I’m on my way to becoming a healthier person. This is the story of my journey while celebrating every step…
It’s taken me a few days to come to terms with my Dad’s passing this week. I know grief and loss are a part of life, but it is still hard to go through. The part that helps is that I know he finally has his full memory back. Cancer sucks. That is all.
Registration for the 2024 RunDisney Princess Weekend was a few weeks ago. After successfully getting in to all the prior 5ks and virtual races for the year, I was confident I would get into this race. But as registration day approached I started to feel like there could be a good chance that I wouldn’t get a spot and ultimately mess up my “perfect” year. Everyone loves Princess weekend and some people have never been able to get in. On the bright side there is a way to guarantee that you are able to get a bib for RunDisney and that is by raising money for a charity. RunDisney works with specific charity partners. (There are other ways to guarantee that you are able to get a bib, but I’m not eligible for those at the moment.)
To lower my anxiety level and help a cause that is close to my heart, I decided to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. If you’ve read any of my other posts you know that my father has brain cancer. The charities fill up quickly so I wasn’t sure I would get the one I wanted. But, I was lucky enough to get the last 5k spot that they had. On registration day, I didn’t have to worry about getting into a race, I focused on getting a spot in yoga. (Which I did!)
My charity plan was to hit my minimum fundraising requirement by donating $1 per mile that I run during my training. I went through my training schedule and added up all the planned miles to make sure I would hit the minimum. I bought a glass jar to hold the money and as a visual reminder. (I need to get an American Cancer Society sticker to place on the jar). I set up my fundraising page and was ready to go!
What I didn’t expect was how generous people would be. I shared my fundraiser on Facebook and then my sister shared it to her Facebook friends. What happened from there is truly amazing. I hit my fundraising goal within 24 hours! Seriously! So much for thinking I would only raise the money through my training miles.
Thank you to everyone that donated! And thank you to everyone that read the story on my fundraising page. Even if you are/were unable to donate, I appreciate the good vibes just as much!
I’m still going to donate for each training mile, but now it is just icing on the cake.
I’ve had a lot of questions about exactly what I’m doing for this Perfect RunDisney Year goal that I have. The specifics around the goal changed a few times but I think I’ve got the vast majority of the goal nailed down.
First being “perfect” for RunDisney means one of two things. Either completing the same race since it came out. For example the Princess Half Marathon, if it was completed every year since the first one. The second way is to complete all races within the RunDisney year. Right now that year is Wine and Dine to Springtime Surprise.
My original plan was to do all of the onsite races beginning with Wine and Dine in November 2023 and end with Disneyland Paris in September 2024. But there were some things I didn’t take in consideration. And they are a big part of me being able to achieve this goal. So, the goal had to shift slightly. The first issue is that other than the 5k races, RunDisney has a 16 minute per mile pace cutoff. Right now, I am not able to maintain that pace consistently. And if the goal is to complete all the races, I don’t want my biggest challenge to be the cutoff times at every single race. The second issue is there hasn’t been a race in Disneyland Paris since before the Pandemic. If there isn’t a race, then I can’t finish my formal goal. The third issue is that getting into the races is really luck of the draw. With races in Disneyland returning and more hype about all the races, you really have to plan accordingly. And even with the best planning, there would be a significant chance that I couldn’t get into all races for all weekends. So what do I do?
I considered just “shooting for the moon” with the pace requirement. But, really, what kind of experience would that be. And this most likely may be the only time I do RunDisney events and I don’t want that to memory that I have. Which leads me to the compromise.
The 5k for all race weekends will be done onsite with the in-person race.
All other race distances will be done virtually, including the challenges but will still be done on Disney property (around the resorts) during each race weekend.
Planning to do the in-person 5ks and the remaining races virtually will allow me to still complete all the miles, but without the stress of the pace requirement. It also takes care of my third issue, not getting into all the races. By only needing to get into one race, I’m able to focus on that one and don’t have to worry other distances selling out. I do have a backup plan that if the 5k sells out for a particular weekend, then I will try the 10k….but this will truly be a last resort option. Then on virtual race day registration, I will sign up for the remaining races. I’m going to prepare for virtual race day registration like it was in-person so I can make sure I get the race distances I want.
