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

[Ariel484]

It does. I think it has to do with where you are in your training... it no longer just becomes about finishing, but finishing better (and I don't necessarily mean pace wise) It can be with negative splits or even just controlling yourself well enough that you dont' huff and puff as much.

Well, expert or not... they definitely are NOT the expert of you (or I) So I figure we have to set out to do what works best for us.

Agree with all of this, especially having to figure out what works best with us.

They are growing on me too.

I almost wish they weren't, it would be better for my bank account!

It definitely is a niche market... but I wouldn't mind running in a bow band or tank for other races. Now a full on costume or tutu might not work for me... but it might for some.

A full costume at a non-Disney race wouldn't work for me either! I'll probably end up wearing my Minnie skirt to the 5-miler I want to run on the 4th of July, but beyond that I'm not sure I'll Diseny-fy my outfits for local races.

Definitely more comfortable outfits... plus I could wear most of them anywhere outside of disney.

I'd hate to spend the money on something I feel like I could only wear at a Disney race. Good running clothes are pricey!

Is there any way to get into the food and wine 5k

I'm not sure. The 5K sold out weirdly fast this year!

You may want to check with travel providers or charities - go to http://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/ and click on the Registration tab. Good luck!

So I am now only one week behind....

Woohoo!!

That is awesome. Do you have an overall goal for the year?

You know, I'm not sure. In 2012 I came really close to 1000 miles for the year...I ended up with 973. Then last year I was in such a funk and had that injury and came in at 700ish. I think it'll be close to 1000 with Dopey training but I'm not sure I'll get there this year...between building back up after that injury and getting sick I've had a few pretty low-mileage weeks. We'll see!!!

I think this is interesting that you mention this. I just was thinking about my socks and wondering if they need to be replaced. I am probably overly cautious when it comes to shoes...but I just keep wearing socks. I wonder...

Now that I've been looking at my socks more closely I've thrown out two pairs that were starting to wear away in the heal, so I'll be needing to get some new pairs soon. I may try to hold off and get them closer to Marathon Weekend for maximum cushioning benefits.

I hate when I look for reasons to stop. I guess maybe that is why I run out and about... the only way to be done is to go the distance...and I might as well run it rather than walk it cause I don't have the time to walk home.

It's not great. Good point about running outside - now that I think about it I almost never cut outdoor runs short. It's a lot easier to do on the treadmill!

LOVE the skirt.

ME TOO!

So weird... she was there and then wasn't.

Maybe she'll come back!

Great picture of you!

Thanks!!

So great you got a discount and you found something you like. I think sunglasses can be a bit hard to fit and good ones that work well to run in are a hard find.

I agree. Now I just need them to actually be delivered to me...

The quarter mile intervals seem like they would be easier to start with. I have some speed work coming up...and I am honestly a little afraid of the 1/2 mile intervals.

I think they are, because I can tell myself "it's only 2 minutes of fast running!" They just seem super short. The half-mile ones were definitely a lot harder...I cannot imagine doing full-mile repeats!

Glad the blister is not bothering you too much.

It's almost gone...it feels a little raw but it's not bad enough that I need to stop running or anything.

OMG! First, way to go! And second, I just decided this past week to do the same thing. Since my mileage is down from previous weeks due to starting "official" training I decided to try to learn to control myself and get negative splits. That is not as easily said as done. It is hard to push harder each mile. So good for you!

Thanks!...I did not do a good job of that on my long run today though. Definitely a learning process!

I like the waffles. I am not sure they would work well during a run for me though. I would likely have to stop to eat it. The chews are my favorite.

I like the waffles too, but the jury's still out on whether I want to totally switch over to them. I like the chews too.

Sounds like a great weekend. Love cupcakes at weddings! My dd had cupcakes rather than cake at her wedding. So fun and since there was not a single cake to do.. she was able to order several different flavors that made everyone happy.

It was, great to see family that we don't get to see very often. I thought the cupcakes were a GREAT idea, because like you said, there were different flavors - salted caramel (which I had), chocolate/orange and lemon. I wish we'd thought to do that for our wedding!

 

[Ariel484]

Week 2 of 10K Mini-Training
Monday, May 5, 2014 - Sunday, May 11, 2014

21.25 miles completed/21ish miles planned
39.7 miles completed in 10K Mini-Training so far
243.85 miles completed in 2014 so far

It's taper time already!

Monday, May 5: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Push 2) + Ab Ripper X (19)

Okay, back to it! After our crazy weekend the drive in this morning was pretty rough (I think I had some highway hypnosis going on ) but the gym woke me right up. I just have one more Push workout before going on to the next phase - the Lean phase. I'm definitely planning on repeating ChaLEAN Extreme when I'm done. I'd really like to stick to it more consistently and try to do the strength workouts 3 times per week. I definitely feel benefits from what I have been doing, but I think I'd see and feel better results if I could lift 3 times per week instead of once or twice. Not sure how I'll be able to work that out AND still have a rest day. Hmm...

Also, had an annoying thing happen today. Remember how I said I canceled my StrideBox subscription? Well, imagine my surprise this afternoon when I got an email that this month's box has shipped! What the what?! I logged into my account and saw that, for whatever reason, my subscription will end in 4 days...not immediately upon cancellation like I had originally thought. The stupid thing has already shipped so I'm not sure I can do much about it, but if they send me another one THEN I'll lay the smackdown (ugh, I'm so lame). So there goes another 15 bucks for a box of stuff I probably won't even use. Not cool, Stridebox.

Tuesday, May 6: Run #1 (3 miles on the treadmill) + Extreme Abs

Great run today! I'm still doing run 5 minutes/walk 1 minute for these treadmill runs. I COULD do the whole thing without stopping, but apparently the whole approach of doing most of my runs at a pretty relaxed pace and then adding in the one speedwork/tempo run per week is working for me...so why not take the walk breaks? It was nice too...this run felt easy and comfortable. I dig it!

Total time for 3 miles: 32:48, 10:56/mile pace

What was NOT relaxed was my Extreme Abs session following the run. That video is sooooo hard. I had an added issue today because I moved weird at some point yesterday evening and tweaked my inner/upper thigh, sort of where my leg meets my hip. I don't think it's an injury or anything, just a little strain, and it was fine on the run but it really bothered me on some of these ab moves. Hopefully that little issue will go away soon!

Wednesday, May 7: Strength Training (ChaLEAN Extreme Push 3) + Ab Ripper X (19)

Not much to say about this workout, except that 1. It's the last workout in the Push phase (onto the Lean phase next!), and 2. I think I'm ready to move up to 20 reps per move for Ab Ripper X. The little strain is still bothering my, but other than that I felt good. Yeehaw!

