Deep Breaths - he's okay. Surgery went well. More later. Thank you all so so much.

Back in a week....

Hey guys.

I'm leaving in about 2 hours for Oklahoma. My dad is in the hospital and likely to have emergency surgery today.

Obviously, this is sudden and unexpected.

I'm going to do my best to stay on track, but everything may be on hold for a week. Nothing is certain. And everythings up in the air.

Good thoughts are appreciated.

E-mails are welcome at Grizzpyre@yahoo.com (won't have access to AATM mail while gone).

And while I'm gone - say hi to Runny Bunny. (see below)

Back Sunday night.

MAIN STREET AWAITS.

73 Days - A New Team Voice Member!

Happy Sunday Team!

I'm happy to say that I did my 4.0 miles this morning in 55 minutes! Plus some Wii Fit! And am feeling generally pretty good! 

But today I want to introduce you to the newest Team Voice member. And tell you a story.

Yesterday, Amber and I were out at our mall. Walking. Window shopping. Just bumming around.

And all of a sudden, she piped up with: "I want to get you something motivational. Something to help remind you of your goals and inspire you to get out on the road in the mornings."

I had NO idea what she was talking about, but went with the idea anyhow.

And once I discovered what it was - I LOVED it.

See - waaaay back, on our second date, we made bears for each other. Well I made her a bear. She made me a beagle. We went to Build-a-Bear.

And yesterday - we went AGIAN.

I chose my new running inspiration carefully. 

Felt for the softness. Listened to his soul to see if he had the heart of a jogger and a healthy friend! 

I stuffed him carefully, and made a wonderful wish on his heart. And then, we bathed him, dressed him and brought him home!

And now here he is! My new buddy! And you'll all see him in January! Oh yes! He's comin' to Disney World! And he's going to have a few adventures along the way!!!

So....

My friends - I give you:

RUNNY BUNNY! 

See - he's reading Marathoning for Mortals, and already wants to see Donald!!!

Have I gone off the deep end? NAH! This was such a wonderful idea, and now everytime I look over - there he is - ready to get out there!!! And so am I!

You ready bunny??

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

75 days - Old Favorites

Good morning friends - another great weight workout - another great wiifit workout! 

Tomorrow is a long run - but the Penguin's plan calls for a shift in how long they go now. We'll do two weeks at 4 miles, then two at 8, then two at 6, then two at 10. So now we start interval training our long runs. The distances will be a little LONGER than the Penguin calls for - just because of the geography of my neighborhood.

Eating has been really good the last few days - I'm stringing together several good days into a few weeks and getting ready to post some good numbers and progress! :)

So - we've been discussing dining. And of course we're going to experience many new dining experiences - but we're ALSO going to revisit some old favorites. So today's question is - what are your favorite dining experiences?

We're doing 50s Prime Time. Love it!!! And I plan to be a VERY naughty kid at dinner. :)

We're also doing Chef Mickey's as we've said.

And of course - one of my favorite dining experiences of all time - California Grill. It's SO beautiful - and we have reservations for JUST before Wishes. :) 

Ahhhhhhhh....I'm getting SO excited.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

76 Days - More Dining

Good morning! Did my walk and wii fit this morning, and am feeling overall good. A little stomach issues this morning - had a rich dinner last night. Portions were okay - but it was rich, and that tends to mess with me. Note to self - avoid cheeses while in WDW. :)

Okay - more dining plans for the trip. Today I'm going to mention some of the restaurants we've NEVER eaten at before that we have ADRs for - and that we're really excited for.

Have you eaten at:

Jiko? (we're having dinner here)

The Wave? (we're having a FEW breakfasts here...it's in our hotel hehehe)

Kona Cafe? (this is where I'm doing dinner the night before the race!)

Tutto Italia? (my post race celebration dinner before the Team Voice meet)

Teppan Edo? (can't WAIT for this one!)

The Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre? (love the idea! Can't wait to love the food!)

Boma? (breakfast at AK Lodge - what could be wrong?)

