The Official 2013 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Thread

[PlutoBaby]

Ahhhhh!!! That seems too soon! I'm not ready.

Absolutely agree!!!

Isn't it crazy how much a weight gain can affect you? I definitely gained a few pounds on vacation over the last week of July. I think it's gone for the most part, but I hated how sluggish I felt over the last couple of weeks.

[COLOR="Purple"]I SO agree! I just stepped on the scale for our office's Biggest Loser competition, and I've gained 11 pounds since May! Can you say Looks like I've got some work to do. And a big congrats to you for dropping the "nonsense"!!

First of all YOU ARE NOT ALONE and DO NOT GIVE UP!! [/COLOR]
First, let's review some positives. You're up and exercising!
You completed a 5K!! That gets a double No matter what you think of your pace. Third, you said you lost some weight That's more than I can manage and I've been running for a little over a year. Of course part of my problem is that I get Mcdonalds as a reward after every long run.... I know I'm horrible person but it's worked so far. Today's 'shorter' long run earned me a Subway so I'm off in the right direction LOL

Now. Dude, I don't know what's going on with your friend, but she does not sound like a very motivational running partner. Maybe at some point, a heart to heart is in order. I'm a very independent person and like to run alone. Of course I'm also divorced and have been to Disney a couple times solo-- not for everyone. Other people definitely need the running buddy/ group to keep them going. My advice is to make this run about YOU. Focus on your own personal triumphs and don't worry about what anyone else thinks of them. Remember, there are a lot of folks who've yet to get up off the sofa and run at all!

Now I know I said focus on you. But you also said your sister is leery of running with you because she's still at a slower pace. I like the idea of running on a loop somewhere where you pass each other every so often. I run at a local park where there is a 1 mile loop. Seems to me your sister might make a much better running buddy. Maybe you don't run the same pace, but if you get up and head out, meet together, maybe go out for a healthy lunch after your run or what have you and set personal goals/ cheer each other on this might help you stay focused on the fun

Do you use any kind of running app? I have the Nike+ app on my ipod and I really like it. Every once in a while it gives me random cheers for things I wasn't expecting that make me feel like I did something awesome. Some are not pace oriented- some are about how often you run, or how much Nike fuel you have earned ( I personally would like the Nike fuel a lot more if I could turn it into points to buy stuff like with my Kroger plus card points LOL )


Now get out there and keep going! Mickey is waiting to cheer you on

Couldn't have said it any better. No matter how you look at it, unless you're running a relay, running is a solo sport. I love to run with my DH on occasion, as he can push me when I need it, but ever since he hurt his foot, I've become the faster endurance runner between the two of us. We only run together once a week now and his limit is only about 3-6 miles, so having his help on anything past that is no longer a possibility. Like others here, I am an independent runner girl, and that's the way I like it. Running (and the ocean ) are my churches - where I go to pay my respects to the gods, whether they be the running kind or the kind with fins and tails . You have to make it your own, own the sweat, pain, and the eventual rewards. You've already taken the hardest step of getting out the door. What you choose to do with it from now on, is entirely up to you. Only you can be the boss of your running future and what you choose to do with it. The great thing though, is the DIS'ers are ALWAYS here for you to come back to, whenever you need us!

DH and I don't run together either and we definitely don't race together.

I find that I have better luck "training" with a long-distance running friend. And by long distance, i mean we live 5 states apart from each other. We go out and run on our own, but then we text/email about it. This way, we motivate each other when we don't feel like running but we don't have to coordinate schedules, pacing, etc. We don't even talk about pacing. The only goal we have in common is to just get out there and run! Otherwise, I run by myself. Which is good b/c when I'm running, all I really want to do is listen to some music, and zone out and not be pulled in a million directions at once like I am all the rest of the day.

And though I saw so many people running with others during the W&D last year, there were just as many people running on their own. I was one of them. I made a friend at the field before the race and it was fun, but then once we started running, I was on my own. Reading people's shirts made me laugh. Looking around at the disney property being amazed at what I was doing kept my spirits up. And a lot of my concentration was taken up with weaving through people, and navigating water stops, embankments, etc. I ran alone, but I never felt alone. (Probably because there were 10,000 other people around me!). The volunteers are spectacular too - really a friendly face just when you need it!