No word on the sunglasses I ordered last week, so I called the store - they haven't come to the store yet, and the girl I talked to made it sound like I need to go there and get them myself. Um...that is NOT what I was told when I ordered them! And that would be about an hour-long drive for me. So then she's like, "oh yeah, we'll mail them..." so I still don't think she knows what she's talking about. Then she said I should call again next Wednesday if I hadn't heard anything. Ugh!!

Also, Will is at home with what I think is a sinus infection today. Ughh!

Thursday, May 8: Run #2 (50-minute tempo run scheduled, 4.25 miles completed)

This was the one run I was really dreading in my mini-training plan, and it's done! Woohoo!

It didn’t feel as easy as Tuesday's run, but I guess it wasn't supposed to. Oh well. I feel okay now! Glad it's done.

Will stayed home again today (first time in a long time he's missed multiple days of work in a row) and went to the doctor - definitely a sinus infection. Yuck!

Friday, May 9: Rest Day

Today was my work-from-home today, and I took full advantage of it. In between working I managed to bake and frost 5 dozen cupcakes (red velvet with cream cheese icing) for my cousin's bridal shower tomorrow. I also did some laundry. So I didn't run because with those tasks and work I just had zero time...

Will made it back to work today! He's feeling much better.

Saturday, May 10: Run #3 (6-mile out-and-back)
Weather: 63 degrees and overcast, 68% humidity

BUSY day over here!

First and foremost (okay, not really)...today is ADR day for the Wine & Dine trip!!! AHHHH SO EXCITED!!! I took it upon myself to handle the ADRs, and so far...we have a whopping ONE reservation. It's at Via Napoli for the 6 of us at 4:30PM the evening of the race. I did the exact same thing for the Wine & Dine half last year and it worked out well, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

What did NOT work out well was the My Disney Experience app. I couldn't make the reservation there so I had to call a CM to help me. At least I'll get my pizza come November.

Before that though, I managed to get my third run of the week in. I reminded myself to keep the pace nice and relaxed (10:30ish) with my long run tomorrow in mind.

Split:
Mile 1: 10:11
Mile 2: 10:07
Mile 3: 10:25 --> 1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 4: 10:15
Mile 5: 10:35 --> 1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 6: 9:23

Total time for 6 miles: 1:00:59, 10:09/mile pace

So not relaxed at all. But it felt easy! Maybe I'm just faster?!

After that I hopped in the shower and drove about an hour to the bridal shower for my cousin.

I'm one of the bridesmaids, and my job was to make the fake bouquet out of the present ribbons for the rehearsal dinner. I also brought my cupcakes!

It's supposed to look like a wedding dress... The wedding color is navy but I would have had to use a disgusting amount of food coloring to get the "belt" navy. And after all that work, there were, like 20 left at the end of the party! ARRG! I took about 6 with me but then I stopped to visit my dad on the way home and gave them to him. I didn't get home until almost 8:00PM!

Almost as soon as I walked in the door I headed right back out with Will to a local Irish place for dinner...and then I crashed, HARD. What a day!

Sunday, May 11: Run #4 (8-mile out-and-back)
Weather: 64 degrees and sunny, 68% humidity

To all the moms out there...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

So yesterday's run was great...how was today's??

Splits:
Mile 1: 10:09
Mile 2: 10:04
Mile 3: 10:43 --> 1-minute walk/water break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 4: 10:10
Mile 5: 11:23 --> 1-minute walk/water/Honey Stinger Waffle break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 6: 10:36
Mile 7: 10:43
Mile 8: 11:02

Total time for 8 miles: 1:24:50, 10:36/mile

So much for a fast finish! I was definitely a little cocky yesterday thinking that I was just OMG SO MUCH FASTER!! Clearly I still don't know how to pace myself. In fact, during the last 2 miles I took multiple walk breaks, so it went something like run 0.45 miles/walk 0.05 miles for mile 7 (repeat twice), run 0.20 miles/walk 0.05 miles for mile 8 (repeat 4 times). Survival mode! Seriously, far from the strong finish I was looking for!

I think between doing the first 2 miles way too fast, doing yesterday's run too fast + how long yesterday was in general, and the weather (same humidity, almost same temperature, but SUNNY - which made a huge difference), this was just not a perfect run. Oh well. I also tried a chocolate Honey Stinger Waffle today and it was delicious, but way too fudgy and sweet for running.

But hey! That was my peak week for 10k Mini-Training! Yay!

After the run my mom came over for lunch and Will and I gave her a gift! (Some nicer bath and body products I know she wouldn't spend the money on for herself). Yay!

(Mom, my brother and me in Epcot - Marathon Weekend 2012):

So that's it! Taper week begins!!! Happy Sunday!

(Going to make an effort to put more Disney pictures in this report! )

Continued in Next Post

 

[ZellyB]

Great update and another great training week.

The cupcakes look delicious and the wedding cake shape of laying them out is so cute! You had a really busy week!!! Glad Will is feeling better too.

And, your "slow" run of 8 miles would be a dream run for me.

Love the shot of you with your mom and brother.

 

[annmarieda]

No worries! I know my posts are pretty long and I really appreciate that you read and respond to them.

Well, I am getting there... just one more post to catch up on.

I know!!! I wish I could run for an entire half marathon or whatever with no fuel but I would end up passed out on the sidewalk. And I know it's not like I have low glucose or whatever (just got my bloodwork done in April and it was almost perfect - apparently I am low on Alkaline Phosphate, whatever that is?!).

I think I would too. Plus.. I like that little carrot. I get a special treat each mile I run.... it keeps me going. Not sure on the alkaline phosphate.. just cause I was curious I did look it up. Sounds like something that you would discuss with your doc. Maybe has to do with nutrition... or the use of bc pills

It was funny, I remember I crossed the finish line and saw the time and was so mad. It hadn't been a goal of mine going into the race but when I saw how close I'd been I was frustrated. I said that to my brother and he was like, "I knew you'd be mad about that." Yep, he was right. I think it just added to the embarrassment of being so much slower than the other people I'd come to the race with - they all finished under 2 hours and I did not.

I get wanting to improve your 8K time...it's nice to get confirmation that you're getting faster.

I like to think we all want to see confirmation that we are getting faster/better/improving.

Right?? RIGHT?! I was just like "lake?? What Lake?!" Maybe I'll try to pay better attention next year.

Thank you! I definitely over-analyze too...and I think having all of that data from the Garmin sends it into overdrive. I'm a numbers person anyway and then I find myself poring over the splits and whatnot.

