Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[annmarieda]

Once again - some serious loot! Woo hoo! Glad the entire family had fun at the race.

It was. I am tracking things (you can see on page one) It was the most we won this year. AND we only had 4 of us there. Sometimes we are a much larger group. If Kira and Josh come... Zach and Kimberly... Sometimes we have even had Kimberly's family along.

Yup, I have to agree that the slip n slide adventure looks a little precarious at best. Glad no one got hurt on that thing!

It did... PLUS, they used a bleachy sort of soap to make it slippery. OMG, running past people all I could smell was chlorine. I made a comment to one guy and he made a face and mentioned that all he could taste was soap. It got all over his face. I can't imagine that was particularly good for anyone. Zoe was the only one of us to go...and she went down on her knees.

Fun update!

Well that is true, and for as much as you guys go, you should win! They should hire you to advertise for them!

Maybe I do go on about them a tad. It is just a lot of fun. Prizes or no prizes... it is just fun to play. Course, I think that people need to know their limits perhaps a tad better. I know I am not "crosfit fit" I did "whimpy" "girly" pushups. Steve did full on touch the nose to the floor kind. He actually tore the muscle right where his arms and chest meet. (sorry... I forget the name and am too lazy to look it up right now ) Anyway, in a nice neat line there are all these burst capillaries and he couldn't understand why he was so sore. Alex did lunges across the room the month before I think it was and couldn't move for days without hurting. I like to have fun, but I don't push myself to the point of injury. So if there is a challenge that looks remotely dangerous (ie. slip and slide) I skip it.

It does sound like they were factoring stops. I would have interpreted a pacing group the same way you did, not how it played out. If that is the case it would seem they need to add a slower group so all can participate as the overall benefit of the pacer sounds good,

I really do think I didn't misinterpret. The RR guy said it was the walking group. I don't think they could plan for how long each stop would take either. AND if the 11 minute group ran at a 8 to 9 minute pace to compensate for those stops what did the 7 minute per mile run at??

I know what you mean and it is hard not to. I have my own issues for sure. I feel like I am chasing an impossible PR and as a result, find myself "giving up" when I'm not on pace to beat it. That definitely came into play yesterday and I really need to get out of my own head. I do wish I had considered that the "trail" run aspect of it did make it not an apples to apples comparison as I'd likely not have given up as much as I did had I gone into it knowing that it was pretty much impossible given the different conditions. I was looking at them as pretty comparable opportunities and in the end, they really were not. I don't know that it would have changed anything, my stupid bladder kicked into overdrive and I literally walked 3 times, mostly to calm it down! The kicker is I missed 1st in my bracket by 1 stupid minute. which I probably gave up.

I am so guilty of the "giving up" when I know it "aint happening". I can't tell you how many times I set out on a training run thinking that I would do negative splits and then realized it wasn't happening and just slowed way down. Durning a race though... that is even tougher since you have the retrospect to kick yourself over. I know I had one race that I was and absurdly close (like seconds) away from the person ahead of me. I had chose to walk up one hill that was right toward the end. I KNOW had I pushed I would have totally taken that place. The mental aspect to running is almost as big as the physical aspect. Our expectations, our interpretations... all play a role in how we perform. Strange... but true. I know that I could probably do fine on a trail run but just the thought that it is a trail makes me think I would fall down. I too would be right where you were as well trying to compare running on it to running on a pavement. Kicking myself the entire time as I was not running as fast as I normally am able too.

I am rethinking my coffee strategy. I do wonder though if there is some relation to the warmer temps and the "issue" like maybe because it's warmer and I sweat more that speeds up the metabolism of it somehow? I did not have these issues in the cooler races. And it's not runners trots or anything like that but a seriously hyperactive bladder that definitely slows me down and takes over all rational thinking. Which can suck the joy out of the moment for sure.

I definitely am wondering what is up with the active bladder. I talked to my sil this past weekend about the exact topic. Like "it" thinks it needs to go.. you think the entire time you are going to need to hit the restroom once you are done with the run and then when you do... just drops. Like seriously? That is all you have and you were complaining so much that entire run? Also, for me... I had no troubles until last year. I got a uti that turned into a kidney infection. Since then it seems to be a constant issue for me. Poise pads have become a part of my running gear.

Still it was odd, I KNOW when we checked the results at first, and then again with Michelle when she came in, it said 5th in my bracket. I have no clue what happened so was totally shocked when they called my name. Good thing Jeff wanted to hang out in hopes they'd call him. Kind of amazing though. His bracket 1st, 2nd and 3rd ALL finished in the top 10 of the whole race. Jeff was 11th. Which begs the question. Why is it exactly that guys are so much faster?

It is weird how at some races things can shift like that. I think it has to do with when they "think" someone is a certain gender and then realize they are not. Or Maybe your clock time put you in 5th but when they looked at chip time it bumped you up. That happened to me once. (only in the reverse) Someone came in after I finished. I was in 4th... awarded that ribbon and then came back to find out that someone ran it faster. (so they started after me... finished after me.. but their time was faster) So in the end I was bumped to 5th. So they then gave me a 5th place ribbon as well and told me to keep both.

As for guys... well, their pelvis is different. so they have that. Then there is the lack of stupid hormones. Certain ones like progesterone will cause us to be slow. Some sort of strange evolutionary thing I suspect. We slow down due to hormones right after we ovulate. (like the fast guys need an even bigger advantage so they can catch us ) Also, typically guys have a lower BMI, right? So less fat that they drag along with them. Course even the fastest gals who are NOT carrying any fat run slower than they guys so I think it comes back to that pelvis and hormone stuff.

It would have been quite the drive. It really was lovely and pretty cool to do something so very different from any other race that I've done so far. It was not dusty at all thank goodness but the terrain changes were interesting for sure. Not hard, just different and you did have to pay more attention to footing as a result. There was one part, probably .5 mile total (as it was an out and back) that was pretty big gravel, almost like decorative rock size and that was not fun. Especially when an edge would poke right into my bunion/callus sore area! The main trail was packed dirt with some small gravel and was easy enough but still required a bit more attention than a road or paved path. I suspect it was perfect as a "first" trail run as in the world of those, it was pretty basic and easy, just not something I've ever run before, nor had Jeff. Just a gorgeous area though.

I am wondering if there isn't some sort trend. In looking for local races, there are TONS of trail races. And... cha ching, that would mean I would need an entirely new kind of running shoe. Yeah... running is not a cheap sport. Sounds like it was a great race though... but that gravel sounds like it wasn't a lot of fun!

All that said, it was incredibly well run, I was very impressed, met one of the main promoters who really went out of his way to meet runners and engage. They do the Lake Sammamish Half as well. Amazing post race spread, great tee, nice bling and yeah, the bracket wood medal is pretty sweet. We both said we'd do it again.

I think the post race spread is what made me really wish I had done it. the course itself would have been nice too... but give me some chocolate after...or beer and I am a happy happy girl. I did see they already have next years date. Might be worth registering for early just to get the discount. (not to mention in my case to avoid the hemming and hawing)

I imagine we will have time on the name? I hope so anyway. There well could be something that happens at the DL half that inspires a name, you never know!

That is true! I bet we will feel inspired by something when at the DL half.

