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

[Ariel484]

Ok, I am so close...I am going to do it. I will be caught up! I will!!!

You WILL!

Time is definitely going by very fast. You will be at Wine and Dine very very soon.

I fly out one week from WEDNESDAY! OMG!!

I have not got the flu shot in years. I didn’t realize it made your arm sore. OUCH!

I think it must be different for everyone. Will got his flu shot last week and he said his arm felt almost totally fine afterward.

That is awesome!

Any successful run is a victory!!

That is a very strange looking device. I am glad it will help with your ankle strength.

You referring to it as a "device" made me LOL!

That is a very helpful...easy to understand diagram!

I found it and was like, "this is EXACTLY what I need for my PTR!"

Have you kept checking? I initially was unable to get them for my ToT trip...but ended up with them.

I have not. I forgot! Maybe I'll look again later today.

I kinda both love and hate that you get so many bands. Hate because what a pain to have so many to deal with...but love because you can use them interchangably. Depending on what I was wearing I wore any of my bands that had been activated. So once your stay at Pop...you will be able to use that one the rest of the trip. I even used one from a previous trip. (can’t remember if it was my first band or one from January)

Yeah, it's a little nuts. The Magic Band section of my Disney account looks crazy. I definitely have at least one of every color!

That sounds like it went pretty well!

Each run gets a little better, I think. For the most part.

I don’t blame you! I hope you get it back soon. Then you can buy that skirt

Priorities, people!!!

Yay! I am glad to hear you liked it!!! Core is such a challenge. I have always given up... I just can’t get into it. (and it shows)

It is, but it's a different kind of challenge and I like mixing stuff up a bit. I think that's why it appeals to me.

I am relieved to find that things are returning to normal for you!

Me too! Hopefully this is just a small blip in training for me and won't happen again!

Yay for no foot pain and look...pace is improving!

Yes!!!

I hope you are feeling better.

I am now! I definitely had a bit of a bug though.

What a fun run! And such a great way to recap it!

It was so fun! I think a change in scenery was good for me!

How fun to get new shoes on the trip!

Yep, they were totally an impulse buy but I like them! (And needed them, the pair I was wearing was totally shot.)

While that can be such a pain... really it is so nice when someone randomly gets your card number at makes a counterfeit of it...then tries to use it somewhere else in the country at a place you normally would shop in your home town. Nice to know they “know” when you are not in your usual place.

Yep! We've had our credit card number stolen before and I don't want that to happen again, so I do appreciate that they were looking out for it.

That is super cool!

It's definitely nice to donate and reuse rather than just make more trash! I really liked that they do that.

Sounds like a successful shopping trip.

YES! More successful than I expected.

I have never tracked my distance walking in disney. Maybe I should. I had heard that it was significant. I didn’t realize it was quite that much!

My friend tracked us in Disney in February and we averaged 10-13 miles each day, if I recall correctly.

OH, Skirts!!! I think I like the wine one. I guess Iw ill have to see. Since the ToT has been suspended for next year and my inlaws are itching to do another RD event... guess what we are considering for 2015? Yes, I may need to get the wine a little.

SKIRTS!!!

So now that I have ordered SweetSkulls and ComicRelief, i'm not sure I'll get anything at the expo (if I can resist)...I may change my mind if they release pictures ahead of time and when I see them in person.

Oh! That would be awesome if you did Wine & Dine! Such a fun race and a great course. Though I'll be curious to see how it changes next year with the DHS construction.

 

[Ariel484]

You really cant catch a break!

Yeah, reading it all back I really did have a rough few weeks!

Oh my! I think that would give me a heart attack!

It absolutely did!!!

Ok so that is a more manageable size!

Yeah, presenting to 5 people is fine. I was very happy about that!!!

And slow and stead... yup it wins the race.

It wins the race and is keeping me sane, I think!

Mine is one of my absolute favorites! I had a freak out moment. (you may have seen) when I first washed it. It bleed out the purple a lot and those “ghost” parts of the fabric freaked me out because I thought it was faded unevenly.

I did see that!!! So then I went to look at mine and saw that I had those "ghost" parts too...and then other people did as well. Whew!!

Just as I mentioned before that I wondered if your loss had to do with muscles letting go of water... I wonder if now that you have began to run and do all your other workouts if you are now retaining that water again.

I bet you're right. They say not to try to lose weight during marathon training, that is one of the reasons why!!

That is a super cute outfit! It is because of you that I paid more attention to the pecocks and guess what? Yup... I now own a peacock.

MWAHAHAHA I have brought you to the dark side!! Which one do you have?!

When those come out it almost seems too real, know what I mean? Avengers came out too... it is real now.

Yes, I know exactly what you mean! Mine is printed out, signed and ready to go.

I think so too. I haven’t done a 5k or 10k for that matter in Disney. However my inlaws had corrals that were more upfront that I would have guessed they would get...but I had them register fairly early.

That has to be what it is. I put an anticipated pace of 9:00-11:00/mile...there's no way that's Corral A.

Not a bad corral at all...

That's about where I expected them to put me, so I'm happy with it!

I really hope you are able to get a room. However... as you are finding it isn’t easy. there are not many studios there and even to get one as an owner there is tough. At 7 months..near impossible...and during race weekend? We tried and tried to get ours booked for this last year and finally gave up. Both myself and who I ran with are members (just neither are owners at VGC) so we can see when things are open. I would be happy to look any time you like... I know that sometimes the companies that work with you to rent can take a bit of time to “research”.

We're being realistic about it. It would be cool if it worked out, but if it doesn't, we'll still be at Paradise Pier. Thank you for the offer!!

