Resolutions for 2010

Since it’s the beginning of a new year, I thought it would be fun to post a “Resolutions” post. I make a list every year and usually fall short of them. However, this year’s list is different in that it consists of things that I either have to do or really want to do, so I see no reason why I shouldn’t be able to reach them this year. Here they are:

Get Healthy- I will have to say that I made some pretty strong advances in this area. Though I haven’t lived up to my standard at the end of 2009, I made some great attempts to do so and learned a lot. Now, I just need to learn to control my stress eating and divert that habit to something more healthy. I made a complete list of my

fitness goals for 2010 over on my fitness blog. Check it out and let me know if it’s plausible!

Control my laziness- If I have learned one thing this year, its that I’m LAZY! You don’t have to ask me once to put things off. My laziness has caused me some big problems in all areas of my life and it has to stop.

Pass the LSAT and get accepted into Law School- This was a resolution for last year, but since I changed my major and had to stay an extra semester, I decided to hold off on the LSAT for a while. But now it’s time to take it. I’m sure I’ll do fine, but naturally I’m freaking out… both for the test and the application process. I’ve got LSAT for Dummies and The Princeton Review: LSAT study guides and I’m taking a review class for it so hopefully that will relieve some stress. Not sure when I’m taking it yet, but I will for sure let you all know.

Network more- As I mentioned in a previous post, I feel kinda guilty about not keeping up with you guys and the rest of the Disney community as I should. I’m attempting to remedy and have made some pretty good progress over the past week. I’ve almost caught up with podcasts, I’ve begun blogging a great deal more than I have been, I’ve read everyone’s blogs and tried to comment when possible, and I’ve even begun venturing back into the forums some. Now only if I could get DisFriends to cooperate with me, I’ll be set!

Run More- After the 2009 WDW half, I really began slacking off on my running. I want to change that for 2010. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to achieve this:

One thing is that I’m going to impliment at “Goofy Training Program”. I haven’t decided what that is just yet, but basically it’s going to get me ready just incase I decide to run the Goofy next year. That’s still up in the air, but just incase, I want to be ready. I do know for sure that I’m going to be running the Full Marathon in 2011 so this program will have to get me ready for that.

I’m also giving myself a new challenge. I’m not going to talk about it much here, but it’s definitely ambitious and sounds a lot like something a Goofy person would do! I’ll discuss this in a later post after Marathon Weekend.

Also, I want to complete a half marathon in 2:30. I finished the Disneyland Half in about 2:45 so it’s certainly doable, if I would just train hard enough for it. I’m shooting for it during this race, but I seriously doubt that I make it, but who knows!

Read More- I have SO many books that I want to read. I buy them with ever intention of reading them, but life (and laziness) gets in the way and I wind up shelving the books only to forget about them. Well, I’m going to try and change that this year. I’m going to attempt to read one non school related book every week. This will be hard to do considering all the school reading I have to do, but I’m hoping that with enough practice, this will help with my pursuit of speed reading.

Work More- This basically means to get a job! As soon as school starts back, I’m going to attempt to find a job in a law office. I’ll take anything from runner to clerk, receptionist to janitor… as long as I can add something from a law office onto my resume. Jobs in this field are scarce, but I’m going to try. After a few weeks, if I haven’t had any luck, I’ll start looking elsewhere until the “right job” comes along.

I think that is all. It should be based on the size of this post! I will be sure to add and cross things off as they happen. I’m also going to add a link to this post in the side bar, so you can keep up with these resolutions and help hold me accountable!

Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all have a healthy 2010!

Some Aumusing Disney Marathon Videos

Though I'm having my doubts about my readiness for this race, I'm still just pumped! Probably because I'll be in Walt Disney World in just 6 days!!! Well, just to get in the spirit, I've been browsing YouTube for video from past Disney races and video from the parks in general. Through my browsing, I've found two videos I'd like to share with you.

This video is from 1994, back when the WDW Marathon was just starting. For some reason, I found it funny. I guess the nostalgic value of seeing the parks in the way they were back then among other things and the announcer's "I'm not reading this!" style humored me.

This video is a "time lapse" video of the half marathon last year. It's just really cool to me. The fact that the guy ran the race with a camera strapped to his head and finished in 1:25 is just astounding to me. Also, I remember seeing "Snow White" leave the Magic Kingdom as I was coming in.

WARNING- This video's audio is VERY loud, so be sure to turn down the volume on your speakers before hitting play. It's loud, but very catchy... I added it to my running playlist today as a matter of fact!

Possible Future Races

Since the 2010 WDW Half is almost upon us, it’s gotten me thinking about what’s next. Just like me to plan the next trip before this one is even here yet…I’ve had several ideas bouncing around in my head, so I thought I’d lay them out for you.

