The Running Thread - 2018

[huskies90]

QOTD: For today's question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

ATTQOTD: If our kids are with us NYE, we will stay in and eat comfort foods and watch movies. If not, we have reservations to go out for dinner downtown for the 2 of us. They originally said they were going to be with us, but now my oldest daughter is talking about going to NYC. So, I am not sure what we will do if it is just 3 of us. New Year's day, I'll relax and watch football all day. Looking forward to LSU/UCF game.

BONUS QUESTION:

I've never been to Cedar Point. It has always been on our list. My youngest daughter goes to school in OH and will have a car next year, so she and her friends are already planning to go next Fall.

I like the Disneyland idea especially if you are more WDW folks and have not been there often. It is a nice change of pace and if you do the Grand California or even Disneyland Hotel and some of the upscale dining, it can be a great combination of romance and fun. Frankly, I would bag the wine country if you are not excited about that. Maybe make that another trip down the road.

 

[LSUlakes]

CEDAR POINT IS AWESOME! Seriously, that park is my first love. If you want big thrills that's the place to be. I'm lucky enough to live 40 minutes from there and I have been a passholder off and on forever. Are you going with kids? If so, use rider swap. You could knock out all the rides in 2 days, maybe 1 day if you buy Fast Lane, but that's pricey, imo. Are you looking to do the waterpark as well? That could add another day on. CP has a couple resorts and all offer ticket packages as well, but I'm not sure of the prices since we never stay overnight. Midweek is less busy. Weekends are a bit crazier. When in June? There are run and ride races early in June at Cedar Point.

There are some cabins nearby, but nothing wonderful, really. Hocking Hills is within a few hours drive and that is pretty nice and has some great hiking and reasonably priced cabins. The Lake Erie islands are fun, too, and you could catch a ferry close to Cedar Point. Put-In-Bay is family fun during the day and crazy at night. PIB has 2 small caves and Perry's Monument as well as a state park for camping. Kelley's Island is a bit more relaxed. They are known for their glacial grooves park and island wine. Both are fun options. Feel free to message me of you have questions about CP.

No kids for any of the options. I've seen so many videos of the rides there and we've talked about going one day. Our current travel days are June 1 - 8 or less depending on how far we can stretch our budget out. No water parks for us and probably no race as that has been a request to go on a trip without a run being involved lol. I'll look into some of these options you mentioned and will let you know if I have any questions. Thanks!

I like the Disneyland idea especially if you are more WDW folks and have not been there often. It is a nice change of pace and if you do the Grand California or even Disneyland Hotel and some of the upscale dining, it can be a great combination of romance and fun. Frankly, I would bag the wine country if you are not excited about that. Maybe make that another trip down the road.

The Disneyland option really does seem amazing and I want to go so bad! I've read two days is plenty over there, but we have never been so IDK. Ideas for hotels near the park? Instead of the wine country I can think of many other things I would like to do while over in the part of the world. Maybe a day trip to wine country could convince DW to head that direction. Tomorrow we should have a bit more time to talk about some of these options and do a little more research.

 

[rteetz]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

No idea what I’m doing for New Years. Maybe nothing maybe something. Either way I’ll probably watch some football. As for resolutions I really don’t do them. I don’t want to start getting into a full lifting routine once again. I’ve kind of dropped off from that lately.

DW and I are brainstorming a few ideas around for our 10 year anniversary in June. We have a few ideas but a new one came up last night that I thought some of yall may be able to help with. We are looking at maybe hitting up Cedar Point. My question for those who have been is how many park days tickets should we get to ride all the big attractions? The other part of the question is what else can we do in that area (within a few hours drive)? Are their any cabins or resorts for a nice little get away? Some hiking opportunities... Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Our other two ideas are going to Punta Cana, which seems to be losing steam. The other idea is likely a little over budget but consisted of going to Disneyland for 2-3 days and then wine country for 2-3 days with maybe a day in San Francisco. I like the Disneyland part, but not much a wine drinker. The only time I drank much wine was when I smoked a pack a day. I don't think it's worth picking up the habit again for the sake of wine.

Never done Cedar Point but heard good things. Whatever you decide will be fine.

 

[camaker]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

ATTQOTD: for NYE, DW will be working, so the kids and I will get a gumbo going and make a trip to the firework stand. NYD we will probably BBQ for the LSU game and then back to work for a short week. After that its 4 more work days and we make our way to WDW on 1/11/19 with a goal of getting out the door by 4:00 AM for our 12 hour trip. Hopefully this all goes as planned but I seem to be coming down with a sinus cold or something thats getting worse each morning. I just hope its not one of those colds that stick around for weeks.

