Sunday, May 20, 2012
She's At It AGAIN!
So, almost 18 months after I completed the 2011 Disney Marathon, I am now registered to complete the 2012 Disney Wine & Dine Half-Marathon! I know, you're probably thinking, "Why is she doing this again?" or "What trouble has fallen upon another soul that she feels she needs to do another big race?" Oh, don't worry, nothing like that has happened. This time it's all about me. I saw videos & pictures of friends completing the race, and I felt like, "Well, if I can finish a whole one, I KNOW I can finish a little half-marathon..." There are other benefits besides the fact that it's shorter than my last one: (1) it's a night race--no getting up at 2:30 am, (2) I'll get to run with my mom's best friend, Mary, (3) it ends at the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot--run & then eat? I'm all over it! So, I'll be continuing to run a little at the gym from now until early July, then it's back to "training camp". As my son likes to say, "It's on! It's on like Donkey-Kong!"
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Reflections and New Directions
So, I'm almost two months out from finishing my race, and I finally have time to blog about it!
I flew out the Thursday night before and stayed with my parents. It was a little weird, but really nice to fly alone (sans children)! I had a hard time getting to sleep that night because of the time difference & the excitement from the upcoming weekend.
Friday morning I took my mom and we went to the Expo to pick up my race day packet and to look around at the other crazy people who were going to be joining me on Sunday. I was really nervous about the computer chip for my shoe since it was my first-ever race. I plopped myself down on the ground (like a big dork) and watched the video for how to put the tag on my shoe. I got my shoes out, put the tag on, made sure it worked, and we were on our way! We did a little shopping (needed a long-sleeved shirt and a few Powerbars), and then we were off to lunch at Mimi's Cafe. After a refueling stop, we continued our shopping and found an inexpensive jacket for me to wear on the race day because the temperature for Sunday morning was about 15 degrees cooler than I anticipated. We got home, I got cleaned up, and went out to dinner with my friend Jenn & my cousin Hillary. We ate at a hibachi place, then went to a sports bar for a celebratory drink & to watch some sports (Magic were playing the Rockets & LSU was playing Texas A&M). Mike joined us for a little while, and we had a great time reminiscing. Then it was off to bed. Another night of difficulty sleeping because of the excitement.
Saturday morning, we got up and around, packed our bags, headed over to Grandma Boden's house to check on a few things, then went to see her at the assisted living facility. I got my good luck hug & kiss from her, and then Mom & I went to find a Panera Bread to each lunch in Winter Park. Which, we didn't actually find. Somehow, we ended up in Maitland, and just gave up and went to Lake Buena Vista instead. We stopped over at the Disney Marketplace to do some shopping (promised James birthday presents from Disney, and they have a Lego store), had some much-needed coffee, and then met up with my friend Elison for a mini-reunion at Macaroni Grill (I had to carb-load). We hadn't seen each other for 17 years, and it was fantastic to catch up with each other! After hugs & dinner, Mom & I headed off to the Wilderness Lodge, courtesy of my sis-in-law Clancy, to check in & get settled. I checked phone messages, called the boys, did my nails, and tried to get to sleep. However, right about the time I was just starting to relax, we heard this crazy noise outside. I got up to investigate, and it was "water parade", complete with lights & music. Since there was NO way I could sleep through it, I got up, padded out to the balcony, and watched the show. Then, I went back to bed and finally got to sleep.
It felt like I had just closed my eyes when my alarm went off at 2:45am. I got up & dressed, looked at Kylee's pictures & the signs Kaylee & Skylar made for me, woke up Mom, and then we headed down for breakfast. I ate some oatmeal & a banana, made one last pit stop, smiled for a picture for Mom, and by 3:25am I was off to Epcot!
