Look out Asheville...I'm running for you!

So many exciting things have happened lately that I don't know where to start....so we will start at the beginning of the week :)

I am officially an Asheville Marathon Race Ambassador!!!!!  The race will be run on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate on March 16, 2014 (please please please hope I'm not on call that weekend).  For those that don't know this race will hold a special place in my heart for many reasons.  I lived in Asheville for 4 years...that is where me and Ty got our life started together...where Addie was born...where I started my running journey.  It was in Asheville that I decided to run my first 5k, and then decided to run a 5k a month...and then got this crazy idea to try a half marathon...and well it went downhill from there.  I volunteered at the old Kiwanis 15k at the Biltmore Estate a few years ago.  I used to live by the Biltmore Estate and yet never went to visit it.  Also I will get to visit several friends that I haven't seen in years.  And....since I am doing New York Marathon, Space Coast Marathon, DisneyWorld Marathon...if I add 2 more marathons (which I can easily do) I will move up a maniac star in Asheville!!!  So come run with me!!!!

For your chance to come run with me at the Asheville Marathon  check out the Mizuno  promotion and try to earn a free entry!!

1) Go to Asheville Marathon

2) Click on Community along the top and then Special Offers

3) Chances to win through facebook, twitter, and blogging!!!

I would wear the Mizuno Wave Rider shoes...wore them for the Disney half marathon last year :)

Remember to put my name in the referred by section to receive a special gift at packet pick up!!!!!!

Set a goal and make it happen

I've been one to set lofty goals before....a half marathon....Goofy Challenge as my first marathon...marathon maniacs...I love a challenge.  I'm stubborn and like to push and see how far I can go.  Well it is time to take on a new challenge and I'm ready to throw it out there so you can follow along.    Augusta Half IronMan 2014...here I come!!!  Yep I said it...I will conquer my fear of open water swimming...I will do 70.3 miles...and I will live to tell about it!  Please share any advice you have!!!!  My first tri will be in the spring...starting with a local sprint distance and will move up from there to get ready by September for Augusta.  Time to swim, bike, and run!!!!

A year old...and the best birthday ever!

First of all I have the greatest husband ever!!!  My amazing friends are a close second!  He put together a dinner of all us and then surprised me with presents!!  The last 2 years have been full of school and scraping by so presents are scarce but with less than a month to graduation he got me some surprises!!  It was definitely a "runner's birthday"...It started with....

Yep...be jealous...the new RunDisney Ifitness running belt!!!  And before you ask I put it on and wore it during dinner :)  As amazing as this was....the next present....

Yep.....SPACE COAST REGISTRATION!!!!!  Told you I had the greatest husband ever :)

 And every runner needs fuel...especially now that I have 2 marathons in 30 days (not counting the half marathons).  And by the way...if you have not had Clif Builders in Chocolate Mint...they taste just like thin mints!!!!!  Not pictured are also 2 runDisney Princess shirts!!!  And a runDisney 13.1 magnet!!!

And not exactly running related but I got the Cubs Mickey Tervis!!!  I've wanted it for a long long time :)  I'm obviously excited about it :)

Back in the groove

Well it has been a while...I took 2 weeks off and came back sluggish and not feeling in the groove.  But ....I'm back!!  My last 3 runs have felt awesome and I am looking forward to running again :)  I have missed it and glad I don't feel completely crazy about my upcoming schedule and training.  I tried to add some swimming in for cross training but have gotten rained out every day that I am supposed to go.  I guess that is a pitfall of living in Florida during storm season!

I'll update more later about the latest Disney routes and a new one I did in Celebration which was tons of fun!

Life can change in an instant

I got a text the other day that no one ever wants to get..."I can't talk about it right now but wanted to let you know my dad passed away this morning"...it was from my best friend...my oldest friend...my maid of honor...my daughter's god mother.  Growing up my dad wasn't around a lot but her's gladly filled that void.  You could count on him to be out running in all sorts of weather (probably my first memory of a runner).  We would laugh and always question..why is your dad wearing such short shorts?  Doesn't he know it is raining/snowing/hot/cold outside?  He was there to pick us up from school and drop us off...although there was that one rainy morning in 6th grade where he waved to me, apparently oblivious to the fact that it was raining and I was walking to school and a ride would have been nice :)  He was there to constantly remind you of your childhood nickname and use it even on your wedding day.  He was more than a soccer coach racking up red cards, more than a basketball coach, more than a friend's dad.  He was one of the closest things I had to a dad and a brain aneurysm took that all away.  I positive is that as an organ donor he was able to save 7 other lives.
It has been too painful to go for a run, although I did take the munchkin to Hollywood Studios tonight to escape reality for a bit.  Lo and behold a rainbow appeared over the hat...rainbows have a funny way about them...appearing when you need them most to let you know that is everything will be ok.  I'll miss you forever Mr. Conroy...I'll be there for Aindrea and John as best I can.

