Week Thirteen - Day Two

We have come a long way, teammates.

And as of today - I, personally have ninety-nine days before I arrive at Walt Disney World for my journey's culmination at the half-marathon.

And as of late, some of us have had difficulties.

We've gotten ill. We've gotten complacent. We've gotten lazy. We've gotten off track.

Some of us have done more than one of these things - myself a prime example.

What we've done, my friends, is hit "the wall".

You all know about this wall. It's the one where you've come SO far - and you are SO close to your goal, and your body just says - "nope. no more in me." And then this game becomes about one thing only.

HEART.

You finish with your heart.

And we, the members of Team Voice, have hearts strong and loud and powerful! We can and will break through this wall together, and march strong upon the face of Walt Disney World. We will proudly begin and finish our races, separately and together.

Because we are a TEAM.

And that's what we do.

As for me - I did my weights today - and will finish this week as strongly as I finished last week. Most of the 7 miles, by the way, since you asked, was fast-walked. I plan on doing a combination of walking and jogging in the race, but I now know that fast-walking will work for me. And that's a comforting thought. It means I will finish. No matter what.

And as for those of you who are not just team members, but sponsors - there will be letters coming to you in the next week or so. Explaining my progress so far - and where we go from here. We ARE raising an enormous amount of money - and we will not stop - because these kids are WORTH IT.

And so are we.

Oh yeah - and Lisa? I know you're reading. You will NOT be last. You'll finish just in front of me - because if you need it - I'll be right behind you - pushing you across the line.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Twelve - Day Seven

I HAVE DONE IT.

Jeff - you owe me another medal.

Okay - let's paraphrase a great movie from the last decade.

Hey Deb - do you like apples?

Well I just did 7.00 miles in 1:41:05 (14.43 minute pace).

How do you like THEM apples?

And guess what?

No shin splints, no side stiches, no leg pain. NOTHING.

And my camelbak worked GREAT!

I feel WONDERFUL.

Week Thirteen's schedule is as follows:

M: Rest

T: Weights

W: 45 minute walk/jog

Th: 45 minute walk/jog

F: Weights

Sat: 7.0 mile loop again

Sunday: Rest

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Twelve - Day Five

Jonathan "the Voice" Dichter. A man barely alive.

Team Members - we can rebuild him.

We have the technology.

Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster.

Okay - so it wasn't ALL that dramatic - but I am feeling better. And yes, I did cough up some stuff this morning - but I coughed it up OUTSIDE while I was doing a speedwalk of 2.89 miles in 43 minutes.

15 minute pace. I'll settle for it. Tomorrow I attempt a 7+ mile loop. 

And by the way guys - if you happen to have an iPhone - go to the app store and download "TrailGuru" - BEST FREE APP yet. It turns your iPhone into a Garmin GPS for FREE. It mapped my distance PERFECTLY this morning. Holy cats! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Twelve - Day Four

Okay - quick update from work since I was running late out the door this morning.

Still have the nasty crud in my throat and nose. Ew. I wake up and yack it up.

This morning I was having trouble breathing and so decided to push my run back one day.

But tomorrow morning I'm getting out there on the pavement and seeing what's up. Time to get back on the track - and if I yack up green stuff on the way. Hey - nobody'll notice at that time of morning. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Twelve - Day Two

Today I'm back in the saddle again. :)

Just a quick update - have to leave for court soon and I want to have breakfast first. 

Went to the gym. Worked out - still not 100% - but getting there. If I could just kick this early morning cough!

And lo and behold the water weight has started to come off! I'll post a formal weigh-in on Monday - but I'm not feeling as bad as I was. :)

Oh yeah - and who saw Dancing with the Stars last night? HOLY CATS it rocked!!! I'm kinda rooting for Misty May, but Lance Bass was great, and who DOESN'T love Cloris Leachman and Warren Sapp???

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Twelve - Day One

Today I'm going to be Goofy about Health.

I'm on the mend. I can feel it. I'm going to go back to normal food intake today. I had planned on getting out for a jog, but woke up still with a mighty cough and some nasty stuff - so I'll put that off another day. 

And don't worry - I haven't been overdoing the comfort food - granted all the soup and crackers are loaded with salt, so I can feel all the extra water I'm carrying around. This is why I want to get back to normal diet - so I can take some of the extra water weight off quickly.

