Race Report - Watermelon Classic 5K

Where: Jackson, MS

When: July 3, 2010

Length: 3.1 miles

Running Buddy: Aunt De'Dee and Ashley

Time: 42:34

Level of Preparedness: Fair

The Watermelon Classic 5K is sponsored by the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and has been a Fourth of July tradition in Central Mississippi for years. When I first heard about this race on the news back when I was a kid, I remember wondering out loud "Why are those people running?" My dad answered "They're running for fun." to which I replied "For FUN?! They crazy!". Yes, I was a couch potato even at that age. Little did I realized that I'd be running that very race 20 some odd years later.

When I was staying with Aunt De'Dee the weekend of the Renaissance Half, she brought up the notion of running the Watermelon Classic. She thought it would be a good way to jump start our training after the Renaissance (Yes, we don't train until after races.... That's how we roll.) I said sure, why not. But after our dreadful performance at the Renaissance, I wrote it off since we had both more or less swore that we'd never do another summer race again.

Then, about a week before the Watermelon, De'Dee sends me a text saying that she signed me up for the race. I was like "What the hell! I'm not ready for this!" So, I hit the pavement in a last ditch effort to train. I had about a week, so I figured I could be somewhat prepared.

Race Day: Get up around 5:30 so we could be at the Sports Hall of Fame at 7 (De'Dee lives a good 45 minute drive from where we needed to be). It's a nice morning, not too hot but it is very muggy. We get there and there are already a ton of people there. I never got an estimate, but There had to be at least a thousand people there. This race really is a big deal. Apparently it's the biggest running event in the state.

Anyway, we get there and meet my cousin Ryan and his girlfriend Ashley, who is running the race with us. We sit and talk and cut up for a little while. We even came up for a new segment for the blog (People at the Race - Think the runners version of "People of Walmart"). I mean, seriously people, What the hell were you thinking when you put on those short, skin tight running shorts? Seriously... I REALLY didn't need to see ANY of that! Thanks but no thanks...

After we were scarred for life, we walked over to the finish line. It was a good mile walk to the start, which never makes sense to me... I guess that's the warm up. Anyway, The race starts and we're off. The first leg of the race was on the frontage road next to the Interstate. The cars there saw us and almost every car honked their horn. I guess I'm easily amused, but I found that kind of cool.

De'Dee, Ashley and I were together for about the first mile, but eventually Aunt De'Dee took off and left us and it was just Ashley and I. We stayed together, mentally pulling each other along. We began a system where we would start running anytime the ground was flat or downhill for as long as we could then walk the rest. That seemed to work, but neither of us were as prepared as we thought we were. But it was all good. We both finished and crossed the finish line together, with De'Dee waiting for us. Ashley got me through this race and I hope she's with us for many more!

Overall, this isn't a bad race. Terrible time of year, but most of the route is in a wooded park area so it's pretty well shaded. Only thing is the hills. For some reason, Jackson (especially Downtown and Lakeland Drive) is very hilly. So, hills were to be expected, but still, hills aren't fun when you aren't prepared for them. The end of the race festivities went over pretty smoothly. Plenty of food and drink, and watermelon of course. Only thing I have to say something about is "tag removal". I think this race is probably the only race left that still uses a "ChampionChip" type system. I really wish they would switch to D-Tags. That is so much easier and you don't have to wait in line while two old ladies attempt to cut off your chip. I waited in that line for probably a good 5 minutes and another 2 while she tried to cut the damn thing off.

But other than that, things went very well. Though I'm not big on 5K races, if I just need some sort of event, I know that this race is a good one to do and I would definitely do it again.

Race Report - 2010 Renaissance Half Marathon

I've been meaning to get these up sooner, but I've done two races in recent months that need to be reported on. Neither were spectacular performances or anything, but they should be reported anyway. So here it goes.

Where: Ridgeland, MS

When: June 12, 2010

Length: 13.3 miles

Running Buddy: Aunt De'Dee

Time: 3:30:31

Level of Preparedness: Not at all Prepared!

