The Long Road Back to Dopey

In November I hurt my back.. Some call it a overuse injury.. Some call it old age.. Some call it.. karma.. I call it a WAKE up call. I hurt it so bad I was unable to get out of the chair for a week. I began rehab and resumed my love / hate relationship with the Doctor. I couldn't stand up.. much less work out or train. Which was a problem because I had found myself signed up for the dopey challenge again in January. I watched the weeks tick by. I could walk 1/2 a mile then I would hurt.. The doctor would say you are pushing it too far.. So I had to back off. No biking.. no elliptical. Just rest. More days went by.. months. I would negotiate with the Doctor to let my exercise.. but it didn't matter because I couldn't my body physically would not let me. About two weeks before we left I was able to walk about a mile.. not fast at all.. BUT I did at least do it. I knew that the Dopey challenge was out of the question.. I thought I would do the 5k.. and then start the 10k. half and full and then ride the Disney bus home. I was frustrated. But my body was hurt so bad I couldn't do anything about it..

The 5k came along. and I found myself in the corral. I started to think about how I couldn't do it. I started to hyperventilate and thought Oh great now I am going to pass out. I sent Phil a text saying "; I cant do it. I'm having a panic attack. He told me to get out of the crowd and relax. My corral started I didn't. I stayed against the railing and tried not to hit the ground. The next corral came I decided I should try to go. . I started.  Mile one came and went . I was not fast. But I was doing it.. Mile two in Epcot. I loved it. I was so happy.  I kept moving. and mile three came. It was slow. BUT I did it. I was reminded again how much of a mental race it was.. I was proud to finish the 5k.

 I was in a quandary . What to do for the 10k. I knew I had to keep a 16minute mile pace.. I knew I couldn't due to my back. But I figured I could start the race and see what happened. So there I was at the starting line again.. This time .. no pictures. I was surprised how fast I could go.. It was not a 16 minute mile but it was not that far off. I was enough ahead that I just kept going.. I was not able to stop for pictures.. At mile 5 the pacers passed me.. But I figured I was safe since I was inside Disney parks again. I  decided I could stop for a few pictures and who am I kidding I saw Pooh and Tigger and I could not resist. Then I saw Goofy in a spacesuit and jumped in line for him too.. I did finish. MUCH to my surprise..  It was not record breaking.. BUT Pooh and Tigger....

Day three.. The half marathon.. I cant lie. I was tired. BUT I wanted to start the half.. At least try..  I realize that makes no sense. BUT does the entire challenge really make sense?  The weather all day had been calling for a storm. Around 10 I got word that they cancelled the half due to Lightning .. WHAT .. I call that divine intervention..

So that only left one day remaining.. Day four.. the marathon..  There was no way I could finish but I might as well start and see where I end up right? So there I was 430 am .. it was cold. The coldest race I have ever done.. I had to go out and buy running tights since I didn't expect it to be cold in Florida. This time in the corral I didn't panic. I just was proud that I was there.  I knew I couldn't keep pace .. I did for 8 miles.. Into the castle and all around the Magic Kingdom. I just kept going . I knew after the Magic Kingdom I should stop.. So I found the parade bus and got on it.. I was happy.  I had come short of my goal.. But considering where I was a week before I was thrilled. I was proud of myself.  I love the Dopey Challenge but I am done.. I realize I say that a lot. BUT I really do think I am done with the full distance.. Three fulls are enough. They tear up my body.  I will do another Disney race.. Just not Dopey.. BUT I promise you it will always be one of the highlights of my life. I will always be proud of the fact that I have never run a full when I haven;t done a half the day before.. And the characters.  Seriously.. The characters..

I learned a lot about myself this past year.. and rehabbing this back. I promise you in the end I won that challenge a million times over. I am Dopey but I didn't need a race to prove that did I?

Never Say Never...

                       Race number 26  . St. Jude Half Marathon
  We had the opportunity as a family to join a team of runners out of St. Louis who raise money for St. Jude Hospital all year and then go run the half. We have met an amazing group of athletes who love to do two things: Raise money and run.. We felt honored to be welcomed by this team and to be part of it.

Philip has told me several times completing a half is not his goal. He even told me I will never do a half its not my thing. But somehow once the boys wanted to do it.. he found himself signing up. I was so excited and I am not going to lie a little nervous to take on this challenge. So there we were.. Memphis TN.. all four of us ready to go.

