Disneyland Half Merchandise!

The Disney Parks blog shared a preview of some of the items they will have at the expo for sale.  I have to say, out of what was currently posted, there is not a ton I want.  Some of the items I want to see in person before I make any decisions.

I know I do want the Wine Glass, Plastic Tumbler (I love the fun straw!) and what looks like Sweaty Bands (top right in the below photo).

I am torn on whether or not I want an 'I Did It' shirt.  It looks like they made it tech this year, which part of me likes, but I also do like wearing the cotton 'I Did It' shirts as well.  I have so many tech shirts, do I really need another?

So far, I am not liking the sweatshirts or tech jackets.  It does not appear they posted a photo of the tech jacket for Dumbo, so I am waiting to see what the looks like (the below black tech jacket looks to be for the Half).  If I know myself at all, I am guessing I will probably pick up a tech jacket (I didn't get one when I did the inaugural Tinker Bell and I am still kicking myself) and possibly a sweatshirt for Dumbo.  The green one is growing on me the more I look at it.  While I probably won't get it (don't need more tech shirts), I do like the "Will Run for Peanuts" on the back of the one shirts in the bottom photo.

  

The post does mention pins (yay - they better have my Dumbo one!), vinylmation (do I dare start another collectible?) and Coast to Coast gear.  

You can check out the original Disney Parks post (which includes a 10K shirt for those interested) by clicking here.

All photo's via Disney Parks Blog

2 on Tuesday

Can we discuss how happy the above made me?  In fact, let's discuss how happy Justin's entire performance made me.  After seeing him live this summer, I can confirm he is the 'President of Pop' and his award was well deserved (side note, I also loved Jimmy Fallon's speech).  I love that he basically gave a mini concert during the VMA's.  And I was so excited that 'N SYNC joined him even if it wasn't for as long as I would like.  While, I didn't watch the rest of the VMA's (I DVR'd it just so I could fast forward to his performance), I did catch about 30 seconds of Miley's performance though - all I have to say is she is 1 umbrella away from a Britney style breakdown.

Speaking of 'N SYNC, Joey Fatone is going to be running the Dumbo Double Dare this weekend.  He ran Goofy in January and I actually saw him before the Half (see here) so I am kinda hoping I see him again before 1 of the races and complete the weekend.  Maybe his former bandmates will come and cheer for him?  I might die if they did.  No, seriously - if JT was there, I would probably faint (at least).

Training recap week of 8/19 (DLH / DDD Week 17)

This is my last training recap before Dumbo Double Dare!  I can't believe it's been 17 weeks of training. It's been an interesting training cycle, with some highs and some lows.

With the race officially 5 days away (wahoo!), I have been thinking alot about my goals.  Originally when I started training 17 weeks ago, my half goal was 2 hours.  But after I ran the Crowley Half Marathon in June in a 1:59, I adjusted my goal time to 1:55.

But if you've been following along, you'll know I had a couple of crappy weeks in late July and early August where I decreased my pace or lowered (or just didn't do) my runs because I was feeling the symptoms of over training come on.  The changes were definitely good for me as I am no longer in pain.  Since those changes have taken place, I've re-evaluated (again) my race goal.  I plan to take the 10K easy, stopping for pictures and enjoying the course through the parks.

But for the half, I am back to a 2 hour goal time.  But even if my time is slower then that I'll be okay.  I just want to finish feeling strong and be able to move afterwards.  I have Dopey to think about in January and I do not want to get hurt.  Long term thinking people, long term.

I am hoping to post a training recap next Monday so you can at least see how I did in the race, but won't be back with full recaps until after I'm back from DL (and probably not until I am caught up at work).

This week's training included my last strength and tempo workouts before the race.  Let the taper begin!

Monday

Scheduled: Off or cross training

Actual: 2.44 mile easy run with Jenny (10:15 pace)

Tuesday

Scheduled: 3 x 1M @ 8:36-9:09 pace (plus warm up and cooldown)

Actual: 3 x 1 miles (8:55, 8:43, 8:58), total 5.99 miles

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 6 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46-9:09 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 6 miles tempo, 7.7 miles total

Paces: 9:05, 9:04, 9:06, 9:04, 8:56, 9:07

Friday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Saturday

Scheduled: 8 miles easy pace (9:46-10:46 pace)

Actual: 8.00 miles, 1:21:29, 10:11 pace

Sunday

Scheduled: 3-4 mile recovery run, easy pace (9:46 - 10:46 pace)

Actual: 3.1 miles, 32:10, 10:23 pace

Total miles: 27.23 

Total August miles: 94.75

Disney on the brain

We are officially within 6 days 'til Disneyland!  To say I have Disney on the brain would be an understatement.  I am so excited I can barely contain it!   As if I wasn't already excited, I've been having a Disney movie marathon today to really get me in the mood (as if I needed it).  So far I've watched, Beauty and the Beast, Cars, Finding Nemo, Cinderella, Tangled and The Little Mermaid.  

