The Great Leap into Running and DVC Ownership.

[eandesmom]

I hear ya... it is had to keep up with the ones I am reading and then to have a PTR and a TR going. Add anything else and I simply can't.

Me either. And then I feel guilty!!!

I will patiently wait for your DLR TR...

I am sure the PTR for it will be embedded into the NYE TR. LOL!

I bet you are excited for the THV!!! If I ever have enough points laying about, I would love to stay there too!!!

It's so funny (NOT). Our first contract was bought with a specific amount of points that would allow for a week at THV, once every 3 years, peak season.

And then they changed the point scale.

grrr. But, I am glad to have the 11m advantage and really I am not sure I want to be there fora whole week, it may feel too far away. Were it a lower point season and low crowds I think that would be ok but while the kids wanted it for the whole trip I am far more comfortable with the split we have, and the add ons the way we did it. I am very excited, we are going to do our one big family dinner there and I think it will be perfect for that.

See...that sounds just perfect. I really am happy that we will stay in the royal room for 4 nights... but I still wish that all of us would be in the cabins for those nights. Maybe someday...

I bet he'd like it, the E's still talk about it!

I don't think it is is bizarre. You are fit and quite committed. Now if you ran once a month....didn't cross train....then I might find it a bit odd.

It's funny. All along I look at all these pace predictors and plop in whatever my current pace has me at. And it comes up with training paces that are way slower than my normal runs. So I sit there and scratch my head and wonder if I should be trying to run slower on my normal runs.

Plop in what I did on Sunday and voila...the training paces match my normal runs. Go figure!

I will say...I can tell you that while at the time it really didn't feel faster than normal (other than the 1st mile and I slowed myself down), and I felt great after the race, my legs are telling me it was. LOL! Not horribly but I wouldn't typically feel anything after that length of run and I am. It is making me re-evaluate what might be possible and that is surprising for sure. However, I think the winter running is going to be a challenge and I'll need to kick it back into a better place in March when the sun comes back out before and after the work day (and in the meantime, sneak away at lunch when I can I guess). The only positive I can see is it will force me to do a lot of shorter and faster hill work to pull it off. Which well, kind of sucks rocks but ultimately should help me improve. I mean realistically it's 5min home, 5 to change, 30-40 min run depending on how far I go and then same thing...I could pull it off in an hour. BUT it means doing the hill, and doing it multiple times a week. UGH. Drive down and I'll lose a good 10+ more minutes making me late.

So Turkey Trot is coming up... it isn't his best race that he puts on, but it is still USATF certified. (even though it is just a 5k) I need to sign up Steve and I. I think Zoe might do the kids race. Kira is even considering running the 5k. Personally, I while I hope to PR this race (that is my goal this year is redoing races and getting a better time) I am really only in it for the bacon.

It is a definite possibility. Right now I am signed up for a 5K on the 5th, not sure how that is shaking out but need to figure that out and then chat with the siblings regarding the 16th, it could definitely work. Eric would actually like to try one...my challenge there is do I let him just go at his own pace or try to run with him? He will peter out I know but it would be great training for him and fun. Bacon is a GREAT reason to run. I was loving the soup after the 10K for sure. So, even though it is USATF certified, for a 5K, is that beneficial? Just curious as this is ALL new to me.

I agree. I just wish that I could handle the heat better. I don't do myself any favors by training early in the morning during the summer.

I do think there is something to doing some heat training. All of our summer runs during the week are at night, which here, is the heat of the day. We did a lot at 70-80 temps. That said, cooler is much nicer most of the time! Still, you do acclimate to some extent.

And I hear you on travel funds. I would LOVE to do both the phm and the tink... get that pretty pink coast to coast medal. But even if it wouldn't physically kill me I think financially it would.

The timing is hard for me on PHM. I would LOVE to do it someday but ugh, always seems to be a major conflict.

I am sure you will survive!! You are an awesome runner!!!!

Well I may melt if the heat is like it was at this years DL 1/2. I ran that day, it was similar weather here and it was a long, hot, sweaty 6 miles. I'll tell you this, it would make me want to run faster before the sun came up that's for sure! My co worker said it wasn't so bad until that happened but then it was brutal.

It would make perfect sense.

Not sure Jeff would think so (or the kids). That would make FIVE combined East/West trips in one year.

Sounds darn good to me though.

 

[annmarieda]

I am sure the PTR for it will be embedded into the NYE TR. LOL!

Where ever it is... I will read. I can't promise I will keep up and not fall behind, but I will eventually read it all.

It's so funny (NOT). Our first contract was bought with a specific amount of points that would allow for a week at THV, once every 3 years, peak season.

And then they changed the point scale.

grrr. But, I am glad to have the 11m advantage and really I am not sure I want to be there fora whole week, it may feel too far away. Were it a lower point season and low crowds I think that would be ok but while the kids wanted it for the whole trip I am far more comfortable with the split we have, and the add ons the way we did it. I am very excited, we are going to do our one big family dinner there and I think it will be perfect for that.

How often are the points scales changed? I was looking at 2014.. not much if any change, right?

I am coming up on my 11 month for fall....just a few days. I have a plan of attack for the fall trip. AND it will actually leave me banking 5 whole points from 2013!! That is of course assuming that I get the room class I want in either of the two places I want.

