Donald's Defiant Dashers (AKA Triple D's/Duckies/The Ducks) Dashing into 2010

[danmoss]

Good morning all! Well I sent in my 5 yr old this morning. I emailed his teacher and said if she needs me to come get him at anytime to call me. I want to get a run in before that potentially happens so I'll be heading out with the jogger in a little bit here.

Dan~Will you be at Riverside or French Quarter? We've stayed at them both and love them. We honeymooned at Riverside when it was still called Dixie Landings. And then we stayed at French Quater a few times with the kids, we like how small that moderate is. We are partial to the Sassagoula River resorts, just love that area!

Anyway, for our trip we'll be staying offsite at Caribe Royale the first two nights, and then we switch to Saratoga Springs (we are DVC members) for the next 7 nights. But, we may end up splitting those 7 DVC nights between SSR and another DVC resort just for fun...we have to wait until 7 months out to do that though.

Have you been at Christmas before? We did it for the first time in 2008, and it was so much fun!! It really was extra magical being there for the holiday. We took a slim, 6 foot tree, and other easy to use/easy to pack decorations (window clings, paper decor, sparkly garland). Oh and we even took a prelit battery-operated evergreen garland that we hung on the railing of our balcony! It was so much fun decorating and having the villa like that during the trip. Oh, we stayed at SSR that trip too by the way.

We have stayed at many of the other resorts, but always keep coming back to the Riverside, we love the secluded feeling the resort has if you stay on the back side. Plus it is just a boat ride away from DTD. We have never been during Christmas before. The reason we decided to do Christmas is this year was the first time we were in a place without family and it felt lonely. So instead of trying to split Christmas between two families in Utah and Indiana we decided to do Disney instead.

The one thing I am nervous about with going during Christmas are the crowds that I keep hearing so much about. We are trying to figure out what rides we absolutely must go on and hit them first. This way if we do not get to go on many rides we will hit the ones we want to go on and not be disappointed. We are taking decorations down also Any hints as to how to handle the parks during this time?

We have thought about doing the DVC for many years, we were as close as finalizing and backed out. Of course looking back on it and how many times we have been, it probably would have been a lot cheaper.

 

[danmoss]

Liz - Hope you were able to get your run in this morning!

Does everyone cross-train on your non-run days? I've been trying out different "games" on the wii and just tried EA Sports Active today and really liked it. My thighs are going to be sore tomorrow.

Just curious what everyone else does.

Carissa,

That WII is no joke, I play with my son and the baseball home run derby and tennis kick my butt. I joined a gym by the house, because I did not want to go all the way to the base, but here is my workout by day if that helps, I try to do this most weeks, but life throws curves every now and then and takes me off course or I may only do five days. Like this week after doing the 14K and then a PT test today my schedule was thrown way off. I have been at this really hard since October and have about got to a point where if I miss a day I feel guilty.

Sunday- Long Run
Monday- Weights upper body only
Tuesday- Plyometric type exercises, short run
Wednesday-Full body weight workout
Thursday- Plyometric type exercises & medium run
Friday- Full body weight workout
Saturday- Rest

 

[carissanboys]

Carissa,

That WII is no joke, I play with my son and the baseball home run derby and tennis kick my butt. I joined a gym by the house, because I did not want to go all the way to the base, but here is my workout by day if that helps, I try to do this most weeks, but life throws curves every now and then and takes me off course or I may only do five days. Like this week after doing the 14K and then a PT test today my schedule was thrown way off. I have been at this really hard since October and have about got to a point where if I miss a day I feel guilty.

Sunday- Long Run
Monday- Weights upper body only
Tuesday- Plyometric type exercises, short run
Wednesday-Full body weight workout
Thursday- Plyometric type exercises & medium run
Friday- Full body weight workout
Saturday- Rest

"Games" like Wii Fit Plus, The Biggest Loser, and EA Sports Active are more of a workout than the typical games that you can get for the wii (although wii sports boxing is one of my favorites and really gets my heartrate going). They all include cardio and strengthening exercises. The Biggest Loser and EA Sports Active give a greater intensity workout than wii fit, but they're all pretty good.

I had to look up Plyometrics. I'd never heard of it before. Sounds like you have a great system going. Once I lose more weight and am able to run 3 miles regularly, I'll probably start getting more specific with my cross-training. Right now I'm just trying to do something every day of the week except for Sundays.

By the way, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on our last trip and fell in love. Wonderful resort.