So far, this has been the year of terrible racing. Granted, for the two halfs I've done this year, I was not prepared for them, but still... conditions have been terrible. Remember how cold January was? Well this race was the total opposite extreme. After the race the car thermometer said 109 degrees! God knows what the humidity was. It was so bad, that the NWS issued a Heat Advisory starting at 6 am and the Governor issued a "near" state of an emergency asking everyone to stay indoors. All of this, and we're out running a half.

We knew it was going to be hot. The "hellish onslaught of Mississippi Summer" was in full force. But, we had NO idea that it would be this unbearable! We left my aunts house at 5am and it was already 90 degrees. We knew that wasn't a good sign!

Anyway, Neither my Aunt or I were prepared to do this race, at all. I guess we were just cocky. We ran this race last year at a decent time and after the WDW half and it's terrible conditions we thought we'd be ok. We planned on walking most of the way with a little jogging anyway, so we figured we had this one down... We learned quick!

Pre-race stuff went along without a hitch. There were only about 1500 runners, so there isn't too much of a stress on the facilities. We were both fine up until mile 4. That's when my aunts knees began hurting and when my right foot began to give me some trouble. It felt like it was on fire! I had to stop and take a look. It was at that point that I had on the wrong socks! I was wearing the "great and wonderful" socks that we bought at the Expo in January and not my Dri-max. (Sidenote: Those expo socks are terrible. I think they're scam socks made out of cotton with a little polyester to give them a stretch feel. If I ever see the guy that sold them to me, I'll ring his neck!)After figuring out what happened, I knew there wasn't anything I could do. These socks were going to kill me, but I decided to press on and make due the best I could.

By mile 7, I had to go to the medical tent my feet were so bad. They put on some blister stuff(that works wonders) and wrapped my foot. It felt a little better, but my feet were still hot.

By mile 11, I had to stop again. This time from near heat exhaustion and both of my feet. They put stuff on my feet again and gave me some cold ice water and some frozen grapes. That seemed to help me out a lot, so I decided to keep going. Hell, I was at mile 11... I ain't about to stop now! So I got up and limped closer to the finish line.

By the time I got to mile 13, I was really limping. I mean seriously limping. Pedestrian old ladies who were walking on the sidewalk next to me were walking faster than me! But I didn't care. I was determined to finish. And I did... barely, but I did. It was the worst time yet at 3:30:31, but I did it.

Post race went along fairly well. Medal and food distribution went off great, unlike WDW. And thankfully I parked about 50 feet from the finish line, so I was able to hop in my car and drive home to a cold bath and take care of my feet. (Sidenote: reason why they were burning? Three quarter sized blisters on my left foot, one silver dollar sized blister topped with a nickle sized blister and two quarter sized blisters on the right... Ouch!!!)

Here's a picture of the medal... I was very disappointed in it this year. Take a look...

The front is ok. Design is just a little to "frilly" for me, but since the Renaissance is an upscale shopping area, I'm ok with it.

Here's my problem! Look how thick the damn thing is! A dime is thicker than that! I feel cheated!

Here's another thing I'm disappointed with. The "professional" race grading people screwed up again this year. Last year, they extended the race by a tenth of a mile. That's a long way really. Well, they mucked it up again when they extended it by not one... but THREE tenths of a mile! Yeah... not happy.

We've said that we're not doing this race again next year. I have no intention on doing it, but who knows... I'm sure we will. Give us something to complain about, anyway.

Special Kudos to a random runner at this race. This guy was dedicated and determined to finish. I saw him at both of my stops at the medical tent. He was definitely suffering from heat exhaustion when I saw him at mile 11. He looked faint, he was vomiting, and practically about to fall out. Did he stop? No. Race officials were following, pleading with him to stop. He wouldn't. EMTs then began to plead with him. He still wouldn't. Finally, they had to get the police after him and force him to stop. At that point, they took him away in an ambulance. But, for the downright refusal to give up, this guy gets special Kudos from me.

I Just Had a Grand Idea

Hi guys! While looking around on the internet looking for races and such I just had a thought. I know for a fact that I am doing the Wine and Dine (or Wine and Cheese as my grandmother calls it). Well, about two weeks later there should be a full marathon here in Jackson. They had it last year but they haven't posted anything about a new one this year. Assuming that they have it, I'm thinking about doing it. That would be the perfect test to see if the Goofy is something I can do. The two races aren't back to back per se, but they are pretty damn close. If I can't do this, I know I can't do the Goofy.

