June 2011 Wrap Up

Weight Watch: -5.2 pounds
While I'm not entirely thrilled with this number for a full month, I am happy that it's a loss.  I've been doing really well watching my food, tracking everything and staying in control.  I know that it's working as running is becoming easier and my clothes are starting to fit differently.

Mileage Watch:
Run/Walk: 137.54 miles
Bike: 100.00 miles
Elliptical: 2.10 miles
Total Miles: 239.64 miles

I have hit another milestone.  My highest mileage month ever for the second month in a row.  I am thrilled with my miles this month.  Not only have my miles been great, but my speed is improving as well.  I've also done really well with the three minutes run, one minute walk intervals too.  I hope to continue working on these improvements and keep the mileage up.

Goal Review
I completed one event in June -  a 5K.  It was a bit of a rough race since it was on trail and I wasn't prepared for that and I did an 18 mile run the day before, but it was still a great race.  It was no where near a PR, but it was an improvement over other races this year.  So far, I have stuck to my one event per month goal and I should be able to continue that through the end of the year :)!

My run/walk miles were my highest yet, which means I killed the 80-100 run/walk miles per month goal!  I have come so far this year in terms of miles.  I have completed more miles already this year than I completed in all of last year.  I am working on speed and endurance and I think it's been going really well so far.  I don't have any plans on stopping now.

July 2011
I will be doing another 5K in a familiar location which is good because it's going to be hot, even at 6:30am.  I'm excited to see what this race will bring as I am hoping that I can push a little bit more than I have been during races.

The weather is going to make it difficult to get outside much in July.  It's staying in the 90's plus overnight which makes even 4am runs outside difficult to manage.  That's okay though, I have the treadmill and I can push myself there just as well.  Although I know I've got to try to get some miles in outside to get ready for the Disneyland Half.

I am actually feeling better about my diet right now.  I feel like I've gained a bit of ground on my food choices and tracking and I'll continue to work on this.  I would love to see better numbers in terms of pounds lost, but I'm taking it one small goal at a time and I know that every pound will help me get where I want to be.

Beat the heat, stay safe and hydrated and let's see where July can take us!

runDisney Race Updates

2011 Disneyland Half Marathon
September 2-4, 2011

Disneyland Half Marathon - Sold Out
*Wait list closed, contact charity groups or travel partners for potential registration
View the 2011 Half Marathon course map here


Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K -  Sold Out
View the 2011 5K course map here - Does this course not go through the castle any more?


Disneyland Kids' Races - Sold Out

Check out this year's race program.

2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon
September 30 - October 1, 2011


Wine and Dine Half Marathon - 87% Full
Wine and Dine Half Marathon Relay - 61% Full


No percentages for the Halloween 5K

Kids' Races - 63% Full

2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 5 - 8, 2012


Walt Disney World Marathon - No percentages
Walt Disney World Marathon Relay - No percentages
View 2012 Full Marathon course map here


Walt Disney World Half Marathon - No percentages
View 2012 Half Marathon Half course map here


Goofy's Race and Half Challenge - 79% Full


Disney's Family Fun Run 5K - No percentages


Disney's Kids' Races - No percentages

2012 Tinker Bell Half Marathon
January 27 - 29, 2012

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - 55% Full
Tinker Bell Half Marathon - 2 person teams - No percentages
View 2012 Half course map here

Never Land Family Fun Run 5K - No percentages

Disney Kids' Races - No percentages

2012 Princess Half Marathon
February 24-26, 2012

Registration opens July 5, 2011

Weekly Review: Jun 20 - 26

Goals for workouts this year:
1. 80-100 miles run/walk per month
2. One day of Pilates per week
3. One day of Strength Training per week
4. One day of Bike or Elliptical per week
5. One Incline Workout on the Treadmill per week

Here's this week's recap
Monday
PM Workout: Treadmill run/walk - 4.56mi, .27mi warm up walk, 4mi @ 12:17 per mi, .29mi cool down walk
Notes: My legs are a bit tired and sore today, but I still got a good run/walk in.