 

[danmoss]

"Games" like Wii Fit Plus, The Biggest Loser, and EA Sports Active are more of a workout than the typical games that you can get for the wii (although wii sports boxing is one of my favorites and really gets my heartrate going). They all include cardio and strengthening exercises. The Biggest Loser and EA Sports Active give a greater intensity workout than wii fit, but they're all pretty good.

I had to look up Plyometrics. I'd never heard of it before. Sounds like you have a great system going. Once I lose more weight and am able to run 3 miles regularly, I'll probably start getting more specific with my cross-training. Right now I'm just trying to do something every day of the week except for Sundays.

By the way, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside on our last trip and fell in love. Wonderful resort.

If you have ever heard of or seen the P90X infomercials, plyometrics are most of their exercises and from what I hear, if you want to get in shape and lose weight fast, buy that program. I have some friends who use it and swear by it and it requires very little equipment to purchase, just some weights. You can youtube some of the P90X workouts.

Honestly, even though you don't get as close to the parks as you do with the deluxe resorts I like Riverside a lot better. The only other resort I would consider staying at and I can't afford it over Christmas is the Beach Club, because it is next to our favorite park EPCOT.

 

[ahoff]

Hello Duckies! I think for me running is more a cross training activity, as I usually bike about 10 times as much per week or more. But I will start running more now that the weather is starting to get a bit nicer. Although I did not register for the W&D yet, I did make ressies for that weekend.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

 

[liznboys]

Phew, I am tired tonight! My day was pretty busy and it flew by. I did get my run done though, took ds in the jogger and did 4 miles in 45:50.

Carissa~I use my Wii Fit Plus sporadically...no other crosstraining.

Dan~We were a bit nervous about the crowds for our first Christmas trip too. We had experience with larger crowds (in the summer) though, so we felt somewhat prepared. Also I have to say that I think "crowds" are subjective at times...crowded to one may not be crowded to another. And I think we've become pretty tolerant of crowds.

So anyway, when we went in 2008, Christmas was on a Thursday. The first few days of the trip (Sat the 20th-Mon 22nd) the true Christmas Eve/Day crowds were not there yet. So we were able to get some great park touring done. This is the time to get those must-do's done for sure.

On Tuesday the 23rd we did not go into the parks, it was a take it easy day...we hung out at the resort and went to DTD.

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, we went to MK in the morning, and that's when we first saw the big holiday crowds. Our plan was to stay there until the mid-afternoon then go back to SSR to do the Christmas Eve stuff in the lobby there. Well, we were really glad that was our plan, because we were ready to get outta there! We left MK at about 3pm and it was very crowded. We went back to SSR where we enjoyed listening to carolers in the lobby (my boys got to join in with them and they gave us bells and candy canes) we got to meet Santa with zero line, and we had some cookies/drinks they had out. It was relaxing and enjoyable and a great way to lead into the evening and the next morning.

On Christmas Day we did not enter any parks, it was a very relaxing day, we had the full, typical Christmas morning, then we rented a surrey bike at SSR and had dinner at Chef Mickeys.

Then, on Friday the 26th, we went to MK first thing in the morning and it was VERY LOW crowds there until about Noon. For example, we rode the teacups a few times in a row, not even getting out of our teacup, because there was zero line! I had read on here that the day after Christmas had low crowds because so many people spend Christmas Day in MK, and that definitely held true for us. Things did get busier as the day went on (but still not what one would think it would be for the day after Christmas in WDW!), and we left MK at about 4pm that day.

So, with Christmas falling on Saturday this year, our plan will be very much the same as that trip. We will do lots of park time those first few days and get our must-do's done. And then slow it down as we near the holiday and for the holiday. I'm not sure if we will be able to hit MK on the 26th this time as we drive home that day, so we'll see on that. And I'm also not sure if the fact that the 26th is on a Sunday (instead of on a Friday in 2008) if the crowds will be higher or not since it's a weekend day. My guess is that it will still be lower crowds that morning for the first few hours.

 

[CALIFLADY]

Liz - Glad to hear you got your run into today. That means your boys were able to stay in school all day? Everyone just about healthy now in your home?


