Tinker Bell Half Marathon Recap Part 2

I finally got out of bed at 3:15 on Sunday, I had to go show my proof of time to get my corral changed and she said to be there before 4:30 so that it wasn't too crowded. So I got up and started getting myself together. I took a few mirror pictures since I was the only one awake.

Why yes, I do look dead tired!!

My legs and feet weren't hurting like they had been the night before so I was quite pleased, I had been really freaked out when I went to bed about how they felt (I had even slept in my Pivot shorts and compression sleeves, I need socks for my poor feet). I got everything together and headed out to walk to the race. It took me about 5 minutes or so to walk there and I saw so many friendly Disney employees around who wished me luck, it's so great that they are just so nice (whether it's because they want to be or are forced to be, I don't care I really enjoy it). When I got to the information booth I sought out the same woman and she promptly moved me to Corral A after seeing my 10K time. That freaked me out a little bit and made me feel more confident at the same time. She saw that I was scared and reminded me to go at my own pace and I said I had planned to do an 11 minute mile for the first mile and she said that was a good plan.

I left her and wandered the holding area. There were tons of porta-potties so I went and then I got a water and ate 2 Clif Shot Blox. I sat down and waited until the sent Corral A out to the road, I went to the bathroom again and headed out. From the time I left my room to when we hit the street the temperature must have dropped at least 5 degrees, I was getting really cold and I was glad to have my throwaway jacket and my sleeves. One of the Brightroom photographers came and took my picture and I took my jacket off for the first time, I got lots of compliments on my costume then. There were tons of cute costumes everywhere - lots of Tinks, Alice in Wonderland, Rapunzel (complete with a knee length wig!), Cinderella, Aurora, Pocahontas, and then just people with tutus and sparkles on. It was a really great atmosphere. The announcers started talking and had Megyn Price come up, she was the celebrity spokesperson for the race, and she made me cry talking about wanting to run to show her 4 year old daughter that she was strong. Then Sean Astin came out and talked about his daughters and I cried some more. I was reminded not just of how excited I was to run this race and show my girls how cool it is to be strong, but also that I was running this race for Team Gab. About that time I started shivering and my teeth were chattering, not because I was colder, that is my nervous reaction.

The National Anthem was sang (I may have cried a little more) and I threw my jacket and moved to the center of the road. I stayed in the back half of the corral so that I wouldn't go out too fast. The countdown started and then we were off. It was so crowded for the first mile that I didn't need to worry about going out too fast! I was trapped in the middle of a pack and ended up with an over 12 minute mile. We got into Disneyland and it was surreal, I loved seeing it empty. Because I had been standing on the road for about 45 minutes and had drank a bit more water than I usually do I realized that I needed to go in Disneyland. So I decided to just do it before it got too bad (I've never stopped to go on a long run before, but I think my nerves got the best of me) I lost nearly 2 minutes there since I had to wait for a stall and then go. My first 5K was SLOW, 34:45 11:11 pace. I started picking up once we were back out on the street. There wasn't much to see for a while, but then we started running into the marching bands and the cheerleaders and that was fun. I was feeling really great, walking through the water stations and trying to up my pace to make up for the slow start but still save some for the finish. At the 10K mark I was at 1:06:47 for a 10:45 pace. Once I saw the 7 mile sign I realized I was over half done and was feeling great. I knew I could do it and have a respectable time! I hit the 15K at 1:36:53 for a 10:24 pace and was feeling really good. I decided that at 10 miles I wouldn't go about a 9 minute mile and I stuck to that pretty well. Just before 13 miles I finally pulled off my sleeves because I got warm and needed the wind on my arms to cool me off. Right after that I saw the most wonderful sight of the morning; hubs, mini me and little bitty were there cheering for me.

Waving at my babies and trying not to cry

After that I just tried to turn it on, I knew I was almost there. I rounded the last corner and saw the finish and sprinted for all I was worth. I ended up with a 2:12:39 for a 10:07 pace. I gave Goofy a high five right before I crossed the line and was happy and feeling pretty good. I saw Sean Astin being interviewed (he beat me by about 3 and a half minutes!) and then got my medal and started walking to the water. Right before I got there I saw my parents and the big girls. It was so great!! I grabbed water and a Luna Protein bar and headed toward the family. But, before I got to them I got stopped by another runner Carrie of This Mama Makes Stuff, whose tutorial I used for my costume! She took my picture and I hugged her (I'm a dork who hugs strangers, especially when we both just ran 13.1 miles).

