Whoops.

So I think I have officially done something stupid.  I have now signed up for a total of three marathons within the next year without actually running one.  I also still have some lingering pain in my back and foot that just refuses to go away when I keep running on it.  This could be a huge waste of money but I know if I didn’t register for this race and really try to make it work, I would regret it for probably my whole life.  What race did I sign up for now?

Well… the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon, of course!

To give you the full picture of why this race is particularly important to me, I have to back track to about 2004…I’ve eluded to this in the past but this is the full scoop!

The first time I ever got to go to DisneyWorld, I was 19 years old.  Yes, I am fully aware of the fact that I am way too old for WDW but to be quite frank, I don’t care what you think. I love and will also love anything Disney.  When I was planning our family vacation to WDW, I came across an article about the WDW marathon.  At this point I had never even run one mile and was absolutely positive that I COULD NOT run but this marathon stuck in my head and I dreamed of being able to run it and cross that finish line someday.  That following summer (2005), I started “running.”  I don’t actually think I told anyone I was running for a while because I didn’t really view what I was doing as running but I would leave to go on a walk and then during the course of that walk, would run for a minute or two (I honestly don’t remember if it was that long… I remember feeling really badass but in truth I know it was probably not as hardcore as I told myself)  I don’t fully remember how long I went with this little spurts of running thing but I know by 2006, I would actually run for 2 miles or so at a time.  I don’t know if I was consciously thinking of running a marathon yet at this point but the seed was planted in my head.

A few years later (2009-1010), I started to really feel the urge to train for a marathon.  It was something I really wanted to cross off my bucket list before I was 25.  Needless to say, this has yet to happen and 25 was a few years ago… but anyways, to make a long (boring) story short, I signed up for a marathon in 2010, switched to the half, loved that distance, ran a few, decided I was ready to tackle a full but was terrified to do so.  That brings us to Dec 2011.  At that time, Sister and I were deep into half marathon training for the WDW Half in January 2012 but I just couldn’t get excited about it because it was not the “full” and I felt like I would probably never be a marathoner… so after one particular grumpy run in December, Sister convinced me to sign up for my first full marathon and I have been in training ever since.  Yes, this still was not going to be THE marathon I had always dreamed about running but it was still going to be A marathon and that calmed my mind for the time being.

Then WDW Marathon Weekend 2012 came and I was SO jealous of everyone I saw with their “Marathon” gear and wanted that damn Mickey Mouse medal SO BAD!  But I knew it was not yet time… So Sister and I ran the Half and got our Donald Medals aka Bling (which I think actually looked cooler than the Mickey Heads anyways) and had a great time but I was still Bitter.  I was bitter about the fact that I did not get to run Sunday…..By Monday or Tuesday of that weekend, Sister and I started talking about the 2013 Full… we went back and forth a few times and Sister talked all “I’m never running again” there for a while but then we just couldn’t shake it.

Last week, the emails started rolling in “Registration Opens Tomorrow”, “Registration is Open”, “Exciting Improvements for the 20th Anniversary Marathon Weekend”, etc., etc.  And we could no longer deny that come hell or high water, we were going to sign up for this marathon…

THE Marathon.  The 26.2 miles I have been longing to run since 2004.

And it’s now official.  1.13.13 I will (hopefully) be running a race I have been thinking about and dreaming about for years.  Almost a decade really.  To say I am excited is the biggest understatement of the year!

But I am also fully aware of the fact that I need to be careful.  I need to take a break after May 20th and heal up and do as much as I can to listen to my body while still training to run these distances.  I am fully aware that something might happen between now and then that prevents my running this race but I am going to do everything in my power to make this happen. I am going to pursue this dream… 20th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Medal! – I’m coming for you!

