25th Anniversary Cruise

Team In Training's 25th Anniversary Cruise around Tampa Bay

was a great time!  I am honored to help celebrate the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training's 25th year!

I have participated in a number of events for Team in Training.  I have fundraised and mentored and maybe one day, I can coach and help other first time or veteran runners as much as my coaches have helped me.  My first run with TEAM Was Disney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon, next up was Rock n Roll Savannah Full, I mentored Disney Princess, and finally, Disney Goofy!  With Team I have met some really great friends of which I am so thankful for their support, love, and generosity.

On Tuesday we set sail from the Bay Spirit II which is located directly behind the Florida Aquarium and right next to the Victory ship.  We took off promptly at 8:40ish because Christa had to get in some hill and speed training running to the boat. We were greeted with friendly faces and runners and triathletes in "normal" clothing.  Light appetizers were served and there was a cash bar. I was so hungry I darted right to whatever they were serving and stuffed my mouth, not unusual of course.  After we left post, we wandered around the boat and took pictures.  It was my first boat trip out on the bay by Channelside and it was really beautiful.  With my house hunting search, I of course would love to know how much those houses would go for off the water at Davis Island.  

Christa getting in her training before the boat leaves

We were summoned downstairs to hear presentations by Irene and hear Patrick Duffy speak with his daughter Elli.  Elli was diagnosed with AML when she was 19 months old.  You heard the emotion in his voice when he spoke.  I do not think there was s dry eye in the room when he was done.  Patrick also ran Goofy with us this year but for some reason, I did not know his reason for running.  

Team in Training participants have raised over $1.3 billion for life saving cancer research

More than $875 has been invested in blood cancer research

Coach Teresa, Christa, and me!

There is more than just running.  There are cycling, triathlon, hiking, and obstacle racing events.  

This is a program that changed my life and was honored to be able to be a part of such a great event.  If you have any questions, please ask! or head over to their site

I

f you would like to donate, please visit my sister's site who is running her first half marathon!  I am so excited for her to take this journey!

Goofy Thoughts and Goals

The BIG DAY is less than 48 hours away!  I am headed to Disney on Friday to get settled in, check out the expo and be a social TNT butterfly.

I cannot believe how quick time flies.  I remember signing up for this race with Team in Training back when I was at my old school, which means, May 2012! Seriosly, what was I thinking?  I am really excited, nervous, anxious about these races.  I am a mixed bag of emotions.  If this is your first time stopping by, the Goofy and a half challenge is a half marathon on Saturday followed by the full marathon on Sunday.  That is 39.3 miles of fun throught the happiest place on earth.  That is also countless hours on my feet. 

I am not sure if I have ever done a pre-race post before actually. 

This training cycle was all types of screwed up.  I wasn't able to train for my back to back runs because I was focused on the NY Marathon and was told not to do them yet and would start after NY.  I figured, after NY I would be in great shape, but I wasn't.  I started fighting overuse pains..ALL OVER.. Places I didn't know can hurt, or would hurt from running.  My training plan wasn't that feasable with my work schedue.  I simply could not get in two hour runs after school, two days a week.  I know how to make a plan for myself, or modify it to best meet the needs to me and my schedule now.  After NY, I was able to train with Team in Training again.  I love those people.  I am very lucky I had peole to meet, people to eat with, and discuss the stuff only runners talk about.  I got sick run after run and the long runs suffered.  Don't get me wrong, I did have some great runs!  I am finally seeing my speed improve on shorter distances.  (I can't wait to tackle the half marathon distance again).  I got burnt out, I am tired, and I am ready for a break.

Im scared.  I am scared I didn't put in all the training. 
Im confident.  I am confident that I will make it to that finishing line, somehow.
Im panicking.  I am panicking about the weather.  Have you seein it yet?  I am no speedy gonzalez, so I will me still out there when the sun is up and it beating down on me.  You are told to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer when running, I should be in just my swuimsuit then.  Hydration? Stomach?  All issues running through my head.
Im happy.  I am so happy I get to share the accomplishments of so many individuals who will be crossing the finish line to their first half or full marathon
Im stuffy.  I am starting to feel human again, I can almost breathe.  I was sick for three days.  I was breathless walking up 1 flight of stairs.
Im ready.  I am ready to toe those start lines!  As much as there have been problems, I am ready, and maybe as ready as I ever will be.  JUST GET HERE ALREADY!!


