My Magical Journey to Running the Half Marathon TR Link! p.107

[Sandy321]

Carissa!!

I saw your report at work - I had thought you had been at WDW last week, and I missed it!! *duh me!!

I so know what you mean about having someone to report back to! We all need our own cheer squad That's what the WISH event/comp was for me in '08!! (if you want to read anything, read the completed trip report on '08 -my first half - I'll post hopefully this weekend my 2nd Half experience.... think of it as "winning ugly" )

WISH boards are starting up again, and its such a great group to cheer you on - and then to meet up with on the Friday before the race - at the race its nice to "hang" with people... that "get it" and the Monday after the race at Boardwalk, such a sigh of relief its over, but to be able to trade the "war stories" with people - its a GREAT thing!!

GO CARISSA GO CARISSA!!! GO GO GO!! YOU can DO THIS!!

 

[carissanboys]

I've been thinking...

What if I made this trip not only a half-marathon adventure, but also a couple's only getaway??

Chuck and I have been married ten years. In fact, we celebrated our 10th anniversary last May. We had talked about doing something big - going away on a romantic trip. But, we ended up taking a family trip to Disney in March/April and the money for anything else went out the window. We ended up celebrating our big 1-0 at home. And we were perfectly content with that.

The last time Chuck and I had a night away alone together was when our oldest was a baby - over nine years ago. Over the past nine years, we have occassionally gone out on a date (maybe 10 - 15 times total). We've never lived close to our families, so finding a babysitter has always been difficult (and expensive).

Like most marriages, ours has had its ups and downs. Right now, we're in a really good place (well, as good as it can be with him being away from home). I would love to celebrate that and build on it with some time away - just the two of us. What more magical place could there be to do that than Walt Disney World?

But, how do you tell your three children, who are constantly begging to go back to WDW, that you're leaving them behind for a trip to their favorite place??



Seriously - I'm asking. How do we do that??

 

[earthfaries]

Hi Carissa !!! How have you been ? I just happened upon this tr and I'm very excited about reading it
My two little ones ran in the Mickey Marathon this year ~ they loved it!
I know you had a good time and you froze too, lol.

 

[carissanboys]

you can brag if you want to!

Maybe "brag" wasn't the right word. It just motivated me to know that I could come here and say that I did it and people would be happy for me.

Carissa!!

I saw your report at work - I had thought you had been at WDW last week, and I missed it!! *duh me!!

I so know what you mean about having someone to report back to! We all need our own cheer squad That's what the WISH event/comp was for me in '08!! (if you want to read anything, read the completed trip report on '08 -my first half - I'll post hopefully this weekend my 2nd Half experience.... think of it as "winning ugly" )

WISH boards are starting up again, and its such a great group to cheer you on - and then to meet up with on the Friday before the race - at the race its nice to "hang" with people... that "get it" and the Monday after the race at Boardwalk, such a sigh of relief its over, but to be able to trade the "war stories" with people - its a GREAT thing!!

GO CARISSA GO CARISSA!!! GO GO GO!! YOU can DO THIS!!

Sandy! Thanks for stopping by! I was (and probably still am) confused about your PTR. I think it's for the 2011 half-marathon, but you started it last September?? I'll figure it out! And I'll definitely read your TR for your completed half. Right now I'm trying to read all I can to prepare as I have no idea what to expect.

Hi Carissa !!! How have you been ? I just happened upon this tr and I'm very excited about reading it
My two little ones ran in the Mickey Marathon this year ~ they loved it!
I know you had a good time and you froze too, lol.

Hello Amy!!! Long time no see! How's everything in Florida? Still loving living so close to WDW? Any of the magic gone?

Actually, this is a PTR that I just started. I'm planning on running the half in 2011!

 

[earthfaries]

Hello Amy!!! Long time no see! How's everything in Florida? Still loving living so close to WDW? Any of the magic gone?

Actually, this is a PTR that I just started. I'm planning on running the half in 2011!

Hi!! I know! Everything is INCREDIBLE ! We've never been happier and we love living so close to Disney ~~ just moved to a larger pool home in the same neighborhood and having a great time and no ~ the magic has not faded 1 bit !!! Don't believe anyone who tells you the magic goes away or you will get tired of it ~ NOT true !!!

I was so excited to see your report I didn't even notice it was for next year's marathon, lol.
Congrats ! It's going to be great fun ! I would love to start participating in them also ~ Trevon ran the 5K ~ his first race ever last October in the Twilight Zone Terror of Terror 5K and he LOVED it! He's now addicted and is running in the ESPN 5K next month and the Halloween MK 5K in Oct.
It's more fun than I could have ever imagined a race would be ~ of course 'cause it's in WDW

I'm going to go and read your report now ~~~ see what you have planned !

So nice to talk to you again

 

[carissanboys]

Hi!! I know! Everything is INCREDIBLE ! We've never been happier and we love living so close to Disney ~~ just moved to a larger pool home in the same neighborhood and having a great time and no ~ the magic has not faded 1 bit !!! Don't believe anyone who tells you the magic goes away or you will get tired of it ~ NOT true !!!

