Staying Positive

This morning was nice, warmer than I expected, but nice.  I set out on a run that I hoped would be about 4 or 5 miles.  I really needed to start getting my outdoor runs back up to a decent mile.  I got out on the first mile... felt fine.  Then about 1.6 miles in, I started falling apart.

For the first time in a long time I found myself suffering from a side cramp.  It didn't last long, but was replaced the fatigue feelings and an uneasy stomach.  The funny part was the fatigue wasn't in my legs, it was in the rest of my body.  So overall, I just didn't feel good.  My legs felt fine and like the could run, but with the rest of my body effectively trying to shut down, I knew my goal of at least 4 miles wasn't happening.  I still need to go to work today so I couldn't completely kill myself.

I'm 2.5 months out from running Lumiere's challenge.  While I feel ok about the 10k, I'm nervous about the half marathon, especially since it's right after the 10k.  I have a recovery plan and know how I plan to run the 10k to be ready for the half, but my mileage and endurance has just never gotten up to where I wanted it to be for the race.  The mornings are starting to get nicer so I'm hoping that I will be able to build up my longer runs again, even though it feels like I'm doing so from scratch.

It's in these times that I have to think about why I'm doing all this.  There are a few main reasons... the money I've invested into running the races, the time I've invested in training runs, and the support I've gained from friends and families.  They all know and somewhat expect me to be able to run these races and here I am questioning myself.  I have to know what they know.  I can do this, I will do this. I will run Lumiere's Challenge and while it is going to hurt, I will finish.  It won't be my best time, but I have never expected it to be.  This is my return to runDisney running... this is just the beginning for another chapter of running.

Currently I'm watching the Olympic marathon and I'm finding myself excited about my race because of this one.  I never expect to be an olympic runner, but I can be my own personal running hero because I have beaten the odds in the past and I plan to do so again, and again, and again.

In the coming weeks, as I prepare for Lumiere's Challenge, I'm going to look at what really motivates me.  I'll write posts on the random to the understandable but each thing gets me moving for one reason or another.  And hopefully, writing about my motivations will help me find my feet and find my endurance again!

Needed Motivation

I had that nice rest day last Monday and I felt really good about it, but after that I had another rest day... and another one... and an easy workout... etc.  It really wasn't the best week for me when it comes to training, or my diet if I'm completely honest.

I do know that these weeks happen which is why I'm not totally heartbroken over it.  It's just so hard to get going again when you've been sick and your body gets used to resting so much.  It's almost like starting over from the beginning again.

Luckily I've had some inspiration which has been whispering words of encouragement and motivations.

The first was that I received my medal for the Run3rd 5k.  It's a great event held in Mesa, AZ and virtually.  I obviously do the virtual race, but since most of my runs are at least 3.1 miles long, I feel good about it.  #Run3rd is Sean Astin's foundation for really everything... as the medal and the group likes to say "1st I run for me, 2nd I run for my family, 3rd I run for YOU".  It's really about supporting any and all charities or reason that we run, which was something I knew I could get behind since I heard about it.  For more information on #run3rd, you can visit their blog here.


Second, I was able to watch some of the Inaugural Star Wars Dark Side 10K this morning.  Of course that just made me more excited to get running again and be ready for Lumiere's Two Plate Challenge.  I want to be running out there in the parks and I want to earn my own medal again.  The only way I'm going to do that and meet all of my other goals is to get training again.

So with those to pieces of motivation I was able to get back out on the road today when I got home from the race.  I got in 3.5 miles, which I was happy with, but I was definitely tired and hurting, which I totally deserved.  So here comes the hard part to get back to where I was before this month and to get back to those long runs which are motivating in themselves...

Enjoying The Gym

So far joining LA Fitness has been a great improvement on my workouts and my motivation.  I'm guessing it has something to do with the whole spending money for the membership, but if it's getting me to work out more, then I'm good with it.

I will admit that I'm not the best at going to the spinning class.  I found a teacher I like, but she only teaches at my gym twice a week so its hard to make her specific classes.  I really should get outside my comfort zone and try another instructor, but I like my routines.

