A Pink Pixie Princess - Complete!

Pre-10 Miler Training - Week 7, Part 3

Thursday, June 23 (2-mile run)
Back to the treadmill for a 2-mile run! It helped work up my appetite to go back to Palo and have brunch!

CHICKEN PARM YAAASSSS

And that's pretty much it! We didn't do much else beyond watch a ton of moves in the stateroom (Waking Sleeping Beauty, Ratatouille, Big Hero Six, the live-action Maleficent, etc.). Like I said above, we didn't do much during this cruise, but it was just what we needed.

Friday, June 24 (rest/debarkation)
THE WORST DAY.

We woke up, had our last breakfast in Cabanas, and debarked. Getting through customs was pretty quick - I declared my $25 shirt on the customs form and the customs official thought I was nuts. I was proud. We only charged $431 to our stateroom - not bad with 2 Palo meals - and we had $200 in onboard credit, so this was a cheap cruise for us!

We flew back home on Southwest - our second flight was delayed by an hour, but overall it was a smooth travel day. We picked up a pizza on the way home and ate that while watching the red-hot Indians win again (NOTE: if they go to the play-offs this year, I will LOSE MY MIND. The Cavs winning was obviously amazing, but baseball is my #1 favorite).

GOOD NEWS: Our house was not TP'd when we got home! My dad suggested calling our local PD to ask them to ride by the house once or twice while we were gone, and I'm glad we did that. Gave me peace of mind. And I'm so glad we didn't get hit again while we were gone, would have been like putting a big, flashing sign over our house announcing that we weren't home!!

Saturday, June 25 (#OrlandoUnited Virtual 5K, 4.1 miles completed)
Mr. A was up early to head to Pittsburgh to meet up with his dad and a family friend today! I was up for my first-ever virtual race. Normally I don't do virtuals, but 100% of my registration fee went to the OneOrlando fund, so this was a no-brainer.

I did a slow 1-mile warm-up - jogged to our local park (which has a 0.5-mile paved walking/running loop) and got warmed up. Mentally, doing the loops was really hard and I was ready to quit halfway through. It wasn't very hot out, but I was having a strange sensation like I was back on the ship - sea legs!! ARG! It was soooooo weird and disorienting.

The first two miles went well...
Mile 1 - 10:20
Mile 2 - 10:11

But I lost it in the 3rd mile. That was when I was really feeling the swaying sensation the most and it got a little nauseating! I took a few walk breaks.
Mile 3 - 10:43
0.1 in 57.8, 9:31/mile pace

Total time: 32:13, 10:23/mile pace

This time is a little disappointing to me - 10-miler training starts "for real" this coming week and I was hoping to have gotten a little faster since my 10K in May, but apparently I haven't. Oh well - overall I'm happy with my effort, and it was for a great cause. I guess I'll just stick with the same paces I've been using for 10-miler training.

After showering and getting breakfast, I did a little shopping...

...and grabbed the monster from camp! He seems very happy to be home and has been following me around. He was confused that Mr. A was not here.

"Hey mom...whatcha doin'?"

I binged-watched "Orange is the New Black" and messed around on Facebook all evening. Relaxing!

Sunday, June 26 (rest)
Oops! Was supposed to go to yoga today! I slept in instead and grocery shopped. Mr. A was home by lunchtime.

And now the monster can rest...all is right with the world again.

Continued in Next Post

Lots of updates!

Return of BB8! That shirt is kinda adorable ... I still haven't seen The Force Awakens (I've seen all of two Star Wars movies in my life), but even I think BB8 9s kinda cute.

I'm glad the yoga is working out well! It's always nice when you have to make a decision and then things end up working out well!

Okay ... what the ????? Maybe it's just because it wasn't something I did growing up, but I don't understand TPing (or worse) someone's house. That's insane. And the insane amount of stuff that they did ... I can't even understand it. I'm glad the cops took you seriously and you were able to get things all cleaned up. But still ... I can't believe that happened to you guys! I'm so sorry.

I also have a lot of trouble with afternoon running. It's a totally different experience. Which is why it's probably never a bad idea to mix it up a bit, but ... morning running is just so much easier!

I really can't imagine being away from home when your team wins. I mean, I guess it happens all the time for people who live in a different city than their favorite team, but ... I rarely leave NY, so any time one of our local teams wins something, you can really feel the excitement. I still remember when the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008 ... walking from where I was watching the game back to my dorm, you could hear screaming in the streets. There were no people in the streets - they were screaming inside buildings and you could hear it from the streets.

The DCL terminal is nice. I've never cruised (and probably never will), so I've never paid attention to it, but I kinda like it. And that chandelier on the ship is awesome!

Yay for not the worst weather for the 5K. It actually kinda reminds me a lot of where I run at home - surrounded by trees and nothing else too exciting to see. But that medallion is super cute. I like that it has a ship on it - makes it more fun than the 2015 one. And I think the umbrella/water combo is perfect ... assuming they have umbrellas at the beach somewhere.

