Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[KatMark]

Awesome job, Ann, on your week. I like the new shoes!

 

[annmarieda]

Sounds like you had an awesome week!

I hope that Easter 10-miler was a rut-buster for you! Even if it wasn't at your normal pace it sounds like a pretty good run. We all get in those running ruts...those stink.

It was definitely a great week... and I think the 10 miler helped to get me out of my rut. Just in time to buckle down for training for all the halfs I have planned.

Rainy run on Tuesday and Thursday...yikes! Way to tough it out!

Mostly I don't mind running in the rain. If I did.. I probably wouldn't do the running I do because I swear at least half my runs are in the rain. (well, at least half during our grey months) It is when there is sleet or wind that I really have to work on toughing it out.

Yay for new shoes!!! LOVE the colors so much, they are so pretty! Those are definitely Rapunzel colors.

Thanks! I am pretty excited that something works so well and yet I never would have considered them had I not won them. Good timing too because despite the fact I just got the brooks mid March... I have work the tread down on them already. Some of the "nubs" are completely rubbed flat now.

Boo to running in the wind...so difficult!

It is. However, since I haven't had the hill training I guess the wind training is good for me.

Your strange person encounter... I'm sorry you happened upon that guy but I'm very glad you were aware of your surroundings! I live in a very safe community too but sometimes I wonder if I should get pepper spray to carry with me on runs, just to be safe... I can't see ever actually getting some though.

Yeah... I doubt I would actually ever get some either. I am challenged enough to negotiate things I carry when I run. I would be bound to spray myself. Probably best I just try and stay safe.

Sounds like the shoes are winners! Maybe you can go to a New Balance store to get fitted for a pair with more cushioning for your longer runs? Finding the right pair of shoes is SO hard.

My trouble is I really like a shoe that has a low H2T drop. This then doesn't usually lead to a shoe with enough cushion. It is a hard balance.... I suppose it is for everyone though.

Awesome job, Ann, on your week. I like the new shoes!

Thanks, Kathy!!

 

[annmarieda]

Well, it is official. We have the other half of our flight booked. We have been waiting to see if it would come down just a tad. However, when it jumped up significantly in price and then came back down we decided it was not worth the risk any longer. So while I think we both wish it had dropped another $10... overall we still are coming out under $200 RT each so I know I am happy about that!

So we will be leaving in the morning of 8/29 and flying into LGB. It is going to be rather cool. Normally headed to WDW means a long travel day. In contrast, we will be to CA before noon. The plane itself is tiny. That has its perks for sure. Cynthia and I won't have anyone in the row with us. (it is just a 2 seater on either side of the isle) However, I remember how small that is and it will be rather tight in there. Good thing the flight is so short!!!

With flights booked... hotel booked... race registered for... we just need to secure ground transport and some dinning reservations/plans. Oh yes... and I will need some park tickets. Cynthia has her Premiere Pass. I really am wondering if I shouldn't have gone that route rather than renew my WDW AP. Maybe it is not too late? Still, assuming that the military tickets will be available for the November trip and I get the RD tickets for August (ok, not exactly RD, but is it GET travel?) as long as I don't need more than the 2 different 3 day park hoppers I think I figure I come out ahead not getting the PP. It is if the military ticket isn't available AND if I need a 4 day that I think the PP would have been a better idea. Maybe I should call on that tomorrow since I know that the DVC promo is expiring on 4/30.

 

[Woth2982]

You can always upgrade to the PP when you get to the gate. It is what I did as you have to buy it in person.

 

[annmarieda]

You can always upgrade to the PP when you get to the gate. It is what I did as you have to buy it in person.

I think I was wrong when the special pricing for DVC expired. I went to the member site and it is no longer listed. I have renewed my WDW AP, but have to do the exchange in person...so I won't have my actual AP until after the August trip. Not sure I could upgrade in August without it, do you know? And... what is the cost to upgrade to the regular PP price, do you remember?

 

[eandesmom]

I am always happy to see you too! I am sorry I was a tad frazzled coming in though... and that I was late. I am sure it won't be the last time you see me frazzled like that... or late.

You were fine!

Gotta put bandaids over it though to trap it all in.

Good to know

Hey.. I like not subtle. No need to try and read between lines.

Nope. I'm pretty up front, what you see and hear is what you get. Good and Bad. LOL!

I think this is what made me feel off about it because I know there are people who do not feel that way. Maybe not everyone... maybe not even that many... but the fact that some people will scream about how you can't tell them their way is not correct but then turn around and tell others how incorrect their way is just tends to make me worry when someone has a very opposing view point.

Why worry though? It's their viewpoint. They are entitled to it, they just can't impose it on you...unless you let them.

I think women do tend to be hardwired to act defensively. You could very well be correct... maybe she was feeling defensive thinking I was thinking less of her. I hope not. If anything, maybe I envy her a bit. For all I know she runs quite fast and it affords her the time to stop for characters.

