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

[ZellyB]

Hi, Shannon,
Back and caught up after being away for a bit.

The whole weight loss thing is just tough. Especially when you only have a small amount to lose. It can be so easy to let yourself go briefly and erase your progress that quick. But, I'd say you did a great job of recovering and, you know, that's just how weight loss goes. Keep it up and you'll be at your goal before you know it.

And woohoo on getting your sunglasses finally! They look great.

 

[Ariel484]

Hi, Shannon,
Back and caught up after being away for a bit.

Yay hi!

The whole weight loss thing is just tough. Especially when you only have a small amount to lose. It can be so easy to let yourself go briefly and erase your progress that quick. But, I'd say you did a great job of recovering and, you know, that's just how weight loss goes. Keep it up and you'll be at your goal before you know it.

Yeah...on one hand I know I am lucky that I am not staring at a big number to lose, on the other hand I know the weight loss slows down as you have less to lose. I think what you said about erasing the progress so quickly is really what had me upset at the beginning of the week. Life isn't fair, I guess. Thanks for the encouragement!

And woohoo on getting your sunglasses finally! They look great.

FINALLY THEY CAME!!!!! Thank you!

 

[annmarieda]

That's awesome that you got to run with your husband a teeny bit too...and funny that you kept running because you didn't have anything else to do. You must be one of THOSE people that likes running!!

Well, I had my shoes on... and I was on the trail and well better to get another couple miles in then to drive all the way home only to turn right back around to get my dd. BUT I did enjoy it.

I have a lot/hate relationship with speedwork - hate it because it's hard, but because it's hard it's SO satisfying to complete a workout as scheduled!

I am with you on that. Sometimes the harder the run the better I feel after.

OOOH...good luck. We stayed at AKL over Christmas/New Year's and I fell in love with the place. I seriously considered staying there again for Marathon Weekend. It's so relaxing and peaceful there.

Well, tomorrow will be telling. When my 7 month first opened up only friday was booked. Today was the 7 month for Saturday and it sold out too. I didn't want to have to move on race day so I planned to call tomorrow. Hopefully it won't sell out before I have a chance to book it.

i really like the feel of the Boardwalk. It's a little less crowded than some of the other resorts, I think. And the Boardwalk Bakery is right there, so that's pretty awesome.

I am really looking forward to staying there. For sure in October and then it looks like maybe february as well.

Honestly, I think Star Wars is going to sell out faster than any other Disney race has. I'm sort of looking forward to the mayhem tomorrow (probably a mean thing to say since I'm sure a lot of people are really nervous to try to register!)

It is just crazy how fast things sell out and how crazy people get about registering. I will be happy when it all dies down a tad.

Maybe quite a few...I wonder how many are going to do both. Or both plus the CC5K Challenge!!

OMG, can you imagine???

Well I'm not actually doing it! I need to save my time off from work for other things so I literally cannot do it this year.

I know... but just the fact that you would if you had the time to take off makes you brave in my opinion.

Congrats on being burger-free!! I hope you can successfully do it all month like you wanted. I do think Coke is probably my favorite thing that I SHOULD cut out, but I feel better than I'm down to just 1 or 2 per week now. That seems like an improvement...

I am going to stick to this month... just for the discipline. However I am wondering if it isn't better for me to pick up a cheeseburger at mcd's than to grab a taco at a different drive through. I thought... ok, fresh ingredients...no sour cream... chicken...has to be better for me right? Well, it is more calories.

At this point I think it's gone! Woohoo!

It's the racerback style. They are so darn cute that I am determined to have them look good on me. It WILL happen!!!!!!

It will!!!

If nothing else I know I have made progress and feel better about myself, so that's a win anyway, even if I don't hit that exact number...

...I'd really like to hit that number though.

You really have to take your wins even if they are smaller than you would like.

You're right. And it's not like I regret going out that night. I was there with my two cousins (we grew up together, they're like sisters to me), my aunt (who is like my second mother) and my mom...and we all had a great time. I wouldn't have wanted to miss that!

AND I am guessing that you would have regretting not going. So in the end that is what as important.

Right?? I'm so glad I was in the right state of mind before I read that. I really think I would have been reduced to tears otherwise! At least I know that for the future.

I think they should rethink that prompt. It cant really encourage many people.

I like waving at other runners! It makes me weirdly happy for some reason, like we're in a secret club!

YUP!

 

[MarisaLZ]

I'm so sorry I didn't respond to this sooner!

