Dopey Deferred

Well...today was the day. The day that I had been waiting for since last April. Today...the Dopey Challenge would go on sale for Walt Disney World's Marathon Weekend in January of 2015.

I had told myself last year when I found out about the races that I would do this in 2015. I had talked about it with friends, co-workers, random strangers (yup, I actually did that)...and I was building myself up for it. I even made sure to run a marathon in the Spring when I said I wouldn't in order to get my Proof of Time placement.

Then April hit.

As registration day grew closer, I started to doubt whether I should actually do the Dopey Challenge this year. I had been struggling with my options for the last few days in particular. My biggest worries were as follows (though not necessarily in this order of importance):

1) Money - Let's face it. Disney races are EXPENSIVE. A half marathon outside of Disney may run you $50-80 depending on when you register. A half marathon at Disney will cost you around $185 if you register right when it becomes available and will only continue to get more costly the longer you wait. AND this doesn't include airfare, hotel or even access to the parks. $$$$$. Dopey is $530 right off the bat. That's a lot of moolah to see fly out the door in one whack.

2) Support - I don't have a husband any more nor do I have a current boyfriend. I don't have someone that can say to me "sure honey, I'll come and watch you run these races" or better yet, "sure honey, I'll come run these races with you." Did I want to do all of the races by myself? Not really. Could I? Absolutely. But would I really want to? Some of my friends had expressed some interest in perhaps participating in a race or two (none of them wanted to join me for the full 4-race challenge) or just tagging along, but I really only got one full confirmation. And as much as I love her, would only one person be enough for me? I know, that sounds egotistical and selfish, but I was hoping for something that screamed camaraderie and honestly, I didn't really get that. And that's fine..I just don't think I realized until this week how much I want it. Disney is the happiest place on Earth and if I'm going to spend almost a week there battering my body, I want people there that I can spend time with and have fun with, even if I'm in pain. I want people there (friends and family) to cheer me on. I didn't think I would have that if I participated in 2015.

3) Health - Those who follow me on FB, Instagram, Twitter or just know me in general know that I'm breaking down. My body isn't what it was and all of my running is catching up to me. Don't get me wrong, I can still run and I still love to do it, but my body, while in better shape than even 2 years ago or even 1 year ago, doesn't bounce back like it used to. I had to wonder if my body would be in good enough shape to take on the challenge this year versus in another year of better prep, etc.

I went back and forth on my decision. I had the money, as I had been saving for it, and my tax return was going to basically replenish the massive hole in my savings from registering for the race. I knew I had at least one friend that was willing to go with me and even run a few of the races. And I knew with preparation and proper care, strength training and doctor visits, I could make it through physically.

But I was still on the ledge. I talked to a few friends about my thoughts and they gave my their opinions.

I watched Dopey go on sale this morning. And I watched as roughly 4 hours later, it was completely sold out.

I didn't register. I pondered, but I didn't flounder. Before the race went on sale, I had made the decision not to register today.

Will I be upset come January when I'm not there? Sure. I have friends who will be there and I won't be getting to see them. However, I knew I wouldn't be hanging out with them or even running with them, so I would have been lucky just to see them in passing. But will I be devastated to not be running this year? No.

Here's why: I'm going to take care of myself this year. I'm taking a few months off of training and will pick back up in July, as I had intended to do anyway for Dopey. I'm going to focus on the other events I have going on this year including 2 family weddings, a birthday trip for someone who is like a sister to me and another marathon in December.

I'm going to actively find my support team for 2016. I'm going to recruit friends and family and have them commit to a trip just like I'll commit to the training.

I'm going to do the Dopey Challenge one year. It won't be in 2015. Hell, it may not even be in 2016. But I know it's not going anywhere, and honestly, neither am I. I will do it one day.

So, I'm deferring Dopey...and I'm ok with that.

Go Big or Go Home: Challenge Accepted

So, those who know me, and/or read this blog, know that I had been planning on using 2014 as a training year with very few races, if any at all. This is still the case. But I'm sure many of you don't know why that is or what I'm training for.

