Happy Holidays to everyone, especially to my Team Voice friends. It has been such a wonderful blessing to have spent the year with all of you, mostly virtually!
Your encouragement, your friendship, your comedy, your craziness, your imagination, your ups, your downs and your inspiration has been a wonderful part of my life this year. I can't wait to see you all in a few weeks.
Honestly, at this point, the race is pretty secondary to what I've experienced this year. Sticking with this training commitment has been a monumental accomplishment in my life, and has proven to me that I really can stick with something and finish it. And of course, I really -- really -- never could have gotten through this on my own.
YOU have been the best present I've ever received since my Barbie dollhouse when I was eight, and I THANK YOU with all my heart!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Team Voice Kim-municators
Just like Kim Possible, Team Voice will need to keep in touch with each other on race weekend!
We've got a hotel list posted on the Team Voice forums -- if you're not included there, post a message or send me an email (debwdw@gmail.com) and I'll add you to the list.
If you would like to share your cell phone number with other Team Voice members, send it to me in an email. I'll compile all the numbers that I receive, and then will send you back a master list to put in your phone for race weekend.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say don't be afraid to call around and see who is where and what they are doing. We'll all be honest if we are tied up with family or trying to rest -- but there may be times when we can hang out in the parks or hang out at a resort! So call!!
Now I haven't done the Kim Possible adventure yet in Epcot -- no time at MouseFest -- and I know the Kimmunicators are not really phones -- hey, sometimes you have to stretch in a blog!!
We've got a hotel list posted on the Team Voice forums -- if you're not included there, post a message or send me an email (debwdw@gmail.com) and I'll add you to the list.
If you would like to share your cell phone number with other Team Voice members, send it to me in an email. I'll compile all the numbers that I receive, and then will send you back a master list to put in your phone for race weekend.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say don't be afraid to call around and see who is where and what they are doing. We'll all be honest if we are tied up with family or trying to rest -- but there may be times when we can hang out in the parks or hang out at a resort! So call!!
Now I haven't done the Kim Possible adventure yet in Epcot -- no time at MouseFest -- and I know the Kimmunicators are not really phones -- hey, sometimes you have to stretch in a blog!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Snow, Snow, Snow
Going to get several rounds of snow this week. My cat Chatter is NOT a happy camper.
I think I mentioned in my blog a few days ago that I got a really strained right knee on the very last tenth of a mile in my long run at WDW. I have no idea why -- I didn't trip or stumble along the way. I was wearing my old shoes, not my new ones, since it looked like rain. I suppose that might have been it, but I had no problems until mile 9.9.
It is getting better gradually. I'm icing it a lot and trying to take elevators instead of stairs whenever possible. But it's put a real damper on my training. How in the world do I get cardio without bending my knee?!!
It will be very interesting at the gym tonight!
I think I mentioned in my blog a few days ago that I got a really strained right knee on the very last tenth of a mile in my long run at WDW. I have no idea why -- I didn't trip or stumble along the way. I was wearing my old shoes, not my new ones, since it looked like rain. I suppose that might have been it, but I had no problems until mile 9.9.
It is getting better gradually. I'm icing it a lot and trying to take elevators instead of stairs whenever possible. But it's put a real damper on my training. How in the world do I get cardio without bending my knee?!!
It will be very interesting at the gym tonight!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
More Mousing
What day is it? One thing about a Disney trip, it's easy to forget what day it is -- unless you have ADRs somewhere that you need to get to!
Okay, I've looked at my schedule and it appears to be Saturday. Yesterday I met the gang from the "Be Our Guest" podcast at AK's Flame Tree BBQ. They are such fun people! And we ate our food down by the water behind FT. I had never walked all the way down the paths to lower eating area, and it is really nice down there.
While we were eating and talking, one of those big white cranes walked up to our table and was eyeing my MF friend Courtney's food -- it was a little scary! The bird's head easily came up over the table, and we had a feeling it probably had pretty fast reflexes -- but luckily it finally meandered away.