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

-Walt Disney

One Wish Wednesday: 1/18

Is it really Wednesday today?  I could swear it should be Friday… This week has been one of those weeks where everything I touch has an issue.  Not necessarily something I did but something I need to fix.  Arg!  I am also in training for a new computer system at work and it is BORING!  I already know how to use it so I am still confused as to why I need to sit through 8+ hours of training on it… can’t I just test out of it?!?  No, ok, fine… at least I only have another day!

So anyways, back to my wish this week.  This week’s wish is not serious at all but it is something I have been thinking about non-stop since we got back from Orlando.  Get ready for this really deep, thought provoking wish……..

I WISH with all my heart that there was a Sweet Tomatoes salad bar in Milwaukee!  Deep, huh?  Maybe I should start saving my money so I can become a franchise owner and run my own?!?  Salads and fro-yo for lunch everyday you say?  I’m in!  I don’t know why I loved this place so much but I really did!  The salad was so delicious and I am not normally the hugest fan of salads (although I eat them all the time) but paired with their delicious topping and accompanied by my favorite, a sweet potato, and another favorite, frozen yogurt with caramel topping, I was in Heaven!

Hungry. Now.

I think Sister would agree with my wish this week as she just reviewed Sweet Tomatoes on her blog as well!  We are already planning a trip to one an hour away because we just so happen to need to go to Ikea for some stuff and it is conveniently “on the way”  Oh the things we do for food.  You’d think we never cook anything good in this house but that is not the truth at all!  So until I hear the announcement that one is coming to Milwaukee, I will just have to look back to the fond memories I have of this deliciousness and drool… ok, fine, MAYbe I should go find a snack or something because I am wishing about food.  #loser.  Sweet Tomato Dreams Everyone!

Disney Marathon Trip: Day 4

So today is Wednesday which means it is One Wish Wednesday but since I am kind of a few days off from being on vacation, I am going to meld my OWW and my day 4 memories of our recent WDW trip by saying that my wish this week is that I could turn the time back to Sunday so I could once again spend a day with Sister and Mom walking around a Disney park while still fresh in the post race excitement from the Half the day before!

Day 4 of our trip was our only true full day that we could spend at a park.  We chose to go to Disney Hollywood Studios because it has the best rides and is top 1 or 2 for Mom, Sister and me as far as park preference goes.  We didn’t get a super early start on the day because we were all a bit tired from race day and the SUPER early wake up call involved but we did make it to the park by about 10am or so.

Our first mission was of course Tower of Terror!  We grabbed a FastPass and then got in line to wait.  It was supposed to be about a 40 minute wait but I think we only waited close to 25 maybe?  Mom was initially not going to go on but we talked her into it and I think she ended up being glad!  Since we had grabbed Fast Passes, we were actually able to go right back on within 5-10 minutes!  And by the time that ride was over, the stand by wait was 10 minutes so Sister and I went again!  We ended up going 3 times in about 40 minutes which was awesome!  I could have gone another 3 times if I could have avoided watching that stupid Twilight Zone movie they show you in that little room… that really drives me nuts!

Making my "special face" at Sister's request!

After we had our Tower of Terror fill, we were in time for the 12:45 Beauty and the Beast show so we decided to go to that so we could sit down and rest for a bit.  The show was really good and I am pretty sure it was one of Mom’s top things from vacation

After the show, we walked to find some lunch and kill some time until our Rock n Roller Coaster Fast Passes were ready.  We ended up at the Studio Catering Co. where Sister and I shared a very delicious pressed turkey sandwich on a Ener-g bun and a Greek salad.  Delicious and much healthier than other options we could have gone with!  Again Disney impressed us all with their awesome handling of food allergies!

After that, it was time for our FastPass so Sister and I walked to do that while Mom went to stake out our best ever seats for the afternoon parade!

Not sure why I am screaming like that... it's really not THAT scary...