I will say...I can tell you that while at the time it really didn't feel faster than normal (other than the 1st mile and I slowed myself down), and I felt great after the race, my legs are telling me it was. LOL! Not horribly but I wouldn't typically feel anything after that length of run and I am. It is making me re-evaluate what might be possible and that is surprising for sure. However, I think the winter running is going to be a challenge and I'll need to kick it back into a better place in March when the sun comes back out before and after the work day (and in the meantime, sneak away at lunch when I can I guess). The only positive I can see is it will force me to do a lot of shorter and faster hill work to pull it off. Which well, kind of sucks rocks but ultimately should help me improve. I mean realistically it's 5min home, 5 to change, 30-40 min run depending on how far I go and then same thing...I could pull it off in an hour. BUT it means doing the hill, and doing it multiple times a week. UGH. Drive down and I'll lose a good 10+ more minutes making me late.

I am sorry you have this to contend with this winter. I am lucky with my schedule. I have total control over what time in the day I start. Steve came home today and was so rushed to get out and run...he used the blinkie thing I had to buy at the last adventure run... but it was still pretty dark out.

It is a definite possibility. Right now I am signed up for a 5K on the 5th, not sure how that is shaking out but need to figure that out and then chat with the siblings regarding the 16th, it could definitely work. Eric would actually like to try one...my challenge there is do I let him just go at his own pace or try to run with him? He will peter out I know but it would be great training for him and fun. Bacon is a GREAT reason to run. I was loving the soup after the 10K for sure. So, even though it is USATF certified, for a 5K, is that beneficial? Just curious as this is ALL new to me.

I hope you are able to run it. It is kinda a neat fundraiser for that school district. I like that... wish the school district we are in would do something like it. We have such great areas to run in here.


I have no idea why the certification on a 5k would matter since I can't think of a time when a 5k would be used as a qualifier for something. I am pretty new to all of this too....

Well I may melt if the heat is like it was at this years DL 1/2. I ran that day, it was similar weather here and it was a long, hot, sweaty 6 miles. I'll tell you this, it would make me want to run faster before the sun came up that's for sure! My co worker said it wasn't so bad until that happened but then it was brutal.

I would want to get through it before the sun came up too. Course that is my strategy at home during the summer too...

Not sure Jeff would think so (or the kids). That would make FIVE combined East/West trips in one year.

Sounds darn good to me though.

That is an impressive number of trips.

 

[eandesmom]

Where ever it is... I will read. I can't promise I will keep up and not fall behind, but I will eventually read it all.

that's my mantra these days

How often are the points scales changed? I was looking at 2014.. not much if any change, right?

Not often. usually it is a seasonal adjustment based on when the holidays fall, in this case the reality is they were undercharging a bit on the THV and adjusted it. I think they went too far but it's their right. I'd love it if it goes back down a little. 2014 was just seasonal as far as I could see.

I am coming up on my 11 month for fall....just a few days. I have a plan of attack for the fall trip. AND it will actually leave me banking 5 whole points from 2013!! That is of course assuming that I get the room class I want in either of the two places I want.

Do you still plan to book OKW at 11 and then switch at 7?

I am sorry you have this to contend with this winter. I am lucky with my schedule. I have total control over what time in the day I start. Steve came home today and was so rushed to get out and run...he used the blinkie thing I had to buy at the last adventure run... but it was still pretty dark out.

I am buying Jeff a blinkie...I got him to buy into it conceptually. "Yeah, that would probably be a good idea".

I hope you are able to run it. It is kinda a neat fundraiser for that school district. I like that... wish the school district we are in would do something like it. We have such great areas to run in here.


I have no idea why the certification on a 5k would matter since I can't think of a time when a 5k would be used as a qualifier for something. I am pretty new to all of this too....

It may (sadly) come down to $$. While it's not much, it looks like I might need to buy my May trip flights now to ensure I get what I want, add that plus the DL trip, plus the NYE trip (buying the Universal tickets and transfers this month), need new tires and brakes, and the fact I've added in a math tutor again for Evan and OUCH. 27 bucks is 27 bucks. I would like to do it though with my siblings so if they are in, we will make it work.

I found a 15K at the end of March I'm trying to convince Jeff to do but he's not sold. Seems like the perfect next thing to me though. He wants to do another 10 but I'm not seeing anything that looks good in the early spring time frame that doesn't conflict with vacations lol. The reason I may need to book may flights now is...beat the bridge is on 5/18. Jeff has been dying to do it for years. I promised we'd do it. Right now my return date was either going to be the 17th or 18th. I need to make it the 17th and beat the bridge with him. which means then a red eye on the way down on Mothers Day and the options are a bit BLEH but again, really need to do it now or risk icky times and higher prices. I figure it's only an 8K so with the time change working in my favor, it should be doable. The only time factor will be beating the actual bridge and I don't think that's a huge issue.

I would want to get through it before the sun came up too. Course that is my strategy at home during the summer too...

Is it dark though when you run, or just light out but not hot yet?

That is an impressive number of trips.

Yeah...I don't think it's going to happen but I may well propose W&D as a cruise alternative...you never know!

 

[annmarieda]

Do you still plan to book OKW at 11 and then switch at 7?

Yes, that is my plan. I can't believe my booking window is just about to open. I suppose I will have a second ticker then. I do so love to have those ya know.

I am buying Jeff a blinkie...I got him to buy into it conceptually. "Yeah, that would probably be a good idea".

The one I got at Roadrunner is blindingly bright. It has Steve not even question me as I went out for a run tonight. (while thinking about you the entire run... dark and running... not so fun!)

It may (sadly) come down to $$. While it's not much, it looks like I might need to buy my May trip flights now to ensure I get what I want, add that plus the DL trip, plus the NYE trip (buying the Universal tickets and transfers this month), need new tires and brakes, and the fact I've added in a math tutor again for Evan and OUCH. 27 bucks is 27 bucks. I would like to do it though with my siblings so if they are in, we will make it work.

