Well, my goodness!
A week has passed since the Disney Marathon and I am feeling good :) There is so much to say, so I will try to recount as much as possible without boring the poo out of you:
My sister and I got up at 3:00 AM and started getting ready for the race (dressing, stretching, applying copious amounts of Body Glide), each of us freaking out in our own way. I used the purple Sharpie provided by Disney in our marathon gift bags to do a little something I used to do in college: I wrote adjectives on my body. With the idea that there is a connection and strength between mind and body, the thought that what we say can affect how we feel, I occasionally write on myself to help that along (see What the Bleep Do We Know?! to understand more).
"Powerful" on each thigh. "Strong" (with a 3-circle Mickey) on my core.
The words are almost faded, but are a fun reminder of what I did a week ago.
Anyway, by 4:00 AM, we caught the Monorail to take us to the race starting site. Everyone on the train with us looked just as excited and cold--and when I say cold, I mean cold. Hoth cold.
It was 27 degrees and all the layers we were wearing did very little for warmth. It was actually quite funny, people in hardcore running gear wrapped in trash bags and Mylar, bathrobes and towels. A DJ blasted music that I bobbed along to in an attempt to stay warm.
And don't even get me started on how chilly the Porta-Potties were. It was no wonder that as soon as the race began, you could see runners peeling off to pee on the edge of the trees!
It was around this time, waiting in line to freeze our butts off, that my dear sister kindly and encouragingly told me, "This is the WORST idea ever."
Ahh, sweet sister! But it was all in good fun--especially since she recently told me she's considering doing another marathon, yay!
Anywho, as the race really got started, there were fireworks and music and Mickey and the gang to welcome us to the starting line! As our massive corral (the Tsunami, they called us) crossed the start, our D-Tags were activated. Attached to our shoelaces, the D-Tags are how the timing was recorded for each individual racer; it was also great to walk through the parks later and see people with their D-Tags still attached.
My sister and I started the race together, which was really important to me. Even though I knew we wouldn't be running the whole thing together, it was really good that we starting out by running across the starting line together :) This won't be the last race we do together, but more on that later.
It really was something to run in the cold, dark morning. Racewalkers, joggers, couples, groups. Everyone was excited--if not freezing! As I had mentioned earlier, there were a lot of layers that got thrown to the side as everyone started to get a little warmer; however, just as quickly as someone would ditch a sweatshirt, someone else would pick it up and put it on!
The mile markers were big lit signs with the elapsed time shown in front of them. People stopped to get their pictures in front of them; Disney provides you with a disposable camera, which is very nice of them considering how many photo opportunities there are along the way for great pictures! There are princesses and pirates and Pluto, too, all ready to take a picture with you as you run through the various parks.
Epcot, the first park you come across, was my favorite to run through, since it was still dark. Crowds of people who were brave enough to come out this early were cheering us on throughout the entire race, but it was really something to see them at the entrance to Epcot. Running past Spaceship Earth (aka the Big Golf Ball) with an inspiring orchestral score blasting out of the speakers was unbelievable.
The rest of the race is kind of blurry. It was freezing (the ground near the water/Powerade stations was icy), and running on the long stretches of highway was pretty tough. It was a huge help to have the ChEAR Team shouting encouraging words to us, and every time I got really tired, there was a marching band playing "Eye of the Tiger" or the Central Florida Accordion Club playing Polka music!
I really hit the wall around Mile 10; my hip, which had bothered me during the early weeks of training, did not do well in the cold weather. I kept myself going by setting mini goals: Just make the next big mile cut--and I did. Just make it to the Magic Kingdom--and I ran through Cinderella Castle. Just make it to my parents, who were waiting to see us run past at mile 12.5--and I saw them, and cried, and was ready to call it a day.
Even when I could barely shuffle along, there was such an overwhelming amount of support, from my family and total strangers and the wonderful people at Walt Disney World. I went as far as I could, and then (truly) happily limped back to the hotel room with my Mom and Dad.
A hot shower that drained the Atlantic Ocean and some cashews and water kept me going while the folks went to go see my sister cross the finish line. Not too long after they left the room, though, I heard a rustling outside the door: It was my sister, wrapped in warming Mylar and wearing a Mickey-shaped medal! Although my parents missed seeing her cross the finish line, I was really excited that I got to see her first :) Even though she was nasty gross with salt caked to her forehead, I was so proud of her and so glad that she finished her first marathon!
The rest of our stay down in Walt Disney World was wonderful, filled with good food, great rides, and a crap-ton of painkillers! Everywhere we went there were people wearing their medals, limping with pride. I really was so pleased and proud of myself for my accomplishment: even if I didn't finish the marathon, I ran a half marathon for my first race and trained my butt off!
As soon as I was back in the hotel room, all I could think of was how I couldn't wait for next year. And in the mean time, I'll be running some other races--my sister and I are already getting ready to sign up for the Peachtree Roadrace in July, and she's got a half marathon coming up in March!
These past four months have been so rewarding; even when I was achy and tired and ready to quit, I kept going (despite many whiny posts), and last week was incredible.
I intend to keep posting (much more frequently) in this blog, especially with all the upcoming races, and I am looking forward to attempting new challenges and pushing myself to meet new goals.
