Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[annmarieda]

July has been an interesting month for me in my training. This has been a hot month. I also have not gone on any early morning runs so it is way warmer for me than I am use to. Should be good for me in training for not only the DLH in CA but for the very very hot ToT race in october.


MILEAGE
July is almost over and I will hit 50% of my goal for 2014 this month. Currently I sit at 497.6 and with one day left to train this month I will go over 500 miles. My mileage for July will be in the 96/97 mile range. Why am I saying range? Well, at the beginning of the year I realized that RK could be off a bit. (RK being the ap I use on my phone) It was pretty close though, so I decided that I would just not stress about the miles and worry more about my pace. Now with the heat having an affect on my pace that I can't control... I am turning back to looking at miles. We had one day recently that was much cooler. I went for a good run and KNEW I was running faster than it said I was. I came up on the point in my route where I knew I would hit 6 miles and I wasn't at 6 yet. I kept running...and running and OMG - running. When I finally hit 6 miles and my pace was slower than I would have thought, I figured I would have to go in and manually correct the route. Once I did that my mileage went from 6 to 6.39 miles. This took my pace down to where I thought I actually was. So I know that I may not have an exactly accurate mileage. It is good "enough" though as long as I keep that in mind. Some times it is dead on accurate... while other times it is off .0x miles. It is rare though that it is off as much as it was that day that I went 6.39. Who knows how much all of it will be off by the end of the year.. a .0x here and there I am sure can add up... but I am not going to sweat it that much. I will however report what RK records for me. So while it is not exact... RK lists my mileage this year as 497.6. (you will all just have to assume the "give or take" when you read my mileage)

TRAINING PLAN CHANGES
I made a new change this month to my training. Rather than just do 2 - 45 minute runs (per the galloway time improvement plan)..which became 2 - 5 mile runs (because I needed to customize a bit), I started making one of them a 6 mile run.

As August begins, I will have just one long run and two speed works runs left before the taper. The taper is what is done before the big race. Mileage is taken down in a way to save energy, reduce risk of last minute injury and to illicit a "grey hound at the gates" type response. (meaning since I will not have ran; my body will be READY to get moving) Since I can not imagine attempting trying to go "fast" in this heat. I am going to skip the last two speed sessions and do long runs instead. Even those are likely to be less than what is called for. (seriously, a 17 mile run??? ) I can take my long runs slow...really slow if necessary. I can't see this causing me trouble in my training. I think it will be just as good...if not better for me.


ENUMCLAW STREET FAIR 5K
After not doing a single event in June (except I guess the adventure run) Steve and I participated in a local 5k. I have really been worrying about the heat and my pace and have been a bit gun shy of signing up for anything. I knew this was coming up but I waited until the last moment that online registration was still open to register. I think I was feeling a bit more confident when I did because weather had cooled slightly. I knew it was going back up on the weekend...but somehow I just needed the extra bit of confidence the cooler weather gave me.

Saturday, 7/26 we did not wake early. Why? Well, the start of the race was only about a half mile from my house. I can't even tell you how cool this was. I still wanted to arrive early enough to pick up our bib and work off my prerace jitters

We arrived and picked up our bibs. (yay, chipped and certified). We then tried to stay in the shade while we waited. With a 9am start time it was beginning to warm up.


With about 15 minutes to start time I realized that I had a pressing issue to tend to. Luckily, the hotel across the street had real restrooms and so I opted to hustle over there rather than use a porta pottie.

Once back, I still had more time.... so another selfie


And one of Steve..


And yes, maybe I am a tad bored at this point. A picture to show my new skirt that matches my shoes.


FINALLY, it was time to get started. The race was an out and back route and I anticipated ending with negative splits since the half way point ended at the top of a hill. However I neglected to realize that the return route went back up another hill.

The start of the race I did pretty well, my pace was where I would hope it would be and despite the hill climb I finished the first mile with an 8:20 pace.

Then I hit another part of the route I neglected to see when looking at the race. (see, I never run in this part of town. I have much better running trails nearer to me) At the top of the hill was a park with a gravel trail on it. That would seem challenging enough but we had to "get" to it. This meant leaving the road and trekking through a gravel lot and up gravel stairs to get to this park. Once around the "track" it was back down those stairs (which, btw were a bit on the steep side and yes.. GRAVEL) back through the lot and back out onto the road. Everyone slowed. I slowed. I was sure I would twist something on the very lose rocks. Then the sun came out. I slowed... but I got into a consistent pace.

Mile two - 9:04 pace. I was doing ok and not struggling to maintain my pace. the graph for my run looks like a straight line at this point. THEN came that second hill. I knew I had someone on my heels at this point so I pushed to maintain my pace.

Mile three - 9:04 pace. That last mile was tough. I knew I was overheated and pushing. Still that person...that PERSON was on my heels AND she was s she...which would mean I would be bumped down one spot in gender if I let her pass me. So I pushed on.

The last .1 mile was within sight of the finish line. I KNEW she was sprinting... I could hear and see her shadow. So I had no choice. I sprinted. Good grief that was not fun.. I crossed (ahead of my competition) and nearly threw up. Finishers were given their bags (a random assortment of "goodies" and not all bags were the same) as they crossed. I remember the look in the gals eyes who handed me the bag. She looked as though she knew she needed to be prepared to get out of my way. I seem to be getting worse about this and not better. I walked trying to compose myself.

During my walking... I could hear cheers. (yes, I know that cheers happened when I crossed too. I think the locals liked to see two or more people trying to cross at the same time) Steve was sprinting against someone he had been leapfrogging the entire race. He too was able to finish ahead. He too pushed to the point of feeling ill. However he did in fact need to find the nearest bush.

I finished with a time of 27:38 a pace of 8:55. Finished 68th of 184 overall. 28 out of 106 gender. 7 out of 20 in my division. For some reason between how I felt and how I had been "thinking" my running had been going I assumed my PR for a 5k was not close to that. I spent the day feeling like I kinda wimped out because it was not a PR. Well, turns out my best official 5k was just 2 seconds faster. So I came pretty close to a PR.

Steve did PR. His official time was 31:53 111 out of 184 overall. 57 out of 78 in gender and 8 out of 11 in division.

LONG RUNS IN JULY

So I would have added this to before the race recap, but my second long run takes place AFTER the event so I felt it was important to recap the race in order to shed some light on my mental state. First lets back up a bit though. July had 2 long runs because the other weekends had speed work.

7/12 - 13.29 miles. I had a really good long 11 mile run in June. No stops, no walking. AND I kept under a 10 minute pace. This one was no where near that good. I felt hot and tired the entire time. I had to stop for a couple water breaks and had to walk much of the last couple miles. My total pace was 10:44

7/26 - was suppose to be a 15 mile run. Given that I about killed myself on the 3 mile run and the fact it was getting warm...far to warm to run. I debated skipping this. This is a RARE thought for me to skip a running day. I may go slower... I may make a water stop... I may even walk some. I do NOT skip. So somewhere along the line I decided once the sun was setting I would go out.

And so when the temp fell below 80 I went out. I also had decided that I would go very very slow...however slow I needed. I was intent on doing at least 5 miles. After all that would be 8 for the day and would kinda count as a long run. 6 would be better.

As I ran, I realized that at the slower pace I could probably do more than 6 miles. It was still very warm though but as the sun began to set I knew I could keep going. Problem was to finish before it was truly dark since I didn't have a light with me.

It was an amazing run. I had a lot of fun and had multiple animal encounters.