Everyone I met was super nice and very helpful with suggestions & conversation to pass the time. I checked in, got through security, and made my way to my corral ("H") to wait for another hour before the race started. I made a friend with another marathon newbie, Mary, who was from Canada. We ran at about the same pace, and ended up spending a little over half the race together. We started off outside of Epcot, ran through one side of the park, looped outside, and we found our families waiting for us just past the 4-mile marker. We smiled, made quick introductions, and kept on going. I stopped for a few photo spots (Chicken Little & Toy Story friends) for my boys along the way, and for appropriate restroom breaks, and made it to the Castle in pretty good time. We found some fun signs from Sharpie to make us laugh during mile 12, and the next thing I knew, I was half-way done. I felt terrific! Until mile 13 1/2...
That was the point at which my tummy decided it no longer liked the power gels I had been downing, and it wanted it out immediately. I've never been so grateful for a port-o-potty in my life! Mary kept encouraging me to go on, and we got through Animal Kingdom okay. Once we were outside the park, my stomach decided to do another round of pyrotechnics, so I told Mary to go on without me because I needed to walk more to get my stomach to settle. We passed each other when I got to mile 20 & she was approaching mile 21. We waved and yelled, "Keep going! I'm gonna make it!" type remarks back and forth. When I looped around and made it to mile 21. I looked over and saw the dreaded "bus" that took the too-slow people pulling up at mile 20, and it made me a little nervous. I picked up my pace a little, but it was getting a little harder. Then, I realized, "This is the farthest I've ever run in my life!" And I kept thinking that the rest of the way. Once I got to the Studios and to the Backlot tour area, I figured I was in pretty good shape & would finish, so I didn't push as hard. Once I got outside the Studios and on my way to the Boardwalk area, I heard "Undignified" by David Crowder Band, and it made me giggle and gave a little boost of energy for the last few miles. I saw my friend Elliot from my old GMR days DJing at mile 24, gave thumbs up, hugs, and waves, and told myself, "I so totally have this!" So, I took my time for the last two miles because I wanted to enjoy it and take it all in (meanwhile, Mom was panicked that I wasn't going to make it). Someone had a sign that said, "Hello stranger! I don't know you, but I'm proud of you anyway!" and someone else had one that said, "Remember why you're doing this!" That got me a little choked up, so I had to turn on the smile & start being silly to make it to the end. I gave high-fives to people in Epcot, took a picture in France, and made my way to the finish line.
I wasn't with a group of people, so the announcer had time to look up my name and said, "Mandy Cooke! You made it!" as I crossed the finish line. I heard Mom, Matt, Erin, & the kids cheer for me, and I ran to the gate to give high-fives & wave at them. Then, I walked over to get my silver wrap, my medal, and then I realized, "Holy cow, I did it!" That's when I broke down & cried. All the heartache of losing Kylee, all the training, raising money, it was all done, and it was totally worth it. I got a snack, sat down on the asphalt, ate a little & stretched, and then found my family. I let the kids wear the medal & take a picture with me, and did the same for Matt, since Kylee's why I did this. We gave hugs, and went our separate ways, Ft. Myers for them & Mom & Dad's house for us.
It was amazing that God got me through this whole thing with only a swollen knee as an injury (and I was fine by Wednesday), and that I met my goal. I ended up sending a check for $1,047 to Matt & Erin to start the year off. There were so many lessons I learned along the way that I'll take with me the rest of my days. But next came the hardest part--what next? It was almost like planning my wedding. All the work, sweat, preparation for one day, and then it's over. The first few weeks were hard, but now I have a new focus. I'm planning to continue running, but I think I'll stick to 1/2 marathons & shorter races. My dream one day is to do a 1/2 marathon in Disney World, then the 1/2 marathon in Disneyland in the same year so I can get the Coast-to-Coast medal. Maybe for my 35th birthday? We'll have to see what is in store for me.
So, that's it. The journey for this race is done, but another journey is on the horizon. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to honor Kylee's memory in this way, encourage other "non-athletic" people to get moving somehow, and work on making myself & my family a little healthier. But, the most important thing of all is that God is given all the glory, because there is no way I could have made it without Him!
Until the next adventure!
