motivation

Tuesdays of the Run: Unofficially but Officially

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April 7, 2020 was supposed to be the day that post marathon amnesia finally set in from what was the Walt Disney World Marathon 2020 and my Dopey personality took over for my current Grumpy self. I was ready to OFFICIALLY share my next running journey. Instead it seems, the whole world decided to hop in the elevator in the Hollywood Tower Hotel together…

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And now each day is seamlessly running into the next. If I look at the calendar, it tells me that it is the middle of April and I still do not have any confirmed run goals for 2020.  Not that it really matters as it seems like we are in a never ending episode of the Twilight Zone where no races ANYWHERE are being run. Life is just an uncertain mess right now and who knows what tomorrow will bring let alone next week, next month or 2021. For this Type A personality, this causing a real problem, so…  

 

I am officially announcing that I am unofficially training for runDisney’s Dopey Challenge in January 2021.

 

What is the Dopey Challenge, other than probably the Dopey-est thing that I may ever attempt to complete?  The formula is pretty simple…

4 races (5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon) or 48.6 miles over 4 days across the 4 parks of the Walt Disney World Resort

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If you know anything about me, is that I totally believe that the power of Pixie Dust is completely exaggerated and that I fully intend to put in the miles like I did for the 2020 WDW Marathon.  While the training doesn’t officially kick off until the end of June, I am getting a jump start (much like I did for marathon) because I know that I am going to need every training run possible.  My plan is to maintain my current mileage base and then ease into Jeff Galloway’s Dopey Challenge Training Plan. I had also planned to incorporate cross training as well as strength training, but all that has fallen to the wayside with social distancing, but as soon as the gym opens up again I will be there. 

I hope that you’ll follow along on my journey as I train for my biggest challenge yet. I can’t wait to see where this training takes me and how I grow from it. You can follow me here at Life in Ears for a monthly update on my training, along with my other posts about running and all things Disney. I have started an Instagram Account just for my Dopey Training, nopixiedustdopey and for all things Disney, mylifeinears.  

Tuesday’s on the Run: May Training Recap

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Ony 96 more training runs until my first marathon, the Walt Disney 2020 Marathon!

Wow…can you believe that May is over?  Personaly, I am glad because that means summer vacation for this educator and a couple of months of morning running instead of afternoon runs in the heat and wind.  I so prefer morning runs!

Let’s take a look how May was in terms of my marathon training…

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Highs

  • Did not miss a single training run and even made up for the one I missed in April.
  • I ran my fastest pace EVER.
  • I ran my fastest mile EVER.
  • I learned that Jeff Galloway’s Magic mile formula for long runs really works!
  • I built up to 11 miles in running distance.
  • Finished another successful StepBet Challenge.
  • Officially into double digits of training runs left until 2020 Walt Disney World Marathon.

Lows

  • My weight loss has hit a plateau, mainly because I have not been focused and 100% on plan…modified plans get modified results.  I am holding steady at 35 pounds lost since November.

Goals for June

So what does June have in store in terms of running & training?  I actually have 2 races scheduled, Rock & Roll Seattle and the Slacker Half Marathon.  I am hoping to get a personal best time out of one of these races and break the 3 hour barrier, which has always been a goal of mine since I started taking running seriously.  I am also hoping to reach 40-45 pounds lost by my birthday at the end of the month.

How was your May training?  What are your goals for June?  Drop me a comment!

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: Motivation to get the Steps In

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

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Predictions for 2018 in January.  

STOP…Call me a little superstitious, but making a prediction in January for my 2018 running year seems to be tempting fate.  I am already feeling somewhat nervous with my runs, because each time my hip, ankle or knee have the slightest discomfort I immediately am afraid it is going to be the end to all the things I have planned this year in terms of running.  So I am not making any predictions, instead focus a little on what I am doing to keep my goals on track, and even make a few more Disney App pennies so I can run Disney when the time comes again.

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My goals this year is to get back in shape, actually get in better shape than I was before the dreadful non-run year 2017 happened.  So, I am tracking my food and making sure that I am more active.  I have set the goal of 10K steps a day.  I know for someone who is planning on running a marathon this time next year 10K steps seems awful low, but you have to remember I have had little exercise the past year and I tend to sit way too much during the day.  There have been a couple of days where I literally had to get on the treadmill before bed and knock out a 1,000 or more steps, but I have managed a 17 day streak in 2018!  

Your probably thinking how does all of this fit into make a few Disney pennies?  Well, did you know that you can get paid to exercise!  Seriously, you can!  

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First, there is a great little app called Achievement, where they pay you to track your steps (and a whole lot more).  From the website…

“Achievement is a free service used by over 1.5 million members. You’ll be able to see all your health apps in one place and earn points for activities you already do! We’ve awarded over 100 million activities to date.