I have to admit I got a little choked up at the beginning thinking about how brave my boys were.  A  half marathon was not even on my radar at their ages and here they were not intimidated at all. We heard the National Anthem and we were off. Logan and I stayed together and Rob and Dad were right behind us. We saw some interesting sights along the course.. The zoo.. a panda.. some Santa s... it was almost Christmas and Elvis . (thanks for not disappointing us Memphis.)..   The boys did amazing it was so amazing to run through the St. Jude campus and think about why we did this race. It was the best feeling. Towards the finish Logan was tired but he dug deep and finished.. Then we waited for Phil and Rob. It was the best feeling to see them cross the finish line.  Its a true testament to how amazing Phil is as a Dad. He will do anything to be with us ..and to get the boys across that finish line.  It  was a good race. We weren't fast but this race was not about time. It was about raising money for St. Jude and us finishing our first  half as a family. Which trumps time every time.  We did it.. We crossed the finish line. Team Brown is a family of half marathoners. That is a sentence I never expected to come out of my mouth. I asked them all later if they loved it.. It surprised me to hear Phil say it was fun. I see why you like them. I have to admit I was one proud Mom. But the biggest surprise came on the way home when I heard them making plans for next year . Team Brown came through!

The one thing..

Today I found myself alone at the starting line again of  my 23rd half marathon. I could not talk any of my usual running buddies into running with me. The GO half is so hilly.. I couldn't sell it to anyone. I wanted to do it so I signed up alone. I had done it alone before so it was all good. But this time was different It was my first half since my ankle injury. I was full of self doubt. The whole drive there I considered turning around . I would of  but I kept hearing Robs voice say " You can do it Mom. We all know you can" . So there I was at the starting line. And I was off. I noticed that I was in a corral with a pace group and thought well I should try to stick with them to get me through. Miles went by.. One thing when you are alone you get lots of time to think . I found myself thinking about why I continue to train and do half's..  I thought about why I started. I needed control over something when my world was spinning out of control. Running has been with me through:

• My parents divorce
• Two  back surgeries for my husband
• One bad concussion with my son
• A career change
• One bad lawsuit with work and an even worse outcome
• A grand jury investigation tied to said lawsuit.
• My mom getting remarried very quickly after her divorce

Through it all I could control when I ran.. I got faster .. I lost weight I trained for three full marathons.. it was mine.  I needed it to get through life. It taught me how when you think you cant go on.. just keep going on. It sounds cliche but there are so many times in life I use the same techniques that get me to the finish line in real life.
So today was about me.. and the finish line. I finished with the pace group.. hills and all. It felt good to be back out there. My ankle was strong.  SO now to find 24.......

Are those words directed at me?

Years ago .. I hated to exercise. I remember going to a Dr. and I was describing a problem I was having.. and him saying.. "you need to loose weight". I never went back because I knew he was not listening to me but he saw all my problems as being my weight... Fast forward to today.. I have been having an ankle injury nag me for quite some time.. If you see me after a long run.. or heck even a short run you know I will be dragging my bad leg around .. limping. Today I decided I has had enough. Truthfully I just wanted to make sure I could do the full marathon in January and not get hurt.:) But the words that came out of his mouth surprised me.. He said I have achilles tendonosis.. not tendinitis.. he said I have no range of motion in my ankle cause I have done so much damage. His orders.. stay off it.. not running.. no walking.. no biking.. no elliptical.. Nothing.. I tried to negotiate my way out of this.. and he said NO exercise. I do find the irony in this.. I would of never imagined a Dr. having that conversation with me even five years ago. So as I tried to negotiate with him his words stuck.. Nothing get off that thing.. We will also do some exercises and it will heal..  Slowly..
   So there I was on the way home.. crying cause I could not  do the things I want to do.. Its such a big part of my life. There is some question about the St. Jude race coming up in December... which hurts a lot. Crying cause I can't  work out.  Life has a funny way of coming full circle. It will heal and I will go back but maybe I will find a middle ground.. Maybe:)

Its a mental race.

