Hakuna Matada - Speedy September

[Motomiker]

Hi team!

I'm checking back in after another of my long absences. Since we got back from CA, things have been busy as usual. And I've been laid up with another of my sinus infections.

Saylan~ I know that alot of the team is staying at the POP Century resort. It is the closest to the Expo/Packet pick up, about a ten minute ride. I've had no problem fitting on the beds there and I'm 6'1". The All Stars resorts are also nice and I usually stay at the Sports. The foodcourts at all the values are very good with tons of options and better than some of the Moderates set ups. This will be my second time at the POP.

AFM~ still catching up on everyones posts, and I will be posting race reports for CA and others. I've been volunteering at Roberts school, working alot, and sleeping a ton since I've been sick. I haven't really been running much and I'm more than a little concerned about my first full marathon coming up this weekend. I'll still be on antibiotics. Liz and I tried to do 20 miles last weekend and I felt we were doing okay until her knee gave out and started hurting really bad. The most I've done is 18 and that was four weeks ago. So, we shall see what happens...

-Mike

 

[Motomiker]

September 2-3, 2011

Liz and I were up early to on Friday to catch the train into Chicago and then the "L" through the city to the airport. My sister came out from Michigan to stay with my Mom and Robert while we attempted our first trip "out West", so we were childless for the trip! We found out that Mary and Ken were on the same filght out to CA and were excited to see them. Unfortunately, we were already in line for boarding when we saw them and we could only wave hello. Liz was excited about flying over the mountains and deserts so she claimed the window seat, which was okay as I dozed during the 4.5 hour flight.
We caught up with Mary and Ken when we landed and briefly talked with them while waiting for our luggage. We ended up taking a bus while they were on another shuttle. Mary said they would "race" us there.
We checked into the Disneyland Hotel and scored a room with a King sized bed. The lady said there were only 30 in the entire hotel. The hotel is under a good deal of recontruction, the gave us special "instant fastpasses" good for any two rides during our stay.
Our room wasn't ready, so we stored our bags at bell services and headed over to Packet pick up and the Expo, which was in the next building! Awesome, no long bus ride! There we got our stuff, and spent way too much on race clothes (again)! I also picked up some extra trading pins, and some DL 13.1 magnets for our fridge and car. Then we went on a quest to find Lynn and Scott who were volunteering at packet pick up. I was excited to meet them as I always enjoy Lynn's posts here, and Scott's sense of humor on FB. We liked them immediately!
After talking with them, I received my text that our room was ready and headed across to the "Adventure" tower as it is now named. Our room was nice with a headboard that has the castle and fiber optic stars above it, and it briefly plays music. The view from the room was of the construction going on in the pool area. It's going to really nice when it is finished.
After dropping our stuff off and getting our bags brought up, we headed out for a walk around the hotel and Downtown Disney, which was across the street. We had a pasta dinner at Naples restaurant, and later found the coolest bar ever, called Trader Sam's in our hotel building. Picture the Tiki Room and Jungle boat ride turned into a bar. There were pictures of "live" volcanos that erupted, and a bottle with a ship in it that sank, when someone ordered the right drink. The bartenders would set off an air raid siren, yell "run for you lives" and squirt everyone with water. Really a fun place!
Saturday had us up early for the family 5K. Being from an Midwestern time zone it was like sleeping in for us. We made the short walk over to the start, and met up with Lynn and Scott and a few of their friends and WISHERS. We were about 3/4 of the way back and decided to walk it with them. The theme of the race was Star Tours as the ride was just reopened after a major upgrade. They had a Jedi above the start line doing the announcing. A really memorable moment happened when they played the National Anthem (no singer, just a trumpet if I remember right). The crowd in front started singing softly and it slowly grew backwards towards us. Very cool!
Then we were off and were glad that we decided to walk. They funneled the crowd through some narrow openings all through the race. If you didn't start in the front, you were pretty much out of luck running. The race wound through both parks and alot of back stage areas. Everyone was taking pictures backstage and some cast member tried to stop me and tell me to put my camera away. Um, yeah... his photo was probably already on FB. Everyone politely laughed at his seriousness and kept going. Scott, of course, was having a great time yelling "serpentine!" and weaving in and out of the cones. We had a great time and ended up finishing in the California Adventure park and saying our goodbyes for the day. It was a great start to the race weekend, with promises to meet up again later in the week!

Half marathon report to follow! - Mike

 

[Motomiker]

Kim~ We are doing the Providence RI rock and roll half, and tenatively the Chicago RNR. I think Rick is also planning on doing Chicago. We would love to visit with you if you can make it.

