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

[Ariel484]

Trip Plans - The Resort!

In my last resort (non-)update, I talked about how I'd made the following requests to rent DVC points:

1. Grand Floridian Studio, Standard View
2. Bay Lake Tower Studio, Standard View
3. Bay Lake Tower Studio, Lake View
4. Villas at Wilderness Lodge Studio

Between then and Wednesday I'd gotten quite a few updates on my request...none of them were good.

- Grand Floridian Villas had NO STUDIOS AVAILABLE
- Bay Lake Tower had NO STUDIOS AVAILABLE

So much for (somewhat) cheaply staying on the monorail! Wilderness Lodge did have studios available and the points were there for me to rent...all I had to do was say the word. I probably would have said GO FOR IT...except that I just stayed there this past weekend (lucky me!). And while the resort is beautiful, I came away less-than-impressed with the transportation and (unfortunately) the front-desk staff. (Long story short, we had a major maintenance issue the morning of check-out that they did NOT take seriously despite repeated attempts to get some help with the issue over the course of a couple of hours). I know the maintenance thing is a rarity because in all of my stays at a Disney resort I've never had a problem like that in the room, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth. Plus, after staying at AKL over Christmas and having stellar experiences with staff and transportation...well, the Wilderness Lodge needs to step it up.

So I talked it over with Will and we submitted a fresh, totally different batch of requests on Wednesday. This morning, I got an email - we're booked!

Where?....

...at the Boardwalk Villas!

I'm sort of still processing this. Over Christmas with the aforementioned awesome transportation experience at AKL, I thought back to our stays at the Boardwalk and how much bus sharing we'd had to endure. It's just not cool to pay so much and share a bus with Yacht, Beach, Swan AND Dolphin. It's rare, but it happens sometimes.

On the flip side...we're within walking distance of TWO parks, so that's pretty awesome. And with the point rental we got a pretty good deal.

Plus the Boardwalk Bakery is right there! Love that place.

The other great thing is that staying here will make it super easy for Will to spectate the marathon. Just walk right outside!

Christmas decor probably won't be up but this is the best lobby shot I have...

Those park transportation concerns are really the only ones I have. This will be our 4th stay at the Boardwalk (honeymoon and Thanksgiving in 2009, summer trip in 2011) and the more I think about it, the more excited I am to go back.

I just love the atmosphere there...it's so RELAXING. I think that's exactly what I'll need in the middle of such a DOPEY weekend.

Continued in Next Post

 

[Ariel484]

Race Calendar Update - I'm running Disney (twice!)!!!!!!!

Another EXCITING (to me!) Update!

On Wednesday I signed up for not one, but TWO more races! The best kind of races...DISNEY races!

My friend ran the Glass Slipper Challenge last weekend...on the bus to the expo she mentioned she was thinking about running the Wine & Dine Half this year. I forget if she invited the rest of us to come or if we invited ourselves...either way, we are IN! Advanced registration opened to AP holders on Wednesday, and since I am the owner of a freshly purchased AP (bought the voucher before the price increase...whew!) I jumped on it. I'm definitely a bit poorer but SO excited!!

Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K - November 8, 2014 (AM)

WOOHOO! I had SO much fun running this race with Will in November!

I'm pretty sure it's just going to be my one friend and me running this one, which is fine. We're going to have a blast!

Right now Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to run through. It's so peaceful and serene...really fantastic. Definitely looking forward to doing this one again!

Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon - November 8, 2014 (PM)

The main event!!

This race was such a struggle for me in 2013...I injured my foot during my last long run of training and probably had no business starting this race. But I did, because I'm stubborn (and stupid). Luckily I didn't do any serious damage.

But I didn't fully enjoy myself either. Miles 3-13.1 were a mental battle, and as soon as I finished I knew I needed to try this race again - HEALTHY. I really loved the course and the atmosphere, but it was hard to take it all in when I was constantly questioning whether I'd finish.

Favorite photo-op, despite the poor quality...putting all of my weight on my uninjured side:

LOVE:

So while I've definitely been planning on trying this race again, it's a pleasant surprise to be doing it so soon. I'm a lucky gal, that's for sure. It'll by my and one of my friend's second time doing this race. First time doing this race for another (though not her first half)...for my other friend...it's her first-ever half marathon!

Waiting in line for Belgian Waffles!!

I'm definitely looking forward to another fun weekend with my friends. We are going to TEAR IT UP on the course and during Food & Wine!!! We're booked under a SWEET CM rate, which I'm very grateful for.

And before I signed up I had to look up my anticipated Dopey training schedule to make sure this wouldn't throw me off too much...after all, Dopey is the main goal here. That weekend I have a 17-mile long run scheduled, so with the 5K + half that'll put me at 16.2 miles for the day. Close enough, I say!

The hard part will be getting the other runs in that week. I have a VERY poor history of keeping up any kind of running schedule during Disney trips, so at this point I think the smart thing is to assume I WON'T get the runs in while I'm in Disney (even with Dopey looming...because I'm stupid) and that I need to complete them at home before/after the trip.

My schedule that week calls for 5 (!) runs: a 2-miler, a 4-miler, a 7-miler, another 7-miler at goal race pace, and the 17-mile long run. The 17-miler is covered between the 5K and the half (well, almost). I'm traveling to WDW on Thursday, November 6, most likely on the earliest flight possible...gotta maximize my WDW time! So that day is out for running.

So at this point I think I'm going to move the 2-miler to the previous week on Sunday, 11/2...and then somehow get the two 7-milers and the 4-miler in over Monday-Wednesday before leaving for WDW. It'll be a pain, but worth it. And then I'll be coming home on Monday and will pick my running schedule back up as normal...assuming I don't come home with bronchitis again like I did last week. So that's the plan!