BONUS QUESTION:

DW and I are brainstorming a few ideas around for our 10 year anniversary in June. We have a few ideas but a new one came up last night that I thought some of yall may be able to help with. We are looking at maybe hitting up Cedar Point. My question for those who have been is how many park days tickets should we get to ride all the big attractions? The other part of the question is what else can we do in that area (within a few hours drive)? Are their any cabins or resorts for a nice little get away? Some hiking opportunities... Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Our other two ideas are going to Punta Cana, which seems to be losing steam. The other idea is likely a little over budget but consisted of going to Disneyland for 2-3 days and then wine country for 2-3 days with maybe a day in San Francisco. I like the Disneyland part, but not much a wine drinker. The only time I drank much wine was when I smoked a pack a day. I don't think it's worth picking up the habit again for the sake of wine.

ATTQOTD: No plans for NYE or NYD beyond watching bowl games on TV. We used to have a semi-tradition of going to a Carolina Hurricanes game on NYE if they were playing at home, but that’s fallen off with their lack of success.

BQOTD: Are you committed to taking kids with you for your anniversary trip? If so, the DL option sounds like a winner. If not, I’d suggest considering a more exotic locale. DW and I went to Iceland to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We went in November so that we could watch the Northern Lights. It was a fantastic experience. Going somewhere special with just your wife to celebrate your anniversary and spending some quality couples only time can be a great relationship refresher, as well.

 

[roxymama]

ATTQOTD:
NYE resolution for life: Reduce my stress and anxiety. More self-care. Being vocal when I've been given too much. Take more time for the things in life I enjoy. Spend less of my quality family time worried about things unrelated to them. Basically to be busy with what is important vs being busy doing everything for everyone.
NYE resolution for exercise: become a better swimmer so I can complete my first beginner sprint triathlon
NYE resolution for running: Explore more (new routes, new races, new scenery) and Journal more!

Plans - kiddo being babysitted by grandparents, so hubby and I will get to go out to a nice dinner

 

[run.minnie.miles]

ATTQOTD:
We hope to catch a movie or even 2 over New Years. I am dying to go to Mary Poppin Returns, so we'll definitely go to that. Hubby is more of a hero guy, so we might also go to Aquaman or Bumblebee.

I don't have any traditional resolutions, but I would like to try to host more at our home. I have always used the excuse of having a somewhat small house, but I really like to entertain, so I just need to make it happen.

(ATYQOTD: I didn't think the taper would bother me.. I am welcoming the reduced mileage. With that said, yesterday's 8 mile run made me feel like I couldn't even run a half in a few weeks and I have a weird tickle in my throat... so maybe there is something to the "taper crazies." )

 

[Bree]

ATTQOTD: On the 30th my DD & I are having a late lunch at Kona Cafe then heading to MK for the fireworks. NYE DD is having a sleepover with 3 friends. We will shoot off some fireworks around midnight for them (along with half the neighborhood). NYD probably recovering from having to listen to four giggly girls all night.

 

[ZellyB]

ATTQOTD: No plans for NYE or NYD. I'm planning to work both. I don't do so much resolutions, but am looking to get back on the wagon with my eating which has definitely been off the rails of late.

 

[Professor_Cookie]

Attqotd-working/working. NYE has me worried since we are doing 5 courses which is one more than usual for NYE and we have 400 on the books which is about 180 more than usual. Should be a great night for the owner.
No New Years resolution, but I would like to get 5 days splitboarding in since I’ve only got 4 days on mountain the past two winters even though I have a seasons pass and live about a half mile from the base area.

Bonus- my vote is Cali. I love Disneyland, obviously, and Napa is gorgeous even if you just go visit the wineries. I’ve been all over Western Europe and the US, and Napa is one of the most stunning places I’ve been. Rent a convertible and drive the roads in the area. Savage driver’s roads.

 

[Jules76126]

ATTQOTD: we are heading to Boston on Saturday to celebrate our anniversary. We are to the Museum of Fine Arts as they have a Winnie the Pooh exhibit and a special impression one that we want to see. Then dinner in the North End. DH has to work NYE so we will probably stay in and watch our wedding video and drink champagne and then hang out NYD. I don’t go back to work until 1/3 and I’m really enjoying just hanging out.

