Hakuna Matata - Gobblin' up November

[es45]

Hi, everyone,

Dave: Happy to see you post on here again! Glad I at least can keep up with you on Fb.

Rick: Read your blog post. I never realized when I started running how difficult it would be to get everything done when my distance moved up. Plus, with the longest runs happening so close to the holidays and all the weekend commitments at this time of year. Stay strong, you are almost there and you'll be happy that you kept it up. What does your 2013 training calendar look like?

Lynn: Hi!

AFM: I enjoyed The Color Run in Charlotte with my girls. It was cold and windy but we had a great time. Here we are at the finish:

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi team! Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! What kind of plans does everyone have for Thanksgiving? Canadian Thanksgiving was waaay back in October No holidays for us in November (boo!)

Elizabeth - We'll have to get a group pic at the start of the half with everyone in costume! Is that fog in the background of your pic or is it dust from all of the color? Looks like you and your girls had a great time! The achilles is feeling a little better. It's still stiff but my chiro is going to show me some exercises that I can do for it. It gets annoying after I've been sitting for a while. Are you thinking of W&D next year? We'll have to talk

Lynn - Been to V&A twice but have yet to do a signature diner there. I'm hoping to make the W&D next year so I can take in some of the events!

Dave -

Rick - Still haven't seen Skyfall yet... training is a bit of a social life killer. I feel like some weeks are eat, sleep, work, run, gym and laundry Will check out your blog post after I'm done here.

AFM - I did my first B2B runs this weekend. It was 14/7. The 7 miler wasn't too bad but the 14 took me about 2:33. I thought it was a good time but it's just 2:33 that I would have loved to spend doing something else LOL I bumped into my a high school friend during my 14 miler and she was on her way to brunch and shopping. Oh well - I can do that on my cutback week in December LOL My achilles was stiff, I iced it afterward and it only seems to bother me when I sit for long periods of time. It's just annoying.

I threw my name in the lottery for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC next April. I used the WISH group code - it's on the WISH FB page. Not sure if there's an advantage but it looks like the entire group will make it in or not at all. The course is fairly flat - I remember most of it from running MCM and the start is easy enough to get to. They don't announce who made it in until December so I've got my fingers crossed.

Anyone else have races they know they're running in 2013?

 

[RadioFanatic]

Hey all! Elizabeth that was a great photo - so glad you had fun! Rick - read your blog post and TOTALLY feel the same way. I ran 15 miles on saturday in 28 degree weather, and while MUCH better than my stockadeathon race, I'm still kind of tired of running and trying to figure out how to schedule it with everything else going on in my life. I am ready for the marathon weekend to be here! I had to fit in that 15 miles on saturday morning after a late night friday of a polish fest at church which I volunteered to work, then the run, then saturday afternoon/night we were prepping for and in our city parade (largest nighttime parade they say) - the Schenectady Christmas parade - our church built this AMAZING pirate ship - the Jolly Roger - and my son got to be Peter Pan - we were even on the news - I posted the link to the tv site - we are in the picture as well as the video. that's my son as peter pan and I'm behind him in the white hat holding him. that was a late night and my son passed out in the middle of dinner at a diner!

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S2838734.shtml?cat=0

and then church events all day yesterday and then I ran 5 miles this morning at 4:30 am when it was 24 - yep TWENTY FOUR degrees out - officially the coldest I've ever run in - but still better than a dreadmill! it is a very weird feeling to be sweating and very cold at the same time. but I'm tired of trying to figure out time for the long distances. I'm trying to figure out when to run another 15 over thanksgiving and then an 18 and 20 over the holiday - it's tough and I'm just praying I don't get snow so I can do it outside and not on the dreadmill!

Happy running to all of you = we are getting close!

 

[es45]

We'll have to get a group pic at the start of the half with everyone in costume! Is that fog in the background of your pic or is it dust from all of the color? Are you thinking of W&D next year? We'll have to talk

I threw my name in the lottery for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC next April. Anyone else have races they know they're running in 2013?

Are you running in costume too? That is indeed color dust. Everyone gets a color packet to throw up at the end of the race. The race is so large that they do the start/finishes in waves so there are multiple color finishes. I think that one was the third or fourth.

