Prepping for Princess

February 13, 2014 by vfreile

One week from today, I’m heading to the Happiest Place on Earth!

That’s right, in seven short days, I’ll be reunited with several good friends in Orlando as we celebrate Princess Half weekend at Walt Disney World. I’ll be honest, I need this respite from rough wintry weather. As I write this, it’s 4 degrees below zero outside.

NEGATIVE FOUR

And I haven’t even factored in the wind chill (-15, for the record.) But enough about the weather. Let’s talk about all things girly and warm!

Princess Half Marathon and Tangled 5K were my first runDisney race in February 2012 as Brooke and I ran with Meri as she tackled her first-ever 13.1. We all loved the experience, but learned a few things in the process.

Brooke, Mer, and I with Cinderella and Prince Charming

SO! Here are a few tips for a successful Princess weekend:

How and where do I get my race packet (and shirts)?

Each runner is required to retrieve her (or his) bib and race packet from the “Fit for a Princess” expo, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. There, you’ll also get a race shirt (or shirts, if you’re running several races!)

And of course, there’s LOTS of temping shopping inside the Jostens Center ranging from official runDisney merchandise, New Balance sneakers, Sweaty Bands head bands and other apparel, like Champion, Raw Threads and Sparkle Athletic. (These are also great spots in case you need a last-minute costume too!)

The expo also features a Speaker Series that includes seminars on training, racing, how to deal with Florida’s heat and humidity and nutrition. This is pretty fantastic and filled with LOTS of great info.

The expo runs for three straight days:

10 am to 8 pm on Thursday, Feb. 20
9 am to 7 pm on Friday, Feb. 21
9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, Feb. 22

Some times will be busier than others at the expo. If you want a Dooney and Bourke Princess themed purse, go Thursday morning as these babies will sell out quickly.

If you want to avoid as much shopping temptation as possible, go on Saturday afternoon as a lot of items will be sold out by then.

Meri and I at the 2012 Princess expo

How do I get to the expo?

If you are staying at a WDW “race weekend” resort, follow posted signs to the resort bus stop and look for the appropriate bus. There’s usually someone on hand at the bus stop to direct you. (and the buses are usually well-labeled.)

Don’t see a sign? Ask a cast member or ask at the front desk and they will direct you to the appropriate location.

If you are driving to the expo, parking is free at the Wide World of Sports.

Can I change my corral at the expo?

Sadly no. Until 2013, runners could switch corrals if they provided proper proof of time.

Race morning: What’s the drill?

My motto here is “better to be early than sprinting to the start.”

Personally, I get up insanely early to hop the first-possible bus out of my resort. It’s absolutely worth rising a few minutes ahead of an already nutso wake-up call, to arrive early at the starting area. This gives you enough time check your bag, hit the bathroom and walk 20 minutes (in a crowd) to the starting corrals.

Then, be prepared to wait. Depending on how early you get to the starting corrals, you may have a wait until the 5:30 am race start.

Also, it’s a good idea to know WHERE you are going to be catching the bus. I tend to the bus stop to check it out the day before the race.

What should I bring race morning?

Bring a garbage bag (to sit on) or an old mylar blanket from a previous race. If the forecast calls for a chilly race morning, bring a throwaway shirt or sweatshirt and if its cold enough, gloves. You can toss all of these items over the corral fence and to the side once you start running.

And obviously, bring your pre-race fuel, such as a banana, bagel or packaged treat.

I also always bring a package of tissues….just in case I head into a portable toilet without any toilet paper or need to make a pit-stop in the woods.

And you’re off!

Once you start running your 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, enjoy your experience! Snap lots of photos as he run and please be courteous to your fellow runners!

Til next week, I’ll be packing and hydrating….and repeatedly checking the forecast. Have a great Princess weekend everyone!

Brooke and Meri celebrate at the finish in 2012.

Do you have any burning questions about Princess weekend, races, the expo? Send them our way! Are you running this weekend? What corral are you in? (We will look for you!)

