Day Five - Remember Who You Are....

Sorry for no posting yesterday - things have been a little crazy. 

Had some family drama. My father was in the ER, then out, then back in, and then to an ENT dude. He fell down (knocked down by a runaway beagle) and broke his nose pretty good. Combine that with the blood thinners he's on, and you get a LOT of bleeding...so much so that I almost hopped a plane for Oklahoma late Tuesday night. For those of you who don't know - my dad is kinda my hero...and I'm VERY worried about him...

Combine that with a huge issue with my sister...who I hadn't talked to in about 2 years, and likely won't talk to again for several more (there's a BIG story here - but sufficied to say - she's not an 'active' part of the family - by HER choice).

And what do you get?

A guy who's been thrown off track consistently for about 2 weeks.

But here's the beauty of today.

I got up. I went out. I did a run. And I heard "King of Pride Rock" while I ran. And thus the picture and theme of today's post.

And today is the end, folks. The end of July. August is tomorrow, and August will start out with a great weight workout and a long run on Saturday, and then into week five strong.

You see - the OLD me - would have found a way to use this as a way to give up. A way to throw in the towel. The OLD me would have seen recent exercise woes and snacking faux-pas as a chance to go back to OLD habits. 

But the NEW me - no. The NEW me accepts that I'm human, I make mistakes (sometimes ones that involve cookies) - and I move on - because the NEW me is committed to a BETTER me. Every day. 

And as I climb these final steps in the months up to the race (which in case you didn't know is a hugely emotional turning point for me) - I look up off Pride Rock - and ROAR. I roar as loudly as I can. Because the King....has returned.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Four

We were looking at pictures last night, and came across this picture from July 2005. 

Amber saw it and looked at me and said "I'm so proud of you."

This is a great motivator.

July 2008 is winding down, and has had some problems - ups and downs. Exercise changes (I'll detail this week in a second) without appropriate planning. Food woes from vacations and beyond, and likely a bit of weight gain.

But the ups? My clean bill of health - my speed and stamina increasing every week - and inching closer and closer to Main Street.

So what now?

Well - we keep on the plan. We keep moving forward, and taking our lumps when they come. A small gain here and there if we don't lose sight of the ball will not derail us.

This week's plan is a little off due to some work committments, but in the future, I'll be planning with them in mind.

W: 30 minute cross training.

Th: 35 minute run 3/3

F: 30 minute cross training.

Sa: 4.5 mile run 3/3

Su: Rest

I'm not weighing in until Friday August 1st. And even then, likely not sending sponsor letters until September. 

August is going to be a month where I focus on refining my efforts. Focusing on really accounting for my food intake, and really pushing myself to exercise harder.

There are no stumbles in August. No vacations. Nothing weird. So I should be able to make great strides! And then we'll start planning on how to survive Disneyland! :)

Speaking of which....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Three - Day Seven

HEY - guess who beat the rain? OH YEAH.

It's pouring here today - but rather than SKIP my workout - I just got in the car and went to the gym and pounded out 4.0 miles in 51:15. 

NICE. 

Now I have a nice day to relax until around 6pm when I leave for Vancouver, where I have court at some ungodly early morning hour tomorrow...and then take the LONG trek home. But I'm planning for food on the trip THIS time (last time this was where I hit McDonalds - remember?).

So - how's YOUR weekend?

See you Tuesday!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Three - Day Six

So how about that announcement on AATM? We are going to DISNEYLAND!!! Just a tad bit of pixie dust added by our friend Paul from WTTM and we are ALSO going to CLUB 33!!!

I cannot WAIT to share pictures and audio with everyone!!!

Any requests for photos? Bryan pulling on the sword? Etc.?

As for training - I've made a slight change. Owing to a few factors, not the least of which is that I'll be doing an overnight for a case on Sunday night and have court EARLY Monday morning - I know I won't run Monday morning. So I've moved Monday's workout to today, and tomorrow is my long run of 4.01 miles (I've already mapped it.)

Just a quick swap.