I had hoped to wait to start packing until today, but I found myself starting to throw things into a pile on  Thursday.  I made some significant progress on packing today.  Now if only it can just be Friday already!?!

While I am absolutely positive that I am over packing (despite my packing list - I never know what I am going to want to wear so I bring way more then I need), I am trying to make sure to save space in my suitcase for souvenirs!  I already bought a Coast to Coast shirt at Princess, so that's taken care of.  Top of my wish list for the expo is a Dumbo Double Dare pin.  You usually pre-order the pins (I always get one to put on my medal) but they didn't have one to pre-order for DDD.  So that is top.

I'm sure that will not be the only thing I buy.  I would like a wine glass and maybe a waterbottle.  I am already getting 3 shirts with my registration, so don't really need to buy another.  Really going to try and control myself (at the expo at least).  Let's see how good I do at that!

In terms of non-runDisney items, I always get something for the little ones when I go to Disney (both my nieces, plus my nephews-in-law) and I have a couple of other gifts on the list (don't want to ruin the surprise on the blog!).  I don't really need anything for myself, but I am sure I'll get something.  And my mom has already placed a request for a mug.

In addition to a souvenir list, I've been making a list of must do's for while I am there.  This is only my second time in DL, so I still feel like a newbie.  I know both parks are much smaller and more manageable.  Since we are going to have 5 day park hoppers, I am excited to be able to do parks and relax at the hotel pool/bar and still know we'll get everything in.

Either way, I am excited for Cars Land in DCA (wasn't completed when I was there for Tinker Bell) and in DL the Matterhorn Bobsleds and It's a Small World (both closed last time).  I am a little sad that Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Railroad are closed, but I road them before (and we'll be back again I'm sure!).  I'm want to make sure we ride the Grizzly River Run (also closed during Tinker Bell).  I like that our hotel is so close that if we get soaked we can go back and change!

I also want to see World of Color, the Fireworks and Fantasmic!  So much to do - thank god we have the time!

In terms of food, we only have dinner reservations the night before the half (we didn't want to be tied down to a specific meal time), which gives me plenty of chances to try new things.  I definitely want a Dole Whip (yummm) and a Mickey Bar.

Lastly, I am torn on whether or not to bring my Donald/Princess Medals.  Will I want a photo with all the medals?  I am leaning towards racing the half, so I won't want the added wait during the Half, but will I want to take a picture afterwords?  I don't know what to do (I know, first world problems).  Any advice?

So since I'm a newbie, Disneyland experts, tell me which rides I can't miss and where are some good places to eat?

Race Recap: Battle of Brooklyn 10M

This past weekend I ran the Battle of Brooklyn 10M (I talked about it previously here).  It is run by Jack Rabbit (a local running store here in NYC).

Packet pickup took place on Friday at the Jack Rabbit store in Union Square.  Worked perfectly for me because I needed to pick up some gu's as well so good to kill 2 birds with 1 trip.  I got my awesome swag - a nicely branded water bottle.  Supposedly it's spill proof which makes me excited.

The race was taking place in Prospect Park in Brooklyn and started at 8am.  So it was an early morning for me, needing to leave my apartment around 6:15 am.  I took the subway there and at that time of day, it took just over an hour.  Once we got to the staging here, everything was pretty simple.  They had a small section for baggage and a help table if you had any questions.

Molly was busy getting all the last minute things done, but I was able to say hi briefly.  After that I checked my baggage and got ready for the race.

The entire race was 3 loops of Prospect Park and the field was pretty small.  I have to say, I am really loving small races lately.  I like big ones too, but there is something about small races that just feels nice.