Yes, they all should! I had one race where they were free. I do get that the photographers need to make money, that their time and work shouldn't be free. However, the prices are out of line with those costs. If the pics were decent I'd gladly pay $20 to get several digital images. If they sold 10x as many as a result, it would be a win win I'd think. I am thinking of getting a 4 pack of prints, I can get 4, 4x6's for less than 4 digital versions in a package ($35) and then scan them on my end. I at least get a high res copy that way and a lot more for my $$ than 1 digital pic at $29. I got my first "get them now before they expire" email today.

I agree, if they cut the cost I bet they would sell far more and in the end make more money. I just don't understand why they have not thought of it. All they need to do is ask more runners... everyone would tell them that they would sell more if they cut the cost down.

That stinks!...it seems like you've been consistently getting out there though. Maybe you should do a few runs without keeping track of pace - no watch, no running app, whatever.

I have been. I am following my training to a tee. I even have made a couple extra little runs. I think I let the mental side of running get the better of me from time to time. I did run yesterday. I was dong quite well for the first 2 miles and then I hit "the mile that never ends" (one road that once I turn onto I am on for a full mile before I need to turn again..it is a straight road and you can see all the way to the end... but since it is a mile it seems to go on and on and on) Anyway, humidity was 100% (but it wasn't hot..just a bit over 60 degrees) But the temp was rising and the humidity was not dropping. So I could feel the waves of hot wet air rising off the pavement. I started to seriously slow. Then I noticed a hawk... circling. I wondered what it was circling. It was a cat. Ok.. I am in a rural area. Cows, horses, rabbits... you name I may have seen it at one point or another on a run. Cats are pretty common no matter where you run. This cat though... as I approached. I thought I recognized. So I stopped my ap. I am 99% sure it is a cat we lost a few years ago. He seemed as though he has gone feral. I could not get him to come to me. Anyway... the break I took had my ap paused long enough that once I started it back up, the cues were not coming as often so it allowed me to just run without hearing what my pace was.

Woohoo, another Adventure run! I get compliments on my SparkleSkirts sometimes too! They are pretty awesome.

I love the runs and getting the compliments were fun. I didn't tell people how much they ran... I didn't want to scare them away. Course, since most skirts run about that I bet they won't be too terribly surprised.

Oh man, I remember DARE. I had to think about that for a bit to remember what it meant. Way to go, Steve!

I still can't remember. Drug... Awareness.. Resistance... Education ??? I think that is is, right?

Yay for using a pacer...even if it wasn't the best pacer ever. And yay for Zoe keeping up!!

I was very proud of Zoe. She was quite the trooper. She knew there would be a slip and slide though... so I think she figured if she kept up there would be that reward.

This is an awesome picture! I'm with you, I'd never do that! Ouch!!

I watched as a lady went to dive forward but stepped onto the slide and her feet went forward so she landed on her bum. A lot of people bit it in ways I think they did not intend. Even this guy... I think came down to hard face first.

More great prizes! Steve should have bought a lottery ticket on the way home...that is awesome that you guys get all that cool stuff!

The RR employee who runs the adventure runs told him that. "Seriously dude, go buy a lottery ticket on your way home" Odd are pretty good at adventure runs though... and not so much so for the lottery.

That adventure run sounds really fun and excellent job on scoring loot! You guys are really lucky.

We had a good time. We were very lucky. It is fun to score loot.

 

[eandesmom]

Maybe I do go on about them a tad. It is just a lot of fun. Prizes or no prizes... it is just fun to play. Course, I think that people need to know their limits perhaps a tad better. I know I am not "crosfit fit" I did "whimpy" "girly" pushups. Steve did full on touch the nose to the floor kind. He actually tore the muscle right where his arms and chest meet. (sorry... I forget the name and am too lazy to look it up right now ) Anyway, in a nice neat line there are all these burst capillaries and he couldn't understand why he was so sore. Alex did lunges across the room the month before I think it was and couldn't move for days without hurting. I like to have fun, but I don't push myself to the point of injury. So if there is a challenge that looks remotely dangerous (ie. slip and slide) I skip it.

I say if you have that much fun at them, you should go on about them! Not too much at all, they are super fun to read

I really do think I didn't misinterpret. The RR guy said it was the walking group. I don't think they could plan for how long each stop would take either. AND if the 11 minute group ran at a 8 to 9 minute pace to compensate for those stops what did the 7 minute per mile run at??

So they called the 11m group a walking group (which is quite a fast walk!) but then ran 8-9 between stops....that's really actually not cool and could be SO discouraging to someone who is more in that 14-16m group. Were there slower groups than 11? I'd be tempted to provide feedback as that could really end up with some people being turned off of the event.

I am so guilty of the "giving up" when I know it "aint happening". I can't tell you how many times I set out on a training run thinking that I would do negative splits and then realized it wasn't happening and just slowed way down. Durning a race though... that is even tougher since you have the retrospect to kick yourself over. I know I had one race that I was and absurdly close (like seconds) away from the person ahead of me. I had chose to walk up one hill that was right toward the end. I KNOW had I pushed I would have totally taken that place. The mental aspect to running is almost as big as the physical aspect. Our expectations, our interpretations... all play a role in how we perform. Strange... but true. I know that I could probably do fine on a trail run but just the thought that it is a trail makes me think I would fall down. I too would be right where you were as well trying to compare running on it to running on a pavement. Kicking myself the entire time as I was not running as fast as I normally am able too.

Well...when I was actually running, my pace was ok. LOL. You can definitely see where I walked or stopped.

Splits
m1 8:37
m2 9:01
m3 9:37 (water stop and it was a FULL on stop. Drink, get the bladder to calm down, walk across the path to the garbage can, toss and go)
m4 9:03
m5 9:20 (50 second walk get the bladder to calm down)
m6 8:53
m7 8:46 (technically 2:14 for the .2 miles)

Now I know I had one other 50 second walk in there so either it also hit in m3 or m5. It may not have been a full 50 seconds each time but that is the number I counted to so however long that took.

Here is the thing. I had to GO. Like almost painful pressing full. I had to walk to get it to calm down so I could then keep running. I went no less than 4 or 5 times between getting up that morning, and the race. 3 at the race itself. None were drops! I ran though the finish line...and straight to the PAP. Like not even grabbing a water, barely grabbing my medal, not waiting for or walking over to Jeff who had seen me run though. Just straight through to the PAP. Which luckily was a straight line...and had no line. LOL!

When I got to the PAP. I went. Most definitely a very full bladder, not drops at all.

I had one cup of coffee. I swear, I peed 4 cups worth that morning!

I am wondering if there isn't some sort trend. In looking for local races, there are TONS of trail races. And... cha ching, that would mean I would need an entirely new kind of running shoe. Yeah... running is not a cheap sport. Sounds like it was a great race though... but that gravel sounds like it wasn't a lot of fun!

We all thought the gravel sucked. It was good there wasn't more of it. It was poky!

I think the post race spread is what made me really wish I had done it. the course itself would have been nice too... but give me some chocolate after...or beer and I am a happy happy girl. I did see they already have next years date. Might be worth registering for early just to get the discount. (not to mention in my case to avoid the hemming and hawing)

I would totally do that one again, so would Jeff. I would maybe even consider the half. He wouldn't. LOL!

I agree, if they cut the cost I bet they would sell far more and in the end make more money. I just don't understand why they have not thought of it. All they need to do is ask more runners... everyone would tell them that they would sell more if they cut the cost down.

