To Infinity and Beyond - Becoming a Better DopeyBadger (Comments Welcome)
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DopeyBadger
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We leave Tuesday 10/15, so Milton's landfall should be out of the picture at that point. But we're hoping everything is fine in the aftermath for sure.
DopeyBadger
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Amphibia Costumes - Dress Rehearsal & Working on Poses - Part 1
With only about a week until we leave, we felt it necessary to do a dress rehearsal in our full costumes. Not only to make sure everything was working as desired, but in the event the costumes are lost/damaged in transport at least we got to wear them one time for enjoyment. We did learn some valuable lessons in the try-on stage. Certain pieces needed to be placed on our body before other pieces. And we learned that G grew again and just barely fits into the skirt which was previously a tight fit. Additionally the torso of her armor needed that extra velcro on the back because apparently the torso fit is wider as well. But everything fit nicely and there were a few needed tweaks that the costumes needed post dress rehearsal. In all it took about 45 min for both of us to get completely dressed. Probably will go a bit faster on day of as we apply the lessons we learned about order.
Here are some pictures while we were working on different poses. I printed off some look books for us of different common poses that Anne and Darcy do. Definitely didn't get as many single G pics in different poses, so we'll need to emphasize that in Disney.
Next -
With only about a week until we leave, we felt it necessary to do a dress rehearsal in our full costumes. Not only to make sure everything was working as desired, but in the event the costumes are lost/damaged in transport at least we got to wear them one time for enjoyment. We did learn some valuable lessons in the try-on stage. Certain pieces needed to be placed on our body before other pieces. And we learned that G grew again and just barely fits into the skirt which was previously a tight fit. Additionally the torso of her armor needed that extra velcro on the back because apparently the torso fit is wider as well. But everything fit nicely and there were a few needed tweaks that the costumes needed post dress rehearsal. In all it took about 45 min for both of us to get completely dressed. Probably will go a bit faster on day of as we apply the lessons we learned about order.
Here are some pictures while we were working on different poses. I printed off some look books for us of different common poses that Anne and Darcy do. Definitely didn't get as many single G pics in different poses, so we'll need to emphasize that in Disney.
Next -
DopeyBadger
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Amphibia Costumes - Dress Rehearsal & Working on Poses - Part 2
Which of the 20 poses were your favorites?
Which of the 20 poses were your favorites?
Last edited:
WillRunForPizza
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They look fantastic! Especially the ones at dusk.
nancipants
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That last pic is awesome.
The Expert
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AMAZINGGGGG!!!
DopeyBadger
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Thanks!
Agreed, the darker ones definitely give off a good look.
Definitely. That's the quintessential Anne in Calamity with tennis racket pose.
Thanks!
Agreed. It was originally a "do a senior photo next to a tree" pose. But then I hid behind G without her knowing I was in frame of the shot.
DopeyBadger
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Amphibia Costumes - Dress Rehearsal & Working on Poses - Part 3
So we learned a few things in the process of the dress rehearsal.
1) I've got to wear black socks because there's a small gap in the backside of the armor.
2) G has to wear the yellow socks because the armor doesn't completely cover her feet/legs.
3) G should wear tights because the leaf at the top of the leg armor makes contact with her bare knee.
4) Anne's hand armor needs velcro on the back of the hand so that the glove attaches to the armor. Otherwise it slips around too much for G's liking.
5) There was concern about the tennis racket and G's ability to carry it for the entire party. They wanted to attach it to either her cape or at her waist. But I told them it wouldn't work so well given the weight of it. Since my MIL doesn't need/want a scooter this time around (hooray for not needing one!) then we won't have a mobile transport with us to take it if she tires of it. I told them if G gets tired of it, that I'll carry it.
6) The ribbon that holds the tennis racket closed is stretching. So while the snaps were in the right place at the time of making it, it's no longer tight enough. So Steph and I made a series of 3 elastic to solve this problem and potentially alleviate some concerns about #5. It'll hold the bottom and top of the ribbon in place, and then also has a strap that G can put her hand through to help make it easier to carry over long periods of time.
7) The rechargeable lithium batteries found in the dagger, racket, and Darcy eyes are taking about 45-60 min to recharge after turning them on for 60-90 min. The recharge is at a rate of 500mAh, and the battery holds 2200mAh. So we used about 500mAh in the 60-90 min we had each device on. Which means that the estimated time for complete use of the batteries is about 4.5-5 hrs. So if we turn on the devices around 6-7pm, they'll last until 10-11pm. So we'll definitely be pushing it for them to last the entire party. I've got to think though that the AA batteries used for the Anne hair and Anne armor will be fine. If not, we'll have additional AA batteries. So that's an easier fix mid-party.
That's all I can think of at the moment. All in all some minimal changes, and some things learned. It was good to do this rehearsal.
So we learned a few things in the process of the dress rehearsal.
1) I've got to wear black socks because there's a small gap in the backside of the armor.
2) G has to wear the yellow socks because the armor doesn't completely cover her feet/legs.