We are the worst (women that is)

I like to think it is just a different personality type and that there is not any malicious intent in the pushing of opinions onto others. Like maybe she doesn't realize that he knows as much as he does and then feels like she HAS to let him know all the "must or should" dos?

I'm sure it was well meant...if misguided.

It definitely makes it easy to get along with you!

I think those know know me just know that it is a given that I will be in Disney if I am on vacation. At first there was the "again? " comments... now we all just about it.

Well I do like to go other places too!

Just to be clear... the was not in regards to you getting the shoes (or attempting to get them) It was in the fact they are even more costly on ebay... and even that... I don't blame people for buying and then selling for a profit on ebay. (as long as they are not taking up spots from those who want them at the expo) If someone wants to spend their time to get a shoe that someone else would other wise not have access to... I am not necessarily opposed.

Oh I didn't take it that way! The ebay thing bugs me but it is what it is.

As for you attempting to get them... not at all silly! I think if it is something you want... then go for it! Kinda a fun way to commemorate your first disney race..and first half marathon!!

Yeah, I don't know. I'll need to see them, need to see if there is a marathon dooney and then...maybe end up with nothing. Good chance that I will not even attempt them but I do want to at least see them "live". Not necessarily to try on but see them.

I know I mentioned it last week...but I never use to be a tennis shoe gal. I always had some sort of heeled shoe on...or a nice flat. (although I did do disney minnie jane crocs for walking in parks) now though... I have so many shoes laying around that I find I wear them more and more with jeans. I mean... I can't bare to get rid of them but they aren't good for running either.

You can take them to RRS for $10 off your next pair I think. I want to so that for the yellow ones if I get them.

Which I probably will and that might negate the NB ones anyway. LOL!

Total Miles 28.5 with an average pace of 8:59.

Now... I have stopped editing RK. I do go to check and make sure it isn't horribly off and that it looks to be at least the number of miles that were recorded. So 28.5 may actually be a little closer 29 when all is said and done. I just don't want to take the time to manually edit each run when it is the difference between 6.24 miles (as in today) and 6.26 (what it was looks like it was closer to when I actually started to check the miles) Doesn't make a big difference on the day to day stuff...but at the end of the week it might be a bit off. Maybe I will start editing again when I really want to get those miles more accurate when I am more worried about hitting my goal for the year. Who knows...

That is a GREAT week! I am impressed your RK is relatively close like that. Mine is NEVER under, always over, it's just a matter of how much over it is.

My week was horrid, lowest miles in...I'm not sure when. I am sure I had a week or 2 like that in Dec. A whopping 3.37 miles.

Of course I did have 6 days of park walking in there...that counts for something, right?

Sunday, 4/20 -

Even though it was Easter, I really felt like I needed to get a run in. Take some time to myself and really test myself. I have been feeling a bit in a rut with running and feeling like maybe I no longer am able to actually run full distances. So out I went and I completely surprised myself. 10.06 with not a single pause to tie my shoe...untangle myself from a dog... bio break... NOTHING. Just straight non stop 10 miles!!! Now.. was the pace spectacular? Maybe not. I know I just wanted to keep running without stopping and I knew I wanted to get some miles in. So I kept my pace over 9 minutes per mile.

The long run can't be too slow...repeat after me

Monday, 4/21 -

Given that I had gone 10 the day before and that I had a long work day I just skipped any running. Probably was a good choice since I didn't give myself many rest days this week.

Tuesday, 4/22 -

A little over 4 miles... pace under 9 minutes. I waited to go out until after I got home from work. I thought that maybe the weather would cooperate more. Sadly, it did not. It was windy and rainy. I came home with feet that were completely soaking wet!

Wednesday, 4/23 -

A much needed rest day!

Thursday, 4/24 -

Just over 6 miles.. pace under 9. It was more of the same weather wise. It seems like one minute is it blue skies and then wind picks up and then it rains. It is just odd. Seriously I am getting sick of coming home soaking wet!

Friday, 4/25 -

Normally I would not run again. However, Steve brought home my new shoes for me on thursday and I really wanted to try them out. In case you all are curious... I never have tried a pair of new balance shoes on. NEVER. I have run in nikes, asics, saucony, mizuno, adidas and brooks. I have tried on newtons... but NEVER new balance. I have to say I am very very pleased with these shoes. New Balance 1400v2.

I think they are the most light of any shoe I have ran in. Not sure if you can tell by the pic, but they are a beautiful purple and pink color. (with electric yellow in there too) I think they would be perfect to match the rapunzel shirt I got. I worried that they would be too narrow because they certainly look that way. However my bunion that is bothered by the brooks... is not at all bothered by these. I do wish there was some more cushion in the sole. As with all of the new balance I tried on, the tongue of the shoe is a bit on the long side for my liking...but overall I give this shoe a A. (would be an A+ if the tongue wasn't as long and there was more overall cushioning)

So how did my run go? Well, it was my best pace EVER! I ran just over 2 miles with under an 8 minute mile pace. While I didn't feel like I had springs on my feet (like in the adidas energy boosts) I felt like my feet were as light as air.