I was so excited to see your report I didn't even notice it was for next year's marathon, lol.
Congrats ! It's going to be great fun ! I would love to start participating in them also ~ Trevon ran the 5K ~ his first race ever last October in the Twilight Zone Terror of Terror 5K and he LOVED it! He's now addicted and is running in the ESPN 5K next month and the Halloween MK 5K in Oct.
It's more fun than I could have ever imagined a race would be ~ of course 'cause it's in WDW

I'm going to go and read your report now ~~~ see what you have planned !

So nice to talk to you again

Glad you guys are still so happy down there. I don't think anyone has ever told me the magic goes away (except those who don't like WDW anyway), but I was just curious.

WTG, Trevon! How awesome for him! I really should get Sully into running races. He has long legs like his dad and seems to be pretty good at it.

So glad you stopped by!

 

[eandesmom]

Great job on day 1! I don't quite understand all the foot talk or the speed talk but it sounds like a great first day

 

[MHTeacher]

But, how do you tell your three children, who are constantly begging to go back to WDW, that you're leaving them behind for a trip to their favorite place??

Seriously - I'm asking. How do we do that??

I think one of the best gifts you can give your kids is two parents who love each other. If your kids see that mom and dad enjoy spending time together and truly care about the other's welfare, then it can only be a positive influence on their lives!

I've said to my DDs before that I hope when they're older, that they can say that their parents gave them an example of a loving, Christian marriage.

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Carissa!

First off, I just want to say, "Good for you!!"

You may recall that way back I wrote about Ed's first attempt at a half marathon (and my first 5K) at WDW. I had the same misgivings as you do about telling Tricia and Billy about our couple-only-weekend. In the end, we just sat down with them and told them that we were going. It was as simple and direct as that. I was surprised that they took it so well.

You've got great kids; I'm sure that they will take it just as well.

Kathy

 

[dismagiclover]

But, how do you tell your three children, who are constantly begging to go back to WDW, that you're leaving them behind for a trip to their favorite place??
Seriously - I'm asking. How do we do that??

So I don't know if this would work with your kids, but here is what works with mine. I tell them I'm going to run my race. That's it. I've done it twice now. (Well the first time DH and I went to Disneyland.) I tell them races at Disney are totally different from our family trips (and they are). And I promise to bring them back something. They always get excited about my races and they love when I bring back the medals. My DS7 asked me the other day if he could have a Donald if I run another one. DS5 replies, "No. You have to earn it!" All the kids have asked me if I'll do the half marathon with them when they are old enough. (Of course I say yes, but I'm sure they will leave their old lady mama in the dust.) Anyway, when I make the trip about the race instead of about Disney World they have always been really excited for me. It really is quite fun. I have my own little fan club that always wants to know how far I ran when I get home.

 

[Sandy321]

ITA - it has to be a couples only trip! In '08 we went w/o dd, we have a great support system, so no worries there - but we did feel somewhat guilty while there (check out the report )

so we decided to forego a family vacation in '09 and go for a long week in '10 - I dont think it was such a great idea! DD was incredulous when we didnt go to MK on arrival day (it helped her overcome her fear of flying to imagine going on just 3 rides when we got to Disney) there just wasnt time - we had to get our packets!! Then we had to go to the Pop meet.... then we had to get up at 2am.... and when I came back from the Half - I wanted a bed. No way was I moving... repeat that on Sunday for DH!!

Its hard to be a "Mom" at Disney - when the focus HAS to be on you - on YOUR race - mentally a Half Marathon is a challenge, and you WANT to face that challenge, and focus.... dont divide yourself!!

Do something special the weekend before with the kids - make where ever they are going to stay special... maybe go to the dollar store and wrap up something for each day you are gone -

 

[carissanboys]

Great job on day 1! I don't quite understand all the foot talk or the speed talk but it sounds like a great first day

Thanks Cynthia!

I think one of the best gifts you can give your kids is two parents who love each other. If your kids see that mom and dad enjoy spending time together and truly care about the other's welfare, then it can only be a positive influence on their lives!

I agree. When our kids were younger, I thought our marriage would be okay with us focusing our attention on the children in the early years. There would be time for us later. I realize now that was a mistake. But, we've worked through our problems and we both really want some special time to ourselves.

Hi Carissa!

First off, I just want to say, "Good for you!!"

You may recall that way back I wrote about Ed's first attempt at a half marathon (and my first 5K) at WDW. I had the same misgivings as you do about telling Tricia and Billy about our couple-only-weekend. In the end, we just sat down with them and told them that we were going. It was as simple and direct as that. I was surprised that they took it so well.

You've got great kids; I'm sure that they will take it just as well.

Kathy

Hey Kathy! Actually, I just read through that TR of yours last night! I had never read it before. It was really helpful in giving me an idea of what to expect and I got some great ideas for a special trip with just Chuck.