Okay...now I need some serious help. If you recall from my "survey" I stated I wanted to learn more about speed and interval training. I'd like to pick up my speed a bit, so I've looked at 1/2 marathon training plans that include speed training. But I can't figure out what it's telling me to run! Help! Take a look at this. This is an excerpt from Runner's World Intermediate Training Plan for the 1/2 marathon. I'll clip out just the training called for on the first Tuesday of Week 1:

******************************
1x1200 PI (400), 2x800 CI (200), 4x200 SI (200)

Pace Intervals (PI): Relatively lengthy repetitions at your goal half-marathon per-mile pace to build endurance and develop pace judgment. Note: All numbers in parentheses above denote distance of recovery jog.

Cruise Intervals (CI): Run at 10-K race pace to promote stamina and the ability to run strong when tired. For 10:00-per-mile half-marathon pace (2:11:06), run 7:07 (1200), 4:45 (800); for 9:00 pace (1:57:59), run 6:24 (1200), 4:16 (800); for 8:00 pace (1:44:52), run 5:42 (1200), 3:48 (800).

Speed Intervals (SI): Run at 5-K race pace to promote relaxed speed and a sense of comfort at your considerably slower half-marathon pace. For 10:00 half-marathon pace, run 4:30 (800), 2:15 (400), 1:07 (200); for 9:00 half-marathon pace, run 4:04 (800), 2:02 (400), 1:01 (200); for 8:00 half-marathon pace, run 3:37 (800), 1:48 (400), 0:54 (200).
*********************************************

I'd like to just program this training run on my treadmill so I don't have to think too much, but I'll be darned if I know how to figure what to run.

If I want to run a 9:00 pace, then does this mean I run 3/4 mile (1200 meters) at a 9:00 minute pace, then "recover jog" for 1/4 mile (400 meters) at, say, 10 minutes per mile.

Then I'll run 1/2 mile (800 meters) in 4 minutes, 16 seconds, or at a 8 minute and 32 second minute per mile pace. Then I'll "recover jog" for 1/8 mile (200 meters). Then I'll do that again. I'll run 1/2 mile (800 meters) in 4 minutes, 16 seconds, or at a 8-minute-and-32-second per mile pace. Then I'll "recover jog" for 1/8 mile (200 meters).

Then I'll run 1/8 mile (200 meters) in 1 minute, one second, or at a 8-minute-and-8-second per mile pace. Then I'll "recover jog" for 1/8 mile (200 meters). And I'll repeat this three more times (for a total of four times).


Have I got that right? I go faster and faster farther into the workout? This just seems a bit...overwhelming. Gulp. What am I getting into?!?

Anyone else do speedwork like this before? Am I over-analyzing their recommendations? Or is this correct?

Thanks for ANY help and suggestions all you Ducks can offer! I'm really eager to learn about this, especially before my upcoming 10K.

 

[danmoss]

******************************
1x1200 PI (400), 2x800 CI (200), 4x200 SI (200)

Pace Intervals (PI): Relatively lengthy repetitions at your goal half-marathon per-mile pace to build endurance and develop pace judgment. Note: All numbers in parentheses above denote distance of recovery jog.

Cruise Intervals (CI): Run at 10-K race pace to promote stamina and the ability to run strong when tired. For 10:00-per-mile half-marathon pace (2:11:06), run 7:07 (1200), 4:45 (800); for 9:00 pace (1:57:59), run 6:24 (1200), 4:16 (800); for 8:00 pace (1:44:52), run 5:42 (1200), 3:48 (800).

Speed Intervals (SI): Run at 5-K race pace to promote relaxed speed and a sense of comfort at your considerably slower half-marathon pace. For 10:00 half-marathon pace, run 4:30 (800), 2:15 (400), 1:07 (200); for 9:00 half-marathon pace, run 4:04 (800), 2:02 (400), 1:01 (200); for 8:00 half-marathon pace, run 3:37 (800), 1:48 (400), 0:54 (200).
*********************************************
Thanks for ANY help and suggestions all you Ducks can offer! I'm really eager to learn about this, especially before my upcoming 10K.

I worked out with a personal trainer a while back and did some speed work and it was a lot easier than this. Here is the basics of what we did. I would start out with a medium pace for 2 minutes and then sprint for 1 minute and then back to a medium pace for 2 minutes I would do this for for 5 sets. I would rest for 3-5 minutes and then he would shut off the treadmill and I would do 30 second sprints without no power for 5 sets and that would be it. The first part works well on an eliptical as well and it kills my calves (I am usually sore for two to threes days).

I have also bought some Itunes Nike workouts to go on the IPOD that work really well also. The Serena Williams workout is awesome.