Mandy :)
I flew out the Thursday night before and stayed with my parents. It was a little weird, but really nice to fly alone (sans children)! I had a hard time getting to sleep that night because of the time difference & the excitement from the upcoming weekend.
Friday morning I took my mom and we went to the Expo to pick up my race day packet and to look around at the other crazy people who were going to be joining me on Sunday. I was really nervous about the computer chip for my shoe since it was my first-ever race. I plopped myself down on the ground (like a big dork) and watched the video for how to put the tag on my shoe. I got my shoes out, put the tag on, made sure it worked, and we were on our way! We did a little shopping (needed a long-sleeved shirt and a few Powerbars), and then we were off to lunch at Mimi's Cafe. After a refueling stop, we continued our shopping and found an inexpensive jacket for me to wear on the race day because the temperature for Sunday morning was about 15 degrees cooler than I anticipated. We got home, I got cleaned up, and went out to dinner with my friend Jenn & my cousin Hillary. We ate at a hibachi place, then went to a sports bar for a celebratory drink & to watch some sports (Magic were playing the Rockets & LSU was playing Texas A&M). Mike joined us for a little while, and we had a great time reminiscing. Then it was off to bed. Another night of difficulty sleeping because of the excitement.
Saturday morning, we got up and around, packed our bags, headed over to Grandma Boden's house to check on a few things, then went to see her at the assisted living facility. I got my good luck hug & kiss from her, and then Mom & I went to find a Panera Bread to each lunch in Winter Park. Which, we didn't actually find. Somehow, we ended up in Maitland, and just gave up and went to Lake Buena Vista instead. We stopped over at the Disney Marketplace to do some shopping (promised James birthday presents from Disney, and they have a Lego store), had some much-needed coffee, and then met up with my friend Elison for a mini-reunion at Macaroni Grill (I had to carb-load). We hadn't seen each other for 17 years, and it was fantastic to catch up with each other! After hugs & dinner, Mom & I headed off to the Wilderness Lodge, courtesy of my sis-in-law Clancy, to check in & get settled. I checked phone messages, called the boys, did my nails, and tried to get to sleep. However, right about the time I was just starting to relax, we heard this crazy noise outside. I got up to investigate, and it was "water parade", complete with lights & music. Since there was NO way I could sleep through it, I got up, padded out to the balcony, and watched the show. Then, I went back to bed and finally got to sleep.
It felt like I had just closed my eyes when my alarm went off at 2:45am. I got up & dressed, looked at Kylee's pictures & the signs Kaylee & Skylar made for me, woke up Mom, and then we headed down for breakfast. I ate some oatmeal & a banana, made one last pit stop, smiled for a picture for Mom, and by 3:25am I was off to Epcot!
Everyone I met was super nice and very helpful with suggestions & conversation to pass the time. I checked in, got through security, and made my way to my corral ("H") to wait for another hour before the race started. I made a friend with another marathon newbie, Mary, who was from Canada. We ran at about the same pace, and ended up spending a little over half the race together. We started off outside of Epcot, ran through one side of the park, looped outside, and we found our families waiting for us just past the 4-mile marker. We smiled, made quick introductions, and kept on going. I stopped for a few photo spots (Chicken Little & Toy Story friends) for my boys along the way, and for appropriate restroom breaks, and made it to the Castle in pretty good time. We found some fun signs from Sharpie to make us laugh during mile 12, and the next thing I knew, I was half-way done. I felt terrific! Until mile 13 1/2...
