Disneyland 1/2 marathon

On Sunday Sept 5th I ran the Disneyland 1/2 marathon. It was the second time I have run this race. We flew to California on the 1st. We wanted time to hang out in the parks before the race. We stayed at the Grand Californian. Wow, what a fabulous hotel. Spent lots of time in Disneyland & California Adventure.


On Saturday the 4th we attended a Team AllEars meetup at the the Paradise Pier hotel. Got to meet and talk with Deb Wills, the founder of AllEars.net and some other team AllEars teammates.

Race day we got up at 4:30AM got dressed & ate some breakfast. Once we were ready to go we walked from the hotel to the starting corrals. There were runners & walkers every where. I went to my corral & Pam went to her corral. The race started at 6am. By about 6:15 I was crossing the start line. First couple of miles I ran at an easy warm up pace as we ran through backstage California adventure. One we crossed over to Disneyland I was good and loose and picked up my speed some. My goal was to run miles 3 through 9 at 9:00 to 9:30 pace.

Miles 1 through 4 took you through both theme parks and then it was on to the streets of Anaheim. We ran through the industrial area of the city. At mile 8 we ran by the Honda center (where the Mighty Ducks play) and then on to the Sana Anna trail headed towards the big "A" where the Angels play. It was a blast getting to run in the ballpark. Once out of the ballpark, we got to mile 10. I wanted to run the last 4 miles sub 9:00. Near the finish we went ran back into the California adventure (backstage) headed for the finish line. We left DCA, ran around the Paradise Pier hotel turned up Disneyland drive and I could see the finish line. I crossed the line with a time of 2:02:39. This was a 12 minute PR for me. I was pretty jazzed & pumped up over how well the run went. I crossed the line got my medal & then found the Coast to Coast medal stop, picked that up and went back to the finish area to wait for Pam to complete her first 1/2 marathon.

It was real neat seeing her come aroound the corner after she finished knowing she had completed the race with time to spare. We walked to the medal stop & Pam got her medal.

We got in line to have our picture taken together with our medals and then headed for the food line. We found a spot where we could take our pictures with the 5th anniversary backdrop and snapped a couple of pictures with our bling.

This is the 2nd time I have gone to Disneyland for the Coast to Coast medal. Will I do it a 3rd time, absolutely. We had just as much fun this year as last and we are already looking forward to doing it again next year.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment

Been Awhile

Yup, it has been awhile since I posted. Just been doing maintenance running logging base miles. I have only run one race since the Illinois marathon on May 1st. On June 12th I ran a 5K. It was the State Farm Live Well Be Well 5K. The race started at 8am. The temp was 75F & the humidity was 96%. I did manage to PR in 24:51. First time I can remember running a sub 25 5K. I was pretty excited with the time & also wondered what I could have done if the humidity had been lower.

We decided to not go on a vacation this summer in lieu of working on some remodeling projects. There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow though. On September 5th Pam & I both are going to run the Disneyland 1/2 in California. 6 days at Disneyland, can't wait. Then less than a month later we are going to run the inaugural Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon relay on Oct 2nd at WDW. Wow, 2 trips to Disney parks in a month's time, I will be in Disney heaven.

Today registration opened for the Princess 1/2 marathon. Do I dare ask Pam if she wants to run it? I am registered for the Dopey challenge (all 3 races) during marathon weekend in January.

I am currently averaging 25 to 30 miles per week. I wanted to keep the fitness level up after the marathon, so I just kept running. I am hoping by doing this, it won't take as long to get trained up for marathon weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time run strong & enjoy the moment.
Goofy 57 runner signing off

I am a Marathoner

This past Saturday, May 1st, I ran my first full marathon. Wow, what an experience I will never forget. It started with a 4:30am wake up. Got up, ate breakfast (cereal, bagel & banana), then started to get dressed. My wife also got up with me at 4:30. At about 5:oo the rest of my support team (daughter & son in law) got up. Once everybody was sort of awake, I took this picture of my team, which was aptly named the Goofy57 team. These three very important people in my life have supported me from the very beginning of my training until the race was over. I can not thank all of them enough!!!