First bunnies came out and ran along the trail. They were cute but skittered away before I got too close.

Next were the elk. There is a local herd that has a run that comes down from the surrounding hills into the area that I run. I have not seen them all year. I thought something had altered their run. I came around a corner and there they were. I think they were not aware I was coming any more than I was aware they were right there because they startled and ran. Well, all but a few large males. I am not sure why there were several large males in the herd. They approached the road as if to say "don't get any funny ideas". They were big with multiple point racks. With the females darting around behind them and with my previous experience with a small juvenile off shoot of this herd - I was honestly a bit spooked. Had this been rutting season I would have been in some real danger. These are not your small deer type animals. If you want to watch a video of the herd from 5 years ago, you can watch it here The herd has grown a tad since then.

Then came the bats. Honestly, this would have freaked me out a bit more because they swoop down pretty low. However before they came out I was getting a fair amount of added protein in my diet due to the bugs that I kept getting into my mouth (yes, I run with my mouth open ) Bats out = less bugs

Then a large barn owl. no more bats?

Finally, it was getting quite dark but I could see a small fluffy object in my path. I thought "is it a cat". Then as I approached it literally charged me. It was a darn opossum. I jumped to the side a bit and tried to squirt my water bottle at it. It darted the other way. Then it seemed confused again and ran toward me again. I have to wonder if this is why there are so many dead along side the road. Their flight or fight gets mixed up with which way to run.

I decided as I approached my house that I had to wrap it up. It was becoming hard to see my footing. I could have gone farther and for the first time EVER I wondered if I could ever actually do a marathon at a pace like I was doing. I didn't stop once - only darting to the side for the opossum... never felt like I was going to die and in the end I felt I could have gone farther. My pace? Well, that wasn't at all very pretty. It was 10:46. I put in an additional 9 1/4 miles. So a total of 12.25 for the day. Not the 15 that it called for but I am pretty happy with it. Plus I think the 15 and 17 miles that this plan calls for may be completely unnecessary (I didn't say I thought very LONG about doing a full marathon )

 

[MEK]

I love your race outfit. So cute. And your shoes are so cute. Yay for 2secs off your 5K personal best. That's really awesome, especially where there is a hill concerned. I hate hills, even the smallest ones.

Yay for an amazing long run. That is so awesome. And you are definitely stacking up the impressive mileage this year.

I ran 6 miles this morning. I am off from work today and the weather here is spectacular. I am excited because I haven't run 6 miles in .....I can't even tell you when. In fact, a couple months ago I would have sworn that I would never run 6 miles again. So to me that is totally exciting. Yes - I had to stop to take a phone call from Brian (because I never don't answer a phone call from my kids), but the fact that I felt good at the end and not like I was going to die is a big accomplishment.

I agree with you - themed running clothes but not a costume. That's a little too much for me.

 

[eandesmom]

I think I put down like 2:40 because I figured that would allow time for stops and pictures. I really didn't know what to put down because I haven't timed myself running in slow long and I figured it was better to put slower. I have a 10K planned for the beginning of October.

I think that is a reasonable time. However, I suspect that once you have a 10K time, if you project it out (McMillan is a good one and is "close" to the one RD uses) it will be at a lower time. It of course will not assume stops and pictures but just a slowing down for more miles. I'd update your time, both for actual race proof of time and estimated finish to match whatever that is. As you will see for the DL Half corrals, it's much nicer closer to the front. Most everyone, I think, runs a Disney race slower than their "best" for pictures, stops etc. But if you put what you will really run it in, versus what you "could" run it in, you may well end up with folks that are planning a 3-3:15 half but ran a 10K that gave them a time of 2:45 and used it to get better placement.

There is a guy on a FB group I am part of that submitted a :57 for his 10K, but put his estimated finish time at 2:31 as he was trying to allow for photos etc. McMillan would give him a 2:07 half. But instead, runDisney went with his slower estimate versus the algorithm and he's in the monster corral that has folks from 2:31 - 3:13!

And you are good at those kind of challenges! I wish there was a way to custom order some type of cute running shirt/bra that has a theme. I've seen the really cute skirts on Etsy, but I would rather wear running shirts and a comfortable running shirt with a cool theme or decoration on it. I so wish I was creative because I could see getting a white running jog bra/tank and decorating it.

Anyway - I am up for some type of theme of you guys are - even if its something we do post race.

Oh there are places on etsy to get custom running anything, including tops. I am sure we can figure something fun out!

I'm psyched that we will all be staying at the BWV. I just wish I was getting into town a little earlier, but I plan to arrive Friday night and check in first thing Saturday then go pick up the race packet. We will have a car so we could all go over together in the morning, unless you guys go the day before.

As Ann said I suspect we will go the day before but might well be up for a return trip!

Well, I hope that before you bring up the rear we see each other in the staging area.

Oh... there is no need to speculate. I will be in C All but one race I have been in C.

Seriously though, I agree with Cynthia. With a POT, I am sure you will not be in the last corral.

If they keep it the same as last year, yep, we will be in C. Mary Ellen will NOT be in the back if she sticks with the 2:40...more in the middle.

Yeah, it isn't very fun. AND if you have seen the "jogstrap" video that was on facebook recently... it is kinda like that. (only obviously not so obscene) The pouch stretches and seems to hang once it gets full enough. Just not for me either. However, I have made it work... and will again if I have to.

Just say no.

I prefer themed to true costumes. And...I do sew, so that is an option.

Depending.

Hey, I made duck feet remember?

LOL

MILEAGE
July is almost over and I will hit 50% of my goal for 2014 this month. Currently I sit at 497.6 and with one day left to train this month I will go over 500 miles. My mileage for July will be in the 96/97 mile range. Why am I saying range? Well, at the beginning of the year I realized that RK could be off a bit. (RK being the ap I use on my phone) It was pretty close though, so I decided that I would just not stress about the miles and worry more about my pace. Now with the heat having an affect on my pace that I can't control... I am turning back to looking at miles. We had one day recently that was much cooler. I went for a good run and KNEW I was running faster than it said I was. I came up on the point in my route where I knew I would hit 6 miles and I wasn't at 6 yet. I kept running...and running and OMG - running. When I finally hit 6 miles and my pace was slower than I would have thought, I figured I would have to go in and manually correct the route. Once I did that my mileage went from 6 to 6.39 miles. This took my pace down to where I thought I actually was. So I know that I may not have an exactly accurate mileage. It is good "enough" though as long as I keep that in mind. Some times it is dead on accurate... while other times it is off .0x miles. It is rare though that it is off as much as it was that day that I went 6.39. Who knows how much all of it will be off by the end of the year.. a .0x here and there I am sure can add up... but I am not going to sweat it that much. I will however report what RK records for me. So while it is not exact... RK lists my mileage this year as 497.6. (you will all just have to assume the "give or take" when you read my mileage)

Ugh. RK is so inaccurate for me, as you know, I stopped using it "live" months ago. I do still log into it though.

You have put in WAY more miles year to date than I have, I'm at 335. But given that all I ran in 2013 was 350, I think it is not so bad!

TRAINING PLAN CHANGES
I made a new change this month to my training. Rather than just do 2 - 45 minute runs (per the galloway time improvement plan)..which became 2 - 5 mile runs (because I needed to customize a bit), I started making one of them a 6 mile run.

Did you make it longer just to get more miles in? Curious as to why longer.

