running while chunky

in honor of super bowl weekend . . .

2012-02-03T06:58:00.000-05:00

These buffalo wing-flavored pretzel crisps are a new-ish find for me. They're pretty zingy -- and a vast improvement over plain pretzels -- for not a lot of points.

They're good by themselves but for a fun pairing, try with a wedge of Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese.

Yummer!

go / no go

2012-02-02T06:58:00.001-05:00

Wednesday Training Run - 1.54 in 32 min
Pace: 20:51
Soggy run last night. It wasn't cold. And it didn't thunder or lightning. It was just drippy.

Group ended up being 5 group leaders and 3 runners. I almost didn't run (no one at my pace) but a couple of people dropped back and I'm proud to say that we all went and did our run (earlier debate to the contrary!)

Now, where was everyone else?

when all else fails, reboot

2012-02-01T06:58:00.001-05:00

I know. I know. We've been here before.

But you have to start (or restart) somewhere...

That said, I'm actually going to chat with someone later today about a possibly slightly different plan. (Fingers crossed. I need the "click".)

can she do it . . .?

2012-01-31T06:58:00.001-05:00

Monday training run - 1.53 miles in 30 min
Pace: 19:38

Mercedes Half seems way too soon... I'm already way too nervous. And I'm already in the midst of the traditional Go / Don't Go internal (and somewhat external) debate.

On the Go side -- this is the year a bunch of us are doing this race. Next year (or the year after), I'd probably be doing it by myself.

On the Don't Go side -- Well, it's daunting to say the least. At least I don't need to cancel my hotel reservations until next week...

I really want that medal though.

coast to coast . . .

2012-01-30T06:58:00.010-05:00

BIG Congratulations to my friends (vitual and otherwise) on both coasts this past weekend for successful runs from Disneyland in California to ING in Miami, Florida (wow - great medal!) and wherever else in between that you were all running.

Things are gearing up for the season, aren't they?

tick tock

2012-01-27T06:58:00.006-05:00

Oh wow... It's just a little over 2 weeks to the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend (or Half Marathon Weekend for me) and I'm feeling pretty slow.

There is a 4-hour time limit on the Half and 6 on the Full but the Full is basically a double loop of the Half course. And for that reason, I'm so hoping that means there might be a little tiny bit of leeway on the 4 for the Half.

Adrenaline will only get you so far...

But I really want this medal.

one of those nights . . .

2012-01-26T06:58:00.001-05:00

Wed training run - 1.42 miles in 29 min
Pace: 20:38

Good group run but I'm just slower and slower... Sigh. At least I'm still out there and all, but somedays I really just want to be the hare.

too bad i don't cook . . .

2012-01-25T06:58:00.005-05:00

Have I mentioned before that I really don't cook . . . ?

Between work and run and life, it's just not a thing I deal with. Of course, even I will occasionally stick a potato in the microwave and heat up chicken (the yummy fresh chili lime kind from Trader Joe's) but I'm not one to fire up the pans.

That said, I realized yesterday that there were all kinds of nifty Trader Joe's cookbooks available. Huh.

This Skinny Dish one seemed interesting and, despite the name, I think this one might be good, too.

Hmmmm.

mental math . . .

2012-01-24T06:58:00.001-05:00

Monday training run - Approximately 26 min
Pace: Unknown
Distance: UnknownWhoa. A run without the Garmin.

As soon as I turned it on at my run last night, the battery conked out. Sadness! I must have left it on when I last packed. First we tried following a faster group and mirroring their intervals but after a while, I could see them any more. Not effective. Then I tried counting (1000 and 1, 1000 and 2, . . .) Not conducive to conversation. Finally, we just winged it - run a little, walk a little, try to get back around the time the other groups did.

That said, I'm sure that P and I had the fastest run EVER and it was just the poor timing of a low battery that kept it from being recorded!

for the cool kids . . .

2012-01-23T06:58:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does the Nike+ Fuelband seem like a hipper version of the BodyBugg (made famous by The Biggest Loser)? It tracks movement, calories, etc., but without the baggage of being for, well, chunky people.

I actually tried a GoWear Fit version (slightly cheaper but essentially the same as BodyBugg) back when neither had an app or wireless synching functionality. Unfortunately, I found that the constant need to physically sync to a computer to see and analyze results and enter food was just too cumbersome. (Thank goodness for eBay!)

Anyway...

Now Nike is in the picture with their version and while it only seems to track calories burned, not consumed, it seems like that would be a natural for a 2nd generation version app. (And since Lance Armstrong was at the big kickoff for this product, it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see a collateration between Nike+ Fuelband and Livestrong's Daily Plate...)

Definitely something to watch.

Anyone pre-order one? Let us know in the comments.

happy weekend runs . . .

2012-01-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty sure that I stand a better chance of finishing tomorrow's 5 miles (milder weather, later start, plus it's, well, 5 miles) than last week's 13.1.

Woot.

Hope you all have a better run, too!

a run and then a long hike . . . (a really long hike)

2012-01-19T09:31:00.000-05:00

Wednesday training run - 1 point something in 22 min

Pace: 20+ (I forgot to write it down off of the Garmin... oops.)

After last night's run, C and I made an excursion to Ikea. Our little run had nothing on the Ikea Workout. That place is exhausting! You're like a mouse in a maze and you have to work your way through 2 floors (Showroom and Marketplace) and a Warehouse. Exhausting! Everytime I leave there I feel like I need to get a massage to work out the kinks.

A couple of funny things though:

It's good to go with a friend. It was easier not to have meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner with someone else there.
Ikea has some crazy, space saving stuff for sale. A perfect example? This item that C was shopping for: a clock / scale combo. Where else but Ikea?

ooooooooooh . . .

2012-01-18T06:58:00.002-05:00

Look what's coming! A Clean Bottle running holder thingy! Yay! They're still working on branding and naming and stuff, I think but I'll watch for this one.

I've been using an old Nathan holder with my Clean Bottles on weeknight runs for a long while now... but they kind of slip out if I don't hold them straight up when I'm running.

Can't wait . . .

such a monday . . .

2012-01-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

Monday training run - 1.07 in 20 min
Pace: 18:41

A nice little run last night. Nippy but nice. And not a bad pace for me for only 2 days after the almost 10 of Saturday. It was definitely one of those nights where you're tempted not to go but glad you went afterwards.

And then I got home . . . Where my door wouldn't unlock (alignment, blah blah blah). A couple hours and a big check later, I was finally in and was definitely missing my apartment - again. (But I will concede that covered packing at 5 am on a cold run morning like Saturday is a vast improvement over outside parking!)

well, that could've gone a little better . . .

