It's July and I now have 3 races in the books:
My first race was May 5th with a time of 37:48.
The second was May 27th with a time of 35:39.
The third race on July 4th with a time of 31:15.
I am running a 5K on July 21st, as well as a 10K and a Half Marathon in Sept.
Princess Half registration begins on Tuesday!!! My long runs the past couple of weeks have been 5 miles. This week I should hit 6 miles. I've been tracing my mileage on the course map. Mile 5 is the "magic mile" when it comes to the PHM. It's the mile that you actually run through the Magic Kingdom.
I haven't really set specific time goals for my races. My goal the first time out was just to cross the finish line. Obviously, I've hoped to do better each race, but no specific time goals. For this last 5K that I've got scheduled, I'm going out on a limb and saying that I want a sub-30 5K time. After my second race, I told hubby that next year my goal was going to be a sub-30. At the time, I didn't imagine that I would be able to hit that this season--after all, I just started running in March. But, after my race this week, I feel like it is completely within reach if I hit my training hard in the next 2 weeks.
So, I'm putting it out there. Goal: July 21st, sub-30 5K. Rock it!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Big News, Bigger News, and Biggest News!!!
OK, so here it is. Lots of behind the scenes work and negotiations going on here. But:
Big News: Hubby and Mini Me are both training for races! Yay, they are getting hooked too. Sweet Pea also likes the races, but hers are still the kids races. Mini Me will be running a 5K!!!
Bigger News: I just signed up for my first Half Marathon! Woo Hoo! Sept. 30th! Very pretty course along the beach--and of course, beer at the end. Training officially starts today! It also happens to be the day after Sweet Pea turns 3. My baby is growing up! Can you believe it?!?! How is she almost 3?!?!
Biggest News: You know that Disney Fund Page? Well, that's there because...we're going to Disney in February. To run the Princess Half Marathon! And, that's where Mini Me will run her first 5K. And, she'll also celebrate her 6th birthday! I cannot wait to run up Main St. and through the castle! Disney here we come (again)!
Big News: Hubby and Mini Me are both training for races! Yay, they are getting hooked too. Sweet Pea also likes the races, but hers are still the kids races. Mini Me will be running a 5K!!!
Bigger News: I just signed up for my first Half Marathon! Woo Hoo! Sept. 30th! Very pretty course along the beach--and of course, beer at the end. Training officially starts today! It also happens to be the day after Sweet Pea turns 3. My baby is growing up! Can you believe it?!?! How is she almost 3?!?!
Biggest News: You know that Disney Fund Page? Well, that's there because...we're going to Disney in February. To run the Princess Half Marathon! And, that's where Mini Me will run her first 5K. And, she'll also celebrate her 6th birthday! I cannot wait to run up Main St. and through the castle! Disney here we come (again)!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Beer Me
3 weeks after my first 5K, I pinned another bib on and headed to the start line. This time I wasn't just going to finish...I was going to get a beer at the end! That's right, this race was at a brewery and there was a live band and beer waiting for me at the finish. What better motivation to hurry through 3.1 miles in the blazing sun?!?!
I have been training at around a 12 minute pace and knew that the course was a little flatter than my first race. However, it was also 10-15 degrees hotter, which forced many to slow down, and several to need medical attention.
The first .25 mile was slow--weaving in an out of the walkers who decided it was a good idea to start near the front. But, by around the .50 mile mark, I had found a clearing and settled into a nice pace. When I got to the first mile mark, the time said 12:18. However, that was gun time and I knew that it took me close to a minute to even reach the start line. So, I was doing well.
I walked through the water station at 1.5 miles because I have not yet mastered the drinking while running thing. But, then I was back to it. There was a second unofficial water stop just after 2 miles, and many of us took advantage of that. It was hot and the course was almost all sun.
It was an awesome day and I felt pretty good. As I approached the finish, the time on the clock was still reading 36 minutes and change. I knew I had a new PR! My official time was 35:39! A full 2:10 off my previous race. I was so excited. To top it off, my friend won the race (not a big surprise-she's won several this year!). We had a beer, some food and enjoyed the weather.
