Only 196 more to go

I made it to the gym last night, and had a great little workout.  I also noticed something recently -- I can actually walk up stairs a little easier than before.  So even 4 days in to the new year, I can feel that my legs are a tad stronger.

Now walking down the stairs is a little risky still!  Thank goodness for handrails :)

Back when I was training for my first half marathon, I worked in a 20 story office building.  Almost every day I would walk the stairs at lunch or at some point in the afternoon.  At first, I could only make it up 2 flights without huffing and puffing.  But every week, I added a flight, and eventually I  could do all 20!  But what was interesting, was that walking down was a lot harder on my muscles.  Going up was harder for my cardio, of course.

So, I've done 4 days of the gym out of the 200 that's my #Fitness2013 goal.  Only 196 more days to go!!  

The Parking Lot

I had a great workout on Saturday at the gym.  So I thought I would be all excited and motivated to go on Sunday.  Annnnnnnnd I made it to the parking lot.  Yep.

Had my stuff, all set, all I had to do was get out of the car.  And I didn't.  Just wasn't into it.

So I skipped.  But that's okay.  It takes me a while to reach the point where I love working out and look forward to going.  So I'm not going to stress or worry about it.  And I will go tonight -- and I probably will make it into the building this time!

And speaking of parking lots, the Mickey Miles Podcast tweeted some pics of the Epcot parking lot being prepared for race weekend.  Empty bleachers, potties and tents are all there, waiting for the deluge of runners.  It was neat to see the preparations.

I know there are runners who are excited or scared or worried about the weekend.  There are so many stories that could be told.  It's truly an amazing event!

Happy Friday !

Whew!  I've been back at work three whole days and I am ready for a break!  (Our university shuts down between Christmas and New Years, so I had a nice long visit with family in NC, and then six more days at home chilling out.)

On my lunch time walk today, me and the work friend who's joining in my goal of 150 lunch walks this year were talking, and she said she needs a new challenge that she can work toward -- like a charity walk or run.  That kind of goal is what she needs to stay on track.

But as you can see from my goals for this year (150 lunch walks, 200 gym days), goals can also be simple or unique.  I'd love to run another Disney race someday, but that may not be realistic with my pinched nerve and age.  So my goals this year need to be focused on improving my fitness, not so much on a race.  A race would just be icing on the cake .... um, I mean sugar-free caramel on sugar-free ice cream?

#Fitness2013

1 and 1 Baby :)

I had a successful first day of Fitness 2013 yesterday.  One lunch time walk, and one visit to the gym after work.  I'm on my way!

Just had one little problem -- I bonked for the last 2 minutes of my elliptical session.  I totally ran out of gas.  I felt like I was plodding through mud, but I stayed with it.  I had reached my distance goal for the session, so I just decided to keep moving no matter how slow I was. 

My most memorable bonk was when I was training for my first Disney Half.  It was September, and I was doing my weekend long run at the park.  I was supposed to reach 12 miles that day -- a pretty big milestone.  I made it to 11.85 and I literally could not walk another .15 to reach 12.  And it wasn't that I was at the end of my rope physically -- although I was pretty tired -- it was that I hit the wall mentally.  I mean, c'mon, all I had to do was walk around the parking lot once or twice.

Nope, it was not happening, and I didn't care!!  Part of me was disappointed that day, but the other part of me really didn't care.  I did make it to 12 miles the next weekend, but I'll never forget that .15 miles and that bonk.

Lesson to be learned?  I need more than half a Luna bar before heading to the gym.  So today, I'll eat a full one along with a yogurt.  Current favorite flavors of Luna bars, you ask?  Peppermint Chocolate, Lemon Zest, and Chocolate Coconut.  They are quite yummy.

Gym days:  1
Lunch walks:  1

Woo hoo!

Fitness 2013

Hi everybody!  Long time, no blog :)

So it's 2013, and I think it's a good time to focus on fitness again.  And I'm looking forward to it!  I don't know if I'll manage to run a half marathon again, since I'm old and creaky.  But if so, that will be icing on the cake .... uh ..... I mean, sugarfree caramel on an apple?

In 2011 and 2012, I was focused on my new job at a University, and taking courses on the side to finish my degree.  The most important thing I learned from running the Disney half marathon was that if I really, really want to accomplish something, I can.  But it has to be something I really want.