Weekly Round Up

What a stressful week...it was an EOR week with a bonus test.  But I passed both my tests and all my graded tests of PA school are complete...if anyone else was counting it was somewhere around 111 tests since June 1, 2011.  10 weeks to go!!!  Job interviews are slowly coming in so keep your fingers crossed!!!

The training this week was a little sparse...mainly because of studying and the weather.  We have entered humidity and storm season here in central Florida.  If you haven't been to Florida in the summer, you are almost guaranteed an evening rain or thunderstorm.

On Tuesday, however, I had my fastest 3 miles...maintained an 11:03 pace.  The goal pace was 12:30 so  I was very happy with that!  I did the first mile with Harley, the middle mile by myself, and the last mile with Davidson.  Ty and Addie rode their bikes to cheer me on.
Wednesday was a study break run at Disney's boardwalk with the girls, Ty and Rob.  Again it was a faster than expected 4 miles and got done as the thunder was getting closer.  I wanted to stay for Wednesday run drinks but a surgery test and PA cumulative test was looming in my future.
Thursday's run was cancelled due to previously mentioned cumulative test and Ty's car dying causing unnecessary stress.
Today's run was HOT and HUMID!!!  Things learned today: 1) eat breakfast 2) it is still hot at 5:30am 3) nothing beats the sunrise over the boardwalk and the EPCOT ball, 4) pushing a stroller with a 45 lb kid in it is no fun in the heat.  Anyways I cut an 8 mile run down to 5.3 because it wasn't worth it to me to struggle through it this early in the training season and risk illness/injury.  Ty rushed over to the gas station to get me some gatorade and something to eat.  Then of course we celebrated Father's Day with everyone at....you guessed it....PANERA!  I still had very little appetite thanks to heat exhaustion but enjoyed my side of bacon.  Oh yeah...and even with pushing the stroller I was under my 12:30 pace goal!

Here is the training plan for the week (it is tentative for now because Ty is away until Wednesday so Tuesday's run may be postponed)
Monday: Rest/Possibly Abs
Tuesday: 4 miles easy at 12:28 (hmm....I'm guessing it will be around 11:30 unless I have the stroller)
Wednesday: Rest/Possibly Abs (Ty comes home!!!!!)
Thursday: 4 miles, including 2x1600 in 10:12 with 800m recovery
Friday: Rest/Swim
Saturday: Swim/Bike
Sunday: 9 miles at 12:28

74 days until Disney's Dumbo Dare Challenge

109 days until Disney's Tower of Terror 10 miler

139 days until ING NYC Marathon

Awesome Week!!!

I have so much to update on I don't know where to start!!  This week wasn't a very good running week...actually it was a zero mileage running week, but sometimes that is what its needed.  In big news...I will be running the NEW YORK MARATHON!!!!  I entered the lottery on a whim and actually got picked so we are going to the Big Apple in November!!  I'm possibly more excited for this than running Dumbo Challenge in August.  I have big expectations for myself in New York.  Training starts June 17 so feel free to follow me running to New York!  My goal is to be 5lbs lighter and do a 5 hour marathon..EEK!!!  My previous marathon goals have been to finish not really with a time goal.  This is the first one I am going into that I want to really really rock and push myself and see what I can do.  If you have any recommendations for training plans please let me know!!  And if you have been to NY, ran NY, or have any other suggestions for NY please let me know!  Ty's brother and his wife live in Queens so we will be staying with them but we are so excited to be going!  I haven't even closed the window for the ING New York Marathon website :)

Here is the weekly training plan for those following at home:

Sunday (Today) - 4 miles with Kat and 30 day shred (already completed)

Monday - 30 day shred

Tuesday - 4 miles with Della 30 day shred

Wednesday - NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!!!  5k @Fit2Run-Florida Mall and 30 day shred

Thursday - 4 miles with Della and 30 day shred

Friday - 30 day shred

Saturday - 6.5 miles 30 day shred

Sunday - 10 miles 30 day shred

Cast your votes for where Saturday and Sundays run should be...pick a fun route or hotel at Walt Disney World!!

