The night before the race, I got all my stuff ready – pinned my bib on my tank, put my chip on my shoe, stocked my belt with necessities (ID, money, hotel key) and nutrition – Clif Blok Shots – Margarita flavored. I checked my iPod and it was about 80% charged, so I left it to charge fully.

Kristine arrived around 10:00 PM. We set the alarm for 5:15 AM to give us time to get to the start at 6:00 AM.

I first woke up around 4:00 AM – UGH. I went to the bathroom, then tried to get more sleep. I am not sure if I actually fell asleep, but I rested at least until about 4:50 AM and got out of bed. I started getting washed up and dressed. Kristine got up when the alarm went off.

Things were going smoothly, I got my stuff together, checked my iPod and… it was now uncharged! It was down to the last red bar. WTF? Crap. I swore a few times, rechecked the cable, and decided to try and charge it for 15 minutes. We were going to leave around 5:30, but didn’t leave until 5:40.

We started the trek towards the gate. And then realized that the start was at the OTHER end of Downtown Disney – a bit farther than the 10 minute walk to the front gates.

We walked briskly – there were A LOT of people with bibs on, even behind us. As we neared the parking lot, we saw fireworks start to go – the first wave had gone. Corral A, B, then C would start. As we neared the starting line, I noticed I was in Corral C! Kristine was in Corral D. I asked someone where Corral C was and was informed- they already left. Oops.

So I booked it towards the starting line, fiddling with my iPod to get started. I think I might have been the last person in Corral C to cross the starting line. Mickey and Minnie were on the platform at the start. I waved mightily at them, then looked up to see Donald and Daisy in the monorail up ahead and waved, too.

I was off! And it was HUMID!

Course Map

My adrenaline was pretty high, I think – the first few miles were kind of a daze. We started down Disneyland Drive, where I caught up and passed the back of the Corral C pack. We turned the corner onto Katella – I remember the pretty palm tree lined street, and not much else.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

I had decided that I would not check my pace on the iPod throughout the race – I thought it might drain the barely charged battery. Then another left onto Harbor for Mile 1. The clock read 0:18: something – so I started at least 6 minutes after the clock was started.

We ran through the parking lot, just water for me at the first station – I drank a few sips then poured the rest onto my head, then turned into the entrance of Disney’s California Adventure and were headed around Paradise Bay towards the pier when we hit Mile 2. I think the clock was at 0:30: something now. The first 2-3 miles of the race is always slow going as I try to find my pace and work through the pack.

We continued through DCA, then went through the tram area, and headed into the Disneyland entrance. I passed several characters – more like floats – that I wasn’t as interested in taking photos with. I got my first photo with Flik from A Bug’s Life, then a few minutes later, Buzz Lightyear.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

We took a side route around to Tomorrowland, which looked VERY much like the Disney World Tomorrowland, and continued around through to Fantasyland for Mile 3. We went under the Sleeping Beauty Castle. We passed the 5k chip mats (37:10). Then I got a picture with the Finding Nemo crew.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

We ran through Frontierland, Adventureland, then back out the park through the Tram Area, got just water at the next aid station – again a few sips and the rest on my head, and then onto Disneyland Drive for Mile 4.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

Once we left the park – it was just a run with a lot of people. We turned onto Ball Road – another few sips of water for me, then I decided to grab some Powerade, too. Then we hit Mile 5. I was feeling good, running all the time. My sciatica was twinging a tiny bit, and my right ankle, too, but nothing major. We turned onto Anaheim Blvd, and when we hit the first medical station, I decided to go ahead and grab some biofreeze. I quickly smeared it on my ankle and right glute, and kept going. The humidity was crazy. To get the biofreeze off my hand, I swiped at the back of my neck, which was drenched with sweat and the water I kept pouring on my head.

We hit Mile 6 on Cerritos – and I was pleased to notice that I was making up good time. I was calculating about an 11 minute mile off the start clock and the previous miles. I had already made up nearly 3 minutes. Another water stop as we turned onto Lewis Street.

All this time we saw lots of police officers, cheerleaders, marching bands. And families of the runners. A dad near me saw 3 boys cheering on their dad, and lamented, “Where are my kids?” I empathized and said something about it being nice to have family on the route. He then said that he only lived 5 miles from where we were. Oh. I was glad to have the excuse that my kids were in Colorado. I felt bad for him.