Are you going to try anything new on this trip? Where have you always wanted to eat but haven't yet?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

77 Days - Dining Part One - Meals with Character

Okay - first an update. Even though Wednesdays are a "rest" day - I already did 20 minutes on the wii fit this morning. Wow - as I unlock the longer exercises (advanced step, advanced slalom, etc) it gets HARD. Plus those yoga poses (which I've done TWO of so far! LOL) are really hard too!!! But it's so much fun!!!

Foodwise the week so far has gone EXACTLY to plan - no unwarranted snacks - no gas station stops - nothing bad thus far. I have a good feeling about this plan!!!

Now - let's talk turkey. Or food, as it were.

See - we've decided we're on the DELUXE dining plan in January. I know - it's a lot of food - but for us it's not about the food, so much as experiencing as many different wonderful dining experiences as we can! And we've checked all the menus, and there are lighter fares at most/all of them. Granted - sometimes we're going to just splurge on a Pecos bill burger (but that's not until a week after the race) - but mostly - it's about wanting to experience the restaurant.

And we've picked out SEVERAL character meals. We really enjoy them!!! So - here they are! Tell me - have you done them? What did you think? Are you doing any character dining while you're there? (We'll talk about other ADRs later)

1/9: Grand Floridian's 1900 Park Fare - the supercalifragilistic breakfast! This sounds REALLY fun!!!

1/13: Chef Mickeys breakfast at the Contemporary - we've eaten here before and LOVED it.

1/14: Dinner at the Garden Grill at the Land in EPCOT - I love Chip and Dale, and this is their place, so how bad could it be?

1/16: Breakfast at the Crystal Palace - the original meal with character. :) Now we've had dinner here, but never breakfast. How is it?

Okay - so have you eaten at any of these character meals? Are we missing one you think we should do? (We've done Ohana and loved it, by the way!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

79 Days - Let's Discuss our Trips

Okay - first of all an update.

My ankle (right) was really sore Sunday. Not sure why. Sometimes even painful to walk on. I'm nursing it with advil, and went for a SLOWER SHORTER walk this morning (around 25 minutes instead of 40) and was relatively pain free. So I'm just going to keep an eye on it. I think it was just....ya know....sore.

Secondly - I've also decided that from now until 79 days from now - I am going to supplement my workouts with 20 minutes of wii Fit MINIMUM per day. Aside from being fun - it's a great workout! 

And did I mention I suck at hulahoops? Just saying.

We also went shopping yesterday and I think that last week was the final bits of the dreaded burnout weeks - and now this week a fresh start and full speed ahead. And I'll declare a goal here and now.

BY THE TIME I LEAVE FOR WDW - I WILL HAVE LOST 100 POUNDS OVERALL.

Now we just have to focus on that goal - AND on that trip!!!

Did I mention we're staying at the Contemporary? In the Garden Wing? We check in on Wednesday January 7 around 11 or midnight. We check out on Saturday January 17th. Ahhhh....bliss. We've even lucked out with some mileage upgrades, and have roundtrip non-stop first class tickets from Seattle to MCO.

So - today's question - where are you staying? When do you arrive? How do you get there?

Don't worry - we'll discuss dining, parks, everything!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

81 Days - Whassup Scroogey?

The 13k is OVER!!! And I've PLUSSED IT - 8.54 miles!!!

And here's the kicker - my time was GREAT. 

2:02:16

A 14.35 minute mile!!!

Mostly walking - some jogging. A nice wog. The new shoes are AWESOME. My feet are a little sore, but not overly so. More just....walking sore. Ya know?

And yeah - the Wii Fit, which I played with last night - is gonna be a lot of fun! Lots of balance games! Core strength! And it's a GOOD workout!!!

I feel.....ready!

How do YOU feel?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

82 Days - New Fun Exercise Toys

...I hope.

Happy Friday folks! I'm happy to say that I think after all the posting and hard work and everything I've been mentioning the last few weeks - I've finally got my head screwed on straight and am now pointed firmly at my goals!

AND for good measure, I'm throwing in some NEW exercise. Sort of.

See - we broke down and bought a Wii. (Love that Wii Sports! And Super Mario Galaxy! WOOHOO!) And of course, had to get the Wii Fit.