2012-01-16T06:58:00.001-05:00

Saturday long run - 9.81 miles in 3:43:42
Pace: 22:48Virtual Donna Half Marathon was Saturday for our Atlanta Galloway group.

On the plus side:
1. I got up in the middle of the night (ok, 4:30a)
2. I got to the start in the freezing cold (28 degrees)
3. I made it 9.81 miles (past the turnaround and almost half way back)

Less plus:
1. I walked most of it so my slow pace was slower...
2. So simple math - That meant it took that much longer...
3. Which really was my undoing.

At almost 10, I realized we had more than another full hour to go and it was just too much. I was too tired, too out of the habit of long miles.

But the good news is that I'm back on plan (regular on weeknight runs, working back into regular Saturday runs, regular Sunday WW meetings (3 weeks in a row) and tracking . . . all that fun stuff) so I'm hopeful that I can turn it around.

Unfortunately, it wasn't soon enough to salvage this weekend's run.

But, hey, while 9.81 < 13.1 it is > DNS. Bear with me.

virtual donna . . .

2012-01-13T06:58:00.000-05:00

One kind of cool benefit of being in an official Galloway run/walk group is that if you can't make it to Jacksonville, FL in February for 26.2 with Donna, you can do a virtual version of the race (in my case, the Half) and get all the usual schwag -- medal, shirt, goody bag. (I am going to miss the Expo though -- it really is the best.)

Our Atlanta Virtual race is tomorrow morning.

But it's an actual run... Not like this fun WiiFit run but out on Peachtree for 13.1 miles. (Ok, I knew that when I signed up, but the thought of this kind of made me chuckle! Little wii people cheering me on from my couch...)

Big benefit - No time limit, no cones, no sweepers. Downside - ATL in January is a lot colder than February in Florida.

Think good thoughts for me. There's probably going to be a disproportionate amount of walking involved in my run/walk intervals tomorrow.

a nice warm treat . . .

2012-01-12T06:58:00.004-05:00

Monday training run - 1.0 in 18:11
Pace: 18:12
My new favorite breakfast includes Trader Joe's Cranberry Oatmeal. Yum! The cranberries make it but I add a Splenda.

And it's only 3 PointsPlus (and the packet is portable so I can have it at work).

looking toward the weekend . . .

2012-01-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

Our current mild-ish weather in the ATL is turning to cold and even potentially snow later in the week. Brrrr.

Of course that lines up perfectly with our really long run (= really early start) on Saturday.

new year; new run

2012-01-10T06:58:00.000-05:00

Mon training run - 0.85 in 15 min
Pace: 18:05

A nice little run tonight to get back in the groove. Our new weeknight group seems like a fun mix of people.

I'm ready to be back in my routine... it's been a while.

to whom it may concern . . .

2012-01-09T06:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Weight Watchers Marketing Peeps -

This is more inspirational:

. . . Than this:

You win some & you lose some.

Just sayin' . . .

Love, cg

magical wishes from the atl . . .

2012-01-06T06:58:00.002-05:00

Best of luck to everyone running this Disney Marathon Weekend - whether you're a Caballero, Donald, Mickey, Goofy, Dopey or Chip n Dale!

brrrrrr . . . (but less brrrrr than i thought)

2012-01-05T06:58:00.003-05:00

Wed Training Run - 0.78 in 15 min
Pace: 19:21

It was kickoff night for our run group last night so I wasn't actually expecting to be able to run... so 15 min was a win.

On the downside, since I wasn't expecting to run, I was way over-layered! (I thought I'd be standing out side for the whole time but not moving too much so warm clothes and many of them were worn.)

Holy cow though -- it was really hard. It was cold and I've really been a non-runner through the holidays . . . and the move . . . and . . .

I'm glad to be back at it.

the $11 lottery ticket . . .

2012-01-04T06:58:00.000-05:00

Entry #2 of 3 in on the way to grandfathered guaranteed entry in 2014 (the last year it will be available).

Wow - 2014 doesn't seem that far away.

resolved

2012-01-03T06:58:00.000-05:00

I'm not a big resolution girl but I did make one this year. I'm going to limit drive-thru food as much as possible. Over the last few months as things have been crazy, I've fallen back into old, bad habits which meant no food in the house (why buy it and move it?) and lots of drive-thru instead... And even 'good' drive-thru is not a good idea -- it's too easy to get a salad and an order of fries, right?

So the plan is to go back to buying healthy food for the house and keeping the (new) fridge stocked, even if it's prepared (Trader Joe's Chili Lime Chicken - yum.)

And I'm also not going to say it's out completely because that's just not practical and 'never' makes it so much harder.

kick starting the year

2012-01-02T06:58:00.001-05:00

Resolution Run 5K - 3.1 miles in 59:37
(3.23 in 59:56 by the Garmin - Pace: 18:33)

I woke up yesterday morning - Jan 1, 2012 - to stacks of boxes and a bright and shiny (if a little overcast) new year. It was a great day for an 11 am run... but there were still those boxes.

So I jumped in (on the boxes) thinking that maybe I'd skip the run... In order to get there, I needed to leave home by 10 am. After literally hours of internal debate (most of which landed on the side of not going), I decided at 9:40 am, that 1) I had paid for what I was pretty sure would be a cute long-sleeve tech shirt (it is), 2) it would be a much better start to the year to go than not go, 3) if I went, it would be an easier thing to stop at a Jan 1 Weight Watcher's meeting on the way back (it was) and 4) skipping was what set me on a slippery slope last year (i.e., up to and including 12/31's Saturday long-run, which I missed).

Time to get back... Time to refresh and recharge and all that cheesy resolution stuff.

And while I walked (with a couple of intervals thrown in just to test the waters), I'm oh so happy to say that I came in under an hour -- just barely but I was there and I did it. Yay for me!

And the t-shirt is cute.

that time of year . . . .

2011-12-29T09:36:00.002-05:00

weight, pace, clutter, drama, etc.

For those of you in the ATL, Jeff Galloway will be at Phidippides at Ansley Mall tonight (7:15 pm) doing a clinic on Top 10 Motivating Goals for 2012.

For those of you looking for motivation elsewhere, there's always this to get you started...

winding down the year...

2011-12-28T09:04:00.001-05:00

I'm finding the quiet out in blogland between Christmas and New Years a little disconcerting... So I thought I'd pop in and say hi!

Hope everyone got what you wanted for Christmas (new running gear?)

I will say that while I'm very glad I didn't sign up for Disney's Marathon Weekend, inaugural Chip N Dale Relay notwithstanding -- I'd be a lot more stressed right now and those boxes won't unpack themselves. (I've asked them... they won't.)

be back soon . . .

2011-12-26T06:58:00.002-05:00

In the meantime, enjoy post-Christmas festivities!

may your days be merry and bright . . .

