The Great Leap into Running and DVC Ownership.

[dizneeat]

Great news on your running "improving" (lack of other word darn this second language business) again after being sick.

So sorry to hear about Zoe catching it now. Hope she gets MUCH better real soon and that it stays away from you both!

 

[Woth2982]

We had a very nice Thanksgiving, thank you! I hope yours was a good one too

Running is improving. Ran 9 miles on Saturday... not quite at the pace I hoped for. This was partially because I ran with Steve and partially because I wasn't up for pushing much more than I did. Still... I am just not sure why my pace is still not back to where it was "pre sick" and now Zoe has the plague again... hopefully Steve and I don't catch it just in time for the donald next month.

Today's run was nice though... beautiful day with very blue skies and a little bit of snow blanketing the ground. Cold.. but gorgeous. I just let myself run without thinking about pace. I had to slow in the really icy spots... but my pace was a little closer to normal even with that. So maybe I am on the mend.

Glad to hear you had a nice thanksgiving! We had a decent one here but my was it cold! I did the 5 mile Turkey Chase at my high school and it was 31! I did not do as well as I did last year, but given my recent circumstances I did very well. I finished at 1:01 with a 12:17 pace! This is about a minute and a half better than my last few races! The first mile was under 11 minutes! I have not done that in over a year! I think I could have gone under an hour if it weren't so cold, but I have a tough time breathing in the cold. I would love it if I can keep this pace for the Tinkerbell!

Don't worry too much about your pace right now. The adrenaline from the race will perk you up once you get there! The ice most definitely contributed to your off pacing this morning. Those viruses can be tough to recover from. Speaking first hand I definitely understand the frustration, I feel like I have had a strange injury before or after each race I did this year!

So sorry to hear about Zoe being sick again! Poor kid can't catch a break!

 

[eandesmom]

do you think I will get into trouble booking? I am not sure what band will have my ap on it. What if it is the one from CBR?

As long as you have a current resort stay I think you are fine. These were AP holders, who had previous resorts stays (as I understand it) so got bands then. They were then using those bands to book their FP+. As I understand it (and god knows I really have NO idea LOL) all your bands link to an AP so it functions a little differently but as long as you use the one for that stay at the FP+ check in, I think you are fine. You've been able to book the FP+ already haven't you>

I do hope that they work for you... but man, I can see why that gets confusing! I can see layering being your friend... just to keep the bad away from your skin when you need that extra warmth.

It's not as hard to do the layering in the winter but in summer, bleh! I am actually fairly sure that the entire panty is "bad" stuff and just the gosset ok. However I decided to order one anyway and may just try a pair of the sports underwear that works that's a full panty, instead of a thong for protection. Of course I'm not seeing them online but last time I was in the sotre they had them. At the sale price, plus a 15% off coupon I had, it was worth trying. Although it will be QUITE some time before I am out wearing a running skirt or shorts! Unless I take it to florida lol!

I actually came across a place... but I have never heard of them. NU car rentals? It is located in the disney area... so my plan would be to take a taxi there... pick up the car.. have it for most of the trip and then return it there. Good price... just having heard of them and it makes me apprehensive.

I would be leery. We did that last trip and those seemingly close places can really eat up a ton of time to get to, get the car, etc. We will likely not do it again.

I have a beanie I wear if it is super cold. (like low 30's or below) Low 30's to low 40's I have a head band that covers my ears. I get so itchy if anything is covering my head too... so it has to be pretty cold. Gloves... I do that too if it is pretty cold. Other than than... I have a jacket I bought at Target. I know there are much better ones on the market... ones that are pretty pricey. The one at target is around $40 and it is light weight...and keeps me warm. I have never ran when it was so cold that it didn't keep me warm. I intend to buy a second one with this years colors (the one I have is from last year)

I'll probably have my vest on tonight over my warmest top, we will see if that cuts it. I think I need better gloves but the ones I want are not cheap!

I don't know...with those bands, maybe you are ok. Especially given that you have the blinkie too.

Maybe except I have to remember to wear the full length tights! Headed out Sunday in the long capri's and couldn't wear the ankle bands as they'd cut the skin or chafe on bare skin for sure. I felt a little "dark' for sure but did see at least one bonehead out with nothing reflective at all!

I imagine that undergarments are the absolute worst and hardest for you... tight, direct skin contact AND usually made from the worst materials for you.

I do hear ya on cost though. I am actually strange when it comes to undergarments. I am super cheap on them. Socks at $15 a pair is just crazy to me.


Well... the good news is you can wear a bikini! Less fabric must make it a tad easier.

At this point I'd buy cheap if it worked but it's all a problem. LOL! Not that sure about less fabric making it better but maybe. Real problem is the ribcage, it gets it from the regular bra so it generally prone to easy flare up and add swimsuit straps and UGH. Same thing with the neckline.

Body Glide is my friend... but also..the ones that don't ride are the ones I got from Walmart of all places.

I can see that helping with the chafing but it'd still ride, it's just not comfy to me.

I am one of those runners who drags fuel and water with me to each and every run. Partially cause I never know how a run will go and partially because I do in fact eat at each mile. I am so food motivated. Seriously though... it isn't much. Just a single been or chew each mile to keep my blood sugar up. I think it is probably more a psychological response... but either way, it works for me.

I've still not attempted fuel during a run. Water a couple of times and I have done a small fuel before leaving the house but that's it.