Speaking of the Goofy, I'm still unsure about the Goofy in January. I'm not even sure I'll be able to make it down. I'm seriously considering skipping this January and going all out in 2012. I still haven't decided, but I just wanted to let you guys know that there is more than a 50% chance that I won't be there this year. The reason is simply finances. I just don't think I can afford a trip in October and turn right around and go again in January. I've thought about a quick trip, but that just won't work for me. If I'm in Disney, I have to GO to Disney. There is no way around that!

There is another full marathon in Downtown Jackson that is usually held the same weekend as the WDW half. If I don't go to Disney, then I will for sure do that race and then do a lone half marathon the next day, that way I can still do "a Goofy", even if it's not "THE Goofy".

How's everyone doing? I'm holding in there... Diet has been doing pretty well but training sucks. Should be getting to the gym here in a little while so hopefully I can get something in today.

Just Random Thoughts

Hey guys! Just thought I'd post some random things that have been going on in my mind.

First off, the job is going pretty well. Being a cashier is a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. If I could just get the damn produce codes memorized and remember how to do food stamps, I'd be set!

Training has been shot to hell this week, as it has every week since WDW. I'm still trying to get into the swing of things, but it seems like there is just one thing after another that is keeping me from running or going to the gym. Some times its an excuse, sometimes its not. Since snowmaggedon is coming tonight, and my night class will more than likely be canceled because the entire state is freaked out, I should have time this evening to make it over to the gym. I hope so...

The "Marathon Makeover" people here in Jackson have finally announced the date of this year's Renaissance Half, which will be June 12. Even though this race is very dull, it is local and my aunt and I are almost positive that we're doing this one. If anything, it will be good practice for the Wine and Dine (which I am also almost positive I'm doing). We haven't registered for either, but should be soon.

Well, I think that's it for now. How's everyone else doing?

Just Some Announcements

Hey guys, I've had some things on my mind so I thought I would share them with you.

The Princess Half Marathon- Let's recap on what was going on here. My cousin is signed up to run this race, but she is getting married the next week, so she has decided not to participate in it. That left her entry open and she offered it to me (yes we realize that's not exactly legal, but in today's PC world, I doubt seriously they would say anything...). I would have to find a way to get down there and get a room and of course, any park tickets I chose to buy. It seemed like a good, fun thing to do, but due to some conflicts and finances, I will NOT be doing the Princess this year. The race is not during my Spring Break, so I would have to fly down Friday night, run the race on Sunday and then fly out as soon as the race was over. Just seems very tiring and the cost is crazy just for a 2 day trip.

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon- Why is this race start with "Disney" when the others start with "Disney's"? I just found that interesting. Anyway... As long as finances hold out, I will be doing this race. This race is more practical because, it should take place during my Fall Break, which will allow me to turn this into a mini vacation, which I'm excited about. Also, did you know that (from my research) the rooms for this race actually cost less than the same rooms during the Princess? I found that interesting. I just found this race more doable, so why not?

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge- As of now, I've started training for the Goofy. However, I'm still unsure as to whether or not I will actually be able to make it down for marathon weekend (I've explained why before). But I am still serious about at least doing the training for it. I'm also seriously thinking about turning this into a Dopey. Still not sure, but since I'm training to do 39.3 miles, why not tack on an extra 3.1?

Just a Few Announcements

Hey guys! Just wanted to fill you guys in on some things that I've decided to do to. Here they go:

1. I've mentioned this on some blogs and many of you know already, but to make it official, I have decided that I am going to train for the 2011 Goofy Challenge. Notice that I said train. I'm still unsure what will be going on next January since it should be my first semester of Law School and I'm not sure if finances will hold up. But, assuming that all works out, I will be down there participating in the race. If they don't, then no worries, I'm still going to do the training!

2. Again, scheduling and finances permitting, "I" will not be running in the Princess Half Marathon, but my cousin who is registered but can't make it will be!

3. I am going to try my best to be in the World for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in October. This race seems very cool and it's during a time of year that I have never been, so I'm really looking forward to this race.

