. I'm very similar- sometimes I push and push until running isn't fun anymore and then I have to take a step back and re-examine how to balance the satisfaction of running with the fun of it. I follow BibiddibobbidiBrooke on insta and love seeing her stuff! I haven't purchased yet- it seems hard to snag what you want given that she's in such high demand! All the training plan chit chat is quite interesting. Hope to hear more from ya'll on that aspect (shout out to everyone else who shared their wisdom too.)

 

[Ariel484]

I didn't realise you had a journal going! YAH!

Hey Karen!!

Your threads always lead to new shopping addictions, these are AWESOME!

I do what I can. Maybe I should add a disclaimer into the opening post...

Your training seems to be going really well so far, well done on keeping yoga up too! I noticed you posted about the brooks 15gts and I think you'd read bad reviews I just thought I'd add my experience in here. I am currently alternating between a pair of 14's and 15's and I do notice a difference between them (I feel more support in the 15's) but nothing major and certainly not any major negative towards the 15's. I know everyone is different but if you could get a pair of 15's on sale it might be worth trying them out. I got a second pair of 15's less than half price recently myself.

Yeah, I'm just really nervous to actually run in the 15s. I actually have 2 pairs of that version - 1 I am currently using as my weight lifting/general walking around shoes. They are comfy now, but for the first couple of weeks or so that I wore them I actually thought they were going to give me blisters, just on my little toes, and that has never happened with me in a pair of Adrenalines (I've been wearing them since version 11, I think...possibly version 10 but I can't remember). Then I read in a couple of the reviews that these shoes are actually 1/2 size smaller than normal, which might explain why they were bothering my toes. But it makes me nervous to run in them, normally I can just take a pair right out of the box, switch out the factory insoles for the orthodics I use when running, and they feel great. My other pair is unopened and I'm hoping to get a few more weeks out of the 14s I'm wearing, so once those are dead I'll try the 15s. If they work, great, hopefully I can find some on sale...if they don't, I guess I'll try the 16s or make even something totally different.

I do agree with you that the 15s feel really supportive...of course, I'm comparing them to my 14s which have almost 350 miles on them, soooo...obviously the newer 15s feel better. Thanks for your input though, it's good to read a positive review...and I know that just because they don't work for others, doesn't mean they may not work for me. I hope they do!

Love the daisy outfit & also the Christmas decorations, very organised getting them up so early! I bought lots of decorations from the Disney store over here but I only got my tree today!!

Thanks! My husband thought I was nuts for getting the tree up early but I am nothing if not a planner.

I'll be following along and wishing you all the best! I've been in a bit of a funk the last month or so myself, still running but just not feeling as motivated especially when it comes to writing about my running if that makes any sense but as always thanks for sharing as I always enjoy your posts.

Ah, I can totally sympathize with you. It's such a long training cycle, and especially since you had the Dublin Marathon in there too. Just think about how amazing you will feel running through WDW...you are going to have so much fun! I know you'll do great.

Hi Shannon! Joining in for your training journal because I love your trip reports! Can't wait to live vicariously through your rD adventures while I wait for my next race to roll around.

Well hey there Emily! I have to tell you...I was in this mood a couple of weeks back to read some good runDisney trip reports (was specifically looking for Princess ones) and I totally binged yours and your sister's. I love reading rD reports!!

I loved your real talk about the love/hate that running can be sometimes in one of your first posts. I'm very similar- sometimes I push and push until running isn't fun anymore and then I have to take a step back and re-examine how to balance the satisfaction of running with the fun of it.

That sounds exactly like what happened to me. I wish I could honestly say that I love running 100% of the time...sometimes I feel like that and think I'll run my whole life (maybe get a BQ time as a senior citizen?! ) and then other times I just think I want to quit altogether. "Re-examine how to balance the satisfaction of running with the fun of it" - that is so perfectly said! It's tough!

I follow BibiddibobbidiBrooke on insta and love seeing her stuff! I haven't purchased yet- it seems hard to snag what you want given that she's in such high demand!

She really is! I definitely over-bought from her last time, just because I knew how fast stuff was going to go...and I figured if I saw something I sort of liked, and it was available, I'd better grab it. I actually just got a shipping notification from her a couple of days ago from her last big shop opening, (the aforementioned time I over-bought) so I'll need to go through and figure out what I want to keep and what I want to try to sell on FB. And then after that I need to unfollow her on Instagram, because I can't go and buy tons of pairs of ears again!