2011-12-23T06:58:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

do the math . . .

2011-12-22T06:58:00.001-05:00

What do you get when you take drizzle (with some flooding) and add way worse then typical holiday traffic and the Wednesday before Christmas...?

Answer: A run with no runners (except for me and cb). In fairness A almost made it but the traffic won.

It's just been a rough December for trying to run! Group takes a break now until Jan 4...

movin' on up . . .

2011-12-21T06:58:00.001-05:00

So the move was less painful than I thought (2 trucks, 6 guys, 6 hours and done!)

Now the fun part... Basically my bed is made so far (major post-move exhaustion!)

But, yes, I'm going to try to run tonight, especially because it's the last of the season for Galloway Weeknight here in Atlanta.

it's moving day . . .

2011-12-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

Hopefully, I'll at least be able to be able to find a place to sit and a way to log onto the internet tonight... Think good thoughts!

running out the clock . . .

2011-12-19T06:58:00.000-05:00

Sat long run - A relatively slow 3

Pace: 20+ (Garmin is packed...)

Family came in to help with packing this weekend... The big move is tomorrow.

Niece and nephews were intrigued by the fact that my apartment is going to be torn down.

-Can we write on the walls?
-Sure, why not.

So Owlie got a little send off with everyone autographing his wall...

i'll fly away . . .

2011-12-16T06:58:00.001-05:00

Just 4 days to the big move...

This sweet owl is on the wall in the entry of my apartment and unfortunately can't make the move with me, but I ordered a new one today so the new home will feel homier...

festive . . .

2011-12-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

Wednesday training walk - 2.1 in 45 min
Pace (walking): 21:45

I love driving through the neighborhoods to get to run at this time of year -- lots of festive holiday lights.

the holiday season . . .

2011-12-14T09:15:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things is spumoni ice cream. (It tastes like my childhood, if that makes sense. And it's very Christmasy)

Last night, I went to a birthday dinner at an Italian restaurant and it was too much to resist...

Is it time to start the New Year's resolutions yet? I'm not doing too well with this holiday thing!

the final countdown . . .

2011-12-13T06:58:00.000-05:00

One week to my move.

I hate change but there it is, right around the corner.

alternative exercise

2011-12-12T06:58:00.001-05:00

My exercise results for the weekend:

Pack some books
Home Depot trip for more boxes
Drag half the boxes up 3 flights of stairs
Drag rest of boxes up 3 flights of stairs
Drag 3 big storage bins up 3 flights of stairs
Drag 3 big lids for 3 big storage bins up 3 flights of stairs
Pack more books
Empty out storage unit at new place (2 bifold doors of unknown original and a vase and some other random stuff)
Clean other stuff out of new place in prep for move
Pack more books
And, of course, pack more books.

Mega-yawn! I'm so tired... and there are still a bunch of things to pack so lots more 'working out' for me.

I did make it to Saturday run, but my group (of one in this instance) overslept. Actually, this worked for me as it meant I was up really early (vs sleeping in) and could get home to . . . pack more books!

We'll return to run topics sometime soon -- really.

my fun day . . .

2011-12-09T06:58:00.000-05:00

I'm off of work today for the express purpose of packing some stuff (< 2 weeks to move).

We're supposed to be doing 9 miles tomorrow for Half training. I'm actually more than a little apprehensive about packing all day today and then running at all tomorrow....

gear swap: throwaway gloves

2011-12-08T06:58:00.014-05:00

For early morning races in cold weather, throwaway gloves are a Must. You can find them at race expos for a couple of dollars -- all in the same cream 'no-color' cotton with the logo of whatever running store is selling them.

But they don't really sing to the fashionable runner.

Instead, check out the 2 for $2.50 gloves at Old Navy (even less with a coupon - and there are always coupons). They come in coordinated sets where one pair is a solid and the other is a strip. Apparently they're so cheap that Old Navy doesn't even carry them online.

The only downside? These might be too cute to throwaway and you end up carrying them for the whole run. Defeats the purpose, doesn't it? (Try buying the color combos that don't match anything you wear -- way less tempting!)

No run last night -- work.

brrrrr . . .

2011-12-07T06:58:00.001-05:00

Snow tonight...?

Oh, I hope not.

I don't mind the cold as much once we start moving but it's really hard hanging out for the start (especially at 5:30 am on a Saturday morning!) And I really don't like the threat of icy patches. I'm not that steady on my feet in the best of times... Ice, cracks, trails -- all are not my friend and they make me nervous.

Oh so cute running penquins via bluebison.net.

finally.

2011-12-06T06:58:00.001-05:00

Wednesday Training Run - 1.45 in 30 min Pace: 20:46 (20/40)

Whoa - Finally a run.

Ow.

much better . . .

2011-12-05T06:58:00.005-05:00

Elf Trot 5K in 1:02 (walking)

Second annual Faith Cline Elf Trot 5K was Saturday night in Kennessaw, GA. A big group of us did this race last year and it was challenging to say the least (miserable miserable cold rainy night, 1st year run issues, etc.) This year, my friend C and I were the only repeaters.

It was so much better! Weather was all but perfect.

That said, there's still a little room for improvement. We never saw the carolers (3 groups promised for this year vs only 1 last year.) Maybe they got lost or were just tired of waiting for us...?

My big pet peeve though - Race organizer emails really pushed the 'register early for a guaranteed shirt' angle; yet when we finished, my size was completely gone. (Sizes were marked on the bibs but it was pretty obvious that the volunteers weren't checking - just marking through numbers.) Schwag bags were also long gone. My suggestion - Shirt and bag pickup for registered entrants BEFORE the race; race day registrants get their stuff (if available) afterwards. And volunteers should check the sizes!

On the plus side, marshmallows and hot cocoa were right at the finish (vs being back at the start in the opposite direction from our parking like last year). And there was plenty of both left. It was nice that these were kind of isolated from the main gathering area so that runners actually got them instead of spectators. (But we never did see the promised Sweet Tomatoes food - that probably did run out.)

The race finish was coordinated with the lighting of the town's Christmas tree. Ooooh ahhhh. Nice touch. Additionally, the volunteers and police were so nice. Big thanks for all their efforts.

Lastly, the shirt was very good (sizing issue aside). White, long-sleeved, festive Christmas elf logo. I did 3 holiday runs last year and all the shirts were long-sleeved cotton. Long-sleeved tech was a nice addition to the holiday collection.

All in all, this race is a keeper on my schedule.

holiday fun . . .

2011-12-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before how much I love Clean Bottles (the bottom unscrews for cleaning). And I'm thrilled about their increased distribution - definitely a small business success story.

So how much I did I love these fabulous Christmas bottles when I came across them the other day? Sooooo much!

