Confessions of a reluctant runner, a DL 1/2 & PHM PTR. 7/5 race recaps and final thoughts

[eandesmom]

Sigh. I still miss it. I miss Monkeypod, too. Hope you're having a great time in between the work hours.

I love Monkeypod. I am very happy I made it there for happy hour on arrival day as well, it is unlikely to happen again. While it is possible I may go there Saturday night, the reality is as a solo business traveler, I confess that my favorite "dinner" so far was in the lounge at the Marriott tonight. Which, apparently will not be much longer. It is scheduled to close in Jan and convert to a Four Seasons. Which really bites as there goes any hope of semi sort of reasonable rates near the office. The drive here from Waikiki is...a you know what.

I have thought of you twice now this trip. Once at lunch yesterday and then today. When I took a VERY BAD wrong turn. Or really, when the GPS didn't match what the signs said.

20 mile detour later, white knuckle engineering marvel highway H3 and hey, only 30 minutes late to my lunch.

Which meant I missed the lunch. Not the whole meeting so there is that at least. Parking lot attendant saying "you are very late" didn't help matters!

Apparently normal people don't freak out driving that but well, I do. NOT my thing. I really hate it when you make a wrong turn (or stay left instead of right) and then next exit is 10 miles later!

Into a mountain range and through tunnels.

I am sure the vistas were stunning. I would have enjoyed them

As a passenger.

By the time I got back to the Marriott (after 3 more appointments post missed lunch) I was saddened to find that the sunset sushi happy hour really was not happening (restaurant hours said closed t/w...maybe they forgot thursday) and while I was REALLY contemplating a cheeseburger from room service I decided to check out the lounge.

Which was an oasis of much needed calmness and lovely light menu items. With a view.

Thank god.

I have to run in the morning. I needed restoration! And sad to say, my Ahi Poke from Oleo last night.....did NOT cut it. At all. Holy cats is that place PACKED in the summer. I am not sure I realized. I am glad our trip is not in summer. Still, I scoped out all the new stuff and got a new mug....all good! Pictures later.

 

[eandesmom]

That view would motivate me to run. Have a fun and productive time in Hawaii.

I am hoping I will be a bit more motivated tomorrow. Yesterdays run was decent enough but I feel like I need/want a tempo run. Whether I have the energy or not for it tomorrow remains to be seen. I have to be done by about 6:45 am for a pretty intense conference call at 7 so we will see!

It has been productive, and eye opening, and discouraging, and encouraging, all at once. A typical work trip. Fun isn't necessarily part of it but I do confess. Much as I adore my family, a night or two truly alone...is not a bad thing.

Oh, and I did book a spa appointment at Aulani for Saturday. I decided I NEEDED a sports massage before the half.

Actually I really think I do.

I could get it for half the price at home

It wouldn't include all the magic that is in that spa though. I want that magic. I swear it will make me faster. And OH that reflexology path...that will torture my feet but make them so so so so happy....

I can't wait.

 

[franandaj]

A trip to the spa at Aulani sounds totally warranted! My trip to the Mandara at GCH was perfect. I bet Aulani is even better!

I hear you on business trips! As nice as the location is, unless you add days there us no time for fun.

 

[eandesmom]

A trip to the spa at Aulani sounds totally warranted! My trip to the Mandara at GCH was perfect. I bet Aulani is even better!

I hear you on business trips! As nice as the location is, unless you add days there us no time for fun.

Nope. And most don't get that, or don't actually believe it. Today was a typical work trip day, going from 6am till 5:40 pm, and no lunch. Back and finally fed, I am actually in the room, working on "flashes" which are part of the marching band uniforms. I realized a couple of days before this trip that my nice and easy summer project all of a sudden had a due date that did not work well with my work trip. So I sit here, with seam ripper and scissors, figuring out which flashes are salvageable and which I need to remake or replace a part.

As the surf crashes outside.

LOL!

but hey, I have a Hawaiian music station on and IF I get these at least sorted out tonight...I can run in the am with a clear head and not worry about them tomorrow night as that will be a late return. If I can pull that off, Saturday may be lovely!

Which will be good as Monday will be spent sewing all the need to be fixed/replaced flashes.

 

[Poolrat]

You will be fine. You have done the distance and will finish upright!!!

I thought I peaked too early as I had a great long run a few weeks before and then well had a rough time keeping it up. Consider it a taper. Stick with what you can do and adrenaline and the energy of the race will be the extra motivation you need.

Enjoy what you can of Hawaii and I am still learning to enjoy the city I am in when traveling for work. With Vegas this fall I hope to have a little time to enjoy the sights I want to see.

You are awesome!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

You will be fine. You have done the distance and will finish upright!!!

I am really hoping that today can be a bit resotrative. I am absolutely wiped out which is typical on these work trips. But I have very much a "me" agenda today and hopefully that plus a solid nights sleep will do the trick. I do need to be up early for that last "longer" run tomorrow though.

I thought I peaked too early as I had a great long run a few weeks before and then well had a rough time keeping it up. Consider it a taper. Stick with what you can do and adrenaline and the energy of the race will be the extra motivation you need.

I hope so. I have been down the road of too much too close to a longer race and it definitely impacted it so that helps curb any idea of overdoing it. As does fear of injury! I did get both weekday runs in. They were a bit shorter than ideal for "my" plan but they were what I had time for. Only 2 more runs until the race. Tomorrow and Wednesday. Unless I opt to do Tues/Thursday (but I probably will not) That is FREAKY!

Enjoy what you can of Hawaii and I am still learning to enjoy the city I am in when traveling for work. With Vegas this fall I hope to have a little time to enjoy the sights I want to see.

You are awesome!!!!

YOU are awesome

I try to carve out even 1 hour to find something to enjoy wherever I travel. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. My next work trip is 3 days in San Diego and given that my boss is coming...very possible I won't have that hour anywhere in there! We will see though.