Tuesday
PM Workout: Treadmill incline workout #20 - 1.99mi, 30mins, up to 10% incline
Treadmill walk 3.45mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: Really tired tonight, but I got a great workout in even though I didn't get as much mileage in as I wanted.

Wednesday
PM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 5.65mi, .28mi warm up walk, 5mi @ 12:35 per mi, .37mi cool down walk
Notes: I think my legs are asking for a break, but I got a good run/walk in tonight.  I took it easy, but still am pleased with my pace.

Thursday
PM Workout: Bike - 25mi, 1hr 35mins, 15.6mph avg, resistance level 3
Notes: Think I might be over training a bit.  It's been really tough this week, but if I can get through this week I'll take the next couple of weeks easier.

Friday
PM Workout:  Treadmill walk 4.10mi @ 15:00 per mi 
Notes: I'm physically tired tonight.  I'm not sure about the long run tomorrow, but we'll see.

Saturday
AM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 11.40mi, .35mi warm up walk, 10.37mi @ 13:34 per mi, .68mi cool down walk
Notes: I set out for a 20 miler today, but that just didn't happen.  By mile seven I was just hurting everywhere and tired and knew I wouldn't make it through 20 miles.  I did what I could and than called it good for the day.

Sunday
AM Workout: 20 minute Pilates - total body with resistance band
Treadmill walk 3.02mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: Got a good Pilates workout and a nice walk in.  Feeling okay overall, but I have a sore right foot.

Weekly Numbers:
Weight Watch: -3.2 pounds

Run/Walk Miles: 34.17
Bike Miles: 25.0
Elliptical Miles: 0.0
TOTAL MILES: 59.17

Pilates: 1 20 minute total body with resistance band workout 
Strength: MISSED
Incline: 1 30 minute incline workout

Monthly Numbers
Run/Walk Miles: 126.30
Bike Miles: 80.00
Elliptical Miles: 2.10
TOTAL MILES: 208.40

Goofy's Weekly Training Challenge Results

I'm happy with the numbers this week considering that I am feeling a bit over trained.  The next couple of weeks are going to be light and easy and hopefully restful.  It's been a good year so far and I will not be losing my momentum now.

On an interesting note, I have now surpassed my run/walk miles from last year...I feel really good about that.  I feel like I've been making significant progress this year and the second half of the year is going to be just as good!

The diet is still going well.  I have some off days now and again, but I've been able to stay mostly on plan and I'm really starting to feel the difference in my clothes.  I still have a long way to go, but at least I'm making progress.
. 

Weekly Review: Jun 13 - 19

Goals for workouts this year:
1. 80-100 miles run/walk per month
2. One day of Pilates per week
3. One day of Strength Training per week
4. One day of Bike or Elliptical per week
5. One Incline Workout on the Treadmill per week

Here's this week's recap
Monday
PM Workout: Treadmill walk 3.10mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: My left quad is pretty darn sore today, but considering that's my only problem after last week's high miles I'll take it.  Still got a nice easy walk in on the treadmill tonight.

Tuesday
PM Workout: Bike - 15mi, 57mins, 15.7 mph avg, resistance level 3
Notes: My left quad is still a bit sore today so I decided to take it easy and did the bike tonight.  Had a nice pedal tonight.

Wednesday
PM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 5.05mi, .52mi warm up walk, 4mi @ 12:03 per mi, .54mi cool down walk
Notes: Left quad feeling much better today.  Still a little sore, but much, much better.  Had an awesome run/walk on the treadmill tonight and really pushed the speed a bit again.

Thursday
PM Workout: Treadmill incline workout #19 - 1.99mi, 30mins, up to 7% incline
Treadmill walk 3.10mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: Just feeling worn out today.  Still got a good incline workout and walk in tonight.  No more pain in the left leg tonight - yeah!

