Disney Princess Halfmarathon update.

by

Subtitle: What I have learned (& relearned) about myself so far.

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I am in complete and utter awe at the mental tenacity runners possess.

I do not possess such tenacity.

When Ive quit my long runs (& I am lifter-women enough to admit this has happened more than once) it has been out of boredom and not physical exhaustion.

This is not bragging, People.

In my opinion quitting not due to physical fatigue is far more…depressing/disappointing to me than simply being TIRED.

Yes Ive been relegated to treadmill runs (myriad reasons I wont delve into here) but Ive also seen some badass runners knock these long runs out on the ‘mill with ease.  Thats where the mental tenacity comes into play.

Im thankful I shifted goals from full marathon to half. Beyond my lack of mental fortitude as addressed above, training for 26.2 miles is just too much cardio for me.

Training for a half is perfect in that it doesnt disrupt my sleep (due to overtraining symptoms) & I also dont feel as though Im shedding muscle with all the cardio Im doing (important to me).

Rereading my marathon training plan I now realize that, for me, Id be immediately overtrained.

While running experts disagree, I must return to the notion of being the expert of my own body.

For me, as I age, less exercise is more. I do it consistently. Day in day out.  Year in year out. Not in vast volumes.

It has been really good for me to tackle a new project with tiny eyes always watching.

When I agreed to run the race Id not anticipated the teaching moments saying yes would provide me.  My training has opened up conversations about everything from sticking with things when they get hard to the importance of being open to new experiences.

I rarely talk about running around the house (I may whine here but I really am a do’er not a talker) yet the Tornado has 100% noticed my new endeavor & is entirely intrigued by my new goal.

My husband rocks. Ive said it before & Im sure Ill say it again: damn I married well.

Ren Man has endured more harebrained schemes than you can imagine (seriously. From shaving my head to flying to meet with one of the Vice Presidents at Target to pitch an idea) and ALWAYS supports me 100%.

He and the Tornado will be flying to Disney, getting up at what’s pretty much the middle of the night to see me off, and cheering me on as I run.

Ive also said a million times before that I believe everything in life is a choice.  A daily recommitment. From healthy living to being married.

Im grateful that he and I both make that choice. Daily.

And that’s about it here.

Im longwinded.

Im running.

Im needing a bit more mental fortitude.

Im a tiny bit fearful Ill end the race running at a 90 degree angle (fear of being last? NONE. Dont care.  Id take upright and smiling over 90 degree angle and passing people any day!) but most of all Im excited and appreciate more than you know ALL of your comments, emails and tweets.

SIXTEEN MORE DAYS!

got any tips for me for the night before or morning of?

any chance Ill see you in Disney (either as you blow past me in the race or on the sidelines)?

Long for a tutu of your own?

Please to hit us all up in the comments.

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Comments

  1. Oh Miz, what a glorious post. You will be fabulous in the Disney half – TOO EXCITING!

    Tho i have to say the stand out thing for me in this post is your lovely musings on marriage. about everything being a choice – thanks for reminding me of that – I am gonna text my husband and tell him i love him because I too married well and i am so glad of that choice I made!

    THought provoking as ever – you ROCK ! xxx

  2. What a great hubby you have! I ADORE what you said about how you both make the choice every day to recommit to your marriage and love! Good luck in the race, Carla (not that you will need it)!

  3. 1. I heart you more then the thought of you running at a 90 degree angle.

    2. I LOVE the idea of recommitting everyday to myself and whatever I am doing. I needed that more than pretty much anything right now.

    You rock my world…tutu woman 🙂

  4. 🙂 running is definitely a different beast. I’ve been a runner all my life but when I started again as an adult my attention span was very short. It was a passion I had to regain and understand that my body can do but so much.

    Listening to our bodies is key and I’m glad u adjusted your distance. A half is by no means lightweight. Good thing is you will have so much fun from hearing the folks cheering u on u will forget u r running lol

    Enjoy and I love that hubby & tornado are joining u!! Pre-race is there an organized dinner? If so attend, great way to meet other runners and get a great pasta meal lol. Pasta before and after u cross the line, fluids & fruit before a meal. Take plenty of photos and def have fun!!