I was reminded today around mile 10 at the MO cowbell how mental a race is.. a distance race is called that for a reason right?  There are so many factors out of your control.. the weather.. will it rain or in today's case.. the wind be against you for six miles.. the temperature. .. Your body.. I have heard.. trust your training. I always do the training.. but there are always factors .. Today I could not get over that wind.. It was holding me back.. plus perhaps I had over-trained.. and my heel was telling me that. It was not my best.. I had to use every mental trick I know.. staying in the mile.. reassuring myself and saying a lot of prayers.. I was mad at myself at first then I realized.. I would of died even a year ago.. to have the pace I was at today be my worst pace.. Around mile 10 I sent my buddy on to finish.. I was done at the pace we were at.. it was me and the last three miles.. I must of said in my mind a hundred times.. get to my family.. Get to my boys.. I am going to see my boys.. I knew at mile 12 I would see them. I am so fortunate to have a family who will give up there activities to come see me on a cold windy day.. to finish. Boys who get to jump in and cross the finish line and say.. "Ms Heather is kicking your butt today Mom .. but your still ok.. Your still on pace.. Lets get across that line." And when it was all said and done.. This one was good.. I learned alot again about my self again. I will cross that finish line... I will keep going. And sometimes ones of your worst runs.. can be one of your best..

Its only walking right?

Recently someone said to me... Well Mandy only WALKS the half marathon.. and the full marathon. Emphasis on the word walking.. I guess to imply that somehow by my walking I am inferior.. or that I am sub par to a person who runs the whole distance.. It got to me.. After 20 half marathons and two fulls (not that I am counting or anything) I still somehow am not as good as a someone who runs. I have to admit these words are usually from someone who has no idea how far 26 miles are walking.. for that matter how far 13 miles are walking.. They are also from people who have no idea how much I train. They have no idea that I do anywhere from 25- 50 miles a week .. or that I have to do long runs when I really would rather sit on the couch. Its funny when I hear someone say that it makes me cringe.. But I thought long about this this week. I started out doing a 5k... and wondered if I could make it through a half. My first half ended up getting called short in the middle due to a  tropical storm so it only ended up being ten miles and it took me four hours. FOUR hours.. But I was working hard then.. Now I have a few under 3 hour half marathons under my belt and I still have to hear people say .. well you only walk. I also remember why I started this process. It was when I needed something to control. I was in a bad situation at work.. involved in bad lawsuit and really needed something that was mine. Walking was it.. I never planned to get so involved.. it was just a release. But I am proud of how far I have come. I am proud of the effect it has had on my health .. but really on others health. I am proud of my boys who love to sign up for races and train for them.. I am proud of my husband who has been walking even with his bad back .. I am proud of my friends who I have walked across the finish line of several half marathons with. I bet all of them would tell you that walking those half's was hard work.I am proud of the fact that since I made it they knew they could make it. Walking / running its the same distance.. 13 miles.... 26 miles.. Are the miles shorter when you walk them?  Do they decrease? Do you have to train less? Do you spend less time mentally preparing? I do wonder why people have to say that about me.. But really I cant waste anymore time thinking about it.. I got to walk....

Dopey? At least its not Goofy right?

So .. I know I said I was done with marathons after last year. I also heard once the only way you can run another marathon is if the memory of the last one is no longer in your head... Well I still remember all too well the way the last one ended but somehow I find myself signed up again for another one. Disney introduced another race.. called the dopey challenge.. A 5k Thursday.. 10K Friday 1/2 Saturday.. Full Sunday. and somehow I feel like I should do this.. Once. So I am training again.. I got my training plan.. I have several pairs of new shoes.. and I am off.  I have several races between now and then to keep on track. I am excited . I do really feel like this is my last hurrah at this distance.. ( I know I said this before but this time I MEAN IT!) I have put a lot of thought into this. I will do it alone except the 5k/10k the boys are both signed up for those .. I am looking forward to seeing how this works out..

http://www.rundisney.com/blog/articles/introducing-the-dopey-challenge-and-inaugural-walt-disney-world-10k/

Twenty Things I learned from Twenty Half Marathons.

I never claimed to be an expert. I am the same person who cried the ugly cry.. when it was run a mile day in elementary school.. I knew I would die from embarrassment or the kids laughing cause I was so slow. But somehow I found myself yesterday at the finish line of my 20 half marathon.. here are twenty things I learned some the hard way.