Channeling My Inner Janet Jackson

February 3, 2014 by Meridith

I’ve been feeling very out of control of situations lately.

It’s not a good feeling for someone who spends their life being the leader, the one who is in control, the one who (mostly) has their shit together.

However, it’s where I’m at right now and it’s a bit scary to me because I don’t typically function well in this type of environment. I’m not a complainer by nature, but I also don’t like a lot of change. Because change = me not in charge.

Earlier in January I blogged about my dog’s sudden passing. (Thank you for all the love, support and comments.) I’m still trying to deal with that and I’ll admit, it’s taking me longer than I expected to heal from that emotional punch in the heart.

Furthermore, I’m dealing with an injury. Yeah… another one. I came back too fast from my previous injury and developed a heel spur. Which, on its own, wouldn’t actually be a bother because heel spurs don’t hurt.

Except that it’s digging into the plantar fascia tissue. Not cool, heel spur. Not. Cool.

I’m in pain. And have been since November, really, but finally went to the doctor a few weeks ago. (Again with the control thing and thinking that I could fix things on my own. Note to self: I cannot. Also, I’m not a doctor.)

My doctor is very proactive and said that I can continue working out, as much as I can tolerate. I have anti-inflammatory cream, and exercises, and I’m getting custom orthotics (ooooooh, fancy!). If all those exciting things don’t work, we’ll discuss arthroscopic surgery to cut the plantar fascia. He suggested that if something hurts, I do not do it. This includes box jumps, step ups, jumping jacks, and… running.

Let’s get back to that control thing for a minute. That’s a lot of things right there that I’m not able to do. And ordinarily, it would send me into a tailspin. However, I’ve made the conscious decision to focus on the positive and what I can do. Because I can control my reactions to when things don’t go my way.

I can continue working with my trainer and do most things that he barks at me. Furthermore, I am able to speed walking without too much pain, which is exactly what I’m doing. I’m taking charge of the situation and while it’s not ideal, and it sure as heck isn’t running, it’s something. And in my world, something is always better than giving up.

And it really leads back to my motto, I can and I will. Rather than focusing on all the negatives, all the limitations, I’ll be focusing on what I can do to move ahead with my goals.

I’m training for my third Atlantic City April Fool’s Half on April 6^th and I’m committed to getting the training done. By making the speed walking modification (walking on the treadmill at 4.0-4.5) and playing with the incline (anywhere from 2% – 15%. If it’s on 15%, I’m at 2.8 mph), I’m able to get in a good workout. I logged 94 miles in January. My goal is 40-60 minutes three days a week and long “runs” on the weekend. And I doubt this very much since we are in winter forever, but if it ever warms up, I’ll head outside.

So, friends, that’s where I’m at at the moment. Again, it’s not ideal and it’s not where I want to be but as long as I’m breathing and moving, I consider that a win. Yay me!

What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned? Are you a crazy obsessive planner like me or more of a go-with-the-flow type of person? Also, I hope you’re singing Janet Jackson songs for the rest of the day like I’ll be. No, my first name ain’t baby.

Jumbo Double Dare (no, that’s not a typo)

January 30, 2014 by Meridith

When my Pooks was little, he refused to call Dumbo anything but Jumbo, because calling someone Dumbo is just plain mean.

So, while the rest of the people running on August 30th and 31st will be completing runDisney’s Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, I’ll be completing the Jumbo Double Dare Challenge. I’m sure runDisney will modify my shirts and medals for me, right? (Just don’t play Baby Mine or there will be tears.)

Of course, it’s always better with a friend or two and I’m super stoked that I’ll be running with my California girls, Jess and Cam. Oh, if you could only see the group text that was happening on Tuesday during registration. Wait! You can…

There was a lot of flailing going on previous to this portion of the message but I'll spare you that part.

There was a lot of flailing going on previous to this portion of the texts but I’ll spare you that part. You’re welcome.