  5. That’s right! Break those rules and listen to your body. How much better would everyone be if they did that instead of squeezing into a fitness box of doing the “normal thing” that everybody does.

    I’m on a bodyweight exercise kick and getting GREAT results – not giving myself a guilt trip because “mostly everybody’s else uses weights”. Ya know? My bod is real sore ‘n stuff. So it’s working!

    I’m rooting for you in the half, my friend!

  6. I LOVE YOU.

    100% because this is a fitness blog which encompasses far more than fitness.

    I missed you on Twitter yesterday and am so sorry about the loss of your friend.

  7. I haven’t run a race outside my hometown so I typically stick with what I’ve been eating all along.

    Are you bringing what you normally eat? Could you?

    I tend toward oats so I might bring some dry.

    Most importantly: you look fantastic in your tutu 🙂

  8. I needed this post today.
    I have been fearing committing to a marathon because I don’t want my daughters to see me announce I am running on and possibly fail.

    Your post has made me realize that if I commit and really try and still fall short it is OK.

    The importance is in giving my goal all I have and in recognizing that I am human.

    Thank you.

  9. Miz, just wanted to say you rock! I know you’ll kill the Half Marathon in your own way, and I look forward to reading/seeing it. I wish I could say I’d see it in person, but 16 days is a bit too close for me. Say maybe later in the year? Maybe?

  10. I love how you are tackling this as a way of learning more about yourself. And yay for all the support you’re getting from your loved ones!

  12. Wow the race is coming up soon! I don’t think I could do long runs on a treadmill either so don’t feel bad. When it rained on the day I was supposed to have my longest run (12 mi) I just did 4 outside in the rain that day and did 12 another day that week.

    My best piece of advice is to HYDRATE the morning of the race. Before my half last October I drank a little (1/4 of a Powerade Zero and a few sips of water) but not enough before the race. (during the race I drank a 20 oz water bottle I carried with me and alternated between water and gatorade at the water stops on the race route) Afterwards, while happy and proud to have finished, I had the worst calf cramps EVER! It was so bad I almost couldn’t walk the 1/4 mile back to the hotel without them seizing up.

    Have fun!

  13. You inspire me far beyond the arena of fitness.

    Today I am choosing to be married too.

    I will treat my husband with love and kindness.

  14. I’m training for my 3rd Half. Love the distance. My advice: The night before do your best to stay loose but don’t worry if you have trouble sleeping. Many people do. Morning of, eat THE SAME THINGS you eat before a long run. And finally, enjoy all of the people who will be lining the course to cheer on runners. Don’t worry so much about your time that you don’t high-five the kids working the water stations.

  15. Being the expert of your own body is the only way to go in my opinion. Only you can know what you can handle and what you are capable of.

    Wish I could be there to cheer you on, but I will be in spirit. 😉

  17. So, so true! Often times, my mind gets tired beore my body when I run.

    I know what you mean about taking something on and then being able to use it for teaching moments with your kids. We are their greatest example and you are a WONDERFUL one for Tornado 🙂

    Hugs to you and sorry for your loss 🙁 You were in my thoughts yesterday.

  18. Lovely post, my friend. I look forward to hearing about how you spanked this race’s hiney!

    And I love the love talk as well. 😀 Having the right partner makes all the difference in the world.

  19. You are an inspiration to me, Friend.

    I am honored to walk beside you even when you are sporting that tutu.

    Lifetime Fitness will never be the same.

  20. I don’t know what your time will be, but there’s absolutely no doubt that you can finish with a smile. As a fit, active person, there are probably many days when you’re covering more than 13 miles at a stretch without even thinking about that as your goal. Between your fitness level, the fun, the excitement, and the adrenaline, you’ll do just fine!