That was the point at which my tummy decided it no longer liked the power gels I had been downing, and it wanted it out immediately. I've never been so grateful for a port-o-potty in my life! Mary kept encouraging me to go on, and we got through Animal Kingdom okay. Once we were outside the park, my stomach decided to do another round of pyrotechnics, so I told Mary to go on without me because I needed to walk more to get my stomach to settle. We passed each other when I got to mile 20 & she was approaching mile 21. We waved and yelled, "Keep going! I'm gonna make it!" type remarks back and forth. When I looped around and made it to mile 21. I looked over and saw the dreaded "bus" that took the too-slow people pulling up at mile 20, and it made me a little nervous. I picked up my pace a little, but it was getting a little harder. Then, I realized, "This is the farthest I've ever run in my life!" And I kept thinking that the rest of the way. Once I got to the Studios and to the Backlot tour area, I figured I was in pretty good shape & would finish, so I didn't push as hard. Once I got outside the Studios and on my way to the Boardwalk area, I heard "Undignified" by David Crowder Band, and it made me giggle and gave a little boost of energy for the last few miles. I saw my friend Elliot from my old GMR days DJing at mile 24, gave thumbs up, hugs, and waves, and told myself, "I so totally have this!" So, I took my time for the last two miles because I wanted to enjoy it and take it all in (meanwhile, Mom was panicked that I wasn't going to make it). Someone had a sign that said, "Hello stranger! I don't know you, but I'm proud of you anyway!" and someone else had one that said, "Remember why you're doing this!" That got me a little choked up, so I had to turn on the smile & start being silly to make it to the end. I gave high-fives to people in Epcot, took a picture in France, and made my way to the finish line.
I wasn't with a group of people, so the announcer had time to look up my name and said, "Mandy Cooke! You made it!" as I crossed the finish line. I heard Mom, Matt, Erin, & the kids cheer for me, and I ran to the gate to give high-fives & wave at them. Then, I walked over to get my silver wrap, my medal, and then I realized, "Holy cow, I did it!" That's when I broke down & cried. All the heartache of losing Kylee, all the training, raising money, it was all done, and it was totally worth it. I got a snack, sat down on the asphalt, ate a little & stretched, and then found my family. I let the kids wear the medal & take a picture with me, and did the same for Matt, since Kylee's why I did this. We gave hugs, and went our separate ways, Ft. Myers for them & Mom & Dad's house for us.
It was amazing that God got me through this whole thing with only a swollen knee as an injury (and I was fine by Wednesday), and that I met my goal. I ended up sending a check for $1,047 to Matt & Erin to start the year off. There were so many lessons I learned along the way that I'll take with me the rest of my days. But next came the hardest part--what next? It was almost like planning my wedding. All the work, sweat, preparation for one day, and then it's over. The first few weeks were hard, but now I have a new focus. I'm planning to continue running, but I think I'll stick to 1/2 marathons & shorter races. My dream one day is to do a 1/2 marathon in Disney World, then the 1/2 marathon in Disneyland in the same year so I can get the Coast-to-Coast medal. Maybe for my 35th birthday? We'll have to see what is in store for me.
So, that's it. The journey for this race is done, but another journey is on the horizon. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to honor Kylee's memory in this way, encourage other "non-athletic" people to get moving somehow, and work on making myself & my family a little healthier. But, the most important thing of all is that God is given all the glory, because there is no way I could have made it without Him!
Until the next adventure!
Mandy :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
RACE DAY TOMORROW!
So, the flight out here was fantastic! It was the first time I've ever flown with Southwest and had a seat empty. In fact, almost all of the middle seats were empty! There were about a dozen of us "marathoners" on the plane, so it was fun to chat with others that had experience during the stop over in Panama City. I arrived early in O-Town (9:10 instead of 9:25), and made it to my parents' house without any problems. The hardest part was winding down to sleep. I'm thinking it will continue to be a problem until Sunday night...