I think sometimes we need to remind ourselves that no matter if we finish in 3:30 or 1:30 it was still 13.1 miles! Be proud of yourself and for all your accomplishments

 

[funnybunny921]

I do my short runs alone as I am a consultant and am not home Mon- Thur. On the weekends my DH and I run together. he is faster than me, but he is also the one who signed us both up for the race, so he feels like he needs to be my cheerleader

Also, now that we are into the longer runs, we both are newbies and i think he is ok doing my interval training

 

[capeseal]

Who trains with other people?

I think Hk331's comment made me think about this. I rarely run with other people, and even when I do it's rarely at what I consider "my" pace--it's a hybrid compromise between me and the other runners. I've never run a race with another person and I've never trained consistently with another person.

No one raced with me. No one trained with me. 3 out of 4 times, I show up for a group run and still end up running alone (out of being too slow, not too fast). Despite what Runners' World leads me to believe, is it true that not everyone is in engaged in some long term, hardcore runmance where everything's perfect? I'm really glad I learned to run alone early.

I train alone. There is a running club at my gym but I never manage to get over there to run with them. That's also the only scenario where I could run with DH because someone has to be with the kiddos so we could only run together if they were in gym care. We save babysitters for when we want to do a really strenuous hike together. Anyway, I really enjoy running alone and always have. It is my time with my music and no responsibilities aside from putting one foot in front of the other. I'm doing the Princess half and Royal Family 5k in February and running the 5k with a friend who is new to running. I am committed to sticking with her no matter what so it will be my first time really running with someone. I'm running the half with another friend but we only have a pact to stick together as long as we are both comfortable with the pace.

Also, "runmance" is my new favorite running word

 

[Ariel484]

Who trains with other people?

I think Hk331's comment made me think about this. I rarely run with other people, and even when I do it's rarely at what I consider "my" pace--it's a hybrid compromise between me and the other runners. I've never run a race with another person and I've never trained consistently with another person.

No one raced with me. No one trained with me. 3 out of 4 times, I show up for a group run and still end up running alone (out of being too slow, not too fast). Despite what Runners' World leads me to believe, is it true that not everyone is in engaged in some long term, hardcore runmance where everything's perfect? I'm really glad I learned to run alone early.

I do all of my training runs, and most races, alone. The only time I've raced with someone else was with my brother during the 2011 Princess Half, the 2012 WDW Full and the 2013 WDW Half. Before the Princess Half we agreed we'd do the race for fun and stop for loads of pictures...I think he got caught up in the race starting and suddenly wanting to go fast so we argued a teeny bit until we reached the Magic Kingdom and he came around to my way of thinking. Now he's totally into the character stops, thankfully!

The other times I've run races with people (at home) we've started together and then they inevitably took off at some point and left me in the dust... We didn't agree to stay together beforehand but it still felt awful to be so far behind. So I quickly learned that it's much more enjoyable for me to just go to races by myself. It seemed lonely at first but this way I can focus on my own personal goals rather than being embarrassed at being left behind by the group I came with.

Kudos to you for trying group runs at all...I'm way too chicken to do that!

 

[PlutoBaby]

Also, "runmance" is my new favorite running word

To whomever came up with that term...I'm stealing it!

 

[capeseal]

Just a mix of thoughts on different topics that have been brought up here or are on my mind:

Weight gain- I'm up five since my trip home to see family. I guess a month of eating out wasn't great for my diet. I am back to logging on MyFitnessPal and between being more aware of what I'm eating and the increasing training mileage, I think I can shed it again by race time.

Medals- Am I the only one who doesn't really get into these? I mean, I'll sport mine at the after party and on Sunday for a bit but, for me, my favorite thing is the race shirt. I'm sad that they don't have an option for a women's cut t-shirt since even the men's x-small is boxy and unflattering on me. I also like getting the official pin. DH and I both get one and we display them in the kids' rooms. I have cork boards for Disney pins that hang there.

Hotel- We are staying at Wilderness Lodge since the military discount was extended. DD is beside herself with joy over being able to sleep in a bunk bed. Might be her favorite memory from the trip

Shoes- I think I am going to go get fitted for something different for my long runs. My Nike Free simply don't feel great after about 6 miles. So, I'll stick with them for my weekday runs and switch to something else for weekend endurance-building runs. I'm considering the Brooks Ghost after taking a quiz in Runner's World but I will probably check with some shoe professionals, as well

Today's run-

I have been trying to increase my maintenance run distances so that I can feel more confident about tackling my distance runs on Saturdays. I think someone on the Princess Half boards mentioned that your distance run should not be more than 50% of the total miles you run during your other runs or something to that effect? Anyway, I didn't research this but it stuck with me so now I am aiming for 15-18 weekday miles for the next few weeks vs the 10 miles my Higdon plan calls for me to finish. I have runner's OCD. Would that be that ROCD?

