Canada Army Run - Race recap

I have completed a half marathon, the Canada Army Run to be exact. It took me 3:33 to complete it, but I did it. It's been almost 2 weeks and I don't know if it's fully sunk in yet.

Let's take a step back shall we. I've been remiss in providing proper running updates on the blog, so I'll attempt to provide it here.

Training Plans (ha!)

Before we went to England in June, I was working towards being able to complete a 10k. When I say complete, I wasn't aiming for speed records, because I'm not at that point yet in my running life, but I needed to be able to complete a 10k with the same ease as I complete a 5k. I knew completing several 10ks would be helpful when I started training for the half. And, my plan was to start half marathon training the weekend after we returned from England. Except, I came home with a cold, and then came down with strep throat, so I didn't really start training until July.

For the most part, training went well. I was steadily increasing mileage and sweltering in the humidity until about mid-August. My shin splints reared up again and it messed with my spirit a bit. The fear and doubt started creeping in. I scaled back my runs and focused on stretching and foam rolling, and doing whatever I could to keep the pain at bay. I was able to get in a 17k training run, which gave me some hope - despite coming down badly on my right knee. I knew then that if I could make it to at least that distance, then the last 3k would be easy - even if I had to scale back and walk to finish it. I knew it was doable.

With two sets of injuries now, I scaled my training back as far as I could. I stopped the runs during the week and concentrated on the remaining long ones on the weekend. During the week, I stretched, did weights, rolled, anything to stay in "fighting" form. The fear and doubt grew further. With the breaks I had to take and the delays back in June, I wondered if I'd be ready. I didn't feel ready. So, I pushed the voice away and put my energy to getting things ready for race day.

I readied my race outfit. I organized and then re-organized my race day playlist. I taste tested energy bars. I looked at countless running motivation memes on Pinterest to assail the fears in my head.

It didn't make me feel any better.

Race Day

On race day, we were up early, on account of paranoia on arriving late to the start line. Mike and I took the bus from our friend's house, which dropped us off on one of the side streets adjacent to the start line. YAY! We arrived in time to see the 5k runners leave before we headed to our corral. Mike was registered with the disabled wave, which meant he would start first. I was in the last corral, which departed about 30 minutes after the disabled wave. He decided to start with me and we headed to corral red.

Here, I believe I made my first mistake. I stood for about an hour or so while waiting for the 5ks in red corral to leave and while waiting for the half marathoners in faster corrals to leave. In retrospect, I should have sat on the curb, on the street, somewhere. (More on this later).

From our vantage point, we could see in the distance the first wave head off, but we still had to wait. Eventually, our rope dropped and we walked to the starting line. We didn't have the luxury of a starter's pistol or any noise really, the rope dropped and we were off.

The Half!

Because of my troubles, I opted to stay with the interval I had been using all through my training sessions - run .5k/walk .3k. It's not fast, but I needed something familiar and I knew I could stay with that interval for a good portion of the race.

The first 5k seemed to take FOREVER. I think it was the way the course was laid out - we were on a highway for a portion of it with little to see. I felt the same way when I did the WDW 10k in 2015 so I figured it was nerves. On one of my walking intervals a large dragonfly came into view and he stayed ahead of me for a few minutes before he flew off. (I've never posted about it, but I lost my cousin in 2004. His favorite animal was a dragonfly. A dragonfly always seems to appear when I need it.) Coming to the first turn around, there was a cheer station and one of the spectators had a sign:

I pointed to him, smiled and nodded, and he gave me a big cheer.

I continued on for a couple kilometers until we turned to cross the bridge into Gatineau/Hull, Quebec. By this time, the sun was high in the sky and the humidity was rising... ugh. We were only 3 kilometers in Quebec before we headed back across to Ottawa, but those 3k seemed to fly by. There were several cheer stations here with teenagers and I had a good time with their signs and giving high fives. However, in the midst of all this revelry, I started to feel weird. I chalked it up to the heat and the sun and I started taking more walk breaks. Eventually after a couple kilometers, I decided to walk the rest of the way, which was about 9km. I had passed some runners in the medic van and I didn't want to be pulled from the race. At that time, my objective finalized to finishing in one piece.

For kilometers 11 - 17, it was a tough slog. There was a slight incline northwards towards Rideau park, through the park, then back south along Sussex Dr. The breeze we had been enjoying thus far, disappeared while in the park and those 2kms were languid. From my training, I knew this was the first place where I'd struggle so I added a few songs to make me smile, laugh, and just take my mind off the race. And struggle I did - out of nowhere my feet started to hurt. The sole, all 10 toes it seemed, and I could feel a blister forming on the inside of my heel. Remember when I stood for about an hour pre-race, I think that contributed to it.