3) G should wear tights because the leaf at the top of the leg armor makes contact with her bare knee.
4) Anne's hand armor needs velcro on the back of the hand so that the glove attaches to the armor. Otherwise it slips around too much for G's liking.
5) There was concern about the tennis racket and G's ability to carry it for the entire party. They wanted to attach it to either her cape or at her waist. But I told them it wouldn't work so well given the weight of it. Since my MIL doesn't need/want a scooter this time around (hooray for not needing one!) then we won't have a mobile transport with us to take it if she tires of it. I told them if G gets tired of it, that I'll carry it.
6) The ribbon that holds the tennis racket closed is stretching. So while the snaps were in the right place at the time of making it, it's no longer tight enough. So Steph and I made a series of 3 elastic to solve this problem and potentially alleviate some concerns about #5. It'll hold the bottom and top of the ribbon in place, and then also has a strap that G can put her hand through to help make it easier to carry over long periods of time.
7) The rechargeable lithium batteries found in the dagger, racket, and Darcy eyes are taking about 45-60 min to recharge after turning them on for 60-90 min. The recharge is at a rate of 500mAh, and the battery holds 2200mAh. So we used about 500mAh in the 60-90 min we had each device on. Which means that the estimated time for complete use of the batteries is about 4.5-5 hrs. So if we turn on the devices around 6-7pm, they'll last until 10-11pm. So we'll definitely be pushing it for them to last the entire party. I've got to think though that the AA batteries used for the Anne hair and Anne armor will be fine. If not, we'll have additional AA batteries. So that's an easier fix mid-party.
That's all I can think of at the moment. All in all some minimal changes, and some things learned. It was good to do this rehearsal.
DopeyBadger
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8 Weeks to go
That week where things felt like they clicked.
9/30/24-10/6/24
Mon (9/30): OFF
Tues (10/1): 5 miles @ Easy (9:04 min/mile, 130 bpm)
Wed (10/2): 6 x 3 min @ Daniels I
Thurs (10/3): 5 miles @ Easy (9:08 min/mile, 132 bpm)
Fri (10/4): 9.7 miles @ Easy (9:07 min/mile, 131 bpm)
Sat (10/5): 5 miles @ Easy (8:55 min/mile, 133 bpm)
Sun (10/6): (4x30s + 6x90s) (AP- 5:48)
Total Run Miles - 36.7 miles
Total Run Time - 5:34 hours
Total Strength Time - 0:00 hours
Total Training Time - 5:34 hours
Monday
Memory is telling me that something was sore and I was glad I wasn't running. I can't put my finger on what it was though at the moment. I think it was my left glute/hip, but I'm not entirely positive. But given that it's not happening today, and didn't impact my Wednesday run, it didn't end up being a big issue. Ahh, that's right, I pulled my glute/hip when I was at work and made a quick turn for some reason. It wasn't even work related. Just a normal movement, normal people make, and my body was like "ahh I'm dying." Thankfully, it wasn't a thing. Take that stupid brain.
Tuesday
Conditions -
Broken clouds, Wind 9mph to 17mph
Start: Temp+Dew = 61°F + 39°F; FL - 58°F
End: Temp+Dew = 59°F + 38°F; FL - 58°F
Alert, alert, we have WI Fall approaching! A T+D of 100 is here! Woot woot! The run felt alright, and it was nice to run in some cool weather. I might have even worn some gloves to keep my hands warm.
Wednesday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 14mph to 18mph
Start: Temp+Dew = 66°F + 38°F; FL - 64°F
End: Temp+Dew = 63°F + 39°F; FL - 64°F
First Daniels I paced run of the season. "Arguably the hardest endurance pace in the spectrum." Not a direct Daniels quote, but he does make it pretty clear that Daniels I pace (around 3km pace) is a pretty big challenge. It's one that becomes exponentially more difficult as the interval increases beyond 2 min. So I opened up this workout at 3 min. Kind of mid-level compared to the maximum of 5 min. And if the pace is done right, then everything over 2 min is where the workout really happens. So at 3 min reps, I'm getting 1 min of work per rep. Goal pace was roughly 6:10 and no pace adjustment needed!
WU was nothing of note. The first rep was too slow, but I was just trying to feel everything out. But it came in at 6:33. The second rep felt more on target. And honesty it felt really good. It wasn't a full out effort like R pace has been, but it definitely wasn't comfortable either. But my body really tolerated running at this pace. Second rep came in at 6:07. The workout continued throughout all 6 reps. I never felt overly challenged, and felt in control. Lost the pace a little on the last one, but that wasn't fatigue and just a matter of not paying enough attention to the pace I was doing. On most of the reps, I found a good pace to hold low 6s, and then did a kick finish (sub-6 on several kicks). I like seeing that, and am hoping that a "maintain and kick" is something I can use in an upcoming mile race attempt. Overall the average was 6:16. So given the 6:10 target, I'm pleased with the effort. The workout just felt right and everything seemed to click. Makes it nice to have such a great evening for it too.