So, I set out to do five miles this morning. I am still having a little residual abdominal pain from last week, but it didn't get bad until I hit my 4th mile. I have a pretty eclectic running mix in terms of the artists and songs not being typical work-out stuff. One of the songs came on and I started laughing because I had watched the video with DH a couple of nights ago. I couldn't stop picturing the video and the laughter really disrupted my breathing and caused another side stitch. I still finished my five miles but I think I need to remove the song from my playlist for my health . I have six miles to do tomorrow morning. Wish me luck in dragging myself out of bed by 5:35 to get my run done and have time to shower before DH has to leave for work.

 

[kristenrice]

Just a mix of thoughts on different topics that have been brought up here or are on my mind:

Weight gain- I'm up five since my trip home to see family. I guess a month of eating out wasn't great for my diet. I am back to logging on MyFitnessPal and between being more aware of what I'm eating and the increasing training mileage, I think I can shed it again by race time.

Medals- Am I the only one who doesn't really get into these? I mean, I'll sport mine at the after party and on Sunday for a bit but, for me, my favorite thing is the race shirt. I'm sad that they don't have an option for a women's cut t-shirt since even the men's x-small is boxy and unflattering on me. I also like getting the official pin. DH and I both get one and we display them in the kids' rooms. I have cork boards for Disney pins that hang there.

Hotel- We are staying at Wilderness Lodge since the military discount was extended. DD is beside herself with joy over being able to sleep in a bunk bed. Might be her favorite memory from the trip

Shoes- I think I am going to go get fitted for something different for my long runs. My Nike Free simply don't feel great after about 6 miles. So, I'll stick with them for my weekday runs and switch to something else for weekend endurance-building runs. I'm considering the Brooks Ghost after taking a quiz in Runner's World but I will probably check with some shoe professionals, as well

Today's run-

I have been trying to increase my maintenance run distances so that I can feel more confident about tackling my distance runs on Saturdays. I think someone on the Princess Half boards mentioned that your distance run should not be more than 50% of the total miles you run during your other runs or something to that effect? Anyway, I didn't research this but it stuck with me so now I am aiming for 15-18 weekday miles for the next few weeks vs the 10 miles my Higdon plan calls for me to finish. I have runner's OCD. Would that be that ROCD?

So, I set out to do five miles this morning. I am still having a little residual abdominal pain from last week, but it didn't get bad until I hit my 4th mile. I have a pretty eclectic running mix in terms of the artists and songs not being typical work-out stuff. One of the songs came on and I started laughing because I had watched the video with DH a couple of nights ago. I couldn't stop picturing the video and the laughter really disrupted my breathing and caused another side stitch. I still finished my five miles but I think I need to remove the song from my playlist for my health . I have six miles to do tomorrow morning. Wish me luck in dragging myself out of bed by 5:35 to get my run done and have time to shower before DH has to leave for work.

I am trying to remember to log on to MFP daily too. Need a friend? I have one and she gave up a long time ago

I've been trying to lengthen my short runs too. I was doing 3 but now really want to try for 4-5. It's finding the time to do it that is difficult. DH and I are both training but we have to go out one at a time because the kids do not want to be left home alone. I did 3.25 today in 37:49 (11:43 pace) but I didn't do any intervals. I walked for 2 minutes and then "ran" the rest of the way. My second mile was 11:45 and mile 3 was 11:15. I would have loved to keep going, but DH needed me home so he could head out for a few errands.

Next run will hopefully be Thursday evening. I am hoping for a mid-length run...6-7 miles. I consider my short runs to be 3-5 miles and my long runs to be 9-11. I work all weekend so my next chance at a true "long" run won't be until a week from today. I honestly don't think I will get more than 5 on Thursday but we'll see.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Kat73]

Well put me on the temporary disabled list LOL. I had a FANTASTIC run on Monday in the new shoes, but after I got home started feeling it in my lower left leg. Nothing's swollen and I can walk on it fine, but I know something's not right. When I've been resting for a while or first wake up, when I put pressure on it to stand up, and then walking until I get going for a while causes a bit of pain. I've had this before a long while ago, so I know I've got to lay off the running definitely this week, probably next week, HOPEFULLY not longer.

