I Just Wanted To Be Athletic - And Now, I Am! (comments welcome)

[corinnak]

Hey! I'm officially a slacker. An uncommunicative slacker. Between the trip to Vegas and the sick kids and the dog who gets way too excited when I jog, so I've been walking him and taking him to the dog park instead of running......and the 6 inches of snow we got yesterday, I've been not running so much. Walking more, but it's not the same. The Minnie is coming up so fast, I'm planning on at least hitting the treadmill tomorrow morning and getting back onto something like track to at least be able to finish the 5K and 15K and schlep around the parks a little.

Kim - thanks for the kudos. I am feeling better in the stomach department and have gained back just a little - so at least I don't seem to have some wasting illness. It sounds to me like your dream of completing a 5K that fast isn't too far off, judging from your recent time running into the wind and all. You may just leave me in the dust a little at the Minnie! Oh - and I hope the software eventually worked out - wasn't sure if I was being to pesky or timing was just bad. I've been in and out a lot the past few days, myself.

Stacie - Thanks for the thumbs-up on my time. I'm proud, even if it's not the sub-30 of my dreams.

Hi Ashley - welcome to my sporadic journal. I have been even more sporadic on the team page just lately. I need to update for March, come to think of it. Yes, I did the St. Paul race and had a pretty good time. Did you enjoy the 10 mile? I had considered that race as well. Incidentally, any time on a 10 mile is fancy in my book. I guess I am planning on doing the Race for the Cure, maybe with my dad (though if I had a dollar for the number of times my dad and I have planned to run a race together only to have it fall through, I could buy a bottle of water in Las Vegas. I'm also thinking of the Burnsville Heart of the City...probably 5K, though they also have a half-marathon. That's June 8, I believe. Do you have any races in the works?

Hi Stacy! Fortunately, I don't expect the Minnie course to be all that dusty. Maybe we'll have a chance to hang out before or after if our paces aren't compatible.

OK - back to radio silence.

 

[Caitsmama]

Hey girl!! Glad to "see you" back!
Sounds like that pup has you busy!! LOL

What hotel are you at for the Minnie?
I can't wait to see Epcot and the F&G Fest! I also emailed to try to get tix for the Disney Games concert that Sat. night, but i haven't heard back yet.. so i don't know whats up..
My dd is going to the P&P party with my MIL at the MK the Friday night - i don't want to go, b/c i figure i shouldn't be out til midnight before my first run. LOL
As it gets closer, you'll have to let me know any concrete plans you have.

And did you say SNOOOOW???!! YIKES!!!!

 

[deekaypee]

I was just popping in to see if things are all right with you--not that I was worried about your (uncharacteristic) silence or anything. I'm glad it's just a case, more or less, of LTO. Or should I say Puppy takes over.

It really sounds like you've been getting lots of good walking in, though! I'm absolutely confident that you'll be up and running in time for the Minnie & that you'll have a great time.

 

[LittleMissMickey]

Hey Corinna,
I have thought about Burnsville's race since that's where I grew up. I am always reluctant because we head to the cabin a lot during the summer and I never want to miss a good weekend up there, you know?? (my boyfriend's cabin, not mine, so I'm still getting used to this lifestyle!) What part of the city are you from? Maybe sometime we could meet up for a run/walk/race. I am hopefully coaching a group of middle school girls to finish their first 5ks this summer. I am thinking we'll do the Urban Wildlands race in August in Richfield. I am doing the New Prague Half in May -- Mother's Day weekend -- I think. They have a 5K, too, and I live about a block and a half from the start line, so my mom cooks up some good grub for when we get done. You could come join us! I would love to meet a fellow Dis-er!!

Anyway, glad to stop by your journal. I should really start one of my own...

Take care,
Ashley

 

[corinnak]

Stacy - we'll be at Old Key West for the Minnie Weekend - you're at one of the Port Orleans resorts, aren't you? Or am I misremembering again? We considered the P&P party on Friday night, but came to the same conclusion as you - it's probably not worth it to stay up that late and buy extra tickets when we'll have AP's. If I had a big pirate or princess fan, I might have made it a priority. I'm sure your daughter will have a great time.

We have park days and some restaurants picked out, but darned if I can remember what is when at this point. I should find it and we could PM plans again, I suppose? If I know us, the only thing we'll have that matches up is the 5K.

Oh man, that pup has me busy. The days we do best are the days when I can spend an hour or more taking him to the dog park or if he can go to doggie day care. A long walk doesn't do it for him - he seems to need a certain amount of time to tear around with other dogs. My 4 year old keeps lobbying for a second dog, and I don't say it wouldn't be great in some ways, but I just don't think I can go there right now.

