New Focus for May

I've made a decision that it's truly time to focus on diet starting this month. I'm very proud of myself that I completed the April mileage challenge as set forth by Jonathan and Rae. However, I've really let my eating get out of control. It seems like I keep putting it off, and putting it off, always coming up with a new excuse of why I need to wait another week to start eating right. "This week is the Superbowl, this week is so-and-so's birthday, tomorrow is dinner out with the wife," and so on and so on. Before I know it, it's been 4 months since I promised myself I was jumping back on the wagon and getting my eating under control.

I'm hoping that with the new found confidence of knowing that I can dedicate myself to something, like logging mileage every day for 30 days, I know I can tackle this new challenge. For many of us, this seems to be the real stumbling block. I see Jonathan has recently been posting about his set backs in the area of food intake, and with Matt's mom making chocolate oreo fudge, well how can one not cheat? (I'll skip the fried catfish thanks...I'm more of a cod, scallops, and oyster kind of guy).

Anyway, as I look around I see many of us dealing with some adversity. If it's not diet it could be any number of things. Loss of a job, dealing with an injury, caring for a sick parent, trying not to take out our frustration on our Nike+, or taming indigestion caused by the Red Sox/Bills/Eagles. No matter what the problem, it's nice to know that someone is there to give an encouraging, "You can do it."

So while this past month has been tagged the "Month of a Million Miles," this month, for me, is going to be the "Month of a Million Pounds." While piling up the miles, I will be shedding off the pounds. I know with the support of my friend and family, and specifically Team Voice, I can finally get a handle on this and start making huge strides in the right direction. The goal is 10 pounds per month between now and January. There's no looking back now. In order to help hold myself accountable I'm going to start posting my weight in the side bar to chart my progress. I'm embarrassed to post it, but if nothing else maybe I can shame myself into dropping the pounds.

Enchanted or Not?

So this months featured movie in the Disney Movie Club is Enchanted. This is a movie that I skipped in the theater and am uncertain how I feel about it now. There are a few movies I want to add to my collection...ok...there are SEVERAL movies I want to add to my collection, but there are a few key ones I want to add right now. Examples being: A Bug's Life, Most of the Classic Cartoon Favorites, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Show, Swiss Family Robinson, and all the Walt Disney Treasures collections. I know, I know, it's a lot. Some I have in VHS, but want to upgrade to DVD and others I've never gotten my hands on.

If you're not familiar with the way the Disney Movie Club works, you usually get a deal where you buy one and get a discount on additional movies. So it makes sense to buy a few at a time. I'm considering making Enchanted one of those movies. However, I really want to get my hands on the upcoming release of Saludos Amigos and The 3 Caballeros double DVD. Do I buy this month or wait until next month and hope that Saludos and Caballeros is the featured selection? I'm thinking it will be, considering the new offer is due to come out on Cinco de Mayo.

Any thoughts?? Looking for some advice in this area from the experts. Jeff from Iowa...I think we know where you stand!! He's not called Caballero Fan for nothing.

Here's a little something for those unfamiliar with our hispanic friends:

Happy Patriots Day!!

Patriots Day?? What's Patriots Day?? I'm sure most of you are wondering. Patriots Day is a Massachusetts holiday celebrated on the third Monday of April. It is in remembrance of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which began the American Revolution.

So how do we celebrate? No, we don't fire muskets at each other on the town green. Instead, it obviously calls for a day off from work for all non-critical public employees. Most of us celebrate by kicking back and watching the Red Sox, who are always scheduled for an early (11:00 a.m.) game, or we enjoy seeing people cross the finish line at the Boston Marathon.