I'm doing the W&D in 2013 for sure. My family plans to go since the girls are out of school but they get bored with the expo and are too tired for the after-race party so please let me know if you go; I would love to do all that with you. I also signed up for the Nike half in DC. Again the girls are tracked out and so they will travel with me but I need a runner buddy to hang out with.

- the Schenectady Christmas parade - our church built this AMAZING pirate ship - the Jolly Roger - and my son got to be Peter Pan - we were even on the news - I posted the link to the tv site - we are in the picture as well as the video. that's my son as peter pan and I'm behind him in the white hat holding him. that was a late night and my son passed out in the middle of dinner at a diner!

I bet Isaac was excited to be on the news; so cute!

AFM: I missed my run this morning as I was picking up the turkey for Thursday. I'll run tonight and I'll do my long run tomorrow so that I can "rest" on Thursday. This time of the year reminds me that I am thankful for everyone on this team. I have learned from your struggles and setbacks, your advice, your race reports, and most of all, your encouragement. Can't wait to see many of you in January. Oh yeah, today is GOHARD (Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day) so virtual hugs to you all.

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Vicky - We have lots of friends who do the events at F&W Festival, Scott has done one of the wine tasting events, but we have done none of the other dinners. We have a great time there. Take care of the achilles! Good luck with your NWM entry.

Elizabeth - Looks like you had fun with the run! Virtual hug back!

Kimberly - That was a great float!

AFM - Just a dog walk around the block, we are riding bikes up to the mailbox twice a day - once for morning paper - quite chilly this morning! - and once for the mail, so that is about 1.5 miles on the bikes, it has been getting windy as it warms up during the day. Today we are headed down to Ft. Collins, CO, so might miss the chance for a bike ride this afternoon.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[RunRookie]

Sending all my friends a HUGE HUG for H.A.R.D. -- go Hug a Runner Day! I can't think of where I would be without all of you who have helped me over the past year and a half!

Much love to all of you!


I had a good 4.2 mile run this morning. I am facing my first mini-Dopey this weekend though.... 5K Turkey Trot on Thurs, 10M Training run on Fri, and a Half Marathon Turkey Trot on Saturday (using Friday/Saturday as my first back-to-back experience).

 

[LuzzBightyear]

Hi all

Sorry, I have not been around lately; I have been pretty distracted. We had some layoffs at work, and while my position was not affected, some of my good friends were. The situation has also zapped my motivation to train quite a bit too. Oh well, easier said than done, but no point dwelling on things you cant change!

On the bright side of things, my Achilles injury seems to be better now. It is still tight post-run, but it no longer hurt and causes me to slow down or stop during a run.

And even on the brighter side of things, WDW marathon weekend is only 7 weeks away! My brother in law wants to rent a car when we are down there. I dont really see the point unless he wants to go outside of WDW. Just curious what others do in that regard&do you ever bother with getting a car rental when down there? Also, another random question, do resort gift shops sell gels, chews, ect, or do we need to bring them with us?

Hope everyone has a good week, and Happy Thanksgiving to all US friends!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Rick - Good luck on your “mini-Dopey”!

Robbie - Sorry to hear of layoffs, but glad you still have your job. Good to hear your achilles is doing well. We usually rent a car to get from airport to grocery store to DVC property, but only for the day, we then rely on Disney transportation and take Magical Express back to the airport. The exception is when we want to get places more difficult to get to on Disney Transportation - like the Expo for races and other resorts - if that is in our plans, we will keep the car for longer. I have never noticed gels and chews at resorts, but they are available at the Expo.

AFM - Another “off” day, spent the day in Ft. Collins again, Scott was trading in one of his motorcycles for a new one.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[aaronv88]

I will be running the Atlanta 1/2 marathon on thanksgiving morning. Last minute decision. If i could keep my mind that it is a training run for the Goofy then i'll be alright.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Wednesday team!

Lynn - Hope Scott enjoys the new bike! Good job on the bike miles! Is there anyway to bundle up for cold weather bike rides or does adding too much clothing make you less aerodynamic? I'm hoping to do W&D either next year or the year after and maybe I'll get a chance to attend some seminars!

Robbie - Good to hear that your job wasn't affected. My employer recently laid off a bunch of people too. They did it really quietly too so no one knew about it until much later. I'm glad your achilles is feeling better. I've been having some issues with mine so I know how it feels.

