Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[annmarieda]

Ann, as always I am in awe with your running. .

I really am shocked that I enjoy the running so much. It never took to any form of physical activity... other than perhaps hiking. Back in school, I hated running. I have to wonder if the motivation of Disney races has been the thing to really change it all for me. I do hope to keep running as a part of my life. It has been such a positive thing for me.

And I really hope that you are going to feel better soon.

Thanks, Karin I am still not 100% sure it is a bug. My sore throat is much better but now my eyes and sinuses are itchy/watery... makes me think allergies. I am going to try and baby myself a bit though so that I can hopefully be 100% by sunday.

Cool ribbons!

Thanks!

I love the way you chronicle your runs.

I tend to forget them so quickly. (did you see I had to edit my tuesday run?) I like to chronicle them for me... writing it on the PTR not only helps me to remember them, but helps to keep me accountable. I just don't' want to bore everyone.

I can't believe you got twisted up in that dogs lease. OMG. I couldn't help chuckle a bit, but that had to be awkward as heck!

It truly was a funny moment. around one ankle.. between my legs in a figure eight.... When the gal realized what had happened she was horrified. I knew she didn't mean to let it happen. Honestly, she was dealing with something I would much rather her deal with. (doggie droppings on a trail can make for far less fun runs) I think that is why I chatted a bit though...just to assure her it was all good. It wasn't like she set out on purpose to do me harm. So there was no point in getting upset. I figure it is best to just laugh about stuff like this. Now... the person who let their dog run after me nipping at my heels once... I wasn't as happy with that person. However, if they had just told me they were sorry... I would have easily brushed it off. Instead I was left feeling irritated.

 

[Ariel484]

Ann, I'm sorry the intervals zapped you! Sounds like you got some good runs in, but I hope you feel better soon!

 

[ZellyB]

All caught up!

Congratulations on your ribbons. You are a much faster runner than me, although we are trying to pick up the pace this year in training.

Like you, I came to my love of running after I was already in my 40s and I never would have imagined I'd get hooked like I did. My husband and I also just celebrated our 25th at WDW after running the marathon. Running together has been a great added benefit to our marriage.

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I hope it's just allergies and you are back to feeling good again in time for your 12K.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

You think the extra hour would be enough or two?

I think it should be.

thanks. It is kinda silly. It was fun to get... and I am proud of the ribbon.... but really... as I said not hard to place in your division in this race. Steve was 2nd out of 3. Means everyone in his division got a ribbon. Now, mine did have a few more so not everyone did place...but still competition wasn't in the hundreds or anything. In fact I was only up against 9 other people. (so there wasn't even 10's of people to contend with..just 10 of us total)

I think everyone gets proud about things like that, rightfully so!

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, I'm sorry the intervals zapped you!

I just was surprised at how they left me feeling. I read so many good reports of how walk breaks can help you get through. I guess maybe I was pushing to hard during my run intervals? I have tried them in the past and it hasn't worked. I think my body thinks "wait, we are done?" and goes into a cool down. Then it is hard to make it go again. I don't know. If I am to get my pace better I will have to do some intervals. Maybe not run walk, but at least something like what you are doing with increasing speed for a quarter mile or half mile.

Sounds like you got some good runs in, but I hope you feel better soon!

Thank you! I did get some good runs in. Luckily I wasn't feeling like I do now last week. Still... I am attempting to get my runs in. I worry that the 12k on sunday is not going to go well. I guess if it doesn't it doesn't. I will try my best though...

All caught up!

Congratulations on your ribbons.

Thanks. It was a fun thing to get.

You are a much faster runner than me, although we are trying to pick up the pace this year in training.

We all have different abilities and strengths. I think the kind of training you do can greatly impact how you progress. I know I need to alter my training to get faster. I am in a training "rut". I just kinda go out and run... and my pace is not really improving.

Like you, I came to my love of running after I was already in my 40s and I never would have imagined I'd get hooked like I did. My husband and I also just celebrated our 25th at WDW after running the marathon. Running together has been a great added benefit to our marriage.