Because we've been focusing on cleaning the house and other things (now that the painting is done, the house is almost back together - pictures coming next week) we haven't opened it yet.

But tonight! We open it! We start playing with it. And it apparently takes into account your height, weight, BMI, age, etc. and creates something called your WiiFit Age. I'm a little nervous that I'll be around Scopa territory! LOL

But - the strength training and aerobic games look really solid - and who knows - I might even enjoy Yoga.

So here's my question to you - have any of you had experience with the Wii Fit? Like it/hate it/love it?

Don't think I'm going to replace any of my wogging workouts with it - but if the strength training and aerobics are solid, I might throw them in as cross training days occassionally. Or even as EXTRA workouts to push a bit further!

Oh yeah - and my 13k is mapped and ready - my new shoes are here!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

83 Days - Think think think....

We're TWELVE weeks away from this thing folks. 

How energizing and intimidating and awesome and scary and wonderful and freaky is that?!?

I'm still coming off the tail end of this burnout thing, but finding myself more and more energized every day - my workout this morning was good, and I have a good plan to finish this week and go into next week strong. Plus - the 13k on Saturday!

So here's my question for you all today:

1) Have you felt your training or eating slip in recent months?

2) HOW are you combatting it? What are you doing to get BACK in the game? 

This will help ALL of us today - we all need to know what's working and what isn't.

For instance - obviously, YES, I've slipped lately. But what am I doing? I'm focusing on how I got here - what brought me here - weight loss, health, and helping sick kids. I'm focusing on the DISNEY-ish aspects of this journey. And I'm remembering to have FUN on my runs. Flailing my arms like a madman while I drum along with my music and what not. 

Yes - it's important for me to have a plan for AFTER the race - what then? And I'm already looking towards 2010 and other LOCAL races to do in the meantime. BUT - for now - those things go to the back burner. I have a trip coming up in 83 days! And a race - my VERY FIRST RACE. 

I'm so excited.

And terrified.

And pumped.

What else can I do to help be prepared...

Think....think think....think....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

85 Days - On Burnout

By jove I think I have it!

Okay - first some good news. Had a great workout this morning - 30 intense minutes of weight training, as called for by the Penguin. :) Saw Christina for some measurements. And despite being up a few pounds over the last several weeks/month, I'm down like 5 pounds of bodyfat according to her. Which is great!

Then she asked about the weight though - and I told her I'd been lazy, but was picking the pace back up. 

"You don't have time to be lazy - what happened? Did you burn out?"

WOAH. Stop the presses. Was that it? Is that what happened? Did I struggle for a year and a half and work hard and push and push, and start to burn out over the summer? 

It could be! It just could be!

But then what now? Well - like Jack Jack yesterday - time to get FIRED UP. And fired up I am - the show with Scopa and Mongello, joining DisFriends, planning our trip in January - everything is reminding me of this immense goal I have - and now - I feel myself recharging! And we're back on the right path - so let's do it! And hey - go say hi to Byron when you get a chance!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

86 Days - We're on FIRE

Okay guys - it's Monday. Check in!

I'm down 1 pound since last week, and if I'm a little stricter on myself this week I should be able to outdo that by next Monday. But I'm happy with a loss of any kind these days!

I've already been out for my workout - although I can't WAIT for my new shoes. I'm using my old ones while I wait (they had to be ordered because of the width) - they should be here by Thursday - but still. The old shoes are hard on the toes. I can really tell they're old.

Let's see - what else - lots to discuss....

The Pacific NorthWest AATM meet is now a MOUSEFEST meet. Sorta. It's happening on 12/12 and it's going to be a part of MouseFest, but waaaaaaaaaaaaaay far away from the park of the day. :) But I got the okay from Dave Marx. We're MouseFesting!

Travel plans for January are DONE. ADRs are DONE. Park plans are DONE. We're just waiting now. :)

Oh yeah - and if you've been waiting - WINDOW TO THE MAYHEM went live this morning at www.windowtothemagic.com! Check it out and let me know what you think!!!

This week's plan:

M: done

T: 30 minutes weights

W: rest

Th: 48 minutes wog

F: 30 minutes weights

S: 8.06 miles (the Lonesome Ghosts 13k race!)