Connect over 30+ Android/iOS apps and we will reward you with points for activities such as walking, meditating, logging food, sleeping, tweeting, answering surveys or opting into a challenge.

Earn $10 for every 10,000 points. Rewards are paid out within 3-7 business days, and Achievers can redeem cash directly into their PayPal account or bank account of choice.”

I actually downloaded the app sometime in 2016 year, but paid little attention to it, in fact I almost deleted the whole thing when I was having password issues.  I am glad I didn’t because I am just a few points from earning my first $10 without even realizing that each time I used or opened my fitness apps I was getting points.

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Here is what I have connected to my account

  • Fitbit
  • MyFitnessPal
  • Runkeeper

I was scrolling through the list of apps, and there is a couple more that I think I might check out and add, I sure could use some mediating right now!  The best part is, once I sync my apps to Achievement, I do nothing and start earning.  These apps are all the things I am already focusing on this year, so why not get a little Disney money for my goals. Each week I get a weekly report on how many points I have earned!  

Here is my referral code if you would like to sign up:  http://tinyurl.com/ybkzzmb3

In my email this week there were 2 different emails inviting me to join Stepbet and SpryFit, plus they both offered me free games to try the apps out.  Basically, players basically put their money on the line as encouragement to get themselves stepping. If you don’t hit your targets, you lose the money, and it gets paid out to everyone who does complete their goals.

While I know that I won’t make but a couple dollars on each bet, I will be out there getting paid to keep my commitment to myself and we all can use a little motivation on those days when we just don’t feel like it, and trust me 17 days into the new year I have already had way too many of those days.  


What are you doing to keep yourself motivated? Drop me a line the comments!

Tuesday’s on the Run: Totally Spoiled & Blessed

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

Baby, it’s cold outside today and snow is lightly falling, apparently Mother Nature and Santa Claus were not on the same page for Christmas 2017 nor the day after (today)  when all I want to do is head out to play with one of my new run toys!

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Mr. Grumpy and the kids were generous in feeding my running midlife crisis. I can’t wait to try out these wireless headphones. From all of the running groups that I “stalk” on Facebook, the TREKZ was mentioned post after post as the choice for cutting that earphone chord.  Let’s just hope they fit my head better than does darn Flight of Passage ride goggles!

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It looks like I will be heading out to the big city next week to get a proper shoe fitting, since they also supplied me with some cold hard cash to buy that badly needed pair of running shoes. It has been quite a while since I have been fitted properly, and I am anxious to find a pair that can meet me ever changing left leg issues.

IMG_3930Now I know that it is not technically a “running” present but I have playing around with the idea of spending an entire summer walking the El Camino in Spain when I get runDisney out of my blood.  I am so excited to read this book and start making notes for that adventure.

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Of course I did a little shopping for myself!  I am loving my FitBit that I bought a few weeks ago and getting this run journal ready to go for the new year and the journey that I have planned out for 2018 (great tease to read lifeinears.blog January 2).  

IMG_3888While I was totally spoiled this Christmas, I was also blessed with a family that supports this midlife run crisis that I am in the midst of…

I hope you were spoiled and blessed this Christmas! Did you get any running related gifts for Christmas this year? If so, what was your favorite?  Please share in the comments!

#(almost)wordlesswednesday: Celebration

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It’s Wednesday, so that means I am linking up with  Focused on the Magic  to share my #DisneySide through pictures with #(almost)wordlesswednesday, since nothing for me is ever wordless with me. This week’s theme is “Celebration”…

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It started as simply justification for a girl’s trip to Walt Disney World, but turned into one of my greatest personal challenges and CELEBRATIONS because in 9 months I went from the couch to completing runDisney’s Tower of Terror 10-Miler and discovered that I like this running thing!

 

There is no better way to challenge yourself and then celebrate your success than to do both during a runDisney race weekend at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. What are you waiting for there is a celebration at the end of the race that leads directly to your favorite attraction. If I can do it (and go on to 2 more and soon to be 3 more runDisney race weekends), so can you!