It is interesting to come into it later, isn't it? I kinda feel like it I am more proud of it than I would have been had I started in my 20's. How cool that the two of you just celebrated your 25th year at WDW after running the marathon together!!!! I am in awe of those of you who ran that! I too think that running is a great thing for a marriage!

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I hope it's just allergies and you are back to feeling good again in time for your 12K.

Thanks. I am glad this week I was purposely not going to run a ton. I need the lower miles. Pretty sure it is a cold now rather than allergies. Still... I got my 4 miles in today. It wasn't my worst... wasn't my best. I got it done though. Then I came home... took cold medicine. I don't' think i could run while on cold medicine.

I think it should be.

I think everyone gets proud about things like that, rightfully so!

Yes, but we all may have different motivations for running. I just don't want to seem petty to those who really could care less about getting a ribbon. I care some but maybe not as much as others.

 

[annmarieda]

Since I have some updates on this trip I thought I should really share who will be going.

There will be me of course. This will be my 4th half marathon. I am very excited for it as well as for the trip itself. DLR with holiday decorations has me VERY excited.


Steve will also be there. It will be his second half marathon. Funny to think I only have 2 additional halfs. He will be getting his Coast to Coast medal for doing this one. He is pretty excited about that!



Then there will be Zach. Zach is my oldest son. I don't get to travel often with him any more. He will not be running. He is just there to spend some quality time with his dad and I. Despite doing the usual guy thing and saying that he doesn't "love" Disney he somehow still has managed to take a trip to DLR just with he and his fiance.

Kimberly, his "soon to be" bride (sounds like they moved the wedding up to next April ) will be joining us. She too will not be running. I have taken a road trip with her and she is super fun. She and I also work for the same place. She and I recently put in a 12 (and some change) hour day together. So I know we can spend extended periods of time together. We get a long well and I adore her. She has only been to Disney twice. (once was with my ds). She has never been to WDW even though her maid of honor works in AK.

 

[KatMark]

Ann, great intros. And way to go Steve on his Coast to Coast.

I love the picture of Zach and hsi fiance...she's beautiful.

It sounds like the four of you will have a great time together.

 

[annmarieda]

With the number of trips I have planned, I am always watching airfare. I have been considering a certain return fare from Long Beach. (thanks to Cynthia since I never would have considered this airport before). The issue with this fare was that it was 2 days after we were set to check out.

Originally, the plan was to fly out Friday and return Monday. This would be good since it would straddle two pay periods for Zach. It would also mean a pretty short down a back trip so less overall cost. Then I realized that it would be "Christmas" time and I couldn't help but want a couple dedicated park days. Zach also just went active duty this week so rather than have to contend with a work schedule he will be able to just take leave. Steve will have the vacation days available assuming he doesn't get sicker. That leaves Kimberly and I for work and her school. Kimberly will be missing a couple of days of school. Work wise, she and I will get back in time to meet a deadline. So with all of that sorted out it was agreed we would extend by a couple nights and book that flight back.

I did first call the hotel to make sure that they could extend our reservations for a couple nights. Sure enough, they could!!! So we now are returning on 11/19. I booked us early in the day rather than later just so that Kimberly and I have more of a chance to complete our tasks that day. I just couldn't pass a $69 flight.

 

[KatMark]

You can never pass on a $69 flight! Glad you could get the room extra days.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann, great intros. And way to go Steve on his Coast to Coast.

I love the picture of Zach and his fiance...she's beautiful.

It sounds like the four of you will have a great time together.

Thank, Kathy! As you know, having grown kids is such a blessing (not that having wee ones isn't..but..) They grow and become adults and it is amazing to see the adults they become. They become part of a "team" and you then get to know another special person. I prayed long and hard for both Kira and Josh's future spouses when they were young. I prayed for little Josh and little Kimberly before I even knew who they were or who they would become. I am incredibly blessed that both turned out to be such amazing people who tolerate and love my children. I also am blessed that my two who have moved away try to spend time with Steve and I when they can. Zach's finances are not quite what Kira's are though and so he can not travel as often. (Kimberly has a college tuition that really zaps Zach's bank account) So while I love traveling with Kira this trip with Zach is going to be very special.