We passed the 10k chip mats (1:09:54). There was a group of Hawaiian dancers on this street (I think) – and there was a cute group of little girls in their grass skirts and leis. Adorable!

We turned back onto Ball St for mile 7 – over halfway finished – YAHOO! I decided to dig into my Clif Blok Shots and had one – yummy! Back onto Cerritos for Mile 8 and another water/Powerade station. We crossed the Orange Freeway, took a short jaunt down Douglass Road and got onto a nice dirt bike trail. That was a nice surprise for me. I like trail running. Another Clif Blok Shot gave me more energy.

The past few miles were pretty boring, and I relied on my iPod to keep me distracted. I kept hoping that it wouldn’t quit working before the finish. Each mile was a triumph.
As I was running down, I heard Rob Bass’ Joy and Pain and sang it to myself. A guy next to me said – “Keep singing – sounds good!” So I felt bolstered, sang the chorus a bit louder and used that energy to pass more people as we came upon Mile 9.

Joy! And Pain!
Like Sunshine
And Rain

We passed the 15K chip mats (1:42:51).

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

Then we came around Angel’s Stadium. Here there were even more cheerleaders, bands, girl/boy scouts. We hit Mile 10, another water station and I had another Clif Blok Shot. “Only 5k to go!” I yelled. “Almost there – WOO HOO!”

We hit Mile 11 as we turned onto S Anaheim Way, and I was so happy! We went through a tunnel and then back onto Disney Way. I caught and passed the 2:30 Clif Pace group – and I was feeling good as we hit Mile 12. Just 1.1 to go!

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

I got a picture with the Monsters, Inc. crew and Elastigirl as we re-entered Disney’s California Adventure and then blew through Downtown Disney for the finish. As we passed the 13 mile clock, I was bummed to see it read 2:30:10 already.

I rounded the corner to the finish, and saw the clock ahead at the finish read 2:28!!! – so I started booking it! I really wanted to finish under 2:30:00.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

I heard my name from the announcer as I crossed. YAHOO! I ran the whole thing!

I grabbed a bottle of water and a glove full of ice from the medical tent. I shoved the ice glove down my back and chugged the water.

From 20080830 Maida's Trip to California

Then it was a blur – chip removal, then I got my medal. Shortly afterwards, I got my Coast to Coast medal for doing both the Walt Disney World Marathon and this one.

I grabbed a bagel, banana, and mandarin oranges from the food tent. I got my photo taken with my medals. As I headed out, I saw the Pushing Daisies booth. They were giving out free pies courtesy of The Pie Hole. And I answered a trivia question and got a free Pushing Daisies Pie Cutter. (What was Ned’s beloved dog’s name? Starts with a D…
Digby!)

I checked out the overpriced tees and tanks from Disneyland commemorating the half – I had my tech shirt and it was nicer than anything I saw hanging there.

I walked back to the hotel. I started running a cold bath, then ran down to get 2 buckets of ice for the bath. I poured them in, took off my shoes, socks and tank and got in the tub with my shorts and running bra. Not cold enough. I went down and got 2 more buckets of ice. I got back in the tub and dumped those 2 in – Perfect. I closed my eyes and sat there until all the ice melted. I was beginning to think the water wwasn’t so cold anymore, so I checked the temp with my hands – BRRR – still super cold. I sat for a while longer.

Finally, I decided to get up, drain the tub and start my hot shower. Ahhhh…

Christine came in while I was in the shower – she finished and was doing okay – YAY!

I went online to check my official time

Distance	HALF MAR
Clock Time	2:28:56
Chip Time	2:21:23
Overall Place	4016 / 10849
Gender Place	1722 / 6407
Division Place	327 / 1021
Age Grade	48.2%
5K	37:10
10K	1:09:54
15K	1:42:51

2:21:23 Chip Time – YAHOO!!! 10:47 Pace overall – not too shabby.

I’m definitely a half marathon kind of gal.

I’ve been worried about Zander. Lately, he’s been having some trouble with his confidence. He’s been really tentative in his physical skills.

I think it started when his swim instructor for Level 2 said that Zander had all the skills to swim, but lacked the confidence to actually do it.

