Goals

Tuesdays on the Run: April Recap

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It’s the beginning of May and the end of my first official full month of training towards my first marathon and in true Tammie form it has been a month of highs and lows…

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Highs

  1. Long Run Distance-I will have built my distance to 8 miles of run walk intervals.   My pace is steady over the distance and is at where I have set in my own mind as what I need to do in order to  cross the finish line.
  2. Total Mileage in 2019-I hit the 500 mile mark earlier this month in my goal to reach 2019 by December 31 at 11:59 pm.  While I am behind I am hoping that summer will bring more time to get out there and just walk.
  3. Lots of Personal Records-It seems that each time I run, RunKeeper is telling me that I am shattering my own personal records.  It is totally amazing, getting almost 40 pounds off this body has made a huge difference not only to my time but to my physical well being.
  4. Injury Free-I am almost scared to write this but so far the hip, the shins, and the achilles are all playing nice with each other.  They have reminded my a couple of times that they are in control of this running thing but so far, so good.

Lows

  1.  Short Runs-While I have only missed 1 short run, I am struggling to get my short runs in each week, which is frustrating since it is only 2 miles or about 30 minutes.  I am so full of excuses and so tired at night. My afternoon runs are not pleasant, they feel sluggish. Come on summer, ready for some morning running.
  2. Weight Loss had Plateaued-This month I just lost the same 5 pounds about 4 times.  I am so close to the 40 pound mark but I just can’t seem to get there.

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My goals for May are pretty straight forward…

  1. Build my Distance to 11 miles.
  2. Do  ALL of my short runs.
  3. Break the weight loss plateau and make it to as close to 45 pounds lost as I can
  4. Get to 700 miles by the end of May.

Tuesday’s on the Run: April Running Reflections

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It’s Tuesday, so that means I am linking up with Patty, Erika & Marsha for Tuesday’s on the Run and with it being the end of the month it is time to look back on how the month went in terms of running…

AprilShowers

I certainly hope that the old saying that April Showers (which there still continues to be no actual rain where I live) bring May flowers, because April I have had my share of ups and downs, much like the weather and hoping that in May my will bloom into something a little more consistent and focused on the #roadtofirstmarathon.  Who am I kidding?  It would not be my running if it was consistent.  

Highs

  • 8 Miles–With this weekend’s run I will have built my distance to 8 miles of run walk intervals.  My pace is steady over the distance and it a pace that will keep me ahead of the balloon ladies, which is certainly a high, but I still have 18 more miles to go!
  • 1 Round of Core Training Completed-I finished my first ever 6-week cycle of Core Training through the Tribe program at my gym.  It is amazing how far I have come since my first class…from no push-ups to now a steady 10 in a row.  I have already signed up for another 6 weeks.
  • 13 pounds lost-Slow and steady will win the battle of the bulge, or at least I hope it will.  I have now lost 13 pounds since January 8. Yes, it should be more as I constantly find myself fighting the battle of emotional eating. I am trying hard to stay focused and satisfied at a pound a week, plus not give into temptation.  I did have a non-scale victory this month as I fit back into a pair of jeans that were in my closest, so I sized down!
  • 500 Miles-I hit the 500 mile mark earlier this month in my goal to reach 2018 by December 31 at 11:59 pm.  While I am behind I am hoping that summer will bring more time to get out there and just walk.
  • 3 Race Events on the Horizon-I finally pushed the pay and commit button on a couple of races that I have been eyeing. I am officially running the Slacker Half in June, the Missoula Half Marathon in July and my first runDisney Running Short (Mrs. Incredible) which I plan to run to celebrate the official 5-0 mark in my life.

