Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[Woth2982]

Sorry to hear about Steve and his flareups If you do go solo for PHM I will definitely be there! Did not pull the trigger on TOT and as you said it is sold out, but I had so much fun at Princess that I cannot wait for it next year! So if you do end up solo you can tag along with me again! We did have fun last time!

 

[eandesmom]

Agreed... torrential and windy just doesn't work. We hates that.

Brrr.. chilled is not fun!!!

Did you run last night? YUCK! Talk about torrential. So funny. I was in a bit of a funk when Jeff got home, just really "over" all this stuff. It was to be a gym night and I was clearly ambivalent. I told him that what I really wanted to do was have a glass of wine by the fireplace (and NOT go back outside at all, even just to drive to the gym), but what I knew I "should" do was probably a solid hour of just stretches which 1) made my skin crawl in concept and 2) could be done at home. His response was "yes you should, but you won't do them at home". But I would, and actually vastly preferred that idea then going to the gym and being more bummed about doing that versus other things. So while I did my stupid hour of stretches and exercises here...he went and picked up a bottle of wine and we sat on the couch by the fire.

wonder if that will impact me.

probably not, my revenue fell below I think. Which was odd as it has before but my expenses were lower as well so...who knows.

And that is adding to why I am dragging my feet ... I just don't know. I want to do well... but I also want to have a good time... and if I cut out the "doing well part" will I still have a good time.


EXACTLY! I was just thinking today how many times that I will be in the air. NOw... I am not afraid to fly... but I also am a tad freaked out by flying that many times.

Tink in May will be the first time... The Tink was in January this year. I do need to consider how much flights will be as well as tickets and hotel.

I just need to weigh everything out... still not booked... just not sure one way or another.

You will figure it out

 

[annmarieda]

Sorry to hear about Steve and his flareups

thanks

If you do go solo for PHM I will definitely be there! Did not pull the trigger on TOT and as you said it is sold out, but I had so much fun at Princess that I cannot wait for it next year! So if you do end up solo you can tag along with me again! We did have fun last time!

I am sorry you missed registration for the ToT. But... registration for the phm is just around the corner!!! It would be cool to hang out again because yes, we did have fun! And just think... we won't just have BTMRR to ride..but the dwarf mine ride.

Did you run last night? YUCK!

It was off an odd crazy yesterday. I had stupid in and out tasks for work to do and spent all day waiting out the downpours while in my car rather than just walking into each store. I ended up going for a walk with Steve... and while it was cold, the blue skies had finally started to peak out.

Talk about torrential

NO kidding!!!

So funny. I was in a bit of a funk when Jeff got home, just really "over" all this stuff. It was to be a gym night and I was clearly ambivalent. I told him that what I really wanted to do was have a glass of wine by the fireplace (and NOT go back outside at all, even just to drive to the gym), but what I knew I "should" do was probably a solid hour of just stretches which 1) made my skin crawl in concept and 2) could be done at home. His response was "yes you should, but you won't do them at home". But I would, and actually vastly preferred that idea then going to the gym and being more bummed about doing that versus other things. So while I did my stupid hour of stretches and exercises here...he went and picked up a bottle of wine and we sat on the couch by the fire.

Sounds like your evening turned out well then.

You will figure it out

I will!

 

[annmarieda]

What a day I had today! I had no intention of calling member services not once, but twice... but guess what???


Lets start with after my run (yes, I need to do a training update too) Kira called to ask me what fall availability was looking like. I decided rather than speculate, I would go online and see what was open for our dates. I was expecting lots of SS, maybe some for OKW... and a smattering here and there at other resorts. Only... guess what???

BWV had availably! Granted it wasn't for the entire 4 nights that I needed and it wasn't for two studios. But it was 3 nights in a one bedroom.

Quick conversation with Steve and Kira about the pros and cons of the one bedroom and still needing to waitlist the one night and they were in! You see, while it could happen that my waitlist for 2 studios for 4 nights would come through - I felt that one night in a one bedroom might have a better chance AND worst case we still have 3 nights at BWV.

