Is this realistic?

[StayCool]

I think the key to your success if your upcoming 5K. I think that will get you refocused and motivated again. Crossing the finish line and getting a medal around your neck will remind you what this is all about. I was scared of my 10K and 1/2 way through I was LOVING it. That's when I decided I should do the marathon. It just got me so motivated. Hopefully the same happens to you.

This is a big test for you. Weather changing and this is when you usually fall off the "wagon" of dieting. You HAVE to push through this time if you want to lose that 100 lbs, well 90 ish now.

I got my Magical Express voucher in the mail today. Have you got yours yet? That got me excited. The magic bands should be coming soon too. That will add to the motivation as well because it is becoming more real.

I have decided I will not stress about the marathon. I won't email them to change it yet. I have time. I will just do my running without pushing too hard. All the kids will be in school come next week and then I will have plenty of time to train. After a couple of weeks I will know which race I'll be ready for. I just hope they let me change the race if I decide to.

No medals in the mud run. LOL The prize is just to survive. It will definitely be fun though.

I did get my ME voucher. My magic bands should be shipping any day. I am bummed because I'm getting military salute tix and no base has them yet.

I am definitely looking forward to the kids going back to school. They (and I) need the distraction. Good luck with the continued training. No matter what I am going to continue Zumba will try to stay motivated to run even after the race.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Today was my official monthly weigh-in day. I am UP 2 lbs. Kinda stinks, I was hoping for a decent loss this month so even though it is just 2 lbs it feels like 7 because I wanted to lose 5.

Tomorrow is long run day hopefully. The goal is 12 but we'll see if the body cooperates. I'll settle for 8.

That stinks you don't get a medal. But, you will have fun.

 

[StayCool]

Tomorrow will be my 8 miler. Life is getting crazy hectic and I can't wait until the kids are back in school and we settle back into a routine. It's rainy and blah here today so I will likely go to my son's football game and then just chill at home. Hope you were able to get your long run in.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Yeah, its not the best weather here either.

I got my long run in yesterday, just not as long as I needed. I only did 8 miles. But, I am happy about it even though I was 4 miles short. I did a P90X workout on Thursday and I was sore from the waste down on Saturday still. So, I knew it would be tough. It was hard getting started but as the muscles got warm I began to feel better.

I stopped at 8 miles because it was the first time in a few weeks I was not in any pain while running. So, I decided not to push it. I figured if I stopped at 8 and felt good I wouldn't need as many days off to recover.

I might try to do another 8 tomorrow since it is another weekend day. Then all the kids will be in school come Tuesday and I am free to train with no worries about fitting it in.

We are less than 5 weeks away, can you believe it.

 

[StayCool]

Sooo... today sucked. lol I didn't want to get out there and it took me about an hour to convince myself I had to. It was about 75 out and 80% humidity or so. At first it was pretty overcast so I was happy. After about 1/2-3/4 of a mile the sun came out in full force. I thought I was going to die. But I didn't.

Something I learned today: ice cream is not an acceptable food the night before a long run. I made it through the first mile or so and thought that I was going to have to make a dash into the cornfield. Seriously. I live in a very rural area and there is nothing around. But I didn't.

I spent most of my run thinking of ways to get out of finishing it. It was like a game. "I could turn around." "I could turn here and not go all the way around the block." "I could just run the 5 mile route and skip the other 3 miles." 8 miles of this. I pushed myself to finish the distance completely but other than the first mile, I did not run at all.

Physically (other than the GI issues) I was ok until the last 2 miles. Then my hip got a little sore and I could feel the blisters developing on my little toe on my left foot. I need to figure out a way to get my foot to stop slipping in my sneaker after 5 miles or so.

The positive that came out of today? I finally ran my first mile in 16:00! And my first mile always includes a 3 minute warm up walk.

The other (sort of) positive? 8 miles were completed in 2:23:54. Since I walked most of it, there is likely enough room to fit 2 more miles in and stay within the 2:40:00 time limit.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Before I start I need to point out another milestone on the calendar. Up til now we counted down by weeks and months. Now we can finally say we are going NEXT month. Actually, 1 month from tomorrow I will be on the plane (provided the wife doesn't change her mind again).

OK, as for today. I think there are a few more positives you are missing.