I assuming you are using the Galloway marathon plan? I looked and here's what the documentation says:

"Use the standard warmup
• Run around a track if at all possible (or a very
accurately measured one mile segment)
• Time yourself for 4 laps (1600 meters). Start the
watch at the beginning, and keep it running until
you cross the finish at 1.0 miles.
• On the first MM, don’t run all-out: run at a pace
that is slightly faster than your current gentle
pace.
• Only one MM is done on each day it is assigned.
• On each successive MM (usually 2-3 weeks later),
your mission is to beat the previous best time.
• Don’t ever run so hard that you hurt your feet,
knees, etc. Maintain a short stride, picking up the
cadence or turnover to run faster.
• After the MM, jog slowly for the rest of the
distance assigned on that day taking as many walk
breaks as you wish."

So to me this sounds like your run would be 4 miles total with the MM thrown in there at some point. Although at this point you probably already did that run... Hope it was a good one!!!

Thanks so much That is what I did - I was hoping I didn't cheat

 

[Ariel484]

Well, I had my shoes on... and I was on the trail and well better to get another couple miles in then to drive all the way home only to turn right back around to get my dd. BUT I did enjoy it.

Then that is all that matters!

Well, tomorrow will be telling. When my 7 month first opened up only friday was booked. Today was the 7 month for Saturday and it sold out too. I didn't want to have to move on race day so I planned to call tomorrow. Hopefully it won't sell out before I have a chance to book it.

AHHHH I hope it came through for you!!!

I am really looking forward to staying there. For sure in October and then it looks like maybe february as well.

NICE!

It is just crazy how fast things sell out and how crazy people get about registering. I will be happy when it all dies down a tad.

Me too! I'm pretty sure I want to do the Dumbo Double Dare next year, and I'm already nervous about registering. It seems impossible to get in because 1.) It's a Disneyland race (big demand, not many spots) and 2.) It'll be the 10th anniversary of the DL half. Thankfully my AP should still be good when registration is happening so hopefully I can get in early!

OMG, can you imagine???

NO! I cannot imagine having the money or the time off from work to be able to pull that off!

I know... but just the fact that you would if you had the time to take off makes you brave in my opinion.

Aw shucks. Well it's not happening anyway!

I am going to stick to this month... just for the discipline. However I am wondering if it isn't better for me to pick up a cheeseburger at mcd's than to grab a taco at a different drive through. I thought... ok, fresh ingredients...no sour cream... chicken...has to be better for me right? Well, it is more calories.

Why is food so difficult? We just can't win.

It will!!!

AHH...it WON'T! I decided "what the heck" and wore one for my run yesterday...it was a wee bit tight in the stomach area, but not bad. But apparently when I was first trying the tops on I was just focusing on where I thought it looked the worst (stomach) and didn't notice that they are too big in the chest! I think maybe if I had broader shoulders or something it would have been better, but as I ran the stupid thing was inching down, down, down... So every time I had a walk break I had to yank it back up again. So the two that I haven't worn yet are going back and I'm back to square one. I'm soooooo sad!

It reminded me of your SparkleSkirt fit situation...apparently I need a personal tailor to properly wear Raw Threads racerbacks.

AND I am guessing that you would have regretting not going. So in the end that is what as important.

I absolutely would have. No regrets!...although I probably could have turned down a drink or two.

I think they should rethink that prompt. It cant really encourage many people.

I think so too. Like I said, I'm glad I know now that it's going to pop up if I have a gain.

Thanks so much That is what I did - I was hoping I didn't cheat

Well, I don't think you cheated! If that counts for anything!

 

[annmarieda]

AHHHH I hope it came through for you!!!

Yes, it sure did!

Me too! I'm pretty sure I want to do the Dumbo Double Dare next year, and I'm already nervous about registering. It seems impossible to get in because 1.) It's a Disneyland race (big demand, not many spots) and 2.) It'll be the 10th anniversary of the DL half. Thankfully my AP should still be good when registration is happening so hopefully I can get in early!

Yeah, that might be tough. Just live by your computer that morning with your active account active and your credit card ready. I bet having early registration will make a difference!

AHH...it WON'T! I decided "what the heck" and wore one for my run yesterday...it was a wee bit tight in the stomach area, but not bad. But apparently when I was first trying the tops on I was just focusing on where I thought it looked the worst (stomach) and didn't notice that they are too big in the chest! I think maybe if I had broader shoulders or something it would have been better, but as I ran the stupid thing was inching down, down, down... So every time I had a walk break I had to yank it back up again. So the two that I haven't worn yet are going back and I'm back to square one. I'm soooooo sad!

I am so sorry. I know how frustrating that can be.

It reminded me of your SparkleSkirt fit situation...apparently I need a personal tailor to properly wear Raw Threads racerbacks.

