In Every Run That Must Be Done; There is an Element of Fun (comments welcome)

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 53

Yay for Springtime Surprise info!! Now planning for my in-person race weekends can begin in earnest!

I celebrated the exciting news by buying new running shoes! I’ve been looking for some for a few weeks, because I had a $30 off coupon for DSW (which ended up not being valid on the shoes I chose, but I’d already made my decision by that point so I said “to heck with it” and bought the shoes anyway). I decided that I wanted a pair of shoes that weren’t New Balance, just for some variety, and settled on Brooks Transmit 3s after trying on about a dozen different styles/brands over several shopping trips. My runner up choice was a pair of Saucony Axon, but I’m not sure if they’re right for me.



After I got home, I did about 25 minutes of stretching because I just wasn’t in the mood for a dumbbell workout tonight.

2021 workout data to date: 194h 6m 34s of exercise; 71,714 active calories burned; 90,699 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 54

Just 2 rounds of yoga last night, after seeing Eternals. Looking forward to living vicariously through all you Wine & Dine runners this weekend. I’ll be doing my virtual 5K on the treadmill after work Friday, and going out to enjoy our surprise 60° weather Saturday for my virtual 10K. I wonder when my medals will arrive?

2021 workout data to date: 194h 38m 34s of exercise; 71,932 active calories burned; 90,963 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 55

Well, my new shoes were a fail. I should’ve known better than to try any that came up so low on the heel. I barely made it through my quarter mile warm up. Back to the shoe store I go this weekend!

So I switched shoes after the warm up, and got going on the run. Ever After was the entertainment of choice for the evening, because I really need something to look at while I run, or I’m constantly looking down and I end up with a sore neck. My pace per mile was inconsistent because I was trying out some different running speeds to see if I can comfortably go any faster on the treadmill. Answer: I can get up to at least 6mph, which is closer to my outdoor running speed than the 5.5 I was doing before.



I wish I had my Wine & Dine 5K medal for a post-race selfie, but apparently Disney decided virtual runners don’t get to do that I hope they don’t wait too much longer to send them out. The weather still looks good for an outdoor running of the virtual 10K tomorrow, so that’ll be nice.

Now I’m all settled in to watch my traditional 5th of November movie: V For Vendetta.

2021 workout data to date: 195h 26m 49s of exercise; 72,327 active calories burned; 91,443 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 56

It was a freaking spectacular fall day today. I only wish I could’ve shared it with everyone running their Wine & Dine 10K in person. I ran the Baker Park loop, since it’s a little over 6.5 miles. Everything was good, except that my black New Balance shoes gave me another blister. I should’ve put a protective pad thing on before I left, but I just didn’t think of it. By the time I felt it, I was already 2 miles in, so giving up and turning around would’ve still been over 4 miles, and by that point, I might as well have just done the last third of the distance, so I just kept going forward and toughed it out. I still set a new PR for the 10K distance. I added 5K segments to the run, just to see my time.



Look at that sky! It’s like a watercolor painting or something.





I really hope Disney sends the virtual finisher kits out soon; I want my bling!!

2021 workout data to date: 196h 59m 16s of exercise; 73,066 active calories burned; 92,345 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 57

I woke up in the mood to run today. Sadly, today was not a running day. I had shopping to do with my grandma, and then I had to help my grandpa clear out some ancient barbed wire we found in our woods. And the stupid time change just screws up the whole day. I don’t need more light in the morning, I need it in the afternoon!!

Anyway, I found a new pair of new shoes (Asics Gel Venture 7s), and they passed a 1 mile test on the treadmill. I also did 10 minutes on the stationary bike to fill up my exercise ring.




2021 workout data to date: 197h 23m 38s of exercise; 73,252 active calories burned; 92,574 total calories burned

 

[azrivest]

Princess Half Training: Day 56

It was a freaking spectacular fall day today. I only wish I could’ve shared it with everyone running their Wine & Dine 10K in person. I ran the Baker Park loop, since it’s a little over 6.5 miles. Everything was good, except that my black New Balance shoes gave me another blister. I should’ve put a protective pad thing on before I left, but I just didn’t think of it. By the time I felt it, I was already 2 miles in, so giving up and turning around would’ve still been over 4 miles, and by that point, I might as well have just done the last third of the distance, so I just kept going forward and toughed it out. I still set a new PR for the 10K distance. I added 5K segments to the run, just to see my time.

Good job on the PR!

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 58

Just 2 rounds of yoga tonight. I planned on 4, but just couldn’t do it. This stupid time change is driving me crazy.

In other news, I think I’ve picked a princess for my 10K Disney-bounding. Yesterday, I found a pair of running leggings in a great deep blue-green, and I already had a workout shirt in a slightly lighter shade of the same color, and I think it would be perfect outfit for Merida. My new shoes even have a bit of turquoise on them. So now I just need to accessorize to make it a little more obvious.






