Workout Update and More

I realize I haven't posted about my workouts in a while, and Mike was good enough to remind me. So here goes...read Jonathan's blog...ditto. No I'm just kidding, I won't simplify it that much. I am following the same program as Jonathan, but some of my workouts vary from his. The run days are pretty much the same. 3 days a week of running doing ever increasing run/walk intervals. 2 days a week have been cross training, which means either weight lifting, kayaking, or the elliptical.

I have to tell you, I've really been enjoying this regimen. The kayaking and weight lifting add some much needed change into the daily grind, and I have really been enjoying getting out on the water in my kayak. I almost feel like I'm cheating and not actually getting a workout, but don't worry, my muscles tell a different story. As for the running, which is what this is really all about, it's going well. I like the intervals. A given run could consist of the following: walk for 5 minutes to warm up, then run for 3 minutes, walk for 2 and repeat this 8 times. I like it because it seems like before I know it 3 or 4 intervals are already behind me and then I start to think, "Ok, just get through this next 3 minutes of running and then I just have to do it 4 more times." It may sound weird to some, but it's been working for me. I'm not thinking, I still have 20 minutes left, I'm thinking I have 4 more blocks of running.

On the non-running front...my Mouseketeer # got picked this week by guest Larry!!! I figured that as the legions of Mouseketeer's grew, the chances of getting picked was shrinking, but it was my lucky week!! Also on this weeks show, our friend Craig got a nice shout out in the show notes.

I want to thank everyone for the comments on my Yehaw Bob post. I didn't realize how many people weren't familiar with him and his show. Hopefully we can get a group of those interested, together for a show during marathon week.

I want to give a special kudos to Mike and Jonathan for seeing such positive results in their recent doctor's visits. Isn't that why we're all here in the first place...get healthy and have fun doing it!!! Also, nice job to Chris on his 10 mile race in Rhode Island on Friday!! You sure you meant to sign up for the HALF-marathon....looks like you're in full-marathon shape!!

Who's Yehaa Bob?

I was shocked and horrified when a fellow Team Voicer asked me today..."What is Yehaw Bob?" I won't mention any names, but we all know and love her, and I think she is the only Team Voicer who actually lives south of the World.

The question was posed as a result of my trip plan that I posted. I listed Yehaa Bob as my last thing to do Thursday night. Actually I misspelled his name as Yehaw Bob...yes he spells it Yehaa.

To answer the question...Yehaa Bob, or Bob Jackson to his friends, is a pianist who performs on certain nights at Port Orleans Riverside. To categorize him as a pianist is an understatement. He is a one man show. He is a musician, comedian, and all around good guy!! Bob's high energy shows are all about audience participation, and he doesn't usually have a problem getting them involved.

Let me clarify that I'm not actually speaking from personal experience. I have never seen Yehaa Bob in person, I've only seen videos and heard reviews from podcasters and Disney fans. I also did some research by heading over to his website: http://www.yehaabob.com/

I have stayed twice at Port Orleans Riverside and I didn't even know this guy existed. The marathon trip will be my third time staying, and I don't intend on missing him again.

The Game Plan

Ok so here is what I'm thinking about for a schedule for the Marathon Trip:


Thursday 01/08:
Arrive @ Disney 1:00 p.m.
Packet Pickup @ 3:00 p.m. (Sorry Matt)
Dinner @ Planet Hollywood @6:00 (Gotta use that gift cert. they provide with the Magic Your Way Package)
Downtown Disney
Yehaw Bob @ Port Orleans Riverside

Friday 01/09:
Animal Kingdom
Crystal Palace Dinner @ 6:00 p.m.
Magic Kingdom (very brief...probably before dinner, and maybe 1 ride after, then off to bed)

Saturday 01/10:
Race Day!!!
Race @ 6:00 a.m.
EPCOT
Dinner @ LeCellier @ 5:00
Team Voice Meet @ 8:00
Boardwalk

Sunday 01/11:
Magic Kingdom
Team Voice Meet @ 1:00
Hollywood Studios

Monday 01/12:
Open

Most of this is subject to change. My only ADR is going to be Friday at Le Cellier pre-T.V. Meet. Once I know what the Extra Magic Hours are going to be, things may be adjusted. Any suggestions?? I'm open to criticism.

Going it alone...sort of.

I've completed the first week of my new training program. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm following the same, and much maligned training program that Jonathan Dichter has chosen to follow. Contrary to popular belief, it is no walk in the park. Monday I did 35 minutes of 3 min. run/ 2 min. walk intervals, Tuesday was 30 minutes of elliptical, Wednesday was a rest day, Thursday was the same as Monday plus some weight training, Friday was kayaking, and Saturday was a 3 mile run using the same intervals. As the weeks go on the time and distance will increase. I definitely got something out of this first week. I feel like I really pushed myself and I know I will see steady progress over the upcoming weeks. It is the structure I needed in my training. I can't come up with any excuses for putting off a particular workout.

A couple people asked me about my travel plans for marathon weekend, more specifically, about whether or not the family is coming. Unfortunately, they are not. My wife has a prior commitment that can't be changed. As a result, I will be heading down alone. Once I get there I'll be looking forward to meeting up with and spending time with some of my fellow Team Voicers. Now that Jonathan has created a couple of official meets and Rae has offered to grab an ADR at Crystal Palace, I know I'm not gonna be "alone" while I'm there. The time that I am alone, I'm actually looking forward to being able to tour the parks a little differently than I would with the family. So...while I wish my wife and daughter were going to be able to make the trip...I'm still looking forward to an exciting, wonderful time!!

It's really real!!

Tonight I finally booked my stay for marathon weekend. I'm heading down on Thursday 1/8 and coming home Monday 1/12. Port Orleans Riverside will be my resort. Yeehaw Bob, here I come!! Now it feels real, and it feels great!! I called to book as opposed to just doing it online...I feel like I get a little more of the magic when I get to speak with someone down there. I definitely got some of that magic during this phone call. The cast member that I spoke with was originally from Cape Cod and lived about 20 minutes from where I am. It made for a really cool chat. We discussed the weather and traffic up here and the benefits of moving to Florida from Massachusetts. It was just a nice reminder of why I love Disney.

I think booking my trip was just the added motivation I needed too for tonight's workout. I was going to run right after work, but I don't think it would have been a good idea with the heat and humidity where it was. Instead, I went out after booking my trip, at around 8:00 p.m. It was much cooler. I had to get out there tonight, no matter what time it ended up being. I'm actually following the same plan as Dichter and unscheduled days off are an absolute no-no. Tomorrow is a cross training day, so I'll be heading out in my kayak at 6:00 a.m. for a morning row/fishing excursion. Don't worry, I'll get my arms and core pumping.