In Training: Marathon Weekend 2015 (Dopey Challenge)! **COMPLETE**

[rpcvpanama]

Mostly I do ChaLEAN Extreme: http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/chalean_extreme.do

And the Ab workout from P90X (Ab Ripper X): http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do

So these are DVD sets we purchased. I found a program online called Aimersoft for Mac that will rip DVDs to iTunes for free (the condition being that the iTunes video would then have a watermark, which I don't care about), so now they are stored in our home computer as, I guess, MP4 files. I also have other workouts stored there but I'm mostly sticking to CLX and Ab Ripper X right now (mostly Jillian Michaels stuff - 30 Day Shred, 6 week 6-pack, etc.).

I have an iPhone, so I can hook that to the computer and pick which workout I want to store in the phone, and then I take the phone with me to the gym and listen to it with my earphones in so I can hear the cues. The bad thing about this, especially when I'm doing something new, is that I have to watch it on the phone first and then "rewind" to go back so that I don't skip any reps, if that makes any sense - it would be nicer to see the moves on a TV screen so I can get the form down better, but for the most part it works really well. Hope that helps!!!

Big Help!! Thanks!

 

[annmarieda]

I called again yesterday and again got someone who knew what I was talking about but was zero help. Apparently this store is going to have a booth at the 10K expo, so I can see them tomorrow and give them a piece of my mind in person. Super not impressed.

I don't blame you for not being impressed and you should give them a piece of your mind!

I hope you get a good corral assignment! I know that more of that course is out in Anaheim, does it get as narrow as the WDW course does?

Honestly, I am not sure. I have not looked at a course map or anything. I know that for the DLH, we may run through or around angel stadium and run through DL and DCA. I suspect there are some residential areas (unlike WDW races) and I am not sure there will be any highway running (also unlike WDW races)

I bet you will do awesomely!!

Thanks

That seems like a good plan as long as you're in agreement ahead of time that it's okay to split up. I've ready some nasty race reports where people will start a race together, split up and then their friendship is borderline ruined afterward. But I'm sure you and your friend are more reasonable than that.

Having been one to lose a friendship after a race because of my lack of communication, yeah... I am sure to not only share what my thoughts are but borderline demand hers. Add in that on top of being more than ok with splitting up... we also are both very happy for the other one to be able to finish strong and I am sure that no matter how we each run the race we will have a good time. The 12k we did was a good "test run". We started together.. split up... she finished a bit a head of me.. and we both were very happy at the finish. I don't suspect there will be any nasty report after our trip.

I would hope they would keep some spots set aside for the non-challenge people. I did get ahold of one of the navigators from a recent cruise that is the same itinerary as ours, and in there it said to sign up for the race BEFORE Castaway Cay day...that's different than how it was for me in September, we just signed up the morning of. So maybe it's getting less lax already.

It is always sad to see a change to the way things are done. Seems to me that a cruise would be a relaxing vacay... one where you might in fact decide on the day of the race to sign up. This kinda takes away that more relaxed feel.

They absolutely are, and I can totally get that from a business standpoint - it's making them a lot of money right now, so why not strike while the iron is hot?

As frustrating as it can be for those signing up... I totally get it from RD's end.

I WAS running before I knew Disney had races, but I'd only been running for a year or two and just did a couple of 5Ks. Then a friend of mine on a different message board did the 2009 marathon and I read her report...and it just seemed possible. So I got interested in trying to work my way up to a half, then a marathon, then Goofy...so I wouldn't credit Disney with getting me to start to run, but it did get me to start doing longer races, and I maybe wouldn't have stuck with it in those earlier years if I didn't have Disney races to work toward. But now I'm to the point where I just like running and want to keep up with it in and out of Disney...and the runDisney races DO have a lot to do with that for me.

I think any race, Disney or not, allows us to have goals. So maybe if it wasn't a Disney race that kept you going in those early years... maybe it would have been a different one?

Honestly, I totally agree with you, whether it's a popular thing to say or not.

thanks. I know it isn't popular. I don't mean it in any sort of judging way. I just know that there are people who say they don't enjoy running out there. I can't imagine continuing on and forcing myself to go through it all just to meet characters? Get a medal? Be in the parks? It is a lot of work for something that I could otherwise do just by taking a disney trip and maybe making a purchase off of ebay.

Agreed. I'll be curious to see where the tipping point is, with the number of races, the challenges, AND the prices.

I will be too. Honestly, I think the prices are about at where people will tolerate. Challenges... well, those I could see them taking further. Number of races... well, given that DLR has just three now and WDW has 5 - I wonder if they will add some to DLR.

 

[Raven0207]

Loved Marathon Weekend and hope to do it again in the near future.

 

[Ariel484]

Big Help!! Thanks!

I don't blame you for not being impressed and you should give them a piece of your mind!

I did see them in person today at the expo and managed to control myself, but they know I am not pleased.

Honestly, I am not sure. I have not looked at a course map or anything.
You sound like me!

I know that for the DLH, we may run through or around angel stadium and run through DL and DCA. I suspect there are some residential areas (unlike WDW races) and I am not sure there will be any highway running (also unlike WDW races)

Really, residential areas? I did not know that! That would be very interesting. I've only run WDW courses so I sort of always expect tons of highway...

Thanks

Having been one to lose a friendship after a race because of my lack of communication, yeah... I am sure to not only share what my thoughts are but borderline demand hers.

That stinks! Hasn't happened to me yet, thankfully. It's smart of you to open the communication more.

Add in that on top of being more than ok with splitting up... we also are both very happy for the other one to be able to finish strong and I am sure that no matter how we each run the race we will have a good time. The 12k we did was a good "test run". We started together.. split up... she finished a bit a head of me.. and we both were very happy at the finish. I don't suspect there will be any nasty report after our trip.

Sounds like a great friendship!!! And a great running buddy!

It is always sad to see a change to the way things are done. Seems to me that a cruise would be a relaxing vacay... one where you might in fact decide on the day of the race to sign up. This kinda takes away that more relaxed feel.

I agree. I guess we'll see what happens.

As frustrating as it can be for those signing up... I totally get it from RD's end.

I do too, and from the way it sounds on their Facebook page/the WISH boards a lot of people are really into the idea. So kudos to whoever came up with it.

I think any race, Disney or not, allows us to have goals. So maybe if it wasn't a Disney race that kept you going in those early years... maybe it would have been a different one?

Maybe so? I do think my first awful 10-miler has had more of an impact on my running than any other race.

thanks. I know it isn't popular. I don't mean it in any sort of judging way. I just know that there are people who say they don't enjoy running out there. I can't imagine continuing on and forcing myself to go through it all just to meet characters? Get a medal? Be in the parks? It is a lot of work for something that I could otherwise do just by taking a disney trip and maybe making a purchase off of ebay.