Vegas is SO not my favorite place, only place I want to see there (other than a show) is the pool. Some good dining though that is for sure.

 

[Poolrat]

Vegas is SO not my favorite place, only place I want to see there (other than a show) is the pool. Some good dining though that is for sure.

Not mine either- Walking through the casinos at 7 am to start my day and smelling stale booze and smoke is no way to start the day.

At least this conference has cool socials and those are usually the best part. Especially in Vegas, this year we have a party at the new Wet and Wild and the reunion social at the pool. We are all good and stay dry - not sure why someone doesn't end up in the pool- but it does limit time spent wandering around.

The good news is I can take extra time off and go to Disneyland.

 

[eandesmom]

Not mine either- Walking through the casinos at 7 am to start my day and smelling stale booze and smoke is no way to start the day. At least this conference has cool socials and those are usually the best part. Especially in Vegas, this year we have a party at the new Wet and Wild and the reunion social at the pool. We are all good and stay dry - not sure why someone doesn't end up in the pool- but it does limit time spent wandering around. The good news is I can take extra time off and go to Disneyland.

That's good! I have to go there in February....hmmm. I need to check the dates, may I can turn that into a pre race massage opportunity. I keep blocking it from my mind that I have to go there lol. I pretty much despise almost everything about that place.

 

[annmarieda]

In 10 days I leave on my trip

shows just how far behind I am... 10 days is now just 5 (just 4 more sleeps after tonight)

In 12 days I am going to run through a castle

And now it is just 7 days from now and we will be all done and looking to the phm.

Last week, I was here:

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 13.5 hours + long run miles 85.5 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 20.25 hours + long run miles: 93.84
• My plan. 19.07 hours + long run miles: 113.45
• Total actual time to date: 16.87 hours + long run miles: 103.03

One week later I am here

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 15.5 hours + long run miles 103.5 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 22.25 hours + long run miles: 117.80
• My plan. 20.49 hours + long run miles: 127.45
• Total actual time to date: 18.44 hours + long run miles: 114.03

Still within my own weird hybrid range of being somewhere but off of my personal plan.

You still seem to be getting the miles and time in!

Wednesday: Ran 4.7 miles. 9:21 pace. Ok run, not great, not horrible, average. Humid which seems to be the norm. I did notice my left heel bothering me. I chafed it on my 11 mile hike, tore it open a bit on my Sunday run and it was not quite healed. It wasn't terribly pretty afterwards. The new shoes are just a little higher than the old and with the owie from my hiking Keens, not a good combo. I decided to get some new socks that would be higher.

new tab socks... that has seemed to help me. I hope it helped you.

Thursday. Went to the gym

And cancelled our membership. Which was very sad! We are changing gyms to a cheaper one, the reality is we don’t need the benefits at this one as the kids aren't doing swim, I am not taking classes anymore and the kids rarely use it themselves. It was kind of the end of an era though. We will be there through the end of the month. New one, is an old one, that we are going back to. If I really hate it I have 30 days to reinstate at the Y. We will see.

Sounds kinda sad...but kinda like it is the right time to do so.

Friday. I ran 5.35 miles. 9:33 pace. I had failed utterly in my attempt to buy a higher cut sock that was my normal brand and style. They were not to be found in a store, only online. I ordered a pair. I think my regular ones will be ok, once my heel, heals. However I did not want to make it worse and since all my socks were either too low, or not for running (if high enough) I bought a new pair, different brand. Something you are not supposed to do this close to a race. They seemed ok. Weird as they were a bit more cushioned than I am used to but seemed ok. It was an ok run, humid again, nothing earth shattering for sure.

Hmmm... sounds like they were less than ideal. But they work?

I tested out my Tiki headband and it worked great!

very glad this worked!!!

And the reality, early in the run I kind of went "whatever". My attitude was exactly that. I didn't "need" to do 14 to prove to myself I can run 13.1. I had already done that. I did need to get some miles and some time in. I didn't much care about pace. So I ran accordingly. Which meant I did 8 miles at a halfway decent training long run pace and then walked/ran another 3 for a total of 11. It is a funny thing, the mental aspect of running. Mentally I was done at 8. Stopped, walked around at a park a bit, had a couple of sips of water and watched folks jumping in a lake. I was happy as a clam to just walk and run if/when I felt like it for the last 3 to get back to my car. My legs weren't tired, my body wasn't tired, physically I absolutely could have run. I just didn't feel the need to. Or really, want to. Completely mental. Combine the 2 and I did 11 miles in about 2 hours. Which I am fine with. The actual 8 I did "run" was at about a 10:30 pace, which is a fine long slow run pace for where I would like to be. And, the last half mile during the "walk" portion? I did turn it on and ran at 8:40. Plenty of gas in the tank, I just didn't feel like using it.

I hear ya... the mental aspect can sometimes can be the biggest wall for me to get over. I often struggle with how much I need to do verses how much I want to. Hence why I gave up the structured speed work all together. I just didn't want to...and once I realized that I realized it wasnt going to work for me.

The socks though?

Not so fine.

I did protect the heel. All that added cushion though didn't breathe as well on a longer, hotter more humid outing and my trouble spots are not terribly happy.

Actually, they hurt

They don't look so good either.

Ugh... that isn't good.

I did jump in the lake when done.

And the headband, and race outfit, again did great!

These are though!

The fuel thing?

Meh

As I was running later, I needed a little coffee to fuel the driving of kids to
church. I was good and only had a little. I figured I would try 2 of the new java gels that were lower in sugar instead.

They were

Meh

They didn’t disagree with me or anything but I can’t say they did anything special either.

30 minutes in I had a half shot block, at 60 minutes, the other half.