Still, I've been hitting the gym 2-3 times a week and I've been running on the elliptical or using a stationary bike.  I have to say, getting an hour in on the elliptical is a lot easier when I have a tv that's working.  I will get through an entire 40-60 minute workout done without the tv, but it is honestly a lot harder without the distraction.  Plus, I enjoy my morning A&E crime dramas and catch up with Sports Center.  Plus, as long as I get a good, decent workout in, I'm happy!

The best case was just the other day.  I got to the gym right before a storm rolled in.  I unfortunately found an elliptical without a working tv, but the rain started pouring and lightening rolled in about 40 minutes into my workout.  So instead of calling it quits (which my lack luster brain wanted me to do), I ran out the storm on my machine.

While I'm not quite there yet, I am getting better at getting up, starting, and getting through my workouts.

I Can Run Faster

This week I ran over 13 miles, which actually felt pretty good.  I ran 4 days, with 3 shorter days and then one longer day.  Today was one of those short days where I only ran 2 miles, but it ended up being a speed workout, which in all honesty was a complete fluke.  I was planning to focus on endurance since that's been hurting the last few runs, but the heat drained me pretty quickly and I was surprised about a half mile in to find I was running at a pretty decent speed.

Now I've been in a comfort zone for my running at around a 9:15 pace (during the running part and then sub-16 min when walking during my longer runs/lazy days).  I've been running this pace most of the year with a few quicker intervals thrown in here and there.  Well today, I ran my 2 miles completely sub-9 min miles.  I was pretty excited since this is the fastest I've run yet.

It's amazing how you can get into grooves without thinking about and then magically one day you realize, "oh!  I can run faster" or "I can work out harder!"  It was a nice wake up call; and I do mean nice.  It was inspiring and motivational to see that I could run at these speeds when I previously thought I had a nice pace and wasn't really going to worry about making them any faster.  While I might not be running the half marathon or full marathon with 8-something minute miles, it could happen a bit farther down the road if I can help it.

Another reason it was a nice surprise is because I've had a tough time with non-athletes and non-runners this week understanding the level of commitment I do put into my runs.  While I may not be in the same competitive zone that I was with swimming, I still put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into my runs.  Quite a few of the friends I've made in the last year don't understand why I got to bed early the night before a long run or why I don't have so many drinks at a restaurant.  Luckily I do have those who do understand (my friends from work were surprisingly understandable last night when I bailed from a party early), and I do see the rewards of my efforts.  Plus, I know those who really support me and my commitments and those people are in a whole other level of friendship to me (and family of course).

Back To The Heat

Arriving in Florida, I was greeted by the heat and humidity that's lacking in California.  Apparently it had been getting hotter and more humid the week I was gone, and considering we're only in the middle of the summer, it's not looking like it will get any better.

I was planning a 5 mile run yesterday, but a time limitation stopped me from getting that far and then the heat made me pull back to 3 miles, but the run still felt pretty good.  I was definitely sweating a lot more from the heat, but it was my fault because while I had set my alarm for an early run, it took me quite a bit to actually get moving, a lesson I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

The only sad part about the heat is that I'm not able to wear my new long sleeved running shirt.  Luckily, I did get a few other goodies when I was home and near a running store I had gone to for a while.  I got fitted for new shoes (I'm not in high arch support and stability shoes).  It was interesting getting fitted again because they went over pressure points, how my feet landed while I ran, and even what my Achilles tendon looks like (it visibly bends as each foot lands).  So now on at least one run a week I'll be running in the new shoes to get them broken in before my current shoes die.  It's always fun to get new running gear... it's like getting new toys!

Starting Over Again and Again and Again

The worst part about balancing a crazy life with workouts, is that when life gets really, really crazy and the workouts get forgotten for a bit, it seems like I'm starting all over... again.  This cycle is absolutely killing me!

It's not like I'm giving up and then deciding to restart in my determination.  Even in those periods where I don't want to run, I still am running and working out.  Yet I always feel like I get to a good place and then something happens (busy work schedule, vacation, getting sick...) and I'm back at square one.

Today was no different.  I was having a hard time getting going and getting back to the same speed and fitness level I was at before everything went crazy.  I know I'll eventually get there, I just hate the waiting and rebuilding.  Plus, I have my first real vacation home next week, but luckily I'm not planning on taking a vacation from running.  If anything, the change in scenery and the lack of a work schedule will probably be better for my motivation.

