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

[annmarieda]

Well thank you so much! I will definitely let you know!

Beyond eyeing the Peacock Earth for awhile, I never thought I'd get one until my friend sent me a picture of herself wearing one. I think they look different *on* someone than they do on the website, if that makes sense.

It does. I got had been wondering about bollywood and then saw some people online with it and it sealed the deal. In person it is VERY pretty.

It's addicting, buying those skirts! Especially reading about how many people buy in those Facebook groups.

It really is! I bought some to wear to Disney because of how comfortable they are. I will wear them to run in too...so I justified it.

What did you think of the sale? I was a little disappointed in it! I think I was expecting better prices from a "liquidation." I guess what they had was better than nothing though.

Some of them I thought were not that great. I think the clearanced saucy wench/pirate tech one I got went up in price during the sale. However I was able to get 2 skirts. I talked myself into 2 because of shipping and because I had sold something else (arm sleeves) during the garage sale. (btw, LOVE that that group does that...even if not everything gets sold)

The Saucy Wench one is an example of one I never thought I'd like from the website pictures, but I like it more after seeing it *on* someone (i.e. YOU! in your PTR ).

I really really like it. I thought I would like it...but I REALLY do. I just wish it was swing instead of slim cut.

22.05 miles completed
114.11 miles completed in half marathon training so far
473.81 miles completed in 2014 so far[/B]

Your miles are racking up!

Not the best night of sleep last night - I had a baaaaad dream that woke me up at about 3AM and I couldn't really get back to sleep after that. I hate when that happens! If I could take a pill that would give me dreamless sleep every night, I would totally do it. I have bad nightmares every so often.

Bad dreams suck!

Wednesday, August 13: Run #2 (9x400 @ 5K pace…4.75 miles completed)

TOUGH time getting out of bed today. I did a wee bit better with getting to sleep last night but the week is starting to catch up with me. I had a splitting headache on my way into work this morning and just felt pretty wiped. We've had dark, rainy weather this week too, so that doesn't help.

But man, despite that, pretty great run today! Except for the last 3 intervals (which were okay, just started to feel challenging) I felt really good throughout this run. It helped to wake me up, give me some energy, and even dulled my headache a bit. Overall I went 4.75 miles and it took about 55 minutes.

Only one more speedwork run this year! I think I'll kind of miss them...always nice to have a little variety to break up the running week. And I really do think that the speedwork has helped my pace get a little better this year.

I really admire you for doing the speed work. I know just how tough it is. I just couldn't stick with it... maybe some day I will attempt it again.

Our grocery store was sampling these AMAZING grapes this week - crunchy, sweet and juicy - and I may be addicted to them, so maybe those need to become my new go-to snack instead of, say, Cheetos or Goldfish.

probably. Course... if you are like me it is the salt in those other snacks that I crave. I somehow think that the grapes would not be nearly as good with added salt.

ALSO...I sold that Raw Threads Elsa tank top that I bought a few weeks back, the one that I ran in once (and thus could not return) and kept having to yank up. Someone on the Raw Threads Resale group on Facebook offered me $20...I was asking $25, but I took it. I got to the gym early this morning and was able to get to the post office by work early enough to ship it out. After shipping I really only made $15 on the shirt, but at least I got some of my money back.

Wait... there is a resale RT group? As for the shipping... doesn't that just suck? As I mentioned earlier...I sold the arm sleeves. After shipping though there was very little left and definitely not as much as I paid.

My other RT shirt I am trying to sell has had zero interest so I may need to look for a different way to unload it, or end up keeping it.

I have seen you post it a couple times now. I wonder if it is the miles.... I know for me I would lean against it because I am not doing a race (or series of) that come out to be that many miles.

Well...I have a problem.

Today I ran in my new PeacockSapphire SparkleSkirt...and I'm obsessed with it.

That is just SOOO PRETTY! I can see why you may be obsessed. I bet it goes with just about everything!

After thinking about it a bit, I looked on the SparkleSkirts website and found the pink and purple versions of the Peacock skirts, and ordered them. They both have more colors (the purple has purple and blue in it, and the pink has pink, lavender, magenta and orange) so hopefully they will get more wear than my solid-color skirts. If I like the peacock ones as much as I think I will, I'm going to sell the solid-colored once on Facebook. It's amazing how well these SparkleSkirts hold their value.

Yay for more skirts!! And yes... I bet you will sell your solid skirts very easily on one of the facebook groups!

On another note, the SparkleSkirts website had a sale today that they had been hyping for awhile, and personally I found it a little disappointing. It was billed as a "liquidation" sale, but it looked like skirts were only discounted $5-$10...even the damaged ones! I guess they have figured out people have no problem paying full price...or even close to full price for used skirts.

OH! I forgot about that. The damaged ones were barely reduced. That is CRAZY!

Anyway…

GREAT run today! Not a goal pace run this time...it felt really good.

Splits:
Mile 1: 9:43
Mile 2: 9:51
Mile 3: 10:19 (1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile)
Mile 4: 9:47
Mile 5: 10:15 (1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile)

Total time: 49:56, 9:59/mile pace

Looks like an awesome run!!!

Never tried these for running before and I feel a little shady buying Lululemon stuff after some of their recent bad publicity...but 50% off is 50% off. I was planning on getting a new pair of crops anyway since my Nikes are sort of bunchy - I guess that what happens when I gain weight/lose weight/grain weight/lose weight. My pants stretch out. But hey, those Nike crops did last me 6 years. That's pretty good. Originally I'd been thinking of trying the SparkleSkirts crops but with this sale, the Lululemon crops are about $20-$30 cheaper. SS gets enough of my money!

A sale is a sale! And agreed... SS get enough of my money too!

Last shopping update - the Minnie-inspired SweatyBand I have been eyeing for Marathon Weekend was on sale for $9, so I grabbed it. Unfortunately, the shipping was a ridiculous $5. For a freaking headband?! Ugh.

(I got the one on the left.)

I ran in that same one today! (had to try out my race outfit)

I wore my new Lululemon crops today and I LOVE them. They felt soooooo good. The only bad thing about them is the lack of pockets. I think I am really spoiled by the SparkleSkirts...they have 3 big pockets, where the crops (and most other running bottoms) have one small zipper pocket above the butt and two small open pockets on the waistband (which I personally think are pointless). But overall they felt so good that I came home and searched the sale section of Lululemon's website for more pairs - weirdly enough they aren't on sale online even though they were at the yoga studio. I think I'll keep checking the website to see if they get marked down, though...I wouldn't mind having another pair.

I do really love those pockets but it is nice when something else can be so comfortable.

This run was mostly fantastic. I felt great the entire time! I set my watch to run 6 minutes/walk 1 minute intervals and had Gu chomps at the 3- and 6-mile mark...drinking water throughout. Total time for the run was 1:38:58, 10:38/mile pace. Probably the best I have felt on a long run in awhile.

That is AWESOME!

The only bad thing is that I wore one of my new RawThreads tanks for this run...the pink Minnie one. And I think I cannot wear these tanks for long runs anymore, because with about 1.5 miles to go I could start to feel chafing under my arms! Not quite in my armpits, but close. Not fun. It buuuurrrrned. I actually ended up doing the rest of the run with my arms in a sort of chicken wing-like position - elbows pointed out. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a window while doing this and it looked about as cool as it sounds. I actually started to feel the chafing during my 10-miler last weekend as well (wearing the Rapunzel tank) and I have never had that happen before.

I JUST started really having this problem too. I thought it could not be the RT tanks... so kept wearing them. Today I wore a Target one.. and NO CHAFFING. Sorry that you had to do the chicken wing position... sadly... I have been doing that too lately.