Whatever.

LOL!

That’s all I had. I wasn't interested in more.

Can you tell my head was NOT in the game?

I hope this isn't a bad sign for the race.

I don't think it is. I do not think the fuel had a THING to do with my performance, or lack thereof. A certain friend visiting may have but that is TMI.

I doubt the fuel had anything to do with your performance either. I am sure you are good with just how much or little fuel you need. Probably more to do with your visiting friend. If your friend is anything like mine... she hates to run. She hates a lot of things and really tends to drag me down. At least she won't make a guest appearance on the DL half trip? TMI...but I just know my friend probably will. She is selfish like that and tends to only want to come around when I have places to go and things to do.

I do think....

I'm just going back to real coffee for the race.

Did you see that someone called to find out what time the Starbucks in dtd is opening on sunday? 4am!!!! can I say

What will be, will be

Forget the sugar and extra carbs.

I think, dare I say, I am slightly burnt out.

I must say I am kinda relieved you are saying that. I kinda feel the same way and am just kinda at a "what will be will be" point. I can't seem to step up my pace. I have had some sort of lung crud this past week. I am SURE my friend will want to tag along (I can't tell you how many times she has met me at the airport ) So I am just kinda... meh. Don't get me wrong. SUPER excited about the trip and the race and EVERYTHING!!! But I am not just kinda feeling like if I survive the race then that will be good enough. (even though yes...I am sure that I most definitely will survive)

I think

Dare I say

That running here tomorrow morning (and Friday and Sunday)



Just might help.

If nothing else, it will be heat training.

How did it go? Did it help? Ya know... now that I think about it...maybe that is all I need a change of scenery. What better place to do that than Hawaii! It had to have helped you, yes???

Even if I am slightly burnt out, and I may be, I don’t “think” it will impact me come race day. I hope not.

I can't say that I know that for sure.

Ya know... we will be so excited come race day that all this ho hum blas are going to just be over run by

I do know that I will either wear my old socks, or the new “just like the old but higher cut” socks.

Which will arrive literally the day before the race.

That is a tough tough call....

Or maybe I will buy a new pair of the "normal" ones, perhaps the elastic is going in the back?

Sigh.

I wish I could give you better feedback...but again... tough call. They say that socks need to be replaced too because they wear out in not just elastic but cushioning. I wonder...maybe you just need to replace them.

Somehow I don't think an IPA, truffle fries and wild mushroom flatbread is what they mean by carbo loading. And 12 days ahead of the race doesn't really count. But, those happy hour prices make it hard to say no. Good thing I will be tied up with work the next 3 nights and will not be tempted by it!

I think it was perfectly deserved and will not impact race day one way or another!

I swear I had a whole bunch of other trip related things to say but, apparently the 5 hours of shrieking 2 year old, the 5 year old who yanked on his tray and kicked my back for 5 hours and the 8 year old next to me who was alternately annoyed buy the younger ones behind her or trying to play with them (often hitting me in the process, though totally accidentally, she was a cutie) have rendered my brain incapable of much.

I am so sorry that that was the flight you had. That isn't fun at all!

Hopefully the one home was better!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

I have to run in the morning. I needed restoration! And sad to say, my Ahi Poke from Oleo last night.....did NOT cut it. At all. Holy cats is that place PACKED in the summer. I am not sure I realized. I am glad our trip is not in summer.

Is this the same Tuna meal you ordered on the last day of your previous Aulani TR? I believe it was the afternoon before you headed to the aiport. I ask because I have been drooling over that tuna bowl since I saw it in your TR! Sorry to hear it wasn't as good this time (IF it is the same place, that is).

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up here too! Not easy when you are nearly 10 pages behind. There is too much to comment on, but I have to admit, I learned a lot about running.

 

[eandesmom]

shows just how far behind I am... 10 days is now just 5 (just 4 more sleeps after tonight)

I hear you! I have updates written for both but need to add in all the pictures (can't do that on a plane when you don't have wifi lol) but have no time. Hopefully tomorrow morning as now today looks out.

And now it is just 7 days from now and we will be all done and looking to the phm.

Well you have a few other things before the PHM. Makes me look like a total bum!

You still seem to be getting the miles and time in!

Some. Not as much as I'd have hoped.

new tab socks... that has seemed to help me. I hope it helped you.

yeah...the kind that work best for me are not tabbed. I wish they were.

Sounds kinda sad...but kinda like it is the right time to do so.

It is/was. Hopefully I will get in there once this week but UGH after looking at the kids (and mine) schedules this week it may not happen.

Hmmm... sounds like they were less than ideal. But they work?

As you saw, nope

I hear ya... the mental aspect can sometimes can be the biggest wall for me to get over. I often struggle with how much I need to do verses how much I want to. Hence why I gave up the structured speed work all together. I just didn't want to...and once I realized that I realized it wasnt going to work for me.

That is why I don't do it. Although I know I really should.

I doubt the fuel had anything to do with your performance either. I am sure you are good with just how much or little fuel you need. Probably more to do with your visiting friend. If your friend is anything like mine... she hates to run. She hates a lot of things and really tends to drag me down. At least she won't make a guest appearance on the DL half trip? TMI...but I just know my friend probably will. She is selfish like that and tends to only want to come around when I have places to go and things to do.

She hates to do much other than eat red meat and drink red wine.

LOL!

I really really hope she is not that selfish, that is the one thing I will not have to worry about.

I think.

Did you see that someone called to find out what time the Starbucks in dtd is opening on sunday? 4am!!!! can I say

I did see that! Although I don't want to stand in line, am hoping to make coffee in the room. I figure once we see what that looks like if need be, I can get Via friday at the Starbucks to make in the room as even if the coffee in there is bad, it can certainly do hot water.

