Hi, My name is Amanda McKittrick Gonzales and I am proud to be a member of the All Ears Net running team.

I am running the Half-Marathon in January of 2010 and have aspirations to run the full marathon in 2011 and perhaps the Goofy in 2012!

I am a life-long Disney enthusiast and have been a fan of Deb Wills and follower of AllEars.net for many years. I am also a mother of four young children under 8 years old.

The past nine years have been extremely busy and I, unfortunately allowed my health and caring for myself slip away. This past April, I finally looked in the mirror and did not recognize the person staring back at me. As a former college athlete, I had always been in excellent shape, I was a pixie, but suddenly, my heart sank as I realized I had turned into a heffalump. I stepped on the scale, consulted my doctor and learned that I was 100 pounds overweight. I qualified as morbidly obese.

My children and my family are the most important things in my life, but I realized that I needed to take drastic measures to change my habits so that I could have the best chance of living a long life. I want to be alive to watch my children and, hopefully grandchildren grow.

I decided to register for the Disney Half-Marathon. Disney would motivate me to accomplish this task. What better place to accomplish this dream than in Disney World the place where dreams do come true! I joined weight watchers, consulted my doctors and began changing my nutrition and exercise habits.

I joined Team AllEars to help raise money for Breast Cancer research because several people in my community whom I am friends with are battling this horrific disease. I also lost my father to Cancer and I want to decrease my chances of developing the disease some day.

It has not been easy, but I am proud to say that with the support of my teammates and some hard work, I have lost 25 pounds and am up to 8 miles on my running mileage. I am proud to be a Team AllEars member ad consider it a privilege and and honor to be raising money for Breast Cancer research, changing my health in a positive way and running the half marathon in Disney!

This week we are pleased to introduce Jamison Reynolds.

Why I Am Team AllEars

We all have our reasons. Some look for the health benefits. Some love the rush of breaking through the wall. Some love the pain. Just as we all have our reasons, another truth is that reasons change. I fall into that group.

When my son Patrick was born in 2005 I put on what some may call "sympathy weight". I actually grew into a very unhealthy 225 lbs on a 5'11 frame. That's a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 31 which is technically obese. In January 2006 I decided to get into shape and began a weight loss regimen. Part of the routine was cardio. I HATED RUNNING. But as the pounds came off I decided I wanted a challenge. Could I overcome my hate of running and run a half-marathon?

I think at this point I should identify myself as "Disney Obsessive". What better race to prove that I had accomplished my goal then the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon? Well it was sold out and I was not about to commit to a full marathon So thought I would wait... but life, trips and various other distractions kept me from following through.

In January 2009 my youngest son was born and I decided once and for all I was gonna run. I registered in March for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon right before a trip down to Orlando with the family. While we were down in Florida we noticed a rash on Benjamin, our baby. When we returned from our trip we scheduled an appointment for a routine check the next day.

Within 24 hours of returning from Walt Disney World we were at Ruby Memorial Children's Hospital in Morgantown, WV awaiting a bone marrow biopsy on our little boy because the blood work from the day before showed what looked like acute leukemia.

After the scariest day of our lives, we learned he did not have cancer, but a rare autoimmune disease called "Evan's Syndrome"; a condition where his body could attack his platelets and/or his white cells and/or his hemoglobin at any time. This is a condition that he will have for the rest of his life, can trigger at any moment and can be fatal.

He spent two weeks in the hospital with blood work twice a day and heavy steroid treatment once a day. After he was released he received weekly chemotherapy for a month. Although it was not cancer, the theory was that the chemo would wipe out ALL of his antibodies and when they began to regenerate after treatment was concluded that his antibodies would "course correct". My little boy spent his first Easter in the hospital, IV sticking out of his head, wiped out from chemo and steroids. He was three months old.

Benjamin is now eight months old and healthy as a horse... a horse that cruised for the first time an hour before I wrote this. We still get monthly blood work, but so far his numbers have been well above normal. We thank God every day.