I'm glad you guys had a nice relaxing cruise - it sounds like you definitely needed the relaxation!!

Yay for doing the #OrlandoUnited 5K. I was really on the fence about whether or not to do it, and I'm a little bit sorry that I didn't, but ... whatever. Even if it wasn't your best run (which really doesn't seem surprising to me the day after a cruise), at least you did it and gave some money and awareness to an awesome charity! And I think your Pixels shirt is a great shirt to wear for that - lots of color!
Also, in terms of pace/race - I feel like a virtual race isn't great for determining race paces, because even if you're running at race pace, you don't really have the race environment to help encourage you. So you may be in better shape than you think.

Loved the cruise report! My wife and I have done two Eastern Caribbean cruises on the Fantasy and you're making me want to go back!

Also, thanks for the expanded info on the HydraQuiver. I think I'm going to try one out. My birthday is this week so I'm hoping some judicious hints and updates to my Amazon Wish list net one, but if not I'll just have to splurge.

Hope all the drama is done with your house, as well. Glad to hear everything was in one piece when you got home! Don't know what people are thinking half the time these days.

Yay for the cruise report! The Palo meals looked AMAZING! Congrats on doing the Castaway 5K! And I said this on instagram, but the twinsie pic with you and Mr. A on the beach is seriously awesome! I would think InkNBurn would be all over that one for their website or whatever.

Oh and I loved Finding Dory too! I was listening to a review on a podcast that I love, and the guy said baby Dory may have exceeded the big eye/body ratio of cuteness haha I really loved baby Dory

So cute that Archie kept following you around after picking him up. Sweet little pup.

Awesome cruise report! I'm so jealous and really want to do a Disney cruise.

Congrats on the Castaway Cay 5K. That's one of one races I hope to do at some point in my lifetime.

Good work on the OrlandoUnited 5K as well!

Nice hat!

SarahDisney said:

Lots of updates!

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Yep! Gotta get caught up after vacation - both at work at on the DIS!

SarahDisney said:

Return of BB8! That shirt is kinda adorable ... I still haven't seen The Force Awakens (I've seen all of two Star Wars movies in my life), but even I think BB8 9s kinda cute.

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Same here - I've seen The Force Awakens and Episode IV. I'm determined to at least get through the original trilogy before Star Wars Land opens in Disneyland/WDW! And BB-8 is adorable.

SarahDisney said:

I'm glad the yoga is working out well! It's always nice when you have to make a decision and then things end up working out well!

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Me too! I hope it continues to work out well!

SarahDisney said:

Okay ... what the ????? Maybe it's just because it wasn't something I did growing up, but I don't understand TPing (or worse) someone's house. That's insane. And the insane amount of stuff that they did ... I can't even understand it. I'm glad the cops took you seriously and you were able to get things all cleaned up. But still ... I can't believe that happened to you guys! I'm so sorry.

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I will admit, 8th grade me did participate in a TP-ing. Not my idea, but my friends were going it and 8th grade me did what my friends did. But that was TP and shaving cream only - not to the extent that my house got hit! Maybe this is karma for participating in the TP-ing all those years ago?

I still can't believe it happened either!!

SarahDisney said:

I also have a lot of trouble with afternoon running. It's a totally different experience. Which is why it's probably never a bad idea to mix it up a bit, but ... morning running is just so much easier!

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it SO IS!! I like to get it done first thing and I like that it helps wake me up. Afternoon running...meh.

SarahDisney said:

I really can't imagine being away from home when your team wins. I mean, I guess it happens all the time for people who live in a different city than their favorite team, but ... I rarely leave NY, so any time one of our local teams wins something, you can really feel the excitement. I still remember when the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008 ... walking from where I was watching the game back to my dorm, you could hear screaming in the streets. There were no people in the streets - they were screaming inside buildings and you could hear it from the streets.

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We just caught up with our neighbors yesterday (they were also watching the house for us so we wanted to thank them) and they said that when the game ended, people were outside screaming (OUTSIDE, no inside like what you said!), there were fireworks going off...ahhhhh. Sad we missed it!

SarahDisney said:

The DCL terminal is nice. I've never cruised (and probably never will), so I've never paid attention to it, but I kinda like it. And that chandelier on the ship is awesome!

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I've never cruised on another line so I'm not sure what other terminals are like - I have seen pictures of DCL's other terminals and I don't think they look like Port Canaveral. it's so pretty.

SarahDisney said:

Yay for not the worst weather for the 5K. It actually kinda reminds me a lot of where I run at home - surrounded by trees and nothing else too exciting to see. But that medallion is super cute. I like that it has a ship on it - makes it more fun than the 2015 one. And I think the umbrella/water combo is perfect ... assuming they have umbrellas at the beach somewhere.

