Training: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon

November 8, 2017 By Lindy 4 Comments

Nothing excites me more than going back to where my love for running Disney started: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon.

2013 run Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was my first half marathon, actually my first race ever, in 2013. This race will always occupy a special place in my heart. For years, thoughts lingered in my mind that I will never be able to run a mile, let alone a half marathon. It took lots of discipline and a few bouts of crying to get this done. Fearing that people would judge me for being a slow runner, or for taking walking breaks, I trained solely on a treadmill. Little did I know that using the run/walk method by Jeff Galloway would take this new runner to cross a finish line.

Running changed my life. Through running, I have discovered the limitless potential my mind and body have. In the process, I have formed wonderful friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

This will be my 15th half marathon. I’ve not run in exactly a year, my last race being Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2016. My body is still in progress, and I’m positive it will make a full recovery, but for now, slow wins the race.

The training plan I’m using is from the My ASICS run app on my iPhone to build up miles/endurance. It starts out really slow, which is what my body needs at the moment.

Monday: Run 1 mile at 15:22 min/mi. – Done.
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Thursday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Friday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Run 2 miles at 15:24 min/mi.

I got on the treadmill for that 1 mile run and it felt so long, and it was really hard trying not to go faster. I felt tightness on my hip after that one mile run, not sure if it was from the run itself or the fact that I cycled on my Peloton bike for 45 minutes earlier in the day. Trust me when I tell you that after these injuries, I am freaking nervous to run again but I want it BAD.

Have any of you dealt with running injuries that set you back? Any races you’re currently training for?

Life Lessons, Letting Go, and Shifting Gears

October 25, 2017 By Lindy 2 Comments

This week, I’d like to talk about life lessons, letting go, and shifting gears. I had this eye-opening moment last week when I found myself in the Emergency Department on a busy Friday evening to rule out a stroke. When the stroke was ruled out, the attending physician suspected a subarachnoid hemorrhage, secondary to a ruptured aneurysm. After much poking for IV’s, labs, meds, CT Scan, and finally an offer to do a lumbar puncture (which I declined), I was sent home with the worst headache of my life and shoulders that felt like concrete. This is when I realized that all my emotions have manifested in my body as pain and I need to start letting go of things: past, present, and future.

I realized that I haven’t done a lot of the things I once loved: read a book, knit, draw, sing, photography, run. I work two jobs and I’m in school to further my nursing education. I’m putting in my resignation at my per diem job this weekend when I’m there. I don’t need the per diem for the money, a year ago it was just something to do/see what else is out there/keep a door open elsewhere. I’m exhausted, unhappy and clearly in physical pain. It ends right here, today. Actually, it ended on my ride home from the hospital Saturday morning.

I learned that I need to put myself first in everything in life. I need to be well in order to care for my family when they need me, and for my little ones in the NICU.

I’m a worrier by nature, and as hard as this may be, I am letting go of what no longer serves me. Letting go of past decisions that leave me, could have/would have/should have done this or that. No longer will I be worrying about the future, instead focus being in the present. Life has a way of sorting itself out.

This brings me to shifting gears. I was once cleared to run and I’m not cleared, again! I fell in love with running because it made me feel free. It was MY time to clear my head, to let things go, and when those things couldn’t be done, the weight built up, in my shoulders, in my life. This lovely little blog will be back and while it won’t solely focus on running (for obvious reasons), I’ll be sharing the things that bring me joy in my life. It’s about living simple and regaining focus, and hopefully, inspire someone in the process.

Take care,

Don’t Call it a Comeback…running

June 12, 2017 By Lindy Leave a Comment

…I’ve been here for years. I’m corny, I know. 🙂

Today marks the beginning of my return to running after obtaining clearance from my physical therapist. Since I have not run since November 2016, I will be following Jeff Galloway’s beginner 5K program. Using a run/walk program is a great way to build a training base while reducing the risk of injury.

