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

[TigerTown]

... we need to take advantage of Food & Wine Festival as much as possible...

I'm kind of jealous because the Food & Wine Festival is awesome!!! I've run the Wine & Dine the last two years and it's my favorite single Disney race. This year we decided to skip the W&D so my wife and I can run the Avengers Half out in CA. She's never been to Disneyland and really wanted to run a race out there. Combine that with the fact that I'm a huge Marvel Comic book fan and the decision was made. I am really going to miss W&D though!

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.

I know this is probably a mortal sin but in all my trips to WDW I still haven't eaten at Via Napoli. I plan to rectify that situation during Marathon Weekend!

 

[annmarieda]

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!

I think my favorite mileage is 20 per week. Much more and I feel like all I am doing it running. Guess though that is why I haven't signed up for the dopey... all I would be doing is running.

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.

Congrats!!!

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!

Poor pup! Glad you were all ok though!

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!

I think that a break during taper week is totally allowed!

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!

I think that the fact cario rooms tend to be so hot is just another reason I hate running on a treadmill.

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.

How fun to have someone give you a compliment on your run.

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.

This doesn't sound like a lot of fun. I hope you are feeling better.

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 should have made that call myself recently. Tummy ache that just didnt get better during a run. It is good you were smart about it.

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.

I can not believe the level of service you are getting. Did you mention the store you are going through for this? I think you did. I think it is a chain and I personally have sworn them off for myself because of how lacking in customer service they have.

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

Happy belated anniversary!!! Your photos are just beautiful. You were a stunning bride.

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 agree... had they just told you way back when you were first asking about your order that they seem to be on backorder from the manufacturer... that is easier to take than the "umm... I dont know." sort of response you have been getting.

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.

That is super cool! I really think in todays world it is almost unforgivable for races to not be more high tech. I declined doing a local race (as in the very town I live in put on by the "running club" here in town) They way they were doing their finish and times involved handing out popsicle sticks at the finish that then the runner had to write their name on and then hand back to the race official.

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!

That is some swag!!!

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!

OMG!

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.

Sounds like a good thing you registered so you can have a "do over". Plus with a $10 off code how could you pass it up.

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!

Dopey training is coming up...which means donald will be too. I have my big calendar with all the race training plans fit into it. It is going to get crazy here in a month or so!

Racing is addicting...

IT IS!!!!

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!

I know you ran..wrote the recap. I need to read and comment. I promise I will get caught up again here in the next day or so.

 

[Ariel484]

I'm kind of jealous because the Food & Wine Festival is awesome!!! I've run the Wine & Dine the last two years and it's my favorite single Disney race. This year we decided to skip the W&D so my wife and I can run the Avengers Half out in CA. She's never been to Disneyland and really wanted to run a race out there. Combine that with the fact that I'm a huge Marvel Comic book fan and the decision was made. I am really going to miss W&D though!

I've only been to F&W once, and that was during last year's Wine & Dine weekend. We (my husband and I) made a big mistake by not spending enough time at the festival and making an 'Ohana dinner reservation the night of the one day we WERE at the festival...so we didn't try many booths because we wanted to save room for dinner. I will not make that same mistake this year!

Sounds like Avengers is the right choice for you guys this year! I am sure you will have a blast. I can understand where your wife is coming from, I really want to run a DL race too.

I know this is probably a mortal sin but in all my trips to WDW I still haven't eaten at Via Napoli. I plan to rectify that situation during Marathon Weekend!

DO IT. And FYI, per one of my buddies that is now in Disneyland (jealous!!) there is a Table Service there called Naples (in Downtown Disney I think?) that is a lot like Via Napoli. In fact, I think Naples and Via Napoli are owned by the same management. So maybe you could try that place for Avengers!

I think my favorite mileage is 20 per week. Much more and I feel like all I am doing it running. Guess though that is why I haven't signed up for the dopey... all I would be doing is running.

20 MPW seems pretty good to me too! I'm a little scared for Dopey training...

Congrats!!!

Thanks!! At least now my Dopey fees are covered!

Poor pup! Glad you were all ok though!

Me too! He was a very brave boy.

I think that a break during taper week is totally allowed!

Me too!!! If there's ever a time to take a little break that's probably the best time.

I think that the fact cario rooms tend to be so hot is just another reason I hate running on a treadmill.

I'm trying to tell myself it'll be good training for my July race/running in Florida...somehow that still doesn't make me feel any better about it!

How fun to have someone give you a compliment on your run.

I know! I wanted to turn around, run after her and just shout, "LET'S BE DISNEY FRIENDS!!!" But I restrained myself!

This doesn't sound like a lot of fun. I hope you are feeling better.

I am, thank you. It took about a week for me to feel normal again. Still not sure what brought that on! I made the same dinner again 2 nights ago and felt just fine. Must have been a fluke.

I should have made that call myself recently. Tummy ache that just didnt get better during a run. It is good you were smart about it.

Ugh, isn't that the worst?! Hope you're feeling better, too.

