Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Training recap week of 10/20 (Wine and Dine Week 3)


Hey all!  Hope you all had good weeks - mine has been a bit crazy.  I apologize for the radio silence. Work has been busy and honestly, I haven't felt much like blogging.  Between work and travel, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed (I seem to have overbooked myself again).  It's not a feeling I like, so I am trying to pull back a little and take care of myself.  I didn't sleep well for 2 weeks since I was stressed out.  Not a good feeling.

I am still going to be blogging (I do enjoy it!) but it might be a little bit more sporadic until things calm down.  I have a couple of race recaps to finish (TOT and Baltimore) which I am excited to get done. 

This week turned into an unintentional down week.  I ended up having to go away on a work trip Wed-Thurs (which I found out about on Tuesday).  I cut Tuesday's run short because I was stressed trying to get packed for my trip.  While I had intentions of running on my trip, I was feeling a bit under the weather (probably from the lack of sleep and stress) and decided it was better for me to rest those days.  By Saturday, I was feeling much better!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 2.38 mi, 22:25, 9:22 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 6 miles easy
Actual: Rest

Thursday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: Rest

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.00 mi, 38:02, 9:30 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 10.01 mi, 1:33:25, 9:20 pace

Total miles: 16.39
Total October miles: 84.70
Miles until goal (1,250): 208.20

Monday, October 20, 2014

Training recap week of 10/13 (Wine and Dine Week 2)


How was everyone's weekend?  Sorry for the bit of radio silence, last week ended up being busy at work and you know how that goes. 

I am continuing to do speedwork and man... I both hate it and love it at the same.  But it's necessary to get faster.  This past weekend, I was in Baltimore to run the Baltimore Half Marathon (state #19).  It was a challenging course (who knew Baltimore was so hilly?), but I ended up running my third fastest half marathon.  I was pretty excited and ready to do some more work.  Maybe on a flatter course, another PR is possible?  I'll have a full race recap soon, but I am very happy about the outcome.

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.06 mi, 29:00, 9:28 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 3 x 0.5 mi repeats (at 7:50-8:00 pace)
Actual: 5 miles total
Paces: 7:43, 7:45, 7:24

These repeats were tough and I ended up doing all above pace.  Thinking I might need to reconsider my speedwork pace. 

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.02 mi, 29:13, 9:40 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: Baltimore Half Marathon
Actual: 13.32 mi, 1:52:58, 8:29 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Total miles: 24.41
Total October miles: 68.31
Miles until goal (1,250): 224.59

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

2 on Tuesday


runDisney announced the event calendar for 2015-2016 late last week.  Immediately, social media erupted (okay, it actually did twice once when they posted and quickly removed and then when they "officially" published it) because of a couple of noticeable absences.  The first, Expedition Everest in 2016.  I am not really surprised for 2 reasons - 1) there have been rumors of Everest's cancellation for a while now.  If they aren't planning on holding it in 2016, it's not a huge shock; 2) it's kinda the blacksheep of races and is often announced last minute.  Might still happen and we just don't know yet.

The next item that is missing?  Tower of Terror in 2015.  When they first published it and then it went away, people assumed it was to add TOT.  But alas, the official one didn't have it either.  runDisney has since confirmed that TOT is "suspended" for 2015.  One hopes it will come back in 2016, but who knows?  There is a lot of speculation about why - construction at Hollywood Studios (which doesn't make sense since W&D goes through a larger portion of HS and it's not cancelled); to make room for a Disneyland Paris event?  Personally, I don't know.  I am just glad I did it before it got suspended!

 

In other runDisney news, lots of Wine and Dine updates were posted to the runDisney website.  They published the event guide and course maps.  The course map hasn't changed - in fact they didn't even change the date on the map (seriously, it still says 2013.  Seriously?).  But of course, most important is waivers and corral assignments.  My number puts me in Corral B.  It's only a couple of weeks away!  Can't wait!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Training recap week of 10/6 (Wine and Dine Half Week 1)


This was a very busy weekend for me.  I got 12 miles done (in the rain even!) and then yesterday, my niece (with my brother and sister-in-law) came to NYC for the day.  We spent the day playing in Central Park and the Children's Museum of Manhattan.  Let me tell you - 6 year olds are exhausting!  I was so tired; endless energy.

Otherwise, I had a good week of training.  It was nice taking the summer easy, but it's time to get back in the saddle.  I'm starting to incorporate some hill training and speedwork.  Felt good to get some hills done!  Next week is the Baltimore Half Marathon!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.00 mi, 28:37, 9:32 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 5 x Harlem Hill repeats (at 7:50-8:00 pace)
Actual: 4.5 miles total
Paces: 8:26, 7:41, 7:47, 7:51, 7:53

First one was a bit tough, but the others were on pace!  I apparently forgot what that pace up hill felt like. 