You can never pass on a $69 flight! Glad you could get the room extra days.

I know! $69 is just unheard of. It cost less than $300 for all 4 of us to fly back home. Now if I could just get the flight down there for that much. (or the flight down with Cynthia for that matter)

I am happy with the room... although I must admit I wish we could stay on property. Someday I will. Maybe if I ever have enough points to stay at GCV.... the per night point cost there is a lot higher than in WDW resorts...

 

[annmarieda]

I promise...last one.

I had to share that last week rawthreads had a sale. I really like their stuff. The shirt I ran the donald in was one of theirs. I plan to run in a shirt of theirs for the ToT. Their tanks are not very cheap though. So this sale was a good deal. It was a grab bag with 3 shirts for $60 when they normally are $39 each. Shipping was a bit high though... but I still went for it and ordered... hoping that I didn't get either of the 2 I already own.

The order came today


Looks like a Merida themed one, a Rapunzel and then ofcourse Belle. The backs of these shirts are really cute. The Merida one has the bow with a bear in the center near the bottom. The Rapunzel has the bow with a sun in the center near the bottom. The Belle has a mirror on the center of the back. It also has the word "run" near the bottom. Not sure what the decorations are with the word though. Maybe rose petals?


I am pretty happy with the grab bag I got. Looks like I definitely have something for the phm... the donald and perhaps even the dlh if I decided to run in different outfits each race.

 

[eandesmom]

OMG! I totally miscalculated!! Our Tea and dinner are about 3.5 hours apart. (so approx. 2 and then approx 5:30) I still think maybe 6:30 would be a tad better. Mil and Fill are in Australia right now and wont be back till the end of the month... but once they are back I am going to get their take on things. Until then I am just going to keep the 5:30 ADR.

That is doable timewise, just maybe not great in terms of how close if you have food at the tea. If you can do a 6 or 6:30 I think I'd be better but it's doable.

I know you all wait on pins and needles for these so figured I should get to it.

Seriously, I hope I don't bore you all....

Total Miles for the week 21.1 with an average pace of 9:04

Monday, March 31 - With the weather getting nicer out I decided to go a bit farther than normal. 2.73 miles in 23:24

Tuesday, April 1 - I can't even remember anything about this run. 4.11 in 37:25 Run and done is all.... Edited to say that I remembered what I did! I knew this wasn't a fun run. I ran the first 2 miles and then decided that mile three (that is on a road that I call the road that never ends because it is a mile long) I would try intervals. I figure iI need to try some new approaches every now and again. And after reading Shannon's description of her half training I think this is what I might actually need to be doing. Anyway, I would run hard for a minute and then walk for a minute. I don't think I was doing this correctly -maybe a quarter to half mile would have been better? I thought walk run often was in ratios of one minute to one minute. All I know is that at the end of the mile I was did not feel as though I had the energy that is often so talked about with walk/run methods. IIt was hard on me. I decided to slow my average pace down for the last mile (which was still faster than my average pace during the intervals) I was able to recover from what I did to myself during the intervals and did finish not feeling like I was totally dying. The mile with the intervals was pretty rough on me..