Click to expand...

Yes, I really do like the medallion a lot! And it was free, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

They DO have umbrellas at the beach! That's what I was going for but you can't quite get that from the picture.

SarahDisney said:

I'm glad you guys had a nice relaxing cruise - it sounds like you definitely needed the relaxation!!

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Yes, it came at the perfect time.

SarahDisney said:

Yay for doing the #OrlandoUnited 5K. I was really on the fence about whether or not to do it, and I'm a little bit sorry that I didn't, but ... whatever. Even if it wasn't your best run (which really doesn't seem surprising to me the day after a cruise), at least you did it and gave some money and awareness to an awesome charity! And I think your Pixels shirt is a great shirt to wear for that - lots of color!

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Yeah,I read that that between the "live" and virtual race, $100,000 was raised for OneOrlando! Pretty awesome.

I had to make sure to wear rainbow-colored something.

You're SO right about the cruise probably affecting the run. Let's face it, I wasn't exactly eating a healthy diet during that sailing... (I regret nothing)

SarahDisney said:

Also, in terms of pace/race - I feel like a virtual race isn't great for determining race paces, because even if you're running at race pace, you don't really have the race environment to help encourage you. So you may be in better shape than you think.

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You are very wise, Sarah. I think both this and the cruise could definitely have had an effect on the run.

camaker said:

Loved the cruise report! My wife and I have done two Eastern Caribbean cruises on the Fantasy and you're making me want to go back!

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Ooooh, I did the Eastern itinerary in October. Loved it! Hope to do that one again someday.

camaker said:

Also, thanks for the expanded info on the HydraQuiver. I think I'm going to try one out. My birthday is this week so I'm hoping some judicious hints and updates to my Amazon Wish list net one, but if not I'll just have to splurge.

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That sounds like a great birthday gift!

If you don't find it on Amazon (which...they have everything, sooo...) make sure to sign up for Orange Mud's email list and get the 10% off code.

camaker said:

Hope all the drama is done with your house, as well. Glad to hear everything was in one piece when you got home! Don't know what people are thinking half the time these days.

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Yeah, me neither. I feel like this is childish to say, but the whole thing was just so...mean.

I forget if I mentioned it but we ended up getting the dead grass dug out and re-planted (someone a few houses down does yard stuff so he did that for us while we were gone and watered it and everything) - so it actually did end up causing damage and costing us money. But the new grass is coming in, so that's good. Our driveway is still glittery, but otherwise, I think things are dying down.

disneydaydreamer33 said:

Yay for the cruise report! The Palo meals looked AMAZING! Congrats on doing the Castaway 5K!

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Palo was seriously the highlight of the cruise for us - both meals were just soooo fantastic. I think I'd have to give the edge to dinner, but I can't wait to do both again!

disneydaydreamer33 said:

And I said this on instagram, but the twinsie pic with you and Mr. A on the beach is seriously awesome! I would think InkNBurn would be all over that one for their website or whatever.

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Thanks!! I like that one, too.

disneydaydreamer33 said:

Oh and I loved Finding Dory too! I was listening to a review on a podcast that I love, and the guy said baby Dory may have exceeded the big eye/body ratio of cuteness haha I really loved baby Dory

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YES - her gigantic eyes! But OMG she was soooo adorable. I'm normally not super into Disney plush, but I may need a plush baby Dory to snuggle.

disneydaydreamer33 said:

So cute that Archie kept following you around after picking him up. Sweet little pup.

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He is super sweet. We really missed him!

rteetz said:

Awesome cruise report! I'm so jealous and really want to do a Disney cruise.

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Some day!! They are so great. The service and Disney touches are awesome.

rteetz said:

Congrats on the Castaway Cay 5K. That's one of one races I hope to do at some point in my lifetime.

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Thanks! I know a lot of people like that race...

But if they stop giving out the free medallions...I will stop doing it.

rteetz said:

Good work on the OrlandoUnited 5K as well!

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Thanks!

rteetz said:

Nice hat!

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THANKS!! I'm not really a hat person normally, but I thought I'd better grab that one.

Welcome back!!!

That vandalism is crazy. It sure seems like it was likely one/some of Mr. A's students though. It's clearly the work of juveniles and with the language they used doesn't sound random. I'm mean I get that he can't imagine it was directed at him, but kids can't get angry over strange things. Chris had a 6th grader who left a note for him on the last day of class that read, "See you in hell". On the bus going home they discovered the kid had a knife on him. NUTSO. Sounds like you guys did a quick and impressive job of cleaning things up, but I would have been furious. The grass thing again just seems really personal and mean-spirited. I'm sorry that happened to you.