I appreciate you saying that. I sometimes feel very alone in my number craziness. I look over all my splits and charts and kinda feel like not many other people do this. I just realized that Runkeeper has a function to overlay runs. this is just the thing that I get into! So I can take a race from one year and overlay the data from the next year on the same course to see how I ran it. I know... kinda crazy to get so excited about it...but wow.

My ultimate goal is to someday get my half marathon time under 2 hours and I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet, but getting under 2:10 seems possible. I hope!!!

This is just about exactly where I am. I hope to get under 2 someday but right now my goal is under 2:15... with secretly hoping to get 2:05 to 2:10 for my next. (realistically thinking 2:15)

You definitely don't appear to struggle! I think getting out the door is the hardest part sometimes.

The weekdays are easier for me because they really have become part of my daily routine - just a habit at this point. Also...if I leave to get to the gym earlier in the morning it really cuts down on my commute. That itself is a huge motivator to leave early, so may as well get to the gym. And we get lower health insurance rates if we use the onsite gym a certain number of times per month, and I like to save money (because that means I can buy more Disney or Disney running things!). The weekends are definitely tough though. I just want to sit on my couch and do nothing!

I figured it didn't appear that I do. I do what I have to come rain or shine... but it doesn't mean I don't want to just skip it and sit on the couch.. or in reality at my desk reading dis.

Agree with all of this, especially having to figure out what works best with us.

A full costume at a non-Disney race wouldn't work for me either! I'll probably end up wearing my Minnie skirt to the 5-miler I want to run on the 4th of July, but beyond that I'm not sure I'll Diseny-fy my outfits for local races.

I have mixed feelings... I want to get my money out of the outfits. Then again, I want the outfit to be special for Disney. I have yet to wear the Rawthreads shirts that I got... .I feel kinda like I am hoarding them.

I'd hate to spend the money on something I feel like I could only wear at a Disney race. Good running clothes are pricey!

I feel this way too... so why am I hoarding my rawthreads shirts.

You know, I'm not sure. In 2012 I came really close to 1000 miles for the year...I ended up with 973. Then last year I was in such a funk and had that injury and came in at 700ish. I think it'll be close to 1000 with Dopey training but I'm not sure I'll get there this year...between building back up after that injury and getting sick I've had a few pretty low-mileage weeks. We'll see!!!

I had a similar number of miles for 2013 as you did for 2012... so I made my goal of 1000 for this year. All it takes though is injury or illness to side track you... I am wondering if I wont see closer to your 2013 number for this year given that I had such low miles in January and February. Then again... training for 3 halves in 2014 might get me closer than i think. I have yet to hit 300 though... so I am going to have to really play some catch up in the second half of the year.

Now that I've been looking at my socks more closely I've thrown out two pairs that were starting to wear away in the heal, so I'll be needing to get some new pairs soon. I may try to hold off and get them closer to Marathon Weekend for maximum cushioning benefits. :

that is a good plan! maximum cushioning benefits!

Maybe she'll come back!

I think they are, because I can tell myself "it's only 2 minutes of fast running!" They just seem super short. The half-mile ones were definitely a lot harder...I cannot imagine doing full-mile repeats!

full mile?

It's almost gone...it feels a little raw but it's not bad enough that I need to stop running or anything.

a little raw sounds bad...but as long as it isn't so bad you have to stop running then I guess it is a good thing.

Thanks!...I did not do a good job of that on my long run today though. Definitely a learning process!

It is definitely a learning process and I can't imagine trying it for a long run quite yet.

It was, great to see family that we don't get to see very often. I thought the cupcakes were a GREAT idea, because like you said, there were different flavors - salted caramel (which I had), chocolate/orange and lemon. I wish we'd thought to do that for our wedding!

One of my dd's was a salted caramel too. YUM!

 

[Ariel484]

Great update and another great training week.

The cupcakes look delicious and the wedding cake shape of laying them out is so cute! You had a really busy week!!! Glad Will is feeling better too.

Thanks! Yep, Will seems to be almost back to normal. I think he's getting tired a little more easily than usual but he does still have 5-6 days of antibiotics left. I'm glad he went to the doctor when he did!

And, your "slow" run of 8 miles would be a dream run for me.

Oops, let me clarify!

I'm happy with the overall pace, but what I'm not happy with is HOW I did the run - I really should have flipped it with the 2nd 4 miles being faster than the first 4 miles. So I wish I'd done that instead, I think doing some of my training runs that way would help me feel stronger at the end of races, maybe???

Love the shot of you with your mom and brother.

It is in a GREAT setting!

Well, I am getting there... just one more post to catch up on.

I think I would too. Plus.. I like that little carrot. I get a special treat each mile I run.... it keeps me going.

I totally agree!! For the 2 marathons I did, I took the Gu Chomps every 4 miles so I was even taking them at mile 24. Which isn't super helpful at the end of the race but I was sooooo looking forward to them.

Not sure on the alkaline phosphate.. just cause I was curious I did look it up. Sounds like something that you would discuss with your doc. Maybe has to do with nutrition... or the use of bc pills

Hmm...now I need to Google it! I mentioned it to my doctor and she didn't seem concerned but now I'm curious.

I like to think we all want to see confirmation that we are getting faster/better/improving.

Absolutely, and I like that there is a concrete way to measure improvement. I was a diver/gymnast in another life, so while there were ways to measure improvement, a lot of it was so subjective since there were judges. So that has been a nice change - I can look at the numbers and they are what they are, rather than having one person like the way I do something and the other doesn't, if that makes any sense.

I appreciate you saying that. I sometimes feel very alone in my number craziness. I look over all my splits and charts and kinda feel like not many other people do this. I just realized that Runkeeper has a function to overlay runs. this is just the thing that I get into! So I can take a race from one year and overlay the data from the next year on the same course to see how I ran it. I know... kinda crazy to get so excited about it...but wow.

That's kind of awesome. I could see myself getting distracted for hours doing something like that!

This is just about exactly where I am. I hope to get under 2 someday but right now my goal is under 2:15... with secretly hoping to get 2:05 to 2:10 for my next. (realistically thinking 2:15)

Getting under 2 hours seems borderline impossible to me...I just looked it up and that's, like, a 9:10/mile pace (for a finishing time of 1:59:59)...for 13.1 miles! I plugged my recent 10-miler time into an online running calculator and it said that based on that time I should be able to run a 10K at a 9:10 pace, and even THAT - holding that pace for 6.2 miles - seems impossible to me. Doing double that distance at the same pace... Maybe some day!!!

I figured it didn't appear that I do. I do what I have to come rain or shine... but it doesn't mean I don't want to just skip it and sit on the couch.. or in reality at my desk reading dis.

