blizzard and her marathon goal (Now Completed!)

[blizzard]

Figured I might as well start a journal entry so that I can look back and "remember when".

I have always really enjoyed sports growing up, and as an adult. I've never really enjoyed running though. I tend to be a very competitive person though (although I'm happy just competing with myself for personal bests, etc.)

I've been around the DIS boards almost from the beginning. Even before that, I was around r.a.d.p. and even r.a.d. before "the big split" (for the oldtimers!)

Anyway, I have always read with interest the stories of people who have participated in the WDW marathons and half-marathons. Secretly, I've always said - "I'd like to do that - some day". Anyway, last year (2007) I was thinking about it more, and decided that I'd like to do the marathon in 2010.

Planning to run a marathon (even when you plan 2.5 years in advance) involves a lot of things. I wanted to ensure that we would have enough DVC points for a long visit in a one bedroom. (if I'm going to do the marathon, I want to spend at least 10 days in WDW) I figured 2010 would be good, since I will be turning 40 in 2009. Putting it all together, it turned into a plan to get into shape and run a marathon when I'm 40.

I have 2 children (3 year old boy, and 9 month old girl). With both children, I gained quite a bit of weight while pregnant, but dropped back to where I was afterward. However, back to where I was, still wasn't great. If I want to be a marathoner, I could stand to lose at least 30 pounds.

So, with my plan in place, I convinced DH that we should buy a treadmill for running. He works out of town a lot, so our options were, a treadmill, or childcare while I run. We decided that the treadmill made the most sense. So, after researching treadmills, we bought one the first week of February. Time to put up or shut up!

I have been following the couch to 5K running program, and so far it's going - ok. In case you didn't know, running is hard work! I've had a few setbacks along the way already. I have been battling some knee soreness, but I think I have that on track and improving. I'm slow, but luckily I have time on my side.

After learning about the Expedition Everest Challenge, I mentioned it to DH. (EE is our favorite ride in all of WDW) We have enough DVC points for a weekend trip down there in September, so we are planning to do that. (Just need to book a room at 7 months - next week)

I'm hoping to do a local 10K this summer (in July), and a half-marathon next summer.

I tend to be very goal oriented, so I hope that I can stay motivated with the steps along the way. I will attempt to add to my journal about once a month or so, with updates of my progress.

Keep motivated WISHers!
Carol

 

[blizzard]

OK, I've been doing my training for one month so I'll report in, with the good and the bad so far...

The Good
-I have lost 8 pounds (a consistent 2 lb per week)
-I am running 5 minutes consecutively now (I am following the C25K program and have finished week 4)
-I have much more energy on my run days
-DH and I are going to run in the Expedition Everest Challenge (we reserved a DVC studio at AKV for the weekend)
-I have ordered some new shoes from www.runningwarehouse.com (with WISH discount) that should fit my feet properly - I'm an odd size

The Bad
-I have been battling knee pain. Started in the right knee, but now it's the left. I just wish it would go away! (I'm hoping the new shoes help)

Overall, I'm very happy with my progress so far. I've been following the C25K program 3 times per week, and doing some walking on the off days, when I can. We are very busy on the weekends in the summer, (We own some gliders (sailplanes) and are doing that) so I will be running MWF and walking T & Th, and pushing gliders on the weekend (good crosstraining!)

That's my monthly progress report. I'll check back in here at the beginning of April. Stay motivated!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Congratulations on the success!!! That's a very significant weight loss...and it sounds like you are doing it in a healthy manner.

Also...how cool about Everest . I have been on the fence about that race. Doesn't look good for me now...but I cannot wait to hear how everyone likes it.

Great job with your training. Take care of those knees!!!

 

[blizzard]

Two months into training now, so it's time for my monthly update.

No need to post the good and the bad, because it's all good this month!

- I completed the Couch to 5K program on Friday (by time)
- I have lost about 15+ pounds in 2 months
- My knee pain is all gone; I think a combination of stretching after running, and the new shoes helped too
- I am registered for my first race (a 5K) on April 20th
- I also registered for a 10K in July and the Expedition Everest Challenge in September

So, things are going well. I'm happy and healthy. In two months, I've gone from couch potato to runner! to

Edit to add: My Review and Thoughts of the C25K Program

 

[blizzard]

Hello WISHers!

I am now three months into my training, and have a long update this month.