I no longer run for me. I run for my children. I run to stay healthy so I can take care of them, not the other way around. I run because I plan to stay active in their lives. I run to set a good example; so they see physical activity is a norm and NOT an exception. I run to keep my BMI below 25 so my kids have a healthy Dad. I run because Wii Fit is only so much fun. I run because I can.

I am Team AllEars.

Let’s look at the pace requirements for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon so that we all understand what those requirements really mean. For the half-marathon all participants must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace. That is, the “official” pace requirement calls for all race participants to cover the 13.1 mile course in fewer than 3 hours and 30 minutes.

I say…No. It’s not true.

Let me explain.

In the past the half-marathon has assigned participants to one of several waves and corrals. In recent years the number of participants has also influenced the race officials to stagger the start of these corrals and waves. The start time of your wave and corral is one factor regarding your pace, but there is another factor which not many people realize and that is exactly when that pace clock begins for your particular wave and corral.

So when does that clock start ticking? There has been a lot of talk around this topic and from what I understand it begins when either the last entrant in that wave crosses the Start or when the very last participant in the entire field of runners crosses the Start. For our purpose let’s say each wave will have its own pace clock.

So think of this. If your wave/corral has a ton of people and it takes as much as five minutes for that last person to cross the Start line then essentially those up front have an extra five minutes to play with over the entire length of the race course. That’s 300 seconds divided by 13.1 miles or about 23 seconds per mile.

Wait, it’s even better than that. It’s actually a tad over 29 seconds a mile…and every second counts. How did I come up with this number? Well, in the past the pace requirements are strict for only the first10.2 miles of the 13.1 course or 78% of the distance. That means participants have almost a full 5K in which they can relax and not worry about pace.

So let’s break this down a bit more. Historically there are four pace checkpoints for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. If they have not changed for 2010 they are still:

• The Walt Disney World Speedway which is just beyond the Magic Kingdom toll plaza. It’s
about 3.5 miles into the race and to avoid being swept all participants must reach that
mark within 1:11:00 of the Start. That’s 3.5 miles in 71 minutes.

• The next checkpoint comes just before entering the Magic Kingdom. It’s right around the
Magic Kingdom Park Security Gate. Participants need to reach that 6.3 mile mark by 1:56:00
or face the sweep bus.

• The next checkpoint is a significant one for many people. It’s the 8.1 mile mark right near the
Daisy portion of the Ticket and Transportation Parking Lot and what’s important here is that
it’s right around this point that many participants begin to fade. I always suggest to those
training for their first half-marathon that they should focus first on building up enough stamina
to do at least 9 miles. Anyone who can do that should have no problem completing the
course. This checkpoint requires that the participants have 8.1 miles under their belt within
2:25:00. My personal feeling that if anyone can make it through this checkpoint then they
should be fine…but there is one more checkpoint.

• The last checkpoint is only 2 miles from the last one and it’s the 10.2 mile mark at the World
Drive Ramp on the way to EPCOT Center Drive. The magic number here is 2:58:00. Again,
this is the LAST checkpoint; the last time participants can be swept. Once you get past this
checkpoint you are home free. Think of it this way…if you can cover 10 miles in about three
hours you are then looking good to finish the half-marathon in the “official” allotted time.

Now why do I mention these checkpoints at this time? Marathon Weekend is still six months away.

I wanted to point out these checkpoints to anyone doing this race for the first time to give everyone a sense as to just where the sweep busses will be and to hopefully give everyone an incentive to at least begin thinking about pace.

Think about what your pace was when you first starting your training. If you kept a log and recording your distance and time for every run you would be able to track your progress. If you do not maintain a running log maybe you should consider starting one today.

A running log can be a wonderful support tool for everyone, not just the novice runner.

A few years back after not running for a year I decided to light a fire under myself and sign up for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon.

After my first time out running I was appalled as to how out of shape I was.