The cruise looks amazing. And, you know, I love cruising for the simple fact that you can just basically do nothing. You give yourself permission to just sit around and nap and watch movies and eat and drink. Is that what vacation is all about? And, for what it's worth, I totally get the umbrella and water theme. Perfect for that race!!

And, sadly, I missed out on the Zen singlet. I had sent it to Chris to maybe buy for me for my birthday, but he didn't act quickly and it sold out. I'm a little disappointed, but honestly, it's okay. I have sooooo many running clothes that it's getting embarrassing. Also, I did try out a walk for the first time in my water shorts and I don't think they will work for me for running. Just the walking led to some uncomfortable rubbing with the edges on the shorts. Boo. So, I think I'll stick with their tops and capris and tights and probably just continue using my (numerous) sparkle skirts for bottoms. I can used my water shorts for circuit training and running around though.

Super ****ty that your house got so trashed, I worry about that often with my students, as I have a reputation for being a hard marker...but more I worry for my car, as I don't teach anywhere near my home.
Very glad, that after that you ended up having an incredibly relaxing cruise!!!
I can't wait to see what progress you make once your new training begins officially!

ZellyB said:

Welcome back!!!

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Thanks!!

ZellyB said:

That vandalism is crazy. It sure seems like it was likely one/some of Mr. A's students though. It's clearly the work of juveniles and with the language they used doesn't sound random. I'm mean I get that he can't imagine it was directed at him, but kids can't get angry over strange things. Chris had a 6th grader who left a note for him on the last day of class that read, "See you in hell". On the bus going home they discovered the kid had a knife on him. NUTSO. Sounds like you guys did a quick and impressive job of cleaning things up, but I would have been furious. The grass thing again just seems really personal and mean-spirited. I'm sorry that happened to you.

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I know! Isn't it?!

I'm just not sure what to think about it. He swears up and down that it couldn't be one of his students, but...how would he really know? The language they used is basically the only thing that makes me think it possibly was not a student though - if you were mad at a teacher, would you call said teacher a p---y (twice)? Maybe I'm thinking too deeply about this.

That is messed up with the student sending Chris that note! And then a knife?? Sometimes it makes me nervous that Mr. A is a teacher...

ZellyB said:

The cruise looks amazing. And, you know, I love cruising for the simple fact that you can just basically do nothing. You give yourself permission to just sit around and nap and watch movies and eat and drink. Is that what vacation is all about? And, for what it's worth, I totally get the umbrella and water theme. Perfect for that race!!

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Doing nothing for a few days was quite lovely! The portion I bolded in your reply pretty much sums up exactly what we did the entire time (which is why I'm not doing a "full" report - doesn't seem like the most entertaining thing to read about).

I'm glad you get my theming!

ZellyB said:

And, sadly, I missed out on the Zen singlet. I had sent it to Chris to maybe buy for me for my birthday, but he didn't act quickly and it sold out. I'm a little disappointed, but honestly, it's okay. I have sooooo many running clothes that it's getting embarrassing.

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Nooooo. I couldn't believe how quickly that one sold out!! It must be some kind of record for them, even faster than the Mermaid capris I think?

If you REALLY want it, definitely try calling some of the retailers - stores will get them in, too.

ZellyB said:

Also, I did try out a walk for the first time in my water shorts and I don't think they will work for me for running. Just the walking led to some uncomfortable rubbing with the edges on the shorts. Boo. So, I think I'll stick with their tops and capris and tights and probably just continue using my (numerous) sparkle skirts for bottoms. I can used my water shorts for circuit training and running around though.

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Bummer!! Mine aren't fitting quite right, right now, but I think that's my fault (thank you, cruise food ). They definitely aren't for everyone.

Sailormoon2 said:

Super ****ty that your house got so trashed, I worry about that often with my students, as I have a reputation for being a hard marker...but more I worry for my car, as I don't teach anywhere near my home.

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Super ***ty!!! Probably a good thing that you don't teacher anywhere near where you live (we're about 10-15 minutes away from Mr. A's school).

Sailormoon2 said:

Very glad, that after that you ended up having an incredibly relaxing cruise!!!

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Me too!!

Sailormoon2 said:

I can't wait to see what progress you make once your new training begins officially!

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I hope to have some good progress to report! I have to admit that I'm a little discouraged right now, but I'm hoping things will pick up!

A Break

It hasn't been a great week.

My "virtual 5K" run on Saturday was pretty disappointing. My runs on Monday and Tuesday seemed impossible to complete - I was fighting myself physically and mentally the entire time. Today, I didn't even make it a mile (I had 4x800 planned). I dreaded each of these runs, and they were not good.

All week, I have seriously been debating pulling the plug on running altogether...suddenly it is making me miserable.

As I got ready for work this morning after my 0.65-mile treadmill jaunt, I asked myself what I get out of running - why do I do it? 3 reasons quickly sprang to mind...

