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

[Lady Lallie]

I'm joining in!

This is such a great thing to do for yourself.

I find that when I buy sneakers I have to go up a size ( I wear a size 11, so that means going up to a 12). I think sneakers just run small in general, at least in my experience.

 

[carissanboys]

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!

I think the kids would be completely fine with us leaving them with my parents - no doubt. It's just the Disney part that I think will be difficult for them to handle. But, I think adding in the fact that we'll be busy with races and stuff and wouldn't have time to do the fun things they like might help to lessen the sting.

I'm joining in!

This is such a great thing to do for yourself.

I find that when I buy sneakers I have to go up a size ( I wear a size 11, so that means going up to a 12). I think sneakers just run small in general, at least in my experience.

Hey Leslie!

I know I've read people say you should get running sneakers 1/2 size larger, but 10s are usually pretty roomy on me so I thought I'd be okay. My old sneakers are a 10 and plenty big. But, these have more support and are stiffer. We'll see. They feel pretty good right now.

 

[Sandy321]

Carissa - do you have a running store near you? Can you google to find out?

I also have a pronating, large foot - and I used to buy my running shoes here and there - until I decided to run the Half, and was going to put some serious time in - then I took the advice of other runners and went to a running store - HUGE difference! (I'm not sure where my shoes are hiding right now... I'm thinking they are NB in the 1000 series!)

I also bought an insert for my pronating foot (and all I can remember is its orange! they were at the expo and I thought I needed a new pair - the salesman took a look said they were worn at the top, but were just fine where the support was!! so I didnt need to buy a new pair!)

 

[carissanboys]

Carissa - do you have a running store near you? Can you google to find out?

I also have a pronating, large foot - and I used to buy my running shoes here and there - until I decided to run the Half, and was going to put some serious time in - then I took the advice of other runners and went to a running store - HUGE difference! (I'm not sure where my shoes are hiding right now... I'm thinking they are NB in the 1000 series!)

I also bought an insert for my pronating foot (and all I can remember is its orange! they were at the expo and I thought I needed a new pair - the salesman took a look said they were worn at the top, but were just fine where the support was!! so I didnt need to buy a new pair!)

I have a relative who is a sports trainer (has his masters) and he looked at my feet and shoes a couple of years ago. Since my husband is gone on deployment, and we homeschool (meaning no time without the kids), the thought of taking them with me to a running store and trying to talk to someone gives me nightmares. Ordering them online will have to do for now. I can always check one out once my husband gets back this summer.

 

[winkers]

Do it!!! You need a vacation for just the 2 of you. I promise that your boys won't be emotionaly scarred.

I think kids need to see that the marriage is the most important relationship in the family....one day the kids will be grown and on their own. If you haven't cultivated your relationship with your spouse....well, that doesn't usually end up very well.

I have a quote on my wall that says " the most important gift a father can give to his children, is to love their mother".

I know getting time away can be hard. When our kids were little and we couldn't afford a babysitter very often, we would play card games or watch a movie after the kid were in bed.

When my oldest turned 12 we started letting him babysit while we go on our date night...after 4 years it's a normal thing for us to have a date every week. Of course, it doesn't always happen, but we try and the kids respect that as non-negotiable.


Book the trip!! You deserve some time alone together! Your boys may complain, but I promise you, they will get over it!

 

[liznboys]

I'm sure you can make the couples only thing work, you're a smart cookie.

On the shoes...as you know I've got the big feet too. My running shoes are size 10's, but I am going to try on size 10.5's next time. I have issues with my toes hitting the fronts of my shoes. I didn't realize that I would need THAT much extra room up front there (when running), but I do. You may not have an issue with that though.

Zappos is fast, isn't it?! Very nice.

 

[carissanboys]

Do it!!! You need a vacation for just the 2 of you. I promise that your boys won't be emotionaly scarred.

When my oldest turned 12 we started letting him babysit while we go on our date night...after 4 years it's a normal thing for us to have a date every week. Of course, it doesn't always happen, but we try and the kids respect that as non-negotiable.

Book the trip!! You deserve some time alone together! Your boys may complain, but I promise you, they will get over it!

We have decided to try and do the couple only trip. The two variables will be if my parents can come watch them and if Chuck can get the time off and isn't deployed. The ship is supposed to be in dry docks for a while after this deployment to get work done so we should be good in that regard.

Sully turns 10 this year so not too much longer until we have a babysitter. I know he will be more than happy to do it as he likes responsibility. And we'll pay him, too which will make him happy.

I'm sure you can make the couples only thing work, you're a smart cookie.

On the shoes...as you know I've got the big feet too. My running shoes are size 10's, but I am going to try on size 10.5's next time. I have issues with my toes hitting the fronts of my shoes. I didn't realize that I would need THAT much extra room up front there (when running), but I do. You may not have an issue with that though.