  21. Many thoughts which I will make time for after I get this day started.

    I wrote this post before the loss of my friend.

    She was one of my biggest cheerleaders in following my passions.

    One thing she said to me (in passing which I’m not sure I even ever told her how much it resonated with me) sticks out in my mind today.

    (To be brief…)

    She once pointed out (lovingly) to me I was not using my gifts.

    By way of illustration she asked me how *I* felt when I saw friends or family wearing or using presents id gotten them.

    Of course my answer was along the line of HAPPY or GLAD.

    In her inimitable non-denominational way she informed me that THAT was how she believed G-d felt when seeing us use the gifts s/he had given us.

    Happy. Pleased. And in a fashion thankful.

    My gifts are not as a runner….my gift here is the ability to love myself without strings.

    Whether I walk much of the race or skip along in a tutu.

    My gift is to show others we are enough simply by embracing whom we already are.

    This post.

    This race.

    My lastplacedontcare finish.

    Is for my friend sue.

  22. You will do great! Just enjoy the experience. There will be so much excitement around you. Just take it in and “run with it”. Don’t do anything different the night before or morning of. Just enjoy yourself and think of how much fun you will have with The Toddler and Ren Man in Disney after!!!
    I’ve also never done a long run on a treadmill. I just get too bored. But when I am out on the trails, it is completely different.

  23. I can’t wait to cross the finish line with you. As a runner, there are days I would trade my tenacity for your muscles. Guess we are never really happy!

  24. 16 more days? WooT!

    I wish I could be there at Disney to cheer you on (and well, to go to Disney), but I’ll be rooting for you from afar.

    After this, the Fitbloggin’ 5k will be easy peasy 🙂

  25. First of all, cutest picture of you ever- love it. I am always so happy to see people being honest and open on their blogs. I think its fabulous that you’ve shifted and reset your goals. I will be here, behind the computer cheering you on. Your husband sounds like one incredible man!

  26. Oh Miz, I am with you on the mental tenacity. For me that is the hardest part as well. And don’t get me started on the dreadmill! As someone who is training for her first half in April, I am cheering you on wholeheartedly and can’t wait to hear all about the race!

  27. Carla you’ll do just fine, and you will have an enormous cheering section, whether we be lining the route or cheering from home! And Sue will be watching and cheering too, guaranteed!
    Hugs to you, my friend!

  28. I lack tenacity too—seriously deficient in the mental fortitude area. I tend to bail out on long runs for the EXACT same reason. So glad that i’m not the only one!!! My only tip is to have fun. My first half was one of the best experiences of my life…I think it’s because I didn’t have any expectations and just had a great time with my friend. ENjoy!

  29. I am so saddened by your loss Carla, I hope you can find strength and joy in the memories of her eventually. She sounds like she was a great person…one that anyone would be proud to call friend and I would say she was right on the money…you do have a gift and it is that you spread such self worth to the rest of us.

    As much as I want to go to Fitbloggin, if I was able to find the personal money to go, I think I would change my plans and head to Disney to be there at the finish line…no matter where or when you got there..no I would walk the sidelines as much as I could cheering you on and videoing your success…that is what my ultimate wish would be right now.

    You have taught me so much about myself you just do not know. Your gift resonates to those who have been blessed to cross your path. My life changed in that very moment I found your blog and then ultimately you.

  30. Believe me…training for the half is the right choice for me as well. I completely shredded my body last year while I was training for my full, and although I don’t **regret** that decision, I do wish I had fully thought it through.

    My knee got wonky last Sunday after my long FREDMILL run. I’ve only run 2 miles this week so far, and I’ll try for another 5 tonight, 10 on Sunday. When I signed up for this race, I didn’t consider the fact that I would be training in the winter. In Maryland. After we’ve experienced our largest snowfall since the 1800’s. Bad planning, but I’m just going with it.