I know of several local and not so local races that I would really like to do, the only problem is time and money. I know that I won’t be able to do all of them (if any), but I’m really going to try.

These are all of the races that I’m seriously considering:

Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon

New Orleans, LA - 2/28: This race seems like it would really be cool. The race starts by at the NOLA Convention Center then winds through the French Quarter, Audubon Park, down St. Charles Ave. and ending in City Park. I would really like to do this race, but as it is, I would have to go by myself and I REALLY don’t want to be in New Orleans at Mardi Gras by myself. Besides, it’s kinda close to the WDW half and to next possible race. But if I can find someone to at least go with me to NOLA, I will consider it. And if I do it and the next race, I’ll get an extra medal!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon

Dallas, TX - 3/14: I don’t know much about this race as nothing about the course has been announced yet and since this is the first time Rock ‘n’ Roll has come to Dallas, I have nothing to go by. Me doing this race is more plausible than the New Orleans race is for two reasons: It’s during Spring Break and I have family that live in Dallas. So, this one would be more cost effective and I certainly have time to do it. Jonathan (and anyone else), since you have competed in this series before, what can you tell me about it? How did you like it?

Renaissance at Colony Park Half Marathon

Ridgeland, MS - 6/?/09: I ran this race last year. Assuming that they have it again (nothing has been posted about it) I will run this race again. Yeah there were some issues that I had with this one:

• The course was 2/10 of a mile longer than it should have been
• Most of the race is down country roads, in subdivisons (saw a man getting his paper in his robe which was amusing) or next to an interstate
• Since a good portion of the race took place on roads that pass by cow pastures and fields, there was a “smell” and the bugs were terrible

But all in all, it was a good race. It’s cheap an it’s local and I had a good time, so that’s all that matters!

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon

Lake Buena Vista, FL: This race is just awesome! I am going to try my hardest to make it to this race. The fact that it’s at night and there is a special Food and Wine event just for the race sold me on it! I kinda wish I could do the Disneyland Half again, since it’s the 5^th one, but I just can’t swing it again.

2011 Walt Disney World FULL Marathon OR Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

Lake Buena Vista, FL - I know that 2011 is the year for my first Full Marathon. And since Walt Disney World was the site of my first Half Marathon, I think that it’s only natural for my first Full Marathon to be here as well. However, I know that eventually I will want to do the Goofy Challenge and I’m kinda thinking that I want to go ahead and get it over with. I haven’t decided it yet and I’m still weighing my options. What do you guys think? Should I just do the Full first or should I take the plunge and do the Goofy?

I've Been a Bad Citizen of the Community

I have just sucked as a member of the Disney Community as of late. I haven't visited a forum in probably a year or so, I totally forgot that I had a DisFriends account, and most of all I'm a terrible listener... As I may have mentioned before, I’m like 6 to 8 months behind on listening to my podcasts.

What's bad about that, I'm only subscribed to four Disney podcasts (All About the Mouse, Those Darn Cats, WDW Today, and WDW Radio) and three non-Disney ones (Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, Meet the Press, and Fox News Sunday - Which I'm even farther behind. Thankfully I don't have to catch up on them since they're all news based). But I'm slowly getting caught up.

I am caught up with Those Darn Cats as of today and have begun WDW Today, which I’m almost halfway finished with. Next will be All About the Mouse and WDW Radio. They're always last just because of their length. With my "certain way of doing things", I have to be able to listen to a show all the way through in one sitting. If I know I can't get the whole thing it, I won't listen to it. Hence the reason why I'm so far behind with these too. AATM should be easy since it's divided into sections more so than WDWR. I'm almost tempted to just start fresh, but I will get as far as I can.

What podcasts do you guys listen too and how do you go about catching up when ever you get behind?

In Case You Missed It..

Every year for the past 26 years, Americans have watched the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade on ABC. I know it has become a tradition in my family. We all watch the parade, then talk about it with other family members at my Grandmother's Christmas dinner, later in the day.

My absolute favorite parade was in 2005. Of course this was back during the Happiest Celebration on Earth and was the first time that I can remember where not only Walt Disney World was involved, but also Disneyland and all of the other Disney parks around the world. They all joined together in the finale and pulled off a fantastic show. Every year since, Disneyland has always been featured.

However, after 2005, the parade became less and less of a parade and more and more of a "Disney Channel Invades the Parks" with endless concerts and whatever with the latest goons from the "UnDisney Channel". Then on top of that, it was like watching 2 hours of an endless Disney Commercial. Don't get me wrong... I understand that essentially that is the reason why the Parade is broadcast, but come on, they don't have to do it in such an obvious way. By last year's parade, I had pretty much given up on this tradition, as I was more irritated than anything by the time it was over.