We had a very nice Thanksgiving, thank you! I hope yours was a good one too

Running is improving. Ran 9 miles on Saturday... not quite at the pace I hoped for. This was partially because I ran with Steve and partially because I wasn't up for pushing much more than I did. Still... I am just not sure why my pace is still not back to where it was "pre sick" and now Zoe has the plague again... hopefully Steve and I don't catch it just in time for the donald next month.

Today's run was nice though... beautiful day with very blue skies and a little bit of snow blanketing the ground. Cold.. but gorgeous. I just let myself run without thinking about pace. I had to slow in the really icy spots... but my pace was a little closer to normal even with that. So maybe I am on the mend.

My pace has been all over the board. The ones on the hill have been at my faster hill pace but then on Sunday I did a measly 3 miles and it was literally the slowest I've run in months. Many months!

Then again that may have had "something" do to with our anniversary celebration the night before. we will see how tonight goes...if I don't fall!

 

[annmarieda]

Great news on your running "improving" (lack of other word darn this second language business) again after being sick.

So sorry to hear about Zoe catching it now. Hope she gets MUCH better real soon and that it stays away from you both!

Thank you! It is improving... course with Zoe having a new bug that has led to an ear infection... I am not sure I will be able to stay well so I suspect my pace will drop off again.

Glad to hear you had a nice thanksgiving! We had a decent one here but my was it cold! I did the 5 mile Turkey Chase at my high school and it was 31! I did not do as well as I did last year, but given my recent circumstances I did very well. I finished at 1:01 with a 12:17 pace! This is about a minute and a half better than my last few races! The first mile was under 11 minutes! I have not done that in over a year! I think I could have gone under an hour if it weren't so cold, but I have a tough time breathing in the cold. I would love it if I can keep this pace for the Tinkerbell!

I am glad you had a nice one too! And you ran that day? I did run... but not a race. I figure it was a good way to compensate for those extra calories.

Congrats on your pace improving! Isn't it funny how running is not really a competitive sport..except for with ourselves?

Don't worry too much about your pace right now. The adrenaline from the race will perk you up once you get there! The ice most definitely contributed to your off pacing this morning. Those viruses can be tough to recover from. Speaking first hand I definitely understand the frustration, I feel like I have had a strange injury before or after each race I did this year!

I hope you are right... but I guess even if adrenaline doesn't perk me up I won't be heart broken. Steve and I are likely going to run together for most of the race so I just need to be able to keep up with him. I have hopes that we will better my phm time since his pace is a bit better than mine was as of last January...so we might be able to run at his current pace and still do better than I did last year.

So sorry to hear about Zoe being sick again! Poor kid can't catch a break!

This year she seems to definitely having more than her normal share of bugs. Poor kid.

As long as you have a current resort stay I think you are fine. These were AP holders, who had previous resorts stays (as I understand it) so got bands then. They were then using those bands to book their FP+. As I understand it (and god knows I really have NO idea LOL) all your bands link to an AP so it functions a little differently but as long as you use the one for that stay at the FP+ check in, I think you are fine. You've been able to book the FP+ already haven't you>

Yes... just for me. Not for Zoe, Alex and Steve.

It's not as hard to do the layering in the winter but in summer, bleh! I am actually fairly sure that the entire panty is "bad" stuff and just the gosset ok. However I decided to order one anyway and may just try a pair of the sports underwear that works that's a full panty, instead of a thong for protection. Of course I'm not seeing them online but last time I was in the sotre they had them. At the sale price, plus a 15% off coupon I had, it was worth trying. Although it will be QUITE some time before I am out wearing a running skirt or shorts! Unless I take it to florida lol!

I ended up getting something from skirtsports. I like it well enough...it is a capri with a skirt over it. I do think that it could use an extra line of stitching along the waist...but other than that it is a good cold weather bottom.

I would be leery. We did that last trip and those seemingly close places can really eat up a ton of time to get to, get the car, etc. We will likely not do it again.

Yeah... As much as I would like to have a car to just "go" when I want to... it seems to be not only a risk going through that agency but the time it takes to pick up the car and such seems like too much of a hassle. Steve pretty much has talked me out of it. I guess he may be right. I mean.. maybe we would use a taxi 5 times... and I can't imagine that coming to the same cost as a rental car.

I'll probably have my vest on tonight over my warmest top, we will see if that cuts it. I think I need better gloves but the ones I want are not cheap!

Is anything ever cheap when it comes to running gear? I have seriously had to rethink my idea of "cheap"

Maybe except I have to remember to wear the full length tights! Headed out Sunday in the long capri's and couldn't wear the ankle bands as they'd cut the skin or chafe on bare skin for sure. I felt a little "dark' for sure but did see at least one bonehead out with nothing reflective at all!

I have seen a few like that too. Makes me want to tell them to be more careful!

At this point I'd buy cheap if it worked but it's all a problem. LOL! Not that sure about less fabric making it better but maybe. Real problem is the ribcage, it gets it from the regular bra so it generally prone to easy flare up and add swimsuit straps and UGH. Same thing with the neckline.

That stinks

I've still not attempted fuel during a run. Water a couple of times and I have done a small fuel before leaving the house but that's it.

I think you are just so much more fit than your average person (like me ) Maybe you don't need the fuel? Especially for shorter runs. Now...once you are running 60 minutes + you may really need to consider something. I think that is when the "experts" say people do need something. I think I just need something earlier cause my body thinks I am trying to kill myself.