That's why I do much better if I get my workouts in early in the morning, that way I can't skip out on them later. I used to work out after work and looking back on it now I have no idea how I had the motivation to stay at work, use the gym and get home around 6 or 7 PM.

I have mixed feelings... I want to get my money out of the outfits. Then again, I want the outfit to be special for Disney. I have yet to wear the Rawthreads shirts that I got... .I feel kinda like I am hoarding them.

For all of the Disney races I've done I just wore "regular" running clothes, until the Royal Family 5K. Then I had that RawThreads shirt...now I have another RT shirt for Wine & Dine, and I'm starting to think about other outfits for marathon weekend... I'm finding that coming up with special outfits is something I never thought I'd do, but it's suddenly kind of addicting!

I feel this way too... so why am I hoarding my rawthreads shirts.

I do that too, not sure why?

I had a similar number of miles for 2013 as you did for 2012... so I made my goal of 1000 for this year. All it takes though is injury or illness to side track you...

I am wondering if I wont see closer to your 2013 number for this year given that I had such low miles in January and February. Then again... training for 3 halves in 2014 might get me closer than i think. I have yet to hit 300 though... so I am going to have to really play some catch up in the second half of the year.

After this morning I still haven't hit 250 yet for the year, but I just added up the totals for the Dopey plan I think I'm going to use and that alone will be almost 500 miles, assuming I actually do all the runs. So that's mid-September - December, and I'm training for a half before that...it might be close. Probably in the 800-900 mile range at least.

that is a good plan! maximum cushioning benefits!

full mile?

I KNOW! I think I would cry if that popped up on my training plan. I'm sure it's really helpful, but...

a little raw sounds bad...but as long as it isn't so bad you have to stop running then I guess it is a good thing.

I can definitely still feel it but it doesn't HURT, exactly. Hopefully it'll hold up.

It is definitely a learning process and I can't imagine trying it for a long run quite yet.

Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. I pretty much did the opposite of that during yesterday's run!

One of my dd's was a salted caramel too. YUM!

YUM YUM YUM!!! Salted caramel is soooo good, great pick by your daughter!!

 

[annmarieda]

21.25 miles completed/21ish miles planned
39.7 miles completed in 10K Mini-Training so far
243.85 miles completed in 2014 so far[/B]

It's taper time already!

Love tapers.. course, I also love building up miles too.

Also, had an annoying thing happen today. Remember how I said I canceled my StrideBox subscription? Well, imagine my surprise this afternoon when I got an email that this month's box has shipped! What the what?! I logged into my account and saw that, for whatever reason, my subscription will end in 4 days...not immediately upon cancellation like I had originally thought. The stupid thing has already shipped so I'm not sure I can do much about it, but if they send me another one THEN I'll lay the smackdown (ugh, I'm so lame). So there goes another 15 bucks for a box of stuff I probably won't even use. Not cool, Stridebox.

That stinks!

.so why not take the walk breaks? It was nice too...this run felt easy and comfortable. I dig it!

Total time for 3 miles: 32:48, 10:56/mile pace

That is awesome that you had a easy comfortable run. I LOVE those.

No word on the sunglasses I ordered last week, so I called the store - they haven't come to the store yet, and the girl I talked to made it sound like I need to go there and get them myself. Um...that is NOT what I was told when I ordered them! And that would be about an hour-long drive for me. So then she's like, "oh yeah, we'll mail them..." so I still don't think she knows what she's talking about. Then she said I should call again next Wednesday if I hadn't heard anything. Ugh!!

Sounds frustrating. I hope they come in soon!

Also, Will is at home with what I think is a sinus infection today. Ughh!

Poor Will. I hope he feels better soon.

This was the one run I was really dreading in my mini-training plan, and it's done! Woohoo! [/quote]

So I didn't run because with those tasks and work I just had zero time...

I can imagine! That is a lot you got done!!

Will made it back to work today! He's feeling much better.

Oh good!!!

First and foremost (okay, not really)...today is ADR day for the Wine & Dine trip!!! AHHHH SO EXCITED!!! I took it upon myself to handle the ADRs, and so far...we have a whopping ONE reservation. It's at Via Napoli for the 6 of us at 4:30PM the evening of the race. I did the exact same thing for the Wine & Dine half last year and it worked out well, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

What did NOT work out well was the My Disney Experience app. I couldn't make the reservation there so I had to call a CM to help me. At least I'll get my pizza come November.

OMG! that is the best pizza EVER!

Before that though, I managed to get my third run of the week in. I reminded myself to keep the pace nice and relaxed (10:30ish) with my long run tomorrow in mind.

Split:
Mile 1: 10:11
Mile 2: 10:07
Mile 3: 10:25 --> 1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 4: 10:15
Mile 5: 10:35 --> 1-minute walk break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 6: 9:23

Total time for 6 miles: 1:00:59, 10:09/mile pace

Great job!

So not relaxed at all. But it felt easy! Maybe I'm just faster?!

Faster and more controlled? Good job!!

After that I hopped in the shower and drove about an hour to the bridal shower for my cousin.

I'm one of the bridesmaids, and my job was to make the fake bouquet out of the present ribbons for the rehearsal dinner. I also brought my cupcakes!

It's supposed to look like a wedding dress... The wedding color is navy but I would have had to use a disgusting amount of food coloring to get the "belt" navy. And after all that work, there were, like 20 left at the end of the party! ARRG! I took about 6 with me but then I stopped to visit my dad on the way home and gave them to him. I didn't get home until almost 8:00PM!

Almost as soon as I walked in the door I headed right back out with Will to a local Irish place for dinner...and then I crashed, HARD. What a day!

That is a long day! Cute cupcakes

Splits:
Mile 1: 10:09
Mile 2: 10:04
Mile 3: 10:43 --> 1-minute walk/water break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 4: 10:10
Mile 5: 11:23 --> 1-minute walk/water/Honey Stinger Waffle break at the beginning of this mile
Mile 6: 10:36
Mile 7: 10:43
Mile 8: 11:02

Total time for 8 miles: 1:24:50, 10:36/mile

So much for a fast finish! I was definitely a little cocky yesterday thinking that I was just OMG SO MUCH FASTER!! Clearly I still don't know how to pace myself. In fact, during the last 2 miles I took multiple walk breaks, so it went something like run 0.45 miles/walk 0.05 miles for mile 7 (repeat twice), run 0.20 miles/walk 0.05 miles for mile 8 (repeat 4 times). Survival mode! Seriously, far from the strong finish I was looking for!