1. It makes me feel strong and healthy --> and thus confident (I assume this feeling will come back eventually...)
2. It helps me be less fat (sorry not sorry...vain but true)
3. I like doing Disney races

"Being fast" or "breaking PRs" is not on my little list there, and yet, that is what I have been fixated on this year. Something similar happened 1-2 years back and just like now, I found myself thinking about just quitting because running was making me so unhappy.

Another thing that has been making me unhappy - a mistake that I have been making since my 10K in May - is that I'm comparing myself now to how I was a year and two years ago. In 2014, I was in awesome (for me) shape, probably the best shape I have ever been in, and was significantly faster than I am now. A year ago, I was in the midst of a post-Dopey burnout...but still in decent shape. And of course, 2016 has so far been defined by my back "injury" (for lack of a better word), prolonged break from running, and coming back from that break. Simply put, I expected to bounce back faster than I have, and - I am starting to think - faster than what is realistic. Running has never come easily to me, so I'm not sure why I assumed I'd just snap right back into shape. I mean...I'm not even 100% recovered from the sciatica episode yet. I have definitely come a long way, but I still feel the effects daily. It seems like I should be completely recovered as I'm approaching 6 months since it first flared up...but my doctor did warn me that it could take up to a year to go away. I'm not sure I really believe it would be that long, but I'm starting to think that it very well could be.

I think I have been expecting too much of myself. Hoping to beat a 10-miler time that I ran pre-injury just seems like setting myself up for disappointment (like what happened with my recent 10K race), and with the training plan I was hoping to use (an "intermediate" plan - when I still feel like I am starting from scratch), I am already burning out. This morning, feeling utterly defeated, I decided I need to make some changes.

I'm not totally sure what I want to do yet, but I am going to take the rest of this week off from running, and after that, will likely...

1. Change my training plan...I am not ready for "intermediate"-level training. I am going to go back to running 4 days per running each week...maybe I can get to 5 some day, but right now that thought is overwhelming to me
2. Axe speedwork and tempo runs
3. Try my best to stop worrying about pace...
a. For my upcoming 10K and 10-mile races, I'm going to try hard not to have any hard time goals in mind - I just want to complete them. So the PoT that I have for Goofy, Princess, and Tink are what they are, and I just need to accept that go with them.
b. I'm going to stop reporting my time and paces here in this thread. I think it adds to the pressure that I am putting on myself somehow, feeling like I need to "report in" and show progress. I debated bagging this thread altogether (seriously, many thoughts running through my head this week), but I don't want to do that just yet. I don't think so, anyway.

One change I am NOT making - I'm going to try to stick with 3 days per week of yoga. I think that yoga has really been good for my mind and soul (and my body as well, of course).

The bottom line is that I have definitely lost sight of why I run. When I first was able to start back up again, I told myself to just be grateful that I could do it, that I was lucky to be coming back from the injury ...that is the mindset that I need to get back to.

Vent over!!

Keep Moving Forward...

First of all

Secondly, sometimes breaks are good and giving yourself a break is also good. I've also been obsessing too much about pace and worrying about coming back from my knee problems and it's also been making me not like running. That's so silly for me to get so hung up on pace and I'm taking what you just said very much to heart for myself as well.

I'm glad you aren't giving up on this thread too. I'd miss your posts on how your training is going, not to mention how cute you look in your INKnBurn.

On that topic, I got a club member to order a pair of the new men's club shorts for Chris. He's been complaining that he needs new shorts, so I hope he likes them. I wish they made the women's shorts with the spandex shorts underneath though. I'd totally try those!

Ariel484 said:

A Break

It hasn't been a great week.

My "virtual 5K" run on Saturday was pretty disappointing. My runs on Monday and Tuesday seemed impossible to complete - I was fighting myself physically and mentally the entire time. Today, I didn't even make it a mile (I had 4x800 planned). I dreaded each of these runs, and they were not good.

All week, I have seriously been debating pulling the plug on running altogether...suddenly it is making me miserable.

As I got ready for work this morning after my 0.65-mile treadmill jaunt, I asked myself what I get out of running - why do I do it? 3 reasons quickly sprang to mind...

1. It makes me feel strong and healthy --> and thus confident (I assume this feeling will come back eventually...)
2. It helps me be less fat (sorry not sorry...vain but true)
3. I like doing Disney races

"Being fast" or "breaking PRs" is not on my little list there, and yet, that is what I have been fixated on this year. Something similar happened 1-2 years back and just like now, I found myself thinking about just quitting because running was making me so unhappy.