Dave~ We are about 50 minutes West of Chicago depending on traffic. We take route 90 in from the suburbs. It's an easy drive if done early for a race.

-Mike

 

[windwalker]

Good morning y'all.

Mike I'm not sure how far we are from Chi Town but I'll have to look it up. Sure wish we could have done the DL half or the Food and Wine. But you do what you can do right?

I'm headed to the mall for a 4 mile training walk. It's pouring rain so it's the mall unless it stops before I get going. I don't like going fast in the mall, to many sharp turns and having to weave around the normal people.

I'm doing some video to analyze my technique and see how the tweeks look.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Dave - I am sure we will run into each other one of these days! Your mall walking sounds like our bike riding on the bike path in town, it is too crowded with dogs and kids to ride fast!

Mike - Great race report - reminded me of good times! That was definitely a record for the slowest walk I have ever done! (and I was not even setting the pace!)

AFM - Nice day yesterday, we got out for a bike ride, only 12 miles, Scott’s cold hit him again on the ride. Then a dog walk around the block.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[es45]

Happy Monday, all,

Great race, Mike! I hope that Liz's knee is feeling better already.

Saylan, I agree with Mike about POP being a great resort too; in fact, it is my family's favorite. However, DH's feet (he is 6'2") hang off the bed at the values. He doesn't seem to mind, though. We'll be at Sports this January and POP in March.

Kim and Vicky, how about a race report? That race looked like a lot of fun!

AFM: My quick run around the block this morning was miserable. I could only go 2 miles before I felt sick. It was cool but the air was thick. Got back and checked the weather to find that the humidity was at 90%. Guess that is good training for WDW, right?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! We had a lot of sunny weather and it was nice and warm.

Here's my RR for the Island Girl Half yesterday.

I woke up at 5:30AM and started to shower and get ready for the race. Even though the race had 9:30AM start time, we still had to be at the ferry docks for 8:00AM. Kim and DD Kaityln arrived at my house just after 7AM and we were off to the races (pun intended).

There were quite a few people at the docks when we arrived. We stood around, chatted and took a few pictures. The ferry arrived at 8AM and we started boarding. The whole trip was about 10 minutes and then a short walk to the start line. When we arrived, the 5K group was in the corrals getting warmed up. The exercises they were making the racers do reminded me of a Richard Simmons workout. We lined up to pick up our timing chips. The race organizers opted for the reusable ankle chip bands (yuck) and the relay racers had to share a chip. I also tried to exchange my race shirt. You guys would have laughed if you had seen how short the shirt was. It was an XS but the length was more appropriate for an 8-year-old. I asked about swapping shirts and was told by a volunteer to come back at the end of the race. I found out later that they had packed up before the race started so I never had a chance (boo!).

Kim, DD and I moved to sit at a picnic bench. We were complaining that it was quite chilly out but little did we know how warm it was about to get :laugh: True to the theme of the race, I think I ended up with a nice tan afterward. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have water pre-race. I would have brought my own if I had known. I figured they were saving the cups for the end of the race. At about 8:15, we moved closer to the starting corals. They had few trainers (?) lead us through the same Richard Simmons warm up routine. It was a bit cheesy and I usually don't warm up that way so I stuck to my own exercises. I think the warm up was about 5 minutes and then we moved up in the coral. It was a bit confusing because we walked over the "start/finish" line but hadn't actually started. I saw another WISHer while walking through the chute. I heard someone say "Hi Bunnyfoo!" so I turned to wave. I think it was PJPoohBear … not sure. The announcer did a countdown to the start of the half but she was off so we actually started running when she was still counting down from about 7

The course was pretty flat except for one bridge/hill. It was a double loop through the Island. I was basically treating the race as a training run where I didn't have to bring water. Unfortunately there were only two water stops on the course. One was at the 3K mark where the turn around was, the next was at the 6K mark which was also the same water stop for the 10K mark. The wind was insanely strong on a one mile section on the south side of the island. Certainly not Scott and Lynn's Wyomming wind but not anything that I had trained for. That section of the course was also over wooden boards (think BC/YC area). I don't recommend running on boards if you have knee or ankle problems (lucky me). There is a lot of bounce while you're running and it makes the surface unstable and I think it takes some extra energy out of you. Top that off with the wind. My first pass through that section, I managed to go through at about 9:40 m/m. I think that was a bit foolish on my part because I wasn't thinking about how much energy I'd need to go through the second time. The turnaround section was sunny and hot, there wasn't much shade and I was really thirsty by the time I got back to the water station.