Completely agree with this! I think it gets sketchy too because sometimes those people hate running and don't train, and that can be dangerous! I guess they are really into the Disney memorabilia...but like you said, why not just go to eBay?

I will be too. Honestly, I think the prices are about at where people will tolerate. Challenges... well, those I could see them taking further. Number of races... well, given that DLR has just three now and WDW has 5 - I wonder if they will add some to DLR.

Is it harder to add DLR races because they have more hoops to jump through with the city of Anaheim? Clearly there is a demand for West coast races.

I think once they get to $200 for a half marathon people may start giving them the side-eye...or maybe they won't. Hmm...

Loved Marathon Weekend and hope to do it again in the near future.

I love it too! Hope you get to do it again soon!

 

[annmarieda]

You sound like me!

Glad to know I am not the only one. Seriously though, I use to fixate on courses. Now I just figure I will get what I get and I wont' throw a fit. Meaning... not a lot I can do about a course and if I want to participate in the event I just have to brave whatever there is to come. Still, I do try and watch for events listed that advertise "flat" courses.

Really, residential areas? I did not know that! That would be very interesting. I've only run WDW courses so I sort of always expect tons of highway...

Yep (Katie.. woth2982) has a TR going. She has some excellent photos from the Tinkerbell that she did.

That stinks! Hasn't happened to me yet, thankfully. It's smart of you to open the communication more.

I don't think it has to ever happen. Hopefully it won't for you. I just learned that I need to communicate better and so I try harder now to make sure that people understand what I am trying to say.

Sounds like a great friendship!!! And a great running buddy!

Like most people I have met on dis, she is a great person. It is just lucky we live fairly local to each other. Sadly though too far to really be running buddies.

Completely agree with this! I think it gets sketchy too because sometimes those people hate running and don't train, and that can be dangerous! I guess they are really into the Disney memorabilia...but like you said, why not just go to eBay?

That becomes difficult though.. each person has to be accountable for what they consider to be enough training. Do I train too little for some? Probably. Do I train too much for others? Probably I think you are right though... dislike for running probably lends itself to less training and thus more likely to have a bad time when they attempt a long race.

Is it harder to add DLR races because they have more hoops to jump through with the city of Anaheim? Clearly there is a demand for West coast races.

I wonder. I mean maybe due to there being residential and other businesses so close they can't just take over like they can in FL.

 

[Ariel484]

Glad to know I am not the only one. Seriously though, I use to fixate on courses. Now I just figure I will get what I get and I wont' throw a fit. Meaning... not a lot I can do about a course and if I want to participate in the event I just have to brave whatever there is to come. Still, I do try and watch for events listed that advertise "flat" courses.

Yeah, part of it is I don't want to freak out over what's to come too much...part of it is laziness. Flat courses are always good!!

Yep (Katie.. woth2982) has a TR going. She has some excellent photos from the Tinkerbell that she did.

Thanks for the link! Always love reading a runDisney race report.

I don't think it has to ever happen. Hopefully it won't for you. I just learned that I need to communicate better and so I try harder now to make sure that people understand what I am trying to say.

Communication is key!

Like most people I have met on dis, she is a great person. It is just lucky we live fairly local to each other. Sadly though too far to really be running buddies.

Gotta love meeting awesome, like-minded people! Even if it is on the 'net. Those friends of mine that I went on the cruise and the Princess Half/Royal Family 5K trip with, and the ones I'm going with for Wine & Dine, are people I met on a Disney message board (not this one though).

That becomes difficult though.. each person has to be accountable for what they consider to be enough training. Do I train too little for some? Probably. Do I train too much for others? Probably

I don't understand people that have to comment on other peoples' training plans..."you're not running enough!" Um, it's working for me, why do you care?! Ahem.

I think you are right though... dislike for running probably lends itself to less training and thus more likely to have a bad time when they attempt a long race.

That's what I mean...I'm talking about people who will sign up for the marathon and just not be marathon-ready. Not safe!

I wonder. I mean maybe due to there being residential and other businesses so close they can't just take over like they can in FL.

It's gotta be something like that. The WDW races are all on WDW property, so I feel like it must be easier.

 

[Ariel484]

Week 3 of 10K Mini-Training
Monday, May 12, 2014 - Sunday, May 18, 2014

11.95 miles completed/13ish miles planned
51.65 miles completed in 10K Mini-Training
255.8 miles completed in 2014 so far

Monday, May 12: Run #1 (5x400 @ 5K pace planned, 2.75 miles completed) + Extreme Abs

And a very Merry Taper Week to one and all!

I think my mileage total for this week is going to be about 13 miles of running...looking back I've been more in the 16-20 MPW range since mid-March (with the exception of one lazy week in April). I actually think I'm sort of getting used to a 16-20 MPW total… That is a good thing with Dopey training looming, because I looked over the plan again today and I'll be more in the high 20s, 30s...even the low 40s!

Anyway, I was expecting this workout to be easy and fun, but it wasn't. I had that phenomenon of the shorter workout seeming so difficult for whatever reason. Looking back I should have expected it, I mean, I was still doing the same quarter-mile intervals at the same challenging (for me) pace, just less of them. But it's done! Yay!

After the run I did Extreme Abs...or tried to. That DVD continues to be a major challenge, and that slight strain I have in my quad seems to only come back when I do abs stuff (doesn't bother me at all when running or any other time). I'm determined to get better at it!

What else, what else...oh. I called the running store about my sunglasses. STILL no update. Also, I got a raise at work! It's a small one, but I'll take whatever they give me.

Weird evening weather-wise here. After a beautiful spring day, dark clouds rolled in very suddenly after dinner and we were actually under a tornado warning for about 45 minutes! It was a little nerve-wracking and we spent most of the evening watching the weather on the local news and waiting for the warning to pass, which it did without incident. During this time we also comforted our poor dog, who seemed VERY agitated. He was just in need of some snuggling, and we were only too happy to oblige!

Archie during happier times.

My husband said the next day that kids in his classes came in saying their basements were flooded (up to a foot of water!) but we don't seem to have any damage. Whew!

Tuesday, May 13: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Today is my work-from-home day! Normally it's on Friday, but there's a meeting at work on that day* that I have to be physically in the office for, so I switched days this week.

*Two things about this meeting...1. It goes from 5-7 PM!!!!!! On a Friday!!!!! Boooooo...the only positive to this situation is that I feel like this means I can sleep in and roll into work around 10 or 11 that day, but 2. Friday is my 5-year wedding anniversary. No one else scheduled to go to the meeting knows about this, except for my boss (who I told a few days ago...he was horrified!). I didn't bring it up during the scheduling process (which is always hard, finding a date that works for 10 people) because I was pretty sure no one else would deem that a good enough reason to move the meeting...but still. It's not ideal.

ANYWAY...today I had a ChaLEAN Extreme session scheduled. I didn't do it. Honestly, I just didn't feel like it. I'm giving myself a break though because it's taper week. Back to ChaLEAN on Monday!