At first I was all, freaking out. Today I woke up, prayed over the whole situation, and gave over all the worrying. I feel a lot better. Now the waiting game begins, we'll see how better I feel when I'm still not running a few days from now.

As for the shoes, I really love my new cookie monster shoes but if they caused this much trouble, they may have to go back. I'm going to look into getting some better inserts tomorrow and see what happens while we play the waiting game. If I'm not convinced, then I'll prob get re-fitted and maybe go back to a new pair of Brooks Dyads.


In other news, it was bring your dog to Kat73's work day tonight. I got to spend the evening petting doggies and talking to people. Some came in costume- I saw the cutest dog dressed up like Cinderella, complete with booties for her front paws to look like glass slippers!! A little Disney magic to cheer up the week!

 

[dmross]

Capeseal: what song was it?? So curious!


Ariel484: where is the best place to find park music?

 

[pix13dust]

I hope everyone's training is going well. Well I had two craptastic runs back to back. My long run Saturday was 6.5 miles. The longest i have done so far! It was awful. I walked most of the last 2 miles. I learned my lesson on hydration,fueling and going out to fast. Lesson learned, hope I don't make that mistake again.

Run tonight was awful. Since it was just my short maintenance run I thought I would try and go out fast maybe get at least a good time. Well I ended up finishing a minute mile slower for each mile. At the end of mile two I decided to use my inhaler. Well you know what, you're an asthmatic idiot use your inhaler IT works. Lesson learned I will be using my inhaler from now on out.
Can't wait for Thursdays run, I know it will be a good one - law of averages and all- I'm due

hope everyone else is having some great runs happy training Melinda

Ps. ITunes and Amazon have a lot Disney music

 

[peachygreen]

August is kicking my butt. We had such a "mild" June/July that the heat and humidity now is hard to handle. I managed 4-1/2 tonight but it felt harder than it should have. I'm scheduled for.9+ on Saturday. My husband has back surgery scheduled Friday, so I hope I feel comfortable enough leaving Saturday morning for my 9 mile run.

 

[dlbwright]

Hi everyone, It's so exciting to hear of all the awesome training going on!

But I need a moment to vent/seek advice...
Sorry for the long post.

A little back story about myself: For years I have sat on the couch dreaming of becoming a runner but somehow in the end I always convince myself that it would be too hard or impossible. I'm not the lightest girl in town being 60lbs over weight with previous attempts at weight loss lasting no more than a little over a month.

Back in January of this year, my sister (also a running dreaming couch potato) looked at me and said "Hey! Lets combine our love for Disney and DO THIS run!!!" At first I was extremely intimidated and said I'd have to think about it. About a week later, after hours and hours of running research (including this very forum) I went back to her and said YES, Lets do this! I can't remember the exact person who said it but the Idea of "Did not Finish is better than Did not start" really hit home! - so thank you mystery Diser!

My first steps on a treadmill were exciting, but very slow lol. My pace for 3.2 miles was 25:34. We had no clue what we needed to do for training but we were having a blast at the very idea of just doing it! About two weeks into "training" I went back to the web and spent at least a week looking for the perfect 5k training plan. We both decided that we liked Galloway, so we took his plan and ran with it! (Pun completely intended lol)

About a month into Galloway's training plan, my sister partially ruptured her Achilles. This couldn't have been more devastating but on the bright side the Dr. said it was still attached and she could run again after wearing a boot and physical therapy for a month. Also during this month of training, my Best Friend joined us on our quest and began training with us as well.My sister assured me that she wanted nothing more in the world than to see me cross the finish line at the Wine and Dine and gave me her blessing to continue my training without her, and that she would be back to hitting the pavement before I knew it! So, I continued to train with my BFF while my sister recovered.

Fast forward to Today, I'm 15lbs lighter, my average pace for my last long run 6.94 miles was 16:36 pace! Major improvement from 25:34 average pace! And after almost 7 Months of training 3-4 times a week (bear in mind that this is the longest I have EVER worked out consistently) My first 5K race was upon us.

My sister is back to running and but refuses to let me run with her because her pace is 19:00 and doesn't want to slow me down in my training. (she is considering differing her bib to next year). We've sometimes trained in a parking lot running in a giant circle so we can kind of train together by still being able to see each other no matter our different paces: yelling at each other "you go girl! yahoo! Great job! Don't let this circle beat you!" My BBF is much lighter than I, has a bit of a better athletic base and can run 14:54 minute miles. She will also be running the Wine and Dine. My BFF is also very new to running and stated she does not want to run the half solo because it's Disney and she wanted nothing more than to be sharing the experience running side by side with me! I of course was all for it and couldn't agree more.