Then after a few weeks of climbing just fine at the climbing gym, he was suddenly anxious and nervous and didn’t want to try any new routes. He would climb the one route he knew he could do, and he was done for the day. Meanwhile, Zevan would try 3-4 routes and just really work at getting to the top.

Most recently he has been very tentative on his bicycle. On the slightest downhill, he wants to get off of his bike and walk until it’s level. At the same time, Zevan comes barreling down the same hill, “here I come!”

I know I’m not supposed to compare them, but I’m just stating the facts here.

I’ve been trying to be supportive and understanding, but it seems so sudden and odd when he’s excelling at so many things like reading and writing and patience and helpfulness.

And then today, at the climbing gym, I was trying this 5.10 route on the traverse-y wall. I tried to start it a few times, ended up sideways and thought, there’s no way to do this. I can’t do this route. For a split second, I tried to go straight up, but immediately decided that the hold was too far and I would never be able to reach it. So, I gave up on it, and started on a nearby 5.9 route up until the one hold I needed to reach, then finished on the 5.10.

Afterwards, while Lisa climbed the same route, I decided to give a new V1 route a try. I tried several times to start it, and thought, this is crazy – how can this possibly be a V1? I can always climb V1s – this must be misrated.

So Lisa basically had the same results as me on the 5.10 route – we figured that we both must be too short to get to the hold we needed to get to. Then I asked her to try the V1. She got much farther than I did, then stalled, too, about 3 moves later. We were both flummoxed.

Kyle walked by and we asked me to show us how to do both routes. He got right up on the 5.10, and pulled himself up easily. We were so surprised that we asked him to do it again, noticing this time that the wasn’t even maxed out, and that it should be totally reachable for either of us. Then he simply said, “You can do this.” Still skeptical, I got on the wall, and found that he was right, I could do it. And it was actually easy. Lisa tried, too, and was able to get up the same way.

Then we asked him to show us the V1 route. Again, he just pulled up on the wall, and smoothly climbed to the top. He came back down, and asked where I got hung up. I showed him where. He gave me a few pointers, and again simply stated, “You can totally do this.”

I got back on, remembering his movements, and was able to get most of the way up. About halfway, I lost my footing, and slipped off, I hung there for a while, trying to find the foot holds, with them directing me, “a little higher. to the right. higher. almost there”

By the time I got my footing, I thought for sure I was going to drop. “You’ve got it,” he said. And somehow, I did. I pulled myself up, and got to the top. Whew! When I got down, I thanked my coach Kyle and made Lisa go up and do the same.

We laughed at how convinced we were that we couldn’t do it. And that once we got some direction and encouragement, it was totally do-able.

So then I thought back to Zander. And I guess I’m already doing what I can for him. Encourage him, let him know that he CAN do it, and let him go.

I just wish there was a way for him to actually believe me when I tell him that he can do something. For him to at least give it a try instead of giving up right away.

It’s a hard thing to balance. I guess we’ll keep working on it.

It’s been ages since I posted… and a lot has been going on.

HEALTH
I’m on the losing end of a battle with a sinus infection that will not die. This is the one I had in April, and I thought I was rid of it, but it came back. I’ve already been through one round of antibiotics and treatments from Dr. Callahan, and it’s still lingering.

Tomorrow I will start the next round of antibiotics – the kind that will make you violently ill if you ingest any alcohol – even mouthwash or marinade.

FITNESS
I’ve been running about 2-3 times per week. Climbing 1-2 times per week. On Monday I did the Incline in 46:33 with Rose Ena and May and May’s 2 nephews.

NUTRITION
Pass.

WORK
Work has been steady, all maintenance and current clients. That’s my goal through the summer. When the kids are back in school, I’ll be more open to accepting new clients.

FAMILY
Doug and I have been enjoying NetFlix selections – movies and most recently, the 3rd season of Weeds and the first half of the first season of Californication. We’ve enjoyed a few date nights these past few weeks as well.

We took the ZBoys to see Kung Fu Panda – a movie that we all enjoyed.