Thank you for sticking with me, and I hope you continue to do so as I find out what new adventures are in store for me! Maybe I've amused you, maybe I've bored you, maybe I've even inspired you to go try a challenge of your own, but I really do hope that regardless of what this blog may have done for you, you remember its title, and the reason behind it:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
Thanks, everyone.
Showing posts with label the marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the marathon. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
10 Hours and Counting,,,
Yup, folks, it's almost time for the Disney Marathon!
It's about 8:00 PM here in Orlando, and freezing cold to boot--tomorrow's race is going to start with temperatures in the 20's. Brrr!
My sister and I are about to go to sleep, since we'll be waking up at 3:00 AM so we can begin transportation before 4:00 AM. There's a whole lot of confusing bus transfers and extra walking before you get to the actual start of the race, but we'll be surrounded by 24,000 people all hanging around for the same reason as us :) If that's not a bonding experience, I don't know what is.
Due to the unusually cold weather, there will be a lot of extra layers worn, including trash bags at the very start! Yes, Hefty bags and the like serve as excellent windbreakers and are an easy extra layer to ditch when the marathon begins. There will, in fact, be many layers of clothing tossed to the side during the race; Disney collects these sweatshirts, track pants, and the like and donates them to charity (an excellent decision on their part).
I'll make another post (albeit a brief one) tomorrow morning before the race, and most certainly one after :) It's going to be insane, and I'm going to capture as much of it as possible on camera and (if I'm really crazy) with the occasional Tweet-like posting. We'll see how likely that is...
No matter how it ends tomorrow, I know it's going to start out beautifully and be extremely fun the whole way through, so keep the 24,000 of us, especially my sister and me in your thoughts!
As the Mouse said, "Ho, Boy!"
Game on.
It's about 8:00 PM here in Orlando, and freezing cold to boot--tomorrow's race is going to start with temperatures in the 20's. Brrr!
My sister and I are about to go to sleep, since we'll be waking up at 3:00 AM so we can begin transportation before 4:00 AM. There's a whole lot of confusing bus transfers and extra walking before you get to the actual start of the race, but we'll be surrounded by 24,000 people all hanging around for the same reason as us :) If that's not a bonding experience, I don't know what is.
Due to the unusually cold weather, there will be a lot of extra layers worn, including trash bags at the very start! Yes, Hefty bags and the like serve as excellent windbreakers and are an easy extra layer to ditch when the marathon begins. There will, in fact, be many layers of clothing tossed to the side during the race; Disney collects these sweatshirts, track pants, and the like and donates them to charity (an excellent decision on their part).
I'll make another post (albeit a brief one) tomorrow morning before the race, and most certainly one after :) It's going to be insane, and I'm going to capture as much of it as possible on camera and (if I'm really crazy) with the occasional Tweet-like posting. We'll see how likely that is...
No matter how it ends tomorrow, I know it's going to start out beautifully and be extremely fun the whole way through, so keep the 24,000 of us, especially my sister and me in your thoughts!
As the Mouse said, "Ho, Boy!"
Game on.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I'm Still Here, But My Laptop is Not
This is the first time in over two weeks that I have turned on my computer--it is seriously broken, and trying desperately to fight off a virus!
I tried updating from my iPhone but, apparently, one of the few things it cannot do is update using blogspot. Boo.
Regardless, I am hoping my computer will stay on long enough so that I might post an entry, considering it's only FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE MARATHON.
Yeah, holy poop.
To sum up the past few weeks: my long runs haven't been great, my right hip is slightly wonky, and I'm terrified by the fact that I may be running in 40 degree weather. Not awesome.
In spite of all this, however, I am really excited for Sunday! I keep going over the course in my mind (it is, after all, one I know well), and watching fellow marathoners' videos of their past Disney run experiences, and while it is definitely scary, I am actually looking forward to it!
I'll admit: between Thanksgiving and now, my training has not been good. I have not been as motivated, nor have I been working as hard as I could have. I'm not denying the fact that I may have screwed myself over. However, I really am still of the mindset that I want to FINISH. I don't want some incredible time, I just want to finish the race.
But I do know that I may have cheated myself out of even that. Not trying to set myself up to fail, but I know that there is a chance I won't be able to finish. It is after all, a marathon, a huge undertaking. But, I won't punish myself if I can't make it. These past 4 months have been incredible, and I plan to continue with training and working out and even--yup--blogging after it's all over on Sunday.
If not this marathon, than you better believe I'll be hitting up another.
This goal was, all along, not about the end result, but about the process. I now enjoy working out and heading to the gym. I'm trying my best to eat healthier. I want to keep training so I can sign up for other races. Maybe one day, I'll be seeing how fast I can run a race.
I really am quite proud of what I've accomplished :) I can almost taste those turkey legs.
I tried updating from my iPhone but, apparently, one of the few things it cannot do is update using blogspot. Boo.
Regardless, I am hoping my computer will stay on long enough so that I might post an entry, considering it's only FOUR DAYS UNTIL THE MARATHON.
Yeah, holy poop.
To sum up the past few weeks: my long runs haven't been great, my right hip is slightly wonky, and I'm terrified by the fact that I may be running in 40 degree weather. Not awesome.