Back to the 5k, Which was yesterday. I was completely excited!! My FIRST race EVER!! I was doing it!! my dream! Getting my butt off that couch and was there, with my bib and all!! Going into the race, after reading and reading and reading about first timers and newbie experiences, I knew I was going to go too hard out of the starting line, I knew that walkers were going to pass me, I knew that getting to the finish line was the ONLY goal, no time, no matter this was a fun run!

But what I didn't plan for was my bff to after mile one, treat me like a dirt.

It all started at mile one, I was going my usual pace, when my bff started to really speed up. I mention to her that ummm, you're a little fast lol can you walk with me or I might just die and my legs will fall off lol . Bare in mind that I'm referencing from 7 months of training with her where she kept stating there was nothing more she wanted to do than to run these together, to finish together. So I thought to my self the adrenaline of the race is making her walk fast and she just doesn't know so I mentioned it.

She started to huff and puff, like she was upset. I let it go for .2 miles as she kept walking faster and faster. I took a moment and asked her, is everything okay? She huffed some more and stated to me in that I'm completely disappointed in you right now kind of way, and sharply said "I don't even feel like I'm training" then huffed some more, looked away then stated sharply "Don't worry I'll get over it!"

I was shocked, and wish I had thought to plan for this scenario! I already was playing the mental game a newbie does in a race, (omg people are passing me walking! I feel unprepared, even though I wasn't. Should I slow down!?!?!) All those kind of things. I was doing a pretty great job dealing with it... until then. I wanted to cry! My training partner of 6 and a half months, in the middle of my very first race, lets me know I'm disappointing her, that I'm unbearably slow, that she can't bear to run at this pace, that she'll "get over" this race she does not feel like she's training in.

I looked at her and told her to go ahead, she glanced back and said "are you sure!" My thought: If we continue to run together, I might just cry and quit mid race. so I said, yes, you can go. and off She Happily went.

It took till mile 2 that I gathered my thoughts and said "Just finish, Just finish, just finish." Then my right foot went numb lol, it was hot and clearly my shoe laces were too tight, I pulled over and loosened them but I don't think it was enough as it came and went throughout the rest of the race.

I got to the finish line and did it... but I did not feel excited. It was horrible, I felt fat and slow and unaccomplished. I felt that the Wine and Dine was just now a distant dream. I had completely convinced my self that if my training partner thought I wasn't good enough, than I must not be. I couldn't cry about it because, well lets face it my parents were there to cheer me on and I didn't want them to know. I put on my medal.... and didnt even want it.

I guess right now I'm just lost. Do I have the strength to run/train alone? Do I want to continue with my BFF and take the chance that on race day she reminds me of how slow I am. I just.... have been crying ever since. This race, this training, this whole experience meant so much to me, that is just hurt more than I could have imagined to have my first race experience be that.

It's just happened yesterday and my thoughts are all over the place, I'm sure at some point I will look back and think about how silly I was to let that get to me.

But right now, I guess I just needed a place to get this off my chest, even if no one reads this insanely long post, it feels good to say these things out loud. (or to type it out lol)

First of all, like so many others have said, CONGRATS on your first race! You did it. My heart is breaking for you. My first race, which was a 5 mile, was so exciting for me. You need a do over! You need a new 'first' race when you can feel that exhilaration.

I run alone because I don't have anyone to go with local. But I do have friends that I have 'met' on Facebook (in the runDisney group) and here to motivate me. I read lots of race reports to keep me going. You can do this. It does not matter what your pace, you are lapping everyone on the couch.

Look how far you come, looks at your improvement in time, your weight loss. You should be so PROUD of yourself. I AM proud of you! We may not be local to you, but an online community can give you just as much support. We are all here for you.

You can do Wine and Dine, get in your training, and can't wait to meet you at our meet up! Keep checking in and let us know your progress, because I know you are going to keep doing great! One step at a time!

 

[MightyDuck001]

On my run last night I saw red leaves in the grass and mums outside whole foods... FALL!!!!!! I am so excited you have no idea. I'll miss the daylight and shortening days, but still... no humidity! Is anyone else ready?

