Inscribed is Walt Disney's quote,
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Dreams
Today Disney revealed the finisher medal for the 20th Walt Disney World Marathon.
Inscribed is Walt Disney's quote,
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
Inscribed is Walt Disney's quote,
"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Healing Power of Disney
ok, I promise not to be New Age or religious in this post. Not intentionally, anyway.
(Disclaimer: this is not a substitute for professional medical advice and may or may not pertain to your particular condition. Consult your physician for your own health needs.)
Evidence (and common sense) suggests that a good sense of well being, and, perhaps, "positive thinking" has an effect on healing and recovery. Shorter recovery times, and less pain, have been observed. Cancer patients and others have used hypnosis to decrease pain. Whether it's one being able to deal with it better, or the mind actually affecting physiology, I don't believe that it could be a bad thing, as long as "positive thinking" is an adjunct, and not a substitute, for adequate medical care (my opinion).
The week before we left for vacation at the World, I tried to use a cane instead of a crutch, and I was not able to. I walked with pain, and it felt too unstable. I called my orthopedic surgeon and he suggested I continue the crutch and even use an electric scooter while at Walt Disney World. I followed his advice and it was the best decision. I was not fatigued, and I was able to sit and actually enjoy the surroundings for once.
The day after we got back from our Disney Vacation, I took out the cane, and have been able to walk with it now for a week. This is certainly an "upgrade" from the crutch. I feel like I am walking faster, smoother, and can go longer periods of time without pain. Much longer than I did before the vacation.
Yes, it's probably because I rested on vacation. Yes, it's probably because I caused less stress and had less weight-bearing on my hip over vacation. Yes, it's because I recently started on a bone stimulator and now am experiencing bone healing.
But I also think yes, I was in a good mood, in my favorite place, with my family, and ... and I just felt good.
There's nothing necessarily magic, religious, or spiritual about it. Just common sense. You feel good, good things should happen. And Walt Disney World happens to make me feel good.
Whatever the reason, I feel much better now. Now if I can somehow schedule another Disney vacation to really complete this healing process!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Walt Disney World Mini BEER Tour
We just got back from a wonderful week long vacation at my happy place, Walt Disney World. I had originally planned to blog about the running routes around the hotel and on the resort, but ... seeing as I am still injured, and really could not run during this vacation, I decided to focus on another activity: BEER!
It turns out that Walt Disney World has a wonderful selection of beers, but you have to look carefully. Here, my goal this week was to expand my palette and try a new beer every day.
(Disclaimer: I am not a beer expert, beer snob, professional taster, nor professional critic. I simply enjoy beer in moderation and wanted to try new tastes!)
I will go through each one, however I am most excited about the Unibroue flight I had at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot!! May be the best beers I've ever had!!
But onwards.
This first day we started with a not-so-exotic beer at a not-so-exotic restaurant: T-Rex at Downtown Disney ("theme" restaurant with limited beer choices)
But it was a perfect beer for this hot July summer day.
So this was one of the only draught choices at this restaurant. It arrived at the table already poured into this ice cold goblet. Appearance was an opaque medium amber, minimal cloudy orange with hint of reddish tint. Head and lacing almost gone by the time it got to the table. Smelled a touch of wheat and alcohol, can make out little lemon. Felt medium body and highly carbonated in mouth. I really enjoyed the flavors of fruit and orange without being too sweet, I could make out a hint of cinammon. Finish was also some fruitiness, but not overpowering.
Ok, enough with the "notes," at this point who am I kidding? I really liked this beer. Perfect crisp flavorful beer for a summer day. Very refreshing without being too sweet or light. Reminds me of Blue Moon, but the orange comes out a little more. Great summer day beer!
This cloudy and drizzling day's beer comes to us all the way from Mexico, well, at least the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, specifically at La Hacienda de San Angel.
The beer? Bohemia.
The bottle's dark brown color, somewhat bottom fat shape, and royal foil labelling are reminiscent of a San Miguel...but the similarities don't end there.