Funny that I started this year thinking I wouldn't be doing ANY Disney races in 2014...and I've now completed 1 and am registered for 2 more. I feel very legitimately blessed right now.

Continued in Next Post

 

[annmarieda]

Week 1 went well! Congrats on getting that long run in before your trip. I know that isn't always easy to do. Our minds tend to be on other things right before a trip.

Love your bib!

The cupcake looks super yummy!

Your race outfit is inline with what I think is a good "costume" I know there may be more fancy ones out there... but give me a sort of "theme" and I am good. Rawthreads LOVE them for their themed lines.

Congrats on finishing! Medal is super cool. I kinda wish that they would make them metal like the other "big" races. I guess they are more colorful though..and I guess that draws in the young ones. Given that it is a family 5k I guess that is important.

A spoiler for my TR... but I did a wee bit of spectating of the full marathon in January (nothing like you did for the phm) It was so fun to cheer. I am not sure if it is because I am now a runner and know how it feels to be running with people cheering or what - but I think that I never would have been so enthusiastic before I myself was a runner.

I am so sorry you got sick as you came home. It definitely makes training hard. I had a similar thing happen after the donald... I am just not FINALLY not blowing my nose as I run.

Congrats on getting booked at BWV!!! I tried to get that for the first half of our stay... but there was not availabity. Now for the second half, there is in a one bedroom. So if my dd goes for staying in the living room rather than having her own studio...and it is still available when I call. I might be able to get it.

I love your pictures of the boardwalk!

for signing up for the Wine and Dine half as well as the 5k !!!! That race is definitely on my bucket list!

As for your training schedule when you are away... I think I agree. The 16 is close enough. I would count that as your long run. And... I think as long as you get your long run in (which you will cause it is the races) missing or cutting down your shorter runs shouldn't hurt you too much.

I hear ya on feeling blessed too. I have several disney races planned (as you know) So far I am registered for 2 more. If I am able to get into the avengers half... that will make my total for this year 4! I definitely feel blessed to have the ability to do so....

 

[Ariel484]

Week 1 went well! Congrats on getting that long run in before your trip. I know that isn't always easy to do. Our minds tend to be on other things right before a trip.

Too true. Work is really picking up for me right now and that was starting before I left, so I was actually able to focus on that.

Love your bib!

Disney does such a great job with their race bibs! The pin matched it. So adorable!

The cupcake looks super yummy!

That one was definitely my favorite of the trip! I went back and counted and I think we tried 7 cupcakes over the course of the trip! At least all of them were split 3 or 4 ways...that makes it not as bad, right?!

Your race outfit is inline with what I think is a good "costume" I know there may be more fancy ones out there... but give me a sort of "theme" and I am good. Rawthreads LOVE them for their themed lines.

I'm right there with you. It's hard enough to run a longer race - add in an elaborate costume and it seems almost impossible to me. Especially with the humid temperatures all of the race weekends see to have been experiencing lately! Props to anyone that can get a sweet costume together - I certainly love seeing that - but I can't see myself every actually putting one together.

Raw Threads... So expensive but I really love how that shirt feels! I ordered a sleeveless top from them along with the mermaid top (this one is for the marathon and says "48.6" on it) and I think I might order a wine-themed top at some point for Wine & Dine.

Congrats on finishing! Medal is super cool. I kinda wish that they would make them metal like the other "big" races. I guess they are more colorful though..and I guess that draws in the young ones. Given that it is a family 5k I guess that is important.

Thanks! I forgot to mention it in my little "report" but we actually walked most of the race...that was a first for me! Took us about 50 minutes! I agree with you about the medal ("medallion"?). They are definitely fun and colorful but my friend who hasn't run a half yet was bummed that it was plastic.

A spoiler for my TR... but I did a wee bit of spectating of the full marathon in January (nothing like you did for the phm) It was so fun to cheer. I am not sure if it is because I am now a runner and know how it feels to be running with people cheering or what - but I think that I never would have been so enthusiastic before I myself was a runner.

Totally agree with the bolded part, I think you summed it up perfectly!

I am so sorry you got sick as you came home. It definitely makes training hard. I had a similar thing happen after the donald... I am just not FINALLY not blowing my nose as I run.

Yeah, I mean, I was already coming home from Disney - which is sad enough - but then to get sick?! BOO! Glad to hear you're finally fully recovered! I'm not quite there yet but am close.

Congrats on getting booked at BWV!!! I tried to get that for the first half of our stay... but there was not availabity. Now for the second half, there is in a one bedroom. So if my dd goes for staying in the living room rather than having her own studio...and it is still available when I call. I might be able to get it.

Thanks!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, hope it works out for your stay!

I love your pictures of the boardwalk!

Thanks!

for signing up for the Wine and Dine half as well as the 5k !!!! That race is definitely on my bucket list!

Woohoo! You've got to try it, I thought it was so much fun last year (even with the injury). And I really like the course a lot. Can't wait!!

As for your training schedule when you are away... I think I agree. The 16 is close enough. I would count that as your long run. And... I think as long as you get your long run in (which you will cause it is the races) missing or cutting down your shorter runs shouldn't hurt you too much.

Yeah, we'll see. I don't want to cut down or miss too many shorter runs but the training plan needs to fit into my life...not the other way around. You know how it is.

I hear ya on feeling blessed too. I have several disney races planned (as you know) So far I am registered for 2 more. If I am able to get into the avengers half... that will make my total for this year 4! I definitely feel blessed to have the ability to do so....

4 in a year...that is awesome! Good luck on getting into the Avengers half...one of my friends is going to try to register her husband for it (he's a CM and will be in some sort of training session all day) and she's SO nervous that the site will crash or whatever. I hope it goes smoothly!!!

 

[DaPanMan]

Hey Shannon!!