I also went to Fred Block's Muppet Meets. It was a pretty big crowd, and Fred is great, and I met several people there I really enjoyed talking to. And I never get tired of seeing the Muppets!
After that was Podfest, with about 30 podcast hosts all in one place -- the Backlot Express -- and probably 70 listeners. Lots of mingling and hugging -- and recording! I met Earl and the Bleepin' Wife, and Greg and Chris from the Travelears, and Lou from Beyond Main Street.
I actually "stalked" Lou via Twitter for two days, trying to track him down to meet him. His love for his family and Disney really comes out in his podcasts, so I wanted to thank him. When I got to the Studios he was in the GMR, but by the time I got out of Mermaid, he was leaving the park!! Oh no!! But luckily he did come back for Podfest, and I did get to meet him.
At Podfest was the first time I saw Bryan -- he and Amy had arrived on Thursday night. When Podfest was over, I walked with him over to RNRC with Chuck & Leigh. They got fast passes and then we meandered back over towards Toy Story, and met up with Mikey the Errand Boy and Lauren the Errand Girl. We all just hung out chatting and clogging up the path in front of TSM, until we moved over to the bar near the Backlot Tour.
When we started moving again, I decided to pop into One Man's Dream -- always got to have a dose of Walt and history when the opportunity arises -- and then I walked back home in the freezing cold to the Boardwalk.
It is COLD here -- everyone is bundled up most of the time. The warm weather should come back on Monday, right after I leave town!!
On the training front, I took yesterday off, after my 10-mile run the day before. But this morning I went down to the gym and did a little elliptical and some weights. My right knee is still sore from my big run -- I need to remember to bring my knee brace with me in January to wear after the race.
Food-wise, I'm not doing too bad. I am eating more goodies than I do in real life, but trying to get in some green salads whenever possible.
More tomorrow!
Okay, I've looked at my schedule and it appears to be Saturday. Yesterday I met the gang from the "Be Our Guest" podcast at AK's Flame Tree BBQ. They are such fun people! And we ate our food down by the water behind FT. I had never walked all the way down the paths to lower eating area, and it is really nice down there.
While we were eating and talking, one of those big white cranes walked up to our table and was eyeing my MF friend Courtney's food -- it was a little scary! The bird's head easily came up over the table, and we had a feeling it probably had pretty fast reflexes -- but luckily it finally meandered away.
I also went to Fred Block's Muppet Meets. It was a pretty big crowd, and Fred is great, and I met several people there I really enjoyed talking to. And I never get tired of seeing the Muppets!
After that was Podfest, with about 30 podcast hosts all in one place -- the Backlot Express -- and probably 70 listeners. Lots of mingling and hugging -- and recording! I met Earl and the Bleepin' Wife, and Greg and Chris from the Travelears, and Lou from Beyond Main Street.
I actually "stalked" Lou via Twitter for two days, trying to track him down to meet him. His love for his family and Disney really comes out in his podcasts, so I wanted to thank him. When I got to the Studios he was in the GMR, but by the time I got out of Mermaid, he was leaving the park!! Oh no!! But luckily he did come back for Podfest, and I did get to meet him.
At Podfest was the first time I saw Bryan -- he and Amy had arrived on Thursday night. When Podfest was over, I walked with him over to RNRC with Chuck & Leigh. They got fast passes and then we meandered back over towards Toy Story, and met up with Mikey the Errand Boy and Lauren the Errand Girl. We all just hung out chatting and clogging up the path in front of TSM, until we moved over to the bar near the Backlot Tour.
When we started moving again, I decided to pop into One Man's Dream -- always got to have a dose of Walt and history when the opportunity arises -- and then I walked back home in the freezing cold to the Boardwalk.
It is COLD here -- everyone is bundled up most of the time. The warm weather should come back on Monday, right after I leave town!!
On the training front, I took yesterday off, after my 10-mile run the day before. But this morning I went down to the gym and did a little elliptical and some weights. My right knee is still sore from my big run -- I need to remember to bring my knee brace with me in January to wear after the race.