Friday
PM Workout:  Treadmill walk 4.25mi @ 15:00 per mi 
Notes: Had the day off work, but had a ton of errands to run today.  Got a good walk in on the treadmill.  Today was a rough day with food - I was starving all day and ended up eating more today than I should have.

Saturday
AM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 10.80mi, .31mi warm up walk, 10mi @ 12:14 per mi, .49mi cool down walk
Notes: I cannot be mad at this run/walk.  10mi at 12:14 per mi...the last 10mi I did was 12:50 per mi...I am steadily seeing an improvement in my speed and the length of of time that I can continue the run/walk intervals - I didn't have to stop doing the intervals once today.  I also did the last half a bit faster than the first half.  I like seeing these marked improvements.

Sunday
AM Workout: 20 minute Pilates - buns and thighs
Notes: Today is all about no miles.  I've been hitting the miles pretty hard lately and decided that I should give my legs a day off of pounding/pedalling.  I did get a 20 minute buns and thighs Pilates workout in and I am feeling it.

Weekly Numbers:
Weight Watch: -2.4 pounds

Run/Walk Miles: 28.29
Bike Miles: 15.0
Elliptical Miles: 0.0
TOTAL MILES: 43.29

Pilates: 1 20 minute buns and thighs workout 
Strength: MISSED
Incline: 1 30 minute incline workout

Monthly Numbers
Run/Walk Miles: 92.13
Bike Miles: 55.00
Elliptical Miles: 2.10
TOTAL MILES: 149.23

Goofy's Weekly Training Challenge Results

Another good week.  I had to nurse a sore left quad after last week's push, but it eased up and felt perfectly fine by mid week so I can't complain about that too much.
My theme continues to be pushing to new limits.  I hope to continue pushing and pushing so that I can keep improving my speed and reach my goal of a 2hr 30min half marathon and ultimately improve my Dopey speeds in January. 

I had a couple of rough days with the diet this week.  While I didn't completely blow it, I did have a couple of days where I overate in terms of calories.  I'm back on track though and I'll keep doing as much as I can to keep the weight coming off.

Since I started tracking on May 19th, I am down 12.4 pounds and that feels amazing.  I am starting to feel the difference in my clothes - in a good way for a change.  I want to keep working on this for sure and doing what I can.

It is definitely summer here in AZ..We're in the triple digits by 9am and that means I'm going to be on the treadmill a lot the next couple of months...not that I haven't been already, but now the choice is pretty much out of my hands. 

Arizona Road Racer's Summer Series 5K Race #2

The alarm rang super early at 4am this morning.  I have to say that I was really not ready to get up this early, but I did it anyway.  I got myself ready to go race, fed the dogs and headed out the door at 4:40am...I left extra early this morning as I was headed to a new location about 35 miles away and needed to account for my high potential to get lost.

The site was super easy to find.  I sports complex with 9 or more soccer fields and lots of trails.  I parked easily, went to get my bib and timing chip.  Yes, a chip timed 5K.  Since this is a race series, they track official times and award points based on finish time for those that have signed up for the whole series (which I did not this year).

The entry fee for this race was inexpensive - $10.  What a refreshing change!  Now, there aren't any frills - no t-shirt and no goody bag.  This actually made me super happy as I tend to refuse most goody bags now and seriously don't need more t-shirts.

I took a good amount of time to walk around, and do a few short running session to loosen up my legs.  While I wasn't sore at all from my 18 miler yesterday, my legs were feeling a bit stiff and certainly tired.  This helped to loosen them up and at close to a mile was just about perfect.  It also gave me a chance to see more of the complex.

I was quite concerned when I found out that the course was going to be in the desert - great.  Well, it turns out the entire course was dirt trail.  Now, you probably know that I don't love trail running.  I am so paranoid about twisting a knee or ankle that I tend to hold back, but I was going to give it my best any way.