While it is kinda funny... it is frustrating!!!

 

[loop]

I'm a longtime lurker of the dis, but I finally got around to making an account and wanted to say hi.

I injured my ankle very badly in February and still am only able to run about 10 steps at a time before the pain sets in. Before my injury, I had finished C25K and was hoping to increase my mileage to maybe do a half marathon later this year, and it's been so frustrating knowing that all of my previous gains have been lost and I'm going to start over from scratch.

I stumbled onto one of your race reports and it was a huge motivator for me. So thank you for posting your training here. I've gone from just sitting on the couch waiting for my body to magically get back to where it was pre-accident to getting excited about starting training again in a few months and doing some races next year.

 

[Ariel484]

Yes, it sure did!

WOOHOO!! That is awesome!

Yeah, that might be tough. Just live by your computer that morning with your active account active and your credit card ready. I bet having early registration will make a difference!

I absolutely will. I already have an alarm set on my phone for when I think it'll open. I'm going to be stalking the WDW AP website, that is for sure.

I am so sorry. I know how frustrating that can be.

I'm just glad I tried them on early enough to return them!

While it is kinda funny... it is frustrating!!!

Maybe you and I can go in on a tailor together.

I'm a longtime lurker of the dis, but I finally got around to making an account and wanted to say hi.

I injured my ankle very badly in February and still am only able to run about 10 steps at a time before the pain sets in. Before my injury, I had finished C25K and was hoping to increase my mileage to maybe do a half marathon later this year, and it's been so frustrating knowing that all of my previous gains have been lost and I'm going to start over from scratch.

I'm so sorry that happened to you! I had to start over from scratch too a couple of years ago after blowing out my back. It's frustrating and it sucks, but you will get back to where you were!

I stumbled onto one of your race reports and it was a huge motivator for me. So thank you for posting your training here. I've gone from just sitting on the couch waiting for my body to magically get back to where it was pre-accident to getting excited about starting training again in a few months and doing some races next year.

Thank you so much for letting me know and for reading. I really hope that you feel better and are back to running soon.

 

[Ariel484]

Week 4 of 4th of July 5-miler Training
Monday, June 9, 2014 - Sunday, June 15, 2014

7.65 miles completed
52.85 miles completed in 5-miler Training
308.65 miles completed in 2014 so far

Monday, June 9: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 1) + Ab Burner

Last Lean 1 workout for this round of CLX! I have to say, of the Lean circuit workouts, I think this one has become my favorite. Lots of biceps (a stronger area for me) and triceps (a weaker area for me). I enjoyed it this morning!

As usual, didn't wake up early enough to get abs in this morning, so I did some abs stuff when I got home. Instead of Ab Ripper X I popped in Ab Burner (the other ChaLEAN Extreme ab video) and did that one. Good workout.

And that's all I've got! Boring Monday so far.

Tuesday, June 10: Run #1 (4 miles on the treadmill) + Extreme Abs

Arrrrg. I have a problem.

Today I decided that despite the fact that I don't love how those Raw Threads tanks I just ordered fit right now, I still wanted to wear one. So I picked one (the "Snowflake," aka Elsa bow tank top) and wore it for my run this morning. The run was fine (4 miles in 42:33, 10:38ish/mile pace...today I ran 6 minutes and walked 1 minute - it went pretty well), but the tank was not.

I think when I initially tried those tops on my focus immediately went to what I saw as my "problem" area, namely that they were a little tight around the stomach. That's the only reason I can come up with for why I failed to realized that while they are tight in the stomach right now (and hopefully not for much longer), they are WAY too big in the chest area. I'm sort of astounded because (ahem) I NEVER have that problem. Yet as I was running today the shirt would slowly slide down, down down...then I'd get to my one-minute walk break and have to pull it right back up. Maybe this is the kind of thing I never would have noticed until I ran in the shirt, but...arrrrg! I'm so sad! It wasn't, like, totally falling off of me or anything, but I don't want to be showing cleavage on the race course. That's fine for some ladies (no judging!) but it's not my style. I can't return the one I wore today (because, well...I wore it) but I will be sending back the other two. I'm so glad I tried the shirts on now instead of just throwing them into the closet until I felt like they'd fit better...because if I keep losing weight I'm sure the too-big-in-the-chest problem would have gotten worse and I would have been well outside of the return window.

I'm pretty bummed - I was planning on wearing all of the shirts for upcoming races. I think for now I'm going to just wait a couple of months, see how the weight loss goes, and then revisit things. These tops I'm sending back are medium racerbacks, so I'll probably try out the small racerbacks at some point, or go with the equilibrium-style tops instead (I KNOW those fit me - size small - but I sort of like how the racerbacks look better...on other people and not on me, obviously) - or maybe I'll even wait until November and try things on at the Wine & Dine expo. That's one aspect of Raw Threads I'm not a huge fan of - their sizing is wonky and inconsistent from shirt to shirt. Boo!