Great trip/race reports!! Thanks for doing them. The running group I'm in did the Rock N Roll Cleveland last year. We traveled down from Michigan for it. It was my first half. We are having our race planning meeting on Saturday. I don't think it's going to make the cut this year. That DARN killer hill around mile 10 about put me down for the count . I did the Detroit International 1/2 2 weeks later with one of my running partners. It was fairly similar to Cleveland, or they tried to make it that way.

One, there's a whopping 4 of us in the group , has done 2 runDisney races. She ran the full this year during Marathon weekend. We are planning on doing the Wine and Dine in '15 and then jumping on a cruise ship after it. So far the plan, similar to your's, is to do the 5K in the morning and the 1/2 that evening.

Anyway...here's my shameless plug sloggingtotri.blogspot.com. Hope you come read it.

Keep up the great reports and looking forward to your Dopey journey next year!!!

 

[ZellyB]

I was way behind on your updates. Love all of them and jealous that you've already had another trip to Disney with a race. Great news on signing up for W&D again. I've got to pick a year out to do that one as well.

Sorry that your first choices for resorts didn't work out, but the villas look awesome. Can't wait to read more.

 

[annmarieda]

Disney does such a great job with their race bibs! The pin matched it. So adorable!

They really do. It is one of many reasons I enjoy RunDisney events so much.

That one was definitely my favorite of the trip! I went back and counted and I think we tried 7 cupcakes over the course of the trip! At least all of them were split 3 or 4 ways...that makes it not as bad, right?!

So another reason for my love of RunDisney events... getting to go to Disney to enjoy those wonderful treats! (or food in general) I hope you share pictures and descriptions of all 7 of those cup cakes! So far my all time favorite has been the smores one at WL...although the King from pop is pretty yummy too. (but a bit "too sweet" with all the frosting)

I'm right there with you. It's hard enough to run a longer race - add in an elaborate costume and it seems almost impossible to me. Especially with the humid temperatures all of the race weekends see to have been experiencing lately! Props to anyone that can get a sweet costume together - I certainly love seeing that - but I can't see myself every actually putting one together.

So glad I am not alone in this. Sometimes I feel almost guilty that I can't pull off a true costume. I had a friend who was nice enough to put together for me a tutu for one once and it was so cool... but sadly it and I did not get along. I felt bad for all my friend's efforts.

Raw Threads... So expensive but I really love how that shirt feels! I ordered a sleeveless top from them along with the mermaid top (this one is for the marathon and says "48.6" on it) and I think I might order a wine-themed top at some point for Wine & Dine.

I have one picked out for the ToT already. Dh is going to run with me and I have his picked out too.

Thanks! I forgot to mention it in my little "report" but we actually walked most of the race...that was a first for me! Took us about 50 minutes!

Sounds like you had fun though! I don't' think there is anything wrong with walking a race, if that is what you want to do. I can imagine though if you don't normally do that...it may have been a bit of a challenge. Just curious.. do they have sweepers for the 5k's? My mil and fil are doing the haunted family 5k... just want to know if I need to warn them or not.

agree with you about the medal ("medallion"?). They are definitely fun and colorful but my friend who hasn't run a half yet was bummed that it was plastic.

Did she not know ahead of time that it would be? I imagine that could be disappointing. Reminds me... I will have to let mil and fil know... so to set their expectations.

Yeah, I mean, I was already coming home from Disney - which is sad enough - but then to get sick?! BOO! Glad to hear you're finally fully recovered! I'm not quite there yet but am close.

I hope you feel 100% soon!!

Thanks!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, hope it works out for your stay!

Well, if you get over to my PTR you will see that I changed my mind again. Now I am just going to settle for a waitlist. If it comes in... I will be excited. If it doesn't.. well, I will still be super excited!

Woohoo! You've got to try it, I thought it was so much fun last year (even with the injury). And I really like the course a lot. Can't wait!!

I seriously want to. I just have to make it to the 5 year anniversary for the ToT 10 miler. Then I can justify a new fall race down in WDW.

Yeah, we'll see. I don't want to cut down or miss too many shorter runs but the training plan needs to fit into my life...not the other way around. You know how it is.

I am just impressed that you have a plan. It isn't always easy to have one...let alone stick to it.

4 in a year...that is awesome! Good luck on getting into the Avengers half...one of my friends is going to try to register her husband for it (he's a CM and will be in some sort of training session all day) and she's SO nervous that the site will crash or whatever. I hope it goes smoothly!!!

Thanks. I do have a back up plan for that weekend should we not get in.(actually it is my original plan before the announcement of the Avengers Half) I am hopeful, but like your friend... I worry about the site. I have a feeling it is going to get overloaded and the race is going to fill in a very short amount of time. I will try and get in on early registration.... but even with that there are limited spots.

 

[arianrose]

Subbed! I just finished your Wine&Dine TR, and had to come read more. (I subbed to your very new blog too. Us redheads have to stick together.)

 

[Ariel484]

Hey Shannon!!

Hi!

Great trip/race reports!! Thanks for doing them. The running group I'm in did the Rock N Roll Cleveland last year. We traveled down from Michigan for it. It was my first half. We are having our race planning meeting on Saturday. I don't think it's going to make the cut this year. That DARN killer hill around mile 10 about put me down for the count . I did the Detroit International 1/2 2 weeks later with one of my running partners. It was fairly similar to Cleveland, or they tried to make it that way.

Thank you for reading them! I hope you enjoyed your time in Cleveland last fall. OMG...that mile 10 hill. That thing haunts my dreams (not really, but it's not a great memory!). I remember turning the corner, seeing that thing and just laughing. Awful!

One, there's a whopping 4 of us in the group , has done 2 runDisney races. She ran the full this year during Marathon weekend. We are planning on doing the Wine and Dine in '15 and then jumping on a cruise ship after it. So far the plan, similar to your's, is to do the 5K in the morning and the 1/2 that evening.