I do feel better this morning - just not ALL better.

So let's capitalize on it - and get well soon! ALL OF US.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Eleven - Day Seven

Okay - it's official. I am sick.

I saw my doctor yesterday - I have the same ol' upper respiratory infection that's going around right now. Coughing, low grade fever, stuffiness, achiness, sore throat, etc.

Sadly it's viral - so no meds. Advil. Rest. Fluids. Comfort foods.

This is good and bad. The rest is nice. The comfort foods are a little richer than I'm used to lately, and so I'm trying to have them in moderation, but I'm also no digesting normally. So who knows what's going on.

I've been sick about 4 days. This should last 5-7.

I'm planning on returning to normal food schedule and workout schedule tomorrow, and doing my apple cider run on the 27th, with Deb's permission.

On a side note - this has given Amber and I a chance to sit and talk about planning meals and exercise to get back on track and push hard towards the finish line and the race. And we've come up with a few changes that I think will be great for success! I can't wait to see what I can accomplish as we head towards our goals!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Eleven - Day Four

I'm not sick.

At least that's what I keep telling myself. 

So since Sunday I've been getting progressively worse. Sore throat. Achey head and stomach. Hot and cold sweats. No actual fever though.

Last night I finally gave in and started resting. I feel a little better this morning than yesterday.

But I'm also beating myself up. 

Sick for me = comfort foods. And I've been indulging in anything to make me feel better, which ends up making me feel worse. I also feel worse at night and in the mornings, which means I haven't really tried exercising except for Tuesday.

Except I'm done doing that now. 

Beating myself up AND indulging.

I have a 10k to run on Saturday...and I'm going to. Or Sunday. We'll see. But I'm going to start taking GOOD care of myself. Eating lightly - lots of fluids - soups - tea - oatmeal - etc.

Time to stop comforting myself and start HEALING myself. 

Oh - and Jeff - I had been using my running shoes as walkin' around shoes. Now I won't be. I'll be using my old pair - since they're more comfy than standard sneakers, and cause fewer blisters...at least that's the plan. The new pair is running only.

Okay - I'm off to a warm shower to hopefully feel better. 

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Eleven - Day Two

Talk about getting hit on all sides. Sheesh.

Okay - so I had a GREAT 6 mile run on Saturday. Saturday night we went to see Phantom (VERY NICE) but something from dinner did NOT agree with me...couple that with feeling like I might be getting sick the last two days (Amber has the flu, and I'm desperately trying to stave it off) and some minor digestive issues which mean I'm carrying some....extra. LOL (somewhere around the 293 mark....ugh)

Then add my new shoes. They're the same as the old shoes, but with green superfeet in them. I told the guy at the store I had a few minor pressure points I noticed at Disneyland, so he suggested these superfeet. I walked the parking lot of the store, and there were a little stiff, but he assured me that'd get better.

Well I went for my first workout with them this morning. 

OW. Can I just say my left foot felt like it had a rock in the arch the entire time? So needless to say, I'm going to REMOVE the Superfeet and go back to the plain insoles, and just watch my feet for pressure spots.

Food intake has been spotty - we've planned meals, but since Amber's sick, things haven't been quite to schedule - add to that the fact that I seem to be holding onto whatever I eat, and you get a bloated and crabby Jonathan.

Luckily it's early this week - and I have a good plan for the week leading up to my 10k run this weekend! (Plus I'm thinking of a new water system for that run - does anyone have experience with the Camelbak backpacks?)

Here's the plan:

Today - walk (done)

Wednesday - weights

Thursday - 45 minute walk/jog

Friday - weights

Satuday - 10k

Sunday - REST

The good news is this - even if between Disneyland and illness and a nice dinner out I've put on a few pounds - there are NO stumbles between here and like Thanksgiving - so I can make some REAL progress on weight and on training. And that's just what I intend to do.

So let's dig in and knock down that wall together!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day Six

First - our check in - this morning I did JUST SHY of 6.0 miles (my route was 5.95) in just over 90 minutes! A rough 15 minute pace!!! YAY!!!! I feel great! But we're going to get new shoes today after the Splash Mountain debacle. :)

Tonight we're seeing Phantom of the Opera with my sister-in-law - and it's one of my FAVORITE shows. I can't wait!!!