In spite of all this, however, I am really excited for Sunday! I keep going over the course in my mind (it is, after all, one I know well), and watching fellow marathoners' videos of their past Disney run experiences, and while it is definitely scary, I am actually looking forward to it!
I'll admit: between Thanksgiving and now, my training has not been good. I have not been as motivated, nor have I been working as hard as I could have. I'm not denying the fact that I may have screwed myself over. However, I really am still of the mindset that I want to FINISH. I don't want some incredible time, I just want to finish the race.
But I do know that I may have cheated myself out of even that. Not trying to set myself up to fail, but I know that there is a chance I won't be able to finish. It is after all, a marathon, a huge undertaking. But, I won't punish myself if I can't make it. These past 4 months have been incredible, and I plan to continue with training and working out and even--yup--blogging after it's all over on Sunday.
If not this marathon, than you better believe I'll be hitting up another.
This goal was, all along, not about the end result, but about the process. I now enjoy working out and heading to the gym. I'm trying my best to eat healthier. I want to keep training so I can sign up for other races. Maybe one day, I'll be seeing how fast I can run a race.
I really am quite proud of what I've accomplished :) I can almost taste those turkey legs.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
With A Side of Ennui
I've felt really unmotivated lately, and that's not good.
I don't know if it's because the weather up here has been gross, or because I have a cold, or because some form of paralyzing fear has set in, but training feels like a chore lately.
I mean, getting ready to walk/run was never an activity that made me jump for joy, but I used to be excited to go train. This week I dread getting out of bed.
I've got way more time in the morning to train (because of my lovely holiday job), so it's not for lack of sleep or from exhaustion. I'm just feeling completely blergh about it all.
This feeling scares the crap out of me, of course, because there's a little less than 5 weeks left to go (holy poop!) and next week I'm supposed to run 20 miles!
I really need to jump start my system and get excited again. I mean, I am excited to do the marathon, I just feel very detached from it at the moment.
One thing I might do (which I've done before) is youtube/google the Disney Marathon; some past runners have recorded themselves running it, and seeing what they've done helps me to clear my mind about the whole race.
It also makes me a huge nerd, but hey, that's not a surprise at this point.
I suppose the simplest solution is just to get up, get out, and get moving.
Blergh.
I don't know if it's because the weather up here has been gross, or because I have a cold, or because some form of paralyzing fear has set in, but training feels like a chore lately.
I mean, getting ready to walk/run was never an activity that made me jump for joy, but I used to be excited to go train. This week I dread getting out of bed.
I've got way more time in the morning to train (because of my lovely holiday job), so it's not for lack of sleep or from exhaustion. I'm just feeling completely blergh about it all.
This feeling scares the crap out of me, of course, because there's a little less than 5 weeks left to go (holy poop!) and next week I'm supposed to run 20 miles!
I really need to jump start my system and get excited again. I mean, I am excited to do the marathon, I just feel very detached from it at the moment.
One thing I might do (which I've done before) is youtube/google the Disney Marathon; some past runners have recorded themselves running it, and seeing what they've done helps me to clear my mind about the whole race.
It also makes me a huge nerd, but hey, that's not a surprise at this point.
I suppose the simplest solution is just to get up, get out, and get moving.
Blergh.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Brrr!
Well, my goodness, readers!
I traveled south for a wedding, and what have I been greeted with? SNOW.
Yes, friends. That chilly, frozen loveliness fell from the sky as I trained this morning. It really was quite beautiful, but also made me long for the comfort of my gym--where my ears don't freeze off.
I'll be back in the north soon enough, a place that is currently warmer than here, but until then, I'll enjoy the icy feeling I get from running outdoors.
I am quite glad, however, that Florida is supposed to be warmer in January. As much as I delight in the snow, I don't want to be running in it for 26.2 miles. Brrr.
Brrrrrrrrrr.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Lapin, Lapin!
Rabbit, rabbit!
Yes, folks, it's the start of a new month, and nothing says "motivation" quite like knowing you have that one month (and a little bit) left to go until you complete an event that (supposedly) killed its first participant.
In case you're confused by the beginning of this entry: supposedly, on the first day of the month, if the first words you speak are "rabbit, rabbit" you'll have luck all month long.
And, hey, I fully support the use of luck in my training :) I'm off to buy carrots.
Whee!
Yes, folks, it's the start of a new month, and nothing says "motivation" quite like knowing you have that one month (and a little bit) left to go until you complete an event that (supposedly) killed its first participant.
In case you're confused by the beginning of this entry: supposedly, on the first day of the month, if the first words you speak are "rabbit, rabbit" you'll have luck all month long.
And, hey, I fully support the use of luck in my training :) I'm off to buy carrots.
Whee!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
I Can't Believe I Ate The Whole Thing
I've returned from Thanksgiving break renewed! Save for the 50 gazillion pounds I gained.
Yes, I'm back in my city, ready to really force myself to get a-trainin' for this here marathon thing. It kind of helps that NBC's Universal Sports channel is starting to do all this promotional stuff for Vancouver and that gets me totally psyched to be in training for anything, really.
But, anyway. Back to Turkey Week: I had two chances to train with my sister amidst the cooking and eating and napping and eating and touristing and ohholycrapeatingsomuch.
Training with my sister was not easy. She is better at this than me, and slowed herself down considerably on my account. She pushed me much harder than I have pushed myself. She got pissed off and so did I. It's a very good thing that we've been training in different cities.
