Running is Real - And PARIS is in my Future!

Yesterday was a big day for me - I was enjoying my Rest day at work after the weekend of running and was checking my email at lunch.  Well, it just got REAL!!!!  I had a message in there from Team in Training and immediately made that call!!!!

GUESS WHO IS RUNNING IN PARIS BABY!!!!  I don't mean Paris, Texas either!

The Road to $5,900.00 has begun as has the life of a serious runner.  I will be running the Paris Marathon and feel like the Running life of Linda just got real!!!  I know it has been real up to now because I have had some PR's in the past 5 months since I began to run again.

OMG it has only been 5 month?!?!?!?!  It feels like so much longer

Just couldn't hold this in, had to share it -

SOOOO excited that come April 6, 2014 I will be running through Paris France and by the Eiffel Tower!

3 Runs in 24 hours - What did you do today?

YUP, I DID IT!!!!!

I was a little nervous at the beginning but I DID IT!!!!  I scheduled and ran in three different races in 24 hours and COMPLETED all three of them!  I did come to the conclusion that I really DO need to implement Hills into my training.  All I could think of during the Rattlesnake 5 miler was "Killer Hill" from my days of Cross Country while we would run up the final hill at a meet - WE could do it because Coach Knapp would make us train on it and, Rolla has hills!!!!!  Other teams had trouble with it because they didn't get to drain on that hill.  I felt like those other teams that day!

Run #1  Rattlesnake Festival 5 miler
This was nothing but hills - and some off trail.  UGH two of the things I dislike - A LOT!!!!

I was doing the giggle to myself before the race because as I had thought, I was the only one in a tutu and it caught every one's attention - LOVED IT!!!!  Little girls were asking their Mothers about it as well as the tape on my leg - "Mama, what happened to her leg?"  LOL I just pretended I was listening to my music.

There was some cute signage along the course - my favorite - "Yield to Rattlesnakes"  LOL Thankfully I didn't see any.  I did see the bumps that were labeled - Whew - that would have been really bad if I had fallen.  Then there was the decision I had to make - run on the grass up a hill or on the steps going up the hill?!?!?!?!    I opted for the stairs - figured it was the better of the two evils!  I'm glad that I did the stairs - good workout and it was better on my ankles in my opinion.  LOL  I'm definitely going to do this again next year and will make sure that I incorporate hills into my training next year!

Final time for this 5 miles was 1:04:50!  I'm really proud of that seeing as I hadn't run for two weeks since I did the Tower of Terror - YAY!!!!!  I'll take it!

Here is the finisher picture

And with that - we are off Orlando - LOL

After a brief stop in Zephyrhills to see the kids, I found out that I really did stink!  The one thing that I miss with my nose is that I can't smell anything including myself.  After a run like this in Florida - I need to know when I smell - or as Shannon would say - ANYTIME I run - just assume I smell.  Anyway, I stopped briefly in Wal-Mart to see Errin and Sean and to pick up Gatorade Gels and when I asked an associate, he kinda stepped back a step or two.  I wasn't offended by any means I actually thought it was humorous.  Didn't see the kids so I paid and left to continue up towards Orlando.  Made a deal with Shannon that if she would let me shower, I'd take her out to lunch!  AHHHHH the Shower! 

After Showering, Lunch and spending time with Shannon - Thanks again for Febreezing my Car - I headed on up to Brandyn's so that we could get ready for the Neon Run 5k (Run #2)

Run #2 - Neon Run 5k

NEVER Again will I do this one.  I did mention I don't like to go off trail right!?!?!  This was at the Orlando Fair Grounds and if you ever wanted to attend an UN Organized Run - go to this one!  By the time we started - we finally were off and jogging only to bottleneck and stop about 100-200 yards later!  WHAT?!?!?!?!  This was due to they were spraying up with some sort of oily water substance and THEN we were bombed with a GREEN powder substance.  YUP - I was definitely glowing by now!  As the "run" continued - we came to the one and only water stop that had NO water or cups.  Guess what - there wasn't any at the end of the run either!!!!!!!  We ended up getting water at a gas station that we were afraid we would get TB or any other ailment!  LOL I actually had politely declined to checkout at that window - I didn't have any Lysol.  Although I did have a blast laughing with my girls as we drove down I-4!  Have you ever seen glowing eyes glaring at you while you drive down the interstate?  I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Here is the beginning of the run and then the end of the run!!!!