When we went to Disney in 2004, you could say I was a bit obsessed with all things Disney and therefore read everything I could about making your trip the most enjoyable and also read about all the secret “best spots” for things.  Once again, our spot did not disappoint!  I must say this parade was not nearly as good as the one they had in 2004.  The floats back then were so much more elaborate and the music was way better!  The floats this time were very boring and the music was one refrain sung over and over and over and over and over………

After the parade, we walked over to watch the Muppet 3-D movie.  I don’t recall ever doing this before and it was kind of cute!  You’ve gotta love a dose of Kermie and Gonzo!

By the time this movie was over, we were all pretty spent.  We ended up walking around a little more but then decided to just call it a day and head back to the hotel to rest.  We printed our plane boarding tickets for Monday and then headed to our favorite, Sweet Tomatoes, for dinner once again!  I am going to miss this place!!!  We then walked around Downtown Disney a bit more and got one last round of donuts and some souvenirs from the World of Disney.  Then we just kind of hung out in the room for awhile before heading to bed.  It was another fun day in Disney although Sister and I were feeling a bit of pain every time we say down and stood back up.  Getting into the TOT seats was ROUGH!  One more day to recap and then our Magical vacation will be at a close

PS – Remember to Like me on Facebook for links to Barefoot stories, news, etc!

One Wish Wednesday: Week No. 6

Yes, this is a picture of my tree again. Sorry, I really like looking at it

Wednesday again??  I am going to have to start thinking up a new theme for Wednesday’s post because I am running out of things to wish for… this week I had to think way too hard.  But maybe the fact that work has been super busy these last few weeks has kept my mind a little too preoccupied to come up with anything to “wish” for… So in lieu of not having any good ideas for some kind of serious actual wish, here is my “wish”-list for Christmas!

A Garmin.  I go back and forth on whether I want one or not because I don’t want to get obsessed with my pace but I ultimately decided it would be very nice to have to be able to measure distances, etc.  Just no obsessiveness…

Not necessarily THIS espresso machine but just AN Espresso machine.  And no, it is NOT EXpresso… I have seen this type-o at least 4 times in the last two days…

Again, not necessarily this jacket but just a new winter dress jacket.  My other coats don’t fit anymore and/or smell gross…

The rest of the Emily Giffin books I don’t already own (aka Love the One You’re With and Heart of the Matter)  I just re-read Something Borrowed and Something Blue and was reminded of just how much I LOVE her books.  The way she writes is just right

Also, a lifetime supply of Starbucks coffee might be nice!  Especially in the Iced and Latte form… I need a job that is not right across the street from this Joe!

And honestly, I will be happy with any present I get this year.  I actually have always (Ok, maybe just like the last 10 years) liked buying gifts for others and giving them more than actually receiving anything in return.  But you know, since I am wishing here, I can really wish for anything I want right, that’s the point?!?

What do you want for Christmas?

One Wish Wednesday No. 5

Happy Wednesday!  I am glad this week is speeding right by and I hope it continues  so the weekend gets here quickly!!  A friend of Sister‘s and mine is coming to have a mini Holiday party this weekend so lots of Christmas Cookie baking will occur between then and now.  And that makes me very happy!

This week’s wish is that the month of December would last just a liiiitle bit longer.  I mean, it’s already December 7th which means really only two weeks until Christmas!  I just started finally listening to Christmas music (because I got it loaded on my iPod) and my tree is finally up and decorated and the weather is getting cold so it feels like Christmas and it’s almost over!!  Ok, maybe that is being a bit dramatic (shocking) but I just always get this feeling every year.  I guess that is probably why the stores start putting Christmas decorations out in August  (But I am not for that because I also like to celebrate Fall, Thanksgiving, etc!)

I love just about everything about Christmas, with maybe the exception of the annoying sound of the bell ringers outside of every store I go into.  That makes me sound scroogy but I have a thing against constant, repetitive noises and that is just one of them that give me the worst headache!  I’ll gladly give money to a good cause but please, just give me Christmas carols or something instead of the bells!

Some of my favorite Christmas things are:

My Christmas tree!

My house Christmas decorations!

Christmas cookies, especially when decorated with leg warmers and jumpers!

and Singing Christmas songs!

