Face your Fears - Half Marathon, pre trip report

[Sandy321]

What, am I NUTS??

yes, yes I am!!

It all started on a thread called DISappearing Peeps, with Utahmama... wouldnt it be great if we could all get together and meet? How about a 5K? IN DISNEYWORLD???

oh baby, I"m in!! "Dh, you know how I'm trying to get healthy, posting on the dis and all? Well, there's this challenge, to do a 5k in Disney, can we go?"

dh replies"dear wife, a 5K is just a walk in the park for you! How about a real challenge? You do a Half Marathon, I'll do a full"

DISNEY - Here WE COME!!

Of course, the best laid plans somehow go astray - - the weight never came off, and Disney offered FREE DINING for Sept...

 

[Sandy321]

Well, with the new servers, I wasnt sure if any posting would happen. So as I sit here and remember all the work I've put into the Half... and only 9 more sleeps before we are off to DISNEY!!

I began training using the couch-to-5K running program. For Christmas I got an ipod, so I downloaded some Jimmy Buffet - BIG mistake, cant run to "Cheeseburger in Paradise" just the wrong motivation... Margaritiville has got to go also!! Donny Osmond, Aretha Franklin, The Judds, Off Kilter, Wicked, Clay Aiken, all are loaded, and off I go... run/walk....

slowly...

slowly.

My first born son announced his engagement. His fiance is now called future daughter-in-law, or fdil for short... she was all encouraging...
Here's a picture of DS, fdil, and our last born!

and
suggested we do a 5K in Chicago - the Fleet Feet - all women!! Ok then, I guess I should experience a start...

and Bless her, she stayed with this slow wogger... and the beginning was alot faster... and my ipod was not working... natch...

BUT I FINISHED!! and I wasnt last!!

just maybe, just maybe I can I CAN!!

 

[Sandy321]

Since I successfully completed a 5K, I told dh to go ahead and enter me in the Half!! So we are registered!! The boys will be home from college and will take care of DD... so its a couple only trip!!

where to stay? Well, should we try and rent points to stay on Epcot property?(the races begin and end in Epcot, and Epcot is our favorite park!) So off to the rent/trade board. More research, and we have a winner - all set for BCV!!

Wendy, remember when we were going to take comfort into Minnie? We were going to be "Skinny Minnies?"

Time for a vacation -

all this time I was having fun on the Disappearing thread, and planning meets, planning adrs, and just getting to know the Dis'ers!!

DD decided to go to a camp - she's 11!! It was in Michigan, near where my parents have a summer place - why Michigan? It would take her for a week! My mom was going to pay for it, I researched it, emailed them, and gave in -

I should say that our Sept FREE DINING Trip was a "stealth" trip from my parents!! I love them, and I need them, but... I get so stressed with them on vacation. So we get in the car and travel 6 hours to NorthEast Indiana... then I find out its another 3 hours to drive DD to camp in PawPaw Michigan.. . Oddly enough, I was a camp counselor at a Girl Scout Camp in PawPaw!!

Well, back to mom and dad's - Big Brother was on!! I had adr's to make, and I had running to do!!! Luckily I brought my Passporter!!

Well, we need to be in Disney on Thursday Jan 10 (wow, is that far away or waht?!!) to pick up our packets, we can eat someplace fancy schmancy. Friday there is a Dis Meet at Pop for dinner before the Half, Sat is pre Marathon and post Half... maybe Cape May Buffet will satisfy us... and Sun is post for seasoned veteran dh - and our only opportunity for LeCellier - its a go!! All ADR's are now made!!

Time to get some running in!! Thanks to the event/competition thread on the Dis, I found a gmap pedometer site, so I could map out a 3 mile practice around the lake!! BOY is it HOT out... but I still get my training in!! And because dd is away, I am at the Lake all ALONE!! Mom cooks, dad cleans - I just run and then hit the jet ski!! wooHOOO!

It really was a very relaxing vacation!! I was a kid again!! My dad has an African Grey Parrot, so mom makes him vacuum and clean, which he enjoys, I worry about this retirement phase!! My father cleaning? Ah well, the only thing I was in charge of that week, was the cosmos!! and my running!!

 

[Sandy321]

Did I mention I have 2 boys in college?

Both at the University of IL - and both doing very well!! They invited me down for Mother's Weekend, and of course I went, and enjoyed it very much!!

GO ILLINI!! They are in the Rose Bowl -

so, how do you plan 2 trips to Disney with 2 kids in College. Guilt. and free airline vouchers!! You see LAST year for the Free Dining we boarded United with much trepidation - there were storms at Ohare, this plane was late by 2 hours, and they didnt really turn it over (as in cleaning and stocking!!) And that was a mistake - We circled for 2 hours, had to land in Kentucky to refuel, and that's when DD began the "protein spills" We used up all our air sick bags, there were no garbage bags for her blanket (luckily we bring one from home!) AND the flight attendants didnt want to put a movie on (it wasnt scheduled after all!! ) Luckily for dd there were lots of families on that flight that gave us bags to dispose of stuff, and stocked us with air sick bags... Mind you it was before you could buy water before getting on a plane too - so no water - no pop - nothing!! it was horrific!!

