2014 Goals - End of Year Final Review

I can't believe today is the last day of 2014.  I know I say it every year, but I seriously can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.  They seem to go faster the older I get!

As it is officially the last day of 2014, it's time to check in on my goals.  Overall, I think I did really well in achieving them.  I really only missed the mark with one!  Let's review below:

Complete the Dopey Challenge 
This is a pretty obvious goal as I spent most of 2013 preparing for this.  I can't believe it is only 8 days away!
COMPLETED
It was nice to start the year off completing a goal right at the beginning.  In case you missed them, you can read my recaps here: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Final Thoughts.  I've had close to a year to think about this and I still can't believe how well it went.  I am very glad I am not training for it this year!

PR in the Half Marathon 
My current PR is a 1:51:52 set back in 2010.  I ran a 1:55:03 this past September, so I am hoping to make this happen.
COMPLETED
Was very happy to check this one off the list!  I set a new Half Marathon PR at the Nike DC Women's Half with a 1:50:04.

Check 5 states off my list 
I've already got 3 states on the schedule (Kentucky, DC, Oregon).  I have a couple of ideas for the other 2 states and will let you know once they are finalized.
COMPLETED
5 states completed!  I will do a full recap of Year 2 of my 50 States Challenge but here are the states I completed this year: Kentucky, Washington DC, Minnesota, Oregon and Maryland.

Race a marathon 
I am not running the Disney marathon with a time goal with Dopey going on, so I would like to actually race a marathon in 2014.  I already have an idea for a race and will let you know once it's been decided.
COMPLETED
As you might remember, I raced Grandma's Marathon back in June during which I set a new marathon PR (which wasn't even a goal, so I feel extra good about this one).

Run 1,250 miles total 
I ran a total of 1,145.77 in 2013 according to my Garmin, but I did a lot of my Jan-Mar weekday runs on the treadmill (without my Garmin) and they are not counted in that number.  So I think this doable.
COMPLETED
As of today, I have run a total of 1,261.20 miles.  I would call this goal completed!  So happy to have reach this one.

Commit to core work 
This is one area I have definitely been slacking on.  I really want to get back to this and to get it started, I am taking part of the Athleta 30-Day Plank Challenge.  You should join me!
INCOMPLETE
Yea.... this one was definitely not complete.  I would go in starts and stops with this.  I'd do really well for a while and then fall off the wagon.  I know it's so beneficial to my running but it's so hard to stay committed!

Like I said, overall I did really well!  Putting my goals out there really helped me stay accountable to them.

Hope you are all have a great New Years Eve and check back tomorrow for my 2015 goals!

Training recap week of 12/22 (Disney Half Week 5)

This week was definitely a little busy (life wise) with the holidays and everything.  Between going home and family stuff, it was a busy week!

Mileage wise, I was definitely down, but it was needed.  As winter is the off season, I am trying not too over do it.  Just enough running this week to balance out all the extra calories :)

On another note, I reached my mileage goal this week with a few days to spare!  Love reaching goals!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.0 mi, 31:00, 10:19 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 4 x 0.5 mi @ 10K pace (7:50-8:00)
Actual: 5.00 miles total
Paces: 8:04, 7:56, 7:54, 7:54

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 2.5 mi, 26:45, 10:43 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 10.00 mi, 1:33:29, 9:21 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Total miles: 15.50

Total December miles: 85.52

Miles until goal (1,250): 0 (yay!)

Race Recap: Baltimore Half Marathon

Baltimore Half Marathon
October 18, 2014

State: #19 (Maryland)
Lifetime: #48

Another race recap that is very overdue!  Since it was so long ago, I'll keep it pretty short and to the point.

We headed down to the race on Friday afternoon (it was on a Saturday AM) and after checking into the hotel, headed to the expo.  The expo was held at the convention center which is right near the Inner Harbor (which is also where the start is).  Our hotel was maybe a 10 minute walk from the expo (and less to the start!).