Once I started taking courses again -- one a semester -- the lesson I learned about consistency and focus really helped me with my courses.  But I also learned that I can only do three things at a time in my life -- work, school, home -- or -- work, exercise, home. 

Now you super-heroes, hush up!  You might can manage four things!!  But I can only manage three things!!!  The time that I would normally spend at the gym -- weeknights and weekends -- I had to devote toward homework. 

So this semester, I'm not taking a course so that I can focus on fitness again!  Obviously I don't like that I've gained the weight back that I lost when training for the Disney half.  But what I really don't like is the lack of strength, lack of flexibility, and general decline in my health.

So, here's the plan.  I'll get back into my gym routine -- will stop by most weeknights and both days on the weekends.  It will take me a while before I look forward to the gym, but the blog will help me stay accountable.  I have a goal of hitting the gym or doing a walk/run for 200 days in 2013!  That seems reasonable and reachable.

Second tactic will be to do a short walk most weekdays before I eat lunch.  I have a work friend who walks with me.   In spring 2012 we were doing stairs in one of our science buildings, and that was really, really, really good for us :)  My goal for lunch walks will be 150 days!!  That's an average of 3 times a week, so it should be easy, in theory.

And lastly, a trainer.  I think most of you remember that I worked out with a great trainer before my first Disney half.  He really helped me strengthen my legs and core and stamina, so I was ready for the race.  He pushed me waaaaaay more than I would have pushed myself.  But since I changed jobs, we're on opposite sides of town, and I could only manage to get there occasionally.

But my massage therapist moved to a new place, and I am going to try out the owner/trainer there, hopefully in two weeks.  Now I don't think I'll make a goal for the trainer, just in case she doesn't work out.  But my fingers are crossed.

So that's my story and my plan for now.  I know it sounds like just another New Year's resolution.  But my mindset is good, and I am looking forward to Fitness 2013!!

New & Old Obsessions

I realized I have a ton of thoughts about Twilight, and no outlet for them.  For my Disney obsession, I have tons of Disney podcast and Twitter friends -- but for Twilight, not so much.  There are a few Twilight podcasts I love, but I haven't managed to build online relationships like I did in the Disney world.

Twilight Series Theories is a fave -- love those girls!  I also look forward to the Bite Club, Before the Dawn (Marina and I are on the same page about Breaking Dawn), and of course, Imprint (when Andrew can fit one in).

So, the new direction of my blog is Twilight, but I will never lose my love of Disney.  So to catch you up on what's happened in my life since my last blog (March 2010?!!), here's the scoop:

Although I enjoyed the bank work, I have to admit I didn't love selling services.  It was cool to only work 30 hours a week, though.  I got to see lots of movies and was able to make it to the gym regularly!

But as fate would have it, an opportunity opened up for me at a local university, working in PR & Marketing with a former co-worker.  And I love it!!!!  Although the hours are much longer, and the gym went by the wayside until recently, I am inspired and excited by the university environment!

I just recently joined a Powerhouse gym.  It's reasonable, roomy and an easy stop on my way home from work.  I've been working towards getting back into my routine again.  Doing pretty good, and starting to love working out again :)

So now on to Twilight ... but first I have to head to the gym ... more tomorrow!!

Success Leads To Changes

I was successful at finding a new part-time job! I'm going to work at a local bank as a part-time teller, something I did at the very beginning of my work career and really enjoyed. The only thing different now is that the computers are faster, and everyone in a bank including tellers are expected to sell -- in the old days we just had to be friendly!

So I learned a few things in the last few months -- some good, some bad!

The first thing I learned again, the hard way, is that I am a stress eater. All those pounds I lost last year training for the Half Marathon have come back with a vengeance! So I am trying to get going again, with the gym and running. I'm hoping it won't be too hard once I get into a routine with my new schedule and it's close to spring here in Michigan. And I'll also join Club 8 with some seriousness, not just for the fun of it!

The second thing I learned was that hourly retail jobs are pretty hard to come by. I originally was just looking for a job I could do at night and weekends, which would be easier than juggling two daytime jobs. I didn't apply at a ton of places, but never even got a nibble.