Our third day at Disneyland started with a nice breakfast on Main Street, where Amber got to kiss a donkey. :) Then we headed to Fantasyland, back through Adventureland, and had lunch at the Blue Bayou, where we recorded our show.

Then a quick walk to get a Dole Whip, some last minute shopping, and "Great Moments with Mr. Martin" and we were done.

It was a WONDERFUL trip - and one I can't wait to repeat.

Sadly - it looks like MouseFest might not be in the budget so close to the Marathon trip. But that just means I'll have to plus our Team Voice meets THAT MUCH MORE to make them even better, right? :)

I can't wait to see you all. And it's sooner than you think!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day Five

Okay - we'll finish out the Disneyland trip report tomorrow.

I almost didn't post today. Almost.

It's been a bumpy week back from vacation, as it usually is, and I'm embarassed, frankly. I'm embarassed that my workouts haven't been top notch, and my eating has been bottom notch. I've gained another 2 pounds. And I'm really beating myself up.

But...I've begun turning things around. Yesterday was better than the day before, and today will be better still.

I've also mapped out my 6 miles for tomorrow mornings training jog. 

But I'm not posting to tell you of my foibles. I'm posting to tell you I'm still standing. I'm still pushing. I'm still working. And I'm still moving forward. I refuse to give up. There's too much at stake. And too many people (including one unexpected person who I'm proud to support in his future endeavors) counting on me!

This team leader will not give in. Things will get better slowly - as they always do.

And maybe this is a good moment to remember that even Casey Jr. had a tough time getting up that hill. But he thought he could. And he made it.

And so will I.

And so will you.

And so will we.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day Four

Today I'm going to throw a little hiccup into the Disneyland Trip Report. We'll finish it tomorrow. But today I have other things on my mind.

Today I want to thank some folks specifically.

You see - you guys - my team - are WONDERFUL with e-mails and comments and even the occassional phone call! You guys REALLY support me. BUT...you're not there 24/7. Nobody really is, other than me. But there are a few folks who are much more....PHYSICALLY available.

And sometimes I have a hard or bad or long day - or all three. Kinda like yesterday - not sure why - but had a snack stop yesterday and it really kinda got me down.

And of course, when I get down, I spiral out of control into self-doubt, etc. 

But instead of wallowing in it (for too long) - I just talked to two folks about it. And they managed, together, to pull me out of it. And I've already had a good workout THIS morning, and will make TODAY a great day - to push into a great weekend and get into a GREAT run next weekend for the Apple Cider run!

So today I thank you, Amber. My Desperate Mousewife. The one who reminds me that I've come SO far. And who tells me that you believe in me. That you know how hard I'm working. And that you know I can accomplish this. Who reminds me that the only way I fail is if I give up. And of course, who just plain ol' loves me.

Thank you. So very much.
You didn't think I was going to forget YOU did you? Now - since you're not "publically" outed here on my blog, I won't go into your actual NAME or who you are. Sufficed to say that I see you daily - and you share my goals - at least in terms of weight loss and health. And you are a wonderful sounding board. You remind me that we're all human, and tell me when YOU have foibles, too. You remind me that I want to be a healthy daddy, and even suggest that I might *GASP* play basketball. (Ugh. Do I have to? Can't we play baseball instead?) You also remind me with a smile that I'm "not getting younger".

You put it right out there in a way that is both humorous, and serious at the same time.

Oh yeah - and you question how much water I take in. :)

And for that, I thank you as well.

When I round the corner towards the finish line in EPCOT, I'll be silently thanking you both.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day Three

First, as always, an update.

Things are okay, frankly. Not perfect, but okay. It always takes me a day or two to recover from a trip, and this one is no different. Today though things are proceeding according to plan in all accounts. :)

I will say that I know how much work I have to do to be ready by January 10th, and trust me - we'll be ready! All of us!

Day two began with a breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen - where we met up with Paul, Tairy, Liana, Mark, Lilly, and Tony from Above the Firehouse. What total and utter FUN we had there. Holy cow folks. If you have the opportunity to do a character meal with podcasters - DO IT.
Off to DCA where we took in California Screamin, Toy Story Mania (AWESOME RIDE), some pin trading, the Tower of Terror, and a variety of other things. After lunch we saw the Pixar Play Parade.

Oh right. Lunch.