My pace has been all over the board. The ones on the hill have been at my faster hill pace but then on Sunday I did a measly 3 miles and it was literally the slowest I've run in months. Many months!

Then again that may have had "something" do to with our anniversary celebration the night before. we will see how tonight goes...if I don't fall!

Ugh, that is frustrating!!! Yeah... celebrations can definitely impact performance..as can sleep..hormones...etc....

 

[annmarieda]

I had to go back to see exactly what day I had actually left off with. OMG! Seriously? I left off with January 9th?

Aside from normal life getting in the way... I have had a couple bugs and have been attempting to keep up with the running. (so far so good) However I think the real delay with this trip has had to do with the darn MDE and fp+ system AND ADRs!!

I was so good...180 out I got up and was on the phone to get all the exact times to the specific restaurants I wanted to dine at. Then a couple things happened. First Kira started making her own plans. Then Steve decided he didn't want as many..if ANY meals in the room. Nothing like starting back at square one.

So I think things are finally coming together. Just how many reservations were cancelled? 10! Since we are only a month out and Christmas is in between now and trip time... I think I will add little pictures to the plans. I hope you can all forgive me.

Friday january 10th we are going to wake early. We will have a quick breakfast at Riverside Mill.

We are then headed to MK. If it kills me this is the day that I WILL see the opening show! Hopefully we will meet Kira and Josh as we wait for the park to open. Kira and Josh have their own fast pass plans. We have plans for SM. I suspect though that I may hang back with Steve and just let Zoe and Alex ride. I like the ride, but Steve can not tolerate it.

Our next fp+ will be for the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Honestly, I am not sure if we will use it or if we will just be in that general area. This fast pass system kinda makes it so you have to pick 3.. I mean, I guess you could choose not to - but why?

After this we will have some lunch. My favorite cs location in MK is CHH. Kira has never dinned upstairs, so this is where we plan to eat.

Once lunch is done we will will walk it off a bit and maybe stroll through a couple shops. Once we are up for it, we will all (Kira and Josh included) use our third fp+ of the day to ride BTMRR. But are you wondering "didn't you just ride that the night before?" Yes, if plans go right. Yes, I will have just rode it the night before.

Next we will hope over to AK. Depending on the time we may walk one of the trails. Our goal though is to see MJJP. It will be cutting it close, but I figure if we head to the end of it rather than try to catch the start we have a shot.

As the parade ends, we will make our way out of the park to head to AKL. We will be having dinner at Boma.

After dinner things get a tad tricky. Kira will be taking Zoe for the night. I considered packing a bag for Zoe to take with her from POR that morning, but then that bag with all her stuff has to either be stored in a locker or dragged through MK and then again through AK. Instead, I think I will just have Kira pack some of Zoe's things with her so that they are already at Pop for this night. Alex will go with Kira and Josh as well. He however will be coming back to our room. This concerns me for two reasons. One - the goal is for Steve and I to be in bed by 8pm...asleep by 9pm. The latest parks are open that night is 9pm. It could mean that we are just drifting off when Alex comes stomping in. Also, I am not sure he will have the bus sytem down by that early in the trip. Yes, I know. He is 18. This is Alex though...and I am not completely certain he will be able to nagivate. Kira will have to get him on the right bus. Maybe we write our bus stop on his hand? . POR is a large resort. I can see him getting off at the wrong stop and wandering aimlessly in the dark. He can't really stay with Kira and Josh. I know that there is the space..but now one will share a bed with Zoe so that option is really out unless he sleeps on the floor. An airmattress might work.

In any case, as I mentioned, Steve and I will have dinner and then head back to our room to get some sleep before the race the next day.

Next Up: 1/11

 

[eandesmom]

First I am sorry that Zoe seems to keep getting bugs

I ended up getting something from skirtsports. I like it well enough...it is a capri with a skirt over it. I do think that it could use an extra line of stitching along the waist...but other than that it is a good cold weather bottom.

I ordered the skirt I was looking at, it came yesterday. I am probably totally allergic to it but it is so stinking cute I can't hardly stand it. Exactly what I'd want in a skirt for sure. I am hoping that as the spandex is really blended throughout and not concetrated it will be ok. I mean, I'm still wearing my same "bad" yoga pants at night (every night around the house) and my running tights are the same type of mix so am hoping it will be ok. I will still probably try a full panty in "good" stuff to wear under it instead of the thong but oh it's SO much cuter than in the picture. I may take it on my work trip next week, and maybe even to FL as well!

Yeah... As much as I would like to have a car to just "go" when I want to... it seems to be not only a risk going through that agency but the time it takes to pick up the car and such seems like too much of a hassle. Steve pretty much has talked me out of it. I guess he may be right. I mean.. maybe we would use a taxi 5 times... and I can't imagine that coming to the same cost as a rental car.

Plus losing 2-4 hours each way to get it, not to mention figureing out how to get there which could be taxi $$ as well is NOT worth it.

I think you are just so much more fit than your average person (like me ) Maybe you don't need the fuel? Especially for shorter runs. Now...once you are running 60 minutes + you may really need to consider something. I think that is when the "experts" say people do need something. I think I just need something earlier cause my body thinks I am trying to kill myself.

I think you greatly overestimate my fitness level. I've ready 2 different things about fuel, one any run over an hour and then specific to a half, if you really don't like fuel and can do the half in 2 or under, you can likely get by without it. I typically run 60 minutes once a week but don't often go much over that, maybe an hour 10 is the longest?