Thursday, 4/3 - I started out and I felt great! I must have felt like I was running in mud on Tuesday because I do remember that I felt like I was flying. I was making great time. THEN I saw a possible obstacle ahead of me on the trail. There was a woman with two dogs. One large one off leash and one small on leash. As I approached I slowed because the woman was not aware I was coming up on her. I thought she was trying to fix her running gear. Turned out she was trying to get a doggie bag. She was so engrossed in this task that she did not see that the small dog had come to say hello on her cord style leash (the kind that lets out as far as the dog wants to go) Little dog had wrapped the cord around my legs..between my legs. It was like a comedic skit where the person is hopping from side to side trying to untangle themselves. Only I was not a comedian. It was still however funny. I stopped to get situated and spoke with the gal for a few minutes. I THOUGHT I had paused my running program. Turns out I had not. So I now had added standing still into my pace. I got back to running and decided I would run to the end of the trail and stop (rather than scrap the whole thing or have it continue to average into my pace for the remaining 4 miles) So I stopped at 2.12 miles and 19:31 minutes in. See.. I was flying. Even with standing still for a few minutes I managed a 9:13 pace. I then started back up my ap and continued on for another 4.15 miles. I did slow a bit I think, but still managed to get those 4.15 done in 36:46. (8:52 pace)

Saturday, 4/5 - The weather again changed and it was a rainy day. I decided I should get in some elevation changes (hills) in my run so I changed my route a tad. With the grey clouds, I dressed like I have for months. this was a bad choice. It was warm and humid. So not all that comfortable. I managed to get. 8.02 miles in 1:14:41 done.

I came home from my run Saturday and was tapped more than normal. I was so very very achy. I assumed that due to the physical nature of my job I had injured myself. I had been sore from something that happened all week, but now it was almost unbearable. My low back hurt, my knees hurt... I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I could not get warm all day Saturday... but still thought it was a combination of injury, the 8 mile run and the rain (although I was lucky that the pouring rain stopped for the entire time I was running) Sunday I started feeling like my eyes were burning and I am pretty sure in the middle of the night I had a fever break. I woke today with a sore throat. I still ran this morning, but man it was tough! I have a 12k on sunday. I really really hope this is ONLY allergies and not some sort of new plague.

Well you beat me by a TON. I had a craptastic run on Monday (my body wasn't ready to go from 50's to 73 degrees and let me know it lol) and now won't run again until our race as I'm in Phoenix at a trade show. I didn't bring my stuff as these evens are literally 7am till 10pm daily. And I just can't get up at 4am to pull it off. 5:30 was bad enough today, they are a bit draining. My only "real" window would have been at 4pm and well, it's 90 degrees out I think.

It is what it is though and I too, will do my best. And, we will have FUN and that's what matters. Do the best we can, have fun, let the rest go.

GREAT pic of Zach and Kimberly!

With the number of trips I have planned, I am always watching airfare. I have been considering a certain return fare from Long Beach. (thanks to Cynthia since I never would have considered this airport before). The issue with this fare was that it was 2 days after we were set to check out.

Originally, the plan was to fly out Friday and return Monday. This would be good since it would straddle two pay periods for Zach. It would also mean a pretty short down a back trip so less overall cost. Then I realized that it would be "Christmas" time and I couldn't help but want a couple dedicated park days. Zach also just went active duty this week so rather than have to contend with a work schedule he will be able to just take leave. Steve will have the vacation days available assuming he doesn't get sicker. That leaves Kimberly and I for work and her school. Kimberly will be missing a couple of days of school. Work wise, she and I will get back in time to meet a deadline. So with all of that sorted out it was agreed we would extend by a couple nights and book that flight back.

I did first call the hotel to make sure that they could extend our reservations for a couple nights. Sure enough, they could!!! So we now are returning on 11/19. I booked us early in the day rather than later just so that Kimberly and I have more of a chance to complete our tasks that day. I just couldn't pass a $69 flight.

for $69 flights!

I promise...last one.

I had to share that last week rawthreads had a sale. I really like their stuff. The shirt I ran the donald in was one of theirs. I plan to run in a shirt of theirs for the ToT. Their tanks are not very cheap though. So this sale was a good deal. It was a grab bag with 3 shirts for $60 when they normally are $39 each. Shipping was a bit high though... but I still went for it and ordered... hoping that I didn't get either of the 2 I already own.