And the last thing I learned -- finally, in my old age -- was to listen to my mother!! If only I had done that years and years ago, I would be a lot better off in a lot of ways!! So this time, when this big change came along in my life, I decided I would do everything she suggested. So when she said try some banks, I did, and boom, success! Needless, to say, she will be very happy to say "I told you so"!

Happy Easter everyone!

Love Your Library

I'm at a local library today -- not my town's, which is a little small. But one that's two towns over from me. And boy, is it a cool place.

I haven't been in a library for 10 or 15 years, and I had forgotten what wonderful places they are! This one is fairly modern and medium high-tech. But it's got a lot of tables, study rooms, carrels, and computer stations. And loads and loads of bookshelves and books!

It brings back the feelings I had when I was younger, of possibilities and knowledge and quietness and studiousness and learning. Ahhhhh.

When I was little, growing up in Concord, NC, our local library was in an old, two story, white, small Southern mansion. It was donated to the town by the Cannon family, of the Cannon towel/textiles fame. It had old, creaky wood floors and lots of small and medium sized rooms full of old wooden bookshelves and what seemed like millions of books! And since it was an old house, full of mostly old books, it had an old smell -- not unpleasant, but a very specific antique smell.

When I was little, I went straight for the Nancy Drew and "You were there" young history books. Later I grew into biographies and fiction, and the taller bookshelves.

Now, sadly, that old house is gone and the library is in a new, nicely modern building. I still remember that old wonderful, magical place every time I drive by the corner it used to sit on.

But back to today. I'm looking for a part-time job, and am here filling out apps online. At home, there are distractions and cats that need something every 12 minutes. So coming to the library is working out great for me.

And hopefully, I will get a part-time job soon, and then I'll be able to come to library for fun instead of work!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed time with special people, and at least enjoyed the calories that none of us really should have consumed! My crazy food included a Paula Deen butter and cream cheese cake. I could feel my arteries hardening.

But my first Christmas without my dad turned out okay. My mom, brother + fam, sister + fam enjoyed our time together, and no one caused any big uproar -- always a good thing.

Spending time in NC with my mom has made me realize I really need to find a way to get back down here quicker. Since my Michigan job has now turned into part-time, I'll definitely include NC in my job search. It sure would be nice if I could spend a significant part of the year with her. We'll see.

My running has been lame. But I'll keep at it.

Amanda had a great idea -- if I'm not running the Disney Half in the future, I could volunteer! I think it would be super fun! I will run local 10Ks, by the way. I won't give up running, just will run shorter distances.

See some of you soon!

What a year. And I don't really mean that in a good way!

It has been interesting. Lots of ups and downs, for all of our gang.

For those of us who didn't have a great year of training and eating right, and know that we left opportunity on the table -- it is what it is. But every morning, every minute, we can start fresh. So let's keep trying to move forward.

I am pretty sure I am done with half marathons, but I hate that this year hasn't been an improvement over last year. I really was looking forward to building on what I accomplished last year. But I didn't know I would lose my dad this year, and I didn't know that training without that "fear of being swept" would be harder. I also didn't know our Team Voice would be more distracted and busy and less connected this year (I'm a prime example) -- but it's totally understandable. And it certainly makes me understand how TRULY MAGICAL our experience was last year.

But it seems like we do have some Team Voicers who have had a great year, and are destined to have fabulous runs -- and I am SOOOO happy for them! You know, all year I've watched Rae's training and races, and am still amazed and flabbergasted by her drive! Could we please bottle some of this up, Rae?!!

Hopefully I'm not speaking out of turn about everyone's experiences this year. Please forgive me if I didn't say something quite the right way.

Now despite my bummer of a year, I am still VERY excited about seeing some of Team Voice in a few weeks at WDW! I'm NOT excited about the race, but I'll just gut it out and try to enjoy the experience as best I can.

And after MILE 13, I'll start looking forward to enjoying some 10Ks!

Back, And Gone Again

I'm back from WDW. It was a great trip! More on that later.

Tomorrow I'm driving to NC to spend Thanksgiving with my family, the first without my father. I think we'll be fine, and will enjoy our time together.

It's also the weekend of my mom's class reunion, and mine too! It's going to be interesting. Since I've been gone from town for so long, and have a terrible memory, I am going to be clueless about who the heck everyone is!

More next week!

Enjoy your turkey and your families!