Hope this helps

 

[carissanboys]

Speed is something I really want to work on, but that will have to wait until I build endurance. I did complete all of my run intervals today! At the end of next week I'm supposed to run for 20 minutes straight, which still sounds extremely daunting to me right now. Trying to just focus on each day.

Hoping to get out for a hike with the boys tomorrow and enjoy the nice weather. I was thinking of going to the Newport News Park, Dan. Have you been there? Wondering if the trails will be wet and muddy?

 

[marathonmommy]

Did a 5K on the DREADMILL today. 34:15 - don't know if I will ever be any faster . . . speed work doesn't really interest me. Oh well. I just bought a new shirt from One More Mile (discovered them at the WDW Expo). It says, "Slow is the New Fast". I'm hoping to believe it!

 

[danmoss]

Speed is something I really want to work on, but that will have to wait until I build endurance. I did complete all of my run intervals today! At the end of next week I'm supposed to run for 20 minutes straight, which still sounds extremely daunting to me right now. Trying to just focus on each day.

Hoping to get out for a hike with the boys tomorrow and enjoy the nice weather. I was thinking of going to the Newport News Park, Dan. Have you been there? Wondering if the trails will be wet and muddy?

Carissa,

They should not be too bad. I was thinking about heading over to the Mariners museum park tomorrow. Supposed to be in the high 50's. Wife said a lot of them are paved.

 

[carissanboys]

I'll have to look that park up online. Yeah, 50's and sunny - even nicer than today.

 

[danmoss]

Dan~We were a bit nervous about the crowds for our first Christmas trip too. We had experience with larger crowds (in the summer) though, so we felt somewhat prepared. Also I have to say that I think "crowds" are subjective at times...crowded to one may not be crowded to another. And I think we've become pretty tolerant of crowds.

So anyway, when we went in 2008, Christmas was on a Thursday. The first few days of the trip (Sat the 20th-Mon 22nd) the true Christmas Eve/Day crowds were not there yet. So we were able to get some great park touring done. This is the time to get those must-do's done for sure.

On Tuesday the 23rd we did not go into the parks, it was a take it easy day...we hung out at the resort and went to DTD.

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, we went to MK in the morning, and that's when we first saw the big holiday crowds. Our plan was to stay there until the mid-afternoon then go back to SSR to do the Christmas Eve stuff in the lobby there. Well, we were really glad that was our plan, because we were ready to get outta there! We left MK at about 3pm and it was very crowded. We went back to SSR where we enjoyed listening to carolers in the lobby (my boys got to join in with them and they gave us bells and candy canes) we got to meet Santa with zero line, and we had some cookies/drinks they had out. It was relaxing and enjoyable and a great way to lead into the evening and the next morning.

On Christmas Day we did not enter any parks, it was a very relaxing day, we had the full, typical Christmas morning, then we rented a surrey bike at SSR and had dinner at Chef Mickeys.

Then, on Friday the 26th, we went to MK first thing in the morning and it was VERY LOW crowds there until about Noon. For example, we rode the teacups a few times in a row, not even getting out of our teacup, because there was zero line! I had read on here that the day after Christmas had low crowds because so many people spend Christmas Day in MK, and that definitely held true for us. Things did get busier as the day went on (but still not what one would think it would be for the day after Christmas in WDW!), and we left MK at about 4pm that day.

So, with Christmas falling on Saturday this year, our plan will be very much the same as that trip. We will do lots of park time those first few days and get our must-do's done. And then slow it down as we near the holiday and for the holiday. I'm not sure if we will be able to hit MK on the 26th this time as we drive home that day, so we'll see on that. And I'm also not sure if the fact that the 26th is on a Sunday (instead of on a Friday in 2008) if the crowds will be higher or not since it's a weekend day. My guess is that it will still be lower crowds that morning for the first few hours.

Thanks Liz for the info, we will definitely be taking some of your lessons and using them for our trip. My wife and I were surprised at your comment of hardly any lines the day after Christmas. We went to Tokyo Disney a couple of times while we lived in Japan and the crowds there just for a normal day would make you go insane. At times the crowds were just so overwhelming. Don't want the crowds ruining such a fun time for our family. We usually go to WDW in Jan/Feb, but it is getting harder to pull the kids out of school as they get older.

 

[CALIFLADY]

Carissa-

I know this is REALLY hard to believe (from your current perspective), but there's gonna a moment where running that extra tenth or half or full mile will just happen. There comes a point with running where you cross over this barrier of, "I just want to /need to quit", to a point of, "Well, I'm tired, but I could go another mile. Yep, I can do that".