 

[GreatLakes]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

NYE we have a babysitter so we are going over to a friends. I may do a race at 4:00 that day but I haven't committed yet. NYD we usually go do dinner somewhere nice. We haven't decided 100% yet.

BONUS QUESTION:

DW and I are brainstorming a few ideas around for our 10 year anniversary in June. We have a few ideas but a new one came up last night that I thought some of yall may be able to help with. We are looking at maybe hitting up Cedar Point. My question for those who have been is how many park days tickets should we get to ride all the big attractions? The other part of the question is what else can we do in that area (within a few hours drive)? Are their any cabins or resorts for a nice little get away? Some hiking opportunities... Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Our other two ideas are going to Punta Cana, which seems to be losing steam. The other idea is likely a little over budget but consisted of going to Disneyland for 2-3 days and then wine country for 2-3 days with maybe a day in San Francisco. I like the Disneyland part, but not much a wine drinker. The only time I drank much wine was when I smoked a pack a day. I don't think it's worth picking up the habit again for the sake of wine.

What time of year? I never had any trouble doing everything at Cedar Point in one day but I'm fairly local so I could always go back. I would recommend getting their front of the line pass. I can't remember what it is called but we went one day in June, got the pass, and actually got tired or riding everything eventually and left around 6:00pm.

If you want to head towards Cleveland there are a lot of options. You could take in a baseball game, the Rock N Roll hall of fame, one of the many local craft breweries and/or restaurants, check out the second largest theater district in the country, some of the museums around University Circle, and a lot of other options. For hiking go to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are trails everywhere.

If you are more interested in what is going on downtown I would personally recommend staying in a Bed & Breakfast in Ohio City. J. Palen House or Clifford House are the two places I'd recommend. You have great breweries and restaurants withing a half mile and you can easily get downtown and back. If the museums are more your style check out the Glidden House. If you'd rather stay in a conventional hotel there are plenty.

If you would rather do something less city focused there is Kelly's Island and Middle Bass Island not far from Cedar Point.

Let me know if you need any further information in the area.

 

[Sanchez]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

We returned from our cruise and so this week and next will likely be spent catching up on work. We generally do not do much for New Year's Eve or Day.

My annual resolution is to take up smoking. I have failed every year. Perhaps this year I will succeed.

Other than that, I am not a resolution person. A date on a calendar seems an unlikely trigger for success. If someone wants to get in shape or lose weight, for example, any day is a great day to start. I would never criticize anyone for taking positive steps to improve health or fitness, however I will do everything I can to avoid the gym next week.

 

[PrincessV]

ATTQOTD (yesterday): The only thing I like about tapering is that I get a bunch of around-the-house chores done because I need to burn off the extra energy. I need to strategically schedule tapers to get ironing done lol!

ATTQOTD: I’m hoping to get out of staying up until 12am NYE this year. It’s way past my normal bedtime and exhausts me, but I’ve got a teen who likes me to stay up so... No resolutions: I don’t do those

 

[Kazrak]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

Nothing particular planned for NYE. I've got a race on the 30th, and would have a race on NYD except we leave for WDW on the 2nd. Plans for NYD include packing for the trip.

I don't generally go for resolutions - once we get back from WDW I intend to get back on the wagon for my diet, and will probably start talking to a personal trainer in February after I get back from a business trip to Austin. But I've only ever had one truly successful New Years resolution. (I decided to stop biting my fingernails when I was about 18 or 19.)

The other idea is likely a little over budget but consisted of going to Disneyland for 2-3 days and then wine country for 2-3 days with maybe a day in San Francisco. I like the Disneyland part, but not much a wine drinker. The only time I drank much wine was when I smoked a pack a day. I don't think it's worth picking up the habit again for the sake of wine.

Can't help you with the Cedar Point part, never having been in Ohio at all, but...if you like that sort of theme park, Cedar Fair runs a park near San Francisco (California's Great America) which is pretty decent for coasters. They just got one of the new monorail coasters this year - it's pretty impressive, although not one I want to ride frequently. If you want a coaster vacation, there are worse areas than the SFBA, between Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Or maybe go up to Yosemite instead of Napa, or go look at the redwoods? Tahoe is gorgeous that time of year, as another option. There's plenty to do in northern California that doesn't involve the wineries.