The Zboys have been going to their Summer Blocks program, enjoying the new backyard ponds at my parents’ house, and a kiddie pool at Doug’s parents’ house. They are also attending currently attending swim lessons – Zander has really improved – he can back float, front float and bob under water – 5 times, as well as hold his breath underwater for 5 seconds. Pretty amazing stuff. Zevan is also doing well, although he had some issues during the first few classes this session. He can also bob a couple of times and put his head in the water.

Zander is now an amazing reader. He can read so many words! He reads every sign and poster and words he sees. It seems like it all happened so quickly.

Zevan is reading well, too. He’s read the first 4 Bob books (Level A, Set 1) to me. I’m so excited for both of them.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

We had a fantastic 4th of July at Tom and Georgiana’s house – with an awesome, civilized fireworks display viewed from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort Golf Course.

We have had visits from out-of-town friends. First, Keith and his daughter Autumn, who have been living in Australia for the last 3 years. We had lunch at my parents’ house, and we met up with the ZBoys for a free swim at the Aquatic Fitness Center.

Most recently we had a visit from Jimmy, Rose Ena, Rob and Ariana. The Zboys thoroughly enjoyed their company – as did Doug and I. We had a great time – hiking Seven Bridges Trail on Saturday, a couples night out on Saturday night, a BBQ on Sunday, the Incline Monday morning, dinner at Il Vicino Monday night, then the zoo and a sleepover on Tuesday (Rose Ena accompanied me to girls night out while the guys stayed home with the kids and watched The Mist) – and finally breakfast at Denny’s this morning before they headed to Ouray for camping.

MEDIA
I’m hooked on the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I finished High Five and am next in line for Hot Six at the library (all 9 copies (including 2 large print) are checked out. Seven Up is ready for pick up. Oh, and I just found out that there was a new Atticus Kodiak book by Greg Rucka Patriot Acts was published last year!

I’m watching reruns of The O.C. – I really miss that show. For my reality fix, I’m watching Design Star – and there is even a likeable contestant from Colorado Springs to root for, Matt Locke!

Sigh.

Time to fess up. Right around day 61, when school let out for the Zboys, my routine fell apart. I was completely thrown off my game. I missed P90X workouts. First a week, then two, now three…

I still keep climbing. And running. Even did the incline for the first time this season. Lots of hiking and walking with the kids.

Somehow, with Memorial Day, the camping trip, the hard drive crash and the ER visit, I lost my way as far as weight training goes. I’m happy with my strength now, and my muscle definition in my arms and lower legs. But I still have the gut. The gut, the gut, the gut. Ugh.

Nice weather is working against me because who wants to stay inside in front of a DVD for an hour and 15 minutes to work out when the weather is nice?

Right now I’m just trying to stick with the climbing 2x a week and running 3x week – must get that long run in!

P90X might have to wait until the fall when the boys are back in school and the weather is cooler.

I used to love shopping. I could spend all day shopping… That was back in the day – when I was able to fit into most clothing in junior sizes 3, 5 & 7.

Now it’s not fun to shop for me. I’d rather shop for the boys or even Doug. For me, it’s a chore. I’m not able to embrace my body in its current shape. From my ribcage to my upper thighs, I’m a lumpy blob.

I want that midsection to be in proportion to my nicely muscled arms and lower legs, but it’s not happening. Mostly because along with my healthy food, I want my treats, too. I want to eat guacamole, salsa, queso and chips. I want my Haagen Daz Caramel Cone ice cream. I want my cream cheese. I ate mostly clean for several weeks, then it all came crashing down in a big binge that I haven’t really recovered from.

And I researched wardrobe essentials today. I came up with a list of 20 items, a mix of Tim Gunn and SAHM Style.

1. Basic Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Classic Dress Pants
4. White Shirt
5. Jeans
6. Cashmere Sweater
7. Skirt
8. Day Dress
9. Blazer
10. Sweat Suit Alternative
11. Black Pumps
12. Ballet Flats
13. Stylish Bag
14. Cargo Pants
15. Bathing Suit
16. Pantsuit
17. Fitted t-shirt (v neck 3/4)
18. Shorts
19. Layering pieces (tank tops/camis)
20. Yoga pants

So, May and I went shopping for clothes today. I wanted to pick up some straight leg dark denim jeans and a nice white button down shirt. We hit Burlington Coat Factory, JC Penney, Old Navy and Sears. And the list went out the window. Every pair of dark jeans I tried on was just awful. UGH.