4. This is the main announcement I wanted to make today. I have decided to join in with Jonathan, Justin, Chris, Mike, Trace, and Jeff and run to a Disney Park in one year. Since everyone else lives on the opposite side of the country from WDW and I'm not all that far away, I've decided to run to Disneyland. For me that will be 1,874 miles. Now... I am going to try to get there by December 31, but if I don't make it, I'm not going to beat myself up. I'll get there when I get there, haha!

The 2010 Walt Disney World Half Marathon

Mongello! I am back from my vacation at Disney's Snowy Tundra Resort... Yeah, this morning, I was in Walt Disney World and now I'm sitting in a dorm room. Oh well, I'll be back soon enough (more in a moment).

All in all, I had a great trip. Family and weather payed a toll but it was still a very good trip. I'll post the trip report tomorrow, but I want to do the race report tonight.

I'll just say it... This race SUCKED!!! Saturday morning had to have been one of the most miserable times of my life! I did the parks commando style all throughout the trip. I know, big mistake, but I just could help it. So, I didn't get back to the room until around 10:00 Friday night. I went straight to bed upon my arrival to my room. And there I laid, and I laid and I laid.... Finally I just got up and read until about 1:30. At this point I attempted to go back to sleep and I laid and I laid and I laid... until 3 am, where I was wide ass awake waiting for the alarm to go off. So, NO sleep...

I get up and take a shower and get dressed. My aunt and I are ready in 10 minutes... The rest of the family? Not even close...

We didn't make it to our rendezvous point until 3:45ish. This causes my aunt and I to get upset (mind you I'm on no sleep and no food) so we're snapping and they're snapping until it's all one big bitch fit. So, we finally make it onto the bus after 4:00, just barely making it in time. Grandparents are pissed because I won't sit with them, parents are upset because I can't sit with them (this is a normal Disney vacation when I'm involved... guess I'm just that lovable) so again, another bitch fit ensues...

We get to Epcot... everyone has calmed down by now. We start walking toward the Family Reunion Area. My Dad asks me "What is that up there?" (referring to the spotlights) I tell him. Then Mom asks "What is that?" (referring to the spotlights). I tell her. Then when we arrive, while looking at the big sign that says "Family Reunion Area", Grandma asks "What is that?" ... yeah, just another average occurrence on a Weeks family vacation...

Anywho... I have no idea what time it was by the time we got into the area, but people were already headed to the Start Line... So I "herded the cats" over that way with my Aunt while I attempted to find the Team Voicers. But I assumed y'all had left because when I got to the "V" no one I recognized was there, so I left to find my aunt.

Fast forward... I'm with my aunt in corrale G (which we were pissed that we were placed in G when I was in like E last year). We were angry because we missed the audio portion of the start. The speaker where we were wasn't working so we missed the anthem and the count down and start of the first wave. Then, it started BLARING afterward... I was totally deaf in my right ear by the time we moved away from the speaker.

Then the third wave crossed the start line then everything was fine... extremely cold, but good. My aunt and I kept up a good pace up until the Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza, but then had to slow down because I had a cramp in my side and didn't speed back up until we reached the Contemporary. Once in the Magic Kingdom, my aunt and I were separated because I had to stop and tie my shoe in Frontierland and she didn't hear me and kept running. As I was trying to catch up (doing very very well and had run almost a mile) to her in the congested/narrow portion of the course leaving the Magic Kingdom I was hit hard!

I came up to these two ladies walking together. There was just enough room for me to squeeze through so I did... and when I did, within two seconds I got two hits. One hard hit in my side (so hard that I thought she broke my rib) and another right square in the groin. I thought I was going to die and I didn't know which hurt more! The two ladies were very apologetic and very embarrassed, so that in itself calmed me down so I wasn't pissy with them at all.

After that ordeal, I slowed way down and never gained back my strength. I was in extreme pain from head to toe, my lips were so cold I was drooling and my arms and legs were numb... not to mention the "shoe burn" I was experiencing. By the time we reached the finish line, we were both absolutely miserable. But we did finish and finished in 3:01. We weren't all that happy with the time, but all things considered, I thought we did great.