So sadly enough, I definitely think I cannot wear these kinds of tops for really anything longer than a 10K. Boo! At least I know now - I most likely will not buy any more of them, and I definitely won't wear them for a half or full marathon. Oh well.

Kinda wondering about this myself.. but I love how they feel and look. Cant they just work? I mean... they never use to cause me chaffing. Why or why now?? It has to be the heat/humidity.

Also! I think I mentioned awhile back that we're trying to do some serious de-cluttering and have been selling stuff on eBay. We're having some really good success - about to transfer maybe $400 to our bank account from PayPal (this is how I'm justifying the new running clothes I have been buying lately ).

That is super cool!!!

One of the things I sold was my pair of 2013 runDisney Minnie shoes I bought at the Wine & Dine expo. They were sort of an impulse buy - they were THERE, so I just grabbed them. I thought I'd use them to do errands and stuff (never to run - Brooks Adrenalines work for me, so that's what I'll stay with). Then 2 things happened - 1. Someone told me they looked like Ronald McDonald shoes, and I just couldn't unsee that and 2. Even bigger of an issue, those shoes HURT my feet. Like, I wore them maybe 5 times when grocery shopping and thought I hurt myself.

I've seen the crazy price-gouging when it comes to these shoes (selling them for $400 and whatnot) and didn't want to do that. I started the bidding at $25...had tons of watchers...they sold for $47. And they are in great condition. I am not a happy camper!

This not so much. Well... at least someone got a really super good deal. Maybe you made their day.

 

[Ariel484]

It does. I got had been wondering about bollywood and then saw some people online with it and it sealed the deal. In person it is VERY pretty.

Bollywood does look really pretty! I'm glad you got it.

It really is! I bought some to wear to Disney because of how comfortable they are. I will wear them to run in too...so I justified it.

It never occurred to me to wear them when not running, until I saw that people on that Facebook group do it. I bet they are great for the parks!

Some of them I thought were not that great. I think the clearanced saucy wench/pirate tech one I got went up in price during the sale. However I was able to get 2 skirts. I talked myself into 2 because of shipping and because I had sold something else (arm sleeves) during the garage sale. (btw, LOVE that that group does that...even if not everything gets sold)

YAY for new skirts! Which ones did you get? Bollywood and some other one?

I wish there was a better way to set up the garage sale, but it's definitely cool that they do that. I also wish I'd known about that and tried to sell the Minnie shoes there instead of on eBay...oh well.

I really really like it. I thought I would like it...but I REALLY do. I just wish it was swing instead of slim cut.

I wish the slim cuts worked for me. I just don't think they look that great on me. However I did get a Rainforest, which is a vented slim cut - I feel like that one is a little more, um, "forgiving" than the "real" slim cuts and I think it looks okay on me.

Your miles are racking up!

They are!! Yours are too! It's that time of year I guess.

Bad dreams suck!

Especially when they are super realistic. It's the worst.

I really admire you for doing the speed work. I know just how tough it is. I just couldn't stick with it... maybe some day I will attempt it again.

Thanks! I think I like it just because it adds some variety to the week, ya know? I do think using a treadmill makes it easier, for me at least...and I think it has helped my pace.

probably. Course... if you are like me it is the salt in those other snacks that I crave. I somehow think that the grapes would not be nearly as good with added salt.

It ABSOLUTELY is the salt! I love salty snacks!!! I'm with you that grapes + salt would not be good though...

Wait... there is a resale RT group?

Yes! I think it's called exactly that - Raw Threads resale. Most of the tops sell for about $25-$28, which is a good deal. It's nowhere near as active as those SparkleSkirt groups.

As for the shipping... doesn't that just suck? As I mentioned earlier...I sold the arm sleeves. After shipping though there was very little left and definitely not as much as I paid.

Yes! I always forget how pricey shipping can be.

I have seen you post it a couple times now. I wonder if it is the miles.... I know for me I would lean against it because I am not doing a race (or series of) that come out to be that many miles.

Yeah, i think I'm going to have to give up on it. I was going to wear it for the marathon but it's just not going to work, so I guess I'll keep it to use for training runs.

That is just SOOO PRETTY! I can see why you may be obsessed. I bet it goes with just about everything!

It does!! Super versatile!!

Yay for more skirts!! And yes... I bet you will sell your solid skirts very easily on one of the facebook groups!

I have definitely been on a skirt buying binge lately - I sold 3 (including those solid-colored ones) and bought 5! Since I sold 3 it only *feels* like I bought 2 new ones, but still...I am definitely taking a break for a bit.

OH! I forgot about that. The damaged ones were barely reduced. That is CRAZY!

I know!!! I couldn't believe that!

Of course the good thing about that is that one of my skirts I sold had a small run in it - so I priced it at $55 (same as on the website) - and someone bought it for that price! Even with a detailed picture of the flaw. I was surprised but it worked well for me!

Looks like an awesome run!!!

It was! That was probably the most enjoyable run I have had in awhile.

A sale is a sale! And agreed... SS get enough of my money too!

YEP! They have certainly been getting mine lately. I have a couple of skirts I may buy at the Wine & Dine expo too.

I ran in that same one today! (had to try out my race outfit)

How was it?! I think it's soooo adorable!

I do really love those pockets but it is nice when something else can be so comfortable.

Yeah, I think those crops will be good for runs in cooler weather when I don't need fuel. They are soooo comfy.

That is AWESOME!

I JUST started really having this problem too. I thought it could not be the RT tanks... so kept wearing them. Today I wore a Target one.. and NO CHAFFING. Sorry that you had to do the chicken wing position... sadly... I have been doing that too lately.

ARRG! Isn't that sooo frustrating?? I wish I'd figured that out before buying a bunch! Chicken pits are the worst.

Again...I'm glad I'm figuring this out now. I was planning on wearing a RT tank for the WDW Half and now I know I shouldn't.

Kinda wondering about this myself.. but I love how they feel and look. Cant they just work? I mean... they never use to cause me chaffing. Why or why now?? It has to be the heat/humidity.

Maybe you are right. I do think they are not as breathable compared to some of my other tanks though...hmmmm...

That is super cool!!!

Yes! And takes away some of the guilt from buying all of those skirts.

This not so much. Well... at least someone got a really super good deal. Maybe you made their day.

Boy, I sure hope so!!!!

 

[Ariel484]

Week 7 of Half Marathon Training
Monday, August 18, 2014 - Sunday, August 24, 2014

25.1 miles completed
139.21 miles completed in half marathon training so far
498.91 miles completed in 2014 so far

Monday, August 18: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Push 2) + Ab Burner

YO!

Another morning with Chalene. I may have said it before, but I don't super love Push 2. Lots of exercising of little tiny shoulder muscles...just not my cup of tea. I did have time to do some abs stuff afterward, so that was good.

Also, I mailed the runDisney Minnie shoes out today. I'm glad they're gone, but shipping them cost almost $10!!! And I even used a box from home to try to cut down on the cost. ARG! Seriously, no more runDisney shoes for me!

Tuesday, August 19: Run #1 (5 miles on the treadmill)

Weird run today. It felt like it was going by sooooo slowly and taking forever when I was actually doing it, but when I was done it seemed like it had gone by really quickly. Whatever! I did run 4 minutes/walk 1 minute intervals and the entire run took 55:39 (11:08ish/mile pace). This week is my peak week in half marathon training with 25ish miles planned, and I'm glad to have my long treadmill run for the week done!

