Friday, January 30, 2015

Race #55- Celebration Rotary Club Pancake 10k

I signed up for the Celebration Rotary Club Pancake 10k online a few days before the race.  I wanted a better 10k time than I had so I could use them to submit for Disney races.

I showed up at the start of my race to get my packet and the only shirts they had were unisex Larges.  I hate when races don't have your correct shirt size--especially if you register online and not day of.  But honestly, the shirts were pretty ugly so I didn't argue.

It was a pretty small race.  We lined up.



Soon it was time to go!



It was a nice race.  Pretty quiet and there were just enough runners that you didn't feel alone but it definitely wasn't crowded at all.

I felt really good for most of the race.  My pace hadn't gotten down to what I wanted it to yet after my injury.  I was hoping for a 10 min pace, coming in at 1:02 but I knew that a 10:15 pace, a little under 1:04 was more realistic.

When I'm running, I'm constantly looking at my watch and doing math in my head.  Halfway through I realized that my time was going way better than I thought!  I knew that I could reach my original goal.

Then it dawned on me that I *might possibly* get a sub 1 hour.  What????  That hadn't even been on my radar!!   Running in and seeing my time, I knew it would be close!! (don't look at the clock in the picture...I think it was the 5k)


Not the best picture of me finishing in the background but it was free!

I finished very happy!



I went over to the fire station and enjoyed the nice pancake breakfast that they had.



  I knew I had to hurry though because I had to get home to shower and change to head out of town for a race the next day.

I went to check my results and guess what?  There were NO RESULTS!!!!!  I was NOT a happy camper!!!

I went over to the timing people and explained that I needed this time to use as Disney proof of time and that's the only reason I ran the race.  The guy told me it was because I registered last minute (um no, I had done online registration, not day-of registration) and assured me that he would get it and would update the time online that night.

So I was still left hoping for that PR.

And the result didn't come up when they should have.  And when they did come up, guess what?  I wasn't on there!!!  I emailed the race director and received this email

The race contractor- epic sports marketing, mis-categorized your results. Please refer to the 55-59 age group on the list. 

You did not place in your correct age group but still ran a good race-nice job!



Seriously?  Do I look 55 to you????  Still, no word of fixing it for me.  So I emailed them back and explained that I needed to be in the right age group so that if Disney did in fact verify the race, I would be in the correct place.  They finally fixed it but what a hassle!







My official time was 59:48!  I had gotten a sub 1 hr!  I was blown away! It was also an 8 min 38 sec PR!!  I placed 4th in my age group (wahoo!), 27 in my gender and 61st overall (out of 190ish if I did my math right) so not too bad!

I'm honestly not sure that I'd do this race again.  I loved that it was small and the course was really flat.  But I was not happy with how it was organized.  So we'll see about next year.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

It's Official! I'm a Maniac!

 Seeing this email yesterday still hasn't quite sunk in.


Marathon Maniac.  It never crossed my mind that I'd be one.  The Disney marathon last year was originally going to be a one-and-done thing. (well, lets be honest--a few years ago, I had no intention of ever running a marathon).  Then I decided this year that I needed to try Goofy.  And it was miserable.  I told Cori on the course at mile 24ish that I was never running another full. I was miserable and just not happy.

Then Faith tells me if I run the Celebration Full, I can become a Marathon Maniac because I will have run 2 marathons in 16 days.  I went back and forth on it and finally decided to do it a couple of days before the race.  I just wanted to finish it.  Not only did I finish, but I felt great, got a huge PR, hit my original time goal from Goofy, and got hooked!




I've now registered for the Breast Cancer Marathon on February 15th.  So I'll have run 3 marathons in 15 days.  Crazy!

There's so many more I want to do.  I want to do the New York City Marathon.  Boston would be amazing but I will never come close to qualifying--I have to decide if I would be okay with getting there through the charity route. Chicago.  Even locally---Space Coast Full, Dopey, Jacksonville Bank Marathon.  Not all right away.  *Hopefully* we'll be trying to start expanding our family soon.  But maybe one day in the not-too-distant future.  And I never thought I'd say that.

 It's pure mania.  And I'm quite proud of it.

MM#10723

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Stitch Fix Box #7

Stitch Fix Box #7

This time my stylist and I had a special connection--she was a Gator too!


Market & Spruce Mattie S/S Cowl Neck Knit Dress --$44


I wasn't sure what I would think of this one.  It was a pretty color and had pockets.


But I'm not a huge fan of cowl necks.


Nope--I just can never get the cowl necks to lay right.  Plus it wasn't very flattering on and made me look bigger than I was.

Verdict: Returned

Renee C Raegan Polka Dot Swing Skirt--$44


My first skirt!


It was cute and I already have a shirt that matches the polka dots.


It was a little long but it'll be perfect for work!

Verdict: Kept

19 Cooper Cathleen Split-Neck Tulip-Sleeve Blouse--$48


Of course I loved the color--Gator Blue!