That's me and my medal

Statistics -

1244 of 9386

249 in my age group which was 49.8%

After we were all back together I wanted to go back to the hotel to shower, the girls wanted beignets so we separated. While walking back to the hotel my legs started to get tight and my left knee was really hurting. I took a quick shower, which is when I noticed the horrible chafing I had under my arms. I have a silver dollar size patch under my left arm and a huge (larger than a deck of cards) patch under my right arm. It hurt a lot when the water hit it! I had felt rubbing when I was running but thought it was my top and kept pulling that around, I never put two and two together that it might be my sleeves rubbing!! After that I packed everything up so that we could head into the parks as soon as they got back to the room. They got back and we loaded the car and headed in to CA Adventure to ride everything we had missed.

Why yes, I did wear my medal all day!

We got a ton of rides done, including bug's first time on California Screamin', had corn dogs for lunch and headed back to the car just before 1. There was a ton of traffic getting out of the city but then it cleared up and we got moving. We stopped about halfway home for gas and to have a potty break (and load up on some munchies). Then we were on the road again. About 50 minutes from home little bitty puked up everything she had eaten all over in herself, on her booster seat, and in the puke bag I held up. We stopped and cleaned up as best we could and made it almost home before she threw up a little more.  We dropped all the girls off with the other sets of parents and headed home. I took a bath and washed clothes and we just relaxed.

Yesterday my legs hurt a lot! I decided not to run and let them rest, I'd already let my streak go when I didn't run on Friday so there was no reason to push it. I'm going to try to run a couple of slow miles tonight and then tomorrow it's time for something else!! Maybe some bodyrock.tv!

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Recap Part 1

We had an amazing weekend, everything went really well and we had a ton of fun! I know that I have too much to say to have it all go into one post, so I'll start with Friday and Saturday before the race in this post and dedicate another post to the actual race and that day.

We got up at 3:15 on Friday and got the girls into the car and on the road by 4. The girls slept for about an hour and a half and then little bitty promptly started puking. Little bitty has a history of carsickness so it wasn't a huge surprise, but we weren't prepared for it so we improvised and were lucky to keep the mess pretty well contained, she puked again about a half hour later but then we made it the rest of the way with no incident. We got to the hotel and got ready to go to the parks. We rode rides and took pictures for about 5 hours.

Then we headed to the Expo and grabbed our bibs and get a few goodies, the girls were super tired, and so were the adults so we trucked back to the hotel for a well earned nap. The parks were closing early because of the Family 5K so we made it back to the room and into bed by 9.

We all slept like the dead until we had to get up for the girls races.

We headed to CA Adventure and split up since the races started in different areas. Big girl had her race first, we ran a great mile and then we had to scramble around and fine the family so that I could drop her with them and then go run the 200M with little bitty and mini me. This whole time hubs and I had to be careful to keep track of each other because you get one tag that matches your kids bib and you can't get through the barricades after the finish line without showing that they match. After the little girls race I booked back to run the 400M with buggy. The girls all ran like champs! After that we headed to Disneyland for a few rides before lunch at Goofy's Kitchen.

We napped again after lunch and headed to CA Adventure for a few rides before bed, but we didn't end up doing anything there since the lines were long so we went into Disneyland for souvenirs and a ride on Winnie the Pooh. Oh my gosh were we pooped after that! We headed back to the hotel and I took a bath to soak my aching legs and feet. We got to bed at 9 again. I woke up quite a few times before my alarm went off at 3:30, my nerves were working on overdrive!

Fly By

Just a quick fly by before I go to bed. Two full days in the parks was a ton of fun, but so very tiring. My legs and feet are aching!! I hope I can get to sleep soon and get a few good hours. See you on the flip side of my first half tomorrow!

Three Things Thursday

It's late, I'm pooped, and we are getting up at 3 am; so this will be short!

1. I had my hair done today, yay for no more gray. I went very dark brown and I love it. No pictures yet because I was busy and forgot. But, there will be lots after the weekend.