My remaining issue is tricky. Running in Disneyland Paris. After visiting in 2022, I know I want to run there. So, this one will have to be a DIY style race weekend. And instead of making it the end of my RunDisney year, I’m going to kickoff my year with it in September 2023. This is more of a logistical change as I need to spread out my vacation days for this goal and needed to move some to 2023. I can buy Run Disneyland Paris items on Ebay. At this point, I’m thinking I may get a pin from a previous race to commemorate my run. I’m not sure if that is what I will do, but I definitely want something to commemorate these runs.
Here is the plan as of today (03/26/2023)
September 2023: Disneyland Paris DIY Race Weekend. 5k,10k, Half Marathon around the resort property
November 2023: WDW Wine and Dine Weekend 5k in-person. Two course challenge (10k and Half Marathon) completed virtually around the resort property
January 2023: WDW Marathon Weekend 5k in person. Dopey Challenge (5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon) completed virtually around the property and maybe offsite depending on the routes I can find for the marathon.
January 2023: Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend 5k in person. Dumbo Double Dare Challenge (10k and Half Marathon) completed virtually around the property and in the surrounding area.
February 2024: WDW Princess Half Marathon Weekend 5k in person. Fairytale Challenge (10k and Half Marathon) completed virtually around the property
April 2024: WDW Springtime Surprise Weekend 5k in person. Springtime Surprise Challenge (10k and 10 Mile) completed virtually around property
I am going to try to add yoga, when it’s available. I tried to get it for Disneyland but it was sold out. :-( I’m signed up for Disneyland weekend and Wine and Dine. Fingers crossed that I’m able to get into the 5k for the remaining weekends!
We are two months into the year. The majority of people are no longer thinking about resolutions or goals that were set for 2023. I know I have been one of them at times. Luckily I have my goals posted around my house so it makes it hard to forget.
Goals are great. And even planning how you are going to achieve your goals is great. But with either of those things work if you only focus on them? Not at all. The reason is that action is the only thing that will change you from where you are right now. You can set your goals and schedule the time in your calendar to complete the tasks, but if you don’t sit down and complete them nothing will happen.
This is where I have been for the past….it feels like FOREVER. And made it’s more of a personal trait/habit at this point. I plan all the time, sit down with my planner on Sundays and schedule the week, I revisit my goals and shop for items that will make achieving the goals easier. But, I am not actually putting on my shoes and getting the work done. I’ve done a workout here and there. But nothing that anyone would consider to be a workout schedule or training plan. I’m not executing. And boy do I have a lot of excuses. I’m tired. I’m sick. I’m sore. I need to be to work early. I haven’t test run getting reading at the gym. I’m running to late to make it in time. All the excuses I can think of.
But is it really that hard? The only thing I really need to do is put on my workout clothes and get on the treadmill. So I’m going to commit to the action today. And only today’s action. Tomorrow I will commit to the action for that day. It’s noon on Sunday February 26th. I am committing to getting on the treadmill today to complete my long workout. Hold me accountable for my action! And let me know if you need to be held accountable for some action as well.
Do you get up and attack the day? Do you make sure that your morning is planned? Exercise or get right into the shower? Have that first cup of coffee and journal? Or do you prefer to slowly start your day? Do you hit snooze a few times then stay in your pajamas for a while. Eventually taking a shower and getting dressed. What happens to the rest of your day? If you attack the day is the rest of your day just as productive? If you move slowly into your day does the rest of your day go at the same speed?
I’ve noticed lately, at least with me, if I attack the day then my ENTIRE day is extremely productive and I end up being well accomplished at the end of the day. If I slowly start my day and hang out in my pajamas for a while then I rarely get to a point of feeling that energy and completing tasks throughout the day. I continue moving at a slower pace and taking more rest.
I don’t like the idea that my entire day is being controlled by my morning energy. But, I know that I can change this attitude throughout the day. I think the easier course will be for me to try to attack the day rather than try to reverse course mid-day. It will require less energy to get up and get moving than trying to do it later in the day when I’m already lacking energy. Or is this really a symptom of being a procrastinator?