That's what I find myself doing today. I'm watching the Red Sox right now leading the Texas Rangers 8-0 in the bottom of the 6th inning. On commercials I'll flip over and watch the masses stream across the finish line. It's amazing to think that the guy who won the men's division crossed the finish line in the same amount of time that I hope to be to at mile 9. His story is an amazing one, 4 time winner of the Boston Marathon, he once was homeless and considered suicide, before being "discovered" and his career began in competitive running. But his story is not the only one. There is the story of Team Hoyt; Dick Hoyt is a 65 year old man who races with his son. The catch being, his son Rick cannot walk or talk. Dick pushes his wheel chair 26.2 miles. Together they have completed 65 marathons. Add to that 224 triathlons, 81 half marathons, and many many other races. Their best time in a marathon...2:40:47!! To put that in perspective...Lance Armstrong ran this years Boston Marathon and finished in 2:50:00. Now remember, Dick is pushing Rick the whole way. And yes....I said 224 triathlons!! If you want to learn more about these incredible people, go see Jeff from Iowa's blog (http://snowytundratraining.blogspot.com/2008/03/yes-you-can.html) and check out his March 23rd post titled "Yes, you can!!" He has a couple videos posted there. I dare you to watch them and not need to wipe your eyes after.

And there are many, many other stories. Cancer survivors, wedding proposals, running in honor of deceased friends and family. I'll repeat it again....as Mike so aptly put it...Many Goals, One Voice!!

Between watching the coverage of the marathon, and watching Rae's video collage, I feel like I'm ready to run the 1/2 Marathon right now!!

Mouseketeer #78

I was pretty excited when I listened to this weeks AATM and heard Bryan read my Mouseketeer interview answers. Almost as excited as when I heard Jonathan read it on Episode 46 back in February. Yup, it got read twice on the show. Guess it was really good, huh? I didn't want to call Bryan on his gaff on the forums, so I figured I would post it here instead. A lot fewer people reading this, I would imagine.

I'm glad to see all of Team Voice making such great progress in their training. It's fun to see how we're all on different levels and we all have different goals, but we're on the same path to those goals. Guess that's why our slogan is, "Many goals, once voice."

The weather in the northeast is now cooperating and that means more outside training!! I'm looking forward to really seeing where I'm at in my training and to be able to chart my progress outside. The 1/2 marathon is going to be outside, so I feel to get an honest assesment of my performance, I need to train outside.

Keep up the good work everyone!! I enjoy reading your blogs and seeing how your training is going, and maybe more importantly, how you balance your training with you family life and work (or school). I think it's a struggle for all of us, but it will make it that much sweeter when we cross that finish line.

Morning Person??

I've never been a morning person. I'm not one to jump up out of bed with excitement to start another day. Usually, it is a slow progression from complete grogginess, to semi-consciousness, to functioning. Each step is usually aided by Starbucks strongest blend. All that said, I've begun working out prior to work. And...believe it or not...I'm really enjoying it. There is something to be said for going through your day, knowing that your workout is already in the bag. I also feel like it jump starts my metabolism and calorie burning for the day.

I have to admit that I'm pretty lucky with my work situation. I have a very decent gym at work, complete with elliptical, treadmill, bicycle, free weights, and universal machine. In addition we have a locker room with shower. This means I don't have to travel to a gym, then head to work. Obviously, this saves quite a bit of time. As a result I don't really get up much earlier than if I wasn't working out in the morning. For me it's either get up at 5:oo and head in to work and get in a workout and shower, then be ready for work at 7:oo, or I get up at 5:oo, make breakfast, watch the news, dink around at home and then head into work for 7:oo. Either way, the alarm clock is ringing in my ears at 5:00 a.m.

Please don't misunderstand and think that I've become a morning person. My first thought in the morning is still, "are you kidding me? Is it really that time already?" And it's not easy to drag my butt into the gym that early, but just knowing by 6:30, that I'm done for the day, is a great feeling and really makes it worth it.

So how about you? Given any thought to early morning workouts? Is it feasible for you? Are you a step ahead of me and you've already been doing this for months?

On a side note...our fellow teammate Chris has joined the blogging ranks. Everyone should go over and say hello and welcome him to the blogging world (http://blognrightalong.blogspot.com/). He's been a great presence on the AATM forums and I'm sure he's gonna have a lot to contribute here as well. No pressure though!!!