I will share with you that on that cold March morning I barely did two miles at a pace of 17:36 per mile. When I realized just how much I was out of shape I decided to keep a log and track my progress. One month later my pace was down to the low 14s; the next month it had dropped to the low 12s. It then became a struggle to get my pace even lower but every day I would look at that running log and it would show my progress.

The point I want to make here is that I really was not trying that hard to improve my pace. I was improving because of three important factors. First I was running almost six times a week and so I was getting in shape.

Secondly, I decided to eat as healthy as I could which led to the third factor…losing weight. I was pulling less weight and so my legs were finding it easier to move everything…I did not have to concern myself with pace.

Doing all that…consistently stuck to a running plan, ate healthy, and lost weight, had my pace settling in the low 11s and on one September morning I ran at a 10:1 pace.

I had improved my pace without trying any of the techniques that so many people discuss as ways to increase your speed over long distances.

You may want to consider checking your pace now to see how much in line you are with the checkpoint times.

I’ve always felt that stamina is the priority before pace. It’s important to train your body to work over a long stretch of time…13.1 miles is not covered in a few minutes…more like a few hours.

If you are able to train to the point where in one outing you can cover 9 miles then you are pretty much ready to tackle this race.

Along the way your pace will pick up without you having to consciously work on it.

In a month or so I will revisit the matter of pace and will talk about things you can do to better your pace. There are no miracle running shoes or super running gels to help you improve your time.

A steady training regimen is the best way to improve your speed.

So have some “pace patience” and keep training and getting into shape….add a few more minutes to each workout…build that stamina…your patience will be rewarded.

When I first started running, worrying about pace was the furthest thing from my mind. My only prior running experience had been the one mile warm-up run that our coach tortured us with before practice when I was on the high school tennis team. Then, pace was not a consideration. Getting the running out of the way as quickly as possible so I could get on to the court was all I cared about.

Fast forward twenty-plus (ahem!) years and pace still wasn’t my first concern. I was signed up for a half-marathon…that meant that I needed to manage 13.1 miles without dying! Now that required one mile run of my youth seemed like a cakewalk. I was able to move from running one to two to three miles pretty quickly….then to four…and then gradually to five… but this “pace” thing that people mentioned never clicked with me….until the first time I hit six miles.

One day I was running along and all of the sudden I got into this amazing groove….my head got very clear, I felt much focused, and I noticed that I was running at a constant gait. “Ah, yes,” I mused, “I’ve found my pace.”

I’m very much still a novice runner, but for me “pace” can be defined as a constant and continuous speed at which a runner or walker moves. Your average pace is calculated by simply dividing the time you ran by the distance you covered.

When a person is running on a treadmill, one’s pace is controlled by the machine….and you can adjust it depending on your fitness and comfort level. When you’re running outside, as is the case of the Disney Marathon Weekend races, your pace is something that you have to find on your own. I have found that many things can affect my pace. If I hit the pavement and am not well-rested, it takes me longer to find my pace. Terrain is another thing: If I’m running a route that has variable elevations (which is often the case where I train), my pace can be also be varied, but I can find it and stick with it much more quickly if I’m running my indoor track at the YMCA. The amount I’ve eaten also affects my pace: for me I’ve found that I do best on an empty stomach. Each runner has to find the things that work for him or her (which is one reason why we need to spend so long training, so we can take the time to find out the things we need to learn to have a safe and successful race before you go to that starting line).

For the Disney races, runners need to run, walk, or run/walk at a pace of 16 minute miles, so when training for these races, it’s important to keep track of what you’re pace is. Although I logged my mileage and time, I didn’t really start to think seriously about my pace until I hit nine miles. At that point I worked a little each week at increasing my speed.