We left home about 5:30 and drove to Champaign, which is about 40 miles east of where I live in Bloomington. The weather was overcast & it was misting a little rain. The temp was 61 degrees and it was really humid also. We got to Champaign around 6:20 or so and by the time we got parked it was 6:40. The race started at 7:30, which was good for me, I did not have a lot of time to kill before the gun went off.

I got all of my gear ready and put it on and we all walked towards the start line, with me making a pit stop at the porta potties. Said goodbye to my team and then walked to my corral. The corrals were set up as estimated finish times instead of A,B,C,D, etc. I got in the 4:45 corral and listened to my ipod and chatted with the people around me waiting for the gun to go ff.

I never did hear the gun go off, but I crossed the start line about 15 minutes after the clock started. Just past the start line on my left stood my team cheering me on. This picture was snapped of me as I passed them.

This was the view in front of me as I passed the start line. Wow there were lots of runners.
I started off nice and slow sticking with my pace plan which was written by my good friend Gordon from Run to Disney fame. Several months ago I asked Gordon to write me a training plan & pace plan for this race and he was gracious enough to have said yes he would do it. I spoke with Gordon before the race started and I think he was a s nervous as I was about the race.

The first 3 miles went by in a flash. I had to stop at a porta potty and get rid of some nervous energy I guess. Seemed like I stood in line forever. Finished up there and it was back at it. I checked in with Pam on the phone a couple of times to let her know where I was and how I was feeling. It wasn't long and I was at the 13.1 mark, half done half to go. I was still feeling really strong. I got to see my team also. I waved as I went by them headed for the back half of the race.


All was going really well at this point. I was staying hydrated, taking my gels at the right time & staying with my pace plan. It all changed in mile 17. I just started slowing down, not keeping with my plan. I think the humidity was beginning to work on me. I had not done any training for this race in any humidity at all. Most of my training was done in cold weather or cool temps. I stuck with it and just ran at a slower pace until mile 23.

Mile 23 is where I started doing a run/walk combo. Not a Galloway run/walk, just ran when I felt like it and walked when I felt like it. I would not say I was struggling, I was just taking my time so I could finish the race. I had a goal of 4:45, but I knew I would not make that so I just kept plugging along.

It was a great sight when I saw Memorial Stadium come into view. I knew I was close and was gonna make it. I ran down the ramp, into the stadium and the first thing I saw was my cheer team screaming and hollering at me that I had done it.

I crossed the finish line and was handed my medal. At that point I became a Marathoner!! I made my way over to my team and hugged everybody and thought to myself, I have done it, I really have. The next thing I asked for was my chocolate milk. I had started drinking it after all of my long runs and I am now a firm believer that is speeds recovery. Two great friends Mike & Jan were there to cheer me on and Mike asked me if I would run another full & I told him absolutely I would.

Reflecting back on this day, it was a fantastic day for me. I accomplished something I was not sure I could do, but knew I had to try. I proved to myself that I could do it. My finish time was just over 5 hours by my Garmin and now I have a PR to shoot for in the next one. I do know this, when training for a long distance event it involves your entire family not just yourself. I again want to thank Pam, Abby & Andy for their encouragement & support. I also want to thank my coach, yes I said coach, Gordon for taking lots of time out of his days & nights to get me to the finish line.

Next up, I am looking for a 1/2 to run between now and Sept to run. I do not want to just do maintenance running until the Disneyland 1/2 in September.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time run strong & enjoy the moment!!!

Less than 2 weeks away!!!

Yep, it's less than two weeks away. But first I have a 1/2 marathon this weekend in Louisville. Actually I'm pretty pumped up about both races. Looking forward to running through Churchill Downs again. I have been told the weather might not be the most agreeable, but I will still be running.

Last week I ran a total of 23 miles as I taper down for May 1st. My long run was 10 miles on Saturday with specific goals for the final 5 miles. I did meet my goals. This week I have two short easy runs, a tempo run of 50 minutes and then the 1/2 marathon. Wow it is almost here. I really think I am ready to do this thing.

Did I tell ya I'm ready to go back to a Disney theme park. Looking forward to our September trip to Disneyland to run and enjoy the parks. Gonna stay at the Grand Californian again. We really loved it last year.

Okay tell me where the above picture was taken. Hint, it is in California.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time run strong and enjoy the moment.