I’m sure that I drove both of them crazy with my emails and texts leading up to registration, too. After all, I knew from previous years that Disneyland races tend to fill up quickly. And sure enough, this year was no exception! You can see above that only a half hour after registration opened, the Dumbo Double Dare was already at 85% capacity and quickly filled soon after. There is no time to hesitate with these races!

How amazing are these medals?!

Cameroo and I have run Disneyland together before at the 2013 Tinker Bell half so it was naturally the next step to try a challenge. This will be our first runDisney challenge and the most logical step for us, with the 10k on Saturday and half marathon on Sunday, equaling 19.3 glorious miles.

It will be Jess’ first half marathon ever! Like any good bossy friend, I’ve already been giving her tips. I know that she delights in getting emails of running thoughts at random times.

Wondering what I’ve told her thus far? Here are a few tried and true nuggets of wisdom. What can I say, I’m a giver!

1. Run a 10k race (or longer if so desired) prior to June 1. This way she will be able to provide the timed event for her pace and will be placed in the proper corral.

From the registration email: “If you did not provide proof of time at the point of registration or acquire it after you have registered, then email this information to disneysports@trackshack.com before June 1, 2014 to have your start corral placement changed.”

2. Follow Jeff Galloway’s plan provided by the world class Olympian athlete on the runDisney website. Currently, the plans from 2013 are still on the site but it’s really easy to take them and apply them to 2014. How easy? Well, I took the half plan and am following it for the April 6th half that I’m training for! (And so is Cam because we are running together and I sent her the dates/plan. See? Bossy.)

Click for the link to the beginner plan. Running less than 6 months? This one is for you!

Furthermore, there is a training plan specifically for the Dumbo Double Dare which you can check out here.

That’s basically all I’ve sent so far so I guess you all get off easy. Jess and Cam? Not so much.

209 days to go! Let’s talk runDisney! Who will we see at the Jumbo Double Dare (or, the Dumbo Double Dare)? Brooke and Vic will be at the Glass Slipper Challenge in February – who will be at that?

Special thanks to Anya for the pictures from her 2013 Dumbo Double Dare recap!

Show Us Your Medals!

January 30, 2014 by Meridith

Ahhhh, medals: the tangible evidence of completing a race. They are the proverbial icing on the cake of months of hard work and training for a race.

This past week I reached out via Facebook (our own and the Run Blog Society community page) and Twitter, asking people to share pictures and stories of their favorites. And wow, did people answer the call! To quote the A-Team, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

So without further ado…

Kyle at An Accidental Optimist.

“The first one is a fave because it’s a horseshoe. You can’t get much cooler than that. The Amish made it. I ran the Bird-in-Hand half with Vic. Good times all around!

The second one is because it’s from MY FIRST MARATHON, Philadelphia 2013.”

Michele at A Pace of Balance.

“This is from the Nation’s Triathlon which I completed September 2013. It was an Olympic distance and was my first tri since 2003 BC (before children)… so really, it was my first tri.

I loved this race for many reasons.

1) I did the race with my sister and in fact, it was her birthday/Christmas/Mother’s Day gift to me. She guided me through the whole thing.

2) The course. Washington DC. Need I say more?

3) I felt like a bit of an underdog. I didn’t decide to do the race until about 8 weeks out. I am an avid runner, but I had to really improve on the bike. If you see my bike in the pic, you’ll notice it’s a hybrid and not a fancy road bike like the majority of the people had at the race. It was my mommy bike which I converted into a race bike by getting rid of the baby seat, slapping on some cage pedals, and installing a speedometer. Boom. Someone actually said to me during the race “Girl, you are killing it on that bike of yours!”. And I was. I kept up with the seasoned crowd. I finished in 3:01, which I think is pretty good for a first timer. To me, the medal is a reminder that I should never sell myself short and we are always capable of more than we realize.”

Ruth at The Run and I couldn’t pick just one – so she sent along a handful of these awesome medals!

Julie at Run. Walk. FASTPASS. Repeat.