Thursday
Conditions - Clear sky, Wind 10mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 69°F + 38°F; FL - 68°F
End: Temp+Dew = 67°F + 44°F; FL - 68°F
Just an easy run. Nothing of note to remember.
Friday
Conditions - Few clouds, Wind 8mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 65°F + 41°F; FL - 63°F
End: Temp+Dew = 58°F + 42°F; FL - 63°F
Bumped up the Friday run from 8 miles to 10 miles. Once I start to hit >90 min runs is typically when I start to sense changes in my body. I wasn't ready to attack the pace on this one, so I just made it an easy 90 min run instead of long run effort. Didn't even wear my nice shoes and instead just the regular trainers. Did develop a bit of a hot spot blister on my big toe, but it went away quick. Overall the run itself was easy.
Saturday
Conditions - Few clouds, Wind 18mph to 30mph
Start: Temp+Dew = 79°F + 60°F; FL - 79°F
End: Temp+Dew = 80°F + 60°F; FL - 79°F
Temps kicked back up and I did this one after the Badger football game (mid-day). Despite the temps and the recent 10 miler, body felt fine. I wore a new pair of Ride trainers and got a hot spot on my right heel. Nothing too bad though.
Sunday
Conditions - Clear sky, Wind 15mph to 23mph
Start: Temp+Dew = 60°F + 40°F; FL - 58°F
End: Temp+Dew = 60°F + 41°F; FL - 58°F
Temps dropped back down, but it was super windy for this one. Had this one originally scheduled for less reps, but decided to add on a 6th one because I felt like I might be able to handle it. Did change it to have the 30s reps first though since that seems to be a needed fix on recent workouts. Goal was R pace at 4x30s + 6x90s.
Those 30s reps were needed. I started at 6:40, then 5:52, the 5:10, then 4:42. So I was definitely working myself into the workout. By the time the 90s reps started, I felt appropriately warmed up and ready to go. The goal was to ease into the reps, and then attack the latter half. Although the wind definitely made it more of a challenge. So I won't read too much into the split differentials as I was dealing with a variety of wind over the course of each rep. Hit the reps in 5:55, 5:46, 5:42, and then 5:55. Saw the 5:55 and wondered if I had another one (or two) in me. So I told myself to give a hard effort on this 5th rep, and then if it's done, it's done. So I pushed good and hard and nailed the 5th rep at 5:41 pace. So once I managed that, then I convinced myself I could do the 6th rep as well. I was near tapped out after the 6th one, but managed the 5:50 pace. Sure does make it hard running in >30 mph gusts. The houses did help break things up though. So it wasn't always bad. In all, it was 5:48 average pace. All things considered, I'll take it.
So it was a good week. Hit a 90 min run. Had two strong workouts. Putting together another good series of workouts heading into a possible mile race on Saturday and then trip to Disney. So this week the training is a bit lighter. Only 5 mile runs, a simple 8x60s workout on Wednesday, and then a possible mile race on Saturday. I believe the race is at 10am. The website is light on details. But the T+D looks to be about 100, the wind doesn't look too bad, and it's cloudy. So as long as Wednesday goes well, then I'll do a late signup on the race. Depending on the other runners, then I may race the 1st mile or the last mile for the sub-6 attempt. It'll depend on the other races and their planned paces. It'd be nice to have other people to run with, and some years there are barely any sub-6 5k runners, and in other years we've had some sub-5 runners. So hard to say in advance.
That week where things felt like they clicked.
9/30/24-10/6/24
Mon (9/30): OFF
Tues (10/1): 5 miles @ Easy (9:04 min/mile, 130 bpm)
Wed (10/2): 6 x 3 min @ Daniels I
Thurs (10/3): 5 miles @ Easy (9:08 min/mile, 132 bpm)
Fri (10/4): 9.7 miles @ Easy (9:07 min/mile, 131 bpm)
Sat (10/5): 5 miles @ Easy (8:55 min/mile, 133 bpm)
Sun (10/6): (4x30s + 6x90s) (AP- 5:48)
Total Run Miles - 36.7 miles
Total Run Time - 5:34 hours
Total Strength Time - 0:00 hours
Total Training Time - 5:34 hours
Monday
Memory is telling me that something was sore and I was glad I wasn't running. I can't put my finger on what it was though at the moment. I think it was my left glute/hip, but I'm not entirely positive. But given that it's not happening today, and didn't impact my Wednesday run, it didn't end up being a big issue. Ahh, that's right, I pulled my glute/hip when I was at work and made a quick turn for some reason. It wasn't even work related. Just a normal movement, normal people make, and my body was like "ahh I'm dying." Thankfully, it wasn't a thing. Take that stupid brain.
Tuesday
Conditions -
Broken clouds, Wind 9mph to 17mphStart: Temp+Dew = 61°F + 39°F; FL - 58°F
End: Temp+Dew = 59°F + 38°F; FL - 58°F
Alert, alert, we have WI Fall approaching! A T+D of 100 is here! Woot woot! The run felt alright, and it was nice to run in some cool weather. I might have even worn some gloves to keep my hands warm.