After the run/before work I headed to the post office to ship more eBay stuff, along with some SparkleSkirts! I managed to sell the two solid-colored skirts I mentioned last week (a hot pink and a purple one) on the SparkleSkirts Fanzone Facebook group last night. The purple skirt sold in 2 minutes - seriously, 2 minutes! Crazy! I got $60 for that one...originally I paid $65 for it at the Princess Half expo so I thought that was pretty good! The person that ended up buying it found a flaw I'd overlooked though (a little run in the skirt), so I re-listed it for $55 - with a detailed picture of the flaw - and another person scooped it up.

The pink one didn't go as quickly...I panicked and since I knew I was already coming to the post office this morning, I wanted it to sell last night so I wouldn't have to make 2 trips (this is my 4th trip to the post office in the past 6 days or so - serious de-cluttering + eBay selling going on in our house!). I had an inkling that the skirt wasn't selling quickly because it has white undershorts, which don't seem as popular. Plus, it’s been sitting in the Sale section of the SparkleSkirts website for quite a few weeks at this point. So in my panic I dropped the price to $45 (from the original $55 I was asking - same price SparkleSkirts is asking for this skirt on their website). And it sold! And later I wished I'd waited a couple more hours because apparently used medium skirts are super rare, and people were commenting on the thread like, "aw man! An elusive medium!" Oops. So with the price drop I didn't make as much of the money back as I did with the purple one (I originally paid $65 for the pink one as well). Oh well. At least now I don't feel guilty for ordering the two new skirts...and for buying a used one on the Facebook group! How did that happen?!

ALSO. I don't know if I have mentioned it but I have been starting to have little Dopey training freakouts. I have known what plan I want to use for quite awhile now, and every once in awhile certain aspects of said plan make me nervous . Yesterday as I was leaving work I was really thinking about how crappy it'll be to have Sunday long runs...I really like having my long runs on Saturdays and having Sunday as a rest day so I can sit around like a lazy slob before heading back to work. But for Dopey training I'll be out running for like 2-4 hours on Sundays instead. So that freaked me out.

But then I actually looked at the training plan (which I'll post here after my upcoming half marathon) and realized that I only have 8 Sunday long runs. Two of those long runs are being replaced with races (the Akron Half Marathon - the race is on Saturday that weekend and I'm doing that in place of a scheduled 14-miler - and the Jingle Jungle 5K/Wine & Dine Half Marathon - again, on a Saturday, this time in place of a scheduled 17-miler). So that really only leaves 6 Sunday long runs. That's not many at all! Okay, now I feel better!

So this is an example of a Dopey freakout I've been having. Each time I end up having to sort of talk myself down - not that I'm curled up in the fetal position in the corner or anything, I just get nervous. Really more anxious than nervous, I guess - I am getting to the point where I just want to start training already!

Wednesday, August 20: Run #2 (45-minute tempo run…4.1 miles completed)

TOUGH run today. I made the mistake of picking a treadmill that was not in the direct path of the nearby fan, so the sweat was just pouring off of me. I was totally drenched by the time I was done. Beyond that, I just felt a little sluggish at times and it seemed to take me a good 20 minutes or so to feel warmed up. At the (merciful) end of the 45-minute run I'd gone 4.1 miles. I said last week I'd sort of miss the speedwork runs once Dopey training starts (the Dopey runs are all regular runs with some goal race pace runs thrown in - but I don't have a goal race pace so I'll probably just treat these as easy runs), but I certainly will NOT miss these tempo runs.

The one good thing I can take away from this is that beyond sweating like crazy, I didn't feel COMPLETELY wiped by the heat and humidity of the cardio room. That's about as good as I can do when it comes to training for Florida-like conditions.

After yesterday's little Dopey freakout, I had my first Dopey-related dream last night - already?! In this dream I was stressed out while getting ready for the 5K (I never like these race-day dreams because they are stressful - just getting to the starting line is definitely a process for these WDW races) and was wearing a shirt with a picture of one of my friends screen-printed on the front of it. I think I was planning on wearing similar shirts with pictures of my other two friends as well (these "friends" being the ladies I'll be heading to WDW with for Wine & Dine in 77 days!!!! ). : Like...why? Who knows, maybe Dream Shannon was some sort of trendsetter in an ultimate dream universe. I guess we'll never know.

Speaking of shirts...the Goofy shirt was posted on Facebook this morning!

I kind of love it...it has almost a retro feel to it. Sort of a tie dyed look. And I am SO looking forward to having this shirt in women's cut this year!! I never even wear mine from previous WDW race weekends because they are sooooo huge and unflattering on me. Sadness.

But I did figure out something to do with those huge race shirts. Hoping to share that soon!

Thursday, August 21: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Push 3) + ab burner

**WW UPDATE**

After my realization last week that the weight loss was going super slowly, I was feeling pretty down about things. I also realized that my free session through work was probably going to end soon, so I thought maybe it was time to take a break.

I felt like I had had a good week - less snacking, better choices, etc. - but I didn't *feel* like I lost weight. So it was a pleasant surprise this morning to see that I was actually down 0.8 pounds - putting me back at my exact pre-cruise weight!

That was the little push I needed to decide to continue on. I really think the app that I have access to as part of the online membership is key for me since I use my phone a lot. In logging into my online account I found that my free membership actually did end and I was charged for this coming month ($17) so I need to submit my information in to work and apply for another code to get my next session paid for. It's a pain to jump through these hoops, but then again - free Weight Watchers. I really should not be complaining at all!

This morning was Push 3 with Chalene. This one is all legs, chest and back, and of the 3 Push workouts it's the one where I am finding that I am lifting the heaviest weights (ranging from 12-30 pounds this week...next time I do this workout I'll be bumping them up to 15-30 pounds, using 20s for most exercises). The dumbbells in the weight room have sort of a gritty texture on the part that I hold in my hands, if that makes any sense, and I'm actually starting to develop calluses. Between the heavy (for me) weights and the grittiness, my hands really burned on a few of the exercises. Yeeeeeouch!

Followed up Push 3 with some abs. It felt gooood!

AND...there was Sparkle mail waiting for me when I got home! Love those peacocks. From top to bottom: Sapphire, Orchid and Bordeaux (my current favorite):

I think this was also the day that the Minnie-inspired SweatyBand I ordered came in the mail. I am definitely set for my next few Disney races as far as outfits go, just need to decide what I want to wear when...and with what.

Friday, August 22: Run #3 (5 miles at goal race pace)
Weather: 77 degrees and sunny, 83% humidity

Tough, tough run today. We had some rain last night, which translated to some lingering humidity today...and I was feeling it.

Splits:
Mile 1: 9:43
Mile 2: 9:41
Mile 3: 9:43
Mile 4: 9:42
Mile 5: 9:43

Total time for 5 miles: 48:35, 9:42/mile pace.

I should be crazy happy with how this run went - I mean, somehow I ran almost totally even splits and was super close to my ultimate half marathon goal pace of 9:45/mile. I don't think I have ever done that before! So I AM happy about that.

But I felt sooooo awful the entire time, and it lingered all day. I think the combination of my legs being tired from Chalene the day before, the humidity, and the sun...it just beat me down. I felt nauseous at times and had a slight headache for the rest of the day. Originally I was signed up for a yoga class today, but I canceled that because I just was not up for it. Boo!

Saturday, August 23: Run #4 (11-mile out-and-back)
Weather: 74 degrees and sunny, 78% humidity

That's it! Peak week training for the half is done! And I am glad because I feel like my runs were okay, not great this week.

Race day is a little over two weeks away…

This run was definitely just okay. I was still feeling some ill effects from Chalene on Thursday, yesterday's goal race pace run and the heat and humidity. Not that it's terrible out at all right now, but we've been so lucky to be having a mild summer and it feels like things are beginning to heat up.