In A Rut

Life has gotten to me once again and I'm struggling, if not completely failing at keeping up my running.  Just in the last week I've had 3 birthday parties (mine included), a white trash bash, and a failed expedition to a trampoline place (not really sure what you call them... but it's just a giant building filled with trampolines).  Due to my busy schedule, I have not been getting out on runs or even getting in regular workouts.

And I feel like crap currently because of it.  I was able to get my ass off the couch tonight to get a short, but sweet abs routine in, but that was pushing it (I also was at work for 10 hours today...).  I'm planning on some arm and leg workouts in the next day or two, but we'll see what life has planned for me.

Hopefully I'll be hitting the pavement very soon... and hopefully I'm able to get some motivation again...

WDW Marathon Course Reveal!!!

I don't think I can properly convey how EXCITED I am right now.  Let's just say, I want to go on a run now and keep running until January 7th (and well beyond that) to be ready for the Walt Disney World Marathon.

RunDisney had announced that they would be premiering the Walt Disney World Marathon course and some special additions that were being made for the 20th anniversary.  You know what... why don't you watch the same video I just watched...

Pretty cool, huh?

So now I'm super excited about the chance to run through all the parks AND the speedway.  Plus, a bit of the Disneyland Half Marathon is coming to Florida; we're running on the baseball diamond! I just cannot wait for the race now!

Of course, I'm going to have to do some research as to where the characters are going to be, what entertainment will be out there, and where I want to stop for pictures... I guess it's a good thing I still have over 6 months until the race.  Of course, from the video it looks like there is going to be plenty of entertainment and picture opportunities along the course!

Of course I still need to get through the Tower of Terror 10 Miler and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon.  All in good time, right?

Click here for a pdf copy of the 20th Anniversary Marathon course.

Tower Of Terror 10 Miler Course

It's that time again... when every few weeks something gets posted to get me excited about an upcoming race.  In all honesty, it's one of the best tools for my training because it keeps me motivated to keep training.  Especially with this last update... now I can actually visualize the Tower of Terror 10 Miler.

It's getting closer, and of course by closer I mean 4 months.  Still, that's not too far away.  Overall, I'm feeling good about my preparation.  I've already gotten up to 8 miles in my training so I know I'll be able to handle the 10 miles of the race.  I'm running stronger than ever, and my pace is pretty steady.  The challenge is going to be running in the heat.

Yet, one of the best tricks I learned from competitive swimming is visualization.  So now, with the help of runDisney posting the race course yesterday, I can now try and visualize what it will be like running through Disney World, Hollywood Studios, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at night.  Plus, you never know what villains might be out???  That's my current dilemna, I can't decide if I want to stop and take pictures during this race with certain villains or just run it... O decisions, decisions.  Luckily, I have some time to decide.

Anyway, for those of you running the course and might not have found the race course you can find the pdf file on the runDisney page (I know my picture is kinda hard to see...),

Early Morning Run

I've always been an advocate for morning runs and morning workouts, but this morning I really took what I say to an extreme.

It started yesterday when I thought about what I wanted to accomplish this morning.  I wanted to get at least 8 miles in, but the days have been getting hotter and hotter, quicker and quicker.  So I figured the best solution to my problem was to wake up early myself.

That's exactly what I did.  I woke up around 5:15 this morning, and after a few minutes of refusing to wake up, I finally started to move around.  I still wasn't too keen on getting moving, but I did.  However, it was one quote I found on pinterest that really got me ready for my run...

It just hit me for some reason and I was able to get out of bed, get my shoes on, and start my run.

I did end up getting my 8 miles in, 8.43 to be exact, and I was home before the sun really even got over the horizon.  Considering today is my day off of work, a nap is definitely somewhere in my future (possibly very soon).  Although the coolest thing I saw this morning wasn't the sunrise, but a shooting star I saw at the beginning of my run.  Yes, I made a wish on it... and no, I'm not going to share my wish.