Mom & I had a fantastic day of "girl time" together. We went to the Expo at Wide World of Sports to get me signed in and to pick up my race packet with "stuff" (my race bib, my chip for my shoe, my commemerative pin, and my free ticket to Disney on Monday that I won't use because I have to fly home). I took my shoes with me so I could put my chip on my shoe. I was a total dork, and I literally sat down on the floor in front of a monitor that showed how to put the chip on and got mine on the shoe. I then walked through the "chip checker" to make sure it worked, and I was set. I'm sure a lot of the veteran runners will be laughing with their buddies about the nerd who put her chip on in front of God & everyone, but I don't care. :)
Once I got checked in, we walked over to the "expo" part to get my "race bag" (complete with a neat long-sleeved shirt with "Disney Marathon" picture on the front & sponsors on the back and LOTS of handouts, which went promptly to the trash). They had a board that I was able to sign that I wrote a note to Kylee telling her that this was for her and that I miss her & love her. Then we got my bag, looked around the expo and bought two shirts (short-sleeved Marathon shirt & long-sleeved for the race) for me and some PowerBars. We then found a kiosk from HP that took my picture with my race bib & a picture of "my castle" that I could e-mail & print for free. That was a real treat! Then we stopped at a booth that asked why we were racing, and I put down that I was racing for Kylee and to raise money for her kids. I'm just so thankful for all of the supportive words & money that have come in!
After the Expo, Mom & I headed out for lunch at Mimi's Cafe, then to do some shopping. A few hours later, we found ourselves back at the house with some extra bags with us. I got cleaned up and had the chance to go to dinner with my friend Jenn and my cousin Hillary. We had some hibatchi Japanese food and then headed out to a sports bar to watch the LSU vs. Texas A&M game and to chat some more. Then, our friend Mike met up with us there to catch up and watch the game with us as well. I had a great time! Adult conversation and football--a perfect combination! :)
Now, I'm getting my bag ready to stay at the Wilderness Lodge tonight, and then it's off to visit with some more friends & family members, more shopping (James' birthday is Thursday & he specifically requested "Disney Toy Story" stuff), dinner at Macaroni Grill so I can "carb load" to my cute little heart's content, and hopefully a fairly early bedtime. A part of me still can't believe it's already time to do this, but another part feels ready to go. I want to do my best to honor Kylee's memory and to finish strong. At this point, I've done everything I can to get ready. It's just time for RACE DAY!!
Until next time...
Friday, December 31, 2010
9 Days and Counting!!
It is so hard to believe that this time next week I'll be picking up my packet and getting ready for the Disney Marathon!! This has been an amazing experience so far. I never thought I'd ever do something like this, and here I am, nine days away from the big day! I just hope and pray that God gets all the glory for this one because I know I never would have made it this far without Him. Now I just need cooperative weather, a big boost of confidence, and peace that surpasses all understanding because I'm beginning to get nervous about this thing...
I got my "Final Information" e-mail for the Marathon and I guess the realization of it being upon me overwhelmed me a bit. That, and finding out I have to be up at 3am (which will feel like 2 am CST), on a bus no later than 4 am, and in my corral by 5 am made me realize this may be harder than I imagined. I just have to trust that all of my training will come into play, a great song list will get me through it, and know that it's mostly a mental thing to get me to the finish line. I've survived 20 miles, and that was around scenery I've been looking at over the past 5 months. I know I can make it to 26.2 miles in one of my favorite places in the world (besides "The Swamp").
On a good note, I ran my last "long run" before the race today. It was only 6 miles, and I knocked it out in 1 hour 13 minutes--a personal best! I think that was just the thing to end on before I head out to FL next week. I admit it--I may be more excited about 4 days without the boys, but I want to make sure I make them proud with my accomplishment and honor Kylee's memory the best I can.
Until next time...
I got my "Final Information" e-mail for the Marathon and I guess the realization of it being upon me overwhelmed me a bit. That, and finding out I have to be up at 3am (which will feel like 2 am CST), on a bus no later than 4 am, and in my corral by 5 am made me realize this may be harder than I imagined. I just have to trust that all of my training will come into play, a great song list will get me through it, and know that it's mostly a mental thing to get me to the finish line. I've survived 20 miles, and that was around scenery I've been looking at over the past 5 months. I know I can make it to 26.2 miles in one of my favorite places in the world (besides "The Swamp").