I stuck to running 6 minutes, walking 1 minute. Miles 4-7 in particular were tough. I just wanted to be DONE and actually considered calling Will to come get me at one point. I'm glad I pushed through it though. I had 4 Gu chomps around miles 3 and 7, and I drank a TON of water. My main goal was to do the run in under 2 hours, and I just barely squeaked in - 1:59:33, 10:52/mile pace. Still good for my goal time but definitely slower than my last two long runs (my 10-miler pace from 2 weeks ago was 10:49...last week’s 15K was a speedy-for-me 10:38). Also, I wore a Nike dri-fit tank today and did not have the armpit chafing issues I had on those last two runs when I wore Raw Threads tanks. Really glad I'm figuring this stuff out now and not over Marathon Weekend.

So...I am definitely getting some pre-race jitters. These last two runs this week were not the confidence boosters I was hoping they would be. The paces were good, but in terms of how I felt...it was like I was struggling to the finish both times. Hopefully tapering and not lifting the week of the race will help with that.

At least I got to wear my new skirt for the run! Love it.

Sunday, August 24: Rest Day

Very much needed rest day!!!

Continued in Next Post

 

[annmarieda]

Bollywood does look really pretty! I'm glad you got it.

Thanks! I am too.

It never occurred to me to wear them when not running, until I saw that people on that Facebook group do it. I bet they are great for the parks!

I hope so. I am brining bollywood to dlr. At first I was thinking they are too short..but then the shorts I was wearing which are nice shorts...and totally park appropriate are the same length.

YAY for new skirts! Which ones did you get? Bollywood and some other one?

Ummm.. secret garden? The pink flowery one.

I wish there was a better way to set up the garage sale, but it's definitely cool that they do that. I also wish I'd known about that and tried to sell the Minnie shoes there instead of on eBay...oh well.

That totally would have been a better place. Darn...

I wish the slim cuts worked for me. I just don't think they look that great on me. However I did get a Rainforest, which is a vented slim cut - I feel like that one is a little more, um, "forgiving" than the "real" slim cuts and I think it looks okay on me.

The slims are not as forgiving in many ways. Even just running it is tighter around the legs. I bet the vent in rainforest will be better all around.

Yes! I think it's called exactly that - Raw Threads resale. Most of the tops sell for about $25-$28, which is a good deal. It's nowhere near as active as those SparkleSkirt groups.

I may have to check that out! Course now that I am wondering if the RT shirts are causing my chaffing...maybe not

I have definitely been on a skirt buying binge lately - I sold 3 (including those solid-colored ones) and bought 5! Since I sold 3 it only *feels* like I bought 2 new ones, but still...I am definitely taking a break for a bit.

One...I just want one more. Then I will be on a break. I need..I mean want the haunted mansion one.

YEP! They have certainly been getting mine lately. I have a couple of skirts I may buy at the Wine & Dine expo too.

Ok you and I can't shop together. We would be totally enabling the other one. LOL! a break..but maybe not at expos...

How was it?! I think it's soooo adorable!

SO perfect. I love it the most out of all the bands I got during that sale. I need more of the bow ones. Too cute! (and yes... I as a 40+ year old some how still want a bow in my hair when I run. )

Again...I'm glad I'm figuring this out now. I was planning on wearing a RT tank for the WDW Half and now I know I shouldn't.

Thing is..I wore one for the WDW half... and NO problems. So why now? I wonder if the fabric is breaking down? Pilling a bit maybe? I am planning one for the ToT... maybe it is a bad idea?

Boy, I sure hope so!!!!

I hope so too!

25.1 miles completed
139.21 miles completed in half marathon training so far
498.91 miles completed in 2014 so far

Also, I mailed the runDisney Minnie shoes out today. I'm glad they're gone, but shipping them cost almost $10!!! And I even used a box from home to try to cut down on the cost. ARG! Seriously, no more runDisney shoes for me!

You wont get me to encourage you there. I have never and will probably never buy a pair. I am too picky when it comes to shoes...no matter how cute they are.

After the run/before work I headed to the post office to ship more eBay stuff, along with some SparkleSkirts! I managed to sell the two solid-colored skirts I mentioned last week (a hot pink and a purple one) on the SparkleSkirts Fanzone Facebook group last night. The purple skirt sold in 2 minutes - seriously, 2 minutes! Crazy! I got $60 for that one...originally I paid $65 for it at the Princess Half expo so I thought that was pretty good! The person that ended up buying it found a flaw I'd overlooked though (a little run in the skirt), so I re-listed it for $55 - with a detailed picture of the flaw - and another person scooped it up.

It is crazy how fast they sell and for how much the sell for! So did the person send it back to you when you re listed it or did they send it on to the next person?

The pink one didn't go as quickly...I panicked and since I knew I was already coming to the post office this morning, I wanted it to sell last night so I wouldn't have to make 2 trips (this is my 4th trip to the post office in the past 6 days or so - serious de-cluttering + eBay selling going on in our house!). I had an inkling that the skirt wasn't selling quickly because it has white undershorts, which don't seem as popular. Plus, it’s been sitting in the Sale section of the SparkleSkirts website for quite a few weeks at this point. So in my panic I dropped the price to $45 (from the original $55 I was asking - same price SparkleSkirts is asking for this skirt on their website). And it sold! And later I wished I'd waited a couple more hours because apparently used medium skirts are super rare, and people were commenting on the thread like, "aw man! An elusive medium!" Oops. So with the price drop I didn't make as much of the money back as I did with the purple one (I originally paid $65 for the pink one as well). Oh well. At least now I don't feel guilty for ordering the two new skirts...and for buying a used one on the Facebook group! How did that happen?!

Well... sale and shipping for the new ones. I mean... when I order it makes more sense to get two since the shipping is about the same (and is high) for one as it is for two. And of course there was the sale (even though it wasn't the best sale) As for the group and used skirt... OMG, they come through so frequently it is hard to not get caught up and buy buy buy. I am sticking to xs now though and they don't come through as often as smalls...so it has helped.

ALSO. I don't know if I have mentioned it but I have been starting to have little Dopey training freakouts. I have known what plan I want to use for quite awhile now, and every once in awhile certain aspects of said plan make me nervous . Yesterday as I was leaving work I was really thinking about how crappy it'll be to have Sunday long runs...I really like having my long runs on Saturdays and having Sunday as a rest day so I can sit around like a lazy slob before heading back to work. But for Dopey training I'll be out running for like 2-4 hours on Sundays instead. So that freaked me out.

I don't blame you for being slightly freaked out. I do think though you will fall into your training and stick to it and suceed. After all... your training has been awesome thus far. You stick to your plan and are so consistent!

But then I actually looked at the training plan (which I'll post here after my upcoming half marathon) and realized that I only have 8 Sunday long runs. Two of those long runs are being replaced with races (the Akron Half Marathon - the race is on Saturday that weekend and I'm doing that in place of a scheduled 14-miler - and the Jingle Jungle 5K/Wine & Dine Half Marathon - again, on a Saturday, this time in place of a scheduled 17-miler). So that really only leaves 6 Sunday long runs. That's not many at all! Okay, now I feel better!

See... I knew it wouldn't' take you long to figure it out.