1. No matter what you can finish. If you want it bad enough..
2. If you get tired.. Just keep moving forward. NO matter how slow. If in doubt if you are moving forward ask someone on the course. They will help you.
3. Body Glide; Don't leave home without it. You can use that stuff anywhere.. Arms / Feet. ANYWHERE!
4. There is a huge difference between cotton and dri weave especially when it comes to socks.
5. The faster you go the faster you are done.
6. No matter how great you feel crossing the finish line.. crossing it with someone you have trained  beats that feeling 100 times over. Watching them cross that off there bucket list is amazing.
7. There is no such thing as too many running shoes. Some women prefer purses/ or jewelry. I am happiest with new running shoes.
8.If they are calling for rain.. bring a poncho. If it doesn't rain you can throw it down.. if your poncho rips during the race help yourself to one that has been discarded. There is no shame ( not that I have ever done that :) )
9. If it's hot.. slow down.
10.Crossing the finish line with a friend is way better than alone. It gets lonely on the course.
11. That being said the first time you cross it alone. You know it was all you. It is quite a feeling.
12. Whether you walk or run.. its the same finish line.
13. Nothing beats your family following you around the course cheering you on.
14. Except maybe your kids holding your hands arm in arm across the finish line.. after you beat your PR that they have heard you talk about. Saying .." Lets break this record today Mom"
15. Sometimes training sucks. Period.
16. Ibuprofen.. almost as necessary as body glide.
17. Desination races can become addicting. But I have decided there are far worse things to be addicted to.
18. Runners are not always a size two. Don't  judge a book by its cover.
19. Any friend who is by side for  your first half with you in a tropical storm .. is a friend you want by your for life.
20. The minute you cross the finish line. You are always thinking about your next race.

First half in tropical storm Ike...






               20 half's later.

Its official ... I AM GOOFY

Day Two!!

I'm not quite sure how it happened.I can't say I didn't know what to expect.. I can't say it was a bucket list item.. I am not sure how but I found myself at the starting line of the Mickey Mouse full marathon for the second time. I had run the half the day before and felt pretty good. I was ready. I waited at the back of my corral.. I kept thinking about what made me sign up.. Why? I kept thinking about the challenge. Teaching my boys to not give up. Or that . If a middle age overweight mom can run 39.3. miles in two days what can they do? Finally it was time.. and I was off. I decided no pictures would be taken today on the course. I would need every minute to complete the race.. The course for the half was the same for the first part of the full. I settled in and found a nice rhythm. I was surprised at my pace.. doing the half the day before I thought I would be slower.. but I was about the same as the day before. The course was not as crowded.. so I headed toward the castle..
I was happy to again see the boys.. I love that my family will follow along on the marathon course. I ran through the castle.. and..............I had to take just one picture. ( who can resist a marathon with characters and not take a picture?)

So I headed toward the Polynesian.. and say Phil and the boys again.. almost half way done.. I was happy with my time so I rewarded myself with..

Did you rub my lamp.....

Another Picture.. I had never seen the genie on a course so I jumped in line.. Almost half done.. I was on my way.. The course had changed this year and it went through the Walt Disney world speedway I was excited to see what it was like. I was even more excited when I realized the cars characters were on the track. I was so excited to see them I forgot my no picture rule.... I had to get a picture with SALLY!!!!

Imagine how mad  I was when My boys told me later that was not Sally.. Apparently I need to watch the Cars movie a bit more I even said.. bye Sally when I left her.. Oh well.. So after we left the WWS we were almost to mile 12.. Animal kingdom was next and we were half done.. I had finished in the same time as the previous day.. I only had 13 miles left..

13 miles done!