Running From Tracker Jackers

I loved this card when I saw it.  I did go to the midnight showing of the hunger games and it was an awesome movie.  I don't know what kind of training those actors did, but the movie definitely did seem to put them through quite a workout.  Then again, if the hunger games were real, there wouldn't be a better workout than trying to stay alive.

Could you imagine running from tracker jackers?

Considering I did go to the midnight showing and worked both days around the movie, it did take me a bit of time to recuperate.  Luckily, I switched a shift and was able to get a run and some arm exercises in today.  The run didn't feel too good, my body was still so tired.  But the arm workout felt pretty good.  I'm debating doing another workout this afternoon, but we'll see if that actually happens.  I might just fall asleep early as been the norm lately.

PS- If you haven't seen the Hunger Games, or read the books... I would suggest doing both.  I'm on book 3 right now and I'm dying to see how it ends.  The movie was awesome and the casting was spot on.

New Running Clothes!

You know what can be great inspiration to run again?  Getting new running apparel!  Now I didn't go crazy with a whole new workout wordrobe, but I did get a few new things...

There's a Reebok and Nike outlet close to me and I had already fallen in love with the Reebok store as I could get their Easytones pretty cheap there.  I was looking for running pants, and while they had some decent yoga pants, capris, and shorts, I was just looking for something a bit tighter.  So I headed over to Nike where I found running Capris and running shorts at Nike, along with some new socks.

So guess what I'm doing tomorrow... yup, going for a run in my new Capris!

While I didn't get any shirts I was looking at some shirts from one of my favorite brands, One More Mile. I bought one of their shirts at my first Half Marathon and wore it last year at the Princess Half.  The front said "I Thought They Said Rum?"  I can tell you, the Pirates on the course really loved that shirt.

This year I found a new shirt I might be interested in.  We'll see if I actually get it, but check it out (and check out One More Mile!

Losing the Urge to Run (Temporarily)

This seems to always happen right before a run.  I decide I would rather sleep in than get up and decide to go for a run or workout.  There have been a few mornings when I have given in and just went back to sleep or read until I finally got out of bed.

I really don't like these times because they do make me feel incredibly lazy and it's harder for me to stay on my diet.  Yet, I know I will always have these times and I'm guessing that I'm not alone in that.  Obviously, my favorite times to run are when I have the itch to run and I'm feeling awesome.  Good days are also when I get to run, even if I don't have the itch, but I definitely don't mind running still.  Plus I always like to remember this:

Now even though I am feeling like this, I am determined to get a few more good runs in before the Princess Half.  I'm thinking about a run tomorrow or Saturday and a long circuit on Sunday.  

New Inspiration

This week I have noticed I am missing a key component to my training... motivation.  I haven't had much to inspire me to run, and thus I have been sleep in a lot of mornings instead of running.  I did get in one run, but I also had a late start to work that day.

Part of the lack of motivation comes from not having a lot of races.  I still don't know Orlando too well and so I haven't really been looking for 5Ks and other races in the area.  When I used to swim it seemed like I had a race every few weeks (if not every week during the height of the season) and when I competed in triathlons I tried to get one race a month during the season.  I actually remember one year when I was competing in both triathlons and swimming when I went for 2-2.5 weeks without a break because I either had a meet that weekend or a triathlon on my normal day off.

I think another part of my lack of motivation is me... I'm just in one of those slumps where I don't want to worry about training right now.  It was a busy and somewhat crazy week at work and next week plans on being worse.  I'm still trying to figure out when I will be able to run next week because my schedule is so different.  

However, even with all of these road bumps there is some good news.  I found a new reason to be inspired.  

I was reading through Christy's blog at My Dirt Road Anthem and she mentioned that she had signed up for the Holiday Booty Buster Challenge hosted by Run To The Finish.  You can find out all of the details and even sign up at the event's main page here.  

I've signed up as a Doer, considering I'm just training for the half and no longer training for any triathlons or full marathons.  One of the things I really liked about the challenge was that you could earn points by cross training, which as you guys know I like to dabble in from time to time.

So I start the challenge either this afternoon or tomorrow... I'll be posting how many points I earn each week and the running totals on a post every Saturday.  I think this is just what I needed to get into the training mood I've been lacking all week...