For the past two years I've been a busy bee with my races, running twelve in 2012 and seventeen in 2013. I've been coaching for a year and helping others up their game in running and fitness in general. I decided that in 2014 I would focus on training and run fewer races, but I would have a goal in mind. And that goal is the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World in Florida. The Dopey Challenge is actually having it's inaugural run this coming weekend in fact, beginning Thursday, which is why I'm writing this post.

I found out about the Dopey Challenge last March when it was announced. I had always thought to do Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, but never happened. When I saw the Dopey, I knew I had to strive for this and make it a goal for myself. I also knew it wouldn't be possible for the inaugural race in January of 2014. I was disappointed, but money is a necessity to run races and travel for them...especially at Disney, so I would aim for January 2015.

For those who are unfamiliar with these particular Disney challenges, let me break them down for you:

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge: run the WDW Half Marathon on Saturday and run the WDW Marathon on Sunday. It's a total of 39.3 miles in two days. You receive both your half and full marathon medals plus a special Goofy medal for completing the challenge.

Dopey Challenge: run the WDW 5K on Thursday, the WDW 10K on Friday, the WDW Half Marathon on Saturday and the WDW Marathon on Sunday. This is a total of 48.6 miles in four days. You receive medals for the 5K, 10K, half and full marathons as well as the Goofy medal (since you are technically completing the Goofy Challenge as well) and the Dopey medal.

And those who know me...I'm a sucker for the bling.

Now on a slightly different, yet connected topic, I know an incredible woman. I had the privilege of running with her for a short time back when I lived in Connecticut and got back into running. She kept me going when I was training for my first half marathon and while she wasn't officially one of my couches, I always thought of her as such. This past summer she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but did she let that stop her? NO! After all sorts of surgery and chemotherapy and whatnot, not only has she continued to run races (Chicago Marathon, Disneyland Half, Wine & Dine Half, New York City Marathon and MANY OTHERS) she is tackling the inaugural Dopey Challenge this weekend as well.

This woman is a beast and such a motivation and inspiration for me. She is a powerhouse and she makes me smile when I read her blog or see her posts on Facebook.  You can visit her blog and read all about her journeys through races and life here. I heart you, Kimberly. You are such a strong, amazing person and I'll be thinking about you as you rock out all of those races this weekend!

So, this year is about focus. It's about pushing myself towards a goal that most people wouldn't contemplate let alone do. It's about making sure that not only will I succeed in all of these races, but that I will be comfortable during the process and enjoy it. The training program I am working with will take about half a year to complete, so...I'm going to do it twice. :-) Why not, right? Practice makes perfect, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...and all that jazz.

I have friends who have agreed to sign up for a few of the races (only one has agreed to go the full Dopey distance with me) and I'm grateful for each of them. It will be an experience that I know they will never forget (since none of them have run a Disney race before) and neither will I.

Good luck to all of those who are beginning this fantastic and magical adventure this week. I look forward to hearing all about it and getting tips from you for next year!

Stay tuned as I live the ups and downs of my intense training year. I'm ridiculously excited for it. :-)

London - Day 2

Sleep never felt so good.

Waking up in London the next morning felt good. Finally most of the jet-lag had left me and I was ready to face the day. And the day started with a run through Hyde and Kensington Parks. 4.5 miles along the outskirts of the parks and back to the hotel. I was up at 7am with my alarm and was ready to go by the time the sun came up, at 7:15am.

It was cold. But it was definitely pretty. Plenty of people out and about at that hour, both running like me and heading to work. I passed by the Winter Wonderland area (like a lit carnival/playground) and then up to the Diana Memorial Playground, followed around to Kensington Palace (don't know if William, Kate and George were up yet or not) and then back up the south side of the park to return back up at the hotel.

I was able to compete the run in under an hour easily and when I returned to my room, I was thrilled for the hot shower.

I met up with my parents in the lobby at 9am for breakfast. Now, figuring out where breakfast was (ie which of the locations in the hotel we were supposed to go to) was slight challenge, but we were victorious.