Zappos is fast, isn't it?! Very nice.

I'm anxious to get the other pair I ordered and see how they feel. I hope one of them works well for me because I don't want to have to wait for another pair to arrive!

 

[carissanboys]

A few things before I post my journal entry for today. Chuck has said he is interested in running the 5K at WDW that weekend. I'll be talking to my parents tomorrow and seeing if they're willing to come down and watch the boys for us.

I took out a great book from the library yesterday and I'm already halfway through. It's called Running for Mortals by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield. I'm sure many of you already know about it and/or have read it. If you haven't and are interested in running or just took up running but haven't read anything on the subject, I highly recommend it. It's a quick, easy read and offers some really good information to help you understand your body with regards to running. I think the most interesting thing for me was learning that the heart and lungs adapt much quicker than the muscles and much, much quicker than the joints.

Okay - now on with today...

~ Week 1 Day 2 ~

I was really excited for my "run" today. I had my new sneakers and was eager to see if I could still do it or if Thursday was a fluke. Once again I ate a small bowl of oatmeal, mixed with some yogurt and drank a good amount of water from the time I woke up until I began the run. Maybe a full glassful. I also changed my warm up to start a little more slowly. But, to make up for that, I kept my cool down at 3.5 for a few minutes before slowing down.

Again, the cardio part of the runs were much better than I had anticipated. I'm not saying I find them easy, fun, or that I don't get winded or sweat. But, I can remember years past whenever I'd try to jog, I would be DYING. I think I've underestimated my level of fitness. The last few years I have walked quite a bit. Not always consistently, but enough to increase my aerobic abilities. That in itself has been empowering for me to discover.

However, the pain in the tops of my feet, ankles, and shins was worse today. I don't think pain is the right word to be using. It's not a stabbing kind of pain. It's more like a fatigue pain. You know when you're doing reps for bicep curls or something similar and you start to feel a burn? That's what I'm experiencing. I'm hoping that it's simply from lack of use and over time, those areas will strengthen and the pain will go away. I think it was worse today because those areas were still a bit tired from Thursday. It did start to lessen towards the end of the run as everything really warmed up.

I had no problems with cramps or stitches in my side. And my new sneakers felt good.

Sundays will be my complete rest day normally and I won't be doing Day 3 of the program until Tuesday. I'm hoping that will help give my feet/ankles/shins time to heal. Monday will be some boxing, strengthing and yoga.

This is how my plan looks right now (I know it looks a bit odd because I started on a Thursday):

Monday: Easy walk on treadmill for 10 minutes, boxing for cardio, wii fit plus for yoga and strengthening exercises

Tuesday: Day 3

Wednesday: Easy walk on treadmill for 10 minutes, boxing for cardio, wii fit plus for yoga and strengthening exercises

Thursday: Day 1

Friday: Easy walk on treadmill for 10 minutes, boxing for cardio, wii fit plus for yoga and strengthening exercises

Saturday: Day 2

Sunday: rest

My totals for today:

Speed: 3.0-->3.5 warm up, 4.0 for jogs/3.5 for brisk walks, 3.5-->3.0 cool down
Duration: 30 minutes total
Distance: 1.78 miles

 

[dismagiclover]

Great job Carissa! The books by Bingham and Hadfield are great for us normal people! I ran my first half marathon using their training program in Marathoning for Mortals which I highly recommend. So check that book out when you get a chance!

The aches and pains are probably just your body adjusting. That is a good sign that it felt better towards the end of your workout. Like I said earlier the first mile is always the toughest for me. I love hearing about your progress!

 

[carissanboys]

Great job Carissa! The books by Bingham and Hadfield are great for us normal people! I ran my first half marathon using their training program in Marathoning for Mortals which I highly recommend. So check that book out when you get a chance!

The aches and pains are probably just your body adjusting. That is a good sign that it felt better towards the end of your workout. Like I said earlier the first mile is always the toughest for me. I love hearing about your progress!

I'm definitely planning on requesting that one from the library. They didn't have it on their shelf or else I would have picked it up when I was there.

 

[MHTeacher]

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

Thanks---May 18th We won't actually be in Disney on that day; that will come 4 days later, after the kids and I have finished school for the year.

AND...congrats to you. Sounds like you're really sticking with your running program. I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, and it was in the mid 50s. I decided to get out. Hadn't run in over a month, so I had to stop and do some "walking breaks", but felt great afterwards. I didn't realize that I missed it so much. Here's hoping for continued semi-warm days!

 

[Sandy321]

Great job Carissa! The books by Bingham and Hadfield are great for us normal people! I ran my first half marathon using their training program in Marathoning for Mortals which I highly recommend. So check that book out when you get a chance!