And yes, I did say snow, but it's almost all melted again.

DKP - thanks for stopping by and for being concerned. It really has been a huge dose of PTO & LTO just lately. Sorry I've been so quiet. I'll get my numbers together and post them soon, at the very least. Like you say, it's not like I've been completely inactive - and walking uses....either entirely different muscles or the same muscles in entirely different ways. I did run the past two days and discovered I haven't lost THAT much. I need to do a longer run this weekend and see where I stand. I may end up walking some of the minnie, but I don't think it will be a question of finishing or being swept, anyhow.

Ashley - you totally should start your own journal - I never thought I would, and in fact have not been the best about keeping it up, but I have grown to really appreciate the support and the log of the journey. I'm in the south suburbs as well - it would be fun to do a race sometime. I think heart of the city is Saturday morning, so depending on how far it is to the cabin, you might still be able to go up for most of the weekend. We aren't cabin people, but they do seem to be very popular around here!

I have considered New Prague before, but unfortunately if it's the 11th, I'm already committed to RFTC at MOA. I have heard good things about that course. Thanks for the invite - I appreciate it, even if I can't take you up on it.

Urban Wildlands - that sounds like a neat race. That's so great that you're coaching kids for it. I'll have to check that one out!

 

[Caitsmama]

Hey girl! Well, we were staying at POR, but we just switched the other day to the Grand Floridian!

And as for plans, to tell ya the truth, my only concrete plans are this:
Friday -- head over to WWOS to pick up the packet (probably later in the day, after some pool time)
Sat. -- the 5k (duh), then back to the pool, and probably to Epcot later in the evening to see the F&G stuff.
Sunday -- yup, more pool time and then over to MK at night (since i believe they are open til 2am with EMH right??)
Monday -- alas, MORE pool time, and MABYE a quick early am trip over to MK for some shopping or stroll down main street.. (only for like 2 hrs) - we will probably have to be on the ME bus by like 5pm, our flight leaves MCO at 9pm.

I will have to check park hours again, as what happened last time when i *thought* i had them right.. and they changed.. LOL
But, that's my plan.
I don't plan on hitting parks during the day -- as fighting crowds in almost 90 degree heat is NOT my idea of fun, i would rather be by the pool with my pina colada.
And i will do Epcot and MK at night.. that's it for parks, as we go back in November.. and it's cooler then. This trip to me is more about the R&R.
But,i am excited to see the topiarys and such at the F&G fest!

I am curious to what the health expo thing is too at the WWOS, but i guess we will find out when we go pick up our packets.

 

[corinnak]

So I ran today again. I also ran last Wednesday and Thursday, though they were "Kim" and "Kim +" but today I managed something over 6 - not sure how much over because I evidently stopped the timer at 3.44 miles. Sheesh. I started it again and ended at right around 6 miles, but was it 6.25? 6.5? 6.75? I have no earthly clue. Though I've run the same route before, so I should be able to figure it out, doncha think?

Stacy - wow, the GF! That is my 9 year old's dream. Someday - maybe even in January, we'll stay there. Do they have a hot tub? That is my only question. Cause you'd think the Poly would, but it doesn't Like maybe inside the volcano, even! I don't actually remember what our park plans were, except Animal Kingdom at least part of the day on Saturday. I'm with you - touring in 90 degree weather is not actually compatible with the health and safety of my husband and kids. We're staying DVC on points and I don't think it's pool-hopping blackout time - maybe we could legitimately pool hop to GF sometime if the weather is too gross for touring most of the day.

Ashley - so New Prague is on Saturday...I should maybe take this to the Ohana thread....but I might be getting talked into it. My way faster running friend is maybe going to do the half. I'm thinking maybe the 5K for me. It's going to be a busy month of "racing" I guess. As many as it seems I am doing, I am not going to be able to go "all out" on any of them. Which is actually fine with me as I don't really enjoy "all out" running.

 

[Caitsmama]

hey there! Yes, they do have a hot tub.. i believe a couple.

Just give me a yell if you wan't to stop over -- if your son doesn't mind a 7 yr old girl bothering him.. LOL
They also have a slide in the pool similar to the Poly one, where you go thru the rock.

I still have your cell phone number in my phone.. if you need my number again, lmk, and i'll pm you. I also definately plan on walking over to the poly one a.m. for some Tonga toast!!!! YUM!!