I must say I am kinda relieved you are saying that. I kinda feel the same way and am just kinda at a "what will be will be" point. I can't seem to step up my pace. I have had some sort of lung crud this past week. I am SURE my friend will want to tag along (I can't tell you how many times she has met me at the airport ) So I am just kinda... meh. Don't get me wrong. SUPER excited about the trip and the race and EVERYTHING!!! But I am not just kinda feeling like if I survive the race then that will be good enough. (even though yes...I am sure that I most definitely will survive)

I think it is a bit of summer doldrums too. No vacations, we have both been going non stop, it's been pretty humid for almost all our runs...it adds up to being pretyt meh. I feel like I am punching the clock because I have to.

And you know what, that is ok. We don't love our jobs everyday, I certainly don't love going to the gym most days but I do it. I do it and I clock the miles and in the end it pays off. It doesn't have to be a PR or a great run everytime. Honestly, not even most of the time.

Though that WOULD be nice!

How did it go? Did it help? Ya know... now that I think about it...maybe that is all I need a change of scenery. What better place to do that than Hawaii! It had to have helped you, yes???

I will update. I did run all 3 scheduled days but all were on the shorter side, though for different reasons. I did enjoy it, and moreso the first 2 than the last. Probably as the last one I went out later, so it was a bit warmer and much more crowded. Probably also as it was the same path 3 times in one week and pretty as it is, it was hot and humid and at the end of the last one it was definitely a putting in the miles versus pure enjoyment type of run. Not that I hated it or didn't like it...just wasn't much more into it than that. LOL!

Ya know... we will be so excited come race day that all this ho hum blas are going to just be over run by

I think so. I HOPE so.

That is a tough tough call....

I wish I could give you better feedback...but again... tough call. They say that socks need to be replaced too because they wear out in not just elastic but cushioning. I wonder...maybe you just need to replace them.

Well I ran in the "old" ones all 3 times in Hawaii. Certainly from a heat perspective, a fair comparison. They were fine. But they were uber short runs (2.9 miles, 2.5 miles, 3 miles) so not a true comparison. I could get new ones just like I have. The new higher cut ones did arrive. Those would certainly be fine but I admit something about that extra inch of sock just looks SOOO much warmer that I kind of dread the idea.

Or I could just wear the old ones and take my chances. It is certainly possible they are a bit worn out, they say to replace annually and it has been that. I have worn new ones of these on race day and been fine. So...I dunno. I could wear the higher cut ones on weds night, test and wash if needed. But it is going to be very hot here that night and I may melt.

LOL!

So ridiculous.

Is this the same Tuna meal you ordered on the last day of your previous Aulani TR? I believe it was the afternoon before you headed to the aiport. I ask because I have been drooling over that tuna bowl since I saw it in your TR! Sorry to hear it wasn't as good this time (IF it is the same place, that is).

No, not the same. The one at happy hour is seared with rice. This was a true Poke, so raw. It wasn't bad, just a few pieces that had more cartilage than I'd have liked. I've had better. In fact the Poke I had at the golf tournament Friday night was better. If I would have made in time for the happy hour version I'd have been in heaven!

All caught up here too! Not easy when you are nearly 10 pages behind. There is too much to comment on, but I have to admit, I learned a lot about running.

Which isn't all that interesting, sorry about that next update will have a decent Aulani snapshot and a little bit of food porn at least.

 

[annmarieda]

Well you have a few other things before the PHM. Makes me look like a total bum!

You are totally NOT a bum. I am sure you will remain active through all my activities.

Some. Not as much as I'd have hoped.

some is better than none.

She hates to do much other than eat red meat and drink red wine.

I really really hope she is not that selfish, that is the one thing I will not have to worry about.

Oh, I am sure she will.

I did see that! Although I don't want to stand in line, am hoping to make coffee in the room. I figure once we see what that looks like if need be, I can get Via friday at the Starbucks to make in the room as even if the coffee in there is bad, it can certainly do hot water.

I was actually thinking via would be a good option. I had not thought about the starbucks line... holy moly I bet it will be long.

I think it is a bit of summer doldrums too. No vacations, we have both been going non stop, it's been pretty humid for almost all our runs...it adds up to being pretyt meh. I feel like I am punching the clock because I have to.

And you know what, that is ok. We don't love our jobs everyday, I certainly don't love going to the gym most days but I do it. I do it and I clock the miles and in the end it pays off. It doesn't have to be a PR or a great run everytime. Honestly, not even most of the time.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[CarolynK]

Your Tiki headband is SO cute!

Great view of Aulani...we were just watching the disunplugged on youtube, Pete etc. were in Hawaii, I guess there's been a lot of renovation there since we were there in Dec. of 2011.

Me not being a runner, all your running discussion confuses me, but it sounds like you're making progress. Have a great trip!

 

[afwdwfan]

As is that sunset. You know, the one I didn't see our last "real" trip here as a certain hotel blocked it? This time I am staying in that hotel. But not on the sunset side. That too, would require moving.

Darn the luck of it. Oh well, it is Hawaii. I can think of worse places to travel for work.

I hope things are still going along ok on your training runs. It will be here soon.

I definitely get what you were talking about with the running being a mental thing. I'm completely confident in my physical ability to go out and run a 5K right now. I just have absolutely no desire to do so.

 

[eandesmom]

You are totally NOT a bum. I am sure you will remain active through all my activities.

You are blowing me away in miles. Literally!

some is better than none.

I hope

Oh, I am sure she will.

I could give her the evil eye!

I was actually thinking via would be a good option. I had not thought about the starbucks line... holy moly I bet it will be long.

Not to mention that then it's even closer to race time. I don't mind the long line after, I am sure that will be bad too but a venti iced americano will be just what the doctor orders post race pre shower!

Your Tiki headband is SO cute!

