Is this realistic?

[StayCool]

Just catching up on everything. I was in Virginia on vacation last week and the transition back into work has been a bit crazy. I think I found out where I want to live once my kids are gone. We were near Charlottesville and the weather was perfect! Winter is short (Yes I checked) and it isn't any warmer in the summer than it is in NY. Especially since we are in the mid 90's right now.

I was more active on vacation but I also ate what I wanted so I was up a few lbs. I know I was retaining water when I weighed myself and have avoided the scale since. lol I will recheck on Saturday. My husband was up a lousy pound, but he was super active for him so I am happy for him. I haven't been exercising like I need to but overall I am more active so it is balancing out. I am looking forward to things slowing down a bit once the kids are in school so I can have more me time.

 

[Waiting2goback]

StayCool, glad your back. I hope your vacation was a great one. Its good news about your husband.

I did an easy run this morning (4.5 miles) in my new shoes. There was some progress on pain level so maybe if they break in some more it will get even better.

I am sorry to keep it brief. I have had a bit of a roller coaster couple of days so I'm not much in the mood to chat.

 

[dizzyr]

I'm on vacation in ................ 3 more days! I'm off for 17 days! We're going to try and balance it between getting long overdue stuff done around the house and fun local things. I don't want to spend a lot of $$ though since we have the trip in Jan but since my kids don't know about it I can't say we can't do stuff because we are saving for the trip which sucks LOL. I've been burning the candles at both ends trying to get things done before I go. Also my boss is retiring in two weeks and I'm being considered as his replacement (LONG shot that I'm not even sure if I'm interested) so that meant updating my resume and putting in a proposal so that took some time too. It will be nice to have some time to relax.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I hope you have a good vacation. I hope you get the job if you decide you want it and if you don't want it then it won't matter.

I'm on vacation right now as well. No run for me today as we took the kids to the beach and I needed to rest the foot anyway.

 

[Chiomaca]

Just got back from my own vacation...four great days off (six but travel on each end doesn't count) in Pensacola, FL. It rained most days and I only ran one of them (Saturday...a VERY WET 6 miles) but we did a lot of wandering and relaxing, which I needed desperately. Sorry to hear you're going through a rough patch Waiting2goback. We're rooting for you no matter what.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Just got back from my own vacation...four great days off (six but travel on each end doesn't count) in Pensacola, FL. It rained most days and I only ran one of them (Saturday...a VERY WET 6 miles) but we did a lot of wandering and relaxing, which I needed desperately. Sorry to hear you're going through a rough patch Waiting2goback. We're rooting for you no matter what.

Glad you are on vacation, it sure sounded like you needed it. Did you find a new dog walker yet? Sorry about the rain though.

My rough patch is actually good news this time. The reason I was on a roller coaster is because of the good news. I met someone about 2 years ago. We have gotten to know each other. I started to like her about a year ago but I didn't think I stood a chance so I just kept it to myself to avoid humiliating myself. I never even mentioned her to anyone. Well, I found out a couple of days ago that she feels the same way. Her situation is very similar to mine so that's part of the reason for the roller coaster. But, she knows about my situation. She has no problem with the amount of kids I have. We have always gotten along so great. If I were to draw up a perfect new girlfriend she would fit almost every possible way. (She is not a Disney fan. She doesn't hate Disney, she just has never been and doesn't see the appeal. BUT, she supports my love of Disney and is willing to go with me in the future.)

So, the reason it is all a roller coaster is because I am just having trouble believing it is all true. But, that's my story. I do thank you for the support though.

 

[dizzyr]

Glad you are on vacation, it sure sounded like you needed it. Did you find a new dog walker yet? Sorry about the rain though.

My rough patch is actually good news this time. The reason I was on a roller coaster is because of the good news. I met someone about 2 years ago. We have gotten to know each other. I started to like her about a year ago but I didn't think I stood a chance so I just kept it to myself to avoid humiliating myself. I never even mentioned her to anyone. Well, I found out a couple of days ago that she feels the same way. Her situation is very similar to mine so that's part of the reason for the roller coaster. But, she knows about my situation. She has no problem with the amount of kids I have. We have always gotten along so great. If I were to draw up a perfect new girlfriend she would fit almost every possible way. (She is not a Disney fan. She doesn't hate Disney, she just has never been and doesn't see the appeal. BUT, she supports my love of Disney and is willing to go with me in the future.)

