OCD Princess Planners: Flights, Frights, Food, & a ToT Race, Too!!!

[annmarieda]

Oh I misunderstood. I didn't check those nights for a studio. I did check over the 4th/5th and the 5th is gone everywhere in a studio, I can check the earlier dates for a studio.

Please don't go out of your way looking up things for us. I still have to get through ROFR... and then close. This could be a while....and by the time we get through it all... IF we get through it all, things could be unavailable that currently are.

 

[annmarieda]

Saturday was the very first time that Steve and I were signed up for the same race. It was an 8k. A little more than he had ran before, but less than I was "scheduled" to run for the weekend. We got up early and made the hours drive to where the race was being held.

It was in the same town that I ran my very first 10k and some of the route was the same. It was a beautiful day, but I knew it would be hot. The race schedule actually started with the half marathon beginning at 9am, kids one mile at 9:15 and the 8k at 9:30.

We did not want to risk being late, so we planned to arrive at 8:30. Steve and I arrived exactly as planned and picked up our bibs and shirts. I thought there was suppose to be a goodie bag too... but there wasn't .

Then began the wait....



It was a very hot day and the race really kicked my rear end. Steve managed to stay with me for the first mile. There was quite a bit of congestion and so we did have a bit of a time getting going. Once we did though, we maintained a good pace. After splitting up there were some hills, some single runner lane congestion spots and the HEAT.

I again made the mistake of believing runkeeper. I figured "I have this" when it told me my pace was right where I wanted it to be. I sprinted toward the finish and about died. I have NEVER come so close to vomiting at a finish. I walked around for a few minutes - grabbing my various treats (oranges, bananas, water bottles..bagels) before I realized I had not turned off runkeeper. Still, it gave my overall pace of 9:10. I figured my finish would be right where I wanted it to be.

As I am sure you all figured out... it wasn't. I finished 6th out of 35 for my division. (not bad) 123 out of 326 overall and for gender 60 out of 216. My pace was 9:24. I wish I had maybe pushed a bit more early in the race... but given that I have the turf toe injury and there was the heat... I am pretty happy. And 6th isnt too bad. First 3 got trophies... so I am getting close. I thought that the first place female finisher from last months race was a fluke. Maybe I will eventually be in that top 3 in my division again at some point.

Steve did awesome! He too struggled at the end. He finished with a 11:15 pace.



After the race we did some shopping at the outlet mall. Checked out the nike store and the underarmour store. But... the best part was stopping at the chocolate factory to get HUGE chocolate covered strawberries.

So whats next? Well, Steve and I are both now officially registered for the WDW half in January.

 

[eandesmom]

It sounds to me like you both did great! I wonder why runkeeper is so off? That's more than a little frustrating if you don't really know where you are at I'm sure. Still, really good times. Heck I'd be happy to finish and not die. Amazing how far you have come, what an accomplishment.

UGH on the almost getting sick, it was quite warm that's for sure on Sat. I didn't realize there was a UA outlet up there now (or chocolate for that matter). We used to go there every summer to shop for the boys but the last several times it was such a bust, I haven't been in probably 2-3 years.

for signing up for the half, it will be a fun adventure together I am sure.

 

[annmarieda]

It sounds to me like you both did great! I wonder why runkeeper is so off? That's more than a little frustrating if you don't really know where you are at I'm sure. Still, really good times. Heck I'd be happy to finish and not die. Amazing how far you have come, what an accomplishment.

Thanks so much. It was a good run...and I am proud. Runkeeper can be off if the gps drops off... or if you zig and zag a lot in the crowd. My normal runs here at home... all come up at the same distance. The PHM... runkeeper had me going more than the distance of a half, but believe me... the moment it told me I was at 13 miles... I was READY for the finish. I know I am coming up on the race in my TR... so don't want to give too much away, but lets just say... I wasn't particularly happy at the never ending... 13. xxxxxxxxx

UGH on the almost getting sick, it was quite warm that's for sure on Sat. .

It would have been horrible to get sick... but given that I sprinted in the heat, it wouldn't have been surprising.

II didn't realize there was a UA outlet up there now (or chocolate for that matter). We used to go there every summer to shop for the boys but the last several times it was such a bust, I haven't been in probably 2-3 years.