Not posing, it's called walking :)

By the time I got to about 18 or 19 km, I could see the finish line across the river and I knew it wouldn't be long now until I made it. What I didn't realize was the path along the river stretched 3k, but a neverending it seemed, 3k. It took forever to get to the bridge where we could turn around and head to the end.

As I reflect now, from about this time onwards things become fuzzy. My playlist turned to the following:
- Overkill by Motorhead
- Creeping Death by Metallica
- Movin' Right Along by The Muppets
- The Imperial March - Star Wars
- Headstrong - Trapt
- Almost There - The Princess and the Frog
- Dig a little deeper - The Princess and the Frog
- O Fortuna
(Yes, I sang for each of these!)

And every landmark, tree, side street was a finish line, then the next finish line and so on until the actual finish line came into view. I felt a cramp at the back of my knee, because at this point, what else was left to hurt? I stopped to rub the back of my leg and then the theme song from Rocky came on.

Friends, I didn't know if to laugh or cry. But I started up again and made it past the 21k marker. A handful of people were left on the sidelines, but there was one finisher who stood proudly applauding all of us as we crossed. I made eye contact, nodded and plodded on.

Normally I run across the finish line, but this time, I walked across. There will be other times when I will run across. I was finished. I'd done what I set out to do: complete a 1/2 marathon.

So what did I learn?

• Never again will I tire out my feet pre-race.
• Some training runs have to be done midday or at the very least mid-morning. I was unprepared for the sun beating down. And I have the tan to prove it!
• Take all liquid they offer. I know there are different schools of thought on this, but you do you and you do the current conditions. Every water station, I took a cup and sipped as I went along. I also had my reserve hand water bottle, which they refilled for me.

Am I going to do it again?

Yes. I'm going to be stronger and faster, but I will do it again.... and maybe more times afterwards ;)

526

Last year I was struggling with shin splints and frustrated. I had completed the 5k and 10k, (first ever 10k), at the Walt Disney marathon weekend earlier in the year and I was starting to think I could really get into this running thing.

But those shin splints kept at me. I had taken time off since the races and it was now June. I researched and struggled and stretched to get my calves, ankles, and feet stronger. By August I had a good stretching/strength plan and I was feeling better.

I was looking at my numbers in Runkeeper and for the last year, it said I had run 263 km. On a whim, I made a goal with myself to double my mileage over the coming year to 526 km.

Last August it seemed like such a huge amount to cover.

This August I fell short of that 526 goal. But, I completed 487 km - the most distance I've ever covered in a year.

So, what's next?

My first half marathon in September. My only goal is to finish... alive.

Then, the Star Wars half marathon in April.

Beyond? Ask me again in a few months :)

Time to head inside... and get to work!

Here we are, coming to the end of November and the end of my outdoor running season.

To be clear, the temperature these days hovers around the freezing mark and I'm ok with it. I've run in those temperatures before. Once you are dressed for it, it's fine and you warm up quite quickly! The portion I dislike is the snow and ice. See, I'm clumsy at the best of times - walking bare feet. So running on snow and ice is just asking for trouble. I slip and slide when I'm wearing winter boots with grips!

I'm fortunate enough to have an indoor track close by where Mike and I have been visiting over the past week and a half. Our current schedule is 3 times a week for 2 runs during the week and a long run on the weekend.

This is also great news because I've decided to start training for my first half marathon. Scary, I know. I'm convinced the rational side of my brain is blissfully unaware of what's coming over the next year or so.

To provide some backstory, I joked around with myself mainly, that some day I would do a half marathon. You know, that magical day far off into the future that never actually arrives. I kept up my running schedule, started gaining strength and incremental PRs, and the half-marathon worm slowly made it into my head. Then, I'd push it away, because really... 21k, are you crazy?

Then, earlier this year RunDisney announced the Star Wars Darkside races for 2016 to be held at Disney World. My dear husband, the Star Wars fan, got that look in his eye. Disneyland holds the Star Wars Light side races, but seriously who wants to run for the Light side? We jokingly talked about it, but never came to an agreement.

Fast forward to November. With the impending move to the indoor track looming, I had to devise a training schedule. Unfortunately the track does not have the best GPS access, that metal roof probably has something to do with it, so my RunKeeper runs are always a little off. I now rely on timed runs and intervals through RunKeeper and a separate log of the total time I've spent. It hearkens back to pre-phone days of running, but it works.

In devising a plan, I went full bore and created one for the half marathon. My goal is to complete a half by next Autumn. My rationale is this: I need to show myself that I can do it. Once I've done it, then I'll feel much better about completing the Star Wars half. Back when the WDW marathon weekend loomed, even though I was just running the 5 and 10ks, I had huge anxiety. I'd never done a 10k before, was it even possible for me to do it?

This time, I'll be more prepared.