1. You didn't want to run. It took an hour to convince yourself. But, YOU DID IT. In the past you would have talked yourself out of it, correct? I know I would have. This time you talked yourself INTO doing it.

2. You did all 8 miles. When I first started reading your post I assumed you didn't do the whole 8 miles based on how your post started. Even with the GI issues (which I have had while running and it is so distracting) you still did all 8 miles. AWESOME! You could have turned around but you didn't.

3. It was humid. You did it in the humidity. Up here in the northeast we haven't gotten normal summer weather so we haven't had the chance to run in humidity really. You did it today which can only make you a bit more prepared for the actual race.

4. You took 2:23:54 to do your 8 miles. With all my running. With all my bike rides. I have yet to last more than 1:40 minutes. I am beat by then. Sure, I'll do OK for the ToT but the 1/2 or full marathon is going to be at least 2+ hours. You lasted way longer than me.

Those are on top of what you already said.

As for me, I took advantage of the humidity too. I got out and did 5.22 miles. My legs have been going numb again the last couple weeks. That went away when I was really following my training before my vacation. It is back now cuz I was slacking. I am hoping it goes away again cuz it hurts. But, I got out there and did OK. My pace is WAY slower lately. Going to try and do another 5 miles tomorrow.

 

[StayCool]

Before I start I need to point out another milestone on the calendar. Up til now we counted down by weeks and months. Now we can finally say we are going NEXT month. Actually, 1 month from tomorrow I will be on the plane (provided the wife doesn't change her mind again).

OK, as for today. I think there are a few more positives you are missing.

1. You didn't want to run. It took an hour to convince yourself. But, YOU DID IT. In the past you would have talked yourself out of it, correct? I know I would have. This time you talked yourself INTO doing it.

2. You did all 8 miles. When I first started reading your post I assumed you didn't do the whole 8 miles based on how your post started. Even with the GI issues (which I have had while running and it is so distracting) you still did all 8 miles. AWESOME! You could have turned around but you didn't.

3. It was humid. You did it in the humidity. Up here in the northeast we haven't gotten normal summer weather so we haven't had the chance to run in humidity really. You did it today which can only make you a bit more prepared for the actual race.

4. You took 2:23:54 to do your 8 miles. With all my running. With all my bike rides. I have yet to last more than 1:40 minutes. I am beat by then. Sure, I'll do OK for the ToT but the 1/2 or full marathon is going to be at least 2+ hours. You lasted way longer than me.

Those are on top of what you already said.

As for me, I took advantage of the humidity too. I got out and did 5.22 miles. My legs have been going numb again the last couple weeks. That went away when I was really following my training before my vacation. It is back now cuz I was slacking. I am hoping it goes away again cuz it hurts. But, I got out there and did OK. My pace is WAY slower lately. Going to try and do another 5 miles tomorrow.

My flight leaves on September 28th! I can't believe it is so close. That also means that I will have an entire week (almost) in WDW before the race. As long as I drink my weight in water, I think I will be ok.

Thanks for pointing out more positives. I also remember thinking that there was no way I could match my time from the 7 mile run (mostly because it was so much warmer and humid) so I was procrastinating on doing the 8 miler. Endurance has always been my strength. Speed, not so much. But I am working on it. I'm actually not very sore, at least not as bad as I thought I would be. My hips are a little sore (not like last time though!). My toe has 3 blisters and is tender, but not awful either. I think that as long as I get enough sleep in Disney, I will survive this race!

Good luck with the legs! Hopefully with the increased amount of time you will have for training, it will improve. I remember when I first started and my calves just kept cramping. There was nothing I could do other than continue to train. That was the only thing that made it better.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Today was hotter and more humid than yesterday so I took advantage and got out and did 4.67 miles. I was DRENCHED when I was done. Sweat wasn't just dripping from me, it was dripping from my clothes too.

Positives: My legs didn't go numb today, which is great. I went faster today than yesterday, despite my legs feeling very heavy from running two days in a row. The humidity didn't seem to affect me much. I drank more during the run but that's it. As I sit here 12 hours later I am not really sore.

Negatives: Not really any. It was tough to do because my legs were sore from yesterday's run but as they warmed up it got easier.