2. Today was streak day 58 and I rocked a quick 1.3 miles. I'm not sure when I'll fit my mile in tomorrow, but I am going to do my darnedest to make it happen!!

3. I am getting more and more nervous/excited by the moment! I cannot wait to go and have 3 full days of fun with my family, run with my babies and run my first half marathon, all at my favorite place in the world. It doesn't get much better than that!

I'll probably do a fly by with pictures from the hotel tomorrow, if I can figure out how to post pictures here from my phone.

Thanks for all the good thoughts!

Wednesday Whine

I have a couple of things that I need to complain about and then after that it's back to the grind of trying to get everything that needs to be done in the next few days done.

I went to my new doctor on Monday, for a physical since I can't remember the last time I got one, and I will say that I was surprised by my weight on their scale (although I was fully clothed and wearing boots). I didn't think much of it. Then she came into the room and was talking and she told me I was "a little heavy" WTF?! Seriously?! I am not even at the top of the healthy weight on the charts for my height. I was not pleased. But, I do know that I've been having a few too many snacks and eating a bit too much, so that was my wake up call, I'm on track since Monday (I know it's only 2 full days so far, but still).

The tulle I ordered came and I started making tutus for all 4 girls and me. It is really easy and going quite well, I have the 2 little girls done and the 3rd almost done (just have to put it on her and see if I need to add any pieces). The problem is that I ordered 2 rolls of yellow for my tutu and the sent 2 different shades of yellow, ugh! I am not happy!! Since I don't have time to wait for more and there is not enough at any local stores to fix the issue, I guess I will be sporting a two-tone yellow tutu. It won't be the end of the world, but it sure is annoying.

I still have so much to get done and I feel like each time I get something done I remember 2 more things I need to do. I'm just a bit stressed, I don't handle stress all that well, I tend to freak and get super spazzy. I'm really excited though and know that once we get down to Disneyland I will feel better. Each step closer to the race I will feel better.

I'll be back tomorrow with my 3 Things Thursday, which I hope will include a picture of me in my Snow White running outfit.

Saturday Stuff

Just a few things that are going on today:

1. My knee has started to hurt. The left one feels a bit tight and sore. I don't have compression sleeves that go over my knees so I've been pulling my calf sleeves up over my knees today. I've also been taking glutamine and ibuprofen. I may start on glucosamine and chondroitin too. Other than that I've decided to slow down the running and just do a mile or two between now and the Tinker Bell Half.

2. I'm nervous as heck about the race. More about getting to the start, the corrals and the large number of people than I am the actual running. I'm also a bit nervous about how much walking I'll be doing the two days before the race and how tired my legs will end up being that day. I can't/won't change how much walking we will be doing since it's Disneyland and my kids are going to be there and we all love Disneyland.

3. I have SO much to do the next week! The tulle for the girls and my tutus isn't here yet, which means I will have at the most 4 days to make all 5!! Besides that there are all the regular things to do and packing and some shopping and 2 doctors appointments for me. Too much to do!!

4. I'm still working on my playlist for the half, I know that I may not listen to it part of the time, but I want to have it ready just in case I want to listen to it.

5. I am loving the show Blue Mountain State, it's so stupid and funny! We're halfway through season 2 on Netflix and it's great.

6. Hubs won his fishing tournament today! I'm proud of him, especially considering that he hasn't had time to fish much lately and his wrist is really messed up (and so is his knee). But he did great, in the freezing wind and rain.

That's all I've got for now. I may not be posting much this week (or I may) depending on what I get done. I will hopefully have a picture to post of my Snow White outfit soon.

The Versitle Blogger (Take 3)

Carrie tagged me in her Versatile Blogger post so I get to tell you 7 more interesting (or semi-interesting) things about me. It has taken me days of thinking to figure out 7 things about me, this post has been sitting open on my desktop since Tuesday night and I'm just finally finishing it now, I've been a major blogging slacker this week!!

1. I was a swimmer and water polo player in high school. I LOVED both! I was never the fastest swimmer but I had so much fun! My favorite event was the 200-IM (individual medely). I wish there was a good place to swim now because I miss it!