Jeff Galloway’s 5K program runs 15 weeks and in order to keep me motivated, I’ve registered for the Rescue Run 5K, which occurs at the end of the 15 weeks. Talk about perfect timing, eh? This run benefits The Monster Milers, a shelter dog running and rescue organization in Philadelphia. I’m also excited because it is my first run as a Oiselle Volée runner, a wonderful and supportive community of women.

Plans for this week: (Per Jeff Galloway’s Program)

Monday – Walk or XT

Tuesday – Run 10-15 minutes

Wednesday – Walk or XT

Thursday – Run 10-15 minutes

Friday – Walk or XT

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – 1 mile

My XT usually involves taking a class on my Peloton Bike or swim at the gym pool. Stretching/yoga is part of my daily routine, which will aid in my return to running, as well as the recovery process.

Week 1, here I come. Follow my daily journey on Instagram.

Have a great week, and if you’re in the middle of a heat wave (as we are in PA), stay cool.

Oh, hi there! It’s been a while.

May 8, 2017 By Lindy 7 Comments

It’s been a while, friends, and I’ve missed being here talking to you about my running or traveling adventures. Yesterday, I found myself at work, crying while watching the live broadcast of the Broad Street Run on the TV in the break room. This is why.

Countless visits to the sports medicine doctor, multiple X-Rays, acupuncture, chiropractor visits and physical therapy has left me in a state of frustration. I’m seeing a new physical therapist and for once, I am experiencing positive changes, although it isn’t without experiencing both physical and emotional pain. Janet, my physical therapist, cleared me for running and has suggested a goal for me to run a 5K in 3 months. This makes me beyond excited.

The pain I experienced while running was on my left hip and IT band, with some minor pain on the right knee. MRI showed normal hip scan, however, it showed chronic bilateral hamstring tendonitis. This explained the hamstring pain I felt whenever I went to my beloved Flywheel classes, and it was always when off the saddle. I stopped going to Flywheel and stopped running and giving up both pained me immensely.

But I’m really stubborn…I mean, REALLY stubborn.

Since I was cleared to run, I deleted a 5K and added another 5K. I also added a half marathon: Disney’s Princess Half in February. Not only it is the 10th Anniversary of the half, but my 5th running anniversary. That’s my girls trip, and I cannot wait!
Back to the stubbornness part. Not only did I sign up for a half marathon, I bought a Peloton bike.

This bike is beyond amazeballs! I fell in love with spinning years ago and now that I’m able to do this from the comfort of my own home is fantastic. I’m taking it easy and concentrating on endurance classes, which focus on heart rate training and ensuring to spend less time off the saddle. Hopefully that will be helpful when it comes to training for races.

So, where have I been?

In February, I went on a last minute trip to Disney World. Last month, had a blast from taking an 8-day trip to Puerto Rico with my sister. This year, I have a few trips planned – Montréal, Seattle, DC and back to WDW in September for a week. I’ve also been working, a lot, and currently studying for my neonatal nurse certification (RNC-NIC)

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you who reached out to me on Instagram and Twitter as well as the emails you’ve sent just to check in.

It means a lot to me, so thank you! <3

Have a wonderful Monday!

Adios, 2016

December 31, 2016 By Lindy 20 Comments

It’s been a crazy year folks; I am glad it’s about to end.

This year brought a lot of ups and downs – from that left hip injury that caused me to stop running, to the car accident which left my mother injured badly, to attaining self-realization and embarking on new and exciting journeys.

Although I didn’t get to run the races I wanted to this year, I made an effort to stay fit by cycling at Flywheel, run/walking in Disney and starting Core de Force, a new MMA-style workout by Beachbody. I do miss running terribly though. All the tests on my left hip have come back normal, so I don’t know what else to do. Some days I wake up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain, other times, I’m fine and able to run 2-3 miles painlessly.

After my parents accident, I took 3 weeks from work to care for them. It was then that I realized the value of friendship. Most the people whom I considered my “friends” didn’t even ask if we were okay or needed anything, and it was challenging for me to care for everyone.