Or you could do what my wife and I did a couple years back and hit a few of the single-A baseball teams in the California League. All three kids were at camp for two weeks, so we could go anywhere. She's a huge baseball fan, so we ended up going to a game at every stadium in the California League, with a few days at Disneyland in the middle. We still joke about it - I offered her Hawaii, she chose Bakersfield.

 

[Waiting2goback]

QOTD: Today is likely our last QOTD of the year. DS is getting tubes put in tomorrow morning and we have another bust weekend plus NYE. So for todays question I want to know what are you doing for NYE and NYD? Also, do you have a New Years resolution?

ATTQOTD: for NYE, DW will be working, so the kids and I will get a gumbo going and make a trip to the firework stand. NYD we will probably BBQ for the LSU game and then back to work for a short week. After that its 4 more work days and we make our way to WDW on 1/11/19 with a goal of getting out the door by 4:00 AM for our 12 hour trip. Hopefully this all goes as planned but I seem to be coming down with a sinus cold or something thats getting worse each morning. I just hope its not one of those colds that stick around for weeks.

BONUS QUESTION:

DW and I are brainstorming a few ideas around for our 10 year anniversary in June. We have a few ideas but a new one came up last night that I thought some of yall may be able to help with. We are looking at maybe hitting up Cedar Point. My question for those who have been is how many park days tickets should we get to ride all the big attractions? The other part of the question is what else can we do in that area (within a few hours drive)? Are their any cabins or resorts for a nice little get away? Some hiking opportunities... Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Our other two ideas are going to Punta Cana, which seems to be losing steam. The other idea is likely a little over budget but consisted of going to Disneyland for 2-3 days and then wine country for 2-3 days with maybe a day in San Francisco. I like the Disneyland part, but not much a wine drinker. The only time I drank much wine was when I smoked a pack a day. I don't think it's worth picking up the habit again for the sake of wine.

No kids for any of the options. I've seen so many videos of the rides there and we've talked about going one day. Our current travel days are June 1 - 8 or less depending on how far we can stretch our budget out. No water parks for us and probably no race as that has been a request to go on a trip without a run being involved lol. I'll look into some of these options you mentioned and will let you know if I have any questions. Thanks!



The Disneyland option really does seem amazing and I want to go so bad! I've read two days is plenty over there, but we have never been so IDK. Ideas for hotels near the park? Instead of the wine country I can think of many other things I would like to do while over in the part of the world. Maybe a day trip to wine country could convince DW to head that direction. Tomorrow we should have a bit more time to talk about some of these options and do a little more research.

My 2nd daughter's birthday is NYE so my plans revolve around her and what she wants to do. My guess is she will want to stay up til midnight now that she is going to be 11. She and the older kids will most likely watch TV/movies, and have ice cream and snacks. I haven't been able to stay awake past 9 pm lately so we will see if I make it to midnight with her. NYD will be a relax day before school starts again.

I don't do resolutions. I used to when I was fat and out of shape. Now I am living the lifestyle I used to "resolve" to every day so I have no need for any. My exercise bike gets delivered tomorrow so assuming there aren't issues with it I will be back to regular workouts this weekend.

BONUS: I vote for DL. I did my first DL trip in October and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I CANNOT wait to get back. You need way more than 2 days for those parks though. No idea who came up with that theory, especially if you have kids. I went with just my GF and the parks were open 8am to 11pm if I remember correctly. We maxed out our two days with about 29 hours of park time and we didn't see nearly everything, and we didn't do the kids rides. Granted, it was busy because we went the weekend before Halloween so HM was jammed. But we did Max Pass and didn't wait in the crazy lines. It is just harder to navigate in that park when it is busy because it gets more congested.

Then you could drive up to San Fran and see some sights up there (cough, Walt Disney Family Museum, cough). But, I would find a way to get to DL if your wife has any interest. It is a MUST see.

As for the best hotels. There are about 20 hotels all within 10-15 minute walk. Some I have heard bad things about but for the most part, you can't go wrong. If you take that route just do a search on Expedia and see what's cheapest and then PM and I will help you pick. : )

One thing to be aware of. There are homeless people at every street corner once you exit the park. So you pass them walking back to your hotel. It's not something you are used to at WDW but they seem to leave people alone.