Burlington Coat Factory
$14.99 – Ryka Black Capri Workout Pants

JCPenney
$19.99 (marked down from $36) – Dark Pink Sleeveless Ribbed Sweater with Belt
$17.99 (marked down from $30) – Chocolate Brown Poplin Crop Pants
I wanted to get these Skecher shoes, which were $44.99 – much more than I usually spend on shoes, but they were comfy and cute. The girl behind the counter couldn’t find the matching shoe. So I took that as a sign that I wasn’t meant to have those shoes.

Old Navy
Nada. I wanted racer back ribbed tanks and they didn’t have any!

Sears
$10.00 Running Shell
$ 8.00 Running Top
$13.99 Mesh Running Shorts
$13.99 Mesh Running Shorts

So, I ended up with a lot of workout clothes and one non-workout outfit.

Notice that it’s all solid colors? May did. And encouraged me to do otherwise. I tried on some clothing with prints/ stripes/ patterns, but either they didn’t fit or they just didn’t grab me. I’m much more stingy with my clothing money than I used to be. I have to really love it to buy it.

We only shopped for 4 hours, and I was tired by the end of it – even with a diet coke and pretzeldog fortification break. It’s just disheartening to try on so many clothes that don’t fit.

Another week gone by…

Day 51, Monday, 5/12
Still recovering. I did a bit of tempo running, and then some walking. At least I got my miles in. My receiver fell out of my iPod, so my run is split into two workout files.

Day 52, Tuesday, 5/13
Kenpo X
Love, love, love this workout! It’s like the antithesis of Yoga X. It’s definitely my favorite of the cardio routines.

Day 53, Wednesday 5/14
5k Easy Run

Day 54, Thursday, 5/15
Core Synergistics
That’s a good solid workout. I did it.

Day 55, Friday, 5/16
6 mi long run – not too bad.

Day 56, Saturday 5/17
Doug’s birthday today. We started the day with Zander’s last skating class of the session. Zander and I got to hold hands and skate around the rink together.

Afterwards, we all went to the zoo. The Rocky Mountain Wild Exhibit was AWESOME. The mountain lion enclosure seemed too small for 4 lions, and the moose was barely visible in his little shack, but the bears – the bears were awesome! They played and wrestled in the water together, right up by the viewing glass. So cool!

That night Doug and I went out to dinner with Mike & Candy, and then off to Shuga’s for dessert, then Paradox Lounge for drinks.

Day 57, Sunday, 5/18
Chest and Back. Back to the very first P90X workout I ever did. And my progress was evident. I was so proud of myself!

Day 58, monday, 5/19
Did Speed Workout today – Ouch, my lungs. But I did all 5 sets of intervals. And then a LONG recovery walk

I decided that I would spend a bit more on my work out clothes.  I usually buy at Ross and WalMart, and the clearance rack at Target.

I went in search of running shorts.  All the cute ones are too short, and I get chub rub at the thigh – painful and humiliating at the same time.  Lovely.  The ones that are longer are far too baggy and make my hips and tummy pooch look even worse – UGH.  I tried on 5 pairs at Title Nine yesterday and none worked for me.  And the tops that fit my waist were too loose at the top for support while running.  And if I tried to fit my chest, it caused rolls at the belly.  UGH.  UGH.

So!  I went to Mountain Chalet in search of climbing clothes.  I got a pair of long climbing pants on sale, which was cool.  I took another 5 pairs of running shorts into the fitting room, none fit me.  I did find one cute pair of climbing pants that could work, but I ran out of time and really wanted to try the next size (down!) before I plopped down $70  for the cutest pair of climbing capris ever.

I can’t wear skirts – my thighs rub and then there’s the sweat issue.  Sorry if that’s TMI…    My shorts have to have a 4″-5″ inseam minimum.

I was really disappointed.     But I was able to take solace in the fact that I took a bunch of Mediums into the dressing room with me, and they were too big!  The problem is that most of the smalls are still too small, so I’m in between somehow.    I guess I just need to keep working at it.

My weight is the same, 134.6 – 1.6 lbs higher than my last mentioned weight of 133.  My waist is 1/2″ smaller than when I started P90X (I’m on Day 58), so that’s something.