When I got home I did Extreme Abs and tried on my one Raw Threads equilibrium-style tank to make sure it fits, and it does. So that might be what I go with when I replace these others ones. I'm going to think about it for awhile.

Wednesday, June 11: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 2)

Last Lean 2 workout for this round of CLX! It was good...shoulder stuff. Really tough. I do think my mind wandered at one point and I stopped paying attention to good form - didn't keep my back flat and I may have slightly tweaked it. Oops!

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip update: I read a tip in the budget section to re-check flight prices after last weeks sale, as the OP's flights had dropped a few bucks. I doubted mine had (in fact the last time I looked at my flight to MCO it had gone UP almost $100! ) but I looked anyway. Sure enough, my flights were now $133 each way, down from $139. Initially I wasn't going to re-book, but I did anyway - 12 bucks is 12 bucks. Now I have a $50 Southwest credit that I can (hopefully) use for a flight in January! Woohoo! I can't realistically see these flights dropped much more in price, but I did get a $99 one-way flight to MCO in September...so it's possible.

No abs today - the bro (aka Princess Craiggy) is in town for my cousin's wedding! His flight got in this afternoon and Will and I met up with him and my mom for dinner.

Yay!

I told him how the Star Wars half sold out insanely fast and he said that "the first thing" he wants to do after he graduates from nursing school is run that race. Um...you don’t have to tell me twice! I'm there!

Thursday, June 12: Run #2 (40-minute tempo run...3.65 miles completed) + Extreme Abs + Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Lean 3)

Good run today. Somehow this tempo run didn't feel as long as some of the other ones I have done. Originally I was thinking I would do one of my longer runs today but when I woke up this morning I felt like there was a rock in my stomach (probably a result of last night's tasty dinner) so I thought it would be best to do the shorter run. Since I'd woken up a little earlier planning to run longer, I had time to do abs this morning!

No workouts tomorrow...I just got the wedding day itinerary in my email and I'm going to have about a 14-hour day, so I'm going to sleep in as late as possible. I had some extra time when I got home so I ended up doing a round of ChaLEAN Extreme (Lean 3)! Time to start fresh with CLX again.

Cruise update: With the rehearsal dinner this evening I worked a half day today. When I got home I found a Magical Express envelope waiting for me!! Woohoo! Just a little over a month left!

**WW Update**

Today was weigh-in day. I've been a little sloppy over the past few days and was up 0.4 pounds. Not a total surprise. The app scolded me again. But that still puts me at 4.2 pounds down over 4 weeks, so I'm happy with that. The next few days are going to be a bit of a challenge (rehearsal dinner tonight, wedding day tomorrow) so I'm going to try to do the best I can to get back to it.

I didn't quite make my goal number for the wedding (which is tomorrow), so it's time to re-focus and set a new one - I have a very specific number I want to get to by the time we head down to Florida for our cruise in July 19 (ahhhh a little more than a month from now!!!). That's 3.4 pounds down from where I am now. Aaaaaand...GO!

Friday, June 13: Rest Day

It's wedding day! What a loooooong day.

I originally set my alarm to get up at 7 to get a run in, but I woke up at 5 with my mind racing, thinking of things I wanted to bring today. So I bagged the run and tried to get more sleep. Will and I left the house by 9:15 and I was dropped off at the salon. The rest of the ladies began to arrive shortly after...excitement!!

Originally I wanted my hair curled with a wand in sort of a half-up style. Well, I picked the wrong width curling wand and suddenly I had tight Shirley Temple-like curls...no good! So halfway through the stylist and I agreed that a change needed to be made and we went with my second choice - a low, messy bun. I wasn't a fan of the front at first, but as the day went on I grew to LOVE LOVE LOVE how my hair looked. I got compliments and my husband later told me that my brother described it as very Mad Men-like, which I thought was cool. Complimented my dress well...sort of sophisticated and classic (at least I'd like to think so ).

(Excuse the quality of these pictures...they are all from my phone and I tried to clean them up in Photoshop.)

We were at the hotel by noon to keep getting ready. Even though I didn't make my weight loss goal, I DID feel really good about how I looked in my dress, so that is the most important thing. I was comfortable all day and did get some compliments! I love that dress so much. Unfortunately I never got a good picture of myself in it (maybe when the professional pictures come back?) but I'm planning on wearing it for the cruise so I'll be sure to get some pictures then!