 

[Wendy98]

If you can swing it, go to DL. No way would I have been satisfied with 2 days--I think 4 would be my minimum. I loved everything about DL and my kids ask repeatedly to go back. We were going to do it this summer, but the I booked Germany for Berlin marathon, so there went our big summer trip budget. We flew in to San Francisco, spent a few days, then Yosemite for a few days, the DL, then Santa Monica. I can say that I don't ever want to make the drive from Northern California to DL again--traffic was AWFUL. I love wine country, but then again, I love all things wine related. If wine isn't your thing, I wouldn't do it. Maybe seek out some awesome breweries instead?

As a lifelong resident of Ohio, it just doesn't scream 10 year anniversary worthy.

 

[Wendy98]

And our usual NYE consists of dinner out, then game night with our kids. I don't care to even stay up until midnight--I like sleep better. NYD, de-Christmasize the house. Sometimes we will do a little shopping, but eh, doesn't excite me after spending so much for Christmas.

 

[jennamfeo]

ATTQOTD: We don't have any locked in plans for NYE eve. We will most likely be kid-free so we can do whatever we want! But last year my husband had one of the worst hangovers ever on NYD so he wants to avoid that this year.
I haven't hashed out my resolutions yet, but I did go through my list from last year and check off all I have accomplished. Some things I didn't even attempt to do, so I guess I will move them on over to 2019.

Bonus question: What's weird is that I haven't been to a lot of places in the US (which happens when you live on the BEST coast), but I have been to Cedar Point! Haha. It was almost 8 years ago so I imagine that a lot could have changed since then. But it just reminded me of a Six Flags. Nothing special. I do recall that the Chili's right outside of Cedar Point wouldn't accept my Military ID as a form of identification so they wouldn't serve me booze.

As for your comment on wine country........ does your wife enjoy wine? Then maybe for your anniversary you can sacrifice the fact that you don't like wine and go experience wine country with her. And who knows, maybe while you are there learning about wine you can find something you like.

I can definitely help you out with places to stay around Disneyland if you go that route. You ~can~ do two days there but they will be full to the brim, if you are okay with that. Haha. Good luck!

 

[LSUlakes]

BQOTD: Are you committed to taking kids with you for your anniversary trip? If so, the DL option sounds like a winner. If not, I’d suggest considering a more exotic locale. DW and I went to Iceland to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We went in November so that we could watch the Northern Lights. It was a fantastic experience. Going somewhere special with just your wife to celebrate your anniversary and spending some quality couples only time can be a great relationship refresher, as well.

no kiddos for the trip. I like the idea of the exotic, but I do not think DW is interested in leaving the states. That could change, but thats the vibe im picking up on. I do want to see the northern lights one day, but again, that whole leaving the country thing is potentially a issue.

NYE we have a babysitter so we are going over to a friends. I may do a race at 4:00 that day but I haven't committed yet. NYD we usually go do dinner somewhere nice. We haven't decided 100% yet.

BONUS QUESTION:



What time of year? I never had any trouble doing everything at Cedar Point in one day but I'm fairly local so I could always go back. I would recommend getting their front of the line pass. I can't remember what it is called but we went one day in June, got the pass, and actually got tired or riding everything eventually and left around 6:00pm.

If you want to head towards Cleveland there are a lot of options. You could take in a baseball game, the Rock N Roll hall of fame, one of the many local craft breweries and/or restaurants, check out the second largest theater district in the country, some of the museums around University Circle, and a lot of other options. For hiking go to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are trails everywhere.

If you are more interested in what is going on downtown I would personally recommend staying in a Bed & Breakfast in Ohio City. J. Palen House or Clifford House are the two places I'd recommend. You have great breweries and restaurants withing a half mile and you can easily get downtown and back. If the museums are more your style check out the Glidden House. If you'd rather stay in a conventional hotel there are plenty.

If you would rather do something less city focused there is Kelly's Island and Middle Bass Island not far from Cedar Point.

Let me know if you need any further information in the area.

First off, this is a lot of great info! Thank you so much!. Our planned travel days are June 1 to June 8, 2019.

My annual resolution is to take up smoking. I have failed every year. Perhaps this year I will succeed.

This made me lol!

 

[jmasgat]

ATTQOTD: NYE is a time for football, movies and bed before midnight. Ah, the thrill! I think the fresh start to the year is as good a time as any to assess one's personal situation and think about changes. I would seriously like to get a handle on my sweet tooth and the holidays have not helped with that. (I made a buche de Noel and received some nice chocolate).

As for Cedar Point-my son loved it. My only experience there was doing a 70.3 and I only was in Lake Erie and on the grounds outside the park! The food sucked. But the coasters look awesome.