I do hear ya. And if you and in multiple people in your family...$27 becomes so much more. This is why I ultimately have 99% decided against the Winter Pineapple classic.... $50 x 4... just a tad much.

found a 15K at the end of March I'm trying to convince Jeff to do but he's not sold. Seems like the perfect next thing to me though. He wants to do another 10 but I'm not seeing anything that looks good in the early spring time frame that doesn't conflict with vacations lol. The reason I may need to book may flights now is...beat the bridge is on 5/18. Jeff has been dying to do it for years. I promised we'd do it. Right now my return date was either going to be the 17th or 18th. I need to make it the 17th and beat the bridge with him. which means then a red eye on the way down on Mothers Day and the options are a bit BLEH but again, really need to do it now or risk icky times and higher prices. I figure it's only an 8K so with the time change working in my favor, it should be doable. The only time factor will be beating the actual bridge and I don't think that's a huge issue.

I haven't looked into beat the bridge. Which bridge are we talking?

Spring is hard...agreed. Events were limited. March will have St. Paddy's day races... lots of them. Most likely most are 5ks though. April had a good race. The Double half. SUPER flat course You can do either the half or 10k and one or two days. First day was in Yelm and then the second in Orting. (or maybe it was the other way around). It was quite the ego boost race for me as I was the first female finisher in the 10k. (not hard when there were not that many people...but still) I came in second overall. My time wasn't even that great. Now... if you ran it, you would blow away ALL the competition. I tend to look at past races and see how I measure up...just so I know where I will likely fall. (since races seem to attract the same people it would seem) I knew going into the double that I would likely fair well.

Is it dark though when you run, or just light out but not hot yet?

Just not hot yet. I avoid dark and hot. I am a wimp that way.

 

[annmarieda]

Other than my chatting with Cynthia, I think I may have been neglecting the running side of this PTR (ok, so maybe I am neglecting even the planning..but let just talk running)

I am still plugging along with my "training" as is Steve

Steve has improved his running and just recently sub'd 10/mile on his 4 mile runs! Some of you may remember he has an auto immune disorder that has him take months at a time out on disability. All his training though has kept his disease in remission since January of this year! Running is AMAZING!!!

Mine is in quotes because I am not sure even what I should be doing at this point. I run 4 times a week still. I have continued to do adventure runs at Roadrunner sports as well as a running event each month (well, except September... but I count the ToT 10 miler for September since I had a second event in October)

For those reading the TR for this fall trip this is a tad it of a spoiler, but running the race in WDW was amazing! I PR'd the race (comparing it to last year) I finished with a time of 1:44:16. 79th in my division and 606th of all women. My over all place was 1440. Not horrible when the total number of finishers was 9480 of which 6134 were women. This was quite the improvement over last year where I finished with a time of 2:43:49. I didn't do quite as well as I would have liked though because I did let my core temp get to high and as a result I had to walk all the water stations after about mile 2. I also learned that stopping for pics can be a tad bit of a challenge when you are a solo runner. I am happy to say that despite the overheating, I wasn't "tapped" by the race. Once I was changed I was fine to stay for the party and the next day my old body didn't know the difference between what I had done to it the night before and any other regular day.

My next event was a local 10k race. With new requirements to the 2014 races, I needed to make sure to get a USATF certified race (not just sanctioned) for POT. My best time from a 10k that I had submitted with registration was only sanctioned... and while my lovely rep at RD was happy to tell me that she had my time noted, I was nervous that in the end it would be rejected due to that lack of certification. Since the new rules state that if the time can not be verified as from a certified race... you are automatically placed in the last corral. This is not what I wanted and so I HAD to get a PR in a 10k before November 1. You see, I had ran a 10k in July. It was the same one I ran as my very first 10k in 2012 (did I mention this already? ) While I succeeded in bettering my time from the race... I did not succeed in making it a PR for a 10k (if I compare it to that non certified race)

So fast forward to 10/12 (yes, just a week after the Tower of Terror Ten Miler) I ran a 10k. I managed to hit a PR for me! 55:59. This made me 4th in my division, 43rd woman and 99th overall. Total finishers were 287 with 177 being women. The race was a tad challenging and I ended up walking up a hill. I kick myself for this because in the end... I was 14 seconds away from 3rd in my division. Why would this matter? Well, each division's top three received prizes. What prize might I have been super excited about? Well, how about a year's worth of registration to all of the races that this promoter puts on. I believe the top three in each division received just that.

At least I had a good time to submit as did Steve (his first 10k with a time of 1:15:10) and we now BOTH have good POT's for RD.

The adventure runs have been very lucky for my family. We have won more than our fair share of prizes. (adventure runs are more of a scavenger hunt.. go to check points...get raffle tickets..turn them in and win prizes) In September, Zoe actually won a pair of shoes. She gave this prize to Kira who got a pair of $150 Adidas energy boost. In addition to those shoes, there were restaurant gift certificates, shirts... we had quite the haul. This month I really didn't want to go. I feel like we win too much and I wanted to give someone else a chance. Kira talked me into going... just the two of us. Well, long story short.. of course we again won. I won a pair of asic shoes (up to $120 value) and a pair of CEP calf sleeves ($40 value) Then there were of course some restaurant gift certificates...

So all in all... we are pluggin along and running and still having a good time with it.

 

[annmarieda]

Well, for those of you who may have booked on SW or have been thinking of doing it... they reduced their fares!! I was able to save $160 total. I do wish that some of those funds could just be refunded (like Alex's) I am happy that Steve and I have a credit now because it won' be long before I am watching those fall flights. I can't remember if I have a year from the date I first booked to rebook or if the flight has to be within the year. In any case, $40 will help!