Oh yeah!!! And I saw my Doctor yesterday!!!

I AM AS HEALTHY AS AN OX.

My pressure is normal: 125/70

My cholesterol is normal: 117

My GOOD cholesterol is a little low but UP from last time: 35

My sugars are normal: 88

Resting pulse rate: 55

I did confide in her that I was a little disheartened that I've kinda plateaued over the last few weeks with weight - bouncing around the 285 mark. She said that as I keep going, the weight will catch up, but at this point, the weight is more of a nuisance than a health issue. My INSIDES are working WONDERFULLY.

I AM HEALTHY.

I've never received a clean bill of health in my life. Ever. It's always been - do this - or get that under control.

It means my hard work for the last year and a half has paid off!!! You have NO idea how good that feels - and now I can focus on the next goal....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!

Week Three - Day Five - Cross Training

Okay - I don't have the little "perfect pushup" thingies like he does....but I did do 25 pushups this morning.

When I first started working with Christina - I could do....9.

So that's progress.

I also did 100 situps and 50 side leg lifts per side.

I'm running short on time this morning, so I didn't have time to get to the gym. This was my reasonable substitute for cross training.

Now tomorrow, though, we do FOUR miles. :)

And this afternoon I see my doctor for my physical and test results. We get to find out if all this work has REALLY helped...I'll admit to being a tad bit nervous...but hey - we'll live, right?

MAIN STREET AWAITS

Week Three - Day Four

You know that feeling where you've been getting a bit down on yourself, and then one morning you decide to just....go out and do what you're supposed to do - and you not only do it - you do it REALLY well and REALLY hard?

Yeah - that's me today.

Mild Mannered Jonathan, who secretly underneath his workout clothes, is a SUPER-HERO to himself!

Because despite a "rough" week with exercise AND food - he's still on the horse and still moving forward and committed to finishing out his week strong and pushing through until August 1st and beyond! This month is NOT over yet, folks! 

Not even by a long shot - and I'm going to make the most of my last 7 days to get myself BACK on the tracks. And this mornings 38 minute workout (13.67 minute pace) was a GREAT start. There were even some MONSTER hills - but did I slow down? Heck no!

See - I told ya I'd break out of my funk!!! And fear not - as I'm getting myself back together, I'll be back to posting comments and in forums VERY soon. :) 

Oh yeah - and speaking of teasers - "HAVE YOU HEARD AATM'S BEST KEPT SECRET?!?!?"

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Testing....testing....

So I forgot completely that I'm having blood work done today until last night.

Thankfully it was in enough time to do the 12 hour fast the doctor asked for.

The appointment is Friday afternoon for the follow-up. So then we find out the big stuff - forget the weight - which, while fluctuating slightly, has remained fairly solid the last few months...

We're checking cholesterol, tryglycerides, etc. Plus my pressure.

We're going to see how much effect all this has had on the INSIDE.

So I'm off to get vampired.

Have a great day! And thanks for the support yesterday guys - I'm kinda going through a little self-doubting funk - but I'll pull through it - and things will get back to normal around here. Promise!

PLUS - Bryan was super stoked about the big news on this week's AATM - want to know more? Listen to the first few minutes on Friday! Then the rest of the show!

MAIN STRET AWAITS!

Week Three - Day Two

I could use a hug today from you guys.

My workout this morning didn't QUITE go as planned - and I've realized that two rest days in a row doesn't work - my legs were screaming - and nearly cramped. I was able to do 2.2 miles in 30 minutes - but MOSTLY walked. 

Since Monday was thrown off by the morning, the whole day was a little off.

And so today I find myself spiraling into self-doubt. 

Sure - we've all been here. But then I see ZERO comments from yesterday.

Did I go to Boston and get forgotten?!?! :(

So....today I'm being a bit selfish. 

I'm asking you guys - to comment. Say hi. Tell me I can do it.

ANYTHING positive. 

For some reason - I kinda need it today.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Three - Day One - 286.4

I'm back! And I just couldn't resist posting another picture of Ayla - this one.....AFTER the cake. :) What an adorable niece. I'm just saying.

