AJollyHoliday with the Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2016~ PTR

[AJollyHoliday]

Hey There, Hi There, Ho there, you're as welcome as can be!

This is my first time ever creating a thread and thought I would create a pre-trip report as my DH and I plan and train for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November.

A little about me...I have loved Disney for as long as I can remember, but have vague memories of going to WDW when I was a kid (5 years old). DH and I decided to honeymoon there when we got married in 2000. The end of our honeymoon overlapped with the arrival of the Disney Marathon runners and I said then that I would one day run a Disney race. I have been a runner for about 20 years and Disney has always been a dream to run. Fast forward to 2015... We are DVC members with home resorts at AKL and VGF and it was the perfect time to run a Disney race! I ran the Glass Slipper Challenge and was immediately hooked! I have run a lot of races, but Disney was one of the most organized and fun races I had ever run!

Here I am after the Princess Half sporting my GSC medal!

DH was excited for me and became interested in running a Disney race with me. We decided that the Wine and Dine Half would be a great race to run so we booked our room at AKL at the 11 month mark. I am going to try and move our room to Beach Club or Boardwalk at the 8 mth mark, but I am not too hopeful.

Here is a picture of Me, my DD, and DH from our most recent trip in June 2015.

We do have a trip planned between now and W&D. We are going in March to celebrate DH's 40th! It will be our first time staying at the VGF! We did stay in the hotel portion of the GF in June, but we are so excited to stay at our new home (we became DVC members at VGF in Feb of 2015).

So, a little more about me...
As I said, I have been running about about 20 years. I didn't start running half marathons until my DD was born so I have been running that distance for about 8 years. I have done over 10 halves, 3 fulls, and 3 Ragnar Relays. I just love running! I am in the process of building back up after having just battled (and beat!) colon cancer. I was diagnosed a little over a month after the PHM and had surgery the weekend I was suppose to run my 4th marathon. I finished chemo just before Thanksgiving and jumped back into racing! I was running throughout my treatments, but it was more run/walking and at a slower pace. I feel great now and I am super eager to get back to my races!

Me and DH before a Christmas 5K about 3 weeks after my treatments ended.

My Disney side... Mary Poppins is my favorite Disney character. My DD rolls her eyes every time we see Mary Poppins because I squeal and get so excited. Mary Poppins is also one of my favorite Disney movies, although I am a big fan of The Jungle Book, Mulan, and, well, the list can go on for awhile. My favorite WDW ride is Splash Mountain because my DD loves it! We ride it at least 10 times each time we go. My most memorable Disney moment is staying in the Cinderella Suite in June 2015. We won a contest for a trip for 4 to Disney complete with a night in the Castle. It was THE.MOST.AMAZING trip!

Well, I guess that is all for now. I will be back soon to talk about our costume idea and other odd things that pop into my head. Thanks for stopping by!

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Wine and Dine is a ways off so I have a bunch of races on the calendar to hold me over. Here is what I have so far:

April 2nd~ Hot Chocolate 15K Philadelphia
May 1st~ Providence, RI Half Marathon
May 15th~ Mystic, CT Half Marathon
September 10th~ Maple Leaf Half Marathon
October 2nd~ Smuttynose Half Marathon

Wine and Dine is November 5th and I am running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on November 20th.

There are a few more halves I am keeping my eyes on. Right now summer is looking pretty sparse so I have to figure something out there.

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Today was week 3 of my HM training. I am training for the Providence 1/2 and following the Finish It plan from Another Mother Runner. Today was hill work. I didn't really feel like putting on my headlamp and reflective vest to run outside at 5:20 AM so I ran on the treadmill. I warmed up for 1.5 miles at a 10:10 pace. Then I did 4x45 secs at an incline of 3% at 10:10 min pace with a 45 sec recovery at a slightly slower pace. That brought my mileage to around 2.25 miles. I wanted to hit 4 miles so I finished out the run with a 10 min pace, then for the last mile I did 1/2 mile at 9:50 and the final 1/2 mile at 9:40. My speed is still not back to where it was before my cancer, but it is getting better each time. I could have increased the incline of the run. You were suppose to be in "zone 4-5" meaning really pushing, and while it was challenging, I wasn't too tired. Next time . Tonight is CrossFit which is mostly upper body work and some ab work. My abs are still hurting from Monday and Tuesday CrossFit, but I don't mind. I love that sore feeling.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Yay!! Subscribing!

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Hi Karen! Thanks for stopping over!!

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Training update: This weekend I had to get up at 5 to get out for miles before CrossFit started. My DD was having a sleepover party so I couldn't do my run on Sunday. I managed 9 miles with a friend at an avg. 10:10 pace. Not too shabby. I am hoping to get faster, but that will come in time. This morning I was suppose to run 5 miles, but I am battling a cold so I was only able to manage 4 miles.

In other news, our magic bands arrived for our March trip!!

