Who's running???

This is big news.  I've tried endlessly to get family members to run and they all are like, "no, why would I want to do that?"  Jen did the couch to 5K about 2 years ago and then didn't run again and took up kickboxing.  She did the same 5K this year and despite not really running improved.  She mentioned a color run to me when she was in town and I happened to find one happening over Labor Day weekend--when she is in town.  I immediately called her and proceeded to sign her up.  Attempt to convince mom was, "no, I'll watch though."  Next day I get a text from mom, "sign me up, or I can VOLUNTEER."  She's officially signed up!  :)  Yes, hiking in Crocs counts as training...

Jen

Here is a link to the race site incase you want to partake in this very colorful fun run :)

http://www.graffitime.com/rochester.php

What, not running?

Well, not running a lot.  I spent some time traveling with my mom through Vermont, New Hampshire and a little bit of Maine.  Back country roads (and lots of bear warnings/sightings from locals) meant no running for me.  The one time I did go was on a treadmill at a hotel where the thermostat wasn't working so it was about 75 degrees in the room and hot/humid next to the pool.  We did a little bit of hiking (about an hours worth total for the day) and got to see several little waterfalls and other cool stream type things.

Monday, July 23-Friday, July 27
Monday--no running
Tuesday--3 miles
Wednesday--5 miles
Thursday--4 miles
Friday--elliptical 60 minutes

Favorite Things...

So I've been running a long time now (more than half my life).  Over the years I have favorite shirts, pants, outfits, shoes and such.  Once in a while I'll make sure to let you know the favorites and must haves of my running life.  These are essentials and have been in my must travel with me for years (talking since middle school here folks for two of the following three items).

my must have running items

First essential item for running is a good hair tie.  I cannot stand to have my ponytail sliding down and getting loose.  These Goody Stay Put elastics are amazing and really do stay put.  I loved them the minute I bought them several years ago.  They've gone to "less elastic" showing on them but they are still amazing.  I've run marathons and my ponytail stays put.  Enough said.

best hair ties EVER

Second essential item for running is some good lip balm/ chap stick.  I am a big fan of the Vasoline though.  I can put it on somewhat thick and go for a long run in the winter (think 20 miles) and still have it on when I get home.  I also slather it on my lips before bed to keep from chapping.  But is it messy?  Well, I do use lip gloss or chap stick during the day but for runs nothing beats some good old Vasoline.  It is also great to rub on hands like lotion and then put on a pair of mittens before a long run. Little messy in the mittens but it's good at keeping your hands from getting cracked in the cold winters.

how much water?

Third, and final essential item for today, my Camelback Nalgene water bottle.  I've had water bottles before and didn't really get into using them/carrying them with me.  I love this one though since it is a bite and sip straw.  I've been drinking more water with it and it's easy to travel with.  

it's Friday!

Don't panic but it's Friday the 13th.  My sister is coming/in town (landing about now from her plane).  I've got more Disney race re-caps to write about but I thought I'd let you know what I've been up to with my own training.  If you live in a cave or under a rock you probably haven't noticed the extreme heat lately.  I have and my training has suffered as a result.  Just to keep this interesting and not a list of what I'm doing to train for the Giant Race (1/2 marathon) in San Francisco this September here is a photo of me ready to elliptical.  I usually wear crocs and socks or my toes go numb in sneakers.

elliptical outfit

Here is what this week has looked like:
Sunday:  about 5 miles (in just under 9 minute pace)
Monday: 4 miles (close to 8 min miles)
Tuesday: elliptical for 75 minutes (it was too stinkin' hot out)
Wednesday: 4 miles (about 10 minute miles... it was like 78 degrees out and I don't run if it's over 80)
Thursday:  3 miles (26 minutes--cool in the am but about 90 by afternoon)
Friday: overnight low of 74 means I'll be ellipticalling for about 90 minutes today (yay Netflix movie)


Goal for next week is to start incorporating some stretching since I am horrible at that and not flexible at all.  I'll aim for 5 minutes a day since I think that will be manageable for me.  

That's the End

Now that I was done with my Jungle Cruise duties the only thing left on our agenda was the closing ceremony at the hotel.  We said goodbye to Randy and Jordan.  They gave us a Jungle Cruise pin and a copy of the whole script (not just the few pages we were given to memorize in the weeks before arrival).  The script was about 45 pages with alternate jokes for each scene.  

at the closing ceremony

The closing ceremony was very nice (would you expect anything else?).  We were greeted by our character mascots and had some delicious snacks and desserts.  The cast members and ambassadors that had helped us throughout the event thanked us for being so wonderful and making the event so much fun for them.  We were each given an amazing gift.  It was a photo of Mickey giving us our Cast Member pins after our Disney etiquette training and all of the Dream Job members in front of the castle.  The frame was a golden hue with Mickey's in the scroll design.  

team mascots

We said goodbye to each other and then my family and I headed out to the park.  Disneyland was open until midnight... that means lots of fun for me!  Those that know me are well aware of my last night at Disney/I'm leaving syndrome.  I burst into tears during the fireworks--especially the wish upon a star part.  After that it was all smiles.   

Jungle Cruise Donald Duck

 What do you do when the park is fairly empty after fireworks?   I head to Fantasyland since most of the little kids are gone and the lines are short.  Can you guess what line was really short? 

Dumbo had "no" line.  I was able to walk off and walk right back on again.  After doing this about 5 times the cast member working there told me I didn't have to exit unless there were about 10 people in the line.  Another dream come true... getting to fly with Dumbo over and over again.  I think I rode on every single Dumbo there was.  My mom chatted briefly with the cast member during one of my flights and I was given a Magic Feather to take home.  

It was an amazing experience and I loved every exhausting minute of it.