Things changed this year. The Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, though still maintaining a slight commercial feel, managed to keep my interest. Yes, the damn Jonas Brothers still graced us with an appearance, and Regis was missing due to his surgery just prior to tapping (which is a disappointment because he is needed to counter Kelly's personality) but all in all Disney did a great job with it. They actually showed the parade this year, had some pretty decent talent, and remained focused on the Theme Parks, rather than pushing the Disney Channel or upcoming Disney movies.

I believe that this year's parade was a success. So Kudos to Disney for turning this Christmas tradition around and on a job well done!

Happy Festivus!

For you Seinfeld fans, I want to offer my sincerest and heart felt wishes of a Happy Festivus! I'll for go the Airing of Grievances this year, but we'll definitely do the ritual Feats of Strength during Marathon Weekend! So, in order to make your "Festivus for the Rest of Us" next to your high weight-to-strength aluminum Festivus pole more enjoyable, I thought I'd post this video describing the origins of this great holiday (and to explain what the heck I'm talking about to you non-Seinfeld fans!). The fact that I found this video, regardless of quality is "Another Festivus Miracle!"

Enjoy!

In other news: Kind of a big announcement coming tomorrow. See you all then!

Time for a Rant

Ok... This particular rant has been building up inside of me for a couple of years now. It's concerning Disney's Vacation Planning DVD. I got 2010's edition today and just finished watching it. As you probably have guessed by now, I wasn't happy!

Ordering and watching the DVD has been a tradition of mine ever since the early 90s. I remember having a fake name and age just so I could order it (I was a real rebel...). It was a way for me to have a dose of the Disney Magic whenever I wanted (this was long before I even knew a "Disney Community" even existed). I'd just pop in the cassette or DVD and I'd get "that feeling".

For the most part they were different from year to year, changing with that year's particular promotion or celebration. The best version was for the Happiest Celebration on Earth back in 2005. It was sort of like a better, less annoying, souped up version of "The Top Seven Must Sees" on Resort TV. It was just really cool and very entertaining. I still watch this version as often as I can and really enjoy it.

But that all changed in 2006 with the "Year of a Million Dreams". The 2006 edition wasn't bad. It was alot like previous editions, showing the same old stock footage of different attractions, "interviews" with guests and cast members. But it was a big let down after the 2005 edition.

The real issue comes in 2008, when the Year of a Million Dreams was extended. This edition was identical to the 2006 edition. Nothing was changed what so ever. Not even a mention of the "last year" or anything. Then in 2009, "What Will You Celebrate" comes along. They did add some things, mostly Mickey balloons and a section on the promotion, along with updating the attractions, but it was still basically the same as the 2006 edition.

So, a few weeks ago, I see that the 2010 edition is out. I was really excited. I was thinking that since the whole "Free on your Birthday" thing was being phased out and this new volunteering thing was coming in that SURELY the DVD would be different. So I ordered it thinking that it would be really fun to sit down with the family and watch it just before we go on our trip. It arrived today. I was SO excited! I put in my computer and watched it. IT WAS THE SAME DAMN THING!!!!!!! Yeah, they changed the intro to incorporate the volunteer promotion and mentioned the new Hall of Presidents, BUT THAT WAS IT! Same stupid Castle in the sky, same stupid annoying people dancing at the end, same stupid annoying kids and stupid annoying people in the beginning, same stupid annoying graphics, SAME STUPID ANNOYING EVERYTHING!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!

I feel like I have 4 of the same movies lying around collecting dust... I feel cheated... Does anyone else feel this way? Am I making too much of a big deal out of this? I'm sure I am, I'm easily worked up over stupid annoying things all the time, but this one REALLY got to me. Let me know your feelings on this. Maybe we could get a mini, virtual Rantfest going on here!

Oh, and FYI, I did finish my 6 miles and feel fine now. Going to attempt another 6 tomorrow morning.

On the Rebound

Mongello! Even though nothing much has happened around here late, I just thought I'd post since it's been a while since I last updated you guys.

I did the 6 miles on Tuesday. It damn near killed me, but I did it. If 6 miles is going to hurt that much, I don't even want to think about 13.1! Maybe I just pushed too hard or something, I don't know. None the less, I took Wednesday off, but since Thursday I've walked 3 to 5 miles everyday, starting from a slow stroll working up to speedwalking. After todays walk, I feel like I've adjusted enough to start jogging again, so in the morning I'm attempting another 6 mile walk/run. I'm hoping that the walking has helped, if not just to get me in the race mindset.

I know I'll be fine. I've done this 3 times before, and I've gotten faster each time. As a matter of fact... Before Disneyland, I hadn't trained at all and I cut 15 minutes off my time. So I'm just freaking out, I know.