A little place called CLUB 33! HOLY CATS! It was awesome. Beautifully appointed, wonderful food, and I even swiped a napkin or seven. :) I can't even begin to describe how cool it was eating in such a pristine wonderful place that Walt designed. It just felt like eating WITH Walt. Paul - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

This was kinda like listener day - which I LOVED. Chuck and Leigh, for instance - hung out with us most of the day - and even stuck around to see the Pixar Play Parade with us - and Remy.
Then Amber and I were off to Disneyland to see if we could get on Peter Pan. We met up with Jenna, who recognized my voice! And also Greg, our cast member friend, who gave us a few more hidden mickeys, and then walked Jenna and her group right over to Nemo, and right past the line, and gave them a magical moment for their trip! How awesome is THAT?

All in all - a REALLY fun second day - and no wet shoes like Friday. :) So there's that too.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day Two

So before we get to Disneyland Day One - let's check in.

Already exercised today - check. Food intake today is scheduled on plan (and I'll verify that tomorrow) - check. And there are NO problems between here and Thanksgiving. CHECK. :)

Also - Deb concurred with me yesterday - it IS going to be an odd trip - although with the race on Saturday - I'm thinking minimal training jog on Thursday - and just some LIGHT walking (maybe resort hopping and Main Street) Friday - plus our ADRs - and then - the race. What's going to kill me is the WEEK after the race, where we'll be touring the parks. But that's why I gave us a full week after the race. We can take it easy. Stroll. Etc.

Although after this weekend's meals in Disneyland, we MIGHT be reconsidering our decision to do the deluxe dining plan. Just might be too much food - and too much time in restaurants - despite the fact that we REALLY want to try a bunch of places...not sure yet. We might keep it for the "dining experiences" but just not eat all the food...

Anyhow - off to Disneyland. And may I say - when we checked in - Bryan and Amy had gotten us a goodie bag that was waiting at our hotel! A pin, a book, some stickers, snacks, EVERYTHING. It was QUITE magical - and set the tone of the trip.

Bryan's first look at Main Street. Camera - OUT! :)
AATM and the Original Desperate Mousewives at the Partners Statue.
Our first stop was Adventureland, where Bryan took in the ORIGINAL Tiki Room - which he loved - Indiana Jones - which he loved - and the Jungle Cruise - which he loved. 

Then....disaster struck. After Pirates (which he loved) we headed to SPLASH MOUNTAIN. And as anyone who was following WTTM's twitter knows - it SOAKED us. Like jumping in a pool fully clothed. It even killed Ambers cellphone. Dead. So we headed BACK to the hotel for a change of clothes - but still had wet shoes. Uncomfy to the maximoso.

But back to the parks - lunch at the Golden Horseshoe and Billy Hill! AWESOME SHOW. Big Thunder, Matterhorn, a "fastpass" on Mr. Toad courtesy of Greg, the most AWESOMEST cast member we met - a member of the dream squad, who will show up LATER in the story. He told us about some hidden mickeys too, and then asked where we were headed and escorted us to the front of the line on Mr. Toad. Nice guy.

Space Mountain - Buzz - Star Tours - Nemo (WOW). We did most of the park - except Fantasyland. 
Including Toontown. :)
And then dinner at Ralph Brennen's Jazz kitchen where we met Tairy from lrwh.us - and found out that NEITHER Bryan nor I can dance. See?

Then back to the park for the fireworks. Wow. What amazing fireworks. Just. Wow. 

And after a long day we were EXHAUSTED and our FEET HURT. So it was time to retire for the evening - besides, we had breakfast with goofy to look forward to. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Ten - Day One - 290.3

We are BACK from Disneyland!!!

We had such a great time!!! I'll have a full trip report coming over the next few days complete with pictures and everything!!!

But since I know you all want to know how the training went while I was gone - I'll give you the highs and lows.

And there were plenty of BOTH.

Friday morning I was supposed to work out in a weight room, but couldn't. There wasn't one. So I did cross training calisthenics in my room. A decent substitute. 

During the day Friday we walked a TON through the parks. Most of the day with SOAKING WET SHOES. Yeah - Splash Mountain KILLED us. We actually had to leave the park and go change we were THAT wet. (More on this tomorrow).

So what happened? We ended up EXHAUSTED Saturday with HUGE blisters, despite good shoes and socks.

But did I give up and do nothing, like I could/would have done?

NO.