“Jost Running was looking for running bloggers to review their Virtual Race Medals as they launched their business last year. Each month an new medal came out for that month’s race. I was amazed at the detail and “pop” in their virtual race medals. I was not a fan of Virtual Races when I signed on, as I live in a big city with PLENTY of race opportunities, BUT I loved the idea of running the race my day, at my time, my route – and getting my bling in the mail. I am German and yes I love beer. The Oktoberfest Medals just made me smile…who can’t use another bottle opener. Seriously, my favorite medals in looks. Fun designs and a great reward for long training runs especially when you have a hard time getting out the door. They converted me to a fan of the Virtual Race.”

April at Run the Great Wide Somewhere.

“I traveled alone to the race [Space Coast Half Marathon], but felt strong and got a PR. The course was gorgeous, all the runners were friendly and polite and it was very well organized. And the medal is so beautiful and sparkly and has a space shuttle on it!”

Meredith at Just An Ordinary Girl in FL.

“The Dumbo Double Dare race medal hold the number one spot. Not only was this an inaugural race, but also represented a huge accomplishment for me in completing 19.3 miles in 2 days!”

Cynthia at You Signed Up for What?!

“I had a longtime goal to do a triathlon by age 40, and with 3 kids and a more-than-full-time-job, I did it. And I loved it!” [Athleta Iron Girl]

Summer at Running with Pixies.

“My favorite medal is the 2013 Princess half marathon medal. Even though it was my third time running Princess, and my 5th half marathon, there was something about that race that clicked and made me realize that regardless of my finish time I was, in fact, a real runner.”

Sue at This Mama Runs for Cupcakes.

“The Marine Corp marathon medal is my favorite because it is the medal from my very first marathon! A lot of hard work and time spent away from my kids for this!”

Jennifer at Rescuing and Running.

“Wine Glass Marathon, Corning, NY is a fabulous weekend getaway in the beautiful fingers lakes region of NY! It was a wonderful girls weekend of awesome regional food, wineries, glass art, and a beautiful 26.2 mile run through rural NY countryside.

The medal, which is actually glass, is handmade by a local Corning glass artist. It is beautiful and very unique! In addition to the awesome finishers medal, the race swag is top notch. We got a great drawstring back sack, a good technical long sleeve tee, wine glass, and a small bottle of Champagne made and labeled specifically for the weekend. The course was beautiful with many supporters along the way. The post marathon food options is the best I have ever seen with offerings of pizza hot out of an oven, several hot soups, sandwiches, cookies, fruit, bagels, chocolate milk! I cannot say enough about this wonderful regional marathon.”

Sara at The Classy Crafter.

“Six months of training all boiling down to one race and truly figuring out what your body is capable of.” [Walt Disney World Marathon]

Lisa at Lulu’s Big Adventure.

“This medal is from the Canada Army Run Half Marathon, which I ran in September 2013. Not only do I love that they created a dog-tag medal in the army spirit, but this race was special to me. I knocked over twenty-five minutes off my last half marathon time, and I came in well under my goal of 2 hours. I was really nervous about how I was going to do at this race, since I am incredibly injury prone and trained in the stifling Brazilian heat all summer. So, when I had such a wonderful race experience and achieved such a big PR, it was a special moment for me.”

So there you have it, our second installation of “my favorite medal”! You can check out the first post, from Vic, here.

I love seeing the different favorites that were sent and also hearing the logic behind why each person loved their favorites the most. You’ll notice that we had no repeats – so many different races and reasons! Many thanks to all those who shared. You rock!

What’s your favorite medal? Link us to a blog post or pictures in the comments so we can check them out.

Chick Chat: Advice for Beginners

January 29, 2014 by beewhobabbles

Every January, treadmills and tracks see a new flurry of activity. One has to arrive earlier than usual to find a space at yoga. There’s a line for the weight lifting equipment at the gym.

I used to work at a gym, so I’m familiar with the whole “January Joiner” thing. A new year provides a perfect opportunity for a new beginning. A new attitude. New goals. New shoes. (Okay, that last one might just be me.)