After yesterday's little Dopey freakout, I had my first Dopey-related dream last night - already?! In this dream I was stressed out while getting ready for the 5K (I never like these race-day dreams because they are stressful - just getting to the starting line is definitely a process for these WDW races) and was wearing a shirt with a picture of one of my friends screen-printed on the front of it. I think I was planning on wearing similar shirts with pictures of my other two friends as well (these "friends" being the ladies I'll be heading to WDW with for Wine & Dine in 77 days!!!! ). : Like...why? Who knows, maybe Dream Shannon was some sort of trendsetter in an ultimate dream universe. I guess we'll never know.

ah.. the race dreams. Before my first race I read about them... thought "wow, that happens to people" Then I had my first...and it was only to be the first of many. Now... they come at any point after I decide I am running a race.

Speaking of shirts...the Goofy shirt was posted on Facebook this morning!

I kind of love it...it has almost a retro feel to it. Sort of a tie dyed look. And I am SO looking forward to having this shirt in women's cut this year!! I never even wear mine from previous WDW race weekends because they are sooooo huge and unflattering on me. Sadness.

I LOVE that! I hope the donald one is just as cute!

I felt like I had had a good week - less snacking, better choices, etc. - but I didn't *feel* like I lost weight. So it was a pleasant surprise this morning to see that I was actually down 0.8 pounds - putting me back at my exact pre-cruise weight!

AND...there was Sparkle mail waiting for me when I got home! Love those peacocks. From top to bottom: Sapphire, Orchid and Bordeaux (my current favorite):

I think this was also the day that the Minnie-inspired SweatyBand I ordered came in the mail. I am definitely set for my next few Disney races as far as outfits go, just need to decide what I want to wear when...and with what.

What a mail day!!!

Splits:
Mile 1: 9:43
Mile 2: 9:41
Mile 3: 9:43
Mile 4: 9:42
Mile 5: 9:43

Total time for 5 miles: 48:35, 9:42/mile pace.

AWESOME!!!!

But I felt sooooo awful the entire time, and it lingered all day. I think the combination of my legs being tired from Chalene the day before, the humidity, and the sun...it just beat me down. I felt nauseous at times and had a slight headache for the rest of the day. Originally I was signed up for a yoga class today, but I canceled that because I just was not up for it. Boo!

This not so awesome. I am sorry you felt like this.

I stuck to running 6 minutes, walking 1 minute. Miles 4-7 in particular were tough. I just wanted to be DONE and actually considered calling Will to come get me at one point. I'm glad I pushed through it though. I had 4 Gu chomps around miles 3 and 7, and I drank a TON of water. My main goal was to do the run in under 2 hours, and I just barely squeaked in - 1:59:33, 10:52/mile pace. Still good for my goal time but definitely slower than my last two long runs (my 10-miler pace from 2 weeks ago was 10:49...last week’s 15K was a speedy-for-me 10:38). Also, I wore a Nike dri-fit tank today and did not have the armpit chafing issues I had on those last two runs when I wore Raw Threads tanks. Really glad I'm figuring this stuff out now and not over Marathon Weekend.

I bet you are right and they don't breath as well... glad you switched to the Nike dri fit. tank. chaffing in the under arm area is no fun at all!

At least I got to wear my new skirt for the run! Love it.

Yay!!!

 

[RnbwSktles]

I hear ya on the Dopey freak outs! I will feel pretty confident that I can do it and then I'll remember how awful I felt during the marathon this past Jan and start to get nervous. Then I have to remind myself that I didn't train well enough for that race and that I will be training extra hard this time! I am already starting to warn friends that I can't have a social life some weekends this fall

I have been training for the Dumbo Double Dare so I have been doing back-to-back weekend runs with the longer one on Sunday. It's not so bad now since I am only training for a half and the runs aren't too long, but I agree with you that spending half the day running is not how I want to chill out on a Sunday! Add to that trying to take it easy on Saturday to be ready for Sunday's run, and the whole weekend is shot!

 

[Ariel484]

Thanks! I am too.

Post a picture??

I hope so. I am brining bollywood to dlr. At first I was thinking they are too short..but then the shorts I was wearing which are nice shorts...and totally park appropriate are the same length.

I bet it'll be super comfy. The pockets will be great. I am seriously considering wearing mine during non-running times. Never done that before!

Ummm.. secret garden? The pink flowery one.

Pretty! I love the polka-dot shorts and waistband on that one. That's another one that never appealed to me when I looked at it on the website...then I saw a picture of a "real" person wearing it and was like, "yep, I wouldn't mind owning that one."

That totally would have been a better place. Darn...

Yeah, I realized that literally the same day I listed them on eBay, and they already had a bid so I couldn't take them down. Sadness.

The slims are not as forgiving in many ways. Even just running it is tighter around the legs. I bet the vent in rainforest will be better all around.

Ah, okay. I tried one on at this year's Princess Half expo and just was not sold. I think I'll try one again at Wine & Dine just to make sure, but overall I'm happy with the swing style. The vent on Rainforest is key, I think! unfortunately they don't seem to make many vented slim cuts.

I may have to check that out! Course now that I am wondering if the RT shirts are causing my chaffing...maybe not

Honestly, I think I'm done buying Raw Threads. There's a 48.6 hoodie I may treat myself to after my peak week of Dopey training, but I don't think the tops work for me for running.

One...I just want one more. Then I will be on a break. I need..I mean want the haunted mansion one.

I actually think I have talked myself out of the Haunted Mansion skirt... Just because I realized I was selling solid-colored skirts that don't go with many tops, so wouldn't I have the same problem with the Haunted skirt?...

...that's what I'm telling myself today but we'll see what happens when it's actually for sale.

Ok you and I can't shop together. We would be totally enabling the other one. LOL! a break..but maybe not at expos...

NOPE! At least at the expos you don't have to pay shipping! SS shipping is pricey!

SO perfect. I love it the most out of all the bands I got during that sale. I need more of the bow ones. Too cute! (and yes... I as a 40+ year old some how still want a bow in my hair when I run.)

I just limited myself to the one band. SweatyBands are so awesome. And who wouldn't want an adorable hair bow while running?!

Thing is..I wore one for the WDW half... and NO problems. So why now? I wonder if the fabric is breaking down? Pilling a bit maybe? I am planning one for the ToT... maybe it is a bad idea?

Really?! That is so weird and frustrating! Why would it work for January but not now? Maybe you were right about the humidity??

I hope so too!

Sigh. At least the shoes are gone now.

You wont get me to encourage you there. I have never and will probably never buy a pair. I am too picky when it comes to shoes...no matter how cute they are.

That's definitely how I feel now about it too. I thought they'd be okay for just casual walking around...NOPE. Byebye money!

It is crazy how fast they sell and for how much the sell for! So did the person send it back to you when you re listed it or did they send it on to the next person?

She PM'd me with no message, just a picture of the run in the skirt. I felt sooooo guilty - I just hadn't checked the skirt closely and had no idea it was there. I wrote back and told her I could give her back $15 over PayPal and she could keep the skirt, or I could give her a full refund and she could send it back to me.

I think she was angry at first until she realized how sorry I was and that I wasn't deliberately trying to trick her...because I really wasn't! And I can totally understand why she was upset - to be excited to receive a skirt and then not be happy with it. I felt so terrible!

In the end she came up with the idea that I should re-list it and she'd ship it to whoever bought it the second time. I said if she did that I would refund her the difference + $5 for shipping. So that's what happened. I wanted to list it for $45 since it was damaged but she was like, "I bet you could get $55 for it!" And I did. So I sent her $10 over PayPal and she shipped it out.

So it ended up working out but it was sooooo tense. I probably over-reacted but it borderline ruined my evening. I felt SO guilty and I really didn't want anything to think I was trying to be shady about it, because I definitely wasn't. I'm definitely going to be way more careful if I want to sell skirts in the future.