As for the rental, it is nice to have one. Like Lynn mentioned, you can go for grocery runs ... you can also resort hop easily or do non Disney things like eat off site, go to Universal, Sea World or outlet shopping. I also like having a car rather than waiting for the bus. It feels like you have more control over your schedule. That said with the buses you never have to drive and they aren't too bad depending which resort you're at. The worst I found were the Pop buses right at MK closing. They were packed and it felt like it took forever for them to dispatch enough buses.

Rick - Good luck with the mini Dopey this weekend! And lots of hugs, even though I'm a day late

Elizabeth - Fingers crossed that the WISH group gets in. I had wanted to do the SF Nike event for many years but it was always expensive. This seemed like a good (affordable) alternative. How's your back feeling? Yes W&D is definitely on the agenda either next year or 2014. I heard something about 2014 being an anniversary year?

Yes, I'm doing a costume for the half in January. I have two ideas but haven't really decided on one or the other yet. I'm thinking of doing Vanellope from Wreck-It Ralph or the Queen of Hearts. Like Rick, I'm doing regular clothing for the full.

Kimberly - I couldn't get the link to open at work so I'll check it out when I get home. I know what you mean about sweating when it's cold. I do run/walk intervals so I always feel chilly during the walks.

AFM - I did a quick 4 miler last night and took my heart rate monitor with me. I think I have to do more reading because I'm not sure I understand how to match my pace with my heart rate. I was running in the 80% range which I don't really know what that means - too fast, too slow? My chiro was telling me to wait and see how long it took me to go from my workout heart rate back down to my resting heart rate. I waited for a bit and then got tired of wearing the HRM LOL

I have a 3 miler planned for tonight and I'll take the HRM back out again and see what the numbers are like.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

[RunRookie]

Hi all

Sorry, I have not been around lately; I have been pretty distracted. We had some layoffs at work, and while my position was not affected, some of my good friends were. The situation has also zapped my motivation to train quite a bit too. Oh well, easier said than done, but no point dwelling on things you cant change!

On the bright side of things, my Achilles injury seems to be better now. It is still tight post-run, but it no longer hurt and causes me to slow down or stop during a run.

And even on the brighter side of things, WDW marathon weekend is only 7 weeks away! My brother in law wants to rent a car when we are down there. I dont really see the point unless he wants to go outside of WDW. Just curious what others do in that regard&do you ever bother with getting a car rental when down there? Also, another random question, do resort gift shops sell gels, chews, ect, or do we need to bring them with us?

Hope everyone has a good week, and Happy Thanksgiving to all US friends!

I am glad that you weren't part of the layoffs. I had a very similar experience last fall when I came to work one morning only to find that 8 people in my department had been laid off (one of them was reported directly to me) the day before (like right at 5pm when people were leaving for the day). I was really angry about how they went about it, and it left everyone feeling very concerned for their longevity with the company. It took my friend 8 months to find a new job in this economy, even in the Tech world.

Good news on the achilles front! Have you talked with Dave about stretches that he does for his achilles issue? They might help for the post-run tightness.

I usually just get the Magical Express bus service from the airport to WDW and don't bother with a rental. If I need to go off property, I just call a cab since it doesn't happen but maybe once during a trip. If you were going to be making a lot of trips off property then yes, rent a vehicle.

As for fuel, I would suggest bringing your own because I haven't seen any place on property that sells gels or anything like that -- other than what the vendors sell at the Expo itself. I would bring what you've trained with and not take the chance they won't have what you like.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Weekend Racers ​

Good luck to Rick, Hung this weekend! Kick some asphalt!

November

22 - Atlanta Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA - Hung
24 - Turkey Trot Half Marathon, Schaumburg, IL - Rick

 

[bunnyfoo]

I will be running the Atlanta 1/2 marathon on thanksgiving morning. Last minute decision. If i could keep my mind that it is a training run for the Goofy then i'll be alright.

Sounds like fun! I know what you mean about keeping it in mind that it's training ... I have a tendency to want to go all out Can't wait to hear how it went!

 

[RadioFanatic]

Just wanted to jump on and say happy thanksgiving to all celebrating and good runs to Rick and Hung and all others doing training runs!