The outlets have been tricky. It is like most of the stuff is "regular" price with maybe a rare gem somewhere in the store. We were able to find a pair of Nike Free's for Alex that JUST had been clearanced to $30. What a score that was. I also feel like some of the stores like to try and seem like they are giving you a good deal. We went into one store... "70% off last marked price" We thought there were some amazing deals...then... realized the last marked price was not actually the last marked price. See... they marked it at x amount... then marked the 70% off under it. It looked like a regular price with a clearance price under it. Sadly... nope, the first marked was the "last marked"

The chocolate was definitely worth the trip though! I definitely am going to make their chocolate (which is made on site) an after race tradition. The snoqualmie races are well done. People come from all over to get PRs to submit to other races. They are not rundisney level fun... but not much is. I was particularily fond of the turkey trot in November. Registrants got to eat a HUGE pancake and bacon breakfast. OHHH it was yummy! Even if it was served in a school cafeteria.

for signing up for the half, it will be a fun adventure together I am sure.

It will be an adventure with Steve. I just hope and pray his health remains good. His last flare was a doozy... and while it is in remission again... any amount of stress could again set him off.

 

[annmarieda]

It is hard to believe we are just shy of the 4 month mark!!!

I am getting excited. Work has been so crazy and I could really and truly use a break... even if that break involves running 10 miles.

Did I mention here that my oldest son is officially engaged? I can't remember.... but he is!!! He also got a really good job (finally) and I don't worry about his ability to support himself and a family.

I also found out that he and his future bride will be down in WDW 9/26 to 9/29. Is that crazy? I am not sure that my dear future dil understands just how long of a flight it is and how much there is to do in WDW. Her plan is to fly down the night of 9/26. A red eye from seattle will put them arriving first thing in the morning on 9/27 (her birthday) They plan to stay with her friend (in the disney college program... which I didn't know they could have guests stay with them ) They will spend all day in Epcot for F&W on 9/27. Then 9/28 they will have a full day as well as some concert she wants to go to that I think is this night. Then on 9/29 they will finish up and catch a late night flight back. I am tired just thinking about it. I am pretty certain I will not see them while there are there. Strange to be there at the same time as one of my kids though....

Running is going fine for me.... just routine at this point. Other than needing new shoes. I hate having to find new shoes. The shoes I was running in have a new model out... and of course they have to go and change things...so the new model doesn't work for me.

I guess as a group we still need to get our MNSSHP party tickets. The Ashley's need to get their Villians Bash tickets. We are pretty set though with plans otherwise, right ladies? We will need to put together a more solid plan for the night of the race. I am beginning to think that no one is gonna want to run with me. As long as we all are able to hang out in the staging area pre race and at the bash, I am ok with that. I guess I still need to add one night to my stay since I fly home the day after everyone else. I think I am planning pop...just so I don't have to move for one night.

 

[momabaarjo]

Ahhhh thanks Ann for keeping up on PTR...I will try an update tonight. I am not sure how this month has slipped away from me!

 

[momabaarjo]

Run, Walk, Exercise…Get Your Hiney Moving to WDW
Update May 26, 2013​

It has been awhile (okay, a REALLY LONG TIME) since I have updated my travels to WDW. Since my last update I have only gone 87.5 miles. I know that does not seem like a lot in basically 2 months time, but I have moved from the elliptical to run/walk so my daily mileage has gone down, but I am still getting my strength training in at Curves on most non-run days.. Where am I now, well I am still in Texas! I know I have been trying to get across Texas since I started back on January 1st, but Texas is a BIG STATE. I left Mesquite back at the end of March and merged onto I-20, which I will stay on until I reach Jackson, Mississippi…I have passed through (or by) the towns of Canton, Hideaway, Woodspring, and Owentown, Texas.

​

The biggest accomplishment is I am now in the triple digits, with only 997 miles to go! Now that summer is here, I am hoping to add too my run/walk and Curves the elliptical back in on non-run/walk days…making my distance increase again (I should have been doing this all along, but just got lazy).

 

[momabaarjo]

Tammie’s Training Update
May Highlights (and Low Points)​

I have really dropped the ball as far us updating how my training as been going during the month of May. Saturday (May 25th) I finished Galloway’s 5K Training Program, with the exception of the 5K Race. I had planned to do my race on May 18th, but once again I found myself dealing with shin splints and just was not prepared to do the race. I do have a race scheduled for this Saturday, but more about that as soon as soon as I update you on my progress.

The first week of May I found myself out of town on a business trip to Denver, but I had it all planned out and was confident that I could continue training without missing a beat. So much for well laid plans…

April 29 (Curves): I had planned to go to Curves right before my flight, but realized that was not going to happen as I really did not have enough time…did not finish packing the night before.