 

[eandesmom]

Yes, that is my plan. I can't believe my booking window is just about to open. I suppose I will have a second ticker then. I do so love to have those ya know.

YAY for booking windows! I just booked my May return flight I still have to GET there but

The one I got at Roadrunner is blindingly bright. It has Steve not even question me as I went out for a run tonight. (while thinking about you the entire run... dark and running... not so fun!)

No kidding! I am going to run before I go to the airport today for a 1 day trip to Couer D'Alene...was thinking i could drive the kids since jazz was cancelled and run right after that. It's still pitch black out at 7am!

I do hear ya. And if you and in multiple people in your family...$27 becomes so much more. This is why I ultimately have 99% decided against the Winter Pineapple classic.... $50 x 4... just a tad much.

Yeah....I still need to chat with them though and confirm, it would be fun. I have decided against Eric doing it though unless some of the other kids do. While he should be able to run 3 miles after a season of XC...really not quite sure he can. The courses they run are surprisingly short.

I haven't looked into beat the bridge. Which bridge are we talking?

Spring is hard...agreed. Events were limited. March will have St. Paddy's day races... lots of them. Most likely most are 5ks though. April had a good race. The Double half. SUPER flat course You can do either the half or 10k and one or two days. First day was in Yelm and then the second in Orting. (or maybe it was the other way around). It was quite the ego boost race for me as I was the first female finisher in the 10k. (not hard when there were not that many people...but still) I came in second overall. My time wasn't even that great. Now... if you ran it, you would blow away ALL the competition. I tend to look at past races and see how I measure up...just so I know where I will likely fall. (since races seem to attract the same people it would seem) I knew going into the double that I would likely fair well.

Yelm is a bit far.... But I guess in the big picture, not really worse than Birch Bay which is the March one I am looking at. I did look at the times for the race I did prior as well prior to registering. This was only the 2nd year but I figured I'd be in the middle of the pack and was ok with that.

Beat the Bridge is the Montlake Bridge in Seattle, it's an 8K for Juvenile Diabetes (I think) big Nordstrom sponsored race. Basically you have to make it over the bridge before it goes up. Supposed to be a ton of fun. may 18th. I'm officially coming back late on the 17th. LOL!

Just not hot yet. I avoid dark and hot. I am a wimp that way.

Smart

Other than my chatting with Cynthia, I think I may have been neglecting the running side of this PTR (ok, so maybe I am neglecting even the planning..but let just talk running)

I am still plugging along with my "training" as is Steve

Steve has improved his running and just recently sub'd 10/mile on his 4 mile runs! Some of you may remember he has an auto immune disorder that has him take months at a time out on disability. All his training though has kept his disease in remission since January of this year! Running is AMAZING!!!

That is SO great that it is having that kind of effect on Steve! And awesome on his time, that is exciting!!! Staying active, being fit, no matter how you do it is the best way to battle any health issue. I really do believe that.

Mine is in quotes because I am not sure even what I should be doing at this point. I run 4 times a week still. I have continued to do adventure runs at Roadrunner sports as well as a running event each month (well, except September... but I count the ToT 10 miler for September since I had a second event in October)

For those reading the TR for this fall trip this is a tad it of a spoiler, but running the race in WDW was amazing! I PR'd the race (comparing it to last year) I finished with a time of 1:44:16. 79th in my division and 606th of all women. My over all place was 1440. Not horrible when the total number of finishers was 9480 of which 6134 were women. This was quite the improvement over last year where I finished with a time of 2:43:49. I didn't do quite as well as I would have liked though because I did let my core temp get to high and as a result I had to walk all the water stations after about mile 2. I also learned that stopping for pics can be a tad bit of a challenge when you are a solo runner. I am happy to say that despite the overheating, I wasn't "tapped" by the race. Once I was changed I was fine to stay for the party and the next day my old body didn't know the difference between what I had done to it the night before and any other regular day.

My next event was a local 10k race. With new requirements to the 2014 races, I needed to make sure to get a USATF certified race (not just sanctioned) for POT. My best time from a 10k that I had submitted with registration was only sanctioned... and while my lovely rep at RD was happy to tell me that she had my time noted, I was nervous that in the end it would be rejected due to that lack of certification. Since the new rules state that if the time can not be verified as from a certified race... you are automatically placed in the last corral. This is not what I wanted and so I HAD to get a PR in a 10k before November 1. You see, I had ran a 10k in July. It was the same one I ran as my very first 10k in 2012 (did I mention this already? ) While I succeeded in bettering my time from the race... I did not succeed in making it a PR for a 10k (if I compare it to that non certified race)

So fast forward to 10/12 (yes, just a week after the Tower of Terror Ten Miler) I ran a 10k. I managed to hit a PR for me! 55:59. This made me 4th in my division, 43rd woman and 99th overall. Total finishers were 287 with 177 being women. The race was a tad challenging and I ended up walking up a hill. I kick myself for this because in the end... I was 14 seconds away from 3rd in my division. Why would this matter? Well, each division's top three received prizes. What prize might I have been super excited about? Well, how about a year's worth of registration to all of the races that this promoter puts on. I believe the top three in each division received just that.

At least I had a good time to submit as did Steve (his first 10k with a time of 1:15:10) and we now BOTH have good POT's for RD.

Those are both great times!!!!!!!!!!!! and with adverse conditions...heat for the ToT and hills for your 10K. Do keep in mind my 10K was flat. Totally flat. And yes, deliberately chosen for that reason I confess right now I'm kind of dismissing any race that isn't chip timed. It just seems to much easier to validate the time. Doesn't matter on the 8K but if I can talk Jeff into the 15, that one is chip timed.