2. I played the flute and piccolo through high school. We were in the Hollywood Christmas Parade and the Rose Parade while I was in school and it was tons of fun. We were nearly selected to be in the innagural parade for Bill Clinton (the first time) but didn't end up finalists.

3. The only time I've been out of the country is when I went on a cruise with my family after high school. It was a Mexican Riviera cruise.

4. I used to be nearly fluent in Spanish, I read a few novels and was really adept. But I'm a slacker and let my skills go and now I can hardly understand anything!

5. I work at a lake and am a Park Ranger and had never been fishing until hubs and I were dating. I've still only been twice. It's too still for me!
6. I have worked at the same place for just over 13 years (and I'm only 32) I love my job and where I work so I will probaby be there for quite a bit longer.

7. I have texture issues with food, anything with seeds is a no go for me (although I do love sesame seeds). I also have trouble with pudding and yogurt, I can only eat yogurt when I mix things into it.

That's it! I didn't tag anyone to post their own list because I tagged quite a few of you that I know read my blog last time. So, if you've never done this (or want to do it again) consider yourself tagged.

You Can Do Anything

I was feeling lazy and boring and not like posting, but then hubs and I started watching last night's episode of Saturday Night Live and the following skit catapulted me into action.

You Can Do Anything

I decided I needed to participate in Fitness Cheerleader's challenge for today, handstand push ups. Hilarity ensued!! I realized that not only am I a weakling, I'm also a chicken!! After I chickened out of doing the handstand alone I did a headstand, but couldn't push myself up. Then hubs helped me get into the handstand and I promptly collapsed when I tried to do the push up portion. Upper body strength must be worked on!! Now for your enjoyment, photographic evidence of my idiocy!

Laugh and enjoy!

Sad Endings and the Olympic Trials

It's been a quiet couple of days around here. Friday was a bummer after the news that I hoped wouldn't come did, Beth (SUAR)'s cousin Sherry a runner/mother/teacher who went missing last Saturday was declared dead. Hearing this story really makes me so sad, I tend to live in my own happy world where this type of thing would never happen and the horrible wake up call that these things DO happen has really brought me down. Today I thought of Sherry and Beth while I was running (on my treadmill) and sent up a prayer for Sherry.

This evening I did enjoy the Olympic Marathon Trials, it was great to watch! It came on when I was at work so I spent the day avoiding blogs and Facebook posts that talked about the trials. Watching these runners inspired me! I want to be fast, I want to be my best and push!!

That's all I've got in the tank tonight, nothing fun or interesting, I promise my next post will have some pictures! 

Three Things Thursday

Today's three things Thursday is an all running version (with no pictures because I'm feeling lazy).

1. I ROCKED my 14 mile run! It was COLD when I started and I was not feeling it, but as soon as I started moving I felt good. I felt even better because when I ran by mini me's classroom she and her teacher cheered for me and that totally made my run (granted that was in the first 3 minutes, but still). The cold felt great, I never took my mittens off, just folded back the fingers. I ended up completing my 14 miles in 2:27 (10.30 average). I'm happy with that! I did take my ice bath after, 15 long, cold minutes! I even waited 15 minutes after the ice bath to jump in the shower to help the cold do its job even better.

2. Today was streak day 45! I'm really enjoying the streak, there are days that I feel silly saying I ran when I only did 1.25, but it's more than people who didn't run so I need to get over that. I think I may keep the streak going for as long as I can, I will run the morning we leave for Disneyland, the only tricky day is the day before the race, but I'll play it by ear and if I can run I will, if I can't I won't and I won't be upset with myself.

3. I need to start making my half playlist. I'd love to get some ideas from all of you. I like all types of music, but for running I usually prefer upbeat pop or rap. So give me your ideas please.

Also, my throat is still killing me today!! That vitamin scratched it up good!

Well That's Embarassing...

Title completely stolen from Vanessa the Gourmet Runner's post the other day, but it fits. Hubs can't believe that I'm actually going to post this, but I HAVE to share that I am a total spaz!!

Every night I take a handful of vitamins, I always swallow them all together, except the huge CHEWABLE Vitamin C.