And there was no way to escape the flood of emotion and insecurity that rushed in as we jogged around the mall. This thing is still scary as all hell, and it is hard to pinpoint where the fear comes from, where it's based. I mean, I know it's hard work and exhausting but I know I can finish the marathon--so why so scared? I just don't know.
When I wasn't bugging the heck out of my sister, I did, however, get some good advice from her. She told me that I should switch over to non-cotton running gear, to avoid the inevitable chafing (yikes!), and should also invest in Body Glide, another anti-chafing product which is applied to areas of the body prone to blisters and rubbing (feet, for example).
I need all the help I can get during these last weeks of training. And it's scary as hell and emotional and I'm not quite sure how to deal with it except to just get up and keep going.
Eeee.
Yes, I'm back in my city, ready to really force myself to get a-trainin' for this here marathon thing. It kind of helps that NBC's Universal Sports channel is starting to do all this promotional stuff for Vancouver and that gets me totally psyched to be in training for anything, really.
But, anyway. Back to Turkey Week: I had two chances to train with my sister amidst the cooking and eating and napping and eating and touristing and ohholycrapeatingsomuch.
Training with my sister was not easy. She is better at this than me, and slowed herself down considerably on my account. She pushed me much harder than I have pushed myself. She got pissed off and so did I. It's a very good thing that we've been training in different cities.
And there was no way to escape the flood of emotion and insecurity that rushed in as we jogged around the mall. This thing is still scary as all hell, and it is hard to pinpoint where the fear comes from, where it's based. I mean, I know it's hard work and exhausting but I know I can finish the marathon--so why so scared? I just don't know.
When I wasn't bugging the heck out of my sister, I did, however, get some good advice from her. She told me that I should switch over to non-cotton running gear, to avoid the inevitable chafing (yikes!), and should also invest in Body Glide, another anti-chafing product which is applied to areas of the body prone to blisters and rubbing (feet, for example).
I need all the help I can get during these last weeks of training. And it's scary as hell and emotional and I'm not quite sure how to deal with it except to just get up and keep going.
Eeee.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Safety Dance
Bet you thought I would be blogging about the New York Marathon, huh?
Well, sadly, my schedule has been so insane that all I've been able to see/hear about the marathon is that a man from the United States won it for the first time in a long time. Ah, so informative am I!
You see, while everyone else may have been following that particular sporting event, I have been trying not to injure myself, and have kind of failed, in a somewhat spectacular fashion.
A couple days ago, I tripped down some stairs. Awesome.
My eyes have been freaking out so I haven't been able to wear my contacts for a week. Score.
Yesterday, I had a gig for work and had to wear heels for hours. Whoohoo.
I woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose. Party.
Yes, readers, I am simply made of not-awesome when it comes to being not-injured.
And now I'm going off to run with red eyes, a bruised heel, blisters, and boogies.
How much do you want me, right now?
Well, sadly, my schedule has been so insane that all I've been able to see/hear about the marathon is that a man from the United States won it for the first time in a long time. Ah, so informative am I!
You see, while everyone else may have been following that particular sporting event, I have been trying not to injure myself, and have kind of failed, in a somewhat spectacular fashion.
A couple days ago, I tripped down some stairs. Awesome.
My eyes have been freaking out so I haven't been able to wear my contacts for a week. Score.
Yesterday, I had a gig for work and had to wear heels for hours. Whoohoo.
I woke up with a sore throat and stuffy nose. Party.
Yes, readers, I am simply made of not-awesome when it comes to being not-injured.
And now I'm going off to run with red eyes, a bruised heel, blisters, and boogies.
How much do you want me, right now?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I'm A Plodder
Proud Plodder here.
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Scary-thon
Today marks the beginning of Week 4 of the training plan (only 13 weeks to go--yikes!), and this is where it starts getting harder.
Not to say that the weeks leading up to this haven't been somewhat hard, but this is where I'll really have to start pushing myself, as the mileage begins to increase significantly. I also need to be more careful about what I'm eating and drink a whole lot more water each day. I over-carbed yesterday and whoa, was I tired when I woke up this morning.
I'm not going to lie, when I think about the task the lies ahead, I get pretty scared. Even though my mind has yet to wrap around the fact that this is 26.2 miles that I will be running, I'm still (obviously) aware of the craziness that is a marathon. Eee.
Eeeeee.
Eeeeeeeee.
I also need to be really careful about not getting injured at work. Running a few miles and then being on my feet for nearly 9 hours does not a happy Holly make; I have also (in the past) hurt my heels and ankles at work, due to some precarious wooden steps.
I also may or may not have slipped and fallen on my butt a few times. But, never you mind.
I also should stop writing "also" so much. It's beginning to look strange.
But, regardless, I just need to really be careful: to stretch more, to allow more time, to be better to myself, because now is where the real challenge begins.
Eee.
Not to say that the weeks leading up to this haven't been somewhat hard, but this is where I'll really have to start pushing myself, as the mileage begins to increase significantly. I also need to be more careful about what I'm eating and drink a whole lot more water each day. I over-carbed yesterday and whoa, was I tired when I woke up this morning.
