Couch to Castaway Cay

[Monual]

So, I'm 50. And obese. And these are not good things to be both at the same time.

A couple of years ago we went on a Disney cruise which included a stop on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. As we disembarked we saw Goofy organizing the joggers for the Castaway Cay 5K. I thought to myself, "suckers." You're going on vacation to *exercise*? What's the point? A silly rubber medal?

But all the joggers looked much more fit and attractive than I was. And they're likely to live much longer than I will. I have a soon-to-be five year old daughter that I want to live to see graduate college.

Anne and I are saving up to go on another Disney cruise in December, a few short nine months away. Part of the itinerary is a stop at Castaway Cay.

I've decided that when the Disney Dream arrives in Castaway Cay on December 6th, 2016, I will count myself among the suckers. I haven't run a race since middle school, so doing the Castaway Cay 5K will be an excellent inauguration into the whole 5K thing. Plus I'll get my own cheap rubber medal.

I've developed a plan to get myself into shape for the 5K. Loosely based on the "Couch to 5K" plan, it has me taking things very, very slowly. I've included a spreadsheet that shows what I intend to do and when I intend to do it. It starts with me walking a mile three times a week and ramping things up very slowly until I'm jogging to Medicine Lake and back.

If the goals I set seem ridiculously modest, keep in mind I've been out of shape for a couple of decades now, so I need to cautious in easing my way back into the whole exercise thing.

So if you're going to be on Castaway Cay in early December, come cheer me on.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?res...917&authkey=!AKjGxNPeF_TM0hQ&ithint=file,xlsx

 

[budamacdvcr]

So, I'm 50. And obese. And these are not good things to be both at the same time.

A couple of years ago we went on a Disney cruise which included a stop on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. As we disembarked we saw Goofy organizing the joggers for the Castaway Cay 5K. I thought to myself, "suckers." You're going on vacation to *exercise*? What's the point? A silly rubber medal?

But all the joggers looked much more fit and attractive than I was. And they're likely to live much longer than I will. I have a soon-to-be five year old daughter that I want to live to see graduate college.

Anne and I are saving up to go on another Disney cruise in December, a few short nine months away. Part of the itinerary is a stop at Castaway Cay.

I've decided that when the Disney Dream arrives in Castaway Cay on December 6th, 2016, I will count myself among the suckers. I haven't run a race since middle school, so doing the Castaway Cay 5K will be an excellent inauguration into the whole 5K thing. Plus I'll get my own cheap rubber medal.

I've developed a plan to get myself into shape for the 5K. Loosely based on the "Couch to 5K" plan, it has me taking things very, very slowly. I've included a spreadsheet that shows what I intend to do and when I intend to do it. It starts with me walking a mile three times a week and ramping things up very slowly until I'm jogging to Medicine Lake and back.

If the goals I set seem ridiculously modest, keep in mind I've been out of shape for a couple of decades now, so I need to cautious in easing my way back into the whole exercise thing.

So if you're going to be on Castaway Cay in early December, come cheer me on.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=F417C85716589F78!2917&authkey=!AKjGxNPeF_TM0hQ&ithint=file,xlsx

All the best to you and good luck!

 

[phinz]

You got this.

 

[ktate82]

It doesn't matter if your goals seem ridiculously modest to anyone, all that matters is that you make progress towards your goal. As long as you are getting out and getting moving, that is the important part! Great job for taking the steps to get health!

 

[daisyx3]

DH and I are 52 and obese (says the government, anyway; by their standards I am only about 4 pounds from "overweight"). We are doing this on the March 28 Dream cruise. We can't really run, not because we are old or overweight but because I have some breathing issues when I run--but we can walk, really, really fast, like a 16 minute mile! I wasn't even considering it but when DH and I started hitting the gym in January it became a goal for us.

 

[Mama2ADuck]

I just made the rash decision to do this on the same cruise, but will walk it rather than run. I will probably be wearing our then 5 year old in a backpack carrier, since she won't be able to manage it on her own due to some physically limiting challenges and we really don't want to bring wheelchairs or strollers on the cruise. I certainly can't clip a 16 minute mile--so hopefully other slow pokes will join us in the back. Yay for goals for everyone!

 

[JJsmama]

Good luck! That sounds like a great plan! And a better one than the more common, 'i will have a perfect body before my vacation.' Focus on what you CAN change and that is your activity level and eventually your fitness level. Those changes will improve your self confidence and happiness.

I am not obese but I do weigh more than I wish I did and at 43, I am have pre menopause hormonal changes which have all shown up in my belly. I have had a rough year health wise with Shingles and Rheumatoid Arthritis but I have finally healed enough to start exercising again about a month ago. I feel so much better! Today I ran (interval jogging) a moderate pace 5K on my treadmill. A big accomplishment for me in a month! It felt great to be lying on my bed with my 8 year old and giggling because I had the back massager under my calves. It felt great that I was aching because I was getting IN shape and not because I was sick or OUT of shape. Make sure and set Mini Goals for yourself. You can't suddenly be skinny tomorrow, but you CAN have exercised by then.