That would have been a nice prize for sure. As to "what" you should be doing for training, who knows. You'll get a bazillion different opinions I think! To me, it's about finding a balance that continues to push a little but also provides just that baseline workout to keep you in shape. And what that is, is different for everyone. Important thing is to keep it interesting, fun and yes, to some degree routine.

The adventure runs have been very lucky for my family. We have won more than our fair share of prizes. (adventure runs are more of a scavenger hunt.. go to check points...get raffle tickets..turn them in and win prizes) In September, Zoe actually won a pair of shoes. She gave this prize to Kira who got a pair of $150 Adidas energy boost. In addition to those shoes, there were restaurant gift certificates, shirts... we had quite the haul. This month I really didn't want to go. I feel like we win too much and I wanted to give someone else a chance. Kira talked me into going... just the two of us. Well, long story short.. of course we again won. I won a pair of asic shoes (up to $120 value) and a pair of CEP calf sleeves ($40 value) Then there were of course some restaurant gift certificates...

So all in all... we are pluggin along and running and still having a good time with it.

that is a LOT of loot! Very cool though and what a great family activity!

Well, for those of you who may have booked on SW or have been thinking of doing it... they reduced their fares!! I was able to save $160 total. I do wish that some of those funds could just be refunded (like Alex's) I am happy that Steve and I have a credit now because it won' be long before I am watching those fall flights. I can't remember if I have a year from the date I first booked to rebook or if the flight has to be within the year. In any case, $40 will help!

Very jealous! ours haven't budget an iota...just gone up or in the case of my sisters flights, sold out! Still, we bought at the right time all around, things have just gone up since then.

 

[annmarieda]

YAY for booking windows! I just booked my May return flight I still have to GET there but

I am getting excited... just 2 days more days (well, less since it is just about 11/1 now)

and that you got your return flight for May!!!

No kidding! I am going to run before I go to the airport today for a 1 day trip to Couer D'Alene...was thinking i could drive the kids since jazz was cancelled and run right after that. It's still pitch black out at 7am!

Do you fly into Spokane to go there? I know in terms of over here... the distance between Couer D'Alene and Spokane is nothing... but growing up over there. Couer D'Alene might as well have been on the east coast. It was a ROAD TRIP.

I will be honest... I kinda forgot how the grey months just are so dark. I ran rather late this morning and it was dark enough that I used my blinkie. By the time Zoe was home from school and was headed into down to treak or treat... it was dark again.

I did look at the times for the race I did prior as well prior to registering. This was only the 2nd year but I figured I'd be in the middle of the pack and was ok with that.

I think looking at those past times of people in that same race gives a good indication of where you will sit at the current years. Why does that matter? Well, I guess it really doesn't. I just like to know if I am running along side people who are gonna finish well ahead of me..thus leaving me last on the course. Not that I worry too much about this now.. but it is still on my mind.

Beat the Bridge is the Montlake Bridge in Seattle, it's an 8K for Juvenile Diabetes (I think) big Nordstrom sponsored race. Basically you have to make it over the bridge before it goes up. Supposed to be a ton of fun. may 18th. I'm officially coming back late on the 17th. LOL!

Oh my!! you are brave. I think I would be too worried about cutting it so close! Still, when you come across a race that is intriguing... hard to pass it up. Montlake? I have yet to do a race in seattle. I considered the mustache dash... it looks fun. I also considered a cinco de mayo one. (there was food and beer... that tends to get my attention) OH! and there is a chocolate one too... So many good races in seattle, I really should venture up there. I just know how hilly it is. and it scares me. I looked at the course for the RNR half. OMG!! I think I would die.

That is SO great that it is having that kind of effect on Steve! And awesome on his time, that is exciting!!! Staying active, being fit, no matter how you do it is the best way to battle any health issue. I really do believe that.

Well, it was when his specialist and he were talking about my running and maybe he too would start up (this was last year) that it really took with him. The specialist told him how with what he has...one thing that patients have found to put it into remission is running. Something about helping the inflammatory response... gives his body something to actually work on rather than working on him.. Bottom line it helps and that is a HUGE win!

Those are both great times!!!!!!!!!!!! and with adverse conditions...heat for the ToT and hills for your 10K.

Well, thank you. However it was not THAT hot. I let my core get too high (that is on me) I should have known better. Also that course was pretty flat... with ONE hill. It was one hill that kinda got me. Course... maybe it was the sprinting near the fields where all of a sudden someone was shooting (what I assume were) ducks. Some sort of hunting anyway... Everyone on the course kinda spend up at that point. I think we all just wanted to not be where someone was firing a gun.

Do keep in mind my 10K was flat. Totally flat. And yes, deliberately chosen for that reason I confess right now I'm kind of dismissing any race that isn't chip timed. It just seems to much easier to validate the time. Doesn't matter on the 8K but if I can talk Jeff into the 15, that one is chip timed.

I totally preview each race I consider. I like it if they are flat. I try to find those... if they don't look it online, I have been known to even go drive the course. And I am totally with you on the chip timed. We are lucky here... I think it is more unusual for them to not be. I have heard that in other areas the opposite is true. I just think a race that isn't chipped is a waste of time for me. I like that validation. (cause as much as I love RK... it isn't known for its ability to be precise)

You'll get a bazillion different opinions I think! To me, it's about finding a balance that continues to push a little but also provides just that baseline workout to keep you in shape. And what that is, is different for everyone. Important thing is to keep it interesting, fun and yes, to some degree routine.