I'm not going to lie, when I think about the task the lies ahead, I get pretty scared. Even though my mind has yet to wrap around the fact that this is 26.2 miles that I will be running, I'm still (obviously) aware of the craziness that is a marathon. Eee.
Eeeeee.
Eeeeeeeee.
I also need to be really careful about not getting injured at work. Running a few miles and then being on my feet for nearly 9 hours does not a happy Holly make; I have also (in the past) hurt my heels and ankles at work, due to some precarious wooden steps.
I also may or may not have slipped and fallen on my butt a few times. But, never you mind.
I also should stop writing "also" so much. It's beginning to look strange.
But, regardless, I just need to really be careful: to stretch more, to allow more time, to be better to myself, because now is where the real challenge begins.
Eee.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Some Observations
1) I pushed my power walk pace to 14:15 and my running pace to 11:30 without getting totally exhausted, and feel even better about the possibility of me not passing out during the marathon!
Dos) I met yet another person who has run a marathon (the one in Chicago). It's really encouraging to know that, even though a marathon is still a huge feat of strength and a major undertaking, regular people do it and survive!
C) I am beginning to see muscle definition in my chubby calves--hooray!
IV) I have been trying out different foods to eat before I run (since I don't usually like to eat before working out). I've done yogurt and granola and will soon be trying bananas with peanut butter.
Five) I love my running tights so much--they reduce jiggle like nobody's business.
J-E-L-L-O-No-mo(re).
Dos) I met yet another person who has run a marathon (the one in Chicago). It's really encouraging to know that, even though a marathon is still a huge feat of strength and a major undertaking, regular people do it and survive!
C) I am beginning to see muscle definition in my chubby calves--hooray!
IV) I have been trying out different foods to eat before I run (since I don't usually like to eat before working out). I've done yogurt and granola and will soon be trying bananas with peanut butter.
Five) I love my running tights so much--they reduce jiggle like nobody's business.
J-E-L-L-O-No-mo(re).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
I Am Not Made of Iron, But I'm Still Awesome
Hello, gentle readers--I'm still alive, uninjured, and I haven't given up!
I am merely a busy (read: exhausted) bee, but I will honestly try to update more frequently (every other day at the minimum), so that I stay focused :) And plus, it's fun!
Anyway: My workouts have been going well lately. I am still unable to run the entire time, but I'm pretty consistent with power walk 3 minutes, jog/run 2 minutes. It seems that the first minute of running is always the hardest; after that, my lungs begin to adjust and it gets easier.
By the way (and bear with me because this sounds unrelated, but it is), in our apartment, we don't pay for cable, so we get the basic channels (ABC, NBC, etc). One of the channels we get--along with Telemundo!--is NBC Universal Sports, which often does replays of the Olympics, marathons, and more.
So tonight, after coming home from a very successful outing in Manhattan (I finally bought "Dirty Dancing"--score!), I sat down and turned on the telly. UniSports (as I shall call it--man, I am abusing parentheses tonight) was replaying the IronMan competition from Summer 2009 and--can I just say--WOW.
I mean, I know a marathon is intense (and therefore, yay me), but a marathon plus a 2.3 mile swim, plus 112 mile bike race? Holy muscle cramp, Batman. I got tired just reading that sentence. Blergh.
Being aware of how ridiculously tough IronMan is makes the marathon look easy-peasy! And hey, if you've never seen any clips of IronMan, here you go: Anything Is Possible.
Iron is an understatement: these people are made of GOLD (and maybe one day, I will be, too.)
I am merely a busy (read: exhausted) bee, but I will honestly try to update more frequently (every other day at the minimum), so that I stay focused :) And plus, it's fun!
Anyway: My workouts have been going well lately. I am still unable to run the entire time, but I'm pretty consistent with power walk 3 minutes, jog/run 2 minutes. It seems that the first minute of running is always the hardest; after that, my lungs begin to adjust and it gets easier.
By the way (and bear with me because this sounds unrelated, but it is), in our apartment, we don't pay for cable, so we get the basic channels (ABC, NBC, etc). One of the channels we get--along with Telemundo!--is NBC Universal Sports, which often does replays of the Olympics, marathons, and more.
So tonight, after coming home from a very successful outing in Manhattan (I finally bought "Dirty Dancing"--score!), I sat down and turned on the telly. UniSports (as I shall call it--man, I am abusing parentheses tonight) was replaying the IronMan competition from Summer 2009 and--can I just say--WOW.
I mean, I know a marathon is intense (and therefore, yay me), but a marathon plus a 2.3 mile swim, plus 112 mile bike race? Holy muscle cramp, Batman. I got tired just reading that sentence. Blergh.
Being aware of how ridiculously tough IronMan is makes the marathon look easy-peasy! And hey, if you've never seen any clips of IronMan, here you go: Anything Is Possible.
Iron is an understatement: these people are made of GOLD (and maybe one day, I will be, too.)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hope In the Form of a Stranger
It's late, and I've not been home from work very long, but I had to share this before I went to sleep.
I customer came in and bought a cupcake tonight; she was probably in her late 20's, nice and normal looking. As I rang her up at the register, she commented on why she was buying the cupcake: "I just ran a marathon yesterday and now I just keep eating everything!"