Bohemia pours a translucent honey yellow with a decent pale foamy head. Smell a bit of lemon lime. although the actual lime wedge the place on the rim admittedly helps that out. Taste is smooth and light, with a short bitter finish, medium light mouthfeel. Lime taste definitely there, with bits of lemon, and wheat.
Overall another refreshing beer, a bit on the lighter side, and only a touch of bitterness at the finish. Reminds me of a mix of San Miguel and Corona. Enjoy!
I'll have to be honest. I cannot give a fair assessment of this beer, as I had it while at the wonderful California Grill, where I was engaged in some great conversation with friends, I unfortunately did not pay attention to any details about this beer. I know I did not dislike it. Out of fairness and respect, I will defer any more judgement of this beer for another time. A great excuse to order it again.
This was a very pleasant sampling of a local brew. On tap at the Wave in the Contemporary, there was the Blonde Ale, the Pale Ale, and the Brown Ale. I do not remember striking details about each one, but they were pleasant and smooth overall. The Blond Ale tasted exactly as it looks: light, mild hoppiness, with a light zest of wheat and lemon. The Pale Ale was better for my palette, with hints of orange. Now the Brown Ale was definitely more my style, and really had a stouty finish to it, with hints of chocolate and coffee which I like. Overall nothing extraordinary, but these are worth another taste to be fair.
Let's just come on out and say WOW!!! These three beers of Unibroue (Ephemere' Apple, Blanche de Chambly, Trois Pistoles), in Walt Disney World only exclusively found at Le Cellier at the Canada Pavilion) were light years ahead of any beer I tasted this trip, and may be overall the best beers I have every had. At least the first impression of these three were wonderful. As a contrast, the Orlando Brewery flight I had the day before was nice, but were not even close to these.
First, the Unibroue Ephemere (apple variety at this restaurant): light, smooth, zesty, with a wonderful grapefruit finish, more citrusy than apple to me. Did not taste overpoweringly sweet or weak. Good carbonation made it taste like an Orangina but not like a full on soda. Definitely a beer and not a cider. Oh it was so good. Not a "fruity drink" for sure, but so good.
The Unibroue Blanche de Chambly was interesting, with a smooth clove essence to it, almost like perfume, which I normally wouldn't like, but this was very drinkable with a very complex taste. Not my favorite of the three but still an amazing beer. Also good carbonation and could be a great everyday beer.
The Unibroue Trois Pistoles could be the best beer I've ever had. Now, I am by no means a beer expert, and many others have had more experience trying many more different varieties. But wow, this was great. First of all, I like stout beer, the stronger, the deeper, the darker, the better for me. This did not disappoint. Dark in color, full bodied, tasted like a mix of semisweet chocolate syrup with coffee beans, the right amount of carbonation, and just the right smoothness to make it a drink that you can sip like a fine wine. Think of a cold winter's eve, sitting by the fire, and having this as a perfect drink. HAHA. No really, this was great, and I wish this was available outside the restaurant!!
This beer has the unfortunate luck of following the best beers I have had so far. But this Ethiopian beer, Bedele, was great. It didn't hurt that I had it in what is probably my favorite Disney restaurant right now, Jiko. Our wonderful server Michelle described this beer as having a "honey note." Well, she was 100% right. It was smooth without being too light. And the honey was a definite flavor note without the sickly sweetness. Maybe some maple syrup in there too. Never had anything like it, and I think I will order it again.
I don't remember too much about this beer. I did not dislike it. I had this with our final dinner for this particular vacation at Walt Disney World, specifically at Tutto Italia in the Italian Pavilion at Epcot. Being from New Jersey, we often wonder why we eat here when we can get the best Italian food at home, but hey, it's Disney, and it's good! The beer was fine, close to the "rocket red" varieties with more hoppiness to it, and a dry finish. Not bad at all .... I'm still dreaming about the Unibroue!!