2021 workout data to date: 197h 55m 38s of exercise; 73,470 active calories burned; 92,821 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 59

I ran outside today!! I decided to see how many times I’d need to run through my neighborhood in order to get to 3.1 miles. 1 3/4 times, as it turns out. It’s not very exciting, running in and out of cul-de-sacs, but the weather was good, and I knew it would stay light enough (barely) to get the miles in. I’m very jealous of people who live where streetlights are a thing.

My new shoes continue to pass tests with flying colors, except for one thing: the shoelaces are the devil! I had to stop and re-tie them 4 times! And the first time, I forgot to pause my watch If I’d paused it, I would’ve had a new 5K PR! My best to date is 41m3s, today’s run was 41m14s, and it definitely took me more than 11 seconds to tie my stupid shoe. I’ve ordered new laces, so the problem should be solved for the future.


It was rather pretty out tonight, a nice pastel evening.





I also made some more progress on my Princess Weekend outfits. I ordered a light blue pair of leggings from Amazon to go with my existing light blue tank top for Cinderella, which is my choice for the half marathon. I still have to find leggings for my 5K choice of Snow White, but I think I might be able to get some locally. I also found some sparkly skirts to match each outfit, but I’m holding off on ordering them until I’m sure the main clothing pieces all work well for me.

And I found a great accessory for my Merida outfit! Look at the cute black bear slap bracelet I found on some random website:



I might have to add a little Velcro or something for added security, but a few of these should work well as Merida’s brothers.


2021 workout data to date: 198h 36m 52s of exercise; 73,821 active calories burned; 93,245 total calories burned

 

[avondale]

I have a couple of neighborhood loops that I run during the winter when it's after sunset, so I know what you mean about "not the most exciting". My streets have streetlights, but most aren't very bright. I have knuckle lights that I use to add more light in my path (look on Amazon). Maybe something like that would be enough for you?

I run on sidewalks, but even so, I wear a reflective vest and an LED flasher light front and back so that I'm visible. I would definitely suggest that, even if you're just running in dusk and not after sunset.

 

[Naomeri]

I have a couple of neighborhood loops that I run during the winter when it's after sunset, so I know what you mean about "not the most exciting". My streets have streetlights, but most aren't very bright. I have knuckle lights that I use to add more light in my path (look on Amazon). Maybe something like that would be enough for you?

I run on sidewalks, but even so, I wear a reflective vest and an LED flasher light front and back so that I'm visible. I would definitely suggest that, even if you're just running in dusk and not after sunset.

I probably won’t run in my neighborhood much, the plowing isn’t great in winter, and we don’t even have sidewalks, just an extra half a lane of roadway for pedestrian traffic. I did make sure to wear a brightly colored shirt with white sleeves so I wasn’t completely invisible to traffic.

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 60

Just a round of stretching tonight. My grandparents and I had another Broadway show to see. Unfortunately, this production of Oklahoma was…not our favorite show. We ended up leaving at intermission, which is something we have never done or considered doing before. And we were not the only ones.

I forgot to include the medal I earned on yesterday’s run in my journal, so here it is:



2021 workout data to date: 199h 0m 20s of exercise; 73,967 active calories burned; 93,433 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 61

I ran outside again today. I decided to take an hour for my lunch break so I could run while there’s some kind of daylight. It’s not a particularly nice day today, but I thought it was a good idea to start getting used to colder weather.

I liked the weather description that popped up from WTForecast (because I like my weather with a side of profanity )—I’m sure you can figure out what I censored. Also, that wind speed is a darn dirty lie, it was much worse than that every time I was running west.



It was a good run though, and I almost tied my best 5K time, just 2 seconds short.



I also earned another virtual medal with today’s run (and a hilariously apt one, to boot):



2021 workout data to date: 199h 41m 25s of exercise; 74,328 active calories burned; 93,866 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 62

I actually managed to do my full 4 rounds of yoga tonight! I can’t remember the last time I didn’t bail on it halfway through. I’m planning to do my long run outside tomorrow, since it’s not supposed to start snowing until 3 pm or so. Also, I bought some cold weather running leggings at DSG last night, and it seems like a good time to try them out.

I also managed to find yellow workout leggings with side pockets (because I can’t run without my phone) for my Snow White outfit for the Princess 5K at DSG. I got my light blue leggings delivered from Amazon today, and they fit and feel comfortable, so I’ve got my base outfit complete for Cinderella for the Princess Half, so now it’s onto accessories!

I got some bling in the mail today. The peacock is from Yes.Fit, and the Haunted Mansion is from Main Street Bella.