But I have a shirt almost exactly like this one in the same color that I got from a previous Stitch Fix box but  its three-quarters length sleeves.


And it was too big.  Again.  Sigh.  It's a theme with the boxes lately.

Verdict: Returned

Fun2Fun Carol Blouse--$44


I liked the print on this dress.  It was different than anything I have.


But once again....


It was too big.  Plus the back was longer than the front and it bothered me and I kept trying to make it even.

Verdict: Returned

Brixon Ivy Lawley Cable Knit Open Cardigan--$68


I had specifically asked for no outwear but I had pinned something similar.


And it was Gator Orange!  I was excited to have this color to wear over my Gator Blue shirts.


But--you guessed it.  It was too big!  I also think it needed something to keep it together--a belt or buttons or something.

Verdict: Returned

Overall--most everything was too big again.  I went and changed my shirt size to XS which scares me because I'm not an XS.  I put in the notes that if the shirts are billowy and boxy, like they have been, then I need an XS.  But if they're tight, I need a S.  I think that if shirts don't fit next box I might have to stop for a while.



My total was $248 and would have been $171 with the discount if I bought everything.

For this next box, I also asked for girly things like hearts, lace, bows, sparkly things, etc.  Here's hoping I get things that fit!

Did I make the right decisions?  What do you think?

If you'd like your own Stitch Fix, you can sign up here

http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3868441

(it's my referral code and I do get credit)

Have you used Stitch Fix?  If so, how did it work out for you?  Or are you planning on trying one?  If so, let me know how it goes.  I love seeing all the outfits!!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Weekly Recap- January 19-25, 2015

Last week, Faith told me I should run the Celebration Marathon so I could get Marathon Maniacs.  I went back and forth on it and finally decided that I just had to finish and not push myself, so I did it!

Monday-- 1 mile in 9:41. 

Kory and I went to see Into the Woods at the Fork & Screen theatre.  



I wasn't sure if I would like it or not.  I'm a huge Disney freak and I knew this was anti-fairy tale.  But I loved musicals so I knew I had to try it.  And I really liked it!  I liked all of the songs and I didn't think it was too anti-fairy tale!

Tuesday-- 1 mile in 9:43

I got my new favorite shirt in from WshsFairytaleDesigns.  I'm obsessed!



Wednesday--1 mile in 9:39

I went to Happy Hour with the Yelpsisterhood at RusTeak. It was so good!  There were so many things I wanted so I ended up sharing with a friend.


Then, because I was still in the "eat everything in sight" mode after the marathon (a week and a half ago, *cough cough*  I can still use that excuse, right??), we went to The Soda Fountain and I got a Thin Mint milkshake.  Yum!

Thursday-- 1 mile in 9:40

Friday--1 mile in 9:57

It was Expo day.  First up was the Flavor Run Expo.  I like the color of the shirts and the nice smaller tote bag.


Next up, I went to Walmart to pick up a long sleeved white shirt for the Flavor Run.  I was hoping to find white sweats, both shirt and pants, but I could only find a white shirt.  

Finally, I went to the Celebration Marathon Expo to pick up my bib and do some shopping.



I absolutely LOVE that the race shirts are by Raw Threads.  So comfy!!!  I also liked that we got a hat and nice drawstring bag.  Shopping wise, Faith and I picked up these Sole Sisters shirts and I bought a black Sparkle Skirt and some of my favorite Gu.

I went home to run my mile and then Kory and I went to Olive Garden so I could carb load.  Yum!

Saturday-- 2.98 miles in 44:52.  The Flavor Run was fun!  The weather was forecasted to be really bad but luckily they only had to delay the start by 30 minutes.  We only got sprinkled on a little bit.  I'll have a review up soon but I liked this one more than the other color run that I've done.


Then I met up with the Central Florida MRTT group at Painting with a Twist for a fun ladies afternoon.  (I feel like an impostor but I'm told that I count since I have a fur baby!)


Then I went home to rest up for the big event.

Sunday--26.61 miles in 5:00:30 Celebration Marathon.... goal was just to finish this one but hit my goal for last marathon of 5:00!!! Time was 5:00:30!!! PR of 26:18!! Sooo much happier than I was at Goofy!!!  And all 3 of us--Faith, Bergen and I--qualified for Marathon Maniacs!!


Such a great feeling knowing you hit what you wanted!!

I was pretty sore so Kory and I went to Downtown Disney so I could walk it off.  We parked at one end and walked to the other.  On the way, I once again decided to eat all the food.  I had a corn dog from one of the food trucks for an appetizer.  Then at Earl of Sandwich, I had a sandwich, chips, and the brownie creme sandwich for dessert (which usually I can only manage to handle half of but tonight I gobbled it all down!)