Jazz Hands Anyone?


I "mustache" you a question.... Does this Tutu make my butt look big?

Just wanted you to know that you can turn your light off tonight, I am here to be your nightlight!

Off to shower and bed so that I can wake up for Day #2, Run #3

Run #3 - Pink Feet 10k

Woke up a little tight and stiff but off we went!  Enjoyed running the Pink Feet 10k with all my Mama's and to celebrate Trisha's 40th Birthday!  We've dubbed this the "Trisha's 40th Birthday Run" instead.  

This started out with yet - Another incline and hill!!!!!  there were a couple more here and there dotted throughout the course - the only bad thing about this run - ok there were two things.  First - The HUMIDITY!!!!!  OMG I thought my lungs were going to burst.  Second - about mile 4 my Left Hip went and I knew what was next.  I knew my knee would go.  Next, at about mile 4.1 my Left Knee went and I felt it - I still plugged on and dug deep and carried through.  I did this knowing that at the end of the race, Ad Kore was there and they were going to be giving me a nice FREE Stretch after I finished.  I hobbled over (Thanks Mama's for the ice) and filled out my paperwork like only a kindergartner could and took a seat icing my knee while waiting my turn.  

1:28:33 Not a PR but at least I finished it!

This ALSO meant that when I finished this, I was done with my 14.3 miles for the weekend!

I did realize a few things this weekend though.

1.)   The importance of training on hills - I will now incorporate them into my training routines.

2.)   The importance of Stretching - I didn't get a chance to do any of that before today's race.  I DID however get to stretch rather nicely before yesterday's and rocked it!  Good Race Day = Stretch Good

3.)   I really shouldn't plan 3 races in 24 hours however, this was GREAT training and a GREAT eye opener for the Goofy Race in January at Disney!

4.)   I'd love to take an ice bath and will make sure that I enjoy those during Goofy weekend!

5.)  Running while Dancing - or is it Dancing while Running isn't just a release for myself - it brings laughter and smiles to the workers along the race route.  When you see me running and flailing my arms - it's a pretty good bet that I'm singing and will start dancing soon!

Next up - planning a Training schedule and getting MORE serious about this - time is running out!

Crazy Running Babe Signing Out for now!

Love you all

3 in 24 - Can I do it?!?!!

Tomorrow is another one of my infamous "Hey, I think I will run Three races in 24 hours" days.  WHY do I do this and WILL I ever learn?

WHY?  Because I can and I do it for those who can't.  God gave me two good legs, two good lungs and a slight misfire in the brain - Running is a Mental Sport and we are all a little insane!  LOL   That and my Epilepsy - maybe that will be another entry one day!?!?  I also run because it is that one time I get to get out there and run and let the world go by the wayside.  I don't have to worry about anything  but putting one foot in front of the other.  I don't have to worry about anything or trying to please anyone but myself - I just literally have to remember TWO things:  1.) Breathe In, Breathe Out, 2.) Left, Right, Left, Right.  How hard is that?  NOT!!!!  If you can breathe and you can walk you too can do this - but I wouldn't recommend three in 24 hours - LOL - at least not at first!

WILL I ever Learn?!?!?  Doubt it!  As long as I am capable of doing this, I am GOING to do this.  It goes back to the first one to where I am out there by myself.

Tomorrow I will literally be running 14.3 miles, three runs/races in three towns!  I will literally be running by myself in one of them by that is ok - it is one I have always wanted to do.

First out of the starting block - the Rattlesnake 5 miler in San Antonio Florida.  Race starts at 8:00 a.m. and I hope to be there by 7.  (Guess I should type faster then!)  We will be wearing our Black, Brown and Tan Tutu and I have a feeling I might be the ONLY tutu there tomorrow but you know what - THAT IS OK WITH ME!!!