However, the whole concept of a “January Joiner” is that these individuals will be done by February, and I hate that that’s a thing. Why can’t we encourage others to be fit? Active? Their healthiest, best self? We were all beginners once, right?

Two of our Scoot chicks are getting back into the swing of running things, and what better way to celebrate them- and other runners either returning to the sport after a hiatus or those who are dipping their toes in the running pond for the first time- than with some Chick chatter. We want to help you make the best start on your running journey; whether you are running for general fitness or adding miles for a race goal. Our advice:

CAM:

I haven’t clocked any miles since Wine and Dine, so it’s like I’m a newbie. I’d have to say the 2 min work/1 min rest routine is helping me immensely. It’s not so daunting when you have a guaranteed rest. There are awesome apps for phones that keep track of your time, and of course, there’s those fancy schmancy time-pieces that everyone’s sporting nowadays. I use HIIT Interval training timer. Also, get a buddy. I’m far less likely to slack if I know someone’s expecting me. Or even better, if someone’s picking me up!

MER:

When you begin (or begin again) I think it’s really easy to compare. Comparing yourself to other runners or to the runner that you once were – whether it be your high school self, your pre-injury self, or your twenty pounds ago self. My advice would be to treat yourself kindly. Use positive words and remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can within this given moment. When you’re running consistently, it’s very easy to forget just how difficult it is at the beginning of things.

Be consistent. But also be forgiving. If you have a bad day or a bad run, acknowledge it and then let it go. Don’t carry it with you.Try not to let it turn into a bad week or a bad month.

When I first started running, I was heavily reliant on my friends. I’d ask them to meet me at the park. It kept me motivated and they never minded going my pace (which was always slower than theirs). Now I’m more of a solo runner for many training runs but I still check in on the daily mile and chat with friends.

VIC:

Any journey begins with a step. It sounds cheesy, yes, but it’s also true.

Anytime anyone asks me about starting to run, I suggest they start with a run-walk. Run for a minute, walk for five. Run for two minutes , walk for five. Run for three minutes, walk for five. You get the idea!

Soon enough, you will be running without wanting – or needing – to stop and walk! I did this when I first got back into running. I’d actually count light poles on my route. I’d run past 2 light poles, then walk for two more. Then repeat. And again.

For me, the break was enough to look forward to, to get me through “the tough part.” And by distracting myself to look for and count light poles, it went by in a flash!

BROOKE:

I’m a big fan of small goals; they can add up to Big Things. Start with 20-30 minutes of running, 2-3 days a week. Once that is routine and comfortable for you, you can up the time, number of days and/or switch to a mileage goal. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements!

Missing a day is just that. Missing a day. We all do it- hell, I did it last week. Don’t be too hard on yourself, just get back on track tomorrow.

Find your fit people. I’ve been lucky to find a regular crew to run with each week. We motivate each other and we laugh a lot too.

Happy running, everyone!

Any new runners out there? How’s it going? Experienced runners, please add your best advice in the comments!

Tink, sickness and an upcoming trip

January 28, 2014 by vfreile

Last week, I only ran once.

I wasn’t feeling the best all week and decided it was smarter to lay low and relax rather than push it. I had just run the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on the west coast, and I think flying cross-country for a long weekend after an insanely busy work week ultimately took its toll.

Me after 13.1 miles!

(Side note – click here for my Tink Half recap)

For once, I was responsible about what I was convinced was an ear infection and went to the doctor to get medication. Turned out – not an ear infection, but I did have a fever. (what? I never have a fever. My average body temp is actually a squeak below 98.6 degrees. what was I doing pushing 100?)

So I left the doctor without any medication and an invisible creature who was repeatedly stabbing me in my left ear. Fabulous. Lots of advil, sudafed, vitamin C drops and tea were my staples for the week.

For several days, I sat on the sofa and snuggled with my cat. I cleaned the house, until I couldn’t stand that either. I read two books (mind candy) and organized receipts for my hubby’s business. I ignored shoveling snow until the weekend and on Sunday, I went on a baking spree.