Hey, I'm Going to Disney World!

I've been so lame about blogging, that I just realized today that it might be a good idea to mention that I'm going to WDW on Sunday!

Me and my sister will be there for a week to celebrate my birthday on Tuesday. This is the first time the two of us have gone alone, and I think it will be a cool, bonding experience. Either that, or we'll be sick of each other by the end of the week!

She was not able to come in January 2009 for marathon weekend -- my parents and brother did. So I told her we would do this trip as her replacement, and finally I would get to have a birthday at WDW.

I'm going to try the dining plan for the first time this trip. I've always liked to have one table-service meal each day, usually lunch, just to have a break and some quiet time before heading out again. So the plan should mesh with my normal routine -- except for dessert. Usually I'm full enough that I'm okay skipping dessert to save calories and money, but now I will feel obligated to get a dessert! Could be trouble!

We're staying at the Boardwalk (DVC). MK will be open til 11 one night and EC will be open until midnight, so that will be cool. I love the parks at night.

And speaking of night, AK will be open until 8 one night, and I will finally get to see AK after dark! Usually we go in the morning, have lunch at Rainforest (can almost always eat at the bar without waiting), and then head back to BW because we can't take any more of the heat and humidity of the AK jungle!

This time, we'll probably head over to AK around 3, eat an early dinner at Y&Y, and then walk around and see how the park looks under lights! I'm really looking forward to it.

What else is new this trip? My birthday breakfast will be at Norway with the princesses. I happen to love buffet breakfasts -- love the fruit, pastries, and breakfast items -- and then I have the rest of the day to work off the calories! Much better than an evening buffet (except for not maximizing DDP dollars).

As I was making ADRs for the trip, I walked that fine line of choosing expensive spots (to maximize the DDP dollars) versus choosing spots that I like, had a menu me and my sis could enjoy, and had ADRs available. I suspect I'll end up about breaking even when all is said and done.

I'm also really looking forward to new Space Mtn and Kim Possible. I'm going to try and do all the countries, since I have five days. I also need to check out Vinylmation, and hope I don't get hooked!

I'm also going to use Photo Pass for the first time this trip. I've gotten pretty jaded about taking pics lately -- I took hundreds the first few times I went to WDW. But since it's me and my sis, I want to have lots of pics to commemorate the trip, and why not let the Disney photographers do the work for me?!

I also plan to Tweet, blog and record some audio. Now whether my iPhone battery will cooperate is another story! We'll see what happens, and how many outlets I find to use. Wonder if anyone ever asks for a table near a plug, instead of near a window?!!!

Nice Time At The DMV?

Since I'm heading to WDW for my birthday week, and my driver's license expires this year, I headed to the DMV this morning for a renewal.

Last time I was there, I got fussed at a little for not knowing I was supposed to stand on a certain carpet square for a certain line. So I wasn't quite sure what fun things would happen on this trip.

I did get to sleep late, which my cat loved, since the office didn't open until 9. And I stopped by my favorite bagel place on the way. Two fun things so far!

I headed in, and found only two people there in line. Cool. Pulled a number, just to obey the rules! Didn't want to get fussed out for not having a number!

My turn came and the lady was SOOOOOOO NICE!! She was happy, friendly, sweet -- I'm surprised she didn't give me a cookie or offer to help me to my car! COOOL!!

Eye test, photo snap, temporary piece of paper to extend my license, and I was all set!

Of course, now that I'm recalling the experience, I remembered that I meant to get an enhanced license (sort of a quasi passport-ish tyle license). But I was so flabbergasted by the nice lady that I forgot to tell her I wanted one!

Ummm, does that mean a trip back to the DMV? Will the nice lady still be there? What are the odds of that?

Maybe I better stick with the standard license and hope for the best in another eight years!

Good Week, Finally

Hi everyone!

Like some of you, I've really been on Space Mountain with eating and exercising. How crazy was I to think that after last year's dedicated training, that this year would be easier?! Hah!

But during my recent doldrums, I didn't give up. I just tried to minimize the damage somewhat, and kept looking at each day as a fresh opportunity.

And finally, low and behold, I'm back on track, moving forward like the TTA. Eating is good, exercising is good. I did a fun little 5K run this past Sunday at a friend of a friend's college business school -- even though it was October in Michigan! Luckily, it was in the 50s, not windy, and a little bit sunny. And it was just a 5K.