Race(s) + cruise sounds like an awesome plan! Disney cruise or a different company?

Anyway...here's my shameless plug sloggingtotri.blogspot.com. Hope you come read it.

Keep up the great reports and looking forward to your Dopey journey next year!!!

Thanks, I'll check it out! I have a blog too but I haven't done a very good job of posting to it...

I was way behind on your updates. Love all of them and jealous that you've already had another trip to Disney with a race. Great news on signing up for W&D again. I've got to pick a year out to do that one as well.

That trip was a pleasant surprise that sort of came out of nowhere. Lucky me!

Sorry that your first choices for resorts didn't work out, but the villas look awesome. Can't wait to read more.

Me too, I was really looking forward to staying on the monorail but staying at the Boardwalk isn't exactly slumming it!

They really do. It is one of many reasons I enjoy RunDisney events so much.

So another reason for my love of RunDisney events... getting to go to Disney to enjoy those wonderful treats! (or food in general) I hope you share pictures and descriptions of all 7 of those cup cakes! So far my all time favorite has been the smores one at WL...although the King from pop is pretty yummy too. (but a bit "too sweet" with all the frosting)

Oh, good idea! Haha!

It's funny you mention the s'mores cupcake at WL...I am sorry to say that, that one was my LEAST favorite of the week. I really liked the flavors but the texture just wasn't for me. I feel so bad saying that since it's your favorite! The King one looks awesome, I never make it over to Pop though so I'm not sure I'll ever get to try that one.

So glad I am not alone in this. Sometimes I feel almost guilty that I can't pull off a true costume. I had a friend who was nice enough to put together for me a tutu for one once and it was so cool... but sadly it and I did not get along. I felt bad for all my friend's efforts.

I have one picked out for the ToT already. Dh is going to run with me and I have his picked out too.

Yeah, I'm not into the tutus either. They were actually selling official runDisney tuts at the expo last week! I didn't check the price but I'm sure they weren't cheap.

Sounds like you had fun though! I don't' think there is anything wrong with walking a race, if that is what you want to do. I can imagine though if you don't normally do that...it may have been a bit of a challenge. Just curious.. do they have sweepers for the 5k's? My mil and fil are doing the haunted family 5k... just want to know if I need to warn them or not.

It was fun, just very, very different. Barely like we were in a race at all, really. I'm not totally sure how the sweeping works...I think they are VERY lax about it compared to the other races, but I'm sure they need to clear the course for park opening at some point. I didn't hear about anyone getting swept though. It might be different for the Haunted 5K since that one's not in a park.

Did she not know ahead of time that it would be? I imagine that could be disappointing. Reminds me... I will have to let mil and fil know... so to set their expectations.

I don't know, I thought she did because I found a picture of it online and texted it to her (that's what made friend #3 sign up - she couldn't resist the medallion!). But she did seem to have medal envy!

I hope you feel 100% soon!!

Thank you! Inching closer and closer to 100% normal but still not quite there yet.

Well, if you get over to my PTR you will see that I changed my mind again. Now I am just going to settle for a waitlist. If it comes in... I will be excited. If it doesn't.. well, I will still be super excited!

So I went and read that yesterday and haven't commented yet because there were so many twists and turns and scenarios that I couldn't keep them straight! I have your PTR open in another tab and I'm going to re-read that story later today!

I seriously want to. I just have to make it to the 5 year anniversary for the ToT 10 miler. Then I can justify a new fall race down in WDW.

Good call with the anniversary medal. I think I need to do ToT BEFORE the anniversary - I want that Tower medal!!

I am just impressed that you have a plan. It isn't always easy to have one...let alone stick to it.

Type-A planner right here. I think (hope) that the memory of how well I stuck to my training plan for Marathon Weekend 2013 (and thus how good I felt during the races) will help motivate me stick to the plan this time around, too. I HOPE.

Thanks. I do have a back up plan for that weekend should we not get in.(actually it is my original plan before the announcement of the Avengers Half) I am hopeful, but like your friend... I worry about the site. I have a feeling it is going to get overloaded and the race is going to fill in a very short amount of time. I will try and get in on early registration.... but even with that there are limited spots.

I really hope you get in. Is your back-up Vegas? I thought I remembered reading that before.

 

[Ariel484]

Subbed! I just finished your Wine&Dine TR, and had to come read more. (I subbed to your very new blog too. Us redheads have to stick together.)

Thank you!! I swear I'll post on that blog again at some point, haha. Redheads unite!

 

[annmarieda]

It's funny you mention the s'mores cupcake at WL...I am sorry to say that, that one was my LEAST favorite of the week. I really liked the flavors but the texture just wasn't for me. I feel so bad saying that since it's your favorite!

PLEASE! I can totally understand why it would not be your favorite. For the same reason it was mine! That texture is what made it for me.

The King one looks awesome, I never make it over to Pop though so I'm not sure I'll ever get to try that one.

I only got a nibble off of my dd's. She was staying at Pop while I was at OKW. I dont' think I could have had much more than a nibble... it was very sweet.

Yeah, I'm not into the tutus either. They were actually selling official runDisney tuts at the expo last week! I didn't check the price but I'm sure they weren't cheap.

Interesting that RD is getting into Tutus now. I guess it is not surprising.

It was fun, just very, very different. Barely like we were in a race at all, really. I'm not totally sure how the sweeping works...I think they are VERY lax about it compared to the other races, but I'm sure they need to clear the course for park opening at some point. I didn't hear about anyone getting swept though. It might be different for the Haunted 5K since that one's not in a park.

I am not sure I could set out to walk a half or a distance like that... but a 5k could be a lot of fun just to "relax" I could see where it woldn't feel much like a race... but rather maybe a fun event to be at.