Ugh, that is frustrating!!! Yeah... celebrations can definitely impact performance..as can sleep..hormones...etc....

Well we definitely overindulged on every level. Neither of us wanted to go out at all but knew we should, needed to and we'd be mad at ourselves if we didn't. But I really just wanted to go to bed at that minute. The funny thing was is the run felt ok, it didn't feel slow but boy...was it.

After dinner things get a tad tricky. Kira will be taking Zoe for the night. I considered packing a bag for Zoe to take with her from POR that morning, but then that bag with all her stuff has to either be stored in a locker or dragged through MK and then again through AK. Instead, I think I will just have Kira pack some of Zoe's things with her so that they are already at Pop for this night. Alex will go with Kira and Josh as well. He however will be coming back to our room. This concerns me for two reasons. One - the goal is for Steve and I to be in bed by 8pm...asleep by 9pm. The latest parks are open that night is 9pm. It could mean that we are just drifting off when Alex comes stomping in. Also, I am not sure he will have the bus sytem down by that early in the trip. Yes, I know. He is 18. This is Alex though...and I am not completely certain he will be able to nagivate. Kira will have to get him on the right bus. Maybe we write our bus stop on his hand? . POR is a large resort. I can see him getting off at the wrong stop and wandering aimlessly in the dark. He can't really stay with Kira and Josh. I know that there is the space..but now one will share a bed with Zoe so that option is really out unless he sleeps on the floor. An airmattress might work.

In any case, as I mentioned, Steve and I will have dinner and then head back to our room to get some sleep before the race the next day.

Next Up: 1/11

Oh that could be an issue. I know I'd have a hard time falling asleep if I was expecting someone to come in at any minute and stressing about him being lost. Honestly I'd either make him come back with you...or vote for the air mattress idea. You need your sleep!

UGH on moving things around, we are in the same boat a bit (though not on food, no way will I attempt to move those!). Mostly on FP+ stuff, my mom wants to change some of hers and my dad's which is fine except...he doesn't have an MDE account so right now she can't see his FP+ to switch. We tried to make him one last night but he must have registered something somewhere under his email as disney said there was already an account. So either mom will switch hers and I'll go in and match his to hers, or she will get a password out of him (or have him do a reset). Sisters still don't even have tickets, pretty soon I'm going to stress they won't make it here on time if they order from UT! I know UT is pretty fast but...

 

[bumbershoot]

I think I just need something earlier cause my body thinks I am trying to kill myself.

Me, too!

 

[bumbershoot]

That is what I've heard too. And apparently some folks are getting in trouble as the band "shows" an AP, lets them in, book FP etc but they don't have resort ressies to go with it. They have had a resort ressie in the past so they have a band and it works but technically aren't allowed to use it if they aren't still at that resort. They are getting in big fat trouble as a result for trying to do that. As in kicked out of the park trouble!

wow, I hadn't heard of that happening!

 

[annmarieda]

First I am sorry that Zoe seems to keep getting bugs

I think it is the age... Just today we were at an event for her dance crew. There was the option of getting breakfast...so I allowed her to get her own. Low and behold I found that she and her friend were really excited to get extra cold juices because they dug down deep into the ice barrel to get a container out. My first thought? "great, all those juices sitting in a nice bacterial bath. Now she is putting her mouth on." Truth be told, I am sure that the ice probably keeps the risk down... but the thought of other peoples hands swishing around in a liquid that surrounds a container that my child then puts her mouth on. I think of these things... she in her not quite 9 year old experience does. Hence why I think she gets more bugs.

I ordered the skirt I was looking at, it came yesterday. I am probably totally allergic to it but it is so stinking cute I can't hardly stand it. Exactly what I'd want in a skirt for sure. I am hoping that as the spandex is really blended throughout and not concentrated it will be ok. I mean, I'm still wearing my same "bad" yoga pants at night (every night around the house) and my running tights are the same type of mix so am hoping it will be ok. I will still probably try a full panty in "good" stuff to wear under it instead of the thong but oh it's SO much cuter than in the picture. I may take it on my work trip next week, and maybe even to FL as well!

I hope it works out for you. I think running skirts are just too cute!

Plus losing 2-4 hours each way to get it, not to mention figuring out how to get there which could be taxi $$ as well is NOT worth it.

Yeah... I have had to accept it is not worth it. Especially since Steve has decided that going to the airport the morning of the flight will cause him too much stress. So looks like we will be headed to a hotel the night before. Personally, I don't think this saves us much time and only costs us $$. But... I guess since our flight isn't until 7:10... staying in Tukwilla will allow us to leave the hotel at 5am rather than the house at 4am. Maybe that is worth it. Add in that they have a bag and go breakfast option... it might make it even more worth the cost.

I think you greatly overestimate my fitness level. I've ready 2 different things about fuel, one any run over an hour and then specific to a half, if you really don't like fuel and can do the half in 2 or under, you can likely get by without it. I typically run 60 minutes once a week but don't often go much over that, maybe an hour 10 is the longest?

I have seen the pictures of you in your bikini... I think you are very fit! However, I also think it may have to do with not just fitness, but conditioning. You have been active all along. It isn't like you woke one day with a few extra pounds (or more) around the middle and are forcing your body to perform. I think you know your body and what it needs, but I think your body also is probably more accustom to performing. (if that makes sense) If you don't feel like you need fuel... then maybe you don't. I would just see how you do on your longer runs... like 9 or 10 miles?