The aches and pains are probably just your body adjusting. That is a good sign that it felt better towards the end of your workout. Like I said earlier the first mile is always the toughest for me. I love hearing about your progress!

ITA

I'm definitely planning on requesting that one from the library. They didn't have it on their shelf or else I would have picked it up when I was there.

I am definately a Penguin!! It sounds like you are on the right path - glad you have resources!!

Also for the 5K - WISH team is kicking around the idea of having a WISH 5K the Friday before the Half - no entry fee (or maybe a small fee if the organizer decides to do a medal?!) The cost for the Disney races are getting very high - and the 5K Disney Medal is leather - in '08 it was a run thru AK during the park time???? or it finished when the park opened??? All I know is this year they moved it to Epcot and it was before Park Opening - someone on WISH posted her vid capture of it - very cute short vid!

any way - keep on keeping on!!

 

[carissanboys]

Thanks---May 18th We won't actually be in Disney on that day; that will come 4 days later, after the kids and I have finished school for the year.

AND...congrats to you. Sounds like you're really sticking with your running program. I woke up this morning, the sun was shining, and it was in the mid 50s. I decided to get out. Hadn't run in over a month, so I had to stop and do some "walking breaks", but felt great afterwards. I didn't realize that I missed it so much. Here's hoping for continued semi-warm days!

Congrats to you for getting out for a run after a month!

any way - keep on keeping on!!

Thanks Sandy - I'm planning on keeping on!

 

[eandesmom]

Congrats on day 2!!! Can you explain the whole 3.5, 4 etc speed to me so I'm not lost?



Very cool that Chuck wants to do the 5K. I'd be up for the Wine and Dine run (or whatever it's called lol) but it's a bad weekend for me.

 

[carissanboys]

Congrats on day 2!!! Can you explain the whole 3.5, 4 etc speed to me so I'm not lost?



Very cool that Chuck wants to do the 5K. I'd be up for the Wine and Dine run (or whatever it's called lol) but it's a bad weekend for me.

3.5 and 4.0 are mph. Just the speed settings on the treadmill. Wine and Dine run sounds fun! Haven't heard of that before. Honestly, I didn't realize there was more than the half marathon and marathon in January until just recently. Seems like there's quite a few races throughout the year.

 

[eandesmom]

3.5 and 4.0 are mph. Just the speed settings on the treadmill. Wine and Dine run sounds fun! Haven't heard of that before. Honestly, I didn't realize there was more than the half marathon and marathon in January until just recently. Seems like there's quite a few races throughout the year.

ahhh on the treadmill! I thought you were running outside and was very confused! I don't do treadmills, so there you go!

 

[carissanboys]

ahhh on the treadmill! I thought you were running outside and was very confused! I don't do treadmills, so there you go!

Oops. Did I leave out that little fact? If I didn't have the treadmill, I wouldn't be able to do this program since I never have time away from the boys right now with Chuck gone. Once Chuck returns I will be able to run outside for at least some of my runs each week.

 

[carissanboys]

I'm very happy today as I'm not really sore at all! Yesterday I did some new stretches after my workout that I got from the book Running for Mortals and I think they really helped.

 

[carissanboys]

I spoke to my stepmother yesterday and it was a "yes" for watching the boys. Now, we just need to keep our fingers crossed that everything will turn out and we can make this happen. Otherwise, I'll be going alone.

I need some help. I've always had to plan a trip and book a place that would hold 5 people. Now it'll just be two of us at the most. I need some options! Which DVC resorts have studio rooms? Are there any that might be available in the moderate resort price range?

I know the cheapest would be for us to stay at a value resort. And since we never have before, it would be a new experience. But, we were so spoiled with the atmosphere at POR last trip that I'm not sure we'd enjoy staying there.

I feel kind of stupid asking this question, but I'm really not familiar with all of the resorts. It was only recently that I realized non DVC owners could stay at DVC resorts.

Help me out my friends!

 

[dismagiclover]

I know you've stayed at Shades of Green before and prefer the Disney resorts because they have more of a Disney feel, but I'd think about Shades of Green for marathon weekend just because of the transportation. You can quickly walk over to the Poly and catch the monorail which is a big plus at 4 am. It means you can sleep a little longer because you don't have to catch a bus around 3:30 or so. And this year I heard nightmares about the bus lines for the buses back to the resorts after the race. Another option is to find someone to rent BLT points from (A DVC owner) and stay on the monorail that way. (Shades of Green is still cheaper.) Or you could shell out the big bucks and just pay cash for a monorail resort, but that is super pricey. No DVC resorts are moderate resorts. Just my 2 cents (and that is probably about what it is worth)