Okay - post Boston wrap-up.

First - food - I think I did as well as I was going to - and even enjoyed a few treats like Boston Cream Pie, etc. With jetlag, water retention, and "limited" control over WHAT I ate (I did have total control over how much) - to only put on 2 pounds I think is impressive. And I'm sure it'll all come off this week.

Second - exercise. I did my best to stick to the plan - and with the exception of getting slightly lost one day - did well! The humidity was KILLING us both. We literally were sweating from our ELBOWS.

Third - the conference - was GREAT! LOVED IT.

Okay then - now that I'm home everything goes back to normal right?

Nope. Not quite. See - aside from being minorly jetlagged this morning - I'm having digestive issues keeping me from going outside. Most of it is just how I get the day after I fly. So I'm calling an audible here. What the book's plan contemplates is this: if you miss a workout - it's gone - you missed it.

But since I'm still at the EARLY part of the plan, and haven't really started to push REALLY hard - I'm just going to reorganize THIS week. So here's the plan for this week:

M: Rest

T: run/walk 35 minutes - 3/3

W: weight training - 30 minutes

Th: run/walk 35 minutes - 3/3

F: weight training - 30 minutes

Sa: 4.0 miles - 3/3 

Su: Rest

So instead of a rest in the middle of the week - I'm taking it now.

This may end up not working - but I'm going to try it and see if in the future I should skip if I miss, or try to go back and pick it up.

Either way - I'm HAPPY to be home - and DYING to hear what Paul did in my place on the show!

And of course - as seems to be the case lately - STAY TUNED FOR REALLY BIG NEWS this week on AATM. :)

How did you guys do while I was gone? Hope you didn't forget lil ol' me!

MAIN STREET AWAITS.

Quick Update

We arrived in Boston safely! YAY!

The hotel is quite nice, although the room is a little warmer than I'd like. But still - que sera sera.

Food yesterday was "okay" - not great - but "okay" - don't get me wrong - it was wonderful - but wasn't as health conscious as I'd have liked - but then again we only ate 2 meals.

Breakfast - scrambled eggs, potatos, 2 sausages, toast, OJ.
Lunch we slept through. LOL (we were on a red eye, and after breakfast got our room)
Dinner - catered buffet. I had ONE plate with a small salad without dressing. Small fruit and cake plate for dessert.

I'm running a little low on water, but working on that today.

Class starts this morning. Continental breakfast, catered lunch, dinner on our own.

I already did my run this morning - just finished. Seeing people running the Charles river is a bit surreal. This is BOSTON - running capital of the country! I ended up doing about 30 minutes, because I turned back a little early, as I was starting to lose my bearings. But I'm going to use this "webcube" to map my Saturday run in a second.

Yeah - no internet in my room - have the laptop, but internet costs like $18/day. So I'll use their "business center" to check in once or twice more while here.

On the whole - managing to keep to the plan while on vacation....it's hard - but worth it. And kinda fun to run in Boston. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Two - Day Two

Lots to still do before our flight tonight at 10:30pm.

We're leavin....on a Jet plane....Sunday's when I'll be back again....

But I'll do my best to post while I'm gone.

Promise.

But...until then - let's see....

Rae? You're in charge! Make sure everyone behaves!

Mr. Sulu, you have the conn.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Two - Day One - 284.4 - Cornius Interruptus

Okay - there's a lot to get to today - let's start with weight.

I'm DOWN everything I gained last week - PLUS .2 pounds. This is a great place to be going into my Boston trip. And knowing I'll be able to keep up my exercise while I'm there, and knowing I'm not going to splurge with food (except for maybe one nicer dinner) will really help keep me on track to finish the month strong!

Speaking of food...and exercise.

Today I learned a VERY valuable lesson. We must be careful what we eat the night BEFORE we exercise.

Now I'd known this already. I'd planned out a good lean protein dinner with a good simple carb for the nights before the race - and generally do just fine exercising.