Anyway, after some announcements and the National Anthem, we got started.  It started on a downhill which was nice but did make my first mile a little faster then I wanted.  I was doing this as my long run, so was aiming for a 9:29 pace.  There is a pretty significant (and long) hill in Prospect Park, so that helped control the pace as well.  They had 2 water stations throughout the loop and the spacing worked well (for me at least) with when I needed water.

They also had a surprise for us on the course - the British Army came to visit!  They did announce before the race to keep our eyes out for them, they were armed but not dangerous.  They were holding fort in the middle of the big hill which was a nice break!  The volunteers stationed there had British flags (looked like print outs from the computer not actual flags) pinned to their shirts and water guns.  They kept yelling "God save the King'.  It wasn't a crazy hot day, but the water still was a nice refresher.

I tried to take the race one loop at a time and focus on my paces for that loop.  Overall, my paces were a little faster then I wanted, but I felt strong during the race so I am pleased with my time.  I really enjoyed this race.  I loved the small size and it was a nice change of pace from my regular runs.

Time
Official: 10 miles, 1:34:01, 9:24 pace
Garmin: 10.09 miles, 1:34:01, 9:19 pace

Splits

Summer Streets - Week 3

This past weekend was the last weekend of Summer Streets for 2013.  I talked last week about how much I love Summer Streets.  I'm sure it's not possible, but I wish they could do it a couple of weekends each season (ok, really just Spring and Fall.  We can skip Winter).  It would be such a nice break from our normal running routes.

This weekend, we met in the Park at 72nd St on the transverse.  I was leading the 10:00 pace group.  We were heading to the West Side first, running down and then crossing over to Summer Streets at various points to get your mileage in.  Almost everyone in the group (except me) was running in the 10-14 mile range, so I decided to stay with them and just stop when I hit my mileage.

We went down the westside and crossed on Houston.  It was still pretty early so Houston wasn't too crowded.  We joined Summer Streets on Lafayette and head North again.  It was another packed morning on Summer Streets.  I am glad so many people take advantage of them even if it does make my run a little troublesome.

I dropped of the group just past Grand Central.  It was a little farther then I was supposed to go, but I love the part of Summer Streets were your run around Grand Central.  It's a fun portion of Park Ave.  After I left the group, I walked a couple of blocks and refilled my water bottle.  It was cooler then it had been but still pretty hot!  When I was heading to the subway, I past the Banana Boat station for Summer Streets.  They had a bunch of booths with prizes or suncare tips and some hammocks and beach chairs set up for relaxing.  As I was sweaty and gross, I did not partake.  I did however take a frozen chocolate covered banana they were handing out.  It was a yummy post run treat!

Overall, another successful round of Summer Streets and I cannot wait until they come back again next year!

2 on Tuesday

It didn't take a lot for Abby to convince me to sign up for the Rock n Roll Philly Half.  It will be my first week of Dopey training and I already had a 13 mile run on the schedule.  Why not run a half with friends for my long run?  Only (possible) issue is that I assumed the start was 7 am... it's actually 8 am.  Which wouldn't be bad normally (more sleep, yay!) except for the fact that I have a family event starting at 12:30 outside of Trenton and need to be on a train by 11:30.  It will be quick back to the hotel post race for me and the worlds fastest shower.  I'll probably be doing my makeup on the train as well.  Fingers crossed it all works out ok!

When I was at Costco two weekends ago, I picked up these.  I've had the Skinny Cow ice cream before, but never the treats.  I have to say, these are my new favorite afternoon snack.  The box came with 4 varieties and each have 100-140 calories.  A perfect little chocolate pick me up.  I've been bringing them in to work and it's really been helping me avoid the afternoon slump.  Next time I am at Costco, I will definitely pick up another of these boxes!

Dumbo Double Dare Packing List

Yea...that looks about right
Source

Since we are officially within 2 weeks of heading to Disneyland, it is time to start packing.  Without a list, I am the worlds worst packer (and even with a list I'll probably/definitely still over pack), so making a packing list is a must for me.

I usually make a list that is broken into different categories depending on the trip (i.e. plane, running, park attire, misc clothing, toiletries, etc).  Personally, I like making it as a spreadsheet on Google docs so whenever I think of something I can just add it without trying to remember what it was when I get home.  I usually make the list a while before (i.e. I started it for Dumbo last night) so it gives me time to think of what I have forgotten.  It also allows me to see what I need to pick up and do it next weekend so I am not running around like a crazy person the week of the trip.