I can not believe the level of service you are getting. Did you mention the store you are going through for this? I think you did. I think it is a chain and I personally have sworn them off for myself because of how lacking in customer service they have.

I'm not sure if I have yet? It's Fleet Feet - they are a chain around us, not sure if they are national. My normal place is a local store so I really just need to stick to getting my stuff from them. In 5 years they forgot to call me once about something (if I remember correctly it was gels, so not something as expensive as Oakley sunglasses, and I hadn't paid for the gels yet so I wasn't as angry as I am now ), but other than that they have always been great. Gotta stick to the local store!!!!!

Happy belated anniversary!!! Your photos are just beautiful. You were a stunning bride.

Thank you! Those photos are some of my favorites.

I agree... had they just told you way back when you were first asking about your order that they seem to be on backorder from the manufacturer... that is easier to take than the "umm... I dont know." sort of response you have been getting.

Exactly. The lack of communication is astounding to me...and they, of course, charged my credit card for the purchase right away. This morning at the gym I saw a flier advertising another running shoe/sunglasses fitting put on by this store here next week...so the same sort of deal where I bought my sunglasses. I just want to be like "DON'T BUY FROM THEM, THEY ARE TERRIBLE!!!"

I checked the Oakley's website and it still says the sunglasses are due to ship tomorrow, so I'll start bugging them again next week.

That is super cool! I really think in todays world it is almost unforgivable for races to not be more high tech. I declined doing a local race (as in the very town I live in put on by the "running club" here in town) They way they were doing their finish and times involved handing out popsicle sticks at the finish that then the runner had to write their name on and then hand back to the race official.

I've done one of those before...we had tags on our bibs (not time chip tags, paper tags) that we had to rip off and give to a race official as we were crossing the finish line...then he put them on a giant paperclip in the order they were given to him. Anyone I feel like if you pay to do a race they should at least have chip timing.

That is some swag!!!

I know! I was impressed!

OMG!

Sounds like a good thing you registered so you can have a "do over". Plus with a $10 off code how could you pass it up.

Exactly! The discount code made the decision way easier.

Dopey training is coming up...which means donald will be too. I have my big calendar with all the race training plans fit into it. It is going to get crazy here in a month or so!

Time is really flying, isn't it?!

IT IS!!!!

RIGHT?!

I know you ran..wrote the recap. I need to read and comment. I promise I will get caught up again here in the next day or so.

I appreciate you reading and commenting, as usual!!!

 

[TigerTown]

I've only been to F&W once, and that was during last year's Wine & Dine weekend. We (my husband and I) made a big mistake by not spending enough time at the festival and making an 'Ohana dinner reservation the night of the one day we WERE at the festival...so we didn't try many booths because we wanted to save room for dinner. I will not make that same mistake this year!

Sounds like Avengers is the right choice for you guys this year! I am sure you will have a blast. I can understand where your wife is coming from, I really want to run a DL race too.!!!

If you get a chance, I would highly recommend it. The DDD was so much fun last year and spending time at Disneyland was great. It is different than the Magic Kingdom but still has a nice familiar feel to it. California Adventure is also awesome. We rode Radiator Spring Racers five times while I was there. Loved it!

DO IT. And FYI, per one of my buddies that is now in Disneyland (jealous!!) there is a Table Service there called Naples (in Downtown Disney I think?) that is a lot like Via Napoli. In fact, I think Naples and Via Napoli are owned by the same management. So maybe you could try that place for Avengers!

I forgot all about that place. I'll put it on the list for the Disneyland Half weekend with my son and probably again in the fall for Avengers. I'll let you know how it goes

 

[Ariel484]

If you get a chance, I would highly recommend it. The DDD was so much fun last year and spending time at Disneyland was great. It is different than the Magic Kingdom but still has a nice familiar feel to it. California Adventure is also awesome. We rode Radiator Spring Racers five times while I was there. Loved it!

My buddy and I have our sights set on DDD in 2015. She's running the marathon in January, so both of us would get Coast-to-Coast medals. Of course, the hardest part will actually be getting into the races...we're definitely planning on the trip but I don't want to say it's 100% certain until I know I'm registered for the DDD, or at worst, the half alone.

I'm looking forward to heading to Disneyland! The only time I've ever been there I was a toddler, so I don't remember anything.

I forgot all about that place. I'll put it on the list for the Disneyland Half weekend with my son and probably again in the fall for Avengers. I'll let you know how it goes

I hope you like it, my friend said it was goooooood.

 

[Outonarun]

I'm looking forward to heading to Disneyland! The only time I've ever been there I was a toddler, so I don't remember anything.

You are going to loooooooooooooooooove Disneyland (again, as an adult)

 

[Ariel484]

You are going to loooooooooooooooooove Disneyland (again, as an adult)

I'm definitely going to get there at some point. I'm really hoping the DL Half weekend will work out, but I haven't really mentioned a ton here because I feel like nothing is ever set in stone with runDisney...especially since the DL Half is super popular. I'm also starting to think about possibly going there over Christmas in 2015...we went to WDW this past December so I'd love to see DL with their decorations up. My husband does not know of this little plan of mine yet!