I’m not an Olympic athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but I didn’t find the required pace to be that daunting and finished somewhere in the middle of the over 12,000 people who ran with me in 2009. I can make that statement in hindsight and realize that I sound all calm and collected, but I will tell you that I was definitely concerned about pace while I was running. Finishing, regardless of whether I had to crawl over that finish line on my hands and knees, was my only goal. Nothing was going to stop me! I remember running by people who were stopping to get their photos taken with characters and thinking, “HOW CAN THEY STOP?! Must keep running….must keep up the pace.” Now, as veteran, I am looking forward to running my next race without that panic that I will be able to keep up the pace.

One thing that has surprised me as I’ve learned to run is that, for me, pace is not something that gets turned on as soon as I lace up my sneakers and head out the door. I’ve talked to several other runners who have said the same thing. Each time I run it takes me about two miles to find my pace and find that groove. When I get there it is a wonderful feeling, but it takes some patience. It’s well worth it, though.

This week we’ve decide to talk a bit about running gear: what are the essentials?

Michelle’s Take on Running Gear

As someone new to running, my first thought was that I didn’t need anything special. Running involves grabbing a well-worn pair of sneakers, some comfy socks, an old pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and heading out the door. As a tennis player, I knew the importance of having the right type of shoes for the court, using the right type of racket and grip, but never thought I needed to give running gear a second thought. Throughout the year when training for my first half marathon, I learned that it’s a little more involved than that, but it isn’t rocket science either.
I would love to report that re-examining the gear that I was using came from hours of careful study and consultation with experts but, in fact, it came simply as the result of a growing collection of blisters from the socks and sneakers I was using, running tops that seemed to hold in the sweat, and shorts that never felt quite right.

The first things to go were my sneakers. After several miles, I realized that my all-around athletic shoes did not provide the comfort level I needed for the repeated motion of my one-to-two hour training runs. I needed real honest-to-goodness running shoes. While many people suggested that I go to a running store and have my gait analyzed, I thought a good first choice would be to visit my local sporting goods store and see if I could find a pair of shoes designed for running that would be comfortable. That worked for me. I broke them in by wearing them around the house for a week or so and then took them out on the road. After that, I used those sneakers only for running and nothing else. I realize that others might have issues that require that an expert help in the selection of running shoes, but a $70 pair was perfect for me.

My next revelation was that all socks are not equal. Each time I ran I would choose a comfy pair of cotton athletic socks and thought that would be fine. Along the way, some runner friends mention that wool socks are actually better, but I thought, “Pssssshaw! Wool socks?! These will do me just fine.” Nope. After a certain distance, especially in the warm weather, my feet would get sweaty and, as you might have guessed, the cotton socks held the moisture in very nicely. Then came the blisters. Not fun. I ended up investing (and at $10-$15 a pair, I do mean investing) in a pair of SmartWool socks. What a difference! I guess when I thought of wearing wool, I was thinking of the scratchy sweaters I wear during our long, New England winters. SmartWool is thin, comes with different levels of cushion, and truly wicks away the moisture. Now I own three pairs and won’t run without them.

My next investment was in some running shirts. I was pretty happy just wearing cotton t-shirts for running, but then the charity I was running for sent me a “real” running shirt as a gift….and I loved it. The mesh allowed the moisture out, but kept me warm during those cold, early-morning runs. I bought a few more and was all set.

Underneath that shirt was my last important purchase: a really good sports bra. Being a sporty sort of person all of my life, I have found this is one area where you get what you pay for. I don’t cut corners with a sports bra because when I’m running all I want to worry about is running, so I pay a bit more for a really good quality one.

Because I live in an area that gets pretty cold in the winter, I also found that I needed to invest in a few other things: running gloves, running tights, and a long-sleeve running shirt. I picked these up on an as-needed basis and was very careful to just buy one of everything so that I could see if I used the item first.

So, I now realize that just as the case with any other sport, if you’re going to stick with it, it’s important to have the right tools for the job, especially when you’re putting in the time required to successfully complete a long-distance run. The right shoes, socks, top, and other gear has made me more comfortable and kept me healthy and able to continue training.