That being said, I am PUMPED for this trip! I NEED this trip! I cannot wait to see you guys again! Only 20 days left!!! I'm still trying to nail down all of my ADRs and other family commitments (they've already been made, but during family vacations, I'm the last to know anything) during the trip. As soon as I know this info, I'll let you guys know which meets I'll be able to attend. So far, I know that I will not be able to make it to any meets after Saturday night, since I'll be leaving Sunday morning. That means that I won't make it to the Lapu Lapu meet, which was the one I really wanted to go to. Oh well, there are other chances. Be sure to get my number off of the "master list" and shoot me a text. Maybe we can have some unofficial meets some... Let me know!

I's be Tard!

Things have been SO hectic around here for the past week. That's what happens during finals week. You lock yourself in a room and study and study and study and study......

And that's pretty much all that I've done the past week. I just realized that I didn't even leave my room all day yesterday!

Although I'm running on about two hours of sleep, I managed to crank out a 3 mile run this morning. Nothing spectacular, but I did manage to run most of a mile (minus any major hills). Assuming that I can work in some sleep between now and tomorrow morning, I'm going to attempt 6 miles then. Stay tuned for that.

On the weight training front, I'm planning on doing a heavy chest workout today. For me, a "heavy" lifting workout involves me working each part of that days target 3 times. (Normal is 2 times and "Light" is 1 time, FYI). Also, today is the first day of my sit/pushup program. I haven't had time to do them just yet today, but I will probably when I get in from the gym tonight. I'll talk about that workout in more detail in tomorrow's post.

There be Squalls Ahead!

Ye come seekin' adventure and salty ol' pirates, aye? Sure ye come to the proper place. But keep a weather eye open, mates, and hold on tight, with both hands if you please... there be squalls ahead, and Davey Jones waiting for them what don't obey..."

And where the hell was this guy earlier?!

___________________________________________________

Ok, I finally get the motivation to get up and out and get a morning run in this morning. I wake up at 5:30 am, refreshed and somewhat rejuvenated. I put on my warm running clothes, grease up my feet, put my shoes on, tune my iPod to my running playlist and walk out the door.

I notice that it's unusually breezy out for a fall morning, but I dismiss it and count it as a blessing as I will need a good cold breeze around mile 4 or so...

Well as you may have already guessed, I didn't make it anywhere near mile 4. As I reached the half mile mark, it started to rain. And I don't mean a drizzle either, I mean like the bottom fell out. Literally, it was a squall line. But, I pressed on and got a mile in, but only because I had to keep going that way to get back to my dorm! I was drenched by the time I got back here!

According to my stopwatch, this morning's walk was done in 13:34:35. I am almost positive this is the fastest mile I have ever walked in my life! So maybe today wasn't a total loss.

Well that's it for today. I will just get up in the morning and try again I guess. Hope everyone is well!

Cool Computer Doohickey

My aunt emailed me this link:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/pacing/javascriptCalcs3-v2.asp

Y'all know that us backwoods Mississippians aren't very technically savvy, so I don't really know what to call this thing other than a "doohickey".

This "doohickey" is pretty cool. It allows you to make a pace band for your goal time for either a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon or Full Marathon. You fill out the form with your desired parameters and it makes your pace band. I used one of these at Disneyland and it seemed to really help me out. If I felt like I wouldn't make the mile in the desired time it forced me to run faster and if I didn't make it I would just run for even longer. I don't know, I guess it kept me going mentally. I was amazed at how well that little piece of paper worked for me.

Anyway, I'm rambling on. I just thought that those of you with a time goal could use this.

That's it for me. See you soon!

Snowy Tundra Here?

Yep, The Tundra has found it's way to Mississippi. We were all pretty surprised because IF it snows here, it is usually late January before it happens and even then it rarely sticks (with the exception of last years "big" snow where my hometown got 7 inches - bear in mind that Brookhaven probably hasn't gotten 7 inches in a century much less in one night). It was nice and with it being so early, hopefully we'll get some more. Maybe even in time for Christmas!

Ok, now on to the non-existent training update. Since next week is finals week and my big 25 page "thesis" paper (the one that I have just barely started on) I have spent every waking moment either in class, the library or at my desk reading and writing. I have done some situps and pushups but no running or going to the gym at all. Diet has been ok... mostly because I tend to forget to eat when I'm freaking out over school work.

I'm going to attempt to work a run in tomorrow morning and start back full force Monday morning for sure. Maybe if I get up early (which means I have to go to bed early which hasn't been happening) and get a run in, it will help me calm down and focus. If not, at least I'll be getting training in.

I NEED this vacation... only 31 days to go!

Awesome Video

I don't know if any of you have seen this video but I thought it was really cool, so I decided to post it to the blog.



Sorry that part of the video is cut off... do any of you guys know how to fix that?

This is perfect for bringing a little Disney magic to your day. Hope you all enjoy... I sure did!