April 30 (Short Run Day/Week 6 & Curves): I forget how early the sun comes up in Colorado in the spring, so instead of heading to Curves before my conference started I decided to head outside for an early morning run at a park located a block from the hotel. I was naturally concerned with what the altitude was going to do to me, but what a beautiful morning to run…no problems with shins or with the altitude as I ran 2 miles with a 14 minute/mile pace…not my best, but I was happy with it. I planned to go to Curves in the afternoon, but that got derailed thanks to the people that I was allowing to use my rental car when I was not using it. GRRRR…let's just say that I planned to go to Curves EVERYDAY (Tuesday-Friday) during my business trip since it was about 2 miles away from the hotel…but these RUDE people who I was doing a favor for by letting them use MY CAR did not have respect for me.

​

May 2 (Short Run Day/Week 6): Gotta love Colorado Spring weather. The day before it snowed and today the morning temperatures were still freezing so I opted not to get out and run before my conference…instead I went at lunch to avoid the people that were making my trip miserable. By this time the snow was melting fast and I really needed to run off my frustration. Well, maybe I should not have gone because by the time I finished my SHINS were killing me. Really, after almost 3 weeks of NO PAIN why on earth were they hurting. GRRRR. I finished the 2 miles with a 14.2 minute/mile pace.

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May 5 (Long Run Day/Week 5): After church, I decided that I needed to get my long run for the week in and I had laid off for 3 days so maybe the shin splints would be okay and I was still in a really bad mood from the trip…instead of continuing to take it out on my family, running seemed like a good thing to do. I really did not want to head to the park to run, so I opted to run through my neighborhood (I live on the outskirts of town so I would be running some country roads). Being a little nervous about the area I decided to take the dog with me. MISTAKE, between the run, the dog and yes SHIN SPLINTS the whole run made me even more in a bad mood. I finished the long run (3.24 miles) with a 16.5 minute/mile pace...I ended up walking most of it.

May 6 (Curves): Managed to get Curves Workout in, YAY.

May 7 (Short Run/Week 7): After whining to Ann once again about my shins, I decided that I am just going to have to deal with the pain and run through it. I really do not have any more time to waste if I am going to run 10 miles. So once again, here I am running and once again dealing with SHIN SPLINTS. I did manage to finish the run of 2 miles with a 14.9 minute/mile pace.

May 8 & 9: Wahoo, managed 3 Curve workouts this week!

May 10 (Long Run/Week 6): This morning I had taken off from work, traveling to Ab’s State Track Meet at Baylor later in the morning, so I have time to continue to push through the pain. I have to say I was really nervous about the run, because this would be my LONGEST RUN EVER since beginning my training, almost 4 miles. I have to say, I held my breath through the entire run, just waiting for the SHINS to act up…and guess what they DIDN’T. Here is my stats...

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One of my best paces, yet on top of my longest distance. I can’t tell you how happy this run made me, maybe I can do this!

May 13 (Short Run/Week 7): After a long day at school, I was really looking forward to the run, although not looking forward to the heat and wind but afterschool was the only time I really had to get this done. So off I went, still on cloud 9 over Friday’s run…which all the sudden came to a end within the first ½ mile of my run…yes, you guessed it SHIN SPLINTS and now the tears flowed when I got in the car to leave. I did push through the 2 miles with a 15.2 minute mile pace. I was so frustrated and just got in my car and bawled like a baby. Here I am giving the whole thing my all and my body continues to fight me…maybe it is time to give up, but I just can’t because I would feel like a failure. But I started thinking what was the common denominator in all of this SHIN SPLINT issues? Maybe it was my daytime shoes? Looking back, maybe heels are causing me problems?! Okay no more, let’s just wear flats the next couple of days and try my next running in the morning. Ann also found some great stretching videos that claim to end SHIN SPLINTS in 24-48 hours. So I got rid of the heals, got my golf ball and foam roller, and went to work on the SHINS.

May 18 (Short Run/Week 8): Today, I had planned to do my 5K Race. But after all the issues with the shins again, I though it wise just to do a short run to test out my SHIN theory. Again, I found myself holding my breath waiting for the shins to hurt, but NO PAIN. I finished the 2 mile run with a 13.8 minute/mile pace. Wahoo, maybe I have finally found the answer to my problems, but then again, I thought that before, only time will tell!

May 20 (Curves/Short Run Week 8): Right after school I managed to get in a Curves workout (after a week of not going) and then waited to later in the evening to run (wasn’t it just a few weeks ago when we were dealing with cold) because of the heat. Good run, no pain…2 miles with a 14.0 minute/mile pace (I think the heat was killing me at 92 degrees).