I think that is what is hard...so many opinions/plans out there. Maybe I should take my mileage up over 13 for the half training. yet, last weekend...when I accidentally did 10 without trouble.... I wonder if it is all that necessary to push past 13 since I seemed to do fine with that kind of mileage on basically a whim.

Very jealous! ours haven't budget an iota...just gone up or in the case of my sisters flights, sold out! Still, we bought at the right time all around, things have just gone up since then.

I am just hoping that Kira bought hers.... I am hoping the trend continues and it drops a tad more....across the board, so maybe yours will come down too.

 

[Dream426]

Yay for saving on airfare. I hate their restrictions though of only being able to use it as a credit but you have to use it in a certain amount of time or you lose it. I went through that with Jetblue recently.

 

[annmarieda]

Yay for saving on airfare. I hate their restrictions though of only being able to use it as a credit but you have to use it in a certain amount of time or you lose it. I went through that with Jetblue recently.

Thank

Ya know- I wouldn't mind the restrictions too much if their booking windows were larger. I mean- tomorrow I will book my room at wdw for fall but have to wait to start watching for my airfare. At least I know I will be able to use it. The kids' refunds are the one I am not sure will get used. I am toying around the idea of a family trip in December... But do the funds have to be used before then? I have to look.... I can't remember if they expire a year from the original booking (or scheduled flight) and a new booking has to have happened or if a new flight has to have happened.

 

[annmarieda]

Guess what I did today? I used my 11 month home advantage and booked Steve and I for our anniversary trip. So now we will not have to pay oop for a room over race weekend.

And of course that means a new ticker is in order.

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Yay! Glad you got something booked!!!

 

[annmarieda]

Yay! Glad you got something booked!!!

Thanks! Now I just have to wait 4 months and try to switch to bwv. About that same time I will be booking for phm 2015... Same plan- book at home with intention of switching 4 months later.

 

[KatMark]

Congrats to you and Steve on how well you are doing with your runs.

And on the airfare. I just looked at SW and mine has not gone down yet for May/June, but I will keep watching.

So where are you staying for your 25th anniversary?

 

[annmarieda]

Congrats to you and Steve on how well you are doing with your runs. And on the airfare. I just looked at SW and mine has not gone down yet for May/June, but I will keep watching. So where are you staying for your 25th anniversary?

Thanks, Kathy. I hate having airfare lingering over me so I glad they are booked or January and having the fare drop was an added bonus.

As for where I booked... Okw in a studio. If I get my way we will actually change that to bwv at the 7 month mark. If it is not available at least we have something. Steve really was frustrated that we had to book at pofq for part of January... But race weekends fill up and by the time we closed on the Dvc contract.... Nothing was available. Here and there I have seen a night or two open up... Or ssr was available... But since we are using more points to stay in a one bedroom... In order to avoid borrowing for next fall we would have to switch to a studio for the entire trip. I am ok with the split stay.

 

[swwake]

I don't know how I got so behind, Ann.

Seriously though, I can appreciate not wanting to go without your dh and dd. It was odd not having a single family member with me last month. Luckily, both my roomies quickly felt like family to me so I didn't feel lonely. Not that you would with your niece (is this the one that went with you in 12/11?)... but I know how it is odd to not have family.

Yes, that's my niece that I took for her birthday/Christmas gift in 2011. She is now 18.

And as for December.... the beginning is not very crowded. The closer to Christmas and especially that week between it and NYE, that is when the crowds are unbearable. So if you prefer Christmas decorations to the Halloween ones... that first week in December is perhaps a good one.

We don't really have a preference on the decorations. It's just hard to get Katie there in December before it starts getting crowded, since she usually has exams until about the 19th. But she will graduate in May 2015, so after that I bet our travel schedule will be more flexible.

Again... October!! I vote October!!! I plan to be down during the first week of October for another 3 years. (2014, 2015 and 2016) I would love to have a chance to meet up.

October is my first choice too. And if I'm ever there at the same time as you at any time of the year, I'm sure we'll be sure to meet.

I hope this works out for you! My mom didn't have quite that level of challenges, but it was still an interesting trip to bring her when I did. I don't regret it for a second. I am glad she was able to travel with me to florida once and enjoy WDW. And the alone time you could get I would think would help shed any transportation stress you might have.

We went with Mom in 2008, but that was before she got sick in 2009, so we've been together. I am sure we will go again. It's kind-of on my "bucket list for her" if you know what I mean.

Unlike WDW, I think DLR is totally doable over the course of a few days... AND there are things to do in SoCal that could take up the remainder of your trip. I could see this being a good fit for you cause (unlike some of us silly people who only tend to go to Disney while on vacation ) you have much more adventurous vacation trips.

We would probably do some surfing in San Diego, plus Universal Hollywood, a Hollywood tour, and Santa Monica/Venice Beach. So yes, lots to do there.

Are you planning a trip around your not yet born grandkids?

Um...doesn't every good Disney Mom? hehe

As for cruises... I get your dilemma. In some ways... I think cruising is better without kids (although...since I have never taken a cruise have nothing to base that opinion on) However a disney cruise does kinda scream "bring a little one" But then... the dinning... I see your dilemma

oh you know we are veteran cruisers. And I am not sure if it's better with kids or not. We've never taken a kid younger than 16. But they do have lots of activities on every cruise line for the kids, so I think it would be a great vacation for the family.

So you would probably be proud of me today. I rested yesterday as my program specified, but today I was supposed to do an "easy 5k". Well, I could tell from the updates on my Nike app that I was really slow today (1 minute pace slower than Friday). So after the 5k, I still had some energy and decided to just go for the 4 miles I'm supposed to run on Wednesday. I was able to do it and it took me almost 51 minutes, so an average pace of 12'40", but the good news is that my last mile was the fastest of the 4. And that's the longest I've run this year, both in time and distance, so I was pretty proud of myself. My 5-miler is in just over 3 weeks on Thanksgiving day!