I think between doing the first 2 miles way too fast, doing yesterday's run too fast + how long yesterday was in general, and the weather (same humidity, almost same temperature, but SUNNY - which made a huge difference), this was just not a perfect run. Oh well. I also tried a chocolate Honey Stinger Waffle today and it was delicious, but way too fudgy and sweet for running.

But hey! That was my peak week for 10k Mini-Training! Yay!

You got to look at the bright side for sure... peak week for 10k is exciting. As for the run itself.. yeah, some are worse than others... I would love to always see each run be better than the last, but the reality is I seem to have one good one where I feel strong and then one where I feel like I am about to die each week.

 

[annmarieda]

And with this, I will finally be caught up (for now )

I totally agree!! For the 2 marathons I did, I took the Gu Chomps every 4 miles so I was even taking them at mile 24. Which isn't super helpful at the end of the race but I was sooooo looking forward to them.

And since we know that mental stuff has just as much an impact as almost anything... looking forward to something in a race is helpful.

Hmm...now I need to Google it! I mentioned it to my doctor and she didn't seem concerned but now I'm curious.

If she wasn't concerned, then probably it is nothing. I will be honest... I didn't spend too much time researching it. I just peaked at it enough to get an idea what you were talking about. My first thought was it had to do with hydration.... but then what I read didn't suggest that.

That's kind of awesome. I could see myself getting distracted for hours doing something like that!

right???!!! I might post an overlay shot on my PTR from last years Cinco de Mayo race and this year.

Getting under 2 hours seems borderline impossible to me...I just looked it up and that's, like, a 9:10/mile pace (for a finishing time of 1:59:59)...for 13.1 miles! I plugged my recent 10-miler time into an online running calculator and it said that based on that time I should be able to run a 10K at a 9:10 pace, and even THAT - holding that pace for 6.2 miles - seems impossible to me. Doing double that distance at the same pace... Maybe some day!!!

I know... when I plug in my times it always give me a time that seems almost impossible. I am just happy to shave a bit of time off... so hopefully at some point I will see a sub 2. My best was 2:17 I think...so I am really hoping for 2:15 at my next.

That's why I do much better if I get my workouts in early in the morning, that way I can't skip out on them later. I used to work out after work and looking back on it now I have no idea how I had the motivation to stay at work, use the gym and get home around 6 or 7 PM.

it is that "get out before your brain catches on to what you are doing philosophy.

For all of the Disney races I've done I just wore "regular" running clothes, until the Royal Family 5K. Then I had that RawThreads shirt...now I have another RT shirt for Wine & Dine, and I'm starting to think about other outfits for marathon weekend... I'm finding that coming up with special outfits is something I never thought I'd do, but it's suddenly kind of addicting!

OMG, so addicting!

After this morning I still haven't hit 250 yet for the year, but I just added up the totals for the Dopey plan I think I'm going to use and that alone will be almost 500 miles, assuming I actually do all the runs. So that's mid-September - December, and I'm training for a half before that...it might be close. Probably in the 800-900 mile range at least.

That will a nice amount of miles for the year! I hope to get that in too. Maybe a little less or a little more...

 

[Outonarun]

Just a quick **thank you** for taking the time to post your plans and progress. You are an encouragement to your readers -- "If Shannon can do it, I can do it" is what got me out the door this morning for a satisfying workout, and set me up for a better day and a better race in the future.

Thank you

 

[dmross]

I've found that doing Higdon's plan with one race pace run per week (or once every other week) to be sufficient. I don't know why it works, but it does.

For my half marathon in November, I ran my mid-week short runs around 30-60 seconds slower than race pace (9:30-10:00/miles). My long runs I ran a full 2-3 minutes slower (11:00-12:00/miles), depending if I was on the treadmill or outside (I am a slowwwwww treadmill runner). For my half, I ran 9:05/miles! And I don't do speedwork either! I think it is more your base and fitness (plus any taper) that allows you to run faster on race day.

I agree with steph0808 about the base and fitness. But don't forget what you have obviously learned---- how to pace. The thing that these speed workouts and slow mid-week workouts do for me is teach me what a 2:20 .25 mi feels like and what a 2:07 .25 mi feels like. This translates exactly into what you were describing in your 10-miler run like a god report. You knew your pace well enough to make adjustments. I feel like your race reports are proof that this training is working. Just my opinion... I'm not a pro. BTW I LOVE reading your thread!!!! In fact, I've signed up for my first marathon-January 2015, Charleston, SC- mostly due to your detailed training reports. Quality stuff and HIGHLY HIGHLY entertaining to boot.

 

[Ariel484]

Love tapers.. course, I also love building up miles too.

Me too!

That stinks!

Ugh, I know. The stupid box arrived last week and there was nothing I wanted. I checked my account again and it's definitely canceled now. Hooray!

That is awesome that you had a easy comfortable run. I LOVE those.

Runs like that one are few and far between, so I cherish them when they happen!

Sounds frustrating. I hope they come in soon!

I called again Monday...still no news!

Poor Will. I hope he feels better soon.

Thanks! He's still on the antibiotic, but he seems back to normal. We both keep forgetting about it!

I can imagine! That is a lot you got done!!

OMG! that is the best pizza EVER!

YES IT IS!!! I know some people hate Via Napoli...I just don't get it! It's my favorite Table Service place in World Showcase.

Great job!

Thanks!!

Faster and more controlled? Good job!!

Some days, I think so...other days, not so much.

That is a long day! Cute cupcakes

Thanks, I was proud of them.

You got to look at the bright side for sure... peak week for 10k is exciting. As for the run itself.. yeah, some are worse than others... I would love to always see each run be better than the last, but the reality is I seem to have one good one where I feel strong and then one where I feel like I am about to die each week.

Haha, very true. I try not to dwell on the "about to die" ones too much, but I almost always learn something from them.

And with this, I will finally be caught up (for now)

And since we know that mental stuff has just as much an impact as almost anything... looking forward to something in a race is helpful.

So true!!

If she wasn't concerned, then probably it is nothing. I will be honest... I didn't spend too much time researching it. I just peaked at it enough to get an idea what you were talking about. My first thought was it had to do with hydration.... but then what I read didn't suggest that.

I had the bloodwork done before the appointment and could see the results online, and that was the only thing that wasn't within normal limits, so I asked...she said not to worry! I Googled it yesterday and it started saying things about liver issues and whatnot... So I think I'm NOT going to Google it anymore because I don't want to come away thinking I'm dying or something!

right???!!! I might post an overlay shot on my PTR from last years Cinco de Mayo race and this year.

Do it! That would be so cool!

I know... when I plug in my times it always give me a time that seems almost impossible. I am just happy to shave a bit of time off... so hopefully at some point I will see a sub 2. My best was 2:17 I think...so I am really hoping for 2:15 at my next.