Medal distribution went pretty smoothly, and I think that is owed mostly to the fact that people didn't have to stand in line to have their chips removed. However, food distribution was a total nightmare! Who in the hell thought it would be a good idea to have a "square" table the entire length of the tent with just a small path around it? It was just mass confusion and chaos! It was insane and I really can't describe it all that great, but trust me!

We were wanting to stay and watch the rest of my family finish, but my aunt and I were so tired and miserable that we just went to the buses, which was another nightmare in itself... For the Pop bus, 5 lines formed to board one bus... again, craziness!!! I was SO thankful when we made it back to the hotel! SOO SOO HAPPY! Then I took a long hot shower and went back to the parks! haha!

As for the rest of the family, everyone but one finished the race. My Grandpa came in third in our group followed by my mom and dad. My grandmother had to drop out at mile 11... yes... mile 11. She said that there was no way should could make it up the hills at the end and she nearly passed out, so I think she did the right thing. The woman is 68 years old by the way, so I say she did excellent... So much in fact that I'm thinking of giving her my medal. My mother did finish, but just barely. She nearly passed out at the finish line and the medics had to get her to the medical tent. She was fine and she did finish so I've extremely proud of her... However, this will be her first and last race, as she said "Anyone who does this to themselves is crazy!"

Now comes my Dad... I wake up to a phone call this morning from a overly cheerful grandmother telling me that they are at (and had been for quite some time) Celebration Hospital because they think my dad is having an appendicitis attack. As usual, no one ever tells me anything, so I had no idea until it was over and I didn't know anything because I was in transit most of the day. Turns out he has a kidney stone and it's trying to pass. So, he's fine, just gave me a scare this morning.

So, this race was the race from hell for me and my family and I'm sure many others agree with me! Had it not been for the fact that I had family in the race and I wasn't going to let them beat me, and my aunt being there to push me, I would have quit. I had never been in so much pain in my life! But I did finish, and I am proud of each and every person who ran/walked/or crawled this race.

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?

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!

2:46:13

Hey guys! I've made it back from Disneyland. I had a BLAST! I finished the race in 2:46:13! That's 16 minutes faster than my Renaissance Half time! I was only a minute off of my time, so I'm very pleased!

This race was pretty much like any other Disney race, and since most of you have run Disney races before, I'll skip the little details. Overall, I enjoyed this race. There was enough entertainment along the route to keep me occupied throughout. Good thing too, seeing that I left my iPod at home!

There were only a few things that I didn't like about this race (you know me... I have to bitch about something). The only "dangerous" problem I had was with it was the fact that we had to run on a bike trail along the Santa Ana "Ditch". That wouldn't be a problem usually, but in a race of this size, I found that to be a little dangerous, especially for people like me who aren't used to running on a tight, gravel surface next to a rather large ditch with jagged rocks and bolders at the bottom and along the edges.

Also, what was with all of the random "poop" smells? It seemed like every mile or so, I was getting a wiff of "poo". And finally... Why in the hell did we not get to run up Main Street? Is that not the ENTIRE point of running a Disney Race?!

Ok... just wanted to do a quick post letting you all know how I did. I'll post race pics when ever I get them and Trip reports after that.

Also, I wanted to apologize to all the TVer's that were at the race. Due to my lazy self (not listening to the podcasts, checking mail, or reading blogs) I didn't know about any of the meets except for Justin's Breakfast Meet. I keep looking for Team Voice shirts, but all I could find were WISH people. Oh well... Hopefully I'll do better in January and will get to see you all then.

2009 Run from the Sun 5K

Hi guys! I finished the race! I did it in 48 minutes exactly. Ok, that's not that great, but my aunt and cousin (who ran the race with me) signed us up for the walk, not the run. I thought that I would be able to run some, but they said that walkers could not run. I was kind of bummed, but I had a good time none the less.

Here's a link to the full story behind this race: http://www.runfromthesun.com/runfromsun.html

Basically the Run from the Sun 5K has taken place in Downtown Jackson for 6 years and proceeds from the race benefit the Leonard E. Warren Melanoma Foundation (hence the name of the race, Run FROM the Sun, haha).

The course of the race winds throughout Downtown Jackson, starting in front of the (currently under construction) United States Courthouse, then around the Coliseum and the State Fair Grounds, then various state and local government buildings, the State Captitol, the Governor's Mansion, then ending in front of City Hall. There are some nice, pretty sites to see along the route. I wish I had remembered my camera, but of course I forgot it, so you're just stuck with that plain old graphic above that means nothing to most of you, haha. Oh well, I tried.