The other thing to consider is how many points it takes. I think approx. 27 or 30 per night... (or somewhere in there... I am just going off the top of my head but could look for sure) If you rent for $15 a point...that comes out to be as much as just booking paradise pier through Disney with a discount. (I think) AND there is always booking through GET travel..and that would put you on property for probably the cheapest.

The price is comparable. Thanks for the GET travel recommendation, I'll check them out!

Keep in mind that while GC is definitely a bit more upscale than the DL hotel or PP, all three are more “deluxe” than what you would find in WDW. There are no mods or values on property at DLR

Oooh. I did not know that! That makes me think we'll be totally happy with PP if VGC doesn't come through.

I really am so sad over this...but it makes sense. If they gut DHS...ya can’t really have a race that is centered there. Plus.. as I mentioned this gives us the opportunity to do Wine and Dine.

I have to admit...I'm disappointed, but more excited for the DHS gut.

That is great news!!!

I was so happy to see that money come back! Up next - reimbursement for that work trip!!

You must have needed it!

I did! I rarely sleep that much, especially on a work night!

That does not sound like the first lady was very nice. Why did she have to be such a pill about it?

Agreed! There is a difference and I think that some people just have to make others feel “less” in order to make themselves feel better.

I agree with Will!

She is not my favorite. They just seem to be very aware of newer people there, I have found. I think because the classes are so small (less than 10 people in each class). Some are nice about it and some are weird.

Yellow tags!!!

Sounds like you are back on track!

I think I am getting there!

I love that one!

Me too! Love the colors so much.

Yes!

Glad you agree!!

Just as I was impressed with you pre injury... I really am impressed by you now. Your commitment and perseverance are amazing!

Thank you. Disney races are huge motivators, I must say!!

Yay!!!

Gotta love that Mickey mail!!!

How do you do it? Barely any rest days in there and add in work?

I think I am just used to it at this point - working out before work helps. Making the early Core class has been tough for me, though.

I hate how quickly we can “lose” our pace but how slowly we regain it. It isn’t fair.

I agree. Someone needs to fix this!!

Again.. maybe it isn’t so bad. At least you are overall maintaining your weight.

True. I am still way better off than I was a few years back when I was 25-30 pounds heavier.

I got the book mark at ToT and really like it better than anything else they have offered in the past. It is far easier to transport back home.

That is true! I didn't think about that. Even though I think a bookmark is a little weird I'm still excited to get mine.

That stinks! Nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having it really not agree with you.

I know! I think my stomach was just not used to running for that long.

And with that... oh my!!! I am caught up

YAY! Thanks for reading, I appreciate it!

And just as you catch up, I post another update!

 

[Ariel484]

Week 4 of JJ5K/W&D Training
Monday, October 20, 2014 - Sunday, October 26, 2014

20 miles completed
61 miles completed in JJ5K/W&D Training so far
605.71 miles completed in 2014 so far (finally cracked 600 for the year!)

Monday, October 20: Run #1 (3 miles on the treadmill)

So remember how I said I wanted to string good weeks together for WW? And how I had stomach issues on Saturday night? Well, apparently my stupid little brain thought it would be a good idea to follow up on this by eating breadsticks and one-too-many slices of pizza from one of our favorite pizza places. It was all just so delicious...could not stop eating.

Anyway, my stomach was bothering me last night after that. Not like Saturday, but definitely bothering me. That combined with an inability to shut my brain off for the evening, after an extremely busy day (I was out and around yesterday for 7 hours), made for a TERRIBLE night of sleep. So I canceled my sign-up for Core class for this morning. I don't want to make it a habit of missing these classes...that's two in a row! And then I went to sign up for Friday's class and it's canceled, along with a few other classes. Not sure why? I'm thinking they're switching out the spin bikes in that studio that day, so that stinks. And now I regret missing class this morning because that's an entire week without Core.

I did get my run in though. My stomach is almost recovered but still doesn't feel totally normal...I did have some cramps during my run but they were more side cramps, sort of under my rib cage, so I think it was unrelated.

Today I stuck with running 3:30/walking 1:00. I didn't mess with the speed at all - I kept it at 5.8 MPH (10:20/mile pace) for the running intervals. Somehow really pushing the speed didn't seem attractive to me after my stomach issues this weekend! Total time for the run was 34:09, 11:23/mile pace. I did this run in a different room than the one I normally go to (**TMI ALERT** - wanted to be closer to the bathroom in case disaster struck! ) and I noticed it was much, much cooler in this room compared to my normal location. If felt nice but I think I need to stick to the warmer room - with these Disney races coming up, this is the closest I'll get to being able to mimic the Florida location. Because in case you didn't know, winter in Ohio is NOT like winter in Florida!

After the run I did some push-ups (3 sets of 5, what a beast I am ) and some planks (3 for 30 seconds each). What fun!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 20: sign. Almost time for me to partake in this year's Food & Wine Festival!!!

Tuesday, October 21: Run #2 (4 miles on the treadmill)

Not a bad run today! I was sort of dreading it just because 4 miles on the treadmill seemed SO FREAKING LONG to me...I had to keep reminding myself where I was a month ago, when I couldn't run but wanted to sooooo badly. Once I got going it seemed to go by quickly!

I picked a treadmill and only lasted 0.1 miles on it - it was just old and all of the buttons were jammed in and stuck. So I hopped on over to a new one and got into a groove. Still doing run 3:30/walk 1:00, I did 5.8MPH (10:20/mile pace) for the first 2 miles, 5.9MPH (10:10/mile pace) for the third mile and 6.0MPH (10:00/mile pace) for the last mile. Toward the end I upped the speed a bit for 15-30 seconds as well. Total time for the run was...I don't know. I forget. 45 minutes or something?

Also, I'm flying to Disney 2 weeks from tomorrow. NO BIG DEAL OR ANYTHING.