This run will be my morning wake me up and get right with the day run.  I just want to finish it - it is ONLY 5 miles.  I will be happy running this - only thing is, I secretly wish I had someone there to cheer me on and meet me at the finish line - that is where I will be feeling awkward.  Errin and Sean asked what time the run was but they will have to be at work before I start - so I'm thinking I will go in afterwards and say Hi to them in my tutu - LOL

The second run is the NEON 5k in Orlando.  I will be running this one with my Moms RUN This Town Group from Seminole County.  I am looking forward to seeing all my girls again.  Love when we can get together and have fun.  This one will be fun to run with the girls - every now and then I do like to run with friends - just don't get that chance a lot.

Finally we will be waking up on Sunday and going to run the Pink Feet 10k.  This has also been dubbed Trisha's 40th Birthday Run!  LOL   Again I will be running this one with my MRTT Mama's and we will have a different shirt than what is posted here and I am soooo excited to see them - we are going to be some smoking hot mama's running that race!

Well, I really must go now, I am up WAY past what I wanted to be and I have to get up early to leave here by 6:00 a.m.

3 in 24!!!!

To Quote Trisha - Run and be Crazy Awesome!!!

Still Running - 10 Miler Down

That is another Race and another 10 Miles in .......

Last night was the Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler......Glad THAT is over - LOL

Was a long day as I went to the Mickey's Haunted 5k to watch Shannon and Derek do the 5k.  (I realized that I am a better Runner than I am Spectator!)  After the kids completed their 5k, we spent the day at Epcot - Was so much fun to spend the day with the kids.  I was SURE tired as the kids saw, I took a nap in The Land while they went off for an hour and I charged my phone.  Shannon has the pics - LOL

So the Tower of Terror - WHERE do I start?!?!!?

First off, I can say that I am no longer a Run Disney "Maiden".  I have completed and finished my first - even if my name WAS Patrice McFadin.  LOL I was able to buy my bib off a fellow Mama from my Moms RUN This Town Group.  SO, I guess as LINDA I am still a Maiden LOL

Well, WHERE do I start?  At the Starting line you fool!!

While planning my weekend out, I ensured that I would give myself PLENTY of time to get to the start line.  I am glad I did as the Transportation from ESPN Wide World of Sports was CRAZY.  We boarded our buses and took the short but lengthy trip to the start up where upon arriving - all I saw was a wave of other CRAZY runners like myself.  There were soooo many people.  I never knew that many people could run a race together at one time and I RAN HOUSTON!!!!!  That was the largest for me until last night.

I thought I would take one last restroom break and went to get in line and that took FOREVER but I finally realized that the inner Port-O-Lets had shorter lines due to everyone like me was standing in the outer lines.

I finally got into my Corral and finished my stretching so that we could begin our walk up to the Start line - this was about a mile away - but that was ok.  I used that time to finish getting head ready.

While standing in the holding corral before they began the waves, I saw some amazing spectators to include my daughter and son in law.  THANK YOU Shannon and Derek for coming out.  It really meant a lot to have someone there to cheer me on and wish me luck - other than the little boy who held a sign that read, Way to Go, you have 10.0 miles to go!  I giggled and kept walking.  So are you ready for the thoughts through the race?!?!?!

I think I really like Disney Races and I will so be doing them in the future!  Ok, I KNOW I will be doing them in the future!

Start Line:
As they announced Runners to begin - they shot off Fireworks.  It was actually really cool.  We joked in our Corral that we would probably get Sparklers but we got Fireworks and at that moment I felt like a TRUE Disney Runner.  We were warned of the Speed Bump and WHEW thanks for the warning - it was there.  We headed out and ran under the Laser lights that I felt like I was running under a motion detector and that I was in one of the MI movies.  I felt like a Special Agent.  As we kept running we headed out of Hollywood Studios and again got a warning that there was "Sharp Left Turn Ahead".  Made that Sharp Left Turn only to be met by an On/Off Ramp.  I never noticed while driving just how much of a SLOPE those have.  I also realized that I need to work on Slope/Hill training.  I also realized that I would be retiring my shoes after this race.  There was SOOO much heat due to they had a "Fireball" going off now and then in the retention pond that this ramp encircled.  It sure got HOT!  I also at this point shook my head.  There were people lined up to have their pictures taken with characters.  I was wanting to run and finish and thought, "These people are crazy".  After getting up the slope, we were heading down the Parkway and before I got to Mile Marker (MM) 1, I looked across and noticed along with everyone else that the first runner was making his way down the road.