On a good note, I ran my last "long run" before the race today. It was only 6 miles, and I knocked it out in 1 hour 13 minutes--a personal best! I think that was just the thing to end on before I head out to FL next week. I admit it--I may be more excited about 4 days without the boys, but I want to make sure I make them proud with my accomplishment and honor Kylee's memory the best I can.
Until next time...
Monday, December 20, 2010
#15903 Getting Ready!
I have my official number (#15903) for the race! To think that in a mere three weeks I'll be on my way back on a plane with my parents, hopefully sporting some adorable Mickey bling... :) My right knee feels just like normal today, so I think I'm in the clear as far as injury goes. We'll see how it tolerates the 5 mile training run tomorrow!
Until next time...
Until next time...
Sunday, December 19, 2010
20 Miles Down & THREE WEEKS TO GO!!
The past two weeks have been a bit hectic (hence, no posts). Last week's run went fine--nothing to write home about. This week, however, more to write about...
I made a bad discovery on my five-mile run on Tuesday: Taco Soup & running don't mix. Let's just say that I won't be eating ANYTHING remotely spicy the day before my marathon. I got it done, but it wasn't fun. My "fartlek" training didn't happen due to mommy-duties interfering (baked & iced almost 5 dozen gingerbread cookies), but my hubby thinks the time on my feet should count for something... :) I ran 4 miles on Thursday the fastest I ever have: 4 miles in 50 minutes (12.5-minute mile pace). I felt fantastic! Maybe baking the night before helped somehow? Makes one wonder...
The biggest run I have ever done happened yesterday: 20 miles! I was able to jalk it in 4 hours, 55 minutes, which was a pace of 14 min. 45 sec. per mile. I was doing great until I tripped over a brick in the driveway of Ferguson Elementary School. It kinda "stubbed" my foot, which in turn hurt my right knee. I finished my run, but at a little slower pace than I had been going due to the knee pain (not sidelining--just annoying). The end of my run was at Kim's son, James, first birthday party. I think that gave me some incentive to finish--wanting to make it before it was over & seeing everyone. She was kind enough to offer me a nice hot shower & food, both of which I was extremely grateful for. Once the party broke up, we headed home to my supply of Icy Hot & a comfy napping spot on the couch. I have no idea how long I rested, but I was so glad Shawn let me sleep. When I got up this morning, my left leg felt like it always does, but my right knee was still a little sore (still no swelling). I've been taking it easy around here today to make sure it's back to normal by Tuesday (my second-to-last 5 mile "short" run).
I'm still in disbelief that my race is just three weeks away! I'm getting more excited, antsy, & nervous. Probably par for the course, but it's the biggest achievement I've ever physically made (besides having my boys). I am just praying that I stay healthy & injury-free, that the weather isn't windy, and that I cross the finish line and get that cute little Mickey medal to take home with me. And the best part will be seeing my family & friends along the way (hint, hint--if you don't have plans now, make some to come cheer me on on the 9th!).
Needing to break up World War III in the living room (never a dull moment with hyper pre-Christmas boys in the house). Until next time...
I made a bad discovery on my five-mile run on Tuesday: Taco Soup & running don't mix. Let's just say that I won't be eating ANYTHING remotely spicy the day before my marathon. I got it done, but it wasn't fun. My "fartlek" training didn't happen due to mommy-duties interfering (baked & iced almost 5 dozen gingerbread cookies), but my hubby thinks the time on my feet should count for something... :) I ran 4 miles on Thursday the fastest I ever have: 4 miles in 50 minutes (12.5-minute mile pace). I felt fantastic! Maybe baking the night before helped somehow? Makes one wonder...