I don't know, I thought she did because I found a picture of it online and texted it to her (that's what made friend #3 sign up - she couldn't resist the medallion!). But she did seem to have medal envy!

I think I would too.

Thank you! Inching closer and closer to 100% normal but still not quite there yet.

I get so frustrated by the "not quite there" part of being sick. It is then that I have a hard time not pushing myself. I feel like it is the longest part of being sick for me... that last "almost there" part.

So I went and read that yesterday and haven't commented yet because there were so many twists and turns and scenarios that I couldn't keep them straight! I have your PTR open in another tab and I'm going to re-read that story later today!

I am sorry... I know that I wrote that and found myself even Maybe I should try and clean the story up so that it is easier to understand.

Good call with the anniversary medal. I think I need to do ToT BEFORE the anniversary - I want that Tower medal!!

It is a neat one! It glows in the dark and the elevator actually slides. (I am sure you saw it at the expo)

Type-A planner right here. I think (hope) that the memory of how well I stuck to my training plan for Marathon Weekend 2013 (and thus how good I felt during the races) will help motivate me stick to the plan this time around, too. I HOPE.

hello, my name is Ann and I too am a type A planner.



It is great that you felt good after your races at the MW 2013...AND that you attribute it to sticking with your training. I am in awe that you are training for the dopey and am excited to see your plans

I really hope you get in. Is your back-up Vegas? I thought I remembered reading that before.

Thanks. Yep... the RnR half in Vegas will be my back up race.

 

[rpcvpanama]

Anyway, we ate dinner at Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary and split this deeeelicious Frozen-themed cupcake...chocolate with a caramel/buttercream filling. So good!

Oh my gosh, I loved that cupcake. I was down there for the Glass Slipper Challenge and stayed at BLT. Ended up with 2 of those over the weekend. Definitely a nice treat after the races. Though, I have to say my favorite cupcake so far is the Spaghetti & Meatball cupcake from Mama Melrose's. It was the most delicious!! Unfortunately you can only get it by eating at the restaurant.

Thanks for the updates on your training...I have recovered from the GSC and now and begining my Dopey training...need to keep myself motivated for the next 10 months!!

 

[arianrose]

Oh my goodness! Now that I've read more thoroughly, you'll be there while me wife and I are there for our honeymoon over F&W, AND we're staying at BWV. I'm not a runner, though I've been thinking about trying it (though I am both fat and asthmatic, so I mostly stick to weightlifting).

I was trying to convince her to walk the 5K with me, but saw they had sweepers. I can walk forever, but she has a bit less stamina than I do, so I don't know if we could actually maintain a 16min mile.

 

[camandjacksmom]

The prices for dopey posted today!! 530.00 times two! Ouch that's 1060.00. That is just crazy! I keep telling myself it's only 70.00 more than last year.

 

[Ariel484]

PLEASE! I can totally understand why it would not be your favorite. For the same reason it was mine! That texture is what made it for me.

I only got a nibble off of my dd's. She was staying at Pop while I was at OKW. I dont' think I could have had much more than a nibble... it was very sweet.

Good thing Disney has to so many different cupcakes to satisfy all of us!

Interesting that RD is getting into Tutus now. I guess it is not surprising.

I know...I will refrain from commenting any further.

I am not sure I could set out to walk a half or a distance like that... but a 5k could be a lot of fun just to "relax" I could see where it woldn't feel much like a race... but rather maybe a fun event to be at.

I think I would too.

There's no way I could walk an entire half marathon. I think doing that seems so much harder than running! The 5K was fun because it was just like a stroll around Epcot with a t-shirt, medallion and snack box thrown in.

I get so frustrated by the "not quite there" part of being sick. It is then that I have a hard time not pushing myself. I feel like it is the longest part of being sick for me... that last "almost there" part.

The almost-there phase SUCKS! I've felt like I'm 95% better for a few days now, just can't quite get to 100 yet. But certainly much better than I was this time last week!

I am sorry... I know that I wrote that and found myself even Maybe I should try and clean the story up so that it is easier to understand.

I didn't get a chance to read it yesterday because work is going to be INSANE until, like May. I have 2 huge projects I'm working on that started on the exact same day this week. Job security is a good thing, right?! But I'm going to re-read it today!

It is a neat one! It glows in the dark and the elevator actually slides. (I am sure you saw it at the expo)

I did...I covet that medal. So very much. Maybe next year will be my year.

I don't know how much they can really change the medal if it's the Tower of Terror 10-miler though, ya know?! I'm sure they'll come up with something.

hello, my name is Ann and I too am a type A planner.

Type-A planners are awesome.

It is great that you felt good after your races at the MW 2013...AND that you attribute it to sticking with your training. I am in awe that you are training for the dopey and am excited to see your plans

Thanks!! I used a Galloway plan for my first half (Princess Half in 2011) and since then I haven't gone back to Galloway. I almost exclusively use Higdon plans now...I just like them better.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with Hal Higdon's Dopey Plan. Those 5-day running weeks and Wednesday 5-8 milers scare me though!

Thanks. Yep... the RnR half in Vegas will be my back up race.

That's a great back-up! It's a night race, right?! So cool!

Oh my gosh, I loved that cupcake. I was down there for the Glass Slipper Challenge and stayed at BLT. Ended up with 2 of those over the weekend. Definitely a nice treat after the races. Though, I have to say my favorite cupcake so far is the Spaghetti & Meatball cupcake from Mama Melrose's. It was the most delicious!! Unfortunately you can only get it by eating at the restaurant.

Yum yum yum! That cupcake was soooo good. What's in the Spaghetti & Meatballs cupcake??

Thanks for the updates on your training...I have recovered from the GSC and now and begining my Dopey training...need to keep myself motivated for the next 10 months!!