So I made the first call to member services. I have made many a call to Disney over the years and in my mind member services should have that same level (if not better) of customer service. I have NEVER had a bad experience calling (other than perhaps a long wait) The agent I spoke with (is she considered a cm? ) was less than helpful. In fact, she was down right rude. I explained that I was hoping to release 3 of the 4 nights in the two studios reservations I have. (thus keeping one) I then wished to book the one bedroom at BWV. She did what she was suppose to in that she advised me that it could be a risky move. I have no current UY points to just book the room so I have to release the points from the studio reservations in order to book the 1 bedroom. I didn't have a problem with that aspect of the call. It was risky. In theory, if she did not move quickly I could go from having the 2 studios for 4 nights to just 2 studios for 1 night. (if the BWV room went before she could snag it) However, she went on about how she would have to modify 2 room reservations not just one and that it would take her time. At one point she starts to tell me how much I will have to borrow in order to make this work (which while in the end I did have to borrow 6 points it was not the amount she was saying). I asked her if there was a way for her to see if anyone was currently attempting to book that room. She out and out SNAPPED at me then. Telling me something along the lines of "you think you are the only one who wants this room? Of course there are people who have waitlisted this room. It probably won't be there once I go to book it because it is Food and Wine!" At that point I felt very frustrated and just told her fine..and good bye. I gave her all low marks on the survey and then proceeded to rant on facebook to a group I belong to.

With encouragement from them I decided to take a second shot at it. After all...with all the time that had elapsed between my first seeing it, talking with Steve, calling member services... IT WAS STILL SHOWING AVAILABLE online!

I should also mention that in calling member services, just like most calls to Disney there is a wait. The hold time can be very long.

So I called back and got a very very nice guy who NICELY told me the risk but also then said that it shouldn't be a problem as long as he works quickly. He warned that while he was working fast he would go silent. He then said he would be happy to take care of it for me.

A minute or two later I heard "haa... I got it!" Literally... MINUTES. Then he went to tell me how many points were used and such... which made me realize he had booked the garden/pool view room instead of the standard. I asked if the standard was not available any longer and that is why... he just mutter something like "oh my bad... nope it is there let me grab it" and bam it was done.

He then was happy to take care of fixing my waitlists. Now that I had 3 nights at BWV, I didn't need 2 separate waitlists for studios there. So he cancelled those and put a single night request for BWV in a one bedroom standard view. He even made notes on the account that should the room become available to cancel both studios so that points can be used from them rather than borrow more points. (well, 2 points will need to be borrowed....but...)

He got all perfect marks on the survey!


So I am very happy with what we have booked now. It will be perfect if we can get rid of the two studios and get the one bedroom for the night of the 5th... and I kinda feel like we might have a chance at that. At least a better one than we had in getting 2 studios for 4 nights.

So this is what we have now...

10/1 to 10/5 in a 2 bedroom near hospitality house at OKW

10/5 to 10/6 in a studio near hospitality house at OKW

10/5 to 10/6 in a studio(standard, not hospitality) at OKW

10/6 to 10/9 in a one bedroom standard view at BWV.

 

[SnowhiteHeather]

I just signed up to do the haunted trail 5k in oct! I am so excited! I started doing 5ks a year and a half ago and managed to take 20 minutes off my time. I am anxious to finally do a Disney run!

 

[annmarieda]

I just signed up to do the haunted trail 5k in oct! I am so excited! I started doing 5ks a year and a half ago and managed to take 20 minutes off my time. I am anxious to finally do a Disney run!

Disney runs are so much fun!!! My mil and fil are doing the haunted 5k... I am a little jealous to be honest.

I think the 5k is going to be a lot of fun. I hate missing out on fun.

Way to go on shaving that much off of you time!!! That is AWESOME!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I cannot wrap my head completely around the DVC point system, but yesterday sounds like a win! I hope the 1 day opens up as well!

 

[MEK]

I have to say that I have never had a bad CM when I've called member services, but I have had some with thick accents that our hard to understand. I wonder if their level of competence and costumer service has dropped with the switch over to more online booking? Hmmmm.

Anyway - I am glad you got the 1BR you wanted and I would put money on your wait list coming through for one night. I have always had my F&W wait lists come through there, usually by summer time. I had two wait lists come through last year.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Yay for getting BWV for part of your trip! I hope that last night comes through for you.

 

[eandesmom]

He then was happy to take care of fixing my waitlists. Now that I had 3 nights at BWV, I didn't need 2 separate waitlists for studios there. So he cancelled those and put a single night request for BWV in a one bedroom standard view. He even made notes on the account that should the room become available to cancel both studios so that points can be used from them rather than borrow more points. (well, 2 points will need to be borrowed....but...)

He got all perfect marks on the survey!


So I am very happy with what we have booked now. It will be perfect if we can get rid of the two studios and get the one bedroom for the night of the 5th... and I kinda feel like we might have a chance at that. At least a better one than we had in getting 2 studios for 4 nights.

So this is what we have now...

10/1 to 10/5 in a 2 bedroom near hospitality house at OKW

10/5 to 10/6 in a studio near hospitality house at OKW

10/5 to 10/6 in a studio(standard, not hospitality) at OKW

10/6 to 10/9 in a one bedroom standard view at BWV.