So, the reason it is all a roller coaster is because I am just having trouble believing it is all true. But, that's my story. I do thank you for the support though.

 

[Chiomaca]

Waiting2goback, that's awesome! I'm glad to hear, and kind of hope this will move up the timeline for you getting set up on your own. I'm sure you'll bring her around on Disney, and if not, as long as she's good partaking once in a while, that's cool, too. Tim isn't a huge fan either, but he enjoys himself when we go. (I do think he'd be happier if every trip didn't involve an early wake up and race, though.)

I needed the vacation badly. Unfortunately, things were more challenging than I'd hoped on the way back. Diverted flights (weather), aborted landings, late night return, and a Friday workday that started around 8:30 Thursday night and didn't end until after 6 on Friday night. But, a couple guys had it worse than me...I just did stuff on the phone...a few guys went in and worked all night.

14 miles today and they were AWFUL. I have been too busy to buy food, so aside from grabbing a real lunch on work days, I've been having Larabars for dinner, which means essentially eating a handful of dates and peanuts for dinner. Not the best way to fuel for a long run. My calves cramped up around mile 7 and never got better. I did the last two miles running to the end of the path in my visible range, then walking, then running. I made it, but just barely. I don't have plans for tomorrow other than to go buy food!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Waiting2goback, that's awesome! I'm glad to hear, and kind of hope this will move up the timeline for you getting set up on your own. I'm sure you'll bring her around on Disney, and if not, as long as she's good partaking once in a while, that's cool, too. Tim isn't a huge fan either, but he enjoys himself when we go. (I do think he'd be happier if every trip didn't involve an early wake up and race, though.)

I needed the vacation badly. Unfortunately, things were more challenging than I'd hoped on the way back. Diverted flights (weather), aborted landings, late night return, and a Friday workday that started around 8:30 Thursday night and didn't end until after 6 on Friday night. But, a couple guys had it worse than me...I just did stuff on the phone...a few guys went in and worked all night.

14 miles today and they were AWFUL. I have been too busy to buy food, so aside from grabbing a real lunch on work days, I've been having Larabars for dinner, which means essentially eating a handful of dates and peanuts for dinner. Not the best way to fuel for a long run. My calves cramped up around mile 7 and never got better. I did the last two miles running to the end of the path in my visible range, then walking, then running. I made it, but just barely. I don't have plans for tomorrow other than to go buy food!

I invited her to the marathon weekend in January. She says she is considering it but I am not holding my breath. It would be nice if she came but I might worry about her the whole weekend too so either way I am fine. She hasn't been before so I would be worried if she is having a good time or not. Then I would be worried about her getting around while I am at the race. To us it is easy because we have all been there before. But it can probably be overwhelming to someone who has never been there.

As for me getting out of here sooner. Thankfully she is well aware of my situation. Her's is similar to mine. So she is putting no pressure on me, yet. Believe it or not my plan is working as designed. I wanted to be in a position to be on my own by summer of 2016. If things continue the way they are I will be able to do that and still live relatively comfortable. I am paying down bills and trying to save. I have come a long way in just 10 months of working.

I obviously have no idea how this new relationship will work out but I still need to stick to my plan for me and the kids. I think she will be fine with it though.

Sorry you had trouble on your vacation. But a bad vacation is usually better than a good day at work so at least you got a break, right?

Yeah, I did 13 miles today myself and they weren't all that great either. I feel your pain. I was so frustrated during my run because I am so behind on my training and realize that I will never accomplish my goals this year. But, I have processed it all in my mind and I will just do my best and look forward to next year.

I hope you got your food shopping done. You don't realize how important good foods are to what we do until you don't have them.