Even with a list, I'll still over pack.  Since we are going for 6 days, it requires a good chunk of stuff, plus I like to have options when I get dressed in the morning.  I am usually a carry on only person (I hate checking luggage - see July when American left it in Columbus for 2 days) but with 6 days and 2 races, checking will be a must.  But, I will be carrying all my race clothing and gear, plus an outfit or 2 on with me.  I am sure (fingers crossed) it won't get lost, but I can't take the risk.

As this is my 11th runDisney event, I've got the running gear packing pretty much down to a science.  Although since it is August in California, I don't need to bring colder weather items like you have to with Disney World in January.

Here is what I have on my list so far:

All important documents (printed and in my carry on):
Race Waiver
Final instructions
Plane reservations
Bus transfer
Hotel/Ticket confirmation

Running clothing (all in carry on)
Sneakers x 2
Socks x 3
Shorts x 3
Team Sparkle Skirts x 2
Sports bras x 2
Shirts x 3
Headbands x 2
Sunglasses
Spi belts x 2
I bring an extra shirt and shorts to do a shake out run the day before the race

Running accessories (non-clothing running needs; carry on whatever possible)
Stick (pack this one - sometimes security will take it away if you try and carry it on)
Flip flops for post race
Compression socks (wear on plane there)
Garmin + charger
L/S Throwaway shirt (just in case it's a little chilly)
Fuel for the race (gu, powergel chomps)
Breakfast (I like oatmeal and I am particular, so I bring my own packets, a soft measuring cup, bowl and spoons - you can make hot water in the coffee maker)
Recovery drink and blender bottle

Plane
Comfy pants (I usually wear yoga pants on cross country flights) + t-shirt
Socks (my feet always get cold on planes)
Sweatshirt (again for the cold)
Headphones
Neck Pillow
Eye Mask
Entertainment (tablet with movies ready to go, magazine, books)
Good size waterbottle to fill post security

Other clothing/items
Park clothing (Shorts, jeans, tanks and shirts)
Shoes (Toms, extra sneakers, good, supportive flip flops)
Bathing suit (I plan on sitting by pool!)
PJ's, undergarments, etc
Toiletries + makeup
Medical (Dramamine, Advil, Tums, Claritin, etc)
Sunscreen

Misc
Camera
All chargers (phone, camera, nook, garmin)
Sunglasses
Purse (I like a cross body bag for the park so my hands are free)
Disneyland book (I know, I'm a huge nerd... but I think that's pretty evident at this point, right?)

What I am missing?  Let me know!

Training recap week of 8/12 (DLH / DDD Week 16)

We are officially less then 2 weeks from Disneyland!  The countdown has become - I am so excited I know the next 2 weeks will take forever.  Why is it always like that?

This past week of training went well.  Got my last back to back in.  Almost time to start tapering!

Monday

Scheduled: Off or cross training

Actual: Took an 1hr 15min walk with Jenny and Ellie (again!)

Tuesday

Scheduled: 2 x 1.5M @ 8:36-9:09 pace (plus warm up and cooldown)

Actual: 2 x 1.5 miles (8:49, 8:26 & 8:35, 8:53), total 5.52 miles

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 7 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46-9:09 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 7 miles tempo, 8.2 miles total

Paces: 9:13, 9:15, 9:16, 9:11, 9:10, 8:55, 9:06

Friday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Saturday

Scheduled: 6 miles easy pace (9:46-10:46 pace)

Actual: 8.22 miles, 1:12:34, 10:25 pace

I know I did more then I was supposed to but it was Summer Streets and I couldn't help it!

Sunday

Scheduled: Battle of Brooklyn 10M, long run pace (9:29 pace)

Actual: 10.1 miles, 1:34:01, 9:19 pace

Total miles: 32.03

Total August miles: 67.52

Amazon Locker

As anyone who lives in New York can tell you, getting things delivered can be a pain.  I love shopping online, but tend to avoid it because of the delivery issues.

Since I live in an apartment building without a doorman, they do not leave packages on your doorstep (which I am thankful for!).  Occasionally, my super will accept my packages (I never ask him to, but if he sees the delivery person or he's getting something delivered himself he will).  It's a really nice thing for him to do, but it's not part of his job so I don't expect it.