But yeah, it's hard to get things. I had one pair in my cart and was going to check out, and wasn't fast enough - poof! It was gone. Probably for the best...

All the training plan chit chat is quite interesting. Hope to hear more from ya'll on that aspect (shout out to everyone else who shared their wisdom too.)

Yes, I sort of love all of the chatter that has been going on here! And the questions, they have been great. Keep the training talk coming, everyone - it's a safe space here.

I'm hoping that the new plan will reinvigorate my running...so far I have been enjoying running just to run, and not having the pressure (from no one but myself) of feeling like I need to hit certain fast paces every day, or do today's run faster than yesterday's. It's been nice.

 

[DopeyBadger]

so far I have been enjoying running just to run, and not having the pressure (from no one but myself) of feeling like I need to hit certain fast paces every day, or do today's run faster than yesterday's. It's been nice.

What's interesting is my wife has said the same thing multiple times during this training cycle for WDW half-marathon. She is also following a training plan I designed for her, and she seems to be running more consistently, has more energy, and seems reinvigorated for this year's race compared to last. She loves not having so much pressure of trying to hit faster paces over and over and over. I'm glad to hear you're having the same reaction at this point.

 

[Ariel484]

What's interesting is my wife has said the same thing multiple times during this training cycle for WDW half-marathon. She is also following a training plan I designed for her, and she seems to be running more consistently, has more energy, and seems reinvigorated for this year's race compared to last. She loves not having so much pressure of trying to hit faster paces over and over and over. I'm glad to hear you're having the same reaction at this point.

I absolutely am. It's been really refreshing! My biggest issue is that I need to keep reminding myself how long the runs are actually going to take now that I am relaxing the pace this much.

 

[DopeyBadger]

I absolutely am. It's been really refreshing! My biggest issue is that I need to keep reminding myself how long the runs are actually going to take now that I am relaxing the pace this much.

Yep, and that length of time training was done intentionally. I was trying to 1) get you to run slower, but 2) get you used to running more often for a longer amount of time (45-60 minutes consistently). As we move into Phase 2, the paces will increase into your general fitness level, but you'll notice the length of time spent training stays relatively consistent. Then the closer we get to marathon day, those days creep into what I call the sweet spot of marathon training (60-90 minutes).

I'm a big believer that training comes down to training time X relative training pace (intensity). Whenever, I have someone ask me about this concept I always give the following example:

Four runners are doing the following workouts:

Runner A - 120 minutes at 60% VO2max (a measure of relative pace intensity)
Runner B - 120 minutes at 60% VO2max
Runner C - 17 miles at 60% VO2max
Runner D - 10 miles at 60% VO2max

Who received the most benefit from their workout (assuming a similar training schedule was done prior to and after this workout)?

The answer is they all received the same benefit. It just so happens that Runner A and C are the same person, and Runner B and D are the same person. It took Runner A/C 120 minutes to run 17 miles at 60% VO2max (or a 7:00 min/mile). Whereas, it took Runner B/D 120 minutes to run 10 miles at 60% VO2max (or a 12:00 min/mile). By running for the same duration, and same relative pace intensity, these two runners received the same benefits from their workout.

This is why you see elites running 120 miles per week (or some similar absurd number). It's because at their slower 60% VO2max they still need to run a 7:00 min/mile. Thus, to get that same 120 minute workout that we mortals do, it means they have to run 17 miles.

 

[Ariel484]

Yep, and that length of time training was done intentionally. I was trying to 1) get you to run slower, but 2) get you used to running more often for a longer amount of time (45-60 minutes consistently). As we move into Phase 2, the paces will increase into your general fitness level, but you'll notice the length of time spent training stays relatively consistent. Then the closer we get to marathon day, those days creep into what I call the sweet spot of marathon training (60-90 minutes).

I'm a big believer that training comes down to training time X relative training pace (intensity). Whenever, I have someone ask me about this concept I always give the following example:

Four runners are doing the following workouts:

Runner A - 120 minutes at 60% VO2max (a measure of relative pace intensity)
Runner B - 120 minutes at 60% VO2max
Runner C - 17 miles at 60% VO2max
Runner D - 10 miles at 60% VO2max

Who received the most benefit from their workout (assuming a similar training schedule was done prior to and after this workout)?