BUT....

Yesterday we had two things together that made for problems this morning. Around 3pm we had a snack while out in the heat. We stopped at TCBY, our new snack stop for some yogurt. Generally dairy messes with me a little...but I can cope.

And with dinner? Yup...you guessed it. 

CORN.

And this morning, while starting my exercise, I encountered what I will term "Cornius Interruptus". Without grossing people out, let's just say that about a half mile out into my workout, my stomach spoke up and said "GO HOME. FAST."

So I did.

And we chalk today up to a learning experience and keep moving onward.

Today's lesson, children? Corn plus dairy = BAD COMBO FOR EXERCISING.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

A day of rest....

Remember that ferry ride I took a few weeks ago where I saw the courthouse that was like over a hundred years old? This is it.

Beautiful building, no?

So - week one is complete - and I was totally successful with it! I did EVERYTHING I was to do - and I feel GREAT about it.

So what does week two hold? Essentially - the same as week one (since I'm repeating it) but increased a TAD on Saturday.

M: 35 minutes 3/3.

T: 30 minutes cross training.

W: Rest.

Th: 35 minutes 3/3 (in Boston).

F: 30 minutes cross training (in Boston).

Sa: 3.5 miles (up from 3.0) 3/3 (in Boston).

Su: Rest.

Now - I'll be posting until I leave, and will have my laptop with me in Boston, but I don't know how much time I'll have to update. But I'll try! Food was good this last week, and I anticipate it being a little tougher in Boston, but not as bad as one might think. No snack options - just have to make good choices for meals. :)

And of course - all of our hearts go out to Jeff W and his family - Jeff - we love you guys - and we are thinking of you...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week One - Day Six

Much like Ayla and her new drum (how about that - BRAVE parents - they bought it for her) - I was POUNDING my challenge this morning! 3 miles in 40 minutes! 13.3 minute pace!

I feel like I've really pushed hard this week, and I'm anxious to see the weight coming down after last week's increase. I think I'm turning a corner here in my training, and proving to myself that I can do this - not just "barely" - but really PUSHING myself. The 3/3 interval is working great - no side stitches yet - no shin splints - and just enough rest and water to keep me pushing.

Plus - I mean - how can you NOT run when "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" comes on!??!

Looks like our ADRs are booked (for the most part) - and I'll update the list soon. And tomorrow I'll lay out WEEK TWO.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week One - Day Five - Weights

I had a GREAT workout this morning - much cleaner than Tuesday and it felt wonderful. Really pushed my arms and legs for a half hour. Good reps. Even did some core work with knee lifts. I think things are starting to come together.

And today - the new iPhone software comes out! I'm downloading iPhone 2.0 as we speak (or rather, as I type....or whatever)...and am anxious to explore the app store, and see what I can do with my existing iPhone before I decide IF I'm going to upgrade to the 3G.

Which is a great question for today - since I'm heading to Boston next week.

What technology MUST you take on vacation? What can you NOT live without? Phone? Laptop? Blu-Ray Player? Surround Sound System? :)

And yeah - why?

Until tomorrow after my 3 mile run, my friends:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week One - Day Four

Once she realized it was food - it was all downhill!!! Is that my niece or what?!?! :)

Good run this morning - I'm finding my intervals work well to stave off shin splints and side stitches so far - and today had a few monster hills in the path. I thought it was longer, but when I re-mapped it - only 2.2. Ah well. 3.0 on Saturday! :)

As for the dining plan - it is a lot of food - but we took great care at looking at menus to make sure we had 'healthier' options available at most places. No don't get me wrong - I'm going to ENJOY my trip - but I'm not going to undo my progress after the race. Far from it. Besides...

I have another race to prepare for after this one. Right? 2010! :)

Off to work - talk to you guys tomorrow!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week One - Day Three - Rest

So today is my first scheduled rest day. And I need it. My arms are SORE SORE SORE from yesterday. My legs are okay - but the shoulders are killing. By Friday they'll be ready for more though. :)

So - ADRs - we're planning on doing the deluxe dining plan, so we can try out some new table service places while we're in WDW in January - and so it gives us flexibility of cuisine. Some of the new places we're trying (not NEW, but places we've never eaten):

The Supercalifragilstic breakfast at 1900 Park Fare.