MM 1:  I was still running and that was a major accomplishment seeing as I started the race with an injury.  My KT Tape was holding well and I was happy I was following the advice from Mr. Jeff Galloway himself.  "If your pace feels comfortable, slow down some".  I was staying hydrated and kept going.

We continued on towards Animal Kingdom

MM 2 was just about the Toll Plaza at Animal Kingdom.  More Torch Lamps, Whew HEAT!  There were some amazing characters here as well and the first Water Stop.  I opted for Powerade due to my water I carried with me.  Guess what, we had another SHARP LEFT Turn, I am now beginning to feel like a NASCAR Driver.  Oh and did I mention that this was on another SLOPE?!?!?!?!

MM 3:  I picked up a Rabbit at this point.  I had been continually running - again major since I was running with a injury.  I had gotten behind a lady who kept watching her watch and I realized when she shortly after that began to walk that she must have been doing the Run Walk Run program.  So, I thought why not, I would follow her!

MM4:  Still following my Rabbit I thought I would pull out my phone to see what Map My Run said and realized that it shut off while I was putting it back into my pocket.  So, I used this time to send a text to Shannon and Helen saying super short and sweet "4 Miles in"  End of text.  LOL  Phone went straight back into the pocket on my LOVELY Sparkle Skirt and kept on plugging.  I was also just going along with the flow and my mind was going into neverland.  I kept looking at the bobbing ponytails in front of me and the man with the shirt that read I Vote for Blerch.  Who is Blerch?  WHAT is a Blerch?  Why are all of these Ponytails bobbing back and forth?  Why am I doing this?  This sounded like a really good idea last week!  Have I lost my ever loving mind?  Those are the things I kept saying to myself - The answers were Blerch - I still have no clue.  Ponytails - because we women rock and can do anything we put our minds to.  I'm doing this because Running is a mental Sport and we are all a little insane.  Also I am doing this for those who can't.  Ben can't run but I can so I am doing this for him.  Even though it sounded like a good idea last week, it still sounds like a good idea.  Keep going Linda - Keep going!

MM 5:  I had just passed the first Medical Tent and we turned on to a dirt road.  I was glad I wore my running hat due to there were spots not lit up.  I quickly got a gathering of people when I turned on my lighted hat and continued running - can't run and hurt myself now can I?!?!?!  This took us through parts of the Haunted 5k course and I confirmed I HATE Trail runs.

MM 6:  Coming out of the darkness and into ESPN Wide World of Sports, I realized that there are some Really RUDE Runners out there.  They had set up Mister machines that would mist you as you ran by.  One lady totally cut me off and ran in front of me to get it.  She then cut me off to run to the Bathrooms.  I was really mad at her and apologized to the man I almost knocked in to and he said, "Not your fault Ma'am".  That made me feel good and confirmed that I am a better runner - not amazingly fast but I am nice!  This is where I decided that taking my Gel pack would be a good move - God it tasted good!!!!!  LOL  Running through the Baseball stadium where the Braves practice was amazing.  There were a good number of spectators there and everyone of them cheered everyone of us on.  I loved all of the signage that people held up and kept chugging along and smiling.  I quit worrying about my time at this point but kept going.  I knew that whatever I got tonight time wise would still be a PR - it was my first 10 miler so I PR'd!!!!!

MM 7:  This is roughly where I saw my favorite Spectator.  Little old lady in a wheelchair that held a sign that made me feel good and renewed my energy - or was it the gel - or maybe both.

We then made another turn back on to Osceola Parkway where I began talking to myself again.  Same questions.  LOL I need new material in my head.  By now I had long past run past my Rabbit and had been continuing on my own form of Run Walk.  I ran a song, Walked a song.  I was doing good until 'Freebird' came on for a RUN Song - LORD, That is a long song - it felt like it was 25 minutes long!