7 weeks to go

I ran a total of 30 miles this week. Had to change up my schedule for this week, being we were not going to be home this weekend. On Monday I did an easy 5 mile recovery run in 50 minutes. Tuesday I ran 6 miles in 1 hour and 3 minutes. Did a progressive run. Started with a mile w/u at 11:05 & finished the last 2 miles at 10:08 & 10:02 respectively. I had some tired legs when I was finished.



On Thursday I did a real easy 3 miles in 31 minutes. I moved my long run up to Friday. I ran 16 miles in 2 hours and 52 minutes. My average pace was 10:45 for the entire run. I was tired at the end of the run, but happy as I set another milestone for myself. Next week I have 32 total miles on my schedule with a long run of 18 miles. Kinda glad I will have had had two days to rest & recover before I get going again on Monday.



Disney announced a new a type of annual pass this week. The pass is good for one year for Disneyland & WDW. As much as we get to go to Disney we are considering buying the pass for at least one year. We have to do some price comparing to see if we would get our money's worth before buying it. We have the Disneyland 1/2 trip in Sept, the WDW 2011 marathon trip & maybe a Christmas trip this year. I guess we need to figure out how many totals days we would be in a Disney park and go from there. Sounds exciting to have a pass that is good for both parks.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time run strong & enjoy the moment.

8 weeks to go

This past week of training was a pull back week. I only ran 26 miles. My long run on Saturday was 12 miles which I ran in 2 hours & 3 minutes. I ran it progression style. Started out with 2 w/u miles at an 11:00 minute pace. Miles 3-5 10:30 to 11:00 minute pace. Miles 6-10 10:00 to 10:15 pace. Mile 11 I ran at a 9:32 pace and mile 12 I pushed it and ran it at an 8:44 pace. Was a little tired at the end but felt pretty good.



The rest of the week went like this: Monday 5 miles, Wednesday a 50 minute tempo run covering 5 miles & Thursday an easy 4 miler. I know this coming week I will be upping the mileage. My date with the marathon is only 8 short weeks away.
One of my favorite attractions at Disneyland. What is it?

We are celebrating 3 family birthdays this week starting with my granddaughter's today. Also this week is my wife and daughters b'days. Happy Birthday to the three favorite girls in my life!!!



Thanks for reading.



Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment.

5 Weeks down, 5 to go

In week 5 of my training I ran 21 miles. Monday 3 miles, Wednesday 5 miles, Thursday 3 miles & Saturday, my long run, 10 miles. That was the first time since the Disneyland 1/2 I had run double digit miles in one run.

Once again the weather on Saturday was not to bad. Temp was in the low 30's and the wind was not blowing to strong. I did my run in 1 hour, 31 minutes and 58 seconds. I was right around a 9 minute mile pace. I don't know if I can maintain that pace for an entire 1/2, but I'm sure going to try.

I am having withdrawals. Normally every year we go to the World for 3 or 4 days at Christmas time. This year we are staying home and I am missing it. I have watched a couple of Disney Christmas specials on the tube, but we would rather be there in person. This is one of the reasons am I so looking forward to be being there next month.

I will update next week with week 6 of training. It could be interesting with all of the snow that is forecast for the upcoming week.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment.

Running at Disneyland

My wife and I left for Disneyland on Sept 3rd. We flew from Indianapolis to Vegas & then from Vegas to Orange Co. We were met by this guy at the airport.

It was really warm when we arrived. I grabbed our luggage and then we found the Disneyland resort Gray Line express bus and rode it to the Grand Californian hotel. Wow, it was fantastic. We walked into a huge beautiful lobby. It looked just like a lodge right out of the old Pacific Northwest. We got checked in, went to our room, put up the luggage and headed for Disneyland. Of course the first thing I had to do, was get a picture of the castle.

We ate lunch at the Carnation Cafe and then started riding the rides. We did Small World, Matterhorn bobsleds, Space mountain, Mr Toad, Peter Pan, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain & Haunted Mansion. It had been 8 years since we had been to Disneyland, so we did a lot of walking around and taking in the sights. I have to say I really like the intimate setting of Disneyland. We went back to our room and rested. Ate some dinner and then went back to Disneyland for the fireworks. The show is called Magical, and it really is, especially when you get to see Dumbo fly. And of course we got to Tink fly also. After the fireworks we walked the park some, had to get a dole whip, then headed back to the Grand Californian for the night.