The kids also both ran in their fun run races. Good times all around and a great way to spend a long weekend. I've got over a month until my next race, so I am starting a 10K training plan and am meeting with a trainer at my gym to start some strength work as well. Can't wait for my next race--it's addictive!
I have been training at around a 12 minute pace and knew that the course was a little flatter than my first race. However, it was also 10-15 degrees hotter, which forced many to slow down, and several to need medical attention.
The first .25 mile was slow--weaving in an out of the walkers who decided it was a good idea to start near the front. But, by around the .50 mile mark, I had found a clearing and settled into a nice pace. When I got to the first mile mark, the time said 12:18. However, that was gun time and I knew that it took me close to a minute to even reach the start line. So, I was doing well.
I walked through the water station at 1.5 miles because I have not yet mastered the drinking while running thing. But, then I was back to it. There was a second unofficial water stop just after 2 miles, and many of us took advantage of that. It was hot and the course was almost all sun.
It was an awesome day and I felt pretty good. As I approached the finish, the time on the clock was still reading 36 minutes and change. I knew I had a new PR! My official time was 35:39! A full 2:10 off my previous race. I was so excited. To top it off, my friend won the race (not a big surprise-she's won several this year!). We had a beer, some food and enjoyed the weather.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
5K Day!
For 2 months, I have been training using the C25K program. It's a wonderful program that slowly transforms you from out couch potato to a 5K runner.
There were days I certainly had my doubts that I was going to make it. But, on May 5th, I ran my first 5K. I was nervous when I got there, but met up with some friends at the start line, which helped to calm my nerves a bit.
I won't lie--it was tough. My training runs had all been on relatively flat ground, and this course was rather hilly. Hubby and the girls were waiting for me just past the top of the first hill and screamed out to me.
As we were huffing and puffing uphill past the 1 mile sign, a woman running next to me pointed at it and said, "I hate that freaking thing!". That made me smile.
We made it to the turn-around on a cul de sac, and one of the friends I had started with was just coming out as I was headed in and she called out to me. That helped get me through yet another hill. Thankfully, at the top of that little hill was the water station that another friend of mine was volunteering at. It was awesome to have so much support along the way!
After that, it was mainly downhill--except for the last little hill just before turning into the park for the final stretch. I was still running, and was able to sprint to the finish. Hubby and the girls were there waiting for me.
I am signed up for 3 more races this spring/summer. Thinking about trying to find a 10K for fall. And, of course, I have my heart set on the Disney Princess Half Marathon. But, probably not until Feb. 2014. One step at a time.
Mini Me ran the 1/4 mile race for her age group. It was a great day and I can't wait for my next race--Beer at the finish line? Oh yeah!
There were days I certainly had my doubts that I was going to make it. But, on May 5th, I ran my first 5K. I was nervous when I got there, but met up with some friends at the start line, which helped to calm my nerves a bit.
I won't lie--it was tough. My training runs had all been on relatively flat ground, and this course was rather hilly. Hubby and the girls were waiting for me just past the top of the first hill and screamed out to me.
As we were huffing and puffing uphill past the 1 mile sign, a woman running next to me pointed at it and said, "I hate that freaking thing!". That made me smile.
We made it to the turn-around on a cul de sac, and one of the friends I had started with was just coming out as I was headed in and she called out to me. That helped get me through yet another hill. Thankfully, at the top of that little hill was the water station that another friend of mine was volunteering at. It was awesome to have so much support along the way!
After that, it was mainly downhill--except for the last little hill just before turning into the park for the final stretch. I was still running, and was able to sprint to the finish. Hubby and the girls were there waiting for me.
I am signed up for 3 more races this spring/summer. Thinking about trying to find a 10K for fall. And, of course, I have my heart set on the Disney Princess Half Marathon. But, probably not until Feb. 2014. One step at a time.