 

[kimwim8]

I don't know. I might've run 6.25. Maybe 6.75. Maybe 10. Not sure.....







You're crazy, girl! And back with a vengence!!!! Great job on that run! I really want to get to that point in the near future. Maybe some of your mad running skills will rub off on me in May.

Speaking of May.....anyone going to the Cali Grill Sat night? I'm pretty bummed that I won't get to see anyone except for before and during the race. But I'm grateful that I can even RUN in Disney, so I guess I'll leave it alone.

 

[corinnak]

I don't know. I might've run 6.25. Maybe 6.75. Maybe 10. Not sure.....

You crack me up. It wasn't 10 - I can tell you that with certainty. Mostly because I don't feel even a bit sore today, not even in my grumpy feet.


You are at a place where you could build to 10K without too much drama. It wouldn't even take as long as you think. Here's all you do - if you run 3 times a week, take the run when you have more time - your weekend run usually, and go ahead and go 1/2 mile longer each week. So 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6......at least that's the way I did it last summer. I guess I might not have been that methodical. I think I did some dumb thing like making all my runs longer - not actually necessary, it turns out. But you didn't come here for advice or peer pressure.....or maybe you did.

I don't remember what our plan was for Saturday night, but I don't think it was Cali Grill. Crystal Palace, maybe? Boma? I honestly don't remember. My kids might be impressed with Cali Grill, eh? I think I should probably put a couple more years on my younger one before we go there, actually, come to think of it.

We will have a good time before, during and after the race. Darn these weekend trips - never enough time for everything you want to do. Looking back, I can't believe I was going to pass on the 5K and never get a red dress medal. What was I thinking? Check it out - a squirrel smiley. Not exactly relevant, but interesting, for sure.

 

[kimwim8]

Me funny? Nah, I leave that up to you, squirrely.

This will probably be my one and only time at Cali Grill until my kids are grownups. I don't think DH will ever go to WDW without the kids, so I'm taking advantage of a "Universal trip" and sneaking in a nice Disney meal.

I love the mileage plan. I'll definitely do that. The "long-ish" run will definitely be my weekend run. I'm already pushing it by running 3.5 on my lunch breaks. I'll always accept your input, my friend.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Corinna,

Just checked out your journal and wanted to pop in and say great job with the training! Sounds like you are wayyyy back on track . Are you running both the 5K and the 15K..any chance you're going to the WiSH meet? Would be great to say "hi" IRL! Happy training!!!

 

[deekaypee]

So...what are you doing with the pup over the Minnie weekend? He's going to feel sooooo neglected, especially after getting used to all that activity you've been giving him. It sounds like he'll need a companion to keep him busy while you're gone. And really, is one puppy enough?

I love how you describe increasing your miles...you just kind of did it. Kind of like your upcoming trip--you've got the ressies but don't really remember what/when they are. All very relaxing & organic. What a great mindset! I just know you're going to love the Minnie!

 

[corinnak]

Well, I did a modified version of "speed work" this afternoon. I didn't have as much time as I would have liked because it was the hop-a-thon at my son's school. They are raising money for humanitarian aid for children in vietnam and I went along to support....ended up getting drafted to the team when my son's partner flipped out and couldn't finish. So, lots of fun, but cut my long run short by over a mile and one of the 800m's too. What I did do, I ran faster than before and even bumped the speed up to 7 for the last .05m. Crazy stuff. You do what you can and say it's better than nothing.


Kim - at some point, I don't remember when, bumping up by a whole mile on the long run started to become completely doable as well. The 1/2 mile a week plan is the slow but virtually painless way.



AmyBeth - thanks for the note - I don't think I'd say I'm wayyy back on track, but at least nominally back on track. I am doing both races, yes. God willing and the water don't rise. I hope to do the meet, but my unawareness of other plans makes it harder to commit. I need to call and cancel someone off the Princess Breakfast, so I'm going to ask for a review of my reservations when I do that. I wrote it all down at the time, but am not quite sure where that was. Very pathetic!

Debra - it is nice of you to be so concerned for Skippy that you would volunteer another ususpecting dog into our household. The pup isn't actually likely to spend even one minute missing us as we are planning to board him at the daycare place where they have doggie slumber parties instead of cages. We have taken him there a few times for day care to get him nice and exhausted - which makes a big difference to his level of crazy puppy energy, and he has buddies there and everything. I know what you're saying about another dog maybe making things easier, but CASH is not going to go for that, and frankly, I don't think I can take any more changes or additions at the moment either. Maybe once we have things better in hand.