 

[annmarieda]

October is my first choice too. And if I'm ever there at the same time as you at any time of the year, I'm sure we'll be sure to meet.

I hope so!

So you would probably be proud of me today. I rested yesterday as my program specified, but today I was supposed to do an "easy 5k". Well, I could tell from the updates on my Nike app that I was really slow today (1 minute pace slower than Friday). So after the 5k, I still had some energy and decided to just go for the 4 miles I'm supposed to run on Wednesday. I was able to do it and it took me almost 51 minutes, so an average pace of 12'40", but the good news is that my last mile was the fastest of the 4. And that's the longest I've run this year, both in time and distance, so I was pretty proud of myself. My 5-miler is in just over 3 weeks on Thanksgiving day!

It sounds like you had a good run! I am glad you rested. It sounds like you had the recovery needed to push just further. And your last mile was the fastest? "they" say that it is best if you can do exactly that. I never manage to..at least not my last full mile. You should be proud. I bet your thanksgiving race is going to be AWESOME!

 

[annmarieda]

Since we arrive now a day earlier I have to revise my plans.

and revise again due to mb and fp issues. Basically, we will be trekking to guest services to get things worked out. Maybe if we get in soon enough the night before we will be able to take care of it. You can read about what happened. here

We will start the morning off pretty easy. There will be no need to rush to a park. However this is likely to be the day that Zoe does the kids race. She has done two before and each were the only option for the race weekend. For the marathon weekend, when you register you can pick between Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Saturday is obviously out. Friday could work, but I think Thursday works best. I still need to sign her up. I am a bit hesitant. She wants to do the "big kids race" - The Mickey Mile. She is in running club at school... is in two different dance crews... and lets face it has the energy of well, an 8 year old. I think she should be able to run a full mile. Honestly what I worry about more is having her out of my sight for that long. I might run along side her or have Alex do it. I would feel more comfortable if one of us were with her.

So as I was saying.... start off easy. We should wake by 9am and maybe we will grab a bit to eat at Riverside mill.

Then we will head to WWOS. Most important bib to get will be Zoe's since she will be running at noon. So after we get her bib we will probably head down to her "corral" I liked the set up for the kids races at the tower of terror race weekend from 2012. (not sure how it was for 2013) Much easier spot to hang out at than at the phm.





After Zoe runs her race we will head back to the expo. We can then peruse the expo and retrieve our bibs if we didn't already.

Since breakfast will have been a late one, our lunch will be a late one too. We will be hungry by the time we are done at WWOS. I am really undecided about where to go for lunch. On one hand, I feel as though we should rush to MK, get our ticket situation worked out (all of us will need different tickets) at eat at CHH. On the other hand, if we had a car we could head to DTD and eat at WGPE. I am dying to have the burger again at Cooks of dublin, but that has to wait until Josh can get there to enjoy one too... otherwise I would be there IMMEDIATELY! (yes, it is my all time favorite burger and I may dream about it a tad. )

No matter where lunch takes us, we are sure to end up in MK where we will hit what rides we can before it is time to start tracking Kira and Josh.

They are set to arrive MCO at approximately 6:30pm. My hope is that they are to their resort (they are staying at Pop) by 8:00. I currently have 2 ADR's for Ohana that night. One for 8pm and one for 9pm. I will be canceling the 8pm. (as much as I would like to eat earlier) My hope is that the 9pm will be doable for Kira and Josh. This is just yet one more reason that I think I want to have a car over race weekend. Kira is absolutely sure that she wants to take DME from MCO to Pop. (it is part of the experience for her) Since she won't have bags to retrieve I can't imagine it taking her longer than an hour and a half to get to Pop. If I then had a car, I could go pick her up. So if we do have a car, I would head back from MK to POR to get said car and drive to Pop. Steve, Alex and Zoe would head to the Poly from MK. Then I would bring Kira and Josh to the Poly.

The menu at Ohana has changed a bit. I really like the new and improved salad. So yummy!

I am sure that they guys will eat more meat than anyone ever should.
I will just be waiting for the dessert.

Currently the schedule does not show any park being open late that night so once we are done with dinner, the 6 of us will have to get back to our resorts without disney transportation. That could prove to be an issue if I have just a sedan.

I do think that renting a car is looking more and more like something I NEED rather than something I just want. Or.. maybe I am just telling myself that.

Of course there are a couple more revisions to this day. You can read them here

Next Up: 1/10

 

[eandesmom]

I am getting excited... just 2 days more days (well, less since it is just about 11/1 now)

and that you got your return flight for May!!!

Yes! I had credits and used some miles so that leg cost me $20!

Do you fly into Spokane to go there? I know in terms of over here... the distance between Couer D'Alene and Spokane is nothing... but growing up over there. Couer D'Alene might as well have been on the east coast. It was a ROAD TRIP.

Yep, Spokane and then drive over.

I will be honest... I kinda forgot how the grey months just are so dark. I ran rather late this morning and it was dark enough that I used my blinkie. By the time Zoe was home from school and was headed into down to treak or treat... it was dark again.

Very dark! Oh well, once we get into Jan it will start to improve, right?

I think looking at those past times of people in that same race gives a good indication of where you will sit at the current years. Why does that matter? Well, I guess it really doesn't. I just like to know if I am running along side people who are gonna finish well ahead of me..thus leaving me last on the course. Not that I worry too much about this now.. but it is still on my mind.