Right now, my toughest mile is my second mile. I can run the first mile pretty easily, because I'm rested and ready to go. Then mile two sets in and all I want to do is quit. But after I get to about 2.5 miles, I justs kinda go into "cruise mode" and can run 4, 5, 6 miles. It's hard to explain. Maybe someone else can.

All I want to do is encourage you and tell you that 20 minutes may seem overwhelming this week, but there's gonna come a day (and not too far out there) when you'll scoff at 20 minutes, but wonder if you have enough time before you need to start dinner to get in a 60 minute run! Really. I promise, it'll happen.

 

[CALIFLADY]

Okay Liz - my bad -

I'm running the Calgary 10K on 30 May, not 31 May. I suspect there aren't too many organized runs happening on a Monday morning...

Thanks for updating the first page. Now I need to go check my hotel reservation dates.

 

[airman]

well my National Meeting is over, I fly back home Sunday morning. We found out tonight that next years meeting is going to be at the DoubleTree resort near Sea World . I'm surprised that we are going back last years meeting was at CSR (tha was fun). If I sign up for the WDW half marathon in January that would mean 4 trips to WDW in one year .
I ran outside on thursday, 3 miles, it was nice not running in circles on a track. I was supposed to run 4 miles on saturday, but it was really window here in Las Vegas, so I went back inside. I'll try to make it up this week.

 

[carissanboys]

Did a 5K on the DREADMILL today. 34:15 - don't know if I will ever be any faster . . . speed work doesn't really interest me. Oh well. I just bought a new shirt from One More Mile (discovered them at the WDW Expo). It says, "Slow is the New Fast". I'm hoping to believe it!

That seems like a pretty decent time to me. When I say I want to improve my speed I'm saying that I'd like to go faster and not be the slowest one out there. I'm not looking to break any records, but I know I can run faster than 4.0 on the treadmill. The issue is I prefer to run faster - it feels better to run faster. But, I get tired quickly if I go faster than that right now. So, once my endurance is built up I'll work on the speed. I'd be very happy if I could do a 5K in 34:15.

Carissa-

I know this is REALLY hard to believe (from your current perspective), but there's gonna a moment where running that extra tenth or half or full mile will just happen. There comes a point with running where you cross over this barrier of, "I just want to /need to quit", to a point of, "Well, I'm tired, but I could go another mile. Yep, I can do that".

Right now, my toughest mile is my second mile. I can run the first mile pretty easily, because I'm rested and ready to go. Then mile two sets in and all I want to do is quit. But after I get to about 2.5 miles, I justs kinda go into "cruise mode" and can run 4, 5, 6 miles. It's hard to explain. Maybe someone else can.

All I want to do is encourage you and tell you that 20 minutes may seem overwhelming this week, but there's gonna come a day (and not too far out there) when you'll scoff at 20 minutes, but wonder if you have enough time before you need to start dinner to get in a 60 minute run! Really. I promise, it'll happen.

Thanks Renee. I have heard that from many people now and it really does help me to know that I should be getting to that point soon.

 

[ahoff]

I have to agree withwhat Renee said, after you do a few miles, you feel like you canjust keep going. Within reason, I guess! When I did the Tot 13K I felt like Icould have kept on going (which gave me confidence in the half). And I felt pretty good at the finish at the finish of the Half, though the coldness was starting to get to me, and I was glad it was over. Maybe it is what they call the runners high. Sometimes I fell like I am not really tired but something else will become bothersome, I was on a long bike ride and though not tired the bottoms of my feet felt on fire.

Hope everyone has a good week. I feel good right now, went for a ride with a bike club for 30 miles, and when I came home wentright out and ran for 3 miles. Ithink I will get some lunch now......

 

[danmoss]

Been a good week. Turned 36, completed a 14K, and scored the best I have ever done on my PT test. Finished a 12 mile run this morning, will be sitting around recovering all day. Wife wants to go shopping , but not sure I am up for it. Really need to get out of the house though, such a beautiful day.

Got so much homework left to do before tomorrow. I've been working on my Masters in secondary education. This time next year I will be done

Week at a glance

Run-19 1/2 miles
Weights- 3 hours

Cheers
Dan

 

[Big Vic]

Afternoon Ducks!

Hoping everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Out for 6 this morning. Felt good. Now its time to sit down and watch NASCAR and then later, NHRA.

Everyone - Keep up the great work!