The crowds were great going through the relay exchange area I saw Kim twice going the area and her DD twice as well. But other than that, you wouldn't really know you were part of a race. The second half of the race was quite … quiet. There were very few racers - runners or walkers. I had a small group in front of me all the time but they were maybe 50-75 meters ahead and it was difficult to catch up, especially when I went through that stupid wind tunnel section again. Running through there the second time reminded me of when I'm at the gym tethered to my trainer trying to sprint across the gym floor with him.

By the time I ran back up the hilly bridge toward the finishing chute, there were quite a few pedestrians on the course. I finished in 2:19:59 which I'm happy with. I got my medal and half cup of water and lined up for the post-race food. They tried to go with an island theme and gave us watermelon, orange slices, coconut water, orange drink and pita with cream cheese but I would have prefered the usual cookies, bagels, apples, bananas. Come to think of it… when are bananas not tropical? :laugh: Eating was a bit difficult because there were a ton of yellow jackets buzzing around. I was really disappointed that there was no water afterward. Again, I have no problem bringing my own as long as I know ahead of time.

I finished eating and went to go change. I caught up with Kim and DD and we walked back toward the ferry. We got a few more pictures and waited for the ferry. I found the wait to be quite painful - literally. Lots of standing and no moving or sitting made me really stiff. I hadn't thought about getting back on the ferry afterward. I'm use to just leaving after most races and not waiting. It took about 5 minutes for the ferry to unload passengers once it arrived. It doesn't sound like a lot time but after you've done a race and are waiting to go home… Overall, it was not a bad race - good energy/atmosphere, flat course but I don't think I'd do it again because of the wait for the ferry afterward and the lack of water pre, post and during. The one reason I like races, is that I don't have to carry water.

Pros: Flat course, fun theme, mostly female racers, flat course, nice medal
Cons: No pre-race water, ferry transportation, no post-race water/gaterade, not enough water stops, very few volunteers on course except through the water stops and relay exchange

My pics are up on FB. I didn't take too many but feel free to check them out.

 

[Piglet24]

Hi Team!

Lynn- South Africa and Hawaii both sound sooo exciting! I’m looking forward to pictures I am sure Scott will post after your trips. What are you learning from your guide books? Lots of exciting stuff I hope! I’m glad the Tour de Vineyards went well in spite of the rain. Do you carry stuff on you while you’re riding in case you have mechanical problems or a flat tire? How does that work? It seems once the peaches are ripe you’ve got to do something with them or they go pretty fast. Good luck with getting your eating under control!

Elizabeth- Thank you!!! Good luck getting back into your running. I hope the transition goes well for you. I’m sorry your run this morning was so awful.

Dave- I hope your form tweeking is continuing to go well.

Mike- I’m glad you enjoyed seeing Mary and her DH, and Lynn and Scott! Wow, DL will text your phone to tell you your room is ready? That’s pretty cool. Great race report!

Vicky- Bummer you couldn’t exchange your race shirt. LOL, how did the announcer get so far off counting? They only had 2 water stops for a half marathon??? That doesn’t sound good. And none at the end? I thought pretty much all races had water. How long has that race been going on? Well I am certain your next race will be much better!!!

AFM, nothing too exciting going on. DH and I ran 6 miles yesterday, so today is a rest day. The run went pretty well and I didn’t have any major issues. We did it first thing and I really liked getting the run over first thing in the morning.

I hope everyone has a great Monday!

 

[Saylan]

Happy Monday everyone!

Vicky: Awesome report. Sucks about the shirt though. I still love the medal you got.

I do most if not all my running on a treadmill right now. I have the galloway plan thingy that says to do 4x800 this weekend. Any clue how that works?

I like your run .25 job .25 method. That would be in lieu of intervals, right? How did you decide on 8.5? Is that how fast you can go without being winded or some other reason?

I've never heard of plyo... lol

Our turtle got to be about 8 inches. They live a really long time. I think usually they live less than an average tortoise (82 years) but close enough. They're really cool pets but a lot that are found these days are illegal.

I might pick up some compressiong socks or sleeves (for my legs) to give them a shot. I think they look like a really good idea. DBF isn't budging yet on them though. lol

Regina: Happy anniversary!

Lynn: Ooh, thanks for the tip about the buses. My mom can't stand on her feet for long periods of time so buses and waits for them make a big difference for her.