The order came today


Looks like a Merida themed one, a Rapunzel and then ofcourse Belle. The backs of these shirts are really cute. The Merida one has the bow with a bear in the center near the bottom. The Rapunzel has the bow with a sun in the center near the bottom. The Belle has a mirror on the center of the back. It also has the word "run" near the bottom. Not sure what the decorations are with the word though. Maybe rose petals?


I am pretty happy with the grab bag I got. Looks like I definitely have something for the phm... the donald and perhaps even the dlh if I decided to run in different outfits each race.

yes, rose petals. I have the same tank in the yellow.

Mine was a true grab bag...since I didn't pick good girls or villians and went total mystery. I got a "run for beer" tee, the Ariel tee and a boston strong tank that I actually like a lot. Colors on all are good and I'll wear them. I struggle with the "bow" designs. They are cute but...almost too cute for me so I haven't ordered any.

The stay calm and yeti on though...THAT I may have to get!

 

[annmarieda]

That is doable timewise, just maybe not great in terms of how close if you have food at the tea. If you can do a 6 or 6:30 I think I'd be better but it's doable.

I think once the in laws get back I will ask them. I am leaning toward 6:30 though. Maybe I should just switch it now and not give them the option. :scrathin that might be a good idea now that I think about it.

Well you beat me by a TON. I had a craptastic run on Monday (my body wasn't ready to go from 50's to 73 degrees and let me know it lol) and now won't run again until our race as I'm in Phoenix at a trade show. I didn't bring my stuff as these evens are literally 7am till 10pm daily. And I just can't get up at 4am to pull it off. 5:30 was bad enough today, they are a bit draining. My only "real" window would have been at 4pm and well, it's 90 degrees out I think.

I can't say I would be able to get out and run if I was face with a 4am or a 90 degree option. Last monday went surprisingly well. This monday.. not so much.

It is what it is though and I too, will do my best. And, we will have FUN and that's what matters. Do the best we can, have fun, let the rest go.

Definitely! Just know that if you need to leave me in the dust because I am near fainting cause of this darn cold you should do it! I don't want to hold you up.

We should make plans ya know. Right now... I plan to head up to pick up my packet first thing on Saturday. (as first thing as I get) I am dragging Kira with me cause I have to doggie sit that afternoon. She has a dress fitting at Davids bridal in South center so I plan to drop her off for that and then take her pup home with me. Once you get back from your trip, just shoot me a text and we can coordinate. I am pretty unfamiliar with the landing. I just know there is a target and a dicks sporting goods.

GREAT pic of Zach and Kimberly!

Those two are always taking selfies and posting to facebook. I think they are a cute couple.

for $69 flights!

I know, right!?! If it were not for you though, I wouldn't have known to check LGB! So thank you.

yes, rose petals. I have the same tank in the yellow.

Ok.. that makes sense though. You have the tank in yellow? Does it work with the yellow skirt? How cool is that? I actually have a pink skirt that matches the rose petals exactly.

Mine was a true grab bag...since I didn't pick good girls or villians and went total mystery. I got a "run for beer" tee, the Ariel tee and a boston strong tank that I actually like a lot. Colors on all are good and I'll wear them. I struggle with the "bow" designs. They are cute but...almost too cute for me so I haven't ordered any.

Yeah... I ordered the "good girls" pack. I was hoping for the bows actually. I think they are pretty cute. I am glad I got the Belle one too though... I maybe would have liked one of the other girls...but that is ok. You got Ariel? Very cool... and the run for beer is one that people like for the Wine and Dine (some day.. I really so hope to do that one) Boston strong is cool too... more for just an every day run shirt though rather than a costume. So in some ways an even better thing to get in the grab bag.

The stay calm and yeti on though...THAT I may have to get!

I love the lettering in it! I heard that this is the last year for EE though... but I do really like that shirt!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Hope the 12k went well this weekend!

 

[MEK]

Sounds like you survived the 12K! (I saw Cynthia's FB post). Congrats!

Kimberly is adorable!

You can NEVER pass up a $69 flight. NEVER!