I was so excited! "I'm running a marathon in January," I replied, ecstatic. We only spoke for a minute or two, but it was such a good feeling to talk to this stranger who understood what it felt like. "It's not that hard, you'll be able to do it," she told me. She herself was not a runner; this had been her first marathon. Right before she left, she imparted to me one more nugget of marathon knowledge:
"It's so worth it; it's emotional and you'll just cry at the end of it, but it's great!"
Tonight, she became my favorite customer, and I really hope I see her again in January so I can tell her about how it wasn't really that hard, and how I cried at the end, and how it was so worth it.
I customer came in and bought a cupcake tonight; she was probably in her late 20's, nice and normal looking. As I rang her up at the register, she commented on why she was buying the cupcake: "I just ran a marathon yesterday and now I just keep eating everything!"
I was so excited! "I'm running a marathon in January," I replied, ecstatic. We only spoke for a minute or two, but it was such a good feeling to talk to this stranger who understood what it felt like. "It's not that hard, you'll be able to do it," she told me. She herself was not a runner; this had been her first marathon. Right before she left, she imparted to me one more nugget of marathon knowledge:
"It's so worth it; it's emotional and you'll just cry at the end of it, but it's great!"
Tonight, she became my favorite customer, and I really hope I see her again in January so I can tell her about how it wasn't really that hard, and how I cried at the end, and how it was so worth it.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Day of Rest
That's what Fridays are for (in the training plan): resting.
I figured that I could sleep in today, relax my muscles, take it easy--you know the drill.
However, I found that instead of making me feel rested, not going to the gym made me restless.
Is it possible? Am I actually craving working out? Have I started to enjoy it?
Go ahead and play the "Twilight Zone" theme, folks, because it's true: I kind of sort of maybe am liking this whole marathon training thing. Whatever.
But, in all seriousness, this is a great thing to know for those of you who are not keen on gymming it: after a week of sweating your butt off, exercising begins to become fun. The endorphins are awesome and you really do feel the extra energy all throughout the day! It's beginning to look like I might keep up this whole running thing, even after the marathon is done.
But not before I eat, like, 12 turkey legs in Epcot.
I figured that I could sleep in today, relax my muscles, take it easy--you know the drill.
However, I found that instead of making me feel rested, not going to the gym made me restless.
Is it possible? Am I actually craving working out? Have I started to enjoy it?
Go ahead and play the "Twilight Zone" theme, folks, because it's true: I kind of sort of maybe am liking this whole marathon training thing. Whatever.
But, in all seriousness, this is a great thing to know for those of you who are not keen on gymming it: after a week of sweating your butt off, exercising begins to become fun. The endorphins are awesome and you really do feel the extra energy all throughout the day! It's beginning to look like I might keep up this whole running thing, even after the marathon is done.
But not before I eat, like, 12 turkey legs in Epcot.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
It Begins!
Long time no post! (At least by my standards.)
But, yes, it's true: the 16 week training plan has officially begun, as of yesterday! Every time I think about that/say it, I realize how much shorter 16 weeks sounds as opposed to "4 months" or "in January." However, feeling as though the time will pass more quickly is actually exciting--though I am not even close to being ready, I really can't wait to do this.
So, yesterday (as every Monday will be) was a cross-training day, this one being on a 0-30 minute track. I only learned a couple days ago from my sister that Mondays are optional rest days (hence, the zero), but I think I will only use that option as a last resort--I'm going to need as much training as I can get!
For my first cross-training day, I opted to do 30 minutes of my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. It's really good for increasing flexibility and strength, not to mention working your core.
Speaking of working your core, boy, did I work that today. Today was an easy 3-4 mile day. I decided to power walk at a 15 minute mile pace (thus completing 3 miles in 45 minutes), because I have never walked/ran for that long a period of time. My legs didn't get worn out and my lungs were able to handle it just fine: it was my core that got tired and had occasional cramping.
This is where the cross training becomes extremely important. You could have ridiculously strong legs and still not be able to handle a marathon unless your upper body and your core were strong, too. Running with proper form means all your body needs to work together to its best ability, especially if you're going to keep it in constant motion for 4-5 hours. Eeep.
Back to me, though: today was really important for my mental marathon. I stayed at the same pace for 45 minutes, and didn't let myself slow down or take a break during my 3 miles. Soon, I'll be able to cover 4 and a half miles in that same time--and that doesn't seem so daunting a task anymore.
It might just be the endorphins coursing through my system, but I'm pretty sure this whole thing is going to turn out awesome.
Yay!
But, yes, it's true: the 16 week training plan has officially begun, as of yesterday! Every time I think about that/say it, I realize how much shorter 16 weeks sounds as opposed to "4 months" or "in January." However, feeling as though the time will pass more quickly is actually exciting--though I am not even close to being ready, I really can't wait to do this.
So, yesterday (as every Monday will be) was a cross-training day, this one being on a 0-30 minute track. I only learned a couple days ago from my sister that Mondays are optional rest days (hence, the zero), but I think I will only use that option as a last resort--I'm going to need as much training as I can get!
For my first cross-training day, I opted to do 30 minutes of my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. It's really good for increasing flexibility and strength, not to mention working your core.
Speaking of working your core, boy, did I work that today. Today was an easy 3-4 mile day. I decided to power walk at a 15 minute mile pace (thus completing 3 miles in 45 minutes), because I have never walked/ran for that long a period of time. My legs didn't get worn out and my lungs were able to handle it just fine: it was my core that got tired and had occasional cramping.