The answer is they all received the same benefit. It just so happens that Runner A and C are the same person, and Runner B and D are the same person. It took Runner A/C 120 minutes to run 17 miles at 60% VO2max (or a 7:00 min/mile). Whereas, it took Runner B/D 120 minutes to run 10 miles at 60% VO2max (or a 12:00 min/mile). By running for the same duration, and same relative pace intensity, these two runners received the same benefits from their workout.

This is why you see elites running 120 miles per week (or some similar absurd number). It's because at their slower 60% VO2max they still need to run a 7:00 min/mile. Thus, to get that same 120 minute workout that we mortals do, it means they have to run 17 miles.

Hey, that's me! I am Runner B/D!

So what you're saying is...I need to just suck it up and accept that an earlier bedtime and wake-up time are going to be the new way of life. But that it'll be good for me overall.

 

[dancingtodisney]

I do what I can. Maybe I should add a disclaimer into the opening post...

**Note to reader: content may encourage you to want ALL THE THINGS and such desires can lead long term shopping addictions. @Ariel484 can not be held responsible for any addictions formed as a result of reading this journal

Yeah, I'm just really nervous to actually run in the 15s. I actually have 2 pairs of that version - 1 I am currently using as my weight lifting/general walking around shoes. They are comfy now, but for the first couple of weeks or so that I wore them I actually thought they were going to give me blisters, just on my little toes, and that has never happened with me in a pair of Adrenalines (I've been wearing them since version 11, I think...possibly version 10 but I can't remember). Then I read in a couple of the reviews that these shoes are actually 1/2 size smaller than normal, which might explain why they were bothering my toes. But it makes me nervous to run in them, normally I can just take a pair right out of the box, switch out the factory insoles for the orthodics I use when running, and they feel great. My other pair is unopened and I'm hoping to get a few more weeks out of the 14s I'm wearing, so once those are dead I'll try the 15s. If they work, great, hopefully I can find some on sale...if they don't, I guess I'll try the 16s or make even something totally different.

I do agree with you that the 15s feel really supportive...of course, I'm comparing them to my 14s which have almost 350 miles on them, soooo...obviously the newer 15s feel better. Thanks for your input though, it's good to read a positive review...and I know that just because they don't work for others, doesn't mean they may not work for me. I hope they do!

Ah the size thing wouldn't have been a problem for me because I was fitted them (as appose to buying my usual size) and they are about half a size above what I would have chosen for myself. Hopefully the 16's are more in line with what people have been used to with the previous versions. Toe blisters are no fun! I was getting some toe issues a few weeks ago but I've switched to injini toe socks and they make a world of difference.

Thanks! My husband thought I was nuts for getting the tree up early but I am nothing if not a planner.

Haha got to love a good plan... SPREADSHEETS are our friend

Ah, I can totally sympathize with you. It's such a long training cycle, and especially since you had the Dublin Marathon in there too. Just think about how amazing you will feel running through WDW...you are going to have so much fun! I know you'll do great.

I think I just felt like I needed a bit of a running break after such a big event but instead continued begrudgingly with our training plan which made me dislike the runs... I am so excited for the weekend itself and this weekend and two weeks time are the worst of training so once that's over it's onto the home stretch (and then the victory lap in WDW). I'm feeling more positive now and the holiday excitement is starting to set in as well....

 

[emilyindisney]

Well hey there Emily! I have to tell you...I was in this mood a couple of weeks back to read some good runDisney trip reports (was specifically looking for Princess ones) and I totally binged yours and your sister's. I love reading rD reports!!

Glad you're still enjoying it! I have to say- your Goofy + the 5k report (the original Dopey, if you will) is one of my all time favorites and I definitely reread often when I need a rD fix!

She really is! I definitely over-bought from her last time, just because I knew how fast stuff was going to go...and I figured if I saw something I sort of liked, and it was available, I'd better grab it. I actually just got a shipping notification from her a couple of days ago from her last big shop opening, (the aforementioned time I over-bought) so I'll need to go through and figure out what I want to keep and what I want to try to sell on FB. And then after that I need to unfollow her on Instagram, because I can't go and buy tons of pairs of ears again!