Well... sale and shipping for the new ones. I mean... when I order it makes more sense to get two since the shipping is about the same (and is high) for one as it is for two.

SparkleSkirts math!!

And of course there was the sale (even though it wasn't the best sale) As for the group and used skirt... OMG, they come through so frequently it is hard to not get caught up and buy buy buy. I am sticking to xs now though and they don't come through as often as smalls...so it has helped.

I know what you mean! Mediums seem to come through...a decent amount but not always. If I see a Rum Runner I'll probably grab it. My friend is on the hunt for a Large Everest so if I see that I'll grab that one for her.

I don't blame you for being slightly freaked out. I do think though you will fall into your training and stick to it and suceed. After all... your training has been awesome thus far. You stick to your plan and are so consistent!

Thank you so much Ann, that is so nice of you to say!

See... I knew it wouldn't' take you long to figure it out.

I'm sure it won't be the first OR the last time that I have to talk to myself like that!

ah.. the race dreams. Before my first race I read about them... thought "wow, that happens to people" Then I had my first...and it was only to be the first of many. Now... they come at any point after I decide I am running a race.

YES! It's hard to understand until you have one yourself!!

I LOVE that! I hope the donald one is just as cute!

If I had to guess, I would think that the Donald and Mickey shirts will be similar to this one! Just different colors/characters (obviously) and won't have the anniversary listed.

What a mail day!!!

YESSS!

AWESOME!!!!

This not so awesome. I am sorry you felt like this.

It was tough! At least I know I gave it my all.

I bet you are right and they don't breath as well... glad you switched to the Nike dri fit. tank. chaffing in the under arm area is no fun at all!

NO! No it's not! I might try going like 7-8 miles in a RT tank with some BodyGlide under my arms and see if that helps.

Yay!!!

Isn't it so cute?! I love it!

I hear ya on the Dopey freak outs! I will feel pretty confident that I can do it and then I'll remember how awful I felt during the marathon this past Jan and start to get nervous. Then I have to remind myself that I didn't train well enough for that race and that I will be training extra hard this time! I am already starting to warn friends that I can't have a social life some weekends this fall

Yep, sounds like you are "talking yourself down from the ledge" too! I'm sure this marathon will be much better for you than last time!

And good call on the lack of a social life during the fall...

I have been training for the Dumbo Double Dare so I have been doing back-to-back weekend runs with the longer one on Sunday. It's not so bad now since I am only training for a half and the runs aren't too long, but I agree with you that spending half the day running is not how I want to chill out on a Sunday! Add to that trying to take it easy on Saturday to be ready for Sunday's run, and the whole weekend is shot!

Yeah, I'm trying not to think about that too much just yet...but it's hard not to! It'll be worth it, right? RIGHT??

 

[Ariel484]

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Trip Update - Do the Math!

The Fuzzy Disney Math, that is! Big flight change for me today!

I booked my Wine & Dine flights waaayyyy back in May. Earlier this month I got a call from Southwest that my return flight was being pushed back 30 minutes. So 30 minutes of extra Disney time. Fine by me!

Since then my outgoing flight has remained unchanged - leaves at 6:30AM and lands at 9:00AM. Perfect for a full Disney day, but it came with a big catch - the airport is a little over an hour away from home, so to get there with time to go through security, I'd have to leave home by 4:30AM at the absolute latest...resulting in an insanely early wake-up call that morning. I actually did this for last year's Wine & Dine, and it was about as fun as it sounds.

Sunrise from the plane:

I think I had this exact flight booked for February as well...except I overslept and arrived at the airport waaayyyy too late. I still made it onto the flight and all that, but still...not good!

So for this trip Will insisted that I book a room at a hotel near the airport the night before the flight. I sort of didn't want to spend the money, but eventually I agreed that it was a good idea...the plan was to eat dinner at home with Will, leave home and check in to the hotel at about 10PM, go right to sleep and then head to the airport the next morning.

I had a particular hotel in mind that is right across the street from the airport...until I looked at the price. $194!! For one night! For a hotel room I'd be using for no more than 8 hours. Not happening. I found cheaper options that were more in the $80-$90 range...a little further from the airport, but still. That was better.

But.

I started chatting with my friends over group text last night and asked when people would be arriving. One of my friends said she'd need to fly in Wednesday night after work and get a room at one of the Value resorts. Rates were about $83...cheaper than the prices I was finding for hotels at home. That got the wheels turning...

I jumped onto Southwest.com to see if there was a Wednesday evening flight I could switch to that would give me time to get to the airport after work...and struck out. The latest flight going to Orlando left at 4PM.

But.

There was a noon flight on Wednesday, direct to Orlando. Maybe I could take an extra day of PTO (paid time off)? Maybe a half-day if I came in super early? Nah, I didn't want to do that. I have my PTO planned out all through next year and I don't want to deviate from that.

BUT...

I remembered that work meeting I have coming up in Chicago next month. The meeting runs Sunday - Tuesday. I'll be leaving home around noon on Sunday to fly there, so my entire Sunday will be shot.

In the past, my boss has given me a "flex day" to make up for the Sunday of this conference - a day I can take off from work any time that does not dip into my PTO bank. In the past I'd just used this flex day the day after the meeting was done (so Wednesday, the day after I fly home). Two years ago I used it some other time. Last year I forgot to use it at all.

So I have this flex day coming up...why not see if I can use it on Wednesday before the Wine & Dine trip?!

Once I got this idea in my head I KNEW it was going to work out. My boss is pretty cool with stuff like this and I was giving plenty of advanced notice. Sure enough, he said it was okay! I okay'd it with my friend, changed my flight, and we're booked at Pop on Wednesday night (my first time staying there)! An extra Disney day for meeeeeee!!

The crazy thing is that by going to Disney a day early, I'm SAVING money (we'll just ignore the fact that I'll eat more meals in Disney this way...so any savings will likely be canceled out by a long shot...but hey, Fuzzy Disney Math! ). Friend and I will split the room, which was $110 with a passholder rate. I'll pay for one extra day of parking at the airport, but that's $8 or whatever since we always park in the airport economy lots. My flights dropped in price so I got a $27 credit from Southwest, and I still have my AP from February, so no more money toward park entry. All of this instead of paying $89 for a hotel room near the airport.

My friend won't get in until around 11PM so I'll most likely have a solo day, which is totally fine. We already have a breakfast ADR lined up for Thursday, and then we'll switch to our home for the rest of the weekend...Riverside!

I'm sad that I won't have that Wednesday evening dinner with Will...maybe I'll stop by his school on my way out of town and surprise him with coffee to make up for it. Besides that, this change is pretty freaking awesome, if I do say so myself! I'm soooo excited for this trip!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Suziannie]

I'm following along, although a little late to the game!

One of my big fitness goals and motivators is a Run Disney event! Your TR has been an amazing inspiration for me!!

 

[Ariel484]

I'm following along, although a little late to the game!

One of my big fitness goals and motivators is a Run Disney event! Your TR has been an amazing inspiration for me!!

Hi Suziannie! I think a runDisney event is a great goal!! Are you looking at any one in particular?

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for following along!

 

[Suziannie]

Hi Suziannie! I think a runDisney event is a great goal!! Are you looking at any one in particular?

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for following along!

Nothing specific yet, I've got a long way to go before I'm comfortable enough to take a stab at it. I'd like to make it a longer race though, in a way to justify the cost of travel I guess. So one of the half marathons I think. Is there a good one to start with?

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I like your Disney fuzzy math! Sounds like things I have done in the past More time at Disney has always a good thing.

Good training week - especially for it being the peak week!