The nice thing about this race is that the marathon starts first and then the half joins them in the middle - well, it was nice for us, I am not sure the marathons like us joining fresh when they were at like 17.  I know I wouldn't have!

The half was supposed to start at 9:45, but because there had been a chance the Orioles might have had a home playoff game, so they moved it an hour earlier.  Even an hour earlier, 8:45 was still a pretty nice start time!  I got to sleep in and race - love it.

After a short walk to the start from our hotel, we got in the corrals.  The race isn't huge and the corrals had plenty of room.  The race started promptly at 8:45 and off we went!

Based on the course profile, I knew the race would be hilly.  I just wanted to take it easy and go based on how I felt.  I felt pretty good the whole time and was able to keep my pace faster then I expected.

The course went through a variety of different Baltimore areas and was a great way to see the city.  I admit, I haven't seen much more then the Inner Harbor.  I really don't remember a ton of specifics (this is what happens when you wait 2+ months to write a recap...). 

The course was hilly, but only a couple where really bad.  I just tried to let me legs dictate the pace.  My continued speedwork seems to be really paying off!

The very end of the race runs right by Camden Yard which I won't lie, was definitely something I was looking forward too.  It was a highlight for me!

After finishing and collecting my medal, I made my way to the finishers food.  This was awesome!  They had a wide variety of food and let the runners take as much as they wanted.  The volunteers were really nice and helpful.  Races couldn't do it without the volunteers, so thank you!


They also have a nice finishers festival with food vendors, a beer tent (all finishers got 2 free beers) and bands.  It was a really nice day out and perfect to spend some time hanging out!

Overall, I really liked this race.  It was well run, the course was challenging but not impossible and had a fun post race party.  If you are looking for a race in Maryland, I recommend it!

Results
Official: 13.1 miles, 1:53:00, 8:37 pace
Garmin: 13.32 miles, 1:52:59, 8:29 pace

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas!!!

Hope Santa brought you everything you asked for!

xo, Sarah

Tower of Terror 10M After Party

One of the best part of Tower of Terror 10M is the after party!  Honestly, the after party is my favorite part of the runDisney night races. 

This after party takes place at Hollywood Studios.  After finishing, I picked up my food box and started to make my way to the baggage.  Our baggage had been moved from in front of Hollywood Studio's (where we left it) to inside the Indiana Jones theatre.  It was a bit of a walk, but not horrible (not worse then the walk to the start of the Jan/Feb half's!). 

After picking up my stuff and get settled, I ended into the after party.  Some rides where open (including Tower of Terror, which given my costume I had to ride!) and they had all the villains out.  I headed straight for Tower of Terror and got to walk right on!  Since it wasn't crowded, I took advantage and took some fun photo's in my costume.

I love how in character the cast members at Tower of Terror were.  Everyone kept asking my why I was late for work and telling me to get to my post.  Love it!

After that I walked around getting pictures with all the villains while waiting for Pam and Abby to finish.  After meeting up with them, we got some food, took some more photo's and did some last rides!  It was a really fun after party!

Shan Yu from Mulan

Cruella informed me too much of my legs where showing

It's all about Gaston, isn't it?

Pain and Panic from Hercules

Had to take it for niece obsessed with Star Wars!

Overall, the after party was lots of fun!  I am really glad I got to do this race before they removed it from the schedule.  Hopefully it'll come back in the future!

2 on Tuesday

via QVC

I love hard boiled eggs.  They are a great source of protein and are a quick breakfast in the AM when I am (almost always) rushing to get to work on time.  However, I'm not very good at making them.  They seem simple enough and they always come out fine, but it's one of those things that I know could be made better.  I finally caved and bought an egg cooker.  It is soooo easy.  I swear I have no idea why I waited so long.  It does all the work and they come out perfect every time.  I think I've hit the height of laziness with this one.