This race was better, photos went up yesterday. You can get 4x6 prints for $0.95 and digital ones for $5.95. AND they tell you to feel free to share the watermarked versions all you want!

I like these 2 the best.

Pretty bridge



Fancy Beer Garden!



LOL!

I did notice something interesting though. This time, for the first time ever that I really noticed it, a few women had their arms out like the one behind me in this shot. I think that's the poky gravel part, as you can see I went for the grass!



I was glad it was wide open as it really took up a lot of space to move around them.

My stupid bunion felt fine during, and after but by the evening...much less happy. Grr.

I have been. I am following my training to a tee. I even have made a couple extra little runs. I think I let the mental side of running get the better of me from time to time. I did run yesterday. I was dong quite well for the first 2 miles and then I hit "the mile that never ends" (one road that once I turn onto I am on for a full mile before I need to turn again..it is a straight road and you can see all the way to the end... but since it is a mile it seems to go on and on and on) Anyway, humidity was 100% (but it wasn't hot..just a bit over 60 degrees) But the temp was rising and the humidity was not dropping. So I could feel the waves of hot wet air rising off the pavement. I started to seriously slow. Then I noticed a hawk... circling. I wondered what it was circling. It was a cat. Ok.. I am in a rural area. Cows, horses, rabbits... you name I may have seen it at one point or another on a run. Cats are pretty common no matter where you run. This cat though... as I approached. I thought I recognized. So I stopped my ap. I am 99% sure it is a cat we lost a few years ago. He seemed as though he has gone feral. I could not get him to come to me. Anyway... the break I took had my ap paused long enough that once I started it back up, the cues were not coming as often so it allowed me to just run without hearing what my pace was.

Oh how wild! It has been humid for sure. My run on weds was just ok. Not great, not horrible but I got it done. I feel like my training is off so I actually decided to look at it. And it is. And it isn't.

As you may recall I'm not really officially doing a training plan. But I did go and add it all up so I could see where I was, compared to the 2 galloway options I looked at.

The non beginner finish in the upright position would have had me at the following as of today.

17 runs at 30 min each (8.5 hours)
8 long runs at a total of 40.5 miles

The Time Improvement plan would have had me at

17 runs at 45 min each (12.75 hours)
5 long runs + 3 speedwork sessions doing 800's at a total of 36.95 miles

I am actually at
13 training (non long) runs varying in length for a total of 9.87 hours
7 long runs at a total of 51.68 miles.

So...I dunno. maybe I should be better about followng a plan? Not quite enough runs in terms of raw numbers for sure but the time and miles seem ok???

End of the school year and the blister were definitely a factor. I need to get in gear! The good news is no trips until August 19. But we want to do some hikes on the weekends which would be my long runs so... it will be interesting. I mean if we do an 8 mile hike..that should count for something, but does it?

Ugh.

 

[annmarieda]

I say if you have that much fun at them, you should go on about them! Not too much at all, they are super fun to read

Just once a month...so I guess I don't talk nonstop about them.

So they called the 11m group a walking group (which is quite a fast walk!) but then ran 8-9 between stops....that's really actually not cool and could be SO discouraging to someone who is more in that 14-16m group. Were there slower groups than 11? I'd be tempted to provide feedback as that could really end up with some people being turned off of the event.

Ya know, I think you are completely right! There were some frustrated people and a couple that I know for sure that dropped off. I think the pacers just didn't realize that they left. I knew cause we were in the back when it happened. With us though having Zoe... they knew were were in the back and several times slowed for us. This was suppose to be the slowest group. I was fine with it and quite comfortable. I think the faster groups actually went out to a couple more of the stops that were too far out for our "slow" group.

Well...when I was actually running, my pace was ok. LOL. You can definitely see where I walked or stopped.

Splits
m1 8:37
m2 9:01
m3 9:37 (water stop and it was a FULL on stop. Drink, get the bladder to calm down, walk across the path to the garbage can, toss and go)
m4 9:03
m5 9:20 (50 second walk get the bladder to calm down)
m6 8:53
m7 8:46 (technically 2:14 for the .2 miles)

Even your walk break splits are excellent though! It is no wonder you were in second place for your division!!!

Here is the thing. I had to GO. Like almost painful pressing full. I had to walk to get it to calm down so I could then keep running. I went no less than 4 or 5 times between getting up that morning, and the race. 3 at the race itself. None were drops! I ran though the finish line...and straight to the PAP. Like not even grabbing a water, barely grabbing my medal, not waiting for or walking over to Jeff who had seen me run though. Just straight through to the PAP. Which luckily was a straight line...and had no line. LOL!

When I got to the PAP. I went. Most definitely a very full bladder, not drops at all.

That sounds like you had a lot of water to let go of. Maybe you have been retaining some?

I had one cup of coffee. I swear, I peed 4 cups worth that morning!

Well, coffee is a diuretic...so it could help to move some "extra" water out, right?

We all thought the gravel sucked. It was good there wasn't more of it. It was poky!

Sounds like the gravel on the "haunted trail" during the ToT race. Not fun...nope.

I would totally do that one again, so would Jeff. I would maybe even consider the half. He wouldn't. LOL!

Everything about it sounds great (except the gravel ) The weather cooperated too!

This race was better, photos went up yesterday. You can get 4x6 prints for $0.95 and digital ones for $5.95. AND they tell you to feel free to share the watermarked versions all you want!

That is much more reasonable!

I like these 2 the best.

Pretty bridge

LOVE this one of you!

Fancy Beer Garden!

FUN!!!

I did notice something interesting though. This time, for the first time ever that I really noticed it, a few women had their arms out like the one behind me in this shot. I think that's the poky gravel part, as you can see I went for the grass!

Steve has a tendency to do that. I think some times people have different forms that may or may not work so well.

Not fun to have to run in the grass... it almost looks like you had to run around her.

My stupid bunion felt fine during, and after but by the evening...much less happy. Grr.

Mine are usually fine when I run... it is at night that they throb in bed and I hang my feet over the edge so they don't touch anything.

Oh how wild! It has been humid for sure. My run on weds was just ok. Not great, not horrible but I got it done. I feel like my training is off so I actually decided to look at it. And it is. And it isn't.

I agree... it is.. but it really isn't.

The non beginner finish in the upright position would have had me at the following as of today.

17 runs at 30 min each (8.5 hours)
8 long runs at a total of 40.5 miles

The Time Improvement plan would have had me at

17 runs at 45 min each (12.75 hours)
5 long runs + 3 speedwork sessions doing 800's at a total of 36.95 miles

I am actually at
13 training (non long) runs varying in length for a total of 9.87 hours
7 long runs at a total of 51.68 miles.

So...I dunno. maybe I should be better about followng a plan? Not quite enough runs in terms of raw numbers for sure but the time and miles seem ok???

You are right between where you would need to be to finish upright and for time improvement for the maintenance runs. So that is a good thing I think. A perfect compromise if you will to not actually doing the speed work.

Being over for the long runs probably helps too! So I think this probably is perfect for you.

End of the school year and the blister were definitely a factor. I need to get in gear! The good news is no trips until August 19. But we want to do some hikes on the weekends which would be my long runs so... it will be interesting. I mean if we do an 8 mile hike..that should count for something, but does it?
Ugh.

I don't know that it does. I wish it did...but I just don't think it is the same kind of cardio. I think it counts as cross training...

 

[eandesmom]

Just once a month...so I guess I don't talk nonstop about them.