I'm not sure my mindset is so much relaxing and organic as it is disorganized and lazy, but.....nevermind. Thanks for putting a positive spin on it.

 

[corinnak]

So, I am officially starting to feel like that when I've been called "hardcore" in the past, that was actually right.

I decided that in order to prepare for the upcoming Minnie weekend in which I will experience the joy of the Go Red for Women 5K with Kim and then the next day experience the full distance of the Minnie Marathon 15K, I should start doing these back-to back type training weekends. Not a lot of time left, I know. And I kind of lost a couple weeks of training, but that is in the past. This weekend I started with a 2 mile run with the dog on Saturday afternoon. And then we walked the rest of the way home, which was another mile. Just worked out that way. No big deal.

Then today was my 7 1/2 mile run. I went alone:

Mile 1: I was thinking how much I could feel that I had run yesterday.

Mile 2: My iPod shuffle ran out of battery (my own fault) and there was that massive hill.

Mile 3: running into the icy wind and thoughts that I never should have planned to run a 5K just before a longer race.

Mile 4: yes, I missed about 1/2 mile last week with the garmin. I took note at 3.44 miles (I remember messing with my jacket there last week and must have bumped the button) and checked again at the spot where I restarted the timer. Just about exactly .5 miles.

Mile 5 : run fast to get away from the weird guy in the hoodie sweatshirt walking on the other side of the street, to which side I need to cross at the next intersection. Run fast some more to get further ahead in case he turns. Yes, I am too paranoid.

Mile 6 : I might actually finish this, more uphill, though, and my feet are griping. Passed by a jogger with a cute Labradoodle going the other way, though. And then they turned around and passed me going the same way.

Mile 7 : Slowing down, but going to get through it. The last mile was actually running out to a spot where Skippy had left something yesterday that I didn't have a clean-up bag for, so I ran to that spot with a bag and no dog today, and then headed for home.

The last half mile was pretty slow jogging, but I did it. Whew. And now I am officially exhausted. There's still .2 miles to get home, so a nice, easy walk.

I'm pretty tired, but I got through it. I kept thinking that this week would be the worst because my body was not expecting the back-to-back today. Next week, my body will be expecting it. I really hope that's true.

 

[Caitsmama]

Corinna -- GREAT JOB GIRL!!!!!!!! I am so impressed.. I still can't even run the whole 3 miles yet (even though i am constantly cutting down my time..) So, i can't even imagine doing 7!!

Do you have any pics of yourself that you can post or link me to --- so i know who to look for in May? LOL I feel like i have been talking to all you guys forever, but have no clue what to look for -- i mean, i see kim's avie, so i know kinda what she looks like, and amy and scott.. but there are a few of you that i really want to meet, and don't want to just walk right by! LOL

 

[deekaypee]

The dying of the iPod, the wind, the hills, and the back-to-back runs. Yeah, the Goofy is calling your name.

Oh, and...

*cough, cough* Hardcore.*cough, cough* \

Who was it who said that?

 

[corinnak]

Debra, you are cracking me up. I'm sorry - I can't hear the Goofy calling my name over the sound of the wind.....

Here's the part on Schprockets where I whine just a little.

My foot hurts today.

It's fine if I am sitting around like a lazy bum, but if I'm up and standing or walking, not the best. It hurt yesterday too, and I think it's getting better, but this is NOT what I was hoping for. I was OK until I took the dog for a long walk yesterday. There's something alongside the outer part of my arch on my right foot. This isn't that ol' PF coming back - different spot. I do think it's just a little 'itis of something, though.

So for the momet, ice, rest, advil, massage, ice rest.

 

[kimwim8]

Rest and heal, my friend. Rest and heal.

That was definitely a hardcore run, and I appreciate you taking us on a bit of the journey. I am feeling a little bad that I might have talked you into doing the 5k with me. Hopefully you won't hold a grudge or hate me forever.

 

[corinnak]

Not at all, Kim. I'm doing the 5K, and I was lured in by the fact that you were running it, but I don't recall any arm twisting, pressure or even persuasive convincing, so do not feel bad!

I'm also a little concered about my shoes - I think they may have contributed to the trouble somewhat, cause I wore them on the long run and was OK, but then when I changed into them for my fast-walk with the dog, I remember thinking maybe I shouldn't have changed shoes, but then I was out the door and they were OK, but then it turns out no. So, new shoes? Maybe.

Fortunately, I have a easy day today and can ice periodically through the day. I have to confess, I have been squeezing in these runs and have neglected some of the stretching I know I need to do, so I'm going to see if I can get my legs and low-back stretched out too.