After 13.1, how will 26.2 feel? HELP!


My goals:
Apparently this is what peole want to read.  Who would have thought.  I am still thinking about these and tweeking it honestly.  There has been so much to happen and things to consider.  The weather, being sick, corral placement, back to back runs; that I am scared to really set goals.  I know that as long as I finish, I will be happy



13.1 Saturday:

A: Have fun, enjoy, walk some, run some, take pictures.  Not go in with the intention to set any records
B. 2:30-2:45  That means I probably stopped once and the heat is getting to me
C: Sub 2:26 I feel amazing and I am going to PR because I think I could if I tried :)

26.2:

A:Sub 5:25
B:Sub 5:35
C:Sub 6

I am being very broud on the marathon goals becasue of the back to backs.  If I feel amazing, my goal is to fun it :) Sub 5:30 here I go.  As long as I go under 6, Iwill be a happy little camper after my last marathon experience

Have you ever ran a back to bakc race?  What did you do to prepare or recover?
Will you be at Disney?  I would probably love to meet you!

If you would like to track me, let me know.  I will be happy to give you my last name! Just ask
 

Overachieving and harsh realizations

I have these big dreams and goals of completing and accomplishing certain races.

I tend to take on more than I can handle, especially when it comes to training for events.  I have race after race, run after run until March.  I didn't really realize how much I have planned until someone mention, are you racing every weekend?  Well, sort of...

I had these BIG dreams of doing the Croom 50k and Augusta HIM 70.3

I have been toying with these ideas for about 6 months now, and I have no doubt I can physically complete them.  I then realized how much more training would need to go into a HIM.  I would need to do two a days.  When did I ever think I would have time for that?  I can't even complete my scheduled runs now.  

Right now, my marathon training plan was given to me through team in training and I believe was a little too ambitious for my schedule.  I have two medium long runs during the weeks, which now, are 9 miles.  I think to myself, this takes me almost two hours.. so coming up at 7, impossible.  Next training cycle, more realistic plan will be made and will incorporate speed because one day, I would love to qualify for Boston!

Back to Croom and Augusta, I think I am officially burnt out.  I want a social life!  I want to run because I want to, not because I have a training run.  I think I am saying goodbye to running Croom and doing Augusta in 2013, but there is always 2014.  Not to mention, a tri is very expensive and I certainly do not have the money at this time to invest in the proper training and equipment.  I am so thankful for the friends along the way to help me out this far.  

I want to be proud of my race and know I have done all that I could do :)

Will I have a change of heart in the next few weeks once Goofy is over?  It is possible, but I am staying away from the "Register Now" button for a while, until I am 100% sure I have the time and the energy.  

So what is up next?

Dec. 15 The color run

December 21- 10 miles

December 22- 20-22 Miles

January 12 DIsney Half Marathon

January 13 Disney Full Marathon

January 27 ING Miami Full or Half Marathon

February 9- Mud Run

February 17 Donna 26.2 or Half?- Possible with Meghan

February 24 Disney Princess  Half Marathon with Meghan, Tori, Caitlyn

March 9- Gate River run with my best friend Jamie

March 17- Sarasota Half Marathon (Hoping for a PR)

What runs are you planning?  How do you get motivated again?

Weekly Workout Roundup

I feel like I haven't posted in forever, and well, that can be because the whole getting ready for New York really overwhelmed me.  Let's just say, when I left for NY on Thursday night, I was so excited, a ball of nerves, and really any emotion I can muster up.  I was getting ready to accomplish my 2012 goal, run the NYC Marathon.  On my way back, I was another ball of emotions, the complete opposite.  I will get to that post another day, but wanted to reiterate that because when you see my miles, so low, you know it was the week before "THE MARATHON" that never happened.

So, ladies and gents, grab a button and link up!!

Last Sunday, I manages to get 13 amazing miles in but was so sore for the next few days.  I think I went out harder than I thought I did for the half marathon.  After that, it was rest, rest, rest, NY was less than a week away.  That is what I thought about all week; while at work, driving, sleeping, eating, etc.  My life revolved around this race.