All in all, I enjoyed this race very much and I will probably partcipate in it next year. It's a fun race that supports a good cause, so that's all I really need.

Pre-Race Jitters

Hey Guys! Sorry I haven't been around. Things have been really crazy at school lately. I've finally had enough of all of this Business crap, so I changed my major to Politcal Science/Pre-Law. Since politics is something I enjoy, hopefully it will treat me better than Business did. I guess we'll see!

Anyway, with all of that, I've still been diligent in my diet and training. Although I haven't gone to the gym any, I have gone for wog every day this week (3 mi on Monday, 2 mi on Tuesday and Thursday, and 4 mi on Wednesday). So far this week, I've lost another 2 pounds! I was very pleased!

Tomorrow is my first race since the Half in January. It's only a 5k, but I am a little nervous about it. Other than a few walks and gym visits here and there, I really haven't been training the way I should have. I just hope my last-ditch effort of training this week will be enough to get me through the race.

Ok, going out for one last walk before tomorrow. See you soon!

It's Official!

Yep, it's official! I will be running in the 2010 Walt Disney World Half Marathon!!! But not only me, but my Mom and Dad, My Aunt, and My 69 year old grandma and my 65 year old grandpa. We are all very excited and ready to get to work.

Rae, Princess Fee, and Kate: I didn't get a chance to wish y'all luck before, but CONGRATULATIONS on completing the Princess Half!!! You are all Winning Princesses in my book!

I'm taking a page out of Rae's training book, and I've decided to start adding some swimming to my program. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

_____________________________________________________

Weight Training

Upperbody Weight Machines

Cardio

20 Minutes on Bike

20 Minutes on Elliptical

Swim 10 laps

In Room Workouts

Crunches: 10 x 3 Forward, 10 x 3 Left, 10 x 3 Right

Situp Program

Pushup Program

This Stinks!!!

Mongello!

First of all, Kudos to Karen for confirming that the video in the previous post was indeed Jack Wagner. I thought so! I'll have to make a comment on the video.

Karen- Welcome to the Blog! I'm going to add you to my "list". Hope to hear from you!

Ok... Now to what stinks:

It's the eve of my first real, honest to God race. Now guess what happens... I get a freakin' head cold! Come on! That's not fair!!! I guess it's just bad karma for all the [ranting] and moaning I do on the blogs. I'm coughing, my head hurts, my sinuses hurt. You know the symptoms. There is some sort of bug going around campus. I just hope it's not strep throat. That's the LAST thing I need.

And the 5k isn't all of it! Oh no!!! To top it all off, I have to sit through a football game later in the evening. Stupid Football!!! ;-) At least I get paid. I can "pretend" to enjoy the game if the price is right.

Anyway, I'll post my results ASAP tomorrow morning. Until then... Ciao!
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RACE RESULTS:

Good morning everyone! I just got back from my race. Inspite of the cold and the hacking cough, I managed to finish at 34:06. I KNOW I'll have shin splints, but I did "run" most of the course. There were a few times that I had to slowly walk, but for the most part I did at least jog. Ok, I've got my first race under my belt. Now I have to start training for the next one, which is on Novermber 1st.

Cornfest 2008 10k Results

Ok guys... Here are my results for this year's Cornfest 10k.

I did what I sought out to do and did my 10 miler. However, I only timed the 10k portion of the wog. The time was 1:24:14. Again, I don't know if that's good or bad. This run was pretty good for me. Beautiful weather helped alot.

Did you guys watch the opening ceremonies last night? All I can say is WOW! That was one of the best ceremonies I've seen. And the little boy Yao Ming was holding was adoreable!

Anyway, thanks guys for a great run! See you next time!

There's no turing back now!

As of right now, I am officially running in the 2009 WDW 1/2 Marathon! I'm so excited!!!

If you are considering entering into the race, you better hurry! The Half Marathon is already booked to 65% and the Goofy Challenge is booked to 95%. I did buy a pin, but I didn't buy the CampionChip. Was this something that I should have bought?