May 21 (Curves/Elliptical for 15 minutes): Not sure what got into me, but I dusted off the elliptical and did 15 minutes before school, STANDING. I sure have some along way in 7 months…remember when I could barely do 1 minute standing. I need to do this more on my non run days. Good Curves workout afterschool.

May 22 (Short Run/Week 8): Good run, no pain…2 miles at 13.9 minute/mile pace despite the heat. I can’t wait to run in the mornings in a few weeks!

May 25 (Long Run/Week 8): With it being Memorial Day Weekend we headed to the cabin for a little break from the heat. I really don’t have time not to run, so I convinced myself that I could do this in the mountains despite the altitude…I did it in Denver, right? What is another 3,000 feet higher. Plus, if we do get up there throughout the summer, I am going to have to run up there to stay on training track. Happily, I finished my long run of 3.38 miles with a pace of 13.8 minute/mile…WAHOO (and no pain). I can do this, SEE…I have now finished the training program for the 5K! Which brings me back to needing to get a 5K race done.

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It has been a really long, hard month dealing with the up and down emotions caused by my shin splint issues. I hope that I have finally put them behind me (only time will tell) as I move into my 10K training program.

 

[momabaarjo]

Love the prerace picture of you and Steve! I am so glad that he is doing this with you now! I think you did a great job, you are so hard on yourself!

Chocolate covered strawberries...now that is the kind of after race treat I could handle...yum-o!

Not heard you say anything about the toe lately...so I assume you are healing! Or I am just a bad friend, whining all the time about my shins and not thinking about you!

It is hard to believe we are just shy of the 4 month mark!!!

Tomorrow will be 4 months till we meet up first!

I am getting excited. Work has been so crazy and I could really and truly use a break... even if that break involves running 10 miles.

You have been working hard, and deserve a break. After this summer going from no summer school jobs to 2 full months, plus 2 weeks of training...I am going to need the vacation too...even it if involves 10 miles! I think I have exactly 1 week of vacation...remember my panic a few weeks ago...now I am panicing for the exact opposite reason.

Did I mention here that my oldest son is officially engaged? I can't remember.... but he is!!! He also got a really good job (finally) and I don't worry about his ability to support himself and a family.

New Job for Zach?

I also found out that he and his future bride will be down in WDW 9/26 to 9/29. Is that crazy? I am not sure that my dear future dil understands just how long of a flight it is and how much there is to do in WDW. Her plan is to fly down the night of 9/26. A red eye from seattle will put them arriving first thing in the morning on 9/27 (her birthday) They plan to stay with her friend (in the disney college program... which I didn't know they could have guests stay with them ) They will spend all day in Epcot for F&W on 9/27. Then 9/28 they will have a full day as well as some concert she wants to go to that I think is this night. Then on 9/29 they will finish up and catch a late night flight back. I am tired just thinking about it. I am pretty certain I will not see them while there are there. Strange to be there at the same time as one of my kids though....

Crazy kids...

Running is going fine for me.... just routine at this point. Other than needing new shoes. I hate having to find new shoes. The shoes I was running in have a new model out... and of course they have to go and change things...so the new model doesn't work for me.

I guess as a group we still need to get our MNSSHP party tickets. The Ashley's need to get their Villians Bash tickets. We are pretty set though with plans otherwise, right ladies? We will need to put together a more solid plan for the night of the race. I am beginning to think that no one is gonna want to run with me. As long as we all are able to hang out in the staging area pre race and at the bash, I am ok with that. I guess I still need to add one night to my stay since I fly home the day after everyone else. I think I am planning pop...just so I don't have to move for one night.

We need to think about the safari...I am game if you are for Sunday! I can book after June 15th. Also, whenever you want to get MNSSHP tickets I can do that too.

AND IT IS NOT ABOUT NOT WANTING TO RUN WITH YOU...I JUST DONT WANT TO SLOW YOU DOWN AND I KNOW YOU ARE RUNNING FOR TIME...