That is my Vitamin C next to a quarter for reference

But tonight I wasn't paying very much attention when I was taking my vitamins, too busy telling the kids to be careful (ironic much!) and I grabbed ALL my vitamins and swallowed. I knew immediately that I swallowed the Vitamin C and that it was a problem. I took a few drinks of water and nearly gagged on them, swallowing also hurt a lot! I have been known to have panic attacks and consequently started going numb since I was nearly hyperventilating. I called hubs into the kitchen and shooed all the kids out and explained to him what I did. He the laughed at me for being such a spaz. I kept drinking and gagging and freaking out calmly pacing the kitchen. Finally I made it come back up, it was halfway dissolved and there was a bit of blood from it scratching my throat. I'm happily drinking tea now, but I am such a DORK!!!

Now my question for you is - What embarrassing things have you done lately? What's the most embarrassing thing you've done?

Wednesday Whine

I really need to whine today because I feel OLD and like time is moving WAY TOO FAST! My oldest daughter turned 10 today. I cannot believe that my baby, my first baby, is in double digits today! She's more than halfway to being an adult. I am very surprised at how quickly the last 10 years flew by.

The day after she was born in 2002

Today!

When I gave birth to my big girl I was huge! I was one of those that thought I really needed to eat for 2, I gained 70 pounds when I was pregnant with her, I was 3 pounds away from 200 when I went into the hospital to give birth (why they weigh the women going in to give birth is beyond me, I really understand why, I just didn't want to know that number)!! Breastfeeding her really helped me think about what I was eating (I was young and silly and didn't think about it as much while pregnant that time), I wanted to give her the best food so I tried to eat the best for her! Now that my girls are all getting so big I'm trying to give them the best food I can still. The treat I am taking to her class today are these

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Babies from Chocolate Covered Kate

I'm hoping all the kids will enjoy them. I may stop by the store and grab a fruit platter too, just in case.

Last night we had pizza for dinner and I only ate one piece!! I did my quick run really late, after 9, because it was a busy day, but I did it!! Today I did a quick 5K and took it slowly because tomorrow is my last long run before the Tinkerbell Half. 14 miles, my longest yet. I'm nervous and excited. Hopefully it will be a good run, I feel prepared.

Sunday Funday

I couldn't think of a clever name for today's post, I'm feeling lazy and ready for bed and it's only 6! We are getting ready to watch Cowboys vs. Aliens, during which I will probably fall asleep (I fall asleep about 30% of the time when we watch movies).

Yesterday we went shopping for one last gift for the big girl's birthday and ended up getting Burger King for dinner, so bad!! I did get my run in, a half mile warm up, followed by a mile sprint, it felt good. We watched a French horror movie, The Horde and I was asleep for most of it.

Today I tried a new (to me) flavor of Larabar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and OMG was it yummy!! I also ate a new flavor of Luna Bar, Chocolate Covered Coconut, also amazing!!

I was planning to run outside today, but I saw that Beth at Shut Up + Run had a friend disappear while running and it really freaked me out. Send lots of good thoughts and prayers to Sherry's family! I came home and got my run on on the treadmill instead (while my amazing hubs was working in the garage putting up new shelves and rearranging). I just did the hill sprints, and ended up with 2.8 miles done. I had been craving oatmeal so I had a nice big bowl for dinner. Then I made hubs do a photo shoot of me in my socks that I won on Jamie's blog, Running Diva Mom. He wasn't very into it and I wasn't looking my best, but you get the idea. I won 4 great pairs of knee socks from Chrissy's Knee High Socks. I'm excited to wear them once it warms up a bit!

It's movie time now, hope everyone had a great weekend.



Feeling Sick, But Thinking Healthy

This morning I went to work and promptly threw up twice! Not the best start to the day, but then I came home and I've been laying on the couch watching documentaries on Netflix since (with little cat naps thrown in there for good measure).


I watched -
Dive! - About how much we waste food, crazy! 50% of what is produced in this country is thrown away. That is so difficult to hear, it's really depressing!!
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead - A story of two men and their struggle with being overweight and unhealthy and "rebooting" by going on a juice fast for 60 days. Their results, not just in weight loss, were amazing and life changing.
Forks Over Knives - This is simply about how bad eating animal products is for us. Really interesting and eye opening.
Food, Inc. - The most well known documentary of those I watched. All about the food industry, what they've done with mass production, and how it's killing us.
Food Matters - This is about our Nation of chronically ill people, our massive number of pills and cures and our lack of health and nutrition, made worse by our over-indulgent and toxic ways.