In terms of races for next year, I have one 5k planned. At this time of the year, it's a little early for the Spring and Summer race information to be posted. I'll be in a different and better situation heading into Spring 2016 compared to Spring 2015 and I hope to see some gains - both in time and overall feeling/strength.

I leave you with some pictures from this year's races.

Still cannot believe I got to run on a runway!

Looking back

If you're a Facebook user, you've probably seen those "See your memories" links, which allow you to view all the posts done on a particular day for the past few years. I like to look at the memories, but often I don't remember what I was doing at that time - it's just a cryptic Facebook status.

The other day, however, it showed me the blog post I created back in 2011 when I completed my first ever 5k. You can read it here: Participate in a 5k - Done. I was over the moon when I completed it and I remember being nervous in the weeks leading up to it.. wondering if I would be able to complete it and what if I couldn't? That day after we returned home, we couldn't move and were quite sore.

Can you say wrong type of shoe for my running feet?

My, how times have changed.

• This year, I've completed 5 "official", (read: timed race), 5ks and 1 "official" 10k. The 10k nearly killed me, though :(.
• I've completed 7 "unofficial" 5ks in our subdivision, and a bunch of lesser distances.
• I've watched my 5k times go from about an hour walking, down to 38 minutes of running/walking.
• I've struggled with my first running injury.
• I've struggled with finding pants for my already larger thighs. Seriously, someone needs to make a line of pants for women who have big thighs, but a small waist. Going up 2 sizes to fit my legs is not a good look.

So, what's next?

• Reducing my 5k time.
• Completing at least one "official" 10k next year.
• Doubling my year over year kms ran. This one is purely just to see if I can do it. I have until June 30th next year to run 526 kms. Since July, I've completed 117 kms. I'm roughly 1/5 of the way there.
• Maybe this is too much, too soon, but completing my first half-marathon this time next year. I would really like to run the Star Wars half marathon in 2017, but I'm not going to have that one be my first half. It's too much money in race fees and airfare for that to be my first.

Run the runway

Earlier this year, I came across a posting where an airport allowed people to run a 5k on their newly paved runway. I thought this was the coolest thing ever and I wondered if the Toronto airport would do such a thing.

I googled the runway run at the Toronto airport, where I found that they do hold a race on the runway! The last time, it was in 2014, but they hadn't announced if and when they were planning the 2015 race. I started following the Toronto airport on Twitter and kept an eye out for mentions of the race.

Back at the beginning of the summer, they opened the registration period and Mike and I registered for the 5k and waited for September to arrive.

That morning, it was quite chilly and windy. Not close to freezing, but a little colder than everyone anticipated. We had gone from mild temperatures the previous days to a sharp drop over night.

Once we arrived, we milled around the hangar to keep out of the wind before lining up outside. The one issue I had with the event was the lack of volunteer awareness. Apparently the runners/walkers were supposed to congregate in the hangar for opening ceremonies. They sent 2 or 3 people to attempt to corral everyone in. That didn't work too well so about half of the attendees missed the ceremonies and the safety instructions.

Mike and I didn't let that bother us, though. We were excited to actually be on the runway!

The starting line

My pre-race impatience started up with a vengeance and I was please when we started on our way. Mike had asked one of the volunteers if the wheelchair participants were to line up at the front of the corral so that people wouldn't trip over him. The volunteer didn't know.

On our way

Our plan was to place Mike on the outside of the column and I'd be beside him on the inside. Just long enough for the rush to pass us and the crowd thin a little. That didn't work too well, it seems people have a sort of tunnel vision and if they didn't see you below waist level, then you weren't there. While waiting for the start, people jostled for position in front of us, to the point that Mike would have hit them with the free wheel when he started to move.

Nevertheless, we started the run beside each other.

At the first turn, Air Canada Boeing 767

We ran behind these guys for a while. They completed the full 5k in their uniforms.

Eventually Mike and I split up - he went on ahead - he's faster than I. I stuck to my running schedule in Runkeeper and worked to take pictures when I could.

- 1km run

- .5 km walk

- 1 km run

- .5 km walk

- .5 km run

- .5 km walk

- 1 km run

Yes, that is a WestJet plane making the turn as it prepares to take off

I'm either slowing to a walk for my interval or starting up for my run interval

I completed this race in 39.15. This is the first time I've cracked 40 minutes, and it was 4 minutes less than my last 5k. I am over the moon with this time. Next time, I'm aiming for faster :).

I guess I'm a runner now

I haven't done a running update in quite some time, but big things have happened over the past couple months. I was starting to lose faith in running, it stopped being a challenge and became something to be dreaded.

1. I started looking for a training plan. The ones I had used previously, ramped up too quickly and even though I followed the plan and was out on the specified days, I soon started falling behind and suffering injuries.