Great view of Aulani...we were just watching the disunplugged on youtube, Pete etc. were in Hawaii, I guess there's been a lot of renovation there since we were there in Dec. of 2011.

There has been a lot, I will be posting a bunch of pictures! I am really happy with the headband, it's my new favorite for sure! I had another one I thought was the "Best" but this one really is and not just because it is a Tiki one.

Me not being a runner, all your running discussion confuses me, but it sounds like you're making progress. Have a great trip!

I know, I am sure I sound like the teacher in Charlie Brown. Sorry about that!

Darn the luck of it. Oh well, it is Hawaii. I can think of worse places to travel for work.

They might have shorter flights and be shorter trips though, it is relative.

I hope things are still going along ok on your training runs. It will be here soon.

VERY soon, update coming up!

I definitely get what you were talking about with the running being a mental thing. I'm completely confident in my physical ability to go out and run a 5K right now. I just have absolutely no desire to do so.

I can't say I blame you! I don't have much desire at the moment either.

 

[eandesmom]

In 3 days I leave on my trip

In 5 days I am going to run through a castle

5 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Cats that is less than a week away

Last week, I was here:

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 15.5 hours + long run miles 103.5 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 22.25 hours + long run miles: 117.80
• My plan. 20.49 hours + long run miles: 127.45
• Total actual time to date: 18.44 hours + long run miles: 114.03

One week later I am here

• JG Finish Upright. Total time: 16.5 hours + long run miles 107.5 (+ 6 magic miles)
• JG Time Improvement. Total time: 24.75 hours + long run miles: 122.80
• My plan. 20.49 hours + long run miles: 133.45
• Total actual time to date: 19.29 hours + long run miles: 117.03

Still within my own weird hybrid range of being somewhere in between the two JG plans, but WAY off of my personal plan.

It was an interesting week (ok interesting to me, probably is boring everyone else to tears but guess what…it is the LAST such update!). I figure since I ran by Tiki Torches 3 times this week, it was a week of Tiki Runs! Or heat training, Aulani Style.

Monday: Walked 3 miles.

Tuesday: Rest day. Which wasn't restful at all, was on a plane to Hawaii for my work trip and had a shrieking 2 year old, a kicking tray banging 5 year old behind me and a very curious 8 year old next to me who at some point stopped being annoyed by the younger kids and started playing with the 5 year old which meant for a fair amount of whacking me as she "spilled" out of her seat with her antics.

This guy was on my car when I parked. I have no idea if he rode from the airport or got on the car that fast but it seems unlikely that he hopped on after I parked as I got out of the car immediately.





By the time I got to the hotel it was go get food and then work/relax.







Wednesday: Ran 2.9 miles. 9:36 pace. Ok run, not great, not horrible, average.

I checked out the path before leaving, humid, my lens fogged up immediately





At 6 am, just after the sun rose. In general I am NOT a morning runner unless it is a race but the time difference worked in my favor. Which was a good thing as even at 6am it was already in the 70’s and 85% humidity. Luckily mostly shaded. My general plan for the work trip runs was to get in what I could but not kill myself trying. After the run I walked next door to check out the new counter service location at Aulani and maybe buy a new mug. Which I did and then at the new counter service location I picked up a spoon for the yogurt I'd bought the night before and a whole grain croissant.

And I took a peek at the new infinity pool





And the reopened adult pool





And trudged back to the Marriott. LOL!

I admit, my view for breakfast post run, did not suck.



Coffee on the lanai!


With a few Hawaiian treats







And then I had to do some work at my desk before heading to the office



The good news about the run, no foot or sock issues.

As I went to shower and change I found myself quite amused, I had never noticed this line on the inside of my tank top.



It was a long work day, I think I hit every store in the greater Kapolei area either getting things for the office or items for the Friday golf tournament. I did have a great lunch though! One of my favorite burger/sandwich shops in the world happened to have a location near the office.

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Grilled Peppers and Pineapple (sorry Mark but hey, I am consistent!)

YUM!

After work I decided to hit a local nail salon for a quick polish change. A pedicure the week before the half seemed like a bad idea but halfway decent looking toes seemed like a good one. And not paying $30-40 for a polish change at Aulani or the Marriott seemed smart. LOL! $10 later with better looking toes, I did head to Aulani for dinner. The contrast in crowds between the 2 hotels was crazy. Aulani was PACKED. I barely found a spot at the Oleo room. And made the mistake of ordering their Ahi Poke. Which frankly, just wasn’t very good. I’d hoped to make up for it with that dip in the pool but on well. I did stop by the spa though and made myself a massage appointment for Saturday.



Thursday: This should have been a gym day. I checked out the fitness center at the hotel and just couldn't bring myself to use it. It felt like a long narrow closet and didn’t have much of what I was looking for.

I settled for coffee on the lanai, along with more of my Hawaiian granola and yogurt.



This was a drive all over the place (for work) kind of day…the kind where you make a wrong turn and end up with a 20 mile detour.

And do some white knuckle driving.



Others (Mark, my DH Jeff, other crazy people) would have loved it. I would have been fine, as a passenger.

By the time I got back I was wiped out and opted to try the lounge at the Marriott. Which honestly was absolutely lovely for a solo traveler. Peaceful, gorgeous view and very very tasty food! The Marriott is closing January 1st to convert to a Four Seasons. I am a bit sad about that. It likely eliminates any chance of staying in the area on work trips, which is unfortunate as it is SO close to the office. I am also sad as Jeff would have loved that lounge as a nice little adult escape when we head to Aulani in april. The changes and additions at Aulani are wonderful but I am SOOO glad we are not going there in peak season.







I went up to the room and did some work on my marching band project.

Glamorous huh



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[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

At least I had a nice view





Friday : Ran 2.5 miles. Thanks to 7am Hawaii time morning conference call it was all I had time for. I did peek at the sunrise first.