My cousin the bride looked amazing, of course. Check out these shoes!

Her feet were totally dyed blue by the end of the night! LOL.

Some other details...her dress was completely not what I expected her to pick, but she looked amazing. I loved it!

Me and my younger cousin (the bride's sister/Maid of Honor):

Cousin-bride and her now-husband did a "first look" rather than waiting to see one another at the ceremony for the first time. I SO wish Will and I did this for our wedding! It was so cute to watch.

After the first look the bridal party piled into a limo and drove around getting some pictures. So much fun! I even survived the day in my 4-inch heels (barely...but I DID survive. Only one blister and I didn't break my ankle!). Then it was time for the ceremony (beautiful!) and the reception, which was a blast.

Smooch!

Friday the 13th wedding...

With my cousins...we grew up together and while we’ve not done a super great job of keeping in touch over the past few years, I had a great time with them over the past couple of weeks. We all vowed to do better! Love these girls so much.

With the bro!

And with Will! He cleans up quite nicely.

All-in-all, fabulous day. I was so happy for my cousin and her new husband. They have been together for 10 years...!! It was really a privilege to spend the day with them.

By about 1AM I was DONE. We made the last-minute decision to get a hotel room (so glad!) and I was in bed by 1:30.

Saturday, June 14: 5 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Woke up with a headache, still feel exhausted, and after walking around in those heels yesterday my feet and ankles are killing me. Rest day it is!

Sunday, June 15: 6 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Still tired, still VERY sore in the ankle area. The second half of this week is a bust...arrrrg!


Continued in Next Post

 

[annmarieda]

Maybe you and I can go in on a tailor together.

And that's all I've got! Boring Monday so far.

Not boring! You got a lot done!!

Tuesday, June 10: Run #1 (4 miles on the treadmill) + Extreme Abs

Arrrrg. I have a problem.

Today I decided that despite the fact that I don't love how those Raw Threads tanks I just ordered fit right now, I still wanted to wear one. So I picked one (the "Snowflake," aka Elsa bow tank top) and wore it for my run this morning. The run was fine (4 miles in 42:33, 10:38ish/mile pace...today I ran 6 minutes and walked 1 minute - it went pretty well), but the tank was not.

I think when I initially tried those tops on my focus immediately went to what I saw as my "problem" area, namely that they were a little tight around the stomach. That's the only reason I can come up with for why I failed to realized that while they are tight in the stomach right now (and hopefully not for much longer), they are WAY too big in the chest area. I'm sort of astounded because (ahem) I NEVER have that problem. Yet as I was running today the shirt would slowly slide down, down down...then I'd get to my one-minute walk break and have to pull it right back up. Maybe this is the kind of thing I never would have noticed until I ran in the shirt, but...arrrrg! I'm so sad! It wasn't, like, totally falling off of me or anything, but I don't want to be showing cleavage on the race course. That's fine for some ladies (no judging!) but it's not my style. I can't return the one I wore today (because, well...I wore it) but I will be sending back the other two. I'm so glad I tried the shirts on now instead of just throwing them into the closet until I felt like they'd fit better...because if I keep losing weight I'm sure the too-big-in-the-chest problem would have gotten worse and I would have been well outside of the return window.

I'm pretty bummed - I was planning on wearing all of the shirts for upcoming races. I think for now I'm going to just wait a couple of months, see how the weight loss goes, and then revisit things. These tops I'm sending back are medium racerbacks, so I'll probably try out the small racerbacks at some point, or go with the equilibrium-style tops instead (I KNOW those fit me - size small - but I sort of like how the racerbacks look better...on other people and not on me, obviously) - or maybe I'll even wait until November and try things on at the Wine & Dine expo. That's one aspect of Raw Threads I'm not a huge fan of - their sizing is wonky and inconsistent from shirt to shirt. Boo![/quote]


I am so sorry the shirts don't work. It totally sounds like an odd fit. I have been wanting to try the racerbacks... now you have me thinking that they may not work so well for me. I wear a medium in the equilibrium.

When I got home I did Extreme Abs and tried on my one Raw Threads equilibrium-style tank to make sure it fits, and it does. So that might be what I go with when I replace these others ones. I'm going to think about it for awhile.

Whew... glad those works still though!

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip update: I read a tip in the budget section to re-check flight prices after last weeks sale, as the OP's flights had dropped a few bucks. I doubted mine had (in fact the last time I looked at my flight to MCO it had gone UP almost $100! ) but I looked anyway. Sure enough, my flights were now $133 each way, down from $139. Initially I wasn't going to re-book, but I did anyway - 12 bucks is 12 bucks. Now I have a $50 Southwest credit that I can (hopefully) use for a flight in January! Woohoo! I can't realistically see these flights dropped much more in price, but I did get a $99 one-way flight to MCO in September...so it's possible.