Fueled for the day ahead, we split up. Dad was heading off to Harrods while mom and I left for the London Eye and whatever other adventures we decided on along the way. With tube passes in hand, we headed up to Marble Arch Station and made our way down to Waterloo and then out to the Thames where the London Eye was.

Finding the London Eye was easy (it's a big Ferris wheel...you can't miss it) but finding where to get tickets was tricky. But with perseverance, two tickets were purchased and we headed right into one of the pods.

The ride was smooth and super quiet. There was another couple from England with us, as well as four Germans. We each took turns taking pictures for each other and continued to enjoy the ride. The views were pretty awesome. Definitely the best views in London...better than St. Paul's and I had done that before. Mom is not great with heights but she was able to do this with ease as each pod was completely enclosed. I highly recommend it.

Next stop, the Tower of London. We decided to walk over to Westminster Station so that we would be able to walk across the bridge for the Eye over to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to take pictures.

Then we took the tube over to Tower Hill and arrived at the Tower of London. The space around the Tower has definitely expanded and improved in the last 10 years. More shops and exhibits surround the historic site, so before you even get to the gates, you can see some additional history, purchase tickets and shop to your heart's content.

When we arrived, there was some sort of 'event' happening because when we stepped over to the Tower, they began firing canons. Yes, canons, plural. I think there were three different canons and they kept reloading and firing. We never did stop to ask what it was about, but it was interesting enough to stop for a few moments before moving on to the reason we came.

So...the Tower of London: home the Crown Jewels, Beefeaters, ravens and of course the site of many beheadings and other deaths. Always a pleasure.

It was a beautiful day for this visit. A bit windy, but inside the walls, you would never know.

And I don't know about you, but every time I look at Tower Bridge now, I picture the character of Lord Blackwood, from the movie Sherlock Holmes (yes, the Robert Downey, Jr. version), hanging from the partially built Tower Bridge after Sherlock has practically kicked him overboard. Good news...no such image there today. ;-)

 

Mom and I continued to wander throughout the Tower of London, taking in the sites, photographing the pretty magnificent buildings and enjoying the weather before finally making our way over to the Crown Jewels. Sorry folks, no pictures of the jewels...not allowed.

Fun fact...if there are any Doctor Who fans reading this, the picture below should look really familiar to you, but only if you watched the recently aired Day of the Doctor 50th Anniversary show.

And for those same DW fans...here is one of the said Ravens. It didn't look to be in need of new batteries. For those who don't follow DW, this is one of the many ravens that live on-site at the Tower. They are taken care of by the Beefeaters that live at the Tower as well. They each have names and they also have their wings clipped...however, that hasn't stopped at least one from escaping recently. It even made the news.

No worries...he was picked up and returned to the Tower unharmed.

And here's another fun fact...the Tower of London used to be home to a ZOO. Yup, a zoo, long before the London Zoo was ever founded. They would have the animals roaming an area of the grounds...and needless to say, some of the predators would eat the other animals. Thus, the zoo didn't remain around long.

From the Tower of London, we headed to London's Southbank where we walked along the river Thames and took in the sites, such as St. Paul's Cathedral.



We also stopped by the Tate Modern. This is a very cool museum which is housed in an old factory. One of the main attractions here is the large open art space which you see as soon as you walk in. In there is an installation that changes every 6 months or so. Sadly, when we walked in it was completely blocked off because they were changing it from one installation to another. Sad day.

One more fun fact for the day...we kept seeing signs that said 'No Busking' and we didn't know what that meant. It wasn't until later, when we asked a family friend, that busking is singing/performing for money. Who knew?!

So our last stop for the day was to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. I had seen a stage combat demonstration here 10 years ago in the museum portion of the building, but never had the pleasure of actually going into the performance space.

But that changed!! Thanks to the London Pass, mom and I got a fantastic tour, led by our tourguide below.