Food-wise, I'm not doing too bad. I am eating more goodies than I do in real life, but trying to get in some green salads whenever possible.
More tomorrow!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mouse Fest
Thursday, 6:30 a.m.
---------------------
I arrived at WDW Wednesday night, tossed my stuff in my room at Boardwalk, and walked over to EC at 9:10 to experience just a little of that special oxygen we get at the parks!
I walked thru UK, popped into the Canada store (I miss the Roots merch), and kept going to Norway. Rode Maelstrom, but they were done showing the movie for the night! And I love the movie! Quick spritz of the Laila perfume and on to the rest of the loop.
I'm not a huge Illuminations fan, so I mostly people-watched and enjoyed the music -- I do love the Illum music.
By the time I was heading out of the International Gateway, I realized that in the past, that loop would have tired me out -- I would have at least had some leg fatigue. But this time, nothing! Just a good quick walk around the loop after a day of working and traveling. What do you know, this exercise thing really pays off!
Now it's Thursday morning, 6:30 a.m. I'm up and eating and drinking, in preparation for a 10-mile run. It will be my first long run since late September, and my last one before the RACE. It was weird last night getting all my stuff out, setting the alarm, getting my food ready. I kept visualizing RACE eve, which was cool and scary at the same time!
The 10 miles will be hard, and I will want to quit. But I am determined to keep going. This will be a good test for me.
I'll have to run from BW to the Studios, then back by Yacht & Beach, over to the EC ticket booths and back to BW -- and that will only take care of 3 miles! And then I'll have to do that two more times!
Okay, time to get ready. I'll be back with you in a few hours.
4:30 p.m.
----------------
Okay, it's been more than a few hours! The run was pretty good. It was gray and overcast here at 7 a.m., so I decided to wear my old shoes, but they worked out fine. On my way to the Studios, I ran a few laps around the tennis courts, and then a few laps around the entrance plaza there. But I really covered some miles by running deep into Swan and Dolphin, and then into Yacht & Beach. Eventually made it to the Epcot entrance and then back to Boardwalk and over to Studios one more time. At mile 9 on the way to the Studios the rain started, so I was glad I was not on the slippery Boardwalk at that point. At mile 9.88 on the way back, my right knee had some fairly serious pain for the first time ever, but I really didn't want to stop until 10. So I tried to adjust my gait a little and slowed down to a fast walk to get to 10.
But I did it! Mentally, it was not as tough to keep going as it was in September, so that's good. And physically I was stopping at 8 in September, and then alternating between walking and jogging -- and now I've made it to 10 before changing to walking. So I think I'm ready!
I liked running with it being overcast instead of really sunny. I wouldn't mind these conditions in January -- without the rain!
Back to the Magic Kingdom tonight. And more about MouseFest tomorrow.
Sorry most of my buddies aren't here with me, but you will be here in just a few weeks!!
---------------------
I arrived at WDW Wednesday night, tossed my stuff in my room at Boardwalk, and walked over to EC at 9:10 to experience just a little of that special oxygen we get at the parks!
I walked thru UK, popped into the Canada store (I miss the Roots merch), and kept going to Norway. Rode Maelstrom, but they were done showing the movie for the night! And I love the movie! Quick spritz of the Laila perfume and on to the rest of the loop.
I'm not a huge Illuminations fan, so I mostly people-watched and enjoyed the music -- I do love the Illum music.
By the time I was heading out of the International Gateway, I realized that in the past, that loop would have tired me out -- I would have at least had some leg fatigue. But this time, nothing! Just a good quick walk around the loop after a day of working and traveling. What do you know, this exercise thing really pays off!
Now it's Thursday morning, 6:30 a.m. I'm up and eating and drinking, in preparation for a 10-mile run. It will be my first long run since late September, and my last one before the RACE. It was weird last night getting all my stuff out, setting the alarm, getting my food ready. I kept visualizing RACE eve, which was cool and scary at the same time!