I didn't get much other exercise in because I wanted my muscles to be nice and fresh for race day.

Wednesday I wanted to get a 2-3 mile run in, but boy was I busy.  I didn't settle down till after 9, which is late for me!

Thursday I worked and went straight to the airport.  The race was still on.

Friday Morning I woke up and went to the Expo.  My family and I walked around and shopped.  That counts as exercise right?  I thought so.  I later walked home from a Team in Training dinner once I heard the Marathon was cancelled, again, more on that in another post.

Saturday, with all the crazy emotions, I had to get out, I had to run.  I put on my new orange NYC Marathon shirt and went for a run in central park.  I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do.  I ran for 4.  It was short and sweet, and just as I was headed home, I wanted to keep going.  Unfortunately, the family was waiting for me for lunch.

Sunday, back on the airplane.

Now that I do not have a recovery, you should see much higher miles from me as now it is GO time for Disney's Goofy Challenge!

Also, I am headed out tonight for my first track practice in over two years!  This should be interesting!

Come link up!!

Also, Check back for a giveaway!!!
Maybe two :)

Thank you!

Many of you are already aware that I am currently training for the New York City Marathon as well as Disney's Goofy and a Half challenge.

Training is going well and I am almost ready to head to NY to conquer those bridges and my hometown.  

For Disney, I am fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society to help raise funds for cancer research.  Disney will consist of the Half Marathon on Saturday then the Full Marathon on Sunday.  39.3 miles :)

All my readers have been so supportive!

I wanted to give a special shout out to Tori, Meghan, and Steph for already making generous donations!

All too often we hear or are touched by family and friends who are affected by cancer.  This is the least I can do to help.

I hope you can pass this link on to whomever you know to help me reach my fundraising goal, to surpass it, and to help find a cure for cancer, so we do not have to have loved one suffer.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/wdw13/ghimelfarb

Thank you and I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

I am still brainstorming some fundraising ideas.. Do you have any ideas to share with me?  what would you be wiling to participate in?

Speak to me..

Are you ever shopping and an item just speaks to you?  

What was that item? 

This weekend I was roaming around Target just perusing the isles wanting to spend money I do not have and I happened to make it to the nail polish isle,  I'd you know me, I am nt a nail polish person.  I have no patience, and it always comes off in a day so it looks crummy because I don't actually take it off.  

Well, I was looking for some green and gold a d as I was walking away, this pink color popped out.  It was Essie brand and I love my Essie polish.  The name of the color was Marathin. 

The name of th color is why I purchased it, yes, I do love the color and received compliments, but the name is perfect!

As I am currently training for Marathon #2 and #3 I al also on this endless journey to get "thin" .  

Perfection! It was meant to be! It was calling my name, it was fate! 

Thankful Thursday

It is spring break!!! I am therefore thankful for a lot of things!!

1. Roommates :)  I do not know what I would do without her.  She washes my dishes, cleans our apartments, listens to my crazy antics and buys me chocolate cake when I am craving it!  (But that will no longer happen, wait till tomorrow's post).    She made me an amazing breakfast this morning.  Be jealous, she is a great roommate

Egg beaters, bagel thin and turkey bacon ;)

2. Spring Break- This week had been filled with things to do, but I finally was able to sleep in today!  I slept till 8:00.  I am thankful for not having to set an alarm clock today.  I managed to shop and spend money I do not have but wish I did, go to the beach for the first time this season, go to Disney, get plenty of Dr. Appointments in and spring clean.

Minus my finger, Chimpanzee sand castle at Disney

3. Hunger Games.  I have not put this book down this week!  I begged my students, friends and even my Coach for the books!  I am almost done with three and then it is show time.  I have already purchased my tickets for the midnight premiere.  Oh, Liam, I am coming for you!!

Hunger Games IMDB because apparently it won't link to youtube L(

4.  Blogs- Spring break has left me with plenty of time to read blogs!! I am obsessed.!! Please leave your blog recommendations for me here! Thanks:)

What are you thankful for?  What gets you through the week?