SO cool on the shoes! I am curious to see how they play out on a longer run. They look like decent cushion and are super cute!

Saturday, 4/26 -

Okay so maybe I didn't need to go out... but after yesterdays run and being so close to hitting some sort of weekly mileage record for me, I just had to.
It was an interesting day. Again with the weather giving me everything from blue skies and sun to wind and a bit of rain. I didn't mind the sprinkling though because it was a bit on the warm side for me (or maybe it was the humidity) The wind though? UGH... there is about a one mile section I was running directly into the wind. Then for some reason I came back around in my route to run it again. Only this time the wind was even stronger. I also had a strange person encounter. I am rarely am bothered by any persons on my route. Maybe the occasional car... but never actual people. I live in a safe town where I don't worry about people.... but when I saw someone walking into town (the trail I run goes to the edge of town) with a backpack I took note. It was odd... when I turned onto a road that he had turned onto he kept looking back at me. He then started picking things up and aggressively throwing them at cars that were going by - like...charging the cars. I paid close attention to the surroundings. No bushes... alleys... nothing that he could drag me into. It was a clear open side walk with plenty of cars driving by. I figured it was safe enough, but I made sure to slow enough to build up some reserve in my energy should I need to sprint. It showed in my pace... but I am glad to have done it. Just before I got to him he turned onto a side path (that was very visible and I was aware was coming up... he still could not have drug me "down and into" it) All in all I hate to be paranoid. This guy was odd though. I never looked back at him...maybe he reemerged from the path? I don't know... I don't know if he threw anything at me. I just know I wasn't the most comfortable with him Kinda wasn't the way I wanted to run my last mile or so.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I don't carry anything with me and have never felt the need (and generally Jeff is nearby) but that's majorly creepy

Well, it is official. We have the other half of our flight booked. We have been waiting to see if it would come down just a tad. However, when it jumped up significantly in price and then came back down we decided it was not worth the risk any longer. So while I think we both wish it had dropped another $10... overall we still are coming out under $200 RT each so I know I am happy about that!

So we will be leaving in the morning of 8/29 and flying into LGB. It is going to be rather cool. Normally headed to WDW means a long travel day. In contrast, we will be to CA before noon. The plane itself is tiny. That has its perks for sure. Cynthia and I won't have anyone in the row with us. (it is just a 2 seater on either side of the isle) However, I remember how small that is and it will be rather tight in there. Good thing the flight is so short!!!

Having just been on that exact plane twice...they are really nice comfy seats! And...they will likely require gate check, they did on the way down and back for us. So while we can check 2 for free if we want, we can also gate check as well. I'll have to check simply as my liquids are too large.

With flights booked... hotel booked... race registered for... we just need to secure ground transport and some dinning reservations/plans. Oh yes... and I will need some park tickets. Cynthia has her Premiere Pass. I really am wondering if I shouldn't have gone that route rather than renew my WDW AP. Maybe it is not too late? Still, assuming that the military tickets will be available for the November trip and I get the RD tickets for August (ok, not exactly RD, but is it GET travel?) as long as I don't need more than the 2 different 3 day park hoppers I think I figure I come out ahead not getting the PP. It is if the military ticket isn't available AND if I need a 4 day that I think the PP would have been a better idea. Maybe I should call on that tomorrow since I know that the DVC promo is expiring on 4/30.

Well, you can only get the Premier at the parks so I don't think it's an option. You can call though! Honestly, assuming all I'd have done for the half is the 3 day GET ticket ($200 for the hopper, right?) and then the 5 days I used last week, I really only saved a total of $48.34!

Still, $48.34 is $48.34. LOL! Plus the extra discount at DL was nice, though I'd have still gotten some anyway, between dining coupons and the DVC discount. I do plan to figure out exactly how much extra I saved on the discounts but haven't done it yet.

 

[annmarieda]

Why worry though? It's their viewpoint. They are entitled to it, they just can't impose it on you...unless you let them.

You are exactly right! Everyone is entitled to their viewpoints and they don't affect me unless I let them. Now to not let them...

Yeah, I don't know. I'll need to see them, need to see if there is a marathon dooney and then...maybe end up with nothing. Good chance that I will not even attempt them but I do want to at least see them "live". Not necessarily to try on but see them.

Well, I have no intention on buying either (although the dooney's are certainly tempting...if only they were not so pricey) but would love to tag along with you as you shop...even if it is just to browse.

You can take them to RRS for $10 off your next pair I think. I want to so that for the yellow ones if I get them.

I know... I should do that. I guess I will have to stop hoarding shoes at some point.

Which I probably will and that might negate the NB ones anyway. LOL!