    You already know that I’ll be there, and I too agree with you as far as the manly support goes (we’re not married just yet, so I can’t call it ‘husbandly’). The fiance has NEVER MISSED a single race that I’ve done, and he is so supportive (sometimes painfully so…like when he reminds me that skipping my long run will only result in frustration). I honestly don’t know if I would even still be running if it weren’t for him.

    Here are my tips:
    1) The evening before the race, lay out all of your gear. The last thing you need to do at OH DARK THIRTY is search for your tutu. This would also include packing up your fitness belt/pockets/fuel belt (if you’re wearing one).
    2) Lay out anything that you plan to eat in the AM the evening before.
    3) Make sure you drink enough h2o during the day, and also drink some before you go to bed (I usually do about 20-30 ozs so that I don’t wake up dehydrated and have to start from 0).
    4) Start winding down very early. Like 7PM early. I’m usually excited the night before the race, and it takes me forever to fall asleep, so I have to plan on laying around for at least an hour. P.s…does this blasted race really BEGIN at 6AM?
    5) Don’t eat anything crazy the day before the race. Excitement + running 13 miles + crazy food = a situation that Go-Girl can’t help with.

    It’s gonna be fun! Woo!

  32. I would never want to train for a full marathon. It’s just too much of one thing. I would miss my biking and lifting too much.

    You are a smart lady, I hope you know that. And you did marry well. Spousal/partner support is so key in enjoying life and feeling able to follow your dreams.

  33. Read the post and I was think: you rock, but then I read your comment #22 and wow. What great insight about using your/our gifts. May you find peace with the loss of your friend.

  34. Oh I so am wanting a tutu of my very own:) And you are going to do great in this race! I love that you are taking this as an opportunity to listen and learn from your body. I really need to take a page out of your book!

  35. Love what you wrote about your friend Sue. I’m sure you’ll do her proud in the half. So sorry for your loss.

  37. I was cracking up through this entire post. Having trained and run 4 marathons, plus a few halfs, plus a bunch of 10Ks, 5Ks, etc., THE ONE THING I learned is that it was a mental thing, not a body thing, most of the time. Since you asked for tips, the one that helped me most was to come up with a mantra to say over and over again when my left brain kicked in and started whining at me and telling me I hurt too much, I wasn’t trained properly, I need to quit – now! So, each half or full marathon, I’ve come up with something to say over and over and over until I could overcome the negativity being shot at me by my own brain. It can be something simple, “Just Keep Running” to something funny, “You’re a BAAAAAD Mamma Jamma!” The only other thing I can think of is get your best rest 2 nights before because you won’t sleep the night before and HAVE FUN!

  39. Yes us long distance runners are nutso. 😉 But also long runs on the treadmill will drive you insane, I can only do so much myself. I prefer my long runs along the New England coast. When I am on the treadmill I play all kinds of mind games, it really is amazing how much you can analyze numbers in an effort to make them seem like less.

    My tips for the race
    -don’t eat anything new the night before or the morning of, stick to foods you have eaten before runs
    -lay out your clothes the night before, put your bib on your shirt, chip on your shoe, fuel you are taking, stuff you want to put on (Body glide) before you leave
    -wear clothes you have worn for a long run before
    -bring water with you to the starting area so you can keep hydrating, of course don’t chug it
    -get off the bus to the start area and head immediately to the port-o-potties, my nerves get the pulmbing going so I usually do two trips before the start
    -if you are unsure what to wear, try plugging the weather into http://www.runnersworld.com‘s What to Wear application, its usually helps me be realistic in what I should be wearing
    -if it is going to be cool (but its FL so it shouldn’t be) at the start bring a throw away sweatshirt/fleece, I get mine from Goodwill
    -don’t start out too fast
    -HAVE FUN!!!!

  40. rest assured my friend, you will not be last. I will! 🙂

    love this post although i am insanely jealous because i do not have a supportive hubby and that truly makes all the difference in the world.

  43. I’m afraid I have no advice or tips but I am very happy for you. It will be a great accomplishment to cross that finish line. I hope your wonderful hubby takes LOTS of pictures to share with us on the other side.