Elizabeth: Yeah, normally I like the moderates, but for this trip I just think the savings of stay value are worth it this time. DBF and I are already doing a split stay so we've been crunching doing a mod for the second part. Which mod are you thinking of doing?

DBF is somewhere in the 6'1-6'3 range (I haven't ever really measured, I just know he's super tall to me). He definitely hangs off the end too. He didn't seem to care but that was before he ever had a queen or king bed. I guess it would make it easier for me to ice his feet.

Glad you're back out 'on the road'. I'm sure you'll get higher up in mileage as you get used to it again. Watch the humidity though, ouch!

Mike: Awesome! I didn't know so many were staying at Pop though I did notice it's close to WWoS. DBF is somewhere in the 6'1-6'3 range (I haven't ever really measured, I just know he's super tall to me). He used to have a double and it made me cringe to see his feet sticking off the end. We'll try for a king and see what I can find out. Maybe they consider size a valid reason to put someone in a king.

Love the Star Tours report. DBF was sad he didn't get to do it. Sorry we missed you at the race. I'm sure you powered right past me.

AFM: I booked our flights with Air Tran on Friday because I saw prices had gone up from 89 to 112. Then they went back down if you searched by single passenger. Today they're flat out 89. I called up and asked about it and they immediately issued a credit for the difference on our tickets. 46 to put towards any upgrade or future flight (must be booked by September 22, 2012). Better than nothing I guess. They could very easily have said no, as I fully expected them to.

My parents have finally booked too and they'll be travelling on the same flight. I'm super excited about that. They won't be close in rows to us but still. They've never used DME (travelled by car all those years) so we'll be able to show them around. Plus they will probably stay at Pop too if we book there.

I got in 6 miles this Saturday even though I didn't want to. I was surprised at myself since I was giving myself an 'out' to stop at 5. I might have done one more if the workout room wasn't set to close soon.

My knees are a little stiff today but nothing too bad yet. I need to get back into a routine and things should go better. I've been trying to read up on various speed work techniques and compression socks.

DBF has been no help in the costume department. Sarcastic as always he said Ursula. I've added it to the list which now consists of:
- Esmerelda
- Megara
- Ursula
- Little Green Martin guy from Toy Story
- Ariel (so overdone)

I'm now googling Disney characters (pref. female) to get more ideas and I've drawn up concepts for all of the above. DBF thinks I'm nuts and maybe I am but it's still fun. I'm also thinking of making something like a t-shirt transfer to iron on for my mom and/or dad to wear while in the ChEAR zone.

I've roped him in for Lion King 3-D tonight though. Maybe I'll get some ideas there. I played Pumbaa/Nala in a talent show version once (so very very awkward being a warthog).

 

[bunnyfoo]

Regina - Happy belated anniversary to you and Kyle!! Congrats! I'm sorry I missed posting it earlier!

Kim - Keep drinking water! LOL I noticed I'm a little more thirsty today!

Happy Monday everyone!

Vicky: Awesome report. Sucks about the shirt though. I still love the medal you got.

I do most if not all my running on a treadmill right now. I have the galloway plan thingy that says to do 4x800 this weekend. Any clue how that works?

I like your run .25 job .25 method. That would be in lieu of intervals, right? How did you decide on 8.5? Is that how fast you can go without being winded or some other reason?

I've never heard of plyo... lol

4 x 800 ... Hmm... 400 m is one loop around the track. So I'm assuming they want you to do 4 sets of two loops (800m). It's about 2 miles total. Does it say anything about running at a certain pace? If you want to use it for speed work, try running at race pace for 800 meters, walk 400 m, then repeat another 3x.

I think 8.5 was the fastest I felt comfortable running without flying off The times that I've watched Biggest Loser, they have the contestants running 10+ on the TM. I've never tried that myself.

Oh sorry .. plyo=plyometrics. You've probably done them before:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometricexercises.html

Will catch up with everyone else tonight

 

[windwalker]

I normally do speed intervals on monday mornings. I started with 4 X 200m, and have worked up to 4 X 600m. My next step starting in 2 weeks will be 4 X 800m with a 400m recovery, slower walk, interval between each speed session.

Speed intervals are a wonderful way to get faster, they are also a great way to get injured if you try to do to much to soon. My opinion.

Monday is for speed intervals
Tuesday is a 4 mile tempo walk
Wednesday is normally a 6.5 mile hard group hill training walk.
Thursday is rest day
Friday is a 4 mile tempo
Saturday is either rest day or race
Sunday is 3 mile easy with Sally

That's my normal training schedule.