So I don't know if this would work with your kids, but here is what works with mine. I tell them I'm going to run my race. That's it. I've done it twice now. (Well the first time DH and I went to Disneyland.) I tell them races at Disney are totally different from our family trips (and they are). And I promise to bring them back something. They always get excited about my races and they love when I bring back the medals. My DS7 asked me the other day if he could have a Donald if I run another one. DS5 replies, "No. You have to earn it!" All the kids have asked me if I'll do the half marathon with them when they are old enough. (Of course I say yes, but I'm sure they will leave their old lady mama in the dust.) Anyway, when I make the trip about the race instead of about Disney World they have always been really excited for me. It really is quite fun. I have my own little fan club that always wants to know how far I ran when I get home.

I think that's a good plan. And it's not like they haven't been to WDW three times in the past 3 years! I do plan on telling them we'll bring stuff back for them and that we will take them back - probably after Chuck retires from the navy. The plan is to ask my parents to come down and stay with them so that too might help lessen the blow (they love being with Memere and Pepere).

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm feeling pretty good today. My left ankle is a bit sore and I'm a bit sore on my upper legs - not really my thighs. Kind of on the outside. Hard to explain, but it's in an area I'm not used to. Not a bad thing.

I plan on my off days from the program to do some wii fit/sports (I love the boxing), but I'm going to take it easy today.

 

[carissanboys]

ITA - it has to be a couples only trip! In '08 we went w/o dd, we have a great support system, so no worries there - but we did feel somewhat guilty while there (check out the report )

I did check out your report last night. I think you are an AMAZING woman!

Its hard to be a "Mom" at Disney - when the focus HAS to be on you - on YOUR race - mentally a Half Marathon is a challenge, and you WANT to face that challenge, and focus.... dont divide yourself!!

That is exactly how I am feeling right now.

Do something special the weekend before with the kids - make where ever they are going to stay special... maybe go to the dollar store and wrap up something for each day you are gone -

Great ideas.

 

[Sandy321]

HAH - so not "amazing' - just getting by!!

I really have to "get it right"!!

 

[carissanboys]

HAH - so not "amazing' - just getting by!!

I really have to "get it right"!!

To me you are amazing because it wasn't easy for you, but you kept on going. It takes LOTS of mental strength to do that.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I think making it a couples trip is a great idea. Chuck is away from home so much and it doesn't sound like you get much alone time when he is home. I think a trip just the two of you will be relaxing for you both and great for your marriage.

I'm sure the boys would understand or you could just fib a bit and not tell them you will be in WDW. Just tell them you are going on a trip to run a 5K and leave out the WDW part or tell them you are going away to the beach or something.

 

[MHTeacher]

I think one of the best gifts you can give your kids is two parents who love each other. If your kids see that mom and dad enjoy spending time together and truly care about the other's welfare, then it can only be a positive influence on their lives!

I've said to my DDs before that I hope when they're older, that they can say that their parents gave them an example of a loving, Christian marriage.

I agree. When our kids were younger, I thought our marriage would be okay with us focusing our attention on the children in the early years. There would be time for us later. I realize now that was a mistake. But, we've worked through our problems and we both really want some special time to ourselves.

It's hard not to get wrapped up in our kid's lives, afterall we love them so much. When they are younger, their needs are so great, they seem to get most our attention.

As much as I love and cherish my children, I've tried to remember that one day that they will grow up, move out, marry and begin their own family (and that day keeps getting closer and closer!) . Then it will just be me and DH alone, again. We better still like each other and enjoy spending time together!

A good marriage doesn't just happen, it takes work.....glad to hear you've worked through your problems.

BTW, we'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary this May! and I still love him as much as I did then!

 

[carissanboys]

I think making it a couples trip is a great idea. Chuck is away from home so much and it doesn't sound like you get much alone time when he is home. I think a trip just the two of you will be relaxing for you both and great for your marriage.

Me too. I'm really excited about it.

BTW, we'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary this May! and I still love him as much as I did then!

Wow - congrats!! May what? Our anniversary is May 23rd.

 

[carissanboys]

I can't believe it! I ordered a pair of the NB 1011s yesterday and they just arrived!!!! I ordered from Zappos and it didn't even cost me a dime to ship. Wow. The weird thing is the other pair I ordered the day before that and haven't arrived yet.

Anyway, they're on my feet as I type. When I first put them on I thought they fit like a glove. I couldn't believe how good they felt. And then as I walked around I could feel the inner support for the over-pronation rubbing my foot. Not sure if it feels right or if I should get a wider shoe. Also hoping a 10 is big enough. We'll see how they go when I "run" tomorrow.

 

[eandesmom]

I believe, strongly, in couple time. Date nights, date trips.

Not at the expense of the children of course but balance is really important and the family is only as strong as the couple.

Will the kids love it? No, probably not as it will be very new to them as a concept. We typically take 1 "date" trip a year and then 2 family ones. Sometimes they are short, sometimes long, sometimes big, sometimes small but the idea is balance. By showing our kids they get equal, or more "trip" or vacation time, it works out ok.

For a race like this, couple time aside, you would not be able to give your kids the kind of Disney trip they want and that wouldn't be fair to anyone. They will forgive you and as adults, remember that you made time for each other, as well as for them. To me that is a gift (by way of example) that we can give our kids.

I zappos!