Wednesday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 14mph to 18mphStart: Temp+Dew = 66°F + 38°F; FL - 64°F
End: Temp+Dew = 63°F + 39°F; FL - 64°F
First Daniels I paced run of the season. "Arguably the hardest endurance pace in the spectrum." Not a direct Daniels quote, but he does make it pretty clear that Daniels I pace (around 3km pace) is a pretty big challenge. It's one that becomes exponentially more difficult as the interval increases beyond 2 min. So I opened up this workout at 3 min. Kind of mid-level compared to the maximum of 5 min. And if the pace is done right, then everything over 2 min is where the workout really happens. So at 3 min reps, I'm getting 1 min of work per rep. Goal pace was roughly 6:10 and no pace adjustment needed!
WU was nothing of note. The first rep was too slow, but I was just trying to feel everything out. But it came in at 6:33. The second rep felt more on target. And honesty it felt really good. It wasn't a full out effort like R pace has been, but it definitely wasn't comfortable either. But my body really tolerated running at this pace. Second rep came in at 6:07. The workout continued throughout all 6 reps. I never felt overly challenged, and felt in control. Lost the pace a little on the last one, but that wasn't fatigue and just a matter of not paying enough attention to the pace I was doing. On most of the reps, I found a good pace to hold low 6s, and then did a kick finish (sub-6 on several kicks). I like seeing that, and am hoping that a "maintain and kick" is something I can use in an upcoming mile race attempt. Overall the average was 6:16. So given the 6:10 target, I'm pleased with the effort. The workout just felt right and everything seemed to click. Makes it nice to have such a great evening for it too.
Thursday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 10mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 69°F + 38°F; FL - 68°F
End: Temp+Dew = 67°F + 44°F; FL - 68°F
Just an easy run. Nothing of note to remember.
Friday
Conditions -
Few clouds, Wind 8mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 65°F + 41°F; FL - 63°F
End: Temp+Dew = 58°F + 42°F; FL - 63°F
Bumped up the Friday run from 8 miles to 10 miles. Once I start to hit >90 min runs is typically when I start to sense changes in my body. I wasn't ready to attack the pace on this one, so I just made it an easy 90 min run instead of long run effort. Didn't even wear my nice shoes and instead just the regular trainers. Did develop a bit of a hot spot blister on my big toe, but it went away quick. Overall the run itself was easy.
Saturday
Conditions -
Few clouds, Wind 18mph to 30mphStart: Temp+Dew = 79°F + 60°F; FL - 79°F
End: Temp+Dew = 80°F + 60°F; FL - 79°F
Temps kicked back up and I did this one after the Badger football game (mid-day). Despite the temps and the recent 10 miler, body felt fine. I wore a new pair of Ride trainers and got a hot spot on my right heel. Nothing too bad though.
Sunday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 15mph to 23mphStart: Temp+Dew = 60°F + 40°F; FL - 58°F
End: Temp+Dew = 60°F + 41°F; FL - 58°F
Temps dropped back down, but it was super windy for this one. Had this one originally scheduled for less reps, but decided to add on a 6th one because I felt like I might be able to handle it. Did change it to have the 30s reps first though since that seems to be a needed fix on recent workouts. Goal was R pace at 4x30s + 6x90s.
Those 30s reps were needed. I started at 6:40, then 5:52, the 5:10, then 4:42. So I was definitely working myself into the workout. By the time the 90s reps started, I felt appropriately warmed up and ready to go. The goal was to ease into the reps, and then attack the latter half. Although the wind definitely made it more of a challenge. So I won't read too much into the split differentials as I was dealing with a variety of wind over the course of each rep. Hit the reps in 5:55, 5:46, 5:42, and then 5:55. Saw the 5:55 and wondered if I had another one (or two) in me. So I told myself to give a hard effort on this 5th rep, and then if it's done, it's done. So I pushed good and hard and nailed the 5th rep at 5:41 pace. So once I managed that, then I convinced myself I could do the 6th rep as well. I was near tapped out after the 6th one, but managed the 5:50 pace. Sure does make it hard running in >30 mph gusts. The houses did help break things up though. So it wasn't always bad. In all, it was 5:48 average pace. All things considered, I'll take it.
So it was a good week. Hit a 90 min run. Had two strong workouts. Putting together another good series of workouts heading into a possible mile race on Saturday and then trip to Disney. So this week the training is a bit lighter. Only 5 mile runs, a simple 8x60s workout on Wednesday, and then a possible mile race on Saturday. I believe the race is at 10am. The website is light on details. But the T+D looks to be about 100, the wind doesn't look too bad, and it's cloudy. So as long as Wednesday goes well, then I'll do a late signup on the race. Depending on the other runners, then I may race the 1st mile or the last mile for the sub-6 attempt. It'll depend on the other races and their planned paces. It'd be nice to have other people to run with, and some years there are barely any sub-6 5k runners, and in other years we've had some sub-5 runners. So hard to say in advance.