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Tuesdays on the Run: Scenes from My Runs

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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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I refuse to whine, but I am on the verge of giving up the thoughts of ever getting back to walking let alone running again.  Last Wednesday I had my latest check up with the podiatrist, one that I hoped would finally clear me to at least start building walking miles again in with hopes of returning to running in the fall…

Let’s just say the appointment did not goes as I had dreamed.  I am STILL not cleared to begin walking for exercise for another 3 months and physical therapy is going to get a little more aggressive with less stretching and more machine…meaning more ultra-sound and electrical current treatments to the ankle.  And the only miles I am going to be doing will continue to be in the pool.  Worst of all while the boot may be on the sidelines, it needs to be put into the game to relieve some stress on the ankle at times…

Honestly, I am not sure how much more of this I am going to be able to take before I finally just give up.  At this point I WANT TO AND NEED TO RUN/WALK for my own mental health…

Since this week is all about scenes from my run, I thought I would take a look back at some of my favorite views I have had during a run in the hopes of reminding me (or depressing me further)…

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Estes Park Half Marathon (Estes Park, Colorado)

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Rock & Roll Half Marathon (Dallas, Texas)

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Angel Fire Half Marathon (Angel Fire, New Mexico)

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Piazza Novena (Rome, Italy)

Epcot’s World Showcase (really any place at Walt Disney World, lol)

I have run in some pretty amazing places, but there is no place like home with canyon trail runs and morning sunrises that will take your breath away (the view that I miss the most). Patience…

I have so many more places that I see while running…inspire me with your favorite places and add to my running bucket list!

Tuesdays on the Run: May Runfessions

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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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Most days I love opening Timehop, today was not one of those days!

Twelve months ago, I was nearing the half way mark to 2016 miles in 2016.  I was averaging well over 20K steps a day with my Fitbit.

 

Today I don’t even put my Fitbit on, I haven’t since December.  ***Cue the poor pitiful me music. *** Hard to walk anywhere with a leg in a boot for 6 months.

Twelve months ago, I was beginning my training for runDisney’s Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge (it was 3 courses since I added the 5K in the challenge).  Today, I am not sure when my next race will be.  I had my return to half marathon scheduled for November, 12 months post injury…my Achilles is being stubborn (no surprise after all since it is part of me).

Seven Months ago, mile 11-12 (challenge mile 20-21) of runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon haunts me as the moment my Achilles screamed at me that it was time to rest, but I tried anyway.  Six months ago, I finally listened…enter my not so favorite footwear.

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Two weeks ago, I learned just how weak my ankle had become being trapped and began enduring physical therapy where the weak ankle makes my uncoordinated self look even more ridiculous.

Today, I tossed aside my ever faithful and annoying footwear and entered the world of “Old Lady Feet” concealed cleverly in my Hokas and wobbled throughout the day like Ariel on her human legs (but she looks a lot cuter).

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In two weeks, I hope to walk my first ½ of a mile and celebrating with a much needed pedicure. In 6 months, I hope to be running my first 5K in over a year. But in 12 months, I am going to be closing in one that full marathon at age 50 (plus 6 days) watch out Missoula, Montana!

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Please Achilles, play nice…I listened to you!

 

 

 

Tuesdays on the Run: Mental Training Tips & Tricks

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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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This week’s topic is Mental Training Tips & Tricks…

The struggle to get out there and put the training in is real at times and I truly believe that running is a mental sport as much as it is a physical sport.  Most of my battle is just getting started, what do I do just to get myself out of the bed and out the door?

Visualizing the My End Goal…Most mornings my main motivation to get myself to lace up the shoes and get out there is pretty simple, my end goal.  I am not that type of runner that gets out there just to run. Why anyone runs just to run is beyond me. I have to have a purpose, or more importantly a runDisney or race-cation in the future that I am training for.  I imagine myself running around the actual course and where I would be each step in relation to my current run distance. Imagining running through Cinderella’s Castle or around the World Showcase are favorite mental images.

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Fear of Failure …I am a back of the pack runner and I know that when it comes to finishing a race pixie dust is not going to get me to the finish line, only faithful training. There is an intense fear of failure that is my motivation, I don’t want to be the last person across the finish line. I have been there and it is was such an unpleasant experience that I care never to repeat.  More importantly I don’t want to be swept and not finish, because I don’t want others to know I failed at what I said I was going to do.  My running life was all started with a quote by Walt Disney…

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It is my own personal mantra to people in my life who have not believed me.

But what about those mornings when the thoughts Mickey bars, girl’s trips and ladies chasing me while running with balloons are not enough? My biggest mental training tip would be..

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Reminding Myself I am in Charge..A few years ago, I attended a running camp with Jeff Galloway and he ended with a statement that has stuck with me very time I run…”You are the captain of your own running ship.”  No one is making me get out there and run, this is something I am choosing to do.  (Okay maybe not entirely true, my mommy/wife guilt of being selfish and wanting to go on vacation with the girls plays a huge part in my motivation…running is my justification.) Seriously though, if am not just feeling it at the moment, I know the most important thing is to get out there…and if I need to walk more than run that is okay, I give myself permission just to get the distance in.

My advice it to really think about why you are out there in the first place, that usually is the biggest motivation to continue to fight through the runs that are filled with self-doubt and negative thoughts.  Running is a personal sport, empower yourself and give yourself permission to make it that…about you!