 

[annmarieda]

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

Ok, so I thought I had not read... then I realized I had... but just not commented. I think I might be losing my mind.

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

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.

I have learned something recently. I think it may have been you...maybe it was someone else... but it was mentioned that coffee is a pre run must. I thought I would give it a try and it has really been great! I actually think it makes my runs better. So now you mention having the coffee ready to go the night before and I think this too is a brilliant idea!!!

Another Disney Mug!

Cute mug!!!

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.

What an important find! So glad you found not only one to free yourself from any... entaglements but one that was clean.

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.

My goodness that is a LOT of runners!

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.

I may have said this before... somewhere. I think I am sure I am losing my mind now... but I think sometimes it is very hard to break free of a crowd and get into your pace. I almost always feel like the first part of the race I am at the mercy of the crowd. Either I have to move faster to keep with the crowd (not that often) or have to try and weave through past the walkers and such (more often). Sorry you had to go through this frustration.

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!!

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

So cool to get in under an hour!!! AND to get that 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).

How cool!

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.

Sounds like fun. I have thought about volunteering too. And on that winning time... The last race I did had a half marathon option too... and some of them were finishing right after I finished my 8K. Granted...they started 30 minutes before, but still

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!

That is actually kinda scary crazy!

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!

It is so easy to second guess... but seriously you did awesome! And to do well and enjoy the event is an ultimate goal for me!

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.

Sounds like a fun way to end a great day!

 

[Ariel484]

Ok, so I thought I had not read... then I realized I had... but just not commented. I think I might be losing my mind.

I have learned something recently. I think it may have been you...maybe it was someone else... but it was mentioned that coffee is a pre run must. I thought I would give it a try and it has really been great! I actually think it makes my runs better. So now you mention having the coffee ready to go the night before and I think this too is a brilliant idea!!!

Glad the coffee s helping! It's definitely a pre-run must for me...sometimes I can get away without it for shorter runs, but not longer ones.

Cute mug!!!

What an important find! So glad you found not only one to free yourself from any... entaglements but one that was clean.

I know!! What are the chances?!

My goodness that is a LOT of runners!

Seriously...probably the closest I have come to running a race that is Disney-sized outside of Disney.

I may have said this before... somewhere. I think I am sure I am losing my mind now... but I think sometimes it is very hard to break free of a crowd and get into your pace. I almost always feel like the first part of the race I am at the mercy of the crowd. Either I have to move faster to keep with the crowd (not that often) or have to try and weave through past the walkers and such (more often). Sorry you had to go through this frustration.

Yeah, I think I should have been a little better prepared for that, knowing it was going to be a bigger race. Still frustrating.

So cool to get in under an hour!!! AND to get that PR!!!

Even if the start of the race was hard I was very happy with the end result!!

How cool!

Sounds like fun. I have thought about volunteering too. And on that winning time... The last race I did had a half marathon option too... and some of them were finishing right after I finished my 8K. Granted...they started 30 minutes before, but still

I loved seeing my mom and the girls at the finish line. I give the girls credit...I would not have wanted to get up at 6AM at their age, but they seemed to enjoy it!

LOL at the finish of your 8K! The first time I ran the Cleveland half marathon I was coming to the finish line just as the winning marathon runner was also finishing...and he came from behind and sped up to pass me! And we all started at the same time...that was pretty funny.

That is actually kinda scary crazy!

I know!!! Thankfully I don't think they had to use their weapons at all...

It is so easy to second guess... but seriously you did awesome! And to do well and enjoy the event is an ultimate goal for me!

Agreed! That is a great way to look at it!

Sounds like a fun way to end a great day!

It was!! She's so weird but she put on a great show!

 

[jbuckent]

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.

I may have laughed a little too hard at this! Especially the eBay part. Too funny!

 

[Ariel484]

I may have laughed a little too hard at this! Especially the eBay part. Too funny!

She's just dropping truth bombs!

 

[Ariel484]

Week 1 of 4th of July 5-miler Training
Monday, May 19, 2014 - Sunday, May 25, 2014

14.75 miles completed
14.75 miles completed in 5-miler Training
270.55 miles completed in 2014 so far

** I don't have any pictures from this week so I'll just scatter some Disney pictures throughout this post **

Monday, May 19: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Ripper X (20)

I’m on PTO today to recover from yesterday! Woohoo for sleeping in until 9:30!

I used our "gym" today and did my first workout in the Lean circuit. It was okay...I didn't like it as much as some of the other CLX workouts that I have done. My quads are a little sore from the 10K, which I wasn’t expecting because they felt fine yesterday. But I guess once I went to bed and my legs didn't move all night the pain began to set in. It's not, like, agonizing or anything...stairs and any kind of bending down are tough. As a result, I probably didn't do as good of a job at this workout as I could have, but I was just happy to get back to it. This workout also confirmed that I have weirdly weak triceps...I sort of knew that already, but geez!

Also did Ab Ripper X - 20 reps of each exercise. That is a great workout.