    ((HUGS)) Wishing you the very best.

  44. ooh, good luck!!! the race will be much more enjoyable than training, especially when you get to look at all the tutu’s 🙂 your sleep TWO nights before is what counts. and don’t do anything new on race day (when it comes to fueling or clothing). enjoy it 🙂

  45. Good post. Lots of good talking points.
    My fave point is the listening to your body/knowing your limits(2 points?)
    Maturity sometimes bring with it the realization of what is really important. Taking on new challenges with the realization that it is ok to adjust along the journey is ok and doing the adjusting along the way is ok.
    There is no running police. Running should be enjoyed. Perhaps when you are not “in training” you will be able to enjoy it more.
    I have given up listening to music when I run. I listen to the sounds around me and become aware of what’s around me and what’s swirling around in my own head. That to me is what makes running enjoyable.

  46. I have no advice or tips for you as I am not a runner (maybe, sometimes, a walker! lol), so I’ll leave that to the experts 🙂

    I am so excited for you!

    Having a supportive, helpful significant other is such a help. I’m glad you have someone that’s a cheerleader for you (besides yourself of course!).

  47. Oh Miz, I laughed and smiled as I read your post ‘For me, as I age, less exercise is more. I do it consistently. Day in day out. Year in year out. Not in vast volumes.’ (this is a goal of mine) and the thought of you ‘running at a 90 degree angle.’ And then I cried as I read your comment–both for you at the loss of your friend, and at the beauty and wisdom of her words. Thank you for sharing Miz. And good luck at Disney. I can hardly wait to hear the report. I am just as excited that the Tornado and Renman will be coming with you to enjoy the magic kingdom as I am at hearing about your race. I have many happy memories of my family at ‘Diseleyland.’

  50. I wholeheartedly agree on the half vs. full marathon debate. I did my first half last year, and while I ultimately enjoyed the experience, I remember thinking regularly on my long runs “what if I had to do twice the distance today… ugh!”

    A lot of tips related to preparation, food and hydration have been covered, so I will pass along one related to sleep… Plan to get a good night of sleep two nights before the race. That way, you will be better rested and not stress if/when you can’t sleep the night before.

  51. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. My heart goes out to you. This is such a great post because you prove we don’t have to be perfect at every exercise. That’s not what fitness is about. You don’t love, love, *love* running and that’s OK. And it makes me feel better because I don’t either. We need to embrace what works for us. Thanks for that realization!

  52. The half is a much nicer distance to run than the full as it doesn’t kill you!

    You do what works for you and celebrate it!

    And I married even better!

  53. See, this is why I love you MizFit — unapologetically YOURSELF. This is wonderful. What works for others doesn’t work for you. I think lots of people would enter the negative talk stage, “I can’t do it. I can’t believe I’m such a …..” But not you. This is your body and you know it best. You are the expert. I love how you love and respect YOURSELF and I love how you teach that to your little girl. Definitely an inspiration.

    And everytime I see you in that tutu…it cracks me up. Happy FRIDAY!

  54. I so appreciate that you cut your running down to the half. I like running. I like running 3 miles. I’m not sure I would like pushing myself to run 13, or 26 miles. I may try, sure – but because you changed up your plans, I can see that it’s ok to be flexible and do whatever it takes to make it enjoyable, first and foremost.

    I’m glad you will be virtually running with me tomorrow! I like company, even if it’s in my head. 🙂

    So sorry about your friend Sue. Lovely tribute to her, and I know she will be watching and cheering you on toward the finish line on March 7th. Hugs to you, my friend.

  55. This morning at the gym I was talking to someone who was recently in a marathon. She was telling me about running behind a girl wearing tight short-shorts. It looked like the hem was coming undone because there was a big string hanging down, then she realized it was a tampon string!

    I have the feeling you won’t be wearing anything that short, but just in case…check for strings!

  57. Totally get you on the mental exhaustion thing. I have said that I could have kept running, but just got bored. I don’t listen to music or have a running partner, I just run out of things to think about!