Another thing that has been making me unhappy - a mistake that I have been making since my 10K in May - is that I'm comparing myself now to how I was a year and two years ago. In 2014, I was in awesome (for me) shape, probably the best shape I have ever been in, and was significantly faster than I am now. A year ago, I was in the midst of a post-Dopey burnout...but still in decent shape. And of course, 2016 has so far been defined by my back "injury" (for lack of a better word), prolonged break from running, and coming back from that break. Simply put, I expected to bounce back faster than I have, and - I am starting to think - faster than what is realistic. Running has never come easily to me, so I'm not sure why I assumed I'd just snap right back into shape. I mean...I'm not even 100% recovered from the sciatica episode yet. I have definitely come a long way, but I still feel the effects daily. It seems like I should be completely recovered as I'm approaching 6 months since it first flared up...but my doctor did warn me that it could take up to a year to go away. I'm not sure I really believe it would be that long, but I'm starting to think that it very well could be.

I think I have been expecting too much of myself. Hoping to beat a 10-miler time that I ran pre-injury just seems like setting myself up for disappointment (like what happened with my recent 10K race), and with the training plan I was hoping to use (an "intermediate" plan - when I still feel like I am starting from scratch), I am already burning out. This morning, feeling utterly defeated, I decided I need to make some changes.

I'm not totally sure what I want to do yet, but I am going to take the rest of this week off from running, and after that, will likely...

1. Change my training plan...I am not ready for "intermediate"-level training. I am going to go back to running 4 days per running each week...maybe I can get to 5 some day, but right now that thought is overwhelming to me
2. Axe speedwork and tempo runs
3. Try my best to stop worrying about pace...
a. For my upcoming 10K and 10-mile races, I'm going to try hard not to have any hard time goals in mind - I just want to complete them. So the PoT that I have for Goofy, Princess, and Tink are what they are, and I just need to accept that go with them.
b. I'm going to stop reporting my time and paces here in this thread. I think it adds to the pressure that I am putting on myself somehow, feeling like I need to "report in" and show progress. I debated bagging this thread altogether (seriously, many thoughts running through my head this week), but I don't want to do that just yet. I don't think so, anyway.

One change I am NOT making - I'm going to try to stick with 3 days per week of yoga. I think that yoga has really been good for my mind and soul (and my body as well, of course).

The bottom line is that I have definitely lost sight of why I run. When I first was able to start back up again, I told myself to just be grateful that I could do it, that I was lucky to be coming back from the injury ...that is the mindset that I need to get back to.

Vent over!!

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Hang in there! I think you're doing exactly the right thing in how you've approached the situation. Rather than just drop running, you took a step back and evaluated the "why I run" as well as the "not why I run" factors. As a result, you've come up with an action plan that will get you back to the parts that you enjoy. Don't ever apologize for the "helps me be less fat" piece, either! If it's part of your motivation, it's part of your motivation. One of my mantras is "you can't outrun calories" but combined with moderation, running certainly can help you enjoy a few more and make those fancy cruise meals a little less guilty of a pleasure. One of the favorite blog titles I've run across is "Runs for Cookies", which certainly applies to me. I hope the new priorities get you re-energized and I'll be pulling for you!

I actually totally understand what you're saying, especially because I went through something similar recently. But you've got a great approach - take a step back, focus on what you like about running, and work from there.

I'm feeling better this afternoon...thanks peeps!

ZellyB said:

First of all

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ZellyB said:

Secondly, sometimes breaks are good and giving yourself a break is also good. I've also been obsessing too much about pace and worrying about coming back from my knee problems and it's also been making me not like running. That's so silly for me to get so hung up on pace and I'm taking what you just said very much to heart for myself as well.

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Yeah, I am must trying to say to myself... "this is NOT that serious. You need to chill out, woman." I feel like this should not be bothering me so much!

ZellyB said:

I'm glad you aren't giving up on this thread too. I'd miss your posts on how your training is going, not to mention how cute you look in your INKnBurn.

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INKnBURN you say?!

ZellyB said:

On that topic, I got a club member to order a pair of the new men's club shorts for Chris. He's been complaining that he needs new shorts, so I hope he likes them. I wish they made the women's shorts with the spandex shorts underneath though. I'd totally try those!

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Ah, if I'd known you wanted those I would have ordered a pair for you (well, Chris). I ordered a women's pair for myself and ended up ordering a men's pair for one of the guys in the group. That should earn me some INKnBURN karma, right?

YES - that would be awesome if they made women's shorts like that! And I'm pretty jealous that the men's shorts have that back zipper pocket.

camaker said:

Hang in there! I think you're doing exactly the right thing in how you've approached the situation. Rather than just drop running, you took a step back and evaluated the "why I run" as well as the "not why I run" factors. As a result, you've come up with an action plan that will get you back to the parts that you enjoy. Don't ever apologize for the "helps me be less fat" piece, either! If it's part of your motivation, it's part of your motivation. One of my mantras is "you can't outrun calories" but combined with moderation, running certainly can help you enjoy a few more and make those fancy cruise meals a little less guilty of a pleasure. One of the favorite blog titles I've run across is "Runs for Cookies", which certainly applies to me. I hope the new priorities get you re-energized and I'll be pulling for you!