If it's being delivered by USPS, you get the dreaded coral slip.  This means you have to pick it up at the post office.  Fortunately, the post office is 2 blocks from my apartment, but unfortunately, they close at 7 pm during the week, which means I have to go on Saturday (which is when everyone else goes) and they are slower than molasses.  It is not unusual to wait 30-45 minutes to pick something up.

If it's being delivered by UPS, they leave you an InfoNotice and you can change delivery.  You can have it delivered somewhere else for a fee, which I don't do because I don't want to spend more or held at the UPS facility closest to you (free).  There is only 1 in Manhattan so I wouldn't call it "close to me" - it's on 43rd St and 11th Ave.  Basically in the Hudson River.  Super annoying to get too.  And while it is open until 9pm, it is closed on the weekends.

I find FedEx to be the easiest, but I also find most places don't ship with FedEx (it's probably the most expensive which is why it is the easiest).  They also leave a notice and you can change delivery.  The nice thing with FedEx is they will hold it for you at a FedEx office giving you lots of choices (there is one close to work and home) and more flexible hours to pick it up (there is one by home that is open 24 hours!).  As I said, not many places use FedEx.

Why am I complaining about shipping options?  Because I just found a new option - Amazon Locker. {Please note, even though it might sound like one, this is not a sponsored post.  I am just super excited about this new delivery option. End note.}

I ordered something on Amazon last week and at checkout had the option to have it delivered to a Locker.  It's basically a set of lockers located in various stores (Amazon has a more detailed explanation).  My order qualified for Super Saver Shipping (i.e. free) and I could still use the locker.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous to have it sent to the locker.  Without having used it before, I didn't quite know what to expect, but I did not want to deal with any of the 3 above options, so I decided to try it.

Even with free shipping my order arrived within 2 days of being place.  I got a text saying it was out for delivery and another once it arrived with my locker code.  I had mine sent to the Rite Aid not far from my apartment (only 4 blocks!) and as a bonus it is open 24 hours so I could pick it up anytime.

Being my first time using Amazon Locker, I was worried how I would find it.  Have no fear - it was quite large and well marked!

It is easy to use.  Just enter your locker code (provided in the text) on the touch screen.

From there, the screen tells you which locker will open:

And from there your locker opens and you pick up your package!

I have to say, I was incredibly impressed by the whole Amazon Locker process.  I was a little nervous since I had never used it, but it was quick and easy and made picking up my package a breeze.  Next time I need to order something, I will definitely check to see if it is sold on Amazon since they do have the Locker option for delivery.

Disclosure:  Amazon did not pay or sponsor this post at all.  I am pretty sure they do not know who I am (outside of the fact that I order from them).  I just know how annoying getting things delivered in a city can be and wanted to share for others who might not know about the Lockers or are nervous about using them the first time!

Summer Streets - Week 2

This past weekend was Week 2 of Summer Streets.  I missed Week 1 because I was home in PA, but I was really excited for Week 2.  Summer Streets is one of my favorite times of the year.

Don't know about Summer Streets?  The simple explanation is they close Park Ave and 4th Ave for a whole morning, leaving it open for runners, families with lots of activities.  The more detailed explanation, see the below description from the official website:

Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space—our streets. On three consecutive Saturdays in the summer, nearly seven miles of NYC’s streets are opened for people to play, walk, bike, and breathe. Summer Streets provides space for healthy recreation and encourages New Yorkers to use more sustainable forms of transportation. In 2012, more than 250,000 people took advantage of the open streets.

Summer Streets is modeled on other events from around the world including Ciclovía in Bogotá, Colombia and the Paris Plage. The event is part bike tour, part walking tour, part block party--a great time for exercise, people watching, or just enjoying summer mornings.

It's such a nice change of pace from the park and the West Side Highway.

This past weekend, we met at 52nd and Park and headed south.  It wasn't crowded until past Grand Central, then it just got more crowded.  While it's annoying to me running, I am glad so many people are taking advantage of Summer Streets!  We kept going south over the Brooklyn Bridge and then back north.  We kept going to 72nd St and headed into the Park.  I did part of the lower loop and then I was done!

It was a nice break from the park and turned out to be a great run.  Looking forward to Week 3 of Summer Streets!

2 on Tuesday

This was my tip from my Runner's World daily calendar.  Given that I will be having a very long flight coming up to LA, I think it was a pretty relevant tip!  Must remember to bring a water bottle on the plane with me.

