Friends, Wine, Dining and my FIRST half-marathon a PTR

[#1hoosierfan]

Welcome to my PTR!

As the title says, I will be running my first half-marathon on October 1st. It is the Walt Disney World Wine and Dine half-marathon.

First off, I am NOT a runner. I began my journey to "trying" to be a runner just this past January by using the C25K app on my iPhone..... I will get more into that during a later post....

Anyway I decided to start this PTR as a journal of sorts for myself during my training..... the race is 17 weeks from tomorrow.... and hope that I can inspire somebody else to take up running. I would also love to have some encouragement and helpful tips along the way. I know this is going to be a tough challenge, but I WILL succeed!

A bit more about me..... My name is Michelle, and I am 38 years old. I am married to a great guy and we have 2 little boys. Owen is 4 and Kaden just turned 2 in April. They are the light of my life. I am also a 3rd grade teacher.

Here is a pic of me from our trip this past March.

Later I will post who will be joining me on my new adventure, and I why I decided to run a half-marathon!

 

[teekathepony]

I have the most respect for people who run marathons. I can barely run down my driveway without getting winded! Best of luck to you, I certainly can't offer tips, but I might take a little inspiration.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I have the most respect for people who run marathons. I can barely run down my driveway without getting winded! Best of luck to you, I certainly can't offer tips, but I might take a little inspiration.

Welcome!

Now I know I won't be just talking to the crickets!

 

[alliesmommy]

I'm in!

I've heard good things about C25K. I wonder if there's an Android app.....

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I'm in!

I've heard good things about C25K. I wonder if there's an Android app.....

Welcome!

I am not sure if there is an Android app or not for the C25K program. I really like it though.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Last summer we had a trip planned to Gulf Shores, Alabama with my mom, my sister and her family. The terrible oil spill occured in April, however, and we decided to head to Walt Disney World instead. We had a GREAT trip, but it was soooo hot. At one point 2 of the kids were melting down at DTD, and I looked at my sister, and said, "Man this would be a great place without these kids, huh?" Of course, I said that tongue in cheek, but it did get my thoughts going on how we could get back to Disney for an "adult only" trip.

My sister is a runner.... she has ran 2 or 3 full marathons, and many half-marathons. She is two years younger than me, my best friend, and a fellow Disney lover. She is excited about being there to run my first half-marathon with me.

Lindsay is a great friend that teaches with me. I mentioned to her last August that I was thinking about running the half-marathon, and she was immediately on board. She is a total "go-getter." She is 27 with no children and has not been to Disney World since she was a child. Her husband has no desire to got to WDW, so this is her opportunity to get the World. She is most looking forward to riding the "thrill rides."

When I mentioned that Lindsay is "go-getter".... She downloaded the the
C25K app immediately, then did the C210K app, and already completed her first half-marathon in April. I am trying not to hate her too much!

Julie also teaches with me. She is 37 with two boys ages 7 and 10. She has taken her boys to WDW several times, but they are not as interested in going anymore. She is also REALLY looking forward to this adult/girls only trip. The most Julie has run is 10 miles and that was a little over a year ago. We figure that we will keep about the same pace during the race.

That is the "cast" for this trip. My sister and 2 of my best friends. Can't wait!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

So, I had a huge long post typed out and then lost the whole thing!

I wanted to share why I chose to take on a half-marathon as my very first running adventure. Instead of typing everything out again, I am going to do it in a more condensed version.

1. I wanted to take on a long-term goal and reach it. I am quickly learning that the hard part of running a half-marathon is the 3 -4 days of week for MONTHS that it takes to prepare. I truly am taking it one day at a time with my eye on the end prize.

2. I have to save face! I invited 3 friends to join me on this adventure, and I put it on Facebook that I would be completing this race. There is no way that I am going to quit when I have shared my goal with hundreds of people!

3. I am going to Disney!!!!! Training is HARD. I have no doubt that I would have just quit if I didn't have such a huge reward waiting for me at end. I often have an inner dialogue with myself when I am struggling during a run. I keep telling myself that I am lucky enough to be able to travel to WDW and have this experience..... that few things worth really having come easily. I also picture myself crossing the finish line and wearing my medal in the park the next day...... I know it is cheesy, but it really has gotten me through some runs.

4. The main reason I am running this race? My boys

This picture was taken at Epcot in March. I run because I want to be around a long time for my boys. I really need to lose about 50 pounds. I often think about my boys while I run because I want to be a healthy role model for them. Picturing my sweet boys has also gotten me through several tough runs.

There you have it. MY reasons for running. I would love to hear about what motivates YOU!

 

[teekathepony]

Hmmm.. maybe my problem is lack of motivation. I've gone for a run once in the last month, despite my insistence (to myself) that I WILL start! I really have no reason besides weight loss. My dogs enjoy it too. I'm going to make a list for myself and put it somewhere I'll see it every morning.
You have some great reasons. Keep it up, you're going to feel so good with that medal around your neck at WDW!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

I called and got our reservation and tickets for the trip.

I am sharing a room with my sister at the Port Orleans French Quarter. My portion of the 5 night stay AND a 3 day park hopper is $515.

I am sooo excited. I knew the tickets were cheaper for runners, but I didn't know they would be that discounted!

 

[#1hoosierfan]

So Friday morning I "ran" 4 miles. I put "ran" in quotes because I am pretty certain that a 3 legged turtle could have probably covered the distance faster than me....

Anyway, later that day we left for Nashville for a quick weekend trip to the Opryland Hotel and Nashville Zoo with the boys. It is a 3 hour trip from where we live.

It then hit me. That is how long I will be running during this race in October. That is a LONG time! I started to panic a bit, and dh had to talk me down......

One day at a time... one run at a time.... that is what I have to keep telling myself.

 

[teekathepony]

Good for you for doing 4 miles! Speed doesn't matter as much as determination. You'll work up to it!