My banana bread had babies

It was freaking cold out to boot. Not helping the ear pain. By Saturday, I felt far better but with subzero wind chills, I decided to head to the treadmill. Not my best run, but I managed three 10-minute miles and some ab-work.

So now, I am looking ahead at what’s next. As many of you may know, I am headed to Orlando (again) next month for runDisney’s inaugural Glass Slipper Challenge (that’s a 10K race and a half-marathon over two days during the Princess Half Marathon weekend.) 19.3 magical miles!

But alas, another running adventure will take place one week earlier with my friend Kristin!

And that means… I’m going to Alabama! Together, we will run the Mercedes Half Marathon next month in Birmingham, Alabama! The race is one of Kristin’s favorites — and a hometown event to boot!

I’ve never been to Alabama, it’s actually one of the few states I’ve wanted to visit but haven’t quite reached. (along with Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas – I seem to be missing several southern states on my US checklist.) I plan to eat my way through town and run may way through this historical city (not at the same time, of course.)

I love to travel, I love to run and I love visiting with friends. And what better way to do so, than to tackle all three together! Can’t wait to run with you, Kristin!

Have you been to Birmingham, Alabama? What should I visit and eat while there? What should I add to my CAN’T MISS list?

Fit Club Fail

January 23, 2014 by beewhobabbles

Last Friday was the first meeting of my Fit Club and it was a total FAIL.

Let me back up- in years past, I’ve tried to make different “club” nights happen. It worked fine for actual clubbing in college, but once my circle of friends got jobs, husbands and children, it became harder to make a night out part of our routine. Enter the “club.” If it’s a club that meets monthly, you have to attend, right?

“Husband, you handle dinner and bedtime tonight, I have craft club!”

“Oh, be sure to schedule a baby-sitter, I’ve got book club.”

It sounds like a responsibility, rather than a night out with your best girlfriends, right?

To he honest, I really thought the wine club would be the one to survive, but none of our little clubs had staying power. Someone forgot to read the book, someone’s child got sick, someone made other plans…it just never became a regular occurrence.

Enter Fit Club. I rounded up my favorite workout buddies to do something we all do regularly anyway. It should have been foolproof.

Ready to shake it like a polaroid picture.

Back to last Friday night: We arrived at a local zumba/aerobics studio to try a cardio hip hop class only to find that the class didn’t start until February. I had double checked both the website and the Facebook page earlier that day so needless to say, I was not a happy hip hopper.

The owner told us that the regulars knew it hadn’t started yet…so I guess they decided not to update the schedule elsewhere. What about the January Joiners, sir? WHAT ABOUT THE FIT CLUB? I mean, really.

So our January meeting was a bust. Next up is bikram yoga. Sara, Danielle and I love hot vinyasa flow but we’ve never tried bikram. I hope it’s more successful than hip hop.

On the plus side, Sara and I had an amazing long run the following morning, which might not have happened (the amazing part. The running was a done deal) if we had danced the night prior. My pace is getting faster- I’m not doing speed work yet, just focusing on the miles- which feels wonderful. And since we aren’t running together for four days a week anymore, we have a week’s worth of topics to discuss.

Speedwork will commence following the Glass Slipper Challenge and I’ll be asking for all of your tips and tricks. In the meantime, tell me what fitness classes we should try! Any advice for bikram yoga?

See Jess Run: Volume 1

January 7, 2014 by writeitdownjess

A couple months ago, I told you all about my complicated status with running. And while I’m still not breaking down the door to go for a run, I have managed to dig up some inspiration. Or rather, I’ve dug up an old resolution. 2014 is the new 2013!

So, here it is for all the world to see: in August of this year, I will be running the Disneyland Half Marathon. Yep. It’s happening. It’s going to happen. 13.1 miles + me = one true pairing.