As August begins, I will have just one long run and two speed works runs left before the taper. The taper is what is done before the big race. Mileage is taken down in a way to save energy, reduce risk of last minute injury and to illicit a "grey hound at the gates" type response. (meaning since I will not have ran; my body will be READY to get moving) Since I can not imagine attempting trying to go "fast" in this heat. I am going to skip the last two speed sessions and do long runs instead. Even those are likely to be less than what is called for. (seriously, a 17 mile run??? ) I can take my long runs slow...really slow if necessary. I can't see this causing me trouble in my training. I think it will be just as good...if not better for me.

I can't see any downside to this

ENUMCLAW STREET FAIR 5K
After not doing a single event in June (except I guess the adventure run) Steve and I participated in a local 5k. I have really been worrying about the heat and my pace and have been a bit gun shy of signing up for anything. I knew this was coming up but I waited until the last moment that online registration was still open to register. I think I was feeling a bit more confident when I did because weather had cooled slightly. I knew it was going back up on the weekend...but somehow I just needed the extra bit of confidence the cooler weather gave me.


Once back, I still had more time.... so another selfie


And one of Steve..


And yes, maybe I am a tad bored at this point. A picture to show my new skirt that matches my shoes.


FINALLY, it was time to get started. The race was an out and back route and I anticipated ending with negative splits since the half way point ended at the top of a hill. However I neglected to realize that the return route went back up another hill.

The start of the race I did pretty well, my pace was where I would hope it would be and despite the hill climb I finished the first mile with an 8:20 pace.

Then I hit another part of the route I neglected to see when looking at the race. (see, I never run in this part of town. I have much better running trails nearer to me) At the top of the hill was a park with a gravel trail on it. That would seem challenging enough but we had to "get" to it. This meant leaving the road and trekking through a gravel lot and up gravel stairs to get to this park. Once around the "track" it was back down those stairs (which, btw were a bit on the steep side and yes.. GRAVEL) back through the lot and back out onto the road. Everyone slowed. I slowed. I was sure I would twist something on the very lose rocks. Then the sun came out. I slowed... but I got into a consistent pace.

Mile two - 9:04 pace. I was doing ok and not struggling to maintain my pace. the graph for my run looks like a straight line at this point. THEN came that second hill. I knew I had someone on my heels at this point so I pushed to maintain my pace.

Mile three - 9:04 pace. That last mile was tough. I knew I was overheated and pushing. Still that person...that PERSON was on my heels AND she was s she...which would mean I would be bumped down one spot in gender if I let her pass me. So I pushed on.

The last .1 mile was within sight of the finish line. I KNEW she was sprinting... I could hear and see her shadow. So I had no choice. I sprinted. Good grief that was not fun.. I crossed (ahead of my competition) and nearly threw up. Finishers were given their bags (a random assortment of "goodies" and not all bags were the same) as they crossed. I remember the look in the gals eyes who handed me the bag. She looked as though she knew she needed to be prepared to get out of my way. I seem to be getting worse about this and not better. I walked trying to compose myself.

During my walking... I could hear cheers. (yes, I know that cheers happened when I crossed too. I think the locals liked to see two or more people trying to cross at the same time) Steve was sprinting against someone he had been leapfrogging the entire race. He too was able to finish ahead. He too pushed to the point of feeling ill. However he did in fact need to find the nearest bush.

I finished with a time of 27:38 a pace of 8:55. Finished 68th of 184 overall. 28 out of 106 gender. 7 out of 20 in my division. For some reason between how I felt and how I had been "thinking" my running had been going I assumed my PR for a 5k was not close to that. I spent the day feeling like I kinda wimped out because it was not a PR. Well, turns out my best official 5k was just 2 seconds faster. So I came pretty close to a PR.

Steve did PR. His official time was 31:53 111 out of 184 overall. 57 out of 78 in gender and 8 out of 11 in division.

Great job but....yikes I can't believe how you guys push yourselves at the end. I don't have that competitive pull I don't think. Or am too afraid of getting sick. LOL!

LONG RUNS IN JULY

So I would have added this to before the race recap, but my second long run takes place AFTER the event so I felt it was important to recap the race in order to shed some light on my mental state. First lets back up a bit though. July had 2 long runs because the other weekends had speed work.

7/12 - 13.29 miles. I had a really good long 11 mile run in June. No stops, no walking. AND I kept under a 10 minute pace. This one was no where near that good. I felt hot and tired the entire time. I had to stop for a couple water breaks and had to walk much of the last couple miles. My total pace was 10:44

7/26 - was suppose to be a 15 mile run. Given that I about killed myself on the 3 mile run and the fact it was getting warm...far to warm to run. I debated skipping this. This is a RARE thought for me to skip a running day. I may go slower... I may make a water stop... I may even walk some. I do NOT skip. So somewhere along the line I decided once the sun was setting I would go out.

And so when the temp fell below 80 I went out. I also had decided that I would go very very slow...however slow I needed. I was intent on doing at least 5 miles. After all that would be 8 for the day and would kinda count as a long run. 6 would be better.
multiple animal encounters.

I decided as I approached my house that I had to wrap it up. It was becoming hard to see my footing. I could have gone farther and for the first time EVER I wondered if I could ever actually do a marathon at a pace like I was doing. I didn't stop once - only darting to the side for the opossum... never felt like I was going to die and in the end I felt I could have gone farther. My pace? Well, that wasn't at all very pretty. It was 10:46. I put in an additional 9 1/4 miles. [/QUOTE]

I really really think you need to not think about the pace on the long runs! They are supposed to be slow and not at race pace. Heat or otherwise. Yours are very consistent with a couple of mine. Both are at a perfect long run training pace for a possible sub 2 half. At least according to 3 or so different programs and calculators I have looked at!

I seriously can't believe you went back out after almost getting sick. You clearly did the right thing, sounds like a pretty magical run!

Quite sure I would not have gone out.

Love the new skirt, super super cute!

I ran 6 miles this morning. I am off from work today and the weather here is spectacular. I am excited because I haven't run 6 miles in .....I can't even tell you when. In fact, a couple months ago I would have sworn that I would never run 6 miles again. So to me that is totally exciting. Yes - I had to stop to take a phone call from Brian (because I never don't answer a phone call from my kids), but the fact that I felt good at the end and not like I was going to die is a big accomplishment.

I agree with you - themed running clothes but not a costume. That's a little too much for me.

Not dying is always the goal! Glad it went so well. Don't overdo it you crazy bike riding person!

I have earbuds with a mike so I can answer while running if needed. And identifiable ring tones for the kids. I ignore anyone else. LOL!

 

[annmarieda]

I love your race outfit. So cute. And your shoes are so cute. Yay for 2secs off your 5K personal best. That's really awesome, especially where there is a hill concerned. I hate hills, even the smallest ones.

Thanks. It was kinda unexpected. I thought I was way worse than my best. If I had known that I was so close I probably would have pushed just a bit harder around that gravel. I slowed down on it...probably more than I needed to.

Yay for an amazing long run. That is so awesome. And you are definitely stacking up the impressive mileage this year.

Thank you. It was a rewarding run for sure. Sometimes, I think the best runs are the ones we don't think we want to do or can do. As for the mileage... I put together a new schedule to get me through the end of the year. If I do not stray from it at all. I will be 26 miles short of my goal for the year. With 23 weeks left in the year I may end up just trying to fit a mile in each week somewhere...and three weeks, I need to get a second one. I am really close...