DopeyBadger
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8289 was her powering up face. 8745 is definitely one of my favorites. Definitely looks good super zoomed in as well.
RuntheMouse
DIS Veteran
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- Apr 11, 2022
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I LOVE all of the pics! You did an incredible job, truly amazing! Be prepared for lots of attention at the party!
DopeyBadger
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Thanks!
superchime
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 21, 2010
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The costumes look amazing! I hope everything travels safely and you have a great time at the party!
dis_or_dat
DIS Veteran
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- Jan 20, 2016
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- 1,043
All that hard work really paid off - those costumes are amazing! 
DopeyBadger
Imagathoner
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Thanks! I packed them as best I could, so I'm hopeful.
All that hard work really paid off - those costumes are amazing!
Thanks!
DopeyBadger
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7 Weeks to go
That week where I did my first ever mile PR attempt in the middle of an official 5k race.
10/7/24-10/14/24
Mon (10/7): OFF
Tues (10/8): 5 miles @ Easy (8:52 min/mile, 132 bpm)
Wed (10/9): 4x30 + 6x60 (AP-5:38)
Thurs (10/10): GOTR Practice 5k w/ G
Fri (10/11): 5 miles @ Easy (9:09 min/mile, 136 bpm)
Sat (10/12): Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k w/ mile PR attempt
Sun (10/13): OFF
Total Run Miles - 23.1 miles
Total Run Time - 3:46 hours
Total Strength Time - 0:00 hours
Total Training Time - 3:46 hours
Tuesday
Conditions - Few clouds, Wind 8mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 68°F + 43°F; FL - 66°F
End: Temp+Dew = 65°F + 44°F; FL - 66°F
Run felt good overall. No lingering issues.
Wednesday
Conditions - Clear sky, Wind 7mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 62°F + 42°F; FL - 60°F
End: Temp+Dew = 62°F + 44°F; FL - 60°F
Last hard workout before the race on Saturday. Decided to do a 4x30s + 6x60s. Goal was around 5:42 pace given the lack of adjustment on T+D.
Eased into the 30s reps with 6:08, 5:14, 5:00, and 4:55. Was definitely feeling snappy after the 5:00 and 4:55. Didn't have enough gas on the first 60s rep (6:02) and corrected for that on the remaining (5:42, 5:33, 5:37, 5:30, and 5:53). Never felt overly challenged on any of the reps. I did get a twinge in my right calf at the very very end of the 6th 60s rep. Didn't bother me during the cool down though.
Thursday
Conditions - Clear sky, Wind 8mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 72°F + 50°F; FL - 71°F
End: Temp+Dew = 71°F + 50°F; FL - 71°F
Woke up with my right calf being sore. Still decided to sign up for the Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k on Saturday anyways. Didn't think it was going to be a lingering issue.
G had her practice 5k for GOTR. This is her fourth (?) season doing the GOTR and she has never not finished last in the practice 5k. So she was determined to finish ahead of at least one person. But then she decided to run with another girl who wasn't prepared to run much at all. So that held us back for a bit. When we reached the halfway point, we were in last, about 1-3 min behind the next group (estimate) and the other girl took a bathroom break. We waited probably about 2 min, and then the other girl decided to call it a day. That's when G told me her goal of not finishing last, and was on the verge of tears. I looked ahead and told her if we were consistent we could probably catch them. So G went out blazing, and I was like well not like that. Let's take a slow and steady approach. We made up some good ground, but then G found a hat which she thought was her Aunt Heidi's, so then she got distracted by that, and picked it up, then it wasn't her hat, then she ran back to put it back, then she caught up to me, and then she ran back to the hat to place it somewhere more visible. And I was like, that's great, and I appreciate that, but maybe not in the middle of a race where we're playing catchup towards your goal of not finishing last. She started to have a breakdown, and her legs felt like jell-o. I was like G, it's all mental. You've done more 5ks than anyone else here. You've also finished 5ks much faster than we're running today. You can do it, but at the end of the day, this needs to be fun for you. Otherwise it's not worth it. She did eventually see I was right that we were making progress on the others. We caught and passed them at the 2.9 mile mark. G was giving herself self talk through the finish. "I can do this." "I'm stronger than I think." Things of that nature. Ran it in 51:28 (3.27 mile in 15:44 pace). She was doing low 13s 2.5 years ago. We'll see where we go from here. The important part is having fun.
Friday
Conditions - Broken clouds, Wind 6mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 79°F + 54°F; FL - 78°F
End: Temp+Dew = 75°F + 55°F; FL - 78°F
Right calf was still noticeable. It was a little worrisome how high my HR was for the effort (136 bpm for 9:09). Was likely just nerves with the race within 24hrs. Put my Zensah calf sleeves on for the rest of the evening. Slept reasonably well.
Saturday
Conditions - Broken clouds, Wind 14mph to ?