It's too tempting! I love seeing when she does her ear drops during her park vacations too! Always makes me wish I was there!

Yes, I sort of love all of the chatter that has been going on here! And the questions, they have been great. Keep the training talk coming, everyone - it's a safe space here.

I'm hoping that the new plan will reinvigorate my running...so far I have been enjoying running just to run, and not having the pressure (from no one but myself) of feeling like I need to hit certain fast paces every day, or do today's run faster than yesterday's. It's been nice.

I'm definitely going to be rereading the posts from everyone talking about the 'go slower to run faster' training style. I'm totally intrigued and can't way to hear how this works for you (and anyone else here using this method!)

 

[Ariel484]

**Note to reader: content may encourage you to want ALL THE THINGS and such desires can lead long term shopping addictions. @Ariel484 can not be held responsible for any addictions formed as a result of reading this journal

...seriously, I may use that.

Ah the size thing wouldn't have been a problem for me because I was fitted them (as appose to buying my usual size) and they are about half a size above what I would have chosen for myself. Hopefully the 16's are more in line with what people have been used to with the previous versions. Toe blisters are no fun! I was getting some toe issues a few weeks ago but I've switched to injini toe socks and they make a world of difference.

I forget where I got both pairs...I know one pair was from an expo (which, hey, guy at the expo - thanks for the heads up!! ) but I forget where the other pair came from. I tried on - and bought - a pair of 16s today and they felt better!

Haha got to love a good plan... SPREADSHEETS are our friend

Exactly!

I think I just felt like I needed a bit of a running break after such a big event but instead continued begrudgingly with our training plan which made me dislike the runs... I am so excited for the weekend itself and this weekend and two weeks time are the worst of training so once that's over it's onto the home stretch (and then the victory lap in WDW). I'm feeling more positive now and the holiday excitement is starting to set in as well....

That's exactly how I felt earlier this year after Dopey...I can totally relate.

Glad you're still enjoying it! I have to say- your Goofy + the 5k report (the original Dopey, if you will) is one of my all time favorites and I definitely reread often when I need a rD fix!

Thanks! Not gonna lie - after replaying to your comment I went back and read your Princess report again! I'm starting to feel like I am really anxious for that weekend to get here, which is sad as it's still 2 months+ away...

Thanks for the kind words on my earlier report. I'll toot my own horn and say that I think that one definitely has the best title I have come up with.

It's too tempting! I love seeing when she does her ear drops during her park vacations too! Always makes me wish I was there!

Ahhhh, I know! I just unfollowed her on Instagram yesterday...her sale was bad news for me last time! Her stuff is too cute.

I'm definitely going to be rereading the posts from everyone talking about the 'go slower to run faster' training style. I'm totally intrigued and can't way to hear how this works for you (and anyone else here using this method!)

I'm liking it so far! It's definitely an adjustment but it's refreshing to just be nice and relaxed on all of my runs lately...we'll see how I feel when those 8-mile tempo runs come in later on.

 

[Ariel484]

Week 2 of Phase 1
Monday, November 30, 2015 - Sunday, December 6, 2015
14.5 miles completed

This is a LONG one!!

Monday, November 30: 3.5-mile run @ 13:32/mile pace
Back to the grind!

Both Will and I are struggling after our busy holiday weekend. Will was coming down with some sort of cold last night and I had a splitting headache all day. I managed to make it to bed early last night (10PM - early for me, anyway) and woke up feeling MUCH better today...not 100%, but better. A full night of sleep in my own bed always does wonders for me. I think just getting back into my normal schedule/routine (drinking lots of water - which I'm good at on work days, not so much when I'm just at home, eating normal, non-Thanksgiving food, etc.) will make me feel better...even though obviously vacation is a good thing.

This morning's run seemed a little better than last week's runs...I think I'm starting to get my form better with the slower-paced runs. It's funny how I can feel more aches and whatnot when I slow the pace down like this, compared to 2-3 weeks ago when I was running faster and it felt completely fine. Weird. Just like last week, though, I think I struggled more with how long the run actually took (46:47, 13:22/mile pace) - who wants to be on the treadmill for that long?! That's right, no one.

Here's what I wore today...I feel like this combination worked better in my head. Also, who needs arms, right?