The 10 miles will be hard, and I will want to quit. But I am determined to keep going. This will be a good test for me.
I'll have to run from BW to the Studios, then back by Yacht & Beach, over to the EC ticket booths and back to BW -- and that will only take care of 3 miles! And then I'll have to do that two more times!
Okay, time to get ready. I'll be back with you in a few hours.
4:30 p.m.
----------------
Okay, it's been more than a few hours! The run was pretty good. It was gray and overcast here at 7 a.m., so I decided to wear my old shoes, but they worked out fine. On my way to the Studios, I ran a few laps around the tennis courts, and then a few laps around the entrance plaza there. But I really covered some miles by running deep into Swan and Dolphin, and then into Yacht & Beach. Eventually made it to the Epcot entrance and then back to Boardwalk and over to Studios one more time. At mile 9 on the way to the Studios the rain started, so I was glad I was not on the slippery Boardwalk at that point. At mile 9.88 on the way back, my right knee had some fairly serious pain for the first time ever, but I really didn't want to stop until 10. So I tried to adjust my gait a little and slowed down to a fast walk to get to 10.
But I did it! Mentally, it was not as tough to keep going as it was in September, so that's good. And physically I was stopping at 8 in September, and then alternating between walking and jogging -- and now I've made it to 10 before changing to walking. So I think I'm ready!
I liked running with it being overcast instead of really sunny. I wouldn't mind these conditions in January -- without the rain!
Back to the Magic Kingdom tonight. And more about MouseFest tomorrow.
Sorry most of my buddies aren't here with me, but you will be here in just a few weeks!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's Time
Okay, we're getting down to the wire, and that means it's time ...
It's time to pay attention to how we're feeling physically, and make good training decisions every day. Wonky knees, give them a rest, work out the abs. Sore ankles, change to the bike.
It's time to wash our hands, avoid the mall and inch away from sick people.
It's time to get in a reasonable amount of sleep, so we can stay well.
It's time to visit the thrift store and buy some sweats, hats and gloves that we can wear and throw away.
It's time to say NO to cookies and pop and chips as much as we can, to lose a few more pounds before we have to lug them through 13 miles.
It's time to make sure our new shoes are broken in enough.
It's time to plan what we are going to eat the night before and the morning of.
It's time to plan how the heck we're going to mentally keep going at miles 10, 11 and 12!
And it's time to go post on the TV forums!!
It's time to pay attention to how we're feeling physically, and make good training decisions every day. Wonky knees, give them a rest, work out the abs. Sore ankles, change to the bike.
It's time to wash our hands, avoid the mall and inch away from sick people.
It's time to get in a reasonable amount of sleep, so we can stay well.
It's time to visit the thrift store and buy some sweats, hats and gloves that we can wear and throw away.
It's time to say NO to cookies and pop and chips as much as we can, to lose a few more pounds before we have to lug them through 13 miles.
It's time to make sure our new shoes are broken in enough.
It's time to plan what we are going to eat the night before and the morning of.
It's time to plan how the heck we're going to mentally keep going at miles 10, 11 and 12!
And it's time to go post on the TV forums!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
One Good Day
I had a good workout yesterday -- three miles on the dreadmill at a 12-minute mile pace. Man, is the dreadmill a test of my mental fortitude!!
I was pretending each lap was really a mile, and imagining how I would feel on the course, and practiced talking myself into keep going when I wanted to quit!
Hope you had a good day -- let's really take advantage of EVERY DAY in December to give it our all by eating well and working out as much as possible.
Go to the Team Voice forums today and check in -- let's get some talk going!!
I was pretending each lap was really a mile, and imagining how I would feel on the course, and practiced talking myself into keep going when I wanted to quit!
Hope you had a good day -- let's really take advantage of EVERY DAY in December to give it our all by eating well and working out as much as possible.
Go to the Team Voice forums today and check in -- let's get some talk going!!
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