We got 2 sets because one is for being AP holders and the other are just our regular ones. I am contemplating getting a special one, but I'm on the fence about that. Since we will be in WDW for DH's birthday, I was thinking about getting Star Wars shirts for me and our DD to wear on DH's big day. It is his favorite and we will be HS that morning so it would be fun. I just have to find the right shirts. We saw a Rey shirt at Target, but DD didn't have much interest. She is going to be the hard one to convince.

Does anyone have an recommendations on where to get fun Star Wars shirts for women? Target has great ones for guys, I just can't seem to find one I like (there was only 1 woman's shirt at Target).

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Good morning DIS folks! This week's training has been a little tricky because I came down with a cold. I was going to run 5 on Tuesday, but only mustered 4. Today was speed work day and I usually do less mileage with speed work. I ended up doing 5 miles with the middle-ish 2 being fartleks tongue. I ran 1 min really fast, then had 2 mins of recovery, and did that 6 times. It felt so great!

In other news, for a couple of years I have been using Swagbucks, Shopkick, PerkTV, and Target purchases to amass Target GCs that I then use to purchase Disney GCs. I have no idea how much money in Disney GC I have amassed since I started, but it is definitely in the thousands range. So far for this trip here is what I have:

$350 in Disney GC left over from my trip to Aulani in August
$400 in Disney GC that I have paid $24 for

So I run these apps on my phone and make select Target purchases to get GCs. When I get enough to buy $100 GC I buy one, but I used my Target CC so I get a 5% discount which is why I paid something for my GCs. Usually I try to pay $10 or less per $100 GC. It is just amazing how I have been able to get this money making our Disney trips that less hard on the wallet. DH runs the apps as well and we also run them on DD's phone. If you want to find out more, just post and we can chat about it

 

[AJollyHoliday]

BRR!!! It is so cold up here in the Northeast! I got up for my run yesterday and it was -14 without a wind chill! Needless to say, I was doing my miles on the treadmill. It was only 7 miles (which on a treadmill feels like 20). I watched Mary Poppins while running so that helped. I was dreaming about running in Disney where it would be nice and warm! This morning I went to spin class and it was a balmy -5. What is crazy is that tomorrow it may be in the mid-40s! I am done with the crazy winter weather.

This time last year I was preparing for the Glass Slipper Challenge. It was my first Disney race and I was so excited. I was running it solo, but met a woman on the bus and we are now friends! You know what they say, running makes fast friends! I wish I was doing the GSC this year, but I will just have to wait until next year .

 

[AJollyHoliday]

It has been a bit since I updated. I am getting over my second cold in less than a month! I have a rule that if I am sick above the neck, I will still workout. Both colds have been mainly head colds so I kept up my running, but reduced it a little bit for a day or two since I was tired. I have to remind myself that my immune system is still recovering so these colds may keep coming back.

Anyway, training is going well. I did 5 miles this morning and felt really strong. The weather is turning a little warmer up here. In fact, it is really manic. On Sunday it was in the mid-50s and today it is in the 30s. I am just over this and want to be running outside in the warmer weather. I will get my wish soon, we leave in 3 days for Disney! My training plan calls for 12 miles this weekend, but I don't really feel like doing that in WDW. I plan on getting that run in on Friday morning then spending the day packing and getting ready. The weather looks like it is going to be so nice!

Big runDisney news is we get to register for Wine and Dine on March 8th due to our DVC/AP status. I just hope it goes smoothly! I am nervous the slots for DVC bibs will fill up fast, but I have no issues doing a charity if I need to. Anyone else a bit nervous for registration day?

 

[TeeterTots]

Hello! Reading along! Nervous doesn't describe it! I'm not a runner but an otherwise athletic person obsessed with Disney. I set my mind to signing up for Wine & Dine after staying at AKL for my birthday over marathon weekend! We own at AKV as well. I've never ran a single race so I'm hoping I'm not getting over my head. Training is going ok....I guess? I have the energy but getting a pesky knee pain. Ugh, trying to remind myself slow and steady. You're very inspiring with all your races and beating colon cancer! Congrats!

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Hello! Reading along! Nervous doesn't describe it! I'm not a runner but an otherwise athletic person obsessed with Disney. I set my mind to signing up for Wine & Dine after staying at AKL for my birthday over marathon weekend! We own at AKV as well. I've never ran a single race so I'm hoping I'm not getting over my head. Training is going ok....I guess? I have the energy but getting a pesky knee pain. Ugh, trying to remind myself slow and steady. You're very inspiring with all your races and beating colon cancer! Congrats!

