Tag Archives: Gasparilla Distance Classic

Goofy for Gasparilla, Part #4

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3

Lori called me the other night to ask me if I had registered for Gasparilla yet.  Unfortunately, lack of funds caused me to postpone my registration for the race.  While I chatting with Lori, I visited the Gasparilla Distance Classic site to register.  I remembered reading on the website that the Michelob Ultra Challenge could fill up before race weekend.

 

And there it was in big, bold letters:

 

BUD LIGHT CHALLENGE & MICHELOB ULTRA

CHALLENGE ARE SOLD OUT!


My heart sank.  

 

“You just weren’t meant to do it”, Lori said trying to cheer me up.  ”Your body is still trying to recover from Disney.  Take this as a sign that you are just not supposed to do the Mic Ultra Challenge.”

 

After doing the “Unofficial” Goofy Challenge last month, I decided against registering for all three races in the Gasparilla Distance Classic.  All that work and none of the glory?  I think not.  No special medals or t-shirt for all my hard work.  My name not listed in a special challenge list.  I think I’ll pass.  Disney taught me one thing.  Goofy has no glory.

 

So, with that, I registered for just the marathon.  Many of my friends are running in the 5K and I may still register for that race.  Please, after running 39.3, a 5K is a fun run these days!  Plus, I will only run a better time than last year’s race.

Goofy for Gasparilla, Part #3

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5

With a bit of knee pain during my 14 mile run last week, I was very nervous about my performance at the Gasparilla Distance Classic.  Last Sunday, the final 5 miles of my 14 miles were the toughest.  I found myself stretching and walking a lot just to get through it.  After the run, I worried that my knee pain would cause some complications for my 16 mile run the following Sunday.

 

As for my plan for last week, I had all good intentions to increase the number of shorter distance runs by trying to get at 3-4 runs in before Sunday.  I believe my lack of running caused my body to resist the longer runs.  However, last week, the mornings were brutally cold for Florida standards.  I just simply summon the energy to run in 27 degrees.  So, instead of running last week, I added more yoga, kickboxing and some cardio tease.  I hoped the core training and stretching would help improve my performance on Sunday.

 

Oddly enough, Tiffany injured her knee and on Sunday, she couldn’t run farther than 2.5 miles. 

 

At 10 miles, I felt good and no knee pain surfaced. 

 

At 13 miles, I stopped for a Gatorade and banana walking break.  No problems or pain surfaced yet.

 

I finished 16 miles with some muscle discomfort, but at least my knee didn’t buckle!  After my run, I stretched for about 15 minutes and the soreness subsided.  Now my confidence is restored and I feel somewhat ready for Gasparilla!

 

This morning, I ran 4 miles.  Tomorrow, I plan to run 6 miles and 4 miles on Thursday.  This weekend, my family and I are camping and I am hoping to get a couple of short runs through the woods.  I will have to fit my long run on Monday afternoon when we return home. 

 

I have two weekends until the Gasparilla marathon and I am not quite sure what distances to run the next couple of Sundays.  According to Hal’s six week multiple marathon plan, I should run 10 miles this Sunday, but that leaves one more Sunday before the race.  Should I run 18-20 miles this week and run 10-12 next Sunday?   I would really love to hear your advice.

Goofy for Gasparilla, Part 2

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2

Last week’s training was a complete loss.  With recovering from a stomach bug for two days while still recovering from the Disney marathon, my training really suffered. 

 

Although Tiffany managed to fit in a long Sunday run yesterday, I decided to skip it.  A pre-game party on Saturday night mixed with the Super Bowl on Sunday didn’t leave much room for a long Sunday run for me.

 

I decided to get back into the groove for Gasparilla this morning.  I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and set off for a 14 mile run.  It’s been awhile since I’ve run in the early morning by myself.  I forgot how creepy it is.