Reality Sinking In

It's seeming more and more likely that I will be traveling to WDW by myself for marathon weekend. Not to say that I'll be by myself when I get there...I have my fellow Team Voicers!! But none-the-less, I'll be leaving my family behind when I go. I'm interested to see what it will be like traveling alone. I am trying to approach it as an adventure, and I think it will be. The only "problem" I see is the accomodations I'm going to have to settle for. It appears that Scopa Towers (aka Pop Century) is going to be my home base for the five days I'm there. I don't mean to insult anyone who opts for value resorts, but I was really hoping to shoot for something in the Epcot area, which would mean Boardwalk, Yacht Club, or Beach Club. The issue is, I can't seem to convince my wife that a solo trip is worth that kind of expense. We are planning a large family trip sometime after the marathon, probably late August or November, and then we will likely stay at Boardwalk. But I'm impatient darn it!! With people like Deb talking up the Boardwalk and reading what others have to say about Yacht and Beach, it sure makes it hard to accept the idea of a value resort.

Oh well....I think I'm beginning to get a bit greedy. I should just be overwhelmed with excitement that I'm going to WDW....and I am...honestly. By the time the marathon rolls around, it will have been over two years since my last trip. That's the longest "dry spell" I've had in quite a few years. So really...I could stay in a sleeping bag, on a bench, next to a LEGO figure at Downtown Disney, and be happy just to be there.

So where's everyone else staying? Please, I don't mind a little salt in the wound. I'm curious to see what kind of experience everyone else is going to have.

Marathons And Mai Tai's Don't Mix!!

I learned an interesting thing today...if you're training for a half-marathon...you probably shouldn't knock back several booze filled beverages the night before a workout.

Last night I went to a local Japanese steak house...think Teppanyaki Dinning Room at Epcot...for a family members birthday party. The food was great and the adult beverages were flowing. After imbibing far too many I began to think that it was going to be a rough morning. I was right. After eventually shaking the fuzz from my brain, I did get outside for a brief walk. I was dodging thunder showers, so it was a very limited .6 miles, but it was mileage. That puts me at 12 for 12 so far this month!!

Apparently, I'm not the only person to make this training mistake, as I just read Jogger Blogger's latest blog (http://joggerblogger.wordpress.com/) and he did something eerily similar with the notable exception of him running 16 miles after his mistake. Wow, way to go!!

On a different note I want to say congrats to Bryan and Jonathan on completing their first full year as hosts of the All About The Mouse Podcast. Cheers, this drinks to you....Gatorade that is. Keep bringing the Magic and the Mayhem!!

Staying Strong!!

Wow, was my last post really 3 days ago. I've been slacking!! But fortunately, blogging is the only area that I've been doing that. I'm still alive in the Team Voice April Challenge. Today was a very busy day, but I was still able to get in 1.35 miles.

With mileage every day, I feel like I'm missing out on some weight training, so I've decided to start doing double duty. Pre-work workout and post work workout. Depending on how I feel and what the weather is like, will determine which is a weight workout and which is a mileage workout. I'll use the weight workout to also focus on getting in more sit ups and push ups. Overall, I think this is going to help me burn more calories, and thus start shedding some more weight. Less weight should lead to greater results in the constant strive for more distance and a better pace. Not to mention it is going to improve my overall health, which is the true goal of all this.

I'm really glad everyone is doing so well!! Let's all wish Matt (http://anotherdisney.blogspot.com/) good luck!! He's representing his college in the Scholar's Bowl Competition in St. Louis. Maybe he can get a few tips from Deb as to how one can get miles in while enjoying the scenery of an airport concourse.

Oh Weather Man How I Loathe Thee...

...let me count the ways. Here's the depressing thing about April on Cape Cod: While the rest of the state gets the occasional 55-65 degree day, we are usually stuck in the mid to upper 40's. The reason you ask? The Atlantic Ocean. While it gives us a nice cool seabreeze in the summer, it gives us a bone chilling wind in the spring. It is not uncommon to see a 20 degree difference between our temperature and the one posted for Boston (a mere hour and a half away). I know I can't complain too much, with people like Jeff from Iowa and Jogger Blogger from the UK dodging snowflakes. I guess it certainly could be worse. But then I see Jeff from MO, Matt from Miss., and Rae from FL enjoying spring...they may be dealing with April showers, but at least the thermometer is on the rise!! Anyway, enough whining.