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 21: Frozen. Do you wanna eat a cupcake??

Wednesday, October 22: Run #3 (3 miles on the treadmill)

2 weeks from today I'll be checking in at POP!! Yeehaw!

Had a couple of weird things happen this morning. I must have slept in an odd position last night because I woke up with an insanely painful cramp in my right big toe. It's actually still bothering me a little bit almost 6 hours later but it feels much better.

Second weird thing happened at the gym. I went into the smaller cardio room and was surprised to find that most of the treadmills have been replaced. Some of the treadmills were definitely getting beat up (like the one I started out on yesterday with the stuck buttons), but to see them all switched out was surprising.

So I got on the treadmill and started my run. Still doing run 3:30/walk 1:00...5.8MPH for the first mile, 5.9MPH for the second mile, 6.0MPH for the third mile. Does it get repetitive to read about my intervals over and over every day? Yes? Uh, sorry about that.

Anyway...right around 1.8 miles, the treadmill started to slow down and a message flashed that it was time to cool down. Um...what?! Apparently these new treadmills cut you off at 20 minutes. How annoying! And I didn't see a way to program in how far I want to run, so that’s going to be a pain in the butt in the future, unless I'm missing something.

Anyway...the treadmill stopped and I reset it and started running again until I did 1.2 miles to get to 3 total. I think my time was 33:24 (11:08/mile) or something. My weird toe cramp bothered me a teeny bit during the run, but it felt SO MUCH BETTER than it did when I first got out of bed this morning.

It was so hot in the treadmill room today. SO HOT. Good W&D training I guess 2 WEEKS SQUUEEEE AHHHH!!!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 22: Vehicle. One of my favorite Disney race photo-ops was with the ladies during the 13th mile of the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon!!

Thursday, October 23: Rest Day

**WW UPDATE**

Up and down, up and down over here. Up 1 pound this week.

Today was my rest day. Woohoo!! That is all.

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 23: Slow. Sometimes a nice, leisurely ride over California is just the ticket!

Friday, October 24: Warm Yoga Flow

No core class today - when I tried to sign up earlier this week it was canceled. I think they were moving out all of the spin bikes and putting in all new ones today?

Yoga was FANTASTIC today. I don't know what it was about it, but I really enjoyed the entire class and felt sooooo good afterward. Love this particular teacher.

After yoga I came home to get to work - both for my job and for the pumpkin party! Will is the JV tennis coach, and each year the head coach has an end-of-the-year party at his house where the girls tennis team comes to hang out, have dinner (build-your-own tacos, yum!) and carve pumpkins. It's always really fun. So today I made cupcakes for the pumpkin chocolate chip with cinnamon buttercream icing and chocolate cupcakes with chai icing. The chocolate cupcakes were a back-up: I first made apple cider cupcakes and they turned out terrible! The flavor was great, but the texture was oddly rubbery. Oh well!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 24: Performer. Festival of the Lion King!

Saturday, October 25: Run #4 (10-mile loop)
Weather: 66 degrees (!!), sunny and breezy

Just one more run left until Wine & Dine!!

Unfortunately, this run was a lot tougher than I was hoping it would be. The good thing was that we had unseasonably awesome weather today...but running in full sun is always tough. Beyond that though, my legs just felt sluggish and in pain the entire time. I'm pretty sure the fact that I drank zero water yesterday contributed to that.

But I did finish the run! Woohoo! I had half of a Honey Stinger Waffle at about the 2- and 6-mile marks. Total time for the run was 1:51:19 (11:08/mile). So just about 10 seconds per mile slower than last week's long run...but this one was so tough I was just glad to finish, despite the fact that I slid back on my pace. I stuck with running 4 minutes/walking 1 minute and I think I'll continue to stick with that for this week and next week as well. I did end up taking an extra 30-second walk break during one of my running intervals, but otherwise I didn't cut any short even though I really, really wanted to. So I am proud of myself for that.

Despite the fact that I struggled, this run was a big confidence booster for me. I said I wanted to get to 10 for Wine & Dine, and I've done that. So yay! I have 12 scheduled for next weekend, which I'm nervous about. Last year I hurt my foot during my last long run before Wine & Dine and I'm really hoping that does not happen again!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 25: Hat. Okay, they aren't hats, but they're close!

Sunday, October 26: Hot Yoga Flow

TOUGH, tough yoga class today. I was holding it together until about halfway through, and suddenly I just was beat. I think my body was mad at me for not taking a rest day after that tough 10-miler! I still felt good once the class was over (I always do) but the class itself didn't feel as good as Friday's did.

The same teacher I like on Fridays also does a Sunday class, so I think I'll try that one next week. It starts at 7:15, so I’d need to get up about an hour earlier than I did today, but I’ll give it a shot. Mostly I think the biggest difference will be that it's a "warm" class, whereas today was a "hot" class. So the studio will be 10 degrees cooler. I think the hotness of the hot class really was not agreeing with me today.

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 26: Me. Happy with a little crazy mixed in during the 5th mile of the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon!

Continued in Next Post

 

[annmarieda]

I don't wear mine to work either. I certainly don't begrudge anyone that does (have you noticed that this is becoming a weirdly divisive topic in the Facebook groups?!). If I felt like I *could* wear them to work I sure as heck would! I DO plan on wearing them during my trip.

I have notice it seems to be a hot topic. I do wonder what people do that allows them to wear them. Not to judge...but just curious.

You sure have been busy with some AWESOME things!!!

This is true... but I still feel like I need to get caught up on dis.

Ooooh, and you get to add days too! That is awesome!! Yay Ann!

if I ever update my own PTR I will be sure to tell. I ended up adding a day to the marathon weekend trip and the phm trip. Both because airfare made more sense on the day AFTER we were set to check out. Oh yes, that means I have return airfare now too.