Not at all!

Ya know, I think you are completely right! There were some frustrated people and a couple that I know for sure that dropped off. I think the pacers just didn't realize that they left. I knew cause we were in the back when it happened. With us though having Zoe... they knew were were in the back and several times slowed for us. This was suppose to be the slowest group. I was fine with it and quite comfortable. I think the faster groups actually went out to a couple more of the stops that were too far out for our "slow" group.

Still, I'd give them feedback as that would be a huge turn off for slower folks, 8-9 min for the run parts is not comfortable for many and then to bill that as "slow" will make people feel even worse.

Even your walk break splits are excellent though! It is no wonder you were in second place for your division!!!

I am ok with the splits. It is not inconsistent with my splits in other runs where I've taken breaks so I console myself that it gives me a better idea for DL if I take breaks. LOL!

It is such luck of the draw though on placing as you well know. That result would not have me placing in any other race I've done.

That sounds like you had a lot of water to let go of. Maybe you have been retaining some?

I go that much all the time. LOL! I do have IBS though and that doesn't help so there may be a dietary component that is making things worse and I should maybe try to isolate what it is if i can.

Everything about it sounds great (except the gravel ) The weather cooperated too!

the "bad" part was only maybe .5 miles of the total thing though, so really, not bad.

That is much more reasonable!



LOVE this one of you!

thanks!

Steve has a tendency to do that. I think some times people have different forms that may or may not work so well.

Not fun to have to run in the grass... it almost looks like you had to run around her.

well if it works for them, it's good but yeah I did have to run around her! LOL. And the grass was better than the gravel, there was a slight worn path in the grass.

Mine are usually fine when I run... it is at night that they throb in bed and I hang my feet over the edge so they don't touch anything.

Ok that sounds FAR worse than anything I am dealing with

You are right between where you would need to be to finish upright and for time improvement for the maintenance runs. So that is a good thing I think. A perfect compromise if you will to not actually doing the speed work.

Being over for the long runs probably helps too! So I think this probably is perfect for you.

I should do the speed work, I just don't want to. I do think that being under the number of total runs on the maintenance runs hasn't helped me though, I really need to get them all in between now and the race. They are much closer to the 45 min time, when I do them, it's just been hard to get both in these past few months between travel and kid stuff. So even though the actual time in, is ok, I hope being a bit more consistent will help overall.

Michelle made a good point at the race. That once you get used to the longer runs you focus more on a consistent pace versus maybe really pouring it on at a shorter one. Which to me tells me that maybe I should work on getting those maintenance runs a bit faster versus having every run be at the easy pace.

I don't know that it does. I wish it did...but I just don't think it is the same kind of cardio. I think it counts as cross training...

Oh it's not the same kind of cardio. But I do think that for hill work, depending on how quickly you hike, there is some correlation and strength training benefit.

 

[annmarieda]

I am ok with the splits. It is not inconsistent with my splits in other runs where I've taken breaks so I console myself that it gives me a better idea for DL if I take breaks. LOL!

I think it does give you a good idea of how you will do in DL. I have yet to not take some kind of break during a half.. walk or potty..

It is such luck of the draw though on placing as you well know. That result would not have me placing in any other race I've done.

I often will look at past results of a race to see where I would have fit in in prior years. I think what is interesting is that the same races attract the same kinda of people. Railroad days... I will always place far in the back because of how fast the people are that always attend that race.

I go that much all the time. LOL! I do have IBS though and that doesn't help so there may be a dietary component that is making things worse and I should maybe try to isolate what it is if i can.

I hope you figure it out. I have times where I really have issues and others that I completely don't. I am not at all sure what makes it worse or better for me when it comes to bodily functions during a run.

the "bad" part was only maybe .5 miles of the total thing though, so really, not bad.

That isn't too bad. Probably no worse than the trail on the ToT race.

well if it works for them, it's good but yeah I did have to run around her! LOL. And the grass was better than the gravel, there was a slight worn path in the grass.

I know that we don't always see everyone around us... and I am sure I am guilty of blocking someone at one point or another... but it seems like she shouldn't have moved over for you.

Ok that sounds FAR worse than anything I am dealing with

Some nights are worse than others. I actually think they are getting better than they once were...and I have no idea why. The podiatrist said that unless they are unbearable than we probably shouldn't do anything about them since it will just get worse again.

I should do the speed work, I just don't want to. I do think that being under the number of total runs on the maintenance runs hasn't helped me though, I really need to get them all in between now and the race. They are much closer to the 45 min time, when I do them, it's just been hard to get both in these past few months between travel and kid stuff. So even though the actual time in, is ok, I hope being a bit more consistent will help overall.

Well, I am seriously considering stopping the speedwork. This next round has me worried. I am not sure it is helping me either. I think I did better when I did the one extra run a week that was just 2 miles that I ran at as fast a pace as I could (my version of speed work) I am seriously considering going back to that.

Consistency though... I do that that helps.

Michelle made a good point at the race. That once you get used to the longer runs you focus more on a consistent pace versus maybe really pouring it on at a shorter one. Which to me tells me that maybe I should work on getting those maintenance runs a bit faster versus having every run be at the easy pace.

You are already quite capable of a fast pace. I do think faster maintenance runs can be a good approach though. I am guilty of going out on mine faster than I perhaps should.

Oh it's not the same kind of cardio. But I do think that for hill work, depending on how quickly you hike, there is some correlation and strength training benefit.

I definitely think it helps with hills! I bet it also helps with improving pace to some degree. I just am not sure it if helps with the endurance for mileage.

 

[MEK]

Just stopping by to see what's up with the training.

Cute pictures of Cynthia. That photobomber runner cracks me UP!

 

[Woth2982]

Steve had a good day at the adventure run! Don't blame you for skipping the slip and slide. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen! Go Zoe for keeping up with you all! I am impressed! She is a trooper for sure!

So I was THIS CLOSE to buying an avengers half entry through a travel provider today. Got the word my babysitting gig will be in October not November. I am so tempted to do it. Also saw there is one Dumbo Double Dare available so Im tempted to do that one instead lol.

 

[annmarieda]

Just stopping by to see what's up with the training.

I need to post an update!

Cute pictures of Cynthia. That photobomber runner cracks me UP!

I think she always looks great in pictures taken of her. How she does it, I don't know. I kinda look like when pics are taken of me during races.

Steve had a good day at the adventure run!

He did! We all did. It was a lot of fun.

Don't blame you for skipping the slip and slide. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen!

EXACTLY! And... my luck is not so different from yours... I would be the one who ended up taking myself out of training because I slide into the brick and took out have my calf.

Go Zoe for keeping up with you all! I am impressed! She is a trooper for sure!

Zoe pushes through in a way that maybe some just don't or wouldn't. Not sure if it has to do with her medical stuff... or just inherent in her personality. If she says she is going to do something she does...and getting through to the slip and slide was her goal. She was quite motivated.

So I was THIS CLOSE to buying an avengers half entry through a travel provider today. Got the word my babysitting gig will be in October not November. I am so tempted to do it. Also saw there is one Dumbo Double Dare available so Im tempted to do that one instead lol.

Well, if you chose to do one let me know! It would be a blast to see you again.