 

[MightyDuck001]

Kudos to you for trying group runs at all...I'm way too chicken to do that!

I moved to a new city so it's been really helpful finding new running routes that are relatively safe and populated. I think the runmance is possible, I actually met a really great runner this weekend through the group and we spent 14 miles together and decided to do a 7 miler together the next day (OMG she loves runDisney) but she lives 200+ miles away, just in town for the weekend. A runmance, though, like a mermaid becoming a human and getting married to a prince, has teeny tiny odds.

I don't think they're updating the medal--one more year for the geodesic sphere which is wonderful because EPCOT is my favorite park ever and I'm giving it to medals 4 mettle this year. If you're not into the medals, consider that a really great way to put your medals to work!

 

[kristenrice]

At the end of mile two I decided to use my inhaler. Well you know what, you're an asthmatic idiot use your inhaler IT works. Lesson learned I will be using my inhaler from now on out.

I recently told my doctor about a tightness in my chest that I get when I run. It doesn't happen all the time, but enough that I brought it to her attention. I'm 38 with no known heart problems (and no family history) so I wasn't sure if I needed a full cardiac workup before trying the longer distances. She prescribed an inhaler for me and told me to try it the next time I felt that tightness in my chest. It worked like a charm! Almost instantly, I could expand my chest and actually take a full, deep breath. She diagnosed me with exercise-induced asthma. Now I carry my inhaler on every run and it has made a huge difference.

I run alone because I don't have anyone to go with local. But I do have friends that I have 'met' on Facebook (in the runDisney group) and here to motivate me. I read lots of race reports to keep me going. You can do this. It does not matter what your pace, you are lapping everyone on the couch.

Look how far you come, looks at your improvement in time, your weight loss. You should be so PROUD of yourself. I AM proud of you! We may not be local to you, but an online community can give you just as much support. We are all here for you.

You can do Wine and Dine, get in your training, and can't wait to meet you at our meet up! Keep checking in and let us know your progress, because I know you are going to keep doing great! One step at a time!

I run alone too, but I know that I am not really "alone". I like to turn up my music so that I can't hear myself breathe. That way, I get totally immersed in the music and just enjoying my surroundings and I don't really realize that I am running. When I go out with someone (either DH or DD10) I always feel like I am being rude by completely tuning them out. With DD, I really can't because she is only 10 and I have to pay attention to her. It's so nice to have a running community here and on FB so that I can still find and give support without having to interrupt my running mojo

 

[Ariel484]

I have been trying to increase my maintenance run distances so that I can feel more confident about tackling my distance runs on Saturdays. I think someone on the Princess Half boards mentioned that your distance run should not be more than 50% of the total miles you run during your other runs or something to that effect? Anyway, I didn't research this but it stuck with me so now I am aiming for 15-18 weekday miles for the next few weeks vs the 10 miles my Higdon plan calls for me to finish. I have runner's OCD. Would that be that ROCD?

I've heard that weekly mileage should ideally be a 50/50 split with your long run being 50% and the rest of your weekly runs being 50%. That's why I don't really prefer Galloway plans anymore. Your long run is at 15-18 miles for W&D right now?

Ariel484: where is the best place to find park music?

yeahdisneyaudios.tumblr.com is where most of my park loops are from. I know there's another forum that has some music but I can't remember which one it is. I do know that I found it really hard to navigate and search for things, but that's where I got the Innoventions loop.
ETA: Got it! It's www.mousebits.com You need to make an account for this one.

On my run last night I saw red leaves in the grass and mums outside whole foods... FALL!!!!!! I am so excited you have no idea. I'll miss the daylight and shortening days, but still... no humidity! Is anyone else ready?

YES. OMG...one of our trees has orange and red leaves all of a sudden! Excitement! Bring on the jeans/long-sleeved shirt weather and pumpkin spice lattes (or pumpkin-flavored anything).

I moved to a new city so it's been really helpful finding new running routes that are relatively safe and populated. I think the runmance is possible, I actually met a really great runner this weekend through the group and we spent 14 miles together and decided to do a 7 miler together the next day (OMG she loves runDisney) but she lives 200+ miles away, just in town for the weekend. A runmance, though, like a mermaid becoming a human and getting married to a prince, has teeny tiny odds.

Yeah, I can totally see that. It sounds like it could be a great way to make like-minded friends too (as is the case with your runfriend - is that what you call your runmane significant other? I'm sorry it's a long-distance relationship ). The odds are small, yes, but a true runmance is meant to be...someday you'll beeeeee part of that world. Or something! I need coffee.