Today's my first day back on Weight Watchers, and since I'm home on PTO I spent the morning getting that set up. I'm signed up for an online session through work, which means I need to log in weekly for 3 months. Hopefully this will work out better for me than what I was doing before - an 18-week session with a weekly meeting. For whatever reason, I grew to really, really dislike the meetings. I have the app downloaded to my phone and am going to try to use that to track things, which I haven't done before. With my cousin's wedding and the cruise coming up, I'm feeling motivated...hopefully it'll stick! And hey, it would probably make me a faster runner if I dropped a few pounds, too. Hmm…

Also, I finally got a call from the store that I ordered the sunglasses from. They called...to tell me...that the sunglasses aren't in yet. Um, okay thanks? Apparently they are expected to come in this week. Whatever. Honestly, I think so little of this store right now that I'm impressed they called me at all, even if it was with a non-update. The bar has just been set that low.

And lastly, I had an impulsive moment and signed up for a 5K being held in my town this weekend! It cost $20...I get a t-shirt and hopefully a new PR out of the deal (my current 5K PR is 28:03, 9:03/mile pace...and it’s over 2 years old at this point. Really not sure if I can beat it!). I might regret signing up for this 5K when I have to wake up at 7AM on Saturday, but at least it's close to home (the starting line is less than 2 miles from my house).

From our recent AKL stay over Christmas/New Years:

Tuesday, May 20: Run #1 (3 miles on the treadmill)

Back to work today! I went to bed wayyyy too late and was really dragging this morning. Still had a bit of quad soreness, too...but the run was a healing run. My quads feel better and I feel more awake. Woohoo! Hamstrings are a little sore, which I don't remember from yesterday, so I'm wondering if that's from CLX. It would be a good thing because that means I did the workouts correctly!

I stuck with running 5 minutes/walking 1 minute on the treadmill and finished the run in 32:48 (10:56/mile pace). Once I was running for a few minutes, long enough to wake up a bit and work out some of the soreness, it felt good, but it was SO hot in the cardio room today. Good preparation for my summer race, I guess. I didn't get up early enough to do any abs stuff, unfortunately.

Day 1 of Weight Watchers went well. I like using the app so far...hopefully I will continue to like it! I feel better already, but I'm sure I didn't, like, drop a ton of weight overnight - I think it's just the knowledge that I'm actually doing something and have recommitted myself.

Will has decided that he wants to get back into running (he trained for last year's Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and we ran it together ) so I think we’re going to search online for a late summer/early fall 5K that he can make his goal race. During the Jingle Jungle 5K when we were stopping for character photos (because that’s just what I do during Disney races ) he mentioned wanting to someday run a non-Disney race to see how well he can really do - he's a pretty competitive person so I think competing against himself to improve times and whatnot would really appeal to him. Plus, I think he's just been feeling a little sluggish lately and really wants to get back into exercising. His teaching/coaching schedule makes it tough but now that tennis is over (YAY!!!) he doesn't work 14-hour days anymore, so hopefully we can figure something out!

On the JJ5K course!

Wednesday, May 21: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2) + Ab Ripper X (20)

New ChaLEAN workout today! This one focused mostly on legs and shoulders...I liked it! The shoulder areas she targeted are pretty small muscles, and she always says what she lifts...and she was using 7.5-pounders, so I went with 5-pounders. After the Push circuit (where the weights were much heavier) I felt silly picked up the 5-pounders - they just look so small in comparison! - but holy cow, those moves were TOUGH. I'm going to be feeling it later.

I didn't wake up early enough to do Ab Ripper X (going to bed waaayyy too late = sleeping in waaayyy too late...I need to get a handle on that), so I made sure to text my husband early and ask him to remind me to do it as soon as I got home. And we did it together! I did 20 reps per move...it was Will's first time doing the workout in a loooong time and he kept up pretty well! It's definitely something you just have to build yourself up to doing. I still feel like I'll never make it to the full 25 reps. :

Thursday, May 22: Run #2 (6x400 @ 5K pace...3.25 miles completed)
Speedwork Thursday! This one went pretty well - challenging but I felt strong. It took me a little over 38 minutes to complete the workout (3.25 miles total). Again, it was BOILING in the cardio room! I need to make sure to get a treadmill closer to a fan next time.

I didn't wake up early enough to do abs stuff today...boo!

In other news, I enjoyed this year's Cleveland 10K so much that I signed up for next year's this morning - only $30 for the early bird fee! It's not the earliest I've ever signed up for a race, but it's pretty close.