We all lined up and the race started on time at 6:30am.  It was already 78 degrees out and sunny.  It was really quite beautiful and a great day to be out running.  At least that's what I thought until we started running.  Remember that dirt course?  Well, with dirt comes a whole lot of dust.  Clouds of it, through the entire 3.11 miles - YUCK!  Yes, I ate every one's dust today for real.

I decided to do 3 minute run, 1 minute walk intervals and I was able to keep these up through pretty much the entire race.  I only had one interval where I took a little extra walk time - about a minute extra.  The problem today really wasn't my legs.  It was my mind - I was playing mental games with myself the entire time.

For some reason, I can manage to do this on a training run or on a treadmill and have no trouble, but put me on a course and start thinking I can't do it.  I don't know what that's about since I never used to be that way, but it's something I'm working on.  It's almost like I am punishing myself for carrying the extra weight and that has to stop.

Regardless of my mental limitations today, I actually did really well and felt good through the race.  My breathing was a bit labored and I think a lot of that had to do with the darn dust.  The legs held up really well and I was very careful to make sure I watched where I planted my feet so not twisted limbs. 

In the end, I crossed the finish in 37 minutes 35 seconds...Which was a 12:06 per mi pace.  That is a PR for this year...It's not as fast as I know I can go, but it was a huge step in the right direction and this was after a great 18 miler yesterday where I really pushed as well.

This was the first time I've done any races with the Arizona Road Racers and I was very impressed.  The cost was inexpensive and the event was super well organized.  I was a little disappointed that I wasn't aware of the fact that it was a dirt course, but this was their first time at the venue as well so I'll cut them some slack on this.  I would have liked to see a second water stop as there was only one stop at right before mile 1 and I was so wishing I would have brought my own water by mile 2.  At the end of the race, they had plenty of volunteers to take of the timing chips which was great.  Then they had a ton of food and water - watermelon, bananas, bagels, and even more I think.  Sadly, since I'm a bit slow the line to get food was just way to long for me to wait in.  I grabbed a quick cup of water and that was it for me.

I'm very excited to see how the next two events I have signed up with this group will be.  One will be at a venue I know very well and one another new venue to me.

Weekly Review: Jun 6 - 12

Goals for workouts this year:
1. 80-100 miles run/walk per month
2. One day of Pilates per week
3. One day of Strength Training per week
4. One day of Bike or Elliptical per week
5. One Incline Workout on the Treadmill per week

Here's this week's recap
Monday
PM Workout: Treadmill Incline Workout #18 - 1.98mi, 30 mins, up to 10% incline
Notes: The incline workout was all I could handle tonight.  Feeling a bit tired and needed to take a break from other miles.

Tuesday
PM Workout: Treadmill walk - 4.25mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: I actually wanted to go longer tonight, but it was a good walk and still a fair amount of miles so I'm not to worried.

Wednesday
PM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 5.81mi, .30mi warm up walk, 5mi @ 12:08 per mi, .51mi cool down walk
Notes: Had a fabulous run/walk on the treadmill tonight.  I pushed faster than I have in a while and for longer than I have been.  It felt really good.  Very happy with tonight's results.

Thursday
PM Workout: Pilates 20 Minute Circle Workout
Bike - 30mi, 2hrs 7mins, 14mph avg, resistance level 2
Notes: Well, what can I say about this one?  I mean really - I did 30 miles on the bike tonight...not too shabby as far as I'm concerned.

Friday
PM Workout:  Treadmill walk 6.20mi @ 15:00 per mi 
Notes: A nice 10K walk on the treadmill tonight.  This will be interesting since I have a nice long run scheduled for tomorrow.

Saturday
AM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 18.67mi, .30mi warm up walk, 18mi @ 12:29 per mi, .37mi cool down walk
Notes: I am super thrilled with this run/walk.  I managed to do the full 18 miles with a run/walk interval of 3:1.  Not only did I do the intervals the entire time, I really worked hard to keep my speed up on the run portions.  This resulted in 18 miles in the fastest time I've ever done it.  Now, I was pretty darn tired by the time I was done - not sure I could have held that up for a full marathon, but still a super good chunk of progress!