Thanks for reading! And congrats on finishing the Glass Slipper Challenge, that is awesome.

Can you believe only 10 more months until Dopey??!

Oh my goodness! Now that I've read more thoroughly, you'll be there while me wife and I are there for our honeymoon over F&W, AND we're staying at BWV.

Happy early anniversary! For the F&W race I won't be at BWV, I'll be at Riverside. BWV is a great anniversary choice! That's my resort for January.

I'm not a runner, though I've been thinking about trying it (though I am both fat and asthmatic, so I mostly stick to weightlifting). I was trying to convince her to walk the 5K with me, but saw they had sweepers. I can walk forever, but she has a bit less stamina than I do, so I don't know if we could actually maintain a 16min mile.

You should totally try it. If you look into programs like Couch-to-5K (which is what I used when I started) or Jeff Galloway, they start you off at small run/walk intervals and build you up slowly. Maybe talk with your doc first since you have asthma.

From what I have heard you are right that they sweep at the 5Ks, but those races are a lot more relaxed compared to the other ones (the bibs don't have timing chips, for example). The 5Ks are aimed primarily at families. I think they only sweep people that are out there for a REALLY long time. If you're thinking of the Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K, just think of it as a lap around Animal Kingdom!

The prices for dopey posted today!! 530.00 times two! Ouch that's 1060.00. That is just crazy! I keep telling myself it's only 70.00 more than last year.

I know!!! I was expecting a price increase and I guess it makes sense since the marathon, half marathon and 10K increased by $10...the 5K by $5...so a total of $35 for Dopey. But that was still hard to see! For whatever reason I wasn't expecting it to go up that much. Oy!

 

[annmarieda]

There's no way I could walk an entire half marathon. I think doing that seems so much harder than running! The 5K was fun because it was just like a stroll around Epcot with a t-shirt, medallion and snack box thrown in.

Kinda what I was thinking... and it makes me wonder if I shouldn't sign up for the 5k that some of my family members are doing and take this approach.

The almost-there phase SUCKS! I've felt like I'm 95% better for a few days now, just can't quite get to 100 yet. But certainly much better than I was this time last week!

Well, I hope you feel 100% sooner rather than later!

I didn't get a chance to read it yesterday because work is going to be INSANE until, like May. I have 2 huge projects I'm working on that started on the exact same day this week. Job security is a good thing, right?! But I'm going to re-read it today!

No worries! Bottom line, we are booked for a split stay at OKW and OKW.

I did...I covet that medal. So very much. Maybe next year will be my year.

Well, I will be there!

I don't know how much they can really change the medal if it's the Tower of Terror 10-miler though, ya know?! I'm sure they'll come up with something.

I am sure they can come up with something. I just have no idea how they could change it.

Type-A planners are awesome.

That we are!!!

Thanks!! I used a Galloway plan for my first half (Princess Half in 2011) and since then I haven't gone back to Galloway. I almost exclusively use Higdon plans now...I just like them better.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with Hal Higdon's Dopey Plan. Those 5-day running weeks and Wednesday 5-8 milers scare me though!

That is an incredible plan! I love how easily laid out it is. Even taking you all the way through the dopey. What scares me is those 20 mile runs That is probably why I don't run full marathons, ya think?

That's a great back-up! It's a night race, right?! So cool!

It is! I really like night time races. However, those early morning ones are kinda cool too...

 

[Ariel484]

Kinda what I was thinking... and it makes me wonder if I shouldn't sign up for the 5k that some of my family members are doing and take this approach.

Well, I hope you feel 100% sooner rather than later!

Me too, thanks!

No worries! Bottom line, we are booked for a split stay at OKW and OKW.

Haha, thanks for the Cliffs Notes version!

Well, I will be there!

Lucky you! I'll be there someday...this year just isn't the year.

I am sure they can come up with something. I just have no idea how they could change it.

Me neither. Curious to see what they will come up with!

That we are!!!

You know it!

That is an incredible plan! I love how easily laid out it is. Even taking you all the way through the dopey. What scares me is those 20 mile runs That is probably why I don't run full marathons, ya think?

Me too. Even though the longer mid-week runs scare me, I know they'll make me stronger. That's why I can't do Galloway plans anymore...doing such short runs during the week followed by REALLY long long runs just doesn't seem to agree with me.

Those 20-mile runs ARE scary! I try not to look ahead too much in the training plan and take it one week at a time. I mean, I KNOW the 20-miler is there, but I don't want to freak myself out about it all year!

It is! I really like night time races. However, those early morning ones are kinda cool too...

Me too, I liked the nighttime race more than I expected.

 

[Ariel484]

Long Run Routines

Now that I'm actually to the point where I'm doing longer runs again (huzzah!), it's time to get back into some old habits. These may not work for everyone (and I'm certainly not saying they are right for everyone) but they work for me. Everyone's got them...here are mine!

Pre-Long Run

After a good amount of trial and error, these have been pretty ingrained for me for awhile now and are MUST-DOs before long runs and races.

COFFEE
Have to drink a cup at least 2 hours before the run.

In Mickey mug, of course.

Why? (WARNING: TMI COMING UP ) Because it gets things...moving...digestively. And thus helps with a successful pre-run bathroom trip.

EEUUUUWWWW!

Seriously though, getting stomach problems mid-run is NO GOOD. I've dealt with that enough, thank you. Best to get all of that out of the way BEFORE leaving the house.