I'm just such a sucker for festive Christmas fun...

sigh

2011-12-01T06:58:00.000-05:00

Poor neglected running stuff.

Late-afternoon firedrill at work completely derailed the evening run plans... This is sooo frustrating.

And my 5 on Saturday morning with 3 (5K) that night? Yow -- That's going to hurt!

lists of lists . . .

2011-11-30T06:58:00.004-05:00

I'm seriously in lists of lists mode... They're everywhere!

Yesterday I actually knocked a few things off, but crossing them off made me remember other things to add.

Running tonight... Definitely.

Fun side note: Email from Elf Trot for Saturday night's 5K indicates that 1) shirts are tech (woot!) and 2) there will be roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa at the finish (mmmmm).

but it didn't snow...

2011-11-29T06:58:00.001-05:00

No run last night -- hardly anyone showed up.

I suspect that was more due to it being the Monday after Thanksgiving than to the threatened snow for the middle of last night but it's hard to tell.

PSA: Rudolph! Tonight!

holiday weekend . . .

2011-11-28T06:58:00.012-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family, friends, food, shopping, etc.!

Busy busy here -- I spent Thursday & Friday with family but, over the weekend, I tried to pack. Painful.

Yes, I'm moving soon. Around yearend. Like around Christmas. (Talk about holiday stress!) Needless to say, running is not my top priority for the next month or so but I'm going to diligently try to get in my 3 run/walks per week, even though that's been hard the last few weeks. So my focus is trying to stay focused...

be thankful . . .

2011-11-24T06:58:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a fabulous and festive Thanksgiving...

and this is probably the other one...

2011-11-23T06:58:00.002-05:00

The other holiday run, that is...

Now granted, the Resolution Run is way way way OTP but it doesn't start until 11 am on New Year's Day. That's a pretty good time to start a race on the first day of the year.

Come register for this one, too, if you're in the Atl. (It can't possibly be as wet as it was last year, right?)

elf alert

2011-11-22T06:58:00.000-05:00

Monday training walk - 1.3 miles in 30 min
(Pace: 22:40)

I do love a holiday run...

First of the season for me -- the 2nd Annual Faith Cline Elf Trot 5K. Last year, there were carolers on the course. I love Christmas music, too.

Another plus: It's a Saturday night race so no conflict with Saturday am run group.

If you're in Atl, come trot...!

spinning . . . spinnning . . .

2011-11-21T06:58:00.000-05:00

Saturday - Spinning rooms and runs don't mix.

I'm better now but it was an unpleasant morning (and, no, I didn't even try to run).

back to it . . .

2011-11-18T06:58:00.001-05:00

7 miles tomorrow morning.

I'm working on thinking happy turtle thoughts. 'Just planning to keep my own pace and enjoy the path...

It's going to be cold. Do happy turtles like the cold? Probably not, but they bring their layers (and handwarmers.)

toto! stay in that basket!

2011-11-17T06:58:00.000-05:00

We cancelled the run last night because, even though it ended up being clear and dry as far as I could tell, there was an active Tornado Watch during and at our run.

Definitely a little frustrating and I'm sure everyone wondered why the preemptive cancellation but it just seemed safest.

A tornado is not something you want to mess around with... ask the Wicked Witch of the East.

the coming zombie apocalypse

2011-11-16T06:58:00.001-05:00

Whoa.

This race - Run for Your Lives - looks crazy. It's like keep-away for adults. With zombies.

Good practice for the coming Zombie Apocalype.

I'm not a mud race kind of girl but it might be fun to be one of the zombies!

riddle me this . . .

2011-11-15T06:58:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, one of my friends was talking about race fees going up tonight for _______.

Which friend, what race...?

I can't remember but it seems like I thought I needed to at least look at it.

I'm still in a complete work mad-dash through next week (which seriously inhibits my ability to get in a 'real' dash....) Things need to calm down after Thanksgiving but I suspect it will be closer to the first of the year. Is anyone else having a really really hard time getting runs in?

a good cause . . .

2011-11-14T06:58:00.002-05:00

Hills but so pretty... I do love fall.

Lungs4Life 5K - 3.1 in 1:01
Just a nice walk in the park...

Saturday Caine Halter Lungs4Life 5K in Greenville ended up being a good little race -- very nicely put together for a small race. And I ended up with a great tech Team Caine shirt in addition to the cotton race T.

Here's a fun thing after a race -- Smoothies.

But the very best thing: Having my niece and nephew hang with me for the whole distance. Of course I did make sure that M didn't trip while texting for the whole 3.1 miles -- so that was a good trade-off. Good thing she can multi-task. We were trying to get C to race the race at the start, but he was happy sticking with us. More fun for me!

Not as great -- scary chicken guy. (Possibly scary turkey guy. Scary either way.) No picture but that's probably for the best!

One of the many fun race signs....

who knew they had an expiration date . . .

2011-11-11T06:58:00.014-05:00

It's that time of year again... Cold cold cold runs are just around the corner, starting with Saturday morning's Caine Halter Lungs4Life 5K where it's supposed to be in the low 40's in Greenville. Brrrrrr.....

I know I'm in the sunny South and all but I've already pulled out the Hand Handwarmers a couple of times.

Sadly, I think my leftover packets from last year lost their mojo! I broke some out the other day and they were tepid at best. I'm going to need to pick up some new ones (checkout line at Walmart - hunters love these!) before it gets too bad.

Oh wow - I suppose I should have posted something clever about 11/11/11 in a running while chunky context... I guess I'm a little short on clever today. Let me know if you come across running and 11/11/11 used together cleverly in a sentence somewhere else!

the new normal . . .

2011-11-10T06:58:00.001-05:00

There's Economic Recovery: I have to believe that the economy is turning around... at least a little bit. Work has just been madness and it's getting busier.

And, yes, I missed another run last night.

But that's ok, because there's also Physical Recovery: I'm still hobbling a bit from Saturday's efforts.

One of the hardest things for me right now is finding a routine. I started running well into the recession so time wasn't at the same premium as it's suddenly become. I wish I were more of a morning person and that I liked running by myself... morning walk/runs would be a solution, but I'm 0 for 2 on that.

More to come... I'll figure it out.

three in a row . . .

2011-11-09T06:58:00.001-05:00

Three weekends.

Three races.

#3 is Saturday in Greenville, SC - the Caine Halter Lungs4Life 5K. If you're anywhere close to Greenville this weekend, please consider signing up and coming out for this run.

Online registration is open through tonight.

oops - i thought i posted this before...

2011-11-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

Atlanta Marathon Relay - Leg 3

5.58 miles in 1:41:23

Pace: 18:10 (20/40 with some uphill walking...)

OK, so this was actually the Sunday before last, but it occurs to me that I jotted down my numbers but never hit post after the Atlanta Marathon Relay.