  60. I am running the Princess Half too! It will be my first and I don’t consider myself a runner so I’m glad so many people have given great advice. I get bored on runs too but I find that thinking about doing the actual run (I have to admit I think about running through the castle and seeing all the cheering people) gives me motivation. I am doing this to push myself to do something different (my new years resolution) but I am by no means intending to be fast. I keep reminding myself that Mickey Mouse doesn’t care if I finish first or last….he will still cheer me on.

    I’ll be wearing a bright pink shirt that says 1/2 Marathon Virgin so if you see me say hi! Keep up the hard work we are almost there!!!!!

  61. Go Mizfit Go! Have a blast!

    My tip for the mental thing: I do “thankful runs.” I spend each mile thinking about all the things I’m thankful for about people/things in my life. Given my mile pace, that’s a really long time to spend on each person, but it makes for a kind of moving meditation.

  62. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. I’ve been through that twice now, and it’s not easy to work though. What a lovely tribute to your friend that you could find a way to honor her by exercising your truest (and bestest, IMO) gift which is that of trying new things, giving them your best shot, and then enthusiastically celebrating victory or cheerfully waving the white flag and seeking a new challenge.

  63. LOVE your tenacity and know-yourself wisdom.

    For me, I am so not a runner that I cannot even contemplate a 5K. Doing a 1/2 marathon seems like insanity. (and yes, mainly from boredom- but also from OMG I CANNOT BREATHE!)

    You? You will rock the Disney! And I’ll be cheering you on virtually from the sidelines.

  64. I love you. I love how you know your body and don’t let others and guidelines rule you. I love your marriage. I love the example you set. I wish I had my own tutu even.

    I hope the race goes well. I’ll be cheering you on from far far away!

  65. I’m running that race! I’m way behind in my weekly mileage and considering skipping 10 of this week’s planned 22 miles because I seem to be coming down with a cold, but I figure if I can do 10, I can do 13 and I keep reminding myself that even if its a walk/run, that in itself is an accomplishment!

  69. I am not a runner. I don’t have the tenacity for that. Other things, but not that. 🙂

    You go! I’ll be cheering you on. I agree, it’s what we wake up saying to ourselves where we can make huge difference. I’ve found it very important – my self dialogue in the morning. 🙂

    I am lucky to have Husband support my choices, too. It is good to have such partnerships.

  70. With apologies to Yogi Berra, half of running really is 90% mental.

    Good for you for sticking with it! Running may not be your thing, but you committed and you’re doing it. I think that is great! Can’t wait to hear how the race goes.

  71. I’m not a runner. I know nothing about running. I commend you for the attempt. I’m sure you’ll be fabulous. I am still very sad for you and your friend. You use your gifts more than you know.

  72. I completely support your thinking, and I’m a runner! I’ve probably run as much as most anyone, but I’ll tell you a couple of things. I have never run a marathon. I have run a few 1/2’s. There is nothing magical about the distance. Many who do it get injuries from the training or the race. I’d rather run shorter distances more often. This way I get the vo2 max from the running and have fewer injuries. Running does build character, but you’re already a character, so you don’t need to do too much 🙂

  73. … it’s really so soon? man time flies …

    anyway, i always say it’s best to listen to your own body and i’m glad you are even though it’s “against” what some other thing says.

    i’ll be cheering you on in spirit and have total faith in you that you’ll finish and you’ll finish smiling BECAUSE it’s you and you do PLAY OUT. why should this race be any different? 😉

  74. You’re going to do AWESOME.

    My main hint?

    Try to relax and ENJOY yourself. It’s hard to contemplate enjoying running, I know – or even enjoying running 13.1 miles – but enjoy the energy of all of those doing it with you, and working so hard for such a great goal. Enjoy the picture of yourself with the tutu.

    You’re going to ROCK IT – and take LOTS of photos along the route!