I've been trying to cook more lately.  Not because it's economical or good for me (although those points are both true), but because I need to justify how much time I spend on Pinterest.  I have so many recipes pinned that I really need to start making them!  I made this Sriracha Noodle Soup last week and OMG - so delicious.  Took a little longer then the title indicated (20 minutes) but so worth it!  Made about 4 large servings and was just as good heated up later in the week.  Perfect for the cold and rainy days we've been having!  And yes, I made the poached egg using my egg cooker.

Training recap week of 12/15 (Disney Half Week 4)

Well... this week was interesting.  Let's just jump right in.  You may remember from a 2 on Tuesday a couple of weeks ago, that I was doing the Runners World Run Streak (run everyday from Thanksgiving to New Years).  Well... this is the week it ended. 

There are lots of excuses I could make for why it ended - I didn't feel well (which was true, I woke up on Thursday feeling like a truck hit me) or worked late or something of the like.  But the truth is, I decided to end the streak because it was the right decision for me.  I had never done something like this before, so I had no idea how it would be. 

At first, it was great.  I was so excited to get out there for runs, but as time went on, I started to dread running.  And not some runs, ALL runs.  And it was effecting my mood.  Knowing I had to run that day (no matter what) was making me miserable.  This is my off season (still running, but giving my body and mind a break), but I was feeling the familiar signs of burn out.  Definitely not what I wanted or needed.  So, as much as I wanted to do the streak, I knew I needed to stop.  I won't lie, I felt great the first day I didn't run and by the time I did run on Saturday (after a 2 day break), I was excited to run again and it felt good.  It was definitely the right call for me.

Even though I only made it 21 days, I am still proud of myself.  I tried something new and while it might not have been right for me, you don't know if you don't try.  I give all of you who streak long term mad props.  It's seriously impressive!

This week ended up being a down week, not just because of stopping the streak.  I did get a bit sick on Thursday, which I felt coming on on Wednesday so that 5 miler ended up only being 1 mile. 
I feel much better today and 100% heading into the holiday!


Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 1.20 mi, 11:41, 9:44 pace

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.04 mi, 30:23, 10:00 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 1.01 mi, 10:11, 10:06 pace

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: Rest

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 10.00 mi, 1:42:17, 10:10 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 2-3 miles easy
Actual: 2.5 mi, 24:35, 9:51 pace

Total miles: 17.74

Total November miles: 70.01

Miles until goal (1,250): 10.66 (less then 11 miles to go until my goal!)

Race Recap: Tower of Terror 10M

This post is seriously overdue!  Since you probably don't remember, here is the link to my expo recap from Tower of Terror.

Tower of Terror 10M
October 4, 2014

This race was so long ago, that honestly, I don't even know where to start with the recap.  I'm sure at this point I've forgotten some points, so I'll just try and share what I do remember.  And pictures!  Can't forget the pictures!

The race starts right outside Hollywood Studios.  The weather was excellent for the race, not too hot, which was something I was worried about.

Similar to the morning races, we had to walk a bit to get to the start line, so we got in the corrals early.  I was in Corral A and made some friends while killing time.  Gotta love runners!

The start line was decorated and they had a DJ there to help keep the runners entertained. 

The race started promptly on time and since I was in Corral A, I didn't have to wait long.  The course is a pretty simple out and back from Hollywood Studio's to Animal Kingdom and back (but you don't actually go into AK).

The first character stop was on the to Animal Kingdom was Jafar.  No line, so I stopped for a quick photo!

After a quick jaunt though the AK parking lot, we headed back towards Hollywood Studio's (via World Wide of Sports).  They did have the hyena's from The Lion King out and I stopped for a photo, but it didn't come out.  The night races do have issues for me with the flash.  I never knew how to set the flash. 

Next we saw the Red Queen from Alice. 

Causing trouble?  Who me?

Continuing along the way to WWOS, we next saw Dr Facilier from Princess and the Frog.  Some issues with the flash again!