I stumbled upon a quote that read, “The problem with being the strong one is that nobody asks if you’re okay.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. It made me realize that this happened because I can handle it, and when I broke down with overwhelmingness, I talked about it, and I faced my fears head on. I let go of those individuals who were of no value in my life, and let go of those toxic friendships that brought me anger and grief. Forgiving and letting go is paramount to happiness, and it feels great. 🙂

While I don’t have any goals or resolutions for the upcoming new year, if I learned something from this year, and I know it sounds cliche, but it’s not to sweat the small stuff, treasure moments spent with those you love and doing things that make me happy.

Do you have any goals or resolutions for the new year?

Wishing everyone happiness and good health in the new year!

runDisney – Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge

November 21, 2016 By Lindy 1 Comment

Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend

This has got to be my favorite runDisney race in WDW. While I do miss the night races, there’s something magical about running in Disney during Food and Wine Festival. A 10K (6.2 miles) on Saturday, a half marathon on Sunday, followed by food and drinks around the world in Epcot.

Flight from PHL airport was smooth as usual with Southwest Airlines into MCO. My friend Becky and I stayed at Pop Century and our friend Joanne and her family were meeting up with us in a few days for the race. Disney’s Wine and Dine would be Joanne’s first half, Becky’s second (she came with me in 2015).

Becky and I walked the 10K as I was already starting to have issues with my left hip and wanted to conserve energy for the half. I moved back to Becky’s corral so we can finish together. Becky and I took our time, taking pictures with characters, almost getting swept right around the point where Boardwalk ends and you’re entering Epcot.

We were given our finisher’s medals, I iced my hip and back to shower/rest/eat before heading to the parks for a while.

Wine and Dine Half Marathon

Becky and I were right on the buses by 3 AM. We bought marathon fuel boxes from the Everything Pop Food Court at Pop Century the night before. The food court was open early for runners, and we picked up bottled water and a coffee for me. The weather was cool, yet comfortable, and we met up with Joanne at the corrals. Since Joanne didn’t have a previous race finishing time (10K or greater), she was placed in the penultimate corral, and Becky moved back with her in L; I was a bit up in corral G.

I didn’t dress in costume for the 10K, and while my sister crafted a Belle-inspired running tutu for the half marathon, I didn’t have time to craft a top, so I went with a Raw Threads Belle-inspired tee, which I purchased at the expo.

First 3 miles went great. I ran by effort, not pace, then it hit me like a ton of bricks. My left hip started to bother me. I stopped at the first medical tent and grabbed two acetaminophen tablets. The nurses marked my hand, indicating that I received a dose, put some BioFreeze on my hip and knees and carried on.

The Galloway runners aiming for a 2:30 finishing time passed me and I tried to tag along, but I quickly lost them. I stopped at every single medical tent, and by the time I reached mile 9, I knew I was in trouble. My attempts at running were over. I received another dose of acetaminophen, some Powerade, and a Clif, and saw my friend Joanne who started in corral L pass me. She briefly stopped and (God love her) offered to stay with me but I told her she needed to keep going and I would be okay. Okay, I would be for sure. I took advantage that I was walking the last 4 miles and stopped for photo ops and just enjoyed talking with people that were also walking alongside.

Finished in my slowest time ever, but needless to say, I finished and received both a half marathon finisher’s medal and the Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge finisher’s medal.

My friend Becky waited for me at the finish line, having gotten swept at mile 8 after an asthma attack. She ended up being okay.

We rested and went to the Post-Race party at Epcot until it closed. It was one of the most amazing weekends. Visited Universal Studios, danced, ate, drank and enjoyed every minute with my friends and not one damn whine from how much pain I was experiencing.

Shortly after returning home, my dear friend Becky was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which explains why she was so lethargic and not hungry the entire trip 🙁

Wine and Dine is a great Disney race. I suggest running this at least once.