The tour was great. We learned how they rebuilt the Globe (as the original burned down many many many years ago, i.e. pre-Great Fire of London) and how theatre was illegal in the city of London back in Shakespearean times, so you would have to cross the river to be able see it.

So, when the tour was over, we started to head back to the hotel. Crossing the Millennium Bridge, we were able to have great views of St. Paul's Cathedral again as well as back at the Globe.

Dad's adventure at Harrods apparently was still going on when we got back, because he was no where to be found. Mom and I changed for the show we were seeing that night and grabbed dinner at The Park Room in the hotel. I don't know if I was ridiculously hungry or if it was just that good, but the club sandwich and fries that we had were unbelievable.

Dad did finally arrive back at the hotel...bags in hand...before we left to go see ONCE. I had been very excited to see this show. So many people I work with were recommending it, saying it was something I would love and needed to see. I had meant to see it when I was in New York about a year ago, but never made it happen. So, when mom had asked what I wanted to see while we were in London, ONCE was at the top of my list.

The pre-show was pretty awesome. Members of the cast came on stage a little after half-hour and once the house was open and played music and sang as if they were actually in the little pub that was setup on stage. I even went up there and got a drink! :-) Ah...warm beer...but in a collector's cup!

This was a beautiful production and I was happy to see it. It's not your traditional piece of musical theater and I think that's refreshing. If you get the chance, do. Some of the symbolism (aka dancing) stretches it a bit, but overall, beautiful and great music.

So with the performance done, we headed back to the hotel. And of course, there's nothing wrong with ending the evening with a gin and tonic and a huge piece of chocolate cake...right?

I thought not.

Upcoming Races

I've been a busy girl...signing up for races left and right. I'm sure I'll regret it later, but here's a list of the upcoming races for this Fall and Winter:


Saturday, September 8 - Color Me Rad 5K - Fort Worth, TX

Saturday, September 29 - The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler - Walt Disney World, FL

Saturday, October 13 - ING Hartford Marathon - Hartford, CT

Saturday, November 10 - Mighty Mud Dash - Grand Prairie, TX

Sunday, December 9 - MetroPCS Dallas Marathon - Dallas, TX


It's kind of crazy seeing that list. I know that I've spaced them out pretty well...but it's still alot to take on.

Stay tuned to see how I do...you read more about them on my running blog.

Ten Penny Ale 5K

Ah...Ten Penny Ale time!

Today was the Shamrock Duathlon & 5K out in Glastonbury. Something that was just a fun run for Bryan and I, but something Arielle was training for.

A couple months ago, during my kick of getting people at work to sign up for training programs, I managed to convince Arielle to join this particular 5k training group. Bryan and I were already in our half marathon training program, and this group would meet at the same time. It was something I know she wanted to do, but I was hoping she would actually do it.

And guess what...she did.

So...Bryan and I decided that we would sign up for the 5k and run with her (see that post here). And run with her we did. We never left her, kept saying motivating things and giving her tips to get her through a little easier.

She was a trooper...even when Bryan physically pushed her forward at one point during the race (ok, it was just a nudge...but it was funny). We got her water when she needed it, let her take walk breaks when she needed and tried to keep her smiling.

I even recruited a cheering squad for her, consisting of her fiancee Andrea, Robyn, Stacie, Andy and Traci. Sure, they were there to see us too...but they were mainly there for Arielle.

She finished in 43:38 and I couldn't be prouder!

We celebrated with a Ten Penny Ale at the finish line and then the group of us went to breakfast...which was delicious by the way! I think one of the greatest things was that we did it as a team. It was one of my favorite experiences so far!

The half marathon is two weeks from today...this was my first run in 2 weeks because of my injury and I feel pretty good honestly. The foot is doing well...so I can only hope that, as long as I'm careful, I'll be ok for that big run. Keep those fingers crossed. :-)

See this post on my running blog.

O'Hartford 5K

Max's O'Hartford 5K was the end of my 5K training group this season. It was something I was building up for...and not all at the same time.

I didn't put everything I had into training for this race. There ended up being so much happening in my life at the time, both good and bad, that I didn't really do what I wanted and needed to do to make this race amazing.