I ran 6 miles this morning. I am off from work today and the weather here is spectacular. I am excited because I haven't run 6 miles in .....I can't even tell you when. In fact, a couple months ago I would have sworn that I would never run 6 miles again. So to me that is totally exciting. Yes - I had to stop to take a phone call from Brian (because I never don't answer a phone call from my kids), but the fact that I felt good at the end and not like I was going to die is a big accomplishment.

That is a HUGE accomplishment! Congrats! I think you are going to do really well at the phm.

I agree with you - themed running clothes but not a costume. That's a little too much for me.

While I will not say never again.... I did try a tutu once and it really didn't work well for me. I like my sparkle skirts. They have really made my summer much more tolerable. I pretty much have always run in skirts... but last year I struggled with chaffing on long runs. No chaffing on my legs this year. Now if only I could fix the chaffing on my arms that seems to be an issue for me this year I would be in great shape.

I think that is a reasonable time. However, I suspect that once you have a 10K time, if you project it out (McMillan is a good one and is "close" to the one RD uses) it will be at a lower time. It of course will not assume stops and pictures but just a slowing down for more miles. I'd update your time, both for actual race proof of time and estimated finish to match whatever that is. As you will see for the DL Half corrals, it's much nicer closer to the front. Most everyone, I think, runs a Disney race slower than their "best" for pictures, stops etc. But if you put what you will really run it in, versus what you "could" run it in, you may well end up with folks that are planning a 3-3:15 half but ran a 10K that gave them a time of 2:45 and used it to get better placement.

Mary Ellen, I agree with Cynthia. You will want to give an estimate based on what you could do. That way you can be ahead of the a lot of people and thus will be able to get picture stops in.

Oh there are places on etsy to get custom running anything, including tops. I am sure we can figure something fun out!

As Ann said I suspect we will go the day before but might well be up for a return trip!

If they keep it the same as last year, yep, we will be in C. Mary Ellen will NOT be in the back if she sticks with the 2:40...more in the middle.

I just laugh because I am always in C... except for the donald. The donald has some very small corrals up in those first few though so it made sense.

Ugh. RK is so inaccurate for me, as you know, I stopped using it "live" months ago. I do still log into it though.

I have had some pretty good luck with it. Maybe off by a hundredth here or there...but not anything BIG. Every now and again though something goes haywire and I end up with more or less miles than I should. The 5k last weekend... it logged exactly 3.12 miles. Given that I stopped it after I crossed I would consider that pretty spot on.

You have put in WAY more miles year to date than I have, I'm at 335. But given that all I ran in 2013 was 350, I think it is not so bad!

I think that is definitely not so bad! As for mine...remember I do NOTHING else. (except my job that can be extremely physically demanding at times while other times not at all)

Did you make it longer just to get more miles in? Curious as to why longer.

Well, originally the 45 minute runs were about 5 miles. So I decided I would just stick to a distance. Of course with my pace slowing the 5 miles take me more time now...but I still was going for that distance. THEN I decided since I could not go faster I might as well add just one mile in. So rather than 10 miles during the week I go 11. And while the plan actually only calls for 90 minutes I am going more like 110. It wasn't really my intention to add miles but now that I look at where I will be at the end of the year I am glad I did. I currently will be 26 miles short IF I completely stick to my plan. This will mean a couple runs in WDW in October and one in DLR in November. Those are hard ones for me to get in. I am going to try and fit in an extra mile or two per week too just so I can cut down how short I will be. I really would like to hit that 1000 mile goal.

I can't see any downside to this

I hope not. I really have wondered about those long long runs. 15 and 17 just seem too much in my mind.

Great job but....yikes I can't believe how you guys push yourselves at the end. I don't have that competitive pull I don't think. Or am too afraid of getting sick. LOL!

I don't know why I do it. I do it at EVERY race. I sprint across the finish. I can't think of one that I haven't done it at. Maybe it is my inner oatmeal talking... you know... the "sprint at the finish super fast and no one will know you walked the last 12.5 miles" (or what ever it is he writes)

I really really think you need to not think about the pace on the long runs! They are supposed to be slow and not at race pace. Heat or otherwise. Yours are very consistent with a couple of mine. Both are at a perfect long run training pace for a possible sub 2 half. At least according to 3 or so different programs and calculators I have looked at!

The fact you tell me this makes me feel much better about it and honestly has allowed myself to do it. It has been really nice to take it as easy as I need and I have been doing it on all my runs...even my midweek ones. It lets me not stress out about what the conditions are will be outside because I will brave them and adjust my pace no matter what.

I seriously can't believe you went back out after almost getting sick. You clearly did the right thing, sounds like a pretty magical run!

I really considered not going. I really considered moving the day. I REALLY considered doing far less. It wasn't until the sun was getting lower that I decided that something was better than nothing. It wasn't until I was out running that I knew I would go farther than 4...5...or 6 miles. It made it kinda interesting though because I packed enough fuel for 7. I had to stretch it out. And ya know what? I didn't die.

Quite sure I would not have gone out.

I don't know... you are more the evening runner than I am. I think that was what really was the obstacle. I don't' often have the energy at night to go out and so don't. I guess this can count toward my ToT training though... night time run and all.

Love the new skirt, super super cute!

Thanks. It is one of my new favorites. I have skirts in two sizes... and it is hard for me to accept that the smaller is better for me. The two I have in the smaller size are both my favorites!

I have earbuds with a mike so I can answer while running if needed. And identifiable ring tones for the kids. I ignore anyone else. LOL!

I miss mine that had a mic. They didn't stay in my ears though... so eventually I had to go to yurbuds. maybe they have some with a mic?

 

[annmarieda]

With just a month before the race, I better get the details of this trip finished. Believe me...everything has come together and I think we are ready to go. (at least I am )

First up... the race outfit.

I had it in mind that I would just wear what I wore to the WDW half. I mean... the skirt has only been worn for that race. (I wear the shirt all the time though).

Then Cynthia helped me to realize that a black tank would be just too hot. So I played around with some other ideas. I even painted a tech tee (which turned out pretty cute..but is just not comfy to run in given all the paint) I suppose you would all like to see?




I decided not to complicate things more for me and just go with a simple white tech tank from Target, the sparkleskirt (a light version so needs shorts under) that I wore at the donald, a sweatybands head band and compression shorts under the skirt. (although I am really considering purchasing some bottoms from sparkleskirts or picking them up at the expo). As for my shoes... I am hoping that my energy boosts (black with a fine yellow line near the sole) will last to the end of next month. I have been rotating those and the pure flows that I bought in March. The pure flows are reaching the end of their life though. RR is having a sale on them...like the EXACT pair. ..color and all. On sale for just $56. Yep, I will be getting those. So yes... the energy boosts that I got in May are what I hope to run in for the DLH. The really don't seem to have the same kind of wear to them that I use to see. I know my strike has changed...so that is apparently a good thing because the heels of my shoes are not getting eaten up.

So this is what I plan to run in

 

[eandesmom]

I think that is definitely not so bad! As for mine...remember I do NOTHING else. (except my job that can be extremely physically demanding at times while other times not at all)

I don't do much else and heaven knows I wasn't into it tonight.

Well, originally the 45 minute runs were about 5 miles. So I decided I would just stick to a distance. Of course with my pace slowing the 5 miles take me more time now...but I still was going for that distance. THEN I decided since I could not go faster I might as well add just one mile in. So rather than 10 miles during the week I go 11. And while the plan actually only calls for 90 minutes I am going more like 110. It wasn't really my intention to add miles but now that I look at where I will be at the end of the year I am glad I did. I currently will be 26 miles short IF I completely stick to my plan. This will mean a couple runs in WDW in October and one in DLR in November. Those are hard ones for me to get in. I am going to try and fit in an extra mile or two per week too just so I can cut down how short I will be. I really would like to hit that 1000 mile goal.