MM 8:  Brought us back to the first Slope that I really hated.  Guess what, I hated it going DOWN hill also.  Then I looked to my left and thought out loud, I just got passed by a wheelchair!!!!  The lady next to me said, "It's ok, we are going down a hill, she has the advantage!"  Then my brain thought - AND she started a good 30 minutes before you - so Nice Runner Linda let her have the down hill draft and I didn't try to catch her - like I could?!?!   Hello she was on wheels going DOWN the hill.  This brought us back through near the Start line and I realized I AM ALMOST DONE!  Then I was telling myself:

1.)  I am back on Property so I wont be getting picked up by the DNF Bus - WHEW!!!!!  

2.)  I have run the Houston Half Marathon and finished it so I GOT THIS!  I can and I will do this and I will do it with my head held high.  Here is where I sent a text to Shannon telling her "2 to go".  I also read her text from earlier that they were waiting in a specific spot so I made sure to be on that side to see her and Derek.  I thought I might need the encouragement.

MM 9:  This took us through the back side of the studios and the last time I went through there was April of 2012.  Brain talk - OMG I KNOW WHERE I AM - Where did this hill come from?  Then a couple of tenths of a mile further we run out into the public and WHOA there were soooo many spectators I felt proud.  I was soooo excited and adrenaline kicked in.  By now, I was tired of carrying my water - Sorry to any spectators if I hit you with it!  LOL  I was aiming for the ground so I really hope I didn't hit anyone.  It was one of the handheld $1.00 bottles from Wal-Mart.  I was carrying it to ensure I was staying hydrated through the race.  I kept on plugging.  I did see Shannon and Derek and I have NO Idea what they said but it felt good to see them and I knew I was going to finish.  I then finished the race on my Run/Walk to the final song that came on - Meatloaf's 'Paradise by the Dashboard Light'  Yup - I ran that whole song!  It was an invigorating song and I finished hard, strong and singing!  

Finish Line:  THANK GOD!  I finished and I was in pain.  My knee injury was really bothering me.  I collected my Chill Towel, Medal (which is AMAZING) and drinks/food and inhaled my banana while drinking some powerade - ok so I took Powerade AND water - LOL I just ran 10 miles y'all.  I made it up to the top of the hill and found the medical section and quickly turned in.  I have never in my life and running of races ever gone to a medical tent.  I went in, sat down and said, "Knees.   Ice.   Now.   Please."   After getting both of my knees iced down I sat and relaxed for a bit.  I then kept on and continued walking to find the kids.  I even opted for the Finisher Photo - she was nice and left my knees out - but I didn't care - I think I would have liked it - shows I did it!  I made my way through the rest of the backside of Hollywood Studios and the next turn I make, I make into a throng of people.  The Spectators and family members that were there waiting and cheering on everyone was overwhelming and felt great.  I was sooo honored to have run this.  Even though I didn't finish first or even in the top 10%, I was #6364 overall and out of the 12,000 runners, I was one of the 9,478 that finished!  I found the kids - took the transport back to ESPN Wide World of Sports and we headed on back to Shannon and Derek's so that I could shower and sleep.

I am definitely running this again next year and will be in a better state of training.  See I really didn't train for this and wasn't able to run any the week before.  Next year - we hope to make it a family event.  Shannon and Derek will run with me and if we can't talk Errin in to running it with us, maybe we can still talk her and Sean in to coming up to help and watch and have a fun filled family weekend.  I am also going to talk to my Sister, through Thick and Thin, Betty Sue, to see if she will come out to watch - as she LOVES Disney and see what Resort she can help us book a room or two in.  

Next up - getting serious on training and doing the other three races I have this month.

Saturday October 19th Rattlesnake 5 miler in San Antonio, FL in the morning

Saturday October 19th Neon Run 5k in Orlando with my fellow Mama's from Seminole County Moms RUN This Town

Sunday October 20th Pink Feet 10k with my Mama's again

More to come as we make this journey together - LOL you didn't know you were running with me did you?

Love you all and Have a wonderful day.

Tower Of Terror 10 Miler 2013

2:23

(Oh and it glows in the dark too)