Freaking flash picture

Heading on the dirt trail into WWOS wasn't too bad.  I know in the past people had said it was dark, but I thought they had it well lite.  Glad to hear they heard the runners feedback!

On the way there, they had out Captain Hook and the Hag.  Love Captain Hook and you never see the Hag out, so had to stop for them!

Need a hand?

Can I have a bite?

Inside WWOS they had a good variety of characters out, so that was nice!  Grave diggers, Stitch and the Big Bad Wolf.

Should I be scared?

Hang ten Stitch!

I'm not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf!

After WWOS, the course takes us back to Hollywood Studio's for the finish.  The way back (right outside of WWOS) had my favorite photo stop of all - the zombies!

I'm not dead yet!

After that, it was only a couple of miles to the finish and a straight shot back to Hollywood Studios. 

The finish is right inside DHS in the shadow of Tower of Terror (fitting, right?).  Right as I finished (before I got my medal even), one of the runDisney folks noticed my costume and was like - 'Your late for your shift, what are you doing?'.  People seemed to enjoy my costume! 

I collected my medal and headed to the recovery food, baggage claim and on to the after party!  More to come on that!

Overall, I really liked this race.  The course is fun and it was packed with character stops.  Since I was in Corral A, they were never too crowded for me (same with the course) and I was able to get photo's easily.  Plus, I can't resist a medal that glows in the dark!

Results
Official: 10.0 miles, 1:33:58, 9:24 pace
Garmin: 10.18 miles, 1:33:54, 9:13 pace

2 on Tuesday

I've talked previously about the Oiselle Flock and how much I love being a part of that team.  It's a really great group of women runners and the support is amazing.  They organized a Secret Santa amongst the Flock members nationwide (participation was optional).  You could make some suggestions as to what you'd like (and supply the proper sizes).  I've really been wanting the Oiselle Runfinity scarf and I was really excited to receive it from my Secret Santa Katie.  Can't wait to wear it on cold days!

Photo via my Secret Santa Jessica

Even more fun then receiving my Secret Santa gift, was putting my Secret Santa package together.  I wanted to get her things she wanted (from her suggestion list) but also put my own spin on it!  Her suggestions included a pair of SmartWool Liner gloves or a shirt from my favorite running store.  I couldn't find a shirt, but I was able to pick up a CamelBak water bottle with the Jack Rabbit logo on it (my favorite running store in NYC).  Also included a pair of the SmartWool liner gloves and some Clifbar treats - Clif Shot Bloks, Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink Mix and Clif Shot Recovery Drink Mix.  Jessica received it yesterday and really liked it!  She loves Clif for nutrition on the run and the gloves fit perfectly (I went back and forth on the size)!  I am so glad you liked everything Jessica!

Anyone else participate in a running group Secret Santa?

Training recap week of 12/8 (Disney Half Week 3)

Another week of running come and gone.  I still can't believe we are less then 2 weeks out from Christmas.  I'm about 90% done with all my Christmas shopping, which is much better then usual!

This week was a down week for me - all easy runs.  My legs were really feeling a bit tired all week, so I really tried to take it easy (did better on some runs then others).  I really don't want to get burnt out over the winter.

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 1.00 mi, 9:37, 9:37 pace

Tuesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.11 mi, 37:39, 9:10 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 5.06 mi, 50:02, 9:53

Thursday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 3.13 mi, 30:11, 9:40 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 1.06 miles, 10:57, 10:20 pace

Saturday
Scheduled: 8 miles long run
Actual: 8.44 mi, 1:23:04, 9:50 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 2-3 miles easy
Actual: 2.36 mi, 23:53, 10:07 pace

Total miles: 25.15

Total November miles: 52.27

Miles until goal (1,250): 28.41

Training recap week of 12/1 (Disney Half Week 2)

Getting this recap in just under the wire!  I can't believe is the middle of December already.  Time is continuing to fly by.  Sorry for the bit of radio silence, but had lots going on and as I am trying not to over schedule myself, I didn't post this week.  So many recaps I want to get done - hopefully this will be the week!