I had heard of Jeff Galloway, he's the running coach for RunDisney, so I looked into his methods. He has pioneered the Jeff Galloway's Run-Walk method, so I decided I'd draw up a schedule and start.

2. Over the past year, I suffered the ups and downs of running, getting injured, taking time off to heal, losing whatever ground I had and then starting all over again.

Around the same time, I started researching shin splints and how to deal with them. It seemed like every running site I found all stated the same thing about shin splints, but none gave any recommendations about how to prevent them - other than get new shoes or take it slowly.

Well, my shoes are pretty new and I'd have a shin flare up if I tried running 1k, so I knew that wasn't the root cause.

Finally, I came across a website belonging to a sports medicine clinic. One of the causes listed was a lack of muscle strength in the feet and ankle. It went on to list a number of stretching and strength exercises that would help improve the muscles and help with the shin splints.

I figured, 'why not?' and made a list of the exercises. I started them the next day.

3. I shifted my mental game. I kept beating myself up because I'd been running for close to a year and was unable to run a 5k. I would push myself in training to achieve this fleeting "perfect run", which turned into an injury, which sidelined me, which made me upset, which made me want to push myself... and so it went.

I took stock of where I was over the course of my training. I never thought I'd take up running and I never thought I'd log 263 kilometers in the span of a year. But, I did. And I wanted to continue, I wanted to get better.

Runkeeper stats for July 2014 - June 2015

So, I decided I was a runner. A slow one who looks at the running motivation pins on Pinterest and convinces herself that she can do it, who wakes at 5 am three times a week and hits the pavement, (and dodges frogs, ewww!), but still runs because I'm stubborn and I'm better than my injuries, so help me! Who cares if I walk for part of it? Every runner started somewhere and in time, being able to run the full distance will come.

So, where am I now?

This all came together at the end of July. My injuries were at the point where I was ready to go to the doctor. I decided I'd do the strength tips in conjunction with Galloway's run/walk for the 5k and see how things were at the end of August. Well, at the end of August I'd logged 40k and I was mostly pain free. I had logged three 5ks with very little leg pain/soreness afterwards.

To say that I'm ecstatic is an understatement. I dread the runs less. Let's face it 5 am wake up times aren't fun, but the absence of pain makes it bearable.

I took a week off last week from running and this past Saturday, I started the next phase of my training - to move up to a 10k. I don't have any 10ks scheduled for the next 6 months or so, but I do have a vacation thrown into the mix. In addition, since I've been running outside, when the snow falls in December it will force me to move inside. Sorry, I'm not attempting to run in the snow!

We will see how things go once winter hits. We have an indoor track nearby, which is nice, but it's mind numbingly boring and I always lose track of the number of times I've done a loop. But, since we don't have a treadmill, then I'll have to head to the track. If it means sticking to a set distance and working on endurance all winter, then that's what it will be.

Running - May

I haven't done a running update in a while, so here goes.

1. I've lost 2 lbs and an inch so far. I'm losing weight slower than I'd like, but I'm warming up to the idea that it's slowly coming off.

2. I'm down to the last few weeks of the 5k training. I'm up to a 4k in the training, but I'm not yet at the point where I am able to run for the entirety. I'm getting there, though. I run the same route each time and I can tell that I get further along before I feel like I need to walk. This is good, albeit unexpected - if that make sense.

3. My speed is starting to increase. I range anywhere between 8-9 minutes a kilometer. For the majority of my training, I've always been anywhere from 9-11 minutes a kilometer. Will I get down to 6 minutes a kilometer? Who knows. We'll see, but I'm glad the speed training has started to work.

4. It takes me about 35 minutes or so to do 4k - in the run/walk combination. When I did the 5k in January, it took me about 37 minutes. I'm calling a fluke on that race and I'm using my 5k times from last year as a guide.

My first time goal is 40 minutes. Then, we'll progress from there.

5. I have a 5k planned for the end of June and I hope to be able to run it all. We will see.

First speed run

I've been doing the Runkeeper 5k training plan and tonight's run was my first ever speed run. It was 8 intervals of a minute of fast running and 90 seconds of slow walking.

To say that I'm tired now is an understatement.

The first minute, I thought my calves were going to explode. It was all I could do to hold on until the walking interval. I honestly thought the program on my phone was malfunctioning because that minute felt like forever. Then, it seemed like I was walking for just a few seconds before I had to start running again.

This was difficult, but I made it through. I keep telling myself that soon I'll be running the 5k from start to finish, but right now that doesn't seem possible.

Tomorrow is another day, not another run though - that's Saturday.

I don't think I'm at this level... yet, but I'll get there.