Wednesday, May 14: Run #2 (3 miles on the treadmill) + Ab Ripper X (20)

Back to the gym! Today I stuck with my new favorite treadmill strategy, walking 5 minutes/walking 1 minute to get through the run. Total time for 3 miles: 32:47, 10:56ish/mile average pace. It was so HOT in the cardio room today...bleh!

After the run I did Ab Ripper X, moving up to 20 reps per move. My little quad strain that has been bugging me for the last few days did bother me a little bit in the beginning, but overall it does feel better and I only notice it when I do ab stuff.

In other news, I've been really bad about drinking water. Going to try to be better about that, especially with the race coming up on Sunday! (Current race day forecast - high of 58/low of 45, which sounds about perfect...except for the 30% chance of rain! )

Totally random, but I forgot to mention this about my 8-miler on Sunday - I wore my MinnieTech SparkleSkirt for the first time on that run. Obviously, it was awesome. But I also passed by a lady (we were running toward one another) who exclaimed, "I LOVE YOUR SKIRT!" : Thank you, obviously awesome person! I thought that was cool.

**TMI ALERT**

So this evening I made a dish for dinner that I have made quite a few times now (this recipe), had dinner, and about 30 minutes later started to feel VERY sick. It got really bad when we were out on a walk with the dog and almost completely around the block - the closer we got to home the worse my stomach was cramping. We made it home just as I thought I was about to throw up...which I didn't. But it wasn't a pleasant evening.

At points toward the end of college and throughout grad school I had occasional episodes exactly like this. It reminds me of IBS...something I've never been diagnosed with, but the symptoms listed on this webpage are almost exactly what was going on with me. Since grad school this has only happened a handful of times, and I'm pretty sure the fact that I've somewhat cleaned up my diet has helped...but the biggest reason that I think this was such a regular occurrence for me years ago was STRESS. So I am a little confused as to why this happened again. Maybe work is stressing me out more than I realize? Hmm...I should take up meditation or something.

Thursday, May 15: Run #3 (1-3 miles) planned, unscheduled rest day taken

So after last night's episode I thought that it might be a good idea to sleep in and skip my run today. I feel mostly okay - good enough to go to work - but I can tell that I’m not 100% yet. Running on a treadmill and doing ab work seem like the most unattractive things in the world right now. I think this was the right call.

I slept in this morning until 7AM - first time I've done that on a work day in MONTHS. But since I was leaving later than I do normally, my normal 25-30 minute drive in took me an hour! Boooo.

After work I called the stupid running store again for an update about my sunglasses. The person I talked to didn't know about it because she "doesn't handle those types of orders." It's getting beyond old at this point - it's been over two weeks now and I have gotten no updates or anything. I DO have a confirmation email from when I originally bought them, but that's it.

The woman I talked to mentioned that the guys that handle the orders weren't in the store because they are at "the expo."

"Which expo?!" I snapped, knowing full well she was talking about the one I need to go to this weekend (yep, I'm getting to the point where I'm being rude on the phone). She confirmed that it is in fact that Cleveland Marathon expo and that they would be there Saturday, so I get to give someone a piece of my mind in person. She offered to take my name and number to give to the manager to call me, and I was just like "sure, if you think he actually WILL call me and tell me something" (yep, direct quote...like I said, I'm getting rude now). Show of hands, who thinks I got a call? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Yeah, no call.

Friday, May 16: Rest Day

First and foremost...today is my and Will's 5-year wedding anniversary!

It does not feel like we have been married for 5 years and together for 9 (we started dating just before he turned 20 and I turned 21). I still don't know how I am so lucky to have found someone like him...and I get to be married to him!

How am I spending this most magical of days? At work. Good news: I got to sleep in today until, like 8 and came into work at 11. Bad news: the reason I came in so late is because I have a meeting that starts at 5PM and is scheduled to go until 7! Booooooo. Seriously, who schedules a Friday PM meeting?!

Will and I are planning on spending most of tomorrow together, but that will be mostly running errands and things...and then Sunday is super busy for me. So we have a reservation at our favorite restaurant (same place we went for our dual-birthday dinner) next weekend. Better late than never, I guess.

In other news, I was thinking about the conversation with the person from the running store and she mentioned something about some of the sunglasses being backordered. I just went to the Oakley's website - sure enough, the pair that I ordered IS on backorder with an estimated ship date of May 23. That (supposedly) means that they'll ship to the store on 5/23 and then they'll get sent to me, so I very well may not have them until June.

Honestly, I'm less upset about how long it's taking - I get that things get backordered sometimes - but couldn't the store have sent me an email to tell me that?! I mean, come on...be professional! UGHHH!

I can safely say that once this mess is cleaned up I will NEVER be purchasing anything from them again. Good running stuff is pricey, so why should I spend my money at a place that doesn't even keep me updated on my orders?! And just to clarify, this is not my normal, local, awesome running store - this is a different place that occasionaly comes into where I work to offer discounts. I am SO sticking with my local place from now on!!!!

And sidenote...that meeting DID go right until 7PM. And then they talked for another 15 minutes. WEEKEND PEOPLE, COME ON!

Saturday, May 17: Rest Day

Today we ran a bunch of errands (post office, bank, etc.), and we also went to the expo!

I picked up my bib - it has a QR Code on it, so I can scan with my phone and my race results should pop right up! I had this at the 10-miler last year (not this year, which I was disappointed by) and it was very cool.

I also got my race shirt. When I originally signed up for this race I was in for the marathon. The marathon and half marathon have gender-specific tech shirts, so I put myself down for a medium...then I switched to the 10K and forgot to change my shirt size. 10K runners get a unisex cotton t-shirt...so my shirt is a unisex medium and it's a little big. Not like I'm swimming in it or anything, but I generally like my shirts to be a little more fitted than this one is.

Then I also got a goodie bag...with actual goodies in it! Shampoo sample, shaving cream sample, a 4-ounce bottle of sweat-proof sunscreen, a little protein bar, some gummie snacks… I forgot races actually gave physical things to people anymore. I also got a virtual goodie bag...thumbs up Cleveland 10K!

The only other thing I came away from the expo with was a Ohio run tech shirt...I need short-sleeved tech shirts for running that don’t have race names on them (I don't wear race shirts to races...it's a weird little "rule" I have for myself) and I really like this one.

My most-anticipated moment was facing down those...uh…people (gotta keep it family-appropriate! ) at the booth connect to the store I ordered my new sunglasses from. One of the guys I'd worked with was there and he seemed to know who I was immediately - not sure if one of his fellow employees warned him I was coming , if he recognized me, maybe both...but he actually apologized, so that was nice. I guess they're going to come to the store sometime next week and then will be shipped to me, so if I don't hear anything by Friday I'll call again. It wasn't the epic showdown I built it up to be in my head - I wasn't rude but he clearly knew I wasn't happy.