I wrote a nice letter to United, suggesting on certain flights if we cant bring our water on - they should have water, etc... and they sent us 3 air line vouchers!! I read the fine print, they expired Oct 1!! So we HAD to go back to Disney!! We couldnt let those free roundtrip tickets go to waste now could we???

so much for marathon training!!

Dh decided after trying to keep up with me in Epcot that I would do fine in the Half!!

On our return to IL - I had a severe problem. I had to go to the doctor. It may just be vertigo, or Menier's disease, but all I know is I cant get off the couch without my own air sick bag!!

Weeks go by, I try different medications, but I was unable to work. Christmas is coming, the college boys need books, room, board... Horrific.

We've paid for our DVC (non refundable) we paid for our marathon registration (non refundable) but, there is no money for airfare!!

 

[Minnie_Moo]

I'm first?!!!

You're going to have a GREAT trip, Sandy! It is so much fun to go to WDW sans kids. Our DD was in college before DH and I did this. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge and had a fabulous time. MK view and all.

You're going to do just fine in the half I loved meeting you and your hubby in September.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Sandy, fabulous start to your TR!!!

and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

 

[monymony3471]

Run Sandy! Run!

How much snow you get yesterday/last night? We are getting it now!

I'd rather run a race in WDW than at home anyday.

You are going to do great. Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[aldisneygrl]

Great Job! You are going to do fine! Just like me and DD! We have to keep our positive thinking going!

 

[RSoxFan]

Good luck to you! I hope to go for it next year. I really admire you!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Hope you are feeling better!! Thats awesome that you got free flight vouchers, wish you didn't have to go through hell to get them!!!

Thanks for sharing, keep us posted!!

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement, and for reading!! SIX more sleeps!
and I'll get to see this view!!

The weather here has dipped below zero! I tried running New Year's Eve - I only made it 5 miles. This practice run stuff is really hard - I feel like such a whiner!! I'm really grateful to the WISH team - the event/competition thread - someone is always posting what I'm feeling!!

What if I get swept? Well I finally figured out, if I do get swept - I'll still be in DISNEY!!

so try as I might, I may be no better than this guy

(they were all over at the Pop resort end of Sept!)

but I'll be in Disney!!

DH has been donating blood, and saved enough money, so we're heading out mighty early Jan 10 and coming back mighty late Jan 14! Just the two of us!!

So after doing the I went back to Tour Guide Mike and checked out his links for Romance in Disneyworld!! But I promise, we're not going to Tony's at Magic Kingdom. The more I do the math, I'm just not convinced the 2008 Dining Plan is worth it - I have ressies at Yachtsman Steakhouse, what if I keep those, and we pay - cant we just split a meal, those steaks are HUGE!! I need to investigate that more - so I'm still trying to figure it all out to our touring style!!

I stopped at FedEx today and mailed a package down to our Resort - I packed shampoos, toothpaste, Bodyguide, Champagne, Contact Solution, Rum, deodarant, Gold Bond Powder, all those gel paks you need when you are a serious runner... altho dh and ds both say I can benefit from them, so I'm going to try!!

IF you sign up at Discovery.com you can get a FREE 8 week pass to Ballys Fitness, starting Saturday!! No strings attatched - I went to Ballys to make sure I can begin using their treadmills Saturday - I need to try and figure out how the gels and beans and a 2 hour run work on a treadmill - I know I'll be bored to death!!

But, we're all set!! Good to go!! Look out world, I'm coming down!!

 

[aldisneygrl]

What are gel packs and what are they used for?

 

[Backstage_Gal]

I stopped at FedEx today and mailed a package down to our Resort - I packed shampoos, toothpaste, Bodyguide, Champagne, Contact Solution, Rum, deodarant, Gold Bond Powder, all those gel paks you need when you are a serious runner... altho dh and ds both say I can benefit from them, so I'm going to try!!

Sandy, that is the most important thing in my mind!!!!!!!!! Wish I had some now

 

[Sandy321]

Gel paks are about $1 and are gooey - not sweet, but pure energy with caffeine, apparantly giving you a jolt when you think you have nothing left to get to the end - this is supposed to perk you up - dh takes one about every 5 miles - -

that's what I think Marita!! DS was totally and the alcohol I was sending down!! Waste not want not!! I have it in the cabinet, so what good is it doing in there!!

 

[iggbees]

we come the day after you. good luck in the half marathon!! i wish i had the motivation to do that!

 

[monymony3471]

You forgot to pack one thing Sandy! Me!

I really wish I could be there rooting you on. I will be there in spirit.

Memorize these words: Run Sandy! Run!!

They will keep you going. I promise.

 

[Sandy321]

WTH Was I THINKING?
WARNING - Major whine fear post ahead!

This morning I woke up to Jan 5, wet, warmish (in the upper 30's no snow coming down!) BUT - TODAY is the DAY that Discovery Health and Ballys Fitness begins their annual FREE BALLYS PASS - 8 weeks!! I am going to run on a treadmill today!!