Fabulous shirt, fabulous medal, nasty hilly course (at least the back half of my 3rd of 4 legs) but that's classic ATL...

And big thanks (again) to my super fast Legs 1, 2 and 4 who let me run with them.

more than i expected; less than I hoped . . .

2011-11-07T06:58:00.001-05:00

Savannah Rock n Roll Half (or a big chunk of it anyway...) - 9.28 miles in 2:58
Pace: 19:14 (20/40)

Yup, definitely not my best day in Savannah. I did make it a little over 9 miles in total. I'm a little amazed I made it that far. C stayed with me for the race and I thought that company might be enough to get me to the end. I think it got me farther than I would have gotten on my own. So yay for company!

But around mile 8, the Mercedes limo bus thing gave us a half mile 'boost' as they called it when we got behind the pace. That's the little break at the bottom right in the Garmin map. It's a kinder sweep than Disney as they just try to get you back into the race, but it was only seconds before the race had passed me again. Big props to C for trying to talk me through it but I was toast.

Luckily or unluckily, 9 was right around the corner from the run in to 13... so with the blessing of the pace car lady ("I'm going to go that way." "I think that's a good idea - enjoy the rest of your race..."), I took the shortcut and sent C on to finish the race. (She smoked the last 4 miles! Yow.)

So fall Half season closes out for me as does the Half calendar for 2011 -- 6 half marathons, swept (or short cuts) on 3. In baseball, 500 is a smashing season...

And as to the Contest: Chip time was 3:02 something, which clearly everyone went over! And I refuse to call this a DNF because I went out and finished in a fashion. So, random drawing gives it to Lori S. D. from here on the blog. Thanks all for playing and for all the good wishes! (Lori - message me your mailing info and I'll send out your prize.)

compromise . . .

2011-11-04T06:58:00.000-04:00

So here's where I ended up -- I decided to drive this morning instead of last night, late into the night.

The downside was that the Expo is going to be way more crowded mid-afternoon today since the race is tomorrow (tomorrow!). Plus, I'll certainly be more tired when I finally get where I'm going.

But the upside was it was far less stressful to not try to leave work at 5 pm last night.

Let's see how this goes...

how do I always end up here . . . ?

2011-11-03T06:58:00.000-04:00

So even now, I'm deciding whether I'm getting in the car and driving to Savannah tonight... or driving home from work.

I know, I know - all this year, I've waffled on going ahead of most of my races. But think about it -- I was swept in 2 of them. It wasn't an entirely substantiated internal discussion.

Pro - 4 hour time limit
Con - Last 2 weekends of 5 mile runs hurt all out of proportion to distance. (5 miles! Not 13.1)
Pro - Cool medal.
Con - 5-6 hour drive both ways.
Pro - Lots of support. Not only does everyone I know seem to be going, but I'd also have people to run with. That's a Big Deal.
Con - Much to do on other fronts. So much. (But that's a whole separate list.)
Pro - I love Savannah and Hilton Head.
Con - Not going would certainly simplify the next couple of days, including a weekend, and I really need to get some stuff done.

Stay tuned.... We'll have to see where I end up. The bottom line is that despite all of the reasons why I don't have time to go, etc., it all comes down to how unprepared I feel. (=Very.) That and whether I really want to run the risk of getting swept at a 4 hour time-limit race. Even a slow slow runner has some ego.

But assuming I do go, remember that you can still enter the chip time contest. (If I don't go, it'll be a random drawing so give it a guess.)

No run last night -- I needed to work late just in case...

crazy tuesday . . .

2011-11-02T09:24:00.000-04:00

Whoa.

Yesterday completely got away from me: work, event thingy after work, quick trip to the mall and then another errand on my way home...

No run... Speed work is over (the formal version) until spring when it gets lighter in the evenings again.

For now though, I'm in the obsessive lead up to the Savannah Rock n Roll Half Marathon this weekend. (And tonight, I have to pack! Oh my.)

welcome great pumpkin . . .

2011-11-01T06:58:00.001-04:00

Monday training run - 1.21 miles in 28 min

Pace: 22:56 (walking)

Fabulous weather last night but I was definitely feeling the residual effects of Sunday's run (ow ow ow...)

But it was Halloween and some silly person (me possibly?) suggested dress up for our group run.

Hmmm.... not as much participation on the costume part as I'd hoped, even with prizes, but we did have a bunch of people turn out for the run. Bright side, right?

Ah well, I got to pull out my Hello Kitty headband for a run in the park, which just kind of made me happy.

all tuckered out . . .

2011-10-31T06:58:00.001-04:00

Whew. That was a busy weekend!

Details to follow . . .

let's play a game . . .

2011-10-28T06:58:00.016-04:00

By now, you may know the drill -- Guess my chip time for the upcoming Savannah Rock n Roll Half Marathon and you could win a fabulous prize!

Contest will stay open until the start gun goes off on Saturday morning, Nov 5. Winner will get a much coveted and ever fashionable blinky running ring (which also doubles as a cool ponytail ornament). As always, Price is Right rules apply - closest without going over wins.

Good luck (...to all of us...)

to do...

2011-10-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

Wednesday training run: 1.64 in 32 min

Pace: 19:32 (20/40)

Perfect weather again last night... I like that.

I started tracking again yesterday. It's been a really really long time. I'm thinking good thoughts. On the other hand, I'd forgotten how easy it is to forget stuff (i.e., morning coffee with Almond Breeze and sugar free French Vanilla syrup).

well, it is a halloween race . . . kind of . . .

2011-10-26T06:58:00.002-04:00

This weekend is Halloween weekend, isn't it?

No one in my relay group has mentioned running in costume...

Thoughts?

how did that happen . . . ?

2011-10-25T06:58:00.000-04:00

Suddenly, the Atlanta Marathon Relay is just a couple of days away... Yow.

I'm doing the 3rd leg (= the shortest one) and I have some much faster than me runners on my team. (Yay! Cushion!)

Last night, we had a little meet and greet of the team since not everyone had met and it's a little hard to hand off if you don't know who's doing the next leg... We also got a plan for packet pickup. I didn't realize how little this race was and thought it would be a normal downtown kind of expo. But it's not really an expo; it's more like a 5K pickup - i.e., in a running store but not even intown or open late. Instead, it's way waaaaaaaaay north of the city and only open on Friday night until 6 pm. There's also a Sat am pickup at Atlantic Station but we're all hoping one of us makes the Friday pickup (thanks, M!)

I ended up missing the run last night in favor of logistics but it was so fabulous to just hang out outside for a while in seriously perfect weather in the ATL...

I wish we could hit the Pause button and just hold onto it.

sunday walk in the park . . .