 

[annmarieda]

So I made it through June. What started off as a struggle to accept my slower pace finally ended with me being at more or less peace with it. I think I have made some changes that may be what makes my pace appear slower to me. First, my new shoes that I got over memorial day weekend are not showing the same type of tread wear that normally I would see.(yes, I know I forgot to mention. exciting that I found a pair of adidas energy boosts..but boring in that they are plain black) So I think I have changed how I strike. ( the tread is being evenly worn down and not just on the heels) Can this affect pace? Can this make it so I have to "relearn" how to run faster? Second, I am going out much later in the day to run. Last June my runs were often before 7am. Now they are sometimes as late as 11am. Last, it is a more humid summer than last. It has not been uncommon for me to go out and run with humidity of 90%. (granted the temps have not been very hot..well, except today. We broke a record of over 90 degrees today. Let me just say my run was not fun. but I am getting ahead of myself)

So I decided to stop being so hard on myself and just set some new goals. That goal is to just run the distance I am "scheduled" to run.. no walking and not potty breaks. Also my 1000 mile goal for 2014 still stand.

A quick picture of where I was last year verses this year.

June 29, 2013 6:48am 7.98 miles with a pace of 9:42. Paused twice, likely for a water or bio break given where the pause marks are on my route.

June 28, 2014 11:15 am 11:05 miles with a pace of 9:58. No pausing - just straight through running.

I don't know how different the weather was on these days, but I am willing to wager that it was more humid and warmer during my run this past saturday than it was last year. Also it is an additional 3 miles. My goal saturday was to average under a 10 minute mile pace. I succeeded. Not by much... but I did. So while last year I was a bit faster. Do I really need to worry about 16 seconds? I think I have spent a lot of time getting wrapped up in pace and miles even. (although I may be focusing more on my mileage now than I did in the past)

To kinda put it in perspective. I updated Steve's ToT POT. Now I would have thought that there would be this grand gap between his anticipated finish and mine. There isn't. In fact, we have such a close anticipated time I am almost thinking we might be in the same corral or at least only one apart. Yet, my 10k time was about 10 minutes less than his. (about a minute and a half faster per mile) So while I have thought I must get my pace back down by 30 seconds. In the end, I am now wondering if it really matters all that much. What does matter is that I finish comfortable and strong. Not that I have ever had any race that I finished and felt as though I would be sick or even one where was terribly sore once I was done. (with the exception of my first 10k... I ran with an injury and I was VERY sore after that race) I still don't have plans to stop for pictures along race routes (no matter what the race) but I do think that not pushing quite so hard and just enjoying myself may very well be how I approach my runs in the near future. Cause guess what? I do very much so enjoy running. So much that I have been excited to not only run my own mileage but to run with Steve for second run in the day. (granted his miles are pretty low at this point)

So June... I got through it. I finished it with just over 75 miles. This took my total for the year up to just over 413 miles. So I am now at over 40% of my goal for 2014. I may hit that 1000 miles yet!

I do regret not getting an "official" event in for the month of June. The one we had scheduled was cancelled and then I hemmed and hawed too long on getting registered for the one that Cynthia did. I had nothing planned for July, but I may end up doing something to make up for my race event withdrawals. Problem is there are plenty of 5ks.. and trail runs... but 10ks are kinda hard to come by in July. I found one but it is not certified...but rather just USATF sanctioned. It is on the coast though and the aspect of running near the beach would be cool. Plus there is a spaghetti dinner the night before for the runners. I would like to have it for a POT for Avengers or Donald or even the Phm. Wording is odd on the RD site though. Avengers asks for a 10k or longer run. Donald and Princess ask for a certified race. I would hate to submit it and then have them not accept it... I am terrified that I would go to get my bib and realize I had been sequestered to a back corral because of invalid POT. There are also several fun runs coming up that we could participate in. No times are recorded. It is just fun.

And cause this needs some pictures... how bout some of my kiddos doing some fun runs?


Zach and Kimberly reliving their first big event together... 2 year anniversary at the Dirty Dash.

Kira at the Run or Dye.

So one more thing to mention regarding running.... guess what opens in just 7 more days now???? PHM!!!!

Soon I have a travel update.... we FINALLY have our full cast of characters for January. it is going to be AWE SOME!

 

[swwake]

Ann - I think you'll easily get your 1000 miles. You have a half and the TOT 10. Plus you'll still be training for the half next Jan. Right? Or are my dates mixed up?

Good job with the running - thanks for motivating me/us.

Love the pics!

 

[Ariel484]

Hi Ann! Glad to hear that you are more okay with your pacing lately.

Isn't heel striking supposed to be really bad for you? I think it's one way that a lot of people get injured. It sounds like your strike is getting better, even if it may not make your pace what you want it to be.

I, too, notice a big difference when it comes to time of day of a run. When I first started I was good at being out the door by 7AM for my summer runs. Now it's more like 11 or noon, like you - no good! The weather definitely plays a huge role.

That is interesting about PoT for Tower of Terror... I will never understand runDisney's thinking on this. Just when I think I do, I find out that I don't!

Great mileage total for June! Definitely sounds like you are on track for 1000 miles!

 

[ZellyB]

Excellent update, Ann. Congrats on your total mileage! I absolutely think 1,000 is in your grasp.

Sounds like you have gotten to a good place with your pace and running. I think those times are really close.

I think there's been some rethinking on the whole heel-stricking discussion. We had a running clinic thing with our Galloway group where we met with some sports medicine PT folks and they were saying that the thinking now is that a mild heel strike is not necessarily bad if that is your natural running form. They've discovered that many runners end up with injuries when they try to force themselves into a gait that is unnatural to them. I think that an excessive heel strike is still something people want to try and improve upon, but a mild heel strike is not necessarily something that needs to be changed.

Anyway, all that rambling to say that I think runners probably get too hung up on foot strikes when they really just need to be sure that their running form is one that is comfortable and easy to maintain for them.

 

[eandesmom]

So I made it through June. What started off as a struggle to accept my slower pace finally ended with me being at more or less peace with it. I think I have made some changes that may be what makes my pace appear slower to me. First, my new shoes that I got over memorial day weekend are not showing the same type of tread wear that normally I would see.(yes, I know I forgot to mention. exciting that I found a pair of adidas energy boosts..but boring in that they are plain black) So I think I have changed how I strike. ( the tread is being evenly worn down and not just on the heels) Can this affect pace? Can this make it so I have to "relearn" how to run faster?

I do think a shoe can make a difference in stride and strike so pace would make sense. I think inserts can as well.

Second, I am going out much later in the day to run. Last June my runs were often before 7am. Now they are sometimes as late as 11am. Last, it is a more humid summer than last. It has not been uncommon for me to go out and run with humidity of 90%. (granted the temps have not been very hot..well, except today. We broke a record of over 90 degrees today. Let me just say my run was not fun. but I am getting ahead of myself)

Heat and humidity make a huge difference. What is it, 10 seconds for every 10 degrees? Or is it more like 30? I think it's more like 30.

Ugh, you really hit the peak of the day on that one huh. I actually think late morning is the worst for humidity, we've been in the 50-60% range on our evening runs which has been ok.

So I decided to stop being so hard on myself and just set some new goals. That goal is to just run the distance I am "scheduled" to run.. no walking and not potty breaks. Also my 1000 mile goal for 2014 still stand.