So we left and went to the next aisle, and the guy chased me down to let me know that the Oakley rep one booth over did have some of the model of sunglasses I wanted, just not the color...so if I found a pair I wanted there I could just have them. I didn't love this idea - I ordered the pair I wanted in the color I want, so that's the one I want… - but I said sure, I'll look. Turns out they actually were NOT the model I ordered anyway so whatever. Will guesses that the guy knows he's about to lose a future customer and was trying to make it up to me. Nice try, pal!

We got lunch, came home...and THIS happened:

I was thinking about registering for this anyway and got a $10 off code in the virtual goody bag...I waited to see if they would do sign-ups at the expo (they didn't), so I came home and registered.

This is the race I was signed up for last year that fell right in the middle of my Great Running Funk of 2013, and it's my one-and-only DNS for a race...so I feel like I just need to complete this stupid thing. It's actually supposed to be a really great race, so I'm looking forward to it. The race is about an hour from my house and the course will go through my grad school campus and finish on the Indians' AA farm team's baseball field, so that should be cool.

No goals for this one...it's supposed to be a slightly challenging course AND it's during Dopey training, so I'm going to treat it as a long run (I have a 14-miler scheduled for that day so it works out pretty well) where I get a nice tech shirt and a medal at the end. Of course...I could totally see myself getting wrapped up in the race-day atmosphere and going for it. We’ll see!

Racing is addicting...

So that's it for today. Making an effort to stay off my feet and having pizza for dinner. Race day bright and early tomorrow! I'm excited but a little nervous...my stomach is better but not 100%. Hopefully it’ll be okay for tomorrow!

Sunday, May 18: Cleveland 10K

RACE RECAP!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Ariel484]

RACE RECAP: 2014 Cleveland 10K
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Weather: 45 degrees and sunny with some wind

It's another race recap, y'all!

This 10K is part of the Cleveland Marathon - there is a 5K race, which was held yesterday, and the 10K, half marathon and marathon, which were held today. I've run the half marathon the past 3 years and decided to change things up this year and do the 10K instead.

10Ks are few and far between in these parts, so this was my first-ever 10K race.* Hooray for an automatic PR!

*Although I did run a 6.3-mile leg of a marathon relay in 2009, wayyyy back when I was first running. I ran my 6.3-mile leg in 1:07:36, 10:38ish/mile.

Going into this race I only had one goal - I wanted to get it done in under an hour. Based on my 10-miler time from a few weeks ago I was pretty sure I could do it...but you never know.

Unlike the 10-miler, I actually got up at an appropriate time today - my alarm was set for 4:30AM and I think I was out of bed just before 5. I'd set up coffee the night before, so that was ready to go.

Another Disney Mug!

I'll have to take better pictures of this one some time...the notes are funny!

I got my coffee and bagel/peanut butter together, got dressed and put on sunscreen, said good-bye to half-asleep Will, and left the house by about 5:25. The drive took 20-25 minutes and race officials wanted runners downtown by 6AM to avoid road closures, so for once I actually got to a race at the correct time. Yay me!

I had my phone navigating me to a specific parking garage (close to the start/finish line, but far enough away that I could hopefully make a quick getaway), but once I was close I just took the first lot I saw. Initially I thought this was a mistake as it cost $10 to park here, and every other lot I saw later was $5. It ended up being awesome though because I was able to get to the highway quickly - no getting stuck in downtown traffic for this gal!

I hung out in the car eating my bagel and drinking my coffee for about 25 minutes before making my way to the start. After about 5 minutes I came upon raceday gold - a bank of barely-used (that is, not yet smelly) port-o-potties with NO LINE!! Without going into too much detail, I came away from that bathroom trip feeling MUCH better about how my stomach would handle the race. This was something that had really been worrying me over the past few days, so I felt much better now.

I headed back to my car (forgot my sunglasses, arg!) and then followed the crowds to the start. There were 20,000ish runners spread out over the 3 races. A few changes this year: 1. Runners were corralled based on an estimated finish time we'd submitted at registration (previously we'd just lined up according to anticipated pace)...however, there were no volunteers checking bibs like there are at Disney, so I'm not convinced people were honest and lined up in their proper corrals ...harrumph. And 2. 10K runners started the race at the same time as the half marathon and marathon runners (in past years the runners doing the longer races would start at 7...then the 10K runners started at 7:15).

I headed to Corral D (there were F corrals and I thought I'd been put in the proper one - mid/back of the pack seemed appropriate) and could barely squeeze in - SO many people! This was sort of okay since it was chilly and I didn't have any throwaway clothes, but it made me wonder how crowded the course would be, especially with all of the runners starting at once. I tried to get as close to the front as possible.

The start was delayed 5-10 minutes (not sure why), the National Anthem was sung, and then the race began with the traditional playing of "Cleveland Rocks" (The Presidents of the United States of America version) - love that! All of the corrals went at the same time, so we began to shuffle toward the starting line. I think it took me 6:30 to get there.

Mile 1: 9:15
Mile 2: 9:28

These first two miles were FRUSTRATING. While waiting at the start my quads had really tensed up in the cold and my hands were freezing - it took a long time for that to go away. And then there were the people in front of me who were walking right out of the starting line. Walking during a race is fine, but there was no way these people were in the right corral. Even with taking them out of the equation, though, the first two miles were crowded. There was no way for me to settle into my target pace, which was about 9:15-9:20/mile.

The other thing that really threw me was when my watch beeped that I'd finished my first mile. At first I was excited - 9:15! Right on pace! - but then I realized I couldn't see the mile marker. In fact, I didn't see Mile Marker 1 until my watch read 1.1 miles. So I assumed that all of the weaving I'd been doing out of the start had cost me and that it had actually taken me a little over 10 minutes to get to the first mile marker. It was frustrating because I had a target pace, but now I had no way to know if I was really hitting it since I didn't think my watch was matching where I actually was on the course.

Mile 3: 9:12 (30-second walk break at the beginning of this mile)
Mile 4: 9:01

Finally starting to warm up here - my quads still felt tense, but they were better. And we split off from the half marathon and marathon runners during the 3rd mile, so we had a bit more room. Yay!

We went through some of my favorite neighborhoods and there were lots of people cheering...really liked the course. Did not like the hill right before mile marker 3, but what can you do? After that, the course was pretty flat with the occasional downhill, so that was nice.

I was still keeping a good pace according to my watch, but the clock time is really what matters, so I was trying to go a little faster to get my "under 1-hour" goal. Since my watch distance was a little ahead I thought I really needed to pick up the pace to give myself a cushion, and that it would be really, really close.

Mile 5: 9:24 (30-second walk break at the beginning of this mile)

And then, a magical thing happened at mile marker 5 - suddenly I could see the mile marker and I realized that my watch was matching right up to it! So I'm not sure if mile 1 was measured long and then mile 5 was measured short to make up for it…??? Either way, this was thrilling to me! Suddenly I knew I was going to make my goal!!