 

[StayCool]

My rough patch is actually good news this time. The reason I was on a roller coaster is because of the good news. I met someone about 2 years ago. We have gotten to know each other. I started to like her about a year ago but I didn't think I stood a chance so I just kept it to myself to avoid humiliating myself. I never even mentioned her to anyone. Well, I found out a couple of days ago that she feels the same way. Her situation is very similar to mine so that's part of the reason for the roller coaster. But, she knows about my situation. She has no problem with the amount of kids I have. We have always gotten along so great. If I were to draw up a perfect new girlfriend she would fit almost every possible way. (She is not a Disney fan. She doesn't hate Disney, she just has never been and doesn't see the appeal. BUT, she supports my love of Disney and is willing to go with me in the future.)

Yay! Now believe you are worth it!!

I needed the vacation badly. Unfortunately, things were more challenging than I'd hoped on the way back. Diverted flights (weather), aborted landings, late night return, and a Friday workday that started around 8:30 Thursday night and didn't end until after 6 on Friday night. But, a couple guys had it worse than me...I just did stuff on the phone...a few guys went in and worked all night.

14 miles today and they were AWFUL. I have been too busy to buy food, so aside from grabbing a real lunch on work days, I've been having Larabars for dinner, which means essentially eating a handful of dates and peanuts for dinner. Not the best way to fuel for a long run. My calves cramped up around mile 7 and never got better. I did the last two miles running to the end of the path in my visible range, then walking, then running. I made it, but just barely. I don't have plans for tomorrow other than to go buy food!

Travel makes me nervous when it happens like that. Sometimes grocery shopping can be fun... mostly when you are out of everything though. lol Sorry that your run was rough, but hey, you finished it right??

As for me getting out of here sooner. Thankfully she is well aware of my situation. Her's is similar to mine. So she is putting no pressure on me, yet. Believe it or not my plan is working as designed. I wanted to be in a position to be on my own by summer of 2016. If things continue the way they are I will be able to do that and still live relatively comfortable. I am paying down bills and trying to save. I have come a long way in just 10 months of working.

Yeah, I did 13 miles today myself and they weren't all that great either. I feel your pain. I was so frustrated during my run because I am so behind on my training and realize that I will never accomplish my goals this year. But, I have processed it all in my mind and I will just do my best and look forward to next year.

I'm glad that your plan is working out.

I'm still slacking in the exercise area of my life. I did my loop yesterday and am a little sore this morning. I really didn't want to do it at all and the last 2 miles were more of a plod than anything. One foot in front of the other until I could finally see my house! But I sucked it up. Weighed myself this morning and was down 3 lbs so just 2 more until I am back to pre-vacation weight. I've not been good about getting on track again although I am trying.

I'm seriously considering either personal training or a bootcamp class after work. I need some real motivation and someone that will give me a load of crap if I don't follow through. Plus I am following his clients progress pictures and he is making some very impressive changes in people in short amounts of time. I will likely wait until October though only because September is ridiculous. But I'm working on formulating a plan.

 

[Chiomaca]

As for me getting out of here sooner. Thankfully she is well aware of my situation. Her's is similar to mine. So she is putting no pressure on me, yet. Believe it or not my plan is working as designed. I wanted to be in a position to be on my own by summer of 2016. If things continue the way they are I will be able to do that and still live relatively comfortable. I am paying down bills and trying to save. I have come a long way in just 10 months of working.

Seems fair - as long as the situation doesn't get worse at home. It does seem to be pretty steady for you right now.

Sorry you had trouble on your vacation. But a bad vacation is usually better than a good day at work so at least you got a break, right?

The vacation was great - it was the first in a long time that didn't involve getting up super early for a race or being with (my) family in situations that required us to work within a larger schedule. We slept late, drove aimlessly, visited old ruins and wandered through museums and a cemetery and ate some great food. The flight home was traumatic, less because of the actual flight than because of the woman in the back of the plane who kept exclaiming how scared she was during an aborted landing attempt. It was bumpy, but she made things much worse. I'd have been totally refreshed if the world hadn't come to the brink of exploding once again on Thursday. Thankfully, it's gotten better.