 

[darkwing818]

 

[TxT365]

I am right there with you. I'm 51, obese, just had a knee replacement and have a four year old who will be 5 by the time we sail on December 3rd this year. My wife and I both want to get healthier also to see him graduate. Perhaps we're on the same cruise and if so, then not only will we be there to cheer you on, we'll be there to join you! And if not, then I'll be walking it with Mama2ADuck!

 

[Jennifer777]

This is so awesome!!!! True story- I used to HATE running, more than I hate the dentist and taxes, I couldn't even run the mile in high school but after having my son and gaining a ton of weight, I had to get in shape somehow and as a new mom with little time, running was the fastest way to burn the 300 calories I wanted to burn each day in what little time I had to work out. So I made myself do it. It took me months to get to the point where I could run 30 minutes without stopping (and by "run" I mean hobble/jog) but after I while, I started to LOVE it. The running community is so supportive and full of fast people, slow people, people all shapes and sizes. Signing up for a race is a great way to set a goal and there's no way you can cross that finish line, get your medal and not feel like you've accomplished something amazing. I'm so excited for you and wish I could be there to cheer you on in December! Best of luck!

 

[Sandisw]

Good for you! I did the 5K last year in February but I didn't run, but walked it...it was my first one and was proud of myself for getting through it!!! My goal for my upcoming August trip is to do it again, but try to beat my time with a run/walk pace. Remember, just doing and and crossing that line, with CM's cheering you on will be a great feeling!!! Good luck!!!!

 

[Amanda129]

Small steps make a big difference over time, and the important thing is that you're making the decision to do something about it. I won't be there in person for you in December, but will definitely be there in spirit. Good luck and have fun!

 

[kid-at-heart]

One step at a time. Be proud of yourself. You made a goal and are working towards it.

I am very asthmatic and cannot run but I now walk two miles a stretch, five times a week. My first goal was walking a 3/4 mile three times a week. In the beginning, even that was a struggle but now, heck, those two miles walks are a piece of cake. I would do more but I am happy with the two miles and my body/weight is where it needs to be. Good luck to you!

Kate

 

[mikeymouse1223]

Good for you!

 

[kiford]

I probably won't be there but on count me on to cheer you on in absenta. I'm 51, have been weightlifting and kickboxing several times a week for 10 years and consider myself to be in very good shape. But even I would not take on a 5K challenge. I can do a power lift but I'm not up to the type of endurance that it requires. It's a huge effort you're making and I congratulate you for your plans. I think that, even if you just get into enough shape to attempt it, you're already successful. This is a not inconsiderable effort you're making. Two thumbs up!

 

[diznymom]

We are so proud of you!!!
Keep us posted on your progress so we can share in your achievements.

 

[Ajojo]

You can do it! This is my goal too and I am training right now to do my first Castaway Cay 5K in April, even though I have been there many times. Good luck

 

[truck1]

Let us know how you make out. Just a word of warning though, even though its December, make sure you drink plenty of water the day before and stay hydrated during the race. you can get very dehydrated very quickly.

 

[MUN]

Best wishes to you!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

So, I'm 50. And obese. And these are not good things to be both at the same time.

A couple of years ago we went on a Disney cruise which included a stop on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. As we disembarked we saw Goofy organizing the joggers for the Castaway Cay 5K. I thought to myself, "suckers." You're going on vacation to *exercise*? What's the point? A silly rubber medal?

But all the joggers looked much more fit and attractive than I was. And they're likely to live much longer than I will. I have a soon-to-be five year old daughter that I want to live to see graduate college.

Anne and I are saving up to go on another Disney cruise in December, a few short nine months away. Part of the itinerary is a stop at Castaway Cay.

I've decided that when the Disney Dream arrives in Castaway Cay on December 6th, 2016, I will count myself among the suckers. I haven't run a race since middle school, so doing the Castaway Cay 5K will be an excellent inauguration into the whole 5K thing. Plus I'll get my own cheap rubber medal.

I've developed a plan to get myself into shape for the 5K. Loosely based on the "Couch to 5K" plan, it has me taking things very, very slowly. I've included a spreadsheet that shows what I intend to do and when I intend to do it. It starts with me walking a mile three times a week and ramping things up very slowly until I'm jogging to Medicine Lake and back.

If the goals I set seem ridiculously modest, keep in mind I've been out of shape for a couple of decades now, so I need to cautious in easing my way back into the whole exercise thing.

So if you're going to be on Castaway Cay in early December, come cheer me on.

https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=F417C85716589F78!2917&authkey=!AKjGxNPeF_TM0hQ&ithint=file,xlsx

Congrats and the best of wishes in your training. If you can bring a baby to life in 9 months you can do this. Keep us posted on the thread from time to time so we can keep up with how you're doing and wear your rubber medal with pride.