And had a cup of coffee



9:34 pace. Nothing to write home about but I wasn’t going for that, or expecting it either.

The coffee was good!

Post call I had my breakfast



And really wished I could just be here all day!



Friday was a LONG day, golf tournament events always are and this one, due to the hurricane impacting our kind of work, had a lighter turnout than hoped for. Which made it take longer. It was also really windy, which meant no tent, which meant I did get a slight sunburn on one shoulder. I made a wrong turn on the way back and almost missed a deadline! A self imposed one. I had 2 actually. One, if the tournament ended early enough was to hit Costco to see if they carried a Hawaii granola I've fallen in love with. I knew they carried it. The tournament did not end early enough for that. The other, was to actually get a manicure. I rarely bother with that anymore. I used to have my nails done, and it took years for them to recover. Regular polish just doesn't seem to stick, it flakes of quickly and heavens knows I have tried many a brand and technique. Gel polish works, but it is a bear to get off and destroys my nails. But, the place that did my toes offered a basic mani for $15. For $15, why not! So I did. I made it there exactly at closing and then 4 more people walked in. I started a trend lol. They were happy to have the business. And if you are looking for a decent inexpensive mani or pedi in the Aluani area I would recommend them! Hey it is almost 4 full days later and it is still on. For me, that is good.

I left with dreams of a dip in the pool. It had been a long hot and grimy day.
A side note for anyone who has been, is going to, or is interested in Aulani. I was staying at the JW Marriott, which is next door. Jeff and I had walked through it briefly, looking to see if they had a happy hour (they don’t..other than a sushi special on some nights at the Japanese restaurant). It is a very interesting comparison between the 2. The room, was gorgeous.





My view, was gorgeous. I missed the basics you get in a DVC studio, plates, bowls, utensils but other than that it was very comparable (though larger).
It’s a pretty big hotel. But only ONE pool. Which is right in the center of everything. Like you are on stage. As a result it really was never as crowded as I would have expected. Granted, I was not there during the day during the week so my only exposure to it was early am and evenings and then Saturday/Sunday. I attempted to use it late on Friday. It was open until 10 however the towel station closed down at 8. Given that I’d not gotten back to the room until 9, going back up to get my own room towels was just too much work. No one was picking up towels either so lots of abandoned ones on chairs. NO where for guests to turn them in either which seemed odd and silly to me. My original plan had been to swim until 10 and then stay up and work on a marching band project that I'd brought with me until midnight. I needed to be up until midnight as it was PHM ADR day! And with the time change, I could easily do it online and then go to bed versus Ann getting up in the middle of the night.

I went and sat out on the lanai and could tell I couldn't make it till midnight. Nor did I have any energy for the band project. I was tired. So I went to bed and set my alarm.

Got up, went to make the ADR's and

NO

It would not let me book anything except for day 180. No 180+10. Arrgh.
I went back to bed and set the alarm.

At 1am I got through right away, made our ressies and went back to bed.

What did we book?

• Friday: CP breakfast
• Saturday: Artist Point dinner (pre-race dinner)
• Sunday: Akerhaus breakfast post race. B&C dinner
• Monday: Tony’s Dinner
• Tuesday: Plaza Lunch.

I went back to sleep and for the first time, closed the blinds so the sun wouldn't wake me. It didn't really make a difference.

Saturday: This should have been a gym day. I wanted a sleep day! But my body was still on west coast time and today, I felt it. I could NOT wake up. Nor could I sleep more. Almost like I was hungover. Except I didn't drink a single thing the day before. Other than copious amounts of water. Sluggish, headache, BLEH. Ansty too, like I was late for something but I wasn't. I gave up, got dressed and headed next door. I had planned to do breakfast at Ama Ama. It did not disappoint!







Kalua pig omelette with tomatoes and spinach, kona press pot of coffee and a Hawaiian bakery basket. I figured I'd eat half the pastries and take the rest to eat in my room the next day.







Breakfast was incredible! But I still didn't feel all that great. I hoped a nap by the pool would do the trick.



After about 90 minutes of failed napping and the occasional dip in the pool, I gave up and ordered a beer.



I present to you the most expensive poolside beer ever!





I don’t know if it was the beer, the fruit cup, the sun or the dips in the pool but I slowly started to feel better and slowly started to actually relax. I gathered my things, went up to the room and repacked my bag.
To head to the spa! My shins had been feeling tight and I had not had a sports massage since mMay. Which felt like years. And while I could get 2 for the price of one Aulani / Laniwai one, it’s just not the same.

Plus, I really wanted the reflexology path and hydrotherapy garden.

Which were heavenly!













Even if I could only get half of the water features to work. LOL!

My massage was heavenly as well. Well, for the most part. I generally expect a sports massage to hurt. Occasionally a lot. In a good way of course. I did not feel pain in some of the spots I normally would during a sports massage. Most of the tensions and tightness seemed to be in my quads and shoulders. She told me that my back was pretty good and that my hips/IT band were surprisingly good for a runner, she was impressed which had to be a first. It must have had something to do with the hydrotherapy garden as I ALWAYS get yelled at by the therapists for being tight…then again I have been pretty good about my stretches. Who knows, I’m not convinced it did much for my shins but the rest of me felt pretty good.
It was a total splurge and I have to say, worth every penny.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

I hit up Monkeypod for their happy hour, enjoyed some live music and half price appetizers for dinner.





Taro hummus and squash ravioli. YUM



Full and relaxed I decided to explore. On our Aualni trip the previous year, we had never seen the sunset, it was always blocked by the Marriott. Now that I was actually at the Marriot, I decided to explore. And, on a small path at the edge of the resort that leads to the public beach ( a very narrow rocky stretch) I found it.

































Sigh.