It’s been an interesting week. I got pink eye from my fridge. (Listen to Podcast Episode 126 to hear the story). But with that, I couldn’t go to the gym because I was contagious. On top of that, work was pretty busy and I was putting in a lot of hours. There were a few days where I noticed I never even got up from my chair between the start of work and going downstairs to make some lunch. Throughout the week I noticed that I would have difficulty moving from my work chair to standing. Then going down the stairs without having to do the one step-hobble. And my joints started to ache more. What was going on with my body? I wondered if I was getting the flu. But I felt completely fine other than that. I haven’t felt this way since I was significantly heavier. And, I know I’m not gaining weight…the scale says it’s going down. So what could be causing me to feel like my body is aging faster than I am?
Sometimes ideas come to me when I’m not doing anything really mentally tasking….blowing drying my hair, putting dishes away, taking the trash out…stuff like that. Well the answer came to me while I was walking to get the mail. My body is getting stiff because I’m not moving! Not only am I not moving but I am sitting in the same position for 4 to 6 hours at a time for multiple days in a row. I am basically a statue for a significant portion of my day. How can I expect my body to feel good after that?
Have you ever heard the phrase “Motion is Lotion”? My physical therapist used to mention it to me a lot. But until now, I never truly understood and felt what it meant. Basically, by staying active we keep our joints “lubricated” (for lack of a better term) and less painful when they move. Movement = less pain. And I am all for less pain.
So I need to make sure I am moving more and not becoming my own office statue.
Huh, who knew that there was really something to this mobility thing? Excuse me while I go walk around a bit since I’ve been sitting at my computer for too long. (I really need to put my standing desk back in the office.)
Let me know if you do anything to improve your mobility! I’m open to suggestions.
I mentioned previously that I have some big goals for 2023. And it’s no secret that I love to set goals. But my real issue is execution. To make the goals more achievable I tried to tie them all together. Meaning that I can’t achieve one goal without doing the others as well.
My first goal is to lose 100 pounds. I have sub-goals to help me get there, but this is the large goal when it comes to weight. It will require that I track my nutrition and consistently make better choices. My second goal is to workout 5 times a week. This consists of a mix of both cardio and strength training, with a little yoga thrown in for good measure. The third goal is to do one blog post, reel/TikTok and vlog post per week. My drive behind this is that I can use it as a way to be publicly accountable for the first two goals. I like to pick a word to focus on for the year, similar to a mantra but less effort. :-) I picked two words this year because I couldn’t decide on one. I picked consistency and discipline. Reaching my goals will require both!
The big goal for the year is to complete a perfect Run Disney year, which I am calling Project Run Disney. A perfect Run Disney year is completing all of the Disney races in their running year (November-October). To achieve this goal will require that I succeed at the other goals. I’ll talk more about Project Run Disney at another time.
I am one week into the year right now. So far, I am on track and moving steadily towards all my goals. But, I know I will need accountability from all of you to get me there. Feel free to ask me how I am doing on my goals or what my plans are for the day to get me closer to my goals.
I just realized I have not done a single blog post in 16 months. Yes, I just counted that in my head and had to use a little math. I’m typing this while I do what has become my new normal for the weekends. I’m hanging out with my Dad aka taking care of Dad. I’ve come to enjoy the weekend routine as it’s the only thing in my life that has been consistent over the past 16 months.
I’m not writing to complain about not having a life. That was my decision to make my Dad my priority. What I’ve been thinking about lately is that I really need to make myself a priority as well and not just on the occasional weekend trip or overnight. I have some big goals I want to accomplish in 2023. And, they will require that I am a priority in my own life. I’m getting older. (I can’t believe I am putting that in writing). And I won’t always have the ability to accomplish these goals. (More about the goals in another post)
Okay, I feel like I am rambling. Clearly I have not written in a while. Bottom line… In 2023 I need to take care of myself first. I need to make time to workout and eat right. As I saw towards the end of 2022, I can’t be my best for Dad if I’m not taking care of myself.
Here’s to a better 2023!
Wow, I almost don’t know where to start. If you listen to the Podcast you know what is going on. For those that don’t listen, my life has changed and I honestly never would have imagined this is where I would be two months ago.
My Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor following a MRI for memory issues in June. He was referred to an amazing neurosurgeon that did a CT scan. Because of the location of the tumor, it was important that it was removed right away. And, we wouldn’t know if the tumor was cancer or benign until it was removed. The surgery was scheduled for the end of July.
Surgery day was stressful, but Dad came through it like a champ. The tumor was cancer, however the surgeon was able to remove all of it. And because of the type of tumor, it doesn’t require chemo or radiation. So, in the world of cancer, this was probably the best possible outcome that we could ask for.