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team! Hope all my American team members had a great Thanksgiving!

Vicky - Yes, we do bundle up for winter rides, it does not effect the efficiency much, but the deciding factor on rides is the wind speed, and it is much windier in the winter.

Hung - Hope the Atlanta 1/2 was successful!

AFM - Again, did not do much in the exercise realm, it was very windy yesterday - 25-40mph - so the bikes were out, and we were distracted by meal prep and Christmas decorations. Today’s wind should not be as bad, maybe we will make it outside.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[windwalker]

Good Sunday morning Team.

Did everyone have a super weekend? I didn't do a Turkey Trot this year since I'm still in the healing mode and saving my racing till the marathon. I did, like most of us, eat to much though.

Is eveyone's training going well? I know our beloved team captain Vicky has had a tender ankle here lately, Pixey dust for you Princess.

Have an awesome Sunday y'all.

Dave

 

[Lynn G]

Good Morning Team!

Dave - good to see you post here!

Hope everyone had a good weekend and that all racers were successful.

I still have not been very good about regular exercise, we do get out to the mailbox on our bikes twice a day, once for paper and once for mail (except yesterday - wind exceeding 30mph), and the dogs are getting their daily walk of 1.25 miles. On Friday, I did get down to the basement for 30 min on the spin bike and some weights.

Pixie Dust to all who are in need!

 

[RunRookie]

Hung: How was the Atlanta Half? Was it a good training run or did you have that urge to 'go for it'? I hope you had good weather out there. We had some cold temps here in IL.

Robbie: I am sending you lots of PD and prayers on this latest injury. I hope the issue is not serious and that recovery will be timely.

Vicky: How is your ankle and knee? Were your weekend runs worry-free? I know it's not Turkey Day in Canada, but I hope your weekend included something tasty.

AFM: Thanksgiving was nice and tasty. I kept to my rule of only one plateful of whatever I wanted and only one piece of pie. So between that and my runs, I managed to actually lose 1.5lbs! I ran a 5K Turkey Trot on Thursday, a 10.27 mile training run on Friday, and the Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half today (Saturday). It was a mini-Dopey for me and it was a lot of fun -- even though it snowed on me on Friday and it was bitterly cold (26F) during the Half. But they are all in the books, 32 miles for the week, and I survived!

Full race report is here.

Now for two days of Rest....

 

[Lynn G]

Rick - Congrats on weight loss over Thanksgiving! That is quite an accomplishment.

Snow here last night, just a dusting, but it will be cold today, warming up back into the 50's tomorrow.

We have all our Christmas decorations up now, next project is Christmas cards before we leave on vacation.

Pixie dust to all who are in need!

Have a great day team!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Monday!

Lynn - Where are you and Scott headed off to? I noticed a lot of Christmas lights that were put up in our neighbourhood this weekend.

Rick - Congrats on the weight loss over Thanksgiving! That's definitely an accomplishment with all the goodies floating around Sounds like you'll be in good shape for January! I'll check out your RR when I'm done posting here.

Dave - Yeah - ankles, knees and achilles. Might as well just wrap me up in KT Tape LOL I'm taking care to be careful with my ankle and achilles - I'm doing stretching and strengthening exercises so (knock on wood) I'll be good for January.

Robbie -

AFM - I did a 16 miler and a 8 miler this weekend and both turned out pretty good. I had a bit of knee pain toward the end of the 16 miler but nothing that was terrible. Just sore from high mileage I think. It wasn't ITB or related to anything like that. I managed to do 35 miles last week. I'm heading to the gym tonight but I'm feeling tired from the weekend still.

Just curious if anyone has trouble sleeping after they've done a really long run? I had that problem when I ran MCM - I couldn't sleep the night after the race until 6AM! Then I had trouble sleeping Saturday night after running 16 miles. I think I was up until about 2AM.

Hope everyone is doing well with their mileage! Remember to cross train and give your bodies a rest from running or walking. If you get injured, it's important to take time off from your training to heal. Taking 2-3 days (or even more) won't impact your training and you can keep up with cardio by using an elliptical or spin bike in the gym. To quote Dave and Kim, it's better to be undertrained and un-injured

Have a great day everyone!