That is a GREAT week! I am impressed your RK is relatively close like that. Mine is NEVER under, always over, it's just a matter of how much over it is.

There were some days when it was really cloudy/rainy that it was off.. but for me the challenge really is that it cuts corners so I don't get credit for them. I think it tends to be pretty close because I am running a straight shot... Once I get going I don't have many turns. I looked at todays run though... and though that it had to be way off since the track was all over the place. However in the end... RK originally had me with 5.02 miles corrected it was 5.04 miles. Once corrected the splits are not longer accurate and the chart for pace gets weird. So for me it is worth it to not hassle with correcting (cause that takes time to manually go in a pull in the track) and be able to see roughly what the splits were. Don't get me wrong.. a quarter mile and I would be much more likely to want to take the time to correct...and we both know that distance and pace being off bugs me. I just am trying to not fuss too much over the .0X distance.

My week was horrid, lowest miles in...I'm not sure when. I am sure I had a week or 2 like that in Dec. A whopping 3.37 miles.

Of course I did have 6 days of park walking in there...that counts for something, right?

I think the 6 days of park walking counts for something!

The long run can't be too slow...repeat after me

I know... I know... I have to remember that. I really am going to have to when I start doing the speed work.

SO cool on the shoes! I am curious to see how they play out on a longer run. They look like decent cushion and are super cute!

I have been running exclusively in them... and they seem to be doing ok.. I just finished up a week at work that is pretty hard on my back..so it is hard to tell if it is shoes or if it is work related. I have an 8k this weekend and I am trying to decide if I wear them for it or not.

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I don't carry anything with me and have never felt the need (and generally Jeff is nearby) but that's majorly creepy

It was creepy.... I have never felt the need either.

Having just been on that exact plane twice...they are really nice comfy seats! And...they will likely require gate check, they did on the way down and back for us. So while we can check 2 for free if we want, we can also gate check as well. I'll have to check simply as my liquids are too large.

I am a bit frustrated. I bought the luggage a while back... the one that was advertised as being the size limit for a carryon turned out to be too big if I add the wheels..so while it is a great size for a short trip... it would have to be checked. Good to know though about how we can check even at the gate.

Well, you can only get the Premier at the parks so I don't think it's an option. You can call though! Honestly, assuming all I'd have done for the half is the 3 day GET ticket ($200 for the hopper, right?) and then the 5 days I used last week, I really only saved a total of $48.34!

I know they extended the deal. Maybe I really should consider it. However I really just find it confusing. I think I can purchase the voucher for it now... then exchange at DL in August. Now if that is when my renewal date then becomes... it would be a benefit. Basically, I am not sure how much I "need" it. I need the 4 day with you. ($225 through get) then I need at least a 3 day for November. ($129 IF the military is extended or $200 through GET IF it is the same cost as the DLH tickets) However, I would probably be inclined to get the 4 day if the military is a no go since that would give me a ticket for Saturday that we would otherwise not have until after Zach and Kimberly arrive. (so assuming another $225 through GET) The cost to upgrade that I was quoted was $414. So IF I get the 2 - 4 day tickets I save a whopping $36 by getting the premier. However it seems like it could be a big head ache... not to mention would I then feel inclined to go again? I need to not have that temptation. Plus splitting up the cost between the August and November trip is easier on my bank account..even if it ends up costing me an extra $36. (but it could end up saving me $60 if the military is a go)

Still, $48.34 is $48.34. LOL! Plus the extra discount at DL was nice, though I'd have still gotten some anyway, between dining coupons and the DVC discount. I do plan to figure out exactly how much extra I saved on the discounts but haven't done it yet.

I could save $60... or I could be out an extra $36... I can justify the extra $36 saying that I am splitting up the cost and so it is easier. AND the idea of saving that $60 is rather appealing. It is just the notion that maybe I could get more use out of a pass.

 

[annmarieda]

I have made the decision to start following the RD - Galloway training plans (sort of) I will need to tweak it a bit here and there, but it will give me direction and force me to get in some speed work. I won't be using his method, but rather just his schedule. I will be throwing out the magic mile and I won't be using intervals during weekday runs. I will reserve the right to add in a run here or there if 3 days a week isn't enough. I think that could be a issue in these first few weeks, but later on when my long runs will head up to I think as high as 17 miles... it probably won't be an issue. I got a huge calendar and wrote in the schedule (color coding for the various races). So from here on out I won't be posting my training in quite the same way. I will always have 2 - 45 minute long runs during the week and then either a long run or speed work on the weekend. I will post race recaps and probably a periodic "omg, that speed work was tough" or how I had to tweak things.

The schedule for the DLH started on 4/29 and I just finished the first week. Of course, needing to tweak it I did add in an extra short run (so that I could run with Steve - his first one since the beginning of March) I also ran an 8k today rather than just the 3 miles that were called for.