The Wave (where we'll have dinner the night before the race, then head to the room at the Contemporary for bed)

Kona Cafe

Tutto Italia

Jiko

Yak and Yeti

Teppan Edo

Chefs de France

Garden Grill

Sci-Fi Dine In

And of course a few old favorites: The California Grill (for Wishes), Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys, the Crystal Palace, 50s Prime Time, and more!!!

Once I have them confirmed (Annette will be making them for us in the next day or so) I'll give you more info about them. :)

Can you tell I'm getting excited about this?!?!

PLUS - there's BIG COOL NEWS coming soon to a podcast near you. Maybe in the next three or four weeks I might have some cool announcements!!!

And - by the way - I'm committed to running in the first annual CORNFEST! Now there's a 5 (or 10k) I can get behind!!! 

Tomorrow - AYLA WITH CAKE ON HER FACE!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!

Week One - Day Two - Weights

Back in the gym again. Felt great. I did a rotation of 10 different universal machines, for approximately 30 minutes. It was actually closer to 28. But I was gauging my ability so that I can push harder on Friday. And Friday I'll have a much cleaner workout. This one was a little hit and miss from machine to machine.

But I'm that really GOOD sore you get after a good weight workout. :)

Food was good yesterday - had my late night snack too late though. No more eating after 8pm! :)

Other than that - the week is shaping up good. And I'll have more info for you tomorrow! I think we should discuss where we're planning our ADRs for our trips in January! :) It should be a BLAST! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week One - Day One

Strap in! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!!!

Seriously though - this morning went GREAT in my opinion. 3/3 interval - 13.8 minute pace - 2.8 miles in 38:50. The interval was rough, since some songs are longer than 3 and others are shorter, but still. A good quality workout. :)

A little shin splint in the left shin that I'm still working through but will be okay. 

Tomorrow is weights - and I had stopped them - hadn't been to the gym in about 3 weeks. And I'm switching up WHAT I do and HOW I do it a little. We'll see how it goes.

Food was not bad yesterday - despite the birthday party for Ayla (pictures coming - HOLY CATS! LOL) - and speaking of birthdays: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

So I'm up to 288.3 again. But not bad, considering the week. We'll conquer that number this week at a minimum. :)

AND we're 184 days from my trip!

MAIN STREET AWAITS! 

We're off to a great start! 

Runners....TO YOUR MARKS!

Okay team. Here we are.

Before I get going, I want to thank you all for the support you showed me Friday. This team is as solid as ever, and I'm proud to be a part of it - and I know we're all going to kick butt come January! Keep supporting each other - keep moving forward - and we'll join hands....figuratively if not literally - on Main Street!

After a slightly more indulgent weekend than planned (the BBQ was the killer - the folks who were supposed to bring the chicken showed up an hour after everyone had eaten!) including a BBQ for the fourth and a nice birthday dinner for Amber (grilled mahi-mahi and tuna steak with basmati rice as well as a strawberry spinach salad - and instead of ice cream? TCBY for dessert!) - where I'm SURE I've gained at least 3-4 pounds since last week...mostly water...and that gas station stop, etc....

Anyhow....after ALL that.

Tomorrow begins the regimented training program. 

Now - why not do 14 weeks then maintain? Because if I don't have a challenge - a goal - or a way to strive for more - I'll falter. I know it. So the 28 weeks carries me to the race.

I've already investigated the menu at the restaurant at the Charles Hotel in Boston - and I'll be having fish and chicken a lot. :) Breakfast and lunch are provided by my seminar, so I'll make do there the best I can - but this is not a vacation, therefore, no splurging.

PLUS - I'll be mapping out my runs for the two running days I'm there in advance.