Mike’s Take on Running Gear

Comfort. When I think about running gear comfort is the priority. It can take you a while before you find the right combination that works for you, but it is worth the effort. Think of it as an investment towards helping you achieve your goal. Let’s face it, comfort will make the journey that much more enjoyable, regardless of the distance. Comfort is priority one.

The most important pieces of running gear are your running shoes and socks. If you are planning to run the WDW Half or Full Marathon in January you need to determine ASAP what shoe and sock combination will work for you over the span of two, four, or even six hours of running and/or walking. Actually it’s more than that because you will be in those shoes from the time you leave your room until you return from the race…easily anywhere from seven to as much as 12 hours. So the shoe and sock deal is VERY IMPORTANT.

I am not particularly 100% in support of the idea of going into a running store and having the personnel watch you display your gait to determine your ideal shoe, but it is definitely a start. The issue I have centers around who is making this call. Hopefully, we are talking about experienced runners or someone who really can look at your gait and come up with the type of shoe that best fits your needs. You don’t want to depend on a sales clerk in a sports superstore because most likely that person may know more about baseball gloves than running shoes. If you go to a running store your chances of getting the right help are much greater.

Once you know the type of shoe for you, then you need to look at all those models that offer you these components…stability…arch support…whatever. Prices will vary so you may NOT want to purchase your shoes in that running store unless you know their prices are compatible with the superstores. Try your shoes on and make sure there is not one iota of discomfort. If they feel comfortable then go with them…just do me a favor…try at least three different shoes before deciding….don’t buy the first pair you try until you have tested at least two other pairs.

Although shoes may feel comfortable in the store, you really won’t know for sure as to whether or not they are right for you until you have spent at least an hour in them during a training session, be it a run, a walk, or a combination of the two. I’ll take it one more step. You may not be able to decide until you have trained in them for a week. So I guess I’m suggesting that you give your new running shoe several training sessions before deciding if it is the shoe for you. If it is, then take note of the model and start looking for sales because running shoes can be pricey.

For the record over the last ten years I have been running in the same model shoe. It works for me so I stick with it and whenever I see a sale I purchase another pair. Here’s a tip: if you settle on a shoe that from year to year goes through a “model upgrade” then think about searching for last year’s model to save money. If in December of this year I see a 2010 model going for $89 and the still new 2009 model going for $59 (to move the inventory) guess which one I’m buying? I have about 10 pairs of running shoes all the same basic model…Ill stick with this model for as long as it’s around. I hope when you find your perfect shoe that you too have a long term relationship.

I’m not going to tell you what kind of socks to wear. I use basic running socks, ones that wick if possible. Let’s face it, if you have a certain affinity for certain sock material then stick with it for your training and the race ahead. It is somewhat true that for some folks the marriage of socks and shoes are VERY important. It is to me too but it’s simple, give me comfortable socks and I’m fine. I do suggest finding the softest socks you can…not the thickest, but the softest.

Running shorts/tights/pants come in all types of fabrics. Again comfort is the key here and once you find what works for you it’s not only important to stick with it but also to supply yourself with an extra pair or two. Remember, the race you are planning to do in January will have you spending a lot of time with your running gear so for sure you need to have comfortable shorts. And a word of advice, go into a running store and invest in the lightest material shorts you can find.

Running tops will also be something that for some folks is of vital importance while others will not care. The material always comes into play here and if you have a preference by all means go with it. Over the last several years wicking material seems to be growing in popularity but if you have never worn it, and especially if you have never run with this material you need to try this before wearing it during a race. The bottom line is that you need to find something that will be comfortable for several hours.

So that's about it for running gear...at least for now.

Finally, and this is the bottom line, whatever you train in is what you should race in. That is, the comfort level you have for your training runs should be the same for the race. Don’t make the mistake of saving that new pair of shoes, socks, shorts, or top for race day. Test them out…break them in…don’t take a chance.

That's our take...gear up.