I wore my tech shirt from the Disney Half Marathon. It always brings back such good memories when I put that shirt on!

If you're on the low end of Thunder Mountain, just hang on and look at each day as a new start. And one morning it really will be!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! Hope we all have great weekends! Can I just tell you how much I would love to work a 4-day work week?! 10 hour days, but a 3-day weekend every week? I think I'd love that.

No snow yet in Michigan, but it's definitely time to fill up the storage shed and clear out the garage, to get ready for winter. Fun times as I point out to Dwain how we can stack, tuck, and pile up items in the shed, to fit everything in.

Poor guy just got back from a short Disney trip, and is experiencing that post-WDW depression. Spending time in the chilly garage may not help much.

I'm heading to WDW the week of November 15 with my sister, for my birthday. I'm looking forward to it, but am definitely bummed that I probably won't be able to squeeze in a December not-M-Fest trip. Sounds like a lot of my Disney buddies will be there enjoying each other's company.

But I guess we'll have a version of that in January, on race weekend -- so what the heck am I complaining about?!!

Clearly it's early and I'm rambling. The responsible thing to do would be to delete this post and start over. But then I'd have to try another post.

So you're stuck with this one!

Slacker

So I've been a slacker this week! I had a nice little 3 mile run last Sunday. It was nice to not have the pressure of miles. I think I'll stick to short runs for a while and focus on speed for a change.

But on Monday I had a killer migraine that took the wind out of my sails for 2 days. Then on Wednesday I felt a hint of a cold lurking, so dosed up with cold meds and skipped the gym.

Finally last night, Thursday, dragged the old bones there and did a 1 mile run and a little stationery biking. It's always the first day back to exercising that's the toughest!

I'll hit the gym tonight and probably tomorrow, since we're going to have a lot of rain this weekend.

But, hey, it's Friday! T G I F !!!!!!

Bloggers Rock

I just read blogs by Jonathan, Jeff W, Chris, Justin and Lori -- and they were just the inspiration, i.e., kick in the pants -- that I think I need.

I'm not motivated to run this weekend, but I really need to. The blogs reminded me about the feelings, the struggles, the euphoria -- all that stuff we get from this Team Voice journey we are on.

So I plan to go out tomorrow morning instead of blowing it off. It won't be a long run, but it will be a run.

Thanks bloggers! I'll report back!

Ahhh, D23

I would SO like to be there. But at least it's fun to get a taste of the action from all the tweets and Facebook updates. And soon the pictures will start popping up too! And Lou's continue to do a live show at some point every day.

And just imagine the podcast segments that will start showing up next week!

Here we gooooooooooooooooo!

Nine. Now We're Talking!

Thanks Team Voicers! I did make it through nine miles on Sunday, and the peer pressure once again definitely helped keep me out there!

It was a beautiful day in Michigan for a run. Sunny, blue skies, puffy white clouds, 70s, brisk breeze. And my mental toughness is finally getting back to where it was by the end of my training last year.

I didn't have any "I'm just going to quit, I know I can finish the Half, so I don't really have to do nine miles" thoughts. Don't get me wrong, there were moments when I was slogging, instead of wogging or running! But mentally, it was a good day.

Rae also had a good day, I think, finishing first in her age group. You rock, Rae!!

Now I do have one more challenge left for August -- I've got to do 90 jumping jacks today to reach my goal for the month! I don't think that's going to be very fun -- I think I'll definitely need some mental toughness for it!!

Hold Me Accountable

Okay Team, it's the weekend again (in a few hours) and time for a long run. This weekend the goal is 9 miles, since next weekend is Labor Day and I want to hit 10 miles then. (I will ignore the fact that by Labor Day LAST year, I had run 12 twice and 13 once!)

Anyway, I expect it to be hard. And once again I will keep in the back of my head that you all are cheering me on, and probably out there working just as hard as various goals that are just as tough for you.

And Ironwoman Rae is in another race this weekend, Jonathan's prepping for DL, and Mike is working toward Mike-speed again, so it would be lame if I took the easy way out and quit before I reach the big 9.

Maybe I better tatoo this blog on my arm?!! (Okay, I think I'll print it and put it in my pocket.)