This is where the cross training becomes extremely important. You could have ridiculously strong legs and still not be able to handle a marathon unless your upper body and your core were strong, too. Running with proper form means all your body needs to work together to its best ability, especially if you're going to keep it in constant motion for 4-5 hours. Eeep.
Back to me, though: today was really important for my mental marathon. I stayed at the same pace for 45 minutes, and didn't let myself slow down or take a break during my 3 miles. Soon, I'll be able to cover 4 and a half miles in that same time--and that doesn't seem so daunting a task anymore.
It might just be the endorphins coursing through my system, but I'm pretty sure this whole thing is going to turn out awesome.
Yay!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fighting the Mental Battle
Lucky me, I had a day off of work today!
Now, while I still have yet to go to the gym today, I have options: I can go to the gym later, take a walk around the neighborhood, do pilates in the apartment, etc. I can even use my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. Yes, you read that correctly.
I could also stretch like crazy, finish cleaning my room, and do a little mental-marathon training; in fact, that's most likely what I'll do!
The thing that's really keeping me going (from the mental perspective) is reminding myself of why the Disney Marathon conversation even came up in the first place. I wanted to go to Walt Disney World. Again.
I spent a good portion of last spring and summer auditioning down in Orlando; I drove a few times, flew most, and got very used to Florida sunshine. I have a ridiculous amount of knowledge regarding the parks and love reading Birnbaum's Guides to WDW for kicks. I watch Disney Vacation Guide DVD's with the same reverence as if they were Oscar-winning films.
All of that? My motivation.
I mean, yes, I want to lose weight and get in better shape and accomplish this amazing goal of finishing a marathon.
But, I really, really want to go to Disney World again.
So I'm going to keep watching my Vacation DVD's and reading my Birnbaum's and researching online about which restaurants have the best desserts (all of them). And each time I get up to go to the gym or to run outside, I'm going to picture the castle and the mouse and the magic.
Mickey-vation. Mouse-spiration. Whatever the name, it's working.
Now, while I still have yet to go to the gym today, I have options: I can go to the gym later, take a walk around the neighborhood, do pilates in the apartment, etc. I can even use my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. Yes, you read that correctly.
I could also stretch like crazy, finish cleaning my room, and do a little mental-marathon training; in fact, that's most likely what I'll do!
The thing that's really keeping me going (from the mental perspective) is reminding myself of why the Disney Marathon conversation even came up in the first place. I wanted to go to Walt Disney World. Again.
I spent a good portion of last spring and summer auditioning down in Orlando; I drove a few times, flew most, and got very used to Florida sunshine. I have a ridiculous amount of knowledge regarding the parks and love reading Birnbaum's Guides to WDW for kicks. I watch Disney Vacation Guide DVD's with the same reverence as if they were Oscar-winning films.
All of that? My motivation.
I mean, yes, I want to lose weight and get in better shape and accomplish this amazing goal of finishing a marathon.
But, I really, really want to go to Disney World again.
So I'm going to keep watching my Vacation DVD's and reading my Birnbaum's and researching online about which restaurants have the best desserts (all of them). And each time I get up to go to the gym or to run outside, I'm going to picture the castle and the mouse and the magic.
Mickey-vation. Mouse-spiration. Whatever the name, it's working.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mmm, Wheat Germ!
Yeah, right. Like I'll ever say that.
But, this does bring me to an important subject: Nutrition! Yes, believe it or not, how you eat does affect your training--and it is important to understand why certain food groups are going to become more necessary during my training process.
Now, for those of you who aren't as familiar with my fabulous self, know this: I love food. I love cooking and baking and trying new recipes and restaurants. I enjoy a gourmet meal just as much as I do a microwaveable corn dog (somewhere, my vegan sister just began weeping).
However, with all the working out and running I'm doing, my body is going to require certain foods that don't necessarily rhyme with schmambuger. In order to make myself as prepared as possible, I looked up the Runner's Diet on www.runnersworld.com. They recommend a 50-25-25 plan, where half of your day's calories come from carbohydrates, one quarter from proteins, and one quarter from fats.
Good carbs include whole wheat breads and pastas, fruits, and low-starch vegetables; good proteins include egg whites/substitutes, low-fat milk, and low-fat hot dogs (yes!); good fats include olives, peanut butter, and avocados. For the full listing, check out the link!
It's actually not as difficult to adjust to as you would think. For breakfast this morning (when I got back from the gym), I had a bowl of instant oatmeal (carbs) with Egg Beaters (protein) that I had cooked in some olive oil (fat). A lot of it is coming down to planning, making sure I have enough fruits and vegetables to grab for a snack or having frozen veggie sausages that I can nuke in a couple of minutes.
This isn't to say that, come Thanksgiving, I'll be ditching the pie--it'll just be a matter of remembering moderation. My pre-Thanksgiving run with my sister (we'll be at her place) will make the meal all the more satisfying, knowing that we earned it!
And as soon as we've finished the marathon? Hide your corn dogs, Disney. I'm coming for them.
But, this does bring me to an important subject: Nutrition! Yes, believe it or not, how you eat does affect your training--and it is important to understand why certain food groups are going to become more necessary during my training process.