I knooooow. Right now I have 3 of my January race outfits planned around RawThreads street vs...I'm hoping I don't regret it.

I will cross my fingers for you!

Yeah, and when you factor in the race fees that got me some of those shirts...that is an expensive quilt!

I had not thought about all the race fees that go into that. Yikes... that is a spendy quilt.

Well you definitely have me beat on Disneyland races...by a long shot!

well... I just have 2... so not all that much.

I went to that store again this weekend - the mannequin is STILL there wearing that same top!

That is so weird. I think they need to take it off!

I did see that about ToT! I actually thought of you when I saw that, aren't you a legacy runner for that race? That stinks. I was hoping to run that race eventually so I hope it comes back. At the same time, I'm really curious to see what a gut of DHS will bring.

I was..but who knows maybe they will reinstate in 2016 and I can continue on. If not though... I won't sweat it. Who know what or if they would actually do anything for legacy of 5 years on that. Someone on the ToT thread tried saying that since it wasn't a half nothing would be done anyway so people shouldn't let it get to them. Then someone pointed out that the ee 5 year legacy got an embroidered yeti and mouse ears. Since that is just a 5k it stand to reason SOMETHING would be done for ToT perfects. I am with you though... curious to see what becomes of DHS. The hat is going for sure...

Right?! The pre-race bathroom stop MUST be completed!

Agreed!!

I absolutely am. Looking back on this race the bad parts definitely stand out in my mind more than the good ones, so I need to reverse that.

You definitely do because you did amazing even without the injury but with?

I'm glad the tornado didn't come to your area!!

It was just a couple hours away. The entire side of the state has had some seriously bad weather this week.

We should! You know how busy those race weekends are but I'm sure we can think of something!

Just let me know what your thoughts are. You are still more than welcome to join us for breakfast that morning. I know there is a breakfast and I know there is a morning... but off the top of my head I can not remember when or where that is. Captains Grille?

YEP. It's hard for me to keep my mouth shut when I hear/read about that from other people. I mean, just because it's in Disney...it's still going to be tough!

yes.. me too. I think it is becoming easier as I see it more and more. Kinda like... there is no point to encourage or critic. Like recently someone (as in the last couple weeks) posted they are not sure how ready they will be for the avengers because their miles are only up to 3. yeah...not sure how good of a time they will have.

And you did! I so appreciate that you read it all.

I'm ALWAYS sore after the Disney races, and stairs are the worst. I have to hop down them, can't step like a normal person.

I wasn't fine walking them at the time...but I am sure that is what led to my legs being so sore the next day.

SKIRTS!!! I'm getting SweetSkulls and ComicRelief delievered today! Was going to get them at the expo but then I saw ComicRelief was not on the list, so I jumped on that $5-off Facebook group code! It's an addiction for sure.

I thought I was going to get sweetskulls at the tot expo..but in person decided the peacock was far prettier (and would give me something to wear in the parks) I have comicrelief. I plan to use that for the avengers. Most likely....

The camera is really fantastic, and the screen looks amazing. Those things, along with an increase in storage size (64GB! Way more than I need, 32 would have been fine) are what I like about it the most. I wish Lifeproof would come out with cases, because I had one for my 5 and liked to use it when I would run...so lately I have been carrying my phone in a Ziploc baggy.

Storage and camera are two things I really want for my next phone. Oh.. and sound without using headphones would be nice.

But then you would miss all of my injury-related whining!!

Well... I wouldn't exactly put it like that. I want to read about the good and the bad..

It ended up not being the shoes, I guess. I think I was (without realizing it) changing my gait to compensate for whatever pain I was having.

I have done that! In fact just this past weekend! Luckily I caught what I was doing. I have callus/bunion blister issues. Well, one foot was becoming pretty sore and so I started to land more to the outside of my foot and all of a sudden my hip started to hurt. I am glad I nipped that in the rear before it caused me any true problem.

I think I am becoming more okay with it as time goes on...probably because Wine & Dine is so close and I really was afraid I wouldn't get to do it. So now I'm just happy that I'm almost there!

It is!!

So my friend texted me a picture of fabric last week - zebra print with some sparkles. I'm so excited to see what she comes up with!!

You will have to share what she does!

 

[Ariel484]

I have notice it seems to be a hot topic. I do wonder what people do that allows them to wear them. Not to judge...but just curious.

I guess I exaggerated that - it was really only one post, but it did have, like, 70 replies...which I thought was a lot.

This is true... but I still feel like I need to get caught up on dis.

A lot of times I feel like there are so many posts and posters...things move so fast...it's almost impossible to be 100% caught up, especially if you are involved in a lot of threads!

if I ever update my own PTR I will be sure to tell. I ended up adding a day to the marathon weekend trip and the phm trip. Both because airfare made more sense on the day AFTER we were set to check out. Oh yes, that means I have return airfare now too.

NICE!! woohoo for extra Disney days!!

I will cross my fingers for you!

Thanks! Wine & Dine will be the RT test for me.

I had not thought about all the race fees that go into that. Yikes... that is a spendy quilt.

I try not to think about it too much...

well... I just have 2... so not all that much.

Still 2 more than me!

That is so weird. I think they need to take it off!

I know! Very weird!!

I was..but who knows maybe they will reinstate in 2016 and I can continue on. If not though... I won't sweat it. Who know what or if they would actually do anything for legacy of 5 years on that. Someone on the ToT thread tried saying that since it wasn't a half nothing would be done anyway so people shouldn't let it get to them. Then someone pointed out that the ee 5 year legacy got an embroidered yeti and mouse ears. Since that is just a 5k it stand to reason SOMETHING would be done for ToT perfects. I am with you though... curious to see what becomes of DHS. The hat is going for sure...