I chilled back at the Cove enjoying the dusk







and then headed to my room.

Where I spent the next 3 or so hours working on the marching band project. LOL! So glamorous isn’t it? But I knew I couldn’t do it on Sunday and have to finish it monday night for handing out.





I needed this for the task



I had never tried it before but remembered it from one of Ellen’s trips to Aulani. Pretty tasty in POG.

I also packed up so I that I would have most of my morning free to enjoy the last moments in Hawaii.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

Sunday: Ran 3 miles, 9:42 pace. I let the sun wake me, versus any kind of alarm. First day all week. Which meant I got out for my run about 40 minutes later than the other 2 runs.

It made a difference. Not so much that the temps or humidity was actually higher but the sun itself was so instead of running in shade, it was more full sun.

UGH. And more runners. LOTS more. With the walkers. Kind of messed up if you ask me that so many people were up at 7am on a Sunday! I was supposed to do either 4 or 5 miles. I did the math. If I did those, I would likely not have any time for a last dip in the pool.

The pool won.

It was a pretty MEH run. I was NOT into it at all, very much a "I am doing this because I have to" kind of run. Which is a bummer, I'd been hoping it would be a better one and a nice end to the trip but oh well. I did run to a slightly different spot which was kind of neat and very pretty.



Yeah, not pretty



I stopped to check out the sting rays and sharks at the hotel. I wonder if they will still be there when it is a Four Seasons?



At the room though I realized that I again had no silverware. So I (and don't flame me, or do but keep it to yourself) grabbed my refillable Aulani mug (which I had packed) and headed next door where I filled it up with coffee and grabbed a spoon and knife. Yeah yeah, I know. I wasn't staying there. The mug wasn't from this trip. But, it was still a current design and honestly after the amount of cash I dropped on 2 meals, a mug and the spa, I didn't feel bad about one cup of coffee! Plus I own there! I enjoyed it by the adult pool, which had not been open while we were there last year.





No one in the adult pool yet.



New infinity was quiet too





I checked out the infinity hot tub which was now being restricted to adult only. I hope that is the case in April!



The coffee detour did eat into my pool time but I managed one last 30 minute lounge and dip in the pool.



And one last coffee on the lanai! Complete with passion fruit from my co workers yard (that is what I needed the knife for). YUM!





Arriving at the airport in plenty of time, I got some lunch.

Which was a bummer. I love Kona Brewing and had been looking forward to it, had planned for it. Not only did they not have the beer I wanted on tap, the sandwich was pretty meh.



Oh well.

Bigger bummer? I am pretty sure TSA stole my bracelets. I have 4 bracelets I wear almost all the time. 3 are Alex and Ani ones (one is MK at WDW) and one is a fake similar version. They set off the detectors so when I travel they go in an outside pocket that is super deep and they can't fall out. As I always do, I slid them off while in the security line and tucked them in the pocket. As I went through I was selected for a "random" search. Except the "random" search was only 1 of my 3 bags and didn't include me. They swiped the outside of the one bag bag and I definitely didn't watch closely as they did it. At the time it seemed odd that it would only be one of my bags, but whatever. As I was on a lunch mission I didn't even think about the bracelets, just headed off to find the restaurant as I was in a different terminal than usual so it was a bit of a hike. It wasn't until I got home and was taking off my earrings that it occurred to me. While they could have fallen out in the overhead bin, it is such a deep pocket, the bag was placed so carefully it is unlikely. Not to mention all 4 falling out and not rattling as people pulled bags out, unlikely. I haven't called either TSA or Hawaiian airlines as I figure it is pointless. But it really bums me out. I wear them ALL the time, 2 were gifts. Super sad.

Fun fact. Hawaiian Airlines still serves a free MEAL on their flights. Granted it was a pretty crummy meal but it was free! And...they served one complimentary glass of wine. Who knew? So I didn't need to go to Kona Brewing for lunch after all. Had I not, I would likely have remembered to put my bracelets back on. BOO! Better flight, one super stinky baby (dad knew and was going to take care of it and thankfully not near me) one baby who who shrieked occasionally but not horrible.

With that, its back to Seattle and the final countdown to the half.

My plans for the week are:

Monday. Sew and finish the darn marching band project! Which I didn't get quite done. We went for our 3 mile walk, I sewed some and then said screw it, I want to hang out with my husband.

Tuesday (tonight). Hand out marching band uniforms all night. Sounds like fun huh! I will be a sewing maniac for about an hour before that happens. I sewed for about 90 minutes this morning.

Wednesday. Go for my last pre-race run. Part of me really wants to do this as a tempo run, all at race pace, or faster. Part of me isn’t sure if that is a good idea. Part of me is totally worried I have no mojo and can't bring myself to push it when I should. And should I? Arrgh. It is supposed to be warm but not horrible by the time I run at 7pm, about 73.

Thursday. Go for my last pre-race gym workout. And actually my last workout at this gym period. I plan to stretch the HECK out of everything. Pack. Packing should be pretty easy as well, I am not really unpacking from the Hawaii work trip. I'll be bringing less and reorganizing but it should be pretty simple. On that note though, both my wheeled carry on and my "carry" on are starting to die...I may use one of the boys suitcases instead. This is my hope. Evan has a band event though and I'm not sure how the gym will fit in with it.

And that brings is to….RACE Weekend!

Want to see our plans?

Friday:
Fly to Long Beach. Have coffee at the airport here, possibly a small breakfast item, or not. Drink a bottle of water or 2
Town car to the hotel, with a stop by the grocery store. Based on how much water I drank in Hawaii this week, I am almost thinking we need 2 cases! 1 might not be quite enough. I am trying to figure out what else we might need, maybe a couple of yogurts and ???
Depending on how hungry we are we will either
1) Head to the Expo to pick up our race packets and shop or
2) Eat lunch. Drink more water!
I think we are leaning towards Expo first and then have our first DIS meet at lunch. I can’t remember for sure though. I can't recall if we set a time or not but we have pretty loose lunch and dinner plans this day so whatever it is will work out just fine I am sure! Clearly I have brain overload.