I am SO glad you called back!!!

Can you change the 5th to just add a night at the 2 bedroom and then have that be your waitlist? That way at least you know for sure you won't have to move. I do think you have a chance at it coming through though!!! and as you've seen, keep watching!

 

[annmarieda]

I cannot wrap my head completely around the DVC point system, but yesterday sounds like a win! I hope the 1 day opens up as well!

I probably make it sound more complicated than it is. rotfl: or maybe it really is that confusing) You have your points that you get each year that get dropped into your "account". So if you think of it like a bank account where you get "paid" once a year and and you can save only one years "pay" at a time... there ya go. It just gets confusing I think because of how flexible it is. Can't go this year... bank for the next. Need more this year.. borrow from the next. Further confusing is that when you book does not dictate what years points you use. Right now...I am just barely into my 2013 year. So any trips that I take until December use 2013 points or I can borrow 2014 points. I can however book a room now for say January or February of 2015 and not "borrow" points. It is just weird. I didn't borrow to book my january trip, but had to borrow in order to book my October trip. Number of points needed per room per resort per time of year vary just like rack rate does.

As confusing as it is... it is the best decision in regards to vacations that we have made. I had always read/heard that DVC pays for itself in a few trips. I always thought that to be an overstatement. I mean...when discounts were very heavy and I would stay at Pop...I could not see how I would "break even" in a short amount of time. But now with discounts rarely being as high as 40% off room... and the fact that dh won't stay in Pop.. the room rate really adds up. Just do a search for a 2 bedroom for a night and see the rate. It will make you about fall over. I guess it could be argued that I would never pay for a 2 bedroom even with a discount....so the "break even" argument isn't valid. However, I would not choose to do a lot of things if I did not have the flexibility that DVC affords me.


So yesterday was a win.. in that I wanted to get a room there and it was full...but really it was a win because the first cm was so unhelpful and then the second cm was so great. I have faith that the one night that we waitlisted will come through... and if it doesn't then I am ok with it.

I have to say that I have never had a bad CM when I've called member services, but I have had some with thick accents that our hard to understand. I wonder if their level of competence and costumer service has dropped with the switch over to more online booking? Hmmmm.

Not that I have called THAT many times, but each time I have had the best experience. I just was so taken aback that this gal was so odd with me. I mean.. yes, I get it. I am asking for a room that is maybe sought after. But if I didn't ask.. then someone else would have, right? To snap at me about it was just weird.

Anyway - I am glad you got the 1BR you wanted and I would put money on your wait list coming through for one night. I have always had my F&W wait lists come through there, usually by summer time. I had two wait lists come through last year.

Oh, don't tell me that. I think in someways I really would have preferred 2 studios there... but I just couldn't handle the "what if" for another few months. I am glad to have it just done and taken care of (except that one night) I am fairly optimistic that it could come through. However it is the night after the race... a sunday night. I just wonder if that is why it is the one that was not available.

Yay for getting BWV for part of your trip! I hope that last night comes through for you.

thanks so much. I think if I get the 4 and 4 it will be perfect. 4 nights in a large room with the big patio for dh, mil and fil to spend their days... then 4 nights at the BWV where we can walk back and forth to Food and Wine. It is just that one night that has me worried. Well, not worried... but I would be less anxious if I had that one taken care of too.

I am SO glad you called back!!!

Me too. I kept watching and refreshing the screen thinking that maybe it was not meant to be and that was ok. It just never disappeared so I had hopes that it was meant to be.

Can you change the 5th to just add a night at the 2 bedroom and then have that be your waitlist? That way at least you know for sure you won't have to move. I do think you have a chance at it coming through though!!! and as you've seen, keep watching!

It would take more points to do that... and even though I am closer to a decision on the phm... I don't want to use points that I might need for that trip. Worst case we brave moving from OKW to OKW. If nothing else it would give us each our own sleeping space. I kinda don't like that the one bedroom at BWV only has two actually sleeping spots. I wish they had a sleeper chair like OKW. AKL has them too, right?

 

[Ariel484]

Ugh, what a pain! But YAY for switching to the Boardwalk! I hope that light night comes through for you!

 

[eandesmom]

It would take more points to do that... and even though I am closer to a decision on the phm... I don't want to use points that I might need for that trip. Worst case we brave moving from OKW to OKW. If nothing else it would give us each our own sleeping space. I kinda don't like that the one bedroom at BWV only has two actually sleeping spots. I wish they had a sleeper chair like OKW. AKL has them too, right?