Cinco De Mayo Half Marathon and 8k

This was an anniversary race for both Steve and I. As I mentioned above, he has taken some time off due to his chrons. Last year, it was a tough race for both of us. After many cold and rainy weeks, race day turned out to be the first HOT day of the year. Steve had never run over 3 miles at that point. Both of us finished tired and honestly on the verge of vomiting. My finish time last year 46:45. Steve's was 55:52. We had some goals. I wanted to see us finish in 45 and 55.

Given that this race is out of town, we were up early. I had wanted to get up and out the door early enough that should I feel up to it, I could upgrade my registration and do the half instead of just the 8k. I could see benefit to doing either race. Do the 8k and possibly get a PR and maybe even place in my division (a dream of mine because there are prized. ) Do the half and get more miles in for the week (given that they were down due to starting the DLH training) and possibly get a good time given I have "rested" this week and the weather was perfect.

Nice when decisions are made for you when you can't decide yourself. Steve didn't quite move fast enough this morning and so we arrived just as the half was about to start. Not disappointed and not happy.. it just was what it was... time to pick up our bibs for the 8k.

We got our bibs and then waited to to line up for the race. And yes, we are both wearing rundisney shirts.

When it was finally time to line up, Steve and I spread out a bit. He knew he would be more to the back and I knew I would be more to the front. The race started and I was doing so well. Even though I had a lot of people I was passing (I guess I should have started even closer to the front) My first mile was at approximately an 8:19 pace. Then the next few miles I slow to about an 8:30 pace... and then came the one and only hill of the race. Humidity was picking up and I was tapped. (I am thinking it had to be over 90%) That last mile was a really much slower pace. UG. I knew that once I came up to the top of that hill I didn't have much more to go. Just down the road, waving by my parked car as I went and onto the high school track to go once around. I should have been able to muster more energy. I couldn't. Instead I saw my pace and my goal slowly slipping further and further away.. and that feeling of needing to vomit approaching.I am not sure if it is the run around the track that does that to me (the urge to vomit) or not. It is the ONLY race I ever have felt like that at.

I did my best to sprint across the finish. As I crossed I heard my name called out. Then I about smacked into the gal in front of me. She crossed the finish and came to a dead stop. Oh well, I was across and didn't smash into her...so all is well that ends well.

I grabbed my orange slice, banana, water bottle and bagel. Then I walked a bit while eating and drinking as I anticipated Steve's finish. I figured he would finish about 10 minutes after me.

So it was completely funny when he came running down the chute to the track. I saw him and did a double take with a complete look of on my face. He was looking great and smiled at me.

I hustled to get in place to attempt to get his finish photos. I caught this one first. The gal out in front in orange was the 3rd place overall female finisher for the half marathon. Who..they announced just gave birth to her baby a short time ago. Look at her go!!!



And here comes Steve.



Once he finished he did what he tends to do. Again, not sure what it is about this course that makes us each either come close or actually get sick. Ugh.

The heavens opened up then and it really became a very WET day. (remember how all of a sudden I felt the humidity go up?) So we sat around a bit and listened to the awards.This race is put on by a promoter who draws in FAST runners. It can be pretty humbling. I was shocked at the young kids who ran their mile races with 6 to 8 minute paces. I think the community there is big on running. As the promoter handed out the awards to the kids, he would make comments about how he wants to coach them in high school and how they are to not start other sports in the mean time. At one point he actually said.. NO SOCCER!

So how did we do? Well, we actually did make the goal of coming in by 45 and 55 minutes.

Mine was 44:01 with a pace of 8:51. I finished 67th overall out of 209. I was 27/132 for females and 4th in my division. Yup - missed placing by one. Next year! Next year I will be in the top 3!!! I won't complain though this year. #2 and #3 (who appear to have run together) finished a couple minutes before me. I know I just didn't have it in me to muster up enough to shave that much off of my pace.

Steve was 53:50 with a pace of 10:50. He finished 146th overall. He was 10/12 in his division 61/77 of males.

We both recovered pretty quickly and then did some shopping. We should have went to eat first because once we were done shopping we were STARVING. All in all a pretty good day.

 

[eandesmom]

what a great recap! UGH on the feeling (or getting) sick but how great that Steve got out there and did it! And you both met your goals.

Shopping before eating?

That is messed up my friend.

As for your training plan, as you know, that is basically what I do and have been doing for the last 9 months or so and it works well for me. The long run is the one that typically gets tweaked and the shorter ones are more like 30-45 minutes depending on time constraints with kid stuff so vary from 4-6 miles.

At least in theory it's what I do....vacation (and this rain!) are not really helping me stay on track the way I would like. If nothing else I do have 2 races this month so that will help. LOL!

 

[annmarieda]

what a great recap! UGH on the feeling (or getting) sick but how great that Steve got out there and did it! And you both met your goals.

Thanks! It was a good day overall.

Shopping before eating?

That is messed up my friend.