Short runs with short legs

Since we returned from the RunDisney event in January, I've done very little running. I've exercised a little on the stationary bike and on the TreadClimber, but nothing like when we were training for January. To that end, I've been itching for Spring to arrive so I could get out onto the roads.

Today, I took the corgis running. Not too far and not both at the same time, but it was just up the street and back, then down a hill and back. In total, about 1 kilometer.

Our house sits on one end of the street, so I took Merida with me and we ran from our house all the way to the end of the block. The run back up the street was easy enough. We turned around and came back, after she stopped to sniff and do her stuff. Running back was ok, until she got distracted and I had to stop suddenly.

I dropped her off and took Gimli with me next down the hill, which was another block. He got into it, I think he forgot that he's allowed to run sometimes on our walks. He ran with me all the way down the hill and probably would have run all the way up, except I stopped halfway. My lack of running since January caught up with me.

It wasn't my best, but it did feel good to get out and run, if even for a little bit.

I have self assigned a RunKeeper 5k training plan that is supposed to start on Sunday. Hopefully, there's no snow and I can get out and start the plan. I've told myself that I want to be able to run a 5k this year and this is the start.

WDW Marathon Weekend - 10k

Yes, I know I'm late in this posting, but here it is.

For the 10k race, we had to be at the starting corral for 5.30, which meant we were in bed by around 10 pm on Thursday night. This wasn't so bad, on account of the early start that day, and we were determined to rest up before our race on Friday. We set up the wake up call again, as well as the alarms on our phones.

Unfortunately, we didn't sleep well - the bed was lumpy and I was so paranoid about I'd sleeping in that I awoke several times to check the time!

It wasn't as cold as the Thursday, so I only wore two layers this time. We hastily ate breakfast, which was a small bowl of cereal, and headed to the monorail. Luckily for us, the Epcot monorail was running, so we changed trains at the Transportation and Ticket Center and off we went.

It's quite surreal sitting in the darkened monorail traveling to Epcot. Your eyes think it's the evening, but your brain knows its early in the morning and both seem to fight over which one is correct.

We headed past the bag check and towards the wheelchair tent. Compared to the previous day, there seemed to be a few more wheelchair racers. I hung out with Mike for a few minutes before I left to find my corral.

I was a bit sore that morning. I hadn't planned on running as much as I did and I was ill prepared to run two races back to back. When we were training, we only had one bit of practice of back to back, so I definitely felt it that morning. Even though I was one of the early ones into the corral, I decided to stay in the middle of the pack. I didn't want to over do it and then have to hobble around for the rest of the day.  I was about 20 minutes early into the corral and the wait until the official starting time seemed to take forever. We had to wait for the wheelchair athletes and then corrals A and B to get going. This took about 20 more minutes and I felt like I was going out of my mind.I don't know why, I think I just wanted to get going. I remember getting this way at home during training and I chalked it up to excitement and my burgeoning running addiction.

I finally crossed the starting line and we were off. I had a bit of a choppy start because of the amount of runners around me. I had to walk for a bit to allow the herd to thin out a bit. This was good and bad - good because my body could take it easy, bad because my antsy brain was fired up and itching to start to run. This time, instead of turning right and around the parking lot, we turned left and headed onto the road.

The first mile marker was close to the turn around point. As I approached, I saw the throng of runners ahead of me and the shadowy runners heading up the incline. I looked around to see runners passing me and I felt a bit of dread and doubt. All of a sudden, I felt like this wasn't a good idea anymore and I wanted to stop. My legs were moving by themselves, it seemed and I kept going. I turned my focus elsewhere - I thought about how amazing it was that I was here on the road, on which I had only driven before. My thoughts even turned to a dark place and I thought about The Walking Dead and the zombie horde, while all round me I heard feet and heard breaths, but I kept going.

I believe this part was the hardest, I really do. There was nothing to see, just road and trees and darkness stretching before you. It wasn't a physical wall, it was a mental one. This is the essence of running. Not your feet or your calves or your lungs, it's the head games. Finally, we reached mile marker 3 and I realized I was close to half way and we started to head into the back way of the Epcot compound.

I was starting to get hungry and when we turned into the compound, we passed by the wondrous smell of bacon and eggs cooking. I half wanted to depart the race and go grab some breakfast!

I continued on towards the World Showcase, running and walking as I could. As I passed the American pavilion, I ducked into the washroom and then ran out again. I walked up the hill past the French pavilion and then ran down the decline as we headed towards the Boardwalk resort. As we entered that section, I looked across the water to the Yacht Club resort and I could see a large mass moving. I knew I'd be there soon enough.

By this time, we started to see and hear guests cheering us on. Before on the road, there was no one and it was silent. Within Epcot, there were some cast members and behind the scenes employees. But, my favorite time was through Boardwalk and Yacht Club resorts. I'd started to waver again on account of hunger and fatigue and seeing those people in their pajamas and bundled up against the cold, it gave me the will to go on. I made it through the resort section and started passing those runners who were just now entering the resort.