That makes sense. I really do think you have a good chance on it coming through.

BLT, AKV, SSR, OKW all have the sleeper chair. VGF has a trundle I think, not a chair.

VWL, BCV, BWV do not. There simply isn't physically enough room enough to add it in, they have less square footage than the others.

BLT and AKV Kidani get that 2nd bathroom and I think there is something at GVF, not a full 2nd bath but maybe a separate shower? and it's maybe in both the studio and 1B if memory serves.

 

[annmarieda]

Ugh, what a pain! But YAY for switching to the Boardwalk! I hope that light night comes through for you!

Thanks! I hope so too.

That makes sense. I really do think you have a good chance on it coming through.

I hope so.

BLT, AKV, SSR, OKW all have the sleeper chair. VGF has a trundle I think, not a chair.

VWL, BCV, BWV do not. There simply isn't physically enough room enough to add it in, they have less square footage than the others.

BLT and AKV Kidani get that 2nd bathroom and I think there is something at GVF, not a full 2nd bath but maybe a separate shower? and it's maybe in both the studio and 1B if memory serves.

The studios at VWL are now getting that same trundle. I think bambi instead of dumbo like at VGF? A second bathroom in the 1 bedroom at kidani? Ug.. now I want to stay there. I think I want to stay everywhere. I think THAT is my problem.

 

[eandesmom]

T
The studios at VWL are now getting that same trundle. I think bambi instead of dumbo like at VGF? A second bathroom in the 1 bedroom at kidani? Ug.. now I want to stay there. I think I want to stay everywhere. I think THAT is my problem.

That's cool on the trundle, those studios are a bit bigger but it'll be tight. I can't see it fitting at BWV unless they do a major remodel. Allegedly it's scheduled for some stuff in the not too distant future but who knows. The nice thing is it doesn't feel as small as it is simply as they were smart and did smaller furniture so it still feels spacious. It will be an adjustment after OKW though.

Yeah, that 2nd bath is pretty tempting. For Savannah view I think Kidani would win for me but for Standard, I'll take Jambo.

Really looking forward to 2 nights there in Sept!

 

[annmarieda]

That's cool on the trundle, those studios are a bit bigger but it'll be tight. I can't see it fitting at BWV unless they do a major remodel. Allegedly it's scheduled for some stuff in the not too distant future but who knows. The nice thing is it doesn't feel as small as it is simply as they were smart and did smaller furniture so it still feels spacious. It will be an adjustment after OKW though.

Yeah, that 2nd bath is pretty tempting. For Savannah view I think Kidani would win for me but for Standard, I'll take Jambo.

Really looking forward to 2 nights there in Sept!

Do you think we are going to think it too small? I worry about this... especially given that Kira and Zoe will not share a bed. (so we will be brining and air mattress for Zoe)

 

[annmarieda]

Well, since I have done all my March races I cant say "training for..." right now. Honestly, it kinda leaves me feeling a bit I have a race in April that I figure I will sign up for... but it is just a 5k. No need for me really to train at this point for it. Add in I have been feeling kinda bla the last couple weeks and I just need to renew my focus somehow. I signed up for a training program for the half in August. It starts mid May. I am not sure I will go through with it though. It takes my miles up to 40 in a week. I have NEVER ran 40 miles in a week.

So last week was kinda odd. It felt weird to "free form" train.
Total Miles were 19.5 with an average pace of 9:02,

Monday, 3/17 - I decided that since I had a meeting for work early the next morning that I would go for a longer run rather than just my "normal" 2 miles run. I felt like doing 4 miles that day kinda was a good start to the week given I normally do 2.

Tuesday, 3/18 - With a meeting to get to, I completely skipped any run that morning. I felt kinda odd about it even though I had run the day before. Once I was home from work, I waited till far to late in the day to go for a run. I didn't have but 15 minutes to fit something in by the time I decided I HAD to get something in. So I went ahead and decided a mile was better than nothing. I am not sure if it was the quick start to it or the immediate stop (I had to go from running to driving without cool down), but once in the car and driving I had an all out asthma attack. I have not had one in so long. I really thought I was past this sort of thing. I was gasping. It felt like someone had hold of my lungs and would not release. I almost thought about seeking medical attention. Luckily, with some relaxation techniques I got my lungs to stop spasming so and I was able to breath. Still, this was scary to me and it definitely had me worried.

Wednesday, 3/19 - I didn't run. I was so worried about the previous day that I decided a casual walk was more in order. Steve and I enjoyed a brisk (and very cold) nearly 2 mile walk.