Mini Me ran the 1/4 mile race for her age group. It was a great day and I can't wait for my next race--Beer at the finish line? Oh yeah!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 8
We started our last day where we began: Animal Kingdom. We had breakfast reservations at Tusker House. It was very good! Because we were already in the park, we were able to be on the very first Safari of the day. If you can ever do it, I HIGHLY recommend it. (But, just don't look back. The mob of people coming at you from Rope Drop is quite scary!) We had been on the safari a couple of times, but this time was AMAZING. The animals were very active!
We grabbed fast passes to ride again and walked the Pangani Trail while waiting. The animals along the trail were very active as well. It was really neat. When we were done, it was time for the safari, and the animals were still relatively active, but not like the first time.
At Camp Minnie Mickey we saw Meeko and Donald before we headed to Epcot for a picture with Duffy. We went back to the resort for lunch and then spent the afternoon at the pool and arcade. After dinner, the babysitter came. We used Kids Nite Out and we were very happy. We will absolutely be using them again!
Hubby and I headed for an 'anniversary' trip to Epcot. Our plan was to drink our way around the World. We started with beer and a boat ride in Mexico, beer and some treats in Germany, Grand Marnier slush in France, beer in England, watched illuminations near Canada then headed back around to France for a grey goose slush. Then, we headed back to the hotel and sat by the pool for a few minutes.
And so ended a magical vacation full of wonderful memories, special experiences and tons of Pixie Dust. We will certainly be headed back to the World very soon for some more Magic and Memories.
We grabbed fast passes to ride again and walked the Pangani Trail while waiting. The animals along the trail were very active as well. It was really neat. When we were done, it was time for the safari, and the animals were still relatively active, but not like the first time.
At Camp Minnie Mickey we saw Meeko and Donald before we headed to Epcot for a picture with Duffy. We went back to the resort for lunch and then spent the afternoon at the pool and arcade. After dinner, the babysitter came. We used Kids Nite Out and we were very happy. We will absolutely be using them again!
Hubby and I headed for an 'anniversary' trip to Epcot. Our plan was to drink our way around the World. We started with beer and a boat ride in Mexico, beer and some treats in Germany, Grand Marnier slush in France, beer in England, watched illuminations near Canada then headed back around to France for a grey goose slush. Then, we headed back to the hotel and sat by the pool for a few minutes.
And so ended a magical vacation full of wonderful memories, special experiences and tons of Pixie Dust. We will certainly be headed back to the World very soon for some more Magic and Memories.
Day 7
We started the morning with breakfast at Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends in the Magic Kingdom.
We then went to see Tinkerbell and Terrance was there too.
While we were waiting, Mini Me crossed the magical blue line, and the CM made her walk the plank. It was awesome!
Took sweet pea on the Magic Carpets and she loved it. Then the girls wanted to do Small World.
I convinced Mini Me to try Buzz but she hated it. So, we went on the People Mover and the kids saw the Buzz Meeting & Greet, so we headed for that. We went back to Town Square to see the princesses and found Daisy along the way. Sweet Pea loved her shoes. We did a little shopping and took the railroad again. While we were on the train, we saw the meeting spot for Woody and Jessie so we headed there for a picture. We finally go Sweet Pea the balloon she had been asking for and Goofy sang Mini Me Happy Birthday on the phone at the package pick up location. As we left Magic Kingdom, we stopped to say goodbye to the Castle and Hubby surprised me with a watch he had secretly bought for me.
We then went to see Tinkerbell and Terrance was there too.
While we were waiting, Mini Me crossed the magical blue line, and the CM made her walk the plank. It was awesome!
Took sweet pea on the Magic Carpets and she loved it. Then the girls wanted to do Small World.
I convinced Mini Me to try Buzz but she hated it. So, we went on the People Mover and the kids saw the Buzz Meeting & Greet, so we headed for that. We went back to Town Square to see the princesses and found Daisy along the way. Sweet Pea loved her shoes. We did a little shopping and took the railroad again. While we were on the train, we saw the meeting spot for Woody and Jessie so we headed there for a picture. We finally go Sweet Pea the balloon she had been asking for and Goofy sang Mini Me Happy Birthday on the phone at the package pick up location. As we left Magic Kingdom, we stopped to say goodbye to the Castle and Hubby surprised me with a watch he had secretly bought for me.