Well we definitely overindulged on every level. Neither of us wanted to go out at all but knew we should, needed to and we'd be mad at ourselves if we didn't. But I really just wanted to go to bed at that minute. The funny thing was is the run felt ok, it didn't feel slow but boy...was it.

I think I have done that more times than I want to admit. And that feeling of it feeling not to slow but it actually being slow...yeah. been there.

Oh that could be an issue. I know I'd have a hard time falling asleep if I was expecting someone to come in at any minute and stressing about him being lost. Honestly I'd either make him come back with you...or vote for the air mattress idea. You need your sleep!

I still have to get this one worked out. I think you are right. Either he may have to come back with us... or go with Kira. Course... then again, Alex is my stealthy child. I bet he would be able to come in quietly... it just is a matter of him making it back ok. Later in the trip I am sure he would know where we were...

UGH on moving things around, we are in the same boat a bit (though not on food, no way will I attempt to move those!). Mostly on FP+ stuff, my mom wants to change some of hers and my dad's which is fine except...he doesn't have an MDE account so right now she can't see his FP+ to switch. We tried to make him one last night but he must have registered something somewhere under his email as disney said there was already an account. So either mom will switch hers and I'll go in and match his to hers, or she will get a password out of him (or have him do a reset). Sisters still don't even have tickets, pretty soon I'm going to stress they won't make it here on time if they order from UT! I know UT is pretty fast but...

I hope they get their tickets soon! OMG, that would stress me out!! And the fp+ stuff... ugh. Even as I posted about 1/10... I noticed Kira had changed some of hers. It is going to be interesting trying to keep everyone set on what fast passes they hold. I guess that is what the MDE ap is for. Course... that runs the battery of my phone down... so bought a portable back up battery.

 

[MEK]

You can never ride BTMMR too many times!

So Zoe gets a pre race sleep over? That's pretty cool.

I hope your winter running and training is going well. It's so hard to get miles in when it gets dark so early.

 

[annmarieda]

You can never ride BTMMR too many times!

I know! I really should make it a goal to ride it once for every day we are there. I would LOVE it!!

So Zoe gets a pre race sleep over? That's pretty cool.

She does! It is rather cool... but better her than me. She will stay 1/7 at the airport hotel, 1/8 and 1/9 at POR, 1/10 at Pop, 1/11 at POR and then she finally will get to settle in for 6 whole nights at OKW!

I hope your winter running and training is going well. It's so hard to get miles in when it gets dark so early.

I am lucky that I have a job that is pretty flexible. I can start what ever time in the day I need to. My hours are based on task load. So if I start at 9am and have a task that requires 2 hours in a store... then I am sure to be done by 11am (or sooner if I am quick )... or if I need to start at 11... then it is just how many stores I have that have that task for the day. I use to serve 6 of one particular chain and that would make for a long day. Now I have just 4 of that chain...so a 2 hour long task can get done in an 8 hour day... and again if I start at 9am or noon it is all the same. It just need to get done by the deadline. Point to my rambling is... I always run in the morning first. I went out later yesterday than I normally would because Zoe had an event that her dance crew was sponsoring. I ran the farthest since february. 10.55 miles. Not my best pace... still not sure why I am consistently 30seconds behind where my average pace was before getting sick. It is making me crazy! Anyway, by the time I was done with that run the sun was beginning to set. It was getting COLD. Steve had decided not to run with me... but I think he must have become a tad jealous because by the time I was home he was ready to go for a run. It made me a tad concerned because not only was it getting dark but the temp was dropping. It was just 14 degrees when he finally got home.

 

[eandesmom]

I think it is the age... Just today we were at an event for her dance crew. There was the option of getting breakfast...so I allowed her to get her own. Low and behold I found that she and her friend were really excited to get extra cold juices because they dug down deep into the ice barrel to get a container out. My first thought? "great, all those juices sitting in a nice bacterial bath. Now she is putting her mouth on." Truth be told, I am sure that the ice probably keeps the risk down... but the thought of other peoples hands swishing around in a liquid that surrounds a container that my child then puts her mouth on. I think of these things... she in her not quite 9 year old experience does. Hence why I think she gets more bugs.

And then you have me, who wouldn't even think a thing of any of us grabbing a drink out of the ice. LOL! I've always thought though that a few germs are a good thing in terms of building up the immune systems. We (all of us) rarely get sick at all.

I hope it works out for you. I think running skirts are just too cute!

They are cute, I am looking forward to trying it. Not here today though that is for sure! BRRRR!

Yeah... I have had to accept it is not worth it. Especially since Steve has decided that going to the airport the morning of the flight will cause him too much stress. So looks like we will be headed to a hotel the night before. Personally, I don't think this saves us much time and only costs us $$. But... I guess since our flight isn't until 7:10... staying in Tukwilla will allow us to leave the hotel at 5am rather than the house at 4am. Maybe that is worth it. Add in that they have a bag and go breakfast option... it might make it even more worth the cost.

why would you leave the hotel at 5 for a 7:10 flight? I wouldn't be leaving until 5:30 - 5:45 lol!

I have seen the pictures of you in your bikini... I think you are very fit! However, I also think it may have to do with not just fitness, but conditioning. You have been active all along. It isn't like you woke one day with a few extra pounds (or more) around the middle and are forcing your body to perform. I think you know your body and what it needs, but I think your body also is probably more accustom to performing. (if that makes sense) If you don't feel like you need fuel... then maybe you don't. I would just see how you do on your longer runs... like 9 or 10 miles?