Sometimes grocery shopping can be fun... mostly when you are out of everything though. lol Sorry that your run was rough, but hey, you finished it right??

I didn't grocery shop. I went out to dinner on Saturday to a place that I only go to after a 12+ mile run because the calorie count for a small order of Koren fried chicken is 5 drumsticks and 1300 calories. Sunday I ordered a pizza and had the leftovers for dinner tonight. Tomorrow my food delivery kicks in again and I'll be eating better. It's just easier for me to order the meal kits than it is to shop for meals.

I'm seriously considering either personal training or a bootcamp class after work. I need some real motivation and someone that will give me a load of crap if I don't follow through. Plus I am following his clients progress pictures and he is making some very impressive changes in people in short amounts of time. I will likely wait until October though only because September is ridiculous. But I'm working on formulating a plan.

I'm a fan of personal training. And if you pay for it, maybe you'll be better about going. On my way down to Florida I picked up a copy of Runner's World and ran into an article about a woman who runs the blog FAT GIRL RUNNING. I thought you might appreciate her approach to the world - and she's an ultra runner! She's certainly inspired me.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Yay! Now believe you are worth it!!

I'm glad that your plan is working out.

I'm still slacking in the exercise area of my life. I did my loop yesterday and am a little sore this morning. I really didn't want to do it at all and the last 2 miles were more of a plod than anything. One foot in front of the other until I could finally see my house! But I sucked it up. Weighed myself this morning and was down 3 lbs so just 2 more until I am back to pre-vacation weight. I've not been good about getting on track again although I am trying.

I'm seriously considering either personal training or a bootcamp class after work. I need some real motivation and someone that will give me a load of crap if I don't follow through. Plus I am following his clients progress pictures and he is making some very impressive changes in people in short amounts of time. I will likely wait until October though only because September is ridiculous. But I'm working on formulating a plan.

Well, realizing I am worth it is the part I am struggling with the most if I am honest.

StayCool, I hope you find something soon to get you motivated. I really do. Everyone finds motivation in different places. For me a trainer wouldn't work because I could just not show up. But, if it works for you that is great. Some people NEED that person waiting there for them to push them. Just keep in mind, of course he is going to put pics of people who had the best results, he is trying to attract business. But each one of those clients in the pics must have committed to the program and did the work consistently.

Seems fair - as long as the situation doesn't get worse at home. It does seem to be pretty steady for you right now.

The vacation was great - it was the first in a long time that didn't involve getting up super early for a race or being with (my) family in situations that required us to work within a larger schedule. We slept late, drove aimlessly, visited old ruins and wandered through museums and a cemetery and ate some great food. The flight home was traumatic, less because of the actual flight than because of the woman in the back of the plane who kept exclaiming how scared she was during an aborted landing attempt. It was bumpy, but she made things much worse. I'd have been totally refreshed if the world hadn't come to the brink of exploding once again on Thursday. Thankfully, it's gotten better.

I'm a fan of personal training. And if you pay for it, maybe you'll be better about going. On my way down to Florida I picked up a copy of Runner's World and ran into an article about a woman who runs the blog FAT GIRL RUNNING. I thought you might appreciate her approach to the world - and she's an ultra runner! She's certainly inspired me.

Things here at home have been fine. We get along fine. She was a bit unreasonable last fall but when I looked at her last November and told her if she continued to behave the way she was then I would take the kids and she would be paying me a fortune in child support, and if that meant she had to live in a shack I wouldn't feel bad because I knew I tried to do things the mature way. Her attitude changed from there. She is even being supportive (as much as she knows how anyway) of me doing the WDW Marathon in January. She even got me a Disney gift card for Father's Day. Last year she got me nothing. So, its a small win for me. I'm not stupid enough to think it will always be like this, but if it stays this way until summer of 2016 then all is good.

Sounds like a fun vacation. And as much as I am looking forward to my race in January I can see what you mean about there being a race on vacation. This will be 2 in a row (which is nothing compared to you I know) but in planning I see how much time these races take from the vacation.

I am going to read that link right now.