I also signed up for that 4th of July 5-miler I've been planning to do...they finally opened registration. It's been a little frustrating...first of all, the price went up $5 from last year, so that's not cool. Not shocking, but still. Then once registration went through I got an email with "tickets" attached and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with these...tickets. Also, I was very much looking forward to selecting the correct-sized race shirt. The first year I did this race it was unisex sizing - I didn't know that and ordered a medium, which is comically large on me. So last year I wised up and ordered a small...without knowing that they had decided to do gender-specific shirts. It fits, but is not entirely flattering just yet. This year I thought I finally had it figured out - a women's-sized medium! Well, I registered, and the options were XS, S, M, L, XL and the question indicated that these are gender-specific...but there was no option to actually indicate that I am, in fact, a lady. I've come across guys named Shannon before so considering my history with shirts for this race, I wanted to email someone to make sure I get the correct size. The email indicated on the registration page doesn't work and I'm having trouble contacting anyone. I've been frustrated with this group in the past (which I mentioned a bit here) so this may be my last race with them. Between this and the continuing sunglasses saga, I don't understand why it's so hard to get answers from people. Just do your job!!!!!!!

Happy thoughts, happy thoughts...

Anyway...

** WEIGHT WATCHERS TANGENT**

Also, today was weigh-in day! I started WW again on Monday (I have to call it WW, because I'll be honest...I think the name "Weight Watchers" is a little stupid. Great program, but just don't like the name) and for whatever reason I just like having the weigh-in day on Thursdays. I think I'm just used to it from the meetings I went to at work. : So this morning I popped out of bed and got right on the scale at home (the same one I used for my initial weigh-in on Monday, when I also weighed myself right after I woke up) - down 2.6 pounds! I'm certainly not expecting consistent results like that - I'm sure part of the reason I had a really good result is because I just started back up again - but I'll take it.

I'm still not sure how much I'll talk about it here on a consistent basis. Growing up I constantly heard tons of talk from quite a few family members about how they always needed to lose weight and I don't want it to be like that in my house (or in my thread!). But I have to say that WW has been going well so far. It doesn't feel like I've been making any drastic changes...it's been small things so far like changing back to the sugar-free syrup at Starbucks and still cooking the same kind of dinners I'd normally make, but being a little more careful with the portions. My breakfasts and lunches are pretty much the same. Although I guess I have been exercising a little more self-control when it comes to snacks and things. Of course I think it's been easier so far because I haven't done it over a weekend yet...this weekend we have a couple of dinners out planned, so that might be a challenge.

I just SO wish that I didn't have to pay attention to this stuff. I wish running was enough - I think a lot of people think it is, but for me, clearly, it's not. It definitely helps though...WW members have a set number of "points+" to try to stick to each day (26 for me) and each food/drink item is assigned a number of points+. You can earn extra points+ by exercising ("activity points+") and thus can eat more. For example - in the WW app I have on my phone (which I love) I entered, from this morning, 38 minutes under this pre-set activity they have (running at 5MPH or faster...treadmill told me my average pace was 5.1 MPH so I just made it!) and it spat back out that I'd earned 7 activity points+! Almost a quarter of my daily points+ balance! That seems like a lot to me, but I'll take it.

I’m still not sure what my ultimate "goal" is with WW. I asked my doctor (who has has been my PCP for a few years now and has never, ever told me to lose weight) if she had an opinion and she did give me a number to shoot for, so I might just try to get to that and then see what happens. That number is 13 pounds from where I am now... I actually did get down to that number very, very briefly a little over two years ago, but there was always a voice in the back of my head saying, "you know you won't stay here." Hopefully that will change this time around.

Calories don't count in WDW though...

Friday, May 23: Run #3 (5-mile loop)
Weather: 52 degrees, partly cloudy

Not gonna lie...this wasn't a super run for me.

Splits:
Mile 1: 10:30
Mile 2: 10:03
Mile 3: 11:03
Mile 4: 10:13
Mile 5: 11:12

Total time: 53:03 for 5 miles, 10:36/mile pace

And I'm fine with the overall time and pace, but it's another example of not pacing myself very well (positive splits). I had to take a decent number of walk breaks at the end. I think a big issue was that I didn't eat enough beforehand - we went to a Farmer's Market last weekend and got some stuff from an Amish family selling baked goods (their stuff is ALWAYS amazing!). So I had a thick slice of whole wheat bread with rhubarb jam - super delicious but I just don't think it was enough to fuel me through 5 miles. Partway through I was also wondering if I was setting myself up for a not-so-great race the next day...hmm...

Saturday, May 24: Run #4 (3.5-mile run planned, May 5K + 0.4 miles completed)/Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 3)
Weather: 52 degrees and sunny

Not a ton to say about this race, so I won't put it in its own post.

I had coffee set up the night before and was out of bed by about 7:45...as predicted earlier this week I was totally regretting signing up for this race. Booooo.

After yesterday's 5-miler where I didn't think I ate enough, I made sure to have a bagel with peanut butter this morning with my coffee. The race started and ended at our town's high school, so that's where I parked. I had a spot at about 8:30.

Past races that have started/ended at the high school have allowed us to use the high school bathrooms, but that didn't seem to be the case today. I'm sure the bathrooms at the football field/track were open, but rather than check and risk losing the bathroom opportunity altogether, I used to a nearby port-a-potty that I knew was open. I had 3.5 miles on my schedule today, so I jogged 0.4 miles around the parking lot/track so I'd get to the total I needed. First time I've ever "warmed up" for a race.