Mile 6: 9:30 (30-second walk break somewhere in here)

So much for the negative split! My quads were still feeling super tense, so I took the break.

Mile 6 - 6.23: 1:52 (8:13/mile pace)

In for the finish!! After freaking out about how far ahead of the mile markers I'd been (I though I'd tacked on an extra 0.13 miles at one point), here I was finishing having only added 0.03 to my total distance. Not bad!

Official time: 57:35, a 9:16/mile pace (Garmin time said 57:41)...and a new **PR**!!!

So I crossed the finish line and started looking very carefully at the volunteers, because I knew 3 of them! My mom and two little cousins (ages 13 and 10) were handing out finisher medals! The 10-year-old gave me mine. (I have a picture with them but I don’t want to post it on the interwebz).

It was so fun to see them! After I was done I hung out with them for about an hour to watch the half marathon winner come in (winning time of 1:12:35...holy crap!) and give out medals to some of the other 10K runners. It was really fun! I really need to volunteer at a race someday.

Here's an interesting picture...these guys were sitting on top of the courthouse looking down at the finish line. We couldn't figure out what they were doing - at first we thought they were photographers, but they didn't take any pictures.

Then we were told they were sharpshooters...as part of heightened security measures after Boston last year. Crazy!

I headed back to my car at about 9, showered, and then headed out to my traiditonal post-race brunch at First Watch with Will (with a side-trip to Starbucks for a caramel ribbon crunch frap...good but sooooo sweet).

Oh, Oprah, thank you for imparting your wisdom upon us...

Another race in the books! Part of me thinks I could have done a little bit better if I hadn't gotten so cold before the start and if the first few miles weren't so crowded, but overall I'm super happy with how the race went today. I'm thinking maybe I'll try this one again next year. It was fun!

My other activity for today (after a delicious nap this afternoon) was going to the Lady Gaga concert with 2 of my cousins (not the same 2 that were handing out medals ). I last saw Gaga in July 2010 and she still puts on a great show. I thought the set and costumes seemed a little less elaborate this time around (I hate to say it, but cousins and I threw the word "cheap" around a couple of times ) but we still had a blast. She's just so weird. I love it.

Like...why is she wearing wings here? And she had them on for part of a song, then took them off, and they weren't seen again for the rest of the show. I just don't even know.

Continued in Next Post

 

[Ariel484]

Fourth of July 5-Miler Training

Out with the old, in with the new...time to start focusing on another race!

Now that the 10K is over the next race I have on my calendar is a 5-miler that takes place in my town on the 4th of July. I never knew this race existed until I was out with the dog the morning of the 4th in 2011...imagine my surprise when a bunch of runners went by! The course passes right by my street!

I made it a point to sign up for the race the next year (finish time of 51:33, 10:19/mile pace) and again last year (finish time of 47:06, 9:25/mile pace). I like this race because I like the 5-mile distance - not too long, not too short, runners get pretty nice tech shirts with the entry fee, and the course is right in my town - it's a whopping 5-minute drive to the start, if that. People sit out on their lawns and spray us with hoses as we run by!

Speaking of hoses, that brings me to one of the things I DON'T like about this race - it's HOT and HUMID. Like running through soup. Another thing I don't like is that it's put on by a local running club, which is fine, but some of the members are pretty snooty about how fast they are. Oh, you need to announce loudly that you could actually go sooooo much faster if you really wanted to, when I am right next to you, obviously working my butt off to keep up with your pace?! Cool story, bro. It's taken me awhile but I think I'm getting to the point where I'm learning to care less when people say stuff like that. But still...try to be less of a jerk, mmmkay?

ANYWAY...training for this race is going to be my last reprieve before the mileage really starts to ramp up first for my goal fall half marathon and Dopey. So even though I know both training through the summer and the race itself will be unbearably hot, at least I'm not up to doing 18-milers or whatever just yet. And since the weekly mileage is still somewhat lower and I have both a wedding and a cruise coming up that I'd like to look good for, I'm going to attempt to do something I always wish I have time for but never seem to fit in - a 3rd day of strength training each week. If I can't handle it I'll drop back down to 2 days per week. I’m sticking with ChaLEAN Extreme for my strength training (LOVE that program) and am, of course, using a running plan by Hal Higdon - it's his Intermediate 8K Training Plan. As usual I'm dropping out one of the running days so that I'll be running 4 days per week instead of 5, and I'm starting on week 2 of the plan so that it lines up with race day. Last week's mileage is actually a little bit more than what week 1 of this training plan calls for, so I should be okay.

Also, I'm signing up for a session of Weight Watchers online. I just don't like the meetings. Here's hoping I actually stick with it!

Unlike the other races I've trained for this year, I'm not banking on setting a new PR in this distance. I would love to, of course, and I'm going to train hard, but the weather is going to be a huge wildcard. My current 5-miler PR is 46:11 (9:14/mile pace) but that was a Thanksgiving Day race...and for me it's easier to run faster in 50-degree weather vs. 90 degrees and humid. If I could beat my best time for this course that would be super. We'll see!

And of course, this post needs pictures! From the 2013 WDW Marathon...Mile Marker 5 is right outside of the Magic Kingdom on both the marathon course and the morning half marathon courses (WDW and Princess Half).

It's early enough in the race that you're still excited and don't want to die yet...

(I always go back and forth over whether I think I look utterly bizarre in this picture or completely hilarious. Bit of both?)

...and then you see Space...

...and then...

...you turn onto Main Street and see this beauty!!

LOVE.

The plan…

COMPLETE

Week 1 (5/19 - 5/25): 14.75 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Tuesday: 3-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Thursday: 6x400 @ 5K pace planned, 3.25 miles completed
Friday: 5-mile run
Saturday: 3.5-mile run (May 5K + 0.4-mile warm-up)/Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 3)
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 2 (5/26 - 6/1): 14.2 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Tuesday: 4-mile run planned, 3 miles completed + Extreme Abs
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Thursday: 35-minute tempo run + Extreme Abs
Friday: 4-mile run/Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extrene Lean 3) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Saturday: 3-mile run planned, 4 miles completed + Extreme Abs
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 3 (6/2 - 6/8): 16.25 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Ripper X (20) + Extreme Abs
Tuesday: 3-mile run + Extreme Abs
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Thursday: 7x400 @ 5K pace (3.75 miles completed) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Friday: 4.5-mile run/Strength Training
Saturday: Rest Day
Sunday: 5-mile run

Week 4 (6/9 - 6/15): 7.65 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Ripper X (20)
Tuesday: 4-mile run + Extreme Abs
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2)
Thursday: 40-minute tempo run (3.65 miles completed) + Extreme Abs/Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 3)
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 5-mile run planned, unscheduled rest day taken
Sunday: 6-mile run, unscheduled rest day taken