 

[annmarieda]

Yep, Zach has a new job. He has many certifications through his military training. He still is in the military and will continue to serve as called. He was able to finally get a civilian job that utilizes his "talents". He was hired on as a manager in training at a steel plant not only overseeing workers, but maintaining epa guidelines in the water they release. He was to have a year probationary period after which his salary was to double. He already makes a fair wage, so the idea of it doubling was exciting. However, he has been doing such a good job that he was told his promotion to manager and increase in salary should happen before the end of this year. (closer to a 6 month mark) He loves his job and his "authority" I guess there are the red hats... who do the hard labor. The blue hats who do labor, but oversee the red hats... and then there is the white hats who have offices and oversee all operations. He is a white hat. So I am pretty proud of my "delinquent" son. He may have had a couple hard teen years, but he is by far the most respectable and respected young man around. I have so many people come to me and tell me how impressive he is. I definitely agree. I am glad that 5 years ago me didn't listen to those who thought he was NOT impressive. I just needed to give him time to grow... mature... and be the exceptional young man I knew he could be.

Now to just wait it out with Alex.

And I know it isn't that you don't want to run with me... I just worry that I scare you a bit. Running for time? Well... I would like to PR that race... but given that I finished it last year with nearly a 17 minute mile pace, I am pretty sure I could beat that crawling. Ok, well... maybe not crawling, but a fair bit leisurely with some picture stops. However, if you and Amy are going to stay together.. (I still do not know what her pace looks like) Then maybe I will just book it to the end and hang with the Ashley's. Who knows... Maybe there will be some really fun stops....and I will want to take them all in. As long as you let me hang out with you pre race, I will be ok to run by myself. Pre race is kinda a bummer by yourself.

As for my foot... yeah. It hurts. Today was pretty bad taking off my shoe. I have been trying to work on form a bit...which means not heel striking. However, the heel striking I was doing this last month has helped to keep me off my forefoot and that turf toe injury. Nearly heeled, I thought I was ok.... but... all it takes is a little too much spring in my step and I am a hurting unit again. Add in that due to the heel striking I wore my shoes out... in a weird way. This caused me to get some not so pleasant blisters....so I got some new shoes. Of course, they don't work. I got huge blisters on the back of my heel due to too much slippage. (I have duck feet - wide in the forefoot and narrow at the heel) So now I have to figure out shoes again. I know I can do nike free runs... but they don't have much in the way of cushioning and I need that for my old joints on the longer runs. Oh... I hate figuring out new shoes.... and I finally found the "love of my life" shoes when I found my pureflows. Why do they have to change the design when they come out with new models???

I will try and check the ap website tomorrow to see if the MNSSHP ticket prices were released. For now, I am off to bed. Morning comes way too soon these days.

 

[momabaarjo]

Bulldog Dash 5K Saturday...

​

I have a 5K scheduled for Saturday, and while I am looking forward to running a 5K to see my improvement…this one has me a little worried for a few reasons, all doing with image/ego:

1. This 5K is being hosted at my school. I am really not sure if I am ready to run around people that know me. There are several teachers at my school that are hard core runners, competing in ½ marathons and running together after school many nights. They are cute, skinny and young…while I am frumpy, lumpy, and old. I know that I am running for me, but I really don’t want to look like a fool running.

2. My friend, who I ran my first 5K with in January, is also running this event. Remember we were supposed to run a Color Run back in March but she cancelled…well I have been following her training on facebook this spring and she is so far in front of me. I was pushing her the entire 5K in January and now she is running around 35 minutes for a 5K. In fact this weekend she ran 6 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes...so I am embarrassed that I am still struggling to take time off the clock. She has lost a ton of weight, which I am still struggling with also…I feel like such a failure compared to her.

3. I also feel a little ashamed that I have to use a run/walk interval in order to get through a run. I know I shouldn’t…look at Jeff Galloway and the name he has made for himself with this training/running style. I guess this is why I can’t ever consider myself a runner, because I have to walk at times.


As Ann keeps telling me, I am running for myself and if these people are runners than they will not be judging me by my time but encouraging me for being out there. I suffer from such low self esteem when it comes to other people and I just can’t seem to push “them” out of my head and run for myself, just like I can’t seem to do in everyday life. I know I should be proud that I am out there, and even prouder that I have not simply given up…which I have been so close to and really have had good reasons to do so.

With all this being said and done, I have set a goal for myself:

Finish under 40 minutes​

I would really like to be at 13 minute/mile pace. I am though wondering if I am setting my goal just a little too high? Wondering if adrenaline can take me under 40 minutes? Should I go ahead and change the pace of my app to 2 minute run/1 minute walk...or would that be too much of a change with my current 1/1 ratio?

1. January 5K was a little over 48 minutes (16 minute/mile)

2. March 5K was just over a 45 minutes (15 minute/mile)…weaving and dodging people during Color Run along with a hilly course

3. 3 Mile Run on Saturday was about 42 minutes (14 minute/mile)…altitude with some non flat running surfaces


Worries and stress put aside, I paid my entry fee yesterday...so I guess I will be running...okay walk/run!