Good for you, I know that is an important goal for you so go for it! 26 miles? You can make it happen I know. If that's what you want


I hope not. I really have wondered about those long long runs. 15 and 17 just seem too much in my mind.

I don't know why I do it. I do it at EVERY race. I sprint across the finish. I can't think of one that I haven't done it at. Maybe it is my inner oatmeal talking... you know... the "sprint at the finish super fast and no one will know you walked the last 12.5 miles" (or what ever it is he writes)

Ah yes, the oatmeal. Maybe it is! Maybe I don't have one

No I do, I know I do. It just doesn't make me want to push like that at the finish. Other things? Oh for sure! I can honestly say I have never done that. Not sure if that's a good, or a bad thing. Though seriously if there is an older chick or man in front of me again like at Birch Bay I am going to dig DEEP. Worst race photos EVER. Creamed by 60 year old guys grinning like it was a stroll in the park. Uncool.

Did you see there is a virtual blerch race kit? Too funny.

The fact you tell me this makes me feel much better about it and honestly has allowed myself to do it. It has been really nice to take it as easy as I need and I have been doing it on all my runs...even my midweek ones. It lets me not stress out about what the conditions are will be outside because I will brave them and adjust my pace no matter what.

It will be what it will be. We will both be trained and can do the distance. Ultimately, that is what matters. And we will be together! Weather, humidity, etc, you can't control those. As best we can (and neither of us are good at this!) we need to try not to think to much and just enjoy.

I really considered not going. I really considered moving the day. I REALLY considered doing far less. It wasn't until the sun was getting lower that I decided that something was better than nothing. It wasn't until I was out running that I knew I would go farther than 4...5...or 6 miles. It made it kinda interesting though because I packed enough fuel for 7. I had to stretch it out. And ya know what? I didn't die.

Not dying is ALWAYS good!

I don't know... you are more the evening runner than I am. I think that was what really was the obstacle. I don't' often have the energy at night to go out and so don't. I guess this can count toward my ToT training though... night time run and all.

Yeah well, last night was pretty sucky. SOOOOOOOOOO not into it. For a million different totally lame reasons.

Thanks. It is one of my new favorites. I have skirts in two sizes... and it is hard for me to accept that the smaller is better for me. The two I have in the smaller size are both my favorites!

Now THAT is silly, embrace the smaller size!

I miss mine that had a mic. They didn't stay in my ears though... so eventually I had to go to yurbuds. maybe they have some with a mic?

I often have to buy special silicone buds that are extra small and even then they fall out at times. I do like the mic though!

With just a month before the race, I better get the details of this trip finished. Believe me...everything has come together and I think we are ready to go. (at least I am )

First up... the race outfit.

I had it in mind that I would just wear what I wore to the WDW half. I mean... the skirt has only been worn for that race. (I wear the shirt all the time though).

Then Cynthia helped me to realize that a black tank would be just too hot. So I played around with some other ideas. I even painted a tech tee (which turned out pretty cute..but is just not comfy to run in given all the paint) I suppose you would all like to see?




I decided not to complicate things more for me and just go with a simple white tech tank from Target, the sparkleskirt (a light version so needs shorts under) that I wore at the donald, a sweatybands head band and compression shorts under the skirt. (although I am really considering purchasing some bottoms from sparkleskirts or picking them up at the expo). As for my shoes... I am hoping that my energy boosts (black with a fine yellow line near the sole) will last to the end of next month. I have been rotating those and the pure flows that I bought in March. The pure flows are reaching the end of their life though. RR is having a sale on them...like the EXACT pair. ..color and all. On sale for just $56. Yep, I will be getting those. So yes... the energy boosts that I got in May are what I hope to run in for the DLH. The really don't seem to have the same kind of wear to them that I use to see. I know my strike has changed...so that is apparently a good thing because the heels of my shoes are not getting eaten up.

So this is what I plan to run in

Ok that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute! I feel totally lame if I go with the green knickers. So not themed.

Although I did find a sweaty band I may buy.

And I did break down and order those different model shoes. Tonight. All your fault, you said the magic words.

Road Runner

Sale

And yep, they were a solid $20 off of the last price.

Do I "need" them? No. Will they be right? I have no idea. But I am kind of thinking the new bigger inserts are maybe too big for my shoe. I want to at least try these. Worst case I return them for what I have but I do think either way I need to go up a half a size whether it is the new RR inserts or the new orthotics. Which also came, I walked in the other night. They are a bit too big for the shoe. So either they get trimmed, or I go up.

Right now the idea of 2 oz lighter sounds SOOO good and really they match most of the other specs, not a huge change in heel drop, they are just lower to the ground to start. Very similar cushioning and stability. A bit stiffer. We will see. I honestly have wondered if at this point I'm slightly over corrected and weighed down, that maybe I have outgrown that shoe and need more of a racing shoe. We will see. Then again I may just be hung up on runners world calling my shoe a solid performer for middle of the packers. LOL!

Going up in size as been suggested a couple of times so I figure it can't hurt to try. It's not $56 mind you but still, I will take $86 including tax.

 

[annmarieda]

I don't do much else and heaven knows I wasn't into it tonight.

I wouldn't have been either. It was hot and didn't seem to want to cool down.

Good for you, I know that is an important goal for you so go for it! 26 miles? You can make it happen I know. If that's what you want

We will see. Is it so important that I fixate and kill myself over it? Probably not. I will do what I can...but honestly, I think a goal of 900..or even 950 is much more achievable.

I really have wondered about those long long runs. 15 and 17 just seem too much in my mind.

Well, since this is the galloway method I have to wonder if I am looking at them wrong. Like maybe they are intended to be long walk/runs? Not at all intended to be a distance that you attempt to run the entire thing? Then again there are a lot of half training programs that go over.... so what do I know?

Ah yes, the oatmeal. Maybe it is! Maybe I don't have one

No I do, I know I do. It just doesn't make me want to push like that at the finish. Other things? Oh for sure! I can honestly say I have never done that. Not sure if that's a good, or a bad thing. Though seriously if there is an older chick or man in front of me again like at Birch Bay I am going to dig DEEP. Worst race photos EVER. Creamed by 60 year old guys grinning like it was a stroll in the park. Uncool.

It is probably neither good nor bad that you don't (or I do) Just the way we cross the finish line. I figure any way you cross it... sprinting to crawling is definitely a win! I just need to leave enough reserve that when I inevitably dig deep to sprint across that I am not just pulling up fumes. I only recently started to do that at races. Not sure why I am depleting myself so badly that it has happened. Oh well... maybe not too bad since I don't actually get sick.

Did you see there is a virtual blerch race kit? Too funny.

I did! Personally, I have mixed feelings on virtual races. I have been tempted to do a few...but ultimately I always just decide against them.

It will be what it will be. We will both be trained and can do the distance. Ultimately, that is what matters. And we will be together! Weather, humidity, etc, you can't control those. As best we can (and neither of us are good at this!) we need to try not to think to much and just enjoy.

It is funny because in training for the dlh, I have done more in the way of mental training than perhaps anything else. Training myself to not think to much about it has been a tough one!

Not dying is ALWAYS good!

It is just always interesting to see what won't actually kill me.

Yeah well, last night was pretty sucky. SOOOOOOOOOO not into it. For a million different totally lame reasons.