I get some clothes on, I need to try on shorts - which shorts to run in... I should also try running with a full fanny packed with camera, cell phone, goo, beans, washcloth, ipod, kleenex, money... - have the right socks, the right shoes, which shorts?

I start out the door at 9:45 am - and run into my long lost son - "SON, I say, Whatcha doin? " I have to sleep" "but son, what about later tonight? Dinner here?" "Mom, I have to sleep, I dunno I am so tired" OK dear, that's what happens when you dont come home for TWO days!! (and thank goodness for cell phones!!)

His girlfriend goes back to school, so her family kinda adopted ds the last 2 days - funny, but he cooks and cleans while over there!! Go figure!!!

BACK TO ME!

So I get into Ballys, get a locker, pull off the sweats. Start my ipod... (Respect... ) and head to .... the first Sat in Jan at the gym... well, at least there is a machine that I cant name - you walk, its easy on the knees, get on that, not even 2 min later a Treadmill opens up - I jump on that!!

So... here I am... Ok, plug in my weight sad2: ) time - I'll shoot for 45 min, that should give me 3 miles... (optomist that I am) and I'll start at 2.5 mph (it gives me a 22min mile ) (oh how I love OFF KILTER - Run Run Away) I'm going at an ok pace, So I do what I can, and up the pace, and when the interval hill hits 8.8 I scream "I CANT DO THIS" and I was listening to the Dixie Chicks at the time so I stomp off the interval... listen to the music This is the Moment - yeah it sure is isnt it... ok, I keep playing with the interval, smashing it down to 0.0 and upping the pace got up to 3.6 2 minutes... I think of Dene who lost over 100# on the Peep thread, she had a trainer, so thinking of Couch-to-5K I pull the pace down and up, watching the time (and I was barely at 1 mile!)

who doesnt love the Judds, Rockin with the Rythmm of the RAAaain... finally I hit 30 min, and I shut it down.... and I walk, and think... 15 minutes, 15 min will give me 45 min total - so ok, ok Dene's trainer would, Bob and Jillian from The Biggest Loser would, so I bump the treadmill to manual, and I hit the speed at 2.5 and I begin to jog at a very slow speed... try to maintain a rhythm (rockin to the rythmm of the rain) Shania Twain and UP and This one's for the Girls... I'm able to keep that main pace a steady movin my arms, movin my feet, and not worrying about that blasted hill part... my toes hurt, my head is sweaty, I need to blow my nose...
WTH was I THINKING? I figure maybe that first 30 min will be like the start of the Half - but, I know now, without a doubt, I will not make it to the Magic Kingdom before being swept.

The good news - I shipped a box FedEX $15 - had 22#'s -- Not sure how or touring plans will be, but I'll be happy at the BCV - of course that's another story - I cant control that as we are renting, and I'm mildly concerned we havent heard anything, no tags, no confirmation paper (we have the number, and we have his cell phone and work phone) but if I can I do stress it would seem! I posted on the event/competiton forum, and I received a few PM's that assured me they will take dh and I in their rooms... WISH Team sticks together... that made me cry!!

Also, do you know when you run on a treadmill, you can feel a nice breeze? There will not be a nice breeze come Jan 12!! WHAT was I thinking?? Well, the WISH Team will be there, I can keep up, I just know I can keep up... and when I took the 5 min cool down, I started to realize that the vertigo was going to kick in... sure enough... slowly, slowly make my way to the locker room, get my clothes - but I start to notice the fans, the lights, grab onto the wall - the women think I'm nuts I'm sure - but they are so evenly spaced, there is no room for one more - they finally talk to me, and I'm able to get my clothes and leave!! At the counter I have to pick up my pass and the personal trainer I had a year ago recognized me, and said I can sign up for another hour of her services free - ummm I'll wait on that, I have to get to Disney and home again!!

I am so training for the August Chicago Distance Classic (CDC) I know a lot of WISH team come in for that!! Fdil said she'll run with me too!!

7 days from this moment, I will be done... one way or another, it will be over for me!!

 

[Villainess]

Good luck to you! I am thinking about the Minnie 5K in May while I am there!

 

[Sandy321]

Good luck to you! I am thinking about the Minnie 5K in May while I am there!

awww, you have a 15month old and a 9 week old??? You are overworked!!

Thank you for the kind thoughts!! Minnie 5k shouldnt be too overwhelming - you have plenty of time to work on it - head over to the event/competition board!! You'll end up belonging to a wonderful WISH team, and its a great group of wisher's

 

[aldisneygrl]

Sandy - You will do fine! Just relax and take a VERY deep breath! There is something to be said for the adrenaline rush you will have on race day. Maybe DD and I will try to get up early enough to be your AL cheerleaders! We'll just have to cut short our late night at Epcot, but I will do that for my friend (who I haven't met, but Love just the same ) if that is what it takes!

I saw those cool gel packs at Fleet Feet today. Got my new shoes! They are shiny! I just ran 2.95 miles in 40:30. I have only run once or twice in the past six weeks! So, if I can do it, so can you.