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Thank you!! I think it's the right decision, and I'm excited to start taking a different approach. I think it'll make me happier in the long run (LOL?).

For real with needing to run due to the fancy cruise meals...I think I'm still recovering from that a little bit, too. "Run for Dessert" (cookies, cupcakes, ice cream - I'm not picky) could definitely be the title of my blog, if I thought I was interesting enough to have one!

SarahDisney said:

I actually totally understand what you're saying, especially because I went through something similar recently. But you've got a great approach - take a step back, focus on what you like about running, and work from there.

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To tell you the truth, I did think about you and your thread when I was writing out this post. I know you get it.

SarahDisney said:

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Nice to see that you've made a quick turnaround.

Most of the time I like running...but when I'm having a tough stretch I can hate it soooo much. I think it happens to everyone from time to time.

Sorry to hear you've got the running blues
I think you've got the right idea to change your running to make it more enjoyable rather than stop altogether. I would also recommend trying some swimming and biking (and maybe make trying a triathlon a new goal??) if your back can handle it. I got into triathlon about 6 years ago and just love it! It really helps keep you from getting bored with doing the same thing all the time.
Either way I totally understand needing a break - we all need that sometimes, whether it's from work, running, or being a parent. A step back can bring new perspective and a new mindset!
But I hope you don't stop writing - I love your reports (great cruise recap - oh PALO how I love you!) and your amazing and adorable InknBurn wardrobe too!
Oh and what the what with the whole vandalism thing? That's crazy!! I would have been way angrier than it sounds like you were!

Barca33Runner said:

Nice to see that you've made a quick turnaround.

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I think I needed a good venting session and a new plan.

Barca33Runner said:

Most of the time I like running...but when I'm having a tough stretch I can hate it soooo much. I think it happens to everyone from time to time.

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Yeah, once I feel like I get to a place where I'm totally recovered from this sciatica episode, I'll have to think about how to approach things going forward. I'm definitely in a "hate it" period right now!

BigEeyore said:

Sorry to hear you've got the running blues

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Thanks. "Running blues" is a funny way to describe it, but it's so true!

BigEeyore said:

I think you've got the right idea to change your running to make it more enjoyable rather than stop altogether. I would also recommend trying some swimming and biking (and maybe make trying a triathlon a new goal??) if your back can handle it. I got into triathlon about 6 years ago and just love it! It really helps keep you from getting bored with doing the same thing all the time.

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My husband was suggesting this yesterday - not necessarily getting into triathlons but maybe trying a different form of cardio every once in awhile. I have always been a good swimmer but I have NEVER been a good cyclist - of course, I've only really tried the stationary bikes at the gym, so maybe riding a real road bike would go better?

But that is something that I could see getting into at some point. It seems like a good way to still get cardio in but also get a good total body workout at the same time.

BigEeyore said:

Either way I totally understand needing a break - we all need that sometimes, whether it's from work, running, or being a parent. A step back can bring new perspective and a new mindset!

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I feel silly getting burned out and needing a small break already, when I JUST got back into running, but I definitely need a different approach right now.

BigEeyore said:

But I hope you don't stop writing - I love your reports (great cruise recap - oh PALO how I love you!) and your amazing and adorable InknBurn wardrobe too!

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OMG - Palo was soooo good this time. I was a little concerned because they recently changed their menu, but I really think it was the best it has been out of all of the times I have gone there. Most definitely the highlight(s) of our cruise, both meals.

I'm due to get some new INKnBURN in the mail on Saturday...eeeek. That should perk me right up!!

BigEeyore said:

Oh and what the what with the whole vandalism thing? That's crazy!! I would have been way angrier than it sounds like you were!

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AHHH I know. I was more unsettled by if than anything.

We were walking the dog last night and took a check to pay the person who "fixed" the dead grass for us - he said that his mom is a teacher and their garage and one of their cars have been spray painted by angry students in the past! We were lucky that what happened to us didn't really cost much money to fix ($47 from this guy to dig out and plant new grass for us, and water it while we were gone on vacation - which I thought was a bargain). But spray painting the house and the car is a whole other level. What is with kids lately?! If something like that had happened to us, THAT would have made me angry, and I think I we'd end up rigging up a camera system or something (we looked into that but I'm not sure that we'll actually pull the trigger - this guy's parents DO have something like that set up, and I can't say I blame them).

Ariel484 said:

My husband was suggesting this yesterday - not necessarily getting into triathlons but maybe trying a different form of cardio every once in awhile. I have always been a good swimmer but I have NEVER been a good cyclist - of course, I've only really tried the stationary bikes at the gym, so maybe riding a real road bike would go better?

But that is something that I could see getting into at some point. It seems like a good way to still get cardio in but also get a good total body workout at the same time.