On April 20th, I did my first race - a 5K. Unfortunately, the weather was a little uncooperative! It was a fun experience anyway. My race report is here: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24604517&postcount=35

A few days after I did that race, something in my running "clicked", and all of sudden it got a LOT easier. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but now I can run 4 miles easily. I remember how hard it was at the beginning. Now it's not. I can't really explain it, but if you are struggling to start out, stick with it, and hopefully it will get easier for you too. I remember reading about how far and how fast people were running, and it just seemed so unattainable, but now I'm doing it too! (ok, I'm no speed demon, but I'm putting in the miles )

I'm a little over a week into my new training plan. I am training for a 10K on July 6th. After evaluating several training books by borrowing them from the library, I decided to use a training plan out of Running Room's Book on Running. The plans all use a 10:1 run/walk interval, so I've started doing that in my running. I am meticulously following the plan, and hope to be rewarded at the end with a race time I'm shooting for. Soon my long runs will be over an hour total, so I'm going to play around with Gatorade fueling during the run. I'll report on that next month.

I'm still doing the vast majority of my running on the treadmill. I have 2 kids at home and a DH who works out of town a lot, so it works for me. We will be away from home a lot in the summer though, so I've got DH convinced that he should get me a Garmin Forerunner for Mother's Day. As I said, I really like running on the treadmill, because pacing is so easy, and I can listen to music while I run. We'll see how it goes this summer with the outdoor running. Hopefully the Garmin will be helpful for maintaining pace.

My original master plan for running was to do my first half-marathon next summer locally, and then the full marathon at WDW in 2010. Lately I've been thinking that maybe we could go to WDW in January and do the half. I could still get in with a travel company, and it wouldn't be THAT expensive. Another option would be the new Princess half, but I think it would be more difficult for us logistically. Anyway, I'll keep working on DH, and dropping some hints.

I weigh myself every Monday morning to keep on record. (I weigh at other times, but don't keep track-only once a week for official purposes) So this morning, I am officially down 24.5 pounds from when I started! For a few weeks, my weight was pretty static (I think I was moving through a set point), but this week it started dropping again. I still think I could be a much better runner if I dropped another 25 pounds, so here's hoping I haven't really changed my diet at all, so the loss is mostly from the exercise. (I have cut out some obvious excesses, but nothing too drastic)

I think that about covers everything for this month. I am very, very happy with how everything is going right now. Until next month...

 

[Briarmom]

Wow! Great progress.

 

[blizzard]

OK, four months down, and a little over 19 months to go until the marathon. This last month has flown by, and I expect the rest of the summer to be the same way!

My training is still going well. I have 4.5 weeks until my 10K race that I'm training for. My long runs are up to 6 miles now, and will top out at 8 miles for this race.

I've started using Gatorade on my runs over 4 miles. Seems to be going alright, no complaints. I do like to wash it down with some water after though, so during the race my plan will be to grab a cup of each, drink the Gatorade, have a little bit of water and dump the rest. (over me if it's hot)

DH and I gifted each other with a Garmin 205 for Mothers/Fathers Day, so I've used that on a couple of runs. It seems to work well, although pacing yourself outside is much more difficult than on the treadmill. The good thing is that I haven't found running outside any more difficult than inside.

I have now lost over 25 pounds. I am very happy with that, although I consider it a secondary goal. My goal is to be a better runner, so losing weight will help with that, but the numbers on the scale are only an indicator, not the goal in itself, if that makes sense.

My birthday is in less than a month, and I'm still hoping that DH might surprise me with a package entry (Anthony Travel) into the WDW half-marathon in 2009. It's on my wish list, but we'll have to see.

That's where things are with me. Having fun, and actually enjoying my training and the results I'm getting.

Keep moving WISHers!

 

[momof2minnies]

Carol,
That is awesome work! You are motivating to others here.Keep posting your progress.Good luck on the 10K.

25 lbs.YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!

Linda

 

[blizzard]

I'm one day late, because I had my first 10K race today, and wanted to wait until I finished before I posted here.

My race report is here:
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26066781&postcount=22

I didn't quite meet my ultimate goal of running the race under 60 minutes (I was 1:02:03), but still happy with my results.

In other news, I got what I wanted for my birthday! DH gave me permission to enter the 2009 WDW half-marathon through Anthony Travel. I've registered already, and we're staying at Pop Century for 3 nights. The price was really reasonable, so if you're looking for a way to get into the next half, consider it.