The race began at 9AM...super informal. There couldn't have been more than 500 people there. Lots of kids.

Mile 1: 8:46

I felt like I was flying out of the gate. I'd passed by mile marker 1 on the drive to the high school and had decided I'd take short walk breaks at each mile marker. I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep up this pace, or close to this pace, without them.

Mile 2: 9:23

My watch was off from the beginning, so both of my walk breaks (at MM1 and MM2) are covered in this split. This mile did not feel great to me...my legs felt heavy and the sun was blazing. I knew I'd have a headache later from the sun pounding down on me.

Mile 3: 8:39

After my walk break at MM2 I felt sooooo much better! Suddenly I just felt stronger and faster, so I was able to really turn it up for the final mile. I just kept telling myself, "beat 28 minutes...beat 28 minutes..."

The race ended on the high school track, and as I approached I could see the clock...26:55 as I crossed the finish line. So I did beat 28 minutes...but as I crossed, my watch beeped to indicate that I'd reached the end of the third mile. The course was SHORT.

I was soooooo annoyed. This would have been a new PR for me...a small one, but still. A PR is a PR.

The finisher's chute was very narrow...reason being that there was no chipping at this race. A gentleman was standing at the end of the chute collecting the bottom portion of our race bibs for placement, I guess. I'd had this at one other race before...ridiculous for a company that puts on road races, in my opinion. It should have been chipped and it should have been a correctly measured course.

I grabbed a bottle of water and a banana and headed back to my car...unlike last week's race, I wasn't sticking around.

Before making the drive home I ran another 0.1 miles to make it to the 5K mark...27:52, 8:58/mile pace. So is this my new PR? Are the official race results (which STILL aren't posted) my new PR? ARG! Somehow this annoys me more than the short 10-miler course form last month (same company put on both races, by the way). Not sure why.

After the race I came home, changed into clean clothes and did Chalene Extreme Lean 3. No abs today.

Sunday, May 25: Rest Day
Whole lotta NOTHING today!!!

Continued in Next Post

 

[RnbwSktles]

The race ended on the high school track, and as I approached I could see the clock...26:55 as I crossed the finish line. So I did beat 28 minutes...but as I crossed, my watch beeped to indicate that I'd reached the end of the third mile. The course was SHORT.

I was soooooo annoyed. This would have been a new PR for me...a small one, but still. A PR is a PR.

The finisher's chute was very narrow...reason being that there was no chipping at this race. A gentleman was standing at the end of the chute collecting the bottom portion of our race bibs for placement, I guess. I'd had this at one other race before...ridiculous for a company that puts on road races, in my opinion. It should have been chipped and it should have been a correctly measured course.

I grabbed a bottle of water and a banana and headed back to my car...unlike last week's race, I wasn't sticking around.

Before making the drive home I ran another 0.1 miles to make it to the 5K mark...27:52, 8:58/mile pace. So is this my new PR? Are the official race results (which STILL aren't posted) my new PR? ARG! Somehow this annoys me more than the short 10-miler course form last month (same company put on both races, by the way). Not sure why.

Do you always trust that your watch is accurate? My Garmin is almost never synced with the course and I figure that's a combination of not running the exact measured route, and the satellites cutting out for a second or 2 under trees or something.

 

[Ariel484]

Do you always trust that your watch is accurate? My Garmin is almost never synced with the course and I figure that's a combination of not running the exact measured route, and the satellites cutting out for a second or 2 under trees or something.

In general, yeah, I do trust the accuracy of the watch. When I was looking at getting a new watch I read reviews that stated that the accuracy of the distance measured was good...of course one of these reviews was accompanied by the following picture:

(source: DC Rainmaker --> SUPER thorough reviews, love this site!)

He makes it sound like those differences aren't too big, but 0.1 miles seems like a decent amount to me. You definitely may be on to something!

I think I'm quick to assume that the course was measured incorrectly because of the 3 races I've done locally this year - the 10-miler, the 10K and this 5K - the 10K matched up with my watch almost exactly, while the 10-miler and the 10K were 0.1-0.15 miles short...and those two races were put on by the same company, where the 10K was put on separately. Plus, the wife of one of my co-workers also said her watch showed the 10-mile course as short. Just seems like a big coincidence to me.

It's odd...normally if my watch doesn't match the course measurements my watch will go a little longer due to taking wide turns, weaving around people, etc. (example - I finished the 2013 WDW Marathon and my watch read 26.85 miles!!! I've been trying to really focus on running the tangents to cut down on that - MATH! ). So it's very strange to finish with my watch measuring short!

 

[TigerTown]

Back to work today! I went to bed wayyyy too late and was really dragging this morning. Still had a bit of quad soreness, too...but the run was a healing run. My quads feel better and I feel more awake.

It's funny how that works. I can be really sore and then a nice walk or shake out run loosens everything up. I also find that when my knee is sore or swollen, a nice long bike ride tends to make things better. Don't know why, but it usually works for me.