Thursday, 3/20 - I HAD to step up my miles. I also had to get over my fear of what had happened on Tuesday. I decided to take it easy as I could and I managed over 8 miles. The pace was not my best, but I really could care less. I was afraid to run going into it, so I just am happy that I got through it. I also ran the entire thing without taking a walk break or stopping. It almost had me believing that I could do this again.

Saturday, 3/22 - I ended the week off with a good run just over 6 miles. My pace was much better and I felt great at the end of it.

 

[KatMark]

Wow...that's a lot of moving in one trip. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. But you are staying at two of my favorite resorts...OKW and BWV.

 

[eandesmom]

Do you think we are going to think it too small? I worry about this... especially given that Kira and Zoe will not share a bed. (so we will be brining and air mattress for Zoe)

I think you will be ok. Since they went with a tiny table in the living space, you will have room for the air mattress as long as it's a twin, not a double. A double might even fit. We certainly had zero issues walking around in there with the bed set up, even back and into the studio. It's a split bathroom so that part is very nice, just be careful of not locking doors when you are done in there. It was kind of funny but we did have the occasional lock out issue.

Well, since I have done all my March races I cant say "training for..." right now. Honestly, it kinda leaves me feeling a bit I have a race in April that I figure I will sign up for... but it is just a 5k. No need for me really to train at this point for it. Add in I have been feeling kinda bla the last couple weeks and I just need to renew my focus somehow. I signed up for a training program for the half in August. It starts mid May. I am not sure I will go through with it though. It takes my miles up to 40 in a week. I have NEVER ran 40 miles in a week.

You and Steve could always join Jeff and I for the Seahawks 12K...it's in April, in Renton so not horribly out of the way (comparatively speaking).



40 miles in a week??????????

So last week was kinda odd. It felt weird to "free form" train.
Total Miles were 19.5 with an average pace of 9:02,

Monday, 3/17 - I decided that since I had a meeting for work early the next morning that I would go for a longer run rather than just my "normal" 2 miles run. I felt like doing 4 miles that day kinda was a good start to the week given I normally do 2.

Tuesday, 3/18 - With a meeting to get to, I completely skipped any run that morning. I felt kinda odd about it even though I had run the day before. Once I was home from work, I waited till far to late in the day to go for a run. I didn't have but 15 minutes to fit something in by the time I decided I HAD to get something in. So I went ahead and decided a mile was better than nothing. I am not sure if it was the quick start to it or the immediate stop (I had to go from running to driving without cool down), but once in the car and driving I had an all out asthma attack. I have not had one in so long. I really thought I was past this sort of thing. I was gasping. It felt like someone had hold of my lungs and would not release. I almost thought about seeking medical attention. Luckily, with some relaxation techniques I got my lungs to stop spasming so and I was able to breath. Still, this was scary to me and it definitely had me worried.

Wednesday, 3/19 - I didn't run. I was so worried about the previous day that I decided a casual walk was more in order. Steve and I enjoyed a brisk (and very cold) nearly 2 mile walk.

Thursday, 3/20 - I HAD to step up my miles. I also had to get over my fear of what had happened on Tuesday. I decided to take it easy as I could and I managed over 8 miles. The pace was not my best, but I really could care less. I was afraid to run going into it, so I just am happy that I got through it. I also ran the entire thing without taking a walk break or stopping. It almost had me believing that I could do this again.

Saturday, 3/22 - I ended the week off with a good run just over 6 miles. My pace was much better and I felt great at the end of it.

I am so sorry about the asthma attack! That is scary, I know Jeff struggles with it at this time of year too but oh, how scary when it happens especially when you thought you were done. That is a lot of miles for the week (ok it would be a lot for me). I've had a very odd 2 weeks of running. Last week I technically only had one 6.5 mile run. With the various issues I was really focused on the legs feeling better and I think that paid off.

This week I have run 13.77 which is a bit more than I'd really planned on before the race but does make up a bit for last week. I'll hit 23 for the week with the race which I think will be the most in a week ever for me. Not positive about that but think so. Not the kind of taper I had in mind but oh well. Bummed about the weather forecast though.

Your training pace really amazes me.

Oh, and not that this has anything to do with anything but....Athleta just came out with the cutest yellow skirt! So, if the black one works and I don't melt or hate the longer shorts underneath, the yellow may just be perfect to still pull of a bit of Belle. Same shorts, skirt appears to be a bit lighter but who really knows. I'll probably order it so I have it and then return it if the black one isn't working out.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Running 40 Miles in a week! That sounds very daunting to me.

I also am scared by the fact of running 8 miles without a single walk break. You rock!