Day 6
I was up early as usual--how can I sleep?!?! I'm at Disney!!!
But, the girls needed their rest so I went to do laundry and grab some coffee. It was great watching the resort "wake up". Our room was in the perfect location--steps from Classic Hall. Amazing.
We headed to Hollywood Studios in the morning. We saw Mater and McQueen and Phineus and Ferb. I was able to grab fast passes for Toy Story Mania. Woo hoo!
After the Great Movie Ride we saw Handy Manny. We got to be First Family at the Disney Junior show. Despite Mini Me claiming she wouldn't like the show, I've never seen a smile so big. :-) We saw Jake and then I took Mini Me on Toy Story Mania. We loved it. She also grabbed a pic with the green army men.
Went back to hotel for a swim and dinner. It was still early so we took a ride on the monorail to see the 'Big Ball'.
But, the girls needed their rest so I went to do laundry and grab some coffee. It was great watching the resort "wake up". Our room was in the perfect location--steps from Classic Hall. Amazing.
We headed to Hollywood Studios in the morning. We saw Mater and McQueen and Phineus and Ferb. I was able to grab fast passes for Toy Story Mania. Woo hoo!
Went back to hotel for a swim and dinner. It was still early so we took a ride on the monorail to see the 'Big Ball'.
Day 5
It was Valentine's Day, so we headed to Epcot.
Sweet Pea was very impressed with the 'big ball'. We rode Spaceship Earth and the Nemo ride. The girls loved all the tanks.
We had late breakfast reservations with the princesses at Akershaus. It was a very nice breakfast and we saw all the princesses again.
(Funny side note: At some point before breakfast, a seagull pooped on Mini Me's back. We didn't notice it until we were headed in to breakfast. So, we just had her put her jacket back on and decided we would get her a new shirt after breakfast.)
After breakfast, we started walking around World Showcase to find her a new shirt. But, we happened to get to China just minutes before Mulan was going to arrive, so we just got in line...completely forgetting about Mini Me's shirt. It was sunny and warm, so Mini Me took off her jacket--and met Mulan with bird poop on her. LOL Whoops. In any case, Mulan was extremely nice and took so much time with the girls. We immediately went to get a new shirt for Mini Me and then got in line for Aladdin and Jasmine. They were also very nice and took a lot of time to discuss all of Mini Me's pins with her. They also took a pic with Sweet Pea, who was asleep in the stroller.
Hubby and I went to Disney on our honeymoon in February 2006. At that time, Epcot was selling "Leave a Legacy" tiles and we purchased one. So, on our way out of the park, we stopped to find our legacy tile. We found it and as it turns out Friday night-when we will be coming back to Epcot without kids for a date night- will be exactly 6 years to the day that we had that picture taken. How awesome is that?!?
We headed back to the hotel and went swimming. The girls had a lot of fun. We ate at the food court then headed back to Magic Kingdom for some more fun and fireworks. We saw Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, Tiana and Prince Naveen before finding a spot for the fireworks. The Magic, Memories and You show was very cool and of course the fireworks were amazing. We had a great spot and Tinkerbell flew right over us!
Then the mass exodus began and we started walking along until we found and empty part if sidewalk that we ducked onto to wait out the crowd. When it died down, we continued on and made our way to the bus stop where there was huge crowd. We finally got on a bus and there were no seats left. Hubby had the stroller and I was carrying Sweet Pea and holding until Mini Me. Thankfully, some young gentleman who did not speak English gave up his seat, so I could sit with the kids on my lap.
The kids were asleep within minutes of getting back to our room. We made some last minute dining changes and went to bed. It was another wonderfully exhausting day.
Sweet Pea was very impressed with the 'big ball'. We rode Spaceship Earth and the Nemo ride. The girls loved all the tanks.
We had late breakfast reservations with the princesses at Akershaus. It was a very nice breakfast and we saw all the princesses again.