2011-10-24T06:58:00.008-04:00

Sunday Stroll: 4.58 miles in 1:34
Pace: 20:33

I missed Saturday's 4 miles (or 10 or 14 -- depending on who you were talking to), but I ended up walking for 5 yesterday.

It was actually pretty fabulous: 9 am instead of 6:30 am, 60ish instead of high 30's, 5 instead of 10, catching up with a friend, nice quiet streets of Buckhead vs loud and busy streets of Midtown, etc. I can't miss Saturdays too often but since I did, this was an unexpected treat of a make-up day.

deadlines (a psa) . . .

2011-10-21T06:58:00.002-04:00

End of October means lots of race fees are going up.... 26.2 with Donna is one.

Unbelievably, I don't have my spring schedule set yet.

yow to the 3d . . .

2011-10-20T06:58:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Training Run - 1.54 miles in 29 min
Pace: 18:38 (20/40)

Yow! By the time our run was finished last night, it was 50 degrees. (I know this because I was in my car trying to warm up and noticed the temp.) It was 80 on Monday night.

Yow! I thought it would be a long-sleeved night but this should have been a jacket night. Jackets were at home. Good news though -- I keep an extra pair of running gloves in the car AND I remember them before the run. Handy.

And, Yow! Last night, I saw the fabulous Kelly (LMT) who I've been deferring due to deadlines and other issues. Big mistake. B.I.G! Words can not describe the pain. Ouchie!

reflection . . .

2011-10-19T06:58:00.001-04:00

And what's really cool . . . ? I've heard Jeff Galloway speak (and even spoken to him myself) enough to know that he really thinks this.

Sometimes it's good to focus on what you can do, not what you can't. (Note to self -- I'm trying to work on this one right now.)

Great print discovered on etsy.com here.

the non-run run . . .

2011-10-18T06:58:00.000-04:00

Monday training run - not...
I was sooooo close to running last night but a 5 to 5 pm meeting derailed me. And even then, I might have made it but I managed to pack my run stuff badly. If I had left work on time, I might have been able to swing by home but I was 15 min behind to start.

Well, at least I made it to send the group off for run. Wednesday I run with them!

a 3 mile marathon . . .

2011-10-17T06:58:00.002-04:00

Saturday "long" run - 3.54 miles in 1:08
Pace: 19:19 (20/40)

Soooo - we didn't quite make it to 5 in my little group on Saturday (little group = me and K).

I can tell you that not running for a long time led to all kinds of hurt for me but I also lost my mind somewhere in the middle. We were discussing whether to do 4.5 or 5.5 and I managed to turn us off way too soon (i.e., shorting us a full mile loop) and only logged in 3.5. I felt bad but K said she had other things to do and didn't mind cutting it a little short.

Next week with 2 weeks to go to Savannah Rock n Roll Half Marathon, target is 9 or 10 miles. Yow.

And the winner of last week's Glam Headbands giveaway is... Karen B! (Email me at the link in my profile at right and I'll get your information to them.) Thanks to everyone for playing! And the next giveaway? Probably the Guess My Time Game for Savannah in 3 weeks... watch for it!

friday friday . . .

2011-10-14T09:14:00.000-04:00

Just a couple more days of crazy (weekend included) and things should stabilize . . . At least to the point that I can make it to weeknight runs!

That said, 5 tomorrow morning should be a pill!

Baby steps.

these are my people . . .

2011-10-13T06:58:00.000-04:00

I quite love the slow turtles on tv.

I wonder why...

a brief intermission

2011-10-12T06:37:00.001-04:00

Taking a tiny break from my regularly scheduled comments to wish my very favorite niece a happy 18th birthday!

I know I don't usually post personal or family pictures, but isn't she cute? And so hard working, too!

Don't forget the Glam Headbands giveaway - entry is open through the weekend (link at top right).

the week of distractions . . .

2011-10-11T06:58:00.006-04:00

Many non-running things are lined up for the next week or so, not the least of which involve a new place to live and a major work deadline.

Much to do, much to do...

As a result, I've given myself permission to not stress about missing weekday runs this week if I need to. And I needed to last night - Lunch meeting took too much time from work so work needed to be a late night. I'm the girl that usually has a salad in office but I have 3 lunchtime appointment this week... Yow. Much to do, much to do!

Next week should be more normal, right?

Don't forget the contest! Fabulous headbands up for grabs...

off to a good (monday) start . . .

2011-10-10T06:58:00.003-04:00

Saturday long run - N/A for me
Kickoff for 26.2 with Donna Half was Satuday. There were no new 20/40 runners so I stayed back with the set up team. I'm still catching up so I was ok with that.

But on a completely different, fun note, we have a Monday giveaway. (Woohoo!)

I came across Glam Headbands at the Disney Wine & Dine Expo. There are a lot of vendors out there with really cute headbands but the ones at Glam caught my eye because of the colors. I really didn't need another headband but I just couldn't resist the minty green sparkly one. On a practical note, the larger ones have tiny combs on the side that clip into your hair.

But what was really cool...? Two different people complimented me on my new headband during the race It just popped. That was fun.

After the race, I contacted Glam and they kindly offered a fantastic giveaway for you, my favorite readers: a $30 gift certificate for their online store that will easily cover 2 headbands. Yay!

To enter - Leave a little comment here or on Facebook. For bonus entries:
1. Add an RWC follow on Google reader (at right) and make a note in the comments.
2. Like RWC on Facebook and make a note here in the comments that you're a new liker.
3. Like Glam Headbands on Facebook and make a note here in the comments.
4. Check out Glam Headbands website and tell us here which headbands would be on your wish list.
5. Become a verified subscriber to RWC emails (top right) and make a note in the comments.
6. Share contest link to this page on your Facebook page and make a note here in the comments.
7. Share contest link to this page on your blog and make a note here in the comments.

Hmmm - anything else I can give bonus entries for? If you think of something and note it here, the judges will consider reasonable suggestions. Winner will be randomly selected from all qualified entries next Monday. Good luck!

And for the record, if I had two, I'd want the minty green that I bought (duh!) plus the gold sparkly... I do love a little sparkle on a run!

whew . . .

2011-10-07T06:58:00.005-04:00

Today is about as big a tgif as I've ever had...

Of course, I still have to work this weekend, there's a run tomorrow morning (26.2 with Donna Half Marathon / Galloway Atlanta BCM training program kickoff!), at least two appointments (nails need serious pampering and my friends at WW probably think I quit), much miscellaneous running around, a quick visit with family, and (please) some catchup sleep.

Ahhhh - sleep....

Happy weekend, all!

brief thought . . .

2011-10-06T06:58:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Training Run - 0.94 miles in 17 min

Pace: 18:17 (20/40)

Somedays, it's just really nice to have a short, short run!

fun stuff . . .