 

[momabaarjo]

Yep, Zach has a new job. He has many certifications through his military training. He still is in the military and will continue to serve as called. He was able to finally get a civilian job that utilizes his "talents". He was hired on as a manager in training at a steel plant not only overseeing workers, but maintaining epa guidelines in the water they release. He was to have a year probationary period after which his salary was to double. He already makes a fair wage, so the idea of it doubling was exciting. However, he has been doing such a good job that he was told his promotion to manager and increase in salary should happen before the end of this year. (closer to a 6 month mark) He loves his job and his "authority" I guess there are the red hats... who do the hard labor. The blue hats who do labor, but oversee the red hats... and then there is the white hats who have offices and oversee all operations. He is a white hat. So I am pretty proud of my "delinquent" son. He may have had a couple hard teen years, but he is by far the most respectable and respected young man around. I have so many people come to me and tell me how impressive he is. I definitely agree. I am glad that 5 years ago me didn't listen to those who thought he was NOT impressive. I just needed to give him time to grow... mature... and be the exceptional young man I knew he could be.

Yay for Zach...I have always gotten the impression of a great young man. Your sticking with him (and I am sure on him) has paid off...

Now to just wait it out with Alex.

Alex will get there...you have 2 great older children, so he will turn out just fine too!

And I know it isn't that you don't want to run with me... I just worry that I scare you a bit.

Oh yes, you scare me but in a good way. Like I always say you are my biggest cheerleader and always pick me back up, kick me in the hiney and keep me running...okay walk/running. You had such a bad experience in ToT last year, that I don't want to be cause of the bad this year because I know I will not be able to keep up. At the same time, I don't want you to run alone either. We have 4 months from today to get this all sorted out and decide how to run the race. Maybe Amy and I will both surprise you or we end up meeting in the middle as far as the run...

Running for time? Well... I would like to PR that race... but given that I finished it last year with nearly a 17 minute mile pace, I am pretty sure I could beat that crawling.


LOL...I think I could beat that with my worst shin splints...

Ok, well... maybe not crawling, but a fair bit leisurely with some picture stops. However, if you and Amy are going to stay together.. (I still do not know what her pace looks like)

Me either...but now that summer is here I am hoping she will update more.

Then maybe I will just book it to the end and hang with the Ashley's. Who knows... Maybe there will be some really fun stops....and I will want to take them all in. As long as you let me hang out with you pre race, I will be ok to run by myself. Pre race is kinda a bummer by yourself.

Of course we will all hang out prerace...gotta get the fun on, right!

As for my foot... yeah. It hurts. Today was pretty bad taking off my shoe. I have been trying to work on form a bit...which means not heel striking. However, the heel striking I was doing this last month has helped to keep me off my forefoot and that turf toe injury. Nearly heeled, I thought I was ok.... but... all it takes is a little too much spring in my step and I am a hurting unit again. Add in that due to the heel striking I wore my shoes out... in a weird way. This caused me to get some not so pleasant blisters....so I got some new shoes. Of course, they don't work. I got huge blisters on the back of my heel due to too much slippage. (I have duck feet - wide in the forefoot and narrow at the heel) So now I have to figure out shoes again. I know I can do nike free runs... but they don't have much in the way of cushioning and I need that for my old joints on the longer runs. Oh... I hate figuring out new shoes.... and I finally found the "love of my life" shoes when I found my pureflows. Why do they have to change the design when they come out with new models???

I hate when you find something that works and you like...and wham it changes. Maybe you could find the older model on ebay...maybe a close out...then I would be tempted to buy as many as I could. Your feet sound more painful then my shins...

I will try and check the ap website tomorrow to see if the MNSSHP ticket prices were released. For now, I am off to bed. Morning comes way too soon these days.

Morning has come for me at about the time you went to bed. I have so much to do around the house, for the kids dance group and to close out school and begin summer school...UGH. I know being busy will make the next 4 monthsfly but I hate the stress that it causes in the present.

 

[momabaarjo]

​

We made it to the 4 month mark....

 

[lovethattink]

Bulldog Dash 5K Saturday...


I have a 5K scheduled for Saturday, and while I am looking forward to running a 5K to see my improvement…this one has me a little worried for a few reasons, all doing with image/ego:

1. This 5K is being hosted at my school. I am really not sure if I am ready to run around people that know me. There are several teachers at my school that are hard core runners, competing in ½ marathons and running together after school many nights. They are cute, skinny and young…while I am frumpy, lumpy, and old. I know that I am running for me, but I really don’t want to look like a fool running.