17 days and counting!!  I’ll try to enjoy every last one since I cannot make them go any slower…

As a PS – I also wish that you would “Like” my fellow blogger Kristin on Facebook.  She’s in the running to be a Love Grown Foods Blogger and the more “likes” she gets, the closer she gets to being selected!!!  And that would be a good Christmas present for her to get – lol!!

Click here to be linked to the Facebook page for voting.  She’s the one in the bottom right corner doing a plank with two children on her back!  Thanks for voting!

One Wish Wednesday No. 4

So it’s been about a month since things around here would qualify as “normal”.  It has been a constant stream of getting ready for vacation, pack for vacation, go on vacation, get back from vacation, recover from vacation, get ready for Thanksgiving, have Thanksgiving, recover from Thanksgiving!  And now, November is pretty much over and that makes me very sad  Yes, I love the Christmas season and December is a pretty good month too but I am just not ready for cold and snow… but to be honest, I doubt I would ever be ready for that…

I remember as a kid being super anxious about having a white Christmas, like if it did not snow, I felt we got robbed of something very important.  Now, I will gladly take a Christmas that is 57 degrees and sunny.  Just sayin’!  And no, that is not my wish for this week number 4 (technically more like week 8 but since I skipped a whole lot of those weeks, let’s just go with 4…) my wish for this week is something else…

I really wish this stupid IT band pain I have had the last three days would go away!  Sometime on Monday morning when I was running, I got a weird twing in my hip/thigh muscle.  I stretched it out and it seemed like it went away but then later in the morning, when I went to stand up and move from my desk, it was terribly painful.  Like I was not sure I was going to make it down the hall… Well, I iced that stupid hip, stretched it some more, took a fair number of Ibuprofen and have been trying to take it easy and as of now, it is feeling much better.  I am still hesitant to run on it but hopefully by Saturday, I will be ready for a 7ish mile training run.  Probably going to be a slow one…

This is a semi-compound wish if those are allowed and the second half of my wish this week is that I would never take a run for granted when I complete it pain free.  I think I am sometimes making myself go for a run because I know it is good for me but as soon as that option is taken away from me, I realize I really love running and miss the quality alone time in the morning where I can just listen to my music and do a little run before work.  I also feel like this helps me feel better throughout the day as well so I have been missing this the last three days!  Hopefully another few resting days is all it takes to be completely on the mend this time.  I realize sometime I might hurt myself more than just a few day recovery and therefore need to always remember how important it is to stretch, rest and be careful!  Hopefully I can have another 20+ years of injury free running!

One Wish Wednesday No. 3

Forgive me for the lack of pictures and brevity of this post tonight… I spent another long day in “my stomach needs to learn how to behave land”… and I just want to go sit on the couch and relax tonight but since the dog is eating his dinner and heaven forbid anyone be doing anything exciting while he is eating, I figured I’d type something up quick!!

This week’s wish is probably quite obvious… I WISH I could figure out what the heck is up with feeling like crap again!  I went so many days with feeling really good and then it’s been a downhill slope since Sunday/Monday… No, it is nothing major and nothing that even needs doctor’s intervention but I just feel lousy and unfocused all.day.long and it just gets old!  I felt so much better after going off of gluten but then it has been on again, off again all year and I am just getting so sick of it!  I am thinking now maybe too much sugar and corn set it off so I’m going to try avoiding those again and see if I can start feeling a bit better for good now!  Trying to figure out food sensitivities is just plain dumb!  So here’s to wishing that I can get this under control!  It’s been a very long year to say the least…

But on a happier note, I went on a very pleasant 3 mile rain in the run tonight after work!  I actually do like running in the rain and after feeling bad all day, I just needed a good stress revealing run!  And even though my stomach is being a little beeotch, I am very happy that my legs and running is going better then ever!  Even after my half marathon on Saturday, my legs felt so loose and ready to run tonight!!  I am sad that the weather is starting to get colder which means my run distances will get cut a bit shorter… it’s just too hard to find a place to run 6+ miles once it’s really snowy out  But for now, I’ll just soak up as much fall running as I can, rain and all!!  Night!