But, that being said, you better believe I was happy that I did it. I was happy that Stacie trained with me and proud of her for finishing. She ended up finishing only about 10 seconds behind me. Not bad!

I also know that if it weren't for our coaches (Liz and Allison) that we both wouldn't have done as well as we did. Allison ran with me (picture below) and Liz with Stacie. I can't thank them enough for their support.

I've got the Amica Ironhorse Half Marathon that I'm training for next and I'm pumped! If you would like to check on my progress during my training, check out my running blog, 365 Days To Become A Marathon Runner. There is also another post about this particular race here.

I'll post that race here as well, but I'm sure there will be trials and tribulations, successes and failures in the next 3 months! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Good Morning 2011

I was contemplating last night what I would write today. Today is the start of a new year....2011.

I was more thoughtful, more insightful last night...probably due to the bottle of champagne I was nursing in the late hours. But the same thought remains...

I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to in 2010. It was full of ups and down, but it was no means disappointing. Opposite in fact...but I hope to tick a few more goals of this year.

LOOKING BACK

2010 was supposed to be the year of running...and it started off really well. I began running and training for all of the races I was planning on participating in. My first race was supposed to be in February, but it got cancelled. Just after, I injured myself and had to take a month off of training. I came back just in time to run the next race (with no time to actually train) and did fairly well, which I was proud of.

Then injury after injury and busy schedule after stressing out....everything caught up with me. I was able to continue to run, but I wasn't really training or challenging myself. The breaking point happened when I had to go into the ER in early Fall. That was the point when I just threw in the towel.

But not all of 2010 was full of setbacks or disappointments. I moved forward in a lot of ways too. I made it through a full year in my current position. I didn't know if I would actually make it...but I did. I got through the extremely stressful times and I also strengthened relationships that have changed my life.

LOOKING FORWARD

I can only imagine was 2011 holds for me. I know that I will be heading back into the gym to try to get back into running. I have a few things that I will be changing to ensure that I don't get injured as often so I can have a better chance for success. I have ideas on how to be stressed at work and I want to continue keeping my relationships in the forefront of my life!

It's a new, fresh start.


Now...what's for breakfast ;-)

Run [Insert Name] Run!

Well, it was back to the grind today.

I was up at 5:30am, to be on the road by 6am, to be at the gym and on the treadmill by 6:30am. Good thing I'm a morning person.

Other than the fire alarm being activated about 5 minutes into my run, the gym experience was a good one today.

I did a thirty minute run (would have been forty, but since I spent ten minutes outside in the cold during the evacuation, I cut it short). The run itself was a little painful for me to get back into the swing of things. Unlike the race last week, the first mile and a half was good, but the last mile and a half were a struggle for me. I started to lose my pace and it hindered me a bit. Luckily I got it under control for about the last half mile. Not great, but not awful; 3 miles in 30 minutes flat.

I then proceeded to the rowing machine (something I haven't done since high school) and proceeded to work out there, followed by a ton of crunches. I'm sure my body will have some unkind words for me in the morning when I wake up and do it all over again....

An interesting side effect of today's workout was a very chipper attitude from me and an extra pep in my step. Now, I consider myself a fairly rambunctious person, but since I got my injury a month ago and had to stop running, I felt myself draining from work load and lack of energy. But damn, if that energy wasn't back in full force today! I was bouncing around, laughing more than I felt I had, just in good spirits. I even decided that I would have a more positive outlook at work. Pretty impressive for one work out session.

However, I'm currently dreading my alarm tomorrow morning...so much for being that morning person, right? Until then...

Race #1

Technically, my first race was cancelled last month and today should have been the second race. However, due to the cancellation, today I participated in my first race of 2010.

Today's race was a 5k (3.1 miles) through downtown and it was being held after a month of not running. Due to my ankle injury, I had not been running in hopes of having it heal as much as it could before I was to race.