Week 5 (6/16 - 6/22): 16.75 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 1) + Ab Burner
Tuesday: 3-mile run + Ab Ripper X (21)
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 2) + Ab Burner
Thursday: 8x400 @ 5K pace planned, 4.25 miles completed
Friday: 5.5-mile run
Saturday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 3) + 4-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 6 (6/23 - 6/29): 21.05 miles completed
Monday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 1) + Ab Burner
Tuesday: 4-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 2) + Ab burner
Thursday: 45-minute tempo run + Extreme Abs
Friday: 6-mile run
Saturday: 7-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 7 (6/30 - 7/6): 13.25ish miles completed
Monday: 3-mile run
Tuesday: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Burn 3)
Wednesday: 4x400 @ 5K pace...2.25 miles completed + Extreme Abs
Thursday: Ab Burner
Friday: 5-mile race!
Saturday: 3-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Continued in Next Post

 

[annmarieda]

Gotta love meeting awesome, like-minded people! Even if it is on the 'net. Those friends of mine that I went on the cruise and the Princess Half/Royal Family 5K trip with, and the ones I'm going with for Wine & Dine, are people I met on a Disney message board (not this one though).

Ya know, at one time I never would have believed that you could find people who you could be so close with over the internet. One of my dearest friends I met here on dis.

I don't understand people that have to comment on other peoples' training plans..."you're not running enough!" Um, it's working for me, why do you care?! Ahem.

Exactly! Everyone has an opinion... I run too much or I run too little. Bottom line is it works for me...so that is what matters!!!

That's what I mean...I'm talking about people who will sign up for the marathon and just not be marathon-ready. Not safe!

Definitely not safe. Surest way to injure is to push to0 hard too fast by increasing miles. Setting out to do a marathon or even a half marathon is a BIG commitment.

 

[ZellyB]

Hi, Shannon!

ACK! I've gotten way behind on your posts, but I was so excited to see the new ones. LOTS going on!!


Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary. The pictures from your wedding are beautiful. The venue looks gorgeous as do the bride and groom. And so sorry about the Friday PM meeting. What the heck? Who does that?

So frustrating about your glasses. I'm with you about the backorder problem. You know, it happens. But communication about it would have made all the difference for you in avoiding getting upset.

Woohoo on signing up for another race. So, it's the Marathon you are running in Akron? This racing stuff is totally addictive. I was scouring for a good half-marathon to get in before the cut off for race time submission for Goofy. I think I found one that is on Labor Day, but I'm worried it will still be hot then. Hmmm.

What a great time for your 10K race. Right where you wanted to be and love the automatic PR. I really like those medals. Are the guitars spinners? Very nice. Scary about the sharpshooters at the finish line. Boston changed a lot of things and it makes me sad.

Good luck on the training for the 5-miler. I don't envy you that race on July 4th though. Ugg. I'm sure the heat and humidity will be a killer. Good luck too with the Weight Watchers online. I've got a couple of friends who did it that way and it worked well for them. Great updates again!

 

[ZellyB]

Ya know, at one time I never would have believed that you could find people who you could be so close with over the internet. One of my dearest friends I met here on dis.

I just wanted to comment on this. I also would not have believed it, but I met a group of women on a twins message board back when I was pregnant with my twins. There are 10 of us who have remained very close. We email daily and try to get together at least once a year. They are some of my best friends.

 

[Ariel484]

Ya know, at one time I never would have believed that you could find people who you could be so close with over the internet. One of my dearest friends I met here on dis.

I'd say those ladies I referred to before are some of my best friends. I never thought I'd have internet buddies either!

Exactly! Everyone has an opinion... I run too much or I run too little. Bottom line is it works for me...so that is what matters!!!

This has really been bugging lately - those threads/posters that pop up telling people how they should fuel during runs, why they shouldn't use certain training plans, that they don't respect people that run the Disney races for fun and not to PR. Like...why do you care what I do?! I think some people just like to sound like know-it-alls. Or something. It's weird.

Definitely not safe. Surest way to injure is to push to0 hard too fast by increasing miles. Setting out to do a marathon or even a half marathon is a BIG commitment.

Agreed. I feel like I was following some threads here and saw lots of overuse injuries, stress fractures, etc.

Hi, Shannon!

ACK! I've gotten way behind on your posts, but I was so excited to see the new ones. LOTS going on!!

Haha, no worries. I know that when I DO post it's like a novel, so I can understand getting behind...

Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary. The pictures from your wedding are beautiful. The venue looks gorgeous as do the bride and groom. And so sorry about the Friday PM meeting. What the heck? Who does that?

Thank you!! We met in college and the pictures were taken around our campus!

I know, Friday PM meetings should be illegal. That was cruel and unusual!

So frustrating about your glasses. I'm with you about the backorder problem. You know, it happens. But communication about it would have made all the difference for you in avoiding getting upset.

I know!! It's really not the time that's it's taking at all, it's just the lack of communication. If they'd told me from the beginning that it may take a few weeks I wouldn't be upset.

Woohoo on signing up for another race. So, it's the Marathon you are running in Akron? This racing stuff is totally addictive. I was scouring for a good half-marathon to get in before the cut off for race time submission for Goofy. I think I found one that is on Labor Day, but I'm worried it will still be hot then. Hmmm.

Not the marathon, no. The half marathon. I originally signed up for the marathon last year, dropped down to the half before race day, then recorded my DNS. So I figure I'll try the half again this year - like, actually try to show up this time - and then maybe the marathon at some point. It's supposed to be a great marathon...tough course but I hear they treat the runners well.

Early fall races are tough! I am not looking forward to summer training! The proof-of-time races have to be at least a 10-miler for Goofy, right? Do you have any 10-milers near you? I think I'm going to wait until my early September half marathon and then decide if I want to send anything to Disney...I'm not sure the 10-miler time I just got would really make much of a difference for corral placement. But I may send it anyway, unless I do better in the half.

What a great time for your 10K race. Right where you wanted to be and love the automatic PR. I really like those medals. Are the guitars spinners? Very nice. Scary about the sharpshooters at the finish line. Boston changed a lot of things and it makes me sad.

Thanks!!! I was super happy with that result, and I felt really good afterward, so that was nice. The guitars are spinners, yes - love the spinner medals! It's not a Disney spinney but still pretty good.

You're right, the new security stuff is sad. The sharpshooters were surprising! Luckily they didn't actually have to do anything. I actually didn't notice any other security changes, but there must have been more. Now that I think about it, I heard the bag check line was super long - I wonder if they were searching bags?

Good luck on the training for the 5-miler. I don't envy you that race on July 4th though. Ugg. I'm sure the heat and humidity will be a killer.

Thanks! Yeah...I sort of wish I'd picked something else! They haven't opened registration yet so I'm not technically locked in to that race, but there's really nothing else that bridges the gap between now and half marathon training, so I may just suck it up.