Start: Temp+Dew = 57°F + 49°F; FL - 56°F
End: Temp+Dew = 58°F + 49°F; FL - 56°F
Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k
Got a good night's rest. Right calf wasn't noticeable. Think I got up around 7:15am and ate a PB sandwich and had some oranges. Drank a Liquid IV as well. Took a shower, and got ready. Think we were out the door at 8:45am with a goal of arriving at around 9am. The race is very local and is a fundraiser for the elementary school nearby. Got a good parking spot at the community center. I've never done this race before, so it took some walking to find the bib pickup. No signage anywhere. The race in general was lacking in good communication. Started warming up around 9:25am or so, and then went for a quick WU. Found the guy running the timing for the race and he asked me which event I was doing. Explained I was doing the 5k, but only racing the last mile. Sounded like he thought that was odd, but I explained it's hard to find a road mile race. He does one in (a different WI city that I can't remember at the moment) that leads out the 4th of July parade. It's quite a bit from here (near MN border) so not something I'd probably do.
Anyways, I did the course in reverse for the last mile for the WU just to get a memorization of each of the turns. I took it extra easy at about 10 min/mile pace and had a HR of 131 bpm. Which is way off base and clearly I was nervous stressed, or sick? I did three strides at 6:20, 4:55, and 5:04 pace and felt fantastic. Super snappy.
Used the restroom for the last time, and then got all lined up. The 8k was first at 10:00am, and then the 5k. Looks like there were only 21 8km runners and 195 5km runners. This was their biggest year yet I think they said. Lots of little kids since it's a fundraiser for the school. I had originally planned on racing the first mile, but there's a pretty significant hill in the first mile that would have definitely impacted my ability to race a mile. In contrast, the last mile is pretty flat and if anything a slight downhill. So that was the better option. The fastest 5k runner did it in 19:29 (on what we both measured to be a short course at 2.96 mile), so about 6:35 pace. So if I had attempted to race the first mile, there wouldn't have been anyone with me. But this is a good race to keep in mind for possibly finishing first as the competition is light. So maybe next year. Good time of year, local, low cost. Anyways, on to my race.
The goal was to maintain around an 8 min/mile pace for the first 2 miles, and then run the last 1.11 mile at mile PR effort. That early hill at the 0.5 mile mark was about 40 feet in 0.2 miles (200 ft/mile). I did reasonably well maintaining my goal pace and not being sucked into the race. Did the first in 8:04 (GAP 7:59). HR was a staggering 140 bpm (didn't know it at the time). The next mile was less hilly. Still had some, but not much. The mile wasn't as easy as I would have liked it to be. Finished in 8:18 pace and HR of 144 bpm. So now we're in like M Tempo HR zone (or low end HM effort). The 2nd mile (on my watch) was just ending at the crest of the last hill, so once I crested (believing I had some wiggle with the 1.11 mile remaining) is when I started my attempt.
I had let other runners get ahead of me, but now was the chase. I started picking people off one by one. Looked down not long into the effort and saw I was doing 5:45 pace which was great. Maybe a tad too fast out the gate, but nothing like the 2020 attempt (low 5s). Kept the pedal down and was trying to stay relaxed. I rounded a corner towards Steph's Aunt's house and there was the family. Unexpected since I was thinking they were going to stay at the finish line. So that was nice to see them there. That little section has a Strava segment called "Progressive Hug" which captures Hoot Hoot Hustle runners. I officially own the second fastest split (out of 93 different runners) at 1:55 (5:53 pace) which is kind of cool.
I kept trying real hard, around the halfway mark I looked down and saw 6:00 for the lap split. So I knew I was right on target for trying to go sub-6. I dug deep and really kept going hard. I continued to pass people which was a nice boost. We meshed with the 1km runners too so then there were lots of other people. Rounded the last corner and saw the finish line in the distance. Passed my last 5k runner (a guy in blue) with maybe 100m to go, and then he caught me at the finish line. He started before me so officially I finished ahead of him. And done!
I staggered across the finish line gasping for breath. That was a really hard effort and my legs were Jell-O and my lungs weren't playing any games. I was exhausted. Took a bit to get my watch to show me splits, but there it was... a 5:49 split! I fist pumped the air. I had done it, another sub-6 mile (ish). That's when I realized the course was short and my mile was more like 0.93 miles. The family finally found me and then we chatted for a bit while I stretched. Then I got to thinking. Wait, maybe the 5:49 isn't a mile pace split, but rather elapsed time for the 0.93 miles. Womp womp... My actual pace was 6:15 over the 0.93 miles. Not even a Top 10 mile effort. Not even better than the 3 x 1 mile I did with a 6:03, 6:09, 6:12 earlier this year. Boo!
As for official data:
Overall - 8th/193
Gender - 5th/85
AG - 2nd/12
Official time - 22:25
Hey, not bad for not actually racing the 5k itself. Still finished 2nd in my division. Realistically given the short course, I probably had a good chance at 2nd overall, and maybe 1st if I were in better shape.