I kept going.. around mile 15 my feet started to burn.. I was not sure why but they were on fire.. By this time the sun was up and it was getting warm.. It was hot but also humid.. I kept going.. Around mile 16 I realized I was developing blisters on my feet.. Not one foot but both feet and the blisters were in the middle and the sides. As I walked they just rubbed and rubbed. I kept going but stopped at a medical tent to get some band aids.. I was miserable. Every step I could feel. I was headed toward mile 18. and the wide world of sports. I knew Phil and the boys would be there in the stadium. I tried everything I could to not focus on my feet. I was miserable. By this time I felt like I was not making much progress. My feet hurt so bad I could not imagine how I could finish. I knew I would have to tell Phil and mile 20 I could not go on. I stopped at mile 18 to use the bathroom and said a little prayer. I was not sure how I could or would finish.. I came out of the bathroom and kept walking toward Phil and mile 20. I noticed a lady around me who I had seen off and on.. I started to talk to her. Turns out she was from St. Louis and it was  her first marathon. She was not feeling well herself and was thinking about quitting. We decided to move forward together. I was still miserable but we walked slow toward mile 20. I saw Phil and the boys.. and told him I was staying with her and would be slow.. We kept on moving forward.. Mile 20.. 21.. 22.. and another medical tent. More band aids.. and we kept on. There is a point where  I knew I would finish I suppose it was around mile 23.. 24 came.. and it was HOT.. We noticed people getting heat stroke and falling down.. We stayed together and kept walking.. Mile 25 ..one mile left. MAN It was hot.. and my feet were on fire.. We got a cup of ice from the hot dog vendor in Epcot.. a man next to us fell out.. from the heat.. we propped him up on the fence and called the medic.. and kept walking. Mile 26.. we could see the finish line. I must of said thank you God 100 times.. I was so happy to see that finish line. I fully believe that I would of never finished that race if God had not brought me the lady outside the bathroom at mile 18.. My feet were bleeding from the blisters. I crossed the finish line.. took a finishers picture ( I do have priorities ) got my goofy medal ( again priorities) and met Phil and the boys.. and cried.. I mean ugly cry.. I hurt so bad.. I was so happy to be done and proud I made myself finish.. It took me 7 hours.. and I am really surprised I finished.. Seven hours in the sun and 100 percent humidity to prove to myself I could do it. I am goofy.. Was it the hardest thing I ever did? Yes. It was the most mentally challenging thing I have done. I proved to myself again I am a lot tougher than I thought. I am so proud of myself .. Since I have had a week to think about it I wonder why I even thought I could do a full marathon to begin with. I think I can complete it or even try because of the support I have from Philip and the boys. They think I can do anything. They have faith in me and I don't want to let them down. I think this race proves what we all knew all along.. I am goofy.. I think I am done with goofy.. for now..I did see 2015 was a anniversary year... I think I am retired from this race.. For now wink wink..

Going Goofy again... Walt Disney Half

Somehow I found myself on a highway somewhere outside Epcot January 13 2013 around 4:30 a.m waiting to run my 18th half marathon by myself. I was excited yet a little lonely to be all alone. How can you be alone with 25,000 people around?. I waited for my corral to begin and I was off. I felt better knowing my friends were tracking me at home. I wanted to do well for them. The fireworks went off and I was off. I knew I had to run the full the next day so I planned to get some pictures on the course and enjoy the race. I felt good I was headed to the castle where I would see Phil and the boys. The first part of the race was in the dark.. and so I just settled in kept moving and watched the  people. I never did feel like I could hit my stride due to the fact that the course was so crowded.. I saw the magic kingdom gates and kept going.. Before I knew it.. I was hearing the cast member say.. Welcome to the Magic Kingdom.. I love that part of the race. I turned the corner and was on Main street and there was Phil and the boys.. I said hello and kept going.. Through tomorrow land and through the castle.. I kept going. By this time it was getting light.. and I couldn't resist a few pictures. I knew I would not be stopping during the full and I was happy with my time so I jumped in a few shorter picture lines..

Who could resist ? I left the magic kingdom.. and headed back on the highway toward Epcot. The race felt good. I was feeling great and was surprised how quickly it was going. I got to mile ten which I knew was the overpass.. I was happy to see one of my favorite characters there..

The army man from toy story.. yelling.. do not walk.. if you walk you will drop and give me fifty.. I got a quick picture and was on my way up the hill. I could not resist snapping this picture..

This was from the overpass. ( see I wasn't last:) anyway.. up the hill.. and around the corner and I saw some friends ahead. I said hello.. and ran on.

 

I saw Phil and the boys at mile 12 and told them I would see them at the finish line... I rounded the corner and it was all over.. 3 hours even with photos after it started. I was surprised how quick it went. I crossed the finish line and took one last picture..
Goofy! ! ! !

I was happy to make it alone. I was happy it was over and I was ready for the full the next day..