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.04 mi, 28:46, 9:28 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 12 miles long run pace
Actual: 12.02 mi, 2:00:09, 10:00 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 2-3 miles easy
Actual:2.5 mi, 24:32, 9:48 pace

Total miles: 25.07
Total October miles: 43.91
Miles until goal (1,250): 249.00

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Tower of Terror 10M - Expo Goodies!

 

The best part of a runDisney race is the expo.  Okay, let's be real, I love expo's at all races - I just can't help my self with running goodies! 

This expo made me really happy!  It had great vendors - less then Marathon or Princess weekends, but still great booths.  It was also managable!  Since the race is smaller, it wasn't as packed.  I was a big fan of being able to move around while at the expo.

After picking up our numbers in the HP Field House (which took all of 5 minutes), we headed over to the Jostens Center for shirt pickup and official merchandise.  I really liked the shirt this year - it's a little different, but I like it. 


From shirt pickup, we headed to the merch.  I knew I wanted a couple of things (mini medal pin, magnet), but wanted to not buy much.  I got my TOT Mini Medal Pin and also picked up the mini Coast to Coast pin.  I didn't get one at Disneyland and wanted to pick one up this time.


I was able to get my Tower of Terror magnet and I also picked up a mini 48.6 magnet to keep at my desk at work.  I hadn't seen these before.

 

Even though I hadn't planned on it, I picked up a Tower of Terror 'I did it' shirt.  I really liked the design and couldn't resist.  I did resist from getting a jacket - so that's good (although I do have a tinge of regret for not getting it, but I really don't need it...).
Front (L), Back (R)

The only thing I really wanted was a Tower of Terror 10M Sweaty Band, but they didn't make any for this race.  We checked with the Sweaty Band booth and they didn't order any.  They will be back for Wine and Dine though!

Following our purchases at the expo, we made our way through the rest of the booths.  Sparkle Athletic did have black with them, so I picked that up (yay!).  I even managed to resist buying any Sweaty Bands (although I do want to get one that matches my Oiselle Flock singlet).  We checked out all the gear and races and then headed out. 

Nothing too surprising or special about the expo, but I really enjoyed it.  I liked how un-crowded it was and they had a good sampling of booths.  Overall the WDW races always do a good job at their expo's.
  
Stay tuned for my race recap! 

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Training recap week of 9/29 (Tower of Terror Week 5)


I had a good week of workouts, but managed to come home from Disney with a bit of a cold.  Lots of fluids and rest for me right now!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.00 mi, 28:16, 9:25 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 6 miles easy
Actual: 6.01 mi, 57:22, 9:33 pace

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 2.65 mi, 26:04, 9:50 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: Tower of Terror 10M
Actual: 10.18 mi, 1:33:54, 9:13 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Total miles: 21.84
Total September miles: 71.27
Total October miles: 21.84
Miles until goal (1,250): 274.94

P.S. - As of 9/30, I was 77% of the way to my goal!  I'm getting there!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

2 on Tuesday

I was really pleased with my Hollywood Tower Hotel bellhop costume.  It turned out really cute!  I ended up not wearing the hat - I just couldn't figure out how to get it to stay on my head.  But even without the hat, I really liked it!  It was wicking, so it was functional as well.  I got lots of complements on it!


I even managed (peripherally) to make the runDisney Facebook race photo album!  That's me right behind Thor!  He had quite an intense costume, full pants and sleeves in all.  He even ran the entire thing with that hammer - not sure how he did that.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Race TBT: Wine and Dine Half Marathon Relay 2010

Thanks to TimeHop (my new favorite app!), I was reminded that 4 years ago today, I ran the Inaugural Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend.  Kasey and I ran the relay (no longer offered, sadness).

This was just the kick in the butt I needed to get a new series of posts started.  There was a long period on this blog where I wasn't actually blogging, but was running lots of races.  I've been wanting for a while to do a series where I share my memories/stories/whatever I can remember from those races.  I'm really doing this because I want to remember these races in the future, but hopefully you'll enjoy these trips down memory lane as well!

Since my first Wine and Dine was 4 years ago today (and I'll be in Disney this weekend for Tower of Terror), I thought it was appropriate to start with this race.  The first year it was held at the beginning of the Festival but was moved to the end when they added the Tower of Terror 10M.

As I mentioned, this was the inaugural race and while it was fun, I do remember there being some kinks!  It was actually Kasey's idea to run this race and we decided to do the relay.  I remember you had to have a team name.  In honor of the theme of the race, we named our team Wine-O and Dine-O (which is how I have my Wine-O shirt).