Supposedly we are going to see low 60's on Wednesday. That even includes us out here on the "sand bar". I'm skeptical, but hopeful. This is my best opportunity to get outside for a decent run this week. I'm hoping to put in a 3.5-4 mile run. Although, after reading Deb's blog, maybe I'll be feeling good and decide to stretch it into a 5 miler.

On a side note, I just bought the book that Jonathan was touting..."The Courage to Start." I'm through the first two chapters and so far I know one thing...I need new running shoes!!! This will be a goal before the weather gets really nice. I figure they are most important when running outside. I don't think my Asics are doing me too wrong on the elliptical.

I'm excited about seven complete days of mileage. I logged another 2.65 today on the elliptical. I've been slacking in the push-up/sit-up category, but I'm confident that I'll be making up ground in that area over the next couple of weeks.

Keep up the good work Team Voice...you're all inspiring me to stay strong in this months challenge!!

Chomping At The Bit

I've been wanting to get in more outside running, in the worst way!! I was really hoping that this weekend was going to be the turning point. Well...that hasn't exactly worked out as planned. Yesterday (saturday) my wife went on a shopping excursion with her girlfriends, which left me home with the baby. Needless to say, if I had gone outside for a run, and left her home alone, not only would I have gotten in trouble with my wife, but I think the Department of Social Services would have come knocking. So Saturday was scratched for anything outside. I did still get in 1.25 miles of walking to keep me in the Team Voice challenge.

So today was the day!! Today I was heading outside to get in a nice 3.1 mile run/walk. Just as I was getting into my running attire the weather gods decided to send clouds, wind, mist, and a 10 degree drop in the temperature. I was still determined!! If Jeff can do some "Snowy Tundra" training, I can handle a little moisture and cold temps. I got through about 1/4 mile and started to feel a strain on top of my left ankle. Not anything excruciating, but enough to make me slow to a walk. At first I thought, "Run through it!" But, I decided to walk it off instead. Being early in the 30-days-of-mileage, I didn't want to jeopardize getting an injury. With no recovery days it is important to stay healthy. Also, as an inexperienced runner, I'm still learning what pains I can run through and what needs more attention.

When it was all said and done, I did half of what I had hoped to, and walked most of it. Right now my ankle feels fine, so I'm hoping it was just a stiffness issue. Later this week, I'm determined to get back outside. This time...better stretching before I start!!

I am glad to be able to say that I am still alive in the April Team Voice challenge, and by the looks of things, I'm not alone!! Great job Team Voice!!! Everyone is doing awesome!! A special shout-out to Rae who appears to be making a monster comeback while recovering from a difficult hand injury. And to Deb, who starred in this weeks AATM podcast...great job representing the All About the Mouseketeers and Team Voice!!

Keep up the good work everyone and lets make this week even better than last week!! Main Street Awaits!!

Quick Update

Just a quick post to update my progress as of day 3. This morning I'm waking up in a hotel room, a couple hours from home. I did drag my butt out of bed and get in 2 miles on the hotel's eliptical this morning. Tonight I will get in more push-ups/sit-ups so I can bump that total up a bit.

I want to thank Jonathan and Rae for this month's challenge. If not for the "30 Days of Mileage" I would have easily come up with excuses for taking the last 2 days off. Instead, I'm working hard to get in at least some mileage every day...and I feel really good about it.

Eating on the other hand...that's been a bit of an issue. Last night I met some friends at Cheescake Factory...deadly. Anyway, one battle at a time :0)

Off to a Good Start!

Just a quick update with my workout from today. I logged 2.5 miles on the eliptical, 60 push-ups, and 20 sit-ups. Have I mentioned that I hate situps!! But I know, I know, there "good for the core" and thus, good for marathon preparation (thanks Rae!).

It looks like a lot of Team Voice members were able to complete the March challenge. Congrats to all of those who were up to the challenge!! It will be interesting to see who else can do it this month. I say "who else" because I'm commited to getting through this months challenge in one piece. It would be kind of embarassing to get to January and still be saying, "this is the month I'm finally gonna complete a Team Voice challenge." This month will be difficult because it means mileage every single day...that's MILEAGE...not reps...ahhhemmm...Jonathan!!

Anyway, as Jeff from MO so kindly reminded me, "Main Street Awaits!"