Sunday
AM Workout: ARR Summer Race Series #2 - 4.3mi, .92mi warm up walk, 3.11mi @ 12:06 per mi, .27mi cool down walk
Notes: Today was a nice 5K race.  It was about 78 degrees when we started at 6:30am.  I'm pleased to say that I was not really sore after the long run yesterday (even after pushing).  The race was dusty and tough mentally, but I'm still pleased with my time.  I'll post a race report later.

Weekly Numbers:
Weight Watch: -1.4 pounds

Run/Walk Miles: 41.21
Bike Miles: 30.0
Elliptical Miles: 0.0
TOTAL MILES: 71.21

Pilates: 1 20 minute circle workout 
Strength: MISSED
Incline: 1 30 minute incline workout

Monthly Numbers
Run/Walk Miles: 63.84
Bike Miles: 40.00
Elliptical Miles: 2.10
TOTAL MILES: 105.94

Goofy's Weekly Training Challenge Results

It was definitely a gold medal week for me...I mean really I did over 40 run/walk miles and 30 on the bike, plus a Pilates session.  So why did I do all this?

Well, this week was about pushing myself.  Adding miles, working on speed, getting uncomfortable.  Let me tell you I so succeeded in these goals.  I am just super happy with the progress this week and really want to keep the momentum going and the improvements coming. 

The diet is going very well.  I'm learning that I can actually eat a lot more than I used to on those days when I'm pushing super had.  It's still a touchy balance, but I'm learning and the scale hasn't been too terrible to me and I am starting to feel slight differences in my clothes.  I really want to keep on track with this and make sure that I continue the way I've been going.

The heat is on, but I know I need to try to get some outside time on my feet.  I have already been living on the treadmill and it's great and it's helped me tons, but I need some hard unforgiving pavement to put my in my place :)!

Hope your June is going well.

Weekly Review - May 30 - June 5

Goals for workouts this year:
1. 80-100 miles run/walk per month
2. One day of Pilates per week
3. One day of Strength Training per week
4. One day of Bike or Elliptical per week
5. One Incline Workout on the Treadmill per week

Here's this week's recap
Monday
AM Workout: Walk -2.42mi @ 16:17 per mi
Elliptical - 1mi, 27mins, resistance 1, ramp 10%
Notes: A little too warm for the pups outside this morning so I ended up cutting the walk short.  Did a quick workout on the elliptical as well.

Tuesday
PM Workout: Treadmill walk - 3.42mi @ 15:00 per mi
Notes: Had a very long day at work today, but still got a good walk in on the treadmill.

Wednesday
PM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 4.68mi, .31mi warm up walk, 4mi @ 13:20 per mi, .37mi cool down walk
Notes: Moved to 3min run, 1min walk intervals today.  I certainly felt like I was going faster than it showed on the Garmin today.

Thursday
PM Workout: Elliptical - 2.10mi, 57mins, level 1, ramp 10%
Notes: Have a huge swollen bruise on my left shin - not sure how I got it but it was sore all day.  Still got a great elliptical workout in.

Friday
PM Workout:  Treadmill walk 3.01mi @ 15:00 per mi 
Treadmill Incline Workout # 17 - 1.99mi, 30mins, up to 8% incline
Notes: Got a good walk and a good incline workout in today...been very hungry all day.

Saturday
AM Workout:  Treadmill run/walk - 10.77mi, .31mi warm up walk, 10mi @ 12:50 per mi, .46mi cool down walk
Notes: My first long run/walk with 3min run/1min walk intervals.  I was able to hold this for 7 miles before I just did what I felt like - some running, some walking based on feeling.  I was pretty tired at the end, but I didn't use anything but water for fuel so that has a lot to do with that.  I felt like I was really slow, but last week's 10mi run/walk was slower so running the additional minute actually helped quite a bit.