Total miles this week: 34.59
Total miles in 2015: 107.15
Total miles: 1702.28

2,015 in 2015 miles: 224.36
Run Streak Days: 25

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Race # 54- Disney Cast & Family 5k Fun Run

This year, for the first time (well, that I know of), Disney had a Disney Cast & Family 5k Fun Run.  Luckily I signed up pretty early because it sold out.  I was really excited to run it but had no idea what to expect.

I have to wear a new outfit for every race and I had the perfect shirt for this one.  I had won a shirt from Disney in Your Day and it was perfect!!



I met up with my friend Nicola and her hubby.  We chatted for a bit before the race began.



Soon everyone gathered to start.  The emcee announced that the faster people should be in the front but there were definitely a lot of people who were not used to races.  I started in the middle and had to weave around lots of people running, right from the start.  But I knew it was a fun run so it didn't bother me.

The absolute best thing about this race??  That there were character stops with no lines!!  And the pictures were free!  Call me silly but I was so excited by this!  First race I've ever stopped at every character stop!!







Here I was waving to the person who shouted out that she loved my shirt and wanted it!

I love that you can see Mickey's hand in this one!

There were also "fit stops" with little activities like kicking a soccer ball into the goal but I skipped all of them.  I just wanted the characters!

They would only let the winners take a picture with the Boss but I snapped a quick one.



It was a really fun race/fun run and I hope they do it every year!


Oh and there was a cute tee too!


I finished in 32:38.  Not bad 3 picture stops too!



Sunday, January 18, 2015

Weekly Recap- January 12-18, 2015

The first week post Goofy and I feel great!!  No pain at all!  After last year's injury, it's such a relief!  And thus, the Run Streak continued!

Monday--1 mile 10:10.  I felt really good during the day so I decided to just go my normal pace and not slow down.  My achilles was a little achey but not too bad!

Tuesday--1 mile in 10:11.

Today was a great mail day!  I got my Stridebox  in.  I have to be honest--I was pretty disappointed with this month's box.  I think I might see how next month's go and then I might cancel it.


Then a month or so ago, I found out I won a Pure Protein contest (for about 15 minutes, I thought I had won the Grand Prize which was an international race..lol)  But this duffle bag is actually quite nice and the box of bars look yummy!


 And then I received my Secret Santa gift from my sister-in-law from Gone for a Run.  It was such perfect timing and so needed.  I love it!

We went to dinner with the Goldsteins for my Goofy celebratory dinner at a local japanese restaurant and got frozen yogurt after.  Yum!  (although Red Mango's frozen yogurt tasted too healthy for me--I'll stick to Menchies!)

Wednesday--1 mile in 9:27.

I went to Firebirds to meet up with some friends for happy hour and to celebrate Meghan getting a new job!  It was really nice and the food and drinks were really good!  I had the Crispy Mahi Tacos (too spicy for me. I could only eat one).  The Pretzel bread and Samuel Adams Beer Cheese---sooooo good!! And the passion punch.




  Then we went over to Segafredo which was the coffee bar.  It had this really cool rooftop lounge.  The girls got some hot chocolate but I was saving myself for dessert later.



 We were right by a Fresh Market and I had heard about their whoopie pies.  I got some along with mini chocolate bundt cakes, a toffe chocolate chip cookie and dried veggie chips (which I have now become addicted to).  The snacks did not disappoint!

Thursday-- ran 3.02  miles in 35:17   Mile 1: 10:51, Mile 2: 11:59, Mile 3: 12:14, Mile 3-3.02: 12:49. Average Pace: 11:42

Friday- 1 mile in 10:01

I attended a Yelp Elite event at Christner's Prime Steak and Lobster.  There were several yummy food and drinks for us to try.  And it's always fun to mingle!


Then Pam, Christina, Carla and I were still in the mood for dessert so we went over to 4 Rivers Smokehouse to the sweet shop there (I didn't even know they had one!)  I had the mint chocolate dipped Oreo that was to die for!  I also had this Earthquake chocolate dessert that was sooo rich!!  Soooo bad but hey, I ran 39.3 last weekend, so I'm entitled! :)

Saturday- 6 miles in 1:08:20.  I met up with Cori to run some of her 10 miles with her.  It felt good and no pain! Mile 1: 11:24, Mile 2: 11:30, Mile 3: 11:33, Mile 4: 11:24, Mile 5: 11:25, Mile 6: 11:02, Average Pace: 11:23



Kory and I went to dinner at Red Robin so I could get that milkshake I had been craving since I was diagnosed with strep (when they were out of milkshake mix!)

Sunday- 1 mile in 8:52.  At the halfway point, I noticed I was running a 9:29 pace.  I decided to see if I could speed up to make my overall pace under 9.  Check.

I worked at Disney in Gangster in the morning.  Gotta get those hours in.

Total miles this week: 14.02
Total miles in 2015: 72.56
Total miles: 1667.69

2,015 in 2015 miles: 176.77
Run Streak Days: 18