So thoughts? I'm thinking that racing the last mile of a 5k isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I probably didn't take it was easy as I should have. But still. I thought it wouldn't affect me that much. But given I barely sniffed holding 5:50s pace for much more than 2 min (given that Strava segment) means I definitely wasn't in top form. Given I'm about to leave for Disney and who knows how well I'm going to stick to training there, I decided to schedule another mile PR attempt on Tuesday. The recovery is minimal, so I should be hopefully good to go. I took Sunday off, and then plan to do some easy miles on Monday. Before an early Tuesday morning attempt with a flight to Disney later that day. We'll see how it goes!
That week where I did my first ever mile PR attempt in the middle of an official 5k race.
10/7/24-10/14/24
Mon (10/7): OFF
Tues (10/8): 5 miles @ Easy (8:52 min/mile, 132 bpm)
Wed (10/9): 4x30 + 6x60 (AP-5:38)
Thurs (10/10): GOTR Practice 5k w/ G
Fri (10/11): 5 miles @ Easy (9:09 min/mile, 136 bpm)
Sat (10/12): Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k w/ mile PR attempt
Sun (10/13): OFF
Total Run Miles - 23.1 miles
Total Run Time - 3:46 hours
Total Strength Time - 0:00 hours
Total Training Time - 3:46 hours
Tuesday
Conditions -
Few clouds, Wind 8mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 68°F + 43°F; FL - 66°F
End: Temp+Dew = 65°F + 44°F; FL - 66°F
Run felt good overall. No lingering issues.
Wednesday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 7mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 62°F + 42°F; FL - 60°F
End: Temp+Dew = 62°F + 44°F; FL - 60°F
Last hard workout before the race on Saturday. Decided to do a 4x30s + 6x60s. Goal was around 5:42 pace given the lack of adjustment on T+D.
Eased into the 30s reps with 6:08, 5:14, 5:00, and 4:55. Was definitely feeling snappy after the 5:00 and 4:55. Didn't have enough gas on the first 60s rep (6:02) and corrected for that on the remaining (5:42, 5:33, 5:37, 5:30, and 5:53). Never felt overly challenged on any of the reps. I did get a twinge in my right calf at the very very end of the 6th 60s rep. Didn't bother me during the cool down though.
Thursday
Conditions -
Clear sky, Wind 8mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 72°F + 50°F; FL - 71°F
End: Temp+Dew = 71°F + 50°F; FL - 71°F
Woke up with my right calf being sore. Still decided to sign up for the Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k on Saturday anyways. Didn't think it was going to be a lingering issue.
G had her practice 5k for GOTR. This is her fourth (?) season doing the GOTR and she has never not finished last in the practice 5k. So she was determined to finish ahead of at least one person. But then she decided to run with another girl who wasn't prepared to run much at all. So that held us back for a bit. When we reached the halfway point, we were in last, about 1-3 min behind the next group (estimate) and the other girl took a bathroom break. We waited probably about 2 min, and then the other girl decided to call it a day. That's when G told me her goal of not finishing last, and was on the verge of tears. I looked ahead and told her if we were consistent we could probably catch them. So G went out blazing, and I was like well not like that. Let's take a slow and steady approach. We made up some good ground, but then G found a hat which she thought was her Aunt Heidi's, so then she got distracted by that, and picked it up, then it wasn't her hat, then she ran back to put it back, then she caught up to me, and then she ran back to the hat to place it somewhere more visible. And I was like, that's great, and I appreciate that, but maybe not in the middle of a race where we're playing catchup towards your goal of not finishing last. She started to have a breakdown, and her legs felt like jell-o. I was like G, it's all mental. You've done more 5ks than anyone else here. You've also finished 5ks much faster than we're running today. You can do it, but at the end of the day, this needs to be fun for you. Otherwise it's not worth it. She did eventually see I was right that we were making progress on the others. We caught and passed them at the 2.9 mile mark. G was giving herself self talk through the finish. "I can do this." "I'm stronger than I think." Things of that nature. Ran it in 51:28 (3.27 mile in 15:44 pace). She was doing low 13s 2.5 years ago. We'll see where we go from here. The important part is having fun.
Friday
Conditions -
Broken clouds, Wind 6mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 79°F + 54°F; FL - 78°F
End: Temp+Dew = 75°F + 55°F; FL - 78°F
Right calf was still noticeable. It was a little worrisome how high my HR was for the effort (136 bpm for 9:09). Was likely just nerves with the race within 24hrs. Put my Zensah calf sleeves on for the rest of the evening. Slept reasonably well.
Saturday
Conditions -
Broken clouds, Wind 14mph to ?Start: Temp+Dew = 57°F + 49°F; FL - 56°F
End: Temp+Dew = 58°F + 49°F; FL - 56°F
Hoot Hoot Hustle 5k
Got a good night's rest. Right calf wasn't noticeable. Think I got up around 7:15am and ate a PB sandwich and had some oranges. Drank a Liquid IV as well. Took a shower, and got ready. Think we were out the door at 8:45am with a goal of arriving at around 9am. The race is very local and is a fundraiser for the elementary school nearby. Got a good parking spot at the community center. I've never done this race before, so it took some walking to find the bib pickup. No signage anywhere. The race in general was lacking in good communication. Started warming up around 9:25am or so, and then went for a quick WU. Found the guy running the timing for the race and he asked me which event I was doing. Explained I was doing the 5k, but only racing the last mile. Sounded like he thought that was odd, but I explained it's hard to find a road mile race. He does one in (a different WI city that I can't remember at the moment) that leads out the 4th of July parade. It's quite a bit from here (near MN border) so not something I'd probably do.