Well, I think the thought was we would get something there in North Bend..but sadly while there are shops there... not much in the way of restaurants.

As for your training plan, as you know, that is basically what I do and have been doing for the last 9 months or so and it works well for me. The long run is the one that typically gets tweaked and the shorter ones are more like 30-45 minutes depending on time constraints with kid stuff so vary from 4-6 miles.

I wonder if I have just been running too much and it has hurt me..or at least limited me in how I could improve.

At least in theory it's what I do....vacation (and this rain!) are not really helping me stay on track the way I would like. If nothing else I do have 2 races this month so that will help. LOL!

I think you are in a good spot though... you won't lose momentum due to a vacation or rain.

BTW, did you claim the 12k on athlinks? It of course factors in the finish time and the (incorrect) distance so my pace is higher. (odd that that .31k can cause my pace to be 14 seconds slower per mile ) I put a note on the race... I am the only crazy one to have done so. I just kinda feel it is important for people to know it was a little further than it was advertised as.

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks! It was a good day overall.

Well, I think the thought was we would get something there in North Bend..but sadly while there are shops there... not much in the way of restaurants.

Downtown you have a few things but at the outlet mall part...not so much. Unless you want what, subway or Taco Bell?

We really like Twedes for breakfast, and the Bar and Grill is decent for lunch, as is the brewery (which is where we usually go for lunch or dinner) but that's about it.

I wonder if I have just been running too much and it has hurt me..or at least limited me in how I could improve.

I think that's a tough call. Rest in between is important but as running is your primary exercise I can see where 4 days made sense for you.

I think you are in a good spot though... you won't lose momentum due to a vacation or rain.

Oh I don't know, I feel like I have lost a little since the 12K. Well really, before that. I overdid it before the 15K, rested before the 12 (and didn't have much choice with my work travel schedule) and then it's been a bit off since then, also somewhat due to travel and also injury. I'm a bit more sore today than I should be from the run yesterday and that's simply from taking it easy I know. I also didn't stretch before or after for other reasons and I'm sure that's a factor. Nothing awful mind you but my body is saying hey, you haven't run that far (and up our hill) in a while. Still, it's that good workout kind of sore if you know what I mean.

BTW, did you claim the 12k on athlinks? It of course factors in the finish time and the (incorrect) distance so my pace is higher. (odd that that .31k can cause my pace to be 14 seconds slower per mile ) I put a note on the race... I am the only crazy one to have done so. I just kinda feel it is important for people to know it was a little further than it was advertised as.

Yes and I saw that!!!! Very irritating. I didn't realize you could put a note in, I will do that as well. Does anyone even read those notes? I just kind of assumed that they were more for your own reference.

 

[Ariel484]

I have made the decision to start following the RD - Galloway training plans (sort of) I will need to tweak it a bit here and there, but it will give me direction and force me to get in some speed work. I won't be using his method, but rather just his schedule. I will be throwing out the magic mile and I won't be using intervals during weekday runs. I will reserve the right to add in a run here or there if 3 days a week isn't enough. I think that could be a issue in these first few weeks, but later on when my long runs will head up to I think as high as 17 miles... it probably won't be an issue. I got a huge calendar and wrote in the schedule (color coding for the various races). So from here on out I won't be posting my training in quite the same way. I will always have 2 - 45 minute long runs during the week and then either a long run or speed work on the weekend. I will post race recaps and probably a periodic "omg, that speed work was tough" or how I had to tweak things.

Sounds good! I'll be curious to see how training up to 17 miles works out for you. It seems like it would definitely help to train longer than the race distance.

Woohoo, a race report! Love that you two were representing runDisney! I saw a guy during my race last week wearing a WDW half marathon shirt and I was THISCLOSE to saying something to him...ultimately I chickened out. But I love seeing runners at races wearing Disney shirts.

The humidity...YUCK! I'm sorry you and Steve were in such rough shape at the end of the race! That stinks.

AWESOME finishing times for both of you!! I hope you get that AG award next year. YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[Woth2982]

Congrats on your race! Even though you didn't feel well you did an amazing job! Stinks you missed placing by 1 spot! Like you said though, next year it is on!

Good luck with the Galloway program! I am doing his walk/run method at the moment trying to get back into it after my second round of injections. I always feel better when I am running than when I am not. I have a 5 mile race coming up Memorial Day Weekend. Hoping to get that back under an hour.

 

[Woth2982]

Congrats on your race! Even though you didn't feel well you did an amazing job! Stinks you missed placing by 1 spot! Like you said though, next year it is on!

Good luck with the Galloway program! I am doing his walk/run method at the moment trying to get back into it after my second round of injections. I always feel better when I am running than when I am not. I have a 5 mile race coming up Memorial Day Weekend. Hoping to get that back under an hour.

 

[annmarieda]

Downtown you have a few things but at the outlet mall part...not so much. Unless you want what, subway or Taco Bell?