Adorable T-shirts!

 

[annmarieda]

Hope the 12k went well this weekend!

It did! I will do a recap. It was a lot of fun. Having been sick all week it kicked my butt.. but that didn't stop me from having fun!!!

Sounds like you survived the 12K! (I saw Cynthia's FB post). Congrats!

I did! In some ways it about killed me...but I had some fun!

Kimberly is adorable!

I think she is too.

You can NEVER pass up a $69 flight. NEVER!

Right?!!

Adorable T-shirts!

I am quite happy with the ones I got!

 

[ZellyB]

Congrats on the 12K. Can't wait to read about it.

I love the shirts. I'd never heard of Raw Threads until someone on here mentioned them. Their stuff looks really cute and people here seem to love it, so I'll have to look for a good opportunity to buy something.

$69 for a flight is amazing!

And, I hear you about staying on-site. I really want to do that, but I want to stay deluxe if we do it and when it comes down to pricing it I just haven't been able to pull the trigger. But, one day I will! Maybe if I ever do Dopey.

 

[Ariel484]

Cute Raw Threads shirts! Love the Belle one. I ALMOST took advantage of that sale, but I ended up talking myself out of it. They make the nicest stuff!

$69 flight...woohoo!! How awesome is that?!

So...I have seen you make some...Goofy postings on other threads lately. Care to expand on that?! Disney and their medals, they sure know how to rope us in.

 

[KatMark]

I love the t-shirts Ann.

 

[annmarieda]

Congrats on the 12K. Can't wait to read about it.

Thanks!

I love the shirts. I'd never heard of Raw Threads until someone on here mentioned them. Their stuff looks really cute and people here seem to love it, so I'll have to look for a good opportunity to buy something.

They are usually at the expos... I had thought about purchasing online many times, but didn't until I saw them IRL. The tanks I get, I feel, run small. I do carry a bit of weight in the middle.... but I often wear a small if not extra small. For these tanks I get a medium. The fabric is soft since it is not synthetic.. but bamboo. Love their designs too.

$69 for a flight is amazing!

It really is!

And, I hear you about staying on-site. I really want to do that, but I want to stay deluxe if we do it and when it comes down to pricing it I just haven't been able to pull the trigger. But, one day I will! Maybe if I ever do Dopey.

I would almost think you would have to stay on property if you did the dopey. 4 early mornings... I wouldn't be able to drive myself, so that bus transportation would be essential!

Cute Raw Threads shirts! Love the Belle one. I ALMOST took advantage of that sale, but I ended up talking myself out of it. They make the nicest stuff!

It was a bit hard to swallow, for sure! I could kinda get behind the cost for 3 but then when I added in the shipping.. Still... in the end I did purchase and justify it by telling myself I now have a shirt for each race. Merida for avengers (she can be a super hero, yes?) Rapunzel for the Donald. Belle for the Princess. I will have to get new skirts for Merida and Rapunzel but really my "costume" cost for the year is almost taken care of.

$69 flight...woohoo!! How awesome is that?!

So awesome! I just hope to get the flight down there for that!

So...I have seen you make some...Goofy postings on other threads lately. Care to expand on that?! Disney and their medals, they sure know how to rope us in.

I know... I have been toying with the idea. Steve and I had a long talk about it last night and decided - for sure- against it. Maybe next year. He wants to see if he can get through a half and not need to recover the next day first. Does this mean that I couldn't do it by myself? No... but the other consideration is funds. I have registered for so many races lately it really is starting to show in my bank account. Probably best to just go with the donald. Then maybe I will have enough recovery in my account by the time July and the registration for the phm rolls around to consider adding a challenge in that weekend. but man... those medals do tempt us, don't they??!!!

I love the t-shirts Ann.

Thanks, Kathy. They are very comfy. Kira is thinking of getting some just for the parks. It is a nice moisture wicking fabric that is soft. They are just a tad on the spendy side. Course you put "running" on anything and all of a sudden the price goes up.