Tuesday, December 1: lifting
And now...lifting with Shan-bot!

ROAR!!

Today was my first day back at the gym since its refurb...about half of the equipment looks new. It's nice. So first day of lifting in over a week. Eek! It was mostly okay, except that I guess I let my mind wander and didn't pay attention to my form on my second set of squats...ended up wrenching my back a little bit. I think it's mostly okay (I was able to finish the rest of my lifting plan for the day without incident), mostly it just feels tight. I'll be way more careful on Thursday.

And now, it's the first of the month (December already?! What even??) so that means...

New month on the Disney calendar at my desk...

...and new bag! The 2013 marathon weekend grail is back on the shelf until next November (sidenote: over the past few days I have missed having the cross body strap so now I'm thinking I want to get one at some point...woof ).

For December, we have the Harveys Disney Couture Mickey Loves Minnie Streamline Crossbody bag. Quite possibly the cutest bag ever.

This is one of two Harveys bags that I have (I have the same silhouette in a Mickey-only pattern). Price-wise Harveys are a little more expensive than Vera Bradley bags and a little cheaper than Dooney & Bourke (comparable silhouettes from Vera Bradley cost about $75 less than this Harveys bag, while a comparable Dooney costs about $60 more). Of the three brands*, I think that Harveys are definitely the most durable, as the outside portion of the bags are made from seatbelts. The inside is fully lined with this cute fabric that has Hidden Mickeys!

And check out the zipper pulls!

This will be the first time I've used a Harveys bag for an extended period of time. I can't see myself getting more just because some of the other styles (where they sort of weave the seatbelts) are super heavy, and not a lot of the other patterns really appeal to me. Plus...Will is not a fan of the bags, so there's that. But I love this particular crossbody style - it's about the size of a Vera Bradley hipster (which is the perfect size for a purse, in my opinion - not too big, not too small), and while I love the Veras, they just don't last very long. Plus, they seem to have stopped making my favorite Vera pattern, which is very sad ("Where’s Mickey?"). I'm thinking that this Harveys crossbody will be a great park bag for me to use later this month...YAY!!

*My time in the Disney purse Facebook groups has taught me about both Harveys (which I sort of knew existed beforehand but didn't know they made Disney stuff) and another company that makes Disney purses - Samantha Thavasa. ST is based out of Japan so it's harder to get that stuff here in the US, but not impossible...the ST stuff is SO cute and really different from the items available here in the US. There’s a Little Mermaid wallet that's sort of tempting so I'm trying to restrain myself from getting that. Prices are similar to Dooneys.

Also, my and Will's holiday weekend crudiness seems to be gone. Woohoo!

Wednesday, December 2: 4-mile run @ 12:41/mile pace

First, a gear update...I got a new toy in the mail yesterday:

This is a Garmin vivoactive, Garmin's version of a smartwatch. I found it for a steal of a deal online over the weekend ($149, marked down from $249...actually found it on a photography website). I'm hoping that since this watch is both a step tracker (which I need for work - if I track my steps my health insurance costs about $1,000 less per year, so that's a no-brainer) and is a stand-alone GPS, that I won't need to wear both my FitBit Charge and Garmin Forerunner 220 on outdoor runs anymore!

Anyway, today's treadmill run was pretty good. I tried to focus on keeping my shoulders back, which I think I did an okay job of. Total time for this run was 50:35, 12:38/mile pace.

And OMG...INKnBURN is re-releasing some of their classic designs in anticipation of their 5th anniversary. I'm so excited because this will give me a chance to get some of the designs that I've really been coveting lately that are no longer available. I've really been working on getting rid of a lot of junk around the house and have been able to sell a ton of stuff on eBay and Facebook, and I have money to burn. So this is perfect timing!

The catch with INKnBURN releasing the classics is that they are doing it as a mystery purchase...so I order the item in my size and I don’t know which design I will get. I am anticipating a ton of trading going on in the Facebook group...

First item is the camisole.

This is one item where I haven't figured out my size, so I'm taking a leap and hoping I guessed right (I contacted INKnBURN for their help and the owner did make a suggestion, which is the size I was leaning toward). It has a built-in bra...but let's be real, I'd need to wear a second bra underneath for adequate support. I ordered 3 (free shipping!) and these are some of the possible designs:

L-R Pink Ink, Run or Die Roses, Flutter, Current, Healing Mandala, Peacock, Bloom, Bandit and Lust.