Lows

  • Short Runs–I am struggling to get my short runs in each week, which is frustrating since it is only 2 miles or about 30 minutes.  I am so full of excuses…
  • Battle of Which Part of My Lower Body Wants to Have Issues-I my body is certainly feeling the 5-0 approaching and each day another part of the bottom half of my body wants to see if it can bring me down. Shins, Achilles, Knee, Hip…thankfully they each take turns, but still bring doubt and fear into whether or not 26.2 miles will be possible.
  • runDisney postponing Marathon Registration-I was ready to pull the trigger and commit to the marathon last week when registration was supposed to happen, but in true runDisney form they had to make some kind of drama happen…postponing the registration of all the spring 2019 events, which makes the rumor mill go wild as to what is going on.  It also makes me hesitant about committing to a DVC rental for the weekend and I am afraid of no room in the inn, or in my case no cabana on the Poly Beach.

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Looking ahead to May, My goals for May are pretty straight forward…

  • Build my Distance to 11 miles.
  • Get my short runs in.
  • Lose 8 pounds, which will bring me to pre-boot weight.
  • Get to 700 miles by the end of May.

How did your April go?  What are you looking forward to accomplishing in May?  Drop me a comment, I would love to share in your journey with you!

Tuesdays on the Run: 2018 Running Goals

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Happy 2018!

It’s Tuesday, so that means I am linking up with Patty, Erika & Marsha for Tuesday’s on the Run.

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Today’s topic…

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I love the fresh start a new year brings, but the 18 part of that number is a little troubling for me as I am suffering with a bad case of the 9’s, mainly 49.  Turning 50 is right around the corner for me and in some ways I am finding myself in a the midst of a midlife crisis muddled with a growing bucket list for my next 50 years, that I hope includes a few more runDisney races.  

2017 was not a great run year, in fact except for a few running attempts it was non-existent due to a slew of injuries that kept me away from the starting line questioning my ability overcome and pound out the miles again.  I am finally getting the ALL CLEAR SIGNAL from each of the various doctors I have visited over the course of 2017.  It is pretty amazing (and scary) for them to be agreeing that I can start working on my running goals at the same time, but they have all cautioned me to do this SLOWLY and learn to back off when I need to (they of all people in this world, they should know that I am the queen of stubborn).  So welcome to the 2018 edition of my running goals, cue the fireworks…

Goal #1:  Run/Walk 2 Miles Every Day

11594-2-miles-stickerOne of the things that I missed most last year was that daily 30-45 minutes of run/walk therapy, totally 100% selfish but yet so needed for my mental health (and for the safety of my family when the peri-menopausal rage would consume me).  So today, I am going for a 365 day streak where I at least walk 2 miles each day.

 

Goal #2:  2018 Miles in 2018

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I was able to complete the 2016 miles in 2016 by including my everyday miles from life in with my total.  I need to start wearing my FitBit again (something that I tossed aside because I was not supposed to do anything other than everyday life miles and rest), so my rules will be the same…FitBit needs to read 2018 miles on or before 11:59 pm on December 31, 2018!  

The past 3 years I have used the Run the Edge program but I have found it to become way too large and that large community has caused way too much negativity that I simply do not need in my life.  I was so excited about the announcement from Jeff Galloway about his new 2018 in 2018 program and without any hesitation I signed up! This man has totally changed my life and attitude when it comes to exercise and I can’t wait for a year full of motivation from him!

Goal #3:  Train to the distance for the 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon

c6b82fbb-bc7d-42b1-879d-a8dab1cc4c57I had planned to run my first marathon (and probably ONLY marathon) BEFORE I TURNED 50, revised now WHILE I AM 50  The goal is that in 377 days, I can say I ran a marathon.  The training calendar for 2018 has been made, giving myself a full year to prepare so 2017 will be training.   

 

Goal #4: 10K Daily Step Streak10kaday

I know that 10K steps a day does not seem like a lot, but there are days when getting 10K steps seems impossible with hours sitting at work looking at data and planning professional development.  And honestly there are days that  just want to sit on the couch!  My goal is to get up and start moving more while at work.  Let’s see if I can make a 365 day streak!
I am excited to fill 2018 with walking and running, but do you know what would make 2018 even better?  If you would be a part of my goals and let me be a part of yours.  Share your own running goals in the comments and join me not only here each week for Tuesday’s on the Run but on…Instagram (one_interval_at_a_time & mylifeinears), myfitness pal (one_interval_at_a_time) and Fitbit (mylifeinears). Better yet, join me and let’s train together (even if just virtually) for the 2019 WDW Marathon (or any of the runDisney races that week 5k, 10K or half marathon) and then be there at the finish line for each other. Not only can I help you get started with your running goals, but I can help you plan the perfect runcation next January!

