As you read this, I’m basking in the warm Caribbean sun on Disney’s private island – Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. The family is on a Disney Cruise to celebrate my daughter’s 21st birthday (better on a boat than a bar).

My wife and I took a Disney Cruise last year after the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon and immediately booked this trip upon our return. I had never been on a cruise before but it was just what the doctor ordered after a chilly 26.2 miles.

During our trip, the daily itinerary showed that a cast member was going to be leading an informal 5K around Castaway Cay. Approximately 30 of us left the ship early to get our “run on” and it provided a great opportunity to tour the island and help make plans for where we would be spending the day. There were no medals, no aid stations and no crowds. This was just a time to relax, unwind and run in some beautiful scenery.

My fingers are crossed that they will be offering the same thing again this year. I’ve already recruited several family members to run/walk with us this morning and can’t wait for the opportunity to run the island again.

RMFR

First, let me apologize for not pounding out the posts like usual. Following the Walt Disney World Marathon and a vacation immediately after, I’ve been playing catchup at work and at home. It’s actually been nice being away from the computer for a change.

I’m worn out – physically and mentally. I know I’m not the most active distance runner. Last year I only ran 2 halfs and 1 full marathon (I guess I can throw in the Walt Disney Marathon in January since it was only 35 days after the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon). I’m not a Maniac nor do I consider myself a “seasoned” runner either, but I’m beat.

A couple of warning signs that reared their ugly head:

• Bursitis – During Walt Disney, it popped up in my hip again. Funny thing is, there were no warning signs. I hadn’t felt anything in any of my training runs leading up to the event nor did it bother me in the Las Vegas event. The last time I had to deal with it, I rested for a month and that was that.
• Arches – The one thing that has been nagging me are my arches. Even before the Las Vegas Marathon I was trying to find ways to elevate the discomfort I was feeling. I have custom orthodics but I actually ran Las Vegas in my Sof Sole Custom Insoles. That change didn’t help so I’m hoping rest will.
• Brain Fatigue – As mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I haven’t been totally there upstairs as of late (relating to running). I haven’t been as gung-ho as I usually am. Running hasn’t been as joyful as it usually is and I’m hoping this break will full charge that battery.

With all that said, I know that urges are still there. In fact, the Tuesday following the Walt Disney Marathon, I participated in a 5K on Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas – yes, my wife and I went on a Disney Cruise following the marathon). Even though my calves were in knots, how many times am I going to get to run an event in the Bahamas? The first mile hurt like hell but the overall run felt really, really good and I’m glad I did it.

So that’s the story and I’m sticking to it. It’s been 2 weeks off so far and I’m probably going to throw in 1-2 more. I’m trying to add a race every year and have a tentative schedule already planned out for this year and I’ll share that soon. Until then, RMFR!!!