I stuck with running 5 minutes/walking 1 minute on the treadmill and finished the run in 32:48 (10:56/mile pace). Once I was running for a few minutes, long enough to wake up a bit and work out some of the soreness, it felt good, but it was SO hot in the cardio room today. Good preparation for my summer race, I guess. I didn't get up early enough to do any abs stuff, unfortunately.

I trained for the marathon in January by running around the indoor track above our health club pool. It was so hot and steamy that my face would be caked in salt by the time my run was finished. Between the heat, and the fact that I had to run 250 laps of that track on my longest training run, the marathon itself was a breeze.

In other news, I enjoyed this year's Cleveland 10K so much that I signed up for next year's this morning - only $30 for the early bird fee! It's not the earliest I've ever signed up for a race, but it's pretty close.

I love early bird specials! I got into the Detroit International Half Marathon for $50 during their New Year's Day special. By the time the race comes around in October, the cost goes up to $115. Have you been able to snag any other good deals like that?

I just SO wish that I didn't have to pay attention to this stuff. I wish running was enough - I think a lot of people think it is, but for me, clearly, it's not.

Ditto for me as well. I've come to the realization that I'll always have to watch what I eat. With running however, I know I don't have to feel guilty about having a fun snack or meal once in a while. Portion size is always the key and I always remind myself that its just simple math. If I burn more calories than I eat, I should be fine

First time I've ever "warmed up" for a race.

Do you have a difficult time finding a place to run? Jeff has me doing a 3 Mile "warm up" before my Half Marathon at the end of September. That's going to be really strange and I need to try and find out the best place to run it since the actual course is off limits before the race.

A gentleman was standing at the end of the chute collecting the bottom portion of our race bibs for placement, I guess. I'd had this at one other race before...ridiculous for a company that puts on road races, in my opinion. It should have been chipped and it should have been a correctly measured course.

That has to be soo frustrating! I'm always concerned about that with some of the smaller local 5K races. I've been burned a couple of times as well
Was is a USATF certified course or does the company put on sanctioned races? You could send a note to the USATF to make sure it doesn't happen again.

 

[Ariel484]

It's funny how that works. I can be really sore and then a nice walk or shake out run loosens everything up. I also find that when my knee is sore or swollen, a nice long bike ride tends to make things better. Don't know why, but it usually works for me.

Most of the time running will help me shake out soreness and wake up...not always, but it's nice when it does!

I trained for the marathon in January by running around the indoor track above our health club pool. It was so hot and steamy that my face would be caked in salt by the time my run was finished. Between the heat, and the fact that I had to run 250 laps of that track on my longest training run, the marathon itself was a breeze.

Wow, that is impressive! I definitely don't have the attention span to run that many laps.

I think you're right about it helping to acclimate you to racing conditions though. I felt like I didn't struggle as much with the heat and humidity as others did at Marathon/Wine & Dine weekend, and I have to think these painful treadmill runs had something to do with that.

I love early bird specials! I got into the Detroit International Half Marathon for $50 during their New Year's Day special. By the time the race comes around in October, the cost goes up to $115. Have you been able to snag any other good deals like that?

Let's see...I think the 10K was $60 or $65 by the time race day rolled around, so I'd expect the pricing to be similar for 2015. I got a good deal for Rock & Roll Cleveland last year and this year, don't remember what it was though. Those races are expensive!

$50 vs. $115 for Detroit is awesome!!!

Ditto for me as well. I've come to the realization that I'll always have to watch what I eat.

Isn't that frustrating?! I think it is, but I do have a crazy sweet tooth...

With running however, I know I don't have to feel guilty about having a fun snack or meal once in a while. Portion size is always the key and I always remind myself that its just simple math. If I burn more calories than I eat, I should be fine

Yep, you're totally right - running helps a lot. Portion size is key, for sure...and not having snacks too much, in my case.

Do you have a difficult time finding a place to run? Jeff has me doing a 3 Mile "warm up" before my Half Marathon at the end of September. That's going to be really strange and I need to try and find out the best place to run it since the actual course is off limits before the race.

That was the first time I've "warmed up" for a race, and since the starting line was near the high school track I just ran along the parking lot a bit and then did a lap around the track. I felt really weird doing it. A 3-mile warm-up seems really long! I don't think it's super uncommon though, hopefully you won't be the only one!

That has to be soo frustrating! I'm always concerned about that with some of the smaller local 5K races. I've been burned a couple of times as well

Yeah, I wasn't thrilled. At least it wasn't a goal race that I'd been focused on for months or whatever...

Was is a USATF certified course or does the company put on sanctioned races? You could send a note to the USATF to make sure it doesn't happen again.

I don't think it was. It doesn't say it was anywhere on the event's webpage. I think it was just super informal...if I really want to beat that PR I'll have to look for a bigger 5K, I guess.

It's still not the worst one I've done. I did an inaugural one on St. Patrick's Day 2 years ago and for that one my watch read 2.89 miles or something at the finish. I actually did email the race director and he admitted that the course was short. Oooooookay?

 

[sumlee]

Subbing!

 

[Ariel484]

Subbing!