I often think about joining my local running club but whenever I participate in races put on by them I always end up near members that are HUGE jerks. The kind of guys that have to brag super loudly about the ultra they just did and make it clear that they aren't *really* racing this thing, just doing it for kicks...while meanwhile I'm next to them busting you-know-what to try to get a good time. I'm sure not everyone is like that but it bugs me enough that I haven't joined.

 

[capeseal]

I had the worst 3-miler this morning. I set out to do 4-6 miles but, after the first, I had to fight for every half. Blech! Hoping tomorrow is better. I need a good maintenance run leading into my long run.

Capeseal: what song was it?? So curious!

Mumford and Sons, Hopeless Wanderer. The band had Jason Sudeikis, Ed Helms, Jason Bateman, and Will Forte lip sync the song and it is hysterical. DH doesn't "get" my run mix at all because some of the songs aren't consistently up-tempo or really "pump you up" sort of music. He adjusts his stride to the song he's listening to so when I add something with slower parts he is always a bit incredulous.

Ariel484: where is the best place to find park music?

I've heard that weekly mileage should ideally be a 50/50 split with your long run being 50% and the rest of your weekly runs being 50%. That's why I don't really prefer Galloway plans anymore. Your long run is at 15-18 miles for W&D right now?

Thank you so much for clarifying this! The Princess Boards simply said 50% which led me to assume 50% of your total maintenance runs. That would put me at 16 miles leading up to an 8 mile run. (Which I didn't think would work really well for someone training towards a marathon distance, but who was I to question ? The 50/50 ratio is a much more attainable and realistic goal for me. Higdon would have me running 10 miles during the week for the next couple of weeks with a long runs working up to 10 miles. I think I need to trust my plan more . But I do need to do more than a 3-4-3 leading into an 8 or 9 mile run for the mental readiness. So, I am doing a 5-3-4 this week and then 8 on Saturday. Thanks again because Google wasn't working as I couldn't seem to phrase my questions properly.

 

[Ariel484]

Thank you so much for clarifying this! The Princess Boards simply said 50% which led me to assume 50% of your total maintenance runs. That would put me at 16 miles leading up to an 8 mile run. (Which I didn't think would work really well for someone training towards a marathon distance, but who was I to question ? The 50/50 ratio is a much more attainable and realistic goal for me. Higdon would have me running 10 miles during the week for the next couple of weeks with a long runs working up to 10 miles. I think I need to trust my plan more . But I do need to do more than a 3-4-3 leading into an 8 or 9 mile run for the mental readiness. So, I am doing a 5-3-4 this week and then 8 on Saturday. Thanks again because Google wasn't working as I couldn't seem to phrase my questions properly.

Ack! Yeah, I'm no expert but I feel comfortable in saying that that's not right. Definitely trust your plan...which Higdon plan are you using? I've used a couple of his half plans and his Novice 1 marathon plan and I really like them.

 

[capeseal]

Ack! Yeah, I'm no expert but I feel comfortable in saying that that's not right. Definitely trust your plan...which Higdon plan are you using? I've used a couple of his half plans and his Novice 1 marathon plan and I really like them.

I'm using Novice 2. I am so anxious about training well for this race. This is my first time following a plan so I need to learn to trust a good, well-tested plan like Higdon or Galloway. In the past, I've done the Get Running app when I needed to get back to running after pregnancy but, after that, I just run. If I had a 5k coming up, I'd just make sure I could run at least 3-4 miles before. Same for 10k. When I did ToT last year, I couldn't train due to my back injury so I just ran to my abilities in the month before and tried to get to as long a distance as possible pre-race (about 6 miles) and then ran and walked as needed through the race. This time I really want to meet my time goal for my first half of sub-2:30 and then be able to go sub 2:15 at Princess in February.

Anyway, I am so glad that you explained the 50/50 ratio to me. It would have been a very taxing few weeks leading up to Wine & Dine trying to run 24 miles in maintenance miles

 

[Hk331]

yeahdisneyaudios.tumblr.com[/URL] is where most of my park loops are from. I know there's another forum that has some music but I can't remember which one it is. I do know that I found it really hard to navigate and search for things, but that's where I got the Innoventions loop.
ETA: Got it! It's www.mousebits.com You need to make an account for this one.

This Link is Amazing!! Thank you!
I have been exploring it for the last hour lol.