I cooked this weekend and this was one my creations.  It's a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad that I found on one of my favorite food blogs - Skinny Taste.  It's full of healthy stuff and quite delicious!  It made a couple of portions so I'll have left overs for the week (love when that happens!)

Training recap week of 8/5 (DLH / DDD Week 15)

This week went better then last week.  I got all 4 runs in which was a good thing - especially since I missed both weekend runs last week.

I didn't have the best tempo run - I got nauseous during the middle of the tempo portion so I took it really easy the rest of the run.  I know it was because I ate junk food during the afternoon, I could just feel it in my stomach.  Lesson learned: junk food = bad before tempo workouts.  I knew better, but I did it anyways.

Side note: less then 3 weeks to Disneyland!

Monday

Scheduled: Off or cross training

Actual: Took an 1hr 15min walk with Jenny and Ellie

Tuesday

Scheduled: 2 x 2M @ 8:36 pace (plus warm up and cooldown)

Actual: 2 x 2 miles (8:53, 8:29 & 8:50, 8:29), total 6.6 miles

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 6 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 3.5 miles easy, 8:53 pace (ran-walked the rest since I was feeling ill), 7.7 miles total

Friday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Saturday

Scheduled: 12 miles easy pace (9:46-10:46 pace)

Actual: 12.19 miles, 2:04:19, 10:12 pace

Sunday

Scheduled: 3 miles easy pace (9:46-10:46 pace)

Actual: 3 miles, 31:08, 10:23 pace

Total miles: 29.49

Total August miles: 35.49

Princess Half Marathon Blog Hop

The Princess Half may still be a little more than 6 months away, but that isn't stopping us from talking about it!  Kristy over at Kristy Runs Kato is hosting a blog hop for Princess Half recaps.  You can check out more about it at her blog and read all the recaps being posted.  I added mine too (in case you haven't read it already).

Anyone else really excited about Princess?  I am - even though I have Dumbo, Wine and Dine and Dopey before it!

Miami Food Machine

I tend to get the same thing for lunch (when I don't bring, which is more then it should be) - either a salad from the deli, a sandwich from Cosi or Potbelly or sometimes Chipotle.  And I always tend to choose the same items.

But yesterday, when I went to get lunch, there was a new food truck in front of my office (at least new to me, I had never seen it before).  The Miami Food Machine.  Feeling impulsive, I decided to check it out.

They keep it simple - not too many choices on the menu.  Either pressed sandwiches or rice bowls.  Meat options are chicken, pork or steak, each with a different sauce.  I wanted pork (16 hour roasted pork with a sour orange mojo) but unfortunately they did not have it yesterday.  Instead, I went with the steak option: thin sliced rib-eye sauteed with garlic, herbs and chili flakes in a chimichurri sauce.  I got it in bowl form which also included white rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, sauteed mojo onions and fried plantains.

It was made pretty quickly and was a nice size portion.  I also added cheese to mine.  It was quite good - the steak was nicely cook and the chimichurri sauce was flavorful without being overpowering.  It kept me full all afternoon. Not too unhealthy either; don't eat the fried plantains and it would be even healthier.

Overall, I give the Miami Food Machine 2 thumbs up.  Next time they are in front of the building I will definitely go back for the pork.

Miami Food Machine
http://www.miamifoodmachinenyc.com/
https://twitter.com/miamimachinenyc

2 for Tuesday

I have been feeling all out of sorts lately.  I know the past couple of weeks (heck, all summer) have been hectic, but I just feel off.  Hoping the next couple of weeks will be a return to normal.  I have a couple of things I am going to do this weekend that will hopefully get be sorted.  On a side note though, it has been cool in the mornings lately - a slight preview of fall to come.  I have been loving it!

My friend Jenny and I took full advantage of the nice weather last night with an hour plus walk with her dog Ellie.  Ellie is a 1 year old black lab.  I'm not a huge dog person, but she is pretty cute and super sweet.  This was when she was trying to drag us in the direction of the dog park (vs. going home).  Fortunately, we are still stronger then her!

While in the grocery store yesterday, I discovered they are now selling Turkey Hill products.  Turkey Hill is produced in Conestoga, PA, which is very close to where I grew up.  They make delicious drinks - my personal faves are their ice tea (the best ever) and their lemonade.  If you ever find Turkey Hill, buy some to try.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

Training recap week of 7/29 (DDD / DLH Week 14)

So.... this is the week the training schedule (apparently) went out the window.  I had good intentions to get it done... and then I didn't.