I'm really excited about this - I'm going to try to push harder for better results, and I think the weight training will help in that regard. I look forward to some dramatic changes in my body and my abilities!

PLUS!!! At the insistence of my FEET and LEGS - I'm adding an ACTUAL STRETCHING component to my workouts. I know! Post-workout stretching?! Who'd have thunk it?!?! I tried it this morning after my Safeway loop...and it seems to have helped! I'm nursing a shin splint....

And starting tomorrow - I'll be posting times and distances again! YAY!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Special Guest - BELLE! (And a long post....)

Before we begin today - let me wish each and every one of you a VERY happy Independence Day! 

AATM is THRILLED today to present you with our special guest - the lovely and talented Ms. Paige O'Hara - Belle. Please go give the show a listen - it was a WONDERFUL interview, and just a taste of some of the magic we have in store for you all as the year goes on!!! Trust me - we're just getting started!

Now...onto business.

First - I did Lake Serene this morning (2.8 miles) in 42 minutes. A 15 minute pace. Slower than I'd like, but after not running for three days, I'm not surprised I ended up with a shin splint. I stretched and I'm good.

Now - I need to address a few issues that have come up in recent days. 

1. I want to thank everyone. Your comments mean the world to me - and even when I disagree with you, or feel like you're coming down on me, or feel defensive, the fact that you're willing to care enough to tell me what you think means an incredible amount. Please keep going. And Rae - NEVER hold your tongue.

2. Success and Training - I have to disagree with mgreene from yesterday. Yes, John Bingham is a back of the packer. But frankly - so am I. I haven't run for 25 years. I've barely been running for a year - before that I was barely walking. Even though I've lost 85+ pounds, I'm still over 280. I haven't even started my training plan, and we're questioning it. But I'm dedicated to it, despite my challenges. Does that mean I can't succeed with this training plan?

Certainly not - it just means we've forgotten what "success" means. And it means something different to us all. That's what Team Voice is all about, right? Many Goals, One Voice. Well what's my goal?

To successfully compete in, AND FINISH, the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. And get fitter and healthier on the way. Maybe next years goal will be to improve my time. But I'm not in this to win against everyone else. Just against me. And that, my friends, is success to me. If I can cross the finish line NOT on a bus. I've won. And that doesn't make me right, or someone else wrong. It just means we have MANY GOALS.

Which is a perfect segue to:

3. THE 5K DEBATE - I've decided not to run a "formal" 5k prior to this race. I consulted with my trainer to find out if that was a huge mistake. I've asked other runners. Opinions are all over the place. And as such, I've chosen to follow my heart. This is not about being prepared in any way - here's my explanation:

I am an experiential person. And this journey to this race has been a monumental one for me. Life altering. There are times when I'm moved to tears by what I've accomplished thus far, and how many of you are willing to "walk" with me. And the goal? The big shiny golden ticket at the end? 

Yes - the race. Main Street. EPCOT. The finish line. And my Donald medal. 

Part of the build up to all that is focusing all that energy in soaking up every second of it and making it incredibly special to me as my first ever race. Burning the experience into my soul. And for me, I know, that a "practice" race beforehand, would take something away. 

So I choose to keep the experience intact for myself. And I know that if I train well, I will not injure myself, and I will finish, and finish happy.

Now it's not all wine and roses here folks....

4. FOOD INTAKE. Yes, Rae. I've been lazy lately. And I recognize it. And garbage in, garbage out. Bad food = bad results. But I'm not giving up. And every day I have a slip, I say to myself, "don't do that tomorrow". This has been a huge adjustment for me - I used to eat four to five pastries daily - fast food - fried chicken - candy - all in one day. Let's face it - I was begging to die early. 

Now I occassionally indulge. I shouldn't - because I'm training. But I do sometimes. It's nowhere near where it was, and I try to combat it quickly. 

But here's the pledge I make to you and to myself now. Despite a BBQ tonight, Amber's birthday dinner tomorrow, and Boston in two weeks - I will not get thrown off course. I will continue to plan my meals carefully and stick to my plans. I will take care of my body - and continue to lose weight. I believe in my abilities. I've come this far.