On my expo shopping/looking list are:

• Race tees. Unlikely I will get anything besides what they give us but you never know. I could really love the cut and look. Unlikely.
• Coffee Cup and Wine Glass. These are of interest, will depend on design, shape, size and if they are dishwasher safe.
• Sweaty Bands. I will likely pick another one up, especially if there are cute themed ones. I will want to look at the Raw Threads booth and the Sparkle Skirt and Skirt Sports ones but don’t expect to buy anything there.

I WILL be picking up my D&B wristlet and my free art card.

I think our lunch top choices are either EOS (I’ve never been!) or Jolly Holiday Café. I think. Ann correct me if I am wrong.

After that I imagine we will need to go drop stuff at the room and hopefully our room will be ready (check in is 4). We don’t expect it to be when we arrive, which will probably be about 12:30.

Once all that is taken care of, eat, meet, expo, tickets, dump stuff (not in that order lol), we plan to hit the parks! DL is on the agenda.
For dinner we hope to eat at Trader Sam's. Where I plan to have a TIKITIKITIKI RUM! And a water. And a cheeseburger! There is another half marathon DISmeet there at 2pm I think but I don’t know that we are going to try to go to that one, I don’t really "know" most of the people on that one but we will see I guess. Our back up dinner plan is Uva Bar. Not sure how late we will stay out but we do have a list of things we want to get done.

Saturday:
We will be hitting rope drop at DCA this day to get those elusive RSR fast passes. Once obtained it will be breakfast at Pacific Wharf Café and then a day that is really whatever we feel like doing. We will drink a LOT of water! LOL. We have a DCA to do list and will probably take a pool break at some point, likely after lunch. Lunch will be at the Paradise Garden Grill. I do need to hit the store at the GCV to get Eric a members rain jacket for his birthday but have no other shopping agenda than that.

Dinner is at Wine Country Trattoria. Drink water! And a maybe glass of wine. But just one.

We will be headed to bed early. While in theory it makes sense to go to bed at something like 8pm for an early race wake up, the reality is who can go to bed that early if it isn't your normal bedtime?

Sunday:
Wake up EARLY. How early? Well, I am not positive.
The race starts at 5:30. It is probably a 15 minute walk to our corral. But there are 18,000 people running all trying to get to their corrals. We don’t feel the need to position ourselves within our corral but we do need to be able to actually get to it! I also want to be "up" a minimum of 30 minutes before we leave the room, maybe more. I may or may not have coffee. If I do, it will be a half a cup. If I do, I’d like to be up early enough for well, it to work its way through my system before we leave the room. I am not sure that is really doable. I know there are not porta potties in the corrals themselves but don’t know where they are nearby. Or how near and how awful the lines. Obviously it would be ideal to take care of all of that in our room. Which is unlikely. I pretty much always have the nervous energy bladder which will make me need to hit a porta potty at least once. Maybe twice. Hopefully not during the race. Either way we will be up early, it is just a matter of how early.

RUN!

Don't die

Finish upright

Get a medal

Find Ann who will probably finish before I do

Find a bathroom

Go to Starbucks!

Head to room, shower and change

Breakfast is at Steakhouse 55 where I plan to have a celebratory mimosa.
I honestly can’t recall which park we are planning on after breakfast, LOL! But we will go to a park. Or back to the pool. Or both. LOL! Heck we might jump in the pool before breakfast if there is enough time, you never know!
We have a DVC running group meet at 2pm in DTD. After that we have a very special DISmeet planned. I am looking forward to hanging out, chatting and relaxing and maybe enjoying a snack or a delicious beverage of some sort.

We have no firm dinner plans, will just be playing the whole afternoon and evening by ear based on what we have already done and want to do, and how tired or not we are.

Monday:
I am not sure if we will pack up and drop bags before the parks or come back and do it at check out time. I do know we plan to grab some beignets at Ralph Brennans and then hit the parks. We have a late lunch planned at Café Orleans and then our towncar will pick us up and take us to the airport.
Want to see some fun facts about the race?



There is a pre-race photo offer, I can't decide if I should do it. Since I don't plan to do character photos it really comes down to weather the castle ones or finish are any good. Or that there even are any. It is a decent deal but you have to hope you have a couple of good shots. I am not sure what kind of post race deals they will offer if you wait it out.

Hmmn. The castle is only a couple of miles in though so in theory I won't look THAT bad yet. But it might be crowded and a lousy shot. LOL

That's it. That's all I have. Am I ready? I think so, I hope so. I most certainly have moments where I think I've got it no problem and others where I think it’s going to be a disaster and my performance will be worse than any possible scenario I could even imagine. I worry I've done FAR too much of the slow easy runs and it is going to bite me come race day. I worry about the heat and humidity. It will be what it will be. It will be warm.





This is tomorrows hourly. Tomorrow is supposed to be about 2 degrees hotter for the low and 4 degrees warmer for the high. So if that really holds true, we can look at this and subtract a few degrees.



Honestly if it starts out at 66 and ends around 70, I can live with that. It is going to be humid, there is no way around that.

My plan is still to try for a faster first 8-10 miles to beat the sun, Hawaii reinforced the difference that angle makes. We will see how that goes!

And honestly, I am just ready to do it. I am excited. I am terrified. No matter what though, it will be a PR!
I know it is supposed to be about the "experience" and that people don’t run the Disney races for time. I get that. I still want to do the best I am capable of doing and at the end of the day that is the goal. To feel I gave it my best and that I had fun.

I am confident I will have fun.



Bring it on!