Maybe, we will see what I get to that point, I've not run that far yet, 7.9 is as far as I've gone lol! I am hoping to but haven't done it yet and with the way this month is shaping up it is unlikely to be until January before I do.

I wonder if the cold has anything to do with pace. I feel consistently slower these past 2 weeks or so. It's all messed up in my head though as in some ways the pace is better than it was, but the race pace was such a departure that it's messed with my head a bit. today it felt like my legs never warmed up! Not that I was cold, I wasn't but my leg muscles never seemed to really warm up and get nice and loose. I may try my fleece tights next time to see if that makes a difference.

I still have to get this one worked out. I think you are right. Either he may have to come back with us... or go with Kira. Course... then again, Alex is my stealthy child. I bet he would be able to come in quietly... it just is a matter of him making it back ok. Later in the trip I am sure he would know where we were...

It wouldn't be so much that the kid would wake me up, I just wouldn't actually be able to go to sleep as I'd be thinking about them coming in, worrying about them being lost and all of that wouldn't let me go to sleep until they were there.

I hope they get their tickets soon! OMG, that would stress me out!! And the fp+ stuff... ugh. Even as I posted about 1/10... I noticed Kira had changed some of hers. It is going to be interesting trying to keep everyone set on what fast passes they hold. I guess that is what the MDE ap is for. Course... that runs the battery of my phone down... so bought a portable back up battery.

Hopefully she is buying them today, she is going through a TA and keeps forgetting to call with her CC! We chatted about it last night and I just emailed her a reminder. I don't think the others have theirs either but really they are big people and I'm not worried about them, it's kind of their problem but I do worry about all the kids not being able to ride together and would feel much better about having that taken care of. Of course even if she orders them today they will take a good week to get here, then I need her to give me the numbers (as heaven knows she will not be able to figure out how to update MDE with them on her own) and then I can book FP's. So I'm thinking it might well be 2 weeks before any FP+'s are booked at the rate we are going. Heck, it will probably be Christmas day...and you just know we will have tons of options then.

Sigh.

 

[annmarieda]

This is a super duper REALLY early day for us.

Steve and I will wake around 2:30am. I wont shower. He likely will. I am not sure who is more crazy. Me for feeling like since I am going to be running 13.1 miles I don't need to look pretty or him for thinking he still does need to.


At about 3:30am we will catch the bus that will take us to the staging area for the race.

Now, race bibs numbers have sorta kinda been released. The link (while not official) has been activated and so I was able to see and print both Steve and my waivers that have our bib numbers on them. I had a bit of a freak out. Not thinking that the numbers would also reflect the other races, I was shocked to see my number being so high (41XXX) I thought that meant that I was in the tale end of things. Come to find out... for the half, the numbers likely will start out at 40XXX. Looking at the Wine and Dine corrals, that would likely put me in the front part of D. So I guess if they did something different (since there will be more runners) and rather than 500 in A, B and C and then increased at D to 1000 runners they increased at C... then maybe I would be in C. I was in C for each ToT and C for phm. So it would be kinda cool to be in C again. Of course, it is hard to speculate because there will be dopey and goofy runners outside of the 40k+ numbered bibs who will also fill those spots. So who knows.. maybe I could be E F or even G. When I contacted my rep at RD, she told me that corral placements would be out within the week. That was on 12/5... so it can't be too long before I know for sure. What I do know for sure is that Steve will have a corral placement at least a couple back from me. His bib is 45XXX.

So we still are undecided about how we want to approach the race. He is currently running about a minute/mile slower than my current pace. This could make for a nice easy race for me. I could break off to run up and get pictures and then run along side him in between. This would be a different experience for me since I typically do not stop to get pictures of myself. I prefer to run to the end. I honestly do not feel there is any wrong way to enjoy a disney race. I may not run to stop to get pictures with the characters, but I do run to see the characters. Even though I do like to run the entire thing it isn't for a personal PR. (meaning I don't run to beat a pace that I have) I do however hope to do better at each race. Would I like to run this race at a better than 2:25 time? Yes. That was the time I came in for the phm. However, a true PR would put me subbing 2hours. My goal would just be to come in at 2:25 or a little less. So for me, having fun can amount to different things than for some. I can't see where that is wrong... no more than I can see where someone walking the entire thing in order to take every picture they can is wrong. We all have different things that are important to us. What makes this hard, is I really do not know what is important to Steve. Character pictures... most certainly not. Having my companionship? I am not sure.

We will arrive though at the staging area and bare minimum hang out together before we are called to corrals. Then I will either go to my own or go to his with him. Run together or alone, the next step will be to find each other at the finish.(even if that just means we look back to each other as we get our medals) It is possible, but unlikely that if we do run separately he will beat me to the finish so I will anticipate having to wait for him.

Once we are together, we will say our hellos to our kids (should they make it to be spectators.) Speaking of spectators... I am considering registering them for a spectator package. Maybe. I considered it for Steve back with I did the phm this year. Ultimately I decided against it when I figured he may or may not even make it to the race so why bother paying for a package. I knew him and sure enough he barely made it and didn't see me cross...so it was the right call. I am just not sure about the kids. Maybe it would be a good call for them.