Now, we headed back into Epcot and toward mile marker 6. At this point, I really had no strength left. I went to draw some energy and there was none. I kept walking because I knew I wanted to run across the finish line and I had to conserve the little "fumes" I had left. By the time I turned the corner to leave The Living Seas and head towards Spaceship Earth, I could hear the DJ and I knew I was heading to the home stretch.

This race was tough. I wasn't as ready as I wanted to be and it showed. It took me an hour and 32 minutes to complete, which is 3 minutes faster than my time at home. I wasn't going to break a personal record or anything, but just to give a comparison.

I will stick with running. I've already set goals for myself this year and for next year. Mike wants to do some of the other RunDisney races in California and Orlando, but we'll see how things go. Over the past 6 months, I made plenty of rookie mistakes, which hampered my progress. Now, I know better, so I will do better.

WDW Marathon Weekend - Expo and 5k

As I've mentioned here in the past, we have been training for a 5k and a 10k. We've just returned from the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend and we had a lovely time!

We arrived late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning, no thanks to Air Canada, and checked into Bay Lake Tower. We didn't make it into bed til close to 3 am. We were up again around 8 am to have breakfast and then head to the Expo, which was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports location. Because we were doing the 5k, which was scheduled for Thursday, we had to go to the Expo on Wednesday to pick up our race items and bibs.

The transportation to the Expo was excellent, there were buses leaving from each resort, so we didn't have to worry about using the rental car. This was a good thing, because the parking lot was quite full by the time we arrived.

The Expo was well laid out, there were ample signs directing attendees to the packet pick ups and the t-shirt pick ups. After a quick stay in line to register and sign off for the respective races, Mike and I headed to the RunDisney merchandise shop. We were looking for the 5 and 10k items, but there wasn't any available for purchase. It was close to 11, so we assumed that they had all been snatched up. There was a glut of merchandise for the full and half marathons, as well as the Goofy and Dopey runs.

We were told there was a second RunDisney shop in the building where you pick up the race shirts, so we headed there. In that building, I came across the Raw Threads booth, where I picked up two new racing tops - Red Hearts, (which I thought was for the Evil Queen, but it's actually the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland), and the Plaid Bow, which is the one for Merida!

After I paid for the tops, I found Mike who was chatting with none other than our German guide from our Adventures by Disney trip! We knew she was running the Marathon, but we didn't know we'd run into each other at the Expo of all places! The three of us spent the afternoon together navigating the Expo and picking up our race shirts.

After the Expo, we rushed over to the local Dick's Sporting Goods to pick up a helmet for Mike. We didn't know he needed one for the wheelchair division - there was nothing in the race documentation etc - this is something RunDisney needs to work on. After we grabbed the helmet, we were off to an early dinner at Sanaa, I love this restaurant, before an early bedtime.

The 5k race started at 6.15 am, which meant you had to be up around 4am in order to arrive at the starting line. Because Mike was in the wheelchair division, he had to be in the wheelchair tent in time for him to be checked in and to make any last minute adjustments to the wheelchair and the FreeWheel. We were up at 4, ate a small breakfast, put on 4 layers due to the -1 Fahrenheit temperatures and we headed to the Monorail.

At the Monorail, we were told that we could not switch to the Epcot Monorail because it had broken down. Instead we were to use the buses. This would have been ok in warmer temperatures, but it was much worse standing outside in the biting wind, waiting for a bus.

We arrived at the bus drop off location in the Epcot parking lot, and then we walked into the staging area. I was blown away by the sheer amount of participants. There were large packs of racers moving into one area, it really looked like the Zombie Horde! We made it through the bag check - we didn't have one, and headed to the wheelchair tent. Here, Mike and I separated and I went to go find my corral.

I was a little confused here, because there was no signage directing you to the corral section. I wandered around a little until I found the map and the location of the corrals. All the while, freezing and trying to keep movement in my fingers. Eventually, I made it and into Corral C, the best letter! I went all the way to the front, stretched, walked around, and waited for the race to begin.

After what seemed like an eternity, we were called to the starting line. The wheelchair racers were put in place first, then Corral A moved down the chute and towards the starting line. After the 'A' racers were in place, they loaded Corral B and so on. It took about 18 minutes or so from the time the wheelchair racers started to when our corral started moving.

I was fortunate enough to be in the middle of a small pack, so I kept a slower pace than usual. This worked out well for me because I ended up running about 75% of the race! I finished in about 37 minutes, about 10 minutes less than my average time. This put me at about the middle of the pack for the finishers, which is just fine for me. I was paranoid I'd come in last!