My friends...

WE ARE A TEAM.

We have all committed to better health through running. Better life through Disney running. And better karma through helping others run and/or sponsoring sick children.

I'm proud of each and every person reading this blog. I love each and every person reading this blog. Please do not think I'm upset or coming down on any one. Far from it.

I want us all to succeed. I want us all to raise a glass at the "We Go On" meet on Saturday night. We will celebrate together - all of us - our individual goals, our individual successes, and our team! 

I promise not to give up on myself nor my team. Will you promise me the same thing? Don't give up on yourself, or our team?

If you're willing to promise it - then all together now - say the three words with me! The three that started this quest!!! READY!?!?!?

ONE...

TWO...

THREE!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

A quick lesson....

Okay - let me elaborate on the "Plan" - since I'm still getting questions. I'll have to do so quickly so I can leave for court - but here we go. :)

The plan includes FOUR different types of days:

1) Short maintenance workouts - Monday and Thursday - these are running workouts of short duration to keep the muscles loose and limber - and to keep form and pace increasing.

2) Cross training - Tuesday and Friday - these are...well....cross training. :)

3) Rest - Wednesday and Sunday. Nuff said.

4) Long run day - Saturday - this is a distance day - focusing on distance. We start at 3 miles, and work our way up to a maximum of 10 miles. Because I have 28 weeks instead of 14, I might even push to 11 or 12. But every week the long run changes. Some weeks it goes up, some weeks it tapers, but I will be running 10 miles minimum before the race.

Okay - I think that covers that.

And now - the LAST TOP FIVE before the reveal of our special guest....

JONATHAN'S TOP FIVE DISNEY PRINCESSES!!!

5. Aurora.

4. Cinderelly.

3. Jasmine.

2. Ariel (sorry guys, it's NOT Jodi Benson - and besides, Part of your World isn't a BIG musical number a la broadway. It's a wonderful song, but Under the Sea would be the big number in that one....)

and the number one princess.....

1. OUR SPECIAL GUEST!

Yes. A REAL LIVE DISNEY PRINCESS - and frankly my favorite.

Are you excited yet?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Misunderstandings and Mistakes (Long post - sorry!)

Okay - first some misunderstandings from yesterday's post - but let me say - I love seeing eight comments! I love hearing everything you guys have said and what you're thinking - it really helps - so keep on me!!!

First - endurance. The training plan I'm adopting is adapted from John Bingham's "Marathoning for Mortals" - it's a 14 week plan that I'm extending to 28 weeks, starting Monday. The plan I outlined yesterday is for week one only. Every week the numbers will increase. For instance, if week one is 35/30/r/35/30/3.0/r - then, for instance, week four (which will be week eight for me) is 40/30/r/40/30/5.0/r. And so on. Week eleven, for instance will be 45/40/r/45/30/10.0/r. See the progression? That's how the endurance will build. The week one plan is just that - the starting point.

And since I've done more than 3 miles several times, I might tweak the distance up a bit if 3.0 miles seems too short. 

Second - 5k. I mentioned several weeks ago that I'd decided with the help of Christina to not do a 5k prior to the half-marathon, and I'm sticking to that plan. I will have run far more miles than that - but do not want to participate in an organized race prior to the half. I will, however, be looking for opportunities to train with other people so I get used to running NOT alone. In fact, Jerry, my best friend, has already offered to run with me on Saturdays if I wish.

Third - interval pacing and the infamous "attempt" language. Right now when I go out I am 85% speed walking, 15% jogging. Sometimes I get into a decent run. I want to INCREASE my percentage of jogging to 50/50. So I'm going to start with a 3/3 (or song/song) interval pace. Since I'm not there yet, this is an improvement and a lofty goal. I'm not going to make excuses and wimp out - but I'm also leaving myself room to either a) improve or b) avoid injury.

That pattern starts Monday and carries through until the race itself - through my trip to Boston, and anything else that comes my way - the holidays - everything. 