I'm down 30 pounds now from where I started, so we're still headed the right direction. Another 20, and I'll be a great runner!

I'm going to take it kind of easy on the running for the next 1-2 months. I will start my serious training for the half in September. I don't want to lose the fitness I have though, so I'm still trying to decide how much running to do over the summer. We have a VERY busy next month, but we'll see how it goes.

Happy, healthy, and having fun!
GO WISH!

 

[blizzard]

I haven't been on DIS for more than a month, and I'm finally finding a little bit of time to get back here. In the last month, I've done a lot of flying but not much running. I knew after my 10K race that I would be pressed for time, and without a race to be training for, the running has suffered.

I will be starting my training for the half-marathon in September, and I really need to get some quality runs in before starting training. Anyway, just wanted to check in. I will be able to post once per month as per regular schedule again in September.

 

[blizzard]

I'm still enjoying my summer

I keep trying to do some running, but I'm only managing to do it once or twice per week. Of course that all changes on September 15, when I start my half-marathon training. I'm going to train again from the "Running Room Book on Running". It's a 10(run):1(walk) program. Because the 2:00 and the 2:15 are identical except for the pacing, I'm going to try keeping to the 2:00 pacing. My hope is to run 2:15 while stopping for characters.

After completely taking a month off, now that I'm back at it a little bit, my weight is within a pound of when I started slacking, so that's good.

Before my next post, we will be off to do the Expedition Everest Challenge. That should be a fun event, and a fun weekend we have planned. I'm also thinking about doing a 5K event on Sept 21.

 

[blizzard]

Another month gone by and this was a busy one...

I started my WDW half-marathon training on Sept 15th. My plan is to train for a 2 hour half, and then mix in some character pictures, etc., and finish the half in 2:15. It was tough getting back into the swing of a training plan, but so far it has gone fairly well.

I ran a 5K race on Sept 21, just to get back into the swing of things. I was hoping to run under 30 minutes, but it was 30:20. I was happy with that - I'll get the 30 mark next time.

We also went to the Expedition Everest Challenge. That was my first Disney race, and was so much fun. It made me look forward to January even more. We took a weekend away from the kids, but I kept thinking how much they would enjoy things, that we extended our trip in January to a week.

As for weight, I'm holding steady. No real loss or gain to report. I'm hoping that the training plan will kick start my metabolism again, and I'll start dropping again. Once the miles really start to ramp up, I'm sure it will happen.

That's all from my camp. Enjoy life!

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

I will see you at the start line in 2010! We can do this!

 

[blizzard]

Still working my way toward the full marathon in January 2010.

I'm about half way through my training plan for the WDW half. Things are going quite well. I have managed to hit all my distances and paces for a 2:00 half. Of course we'll have to see how well the plan works when we get to the finish line! My long run this week is 7.5 miles, on my way to 12.5 on Dec 26.

Weight loss has been going well this past month (except for this week with the Halloween candy! ) My lowest (about a week and half ago) is down 34 pounds from when I started.

I'm looking forward to the half in January. I'm still waiting for Disney to upload the group registrations though, so that I can verify my seeding time. It will seem more real when I have a bib number!

 

[Briarmom]

WOW! Way to go! You're an inspiration.

 

[blizzard]

I'm starting to get excited about the half-marathon. Only 5 weeks to go! I only have 3 long runs left in my training plan (11, 11, 12.5). So far, so good with the training. It sure takes up a lot of time though. I can't even imagine next year when I'm training for the full marathon.

The weight loss is still going ok. I am still hoping to be down a couple more pounds before the race, but I'm not sure how possible that will be with Christmas in the interim.

By the way, group registrations were uploaded to Disney, so I'm now verified and it's official that "I'm in".

When I do my update in January it will be only 2 days before we leave for Disney!