Sun: rest

Food for today:

B: Cereal/Protien Cookie/Toast

L: WW Smart One/Apple/Fiber Bar

Snack: Apple

D: Boca Chick'n Patty/Sweet Potato/Veggie

Not a bad plan, eh?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

88 Days - 7.03 miles!

That's chip waiving at me as I pass Main Street and hit another 7.03 miles!

And my time? 1:43:03! Not bad!!!!

Quick update today - we're off to exchange my old shoes for ones that FIT. UGH. And a little shopping and some fun in the sun! Might even get a fun toy or something! :)

Hey Rae - enjoy that Dole Whip! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

89 Days - Intensity

Okay - this week has been a good one thus far. Not PERFECT, but getting back into a groove, which is what I need. Getting the routine down of eating right and working out right.

And today I decided that I needed to kick up the intensity of my weight workouts. And MAN OH MAN did I push myself at the gym. My arms are ALREADY sore - and I've only been done a few minutes. :)

Tomorrow I'm doing 7 miles (and going to try to improve my pace) - and returning my shoes and going up a half size. The left one is just TOO tight. And it's uncomfy. And that's no good.

Foodwise - the plan today is:

B: Oatmeal/cottage cheese/raisins/protein cookie

L: WW Smart One/Apple/Fiber One Bar

D: Subway Chicken Sandwich

I'm focusing on basic food intake to really try to kick start some weight loss - I want to post a a loss on Monday so bad! I figure if I REALLY work hard - I can not only be ready for the race - but I can take off 25 pounds before the race - and go into it down 100 pounds (or more).

Oh yeah - and check out this week's aatm (www.allaboutthemouse.com) for a GREAT marathon training segment with Lou Mongello and Mike Scopa! Thanks guys!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

90 DAYS! (3.03 miles)

Good morning friends! This is a quick update as I have to get to court!

But - I had a great run this morning - 3.03 miles - felt good, although I think I may have to exchange my shoes. I think my LEFT shoe is a little bit too small....not sure yet.

I'm also BACK on DisFriends, and doing better about having fun over there - and you might even be able to follow THIS blog there, too! :)

There might even be a few new blog things coming soon - just lots of exciting stuff happening!!!

Oh yeah - and did I mention NINETY days until I leave for WDW?

Wow.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

92 Days - Core Workout

Okay - a bunch to address today. 

First of all - I got a little upset yesterday - and if I offended anyone or went off the deep end, I'm sorry. I do want to say thank you to EVERYONE who commented yesterday - and just to make sure everyone knows - I appreciate the fact that mgreene posted again and apologized, and I accept it. I assume the best intentions of everyone - just sometimes we don't all communicate well on the web, ya know?

Now - this morning I've done a good core workout (focusing on the abs, chest, and quads) - and feel strong about it. My food intake yesterday was GREAT - nothing I shouldn't have put into me. And today looks to be no different. My workout was here at home instead of at the gym - which is nice - sometimes I just enjoy doin' my thing right here at home. :)

Now - the picture.

Did you know the stores are already selling Christmas stuff? I know - seems early, right. But never too early for me! :) I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I've already bought my first new Christmas CD this year! My favorite season is nearly upon us - and as soon as we get this pesky Halloweeny thing out of the way - I can start listening to Christmas music and celebrating the season where we are all a little nicer, where we all care a little bit more, and where we shop with reckless abandon! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

93 Days - 48 minutes

Okay - time for a reckoning.

Today starts the turnaround for October that we all promised to give late last week.

And for me - it comes at a crucial time. In September I put on five pounds. Some of it was due to...well...see above.

Some of it is due to carrying extra weight from this weekends celebration of my best friends 30th birthday party.

But regardless, I've gained five pounds.

And they're TOAST.

Today I'm back on track with the Penguin's plan - since I'm doing his weeks twice, and this is week 13 for me - I'm in week 7 of his plan - here's how it looks:

M: 48 minutes

T: 30 minutes weight

W: rest

Th: 48 minutes

F: 30 minutes weight

S: 7.0 miles

Yes - I was a week AHEAD of schedule with my long run. But I'm getting overconfident in the eating front, and not really watching. And that stops NOW. We've stocked up on good foods, good friuts, veggies, and healthful recipies and snacks.