Tuesdays on the Run: What do you need to know about a runDisney race?

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It’s Tuesday, so that mean’s I am linking up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia for

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Recently, I crossed paths with an old friend, as we proceeded to catch each other up on major events in our lives she mentioned seeing my endless FB posts about runDisney and was thinking about giving it try.  Well, Cindy as promised here what you need to know…

1. All Magic Comes at Price

runDisney events are not cheap.  While a local half marathon registration will cost you $50-100, a runDisney half marathon registration will be in the range of $200.  That is a lot of money for a t-shirt, medal and bandana.  Then when you factor in the cost of making it a run-cation the expenses go up significantly.  But trust me after you finish your first race, you will never have sticker shock again and somehow your eyes will never even gaze at the price, your finger will just click on that registration link.

2. Lots of Runners Want in on the Magic

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runDisney events have gained significant popularity the last years and many of the event weekends and distances are likely to sell out VERY quickly, some within minutes.  You need to make sure you are aware of registration dates & times, as well as be familiar with the registration process.  runDisney races are also huge events in the terms of participants, in 2016 almost a 250K runners took part in a runDisney race. The 2016 Princess Half Marathon had 37.000 registered runners.

3. Races are not Sleeping Beauty Friendly

Most runDisney events have a start time between 5-6 am, which means a 2:30 am walk up call is in order so that you can get dressed, make it to the bus on time, take care of your personal needs and get in your race corral ready to start by race time, all in the dark.  Most runners compete in the challenges (multiple races over the course of the weekend) and will repeat the early mornings 3-4 days in a row.  Princesses are off to bed early and have to limit times enjoying the parks.  You have to get in the mindset of you are here for “work” first and play afterwards.

4. Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, It’s Off to Train I must Go

Pixie Dust will not get you through a runDisney race.  You must take your training seriously and put the time into it to have a successful and enjoyable race. There is no room for excuses, only commitment. A great motivation for training is to pull out your registration and remind yourself of how much you are paying for this experience.

5. Magical Race Experience for Everyone

Whether you are a serious or causal runner, runDisney races can be magical for both skill levels and everyone in between.  With Jeff Galloway (leading running mousekeeter of the run/walk method) as the official race trainer, expect there to be a lot of run/walkers out on the course making a runDisney event a race that most everyone can be successful in.  Also, it is perfectly acceptable to stop occasionally and take in all the magic around you, including running through the castle or underneath Spaceship Earth. If you are brave enough, riding Expedition Everest in the middle of your full marathon, my personal goal. For those really wanting to celebrate the finish line, cross with a margarita in hand from the Mexico pavilion.  Also, make sure you take pictures and selfies along the way, documenting the magic you are having.  runDisney uses Disney Photopass photographers to capture the magic as you are running, but don’t be afraid to hand your camera off to a Cast Member too to help you capture the magic.  As long as you keep a 16-minute mile pace and are ahead of the “balloon ladies” you will finish the race.

6. Red or Blue?

While costumes are entirely optional, you will want to get in the spirit of a runDisney race after you see everyone else around you.  It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but it does need to be runner friendly so make sure you try it out during a run BEFORE you wear it for a race…chaffing is not fun.

7. Like Chocolate to Elsa & Anna, an Addition

Okay running is not fun or most people, me included.  But something happens when you compete in your first runDisney race and that medal is around your neck…. you suddenly forget about the training runs in the middle of summer (or winter), the blisters, the sweating, mile 9 when you are ready to die…all the bad stuff is erased and you begin thinking about the experience of running through the castle and only hear the clinking of your next medal.

So Cindy, are you ready to runDisney with me…