There were some characters on the course, but I didn't stop to take pictures. By the time I got to each one, the line up was quite long, so I didn't bother. I was able to get these, though:

Spaceship Earth in the distance

Sunrise, looking back at World Showcase

After the race, I found Mike at the wheelchair tent and we beelined for the bus to take us back to Bay Lake Tower. It was still frigid and we didn't want to spend anymore time outside than we needed!

I wasn't as sore as I thought I'd be after this race, but we did take some time in the afternoon to nap and relax. We had another early morning for us on Friday for the 10k.

I'll have my 10k report later on in the week.

I guess I'm a runner now?

It's finally happened. I thought it would take much longer, but nope, it happened today.

Mike and I went for a run this evening. I didn't feel well today - I thought I might have been coming down with a cold/flu and then a migraine hit in the morning. It was just one of those days, coupled with it being a Monday.

I was aiming for 6.5 km, but I did 5 and stopped. I didn't want to push myself, considering how crummy I felt in the morning.

Then, in the car on the way home, I complained that I only did 5 km.

I guess I'm a runner now.

I have to stop

I came across a pin the other day: "Slow progress is better than no progress." Sometimes you need a little reminder.

I've always been hard on myself - in everything. I've been calling myself a recovering perfectionist for years, though sometimes that perfect person rears her little head and messes with my brain.

I've been arguing with myself that I'm not further along. I thought I'd be fully running a 5k by now, not running/walking it. I thought I'd have lost more weight and more inches.

But then, I shut out the stupid voice in my head and I realize that every time I step into these sneakers, and run, it's more than I've ever been able to do, ever.

And, every time I go for a run, it's for longer and faster. I can run with Merida and she tires out before I do.

I'm still at the same weight, but my thigh cellulite is gone. My thighs don't rub together as much as they did before I started running. My calves are a little thicker, which means my boots have a tough time zipping up. My butt is better looking, not quite "buns of steel", but better looking than it used to be. My muffin top has deflated a bit more, but not quite gone.

I have a way to go still to be able to handle a 10k. Right now I'm at 6.5k - running/walking. Little by little, I'll get there.

Rumble rumble

As I've mentioned before, I run in the wee hours of the morning. It's cooler, (though now it's getting chillier), there's no sun, and I don't have to worry about the neighborhood laughing looking at me.

The trouble is, though, for part of my run I have to cross a country road. It's not well lit because you're at the point in the road where the driver is coming from dark area into a subdivision with street lights. For all the driver can see in such a short distance, I could be a deer, a rabbit or a speed bump.

Last week, I came upon the intersection and was looking to cross. I was fortunate that I was only walking, so I had time to stop and take in my surroundings. I heard a rumble coming down the street. I looked towards the rumble and there was no lights, but the rumble remained. It wasn't getting stronger, but it wasn't going away either.

I decided not to cross just yet and instead changed direction to run on the sidewalk parallel to the street. Eventually, the street brightened and a tractor trailer went by, probably coming from one of the farms north of us.

Looking back, the experience reminded me of that scene from Pet Semetary, where the family is playing in a field when the little boy runs towards the road. They hear the rumbling of a truck, but they cannot get to the boy in time.

So, yeah, I think I'll take the long way and cross at the lights from now on.

Running - September '14

I realized I hadn't done a running update in a while, so here goes.

I kinda kicked the Couch to 5k app to the curb because it wasn't bring me up to the 5k distance fast enough. Instead, I've been run/walking 5ks for the past couple weeks. I can do the full distance in about 42 minutes, which is a combination of running and walking for me. I'm at the point now where I am running a full kilometer before I have to slow to a walk. I'm hopeful that my time continues to decrease and my stamina increases.

My next goal is to continue with this pace as I strive for the full 10k.  I admit, this scares me a little because it's double the distance and I don't know if I can do it. Some days, I am full of motivation and I tell myself that I can do it. Other days, I mope around and say that I cannot.

My shin splints are frustrating, but I've been stretching twice a day and that definitely seems to help. The one thing that get's me though, sleep. I'm not getting enough and that's made it difficult to run in the mornings. I can feel a difference when I run after I've had a good night sleep vs a crummy night's sleep.

My legs and butt have changed. My cellulite on my thighs has lessened, something that I thought would never happen. My stomach is a little flatter, my muffin top is shrinking, for which I am grateful... you have no idea! I haven't tried on clothes yet, I'm too paranoid that I won't see a difference and that will send me off to find the biggest piece of chocolate ever invented.

I do think I'll need to get this shirt though for our January run. :)

5 things - August edition

It's August and it's almost over...

1. One of the bigger things going on is that Mike's having all 4 of his wisdom teeth extracted on Wednesday. He's a little apprehensive, but I'm sure he'll be fine. He's had plenty of surgeries over the years and I'm sure he'll do well with the anesthesia. I just hope he doesn't have any issues with his brittle bones and his jaw bone.