Yeah, the one thing I hear about those calculators is that they make certain assumptions, including thinking you're training 60-70 MPW. I will never get to 60-70 MPW! But at least it gives me a range to shoot for.

I bet you can go sub-2:15!!

it is that "get out before your brain catches on to what you are doing philosophy.

Exactly. Just gotta get out the door.

OMG, so addicting!

Goodbye money!

That will a nice amount of miles for the year! I hope to get that in too. Maybe a little less or a little more...

Yeah, we'll see. I'm trying to focus more on following what I know are the right training plans, but it would be cool to get a nice total like that.

Just a quick **thank you** for taking the time to post your plans and progress. You are an encouragement to your readers -- "If Shannon can do it, I can do it" is what got me out the door this morning for a satisfying workout, and set me up for a better day and a better race in the future.

Thank you

Thank you so much for posting this! I really appreciate it. Getting out the door is quite often the toughest part for me...

I agree with steph0808 about the base and fitness. But don't forget what you have obviously learned---- how to pace. The thing that these speed workouts and slow mid-week workouts do for me is teach me what a 2:20 .25 mi feels like and what a 2:07 .25 mi feels like. This translates exactly into what you were describing in your 10-miler run like a god report. You knew your pace well enough to make adjustments. I feel like your race reports are proof that this training is working. Just my opinion... I'm not a pro.

You're definitely right about the speed work helping with the pace stuff! I think one of the best things about it is the thought of, "Okay, I'm running this really tough pace and it's hard but I CAN do it. This is what it feels like to run fast!"

I think the 10-miler was a confidence-booster in a lot of ways, and I definitely am a lot more trusting of the training plans I'm using after that race. Hal Higdon is the man!

BTW I LOVE reading your thread!!!! In fact, I've signed up for my first marathon-January 2015, Charleston, SC- mostly due to your detailed training reports. Quality stuff and HIGHLY HIGHLY entertaining to boot.

Thank you, and that is AWESOME that you've signed up for your first marathon! Which race is it?!

I am impressed! To be honest...I'm sort of afraid to run a non-Disney marathon just because I feel like I need all of the distractions to get through, so I really admire you and others (i.e. ZellyB) going for it NOT in WDW.

Thanks for the kinds words and for reading, I really appreciate it!!

 

[steph0808]

Uh-oh Shannon - do I see a Disney cruise in your future immediately after doing Dopey? http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...isney-castaway-cay-challenge-announced-today/

 

[Ariel484]

Uh-oh Shannon - do I see a Disney cruise in your future immediately after doing Dopey? http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...isney-castaway-cay-challenge-announced-today/

You know, I'm not sure why...but my first reaction to this announcement is that I'm not a huge fan of it. Again, not sure why. Mostly I hope they don't start charging a fee for running the 5K, because currently it doesn't cost anything to enter.

Having these "challenges" must really make them a LOT of money. How many more are they going to announce?!

I won't be able to do this anyway, unless I go on the cruise solo...and that wouldn't be much fun! I'd also need the magical PTO fairy to gift me some more time off from work, because I'll be cutting it pretty close as it is.

 

[annmarieda]

Ugh, I know. The stupid box arrived last week and there was nothing I wanted. I checked my account again and it's definitely canceled now. Hooray!

I called again Monday...still no news!

Do they have any idea where they could be?

Thanks! He's still on the antibiotic, but he seems back to normal. We both keep forgetting about it!

That is when I always forget to finish my medicine...

YES IT IS!!! I know some people hate Via Napoli...I just don't get it! It's my favorite Table Service place in World Showcase.

I had never tried it before last year. I had thought... "just pizza" I can get pizza anywhere. OMG! how wrong I was.

Haha, very true. I try not to dwell on the "about to die" ones too much, but I almost always learn something from them.

It is great to turn a "bad run" into a learning experience.

I had the bloodwork done before the appointment and could see the results online, and that was the only thing that wasn't within normal limits, so I asked...she said not to worry! I Googled it yesterday and it started saying things about liver issues and whatnot... So I think I'm NOT going to Google it anymore because I don't want to come away thinking I'm dying or something!

Now I feel bad. I didn't mean to get you started thinking you are dying. I certainly do not think you are... especially if the doc isn't worried. No more googling... for either of us.

Do it! That would be so cool!

I will!

Yeah, the one thing I hear about those calculators is that they make certain assumptions, including thinking you're training 60-70 MPW. I will never get to 60-70 MPW! But at least it gives me a range to shoot for.

Here I thought my 20 to 25 on a good week was impressive.

I bet you can go sub-2:15!!

I hope so. The other diser I am going to the DLH with is likely to run it in under 2. (for a first half marathon runner she is crazy fast) Originally the thought was we would run together. We ran a 7 mile race together and in trying to keep up with her I felt like I was about to die. Course... I had been ill and allergies were picking up... but still. Mid race I had to tell her to go on without me. So now I am really thinking that we will not run together... even if we are placed in the same corral. (which may or may not happen due to her POT being about 10 seconds per mile faster than mine - I think.. maybe it was more than that?)

You know, I'm not sure why...but my first reaction to this announcement is that I'm not a huge fan of it. Again, not sure why. Mostly I hope they don't start charging a fee for running the 5K, because currently it doesn't cost anything to enter.

My first thought when I saw it was.. "wait, isn't that normally free" I guess they are charging because of the challenge. (more medals) I actually looked into the cruise and it was less than I thought it would be. However, as you know... PTO is an issue for my dh... so we won't be going.

 

[TigerTown]

You know, I'm not sure why...but my first reaction to this announcement is that I'm not a huge fan of it. Again, not sure why. Mostly I hope they don't start charging a fee for running the 5K, because currently it doesn't cost anything to enter.

This was my thought exactly. I really hope this doesn't become another money grab. We're thinking about going on our first cruise next year and I'd really like to be able to run the free version

 

[Ariel484]

Do they have any idea where they could be?

I think they haven't shipped yet, or something. I plan on calling the store again today - and every other day afterward - until I get an answer or a refund.

That is when I always forget to finish my medicine...

It's good and bad in a way, I guess.

I had never tried it before last year. I had thought... "just pizza" I can get pizza anywhere. OMG! how wrong I was.

I KNOW. It's so good!! In a way I'm glad I haven't been exposed to pizza in New York, Chicago, etc....because people from those places always seem to say that Via Napoli doesn't measure up. Ignorance is bliss for this NE Ohio girl!

It is great to turn a "bad run" into a learning experience.

Glass half-full, right? It's better than dwelling on everything that went wrong and feeling bad about it, I think.