2. My friend, who I ran my first 5K with in January, is also running this event. Remember we were supposed to run a Color Run back in March but she cancelled…well I have been following her training on facebook this spring and she is so far in front of me. I was pushing her the entire 5K in January and now she is running around 35 minutes for a 5K. In fact this weekend she ran 6 miles in 1 hour 15 minutes...so I am embarrassed that I am still struggling to take time off the clock. She has lost a ton of weight, which I am still struggling with also…I feel like such a failure compared to her.

3. I also feel a little ashamed that I have to use a run/walk interval in order to get through a run. I know I shouldn’t…look at Jeff Galloway and the name he has made for himself with this training/running style. I guess this is why I can’t ever consider myself a runner, because I have to walk at times.


As Ann keeps telling me, I am running for myself and if these people are runners than they will not be judging me by my time but encouraging me for being out there. I suffer from such low self esteem when it comes to other people and I just can’t seem to push “them” out of my head and run for myself, just like I can’t seem to do in everyday life. I know I should be proud that I am out there, and even prouder that I have not simply given up…which I have been so close to and really have had good reasons to do so.

With all this being said and done, I have set a goal for myself:

Finish under 40 minutes​

I would really like to be at 13 minute/mile pace. I am though wondering if I am setting my goal just a little too high? Wondering if adrenaline can take me under 40 minutes? Should I go ahead and change the pace of my app to 2 minute run/1 minute walk...or would that be too much of a change with my current 1/1 ratio?

1. January 5K was a little over 48 minutes (16 minute/mile)

2. March 5K was just over a 45 minutes (15 minute/mile)…weaving and dodging people during Color Run along with a hilly course

3. 3 Mile Run on Saturday was about 42 minutes (14 minute/mile)…altitude with some non flat running surfaces


Worries and stress put aside, I paid my entry fee yesterday...so I guess I will be running...okay walk/run!​

Focus on what you can do and not what you can't. Use your strengths to their fullest. Looking at the last points 1, 2, and 3. I see a continuous improvement.

As I tell JJ, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Just focus on what you are suppose to do and get THAT done.

[CENTER
We made it to the 4 month mark....

Woohoo!​

 

[annmarieda]

So any word on the shin splints, Tammie? I notice after you got rid of the heels and did the stretches things seemed to improve? I rarely if ever where heels any more. I know currently with my toe injury it would be way too much... and since shin splints are caused by the tightness under the foot right where you arch to stand in heels... I wonder if heels are in fact a big no no for you. I hope this is what cures it for you.

ALSO... my dear of such little faith.... I about feel over laughing at you. YOU are WAY too hard on yourself!!!!

January you had a 16 min/mile pace.

two months later you shave a minute off... taking you down to 15 minute per mile

TWO months later AGAIN you shave a minute off and are down to 14 minutes per mile!!

This is incredible improvement....and very steady. If you just continue with this momentum... July should render a 13 minute mile pace... and September a 12! With the shins giving you less trouble though... I would not be surprised if you were at 11 minutes per mile in September....and by the race maybe a sub 11. Who knows?! But what I can tell is that you are improving... so please, please please stop this talk about giving up!!! You are doing AWESOME!!!

 

[momabaarjo]

Tammie’s Training Update
Week of May 27th​

I thought I would get a training update in for this before my 5K race tomorrow, because I am sure that I will want to focus an entire post on just the race after I finish…

Tuesday, May 28 (Short 2 mile run/Curves Workout 66): I was excited this morning, I actually have time to run before school now that Ab passed her driving test and got her license on Friday…which gives me almost 30 minutes more in the morning so now I can run in the morning instead of the heat in the evening. This morning it was really humid, but I was at the park at 5:45 am (equipped with my maze spray, just in case). After setting my goals at a 13 minute mile pace, I began thinking about the need to try out a different running interval (currently I was doing a 1 minute run/1 minute walk). If I am going to make that 13 minute mile pace, then I am going to have to run more. So on Tuesday, I began challenging myself to see if I could handle 2 minutes run/1 minute walk during that last half of my run after reading some things Jeff Galloway had written about race day strategy…go out your normal pace and then at the ½ way point if you are feeling good then up your pace. So I held myself back the first half of the run at the normal 1/1 interval and then picked up the pace ½ way and did 2/1 interval. It felt really good, but when I got my stats at the end I did not see much of a time/pace improvement. I ended up with a 13.8 pace????? I am still a little confused because that is what I ran on Saturday in the mountains at a 1/1 interval, and I felt so much stronger on this run. With Ab now driving herself to and from school I was able to squeeze in a Curves workout right after school before going home. I think I am going to like her driving more. Although I have to admit, Tuesday was her first day to drive alone and I was pretty nervous about it. Jeff had followed her around town on Monday watching her from his truck and felt like she was ready.