One more thing: I hit 200 hours of dedicated workout time in 2021 today! I’m slightly shocked at my own level of dedication


2021 workout data to date: 200h 45m 25s of exercise; 74,763 active calories burned; 94,389 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 63

To finish out week 9 of my training plan, I ran 8 miles. Because I’d never done a run this long, and ai wanted to make sure I didn’t tire out before the end, I shortened my run interval to 20 seconds, but kept the walk at 60 seconds. In hindsight, I probably didn’t need to do it, but I just wasn’t sure. Also, like the moron I am, when I stopped for a break at my car halfway, I hit “end” on my workout, instead of “pause”, so I ended up with 2 runs instead of 1.

I’m not sure I’m built for cold weather running. It wasn’t horrible, but it’s not my favorite.



Pre-break run. I don’t know how I ended up this slow. Does 10 seconds less running really make that much difference?



Post-break run. Apparently 5 minutes’ rest and a handful of Twizzler bites are a speed booster? Should’ve left the Twizzlers in the car during the first half of the run though, they were a little frozen from being in the pocket of my water bottle. Also, I saw a buck!! He was a big handsome fellow, and I hope he continues to avoid the fate of Bambi’s mom.


I’m glad I did my run shortly after I got up, if I’d waited too much longer I would’ve caught the beginning of the snow. Oh, by the way, to everyone who’s ever recommended BodyGlide on these boards, you’re all my heroes, because I picked some up at DSG and boy, did it work!

2021 workout data to date: 202h 53m 3s of exercise; 75,644 active calories burned; 95,495 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 64

Today was really lousy. I got my Covid booster yesterday afternoon and the side effects just suck. Muscle aches all over my upper body and joint pain in my hands. But it is better than after the 2nd shot, which also had vicious chills and a fever, so I guess that’s nice??

Anyway, I still managed 10.15 miles in 40 minutes on the bike. I did 40 instead of 30 because I wanted to finish my movie (Ever After).

2021 workout data to date: 203h 41m 50s of exercise; 75,879 active calories burned; 95,816 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 65

3 rounds of yoga tonight, I didn’t want to overdo it because my arm is still sore from my booster shot. But all the other side effects were gone when I woke up this morning

The weather looks like it will make it to about 40° by lunchtime tomorrow, so I might take a long lunch and do my run outside.

I got the skirt for my Merida outfit delivered today, and I like it. It’s maybe a bit lighter in color than I was hoping, but I like the length and the fit. And the color would be perfect if I wanted to do Ariel for a future race.



2021 workout data to date: 204h 28m 46s of exercise; 76,205 active calories burned; 96,199 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 66

I ran the virtual Hot Chocolate 5K on the treadmill tonight. I had hoped to do a lunch hour run, but the winds gusting up to 40 mph put a stop to that plan

I should’ve done the treadmill run at lunch, because I wasn’t feeling great by the time I did it. But I did it, and I didn’t die, so that’s ok. I had trouble getting into a groove and ended up walking more. Also, I had to pause and tie my shoe.



2021 workout data to date: 205h 15m 47s of exercise; 76,572 active calories burned; 96,648 total calories burned

 

[col1]

Princess Half Training: Day 62

I actually managed to do my full 4 rounds of yoga tonight! I can’t remember the last time I didn’t bail on it halfway through. I’m planning to do my long run outside tomorrow, since it’s not supposed to start snowing until 3 pm or so. Also, I bought some cold weather running leggings at DSG last night, and it seems like a good time to try them out.

I also managed to find yellow workout leggings with side pockets (because I can’t run without my phone) for my Snow White outfit for the Princess 5K at DSG. I got my light blue leggings delivered from Amazon today, and they fit and feel comfortable, so I’ve got my base outfit complete for Cinderella for the Princess Half, so now it’s onto accessories!

I got some bling in the mail today. The peacock is from Yes.Fit, and the Haunted Mansion is from Main Street Bella.
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One more thing: I hit 200 hours of dedicated workout time in 2021 today! I’m slightly shocked at my own level of dedication


2021 workout data to date: 200h 45m 25s of exercise; 74,763 active calories burned; 94,389 total calories burned

The haunted mansion medal is super cool

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 67

I just did some stretching, I was tired and not feeling great. But Thursday is a running day, so hopefully that will be better.

2021 workout data to date: 205h 47m 47s of exercise; 76,767 active calories burned; 96,885 total calories burned

 

[Naomeri]

Princess Half Training: Day 68

I was going to do 4.5 miles on the treadmill tonight, but my left knee decided otherwise. It started feeling weird after about a mile and a half; I gave it a little time to see if the feeling would pass, and when it didn’t, I cut the run short. Now that I’ve showered and am sitting down, it’s back to normal, so I think I just did a thing and everything will be fine.


I’m going to try a half marathon distance on Saturday (assuming the weather forecast holds to low winds) but I’m going to do short (2-ish miles) out-and-backs, centering on my car, so if my knee goes weird again, I won’t be terribly far away.

2021 workout data to date: 206h 19m 24s of exercise; 77,022 active calories burned; 97,195 total calories burned