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Come to the dark side! If nothing else, the varied training keeps things more interesting than simply running all the time. And don't feel bad about not liking running right now or even at all. I don't like running. I like what running does for me, the friends it has brought me, and the places it's taken me. Keeping those things in mind makes it easier to get up in the morning and suffer through a treadmill or a parking lot.

Ariel484 said:

A Break

It hasn't been a great week.

My "virtual 5K" run on Saturday was pretty disappointing. My runs on Monday and Tuesday seemed impossible to complete - I was fighting myself physically and mentally the entire time. Today, I didn't even make it a mile (I had 4x800 planned). I dreaded each of these runs, and they were not good.

All week, I have seriously been debating pulling the plug on running altogether...suddenly it is making me miserable.

As I got ready for work this morning after my 0.65-mile treadmill jaunt, I asked myself what I get out of running - why do I do it? 3 reasons quickly sprang to mind...

1. It makes me feel strong and healthy --> and thus confident (I assume this feeling will come back eventually...)
2. It helps me be less fat (sorry not sorry...vain but true)
3. I like doing Disney races

"Being fast" or "breaking PRs" is not on my little list there, and yet, that is what I have been fixated on this year. Something similar happened 1-2 years back and just like now, I found myself thinking about just quitting because running was making me so unhappy.

Another thing that has been making me unhappy - a mistake that I have been making since my 10K in May - is that I'm comparing myself now to how I was a year and two years ago. In 2014, I was in awesome (for me) shape, probably the best shape I have ever been in, and was significantly faster than I am now. A year ago, I was in the midst of a post-Dopey burnout...but still in decent shape. And of course, 2016 has so far been defined by my back "injury" (for lack of a better word), prolonged break from running, and coming back from that break. Simply put, I expected to bounce back faster than I have, and - I am starting to think - faster than what is realistic. Running has never come easily to me, so I'm not sure why I assumed I'd just snap right back into shape. I mean...I'm not even 100% recovered from the sciatica episode yet. I have definitely come a long way, but I still feel the effects daily. It seems like I should be completely recovered as I'm approaching 6 months since it first flared up...but my doctor did warn me that it could take up to a year to go away. I'm not sure I really believe it would be that long, but I'm starting to think that it very well could be.

I think I have been expecting too much of myself. Hoping to beat a 10-miler time that I ran pre-injury just seems like setting myself up for disappointment (like what happened with my recent 10K race), and with the training plan I was hoping to use (an "intermediate" plan - when I still feel like I am starting from scratch), I am already burning out. This morning, feeling utterly defeated, I decided I need to make some changes.

I'm not totally sure what I want to do yet, but I am going to take the rest of this week off from running, and after that, will likely...

1. Change my training plan...I am not ready for "intermediate"-level training. I am going to go back to running 4 days per running each week...maybe I can get to 5 some day, but right now that thought is overwhelming to me
2. Axe speedwork and tempo runs
3. Try my best to stop worrying about pace...
a. For my upcoming 10K and 10-mile races, I'm going to try hard not to have any hard time goals in mind - I just want to complete them. So the PoT that I have for Goofy, Princess, and Tink are what they are, and I just need to accept that go with them.
b. I'm going to stop reporting my time and paces here in this thread. I think it adds to the pressure that I am putting on myself somehow, feeling like I need to "report in" and show progress. I debated bagging this thread altogether (seriously, many thoughts running through my head this week), but I don't want to do that just yet. I don't think so, anyway.

One change I am NOT making - I'm going to try to stick with 3 days per week of yoga. I think that yoga has really been good for my mind and soul (and my body as well, of course).

The bottom line is that I have definitely lost sight of why I run. When I first was able to start back up again, I told myself to just be grateful that I could do it, that I was lucky to be coming back from the injury ...that is the mindset that I need to get back to.

Vent over!!

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Oh boy can I relate to this! I barely run these days. I go to CKO when I can drag myself there, but mostly I'm just lazy. I am so burnt out from training for 3 marathons including Dopey and another marathon in the same year . I'm so tired of schedules, and not sleeping in on weekends, and not getting to just go home after work and enjoy a nice evening with a drink

I'm still doing some races this year, but only doing the minimal amount of training needed to finish.

This post is exactly why I love your TR so much. You are always honest about your feelings and they are always so relatable! The whole of 2015 was about reevaluating my running goals. I had a hard time when I realized I would never be as fast as I used to be. For me it was so exciting when I first got into running to break my records, get to new distances, etc. Once those goals were realized and I could not beat my PRs, I realized I am just happy to kind of jog along- not trying to go fast. I still got my boost in endorphins, a cardio workout, and yes, weight management.

You have such a smart way of looking at it. Being active is being active, whether you are a running a 9 minute/mile or 14 minute/mile, your body is so happy for the health gains! I hope you really enjoy your most deserved week off and come back refreshed!