Got all my runs in this week, but had to cut some of the mileage down due to work commitments.  Better to run a little then none at all!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 1.01 mi, 10:10, 10:07 pace

Tuesday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 2.71 mi, 26:08, 9:38 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 5 x 0.5 mi @ 10K pace
Actual: 5.54 total
Paces: 8:09, 7:59, 7:40, 7:41, 7:40

Thursday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 1.25 miles, 13:37, 10:53 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 1.05 miles, 11:30, 10:58 pace

Saturday
Scheduled: 12 miles long run
Actual: 11.56 mi, 1:50:26, 9:33 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.01 mi, 37:55, 9:28 pace

Total miles: 27.12

Total November miles: 27.12

Miles until goal (1,250): 53.56

2 on Tuesday

Who else can't believe that Christmas is only 2 weeks away?  I realized this with a bit of panic last night and got to shopping.  Since I head to PA for the Christmas, I try and do most of my shopping online and have it shipped to my mom's house (which makes for a fun Christmas Eve trying to wrap everything, but that's a story for another time).  In addition to not having to carry everything home, I love using Ebates when online shopping.  Does anyone else use it?  You register and then shop through the site - and get a percentage back.  Okay, it's not a huge percentage, but every bit counts, right?  If you aren't using Ebates you should.  You can sign up using this link.  {Full disclosure, I do get a referral bonus if you register using this link, so thanks in advance!}

This weekend was the continuation of a holiday tradition for me - setting up my Christmas Tree while watching Elf.  I started doing this years ago and now it's the only way I'll set up my tree.  I mean, who doesn't love Elf?  If you don't, I'm not sure we can be friends (just kidding, I think I can move past it).  This past year when I was in Disney for Princess, we stopped in the Christmas shop in Downtown Disney and I picked up some ornaments to mark my completion of some big races - Dumbo, Dopey and Glass Slipper Challenge.  I have a tiny tree so I try and limit heavy ornaments, but I love these 3 and what they represent.  Dumbo and Dopey look especially cute in their Christmas garb.  Perfect addition to my tree!

2 on Tuesday

I've decided to do something a little different this holiday and join the Runners World Run Streak!  We'll be streaking from Thanksgiving to New Year's.  This is the first time I have ever done something like this and I am excited for the challenge!  I figure it'll be a good way to get some miles in towards my total mileage challenge for the year and burn off those extra holiday calories!

Princess Half Marathon weekend medals were released this past week!  They had announced the Frozen theme for the 5K a while ago, so I am not surprised that the other medals have a Frozen influence as well.  The 10K has a snowflake where the carriage was last time which is a small touch of Frozen and the Half and Challenge medal just have snowflakes on the ribbon.  I have to admit, I love them!  I know some people might be over Frozen but I am not.  Can't wait for these beauties to be mine in February!

Training recap week of 11/24 (Disney Half Week 1)

Another week of training come and gone.  This week my runs got a little switched around, but I got all my miles in, which is the most important thing.  But the most exciting thing happened during my Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday - I set a new PR in the 5K!  I finally broke the 23 minute mark, which makes me so happy.  It's great to see my hard work paying off!


Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Tuesday
Scheduled: 5 miles easy
Actual: 5.1 mi, 49:21, 9:41 pace

Wednesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.07 mi, 40:01, 9:50 pace

Thursday
Scheduled: Turkey Trot 5K
Actual: 3.05 miles, 22:57, 7:30 pace (per Garmin)

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: 2.02 miles, 20:48, 10:18 pace

Saturday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 1.00 mi, 10:00, 10:00 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 10.01 mi, 1:35:01, 9:30 pace

Total miles: 25.24

Total November miles: 114.66

Miles until goal (1,250): 80.68