Finding inspiration where it strikes

Last weekend I did my 9 mile training at the track during  events at my sons swim meet.  Why?  Well I couldn't figure out how I would get it in otherwise. So there I was during there warm ups 4 miles.. Back inside to watch a few events.. back outside to do more laps.. It made me think about how if you want it you will make time.  I was reminded of a friend of mine who walks while waiting for her daughter to be picked up from horse riding lessons.. or another friend who never did have time away from her kids to train for a half marathon so she used a walking DVD in her living room.. Think about that for dedication... or my friend who runs before her kids get up so she can get it in.. or the two random strangers I see EVERY SINGLE DAY as I go to work at 3am walking.. Talk about wanting to get it in. Or a friend from college who gets her workouts/ mileage in even though her family is dealing with a illness that is effecting them all. I thought about why we do it.. not to win any recognition.. most of  us never even win our age group division. ( most except one.. you know who you are chica:) Why do we wear workout clothes any place we think we can get a workout in.. Why do we look past the stares from other moms or answer the questions. You must have lots of energy.. you must really love to work out.. etc. etc.  I can't answer for the rest of  them but I know for me. Its not about loving a workout . Its about the way I feel after I am done. I thought about the perfect workout conditions as I put my gloves on each time I went outside.. and how the perfect conditions rarely exist. I thought about my girls from college completing there first half  rain pouring down and tornado sirens going off. I thought about my first half with my buddy in Hurricane Ike.. I thought about friends who have had injuries and fought there way back and kept going. None of us have any less or more time than others. we all work/ have families etc. But we all get it in.  As I walked around and around I was so motivated to keep going thinking about who else was squeezing a workout in.

Training.

It can't be race day every day.. Sometimes you have to train. I don't always like training. In fact I hate it. I like to train with a friend but sometimes it is just me and the road. I think people assume since I do it so much I must like it.. Well here is what goes through my head as I go..

Today I needed to do 11 miles.

Mile 1: Ok 11 miles one mile at a time.. Man its beautiful out here . I am so thankful to be able to train out here today. Its so nice.. I can not wait.. One mile at a time. Here I go.
Mile 2: Great pace. I feel good. I am doing great. Man it is so nice out.. The lake is so pretty today.. Oh look people are kayaking.. It is so great out here.. Two mile over and done..
Mile 3: Great pace.. Doing good.. this is my day.. Oh look an inchworm.. Thank you God for such a great world you made..
Mile 4: I am bored. Is my leg cramping up? How can I only be at four miles.. come on pick it up.. lets go.. Four miles running to mile five.. Hello mile five..
Mile 5: Man its hot.. I sure could use a drink. Headed  back to the car.. One lap almost done.. See I did it .. One lap almost done.. I  did it.. I  CAN do one more.. I got this.. I got this..
Mile 6: Water .. I  need water.. almost to the car.. Hello car.. Come on car.. Get to the car get some water it will all be ok..
Mile 7: I dont want to go one more lap.. I hate this. I hate this. I hate this.. I hate this. Water did not help. I thought it was only supposed to be 75 today.. Why is it so hot.. I hate this . I hate this. I hate this.
Mile 8: I am not quitting. I am not quitting. I am not quitting. Come on pick up the pace. I sure wish I had a friend with me. I am not quitting..Gotta get back to the car.
Mile 9: Almost double digits. Almost ten. I can do it. An easy 5k. You cant do a 5k? I can do a 5k keep going. Keep going.. Keep going.. Keep going..
Mile 10. One mile. I think I will quit. Who would know? I could do ten there is no shame in ten. I am going to quit. I am going to quit,
Mile 11: I did it. You finished it.. you did it 11 miles done.. See now don't you feel good.. I did it.. I made it..


Training can show you just how mental running is. When its just you and the road at some point you have to decide to go on. When people ask how I do so many miles.. I always say.. I don't stop. It's funny but true. I want to but I don't ..

Please don't Supersize me or my clothes..

One added bonus to loosing weights is being able to buy clothes from regular stores.. no more Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug. I can now go to normal people stores AND I do not have to shop in the Plus section.. I honestly have no idea how long I have been shopping in this section. I say I was shopping there when I was in college.. Probably when my parents were still buying my clothes.. I realized I can go into any store and buy clothes and not the biggest size they have either.. Imagine the options I have. I no longer have to wear .. waffle type stretch shirts. pants with an elastic waste or my favorite clothes with birdhouses or teacher looking clothes. Cause all plus size people apparently love these two styles.. And I no longer have to pay more to have these clothes.. I can now buy clothes on sale.. off the clearance rack .. NO more thinking I need some new running shorts.. Go to the store and finding they do not carry any plus size workout clothes which is another things I find ironic.. They do not make plus size work out clothes. I one time told a sales associate maybe if they did the person may not be plus size. Anyway.. I am like a kid in a candy store. A whole new world has been opened up to me. I can shop at any store. Stores I would walk by call me .. I have to go in and try stuff on .. just because it fits. Then I have to say to Phil .. can you believe this fits? Do you think it is mismarked? Or Phils favorite.. I say to him from the dressing room oh my goodness this size ___ is falling off me. Can you get me a smaller size.. I can remember a time not so long ago I had almost outgrown the plus size stores and thinking... then were will I shop.. And Now look at my options.. It is a whole new world. I'm exploring one smaller leg at a time.