Luckily for me, I healed enough to run the race and at the end, my ankle was actually holding up really well. It was twinging a little during that last mile, but nothing I couldn't handle.

The first mile was rough. I could feel my body revolting on me, basically saying 'hey, you haven't done this in a while....what the hell are you thinking?!" I could see my boss ahead of me and he just kept getting further away. I didn't want to push myself for fear of agitating my injured ankle. I held it together as best I could (trying to not get sick) up to the 1.5 mile mark (and basically the half way point).

I picked up some water and basically it gave me the energy to finish the race. By mile 3, I was back at my stride and feeling good; good enough to sprint to the finish at the last hundred yards or so.

My final time: 33:16. Not bad for a month off! To celebrate, my boss and I savored some free beer and corned beef on bagels (hey, it was a St. Patty's Day race after all!)

Next goal: get back in the gym and try and prep for the 1/4 marathon in 3 weeks!

Cross your fingers for no more injuries!!! (And I'll post the finish photo when I can!)

Race Cancelled :-(

Well....this does not bode well.

I was supposed to participate in my first race of the 'year of races' this Saturday, February 13 but I received information that the race was cancelled due to a "sudden and unavoidable conflict with [the] race venue."

There is no information as to whether or not it was due to the weather (which has been snowy and cold) or if it really was due to some other unforeseeable circumstance that shut the race down.

Personally this news comes to me with both good and bad feelings about the situation:

Bad: I've been prepping for this race for about a month and a half and I felt really prepared.
Bad: I'm concerned that with the next race a month away, I may slip in my training and slack...AH!
Bad: My roommate, co-worker and father were going to be in attendance cheering my boss and I along as we ran and now....no signs, no cheers for another month.

Good: This gives me another full month before my next race (of the same distance) to be even more prepared.
Good: I don't have to run in the freezing weather that I had been dreading all week.
Good: I get to spend less time worrying about the race and more time with my dad this weekend (who didn't come in for the race but would have been able to see it due to being in town for the right weekend).

So, I'm....conflicted!

Oh well. I have to look at it positively and just move on from this point and be extra prepared for the St. Patrick's race in March...

May the luck o' the Irish be with me!

Training: Week 2

Not much to report on the running front. My injuries seem to have taken a back seat this week, which I am grateful for. If I keep up a faster pace, my strides are longer and that relieves the pressure on my knee and ankle. So I'm currently increasing my endurance at the faster pace so I keep injury free!

Unfortunate news about this week was the I ended up getting a pretty harsh cold that knocked my training back a few days as I couldn't breathe well and my body was achy. I kept up my strength training as best I could at home, but the gym was out this weekend.

Stay tuned for next week's update!!


PS - See new races that I've added to my year of running:

O'Hartford 5K - March
IronHorse Half Marathon - June
Old Wethersfield 10K - August

Goals

So, I've realized over the last week that training for this marathon, while fulfilling and good for me, is hard and sometimes sucks. I have to set goals or milestones for me in order to reach my ultimate goal of finishing my first marathon.

Some people workout with buddies, others have a trainer to work with. With me, it's just that: me. So I have to set my own guidelines.

I have a training journal that sets up my week for me with what I need to accomplish along with places for me to put how I'm feeling, whether or not I actually did what I was supposed to do, etc. It's a pain at times to look down and see that I need to get to the gym, but its that constant reminder of what I need to achieve.

I have also gone through running websites to locate running events in my area of me to participate in so I keep my training constant. I have now committed to at least 4 races (which includes the marathon).

Lastly, I've told others about these races so I actually do them. I even have a coworker/good friend who has said that he would even come out and cheer me on. That's really what I need. So now I'm taking that a step further and announcing on my blog that I intend to run at least these 4 races:

Cupid's Chase 5K - February
ShamRock & Roll 5K - March
1/4 Marathon (11K) - April
Full Marathon (26.2mi) - October

I'm hoping to add at least one more race (hopefully a 10k to a 1/2 marathon) in the summer months to keep the incentive alive. Check back as I update my progress and race information.

Now I just have to finish...