The biggest run I have ever done happened yesterday: 20 miles! I was able to jalk it in 4 hours, 55 minutes, which was a pace of 14 min. 45 sec. per mile. I was doing great until I tripped over a brick in the driveway of Ferguson Elementary School. It kinda "stubbed" my foot, which in turn hurt my right knee. I finished my run, but at a little slower pace than I had been going due to the knee pain (not sidelining--just annoying). The end of my run was at Kim's son, James, first birthday party. I think that gave me some incentive to finish--wanting to make it before it was over & seeing everyone. She was kind enough to offer me a nice hot shower & food, both of which I was extremely grateful for. Once the party broke up, we headed home to my supply of Icy Hot & a comfy napping spot on the couch. I have no idea how long I rested, but I was so glad Shawn let me sleep. When I got up this morning, my left leg felt like it always does, but my right knee was still a little sore (still no swelling). I've been taking it easy around here today to make sure it's back to normal by Tuesday (my second-to-last 5 mile "short" run).
I'm still in disbelief that my race is just three weeks away! I'm getting more excited, antsy, & nervous. Probably par for the course, but it's the biggest achievement I've ever physically made (besides having my boys). I am just praying that I stay healthy & injury-free, that the weather isn't windy, and that I cross the finish line and get that cute little Mickey medal to take home with me. And the best part will be seeing my family & friends along the way (hint, hint--if you don't have plans now, make some to come cheer me on on the 9th!).
Needing to break up World War III in the living room (never a dull moment with hyper pre-Christmas boys in the house). Until next time...
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Five Weeks Left--YIKES!!
I looked at my calendar today and realized a few things:
1) Christmas will be here fast & I'm not anywhere close to done on Christmas shopping.
2) I need to figure out when I can shop without anyone tagging along (tough to play Santa with the boys in tow).
3) I'll be staying at the Wilderness Lodge 5 weeks from tonight getting ready for the race of my lifetime!
It seems like it was July, then I sneezed and now it's December. The training overall is still going well. I didn't get to do my short run on Thursday because of being on my feet all day for a practice TAKS test, but I did run on Tuesday. My long run today started later than usual because I had to take the boys to church for "This Way to Bethlehem" before I could run. I did a different route as well--I just ran around Stevenson Park. It took me 16 laps to complete 8 miles, and it would have been easier with music. I went to press "play" on the MP3 player and it said something to the extent of, "Sorry, lady, but you're an idiot and forgot to charge me. I'll be spending this training run waiting for you in the car." Needless to say, trying to remember the music on the MP3 player is way harder than just playing the music and running. I pace myself with the music usually, so my first 4 miles were slower than usual. I did make a little faster run for the second 4 miles. And even with my pacing piece in the car, I still managed to keep a 14.378 mile pace (did 8 miles in 1 hr 55 min). My knees were a little more sore this time around, and I'm guessing it's because of all that walking on Thursday for the practice test. Icy Hot with the vanishing scent is now my new friend...
Until next time...
1) Christmas will be here fast & I'm not anywhere close to done on Christmas shopping.
2) I need to figure out when I can shop without anyone tagging along (tough to play Santa with the boys in tow).
3) I'll be staying at the Wilderness Lodge 5 weeks from tonight getting ready for the race of my lifetime!
It seems like it was July, then I sneezed and now it's December. The training overall is still going well. I didn't get to do my short run on Thursday because of being on my feet all day for a practice TAKS test, but I did run on Tuesday. My long run today started later than usual because I had to take the boys to church for "This Way to Bethlehem" before I could run. I did a different route as well--I just ran around Stevenson Park. It took me 16 laps to complete 8 miles, and it would have been easier with music. I went to press "play" on the MP3 player and it said something to the extent of, "Sorry, lady, but you're an idiot and forgot to charge me. I'll be spending this training run waiting for you in the car." Needless to say, trying to remember the music on the MP3 player is way harder than just playing the music and running. I pace myself with the music usually, so my first 4 miles were slower than usual. I did make a little faster run for the second 4 miles. And even with my pacing piece in the car, I still managed to keep a 14.378 mile pace (did 8 miles in 1 hr 55 min). My knees were a little more sore this time around, and I'm guessing it's because of all that walking on Thursday for the practice test. Icy Hot with the vanishing scent is now my new friend...
Until next time...
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