BAGEL WITH PEANUT BUTTER
I'm so anal about this (haha, anal...and I just talked about bathroom trips...oh man ), that I have been and am planning to bring my preferred bagels (Bruegger's plain) and peanut butter (Smucker's Creamy Organic or JIF Natural) from home for each race at Disney. Awhile back I went to a sports nutritionist a few times and she said that this is a good pre-run breakfast because of the carbs and white flour (easier on the stomach compared to whole wheat flour) in the bagel and the fat from the peanut butter for energy. I'm sure the resorts have options in the morning during the race weekends but I've never looked because this is pretty much the only thing I'll eat before running. Main reason - it doesn't upset my stomach.

During Long Run (anything over 6 miles)

WATER
Must have 3-4 ounces every 2 miles - don't want to get dehydrated! For shorter runs I'm carrying a Nathan Handheld bottle (I don't love carrying it but I can tolerate it during shorter long runs), but once I get to runs 10 miles and longer I'm going to switch to my Camelback (they don't seem the make the one I have anymore, but it's similar to this one). I know where drinking fountains are around town, but I like having my own stash with me.

If I'm smart (which I'm normally not ) I'll practice some runs with some Powerade as well. This is what Disney normally has on their race courses (a watered-down version, anyway) and I'll alternate water/Powerade between water stops. But in past races I've trained using water only and then had the Powerade during races and it hasn't bothered me. I know a LOT of other people struggle with it though.

GU CHOMPS
Must have 4 every 4 miles for fuel - no bonking or hitting the wall, please! I like the blueberry-pomegranate and strawberry flavors.

One other thing I'm definitely going to experiment with is taking in sodium during runs, through sodium tablets or salt sticks or something. During the 2013 marathon my feet were cramping horribly by about the halfway point. My brother (who is a nurse) and another nurse friend said it was probably due to low sodium, which makes sense to me: there was a heat advisory the entire weekend and I was drenched with sweat. I definitely don't want that to happen again, so I need to figure out what I like.

MUSIC
Only sometimes during my looooong long runs. And if I do listen to music it’s always Disney Park music loops!

Post Long Run

CHOCOLATE MILK…
When we have it, I'll have a glass of chocolate milk after runs. It's (supposedly, per the sports nutritionist) the perfect ratio of protein to carbohydrates, and thus ideal for recovery. I measure it out so that I get exactly 1 cup...chocolate milk is so delicious that it's REALLY easy for me to drink too much (see side tangent below).

...OR A SMOOTHIE
For longer runs I’ve been making a smoothie...SO delicious! I got the recipe from Runner's World. It is...

1 cup frozen berries (preferably blueberries or something purple/blue - helps to reduce inflammation and post-run muscle soreness)
1/2 banana (great source of electrolytes and potassium to help regulate fluid levels, carbs to re-stock energy sources)
1 cup low-fat Kefir (sort of like a pourable yogurt - contains protein and probiotic bacteria - good for your immune system)
15-20 almonds (healthy fats + Vitamin E, good for the immune system)
2 TBSP wheat germ (protein, Vitamin E and zinc - I found some in my grocery store with cinnamon, mmmmmm)
1 TBSP honey (sweetness and carbohydrates, trace minerals, antioxidants)

Blend on high for about 30 seconds

NOTE TO SELF: Next time, use a bigger glass.

SO GOOD. HOWEVER…*SIDE TANGENT* this, along with chocolate milk, is pretty caloric. I only have this smoothie after long runs, not after every run. I'm not sure of the calorie count, but just to give an idea, I did the math and this smoothie comes out to 10 PointsPlus on the Weight Watchers system (1 cup of chocolate milk is 4 PP)...and I get 26 PP per day. So that smoothie is almost half of my daily points! It's so easy to get into the mindset of "I just ran X miles, I should get to consume whatever I want"...well, I DID have that mindset and that's why I ran for, like, 3 years and didn't lose weight - actually gained! So I try to be more careful about that now.

ICE BATHS
Some people swear by these, some say they don't help. I'm in the first group, for sure. I won't start them until I get to long runs that are half marathon-distance and longer...because let's face it, sitting in a tub filled with cold water and ice just is not pleasant. But, for me, taking an ice bath after a run for about 10 minutes makes my legs feel noticeably better.

FOAM/STICK ROLLING
I need to be better about this. Basically it targets the soft tissue in overworks muscles, similar to a deep tissue massage. Helps prevent injuries and maintain flexibility. It HURTS...but it's good for me.

So that's what works for me!! Time to put it into practice again.

Continued in Next Post

 

[tankgirl427]

Hi! I hope you don't mind me joining on your bandwagon, as I am also signed up for the 5k and Wine and Dine Half. Any tips as you've done it before? This would be my 6th and 7th Disney race. I'm hoping one day to have tried them all, but I'm a little scared of the marathon distance!

 

[annmarieda]

Haha, thanks for the Cliffs Notes version!

Me too. Even though the longer mid-week runs scare me, I know they'll make me stronger. That's why I can't do Galloway plans anymore...doing such short runs during the week followed by REALLY long long runs just doesn't seem to agree with me.

I have never been able to follow Galloway. However I still do short runs (compared to you ) I do a my speed run of 2 miles... and then a couple more 4 to 6 milers... I may take it up to 7 or 8 as I get closer to a half... but not as soon as you will in your plan.

Those 20-mile runs ARE scary! I try not to look ahead too much in the training plan and take it one week at a time. I mean, I KNOW the 20-miler is there, but I don't want to freak myself out about it all year!

I think that is the way I would have to do it too. Just one week at a time. The great thing is it is laid out so nice and neat. I ALMOST makes me think I could do a challenge. Then again... I see that 20 miler

Long Run Routines

Now that I'm actually to the point where I'm doing longer runs again (huzzah!), it's time to get back into some old habits. These may not work for everyone (and I'm certainly not saying they are right for everyone) but they work for me. Everyone's got them...here are mine!

This is great!! I love how clearly laid out it is.

Pre-Long Run

After a good amount of trial and error, these have been pretty ingrained for me for awhile now and are MUST-DOs before long runs and races.