Now, for those of you who aren't as familiar with my fabulous self, know this: I love food. I love cooking and baking and trying new recipes and restaurants. I enjoy a gourmet meal just as much as I do a microwaveable corn dog (somewhere, my vegan sister just began weeping).
However, with all the working out and running I'm doing, my body is going to require certain foods that don't necessarily rhyme with schmambuger. In order to make myself as prepared as possible, I looked up the Runner's Diet on www.runnersworld.com. They recommend a 50-25-25 plan, where half of your day's calories come from carbohydrates, one quarter from proteins, and one quarter from fats.
Good carbs include whole wheat breads and pastas, fruits, and low-starch vegetables; good proteins include egg whites/substitutes, low-fat milk, and low-fat hot dogs (yes!); good fats include olives, peanut butter, and avocados. For the full listing, check out the link!
It's actually not as difficult to adjust to as you would think. For breakfast this morning (when I got back from the gym), I had a bowl of instant oatmeal (carbs) with Egg Beaters (protein) that I had cooked in some olive oil (fat). A lot of it is coming down to planning, making sure I have enough fruits and vegetables to grab for a snack or having frozen veggie sausages that I can nuke in a couple of minutes.
This isn't to say that, come Thanksgiving, I'll be ditching the pie--it'll just be a matter of remembering moderation. My pre-Thanksgiving run with my sister (we'll be at her place) will make the meal all the more satisfying, knowing that we earned it!
And as soon as we've finished the marathon? Hide your corn dogs, Disney. I'm coming for them.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Last Time I Ran...
...Was my junior year of high school, required for P.E. class.
Seriously.
I mean, I've done dance classes and I really do enjoy using the elliptical, but I am not a runner. For one thing, my feet are completely flat and I'm knock-kneed. So, when I tell you that I ran/jogged for 5 minutes at the gym today, it's a big deal.
My gym (Planet Fitness) is about a 10 minute walk from my apartment--I make it using a brisk walking pace that serves as my warm-up. Today I hit the elliptical, power walked on the treadmill, jogged/ran, and walked to cool down, all for a total of a mile and a half; by September 21st, I need to be able to run an easy 3 miles.
And the amazing thing? This minor goal seems possible.
Which then makes me begin to think that perhaps, really, my big goal is possible, too.
They say that one of the toughest parts of a marathon is getting past the mental battle. I think that I may have begun to take that one on: I'm seriously beginning to believe that I can and will do this.
Not to mention, when I'm running in January, it won't just be along some road. I will be with my sister, running through Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Disney/MGM Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. We will run through Cinderella's Castle.
I think I've got more than enough fight in me for the mental marathon.
Seriously.
I mean, I've done dance classes and I really do enjoy using the elliptical, but I am not a runner. For one thing, my feet are completely flat and I'm knock-kneed. So, when I tell you that I ran/jogged for 5 minutes at the gym today, it's a big deal.
My gym (Planet Fitness) is about a 10 minute walk from my apartment--I make it using a brisk walking pace that serves as my warm-up. Today I hit the elliptical, power walked on the treadmill, jogged/ran, and walked to cool down, all for a total of a mile and a half; by September 21st, I need to be able to run an easy 3 miles.
And the amazing thing? This minor goal seems possible.
Which then makes me begin to think that perhaps, really, my big goal is possible, too.
They say that one of the toughest parts of a marathon is getting past the mental battle. I think that I may have begun to take that one on: I'm seriously beginning to believe that I can and will do this.
Not to mention, when I'm running in January, it won't just be along some road. I will be with my sister, running through Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Disney/MGM Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. We will run through Cinderella's Castle.
I think I've got more than enough fight in me for the mental marathon.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
It's Official
My sister and I are now paid and registered marathoners--no turning back now!
I must come to accept the fact that this is the real deal. We are registered to run 26.2 miles and become Mickey Mouse-approved athletes. I even purchased the commemorative pin--I want as much proof as possible that I actually did this crazy, crazy thing.
"How crazy?" you ask. Well, gentle readers--all three of you--let me enlighten you on the history of the marathon.
Back in the day, there was a Grecian man named Pheidippides. Dippi was a messenger who was sent from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens to report that the Greeks had defeated the Persians. He ran all the way to the assembly (quite a distance--perhaps 26.2 miles?) and declared, "We have won!"
Pheidippides then promptly keeled over and died.
...And I am voluntarily choosing to do this it-actually-killed-the-Greek-messenger-thing.
Isn't history fun?
I must come to accept the fact that this is the real deal. We are registered to run 26.2 miles and become Mickey Mouse-approved athletes. I even purchased the commemorative pin--I want as much proof as possible that I actually did this crazy, crazy thing.
"How crazy?" you ask. Well, gentle readers--all three of you--let me enlighten you on the history of the marathon.
Back in the day, there was a Grecian man named Pheidippides. Dippi was a messenger who was sent from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens to report that the Greeks had defeated the Persians. He ran all the way to the assembly (quite a distance--perhaps 26.2 miles?) and declared, "We have won!"
Pheidippides then promptly keeled over and died.
...And I am voluntarily choosing to do this it-actually-killed-the-Greek-messenger-thing.
Isn't history fun?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