At least you got most of your money back for the sparkle skirts - that seems way better than your ROS for the shoes

So if you do the Dopey Challenge, I guess you get the Goofy shirts/medals too? or just Dopey related ones?

 

[annmarieda]

Post a picture??

I will when I get an update done to my report.

I bet it'll be super comfy. The pockets will be great. I am seriously considering wearing mine during non-running times. Never done that before!

I did to run some errands one day after a really long run on a day that was super hot. It was quite comfy.

Pretty! I love the polka-dot shorts and waistband on that one. That's another one that never appealed to me when I looked at it on the website...then I saw a picture of a "real" person wearing it and was like, "yep, I wouldn't mind owning that one."

I like the leg band having the dots... but not so much the waistband or the pockets for that matter.

I actually think I have talked myself out of the Haunted Mansion skirt... Just because I realized I was selling solid-colored skirts that don't go with many tops, so wouldn't I have the same problem with the Haunted skirt?...

I think the HM skirt will go with a lot of things. I am hoping at least.

Really?! That is so weird and frustrating! Why would it work for January but not now? Maybe you were right about the humidity??

That or the literal couple pounds that I have put on. Maybe I have more arm giggle now....

She PM'd me with no message, just a picture of the run in the skirt. I felt sooooo guilty - I just hadn't checked the skirt closely and had no idea it was there. I wrote back and told her I could give her back $15 over PayPal and she could keep the skirt, or I could give her a full refund and she could send it back to me.

I think she was angry at first until she realized how sorry I was and that I wasn't deliberately trying to trick her...because I really wasn't! And I can totally understand why she was upset - to be excited to receive a skirt and then not be happy with it. I felt so terrible!

In the end she came up with the idea that I should re-list it and she'd ship it to whoever bought it the second time. I said if she did that I would refund her the difference + $5 for shipping. So that's what happened. I wanted to list it for $45 since it was damaged but she was like, "I bet you could get $55 for it!" And I did. So I sent her $10 over PayPal and she shipped it out.
So it ended up working out but it was sooooo tense. I probably over-reacted but it borderline ruined my evening. I felt SO guilty and I really didn't want anything to think I was trying to be shady about it, because I definitely wasn't. I'm definitely going to be way more careful if I want to sell skirts in the future.

That sounds like it was very stressful!

SparkleSkirts math!!

Just a new kind of disney math!

Thank you so much Ann, that is so nice of you to say!

I just speak the truth.

I'm sure it won't be the first OR the last time that I have to talk to myself like that!

Well, that is probably pretty common. I know I have been resisting the urge to freak out.

If I had to guess, I would think that the Donald and Mickey shirts will be similar to this one! Just different colors/characters (obviously) and won't have the anniversary listed.

I hope you are right!

 

[annmarieda]

So I just read through the changes you made to your wine and dine trip. OH! how much better is that?! I am glad you were able to make a better plan because early morning is sooo not fun.

 

[Ariel484]

Nothing specific yet, I've got a long way to go before I'm comfortable enough to take a stab at it. I'd like to make it a longer race though, in a way to justify the cost of travel I guess. So one of the half marathons I think. Is there a good one to start with?

I think whichever one you start with is up to you! They are all really fun, really well-run races.

I would recommend doing some research and see which one appeals to you the most. I did jot down some thoughts on each race weekend (at WDW...I know zero about the Disneyland races!). Also, I haven't run the Tower of Terror 10-miler yet so what I have below is what I've read from other posters, so take that for what it is. I have run the other 3 half marathons at WDW though.

Right now I would say that of the 3 half marathons at WDW (WDW Half, Princess Half and Wine & Dine), Wine & Dine is far and away my favorite.

Marathon Weekend (January)
Races: Kids, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, Goody challenge (half marathon + marathon), Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon)
Theme: General sports/WDW theme (5K - varies, 10K - Minnie, half marathon - Donald, marathon - Mickey, Goofy Challenge, Dopey Challenge)
Crowd: LARGE, sex is mixed...in general may be more "serious" since there are a lot of Goofy/Dopey challenge runners
Courses: 5K through Epcot, 10K through Epcot and Epcot resort areas, half marathon through Epcot and Magic Kingdom, marathon through all 4 parks along with Wide World of Sports and the WDW Speedway
Race Timing: 5K is on a Thursday, 10K is on a Friday, half marathon is on a Saturday, marathon is on a Sunday - all morning races
Special Notes: Biggest expo, all resorts are host resorts (provide race and expo transportation), Christmas decorations sometimes still up

Princess Half Marathon Weekend (February)
Races: Kids, 5K, 10K, half marathon, Glass Slipper Challenge (10K + half marathon)
Theme: Princesses and “women are awesome”
Crowd: Mostly women, race etiquette reported to be a problem
Courses: 5K through Epcot, 10K through Epcot and Epcot resort areas, half marathon through Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Characters: Less characters on the 5K/10K courses, for the half course - lots of characters, good variety but leans toward those in Princess movies, some rare
Race Timing: 5K is on a Friday, 10K is on a Saturday, half marathon is on a Sunday - all morning races
Special Notes: All resorts are host resorts (provide race and expo transportation)

Tower of Terror 10-miler weekend (October)
Races: Kids, 5K, 10-miler
Theme: Halloween and Villains
Crowd: Sex is mixed
Courses: 5K is at ESPN Wide World of Sports and is described as a “trail” run, 10-miler starts and ends at Hollywood Studios and goes through ESPN Wide World of Sports
Characters: Villains, some rare
Race Timing: 5K and 10-miler are both on a Saturday. 5K is in the morning while the 10-miler is a night race
Special Notes: Admission to Villains Bash After Party at Hollywood Studios included with race registration, only some resorts are host resorts (provide race and expo transportation), Halloween decorations up, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Food & Wine Festival

Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (November)
Races: Kids, 5K, half marathon
Theme: Food, wine and partying...5K is Christmas/Jingle Jungle themed
Crowd: sex is mixed, thought of as a "more serious" race
Courses: 5K course goes through Animal Kingdom, half marathon course starts at ESPN Wide World of Sports and goes through Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (Osborne lights!!!) and Epcot
Race Timing: 5K and half marathon are both on a Saturday. 5K is in the morning while the half marathon is a night race
Special Notes: Admission to Food & Wine after party included with race registration, along with a $10 giftcard - reflected in registration price, only some resorts are host resorts (provide race and expo transportation), Magic Kingdom Christmas decorations up, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts this weekend, Veteran’s Day weekend


In general...
1. Weather seems to be similar for each race (humid and warm)
2. Morning races seem to have more characters compared to the night races
3. Morning races have the run through the castle in Magic Kingdom, where night races do not
4. The staging area for the morning races is HUGE - it's a 20-minute walk just to get to corrals. The staging area for the night races at WWoS is much smaller and not as overwhelming
5. Does one time of the year work better than another? Does one day of the week work better (i.e. if you want to do a half but cannot do a Sunday race, Princess doesn't work)? Does one course appeal to you more?
6. Marathon Weekend in January has the most runners, followed by Princess Half Weekend, then Wine & Dine, then ToT


Sorry this was so long!! Let me know if you have any other questions. I have links to my trip reports from each of those races if you are interested...the Princess one is pretty old at this point (2011) but I think a lot of the same stuff still applies, except that the race is much bigger now.

 

[ZellyB]

I was behind a few updates, but caught up again. Training and WW sounds like it is continuing to go great for you!