Now I feel bad. I didn't mean to get you started thinking you are dying. I certainly do not think you are... especially if the doc isn't worried. No more googling... for either of us.

That's okay! I'd like to think that if I was really dying my doctor would have said so... I think not Googling potential medical issues is a good overall rule.

I will!

I saw it! Need to go back and comment on it!

Here I thought my 20 to 25 on a good week was impressive.

Right??! I told Will about that last night and he was just like...."you don't have time to do that." I think he was afraid I wanted to up my MPW to that range. No thanks! It's less that I don't have the time, I just don't have the DESIRE to run that much. If I really wanted to I'm sure I'd find a way to make it happen...but I just don't want to.

I hope so. The other diser I am going to the DLH with is likely to run it in under 2. (for a first half marathon runner she is crazy fast)

Originally the thought was we would run together. We ran a 7 mile race together and in trying to keep up with her I felt like I was about to die. Course... I had been ill and allergies were picking up... but still. Mid race I had to tell her to go on without me. So now I am really thinking that we will not run together... even if we are placed in the same corral. (which may or may not happen due to her POT being about 10 seconds per mile faster than mine - I think.. maybe it was more than that?)

I can see it both ways, it would be really fun to run together but maybe more enjoyable in a different way to run separately if your paces are different.

My first thought when I saw it was.. "wait, isn't that normally free" I guess they are charging because of the challenge. (more medals) I actually looked into the cruise and it was less than I thought it would be. However, as you know... PTO is an issue for my dh... so we won't be going.

Yep, the 5K has been free. That's the only reason I was going to do it again on my upcoming cruise in July. I read somewhere that signing up for this challenge costs $40...so you're essentially paying for the challenge medal and the race shirt. I thought that cost was a little high, and I'm wondering if this is their way of testing the waters to see if they can start having people pay to do it, challenge or not.

I also wonder what happens to cruisers that aren't part of the challenge that want to do the 5K. The way it normally works is you wander down to one of the clubs onboard the morning of the race, and you sign up then. With this, a bunch of spots will be taken up already by people doing the challenge, and they have to cap the race somewhere.

They called the race the "runDisney Castaway Cay 5K" and the runDisney logo was on my race bib and the CC5K shirt I bought, so I'm not surprised that they're monetizing it in some way...but somehow it just feels greedy to me. It was a neat free perk for cruisers that I fear is going away. Plus, I am really starting to think they are overdoing it with the challenges.

This was my thought exactly. I really hope this doesn't become another money grab. We're thinking about going on our first cruise next year and I'd really like to be able to run the free version

Okay, good. I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this way! You describing it as a "money grab" is exactly what I thought.

You should definitely try a cruise, it's a totally different way to have a Disney experience. I really loved it (and I hope my husband does, too!). I hope they will keep the 5K free.

 

[TigerTown]

You should definitely try a cruise, it's a totally different way to have a Disney experience. I really loved it (and I hope my husband does, too!). I hope they will keep the 5K free.

We've been on Carnival but I know its not even close to a Disney cruise Next year will be our 20th wedding anniversary so I'm thinking about surprising my wife with an Alaskan cruise. Everyone that I've talked with just raves about the Disney ships so I really can't wait. The only downside is that the added cost will eat into my runDisney budget. I might have to cut a couple races next year

 

[annmarieda]

I think they haven't shipped yet, or something. I plan on calling the store again today - and every other day afterward - until I get an answer or a refund.

Well, I will cross my fingers it gets resolved soon!

I KNOW. It's so good!! In a way I'm glad I haven't been exposed to pizza in New York, Chicago, etc....because people from those places always seem to say that Via Napoli doesn't measure up. Ignorance is bliss for this NE Ohio girl!

I feel that way too.

Glass half-full, right? It's better than dwelling on everything that went wrong and feeling bad about it, I think.

I try to be glass half full.. sometimes (like this past weekend) I fail miserably at it. However, mostly I feel it is important to try to be accountable for things and try to learn from them. With some extreme exceptions nothing is truly bad... lessons are always to be learned because doors that are closed opened new ones.

That's okay! I'd like to think that if I was really dying my doctor would have said so... I think not Googling potential medical issues is a good overall rule.

I saw it! Need to go back and comment on it!

I saw that you did.

Right??! I told Will about that last night and he was just like...."you don't have time to do that." I think he was afraid I wanted to up my MPW to that range. No thanks! It's less that I don't have the time, I just don't have the DESIRE to run that much. If I really wanted to I'm sure I'd find a way to make it happen...but I just don't want to.

that is a serious amount of time that one would need to devote. I won't say I can't devote that... but I will say that I don't want to.

right? She is crazy fast! She is still trying to tell me I am going to be waiting for her at the finish, but I know that it will not happen that way. I HOPE to do the dLH with a 10 minute mile pace. (after today's run in the heat and humidity, I am thinking that 10 might be a good goal) That puts me finishing with my sub 2:15 goal. IF I were able to pull off 9:30 instead... that just shaves 6 to 7 minutes off... which would STILL not put me finishing in under 2.

I can see it both ways, it would be really fun to run together but maybe more enjoyable in a different way to run separately if your paces are different.

I think if we are in the same corral we will definitely start together. It will just be a matter of how long we stay together. Our pace is not THAT different. I have been known to sub an hour for a 10k and for our 12k that we did together she finished a couple minutes a head of me. I just won't want to hold her back. Especially since this is her first half.

Yep, the 5K has been free. That's the only reason I was going to do it again on my upcoming cruise in July. I read somewhere that signing up for this challenge costs $40...so you're essentially paying for the challenge medal and the race shirt. I thought that cost was a little high, and I'm wondering if this is their way of testing the waters to see if they can start having people pay to do it, challenge or not.

Well, if the challenge medal is a good one and not just the plasticy type them maybe it is worth it? I think it just makes for an overall additional cost that I am not wanting to pay.

I also wonder what happens to cruisers that aren't part of the challenge that want to do the 5K. The way it normally works is you wander down to one of the clubs onboard the morning of the race, and you sign up then. With this, a bunch of spots will be taken up already by people doing the challenge, and they have to cap the race somewhere.

That will be interesting to see unfold.

They called the race the "runDisney Castaway Cay 5K" and the runDisney logo was on my race bib and the CC5K shirt I bought, so I'm not surprised that they're monetizing it in some way...but somehow it just feels greedy to me. It was a neat free perk for cruisers that I fear is going away. Plus, I am really starting to think they are overdoing it with the challenges.