With our goodie boxes in hand and medals around our neck, we will board the RD bus and head back to POR. Not to sleep, but to get cleaned up for breakfast. I, of course, have made a breakfast ADR at Kouzinna. I will likely take a taxi from POR to BW. I am not clear on if the kids will be at Epcot and just walk over or not. I think that could make the most sense. (the finish is in one of the Epcot parking lots)

After breakfast we will all walk to Epcot. Walking is important! We have a week vacation ahead of us and we need to work out that lactic acid so we can move over the coming days.

We have some fp+ together. TT, Journey into Imagination and Mission Space. Kira and Josh have yet to do the refurb'd TT, so that will be very exciting. Journey is just a must and fits into the "one of three" picks. Steve and I will sit out Mission Space. I may spend that time in MouseGears.

We will all then head back out of Epcot via the international gateway. The kids are all headed to dinner at Cape May so Steve and I will walk with them there. Then Steve and I are headed to Brown Derby. (we should just walk, but we may in fact take the boat) I have never been there, so I am excited to try it. DHS closes that night at 7pm, so if we are done with dinner before then we will just stay there a bit and shop or walk.

Once we leave DHS we will be meeting the kids back up at Epcot. I have a feeling that Kira and Josh may stay (since it closes at 9pm) but I am thinking Steve and I will be EXTREMELY tired and want to just head back to the room. Thinking about that... maybe the kids should come to DHS. I guess that may be a see how we feel type of deal. If we are super tired - they come to us. If we are up for a tad more fun - we will head to Epcot.

Next Up: 1/12

 

[eandesmom]

UGH 2:30 am! That's the part I can't wrap my head around.

Tough call on the what to do. I know for us, our pace is so different Jeff finds it very hard to run with me so we don't stay together. I would think it might be hard to find him though if you run together, get a picture, then try to find him? No clue but just the "looking" could be a little stressful.

Breakfast plans sound good, though overall it sounds like a pretty busy non stop day but ending with a BD dinner after a great race day sounds just lovely.

Me, I think I'd want a pool stop (jacuzzi!) in the middle of the day as a race reward but yes, walking is important.

 

[KatMark]

Your plans sound great (I have to admit, the FP+ system worked really well for us last week).

2:30 in the morning for race day? I give you a lot of credit...I couldn't do it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi Ann! I went to the RoadRunner holiday party and won a box of Nuun sports drink tablets. I don't really drink that sort of thing, but if you do I'd love to pass it along to you! (and if not you, any other local runners here on your trip report)

That 2:30 wakeup call is sooooo not going to be fun. But especially since I bought the race retreat I want to suck every last minute of value from it! Which will probably mean passing out on the stretching mats and missing the start LOL.

 

[annmarieda]

UGH 2:30 am! That's the part I can't wrap my head around.

Well, after talking with Steve we may end up sleeping in. Sleeping in until 3am. I just assumed since he needed to shower first that we needed the extra half hour.

Tough call on the what to do. I know for us, our pace is so different Jeff finds it very hard to run with me so we don't stay together. I would think it might be hard to find him though if you run together, get a picture, then try to find him? No clue but just the "looking" could be a little stressful.

We officially have our corrals now. I am in E. He is in J. A littler further apart than I would have liked. However, he is doing a great job with his training. I am not so sure we would not be pretty evenly paced come race time. I would just have to drop back to J. However, I wonder if I would be a hinderance. I don't want him to feel like I ditched him. However, I also want him to feel like he was able to run his race the way he wants.

As far as catching back up.... the mile markers would be our plan. They are easy to spot. As long as we knew that we were meeting at x mile then we shouldn't have a problem. Finding each other at the end might actually be more of a task.

Breakfast plans sound good, though overall it sounds like a pretty busy non stop day but ending with a BD dinner after a great race day sounds just lovely.

I thought so to... pretty non stop. However, IF we get a full 6 hours of sleep then it might not be outside of the realm of possibility. I know that for me - I got maybe 5 hours of sleep before the phm. After the race it was a pretty similar schedule. Walk from breakfast to the park (although it was DHS instead of Epcot) and then we did a bunch in the park. I don't see us going to fast or hard in Epcot, so it will be a tad more low key than it was for me after the phm. Dinner will be at about the same time. I was ready to call it a night after dinner and I suspect the I will feel the same after our dinner at BD.

Me, I think I'd want a pool stop (jacuzzi!) in the middle of the day as a race reward but yes, walking is important.

That may end up happening for us! I think the key will be to just be flexible.

Your plans sound great (I have to admit, the FP+ system worked really well for us last week).

I am anxious to hear all about it!!!

2:30 in the morning for race day? I give you a lot of credit...I couldn't do it.

As I mentioned to Cynthia... I guess it will more than likely be 3am instead. I thought Steve would need extra grooming time. (since he has to shower where as I will just dress...brush my hair and go)

Hi Ann! I went to the RoadRunner holiday party and won a box of Nuun sports drink tablets. I don't really drink that sort of thing, but if you do I'd love to pass it along to you! (and if not you, any other local runners here on your trip report)

I had thought about going to that too!!! I wish that I would have now, just so that I could have had a chance to meet you!

As for the Nuun... I was just going to tell Steve that he needed to pick up more for me. Yes, I drink the stuff. I love the caffeinated cherry limeade... pretty yummy. Best part is they are just tablets so I can bring with me places... AND my family hates the stuff so I get it all to myself thus not having to worry if I am going to run out.

That 2:30 wakeup call is sooooo not going to be fun. But especially since I bought the race retreat I want to suck every last minute of value from it! Which will probably mean passing out on the stretching mats and missing the start LOL.