I did get my strength workout in on Tuesday and a run on Thursday.  But instead of doing a tempo run, I just ran easy.  My legs were feeling like they were full of lead and at the time that sounded like a good idea.  Which was not such a bad idea during the run when it POURED.  Literally, I could hear the water squishing in my shoes.

I missed both my weekend runs (Friday and Sunday).  We threw my mom a surprise birthday party (I'll leave out the actual birthday to spare here).  I went home Friday after work and wasn't able to get that run in.  I thought I'd run it on Saturday morning, but from the moment my niece woke me up on Saturday (at 6am), it was go go go to get every thing done before the party.  We had to finish cleaning, set up, pick catering, and on and on.  The party turned out great - she was completely surprised! - but it did take over the weekend.  And since we'd had family come in to surprise her as well, I wasn't able to run either.  Not ideal 4 weeks prior to a race, but what can you do?

Either way, as we are within 4 weeks to go before the race, I am going to recommitment myself to the schedule until race day.

Monday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Tuesday

Scheduled: 1 x 3M @ 8:36 pace (plus warm up and cooldown)

Actual: 1 x 3 miles (8:36, 8:35, 8:32), total 5 miles

Wednesday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Thursday

Scheduled: 5 mile tempo run at race pace (8:46 pace) with warm up and cool down

Actual: 6 miles easy, 58:41, 9:46 pace

Friday

Scheduled: 3 miles easy pace (9:46 - 10:46)

Actual: Off

Saturday

Scheduled: Off

Actual: Off

Sunday

Scheduled: 10 miles long run pace (9:29)

Actual: Off

So not my best week ever, but trying to remember that it happens sometimes and to do better this week!

Total miles: 11.00

Total July miles: 110.00
Total August miles: 6.00

Dumbo Costumes!

In just four short weeks (or long depending on how you look at it), I will be on a plane heading to LA and Disneyland.  That's right, we are only 4 weeks away from Dumbo!

This year, I am going all out (at least for me) in terms of costumes.  I've been running Disney since 2008, but have only started getting into costumes in the last 6 months.  Let's review the progression (apologies now for the picture heavy post).

We got a great shot running through the castle

Disney Half 2008 - Jenny and I were coming off of a TNT season and rocked our singlets for the race.  No theme-ing at all.

Great shot in Epcot

Disney Half 2009 - basic running outfit.  Nike tempo shorts and white tank.  Good shot in Epcot though!

I can't find any photo's from Disney World Half 2010.  It was snowing.  That's all I remember.

Turk!

Wine and Dine 2010 - Kasey and I got a little theme-y for the Inaugural Wine and Dine with shirts that said Wine O and a polka dot head band.  The shirt will make a reappearance later.

Nothing fancy for 2011.  Running skirt and white top.

Having trouble finding a photo from Disney World Half 2012, but I know it was pretty basic.

Sully!

Tinkerbell Half 2012 - broke the mold with black capri's and a white tank for the inaugural Tink.  Did rock a sparkly green headband in honor of my favorite fairy.

Chip and Dale

Remember that Wine O shirt?  It's back!  Otherwise pretty basic for Wine and Dine 2012.

Disney World Half 2013 - Outside of the fact that my shirt was basically neon pink, nothing special here... (yes, same shorts as Wine and Dine 2012)

Princess Half 2013 - First real foray into costumes.  Themed shirt (says "Who needs glass slippers, this princess wears running shoes", pink head band and tiara (and yes, same shorts again.  What can I say, they are really comfortable!).

So that brings us to Dumbo.  And yes, we are going full on costumes (for me at least!).  For the Disneyland 10K, we are going to be Minnie (both me and Pam) and for the Half I am going to be Snow White (Pam is still undecided).  We got Team Sparkle skirts, tanks and headbands.  Pam even got us Minnie spibelts to wear for the 10K!  I know it's not that elaborate, but it's big for me!

I even took the yellow skirt out for a test run during the Queens 10K and it did not bother me at all, so that's good to know!  I've been running in the 2 tanks as well to make sure they are comfortable.

Minnie and Snow White

I've already started a google doc of other (easy) costume ideas.  While I want to get into it, I still want to be able to run in it - and I think the Sparkle skirts are perfect for that!

What are some other costume ideas I should include?