Sunday
AM Workout: Walk - 2.18mi @ 15:39 per mi
Bike - 10mi, 41mins, 14.6mph avg, resistance level 2
Notes: Took the dogs out for a very nice walk this morning.  Came back and got a good sweaty bike ride in.

Weekly Numbers:
Weight Watch: -0.2 pounds

Run/Walk Miles: 28.47
Bike Miles: 10.0
Elliptical Miles: 3.10
TOTAL MILES: 41.57

Pilates: MISSED
Strength: MISSED
Incline: 1 30 minute incline workout

Monthly Numbers
Run/Walk Miles: 22.63
Bike Miles: 10.10
Elliptical Miles: 2.10
TOTAL MILES: 34.73

Goofy's Weekly Training Challenge Results

Another Bronze medal for me :)!  This week was pretty uneventful in terms of miles, but it marked another milestone where I upped my run intervals by a minute and left the walk intervals the same.  I will stick with this plan for a little bit and continue working on endurance and speed with these intervals.

Diet has gone pretty well this week.  Saturday left me very hungry after the 10 miler and I did eat a bit more than I should have, but that's the way it goes and I've moved past that and am right back on track.
It's still hard to believe it's June...The year is flying by and I am still maintaining my motivation and hope that it continues as it has been really good for me so far.

New Disneyland Half Finisher's Medal for 2011

The Disney Parks Blog revealed the new 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon Finisher's Medal...Man am I excited for this one, it's gorgeous!

June 1st - National Running Day

June 1st is National Running Day.  What did you do to celebrate?

Today, I got a great 4 mile run in on the treadmill.  I upped my run intervals from 2 minutes to 3 minutes and kept the walk breaks at 1 minute.  I felt great when I was all done - tired, but accomplished.

How do you finish this statement:  I Run...

Here's just a few of the many ways that I finish that statement:
-I run because I never thought I could. 
-I run because it centers me. 
-I run because it challenges me. 
-I run because I can always strive to do better. 
-I run because I have met so many wonderful people and have made great friends. 
-I run because it still amazes me that I can go the distance.
-I run because I can do it and support good causes.
-I run because it gives me even more excuses to go to Disney.

Seriously, I could come up with hundreds of other reasons.  It's really become a part of my life, this year even more than before.  It really is something that I can be proud of.

Leave me a comment and let me know how you celebrated National Running Day and why you love/hate running.

runDisney Race Updates

2011 Disneyland Half Marathon
September 2-4, 2011

Disneyland Half Marathon - Sold Out
*Wait list closed, contact charity groups or travel partners for potential registration
View the 2011 Half Marathon course map here


Disneyland Family Fun Run 5K -  Sold Out
View the 2011 5K course map here - Does this course not go through the castle any more?


Disneyland Kids' Races - Sold Out

2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon
September 30 - October 1, 2011


Wine and Dine Half Marathon - 70% Full
Wine and Dine Half Marathon Relay - 50% Full
View the 2011 Half Marathon course here


No percentages for the Halloween 5K or Kids' Races

2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
January 5 - 8, 2012


Walt Disney World Marathon - No percentages
Walt Disney World Marathon Relay - No percentages
View 2012 Full Marathon course map here


Walt Disney World Half Marathon - No percentages
View 2012 Half Marathon Half course map here


Goofy's Race and Half Challenge - 70% Full


Disney's Family Fun Run 5K - No percentages


Disney's Kids' Races - No percentages

2012 Tinker Bell Half Marathon
January 27 - 29, 2012

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - No percentages
Tinker Bell Half Marathon - 2 person teams - No percentages
View 2012 Half course map here

Never Land Family Fun Run 5K - No percentages

Disney Kids' Races - No percentages

2012 Princess Half Marathon
February 24-26, 2012

Registration opens July 5, 2011