This runner goes biking!

I had the day off today!!!  Most people would probably use that to sleep a little extra or have some extra fun...I decided to go on a new adventure and ride my bike around exploring!  10 miles later and I have a very sore butt!!!  Will my butt ever get used to a bike seat??  Perhaps I need to invest in some bike shorts :)  It was tons of fun though and I'm pretty sure a triathlon is in my future!!!  If you have any biking advice send it my way!!!!

Sometimes you just have to smile

Do you ever have those days or even weeks where nothing is going right and then all of sudden everything fits into place and comes together?  This past week has been on those for me.  I was ready to crack at any moment and then on Monday while taking out a gall bladder Elton John came on.  For those that don't know me very well, one of my best friends Matthew died our senior year of college and saying he loved Elton John would be the understatement of the century.  Everything about that kid was about Elton John.  Its funny sometimes how people are always looking out...I heard an Elton John song on the radio before my PA school interview, right after Ty left the first day of PA school, seems like everytime I really need a little boost there he is :)  I knew everything would be ok after that.  It wasn't long after hearing it that I got the text that everything was working out...all the stress of the last month or so was slowly working out.  Anyone else ever have those moments or songs or catching a rainbow in the sky that just lets you know everything will be ok or just makes your randomly start laughing :)  Matthew's birthday is coming up...he would be 31 in a few days so for now Happy early Birthday my friend and thanks for always reminding me to smile and that everything will always be ok :)

Team Fit2Run-Orlando!!!

Last week I promised a big announcement was coming soon...well here it is!!

I have been selected as member of the 2013-2014 Team Fit2Run-Orlando!!!  I'm beyond excited and can't wait to represent them in Central Florida and around the country!!!  It is nights like this where I reflect on how much my life has changed since I started running.  I never thought I would be on a running team representing such an awesome running store!!!  Tomorrow's run will be in my new shirt so look for us at Disney :)  Congratulations to all my new teammates!!  Especially Della, April, and Brandi!  This is going to be a great year!!!

Go like them on facebook!!  There will be a surprise when they get to 1000 likes!!!  https://www.facebook.com/Fit2RunORL?fref=ts

Race Recap: Expedition Everest Challenge

Run...Jump...Run...Tires...Run...Crawl...Run...Solve some clues...run...PARTY!!!

Oh you want more details than that about the greatest 5k at Disneyworld???  Well here goes.  We got to Animal Kingdom around 9pm for the 10pm race.  We were in Corral H so we had plenty of time to kill in the corral so talked to those around us :)  And there were lots of people around us.  Standing in the corral we were able to catch a view for the "May the Fourth Be With You" fireworks special from Hollywood Studios.  Who doesn't love unexpected fireworks?!? As the pictures show below the race was full of fun!  The afterparty was awesome as well but I was exhausted so we didn't stay long.  Ran into some friends and then headed home to shower and sleep....afterall I had a run planned for the next morning at port orleans!
Overall course..5k and scavenger:

View from Corral H before the race

Its snowing!!!!

 Our time to go!!!!
                              

First obstacle - Hay Bales!!!

Mile 1 just before entering the park....10 minute mile!!!!

Running up to Everest!

Obstacle #2 and the only backup on the course...tire agilities!

Look I found in Animal Kingdom!!!!
 

Mile 2!!!

Mile 3

Obstacle 3 -  crawling under the net!  This was the hardest!!!  And dirtiest!!!

Clue #1 - due to hustling there aren't any more pictures of the other clues

Finished!!!  

Reason I had to shower as soon as I got home!  Yes that is dirt!!!

Up Up and Away!!!

DUMBO TRAINING HAS COMMENCED!!!!!!

After taking 2 weeks off after Iron Girl Clearwater because my IT band was acting up I am happy to announce I'm back!!!!  Today was day 1 of Dumbo training...completed 4 miles painfree!!  Switched intervals to 2:1 from 1:1 and did it a minute faster from the 1:1 intervals.  Not bad since it was super humid and coming back from the time off.  Might have to readjust my time goals for Disneyland :)  For those following along at home here is the weeks plan:
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: 6 week 6 pack with Jillian Michaels and possible run
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: 6 week 6 pack with Jillian Michaels
Saturday: Possible bike ride
Sunday: 3 miles....location reveal will be posted later in the week!!!!