 

During my early morning runs, I typically see the same runners, but the darkness and swiftness do not make it easy for conversations.  Since this morning run took a few hours, I noticed a familiar runner at the bus stop with her children.  A bit later, I passed her again walking her dog while her youngest daughter rode her bike. 

 

A friendly smile during the lit morning sky offered an opportunity for a quick chat.

 

“Wow.  You’re still running,”  she greeted me.

 

“Yeah, I’m missed my long Sunday run yesterday and trying to squeeze it in before my daughter leaves for school.”

 

“I am so excited to see a real runner!  I’m a desperately looking for a running partner.  I’m training for Gasparilla marathon.”

 

Since we share the Gasparilla goal, I gave her the details about our Sunday morning running ritual.  As far as I am concerned, anyone who thinks I am a “real” runner is welcome to join our Sunday running group.

 

As for my long run today, it was another pathetic attempt.  First, my Garmin didn’t register my first two miles.  There seemed to be a problem with the satellite connection.   

 

Then, about 10 miles, my left knee kept bothering me.  I found myself walking and stretching a lot just to make it through the run.  My average pace recorded was 11:36.  Total time 2:46:41.

 

Lots of yoga planned for tomorrow to help ease some of this knee pain.  Hopefully, I can still do my shorter runs this week.

Goofy for Gasparilla

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3

Trying to get back into a regular running routine, I went for a 6 mile run Saturday afternoon.  The weather has returned to its usual warm winter days with highs in the low 70s.  Gorgeous days for outdoor activities, except for an afternoon run.

 

About mile 2, I thought I was going to die.  I became so overheated that my pace slowed to crawling walk.  Barely making 5.5, I walked home feeling defeated.

 

Sunday, I met Lori, Tiffany and a new running partner, Amanda, for a 12 mile run, which was another pathetic sight.  Still recovering from my Unofficial Goofy Challenge, I’ve been feeling some tightness in my calf muscles while running.  To combat this, I have been walking more often during my runs and stretching a lot more, too.

 

With Gasparilla’s Michelob Ultra Challenge looming around the corner, I need to be more dedicated to my training.  I have been sloppy since Christmas.  My Monday yoga ritual and my cross-training have been overlooked for some time.

 

Buckling down again, I am determined to be more stringent with my training.  After all, the winter and spring months offer the best races in Florida!

 

This week’s training includes:

  •  Yoga on Monday
  • 4 mile run on Tuesday and a 10 mile bike ride
  • 6 mile run on Wednesday
  • Rest on Thursday
  • 4 mile run and strength training on Friday
  • 6 mile run on Saturday
  • 14 mile run on Sunday

 

Like I said, I was all set to get back into the groove for Gasparilla.  Then, I came down with a stomach bug and it’s been coming out of both ends since late Sunday night.  Multiple runs to bathroom with a bucket in tow made for a very sleepless night.  I have no energy and no appetite and therefore, I will be spending most of the day in bed.  So, no yoga for me today and possibly a VERY short run tomorrow, if I can summon any energy at all. 

 

Oh well. The running road was paved with good itentions.

Blogger, Can You Spare a Dime?

Posted on by Run DMT
6

With my recent Disney accomplishment, I felt confident to take on the Michelob Ultra Challenge at this year’s Gasparilla Distance Classic.  After running a half marathon and a marathon the next day, I feel prepared enough to take on a mere 5 K, 15 K and a marathon the next day.  After all, it’s hardly a Goofy Challenge! 

 

Upon registering for the event, I suffered from a bit of sticker shock.

 

Michelob Ultra Challenge Entry Fees (15K, 5K & Marathon):  $160 

 

Are you serious?  It would appear that Jose Gaspar and his scurvy pirates be searching for treasure with those prices!  Arrrr!

 

Crushed by the mere cost of this event while still recovering financially from a very expensive Disney retreat for last weekend’s events, I chose not register for the event.  :-(

 

But then, I cleverly crafted a scheme to help off-set some of the cost for this overpriced race. 