Everyday I'm shuffeling

Its funny how motivation works. You never know what is going to motivate you. Two years ago when I helped a friend finish her first half marathon I knew I could push myself further. A year ago I asked a friend to join me on a four mile walk and the impact has been amazing. She says I encouraged her to do it. She was unsure she could even walk four miles. She must of told me ten times I don't know if I can do it. I knew she could do it. She did it. .but what happened next was amazing. She started to exercise regularly and walk with me four times a week and she had lost weight. She is now training for her first half marathon and attends boot camp. She says I motivated her.. but she doesn't realize how she motivates me. There are many days I don't want to let her down. I want to push myself harder than I ever have before because I know she is . I made up my own toning exercises and make myself do them at home.. to make up for boot camp. I can't have her showing me up. I love her willingness to try and keep going. It is hard. And I love hearing her success.. and seeing her success. I love seeing her hard work pay off. It makes me laugh when she says I motivate her. I wonder sometimes who is motivating who?

My first Marathon.. Mickey Mouse Full Marathon.. and Goofy Challenge

When I first signed up for the Goofy challenge I was not completely sure I could finish. I had to run the half on Saturday then the full on Sunday. It would be my first marathon. It got to the point where I stopped talking about it to people because there were not many people who felt like that was a good idea. SO there I was again in the Epcot parking lot walking to my corral.. Making the mile and a half hike with my brother in law Solomon.. he was less than happy to be heading out to run the full after the half. The pace from yesterday had been hard on his body.. It was cold again so we walked to our corrals and used the bathroom..we got in our corral as we heard the first corral take off. I again asked Solomon are you excited.. he said No I wish I would of trained more. I know you are excited. We had decided I would run my race today and not worry about him he would try to keep up but to leave him if I needed. It was soon our turn to go.. We took off. I could tell I had run the half the day before but I was excited. I kept thinking this is what you trained for all year. TODAY IS THE DAY!! I was off I started running.. and I kept going . I saw Solomon around mile two and then I didn't see him again till the finish line he said go ahead and go so I did.. this time we had to make a lap around Epcot before heading up to the magic kingdom I knew Phil and the boys were going to be at the water stop at four miles I kept thinking run to Phil .. I got to the water stop and they weren't there. I figured they had missed me.. So I ran on.. I began the trip to the magic kingdom.. I felt good I kept running and walked when I needed too. I realized I was on pace to beat yesterdays half so I kept going. I saw Phil and the boys around mile 10.. Phil said Oh my goodness you are fast today.. I gave them high fives and ran on.. I felt good.. I didn't have my ipod since I thought I would have Sol with me.. At one point they were playing MIC KEY MOU SE.. I looked around and everyone was signing while they ran.. men / women/ young /old it made me laugh..My friend Cindy had flew in from Chicago to watch the marathon.. I saw her on mainstreet. How cool is that? I ran on.. into the castle again.. and out mile ten.. three miles to the half .. I was still on pace to beat Saturday's time. SO I carried on.. I made it 13 miles done.. I was so happy half over.. I knew I had plenty of time built up so I could walk some.. I began to walk.. I kept thinking get to 16 four hours then only two left.. I kept on walking.. walking .. walking.. 16, 17 , 18 this was not the most scenic part of the course. It was back roads to Animal Kingdom through the water treatment plant and conservation area.. Finally Animal Kingdom.. past the tree of life.. past expedition Everest I figured it was a good time for a pit stop.. best race bathrooms ever in theme park. I ran on.. mile 19 .. 20. I kept thinking six to go.. six to go.. Mile 21 it was getting warm 76 or so.. I could not swallow cause I didn't have any spit.. I saw a lady at mile 21 she said do you want some ice.. I took four pieces and I was back on track again.. Mile 23.. candy.. who wants chocolate when they have been running five hours and in the heat? But I took some fruit chews, I ate them but then I saw the UP characters they didn't have a line. So I jumped in to get a picture with them.. But I couldn't smile since I had fruit chews stuck to my teeth.. What was I thinking.. On to mile 24 past the Boardwalk hotel.. this is when I got a little choked up. I realized I was going to finish by this time I was walking only. I was tired. I was praying and thanking God for how far I had come.. From the first half in Hurricane Ike to now.. For my family.. for the boys.. for Phil..Mile 25 back to Epcot.. I could not believe how many random strangers were cheering me on.. Come on Amanda you got this.. Your goofy.. I was walking along to mile 26 and then I saw it.. mile 26 there was the same praise brand singing.. I turned the corner and saw Phil.. I said I did it.. and I was crying.. I was so proud of myself....Only .2 to go.. I went over to goofy and high fived him and Mickey. I did it.. I am a marathon runner. Who would of ever thought? I DID IT. I was so proud of myself. I did it.. and I did it alone. Solomon finished 45 minutes behind me. I never thought I would finish a full marathon. It was not the hardest thing I have ever done but it shows me how far I have come. I DID IT! I AM GOOFY!!