2011-10-05T09:05:00.000-04:00

Our weekday running group is an officially recognized runDisney running club. (Many Galloway groups are -- it's a great side benefit of Jeff Galloway being the official Training Consultant!)

So at the kickoff for our new season on Monday, we had a decidedly Disney theme thanks to them... Race shirts, pins from prior races, and - the odd hit of the night - these fabulous Mickey Ears promo coasters from last year's Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Luckily, runDisney sent me a whole bunch of these, so everyone got one (or two). Wasn't that good timing?

I missed speed work last night -- stuck at work again (and, honestly, still exhausted from the weekend's efforts!) I need to catch up...

too soon . . . ?

2011-10-04T06:58:00.000-04:00

It's 4th Quarter. Time to start thinking about holiday races...

What to do, what to do . . . ?

Lanier Under the Lights 5K? It was festive last year.

Callaway Gardens Twilight 10K? I have never been to Callaway Gardens but it's a bit of a drive...

Reindeer Run (big, crazy hill from last year) doesn't seem to be on the calendar yet...

Hmmm... It is good to sign up early! What's your favorite holiday race? I would love to do the Run Like Hell but I've just missed so many Saturday runs this last month... I need to be more in the groove for group on Saturdays.

Galloway GS kickoff last night. Initial 15 min run, so I was an administrator, not a runner - perfect timing with my recent 8.5/13.1ths of a Half on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Back to it Wednesday.

time was not on my side . . .

2011-10-03T06:58:00.000-04:00

Wine & Dine Half Marathon
8.7 miles in 2:34:31
Pace: 17:45

Facebook friends already read the news, but fyi I was swept at the last pick up point at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (8.5 official miles, 8.7 on the Garmin).

I'm ok. It was a really tough race. I went into it tired and stressed and from the first mile, everything was hurting . . . but I went as best as I could. Luckily the weather turned a little in Florida so it wasn't uncomfortable (i.e., things could have been worse!)

I am proud of what I did though . . . balloon girls passed me right before mile 7 (very consistent with last year) and I chatted with them a bit. (That's how I found out that the last 2 hard pick ups were at mile 7 and then at 8.5, right before going into Hollywood Studios.) They beat me to 7 but waited a little bit for the 16 min pace to hit -- and I sprinted like mad (for me!) to get there before they cut off the race.

I just just made it past the flags there at 7. They were so encouraging (stay with us, you'll be fine), but a 16 min pace for me is full out and there was no way I was going to make the next cut if I need to hold that pace for 1.5 miles. But I kept on, even knowing the inevitable awaited... Ah well. Five more minutes on the field would have made all the difference in the World, but I just didn't have it.

For the last 3/4 of a mile, one of the biker women kind of hung out with me. Most of the bike guys swing by and just ask again and again, are you ok?, just because you're slow. Of course I'm ok -- I'm just slow! It's not a sickness. Anyway, this one bike support woman was so sweet. I was sad and she was so really encouraging - i.e., look at what you've done, etc. So nice.

The other funny volunteer moment -- Right before Animal Kingdom, this one castmember singled me out and encouraged me by saying, Hey - you can do it! I've seen you out here before. You know you can! She made me believe -- at least for a little way.

Yes, the volunteers were fabulous....

Now, if Disney could just get the memo out to the sweep people that they shouldn't "congratulate" you when you get off the Bus of Shame back at the back door to the runner village and try to put a medal on you... That's still very jarring but I just don't think they realize...

to do's undone...

2011-09-30T06:58:00.000-04:00

Drat! I just realized last night that I didn't go searching for one of these for this weekend: ProActive Frogg Togg Chilly Pad

I walked with someone for a good while at Disneyland Half who had one... and it was amazing! It was so so hot but the cloth stayed chilly (as the name implies).

I completely meant to get one for Saturday's run and thought of it well after stores were closed (and the closest one I could find to my office was at some way out golf store 20 miles away -- yow! Poor timing for that!)

I'm definitely going to need to get one at some point though... Anyone ever run with one?

Drat drat drat!

and then the world...

2011-09-29T06:58:00.002-04:00

Wednesday training run - 1.8 miles in 33:51

Pace: 18:48 (20/40)

Last run before Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon last night. (And, yes, I made it to the run!) It was a slow and easy one.

I have to say, it's a relief that it's getting cooler and is more shaded at 6 pm. It's all good . . . . until it gets freezing cold!

finally...

2011-09-28T06:58:00.018-04:00

At last, I made it to a run... And it was speed work Tuesday, to boot.

Yay!

Warm up and then half mile repeats. Mine were at 8:05 min and 8:10 min. My target was 8 so I was a little slow but as much as I've been working and traveling and not running, I'm ok with the near miss.

. . . And then back to work.

On a side note -- For any readers in the ATL or surrounding areas, our Galloway Atlanta Weeknight Group with Getting Started kicks off a new session (12-wk training program on Mon & Wed) next Monday, Oct 3. Registration here but it's ok to come check it out!

if I can just make it to hollywood...

2011-09-27T06:58:00.001-04:00

... to Hollywood Studios, that is.

Yes, I believe that the magic point for Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon is the point where you go into the park. (Right after mile 9 on the map.)

Last year, there were buses out there... and as I mentioned over on FB, when the Balloon Girls passed me in the Park, they were reassuring everyone that they were safe. Plus, really, after that there wasn't anywhere a bus could have picked us up.

So this is better than either Princess or Disneyland where I think the last cuts are 10+. It's still going to be a struggle but every little bit helps.

(No run last night -- it was the dreaded first day back from vacation. I thought I was clear to sneak out at 5 pm until 4:30 pm, when a late day conference call got scheduled... Speed work tonight though. I think I can, I think I can...)

out and back again . . .

2011-09-26T06:58:00.001-04:00

I'm back from Disney World... and it was hot hot hot. (And I'm post-vacation tired... a unique condition caused by days of "relaxing" at the World!)

Of course, every night at 8 or 9 or 10 pm, I wondered whether it would be cooler next Saturday. (I really hope so! 7 day forecast seems a tiny bit cooler... we'll see how the week progresses.)

I know I say this everytime, but I'm really not ready for this race and it's just a couple of days away. Yow.

Good news is, I left Powerade Zero and waters at baggage check at the fabulous Caribe Royale so no issues with shipping, shopping, etc., for next weekend's trip. One thing off the list in a sure to be crazy week - that's a good start.

(as heidi says) you're either in or you are out . . .

2011-09-23T06:58:00.000-04:00

Bling alert! Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon medal pictures are floating around the web and they look very cool. Can you believe that they sold out with 23,000 people . . . for a first time race? That's just nuts!

As for me, I'm just very excited about the 4 hour time limit for the Half. No stress for me on this one . . . And so many of my friends are doing this one.