I think that should address everyone's concerns...

Which I really DO appreciate. Truly - I'm not getting defensive or upset - and I don't mind you guys reminding me of why I'm here.

Speaking of which - first - thanks to Chris for offering to sponsor me!

Secondly - yesterday there was a mistake made. By me. And I'm paying the price today. I don't even know why it happened - but I had a gas station stop, and rather than the clif bar or jerky I've been getting if it happened, I ended up with a doughnut and a hot dog. It's been a LONG time since this has happened, and after eating it - I promised myself something.

That is the last food I will purchase at a gas station or anywhere I did not plan for in the next 30 weeks.

The price today? SERIOUS tummy issues. Like running back and forth to the restroom three times already. And man am I sorry! 

Okay - two more things to address before I sign off today.

1) Scheduling and Sponsor letters. I've decided to hold sponsor letters until the end of July. I'm hoping with the addition of harder weight training, and the regime of my 28 week plan, as well as a recommitment to REALLY being good with food - we'll see some good numbers, despite a birthday dinner for Amber and a trip to Boston. Here's the schedule through Monday:

W/Th - rest days - early court morning tomorrow.

F - Lake Serene with my 3/3 pace.

S - Safeway and Lake Serene with my 3/3 pace as long as I can do it.

Su - Safeway with my 3/3 pace.

That brings me to Monday strong and ready to rumble!

And finally - JONATHAN'S TOP FIVE BIG MUSICAL NUMBERS OF DISNEY MOVIES EVER!!!

5. Colors of the Wind - Pocahontas.

4. Friend like Me - Aladdin.

3. Out There - Hunchback of Notre Dame.

2. The Circle of Life - Lion King.

AND THE NUMBER ONE BIG MUSICAL NUMBER....

1. THE OPENING NUMBER OF THE MOVIE FEATURED THIS WEEK ON AATM - WITH SPECIAL GUEST!!!!

You didn't think I was really gonna tell you did you? But the hints are getting better! And tomorrow I'll give a GREAT ONE - to reveal our guest on Friday. What a thrill it was talking to her last night!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

The Plan....

The Death Star Plans are not in the main computer....

But MY plans for beginning my 28 week journey are. So I thought I'd share them with you here.

First - an update - no change on weight, so yesterday's weigh in will end June with a 1.9 pound loss. Sponsor letters will either go out, or wait until the end of July. Not sure yet - do you guys prefer sending $1.90 or waiting to send $4.00 or more?

Food yesterday was off a bit, just from the heat we altered our plans. But it was okay. Just kinda....lazy evening.

Now - the plan:

I'm going to do a jog/walk interval training program. I'm going to attempt to begin it with roughly 3 minute intervals - or rather - every time I hit a new song on the iPod. Jog one, walk one. And see how that goes. Each workout will begin with a 5 minute warmup and a stride drill cool down. Every week the plan will change slightly.

Week one starts Monday.

Monday: 5 minute warmup (walking) - 35 minutes 3/3 - stride drill

Tuesday: 5 minute warmup (elliptical) - 35 minutes weight training - circuit - arms and legs

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 5 minute warmup (walking) - 35 minutes 3/3 - stride drill

Friday: 5 minute warmup (elliptical) - 35 minutes weight training - circuit - arms and legs

Saturday: 5 minute warmup (walking) - 3.0 miles 3/3 - stride drill.

Sunday: Rest

So this is the plan. We'll know as the weeks go on if I need to alter my intervals or include more walking, or if I want to include more jogging. See - although I've done over 50 miles in a month, that was all exclusively treadmill - and this is now exclusively pavement - and I'm finding I can't run as LONG without a break. Could be because I'm running FASTER. Since my walking pace is around 4.2 and I used to jog at 4.0 on the treadmill.

Either way - that's week one. And it's a good start, in my opinion. Yours?

Oh yeah - any speculation on this weeks super secret awesome guest on AATM?

Trust me - you'll love her.

OOPS! Did I give a clue?!?!?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!