  75. You will do awesome, no matter what!

    The only advice I can give you is to have a device where you can record yourself maybe. And, let your thoughts take over and talk to yourself outloud (if you can breathe, which I’m sure you will be able to). It could be the perfect opportunity for you to write a new book in a few hours. You’ll have nothing else to do but think…and run!

  76. I’m sure all this advice has been given already but;
    1. The night before the night before is the one where you need the few extra hours sleep. The actual night before there might be a bit too much nervous energy to sleep really well.
    2. Taper well. At maximum a very light,short run the day before, if at all.
    3. Hydrate well the day before, small drink in the morning of the race, take advantage of the drink stations on the run.
    4. Light breakfast, something you’re used to, at least an hour and a half before the race.
    5. Go out at a nice easy pace. Don’t let the energy of the crowd make you run faster than normal – you’d be surprised how easily this happens (like every time to me).
    6. Just enjoy yourself! How can you not at Disney!

    And, I won’t be surprised, if after you complete this, you start thinking …. hmmm … full marathon … just maybe. Finishing my first half was awesome, but nothing like finishing my first marathon …. it really is life changing (for me anyway – it made me feel like if I could do that, I could do anything). Sounds stupid, but I can feel the emotion welling now, just thinking about that final lap of the Melbourne Cricket Ground that finished my one and only marathon.

  77. i found this post and the comments really inspiring.
    you will rock at the marathon.

    sorry for the loss of your friend.

  79. Reading your blog has made me want to participate in the Disney Half next year. Never mind that I haven’t started running yet. I’ve made this goal and watching you is inspiring me. You will do great!

  80. I know what you mean about mental boredom…sometimes I get bored after an hour on my elliptical.
    I think I may shake things up with a bit of kickboxing or something.
    Running to me is painful and endless.
    I like cardio, but not running.

    love the tiara….queen of fitness.

  81. First, I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. She will be running with you and be cheering you on.

    Having done both a half and a full marathon, I whole heartedly agree with you that the half is a much more manageable distance and easier to train for. I also believe that running becomes a “family” sport. When I did my first half, my hubby also flew out with me, got up at dark o’thirty to see me to the start, and then also saw me at various points along the race and then rushed to see me finish. Training for such a big race showed me how much he supports me in all that I do.

    Tips:
    – start carb loading one week before the race. If you wait until the night before to have that pasta dinner, it will be too late.

    – Start hydrating 24 hours before the race. This will ensure that you are already hydrated when you get to that start line.

    -research what sports drink they will be offering at the water stops. If you haven’t used what they are handing out, don’t start drinking it on race day. There’s no telling how your body will react to it. Are you wearing a fuel belt? If so, then you won’t have to worry about gatorade vs. powerade vs. cytomax.

    -Don’t start out too fast. Save your energy for the last 6 miles or so and finish STRONG.

    I’m so proud of you and I know that you will ROCK!

  82. you all rock. ENTIRELY. the support the tip the tweets the emails—Im so flippin honored how many of you have made the time to cheer me on/lift me up.

    thank you.

    THANK YOU.

    You can be damn certain as Im lolloping along like the awkward Princess I am I shall be thinking of all of you.

  83. just try your best to relax and ENJOY the experience. if you can run 10 miles, you can run 13.1. you can totally do this and i bet you will surprise yourself with how well you do.

  84. You will rock the half marathon!! Do it your way! Do what’s best for you! Listen to you body! Don’t start off fast! You know how to pace. So what if you come in last…just finish!! You’ll be awesome!! Good luck!

    Jen 🙂

  85. You will rock the half marathon!! Do it your way! Do what’s best for you! Listen to you body! Don’t start off fast! You know how to pace. So what if you come in last…just finish!! You’ll be awesome!! Good luck!

    Jen 🙂

  86. Your are an inspiration. It surprises me to read about your fears and struggles and committment with this run. The comments have inspired me as well.