So, do you see the theme her? All of the documentaries have been about food and health and have spurred some ideas. I need to stop being half-assed about my eating and health! I've embraced the running and exercise aspect fully, but the food has been my weakness.

Less of you

Way more of you!

My plan is simple, I won't change my eating too drastically before my half since I don't think that is a great idea. But for now, I'm going to cut out processed foods for the next few weeks and then after my run I think I am going to go on a 2 week juice fast and cut out most animal products after that. I am not sure how much I will tweak the kids diets, I think I'll just remove most white foods - bread, rice, potatoes, etc. for them, but they will still get a cookie in the evenings. I need to work the most on their breakfasts, I know that I don't do so well there - they tend to eat cold cereal or pop tarts. I'm not sure what I will do about it yet, but I'm going to do something to give them a more healthy start to the day.

Since it's been a few hours (5) and no puke, I'm going to give the treadmill a bit of love and do my first cross training workout of the new year, which I will post about tomorrow.

Question of the Day - What do you eat for breakfast? What is your favorite HEALTHY breakfast?

Three Things Thursday the First for 2012

1. Slutty brownies are amazing and addictive!!

I made these bad boys yesterday for my oldest's birthday instead of cake, because she liked the idea of them (although she doesn't know their "real" name).  I think that I've eaten 4 pieces today and yesterday! So bad!! And even worse for my goal of cleaner eating, you can't get much more processed and crap filled!!

2. What do you do when you have 6 little girls in your house? Why you fill them with sugar (slutty brownies) before bed, let them stay up watching movies until 11:30 (11 for the 4 and 5 year old) and then fill them with more sugar (in the form of cinnamon rolls this time) when they wake up before 7 am. I am loading myself with coffee and the aforementioned slutty brownies in order to deal with the decibel level in my house this morning.

3. Today will be streak day 37 (it is going to need to be a really long run too, to help burn off some of the sugar I have taken in)! I think I'm going to run until the 28th since that is the day before my half and we will be walking around Disneyland all day that day so I will get plenty of miles on my legs (probably way more than they really need the day before the race).

The girls have been great! They really enjoy having sleepovers, and as long as they are nice girls (which these two are!!) I like having them here!! The noise is crazy, but I think that I'm going to turn on Just Dance 3 in a few to burn off some energy for them and some calories for me!!

Resolution Runs

Nothing like 3 posts in a row to make people think you are a crazy blogger!!

Yesterday was a lot of fun! We just played games, ate pizza (way too much and way too salty, I am so bloated today!!), and watched the countdown. We celebrated on East Coast time, we had yummy sparkling apple cranberry cider and then crashed out.

Because I was up until after 11 I didn't get up to run this morning before work. That meant I had to get my resolution runs in after dinner. Traditional New Year's Day dinner is beans in our family, which I love, but beans do not make for the happiest running tummy!! I got my 5K for Daily Vitamin K's last run of the holiday run series and then I got in a mile for RunToTheFinish's Resolution Fun Run. I got my 4.1 done in 43 minutes, not my best time, but I felt pretty great so I'll take it!

In case you can't read my resolution it says-

"Run at 26 minute 5K"

I am done posting for tonight! Now I'm going to relax and get ready for bed after I finish watching a HORRIBLY creepy movie The Resident!

2011 in Review

Best race experience? Would have to be the Veteran's Day 10K I did. After my really horrible 10K on the 4th of July it felt great to do well. I could have done without the dry heaves at the end, but I'll take the result.

Best run? I think it was my 13 mile training run, it felt good knowing that I can actually run that far! It was exciting!

Best new piece of gear? This is a tough one because it was all new to me in 2011. I think that my Garmin 305 and my amazing Brooks Glycerin 8's were my favorite things.

Best piece of running advice you received? That I have to push farther than I physically think I can, running is more about what my heart and mind can do than my body.

Most inspirational runner? This is a tough one. I have found so many inspirational people through running blogs since I started running. There are so many that inspire me for different reasons. I can't pick just one.

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? An amazing change

My final run of 2011 yesterday was done with my 7 year old

we ran 1.26 miles in 14 minutes, she's a rock star!!