Disney World Marathon in review...

It's been just over a week since the Disney World marathon, and I haven't started running again.  That's not to say I didn't have an enjoyable race, because I did, I've been enjoying a little time away from running to do other physical activities.

What you really want to read about is the marathon and my experience...so here goes.  First of all the expo was the largest expo I've ever been to, and we got all kinds of free snacks which came in handy when we visited the parks in the days after the race, and more importantly we picked up our number and timing chips!

Race morning we got up at 2:30 am, and yes you read that correctly 2:30 am, since we had to leave the hotel room at about 3:30 am to catch the shuttle to the starting area.  Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck counted down the starting of each corral of runners and set off fireworks.  The starting was full of excitement and energy.

The race was along the highway bordering Disney and through all of the disney parks.  It was a great way to preview the parks.  During the race I had a simple strategy....have fun.  I've heard about how fun this race is, and I wanted to experience it.  So, I took it easy (which was also just in case my hip pain was a stress fracture, I'm pretty sure it's not) and just enjoyed my surroundings.

In an effort to show the runners how green the Disney parks are, we ran through the water processing area and composting facilities.....that was a bad idea.  There were several miles that were retched for breathing, especially if you need to take deep breathes if you are doing something like oh I don't know...running.

Smelliness aside, the race was very fun and I finished in 5:14 with a smile on my face. I felt great afterwards since I took advantage of the free area after the finish to ice your sore joints, and we visited the magic kingdom later that day and walked for a few more hours to keep my legs loose.

Disney knows how to put on a race, I really hope I can experience another Disney race in the future.

Thoughts on Tapering...

I'm running the Disney World Marathon in 4 days!!!! Seriously 4 days! Which means that I've been tapering for the past few weeks.  Usually the tapering time is filled with loads of self doubt and my nerves are constantly on edge.  I'm not sure why, but this time I'm not nearly as nervous.  I miss the time out on the road, but I've welcomed the break since my hip was bothering me after the final 20 mile run. Also,  I've made peace with the fact that if I go out on race day and I just can't run at my usual pace I will take it slow.  So what if I don't run the marathon at the pace I originally wanted (sub 4:25), I am still completing a marathon!  And meeting Mickey Mouse!  On top of all of that, I will be at Disney World with my best friend and my husband.

Time goals come and go, but experiences are ever lasting.  I'm looking forward to making this a truly great experience with my loved ones without adding undo pressure on myself.  

Paving the way to the Disney Marathon...

Yesterday I completed the last REALLY long training run in preparation for the Disney marathon.  Let's just say I'm paving the way with my blood, sweat, and tears.

After doing 4 hours of yoga at a yoga bootcamp on Saturday I was just a bit sore on Sunday, so I decided to put my 20 mile run off until Monday before work.  I set my alarm for 3:30 a.m.!! to eat something and head out bright and early.  I was out on the road by 5 am.

Hesitant is not even close to how I felt, more like terrified!  Earlier in the week my hip had been so tight that it was painful to run more than 13 minute miles for 3 miles.  After loads of massaging with lacrosse balls, foam roller, and yoga my hip finally relaxed.  I keep blaming my hip....really it was my back....I've said it before...I like to pretend I don't have a back problem.  I had to have a discussion with myself last week and face the music!

I completed the 20 miles averaging about 11 minute miles, although slower than I usually run I was just happy to get it finished.

Today all the physical activities have culminated into screaming quads and hamstrings.  I'm dreaming of my massage tomorrow evening!  Now, it's taper time the best and worst part of marathon training.  Tapering requires a lot of mental toughness and confidence in your training.

Less than 3 weeks until Disney, and I get to see Mickey in real life!!!!!

20 miler and other happenings last week....

Before I get to the run that consumed my Saturday morning, I wanted to share what else happened last week.  After battling a headaches for two days at the beginning of the week, I enjoyed some R & R by attending the performance of Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO).  The concert rocked from start to finish filled with lasers, fire, and head banging (not by me).  Of course they played all of their holiday classics plus many more, making for an energetic nonstop 2 1/2 show.

TSO1

Saturday morning I headed out on the first 20 mile run of this marathon training session.  I was very nervous before I headed out since my hip had been very tight all week, and it was causing a bit of trouble.  Running slow and steady got me through the whole 20 miles.  Fueling went well and I was able to explore a few new routes since I was using runkeeper to keep track of my mileage.  

I took a nice cold/felt like ice bath and stretched a TON, and my legs aren't too sore today.  The plan is to do another 20 miler in two weeks, and the other plan is to do lots of yoga to keep my hips stretched.  The disney marathon is about a month away, so naturally I'm excited and extremely nervous about it.  The plane tickets are purchased, the hotel is arranged, and the registration fee is paid for.  Time to get serious and try to stay injury free!

TSO2

TSO3

Another week closer to the Disney Marathon...

Training for the Disney Marathon in January is in full swing.  Last week consisted of a few cross-training days, an easy run, a hills run, and a long run of 14 miles.

Saturday is my designated long run day and I headed out last Saturday to a nice crisp fall morning.  The running was slow going at the beginning, but about 4-5 miles into it I found my pace and was averaging 8:45 to 9:30 minute miles, depending on the hills.  The run felt great.

When I got home I was ready to jump into a nice hot shower and eat some food, but I had to wait since I LOST MY KEY!!!  During the run it had apparently stuck to my ipod as I pulled it out of my pocked and fell out.  I'm still not sure where it ended up, luckily a friend with an extra key to my place was home.  There was a lot of excitement/nerves for a few minutes.

This week's long run is 16 miles.  I'm going to try some new gels during the run to see if I can tune in my nutrition during the long run.  Hopefully it goes well.

Happy halloween everyone!

Disney marathon training plan....

Instead of a Friday favorite, this week I'm going to give an update on marathon training...

This week concludes the third week of the 16 week marathon training plan I'm following in preparation for the Disney marathon in January.  As I've previously mentioned, I'm following an intermediate plan from marathon training academy.  This plan, designed by Angie and Trevor at marathon training academy, focuses on three quality runs a week and a couple days of cross-training.  This plan looks like it will help me training well and reach the finish line healthy.

Training for this third week consisted of two 6 mile runs and a long run of 10 miles.  I completed the 10 miles this morning while the temp was still nice and cool.  I took my hydration belt with me with only one bottle.  While I don't really need too much water on a 10 mile run, I really need to get used to wearing the hydration belt again.  When I get hot and sweaty from running the last thing I want is something clinging around my midsection, but alas I must get used to it so I can stay properly hydrated.

So far, training has been going well.  I'm looking forward to doing my longest runs during the holidays, which will give me a reason to eat-up at work/social parties!

Next week calls for a 7 mile easy, 6 mile hilly, and an 8 mile long run.