I'm not sure what happened. That used to be my goal, either time or distance and somewhere along the way I've let myself be ok with walk breaks or potty breaks. The walk thing is new and I think directly related to the foot, then insert, issues so just in the past month and then I think I've also been "excusing" myself with warmer temps. I'm annoyed that I walked during the 10K and I really don't think it was needed, it was definitely a mental game of "it's ok to walk" regardless of true need. If that makes sense. Did it hurt the time, does it really matter? I'm not sure.

A quick picture of where I was last year verses this year.

June 29, 2013 6:48am 7.98 miles with a pace of 9:42. Paused twice, likely for a water or bio break given where the pause marks are on my route.

June 28, 2014 11:15 am 11:05 miles with a pace of 9:58. No pausing - just straight through running.

I don't know how different the weather was on these days, but I am willing to wager that it was more humid and warmer during my run this past saturday than it was last year. Also it is an additional 3 miles. My goal saturday was to average under a 10 minute mile pace. I succeeded. Not by much... but I did. So while last year I was a bit faster. Do I really need to worry about 16 seconds? I think I have spent a lot of time getting wrapped up in pace and miles even. (although I may be focusing more on my mileage now than I did in the past)

Does that time include the time spent on the breaks or just the actual running time? Did you actually pause RK and re-start? Based on what you describe it sounds like you did pause the timer, I would argue that you are faster now or equally as fast. In a race those stops and breaks would be added in. It is probably fair to say that the pauses added up to maybe 2 minutes (water could be less but bio generally more) and if so, then it's right on pace.

To kinda put it in perspective. I updated Steve's ToT POT. Now I would have thought that there would be this grand gap between his anticipated finish and mine. There isn't. In fact, we have such a close anticipated time I am almost thinking we might be in the same corral or at least only one apart. Yet, my 10k time was about 10 minutes less than his. (about a minute and a half faster per mile) So while I have thought I must get my pace back down by 30 seconds. In the end, I am now wondering if it really matters all that much. What does matter is that I finish comfortable and strong. Not that I have ever had any race that I finished and felt as though I would be sick or even one where was terribly sore once I was done. (with the exception of my first 10k... I ran with an injury and I was VERY sore after that race) I still don't have plans to stop for pictures along race routes (no matter what the race) but I do think that not pushing quite so hard and just enjoying myself may very well be how I approach my runs in the near future. Cause guess what? I do very much so enjoy running. So much that I have been excited to not only run my own mileage but to run with Steve for second run in the day. (granted his miles are pretty low at this point)

10 minutes difference and your anticipated finish time is how close? that seems odd, it would seem you'd still have a similar spread.

So June... I got through it. I finished it with just over 75 miles. This took my total for the year up to just over 413 miles. So I am now at over 40% of my goal for 2014. I may hit that 1000 miles yet!

That is a good June I think! I came in nowhere close to that but was happy with my 46. 1000 still seems crazy to me but with all the half's you have planned it is certainly not out of the question.

I do regret not getting an "official" event in for the month of June. The one we had scheduled was cancelled and then I hemmed and hawed too long on getting registered for the one that Cynthia did. I had nothing planned for July, but I may end up doing something to make up for my race event withdrawals. Problem is there are plenty of 5ks.. and trail runs... but 10ks are kinda hard to come by in July. I found one but it is not certified...but rather just USATF sanctioned. It is on the coast though and the aspect of running near the beach would be cool. Plus there is a spaghetti dinner the night before for the runners. I would like to have it for a POT for Avengers or Donald or even the Phm. Wording is odd on the RD site though. Avengers asks for a 10k or longer run. Donald and Princess ask for a certified race. I would hate to submit it and then have them not accept it... I am terrified that I would go to get my bib and realize I had been sequestered to a back corral because of invalid POT. There are also several fun runs coming up that we could participate in. No times are recorded. It is just fun.

Personally I would stick with a certified course and ideally one that is chip timed for a possible POT. When is the cut off for Donald and Avengers? All we've found of interest in July is an 8K. Which we may or may not do. One possible 10k in August but neither are ones we are "dying" to do. So, all I really have planned is the half, a 10K in Oct and then PHM!

I'm sure something else will pop in to the picture

Zach and Kimberly reliving their first big event together... 2 year anniversary at the Dirty Dash.

Kira at the Run or Dye.

So cute!

So one more thing to mention regarding running.... guess what opens in just 7 more days now???? PHM!!!!

Soon I have a travel update.... we FINALLY have our full cast of characters for January. it is going to be AWE SOME!

I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[KatMark]

Ann, glad you are more comfortable with your slower pace.

I absolutely LOVED the pictures of Zach and his gal and Kira...those are all fabulous and so much fun.

 

[annmarieda]

I forgot to mention a couple things.

First, remember my burger ban for the month of June? Well, I survived. (barely) I think Red Robin knew I was avoiding burgers. It was crazy how many emails I got with images of juicy burgers telling me that I could come in and get a discount on one. What torture! My kids thought I was crazy. The last week was hard. Especially when Alex would mock me about "disciplining" myself. I think that word has come to mean only negative things to younger people. To me discipline is just an exercise of control... self or otherwise. Something to correct behavior or to train. It doesn't have to mean negative things. July 1st though, I had a cheeseburger from Mickey D's. Just the small one...nothing fancy. It was disappointing. I should have known it would be. Now though, I am kinda no longer craving a burger. Maybe I just need a really good one.


Second, I twisted my ankle while hiking last thursday. I wasn't watching my footing, slipped off a rock and twisted my ankle. Obviously not too terrible given I could run on it. It just makes me frustrated with myself for putting myself at "risk" like that. As I said, it isn't terrible given I was able to run 11 miles on Saturday. It is just that when running or not, I have to pay attention to it because it isn't pain free. Seems like if I turn on that foot or land on it just right it ends up making my ankle ache the rest of the day. The heat does it no favors either. I have trouble with edema. My ankles have been known to swell up to the point of not being able to see that little joint on the side of my foot. When this happens my old injury on the other ankle acts up. So I have both my ankles that just are achy right now. I need to dig out my compression socks for at night to get this under control. Tuesday was a run day and a hot one. So I did spend the evening doing an ice bath for both feet. It did help. I ran today though and am achey again... sooo I am thinking ice and compression will be the festivities of the evening. Maybe the combination will get it completely under control...

AND because shopping in always important when it comes to training.

I purchased a couple new to me sparkle skirts. I think one is going to work perfect for the ToT and then the other probably I will use for January. I actually might use one for the ToT and the PHM. (speaking of which registration is now just 6 days away. )

Today Sweaty Bands is having a sale. 40% off. So I got quite a few bands Mostly I picked based on the races I have coming up. However a couple I threw in just for fun. Well, fun and given that I will be doing the ToT in 2015 I couldn't resist one that will be perfect for that race. After all...is it ever too early to start planning your running outfit for a disney race?

So I promise, once I get the outfits complete I will start to post pictures of them. I can't wait everything to come.

 

[MEK]

Those pictures from the dirty dash and was that a "run or die" race? are so cool.

Yay for reaching 40% of your goal. That is awesome! You can do the 1000 miles. It's definitely within reach.

Sorry about the ankle.

My big news is I registered for an MS Bike to the Bay ride. I haven't done it in 15 years. So I am training for a 75 mile bike ride in September. In fact, Denny and I are getting ready to go map out a 50 mile ride for Saturday. I have to get more serious about tracking miles in the seat now.

Hope you have an awesome July 4th weekend!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Time of day definitely affects my runs as well. If I'm running outside, I really rather just go early morning so the humidity isn't horrible so that leaves that to weekends only.