Thanks for following along! It is nice to meet another DVC neighbor . Dis_Yoda is also a AKV owner! You are going to do great at Wine and Dine and have plenty of time to train. Just remember to take it easy. What plan are you planning to use? I think one of the big issues contributing to running injuries is not cross training so my suggestion would be do make sure you add strength training into your plan. I had a glute problem a few years ago and the only thing that helped was PT which had me doing all sorts of strength work. Also make sure to get properly fitted shoes. If you have a running store near by, stop in if you haven't already, to get paired up with your running shoe. Otherwise, keep on reading and posting your progress!

 

[TeeterTots]

Thanks for following along! It is nice to meet another DVC neighbor . Dis_Yoda is also a AKV owner! You are going to do great at Wine and Dine and have plenty of time to train. Just remember to take it easy. What plan are you planning to use? I think one of the big issues contributing to running injuries is not cross training so my suggestion would be do make sure you add strength training into your plan. I had a glute problem a few years ago and the only thing that helped was PT which had me doing all sorts of strength work. Also make sure to get properly fitted shoes. If you have a running store near by, stop in if you haven't already, to get paired up with your running shoe. Otherwise, keep on reading and posting your progress!

Thank you for your support! I'm heading to the running store Saturday! I'm also obsessed with Dis_Yoda's TR (maybe borderline stalker... Lol). I'm following Jeff Galloways plan now, but I'm open to suggestions! Have a great trip!

 

[TeeterTots]

Hello! I went to be fitted for new shoes this afternoon! I bought two pairs to try out! The first pair are Brooks, which feel more comfortable and the second pair are Nikes, which feels more light. I was shocked to find out I'm a 8.5 running shoe! Crazy....because I wear a 7 is everyday shoes! My current pair of sneakers are 7.5 for "wiggle room" but an 8.5! Wow, I couldn't believe it!
I was eager to try them out when I got home. I chose the Brooks first, no knee pain at all! I'm so glad for this! I'm a heel striker and according to this pedometer gadget that syncs to my iPhone I was 95% heel striking! Oops, still no pain. I guess I could get my cadence up? I had no idea running was so technical.

 

[rteetz]

Joining in! Love runDisney TRs!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Joining in! Can't wait to read all your travel plans as they occur!

Hopefully we all get registered on Tuesday, fellow AKV owners

 

[TeeterTots]

I'm a little nervous about registering as it's my first time. I know it's Tuesday at noon for Dvc/AP members, which I'm both, but where do you register? On the dvc member site? What if you don't get a spot? Do you wait until the 15th? Also, can you sign a nonmember up? I'm assuming no, but I just thought I'd ask. My friend Sabrina may be joining me from Toronto.

 

[TeeterTots]

I was just informed by member service online chat that early registration for dvc/AP is now March 22! General registration is 3/29! Did you all hear this?

 

[rteetz]

I was just informed by member service online chat that early registration for dvc/AP is now March 22! General registration is 3/29! Did you all hear this?

Yes just changed.

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Hi ladies! Sorry I have been MIA, we were in Disney to celebrate DHs 40th.

Hello! I went to be fitted for new shoes this afternoon! I bought two pairs to try out! The first pair are Brooks, which feel more comfortable and the second pair are Nikes, which feels more light. I was shocked to find out I'm a 8.5 running shoe! Crazy....because I wear a 7 is everyday shoes! My current pair of sneakers are 7.5 for "wiggle room" but an 8.5! Wow, I couldn't believe it!
I was eager to try them out when I got home. I chose the Brooks first, no knee pain at all! I'm so glad for this! I'm a heel striker and according to this pedometer gadget that syncs to my iPhone I was 95% heel striking! Oops, still no pain. I guess I could get my cadence up? I had no idea running was so technical.
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I am so happy you got good shoes, Jenn!

I will definitely be doing a little report about our trip. I was being all crazy about checking the runDisney sight because we were suppose to register when we were down there. I am a happy it was delayed because it will be more relaxed for me to register. I read somewhere online that AP pre-registration fills up faster because there are more AP holders than DVC. We are both as well, but we plan on using our DVC link.

Gotta run, DD fell at kung fu the other day. A trip to urgent care (weekend when this happened) and it appears she may have broken her humerus near the elbow. We have to take her to the ortho today for confirmation. Her first sports injury.

 

[TeeterTots]

Hi ladies! Sorry I have been MIA, we were in Disney to celebrate DHs 40th.



I am so happy you got good shoes, Jenn!

I will definitely be doing a little report about our trip. I was being all crazy about checking the runDisney sight because we were suppose to register when we were down there. I am a happy it was delayed because it will be more relaxed for me to register. I read somewhere online that AP pre-registration fills up faster because there are more AP holders than DVC. We are both as well, but we plan on using our DVC link.

Gotta run, DD fell at kung fu the other day. A trip to urgent care (weekend when this happened) and it appears she may have broken her humerus near the elbow. We have to take her to the ortho today for confirmation. Her first sports injury.

I hope you had a fabulous time celebrating your DH birthday! I'm really sorry to hear about your DD arm! What a bummer! I hope she has a speedy recovery!