I am tempted to run again tomorrow but I want to try and move my long runs to Friday now that the kids are in school. So, I need to take the next couple of days to recover for that to happen.

As for your blisters and hip. I think your hip will hurt less the more you run. It's probably just getting used to the impact. I get blisters and the skin peeling off my toes all the time. Not much you can do about it I guess, from what I hear.

FYI- I'm jealous that you are going to be there so many days sooner than me. Now that its getting close I'm getting excited.

 

[StayCool]

Today was hotter and more humid than yesterday so I took advantage and got out and did 4.67 miles. I was DRENCHED when I was done. Sweat wasn't just dripping from me, it was dripping from my clothes too.

Positives: My legs didn't go numb today, which is great. I went faster today than yesterday, despite my legs feeling very heavy from running two days in a row. The humidity didn't seem to affect me much. I drank more during the run but that's it. As I sit here 12 hours later I am not really sore.

Negatives: Not really any. It was tough to do because my legs were sore from yesterday's run but as they warmed up it got easier.

I am tempted to run again tomorrow but I want to try and move my long runs to Friday now that the kids are in school. So, I need to take the next couple of days to recover for that to happen.

As for your blisters and hip. I think your hip will hurt less the more you run. It's probably just getting used to the impact. I get blisters and the skin peeling off my toes all the time. Not much you can do about it I guess, from what I hear.

FYI- I'm jealous that you are going to be there so many days sooner than me. Now that its getting close I'm getting excited.

Good for you for taking advantage of the opportunity to run. And for your legs not going numb. I can relate about being drenched. When I ran on Monday I ended up being pretty dehydrated even though I drank about 30 oz of Gatorade while I was out there. I just made sure I drank a lot for the rest of the day but I did have a dull headache from it.

I'm hoping to protect my toe in some fashion. I have some stuff to experiment with. 3 blisters on 1 little toe is rough. The hip is getting better so I just need to keep going.

Last night I drove past 5 miles of the 8 I did, and looking at it I feel surprised that I did it. It just almost feels surreal that I actually did 8 miles. If you had asked me when I started all of this I'm not sure I would have believed I could do it. Wow.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have an idea for your toes and blisters. It may sound weird but it works. Lansinoh! Not sure if you heard of it. If you breastfed your kids you probably have. Its very thick and very sticky, so it will stick to your socks. But, it should prevent friction on your toes and keep them from getting worse. Vaseline might work but it is not as thick so it might rub off. Band Aids will just fall off, especially when they get wet from sweat.

I have also driven some of the routes I have run. Yes, it does seem crazy when you see it as you are driving. It goes by quick in the car and yet it somehow seems longer if you drive it.

Just goes to show what we are capable of as people once we stop making excuses and push ourselves a little bit.

 

[StayCool]

I have an idea for your toes and blisters. It may sound weird but it works. Lansinoh! Not sure if you heard of it. If you breastfed your kids you probably have. Its very thick and very sticky, so it will stick to your socks. But, it should prevent friction on your toes and keep them from getting worse. Vaseline might work but it is not as thick so it might rub off. Band Aids will just fall off, especially when they get wet from sweat.

I have also driven some of the routes I have run. Yes, it does seem crazy when you see it as you are driving. It goes by quick in the car and yet it somehow seems longer if you drive it.

Just goes to show what we are capable of as people once we stop making excuses and push ourselves a little bit.

I have heard of that stuff. I can't use it. The whole idea of a squishy texture in between my toes creeps me out. lol I am going to try putting this stuff on the insole that *should* stop my sock from slipping as my shoe stretches. Also I will either use bandaids or mole skin to protect it as well. I have one more long run of 9 miles coming up so I will try it then. Crossing my fingers that it works.

I skipped Zumba last night since it was the first day of school for the kids. I wanted to hear how their days went. They seem to be enjoying themselves so far. I sent in letters for each individual teacher they have to notify them that we will be out of town and gave them my contact info in case they would like to speak with me. Hopefully they don't get too upset. The kids are good students although DD will have more difficulty with making up the work than DS I think they will be fine.

I will do Zumba tomorrow morning and then the Dirty Girl mud run is on Saturday. Sunday I will likely take off since I'm running 3 miles the day before. Can't believe it is almost time to go to Disney. Starting to freak out just a little.