Dave

 

[Hockeychic]

Hey everyone!!!!!

Vicky thanks for doing the RR, I am not very good at doing those things I agree not a race I would do again, there where times actually the entire 2nd loop where the boardwalk was I think I was by myself never saw another person but I know there was quite a few behind me. The boardwalk was horrible, boards also where not in very good repair so made it a bit tricky. The medal was cute and course was flat and of course hanging out with DD and Vicky for the day I don't feel the need to do it again.

Running late today so will check back later.

I think we are under 100 sleeps till marathon weekend!!!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Vicky - Great race report, too bad there was a lack of water. I always carry my own water, mainly because I need to sip and not gulp it, so water stops would never provide me enough water.

Kim - Hi!

Regina - Yes, we have a small bag attached under the seat of the bike which has a patch kit, and extra tube and tools to take off tire and change tube, and a small pump which is very difficult to use, if you are lucky, the floating support cars will come by with a real bike pump once you have changed a tire (tube) to make it easier to pump it back up.

Saylan - If your Mom has an issue with standing at bus stops, look for one of the loaned wheel chairs that folks will just dump at the bus stops, I often see one lying around, just grab it for your Mom until the bus comes, then leave it again. It will give her a place to sit until bus shows up. Costumes are fun, I always enjoy seeing what folks come up with!

Elizabeth - Hope you feel better today!

AFM - Windy again, took walk around block with dogs, then Pilates tape and 20 min on spin bike in basement. Today is calm, plan to get out on the bikes as soon as temp warms up a bit (it is 45 degrees now), weather has been nice, gets up to 80 degrees by evening.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[windwalker]

Well I was still feeling in a funk this morning so I watched some race walk training videos and got motivated to at least get out and do a few easy miles. So I went to the mall and did a couple of miles in there, since it was 49 degrees outside. After I warmed up I started feeling a lot better so I went outside and did a very strong 3 more miles in the cool sunny morning. I left the house whipped Panda and returned with my Grrrrrrrrrr!! back.

Have an awesome day y'all.

Dave

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi everyone! Here's my catch up post!

Kim - Wow! 100 days already? The countdown is on!! It was great hanging out with you and DD on Sunday. Do you think DD will do another relay with you again? I didn't realize but the beach at the end of the boardwalk section was Ward's Island (the clothing optional beach )

Saylan - I'm glad you were able to get a credit from the airline. Like you said, better than nothing. I can only imagine what Air Canada would have said. Compression socks are awesome! I did not realize that turtles live that long. I think all pets have a certain appeal to them and unfortunately some people treat them as an impulse purchase without thinking things through

Regina - Happy belated anniversary! Did you guys do anything to celebrate? Good job on the 6 miler! I like doing my running in the morning too because it frees up the rest of my day - getting up is the hard part Did you take Sydney with you? There were cups of water at the end but Kim noticed that none of them were full. So it was really like a mouthful of water Most races I've done give you a water bottle at the end as well as Gatorade. I'm probably going to write the RD an email. I would have been more than happy to bring my own had I known. I don't know what happened to the announcer. I was passing by her when she messed up the countdown and she quickly yelled out "654321!"

Elizabeth/B] - Got your PM! Hope you're feeling better today! 90% humidity is quite high! Was it hot as well?

Dave - That's pretty cool that you're having your walking gait analyzed. Who's doing the assessment and what are they looking for?

Lynn - Do your pups come with you on the bike rides or do they stay at home? I would LOVE to travel to South Africa! Did you have any safety concerns? I've talked to people who use to live in South Africa and they say it's dangerous.

Mike - Awesome RR! Very cool that you were on the same flight as Mary & Ken How was the CM planning to stop hundreds of runners from taking photos? Loved that you got the room with the king bed. Those are hard to get! Can't wait to read your 1/2 RR!

AFM - I'm going to take an extra day of rest and then get back to it tomorrow! I changed my training day from Monday to Thursday, just for this week. Last night, I went for a massage instead. My RMT asked what he should work on and I said I just ran a half marathon so everything below the waist I went in with tight quads/calves and a bit of knee pain. I didn't tell him that though because we were too busy chatting Turns out he's a Food Network junkie too :laugh: But when he was done, my knee pain was gone! Yay!! It was funny because I walked out of the treatment room thinking something feels different... LOL

I baked a batch of apple spice muffins last night! I have to say that I love the smell of apples and spices. It just makes everything feel like fall! It also reminds me of Philharmagic!