I think they are totally cashing in on this running "fad" I mean.. it seems more and more people are getting into running (which is awesome) I know if it were not for RD I would not be running. I never was a runner... didn't start until a couple years ago. I just wonder how many people sign up just to participate and don't' really spend much time running outside of the races. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they feel they want to do in regards to physical fitness and event participation. I just think that for those who don't actually enjoy running, it is a fad and they will eventually move on to other ways to enjoy disney. I know... maybe not a popular thing to say. At that point I think that races wont fill up as fast or at all and Disney knows this too...so they are taking this moment to capitalize on the current state of things.

 

[Ariel484]

We've been on Carnival but I know its not even close to a Disney cruise

The only cruise I've been on was the Disney cruise I took in September.

Next year will be our 20th wedding anniversary so I'm thinking about surprising my wife with an Alaskan cruise. Everyone that I've talked with just raves about the Disney ships so I really can't wait. The only downside is that the added cost will eat into my runDisney budget. I might have to cut a couple races next year

I've read a couple of Alaskan itinerary reports and it looks amazing! I'm hoping to do that one some day.

Even if the cruise eats into your rD budget at least it'll score you some points with the wife!!

Well, I will cross my fingers it gets resolved soon!

I called again yesterday and again got someone who knew what I was talking about but was zero help. Apparently this store is going to have a booth at the 10K expo, so I can see them tomorrow and give them a piece of my mind in person. Super not impressed.

I feel that way too.

What we know doesn't hurt us (and allows us to enjoy Via Napoli more)!

I try to be glass half full.. sometimes (like this past weekend) I fail miserably at it. However, mostly I feel it is important to try to be accountable for things and try to learn from them. With some extreme exceptions nothing is truly bad... lessons are always to be learned because doors that are closed opened new ones.

Not everyone can be glass half-full all the time...very wise.

I saw that you did.

that is a serious amount of time that one would need to devote. I won't say I can't devote that... but I will say that I don't want to.

EXACTLY!

right? She is crazy fast! She is still trying to tell me I am going to be waiting for her at the finish, but I know that it will not happen that way. I HOPE to do the dLH with a 10 minute mile pace. (after today's run in the heat and humidity, I am thinking that 10 might be a good goal) That puts me finishing with my sub 2:15 goal. IF I were able to pull off 9:30 instead... that just shaves 6 to 7 minutes off... which would STILL not put me finishing in under 2.

I hope you get a good corral assignment! I know that more of that course is out in Anaheim, does it get as narrow as the WDW course does?

I bet you will do awesomely!!

I think if we are in the same corral we will definitely start together. It will just be a matter of how long we stay together. Our pace is not THAT different. I have been known to sub an hour for a 10k and for our 12k that we did together she finished a couple minutes a head of me. I just won't want to hold her back. Especially since this is her first half.

That seems like a good plan as long as you're in agreement ahead of time that it's okay to split up. I've ready some nasty race reports where people will start a race together, split up and then their friendship is borderline ruined afterward. But I'm sure you and your friend are more reasonable than that.

Well, if the challenge medal is a good one and not just the plasticy type them maybe it is worth it? I think it just makes for an overall additional cost that I am not wanting to pay.

I certanily don't begrudge anyone that wants to do it, just doesn't sit right with me right now for whatever reason.

That will be interesting to see unfold.

I would hope they would keep some spots set aside for the non-challenge people. I did get ahold of one of the navigators from a recent cruise that is the same itinerary as ours, and in there it said to sign up for the race BEFORE Castaway Cay day...that's different than how it was for me in September, we just signed up the morning of. So maybe it's getting less lax already.

I think they are totally cashing in on this running "fad"

They absolutely are, and I can totally get that from a business standpoint - it's making them a lot of money right now, so why not strike while the iron is hot?

I mean.. it seems more and more people are getting into running (which is awesome) I know if it were not for RD I would not be running. I never was a runner... didn't start until a couple years ago.

That is awesome! I'm sure you are right that it's the same for a lot of other people.

I WAS running before I knew Disney had races, but I'd only been running for a year or two and just did a couple of 5Ks. Then a friend of mine on a different message board did the 2009 marathon and I read her report...and it just seemed possible. So I got interested in trying to work my way up to a half, then a marathon, then Goofy...so I wouldn't credit Disney with getting me to start to run, but it did get me to start doing longer races, and I maybe wouldn't have stuck with it in those earlier years if I didn't have Disney races to work toward. But now I'm to the point where I just like running and want to keep up with it in and out of Disney...and the runDisney races DO have a lot to do with that for me.

I just wonder how many people sign up just to participate and don't' really spend much time running outside of the races. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they feel they want to do in regards to physical fitness and event participation. I just think that for those who don't actually enjoy running, it is a fad and they will eventually move on to other ways to enjoy disney. I know... maybe not a popular thing to say.

Honestly, I totally agree with you, whether it's a popular thing to say or not.

At that point I think that races wont fill up as fast or at all and Disney knows this too...so they are taking this moment to capitalize on the current state of things.

Agreed. I'll be curious to see where the tipping point is, with the number of races, the challenges, AND the prices.

 

[rpcvpanama]

Hey Shannon, quick question for you...I see that you do "video" workouts at a gym, how do you do that? I have a couple of workouts that I like to do but I usually work out at my gym in the morning but can't seem to get it done when at home after a long day of work. Just curious what it is that you do?? Thanks! Been enjoying your updates this spring.

 

[Ariel484]

Hey Shannon, quick question for you...I see that you do "video" workouts at a gym, how do you do that? I have a couple of workouts that I like to do but I usually work out at my gym in the morning but can't seem to get it done when at home after a long day of work. Just curious what it is that you do?? Thanks! Been enjoying your updates this spring.

Mostly I do ChaLEAN Extreme: http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/chalean_extreme.do

And the Ab workout from P90X (Ab Ripper X): http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do

So these are DVD sets we purchased. I found a program online called Aimersoft for Mac that will rip DVDs to iTunes for free (the condition being that the iTunes video would then have a watermark, which I don't care about), so now they are stored in our home computer as, I guess, MP4 files. I also have other workouts stored there but I'm mostly sticking to CLX and Ab Ripper X right now (mostly Jillian Michaels stuff - 30 Day Shred, 6 week 6-pack, etc.).

I have an iPhone, so I can hook that to the computer and pick which workout I want to store in the phone, and then I take the phone with me to the gym and listen to it with my earphones in so I can hear the cues. The bad thing about this, especially when I'm doing something new, is that I have to watch it on the phone first and then "rewind" to go back so that I don't skip any reps, if that makes any sense - it would be nicer to see the moves on a TV screen so I can get the form down better, but for the most part it works really well. Hope that helps!!!