Anyways, I did the course in reverse for the last mile for the WU just to get a memorization of each of the turns. I took it extra easy at about 10 min/mile pace and had a HR of 131 bpm. Which is way off base and clearly I was nervous stressed, or sick? I did three strides at 6:20, 4:55, and 5:04 pace and felt fantastic. Super snappy.
Used the restroom for the last time, and then got all lined up. The 8k was first at 10:00am, and then the 5k. Looks like there were only 21 8km runners and 195 5km runners. This was their biggest year yet I think they said. Lots of little kids since it's a fundraiser for the school. I had originally planned on racing the first mile, but there's a pretty significant hill in the first mile that would have definitely impacted my ability to race a mile. In contrast, the last mile is pretty flat and if anything a slight downhill. So that was the better option. The fastest 5k runner did it in 19:29 (on what we both measured to be a short course at 2.96 mile), so about 6:35 pace. So if I had attempted to race the first mile, there wouldn't have been anyone with me. But this is a good race to keep in mind for possibly finishing first as the competition is light. So maybe next year. Good time of year, local, low cost. Anyways, on to my race.
The goal was to maintain around an 8 min/mile pace for the first 2 miles, and then run the last 1.11 mile at mile PR effort. That early hill at the 0.5 mile mark was about 40 feet in 0.2 miles (200 ft/mile). I did reasonably well maintaining my goal pace and not being sucked into the race. Did the first in 8:04 (GAP 7:59). HR was a staggering 140 bpm (didn't know it at the time). The next mile was less hilly. Still had some, but not much. The mile wasn't as easy as I would have liked it to be. Finished in 8:18 pace and HR of 144 bpm. So now we're in like M Tempo HR zone (or low end HM effort). The 2nd mile (on my watch) was just ending at the crest of the last hill, so once I crested (believing I had some wiggle with the 1.11 mile remaining) is when I started my attempt.
I had let other runners get ahead of me, but now was the chase. I started picking people off one by one. Looked down not long into the effort and saw I was doing 5:45 pace which was great. Maybe a tad too fast out the gate, but nothing like the 2020 attempt (low 5s). Kept the pedal down and was trying to stay relaxed. I rounded a corner towards Steph's Aunt's house and there was the family. Unexpected since I was thinking they were going to stay at the finish line. So that was nice to see them there. That little section has a Strava segment called "Progressive Hug" which captures Hoot Hoot Hustle runners. I officially own the second fastest split (out of 93 different runners) at 1:55 (5:53 pace) which is kind of cool.
I kept trying real hard, around the halfway mark I looked down and saw 6:00 for the lap split. So I knew I was right on target for trying to go sub-6. I dug deep and really kept going hard. I continued to pass people which was a nice boost. We meshed with the 1km runners too so then there were lots of other people. Rounded the last corner and saw the finish line in the distance. Passed my last 5k runner (a guy in blue) with maybe 100m to go, and then he caught me at the finish line. He started before me so officially I finished ahead of him. And done!
I staggered across the finish line gasping for breath. That was a really hard effort and my legs were Jell-O and my lungs weren't playing any games. I was exhausted. Took a bit to get my watch to show me splits, but there it was... a 5:49 split! I fist pumped the air. I had done it, another sub-6 mile (ish). That's when I realized the course was short and my mile was more like 0.93 miles. The family finally found me and then we chatted for a bit while I stretched. Then I got to thinking. Wait, maybe the 5:49 isn't a mile pace split, but rather elapsed time for the 0.93 miles. Womp womp... My actual pace was 6:15 over the 0.93 miles. Not even a Top 10 mile effort. Not even better than the 3 x 1 mile I did with a 6:03, 6:09, 6:12 earlier this year. Boo!
As for official data:
Overall - 8th/193
Gender - 5th/85
AG - 2nd/12
Official time - 22:25
Hey, not bad for not actually racing the 5k itself. Still finished 2nd in my division. Realistically given the short course, I probably had a good chance at 2nd overall, and maybe 1st if I were in better shape.
So thoughts? I'm thinking that racing the last mile of a 5k isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I probably didn't take it was easy as I should have. But still. I thought it wouldn't affect me that much. But given I barely sniffed holding 5:50s pace for much more than 2 min (given that Strava segment) means I definitely wasn't in top form. Given I'm about to leave for Disney and who knows how well I'm going to stick to training there, I decided to schedule another mile PR attempt on Tuesday. The recovery is minimal, so I should be hopefully good to go. I took Sunday off, and then plan to do some easy miles on Monday. Before an early Tuesday morning attempt with a flight to Disney later that day. We'll see how it goes!
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