Hellooooooooo!

 

[annmarieda]

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!

This is so weird when this happens, isn't it? I had this happen once although I am not sure if it was a running or walking event. The race was taking place on my usual route. It was so funny because I had race officials tell the crowd to cheer me on and as I passed their finish line they did.

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!

That sounds like fun! Plus look at your improvement from 2012 to 2013! Don't you love a PR??

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?

That is simply just rude! Faster? How much faster do you need to be? Seems like you are pretty speedy. And if he/she could go faster then they should have rather than talk about it. I know there are good running clubs out there. It is just a shame that there are occasionally some like the one you have near you. Sadly, I think I am no more a fan of my local one than you are of yours.

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.

As always, I am super impressed that you get in strength training. My job is pretty physically demanding... and often my muscles are sore from it. I can't even imagine adding strength training to my routine so I am in awe of you.

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!

Hope it works for you! It is great to just commit to something. I am wondering if I shouldn't commit to at least eating better. My overall size and weight arent so much the problem... but having an elderly gentlemen smile and ask if I was expecting was a bit frustrating.

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!

Temperatures really can affect pace. 90 degrees and humid is really tough! Maybe though you could set out to PR the race, but not the distance?

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...

LOVE the pictures!!!

The plan…

Tentative 4th of July 5-Miler Training Plan

CURRENT

Week 2 (5/26 - 6/1): 14ish miles planned
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

UPCOMING

Week 3 (6/2 - 6/8): 14ish miles planned
Monday: Strength Training
Tuesday: 3-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training
Thursday: 7x400 @ 5K pace
Friday: 4.5-mile run/Strength Training
Saturday: 5-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 4 (6/9 - 6/15): 18ish miles planned
Monday: Strength Training
Tuesday: 4-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training
Thursday: 40-minute tempo run
Friday: 5-mile run/Strength Training
Saturday: 6-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 5 (6/16 - 6/22): 14ish miles planned
Monday: Strength Training
Tuesday: 3-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training
Thursday: 8x400 @ 5K pace
Friday: 5.5-mile run/Strength Training
Saturday: 4-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 6 (6/23 - 6/29): 21ish miles planned
Monday: Strength Training
Tuesday: 4-mile run
Wednesday: Strength Training
Thursday: 45-minute tempo run
Friday: 6-mile run/Strength Training
Saturday: 7-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Week 7 (6/30 - 7/6): 12ish miles planned
Monday: 3-mile run
Tuesday: Strength Training
Wednesday: 4x400 @ 5K pace
Thursday: Rest Day
Friday: RACE DAY! 5 MILES!
Saturday: 3-mile run
Sunday: Rest Day

Great plan!!!

I bet you have answered my question before... but on your speed runs. What do you do in between your 400 repeats? I did my first ever speed run last weekend. 4x 800 with 3 minute walks between. It is from the RD plan... but I have no idea of this is standard or not.

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

Great job!

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.

That is so awesome! Online friendships certainly can become some very special ones!!

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

Do you think it was because they stepped up miles too fast? Like maybe they were not consistent with their training and then realized they had to get in the miles? I bet that has a lot to do with it. Also I think sometime it is hard for people to "know" their bodies. It is so hard to be able to tell what is just a normal use pain and an injury pain. I am sure some push too hard through something thinking it might not be an injury... and then I think the opposite can happen too where some do not push through something that hurts thinking it must be an injury when it is just a use issue. Thing is I can't fault any one either of those. I know I am probably guilty of both. It all comes down to how well we know and listen to our bodies.

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!

That is awesome!!!

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

At least you have something to look forward to taking care of once you are there. The mixology sounds like a fun thing to do!

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 don't blame you for wanting the water to be there when you arrive. Sometimes it is ok to pay for a convenience.

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

YUM

- 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.

Having never done a spa treatment, I am anxious to read about your review. Sounds like it will be relaxing!

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).

fun surprise! AND so appropriate for an anniversary celebration!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Also, I finally got a call from the store that I ordered the sunglasses from. They called...to tell me...that the sunglasses aren't in yet. Um, okay thanks? Apparently they are expected to come in this week. Whatever. Honestly, I think so little of this store right now that I'm impressed they called me at all, even if it was with a non-update. The bar has just been set that low.

Hopefully they are in by now!

Also, today was weigh-in day! I started WW again on Monday (I have to call it WW, because I'll be honest...I think the name "Weight Watchers" is a little stupid. Great program, but just don't like the name) and for whatever reason I just like having the weigh-in day on Thursdays. I think I'm just used to it from the meetings I went to at work. : So this morning I popped out of bed and got right on the scale at home (the same one I used for my initial weigh-in on Monday, when I also weighed myself right after I woke up) - down 2.6 pounds! I'm certainly not expecting consistent results like that - I'm sure part of the reason I had a really good result is because I just started back up again - but I'll take it.

2.6 lbs loss is great! Thats about what it is for this month for me. Great kickstart.


As far as your cruise, enjoy the spa! I love the rainforest room! It will be here before you know it!