COFFEE
Have to drink a cup at least 2 hours before the run.

In Mickey mug, of course.

Why? (WARNING: TMI COMING UP ) Because it gets things...moving...digestively. And thus helps with a successful pre-run bathroom trip.

EEUUUUWWWW!

Seriously though, getting stomach problems mid-run is NO GOOD. I've dealt with that enough, thank you. Best to get all of that out of the way BEFORE leaving the house.

This is actually brilliant. I have not tried this and since well... what you are talking about can tend to happen every now and again.. I probably should.

BAGEL WITH PEANUT BUTTER
I'm so anal about this (haha, anal...and I just talked about bathroom trips...oh man ), that I have been and am planning to bring my preferred bagels (Bruegger's plain) and peanut butter (Smucker's Creamy Organic or JIF Natural) from home for each race at Disney. Awhile back I went to a sports nutritionist a few times and she said that this is a good pre-run breakfast because of the carbs and white flour (easier on the stomach compared to whole wheat flour) in the bagel and the fat from the peanut butter for energy. I'm sure the resorts have options in the morning during the race weekends but I've never looked because this is pretty much the only thing I'll eat before running. Main reason - it doesn't upset my stomach.

One of my favorites too!

During Long Run (anything over 6 miles)

WATER
Must have 3-4 ounces every 2 miles - don't want to get dehydrated! For shorter runs I'm carrying a Nathan Handheld bottle (I don't love carrying it but I can tolerate it during shorter long runs), but once I get to runs 10 miles and longer I'm going to switch to my Camelback (they don't seem the make the one I have anymore, but it's similar to this one). I know where drinking fountains are around town, but I like having my own stash with me.

Howe does the camelbak feel to wear?

If I'm smart (which I'm normally not ) I'll practice some runs with some Powerade as well. This is what Disney normally has on their race courses (a watered-down version, anyway) and I'll alternate water/Powerade between water stops. But in past races I've trained using water only and then had the Powerade during races and it hasn't bothered me. I know a LOT of other people struggle with it though.

This is been my experience too. Train with water... but alter with powerade at races.

GU CHOMPS
Must have 4 every 4 miles for fuel - no bonking or hitting the wall, please! I like the blueberry-pomegranate and strawberry flavors.

Are these big? I can handle honeystinger chews... but despite their size they are rather soft.

One other thing I'm definitely going to experiment with is taking in sodium during runs, through sodium tablets or salt sticks or something. During the 2013 marathon my feet were cramping horribly by about the halfway point. My brother (who is a nurse) and another nurse friend said it was probably due to low sodium, which makes sense to me: there was a heat advisory the entire weekend and I was drenched with sweat. I definitely don't want that to happen again, so I need to figure out what I like.

Do you think this is just something you need for a full (and beyond) or would you need this for a half?

MUSIC
Only sometimes during my looooong long runs. And if I do listen to music it’s always Disney Park music loops!

Post Long Run

CHOCOLATE MILK…
When we have it, I'll have a glass of chocolate milk after runs. It's (supposedly, per the sports nutritionist) the perfect ratio of protein to carbohydrates, and thus ideal for recovery. I measure it out so that I get exactly 1 cup...chocolate milk is so delicious that it's REALLY easy for me to drink too much (see side tangent below).

...OR A SMOOTHIE
For longer runs I’ve been making a smoothie...SO delicious! I got the recipe from Runner's World. It is...

1 cup frozen berries (preferably blueberries or something purple/blue - helps to reduce inflammation and post-run muscle soreness)
1/2 banana (great source of electrolytes and potassium to help regulate fluid levels, carbs to re-stock energy sources)
1 cup low-fat Kefir (sort of like a pourable yogurt - contains protein and probiotic bacteria - good for your immune system)
15-20 almonds (healthy fats + Vitamin E, good for the immune system)
2 TBSP wheat germ (protein, Vitamin E and zinc - I found some in my grocery store with cinnamon, mmmmmm)
1 TBSP honey (sweetness and carbohydrates, trace minerals, antioxidants)

Blend on high for about 30 seconds

Great recipe! However... I am lazy. Chocolate milk usually works best for me.

SO GOOD. HOWEVER…*SIDE TANGENT* this, along with chocolate milk, is pretty caloric. I only have this smoothie after long runs, not after every run. I'm not sure of the calorie count, but just to give an idea, I did the math and this smoothie comes out to 10 PointsPlus on the Weight Watchers system (1 cup of chocolate milk is 4 PP)...and I get 26 PP per day. So that smoothie is almost half of my daily points! It's so easy to get into the mindset of "I just ran X miles, I should get to consume whatever I want"...well, I DID have that mindset and that's why I ran for, like, 3 years and didn't lose weight - actually gained! So I try to be more careful about that now.

I think it is easy to think that calories don't count with all the energy we expend during running...thing is, running doesn't use as many calories as one might think. Sounds like your smoothie is a great way to get back what you need from the run without adding calories.

Great... now I am going to have to be less lazy.

ICE BATHS
Some people swear by these, some say they don't help. I'm in the first group, for sure. I won't start them until I get to long runs that are half marathon-distance and longer...because let's face it, sitting in a tub filled with cold water and ice just is not pleasant. But, for me, taking an ice bath after a run for about 10 minutes makes my legs feel noticeably better.

FOAM/STICK ROLLING
I need to be better about this. Basically it targets the soft tissue in overworks muscles, similar to a deep tissue massage. Helps prevent injuries and maintain flexibility. It HURTS...but it's good for me.

So that's what works for me!! Time to put it into practice again.

Continued in Next Post

I think that the beauty of all of this is what works for one may not for another. We all can do what we need to do and still make it to the goal...what ever our goal is. I don't ice for foam roll... dh does both.