Yeah, no... that wasn't going to do. I don't know why I have not yet learned my lesson. I KNEW I wanted something asap and really should have stopped down town or even went up on the ridge. However, Steve said he didn't want to get anything and wasn't hungry. So we shopped instead. THEN he was hungry. Luckily we stopped off in Issaquah and there was a nice Pho place. I even was able to get a nice beer there.

We really like Twedes for breakfast, and the Bar and Grill is decent for lunch, as is the brewery (which is where we usually go for lunch or dinner) but that's about it.

Is Twedes the Twin Peaks dinner? I have never been in there. I guess that show was so freaky to me that I think the dinner kinda freaks me out. I know... I am odd.

I think that's a tough call. Rest in between is important but as running is your primary exercise I can see where 4 days made sense for you.

I think it will work. I have managed to go with Steve or Kira for what I am counting as walks and not runs (since they are much closer to a walk pace for me) I have found that cutting that run out has made it so I can focus on those two mid week runs. I will go into what I am doing, but I think it is a good thing.

Oh I don't know, I feel like I have lost a little since the 12K. Well really, before that. I overdid it before the 15K, rested before the 12 (and didn't have much choice with my work travel schedule) and then it's been a bit off since then, also somewhat due to travel and also injury. I'm a bit more sore today than I should be from the run yesterday and that's simply from taking it easy I know. I also didn't stretch before or after for other reasons and I'm sure that's a factor. Nothing awful mind you but my body is saying hey, you haven't run that far (and up our hill) in a while. Still, it's that good workout kind of sore if you know what I mean.

It is funny you mention this. I just today was thinking that it is odd my body is hurting after yesterday's run when normally I wouldn't feel anything. It is the workout sore though.

Yes and I saw that!!!! Very irritating. I didn't realize you could put a note in, I will do that as well. Does anyone even read those notes? I just kind of assumed that they were more for your own reference.

And that is what I thought would happen should we have needed to use it for POT. They would assume 12k and then calculate based on finish time. I thought I posted a note and then when I just went to see it, it asked me to finish the report. I now can see yours as well... but mine is at the top. I wonder if I just thought I submitted it before.

Sounds good! I'll be curious to see how training up to 17 miles works out for you. It seems like it would definitely help to train longer than the race distance.

I have never ever EVER gone that far. I am kinda excited and terrified. I have always followed the "race day excitement will carry you through" and "don't go over cause it runs the risk of injury" lines of thought. This will certainly be a new experience.

Woohoo, a race report! Love that you two were representing runDisney! I saw a guy during my race last week wearing a WDW half marathon shirt and I was THISCLOSE to saying something to him...ultimately I chickened out. But I love seeing runners at races wearing Disney shirts.

If I can get up close enough, I often will say something. (like I did last month to the gal wearing the NB disney shoes) There have been plenty of times I just saw them run by though and I couldn't. Last year at this very same race, I saw a gal run wearing her phm shirt from 2013. I knew it well since I had just received it myself. I wanted to say something to her but she was lost in the finish line crowd once I walked back that way. (she was finishing while I was walking out of the finish chute)

The humidity...YUCK! I'm sorry you and Steve were in such rough shape at the end of the race! That stinks.

I wasn't in horrid shape. It was no wear near as bad as last year. It was just that few seconds of knowing you push too hard and feeling a bit urpy. Then I felt great and strong. Steve - well, he has digestive issues anyway. I don't think he goes a month without something unwanted coming up.

AWESOME finishing times for both of you!! I hope you get that AG award next year. YOU CAN DO IT!

Thanks I hope to at one of these races. The next race put on by this promoter I know I will not be able to. It is the Pacific Northwest USTAF championship one. (or it has been in the past) This race promoter attracts such fast runners. I looked at athlinks to see if the race results were in and noticed others waiting for the results to post. Yeah... they are waiting for the half times.. with their finish times of 1:21 to 1:35. I think this isn't even the fastest of the finishers.

Congrats on your race! Even though you didn't feel well you did an amazing job! Stinks you missed placing by 1 spot! Like you said though, next year it is on!

Thanks! I didn't feel bad the entire race... only urpy for a bit and only drained for that last mile. Missing the age group place by one was a bit of a let down, but knowing I wasn't "close" helped. I mean if I missed it by seconds then I would have felt far more let down by myself. Knowing that the gap was too large for me to have closed made me feel more at ease about it. Next year though!!!

Good luck with the Galloway program!

Well, I am just kinda following his schedule more than anything. I needed some direction given how many races I will have starting in August. I have no idea though, once I hit the part where I am up over 13 miles I may end up taking a walk run approach. And the MM - not sure I will ever try that. Not sure I completely understand what it is. Is it just to see how fast you can run a single mile full out? Since I know what that is for me maybe I don't need it.

I am doing his walk/run method at the moment trying to get back into it after my second round of injections. I always feel better when I am running than when I am not.