2. My running efforts hit a large bump in the road this month. At the beginning of the month, I was sidelined with an injury - shin splints and an extremely sore calf muscle. I took about 2 weeks off of running entirely and focused on massaging my legs and stretching every day. In lieu of runs, I rode the exercise bike, which helped to get *some* cardio in, at least.

Last week was the first week where I was able to get out. I had planned to be finished or nearly finished with the 9 week couch to 5k plan by this time, but I'm just starting the week 5 plan. I'm disappointed, but there's not much else to be done. I didn't want to push myself and cause more harm and in so doing put the 5 and 10 k runs in jeopardy.

I was out for a run this morning and today's plan kicked my ass, but I felt good afterwards. I was starting to fear I'd fall behind and with Autumn on its way, I wanted to be a little further in the distance. Once the snow starts to fall, we'll have to find an indoor track - with my luck I fall on the ice and then I'm really stuck!

I'm up to 3 intervals of running for 5 minutes. Provided I stay the course, the adjusted schedule to be doing a 5k is a month from today.

3. I'm losing weight again, slowly. I have to resist the urge to go try on items in my closet because I'm not yet at my goal and I'm not in the mood for disappointment. I'll get there in time, I just have to be patient.

4. On the farm behind our house, the farmer has planted corn. When I look outside, it's corn as far as the eye can see.

It can be a little scary at times, especially when you're in the backyard at night and all you can hear is the rustling of the corn and your imagination takes hold.

5. The corgis have been enjoying the Summer, though I haven't yet had them in the wading pool. I think I will rectify this over the long weekend.

Till next time!

Running - June '14

I've been run/walking for about a month.

I've been following the couch to 5k app and I'm able to run/walk about 2.5 km, which is roughly 1.5 miles. This past weekend, I ran 2 intervals of 3 minutes straight. Not much yet, but considering that last month I couldn't do it, I'm pleased with the results.

If I keep this up, then I'll be up to 5k by this time next month.

Then, I'll switch to the 10k training plan, which will take me to the next level to be ready for our two runs.

What have I learned in this time:

1. Buy proper running shoes.

I bit the bullet and purchased a pair of Asics Ice running shoes... in pink (!!!) and in a size 9. We went to an actual running store and spoke to the salesperson who looked at my feet and my gait and was able to suggest some brands. I tried on 3 different pairs before I settled on the current one. My issue is that I have flat feet and I need the cushioning under and around my feet. The salesperson also suggested I go up a size to give my toes enough room to lie as my feet come up after each stride.

It feels different and a little freeing to not have to worry about foot pain when trying to increase your stamina.

2. Run in the morning.

We've found that running in the morning makes the day go a bit smoother. You aren't forcing yourself to go after work when you're tired or had a bad day.

It also makes it easy to run when it's cooler, as opposed to when the sun is beating down on you.

3. Feet position.

I'm calling it this because I don't have any other term for it. I found when I ran that I'd bring up my knees/feet too high and I was wasting energy and tiring far too quickly.

I've since reduced the height of my knees/feet and I can see and feel the difference. I'm still tired, but I'm tired closer to the end of the run as opposed to during the first third.

That's all I have so far and your mileage may vary on these. I'll post another update once I've hit another milestone.

Castaway Cay 5k

One of the things Mike and I have committed to accomplish in the next year is a 5k and 10k run at one of the RunDisney events.  It's a great goal... except when you're two couch potatoes like us and you have to start training.

I cannot say I've ever liked running.  For me, running was a race among my cousins, it was never long distance running. Perhaps that's why I have to resist the urge to run like a bat out of hell and instead run at a slower pace. Did I ever think I'd be sitting here registered for an actual run? Nope.

All the Disney cruises in the Caribbean stop at Castaway Cay - Disney's private island. Early in the morning on these days, RunDisney sponsors a 5k run/walk on the island. Now, we aren't runners yet, but we signed up anyway in the hopes of beating our last 5k time of roughly 50 minutes of walking.

I won't go into the ins and outs of the time as I'm sure you're not interested.

We learned a few things after this race:

1. I need better shoes. I have flat feet and I need shoes that provide the support and cushioning to my arches. About halfway through the race, my arches started to hurt. It was so bad, that I ended up limping around for a couple days afterward.
2. We have a great deal of training to do. I know the RunDisney races for which we signed up allows you to walk, but I don't want to walk it. I want to run it! The only way that's going to happen is if I start running. I downloaded the Couch to 5k app and I'm going to use that as my coach.
3. I need to focus on me. Forget about everyone else, Mike included, and focus on me. I know I can do this, just as I have done all these other things I never thought I could do. It's all one day at a time, ready, GO!