I got out there and jogged. I didn't do seven miles, because my feet were KILLING me. But I did about three. And then walked DCA and more Disneyland all day. 

Sunday more walking on blistery feet, but we had blister pads, so they were getting a little better. 

Foodwise, I attempted to make as good of choices as was possible, and avoided extra snacks and desserts - and managed to gain 1.3 pounds only. 

Today I'm exhausted and my feet are killing me. And I need new shoes.

But I learned a bunch while I was gone.

1. I learned that you CANNOT do a full theme park day, and then try to do a LONG run. So taking it easy Thursday/Friday of Marathon weekend will be VERY useful.

2. I learned that I still have a LONG way to go. But that I'm motivated enough to not give up and keep going!

3. On the positive side, I leaned that you CAN spend a weekend in Disneyland, enjoy yourself, and NOT be thrown off track!  YAY!

So what now? We're into week ten of my 28 week training plan.

Here's this weeks layout.

M: Rest

T: 45 minute walk/jog

W: Cross Training

Th: 45 minute walk/jog

F: Cross Training

S: 6.0 miles. (The Penguin's plan calls for 5.0 in week five, which is what week of his 14 week plan I'm on - but I want to try to do the 10k for Deb's Apple Cider run next week so I'm plussing it!)

And even though I was just there, it wasn't the same - so as always...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Nine - Day Four

Genie! I wish I were going to Disneyland!

Ah....what a wonderous day. I've already done my workout this morning - a nice brisk speed walk of 2.8 miles in 42 minutes (about a 15 minute pace). Tomorrow is weights at the Ramada Inn Maingate, and Saturday - SEVEN miles. Wow.

And of course, as expected, last night I received the following text from Bryan:

"I'm too excited to sleep!"

Gosh I love that commercial!!!

Well folks - the next update from me will be Monday morning! But those of you who know I can text you - expect a few updates here and there during our weekend.

MAIN STREET IS SOMEWHERE I'LL BE TOMORROW!

Quick Note - RIP DLF

In a world of voice over actors...

One man...made a career out of movie trailers....

And for just a moment...

Inspired.




Rest well, Don.

Week Nine - Day Two

Did I mention that we're going to Disneyland this weekend? And that we'll see ELLIOT!! :)

Okay - so where are the pictures of the house?

The painting is DONE. But the cleanup isn't quite done yet - and there are some touch-ups to do. It'll likely be a week or so before it's all done, and pictures will appear then.

Exercise today was good. It was a cross training day - so we did leg lifts, situps, and pushups. Did I mention how SORE I am from head to toe because of the painting project? SHEESH! Up on the ladder, down off the ladder, raise your arms, lower your arms.

HOLY CATS. 

Anyhow - tomorrow is a rest day, then Thursday morning is a 40 minute run, then Thursday night is Anaheim, Friday morning is weights at the hotel, and Saturday is two loops around Disneyland for 7.0 miles. :) Sunday is rest and travel at night.

Food intake today is scheduled as follows:

B: Fiber One Cereal; cottage cheese; toast.

L: WW Microwave Meal; Apple; Snack.

D: Chicken Breast; Mashed Potatoes; Veggie.

We're keeping it simple so we don't have to hit the store before we leave. :)

Hey guys - guess where I'll be Friday morning?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Week Nine - Day One - 289.0

First of all - I'm back down to 289, which is a great feeling. I'm back on the right track - and had a great week that helped!!! And yes, Rae, there were no miles yesterday, but that's cuz Sundays, like Wednesdays, are rest days.

This morning I've already been out for my walk/jog, despite the fact that I'm sore from head to toe from the project yesterday. Who knew painting was such hard work?!?!

Anyhow - back to the story. These pictures were taken last Fall. About a year ago. This was after we'd moved in and begun settling in. You can see how much cleaner and nicer the place became after we started taking care of it.
The soft lighting from the torchlamp really helps in the living room.
Sam loves his tree right there, and you can see we have a nice relaxing living room setup.
We even have Disney art in our home office.

But something was still missing.

COLOR.

We first painted the home office. That took a while and turned us off from painting. So we hired our painter to finish the house. When he flaked, we did some research and started finishing the job. And so far - so good! A few spots here and there that need touching up - but so far so good.

Hopefully pictures tomorrow of what the house NOW looks like!!! All nice and settled!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!