The Magic Number

We're still experiencing late summer here in Michigan, which is very, very unusual. We've been known to get a few snowflakes in October!

The unusually good weather has been a blessing for my training this summer. I didn't have a single weekend that was a rainout this year. Amazing!

Last week I got back into my routine at the gym, after two weeks of NO exercise (and too much carb-binging) due to the cold/cough that seems to be going around. Last Sunday I ran 2 miles for the Apple Run, just to get back into the swing of things.

But I had my sights set on 10 miles today, and then the full 13.6 next weekend, before the weather changes.

I felt good today (although there more than the normal amount of nose-blowing). So the more I ran, the more I started thinking about just getting the 13.6 out of the way today, instead of counting on good weather next weekend. I really, really wanted to finish up my outdoor training by hitting the Magic Number, before heading back indoors to the dreadmill.

SO I DID IT!! 13.6 miles today! A half marathon!!

It wasn't easy. There was a lot of alternating walking and running the last three miles. But I was going to do it no matter how long it took. But it definitely wasn't easy.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I finished in 3 hrs, 23 minutes -- which gives me a 7-minute cushion from getting swept in January. Hopefully with more cardio training the rest of the year, I'll be able to shave off a few more minutes of time.

But my goal is JUST TO FINISH! And now, I believe I can do it, as long as I am well, and eat right, and get enough sleep the night before ... oh, you know all those IFs!

Jeff W -- I want the BIG MEDAL!! YAY!!!!!

Thanks Earl!

I've been listening to the Trapped On Vacation podcasts this week. Earl is going to the Adventurer's Club every night until it closes, and putting up some audio from each night.

He's really capturing the magic and the mayhem of the place, and you can hear in the characters' voices that they are getting close to the end. There's been some special moments, like when the doorman came up on stage and received his 20-year pin from Disney, a week early so he could get it while AC was still open. And when one of the Hathaway Browns was performing for the last time.

We're so lucky now that we live in the world of podcasting -- we can "experience" the end of attractions or shows even if we can't get to the World.

Thank you Earl!

Apples & Colds

Between weddings and Toonfest and back-to-school and that awful cold virus that's going around, we only had a few hardy souls who managed to complete the Michigan Apple Fun Run! Congrats to Jeff W (9.37 miles), Craig (9.32), Kristin (7.44) and Chris (6.21) for making it to the finish!

After two weeks of coughing and being sickly, I did go out for the first time on Sunday and managed to run 2.2 miles. It actually sounds pretty bad, but I had an easier time than I thought I would after not training for so long.

So this week it's back to the gym, and hopefully back up in the double-digit miles by the weekend.

I'm going to try my Michigan Apple Fun Run this coming weekend, Sept 27, so if anyone else is free and feeling better, join me!

We are having great weather here in Michigan, but winter could set it in any time now. We usually get about a week and a half of fall, and then bam, the cold winter winds blow through.

I'm trying to enjoy what little outdoor running time I have left, before I have to head back indoors to the dreadmill. Unlike Jeff W, you will not see pics of me running with icicles dripping from my face. I'm not Tundra-tough!!

Michigan Apple Run This Weekend!

Just a reminder that the Michigan Apple Run is this weekend! Try and do a 10K or a 15K, or whatever a new milestone marker is for you in your training.

Jeff W will be in Marceline, so he's running Friday. Jonathan is sick with the flu, and I am just getting over a cough and cold, so no telling what we'll end up doing. I also have a family wedding in Cleveland, so my run will probably be on Sunday.

Hope you have good weather and a good time at the race!

Country Bears

I'm sorry, but I have zero interest in the Country Bears attraction. I think I've seen it twice, but I don't see the appeal. It's just a little too corny for me, even though I'm from North Carolina!

I can understand what a big deal the technology was when it was created, and I understand the historical nature of it -- but there's just nothing about it that draws me in.

Carousel of Progress is similar in terms of technology and history, and I do go see that one occasionally. I guess there I like the song, and I do like seeing old history.

But those bears ... I just can't bear it.

Apple Run Update

Here's an updated list of participants in the Michigan Apple Fun Run on September 20.

Be sure and join us! Pop over to http://www.allaboutthecorn.blogspot.com/ and sign up, or leave me a message here.

Go Team Voice!

Time For Another Run!

Michigan is famous for its apples, apple cider and donuts in the fall!

So, before summer ends up here and it gets too cold to run outside, let's all meet up (virtually) on Saturday, September 20 for the 1st Annual Team Voice Michigan Apple Fun Run!

It's being co-sponsored by the same folks who brought you the Corn Fun Run, our friends at http://www.allaboutthecorn.blogspot.com/.

Just mark the date on your calendars, and let either me or Jeff W at All About The Corn know that you are joining us, and pick your race -- either a 10K or a 15K. Keep in mind the 15K will be a great test to see where you are in your training for the Half or Full Marathon!

After the race, we'll all toast our success with apple cider and donuts!

And Team Voice will have one more race in October, sponsored by All About The Corn -- the Children of the Corn Elevator of Tower 13K. Keep checking Jeff W's blog for more info on that.

Hope to see you at the Michigan Apple Fun Run on September 20!

Another Beautiful Saturday

It's another beautiful Saturday here in Michigan. We have had an amazing summer! I think it only rained on the weekends once or twice the whole summer. And our 90+ days only lasted a week or two.

Thank goodness! I sure was able to get a ton of outdoor training in this summer. Today was a good training day. I did 11 miles! That was great, but I honestly do not know how I can manage 2 more!

But I'll just keep training and trying!

Hope all you TVers are able to get out and get some miles in this weekend!

Miss Me?

Did you miss me? I've been out of sync for the past few days. I had a terrible 8-mile stroll on Monday, sporadically poor eating for several days, and I skipped the gym last night.

I have a million and one "good reasons" -- i.e., excuses -- but I won't bore you -- or me -- I don't even want to hear them. Unfortunately, it boils down to lack of mental toughness, doesn't it?

So, today is a new day. A new day of food choices, a new opportunity at the gym and a chance to get back on track.

So I will give it my all, and I will get moving again, starting today!