I am gritting my teeth as I write this, because I am a nervous wreck. I’m starting to sweat. My armpits are damp. The thought of running 13.1 miles seems so impossible at this moment that it’s almost laughable. It’s certainly sweat-able and teeth-grind-able. How am I going to do this? I have no idea. I know there’s training involved and I’m working on getting my training program in place, but mentally all I can think is, “holy shit, man. I’m going to run a half marathon.” And the jerk part of me is thinking, “don’t worry, you’ll think of an excuse not to do it.”

Guess what, Jerk Jess? No excuses, because not only will Meridith not allow that (we’re running it together), I’ve solidified this resolution by making a playlist.

That’s right, a playlist. In my world, when I create a playlist for an event, it becomes completely legit. Music is how I get ready: for meetings, nights out, exercise, life. I love the pulse of it, how certain songs strung together can create a feeling or emotion that lasts for as long as the playlist does. Finding songs that describe in beat and melody and lyrics what I’m feeling – or when it comes to this playlist, what I want to feel – is what gets me going. Music is my jam.

Despite my trepidation, I’m excited to share this with all of you. And I’m also super excited to share my half marathon playlist! I’ll be listening to it as I start the training process and maybe even on the big day. Yes, definitely then. It will be a reminder of the starting line as I’m hopefully crossing the finish. The music will take me back to this feeling of anxiety, hugeness, of “can I really do it?”, and I can tell myself, “you just did.”

[8tracks width=”300″ height=”250″ playops=”” url=”http://8tracks.com/mixes/3162090″]

What are your running/fitness goals for 2014? Are there any songs I should add to my playlist?

My Run Streak: By The Numbers

January 2, 2014 by beewhobabbles

The streak is complete! I repeat: The streak. Is. Complete. It’s been a doozy of a holiday season. I really need a nap. And a massage. And a pedicure. Can I sleep during the massage and pedicure?

35 days of running and most of it was fun, if not a little exhausting. (or maybe the tiring part was having all of the children home for two and a half weeks?)

I’m not really a numbers girl, except when it comes to running, so let’s break it all down, shall we?

Number of miles run- 100

After finishing my final miles of the streak and Dorothy’s and my first miles of the new year! Bring it, 2014.

Number of times I ran with my entire family- Just once, on Thanksgiving morning. Coincidentally, the coldest day we’ve had all winter.

Number of times I ran on the treadmill- Twice.

Number of times I ran with three kids in tow- Four. My oldest rode her scooter while I pushed the other two in my Bob stroller.

This girl! She might be my new favorite running buddy (sorry, Sara). Her scooter PR is 3 miles.

Number of times I ran in a new location- Twice.

Number of times I ran with someone other than my regular running partner, Sara- Eight. “Want to go for a run?” became a regular part of my conversation.

Number of times I ran in a dirty sports bra- Three. Maybe my New Year’s resolution should have to do with doing laundry?

Number of times I ran while suffering from stomach flu- Three. Gross.

Number of times I surprised myself- Twice. First, that I could actually run a decent long run more than halfway through the streak. My legs were sore, my body was tired and still, there I was at mile 9, asking my friend Dorothy if she wanted to do more.

Second, I met another friend for 4.5 miles late in the streak and was able to hang with him at a 9 minute mile pace. I haven’t run that fast since before Wine and Dine! It felt great and made me realize I need to push myself more often.

Haven’t seen these numbers in a while!

Number of times I ran on a full stomach- Once. Uch.

I logged my run into Daily Mile every day, but never tallied my miles until this past Monday- at which time Meridith received the following panicky text:

“Finally counted up my miles so far. 86.3. I want to shoot for 100 but that is completely unrealistic. Dammit. I wish I’d counted sooner.”

Followed by: “Eff. I am seriously trying to figure out how I can do 14 miles in three days. I shouldn’t have counted.”

I knew Monday had to be short because I had to run with the kids- and my oldest can only ride so far on her scooter- so I quickly found childcare and running buddies for the final two days and decided to go for it. My legs were tired (trainer Jen made me do about 500 squats earlier that morning) but I knew that the closer I finished to 100, the more those missing few miles would bug me.