Should be fun (even if I have a couple of things to do between now and then...)

So who's in?

So sad! I know a bunch of people that missed out....

on the road again . . .

2011-09-22T06:58:00.001-04:00

Woohoo - I'm off for a little 'rest' . . . and lots of walking over the next few days but probably no running. A workout is a workout, right? (Say yes. Thanks.)

anticipation . . .

2011-09-21T06:58:00.001-04:00

My 4 pm conference call completely preempted my 6:30 pm speed work last night (and then some)...

Sigh.

But things should be better today (or at least later today!)

some treats are treatier than others...

2011-09-20T06:58:00.001-04:00

If you've been following along for any amount of time, you know that I'm always on the lookout for good treats.... and I like garbanzo beans.

So this little treat highlighted by Hungry Girl seemed like a no-brainer: The Good Bean. I ordered Sea Salt.
They're ok but that's about it... Just ok. The beans are really really small and there's not much to them (either flavor or substance). I have 6 packs so I'll be giving them an extended try and I'm sure they'll be fine but they're probably not a reorder item unless they grow on me unexpectedly.

Missed run again last night. (I know, I know -- bad bad bad!) Real life intrudes and I got stuck in a meeting that went just a little too long. Speedwork Tues is tonight though. I'm hoping to get there even if I need to pop back to work afterwards.

the happiest race on earth...

2011-09-19T06:58:00.006-04:00

Running out of the parks, a spectator was holding a sign like this.

FYI, this is a FABULOUS spectator sign!

Disneyland Half Marathon - 13.1 miles in 4:01:11Shocking, I know, but I'm finally doing a write up (of sorts) on the Disneyland Half. It's been a couple of crazy weeks catching up and I'm about to head into even more crazy (travel, work, travel). We'll see how that goes. But a few notes on Disneyland...

I finished. I got both medals - the big D and the Coast to Coast. I can stop right there (but I won't.) Mission accomplished. Yay!
I did ok through mile 10+ (i.e., I made it into the safety zone). I was at a sub-18 pace (maybe even about 17:40 something -- it's a litte fuzzy). Once I got past the buses, I slowed down.... waaaaay down.... and walked it in.
I did intervals (25/35 - something new) for the first 6 miles. Then I ran into Sue from Running of the Ears (we had chatted earlier) and walked (fast!) with her from 6 to just past 10 (see above). BIG THANKS to her for her fabulous walking pace and for chatting with me for miles. I really enjoyed the company and she's a really good pacer... Definitely she kept me moving faster than I would have on my own. Thanks, Sue!
Anaheim may not be very exciting for it's definitely flat (one freeway hill in the early miles when you're just out of the parks). Route gets big points for that. Downside of the course is that 3 miles in your done with parks and characters, etc., but the scouts and the dancers and the bands are all fabulous for the rest.
Post-race fun included my first non-running visit to both California parks. (Remember last year -- injury kept me out.) For someone that has spent a fair amount of time in the World, the Land is an almost Twilight Zone experience. . . . things are scaled differently (so much smaller, so much less space), they're not quite in the right place and they look just a little different. It was a bit surreal, but fun.
I got to meet The Running Green Girl in person and hang out for a bit at the Expo. Definitely a highlight of the trip.
I tempted race karma -- something I've never done. Yes, I bought a magnet for my car before I successfully finished the race. (Gasp!) Mentally I told myself it was just a gift for one of my friends, but then I kept it. My friend C decided that for me it was good reverse karma. I'm not sure about that but that magnet is on my car now!
Disneyland Hotel (at the start, end and connected to the Expo) was worth every penny -- and not just due to the great location. I've been to a number of Disney hotels (World version) and this was far and away my favorite stay ever. There was a button on the bedside lamp that had a little Tinkerbell on it and it played "A dream is a wish you're heart makes..." (like a musicbox version) and lit up a fireworks scene above the bed. Just so fun on all counts...

At the end of the day, it's a really far way to go for a race. I may not make it back for a while and that's ok. But I'm glad I went (all doubts aside) and I'm oh so glad that I succeeded this time.

I really love the look of Paradise Pier. I went on the 'easy' version of the ferris wheel (and was still freaked out). I'm a wimp.
I don't know why Toy Story Mania isn't a Fast Pass ride though -- I would have liked to ride it but what a wait (post-race day)!

Plaque over the entrance to Disneyland Park... Love it!

Little noticed gate next to Small World - this was our exit from the Parks...
(Pic from the next day in line for said ride... in the bright, hot sun!)

This made me very sad.... Haunted Mansion (one of my favorites from the World) but getting decorated for Halloween.
I really, really wanted to contrast and compare. It looked really cool from the outside.
Maybe I will need to go back some day...

And back in the ATL... Fabulous to be able to fly almost anywhere nonstop.

and then i shopped....

2011-09-16T06:58:00.001-04:00

Thursday night speedwork

Warm up and then...

0.5 mile at 7:53 (Pace: 15:43)
0.5 mile at 7:59 (Pace: 15:53)

The goal of this workout was to take your Magic Mile (my last one was 16:02) and run that pace for 800 meter repeats (i.e., a half mile), rest a little between. Over time, I think we increase the number of repeats...

Good news: It was cooler. A lot cooler. (Wed was probably our last 90 for a while.)

Bad news: Head wind on the second half of each lap. It was all I could do to keep my laps under 8 minutes (my goal - yay!)

Whew.

So as a reward, I got myself this way too cute Halloween Sweaty Bands owlie headband from Phidippides. (I like owls... Have you noticed?)

inspiration . . .

2011-09-15T06:58:00.002-04:00

Q: Do I need this medal again?

A: Oh yes. Yes, I do. (Disney Wine & Dine Half medal is the one on the left. Relay medal is on the right -- it's nice, too, but it's not on my radar.)

Q: So what's stopping you?
A: Standard Disney race drama (= 16 min time limit), complicated by 1) smaller race so it's harder to 'hide', 2) few corals so I have less of a headstart on the field and 3) I can't seem to get a run in to save my life (work again last night...)

Q: And next steps...?
A: Catching up at work . . . and at life . . . continues to elude me. But I really am going to make it to run tonight (speedwork make-up day). Big project went out last night so work should just be normal-crazy vs crazy-crazy. That said though, my next few weekends (and last few weekends too) conflict with run group... I've never missed this much. I must get a Plan.

well, i'm faster than that . . .

2011-09-14T06:58:00.005-04:00

I saw this over at runwalkrepeat and thought it was so fabulous! A perfect note....

That said, I had to miss Speedwork Tuesday last night (work again) and they started a big 8 week time-improvement countdown without me. Yikes!

I'll need to get the homework and somehow fit it in soon...