The odd thing now is that was the easy part. I never would have imagined in a million years that the surgery and cancer diagnosis would be the easiest part of the recovery. Because of the location of the tumor and the swelling of the brain in the area that it was removed, Dad lost his short term memory. At first, it might not seem like a big deal, but as the days went on we started to realize how big of a life changer this was. Imagine it. You no longer know where you are. Are you at home? Are you in a different city? Are you in a different hospital? You don’t know when you are. What is the year? What is the month? What day of the week is it? You don’t remember that you had surgery. You don’t remember what you did 10 minutes ago. It’s like the movie 50 first dates, but instead of starting over every morning…. Dad’s memory resets about every 5 minutes. I naively thought I would see some improvement in his memory each morning when I would visit him in the ICU/hospital. The neuro doctors and nurses would ask him the same questions each time they visited. Do you know what year this is? Do you know where you are? Do you know why you are here? Do you know what month it is? The year was almost always 2020. He would change where he was almost daily…GR, Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon. He would rarely know why he was in the hospital. And the month was always January, even though it was July/August. There was still no improvement when he moved from the hospital to the rehab facility.
The rehab facility was amazing. They worked with Dad to try to use his resources to figure out things he couldn’t remember. He could look around the room for queues on the date, location, etc. This was the first time he started to remember a little. While it was just remembering to look around for info, it was something. During rehab the biggest area of growth was in mobility. He couldn’t walk without assistance, but in the hospital he had trouble walking at all. So a nice improvement there. But, by the time he was discharged his memory hadn’t improved a lot.
On top of this, we moved my parents into an apartment that was closer to me. It was for a lot of reasons, but the primary one was so they would have a safe roomy place that they didn’t have worry about keeping up with repairs and normal home maintenance. Moving is stressful enough, but imagine doing it with someone that doesn’t have a short term memory and doesn’t remember that they moved.
It’s been a month since surgery and Dad still doesn’t know a lot of what happened in the past few months. In the evenings he always says he is ready to go home, even though they are in their new apartment…over and over and over. He talks about needing to go shopping a lot, even though he can’t drive. He doesn’t remember what he did that morning or what he had or lunch. There are small glimmers of hope because he may remember that he had physical therapy and had to walk down the hallway. But, those small memories are few and far between.
The doctor is optimistic that Dad’s memory will return in 3-6 months. Until then, he requires 24/7 supervision. Becca and I have set up a schedule to help Mom out and give her time to herself. So, our lives are going to be highly scheduled for a while. I’m grateful I am able to help and that they live 6 miles from me. While it is very stressful at times, at least the cancer is gone. And hopefully in 6 months, this whole situation will be just a bad season for our family or maybe our biggest triumph.
I looked at the clock last night and realized it was almost my bedtime and I was already stressing out about getting up in the morning. I’m returning to my pre-pandemic routine and going to the office every day. While my morning routine was flexible during the pandemic, the realization that I’m losing the extra time I gained from not commuting really hit me. I give myself 35 minutes to get to work in the morning. If I leave right at 5pm, I have to give myself 60 minutes to get home. That’s 90 minutes a day in drive time that I am losing. While I handled it fine before, the pandemic made me realize how much time I was wasting on things like commuting, winding down from my day, etc that I could be spending on my health and wellness. Going back to my pre-pandemic life, I want to focus on maximizing my time as much as I can.
The only way I know how to do this is to make sure I am prepared ahead of time for my day. While some people like to meal prep (and I will probably never be one of those people), I am going to day prep. I am sure that sounds odd. But, what it means is that once a week I will sit down and figure out my plan for the week. (Workouts, appts, dinners out) And then I will make sure the night before that everything is ready to go. I want to waste as little time as possible in the morning. Here is my initial list of things that will be part of my day prep.
Every Sunday Night:
• Plan workouts for the week
• Plan menu for the week
• Transfer calendar appointments to my planner
Nightly:
• Get workout clothes ready for the morning
• Have breakfast/lunch packed and ready to go
• Fill water bottle and place in the fridge
• Review planner/calendar for next day appointments
I am sure I will modify this list as I get back into the habit of working in the office. In the meantime, it gives me a good place to start.
If you are returning to the office, is there anything you are struggling with?