Of these designs, I am REALLY hoping for Pink Ink, Current, Flutter or Bandit. Pink Ink and Current are the ones I am REALLY REALLY hoping for...if I got those and they fit me I would be SO happy. Lust, Bloom and Run or Die Roses don't do anything for me, so if I get those they'll be up for trade or sale (part of this mystery promotion is that there are no returns on orders). And I already have tops in other styles with Healing Mandala and Peacock. But mostly I hope I ordered the correct size. EEK!!

I just did a Google Image search and it looks like the picture only has about half of the classic designs...so who knows what I'll get.

I am already totally addicted to this mystery promotion. Can't wait for them to release tech shirts, singlets, pullovers...goodbye money!!

Thursday, December 3: lifting
Chugging along over here. I managed not to hurt my back today - squats were body-weight squats, which were okay, but I definitely need to work on my form. I was leaning forward way too much and can't seem to break myself from that habit, which I think is what caused my issue on Monday.

Also, I didn't bring my nice work shoes to change into after the gym...in the 7 (almost 8) years I have worked here, I think that's the first time I've done that. So I am walking around wearing my pink Brooks Adrenalines all day - extra cool factor added because in these shoes (as opposed to my shoes for work, which are boots with 2.5-inch heels), my pants are too long, so I need to roll them up to keep them from dragging on the ground. It's just one of those mornings for me, I guess...

Friday, December 4: 3-mile run @ 13:32/mile pace + yoga
Weather: 34 degrees and overcast with light wind

Good day today! Busy, but good. I got some fun mail so I'll post about that soon.

Before the mail, I did my run. I was nervous for my first run with temperatures in the 30s, but it was totally fine. I wore an INKNBURN pullover, my thicker Brooks tights, and my INKNBURN tech tube as a hat and felt pretty comfortable.

This was also my first run with my new watch. I liked it, and it seemed accurate and all that, but I couldn't figure out how to make it tell me the time of day while running (figured out later after a Google search).

vivoactive on top, Forerunner 220 on bottom. Pretty close.

Running outside is so much better than the treadmill.

Right after running - yoga! 90% of this class I was like, "look at me I am such an amazing yogi!"...the other 10% (specifically a balancing sequence) I was like Bambi learning how to walk. I could not have been more wobbly. But overall, good class today...good day overall.

Saturday, December 5: 4-mile run @ 12:61/mile pace
Weather: 36 degrees and overcast with light wind

Laundry day today...so I didn't match very well. Oops!

I found the deal breaker with my new watch today.

So I put the watch on and turned it to RUN mode. After 30 seconds or so the watch said to press the start button. I figured this meant that it had found the GPS satellites - that was fast! I pressed the button and off I went!

I checked the watch for the first 0.5 miles or so and thought that the pace looked too fast for how I felt I was running. And then the watch buzzed at just about 0.5 miles to let me know it had just now found the satellites...what??

My average pace (and I think the total distance) was screwed up from there. And that's the deal breaker - not only did it take 5 minutes+ to find GPS, but there was no obvious way for me to know the watch was ready - nothing indicated on the screen, just the buzz (my Forerunner 220 has a screen with a progress bar that fills as GPS satellites are found, so it's pretty obvious). This is a huge problem because I'm not going to want to wait around outside for that buzz when it's 20 degrees out and colder...heck, I didn't want to do that today! There were other small quirks I didn't love about the watch, but this GPS thing was the biggest problem. As I ran I decided that I need a running watch that happens to have smart features and activity tracking...not a smart watch that can also be used for running. The vivoactive is en route back to the store and I'm now researching the Forerunner 230, which is the update of the Forerunner 220 I already own.

So I did my 4 miles, but the watch had me at an overall average pace of 12:06. Who knows whether either of those are right!

Gotta say, I've really been enjoying the weather for running these past 2 days - when appropriately dressed it's quite nice.

My only other activities for today were laundry and cleaning out the fridge - excitement!

Sunday, December 6: rest

A rest day, but a day full of activity - I cleaned out the freezer and Mr. A and I raked some leaves (fun!)...and I got some new running gear (actually fun!). I'll post about that later

Continued in Next Post