 

[blizzard]

Two days before I leave for my first half-marathon. I'm somewhat nervous and excited at the same time. This Disney trip has been planned much differently than usual. I usually have menus planned, days planned, and packing lists. This time there's a lot of, we'll wait and see how we feel after the weekend. The good news is that our waitlist came through for Sunday night at OKW, so we are only switching hotels once. (Pop Thurs-Sun, OKW Sun-Thurs)

I've had a difficult time getting my runs in, in December. I was sick for a few days, then Christmas, and then MIL was in the hospital (was very serious, but she pulled through and now is recovering well). I also had difficulty with the speed work in my training plan. I couldn't finish the first day, and then with the other things going on, I didn't even attempt the other two speed sessions. This plan was based on my "dream goal" though, so I'm not too worried that I will need to slow it down on race day. I was just calculating this morning, and my pace for my "happy goal" is one that I know I can do. (My "satisfied goal" is just to finish)

Weight loss did not go well through the holidays. I actually think I gained a few pounds. Too many snacks and treats! Again, I'm not too worried about it. I feel good enough to run, and I'm still down 30+ pounds from February.

If this half goes well enough (in other words, if I don't come away saying, "I'm never doing that again!") I am planning another half on May 31. I will be using a different training plan this time. I'm looking at the Hal Higdon intermediate.

My ultimate plan is still the 2010 WDW Marathon, and I think I'm making good progress toward that goal. I'm not looking forward to the long runs on the treadmill next fall. I may have to spring for a rec centre membership, as they are building an addition that will include an indoor running track. It's supposed to be done in the fall, but I'll wait and see.

Well, wish me luck. I will report in on my half-marathon experiences when I return (and life returns to normal).

 

[tinkerbell of winter]

Well, how was it?

 

[blizzard]

Somehow I missed doing my update yesterday...

I have now been running for one year, and it's now less than one year until my first marathon! I've learned a lot about running and training in the last year, so I'd like to share some of that today.

- get proper running shoes. (I mean real running shoes, not "running" shoes at a shoe store, even if they are a running brand.) Go to a running store either in person or online. Either read extensively about how to determine what kind of shoes you need, or get someone to look at your gait. Once you determine which category of shoes you need, then you can pick some shoes. Good shoes make a bigger difference than you think, and they don't need to be expensive (usually you can get last year's model for about $60 or less)

- find a beginner training plan that you think you can stick with. A lot of people use the Couch to 5K plan (C25K), but most running books have a "beginner" plan. Start slow! Pick a plan that begins with walking, and then starts to add small amounts of running. Don't try to do too much too soon - that's a recipe for injury. If you are feeling like you are starting to get an injury, back off for a few days. So many people decide they are going to exercise, start off too fast, get hurt, and then quit. Don't be a quitter - start slow, start slow, start slow!

- pick a 5K race a few months down the road or a 10K six months away and enter if you need a goal to keep you going. These are good beginner distances. Don't try to train for a marathon six months away when you are starting from scratch. I've read that it takes 2 to 3 years of running before you can finish a marathon close to your potential. (sure people do it on less, but you are much more likely to be injured and you won't be able to run it at your potential) A marathon or half marathon goal a year or more away is a good "dream" goal to have, just make sure there are more attainable goals along the way.

- Find some other sources of motivation. WISH is a great resource, maybe a local running club, a friendly contest between friends, other websites or books. There is plenty of motivation out there - you just need to find what works for you and be accountable to yourself.

That's about all the advice I have. I had a great time at the WDW half-marathon. My race report is on the race weekend thread on WISH (or a more general report on my blog). I can't wait for next year when I do the full. I will be doing a couple of 10K's in the spring, leading up to another half marathon on May 31. I will be cutting back on training again through the summer (just concentrating on base miles), then will begin building again in the fall for the full marathon.

Only 11 months to go!

 

[blizzard]

A day late (and a dollar short?) again this month.

Ten months to go until the marathon. I already have my room booked at Old Key West. I haven't registered for the race yet, as I want to finish my spring races and see how I do before putting in my estimated time. Also, since the marathon won't fill until late in the year (if at all), I might as well hang onto my money rather than let Disney spend it.

I've been working on a base building phase for the last several weeks, and next week start into my training plan for a half marathon on May 31st. I'm doing a straight running program this time, so we'll see how it works out. My goal is to finish the half under 2 hours.

I recently purchased Pete Pfitzinger's Advanced Marathoning book. He is definitely hard core. The marathon plan I'm looking at starts at over 30 miles per week, and includes a 12 mile run during the first week. People swear by his plans though, so I just need to figure out a pre-plan plan to get me through the summer and ready to start in the fall.

My weight loss hasn't been anything significant in the last few months. I seem to gain and lose the same 5 pounds. I'm hovering around 150 though, which is the least I've weighed as an adult. I'd like to drop 10-15 before the end of the year, but we'll see how it goes.