I'm glad you were able to sell the Minnie shoes, but Boo on the amount. Great job on selling the sparkle skirts too! I just requested to join that Facebook group after reading here. Not only to maybe sell my Minnie skirt, but also to see about grabbing some used ones if they appeal to me. I'm still thinking I want that Haunted Mansion skirt when it appears. I also have that same slim cut skirt (Rainforest) and really like it as well because of the slit. I wish they would make more in that style.

And a big WOOHOO on the flight changes for the Wine and Dine trip. An extra day in Disney and a stay at a resort you haven't been to before and all for less money (fuzzy Disney math less money that is ). That's fantastic.

 

[Ariel484]

I like your Disney fuzzy math! Sounds like things I have done in the past More time at Disney has always a good thing.

GAHHH I know! I have read about people adding a day because it saved them money in some way and I was always like, "I need to make that happen for myself!" And now I have!

Good training week - especially for it being the peak week!

Thanks! Of course now that I look at my schedule I think my total for this week will be about the same...math is hard.

At least you got most of your money back for the sparkle skirts - that seems way better than your ROS for the shoes

I know! I cannot believe how well those skirts hold their value. The first one I sold was the second one I ever purchased, so that was back at the end of 2012! I think it helped that all of the skirts I sold are now "retired" on the actual website, so people were willing to pay.

THOSE SHOES...ARRRG!

So if you do the Dopey Challenge, I guess you get the Goofy shirts/medals too? or just Dopey related ones?

Yep, Goody shirts and medals too! So I'll come away with 6 medals and 6 race shirts...basically I pretty much don't need to pack any clothes because Disney is outfitting me for that weekend.

I will when I get an update done to my report.

Yay! Can't wait to see it.

I did to run some errands one day after a really long run on a day that was super hot. It was quite comfy.

I'm thinking I need to try one of mine the next time I go grocery shopping or something...

I like the leg band having the dots... but not so much the waistband or the pockets for that matter.

No? I think it's cute!

I think the HM skirt will go with a lot of things. I am hoping at least.

Maybe you're right! I have a black top that I was thinking would be the only one that would match, but maybe dark purple or yellow would work too?

Can I just say...these skirts really ARE addicting. They have been talking on the FB groups about PeacockIris skirts becoming available, and from the pictures it just doesn't look like a color combination I would LOVE...but I saw that it was available and actually had one in my cart yesterday. EVEN THOUGH I DON'T REALLY LIKE IT THAT MUCH! I didn't buy it, but boy, the impulse to purchase is definitely real...

That or the literal couple pounds that I have put on. Maybe I have more arm giggle now....

OH YOU STOP!

That sounds like it was very stressful!

It was, but it was more embarrassing than anything. It was completely my fault - I should have checked the skirt more closely before listing it. I didn't realize I would have to really inspect it like that - looking back I have no idea why I didn't do that, I think I was just in a hurry. So yeah, embarrassing and upsetting because I felt terrible that the person who bought it from me was disappointed, and I didn't want to be thought of as shady.

The person that bought it after I re-listed it actually posted a picture of the skirt on one of the FB pages thanking my with a little face...so it definitely worked out, and I definitely learned from that experience! I will be much, much more careful next time.

Just a new kind of disney math!

Exactly!

I just speak the truth.

Aw shucks. You are too kind!

Well, that is probably pretty common. I know I have been resisting the urge to freak out.

Yeah, I'm hoping it'll go away once training really starts. I feel like the race day dreams will probably increase though...

AHHH you're running in Disneyland this weekend!!! So jealous!! You're going to have so much fun!

I hope you are right!

I am purely basing this off of my shirts from 2013...you can see they are all really similar, but the Mickey one has a little *extra* for the 20th anniversary:

I've read posts from other people that don't love the shirts because they feel like Goofy should be a little more...prominent, I guess? I get that but I still like it.

So I just read through the changes you made to your wine and dine trip. OH! how much better is that?! I am glad you were able to make a better plan because early morning is sooo not fun.

SO much better!! Yeah, I'll gladly trade in the early morning for an extra Disney day!

 

[Ariel484]

I was behind a few updates, but caught up again. Training and WW sounds like it is continuing to go great for you!

Thanks! I wish the WW was going a little faster but considering the fact that I haven't 100% overhauled my diet I probably shouldn't complain.

I'm glad you were able to sell the Minnie shoes, but Boo on the amount.

Ugh, I know! At least I got something for them...

Great job on selling the sparkle skirts too! I just requested to join that Facebook group after reading here. Not only to maybe sell my Minnie skirt, but also to see about grabbing some used ones if they appeal to me. I'm still thinking I want that Haunted Mansion skirt when it appears.

The crazy thing about selling those skirts was how easy it was...for the first one, I just PM'd someone that was on the "In Search Of" list for the style/size, and she was all for it. Then I posted the other two and they sold within an hour. It's just nuts!

If you're selling your Minnie, I would DEFINITELY suggest you inspect it carefully and be totally transparent in your listing - not that I think you would like at all but if you read upthread what happened when I didn't check ym skirt closely enough, well...I want to save you that headache!

I also have that same slim cut skirt (Rainforest) and really like it as well because of the slit. I wish they would make more in that style.

Me too! I think there's a plaid one and that's it. I guess if I REALLY wanted one with the slit I could get a custom, but their custom waitlist is pretty long, I think. And it's more expensive that way.

And a big WOOHOO on the flight changes for the Wine and Dine trip. An extra day in Disney and a stay at a resort you haven't been to before and all for less money (fuzzy Disney math less money that is ). That's fantastic.

WOOHOO!! So excited!!!

 

[loop]

I would recommend doing some research and see which one appeals to you the most. I did jot down some thoughts on each race weekend (at WDW...I know zero about the Disneyland races!). Also, I haven't run the Tower of Terror 10-miler year so what I have below is what I've read from other posters, so take that for what it is. I have run the other 3 half marathons at WDW though.

omg, thank you for such a succinct comparison of each of the races! I'm leaning towards W&D 2015 as my first Disney race and I'm glad to hear it's your favorite as well, although I didn't realize it was considered to be more "serious"--should I be intimidated?

Are you planning to ever try the ToT? I really like the villains theme, but the course sounds kind of boring (why only one park?!) and I've heard that it has the worst humidity of all the WDW races.

 

[Ariel484]

omg, thank you for such a succinct comparison of each of the races! I'm leaning towards W&D 2015 as my first Disney race and I'm glad to hear it's your favorite as well, although I didn't realize it was considered to be more "serious"--should I be intimidated?

You're welcome! And no no no no, don't be intimidated at all! It's definitely a race that is run for fun - people do dress in costumes and stop for character pictures (including yours truly ). I would just say it maybe does not have as much whimsy as the morning races, if that makes any sense. It's more of a party atmosphere. And the character lines were shorter, which to me meant that less of the runners were in it for the character photos.

Mostly I think the W&D course is a lot better than the one they use for the WDW/Princess Half. But that's just me.

Are you planning to ever try the ToT? I really like the villains theme, but the course sounds kind of boring (why only one park?!) and I've heard that it has the worst humidity of all the WDW races.

I definitely am planning on that race at some point! I was hoping this year would work out, but I have a work commitment that weekend. I'm with you - I like the villains theme a lot, but the course doesn't wow me. But I NEED that Tower of Terror medal. Like, NEED it in my life.

I've also heard the same thing about the humidity. W&D was humid last year too, though, and Princess was this year (I didn't run Princess but I did spectate). January seems less humid but still pretty warm. The biggest bonus of the night races, to me, is that you don't have to worry about the sun blaring down on you. That helped me out a lot.

 

[pxefig]

I'll be leaving for the airport at 3:30 am tomorrow for the DL half. Once I see something with the official 2015 dates I'll be sure to post and let you know!