Day two, we went to DCA. We headed straight for Toy Story Mania. We had a blast riding it, then went straight to California screaming. That is really a cool coaster. I love the fact that it is outside. You get some pretty cool views of the park on the ride. We also did Soarin, Tower of Terror & went into Blue Sky Cellar. That was really neat. We got to look at the upcoming attractions for DCA. We had lunch, I don't remember where, then walked to the Disneyland Hotel where the race packet pick up and expo where.

More to follow.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment.

Disneyland 1/2 Marathon

I did it!!!! 2 hours 21 minutes and 8 seconds. I had a fabulous time running. I took lots of pictures on the route, which kept me from a little better finish time, but I had a blast. I told my wife I thought I only wanted to do this one time, to get the Coast to Coast medal, but I really want to go back and compete again next year. I will write a more detailed trip/race report later.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment.

Back to running & My Garmin

I took a week and a half off from running while I was gone on my fishing trip to Canada. I started back on Monday the 1st. I did 15 miles for the week. It was not to bad, actually it felt really good to be running again. I missed my run days. It is such a big part of my life, I get pretty cranky when I don't get my runs in each week.

For my birthday I got a Garmin 305. Wow is it cool. I really like all the features it has and love how it can help/assist with meeting your training goals whatever they may be. I have not installed the training software as of yet. I have read some other blogger & listened to some podcast reviews which have not been very good, so I might not install it.

Only 17 days until our next trip to the World. We are really looking forward to being there, even though it will be hot and muggy. It has been many years since we have been there in summertime. We will take plenty of rest breaks in the afternoon. I don't suspect we will go Commando style like we used to when the kids were young.

Today I am running in the Special Olympics Torch Run & tomorrow morning running a 5K. In a couple of weeks I will start my training for the Disneyland 1/2 in September. Can't wait to get the Coast to Coast medal.

Thanks for reading.

Til next time run strong & enjoy the moment.

Fishing

Tomorrow I head to Canada to fish for a week with my Dad. This is an annual trip taken every year. Dad has been going for over thirty five years. I think this will be my 13th time going with him. There are several other guys who go with us every year. It's a long trip to get there, but well worth it. I get to spend time with Dad and do some great walleye fishing for a week.

I got 15 miles in this week, knowing I won't run for over a week while fishing. I know it's going to stink when I start up again after I get home, but hey I only do this fishing trip once a year. The last week of June I start my training for the Disneyland 1/2 in September. My wife and I are really looking forward to seeing Disneyland again. We were last there in March of 2001 right after California Adventure opened. I'm sure lots has changed since then.

It's only a little over a month until we go to WDW for a week. We are really starting to get excited about it. I have made some breakfast ADR's, one at Boma and the other is a surprise for my daughter & her husband. Can't wait to get there.

I hope your training/ running is going well now that the warm weather has arrived. Again, thanks for reading.

Til next time, run strong & enjoy the moment.

D23

Today I ran five miles. The temperature was 36 degrees and the wind was howling out of the west northwest. It was cold but I was dressed for it and the sun was out. I have been out there when it was much colder. I am still putting in the training miles for Louisville. Its only about 6 weeks away.

Yesterday Disney announced the launch of D23 their new online community for Disney fans. After looking at the D23 website I think I will join it for a year. It would be neat to be able to attend the expo in September.

Still trying to decide whether or not to register for the 1/2 at Disneyland in September. Probably will make a decision in the next week.

Til next time, run strong and enjoy the moment.

Struggles

Today I ran three miles and it was a struggle. Nothing felt right. Legs hurt & breathing wasn't right. I guess it was just one of those days. Tomorrow I will run six miles as I continue my training for the Louisville Derby festival 1/2 marathon in April. The weather today was great, 72 degrees and sunny.

I think I'm going to run the 1/2 marathon at Disneyland in September. I really want the Coast to Coast to medal you get for running both at WDW & Disneyland in the same year.

Today we celebrate my granddaughters 2nd birthday. It is hard to believe she is 2 years old. What a joy she brings to our life.

Til next time, run strong and enjoy the moment