The race started at ESPN Zone (as it does now).  I remember us having to wait forever for a bus to the start, which was very annoying.  By the time we got there, we had to split almost immediately so Kasey could head to the transition point (I was running the first leg).  I don't remember the specific split of mileage, but it was something along 5 and 8.

Since I was running the shorter leg, I had decided to run with my camera to take pictures (this was before the time of decent camera phones).  I think this is where my obsessions with race photo's began =).  

The race start was similar to any Disney race and Chef Mickey and Minnie are on site to send us off!  I happen to love those costumes, so it made me happy to see them!

 

The course (as much as I can remember) is the same for the first part.  I do know they changed the second half as I remember Kasey finished ride outside Epcot at Friendship Gate and it was a total sh*t show (not enough space for all the people).  They have since changed it to how it is now.

There were several of characters out on the course and I enjoyed stopping for them all!  I also got (what is now a traditionally photo) right outside the gates of Animal Kingdom.  Must remember to get the same one this year!

Fancy Chip and Dale
The ladies from Fantasia
Traditional photo!
I do remember thinking (as I still do now) how cool it was to run through Animal Kingdom at night!  The transition for the relay was in the Animal Kingdom parking lot.  They had the relayer's go to one side and the halfer's to another (we had different color bibs).  Someone was calling out numbers as you headed in and your partner met you.  They were organized by bib number as well.  I vaguely remember having to switch a bracelet or something as the relay "baton", but can't remember exactly. 

I do remember Kasey telling me a funny story from while she was waiting.  There was a women in her section of bibs that insisted on being right at the front of the waiting area because "her friend is super fast and she'll be one of the first to come through".  Kasey said she kept repeating this any time anyone someone tried to move to the front.

I obviously didn't know this, but Kasey said she almost burst out laughing when I was one of the first people to come through and she got to move past the girl to switch with me.  I believe she told me she said something to the girl along the lines of "there's my friend before yours".  We are so mature.  I wasn't racing it or anything, but I thought it was funny.  I wonder how long she waited?

This is the part I remember not going so well.  After finishing, I picked up my medal, bag and snack box and headed to a bus to go back to Epcot to the after party.  But no one seemed to have planned it properly and the buses where trapped in between runners heading into Animal Kingdom and runners heading out of Animal Kingdom.  We were on a bus, but had to wait at least 30 minutes before we could move.  It was really annoying!

Eventually, we got going and made it to Epcot.  We got dropped off behind the scenes at American Adventure and got to see a little of the backstage area before heading into World Showcase.  This was the first year and they didn't have any of the rides open, just the Food and Wine booths (they have definitely made this better in recent years!).

Kasey and I had made a plan to meet in front of Italy (Kasey had a bunch of other friends running as well) so I waited for her in the vicinity tasting some food and enjoying a few drinks =)  Not a bad way to kill some time!

I also snagged a picture with Gepetto!


After regrouping with Kasey, we took our celebratory photo and one with the group!  Then it was on to enjoy the rest of the after party!

Team Wine-O and Dine-O
The whole gang of runners!

There were definitely some kinks in this first race and after year 2, they nixed the relay (which was kinda sad because it was fun) but they've definitely made improvements as it has gone on.  I can't wait to do it in a few weeks for the 5th Anniversary!

Anyone else do the Inaugural Wine and Dine?

Celebrating the next day at the Food & Wine Festival!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Tower of Terror Costume Reveal!

As I mentioned Monday, I put my Tower of Terror costume together this weekend.  Per my decree after my Donald costume, I really don't want to go too intense on costumes (anymore).

This costume was pretty simple.  I've known for a long while that I wanted run this one as a Hollywood Tower Hotel employee (aka a Tower of Terror employee).  I know they sell cotton t-shirt versions, but had no desire to run it in cotton since historically it's always hot this race weekend.

I knew I could make a version of it myself!  I started with a maroon tech tee.  I found a New Balance one online that was the perfect color and only $8 bucks.  I had a Hollywood Tower Hotel logo iron on made for me by Miranda at DesignsbyMKC on Etsy.  She had created my iron on for my Anna costume as well.  She didn't have a HTH logo in the shop, but she was able to make one for me.  She was a joy to work with - easy to order and she shipped super quickly!  I highly recommend her if you need an iron-on made!

The iron-on was easy to apply and then from there, the rest came together quickly.  I added gold stripes to the sleeves and black/gold stripes to the shoulders using ribbon with fabric adhesive tape.

Whole thing took me about 30 minutes to make and I am really pleased with how it came out!  I'll be pairing it with a hat Abby had made last year as part of her costume and a black skirt - either a Sparkle Athletic one or plain black running skirt.  I'd prefer a Sparkle Athletic skirt, but I know they don't bring all the colors to the expo's and I forgot to pre-order for expo pickup.  Oh well, it is what it is!

What is everyone else dressing up as?