That is awesome

I told him how the Star Wars half sold out insanely fast and he said that "the first thing" he wants to do after he graduates from nursing school is run that race. Um...you don’t have to tell me twice! I'm there!

That will be so awesome for the two of you!

Good run today. Somehow this tempo run didn't feel as long as some of the other ones I have done. Originally I was thinking I would do one of my longer runs today but when I woke up this morning I felt like there was a rock in my stomach (probably a result of last night's tasty dinner) so I thought it would be best to do the shorter run. Since I'd woken up a little earlier planning to run longer, I had time to do abs this morning!

Glad the run was good.. that is hard to accomplish when you feel like a rock is in your stomach.

Cruise update: With the rehearsal dinner this evening I worked a half day today. When I got home I found a Magical Express envelope waiting for me!! Woohoo! Just a little over a month left!

Ah, Mickey Mail!!!!

**WW Update**

Today was weigh-in day. I've been a little sloppy over the past few days and was up 0.4 pounds. Not a total surprise. The app scolded me again. But that still puts me at 4.2 pounds down over 4 weeks, so I'm happy with that. The next few days are going to be a bit of a challenge (rehearsal dinner tonight, wedding day tomorrow) so I'm going to try to do the best I can to get back to it.

I think that ap needs a swift kick. You are still overall down, so that is still awesome!!!

I didn't quite make my goal number for the wedding (which is tomorrow), so it's time to re-focus and set a new one - I have a very specific number I want to get to by the time we head down to Florida for our cruise in July 19 (ahhhh a little more than a month from now!!!). That's 3.4 pounds down from where I am now. Aaaaaand...GO!

Originally I wanted my hair curled with a wand in sort of a half-up style. Well, I picked the wrong width curling wand and suddenly I had tight Shirley Temple-like curls...no good! So halfway through the stylist and I agreed that a change needed to be mad and we went with my second choice - a low, messy bun. I wasn't a fan of the front at first, but as the day went on I grew to LOVE LOVE LOVE how my hair looked. I got compliments and my husband later told me that my brother described it as very Mad Men-like, which I thought was cool. Complimented my dress well...sort of sophisticated and classic (at least I'd like to think so ).

(Excuse the quality of these pictures...they are all from my phone and I tried to clean them up in Photoshop.)

Stunning! I think it suited you well.

We were at the hotel by noon to keep getting ready. Even though I didn't make my weight loss goal, I DID feel really good about how I looked in my dress, so that is the most important thing. I was comfortable all day and did get some compliments! I love that dress so much. Unfortunately I never got a good picture of myself in it (maybe when the professional pictures come back?) but I'm planning on wearing it for the cruise so I'll be sure to get some pictures then!

I think there were some great pictures of you. The entire wedding looked like it was just beautiful.

Saturday, June 14: 5 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Woke up with a headache, still feel exhausted, and after walking around in those heels yesterday my feet and ankles are killing me. Rest day it is!

After the day you had before, I think you deserved the rest day!!

Sunday, June 15: 6 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Still tired, still VERY sore in the ankle area. The second half of this week is a bust...arrrrg!

I am always worried about heels and what they will do to me. Sounds like they made your ankles sore.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Tuesday, June 10: Run #1 (4 miles on the treadmill) + Extreme Abs

Arrrrg. I have a problem.

Today I decided that despite the fact that I don't love how those Raw Threads tanks I just ordered fit right now, I still wanted to wear one. So I picked one (the "Snowflake," aka Elsa bow tank top) and wore it for my run this morning. The run was fine (4 miles in 42:33, 10:38ish/mile pace...today I ran 6 minutes and walked 1 minute - it went pretty well), but the tank was not.

I think when I initially tried those tops on my focus immediately went to what I saw as my "problem" area, namely that they were a little tight around the stomach. That's the only reason I can come up with for why I failed to realized that while they are tight in the stomach right now (and hopefully not for much longer), they are WAY too big in the chest area. I'm sort of astounded because (ahem) I NEVER have that problem. Yet as I was running today the shirt would slowly slide down, down down...then I'd get to my one-minute walk break and have to pull it right back up. Maybe this is the kind of thing I never would have noticed until I ran in the shirt, but...arrrrg! I'm so sad! It wasn't, like, totally falling off of me or anything, but I don't want to be showing cleavage on the race course. That's fine for some ladies (no judging!) but it's not my style. I can't return the one I wore today (because, well...I wore it) but I will be sending back the other two. I'm so glad I tried the shirts on now instead of just throwing them into the closet until I felt like they'd fit better...because if I keep losing weight I'm sure the too-big-in-the-chest problem would have gotten worse and I would have been well outside of the return window.