I bet they will reinstate it - it is a popular race. Although I did read a thread on another board that said the DHS gut job is a 5-year plan, so it may be awhile.

I think they should move the hat outside of the park gates, right in the entrance plaza. I like the hate but not where it is right now.

Agreed!!

YES! The pre-race bathroom stop is non-negotiable!!

You definitely do because you did amazing even without the injury but with?

I'm trying to look at the positives from it! But thankfully since I have been able to run more regularly for a bit now I'm not dwelling on that race as much anymore.

It was just a couple hours away. The entire side of the state has had some seriously bad weather this week.

Not good. Hope everyone is okay!

Just let me know what your thoughts are. You are still more than welcome to join us for breakfast that morning. I know there is a breakfast and I know there is a morning... but off the top of my head I can not remember when or where that is. Captains Grille?

I will let you know. It's going to be a busy weekend, I get a little overwhelmed thinking about it. Thank you for the invite!

yes.. me too. I think it is becoming easier as I see it more and more. Kinda like... there is no point to encourage or critic. Like recently someone (as in the last couple weeks) posted they are not sure how ready they will be for the avengers because their miles are only up to 3. yeah...not sure how good of a time they will have.

I would be TERRIFIED. I would be dreading it! Which is not acceptable for expensive races in Disney! I hope they do okay!

I wasn't fine walking them at the time...but I am sure that is what led to my legs being so sore the next day.

Yeah, the best thing about Disney races is at least you have more motivation to walk out that soreness since the parks are right there.

I thought I was going to get sweetskulls at the tot expo..but in person decided the peacock was far prettier (and would give me something to wear in the parks) I have comicrelief. I plan to use that for the avengers. Most likely....

I have SweetSkulls! Just got it earlier this week! Which peacock did you say you got again?

As you know, I very very briefly owned ComicRelief as well... I wish they would post pictures of the other new skirts. I saw their new peacock yesterday and I DO like it, but not sure I like it enough to buy it.

Storage and camera are two things I really want for my next phone. Oh.. and sound without using headphones would be nice.

YES! I have been looking into Bluetooth headphones, because at least there would be no cord, but they are pricey and I haven't found any that have really good reviews.

Well... I wouldn't exactly put it like that. I want to read about the good and the bad..

Haha, how kind of you to say that!

I have done that! In fact just this past weekend! Luckily I caught what I was doing. I have callus/bunion blister issues. Well, one foot was becoming pretty sore and so I started to land more to the outside of my foot and all of a sudden my hip started to hurt. I am glad I nipped that in the rear before it caused me any true problem.

Yep, that's exactly what I am talking about! I speak from experience - that kind of stuff can really mess you up!! Glad you caught yourself!

It is!!

YAY! I fly out a week from TODAY!!

You will have to share what she does!

I will! I saw pictures of her with other bows she has made and it was REALLY cute, so I'm excited!

 

[Ariel484]

2014 Wine & Dine Half Marathon - The Outfit!

A couple of weeks ago I talked a bit about my Jingle Jungle 5K outfit and how rather than going with (what I think is) the more obvious theme - Christmas - I’m going a little more subtle with the rainforest/jungle look.

My Wine & Dine outfit is much more literal. I know from last year that the atmosphere will be much different...JJ5K is relaxed and family-friendly. The Wine & Dine Half is a 13.1-mile-long party in the dark!

The outfit as a whole is a wee bit up in the air at this point. Right now, the only thing I have picked out for sure is the top. As I mentioned before, I’m running the race with friends, and somewhere along the way it was decided that we should all have matching tops. Raw Threads had a sale, so we had to take advantage.

The winner! I lobbied for the “Run for Wine” top but was overruled.

(Don’t let the sneaky Instagram filter fool you...it’s black.)

After the trouble I had with Raw Threads over the summer (armpit chafing and lack of breathability with the fabric) I’m not totally sure how this will work out. I’m hoping the armpit chafing will be a non-factor since the “chicken pits” came when I was wearing tanks, and this Beer Run shirt has sleeves. I don’t think there’s much I can do about the breathability - Wine & Dine is traditionally a warm, humid race, but it’s at night - so no sun. I think that fact alone will help me a lot.

That’s really all I have picked out for the outfit at this point. The rest of it is probably going to be put up to a group vote.

I’m definitely wearing a SparkleSkirt (duh). I’m bringing along a few for the trip as a whole, but right now I think I have two main options for this Wine & Dine outfit.

My original first instinct was to pair this shirt with my tried and true Black Silk SparkleSkirt.

I have owned and cherished this skirt for a little over 2 years now. There are definitely some flaws in it by now - runs in the fabric and whatnot - but I don’t care. It’s still the best skirt ever, and overall it’s in pretty great shape after I’ve worn it countless times.

Originally I had a skinny black metallic SweatyBand I planned on wearing, but I lost it. So sad! When Sweaty Bands had a sale in April, I found a new black band I liked, so I pounced. It’s called the Slip and Slide and I got it for $7...a bargain for a Sweaty Band (pretty sure it’s not available anymore):

So that’s option 1 - Beer Run shirt, black skirt and black/white SweatyBand.

Then I started buying more SparkleSkirts, and option 2 was born. Still using the same Beer Run shirt, but I’m debating on a different skirt - my PeacockSapphire.

The yellow in the skirt actually matches the yellow in the top almost perfectly.