(Funny side note: At some point before breakfast, a seagull pooped on Mini Me's back. We didn't notice it until we were headed in to breakfast. So, we just had her put her jacket back on and decided we would get her a new shirt after breakfast.)
After breakfast, we started walking around World Showcase to find her a new shirt. But, we happened to get to China just minutes before Mulan was going to arrive, so we just got in line...completely forgetting about Mini Me's shirt. It was sunny and warm, so Mini Me took off her jacket--and met Mulan with bird poop on her. LOL Whoops. In any case, Mulan was extremely nice and took so much time with the girls. We immediately went to get a new shirt for Mini Me and then got in line for Aladdin and Jasmine. They were also very nice and took a lot of time to discuss all of Mini Me's pins with her. They also took a pic with Sweet Pea, who was asleep in the stroller.
Hubby and I went to Disney on our honeymoon in February 2006. At that time, Epcot was selling "Leave a Legacy" tiles and we purchased one. So, on our way out of the park, we stopped to find our legacy tile. We found it and as it turns out Friday night-when we will be coming back to Epcot without kids for a date night- will be exactly 6 years to the day that we had that picture taken. How awesome is that?!?
We headed back to the hotel and went swimming. The girls had a lot of fun. We ate at the food court then headed back to Magic Kingdom for some more fun and fireworks. We saw Pluto, Mickey, Minnie, Tiana and Prince Naveen before finding a spot for the fireworks. The Magic, Memories and You show was very cool and of course the fireworks were amazing. We had a great spot and Tinkerbell flew right over us!
Then the mass exodus began and we started walking along until we found and empty part if sidewalk that we ducked onto to wait out the crowd. When it died down, we continued on and made our way to the bus stop where there was huge crowd. We finally got on a bus and there were no seats left. Hubby had the stroller and I was carrying Sweet Pea and holding until Mini Me. Thankfully, some young gentleman who did not speak English gave up his seat, so I could sit with the kids on my lap.
The kids were asleep within minutes of getting back to our room. We made some last minute dining changes and went to bed. It was another wonderfully exhausting day.
Day 4
We got up early because we had 8:10 breakfast reservations at Cinderella's Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom.
Mini Me really was treated like a princess. When we arrived, the girls had their picture take with Cinderella. Then we were taken up to our table which was decorated with confetti and a balloon. Shortly after breakfast was served, Mini Me was presented with a tiara on a little pillow. The princesses made their way to our table, and each wished Mini Me a 'Happy Birthday'. Towards the end, Mini Me was presented with every girls dream: her very own pink glass slipper!
From our table, we also had a wonderful view of the Fantasy Land Expansion! Here is Belle's castle as it looked on 2/13/12.
When we were finished with breakfast, we headed straight for Rapunzel. We were the first in line and had a wonderful time. Yay!
We decided to hit fantasy land first. I took Sweet Pea on Pooh and she loved it. This was a big turning point for her because last summer, she HATED rides. I was overjoyed! We did the carousel and both girls loved it.
We went on Small World, and it was immediately the girls' favorite...much to the dismay of hubby.
Sweet pea fell asleep and we had to wake her for her appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop. If you know Sweet Pea, you know better than to wake her up. It's just not pretty....at all. She screamed and threw things the entire time. She didn't care that her hair was being cut, but was SUPER angry about being woken up to do it.
We went and got fast passes for the Jungle Cruise and had an ice pop. Things were better after that. The girls love driving the boats while waiting for the ride. I was also finally able to try a Dole Whip that I had be hearing so much about...and with good reason. YUMMY!
We finished the day with a ride on the railroad before heading back to the resort. It was a magical day and the Magic Kingdom.
Mini Me really was treated like a princess. When we arrived, the girls had their picture take with Cinderella. Then we were taken up to our table which was decorated with confetti and a balloon. Shortly after breakfast was served, Mini Me was presented with a tiara on a little pillow. The princesses made their way to our table, and each wished Mini Me a 'Happy Birthday'. Towards the end, Mini Me was presented with every girls dream: her very own pink glass slipper!