Oh I forgot to mention! I booked my ticket to DC so I will be doing MCM at the end of next month!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[windwalker]

Vicky, I decided that I would get more serious about my training and competition to see what I could accomplish in chasing records in the 60 to 70 age groups. So I have some friends helping me out. Nyle Suderland who is the current best over 40 female race walker on the planet, Tammy Stevenson who is an american masters woman who is just a few seconds behind Nyle in world competition and Ray Sharp who is still on the US race walking team even though he is in his 50s. They are all being helpful. I'm nowhere close to their level, but you never know what you can accomplish till you try. Doing the video is just the next step.

Is it really just a 100 days till we gather at the house of mouse? This year I'm doing the Goofy again but next year I may just do the marathon and maybe the next year do the relay. Isn't 2013 the anniversery for the marathon? Can't remember. I will probably not do the Goofy again till the 10th anniversery in 2015.

Dave

 

[Hockeychic]

Good morning team!!!!!!

Dave: Yup 2013 is the anniversary of the marathon which is why I am going for goofy that year.

Vicky: Glad to hear the knee pain is gone

lynn: Looking forward to seeing you and Scott next month.

Dave I think I asked you before but can't remember. How far are you from Nashville, Mike and I are considering the RnR half in April.

 

[windwalker]

Kimmer, I live 60 miles from Nashville. The race is very hilly, the worst I've ever done except for the flying pig race. They have a nice expo and the course is nice through old world Tenn. But I need to warn you to do hill work before you take it on. I do a lot of hill work and I found it challenging. If you do it I will of course come down and find you and Mike.

My friend Tammy that is the number two woman masters (over 40) on the planet, is quite inspiring to me, not only for her race abilities but also for another accomplishment. Between 2005 and 2006 she lost 105 lbs and had a baby. I dream big because I know that dreams can come true and Tammy is proof of that.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Vicky - no the dogs do not come on bike rides, we never trained them to run beside the bikes In South Africa we will be with AbD for most of it, it does sound like it is not terribly safe, the train should be fine, there is a lot of pick pocketing, so we will have to be aware of that. We will probably not leave hotels after dark on our own. We were also told to arrange for transportation thru the hotel to the train station and air port rather than rely on taxi's.

Dave - good luck with your stride evaluation.

Kim - Yes, it will be great to see you in October!

AFM - We made it out on the bikes for 26 miles yesterday, it was great to get back outside. Dogs did not get a walk, it was too hot by the time we got back from the bike ride. Will take them out early today.

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[rubato]

I'm finally back. I will try to keep up from now on, I promise.

Lynn: When do you go on your trip? I think that would be such an adventure! Very exciting! I tried taking my dog running while I biked. Let's just say NIGHTMARE! Then, I put a basket on the back and tried keeping him in there. No way was he having that. He tried to hang himself with the leash while dangling dangerously close to my rotating wheel.

Dave: It sounds like you're getting great advice and coaching. I'm very envious of your connections. I wouldn't mind just running with someone who knew what they were doing.

Kim: Great job on your race. I'm hoping to repeat Goofy in 2013 too, so maybe I'll see you there!

Vicky: I think I got caught up on our other thread. But, just wanted to say great job again on your race. Very nice report!

Saylan: I think a Lion King related costume would be good. It is the latest release, right? Of course, I can't think of any way to do that where you wouldn't be sweating buckets. Your BF just doesn't understand!

Regina: Happy very belated Anniversary! Mine was the 18th. Love those late summer/fall weddings. How many years for you guys?

Elizabeth: Congrats on the release to run. I am SOOOOO jealous!
Take it easy.

Sorry to anyone else. I am about 2 pages of posts behind.

AFM: I can finally breath today. I finished my Monday, Wednesday, Friday class this Monday and now have an extra 24 hours to get my life back together. I took my state test today, so the CNA thing is done! One of my other classes is really ramping up right now, so I've got to get going on that. But, school is good.

I'm walking 2-4 miles a day now (actually did 5 today). The calf is sore, but it's tolerable. I do PT twice a week, and they are really pushing me. I don't know if I'm going to be released to run at my 6 week appt, but I really hope so. I've had the hardest time not just taking off when I go walking. I know that at some point in my life I'm going to have to permanently stop running and switch to walking, but I'm just not ready yet.

The diet hasn't been going well, but today is a new day. I have eaten healthy so far, so if I can stick to it, I'll be fine by tomorrow. That first day is always a killer.