I think Red Robin needs a real visit. McDonalds just isn't the same. I only eat chicken burgers but this place called The Pub has the best chicken one that I may be craving right now with their fried onion straws and beer cheese and pretzel bun.

Sorry about the ankle! Hope the compression socks work in your favor.

You'll totally make it to 1000 miles especially as you get all those races the 2nd half and training.

 

[annmarieda]

Ann - I think you'll easily get your 1000 miles. You have a half and the TOT 10. Plus you'll still be training for the half next Jan. Right? Or are my dates mixed up?

I actually have 2 halfs before the end of 2014 as well as the ToT 10. Plus I will be training for the donald and phm in December so that should help my miles too. I think I should get to that 1000 miles, but it might be a close one. Basically, I have to get 100 miles in each month July - December. I think when seriously training I average just under that.

Good job with the running - thanks for motivating me/us.

Thank you. I am not sure how I motivate..but if I do, then you are welcome.

Love the pics!

Thanks! I thought they were pretty fun pics.

Hi Ann! Glad to hear that you are more okay with your pacing lately.

Do I wish I was back to running under 9 minutes per mile? Yes. I guess I just have to make a choice. Accept that I am not and just enjoy or fight and push and be hard on myself. I think the better option is to just enjoy.

Isn't heel striking supposed to be really bad for you? I think it's one way that a lot of people get injured. It sounds like your strike is getting better, even if it may not make your pace what you want it to be.

Women tend to heel strike a tad just because of our pelvis. I hit more towards my heel...but the issue is that I roll out on the back end of my foot. This causes me to wear the tread down seriously fast in that area.

I, too, notice a big difference when it comes to time of day of a run. When I first started I was good at being out the door by 7AM for my summer runs. Now it's more like 11 or noon, like you - no good! The weather definitely plays a huge role.

I wonder if that is all it is for me. I thought maybe hormones... allergies... diet. I haven't nailed it down to one thing. I haven't tried to hit the pavement earlier. Maybe that is what I should try this week.

That is interesting about PoT for Tower of Terror... I will never understand runDisney's thinking on this. Just when I think I do, I find out that I don't!

We do have an anticipated time that is over a minute per mile different. It is just that an expected finish of 1:32 and and expected finish of 1:46 Don't seem like all that different to me. AND as far as corral placement. It probably will mean only a corral difference. (maybe 2 depending on if one of us gets bumped) I think the cut off for B last year was 1:30 (so I would be C unless bumped up) Cut off for C I think was 1:45 (so if he did get bumped it could be C for him as well) My thought is we are likely both to be in C.

Great mileage total for June! Definitely sounds like you are on track for 1000 miles!

I hope so. Course, like I mentioned to Susan - It will mean getting in roughly 100 each month from now until December and that could be a challenge.

Excellent update, Ann. Congrats on your total mileage! I absolutely think 1,000 is in your grasp.

Thank you! I hope so. We will see.

Sounds like you have gotten to a good place with your pace and running. I think those times are really close.

I am getting there. I think that I have to accept that at some point I will slow. I just didn't think it would be before I turned 50

I think there's been some rethinking on the whole heel-stricking discussion. We had a running clinic thing with our Galloway group where we met with some sports medicine PT folks and they were saying that the thinking now is that a mild heel strike is not necessarily bad if that is your natural running form. They've discovered that many runners end up with injuries when they try to force themselves into a gait that is unnatural to them. I think that an excessive heel strike is still something people want to try and improve upon, but a mild heel strike is not necessarily something that needs to be changed.

I have felt this from the start of my running. I feel as though forcing someone who is over 40 to change their biomechanics isn't a good thing. I have been moving this way for this long... this is natural to me. It is why my one "real" injury (the peroneal tendonitis) came as a result of stability shoes forcing me into a different strike than what was normal for me. (plus I think I tend to supinate a tad and only overpronate in certain shoes)

Anyway, all that rambling to say that I think runners probably get too hung up on foot strikes when they really just need to be sure that their running form is one that is comfortable and easy to maintain for them.

exactly!

I do think a shoe can make a difference in stride and strike so pace would make sense. I think inserts can as well.

Thing is while the shoes are new...they are the same kind I have been running in. I just am not sure what my deal has been.

Heat and humidity make a huge difference. What is it, 10 seconds for every 10 degrees? Or is it more like 30? I think it's more like 30.

yep, I think someone told me it is like 30 seconds because it seems to me that I calculated that an 11:30 pace would not be out of the realm of possibility if it were 80 or so. Which stinks! But..given how warm it was on Tuesday I could totally see why. I did not run in the highest of the day, but wow...even earlier it was warm and I did feel like my energy was being sucked out of me in order to fuel the rising heat in the air.

Ugh, you really hit the peak of the day on that one huh. I actually think late morning is the worst for humidity, we've been in the 50-60% range on our evening runs which has been ok.

I am not sure what has been up with the humidity here. I check each morning when I go out and it is always up over 70% if not closer to 100%.

I'm not sure what happened. That used to be my goal, either time or distance and somewhere along the way I've let myself be ok with walk breaks or potty breaks. The walk thing is new and I think directly related to the foot, then insert, issues so just in the past month and then I think I've also been "excusing" myself with warmer temps. I'm annoyed that I walked during the 10K and I really don't think it was needed, it was definitely a mental game of "it's ok to walk" regardless of true need. If that makes sense. Did it hurt the time, does it really matter? I'm not sure.

I think the "excusing" is part of my trouble too. So while I look for a concrete reason for my pace I suspect that it really is more due to that mental game.

As for if it hurt you...mattered. yeah, I am with you. I am not sure. In the end you ran an incredible race and took home a price in your division. That is something to definitely celebrate. However when you start to second guess and realize you may have even been able to due better... or better yet when you KNOW you could do better that is when it really does start to be a question of if it mattered or not. Course, in the end I suppose it only matters if it matters to you regardless of how well or poor you did.

Does that time include the time spent on the breaks or just the actual running time? Did you actually pause RK and re-start? Based on what you describe it sounds like you did pause the timer, I would argue that you are faster now or equally as fast. In a race those stops and breaks would be added in. It is probably fair to say that the pauses added up to maybe 2 minutes (water could be less but bio generally more) and if so, then it's right on pace.

Last year, they were paused. So the time and miles stopped while I got my drink or took my potty break. I kinda feel like you are right. I mean... those pauses gave my body a chance to "recharge" and so I do not know it is fair to compare one time to another.

10 minutes difference and your anticipated finish time is how close? that seems odd, it would seem you'd still have a similar spread.

Mine is like 1:32 and his is like 1:46 so it probable right. Just is interesting that we may very well end up in the same corral. (if the stars align..and I don't get bumped and he does given I think the cuts offs are 1:30 and 1:45)

That is a good June I think! I came in nowhere close to that but was happy with my 46. 1000 still seems crazy to me but with all the half's you have planned it is certainly not out of the question.

I would really like to think that I will do 100 a month from now until January 1. However, it is a bit crazy. While I have the halfs that will take my miles up... I also have a lot of tapers in there. So I could see that being a challenge. we will see though.

Personally I would stick with a certified course and ideally one that is chip timed for a possible POT. When is the cut off for Donald and Avengers? All we've found of interest in July is an 8K. Which we may or may not do. One possible 10k in August but neither are ones we are "dying" to do. So, all I really have planned is the half, a 10K in Oct and then PHM!