From our table, we also had a wonderful view of the Fantasy Land Expansion! Here is Belle's castle as it looked on 2/13/12.
When we were finished with breakfast, we headed straight for Rapunzel. We were the first in line and had a wonderful time. Yay!
We decided to hit fantasy land first. I took Sweet Pea on Pooh and she loved it. This was a big turning point for her because last summer, she HATED rides. I was overjoyed! We did the carousel and both girls loved it.
We went on Small World, and it was immediately the girls' favorite...much to the dismay of hubby.
Sweet pea fell asleep and we had to wake her for her appointment at the Harmony Barber Shop. If you know Sweet Pea, you know better than to wake her up. It's just not pretty....at all. She screamed and threw things the entire time. She didn't care that her hair was being cut, but was SUPER angry about being woken up to do it.
Sweet Pea's 1st Haircut
We went and got fast passes for the Jungle Cruise and had an ice pop. Things were better after that. The girls love driving the boats while waiting for the ride. I was also finally able to try a Dole Whip that I had be hearing so much about...and with good reason. YUMMY!
We finished the day with a ride on the railroad before heading back to the resort. It was a magical day and the Magic Kingdom.
Day 3
We added the extra night to our trip so that we could hit Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom first thing since Mini Me was obsessed with dinosaurs for 2 months. So, we were there shortly after rope drop and headed to The Dino area. Mini me decided she hated it! She wouldn't go on Triceratops Spin but I decided to ride Dinosaur since we were there and there was no line.
It was ok, but broke down in the middle. I would probably ride it again, but wasn't all that impressed.
We decided to check out the rest of the park and just outside of Dinoland was a character spot. We were able to meet Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger with no line. The girls loved it.
We went to the Safari and only had to wait a minute or two. The girls liked it so we grabbed a FastPass to ride again.
It was chilly that first day, so we went to see 'Its Tough to be a Bug'. The kids were not fans. But, we got to sit in the heat, so it wasn't so bad.
We had lunch at FlameTree BBQ and did the Safari again.
Sweet Pea fell asleep on my lap while we were on the safari. So, we took the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch and they let us board with Sweet Pea asleep in the stroller. We walked the trail in Asia, and then went to the Boneyard to play. Then we headed to Camp Minnie Mickey and met Goofy, Minnie and Mickey.
Minnie Me fell asleep on the way to the car. It was a great first day at the parks and Mini Me got lots of birthday wishes from the Cast Members.
Went to park fare for dinner and got tons of birthday wishes from characters. They brought place mats for both girls, and we had ordered a castle cake for mini me. Then they brought us an additional cupcake to bring back to the room as a surprise.
When we got back to the room, towel animals were waiting and a signed picture of mickey wishing happy birthday was delivered.
It was ok, but broke down in the middle. I would probably ride it again, but wasn't all that impressed.
We decided to check out the rest of the park and just outside of Dinoland was a character spot. We were able to meet Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger with no line. The girls loved it.
We went to the Safari and only had to wait a minute or two. The girls liked it so we grabbed a FastPass to ride again.
It was chilly that first day, so we went to see 'Its Tough to be a Bug'. The kids were not fans. But, we got to sit in the heat, so it wasn't so bad.
We had lunch at FlameTree BBQ and did the Safari again.
Sweet Pea fell asleep on my lap while we were on the safari. So, we took the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch and they let us board with Sweet Pea asleep in the stroller. We walked the trail in Asia, and then went to the Boneyard to play. Then we headed to Camp Minnie Mickey and met Goofy, Minnie and Mickey.
Minnie Me fell asleep on the way to the car. It was a great first day at the parks and Mini Me got lots of birthday wishes from the Cast Members.
Went to park fare for dinner and got tons of birthday wishes from characters. They brought place mats for both girls, and we had ordered a castle cake for mini me. Then they brought us an additional cupcake to bring back to the room as a surprise.
When we got back to the room, towel animals were waiting and a signed picture of mickey wishing happy birthday was delivered.
The view from our room
It was a wonderful Disney Day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)