Wednesday, May 29 (Curves Workout 67): I squeezed in another workout right after school. I was hoping to get in some time on the elliptical too, but just did not get around to it. Hopefully next week I can get that schedule going with the kids being out of school.


Thursday, May 30 (Short 2 mile run/Curves 68): Again I was up and at the park by 5:45 am for my new routine of a morning run. Although I hate getting up at 5 am, I am loving the cool temperature! This morning I decided to go for it and change my interval officially to a 2 mile run/1 mile walk, since I felt strong on Tuesday. The run went great, and at times I really felt like a runner and not some awkward wanna be. I am sure however, that this picture is more accurate...

​

I even pushed myself near the end to see how long I could go before walking, which was almost 4 minutes. In the end, I was happy with my pace of 13.5 miles, which is the fastest pace at this distance I have done! Afterschool, it was another strength training workout at Curves.

Today, I plan to take the entire day off from any type of exercise in preparing for my 5K tomorrow...

 

[momabaarjo]

Focus on what you can do and not what you can't. Use your strengths to their fullest. Looking at the last points 1, 2, and 3. I see a continuous improvement.

Yes improving despite all the set backs with the shins..

As I tell JJ, don't worry about what everyone else is doing. Just focus on what you are suppose to do and get THAT done.

Such great advice Tink!

Woohoo!

Thank you for weighing in my struggles this week...a mental hurdle that I have to get over!

 

[momabaarjo]

So any word on the shin splints, Tammie? I notice after you got rid of the heels and did the stretches things seemed to improve? I rarely if ever where heels any more. I know currently with my toe injury it would be way too much... and since shin splints are caused by the tightness under the foot right where you arch to stand in heels... I wonder if heels are in fact a big no no for you. I hope this is what cures it for you.

You should see me try to use the roller...not a good thing. I am so uncoordinated with it and don't have the upper body strength! However the golf ball on the bottom of the foot is so PAINFUL but at the same time so much PLEASURE! Crazy! Crossing my fingers we have been virtually pain free now for 2 weeks, but usually I go 2 weeks and have a huge flare up!

ALSO... my dear of such little faith.... I about feel over laughing at you. YOU are WAY too hard on yourself!!!!

Not little faith, just little ability!

January you had a 16 min/mile pace.

two months later you shave a minute off... taking you down to 15 minute per mile

TWO months later AGAIN you shave a minute off and are down to 14 minutes per mile!!

This is incredible improvement....and very steady. If you just continue with this momentum... July should render a 13 minute mile pace... and September a 12! With the shins giving you less trouble though... I would not be surprised if you were at 11 minutes per mile in September....and by the race maybe a sub 11. Who knows?! But what I can tell is that you are improving... so please, please please stop this talk about giving up!!! You are doing AWESOME!!!

The only time I think about giving up is when the shin splints are at their worst. I paid the money and I have told some people, so I feel like I have to do this. That is what is frustrating when the body does not listen to what my heart wants to do.

I am still wondering if I am setting too high of a goal at a 13 minute mile pace tomorrow...thoughts?

 

[momabaarjo]

I am so excited...Ann and I have decided to do the Wildlife Trek (A privately guided VIP expedition offering close encounters with exotic African wildlife in their native habitat) at Animal Kingdom on Sunday before the rest of the girls arrive!

​

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/wild-africa-trek/

The Journey
See yawning hippos and hissing crocodiles just 10 feet below as you make your way across a shaky rope bridge, secured to an overhead track with a safety harness. Ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna teeming with native African creatures, from towering giraffes to powerful rhinos.

On your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share little-known insights on the majestic animals on view as well as the general operation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

 

[momabaarjo]

Let’s Talk Magic Kingdom​

Must Do’s: Mainstreet


1. Talk a leisurely stroll down mainstreet and take in all the magic and details of it…as well as visit the shops



2. Visit Mickey



3. Catch the train and go for a loop around the entire park



4. Share a mainstreet bakery cinnamon roll



5. Catch a daytime parade



6. Princess Meet & Greet with our princess