Good luck too with the Weight Watchers online. I've got a couple of friends who did it that way and it worked well for them. Great updates again!

Ahhh, thanks for the good luck on that! I wish just running was enough, but it's clearly not. Why does the food that is bad for us taste so good?!

I just wanted to comment on this. I also would not have believed it, but I met a group of women on a twins message board back when I was pregnant with my twins. There are 10 of us who have remained very close. We email daily and try to get together at least once a year. They are some of my best friends.

Very cool!

 

[Ariel484]

July 2014 Cruise Update - 60 Days Away!!!

This morning I got an email from Disney that I can start scheduling FastPass+ for our next trip, which is the one night we're staying on-property before our cruise. We aren't going to any of the parks that day, but this still means that we'll be leaving for Disney in 60 days!! Woohoo!

In other cruise news, I mentioned in my online check-in post that I had a few other things to take care of:

1. Magical Express from our resort (Saratoga Springs) back to the airport on embarkation day...if we catch the bus to port from the airport we'll get to board the ship earlier!

2. If necessary, put in requests for dining changes - we asked for early seating at a 2-top table in the following order: Enchanted Garden/Royal Palace/Animator's Palate/Animator's Palate, so hopefully those requests were granted (I'm sure we got early seating...less sure about the rotation order and whether we got a 2-top)

LOVE LOVE LOVE Animator's!!

3. Book a Mixology class, or some other tasting class?

4. New item - sign up for the Castaway Cay 5K. Apparently this needs to be done BEFORE the ship docks in Castaway Cay, whereas I signed up the morning of the race during my September cruise, so we'll probably take care of that when we sign up for Mixology

Everyone's a winner!

5. In-room stuff (see below)

I can't do items 1-4 yet...apparently the Magical Express stuff needs to be taken care of closer to check-in day. We won't know about the dining stuff until we check in at port, and Mixology and the CC5K need to be booked right when we board the ship. But the in-room stuff is taken care of!

I contacted my awesome travel agent and told her that we wanted the following items in our room...she took care of it all for us!

- Two 6-packs of bottled water. Unlimited soda, tea and coffee is included in the price of the cruise, but bottled water is the one thing I wish I'd had in my room when I cruised with my friends in September, so this was a must. Plus, if we have water in the room it's less likely I'll drink my weight in Coke over the course of the cruise. I used to have a Coke PROBLEM - like 1-2 cans of Coke per day, every day - and have whittled myself down to one 16-ounce bottle once a week (soon going to cut that down to one 12-ounce bottle once per week). Also, we're cruising in July, so it'll be eleventy billion degrees out. Overpriced? Absolutely. We're paying for convenience. If we were renting a car and parking it at port we'd stop somewhere and carry our own stuff on (Disney lets you bring on as many drinks as you can carry - including booze!). I'm sure we could buy stuff at SSR too, but since this is Will's first cruise and he's nervous about it, I want things to be as smooth and easy as possible. So I'll pay for the water to automagically be in our room on embarkation day.

...I don't have any good pictures for this item so we'll just gaze at this cute pic from the Sail Away party in September!

But let me add...they have unlimited POG juice on the ship!!! I will be drinking my weight in POG juice!!!

- Two Rainforest Spa day passes. I forget how I found these. I think I was looking at prices for spa treatments on the Dream (expensive! How shocking!) and stumbled across these day passes. I found a good description of what is included here. Basically you get all-day access to the different showers (which have varying temperatures and aromatherapies), saunas, heated tile loungers and jacuzzis within the spa area. The cost is $16 per person for one day (length-of-cruise passes are also available) and they only let a limited number of people buy and use the passes each day, so it should be nice and quiet. An optional body scrub can be purchased to use in the spa for $11. I've looked up reviews here on the DIS and on other sites, and for the mostpart, people rave about this.

I originally I wanted to keep this as a surprise for Will - as a I mentioned before this cruise is coming at the end of his second semester of graduate school (a semester's-worth of coursework for 2 classes crammed into 5 intense weeks ) and I thought this would be a great, relaxing experience for us. But I began to doubt myself and wonder if he'd actually like it, as we've never done anything like this before. So I broke down and told him...and he loved the idea! Should have kept it a surprise.

Since we're not planning on getting off the ship at Nassau, I'm thinking we'll use our passes that day (Day 2). I bet that place is totally deserted on Castaway Cay day - because who wants to skip Castaway Cay? - and totally packed on the At Sea day.

Hello, Atlantis! Still not gonna see you up close!

- One bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvée. Okay, Will doesn't know about this one! I still have a surprise up my sleeve! I've never actually tried this champagne before but my friends all rave about it, and I thought it would be fun to toast to Will successfully completing another semester of grad school and to our 5-year wedding anniversary (I forget if I mentioned this, but we don't really buy one another gifts - we'll instead go out to dinner and see a show, or go on a little trip or whatever, so we're considering the cruise our 5-year anniversary celebration, even if it is a little late).

Pomegranate Passion from PINK...the champagne bar on the Dream!

So I really think that's all I can do for the cruise for now. We're not participating in any Fish Extender groups or anything like that...not booking FP+ since we won’t be in the parks at all...just gotta wait. I'm really looking forward to getting some new pictures, too...I'm sure I've used some of these multiple times already!!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Dis_Yoda]

This has really been bugging lately - those threads/posters that pop up telling people how they should fuel during runs, why they shouldn't use certain training plans, that they don't respect people that run the Disney races for fun and not to PR. Like...why do you care what I do?! I think some people just like to sound like know-it-alls. Or something. It's weird.

Agreed. I feel like I was following some threads here and saw lots of overuse injuries, stress fractures, etc.

Totally being nosey in those replies but I'll agree about people telling others how or why they should run. Everyone runs for different motivations so while someone wants to run for PR, you have others like me who are looking to have a reasonable finish but still enjoy some of the characters/sites. A training plan for me is going to be way different than for you (a more seasoned runner) I've been avoiding the WISH/Event boards though lately so I may be missing some of that but I can say as a new long distance runner who loves excuses on why to go to Disney, its always interesting in what people say in how to fuel for a race but I'm still experimenting in what works for me.

 

[Ariel484]

Totally being nosey in those replies but I'll agree about people telling others how or why they should run.

Nose away!

Everyone runs for different motivations so while someone wants to run for PR, you have others like me who are looking to have a reasonable finish but still enjoy some of the characters/sites.

See...I'm like you. At Disney races, I stop for almost every character photo stop. I know there are other people that want to run Disney races to try to PR. Just because I don't run Disney races that way, does that mean that the people who are trying to PR are doing it wrong? Because I am stopping for character photos and not running my fastest time, am I doing it wrong? Some people just seem really bothered by it either way, for some reason. I just don't get it...????? I mean, I paid the entry fee, I'll run the race the way I want to!