Well, Zoe has a performance on that same weekend so going away for a race just won't work. I may end up staying closer to home and just doing a 5k. August will give us a good race (the railroad days 10k) I think that could be used for either Avengers or Donald. I would have to look at POT cut off for each. I am probably looking at an electric run in August too ("5k") Then the dlh.. nothing in September..the 10 miler in October half in November.. 5k in December..half in January and the Phm. Ugh, I am tired just thinking about it. At least I am signed up for half of them.

So cute!

Thanks

I can't wait to hear all about it!

If I ever get enough free time to compose an entire update I will! Plus... now that we have our plans for August outlined I can do an update for that too.

Those pictures from the dirty dash and was that a "run or die" race? are so cool.

Zach and Kimberly did the dirty dash. Kira and her friend did the run or dye.
They had a great time. Zach though did a number on his knee in one of the ponds which just confirmed for me that a dirty dash may not be for me.

Yay for reaching 40% of your goal. That is awesome! You can do the 1000 miles. It's definitely within reach.

Thank you. I feel as though it is within reach...but maybe a tad outside. WE will see. If by the end of September I am at 70% I will feel more confident I will make it.

Sorry about the ankle.

It is much better. I debated not even sharing since it isn't that big of a deal. It was more of a deal a week ago. I just never shared then....

My big news is I registered for an MS Bike to the Bay ride. I haven't done it in 15 years. So I am training for a 75 mile bike ride in September. In fact, Denny and I are getting ready to go map out a 50 mile ride for Saturday. I have to get more serious about tracking miles in the seat now.

That is awesome! I am always in awe of how many miles those who ride bikes do for their rides. 50 miles seems like a VERY far distance.

Hope you have an awesome July 4th weekend!

You too!

Time of day definitely affects my runs as well. If I'm running outside, I really rather just go early morning so the humidity isn't horrible so that leaves that to weekends only.

Well, I am going to try to get in a couple earlier runs here in the coming weeks to see if that helps.

I think Red Robin needs a real visit. McDonalds just isn't the same. I only eat chicken burgers but this place called The Pub has the best chicken one that I may be craving right now with their fried onion straws and beer cheese and pretzel bun.

With it being the 4th, I have requested burgers on the grill. So it should be better. I may have to allow myself just one. We will see how much self control I have.

Sorry about the ankle! Hope the compression socks work in your favor.

yesterday was far cooler so I didn't have the swelling that I have been having all week. I think that helped more than anything. I don't foresee this being a problem. I just wanted to share because last week it was bugging me and I forgot to share that it happened and how I was dealing with it.

You'll totally make it to 1000 miles especially as you get all those races the 2nd half and training.

Well, you can all cheer me on. I bet those last few months of the year will be telling.

Ann, glad you are more comfortable with your slower pace.

Me too.

I absolutely LOVED the pictures of Zach and his gal and Kira...those are all fabulous and so much fun

Thank you! I really thought they were fun too.

 

[annmarieda]

So guess what? We finally have a plan of who is going.

When I first formed the notion of this trip in my head I really thought it would just be Steve, Zoe and myself. Then I was made to realize that there was a small problem with this plan.


What to do with Miss Zoe while Steve and I are at the race??!! I kinda feel like she is almost to a point where leaving her sleeping in the room would have been ok. Well maybe in another year or two. maybe 3. She will be just weeks shy of 10 when we are there in January.

So we definitely needed someone to sit with her. Great! Kidsnightout will come into the room and for a heafty charge we would be set. Somehow though, I found this even less comforting than leaving Zoe alone in the room. Someone else... a stranger... coming in at 3am? I just didn't know how comfortable I was with it and the more I thought about it the less I was. Then I realized that the cost we would pay for the service would not be too much less than a park ticket for someone.



So we have the space to have one more person without an added cost. We are use to spending more on food for a trip anyway and given that the cost of a park ticket wasn't much more than the sitting service. I realized if I could coerce someone to come along and pay their own air fare then we might have a win win situation.

The question became who.

Who did we know who could afford the airfare (we didn't want that added cost), could chip in their own spending money (again we didn't want that cost), had that time available (vacation time or school can certainly get in the way of fun), was not a huge person (we will be in a studio and having 2 boys who are like bulls in a china shop constantly - it would be nice to have a small person who we wouldn't be tripping over constantly), was not prone to eating the amount required for a small army (again see "didn't want added cost" comment), who would appreciate going (I will explain how that factors in) and who would WANT to go (shocking as it may sound not everyone wants to take a trip to Disney).



After going down our list we quickly decided that many of our family members would be out for one reason or another. This made us think of our nieces. We have 5 total none of whom have been to Disney and 4 of whom are all of babysitting age.

My brother's daughter fell off the list because I rarely speak to my brother and have not seen her since well before her dad and mom got divorced. (maybe as much as 10 years ago? )

Steve's brother has 3 girls total. 2 are older than Zoe. The "appreciate" came into play here. The oldest will graduate in 2015 from high school so my first thought was that this would be a great way to celebrate that. However, there is baggage there that needs not going into a long story over. Suffice it to say two things caused not only the older one but the next one to fall off our list. Both are things that are the fault of the parents and not the girls. Entitlement and Reciprocity. Both parents feel as though things should be given to them. (side tmi rant.. yes, they "needed" to get all new furniture for their home..like the entire home.. got fil to cosign on a loan and then never made payments so now fil is paying for their furniture. Steve's sister.. she took out a second mortgage on her home so bil could have health coverage and other things for his family... so yes, they are over the top entitled) So we knew that if we offered for one they would be upset if we didn't offer to take all of them. Also I personally am a bit petty regarding starting to give anything to their kids. I used to. I use to be a good aunt that sent them stuff all the time. However nothing came to my kids... not even for christmas. So when Kira graduated and then later got married and there was not even a card... yep, I am petty. At that point I cut things back just to Christmas presents. (even though they still send nothing and never say thank you)

This left one niece before we would have to look to outside the family. This would be Steve's sister's daughter. Given that the trip is scheduled during a time that she would be in school though and my sil is very set on schedules... I thought it was a long shot.

But guess what????






They were all very very excited about the idea!!!!



So now we have our cast.

Steve


Zoe and I of course


And our niece, Miss P. (shown with her mom and grandmother in this picture)


I mentioned that she has never been to Disney. She is hoping to go into culinary arts so is excited to try all the great food in Disney. She has always been very sweet with Zoe so I think she will be a great companion for her. Steve and I are very excited to share something so special with her. While she isn't a baby she isn't "too old" either. She will be just shy of 14 when we go. While I wish she was maybe a tad older to stay in the room with Zoe, I think the fact that there will be the two of them and likely both will sleep until we are just about ready to return it should be perfect. She is very active and so I also am confident that she will have no trouble keeping up with us. She is a good kid and I feel like we are lucky to have her joining us.

 

[dizneeat]

Ann, that sounds like a great line up of "characters" to go on the trip. Your niece looks cute.

Oh, and btw - there is one like your SIL/BIL?? in every family. I have a cousin who after we invited and paid for her and her little girl's trip to DLP decided a week shy of travel date that she "did not feel like it".
We were left with the cost and when I told her that this was the first and last time we would invite her, she chose no longer to speak to us ...... her loss, we spoilt that little girl rotten.