I am sure that none of your reasons were lame. I know if I were you my number one reason would have been the heat.

Now THAT is silly, embrace the smaller size!

Well, yes and no. I kinda half think that the it is a misrepresentation of my size. (like they run large) I also still have that poochy belly. Even that according to their size chart would suggest a size up not down. But I have no toosh (although I think maybe the running is helping that a tad). So I keep feeling like I shouldn't size down... like with my belly it shouldn't be better to get the size down. I don't know....

I often have to buy special silicone buds that are extra small and even then they fall out at times. I do like the mic though!

What brand do you use?

Ok that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute! I feel totally lame if I go with the green knickers. So not themed.

Thanks. It is pretty much lacking in creativity though. I am pretty sure this same outfit has been worn my many runners. So don't feel lame with yours! You are more unique. And green... you could totally "tinkerbell" it up. . In fact have you seen the believe rawthreads shirt? With the giant fairy wings on the back? I bet it would go very well. Then again... the one I just had in my mind was the black one and well... black = hot

Although I did find a sweaty band I may buy.

I need to get more for every day. (my purple one I wore at the race last week lost a gem ) I just wish I had bought more when they had their sale.

And I did break down and order those different model shoes. Tonight. All your fault, you said the magic words.

Road Runner

Sale

And yep, they were a solid $20 off of the last price.

I know... I am bad at being a "sale purchase" enabler.

Do I "need" them? No. Will they be right? I have no idea. But I am kind of thinking the new bigger inserts are maybe too big for my shoe. I want to at least try these. Worst case I return them for what I have but I do think either way I need to go up a half a size whether it is the new RR inserts or the new orthotics. Which also came, I walked in the other night. They are a bit too big for the shoe. So either they get trimmed, or I go up.

Right now the idea of 2 oz lighter sounds SOOO good and really they match most of the other specs, not a huge change in heel drop, they are just lower to the ground to start. Very similar cushioning and stability. A bit stiffer. We will see. I honestly have wondered if at this point I'm slightly over corrected and weighed down, that maybe I have outgrown that shoe and need more of a racing shoe. We will see. Then again I may just be hung up on runners world calling my shoe a solid performer for middle of the packers. LOL!

I will be very excited to hear how they work for you! These were the performance ones?

Going up in size as been suggested a couple of times so I figure it can't hurt to try. It's not $56 mind you but still, I will take $86 including tax.

Anything under $100 is awesome! I just hope that the size and your inserts work together. * edited to say... did you order online or in store? I thought I might just order on line. The sale online is not as good. Like $30 more than it is in the store. I just hope that Steve can remember to pick them up for me today.....

 

[annmarieda]

This is just a short trip and there is just the two of us.

Cynthia was smart. She was able to get herself an disneyland AP. For me, when dvc had their special on AP's, I would have spent about the same to get a premiere pass as I did in renewing my WDW AP and what I will pay for the DLR tickets that I have to pay. At the time I thought it was so close to the same cost wise it didn't matter...but by doing them separately it gave me time to pay for my ticket needs in smaller increments. Also, I thought that having the premiere would entice me into some short weekend DLR trip which I did not at all need to take. Now though... I wish I had done it. Not just because I had to shell out the cash for the ticket but because I currently sit on a travel credit with SW that will expire in October. They are not going to budge on extending it and I will lose a credit of $110. (Steve, Alex and Zoe each have just $40 that will expire) So yes... all total that is $230 that will expire. That would have made me justify a weekend trip.


That is the bad... but the good?

I finally got around to buying my DLR tickets!! I thought I had time to have them shipped here, but apparently not. So I will have to pick them up at the GET travel booth at the expo. GET travel handles the ticket sales and (I think) the room sales for the RD events. So by going through them I was able to save some money. (a whopping $64 )

It is a good thing I think our plans are to hit the expo before for the parks though because I will have to do this in order to go to the parks.

 

[eandesmom]

I wouldn't have been either. It was hot and didn't seem to want to cool down.

Well that's 2 nights in a row I've not been into it. Crummy run on Weds and then I did NOT want to go to the gym last night, wanted to walk and Jeff "made" me go to the gym. He was right, I just wanted to be outside. LOL! I did do it, both nights but heart wasn't in it, for different reasons each time and yeah, they were lame. Hopefully tonight is better.

We will see. Is it so important that I fixate and kill myself over it? Probably not. I will do what I can...but honestly, I think a goal of 900..or even 950 is much more achievable.

I have no idea what I will hit by the end of the year, have not even looked at it! If I do exactly what I did last year, looks like it will be about 600. Nothing earth shattering there for sure, but an average of 50 a month is about right for me I think

Well, since this is the galloway method I have to wonder if I am looking at them wrong. Like maybe they are intended to be long walk/runs? Not at all intended to be a distance that you attempt to run the entire thing? Then again there are a lot of half training programs that go over.... so what do I know?

A lot that only go to 10 too. Who knows!

It is just always interesting to see what won't actually kill me.

I agree with that

I am sure that none of your reasons were lame. I know if I were you my number one reason would have been the heat.

Well, for the run it was more about the fact that I didn't eat well during the day, didn't hydrate well, so then ate a greek yogurt about 1.5 hours before so I at least had some protein in me. That in the heat was less than ideal. And my feet bugged me, didn't do the cushions and probably should have. Was it so hot I couldn't run? No. But did I "quit" at the 3 mile mark and say screw it to the last mile? Yep. Bad attitude for sure. Felt I would need to take that last mile slower or my feet would regret it and at 9:30mm in the heat with a little bit of a gut bomb was slower than I'd have liked anyways. Still, 3 crappy miles is better than no miles, right? Bleh.

As for the gym, I just wanted to be outside, it was as simple as that. And my feet bugged me, which was really annoying, I felt a little squished in my shoe which is unusual.

Well, yes and no. I kinda half think that the it is a misrepresentation of my size. (like they run large) I also still have that poochy belly. Even that according to their size chart would suggest a size up not down. But I have no toosh (although I think maybe the running is helping that a tad). So I keep feeling like I shouldn't size down... like with my belly it shouldn't be better to get the size down. I don't know....

I know what you mean by that, with the misrepresentation. It would be really nice if sizes could be consistent. I don't need my ego fluffed, or confused by being one size in one brand and a different one in another.

What brand do you use?

no idea, I order a pack of extra small ones from amazon. LOL! We lose them all the time and the extra smalls work for me and the boys. Any bigger and they pop out.

Thanks. It is pretty much lacking in creativity though. I am pretty sure this same outfit has been worn my many runners. So don't feel lame with yours! You are more unique. And green... you could totally "tinkerbell" it up. . In fact have you seen the believe rawthreads shirt? With the giant fairy wings on the back? I bet it would go very well. Then again... the one I just had in my mind was the black one and well... black = hot

The problem is...I'm not a Tink fan. Like at all. I think she is a brat. LOL!

It's a cute outfit, it's just not Disney ish at all. I have the purple flower knickers as well, and a grey/soft black tank that would work but that top worked so well on the 12 miler I am leaning that (green) way. It should be hot sunday, I will probably try the green outfit for this 13 miler and then maybe the skirt for the 14. I am pretty hung up on the pocket issue though.

So....I may actually make a custom headband. We will see.

I need to get more for every day. (my purple one I wore at the race last week lost a gem ) I just wish I had bought more when they had their sale.

I definitely want to hit their booth at the expo

I know... I am bad at being a "sale purchase" enabler.

I will be very excited to hear how they work for you! These were the performance ones?