 

[bumbershoot]

Blisters...gotta goop up your toes! I use body glide on my toes. My brother usually does but missed that step on Sunday and has a heinous blister (that he won't show anyone) along the side of his big toe.

 

[StayCool]

Blisters...gotta goop up your toes! I use body glide on my toes. My brother usually does but missed that step on Sunday and has a heinous blister (that he won't show anyone) along the side of his big toe.

I didn't think of Body Glide! I don't have that but I do have some other anti-chafing stuff. I will have to try it at Zumba this morning. When I get the blisters it is because my toe rubs on the bottom of the shoe, slides under the toe next to it and apparently rubs on the top or side of the shoe as well.

 

[StayCool]

Holy cow. Zumba in 80 degree weather and 80% humidity kicked my butt. I was dripping and I usually do not sweat that much. Better it made me think that I need tips for hydration. I will be at Disney for almost a whole week before TOT. How do I possibly stay hydrated for all that time?

 

[FishersMouse]

I just ran my first half marathon this Summer and was surprised when my toes did not take the experience very well. Ha! It turns out that when you do longer runs, you should wear a half size larger shoes. Wish that I had known that before I ran, or attempted to run, 13.1 miles.

Hope that you have a great experience and that you enjoy PORS as much as I have in the past. Do NOT miss Yeehaw Bob! He is amazing and is great for adults and families alike!

Enjoy your trip and the TOT Event! You will be great!

 

[FishersMouse]

Holy cow. Zumba in 80 degree weather and 80% humidity kicked my butt. I was dripping and I usually do not sweat that much. Better it made me think that I need tips for hydration. I will be at Disney for almost a whole week before TOT. How do I possibly stay hydrated for all that time?

In the parks, as long as you are carrying a bag, freeze a bottle of water in your fridge overnight. It will melt as the day gets on and the water will be cold. Also, don't forget that you can go up to any counterservice restaurant and ask for a glass of ice water for FREE.

 

[StayCool]

Since I have started working out I sweat so much more than I every have. That's why the concerns of being able to stay hydrated.

Yesterday I did the Dirty Girl mud run with my friend. It was a blast. I do find that it is hard to run with another person. I think I prefer to do my own thing. Otherwise I feel the pressure of trying to keep up. The obstacles were a lot of fun and I was covered head to toe. I conquered one of my fears. I hate heights. I climbed up the net rope obstacle and survived!

Because I did the 5k yesterday, I am not running today and it feels weird. I am so used to doing a longer run on Sundays that having the morning free just doesn't feel right. Next Sunday will be 9 miles and that will be my last long run before the race. It is hard to believe it is getting so close.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I'm glad you had fun doing your run. Hopefully that helps with your motivation. I understand your not liking running with someone. It can be distracting.

I did my long run today, 12.74 miles. I was hurting bad after that one. From the waste down I was hurting and not the normal tight calves. Everything was burning, tight, achy, etc...

I pretty much decided during that run that I don't think I will be able to do the marathon next month. I don't see how I could do another run of what I did today in just 5 weeks.

But, I was happy to get to almost 13 miles today. That was a nice accomplishment.

 

[StayCool]

My bib number is 9466. So if I have any luck and they do not change the cutoffs from last year, I will be in the second to last corral. Please please please! That would make me feel so much better.

 

[Waiting2goback]

How did you get your bib number? I got an email from runDisney about 2 weeks ago and they said they would send an email with the bib# soon but I haven't gotten it yet. They don't give the corral letter as part of the number too?

I am so torn right now. I have been asking everyone in the world what they would do in my position. I am actually considering not going on my trip now. I know my "wife" will give me a hard time and make me pay. My kids will be disappointed I am going without them. I'd be fine with not telling them as I didn't tell them I went last year but they will want to see my medal. It's kinda hard to hide that one.

I have a huge pros and cons list. Right now there are more pros than cons but only by 2. And, if I am being honest. I am afraid to go this time. I had a panic attack last year when I went. I know if I go I will be fine but I'm can't stop remembering last year.

But, I also have done a lot of work to get ready for this race. I mean I ran almost 13 miles yesterday. That is crazy to me since before March I had never run more than a mile at one time. I mean I played soccer for almost 20 years so I have run a few miles, but its way different.

Sorry, I had to vent.