And so far - today has been great - my 48 minutes is DONE. :)

Lets face it team - we have THREE MONTHS until we're in WDW. 

Let's really push to the finish!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

(A quick note for my friends, commenters, and teammates. First of all - I appreciate all types of comments - even tough love, mgreene. However - your comment this morning I think misses the point, and has even upset me enough to edit a post. As far as I know (and I could be wrong) - I started this journey with further than anyone to go. I weighed nearly 400 pounds. I could walk about 5-10 minutes. Now I'm able to walk (at a pace that USED to be a run for me) over 7 miles. In 90 days I will complete a half-marathon (which was my only goal - to finish - not to run, trot, canter, or gallop). Has my weight-loss slacked off this year? Yes. Clearly. Is it something I'm aware of? Yes. Am I addressing it? Yes. I'm working day in and day out to try to make a better future for myself. I'm trying very hard to stay committed, when every fiber of my being looks at a post like your comment and WANTS TO GIVE UP. But I won't. I won't give up because I'm worth more than that. Because I know how far I've come and how amazing it will be to cross the finish line. I know that regardless of what's happened in the last month, that this journey has already saved my life, and that I will keep marching forward, never going back to how I was - never again on medication - never again not able to climb stairs - never again. Ever. And if that attitude inspires people, and they want to tell me that - even when I struggle - even when I falter - then PLEASE DO. But to say that the posts from others saying that I inspire them should go to another person (don't get me wrong - Rae is a HUGE inspiration to me - and I love her dearly - she should get MUCH recognition for her efforts) - is not only saddening to me - but mildly insulting to everyone who's posted those sentiments. You're telling them they're inspired by someone who doesn't deserve it. Maybe, mgreene, just maybe this journey isn't about a RACE, but rather a journey. A long one. With ups, downs, lefts, and rights. And until you've walked, run, jogged, or anything - a mile or two or seven in my shoes...then you don't know my journey. I welcome you to join me on my journey - and to listen to my experiences. But I post here to inspire myself and others. I post to gain the support and friendship of my friends, family, and team. Even tough love has a place here, and I appreciate that. But today, I feel talked down to. And that's not okay. I'm going to finish my rant and go to work. I'll be back tomorrow after my workout at the gym. And I'll post. As I always do. Because I am here for you. Even if you think I'm failing.)

MAIN STREET AWAITS. Whether you like it or not.

Week Twelve - Day Five

Today I've already been to the gym and done some weight lifting, and look forward to a good day of good eating! Tomorrow I plan another 7.0 mile loop (trying to improve my time) - and the only dangerous dinner we have all month, which is a birthday party for a friend out at a nice steakhouse. I'm going to do my best, and then regroup Sunday - and Monday get back on the Penguin's weekly schedule. :)

And tonight - yeah - I'm going to do magic.

No really.

Some of you may recall my MouseFest roadie Jason - well every year at his company party he asks friends to come be "entertainment". Did you know the mayhem is also a semi-non-accomplished slight of hand artist?

In other words - I do card tricks! :)

And I have PLENTY of fun ones scheduled for tonight - but what makes it the best is my banter with my victim...er....spectators. :) They never see what happens because they're too busy laughing at the mayhem. :)

How's YOUR weekend look?

MAIN STREET AWAITS! (96 and counting)

Week Twelve - Day Four

Here's my challenge to all of Team Voice for this month.

Forget where you are right now. Some of us are far enough along - some aren't. I myself am somewhere in the middle with inconsistent exercise this week, and food woes throughout September throwing me off kilter a bit.

But let's throw it out the window.

Let's focus on OCTOBER.

Starting today - let's make a pledge to do as much as we can RIGHT this month.

I promise I'll eat healthy. Control portion sizes. And exercise back on the Penguin's schedule.

Those are my three big focus areas.

What are yours?

How can you push yourself to the next level this month??

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!! (97 days)