One Wish Wednesday No. 2.

So last week I started a little something I called One Wish Wednesday.  I didn’t intend for this to be more about running but bear with me for another week while I once again wish something to do with running…

My wish this week has to do with my upcoming Haunted Hustle half marathon.  To be quite honest, I’m not really sure how this is going to go for me on Saturday.  I just ran a half marathon about 6 weeks ago and really have not done a whole lot in the form of training since then… but I wish that I can go into this race not being scared for the race, but excited.  I want to finish the race and remember things about the course along the way.  I want to stop and take pictures and revel in the fact that I am running 13.1 miles.  I don’t want to push myself so hard that I can only concern myself with survival.  I want to keep my pace somewhere in the range where I can really, truly enjoy what I am doing.  I want to have that goofy can’t wipe this smile off my face feeling that I had back at the 10K in June.

I know that come Saturday, I am going to have to fight that negative, witchy voice in the back of my head that tries to fill me up with doubt and I know I am going to have to fight those butterflies in my stomach on Friday night… but once the “gun” goes off, I want to just have fun!  (And also maybe anxiously await my Chocolate Clif shots )  I want to take pictures of people in their crazy costumes and I want to take pictures of the pretty fall foliage that will no doubt finally be here this weekend! (Without being an obstruction to other runners of course!)  And most of all, I want to finish this race with nothing going through my head but YEAH!!!  You did it!! You are a runner!!  Too many times, when I finish a run, that negative, nasty voice finds something to pick apart from my race… (why didn’t you train for hills?  why did you not run that 2 minutes faster?  why did you take that walking break? why didn’t you blah, blah, blah…)  But not this time.  This time, I am going to finish and look like I mean it!  I am going to smile when I cross the finish line if I have to walk to do it!  This race is going to be be epic regardless of what time I cross that finish line.  This race is going to be fun!  I will keep telling myself this until Saturday morning.   And you know what.  I really think this wish just might come true!

One Wish Wednesday.

I wanted to start some sort of weekly topic that I can use every week to help give me an idea to blog out.  Coming up with said topic is turning out to be quite challenging… So until I can think of something better and more interesting, I am going to pick something each week that I “wish” would happen.  This often will be something ridiculous and not serious at all but hey, that’s ok, right?

If I had one wish...

This week’s “wish” is more on the serious side.  I really want to run a marathon.  I wanted to run one last year but training went so bad that I had to abandon the idea and run the half marathon instead.  Since that day, I have had this nagging longing to run a stupid marathon.  I don’t know why exactly that this is so important to me but it’s something I really want to do and I feel like it’s something my body really does not want me to do… I understand that marathon training is tough and I don’t care about that fact mentally.  But physically, I doubt that I will have what it takes to finish.  The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon released their date for next year.  October 7, 2012.  After volunteering for this race this year, I know this would be a great race to do to cross this item off my bucket list but now the question remains on whether I have what it takes to actually do this.

A major problem with committing to this particular race is you pretty much have to decide in April because it fills up within days of when registration opens.  The registration fee is only like $75 so I guess even worst case scenario, I could just loose the money if I can’t keep up with the training.  I would just hate to decide to go for this and then end up hurting myself because of it or stressing my body too much and have it rebel at me.  Plus then I will have to face the fact that I failed yet again at training for a marathon And yet I know that I will have this nagging wish in the back of my head until I can hang that Marathoner Medal with my other half marathon medals…

Positives improvements that I have made in my running this past year at times lead me to believe that maybe now this would be possible… I can eat before running now, I can eat while running, I can drink while running, I don’t refuel with blue corn tortilla chips.  So things seem more positive and yet I just don’t know if I will ever be able to fulfill this wish…

I guess only time will tell?!?!