 

 

 Listen, I am a SAHM mom with no income.  I am not above a little panhandling to help offset the cost of this extortionate race.  In the immortal words of TLC, “I ain’t too proud to beg.”

 

So, if find it in your heart to drop a few PayPal payments in my rundmt@tampabay.rr.com tin can (a.k.a my PayPal account), I would be eternally grateful.  To show my gratitude and appreciation for your contribution, I promise to run a better chip time than Disney.

 

Please spread the word around the blogosphere about my panhandling .  Take my tin can bloggie button and pass it along to your blogger friends.  Remember to link back here.  Thanks so much! :-)

 

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Sunday Running Log #17

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3

With the Disney Marathon behind me, I now face my next big challenge: the Gasparilla Distance Classic on Feb. 28.  And so the training begins again!  

 

Feeling pretty about my performance with the Unofficial Goofy Challenge, I’ve decided to go for the Michelob Ultra Challenge at Gasparilla, which consists of three races: 5 K, 15 K and a marathon.

 

I consulted Hal’s multiple marathons 6 week plan.  For the first week after a marathon, he suggests a week of rest or short runs, if you feel up to it.  For Sunday, Hal recommends a 1-2 hour work-out of any kind, which can include running. 

 

By Sunday, my mind and body was ready to run again and I decided to run 10 miles.  According to the plan, week two recommends a 12 mile run the following Sunday.  Because a 10 mile run would take me about an hour and a half, I thought the distance was a great way to start the training program.

 

The temperature at 7:00 a.m. was 35 degrees, which about the same temperature of the half marathon at Disney and my little run in the North Carolina mountains.  With Tiffany out of town and Lori too chicken to face the cold deciding to sleep in, I faced the cold long run alone.

 

I took my time to ease back into my long Sunday routine.  My slow pace was reflected in my time (10.27 miles, 2:00:36).

 

No crazy clown stories or scary stalker encounters.  It was too freaking cold for any other creatures!

Sunday Running Log, #6

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9

Fortunately, I refrained from consuming too much beer at Saturday night’s kegger.  Wish I could say the same about my DH.  After winning three rounds of beer pong, he was feeling pretty shitfaced happy numb.  Lori, my running partner, also attended the party and commented on how little I drank.  My dedication to my training guilted motivated her into drinking less, too.

 

Although I drank very little and went to bed at a decent hour, I only ran 10 miles yesterday.  It was a good run, but after being so sick last Sunday, I didn’t feel like pushing it.  Truth be told, my knees are still recovering from my stupid shoe mistake a couple of weeks ago.

 

At the end of our Sunday run, Tiffany (my other running partner) reminded me that this week begins the official start for Hal Higdon’s Novice Marathon Training Schedule.  I can not believe we are 18 weeks away from the Disney Marathon!  With Hal’s Novice 1 plan, I will need to increase my runs to 4 times a week.  Since I am already running ~10 miles comfortably, I will start at week 4 and next Sunday, I will attempt 11-12 miles again.  Although this Thursday, I will be heading to Anna Maria Island with my girlfriends and a 4 day liquid diet of Corona Lights and margaritas may throw a little monkey wrench in Sunday’s run. 

 

This morning, I registered for the Disney Full Marathon.  I had already registered for the half marathon, but now I feel I am ready to take on the full marathon this January.  I would love to run both events, a.k.a the Goofy Challenge, although I did not technically register for that specific event.  By registering for both events,  I can choose to run one or both races.  Nonetheless, it is all great marathon training for the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February, which is my ultimate goal.

Here is a list of all my upcoming races:

  • Chaotic CoteeMan in September (triatholon)
  • Race for the Cure in October (10K)
  • Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day (10K)
  • Disney Half Marathon and Full Marathon in January
  • Gasparilla Distance Classic in February (marathon)

I will more than likely run a race in December as well, but I haven’t chosen a race just yet.