I'm pretty bummed - I was planning on wearing all of the shirts for upcoming races. I think for now I'm going to just wait a couple of months, see how the weight loss goes, and then revisit things. These tops I'm sending back are medium racerbacks, so I'll probably try out the small racerbacks at some point, or go with the equilibrium-style tops instead (I KNOW those fit me - size small - but I sort of like how the racerbacks look better...on other people and not on me, obviously) - or maybe I'll even wait until November and try things on at the Wine & Dine expo. That's one aspect of Raw Threads I'm not a huge fan of - their sizing is wonky and inconsistent from shirt to shirt. Boo!

That sucks! I hate buying shirts that don't fit. I guess thats why you always try the shirt out before you run a race in it. At least you can return the rest of them!

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip update: I read a tip in the budget section to re-check flight prices after last weeks sale, as the OP's flights had dropped a few bucks. I doubted mine had (in fact the last time I looked at my flight to MCO it had gone UP almost $100! ) but I looked anyway. Sure enough, my flights were now $133 each way, down from $139. Initially I wasn't going to re-book, but I did anyway - 12 bucks is 12 bucks. Now I have a $50 Southwest credit that I can (hopefully) use for a flight in January! Woohoo! I can't realistically see these flights dropped much more in price, but I did get a $99 one-way flight to MCO in September...so it's possible.

Yay for saving some money! Every dollar counts.

**WW Update**

Today was weigh-in day. I've been a little sloppy over the past few days and was up 0.4 pounds. Not a total surprise. The app scolded me again. But that still puts me at 4.2 pounds down over 4 weeks, so I'm happy with that. The next few days are going to be a bit of a challenge (rehearsal dinner tonight, wedding day tomorrow) so I'm going to try to do the best I can to get back to it.

I didn't quite make my goal number for the wedding (which is tomorrow), so it's time to re-focus and set a new one - I have a very specific number I want to get to by the time we head down to Florida for our cruise in July 19 (ahhhh a little more than a month from now!!!). That's 3.4 pounds down from where I am now. Aaaaaand...GO!

3.4 pounds is a reasonable goal to get done by your cruise! You can do it!

Saturday, June 14: 5 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Woke up with a headache, still feel exhausted, and after walking around in those heels yesterday my feet and ankles are killing me. Rest day it is!

Sunday, June 15: 6 miles planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Still tired, still VERY sore in the ankle area. The second half of this week is a bust...arrrrg!

Take care of that ankle! I guess you don't wear heels very often either do you?

 

[sumlee]

Sorry the tank isn't working! Bummer! Is it something you could alter? I'm no seamstress, but could you take up the seam in the shoulders?

 

[Ariel484]

Not boring! You got a lot done!!

I am so sorry the shirts don't work. It totally sounds like an odd fit. I have been wanting to try the racerbacks... now you have me thinking that they may not work so well for me. I wear a medium in the equilibrium.

It stinks because it's risky if you can't try them on in person ahead of time. Maybe you can try one on if they come to the DL expo?

The good thing is that the return was pretty easy...I just got an email confirmation that they received my stuff.

Whew... glad those works still though!

Me too!!

That is awesome

Woohoo! I feel like such a savvy traveler.

That will be so awesome for the two of you!

It will be!!! I'm looking forward to it, even though we're probably at least 2 years away from it. Oh well!

Glad the run was good.. that is hard to accomplish when you feel like a rock is in your stomach.

Me too! There was a distinct possibility that things could have gone VERY poorly...

Ah, Mickey Mail!!!!

Somehow I totally forgot it was coming!!! YAY!

I think that ap needs a swift kick. You are still overall down, so that is still awesome!!!

I think it does too! And hey, I'd earn activity points that way! Thanks!

Stunning! I think it suited you well.

Thank you. It was definitely something different for me but i was so happy with it.

I think there were some great pictures of you. The entire wedding looked like it was just beautiful.

Thank you! It was a really fabulous day. We got perfect weather for running around taking the photos. My cousin did a great job planning everything.

After the day you had before, I think you deserved the rest day!!

Me too!...

I am always worried about heels and what they will do to me. Sounds like they made your ankles sore.

They absolutely did! I was expecting my feet to be sore (which they were the day after, but that went away)...wasn't expecting it in my ankles at all.

That sucks! I hate buying shirts that don't fit. I guess thats why you always try the shirt out before you run a race in it. At least you can return the rest of them!