Anything under $100 is awesome! I just hope that the size and your inserts work together. * edited to say... did you order online or in store? I thought I might just order on line. The sale online is not as good. Like $30 more than it is in the store. I just hope that Steve can remember to pick them up for me today.....

They are only available online. But WOW on the in store $$ difference. I was debating taking the kids over to get fitted, may or may not buy anything but that makes me want to do it for sure. Eirc leaves Sunday for a week so it's today or tomorrow or we will miss the sale for him.

YAY for getting tickets!

And yep, we plan to hit the expo first (well we plan to check in and then either hit expo or lunch first...depending on the state of our bellies I imagine).

 

[annmarieda]

Not officially an update... more of a rant.

who knew that the 60 day window for fast pass reservations would open prior to midnight for those of us on the west coast? And who knew that the mine train would already be sold out for most of the trip??



If you don't all guess what I am in the middle of doing. yes... making those reservations. AND this all comes after the stress of getting ticketing issues worked out.

 

[eandesmom]

Not officially an update... more of a rant.

who knew that the 60 day window for fast pass reservations would open prior to midnight for those of us on the west coast? And who knew that the mine train would already be sold out for most of the trip??



If you don't all guess what I am in the middle of doing. yes... making those reservations. AND this all comes after the stress of getting ticketing issues worked out.

About to head to bed and just saw this and yeah. Same exact thing happened to me. One opening on a day that didn't work...as we will be on a plane.

Sigh.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Not officially an update... more of a rant.

who knew that the 60 day window for fast pass reservations would open prior to midnight for those of us on the west coast? And who knew that the mine train would already be sold out for most of the trip??



If you don't all guess what I am in the middle of doing. yes... making those reservations. AND this all comes after the stress of getting ticketing issues worked out.

Yeah, we had very few times available for the mine train for October 3rd for prior to the MNSSHP.

I couldn't get certain times I wanted at all which I've never had issues getting what I wanted even day of for FP+ before.

Hope you got it all worked out!

 

[swwake]

Not officially an update... more of a rant.

who knew that the 60 day window for fast pass reservations would open prior to midnight for those of us on the west coast? And who knew that the mine train would already be sold out for most of the trip??



If you don't all guess what I am in the middle of doing. yes... making those reservations. AND this all comes after the stress of getting ticketing issues worked out.

wait - what? I'm gonna be so mad! What's your arrival date? Ours is Oct 3. I'm not sure when our FP+ window opens, but I can't even get on the site right now.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

There is something going on with the websites. I was trying to buy my hotel reservations for Disneyland & the site won't let me past the add guest names page.

 

[Woth2982]

First off, way to go on all your running this past month! Don't sweat the 1000 miles. Even if you finish at 900 that is still 900 more than most people will run all year!

Then Cynthia helped me to realize that a black tank would be just too hot. So I played around with some other ideas. I even painted a tech tee (which turned out pretty cute..but is just not comfy to run in given all the paint) I suppose you would all like to see?

Yes black will be way too hot to wear. The sun comes up pretty early on this run, and if the course is the same as last year, you will be running up a hill right into it. I don't remember there being much shade either.



That is REALLY awesome! You have some skills! You should bring it just to wear around the parks!

So this is what I plan to run in

Love it! My sister has the same skirt! Very cute outfit for running!

I am STILL trying to find a decent flight out there. Naturally by the time my company announced we had the 29th off, was RIGHT when flights shot up $100!

 

[Ariel484]

Ah! I'm so far behind!

Weird about the RK distances. At least you know about it going forward.

Sounds like good changes to your training plan! It's cool that you're to the point where 5-6 miles are your shorter runs of the week!

YAYAYAYAY for it almost being taper time!! The DLH is so close!!!!

Gotta love having a race super close to home. If the transportation is easy that is such a load off of your mind! And HOORAY for a chipped and certified race! I feel like those are not as common anymore... And YAY for real pre-race bathrooms!! Even more of a rarity!

OMG...I LOVE your new SparkleSkirt! I remember seeing that one on the website and not being a fan, but seeing it on you in the picture it looks so much better! Fabulous race outfit!

Sounds like a pretty intense race for you and Steve...I'm glad neither of you ended up getting sick at the end! And that you beat "that person," of course. Great finish times for both of you, congratulations!!

Good job on your July long runs. I'm hoping things will get easier for all of us in the coming weeks!!

Great job painting that tech t-shirt! I am seriously impressed with your skills! And I love your final outfit...SUPER adorable. I have been eyeing that exact same SweatyBand you have for January. If you get the SparkleBottoms (I think that's what they are called?) I'll be really interested to hear how you like them. I bet they are awesome.

Super great that your running shoes are on sale! That is an awesome deal!

Frustrating about your SW credits expiring. I think that's going to happen with me too...about $60. I hate just letting that money go. But YAY for getting your DLR tickets and saving some cash!! That's gotta be a good feeling.

About your FP+ issues...I heard MyMagic+ was down recently so maybe that's why you were having trouble? I hope you were able to get everything sorted out!

 

[Woth2982]

Well I did it. I booked a flight! I am coming to Cali! I arrive very late Thursday night and will probably hit up DL on Friday! Id love to meet up with you at some point! I will be solo on Friday most likely.

 

[annmarieda]

I know I am behind. I have trip plans..training updates not to mention responses to get to. However, I am really stressing over something and thought that I would come here to lay it all out.

Ok so stress isn't exactly the right word because it isn't exactly a negative thing. Still I am needing to to make a decision about something and it has me

I have worked for the company I am employed with for 7 years. In that 7 years there have been changes to policy, changes to my territory (ie. work load) and to my job responsibilities. I have rode them all out and it really has been a pretty good job despite these changes. One area where my responsibilities changed was when I was made the "trainer" of our group. This meant that when for example Kimberly was hired on; I trained her. She shadowed me and I supervised her. She was easy. She learned quickly and I had no troubles turning her lose to work on her own. One gal though put an end to my ability to train. So what recently happened has me

I am usually a pretty "face value" sort of person. I say what I think and mean what I say. Games are just not my style. I do care deeply about people and I do care about their feelings... However I don't avoid saying what needs to be said just for the sake of someone not feeling bad about themselves. I think that sounds worse than it really is. So here is what happened... you can decide how "mean" I am.

So while training her it came to my attention that she was tackling something in a way that made doing that task much more difficult than it needed to be. So at that point, I did what I would do with anyone. I proceeded to share wisdom and "tricks" to making said task easier. As I was going over the process, she picked up her smart phone and began reading something. (like not a quick text that came through, more of a pulling up facebook sort of read) So without skipping a beat my stern comment to her was "(insert name) I am not saying all of this for my own benefit. I know these tricks and it is you I am trying to share them with." Well, apparently that is just to direct and too harsh. So someone else was assigned to her and I was no longer given people to train. I still was made lead on things and even received a raise. Honestly, at the time I was totally ok with it. I can appreciate that the company I work for has protocol for "reprimanding" and I did not follow it. Personally, I don't agree with the company's policy on it. For example, if someone (which often times ends up being this same person over and over again which to me is funny..) does something that is incorrect our manager can not just call her on the carpet (which is what I did way back when) She has to send out a generic message to more than just the one person and include the offender (and usually pulls me in cause she knows I am not doing it wrong). Drives me nuts because even though I know I am doing it correctly, I have to go in and look at reports to see if there is some discrepancy in how I know I did it and how it was reported. I think this indirect method just doesn't force people to take a look at what they are doing since it leaves room for "well, it probably isn't me that this is about. " Does that make sense?