A training plan for me is going to be way different than for you (a more seasoned runner) I've been avoiding the WISH/Event boards though lately so I may be missing some of that but I can say as a new long distance runner who loves excuses on why to go to Disney, its always interesting in what people say in how to fuel for a race but I'm still experimenting in what works for me.

Training plans and fueling are so personal for people. For example...I don't use Galloway training plans. I used one when I was training for the 2011 Princess Half, but over time I realized that they are just not for me anymore. Does that mean that I have the authority to tell other people not to use them? Of course not.

Similarly, some people believe that if you take fuel more often than, I don't know, once over the course of an entire marathon, it's too much. That's just insane to me. I'd get dizzy and pass out (in fact when I ran my first-ever 10-mile race I didn't fuel...and I finished weak, nauseous and dizzy, so I don't want that to happen again ). For me personally, when I first started experimenting with fueling I went by what the Gu packets said - every 45 minutes with water. Now I take it every 4 miles with water because it's easier for me to remember, and that works for me. Will that work for you? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it's okay. Just something that you need to figure out for yourself.

It's like...no one knows me better than ME. So I'm pretty sure I know better than some stranger on a message board what is going to work for me. And for awhile there people were getting really argumentative about it, like they MUST prove that they are right! I just don't understand why.

It's like Gisele/ZellyB said (quoting Coach Charles): "We are all an experiment of one." I just think it's risky and frankly a little arrogant for people to post stuff like that.

RANT OVER! Haha, sorry I went off on a tangent there!

 

[ZellyB]

Early fall races are tough! I am not looking forward to summer training! The proof-of-time races have to be at least a 10-miler for Goofy, right? Do you have any 10-milers near you?

No 10-milers near me. I've done a lot of searching for one because I'd love to do that distance for a good time, but they just aren't that popular of a distance around here. I wish they were, because I think I'd really like that distance for some mid-training races. Maybe they will get more popular and I will see more in the future.

 

[ZellyB]

Awesome cruise update as well. I think that spa day pass sounds like an awesome deal. I love being able to hang out in spa areas and use steam rooms, showers, etc. I also think doing it on a port day when you plan to stay on board is genius. I bet it will be deserted.

60 days away! I'm so jealous!!!

 

[Ariel484]

No 10-milers near me. I've done a lot of searching for one because I'd love to do that distance for a good time, but they just aren't that popular of a distance around here. I wish they were, because I think I'd really like that distance for some mid-training races. Maybe they will get more popular and I will see more in the future.

Off the top of my head I can think of 4 10-milers around here, so it must be getting more popular in my area. 10K races are pretty hard to find...there are multiple 5K races every weekend, it seems. Of course, that doesn't help us runDisney runners...hopefully you can find something during a cooler time of year, but if you don't at least you'll have that Labor Day race as a back-up option.

Awesome cruise update as well. I think that spa day pass sounds like an awesome deal. I love being able to hang out in spa areas and use steam rooms, showers, etc. I also think doing it on a port day when you plan to stay on board is genius. I bet it will be deserted.

60 days away! I'm so jealous!!!

I think it seems like a weirdly good deal too! Like I said, we've never done anything like that before, so I hope we like it!!!

I hope you're right that it'll be deserted on Nassau day... I just don't have a good idea of how popular that port is. We're completely not interested in it. I've read that they limit the spa day pass people to 20 per day, so that would be okay!

 

[Ariel484]

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip Update - The One ADR and Flights!!

I know I've already posted about the ADR, but I have barely any planning to do for this trip, so I gotta post something!!!

Our 180-day mark for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon/Jingle Jungle 5K trip was almost 2 weeks ago. This trip is going to be me, my 3 friends that I traveled to WDW with for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend (the 4 of us are signed up for the half...two of us are also doing the Jingle Jungle 5K), plus 2 more of our friends that were on the cruise with us in September (one of them is signed up for the 5K)! Such a cool group of ladies. I'm soooo excited!

We're all in firm agreement that we need to take advantage of Food & Wine Festival as much as possible, and in February we were all cool with eating at a decent number of counter service places. As a result, there's been almost zero ADR talk leading up to this trip. So weird for me, as ADRs are a huge part of the Disney trips I take with Will!

This was my favorite F&W item from last year's festival...it's potato leek waffle with beef from the Belgium booth. Looks nasty, tasted amazing!

I did take it upon myself to make one ADR. It's for all 6 of us at Via Napoli the day of the half marathon - early dinner time at 4:30PM.

This is my traditional pre-runDisney-race meal...it's something I've eaten 4-5 times now that has never made me sick, so I'm sticking with what works. Plus, it's delicious and the servers are always really good as re-filling water glasses (very important as I know the race will be HUMID...so I'll be chugging the H20!). And since no one else seemed to have any strong opinions about where to eat before the race, I decided to be bossy and book the ADR (with their permission, of course).

Oh yes.

Then on Monday, Southwest opened their flight schedule up through January 4...I thought about waiting to see if the prices would drop a bit, but in the end decided to just bite the bullet. There were 2 flights that jumped out at me immediately, and I didn't want to lose them...so I booked! They are non-stop and at good times - arriving early the first day and leaving late the last day.

I took the same flight down to Disney for last year's Wine & Dine and saw the sunrise from the plane!

The prices were decent but not amazing...about $316 round-trip ($158 for each flight). Since it's Southwest there are no baggage fees. I'll keep watching to see if the prices drop, but lately somewhere around $300 has been about the best I can do for Disney. However I have seen flights from this airport to Orlando for as low as $99 one-way (!!) so if I see that, I'm definitely going to cancel and re-book for a credit - which would probably go toward my Marathon Weekend flights.

We fly from one of two airports - one is about 20 minutes from our house and the other is more like an hour and 10 minutes. Southwest does not fly direct to MCO from the closer airport (of course, that would be too easy ), so I'll be doing a bit of driving, but my total travel time will still be less since there is no layover, and that airport is smaller, easy to navigate, and has decently cheap parking. I may grab a hotel room the night before my flight so I don't have to leave home at 4AM...we'll see. Part of me doesn't want to spend the money, but since I still have my AP, we won't be eating many Table Service meals, and my room in Disney will be VERY cheap (I'm talking a CM rate at a moderate resort split between 4 of us...) I may just pay for a room near the airport so I don't have to wake up to make the drive at 3AM or whatever.

The other airlines I looked at for the closer airport are much more expensive (except for Frontier Air, but their times are pretty awful - and one of their options has a layover in DENVER. Like...it goes from Orlando to Denver to Cleveland. WHAT?! Plus, the layover is 3 hours...total travel time of 9 hours!!!!!). And we try to stick with Southwest as much as possible because they don't charge fees for baggage or cancellations (we've gotten burned by another airline with cancellation fees - not fun!). So I’m happy with what I have...but I'll definitely be giving Southwest.com a daily look to see if I can get some of that cash back.

Less than 6 months to go!!!

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