I’m planning on buying a plain, black metallic Sweaty Band at the expo to replace the one I lost (won’t do it online - SwatyBands’ shipping fees are ridiculous, in my opinion). The one I had before was a Viva Diva (on the left), which is a textured, glittery fabric. Another option is Fabulosity, which is a smoother fabric with some sheen (right). Which ever of these I buy would be what I would wear with the outfit if I use the Peacock skirt.

So these are my options. Option 1 - mostly black (like a ninja!), or Option 2 (a colorful, pretty peacock...on a beer run). I like both outfits a lot but I think I’m leaning toward the Peacock outfit, just because it’s a little more interesting. Thoughts?!

Are either option Disney-inspired? No. Are they race-appropriate and festive? I’d like to think so! Cheers!

Continued in Next Post

 

[rpcvpanama]

Definitely go with the peacock skirt!!

 

[Ariel484]

Definitely go with the peacock skirt!!

I'm thinking that skirt is gonna be the winner!

 

[ZellyB]

Another vote for the peacock skirt here!

 

[TigerTown]

2014 Wine & Dine Half Marathon - The Outfit!

lol...l think this a big difference between men and women runners. My outfit usually consists of whichever running shirt and shorts are on the top of the pile in my drawer

 

[Ariel484]

Another vote for the peacock skirt here!

I'm thinking PeacockSapphie is the winner!

lol...l think this a big difference between men and women runners. My outfit usually consists of whichever running shirt and shorts are on the top of the pile in my drawer

But look at how sparkly you could be!

Seriously, I rarely put this much thought into it...just has to be something comfortable that I have worn before, and somewhat matches. Disney races are different because I stop for pictures, so I want to have a cute outfit for those.

 

[Ariel484]

Week 5 of JJ5K/W&D Training
Monday, October 27, 2014 - Sunday, November 2, 2014

23.1 miles completed
84.1 miles completed in JJ5K/W&D Training so far
628.81 miles completed in 2014 so far
78 miles completed in October 2014

Monday, October 27: 60-minute Core class

Well hello there!

Today I went to the later core class, which means it started at a more humane time of 6:15AM. This was with a teacher I hadn’t had before ("Are you new?" OMG YES, YES EVERYONE, I'M NEW!!!) and I did like it. It was more of a full-body workout compared to the other two teachers, I think. We also used the TRX straps, which was a first for me (the ladies around me were very, very nice in helping me figure them out). We had our feet in them for planks and whatnot, sort of like this:

SO FREAKING HARD. I felt like I was keeping up pretty well until we got to the TRX sequence!

After that I drove into work, showered at the gym...and here I am. With a baaaaad case of Disney-itis. The trip is so close!!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 27: Happy Haunt. Ran into this lovely lady during the 2011 Princess Half Marathon!

Tuesday, October 28:: Run #1 (3 miles on the treadmill AM/2-mile out-and-back PM)

Well, I got the miles in. That counts, right?!

I tried to really mentally pump myself up for a 5-miler on the treadmill this morning. I was fine up until about the halfway mark, and suddenly I just wasn't having it anymore. Not sure why...I was just over it. So I made it to 3 miles (34:09, 11:23/mile) and told myself I'd run 2 more later.

All day I would keep forgetting and then remembering that I had to finish the run later and TOTALLY regretted not finishing it this morning! ARRG!

By the time I got home, it was chilly and rainy out - not cool! Wait, actually I guess it was cool...in a way...

Before I could change my mind, I got changed and headed out to finish up my run. It really wasn't that bad - I knew it would take me less than 25 minutes, so that helped. The rain wasn't terrible - it was very light so it actually felt a little refreshing. My time ended up being 21:48, 10:51/mile. Glad I got it done.

Later this evening I totally hit the wall - SO TIRED. I am starting to re-think my schedule for next week - currently I’m planning on core and a 3-mile run on Monday, followed by a 3-miler on Tuesday before leaving for Disney on Wednesday (!!!). I think I’m going to axe the Monday 3-miler and just go to core that day. Then this next week can be a step-back week and hopefully I won't drop dead from being tired. Cool? Cool.

Speaking of cool...may I present the monster pup's Halloween Portrait for 2014. They do this every year at doggy day camp - it costs $10 (which goes to a local animal rescue) and in exchange we get a hilarious photo. This is year 5 of doing this.

Here are portraits from 2012 (HARRY POTTER OMG SQUUEEEE), 2010 (a knight!) and 2013 (a cow!). 2011 was not a great picture - I thought he was a flower, Will thought he was an alien. Meh?

And now, 2014 - UNDERDOG!!!

Yay! Apparently he's very well-behaved on portrait day. That makes me a proud mama.

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 28: Candy. This is a cake pop...but it IS covered in chocolate. Close enough!

Wednesday, October 29:: Run #2 (3 miles on the treadmill)

I finished my run as scheduled today (34:30, 11:30/mile pace)! Woohoo!

I definitely need to make next week a step-back week. Work is really stressful right now and I'm feeling run-down. Not good!

But I fly to Disney a week from today...GOOD!!!!!!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 29: Spooky. Referring to the villains in the picture and not my ghostly pale skin!

Thursday, October 30:: Rest Day

**WW UPDATE**

Down 0.6 this week, yeehaw!

Today was a very, very badly needed rest day. Whew!

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 30: Pumpkin!

Friday, October 31:: Run #3 (12-mile out-and-back)
Weather: 45 degrees and overcast

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The last long run before Wine & Dine!

I was sooooo so nervous for this run. Last year, on my last long run before the Wine & Dine half marathon, I strained my foot. It was totally a freak occurrence, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it could possibly happen again.

I had a pretty full schedule lined up for today - originally I had a Core class AND another PT session lined up for today, but I canceled those. Just don't have the time for it. I needed to get this run in, plus work, plus an eye appointment.