I know! So frustrating. I'm really glad I could return them too, I love Raw Threads, but they are not cheap!!

Yay for saving some money! Every dollar counts.

I agree! A few bucks here and there adds up!

3.4 pounds is a reasonable goal to get done by your cruise! You can do it!

I hope so!! Thanks for the encouragement.

Take care of that ankle! I guess you don't wear heels very often either do you?

NO. No, I do not wear heels often!! Now I remember why!

I'd say the ankles feel 99% normal at this point...whew! For reference, here is a picture of what I was wearing:

Except mine are silver. When I ordered them online I guess I didn't think they looked that threatening...probably should have read the description a little closer, DUH!

 

[Ariel484]

Sorry the tank isn't working! Bummer! Is it something you could alter? I'm no seamstress, but could you take up the seam in the shoulders?

I thought about that! I may try it at some point, but like you...I am no seamstress. I'll try the tank again for a strength training session or something and if I decide it's totally unwearable maybe I will give it a go on the ol' (barely used because I stink at it) sewing machine. Nothing to lose, except my mind!

 

[annmarieda]

It stinks because it's risky if you can't try them on in person ahead of time. Maybe you can try one on if they come to the DL expo?

I did not buy a rawthreads shirt until I did just that. I wasn't sure on the size or the style. Now I know what fits... so I can go with that. I think with the sparkle skirt I would try the slim cut. I bet it would work better for me. I just wish I had tried one on at the expo.

The good thing is that the return was pretty easy...I just got an email confirmation that they received my stuff.

That is good!

 

[Ariel484]

I did not buy a rawthreads shirt until I did just that. I wasn't sure on the size or the style. Now I know what fits... so I can go with that. I think with the sparkle skirt I would try the slim cut. I bet it would work better for me. I just wish I had tried one on at the expo.

My first RawThreads shirt came from the 2011 Princess Half expo, but I was easily 25 pounds heavier then, so it got huge on me. After that I'd been taking lucky guesses while ordering online...I guess that luck was bound to run out eventually.

The SparkleSkirts are tough too. I sent back the first one I ordered but now I've found what works for me from them. I also tried a slim cut (it's a pattern no longer available, I think it was called Damascus? Really pretty black fabric) and that cut does NOT work for me. I was so sad to send it back.

That is good!

Yes! Those tanks are not cheap, so I was very happy to get that money back so quickly!!

 

[ZellyB]

Sorry to hear that the Raw Threads shirts aren't working well. The hazards of online ordering for sure.

I love the wedding shots. Your hair looked fantastic and your dress looks great on you!! Love the shot of you and Will together. But, girl, what were you thinking with those shoes. I wear heals a lot at work, but I wouldn't have risked those!! They do look really pretty though.

Hope the ankle is getting better.

 

[Ariel484]

Sorry to hear that the Raw Threads shirts aren't working well. The hazards of online ordering for sure.

Indeed. That's what I get for trying a different style of shirt when I already knew what works for me, I guess.

I love the wedding shots. Your hair looked fantastic and your dress looks great on you!! Love the shot of you and Will together. But, girl, what were you thinking with those shoes. I wear heals a lot at work, but I wouldn't have risked those!! They do look really pretty though.

Thanks!

I don't know WHAT I was thinking besides "ooh, look! Shiny! Pretty!" I normally never wear heels and now I remember why!

They actually weren't as bad as I expected but I'm not in a rush to wear them for an extended period of time again...

Hope the ankle is getting better.

Haha! The ankles are pretty much fine by now. I can still feel it a little bit if I point my toes (similar to how my feet were when I was walking in the heels...gee whoda thunk it?! ). Overall they feel better though...I was NOT expecting that to linger for a few days! Oops!

 

[dmross]

NO. No, I do not wear heels often!! Now I remember why!

I'd say the ankles feel 99% normal at this point...whew! For reference, here is a picture of what I was wearing:

Except mine are silver. When I ordered them online I guess I didn't think they looked that threatening...probably should have read the description a little closer, DUH!

Oo... So Pretty! So biomechanically unstable! But Pretty!!

Part of my race anxiety is to develop a heeled shoe phobia about three weeks out from a big race...

 

[Dis_Yoda]

NO. No, I do not wear heels often!! Now I remember why!

I'd say the ankles feel 99% normal at this point...whew! For reference, here is a picture of what I was wearing:

Except mine are silver. When I ordered them online I guess I didn't think they looked that threatening...probably should have read the description a little closer, DUH!

Those look super cute but yeah, I could see them hurting the ankles. When I was at my reunion, I had on like 2" heels & my shins were sore from the dancing the next day.