I hope you feel better. Second round of injections?

I have a 5 mile race coming up Memorial Day Weekend. Hoping to get that back under an hour.

a memorial day race!

 

[annmarieda]

Just a quickie to say I bought our tickets! This will be the first time I have gone in October. While I am super excited I was a bit surprised by the price jump between September and October. It will just be the girls, Steve and I. (so no in laws) The girls have picked out what they want to go as (gee...any guesses?) No costumes yet though. Then Steve and I will have to figure something out. This will likely prove a daunting task given that for whatever reason... costumes for women and men would suggest that all men secretly want to drop their IQ a few points as well as be womanizers while women all want to be as naughty as possible.

My number one thing I want to see/do at MNSSHP is to see the headless horseman!! Kira is all about the trick or treating. Zoe is excited to match a costume to her sister. Steve... well.... not so sure what he is looking forward to in going to the party. Maybe crossing it off his bucket list? that would probably be it. Just being able to say he did it and doesn't have to again.

Once costumes are in hand I will be sure and do a separate post regarding them.

 

[dizneeat]

Just a quickie to say I bought our tickets!

Yippie! Congratulations on getting your tickets!

This will be the first time I have gone in October. While I am super excited I was a bit surprised by the price jump between September and October.

I need to go back and check on the price jump. When I found out that the only year we are NOT going to WDW in the summer they start the parties early enough for us to have been able to attend, I was somewhat "bummed" and stopped reading.

It will just be the girls, Steve and I. (so no in laws) The girls have picked out what they want to go as (gee...any guesses?) No costumes yet though. Then Steve and I will have to figure something out. This will likely prove a daunting task given that for whatever reason... costumes for women and men would suggest that all men secretly want to drop their IQ a few points as well as be womanizers while women all want to be as naughty as possible.

My number one thing I want to see/do at MNSSHP is to see the headless horseman!!

Good choice! We loved seeing him ride down Main Street!

Kira is all about the trick or treating.

Very good choice as well. Those tickets are expensive enough - get something back in sweets!

Zoe is excited to match a costume to her sister. Steve... well.... not so sure what he is looking forward to in going to the party. Maybe crossing it off his bucket list? that would probably be it. Just being able to say he did it and doesn't have to again.

Once costumes are in hand I will be sure and do a separate post regarding them.

Can't wait to see what you decide on.

Oh, and btw I am FINALLY all caught up on your threads! I did read while we were away, but just never got around to posting.

 

[MEK]

Yay for tickets!

I need to buy my MNSSHP tickets! We will be going on October 19th! I'm really looking forward to it.

The headless horseman is so super cool. It might be my favorite part of the parade because it happens so fast and your so lucky if you catch it

 

[annmarieda]

Yippie! Congratulations on getting your tickets!

Well, purchased anyway. I did order them sent to the house rather than will call. I just wonder how they will work with the magic bands... or if they will.

I need to go back and check on the price jump. When I found out that the only year we are NOT going to WDW in the summer they start the parties early enough for us to have been able to attend, I was somewhat "bummed" and stopped reading.

That is disappointing. I don't blame you for not reading further. I know prices went up overall, but the cost difference between a september party and october party was shocking to me. You add the two together and the cost that I paid last year (I think) was about $55 was $68 this year

Good choice! We loved seeing him ride down Main Street!

I have been twice now to the party and didn't get to see him really either time. I know first year he was completely a no show due to rain and then last year... I think he passed too quickly for me to see or we were not quite to the place we were going to watch the parade when it started and I missed it. Either way... I WILL be in position to see him this year.

Very good choice as well. Those tickets are expensive enough - get something back in sweets!

It is true. Last year it helped to cover the cost of my trick or treat candy that I handed out.

Can't wait to see what you decide on.

Ya know, at one point...way back when I was first planning for just Steve and I to be on this trip, I had really thought we would go all out. Now I am not so sure I want to even do a costume. I should though, right?

Oh, and btw I am FINALLY all caught up on your threads! I did read while we were away, but just never got around to posting.

Sometimes it is hard to comment... just enough to read. Glad you are all caught up.

Yay for tickets!

I am pretty excited. I didn't think I would get them right away, but with the race being that weekend and so many runners going to the party I figured it was best to purchase now rather than worry about it.

I need to buy my MNSSHP tickets! We will be going on October 19th! I'm really looking forward to it.

You will be there just after us. I think I knew that, right?

The headless horseman is so super cool. It might be my favorite part of the parade because it happens so fast and your so lucky if you catch it

As I mentioned to Karin... yep. Twice now I have missed him. Once due to weather and the next due to timing or just the place we sat obstructed the view.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

LOVE MNSSHP!!! We really enjoyed going in October and it was night and day (weather wise) compared to our September trip, so I'm sure they charge more b/c more people are willing to pay for October. It's one of my favorite times to go, I love the decorations. Can't wait to see what you choose for costumes!