So I got up early to get the run out of the way. I carried water with me, along with a Honey Stinger Waffle (vanilla) - had half of that at approximately 4 miles, the other half at approximately 8 miles. I linked my phone up with my Garmin and sent Will a tracking link, which I have been doing on all of my long runs lately - love looking at my phone every once in awhile and seeing a "you're doing great, baby!"-type message from him.

I stuck with my 4:1 intervals, and for the first 10 miles I felt GREAT. Seriously, this run was going so much better than last week's painful 10-miler.

I remained cautiously optimistic as I approached an intersection that I knew was about 1.5 miles away from home.

"I'm doing this! I'm going to finish this run and not be injured!"

Nope. Literally minutes after I thought that, I failed to see a short, think branch lying on the sidewalk, right in my path. I stepped on it and rolled my left ankle.

PANIC.

Actually, not a lot of panic. Really I'm surprised at how calm I was when this happened. My foot hurt - a LOT - but I hadn't heard or felt any sort of pop or crack. Sometime told me it would most likely be okay.

I walked very, very slowly for a minute or so, and the more I walked, the more the pain began to subside. Eventually it was almost completely gone. Not only did I finish the run, I was actually able to run about half of the rest of it (I did shorten my run intervals to 1-2 minutes, just to be safe, and I dropped the pace a lot).

WHEW. Seriously though, I about had a freaking heart attack.

My overall pace ended up at 11:14/mile (2:14:47 total time). Obviously I wish I hadn't rolled my ankle but overall, very pleased with this run.

When I got home I inspected my ankle and was very, very relieved to not see any swelling or bruising. I think I dodged a bullet! I wore my compression socks for the rest of the day, just to be safe. Later, after the eye appointment (still blind, but not any more blind than last year - yay?) I came home to get to work and iced the foot and took ibuprofen.

Why am I somewhat injury-prone all of a sudden?!

We didn't give out any candy for Halloween this year - the dog is much happier when strangers aren't constantly coming to the door.

#magicaldisneypicschallenge Day 31: Happy Halloween!

Saturday, November 1: Run #4 (Bernie Shuffle 5K Race)
RACE RECAP!

Sunday, November 2: Warm Yoga Flow Planned, unscheduled rest day taken

Gotta start banking sleep for Disney, and gotta rest that ankle, just to be safe - rest day it is!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Ariel484]

RACE RECAP: 2014 Bernie Shuffle
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Weather: 40 degrees with rain and sleet, 30MPH winds

Today was the Bernie Shuffle! First post-injury race for both me and my brother (who was in a car accident last year and needed surgery on his leg afterward), and first-ever race for my cousin!

Flat me. I feel like this picture makes me look like waaay more of a Browns fan than I actually am! That's the one Browns shirt I own - the headband came with race entry. The socks I bought new for the race.

This is not my full outfit. I ended up adding a white long-sleeved Nike Dri-fit shirt (which is lined with fleece) under the Browns top and a pair of leggings that are also fleece-lined. Not dri-fit but I found them at Walgreens for $7! I pulled my skirt on over them and it worked out pretty well.

The race was due to start at 8AM, so I told my mom (who was driving my brother, my brother's friend, my cousin and my younger cousin - who would not be participating in the race - downtown) that I was going to try to be parked by 7:30. I was driving separately and had my lot picked out ahead of time.

After yesterday's rolling incident I taped my ankle (which felt okay), had a light breakfast (Belveeta Breakfast biscuits!) and skipped the coffee this time around. I made it to my chosen lot by 7:30...along with everyone else. BIG line of cars waiting to get in! Around this time I got a text from my brother - apparently my mom thought Daylight Savings Time started today - so she thought it was an hour earlier than it really was. They were running late.

My chosen lot was full, so I ended up parking in a different one right next to it. It was pouring rain, and the wind was crazy, so I wanted to sit in my car for as long as possible. The starting line was right by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is right on the lake. It was gonna be ugly.

Around 7:45 I got a text that my mom was dropping off my brother, his friend and my cousin at the entrance to my lot. I had their bibs, so I HAD to find them and meet up ahead of time.

I found them pretty easily - they were all wearing hoodies and sweatpants. My brother later texted my husband and told him that it seemed like I wasn't wearing enough layers. Well, we were all soaked through immediately, but at least my clothes were lighter and moisture-wicking. I can't imagine running around in a cold, heavy soaked sweatshirt. Anyway, I gave them the bibs and headbands (which were actually pretty warm) and we headed to the starting line.

This was the worst part of it. We were standing there, right by the lake, and the wine was INSANE. We tried to go as far into the crowd as possible so they would all shield us!

While waiting I asked my cousin how she wanted to do this - we could run a bit, then walk for a minute, and keep doing that? She insisted that she could run the entire thing. And I'm like, "Okay..." wondering whether or not I could run the entire thing!

Eventually the race started a few minutes late.

(Picture from my mom. I'm not in this one but it gives an idea of how the race was going. This makes the conditions look better than they actually were.)

Mile 1: 11:48
The first mile was bad - still right by the lake, and the start was crowded - we had to walk for a minute or so due to the wall of people in front of us. And around mile 0.3 there was a big, long hill. That wasn't great. But at the bottom of the hill was the man himself - Bernie Kosar! People freaked.

My brother (Craig)'s friend couldn't stop saying how nuts this all was (it was his first race as well) and Craig and I just laughed and laughed. Then Craig stepped in a puddle, shouted "I stepped in a puddle!" and for whatever reason, this struck me as hilarious. I could not stop laughing. His friend was right, this entire thing WAS nuts.