So what has me all discombobulated? Well at our meeting this week, my manager's boss also attended and before the meeting started had a talk with me.

What about? Well, they would like me to apply for a management position. There are all sorts of reasons why I feel like this may not be a good idea. Top of that list is my trips. I would just barely be getting my feet wet in the position when I would be leaving. Next is the MMO (which is my boss's boss) He is a bit challenging. I would be forced to work long days with him. Which leads me to my next challenge. I am currently hourly, but it is based on tasks. So my work week can vary between 25 hours and 40 hours and how long that takes me can vary as well. This would be full time and I know that the area in question has a hard time keeping reps. The AM (area manager) has to make sure that all stores are covered one way or another and it falls to them to complete should they not be able to get a rep in to complete the tasks. So full time could end up actually being more than 40 hours and they could involve me driving a lot. However there is some serious benefits to this job. First, it would mean I would make more than double what I do now. Second, AMs are given a new vehicle every couple years with insurance and gas covered. Third, there is paid vacation time. A ridiculous amount. I want to say my AM gets 6 to 8 weeks a year. I would assume new I would start with less - but still vacation time?! I get no vacation time now!

I have a dear friend who is currently under the AM that is about to leave. Prior to his hire, she applied and was not promoted. I know what they put her through in the process though and it wasn't fun. I don't really like the thought of the entire process. The job itself wouldn't bother me... but getting hired and then trained... it could be just a pain. AND this friend I don't speak with much any more because of how busy we both are. I would HATE to get this position and be her manager when she was turned down previously.

Sooooo



I guess I will submit my resume and see what happens. Worst case they don't consider my application. or I guess worst case is they do and I spend the next month or so jumping through their hoops only to have them decide on someone else.


Thing is I am quite happy with my current position. Sure it would be nice to be promoted...make more... have better benies... but I don't NEED them. I almost feel like that is pathetic of me to be content with my current standing. Is it? Should I really want this... like would give my eye teeth for it? I just don't feel like that about it. I DO feel extremely happy that they asked me to apply and both have followed up with me. I feel quite honored. I know I could do the job... but I just am not 100% sure I want to. I like my schedule enough now... I am not sure if I want to be "on call" 24/7.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I know I am behind. I have trip plans..training updates not to mention responses to get to. However, I am really stressing over something and thought that I would come here to lay it all out.

Ok so stress isn't exactly the right word because it isn't exactly a negative thing. Still I am needing to to make a decision about something and it has me

I have worked for the company I am employed with for 7 years. In that 7 years there have been changes to policy, changes to my territory (ie. work load) and to my job responsibilities. I have rode them all out and it really has been a pretty good job despite these changes. One area where my responsibilities changed was when I was made the "trainer" of our group. This meant that when for example Kimberly was hired on; I trained her. She shadowed me and I supervised her. She was easy. She learned quickly and I had no troubles turning her lose to work on her own. One gal though put an end to my ability to train. So what recently happened has me

I am usually a pretty "face value" sort of person. I say what I think and mean what I say. Games are just not my style. I do care deeply about people and I do care about their feelings... However I don't avoid saying what needs to be said just for the sake of someone not feeling bad about themselves. I think that sounds worse than it really is. So here is what happened... you can decide how "mean" I am.

So while training her it came to my attention that she was tackling something in a way that made doing that task much more difficult than it needed to be. So at that point, I did what I would do with anyone. I proceeded to share wisdom and "tricks" to making said task easier. As I was going over the process, she picked up her smart phone and began reading something. (like not a quick text that came through, more of a pulling up facebook sort of read) So without skipping a beat my stern comment to her was "(insert name) I am not saying all of this for my own benefit. I know these tricks and it is you I am trying to share them with." Well, apparently that is just to direct and too harsh. So someone else was assigned to her and I was no longer given people to train. I still was made lead on things and even received a raise. Honestly, at the time I was totally ok with it. I can appreciate that the company I work for has protocol for "reprimanding" and I did not follow it. Personally, I don't agree with the company's policy on it. For example, if someone (which often times ends up being this same person over and over again which to me is funny..) does something that is incorrect our manager can not just call her on the carpet (which is what I did way back when) She has to send out a generic message to more than just the one person and include the offender (and usually pulls me in cause she knows I am not doing it wrong). Drives me nuts because even though I know I am doing it correctly, I have to go in and look at reports to see if there is some discrepancy in how I know I did it and how it was reported. I think this indirect method just doesn't force people to take a look at what they are doing since it leaves room for "well, it probably isn't me that this is about. " Does that make sense?

So what has me all discombobulated? Well at our meeting this week, my manager's boss also attended and before the meeting started had a talk with me.

What about? Well, they would like me to apply for a management position. There are all sorts of reasons why I feel like this may not be a good idea. Top of that list is my trips. I would just barely be getting my feet wet in the position when I would be leaving. Next is the MMO (which is my boss's boss) He is a bit challenging. I would be forced to work long days with him. Which leads me to my next challenge. I am currently hourly, but it is based on tasks. So my work week can vary between 25 hours and 40 hours and how long that takes me can vary as well. This would be full time and I know that the area in question has a hard time keeping reps. The AM (area manager) has to make sure that all stores are covered one way or another and it falls to them to complete should they not be able to get a rep in to complete the tasks. So full time could end up actually being more than 40 hours and they could involve me driving a lot. However there is some serious benefits to this job. First, it would mean I would make more than double what I do now. Second, AMs are given a new vehicle every couple years with insurance and gas covered. Third, there is paid vacation time. A ridiculous amount. I want to say my AM gets 6 to 8 weeks a year. I would assume new I would start with less - but still vacation time?! I get no vacation time now!

I have a dear friend who is currently under the AM that is about to leave. Prior to his hire, she applied and was not promoted. I know what they put her through in the process though and it wasn't fun. I don't really like the thought of the entire process. The job itself wouldn't bother me... but getting hired and then trained... it could be just a pain. AND this friend I don't speak with much any more because of how busy we both are. I would HATE to get this position and be her manager when she was turned down previously.

Sooooo



I guess I will submit my resume and see what happens. Worst case they don't consider my application. or I guess worst case is they do and I spend the next month or so jumping through their hoops only to have them decide on someone else.

Thing is I am quite happy with my current position. Sure it would be nice to be promoted...make more... have better benies... but I don't NEED them. I almost feel like that is pathetic of me to be content with my current standing. Is it? Should I really want this... like would give my eye teeth for it? I just don't feel like that about it. I DO feel extremely happy that they asked me to apply and both have followed up with me. I feel quite honored. I know I could do the job... but I just am not 100% sure I want to. I like my schedule enough now... I am not sure if I want to be "on call" 24/7.

Oh that's hard! I can see how it would be a hard choice if you are truly content with where you are now. I guess my questions would be, do you think you will always be content? Do you think the new position would add anything positive to your life? It may be time for a pros and cons list for each position!

 

[Woth2982]

This is definitely a rut that I understand. I was recently offered an interview in North Carolina, it was about 20K more than I make now and about 50% the cost of living.....I could sell my 2 BR condo and buy a 4 BR house and not have a mortgage.......I mulled back and forth, could I do the move? Is NC a place I would want to live? I don't know anyone there. I made a pro/con list and in the end decided to let fate handle it. Turns out I didn't get the job and all the worry was all for not. So I say let fate decide. You have submitted your resume, and if you don't get the job it was just not meant to be. Everything happens for a reason, just gotta believe it!