Also took the tags off and wore my coast to coast shirt for the first time to kick off training!!!

Rain Rain Go Away!

Yesterday was the Strawberry Classic 15k in Tampa.  It was alright...very complicated course!!  But ran it with friends and that makes everything better :)

Today's run is brought to you by the letter R...R for Rain!  We all met at Fantasia Mini Golf to set out for our 5-10 mile run.  I had the munchkin in the stroller so I knew it would be slow.  The weather decided to complicate things and the wind kept blowing!  My knee starting acting up also but we made it to the beer stop at mile 4 on the Boardwalk.  The sky was looking ominous so we turned and decided to take the slightly shorter way back to the cars.  By the time we hit Jellyrolls the rain was coming down hard!  So we gathered under the awning and waited it out.  Once the rain let up a little bit we set out again on the adventure to get to the car...we made it as far as the Swan and again huddled under an awning.  We set out again...my knee was tightening up so I kind of hobbled and let a friend push the stroller.  We finally made it to the parking lot, but said friend's Garmin was only at 4.6...and she doesn't like to stop on not full miles.  I put the munchkin in the car and another friend sat in the car with her while we ran around the parking lot..in the pouring rain..until we hit 5 miles.  Once I got in the car and started checking facebook I saw that there were tornado warnings and what not...hmm....glad we didn't end up in Oz!!!!

Anything is better than nothing!

So Tuesday's run was hot but awesome around downtown disney...
Yesterday's run was supposed to be split into 2 runs so I could get my miles in and study for my test.  I woke up to pouring down rain.  Studied all day and then went to sign up the munchkin for kindergarten.  I was planning on meeting friends at the Boardwalk to run 5 or 6 miles but because of the threatening rain they didn't want to drive down so I went home and started dinner.  I was pretty grouchy about not running, even the munchkin asked me if I had a nap...I took that as a reason to run.  The rain was on its way so I leashed up Harley and out the front door we went.  We only made it 2 miles before the rain hit.  I guess 2 miles is better than no miles.  This time last year if there was even a chance of rain I would have taken that as an excuse to not do anything.
Today I had a test in the morning and then planned on running after school.  Well I got out of school late and then hit traffic.  By the time I made it to the park by my house to do some hill work I was 30 minutes late to meet my running buddy.  Ty brought my clothes over so I didn't have to stop at home but I forgot my spandex.  My inner thighs don't appreciate that!!!  So here we are running hills at 5 in the afternoon in central Florida.  HOT!!!  So I called the quits at 3 miles...I guess 3 miles is better than no miles.  I need to keep reminding myself that this should be a recovery week since I had a great race on Sunday and not get fixated on a mile number...but...we'll see what the rest of the month holds!

Dumbo Double Dare Training Commencing!

On Sunday I hit a major milestone...I broke 2:30 for a half marathon for the first time!  Official Finish time of Florida Halfathon at Ft deSoto beach was 2:26:46!!!  Holy cow...I have never run that fast in my life!!  It felt amazing.  I started this season's race schedule with the goal to break 2:45 so that I could have a time to submit to RunDisney, because let's face it and acknowledge it and love it...my world revolves around runDisney!  Well I never thought I would hit 2:26!!!
I have also decided to start blogging again on my journey to the Inaugural runDisney Dumbo Double Dare!  I will be running a 10k on Saturday (with Ty for his first long run) and then a Half Marathon on Sunday!  This should be easy because it is half the distance of Goofy, but possibly just as hot!  I will earn my first Coast2Coast medal!!!!
So that everyone running along at home can follow along I will post the weeks workout on here and then update once or twice during the week.  At least 1 run a week will be done at Walt Disney World so that I can TrainatDisneytoRunDisney!  Reader's choice wins for location!!!  Today's run was at Downtown Disney.  It was hot but beautiful!!!
Runs for the rest of the week:
Wednesday: 4 miles in the morning and 5 miles in the evening (at Boardwalk)
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: rest day
Saturday: Strawberry Classic 15k
Sunday: 5 miles