    4 years ago I was 345 lbs and today I’m 234 and still trying to lose more. I’m 47, bad knees, bad feet and I’m training (did I really say that?) for a 5k. I have a little voice that says ‘should I be?’ I’ve been exercising 5-7 days a week for a couple of years now, but only jogging for a year and only intervals of 2-4 minutes. I just want to do the 5k as a walk / jog interval thing..and hopefully not come in last..and not get hurt..I have a lot of fears.
    Which is why I want to do the 5k..for self esteem, to push myself, to be out there in front of folks doing it which is another fear. But as a big girl, I like the feeling of being on the treadmill and thinking..Yea, I’m running folks. It’s been an hour and I’m still going.I’m slowwwww but tenacious.

    Hang in there girl.

    Anyway, you are an inspiration and an educator

  88. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, and thank you for sharing her wisdom with the rest of us.

    Race day advice: 1) Eat a breakfast you’re familiar with! Don’t try new things either the morning of or for dinner the night before. 2) Stop and get a drink at every watering station they have, even if you don’t feel thirsty. 3) Enjoy yourself!

    And, should you ever find yourself training for a distance run again, try listening to audiobooks or podcasts on your long run. They give you something to focus on instead of the redundant scenery!

  89. First of all GOOD LUCK! Tips: 1- Do not load up on fiber for 24hrs before race. Simple carbs + easily digestible foods are best. 2- Eat 1.5hrs before race time to allow for adequate digestion…you don’t want food sitting in your stomach 3- Also drink plenty of fluids for the week leading up to the race. Stop drinking 1.5hrs before the race so you have enough time to “let it all out” 😉 and then continue drinking all throughout the race
    These tips are all coming from problems I ran into and figured out while training for my first 1/2 marathon. Running was the easy part, lol…it was all about proper prepping for me 😉

  91. I’m glad that you were able to tune into what’s going on and scale it back appropriately, good for you Miz and best of luck in the half marathon! 🙂

  92. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my best friend two years ago to MS. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of her. In many ways I feel like she is with me and cheering me on. You are going to do great in the Half Marathon. It will be so much fun for the tornado to see her mommy run and to experience Disney.

  94. Late to the party again (when am I not?) – but really inspiring and honest as all hell as always. My hat’s is in a continual state of “off” to ya madame. I can’t do treadmills either for longer than a few miles. The real joy I get out of running is being outside feeling like I’m getting somewhere, seeing and hearing my little world from a different perspective, and so forth.

    Thanks for your tenacity and your vibrant voice. You make a huge impact, truly.

  95. This is why I admire you so. You know yourself, you know your body, and you’re not afraid to always do what’s best for you.

    I hope you have a blast at Disney!

    Thinking of you…
    Jo

  96. Great post! Love that you know yourself and your body. Um, great abs, too! Whew, I’m working on ’em. I’ve got a lot more running and training to get there!

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

  97. I’ve seen quite a few people say if you can run at least 10 miles outside once in practice, you’ll make it through your half. Upright. Slow, but upright. And dear fluffy lord, woman, I can barely make it through 8 miles on the treaddy. That’s my limit. And I MUST have awesome peppy music to even set foot on a treadmill. Everything else must must must be outside, it’s a whole different world.

    If I could suggest any plan of attack in the next 2 weeks – do a speed workout sometime this week, at least 10 miles this weekend (outside if possible), and then mostly rest next week. A few short runs, fast early in the week, relaxed later in the week, rest the day before, and just let the race carry you. The week before, stop lifting as much as you can without going batty. If this helps – you just gotta get through the next 2 weeks and you can never run again if you don’t wanna – that got me through the last few weeks of my first half training.

    I wish I could go with you and run. Both to have an awesome vacation and to have another shot at a sub-2 hour half. 🙂 …and to see you in the tutu!

  98. I want my own tutu desperately!!!!!

    I won’t be at Disney, but I am excited for you. Thanks for the updates and know that we know you’ll kill it.

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  3. […] as I have yammered about time & time again, this whole half-marathon shebang is more about goal setting & revising my self-definition than anything […]

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