 

[StayCool]

The vacation was great - it was the first in a long time that didn't involve getting up super early for a race or being with (my) family in situations that required us to work within a larger schedule. We slept late, drove aimlessly, visited old ruins and wandered through museums and a cemetery and ate some great food. The flight home was traumatic, less because of the actual flight than because of the woman in the back of the plane who kept exclaiming how scared she was during an aborted landing attempt. It was bumpy, but she made things much worse. I'd have been totally refreshed if the world hadn't come to the brink of exploding once again on Thursday. Thankfully, it's gotten better.

I'm a fan of personal training. And if you pay for it, maybe you'll be better about going. On my way down to Florida I picked up a copy of Runner's World and ran into an article about a woman who runs the blog FAT GIRL RUNNING. I thought you might appreciate her approach to the world - and she's an ultra runner! She's certainly inspired me.

I'm glad that you had a good vacation.

I've never done personal training so it makes me a little nervous. I may split the session with a friend who also needs motivation. Plus it will split the cost as well. I checked out Fat Girl Running and it is pretty cool. I have a similar person on my facebook that is from the UK.

StayCool, I hope you find something soon to get you motivated. I really do. Everyone finds motivation in different places. For me a trainer wouldn't work because I could just not show up. But, if it works for you that is great. Some people NEED that person waiting there for them to push them. Just keep in mind, of course he is going to put pics of people who had the best results, he is trying to attract business. But each one of those clients in the pics must have committed to the program and did the work consistently.

Things here at home have been fine. We get along fine. She was a bit unreasonable last fall but when I looked at her last November and told her if she continued to behave the way she was then I would take the kids and she would be paying me a fortune in child support, and if that meant she had to live in a shack I wouldn't feel bad because I knew I tried to do things the mature way. Her attitude changed from there. She is even being supportive (as much as she knows how anyway) of me doing the WDW Marathon in January. She even got me a Disney gift card for Father's Day. Last year she got me nothing. So, its a small win for me. I'm not stupid enough to think it will always be like this, but if it stays this way until summer of 2016 then all is good.

I'm ok with what I am doing right now. I'm working on diet and still maintaining some semblance of physical activity. I know that it needs to be stepped up to see faster results but I'm good with how things are right now. As for me not showing up, well I would feel guilty if someone was waiting around for me. Not cool. And I am aware that he will use people that have good results; that is basic marketing. However I know one of the women personally and her results are definitely inspirational.

My friend sent me a link for a Star Wars half marathon next May. lol Now to see if she actually tries to talk me into it...

 

[Chiomaca]

Well, realizing I am worth it is the part I am struggling with the most if I am honest.

Yes, I think that's a struggle many of us experience, in one part of our lives or another.

Her attitude changed from there. She is even being supportive (as much as she knows how anyway) of me doing the WDW Marathon in January. She even got me a Disney gift card for Father's Day. Last year she got me nothing. So, its a small win for me. I'm not stupid enough to think it will always be like this, but if it stays this way until summer of 2016 then all is good.

I'm glad to hear that.

As for me not showing up, well I would feel guilty if someone was waiting around for me. Not cool. And I am aware that he will use people that have good results; that is basic marketing. However I know one of the women personally and her results are definitely inspirational.

My friend sent me a link for a Star Wars half marathon next May. lol Now to see if she actually tries to talk me into it...

One of the reasons I run with a group is exactly that - I don't want people waiting around for me and have me not show up. Gym memberships aside from the one at work never worked, but the circus classes and running groups matter more to me than a class at Gold's Gym ever did. It's also nice to have a workout buddy.

I have friends who are already thinking about the Star Wars race, but I think it's in April. In fact - it's the weekend of the Boston Marathon. I haven't signed up for a race earlier than May for next year, so maybe...

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have friends who are already thinking about the Star Wars race, but I think it's in April. In fact - it's the weekend of the Boston Marathon. I haven't signed up for a race earlier than May for next year, so maybe...

It is the same weekend. I am a bit surprised Disney would schedule the race the same weekend as the Boston Marathon. I am surprised they are doing it in April as opposed to May when the Star Wars weekends are already happening, although I understand why.