Walt Disney World Half

The only bad thing about Disney races is you have to be there by 4:30 am and if you know me you know I dont get up early for to many things. But here I was 4:30 a.m getting out of the car at Epcot getting ready to run the Disney Half Marathon. I was with my running buddy/ brother in law Solomon. We were dressed as Donald and Daisy Duck. It was 40 degrees when we started the mile and a half walk to to start line. So there we were in corral E.. we waited to start. I asked Solomon was he excited. He said sure.. He said I was getting on his nerves because I was so ready to go.. We finally were off. I felt good.. I took off running .. I could hear Solomon breathing hard to catch up with me. Before we finished mile one he said Oh my goodness you are so different than last year.. I felt so good. I had trained so long and it was fun to be there running it. We decided no pictures when it was dark so we ran on . We took walk breaks when needed but we mostly ran..

We ran into the Magic Kingdom tickets booth and I remember yelling to Sol come on.. lets run to the castle.. He laughed at me but we both ran on.. I was feeling so great. Somewhere around mile 5 I lost Solomon.. I ran on thinking he would catch up to me. Sooner than I thought I was in the Magic Kingdom I heard the cast member say "welcome to the magic kingdom" and there we were running down main street I saw Phil and the boys.. I gave them hugs and ran on.. I told them to tell Solomon to meet me at the characters..I had a cast member take my picture in front of the castle and then I saw Buzz lightyear.. I got in line to take a picture with him

. I still didn't see Solomon so I ran on to Stitch.. I got my picture taken with him..

I saw Solomon so we ran on together. I told him all we have to do is run back now.. We ran around the magic kingdom past Pooh's house into the castle and back out.. We then ran out of the magic kingdom. We ran back roads at Disney they had lots of signs to read and music to pump you up. I was leading Solomon most of the day he would run behind and catch up we would walk together than he would be behind again. I felt good. At mile ten we saw the Army guy from Toy Story on the hill he was yelling at people.. Make it up the hill etc. etc. We made it up the overpasses that had kicked my butt last year.. We were heading back to Epcot. By this time I could tell Solomon was hurting so we walked the last three miles. We made it back to Epcot and made the last loop. I told Solomon we had to get one last picture for the boys.. Phineas and Ferb... Solomon was hurting and was looking for the finish line. I was yelling and calling out the workers names.. I was so happy we were almost done. We saw the praise band at mile 13 and looked up and Phil was on the other side. I yelled hello to him and we headed toward the finish line.. I told Solomon to make his way over to Donald to high five him but he said all I want to do is make it to the finish line. I high fived the characters and we were done. 13.1 done 26. 2 to go. I was so happy and felt good. On to the marathon and one day away from being goofy!

Before..

Sometime in this last year I decided I should do a full marathon. I am not sure why I thought this was a good idea. I am not sure how I talked Phil into it. But it is this weekend. We leave this week and the marathon is on Sunday. Am I nervous. ... I think I am excited. It is intersting the process and how people have reacted. My mom has decided that I should not do it.. She said It is too far and I might die. I have had many days where I thought I was crazy.. or that I was in way over my head. I am excited to do it. Will I be tired oh course but I am excited yet nervous to try it.I have done the miles averaging 50 miles a week. I will be glad to be done with that. I will be glad to have my time back. I will be glad to not have to worry about how I am going to get all the training in . This time next week it will all be over. I am ready.. Ready as I will ever be..

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