I like to know where I will fall too, I just looked up the 15K we are thinking about

Oh my!! you are brave. I think I would be too worried about cutting it so close! Still, when you come across a race that is intriguing... hard to pass it up. Montlake? I have yet to do a race in seattle. I considered the mustache dash... it looks fun. I also considered a cinco de mayo one. (there was food and beer... that tends to get my attention) OH! and there is a chocolate one too... So many good races in seattle, I really should venture up there. I just know how hilly it is. and it scares me. I looked at the course for the RNR half. OMG!! I think I would die.

I am not sure if beat the bridge is flat, the 15K is

Well, it was when his specialist and he were talking about my running and maybe he too would start up (this was last year) that it really took with him. The specialist told him how with what he has...one thing that patients have found to put it into remission is running. Something about helping the inflammatory response... gives his body something to actually work on rather than working on him.. Bottom line it helps and that is a HUGE win!

that would definitely be motivating!!!

Well, thank you. However it was not THAT hot. I let my core get too high (that is on me) I should have known better. Also that course was pretty flat... with ONE hill. It was one hill that kinda got me. Course... maybe it was the sprinting near the fields where all of a sudden someone was shooting (what I assume were) ducks. Some sort of hunting anyway... Everyone on the course kinda spend up at that point. I think we all just wanted to not be where someone was firing a gun.

I can't get my arms around shooting, near Disney...at night! that's nuts. I thought Duck hunting was uber early in the am but what do I know! Yeah, that would make me speed up too I'd think.

Or hide.

I totally preview each race I consider. I like it if they are flat. I try to find those... if they don't look it online, I have been known to even go drive the course. And I am totally with you on the chip timed. We are lucky here... I think it is more unusual for them to not be. I have heard that in other areas the opposite is true. I just think a race that isn't chipped is a waste of time for me. I like that validation. (cause as much as I love RK... it isn't known for its ability to be precise)

I still use it as a log, which is a bit of a pita as I modify every single run to match the watch but still, I like having it in one place and am too invested to try another. I don't think it would make a difference really, you are stuck with your phones connection and GPS and well, there are dead spots!

I think that is what is hard...so many opinions/plans out there. Maybe I should take my mileage up over 13 for the half training. yet, last weekend...when I accidentally did 10 without trouble.... I wonder if it is all that necessary to push past 13 since I seemed to do fine with that kind of mileage on basically a whim.

I don't think you need to go over 13. I know Jeff feels if you can do 10, you can do 13. It's more a matter of if you want to go over, just to see if you can in my mind. Could it hurt? No. Is it needed, I don't think so.

I am just hoping that Kira bought hers.... I am hoping the trend continues and it drops a tad more....across the board, so maybe yours will come down too.

That would be nice!

Thank

Ya know- I wouldn't mind the restrictions too much if their booking windows were larger. I mean- tomorrow I will book my room at wdw for fall but have to wait to start watching for my airfare. At least I know I will be able to use it. The kids' refunds are the one I am not sure will get used. I am toying around the idea of a family trip in December... But do the funds have to be used before then? I have to look.... I can't remember if they expire a year from the original booking (or scheduled flight) and a new booking has to have happened or if a new flight has to have happened.

A year from original booking.

Guess what I did today? I used my 11 month home advantage and booked Steve and I for our anniversary trip. So now we will not have to pay oop for a room over race weekend.

And of course that means a new ticker is in order.

So is this over ToT weekend next year? Will you both do it? Kids?

FUN!

 

[eandesmom]

Since we arrive now a day earlier I have to revise my plans.

We will start the morning off pretty easy. There will be no need to rush to a park. However this is likely to be the day that Zoe does the kids race. She has done two before and each were the only option for the race weekend. For the marathon weekend, when you register you can pick between Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Saturday is obviously out. Friday could work, but I think Thursday works best. I still need to sign her up. I am a bit hesitant. She wants to do the "big kids race" - The Mickey Mile. She is in running club at school... is in two different dance crews... and lets face it has the energy of well, an 8 year old. I think she should be able to run a full mile. Honestly what I worry about more is having her out of my sight for that long. I might run along side her or have Alex do it. I would feel more comfortable if one of us were with her.

Tough call, I do think she can do it...but yes, I'd want to be along side...or have you guys stationed at intervals to look for her. Big step!

Lunch does sound a bit car dependent. In some ways a car can be lovely, in others a total pain. Either way sounds like the tickets may be a little bit of a pain.

They are set to arrive MCO at approximately 6:30pm. My hope is that they are to their resort (they are staying at Pop) by 8:00. I currently have 2 ADR's for Ohana that night. One for 8pm and one for 9pm. I will be canceling the 8pm. (as much as I would like to eat earlier) My hope is that the 9pm will be doable for Kira and Josh. This is just yet one more reason that I think I want to have a car over race weekend. Kira is absolutely sure that she wants to take DME from MCO to Pop. (it is part of the experience for her) Since she won't have bags to retrieve I can't imagine it taking her longer than an hour and a half to get to Pop. If I then had a car, I could go pick her up. So if we do have a car, I would head back from MK to POR to get said car and drive to Pop. Steve, Alex and Zoe would head to the Poly from MK. Then I would bring Kira and Josh to the Poly.

I do think that renting a car is looking more and more like something I NEED rather than something I just want. Or.. maybe I am just telling myself that.

Next Up: 1/10

Resort to resort is a pain, especially later at night, I can see where a car would be good, and vastly improve the chances of everyone making it to dinner!

Then again...Kira and Josh could take cab, as could the rest of you. I always try to balance out cab cost versus the car rental for the whole time period if it's really only going to be a concern/need a few times.