Are you going to do the 2:30? I think we have reconsidered and it will be like 3am. I think I would want to suck every last minute out too if I purchased the retreat! I don't blame you!! Just don't pass out and miss your call to your corral!! Ya know... for the phm, I was busy eating and such and I missed mine. It was an unfortunate error... I didn't then have time to find a PAP... and by mile 5 was very uncomfortable.!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Well, after talking with Steve we may end up sleeping in. Sleeping in until 3am. I just assumed since he needed to shower first that we needed the extra half hour.

3 minutes is 30 minutes!

We officially have our corrals now. I am in E. He is in J. A littler further apart than I would have liked. However, he is doing a great job with his training. I am not so sure we would not be pretty evenly paced come race time. I would just have to drop back to J. However, I wonder if I would be a hinderance. I don't want him to feel like I ditched him. However, I also want him to feel like he was able to run his race the way he wants.

E is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be thrilled with E! I really wish they'd put the estimated finish times up with the corral listings but I don't see that. Most folks seem to be way far back, folks I though were more around my pace so I've been freaking out a tad. Yikes on dropping back to J. I did the math and wow, that's a huge difference. In E you'll only have about 2800 people in front of you, 3800 if you include those in your corral. In J...over 10K or 12300 including all of J. What does Steve say about it? Even with pace being semi equal, strides can be so different. I'm not consistent enough with my pace I think, it would stress me out worrying I was holding someone back. I've really got to work on it but UGH the running and gym have taken a hit between the cold and work.

As far as catching back up.... the mile markers would be our plan. They are easy to spot. As long as we knew that we were meeting at x mile then we shouldn't have a problem. Finding each other at the end might actually be more of a task.

That makes sense

I thought so to... pretty non stop. However, IF we get a full 6 hours of sleep then it might not be outside of the realm of possibility. I know that for me - I got maybe 5 hours of sleep before the phm. After the race it was a pretty similar schedule. Walk from breakfast to the park (although it was DHS instead of Epcot) and then we did a bunch in the park. I don't see us going to fast or hard in Epcot, so it will be a tad more low key than it was for me after the phm. Dinner will be at about the same time. I was ready to call it a night after dinner and I suspect the I will feel the same after our dinner at BD.

Non stop is good, until you hit the wall. LOL! I think the biggest drag in the whole plan will be the time it takes to get back to the resort, clean up, change and go.

 

[annmarieda]

3 minutes is 30 minutes!



E is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be thrilled with E! I really wish they'd put the estimated finish times up with the corral listings but I don't see that. Most folks seem to be way far back, folks I though were more around my pace so I've been freaking out a tad. Yikes on dropping back to J. I did the math and wow, that's a huge difference. In E you'll only have about 2800 people in front of you, 3800 if you include those in your corral. In J...over 10K or 12300 including all of J. What does Steve say about it? Even with pace being semi equal, strides can be so different. I'm not consistent enough with my pace I think, it would stress me out worrying I was holding someone back. I've really got to work on it but UGH the running and gym have taken a hit between the cold and work.

After Saturdays run... I think we have a decision. Baring me falling ill, I will just start in E and then run to the finish where I will wait to take pictures of him crossing the finish.

I am happy, but nervous about getting into E. Some have analyzed the previous years numbers and are saying that A - E in this years half are like A from last year. Honestly, I would have been very happy to get "B" A is just a bit fast for me. And I STILL am not running at my pace from September/October. I just feel sluggish. I ran 11.12 on Saturday at a 9:44 pace. Granted... I was trying to stay with Steve for the first few miles and I think we were around a 10 minute pace..but still... E corral would assume I would be doing closer to a 9 even. I not sure how or why I can't seem to shed that extra 30 to 40 seconds per mile.

Non stop is good, until you hit the wall. LOL! I think the biggest drag in the whole plan will be the time it takes to get back to the resort, clean up, change and go.

Saturday was a good trial run in many ways. We got only 6 hours of sleep and were non stop all day...even had a company christmas party at night. Getting cleaned up for it was definitely a challenge. I think I felt pretty much like a zombie all day.

 

[eandesmom]

After Saturdays run... I think we have a decision. Baring me falling ill, I will just start in E and then run to the finish where I will wait to take pictures of him crossing the finish. I am happy, but nervous about getting into E. Some have analyzed the previous years numbers and are saying that A - E in this years half are like A from last year. Honestly, I would have been very happy to get "B" A is just a bit fast for me. And I STILL am not running at my pace from September/October. I just feel sluggish. I ran 11.12 on Saturday at a 9:44 pace. Granted... I was trying to stay with Steve for the first few miles and I think we were around a 10 minute pace..but still... E corral would assume I would be doing closer to a 9 even. I not sure how or why I can't seem to shed that extra 30 to 40 seconds per mile. Saturday was a good trial run in many ways. We got only 6 hours of sleep and were non stop all day...even had a company christmas party at night. Getting cleaned up for it was definitely a challenge. I think I felt pretty much like a zombie all day.

Race pace is typically faster than a training run, and it should be. I totally get it, I have never run at the pace I did that 10k in since! But I wouldn't stress about the training run being slower, it is supposed to be. That said I think you'll be happier running your own pace. You deserve to be in E, I think you'll be fine and remember that those up front won't necessarily be looking to be fast but rather to have that time and corral advantage for photos! I see what you mean, it does look like they are starting to fill the times in. What time did you submit?