My friend Danielle met me for a four mile run on Tuesday and towards the end she told me she felt good enough to do 2.7 more, knowing I had plans to meet Dorothy on Wednesday for the final four. I could have cried. (Okay, I admit it. There actually were a few tears shed.)

Running this streak showed me that I can run even if my legs are tired. That I am ready to push myself. That I can do anything if I set my mind to it. And finally, that I have some wonderful friends. Fit friends are the best friends, whether they cheer you on via text message, run with you while on their vacation, or push themselves farther to help you reach your goal.

Maybe next year I will do a streak with the plasma car. Who’s with me?

Now I’m ready for the next challenge- The Glass Slipper Challenge, to be specific. But first, I’m going to put my feet up for a couple of days. I’ve earned it.

Streaker roll call! How did it go?

Do you have a good schedule for laundry? I’m asking for a friend.

Putting the Clothes Back On – the Streak Is Over!

January 1, 2014 by Meridith

(Oh, it wasn’t THAT kind of streak? My bad!)

First off, happy 2014!

This morning I set my kiddos up with their newly acquired Wii U. I made sure they were both happy and content. They have zero concept of sleeping in, even if it is New Year’s Day (Dude got the sleeping in privilege today), so this was pretty early. As always, I told them, “If you need me-”

“- You’ll be on the treadmill in the basement. We know, Mom. Go, we’re good!” Pooks cut in.

Little chimed in with his usual farewell of “Don’t do anything dangerous!” as they continued to press the buttons on the controller.

I knew that this month+ streak was going to be a bit of a challenge, especially with my kids being home for the last week and a half of December. However, I was determined to actually make this 35 day streak happen.

My streak that I had planned for September for Alex’s Lemonade Stand came to an abrupt end 12 days into the month. I’d participated in the holiday streak before but thought nothing of missing a day here or there if my schedule didn’t allow for it or I was “too busy”.

Not this time though! I was committed to running/walking/crawling at least a mile a day, and I did it! Despite school functions, plantar fasciitis, errands, laundry, kids, weather snafus, and oh yeah, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas… I got it done.

In other words, it worked for me. Maybe it will help you!

1. I decided not to take myself too seriously. If my mile was a 9:30 mile, that was cool. And if it was a 15:00 mile, that was cool too. There were many days that it was on the slower side, especially with my foot pain. And that was okay. I wasn’t doing this to be fast, I was doing this to endure.

2. Most days, I wasn’t content with a mile and figured I could do at least two. Some days it was three. But never more than that. Since I’m not training for a race right now, I was able to do what I wanted with no distance agendas, other than getting at least a mile done.

This song was my streak anthem.

3. I had fantastic support system! Social media, I love you. My awesome Chick Brooke participated in this challenge which truly made a world of difference. We checked in via text. And pictures. And my bossypantsing her around.

Additionally, following my blogging buddies during the streak and chatting with them on their posts helped immensely. The Challenge Loop that Cyanne and Karen hosted kept me honest. And in search of dinosaurs.

So even though I was running every single run in the comfort of my basement, solo style, I was never truly alone.

4. My kids are finally at the stage where they are (mostly) self sufficient for a half hour. When Little was littler, I used his nap time as my time to tackle the miles. However, as a great big 4 year old, there are no longer any naps. If it’s just us in the house, I set him up with a snack and his favorite movie and then ran down the basement steps to the treadmill.

5. The earlier, the better. Rather than putting it off, I’d get my miles in ASAP. No matter what happened the rest of the day, I accomplished something for myself and therefore I was more productive in other areas of my life.

Setting aside the half hour for myself, whether it be Tuesday, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve helped me to recalibrate every day. During a crazy and hectic month, it grounded me and that was invaluable.

Bring it on 2014! I’m ready for you!

Brooke will be posting tomorrow about her streak, but in the meantime, how did all our streaking friends fare?

Scootadoot

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Tag Archives: running