 

[Chiomaca]

It is the same weekend. I am a bit surprised Disney would schedule the race the same weekend as the Boston Marathon. I am surprised they are doing it in April as opposed to May when the Star Wars weekends are already happening, although I understand why.

There's a guy on a runDisney themed FB page I'm on talking about a Dark Side to Boston "Dopey" - all three races in FL, then fly up to MA for Boston. Not my cup of tea...

I ran this morning but it wasn't a good one...halfway through my hill repeats I needed to go to the bathroom and I ended up running back home, using the bathroom and then running an extra mile since I still had to open the neighborhood dog park for the day. I did 5 instead of the 6 I'd intended, but at least I got it in. Friday should be a good weather running day, so I'm hoping to hit 6. Then 10 for Saturday as a dial-back week for the long run.

 

[StayCool]

I forgot about the Dirty girl Mud run this weekend. So Saturday I will be out doing that. I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

 

[Waiting2goback]

There's a guy on a runDisney themed FB page I'm on talking about a Dark Side to Boston "Dopey" - all three races in FL, then fly up to MA for Boston. Not my cup of tea...

I ran this morning but it wasn't a good one...halfway through my hill repeats I needed to go to the bathroom and I ended up running back home, using the bathroom and then running an extra mile since I still had to open the neighborhood dog park for the day. I did 5 instead of the 6 I'd intended, but at least I got it in. Friday should be a good weather running day, so I'm hoping to hit 6. Then 10 for Saturday as a dial-back week for the long run.

I think that would be a crazy weekend. Sure it would be fun to do all those races in a vacuum but doing all that in one weekend would kill the fun for me I think. On top of costing a fortune.

I didn't run today. My right shin has been hurting since Tuesday so I decided I would run tomorrow (I will also try for 6) and then shoot for a long run of 15 on Sunday. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I forgot about the Dirty girl Mud run this weekend. So Saturday I will be out doing that. I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

That should be a good time. Hopefully it isn't too hot.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Just a quick update. I had a run this morning. It hurt a lot. I am grumpy beyond belief because all my goals are shot. I feel like a fraud. On top of it, I JUST realized I don't think I can even use my ToT race time as a proof of time for the marathon because I think it has to be at least a 1/2 marathon. So my goal of a C or D corral is now gone and now my corral is depending on a 1/2 marathon on a 1/2 of a good leg, unless I have a small miracle happens.

Sorry, I have been complaining a lot. I have just been struggling so badly knowing I will not even come close to my goals. It's mentally killing me.

Hope you are all doing well.

 

[Chiomaca]

I forgot about the Dirty girl Mud run this weekend. So Saturday I will be out doing that. I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

How did it go?

Just a quick update. I had a run this morning. It hurt a lot. I am grumpy beyond belief because all my goals are shot. I feel like a fraud. On top of it, I JUST realized I don't think I can even use my ToT race time as a proof of time for the marathon because I think it has to be at least a 1/2 marathon. So my goal of a C or D corral is now gone and now my corral is depending on a 1/2 marathon on a 1/2 of a good leg, unless I have a small miracle happens.

You can use your TOT - it has to be a Ten Mile race or longer.

I was concerned from the beginning that your goals weren't realistic. It's not that I don't think that you could have achieved them with hard work, just that I didn't think your lifestyle right now (working hours in particular), is conducive to doing so. There's also a lot of pain that seems to be associated with the hours on your feet that you've been struggling to work though. Better to realize it now then when you fail in the moment, because now you have the chance to re-assess and set goals that fit what training you've been able to do.

I've been struggling with my new job and marathon training, too. And I recently realized that the shoulder injury that sidelined me from most circus activity is hurting me, too. I used to do hard core work 2-3 times and week, but now I don't have the time to go to classes on weeknights, most weekend classes aren't the kind I need, and my attempts to make it to the gym at work consistently have mostly failed. I make it maybe once a week. That's not enough. I'm running, but I'm not getting enough rest. So...I am still going to run, but I'm not sure I'll improve my time this year, which was my goal. I'll probably reassess my ability to do that in a couple of weeks and decide where my goal pace should be.