Mile 2: 11:11
There was no chip timing (which was stated ahead of time on the website) and no mile markers at this race, so when my watched beeped at the end of mile 1, I yelled "That's 1!" Craig's friend didn't know I had the watch on, so throughout Craig and I were messing with him whenever he'd ask how far we had gone..."We're at 1.3. No wait, I read that wrong, it's actually 0.13. No wait, actually, we've run 13 miles! Running is so easy!" And so on. It seemed funny at the time?

By the end of the first mile we'd headed away from the lake and the wind wasn't as bad here because the buildings were shielding us. The rain was letting up a bit, too.

My cousin had to stop to tie her shoe at about 1.75 miles - this was the only time we stopped during the entire 5K. I also blew a snot rocket somewhere in here...had to be done! Passed a water stop somewhere in here, too.

Mile 3: 10:34 (look at that negative split!)
For the last mile, we were back by the lake - oh, hello again, crazy wind. We ran around the football stadium and were faced with another huge hill. Craig and I were shocked when his friend SPRINTED up the thing. My cousin followed him and C and I were just chugging along at our usual pace. When we got to the top, Craig's friend was just like, "I just wanted to get that hill over with!" Good plan, I guess!

At this point, I saw someone walk by with the finisher medal - it was HUGE! And awesome! Disney-sized! I was so pumped!

I let my fellow shufflers know that we'd crossed the 3-mile mark, and my cousin was surprised because she said it didn't feel like we'd run 3 miles already! I took that as a good sign.

We saw the finish line, and cousin and I suddenly began to sprint. And she whooped my sorry butt! Dang, girl!

Unofficial Finish time (or is it official since there was no chip timing?): 34:37, 11:08/mile pace

There was an after-party, but we didn't stick around for long. Just long enough to get our medals, look for bananas (they didn't have any...??!?!?!?! No post-race food that I could see!) and bottles of water. Also got a group photo. After that we were outta there!

L-R Brother's friend, cousin, me, brother...younger cousin who did not run is in the front with the pink boots

Medal - probably the best non-Disney medal I have!

Instagram post from later:

Right after crossing the finish line I asked my cousin if she had fun, and she said she did! Later I texted her some screen shots from my Garmin app so she could have them, and told her we should do it again sometime. She said she's all for it!

Overall I thought that this was a really well-done race - especially considering it was in its inaugural year and the weather was so awful. My one and only complaint is that they should have had some food at the finish - just some bananas or something. For a $45 5K, I expected at least that. But I'd definitely do this race again.

Also - very happy with how I held up! I did the entire thing with just one stop, ankle felt find, quads struggled - still some soreness from yesterday's 12-miler.

And I have to say...except for the Royal Family 5K, this is the most fun I have had at a race this year. And it's totally because I ran it with some of my favorite people. Running alone in that weather probably would have been pretty miserable, but running with them - it was just fun. I had a blast!

Overall - 2 thumbs up from me for the Bernie Shuffle!

Continued in Next Post

 

[ZellyB]

I can't believe you are heading to Disney so soon!!! Woohoo!! And, Jealous!!!

Sounds like the last long training run went great even with the ankle scare. What is it with injuries this year? So glad everything is okay.

Those Halloween costume pics of your pup are so awesome!! Love Underdog this year and, of course, the Harry Potter one is fantastic.

Great job on your 5K. Those conditions sound completely miserable, but just goes to show you what the right attitude and companionship can do to make a race fun. The medal is great and very BLINGY!!! Love your outfit too. The socks really set it off.

 

[RnbwSktles]

There was an after-party, but we didn't stick around for long. Just long enough to get our medals, look for bananas (they didn't have any...??!?!?!?! No post-race food that I could see!) and bottles of water. Also got a group photo. After that we were outta there!

I see a Beer Ticket on your bib. You didn't stick around for the beer???

 

[Ariel484]

I can't believe you are heading to Disney so soon!!! Woohoo!! And, Jealous!!!

Just 1 more sleep left for me!! SQUEEEE!

Sounds like the last long training run went great even with the ankle scare. What is it with injuries this year? So glad everything is okay.

Overall it was definitely a great run - I'd even go so far to say that it really boosted my confidence after coming back from my injury issues. The ankle roll was unfortunate but I'm trying hard to focus on the rest of the run, which was really good.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THESE INJURIES!!! I'm starting to think I need to live in a protective bubble from now until January.

Those Halloween costume pics of your pup are so awesome!! Love Underdog this year and, of course, the Harry Potter one is fantastic.

Thanks!! It's seriously something I look forward to every year!

Great job on your 5K. Those conditions sound completely miserable, but just goes to show you what the right attitude and companionship can do to make a race fun. The medal is great and very BLINGY!!! Love your outfit too. The socks really set it off.

Totally agree, the attitude and companionship saved it for me. Waiting for the start was pretty miserable but once we got going it wasn't quite so miserable any more.

The medal IS blingy! And glittery! I agree that the socks make the outfit...I had pairs for the other runners too but you can't tell since they were covered in layers of sweatpants!

I see a Beer Ticket on your bib. You didn't stick around for the beer???

NOPE. I high-tailed it outta there and went home to take a glorious scalding hot shower!!

 

[Ariel484]

TOMORROW.

Just a half day left of work and one sleep until it's DISNEY DAY!!!

I don't know if it's really hit me yet. I think because I still have a small checklist of things to do (check in for my flight, pick up bagels for before the races, finish packing, etc.)...in the meantime I'll be trying to tie up some stuff at work and continue to refresh the Disney Parks Blog page hoping to get a glimpse of the merch that will be available at the expo on Friday.

This Friday. Like 3 days from now.

Okay, the excitement is starting to creep in. I'M GOING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!

Continued in Next Post

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Enjoy your trip!

 

[rpcvpanama]

Good Luck at the W&D. Hope it is a vast improvement over last year!!

 

[Ariel484]

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks!!