At the Top of the World Lounge, (a Disney Vacation Club members-only lounge at Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary), I had to try this local brew, which clearly states "made with Orange Blossom Honey." Certainly pleasant, and I could taste the honey, but it wasn't as nice as the honey note in the Bedele beer. Definitely less complex taste as well. Just like beer mixed with a little honey. Definitely drinkable, not overly sweet. I can see myself ordering it again it I come across it.
(as an aside, I also tried the Bud Lite Lime ... but it really was not worth a picture nor a review, and not in the same league as the other beers I tried here).
Wow, that was fun. I wanted this post to be about my running and training while on vacation, and running in the resorts, but well, I couldn't run. So what's an injured runner to do on vacation? Drink beer! This was a small sampling of the wide assortment of beers found at Disney. I am glad I did this and now want to try more. The variety of textures, bodies, smells, and flavors are wonderful, and I am starting to appreciate the "complexity" of some of these brews.
Final word: Unibroue!!!!
It turns out that Walt Disney World has a wonderful selection of beers, but you have to look carefully. Here, my goal this week was to expand my palette and try a new beer every day.
(Disclaimer: I am not a beer expert, beer snob, professional taster, nor professional critic. I simply enjoy beer in moderation and wanted to try new tastes!)
I will go through each one, however I am most excited about the Unibroue flight I had at Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot!! May be the best beers I've ever had!!
But onwards.
DAY 1: Samuel Adams Summer Ale
But it was a perfect beer for this hot July summer day.
So this was one of the only draught choices at this restaurant. It arrived at the table already poured into this ice cold goblet. Appearance was an opaque medium amber, minimal cloudy orange with hint of reddish tint. Head and lacing almost gone by the time it got to the table. Smelled a touch of wheat and alcohol, can make out little lemon. Felt medium body and highly carbonated in mouth. I really enjoyed the flavors of fruit and orange without being too sweet, I could make out a hint of cinammon. Finish was also some fruitiness, but not overpowering.
Ok, enough with the "notes," at this point who am I kidding? I really liked this beer. Perfect crisp flavorful beer for a summer day. Very refreshing without being too sweet or light. Reminds me of Blue Moon, but the orange comes out a little more. Great summer day beer!
Day 2: Bohemia
This cloudy and drizzling day's beer comes to us all the way from Mexico, well, at least the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, specifically at La Hacienda de San Angel.
The beer? Bohemia.
The bottle's dark brown color, somewhat bottom fat shape, and royal foil labelling are reminiscent of a San Miguel...but the similarities don't end there.
Bohemia pours a translucent honey yellow with a decent pale foamy head. Smell a bit of lemon lime. although the actual lime wedge the place on the rim admittedly helps that out. Taste is smooth and light, with a short bitter finish, medium light mouthfeel. Lime taste definitely there, with bits of lemon, and wheat.
Overall another refreshing beer, a bit on the lighter side, and only a touch of bitterness at the finish. Reminds me of a mix of San Miguel and Corona. Enjoy!
Day 3: Anchor Steam
Day 4: Orlando Brewery Organic Ales Flight:
Day 5: Unibroue Flight:
Let's just come on out and say WOW!!! These three beers of Unibroue (Ephemere' Apple, Blanche de Chambly, Trois Pistoles), in Walt Disney World only exclusively found at Le Cellier at the Canada Pavilion) were light years ahead of any beer I tasted this trip, and may be overall the best beers I have every had. At least the first impression of these three were wonderful. As a contrast, the Orlando Brewery flight I had the day before was nice, but were not even close to these.
First, the Unibroue Ephemere (apple variety at this restaurant): light, smooth, zesty, with a wonderful grapefruit finish, more citrusy than apple to me. Did not taste overpoweringly sweet or weak. Good carbonation made it taste like an Orangina but not like a full on soda. Definitely a beer and not a cider. Oh it was so good. Not a "fruity drink" for sure, but so good.
The Unibroue Blanche de Chambly was interesting, with a smooth clove essence to it, almost like perfume, which I normally wouldn't like, but this was very drinkable with a very complex taste. Not my favorite of the three but still an amazing beer. Also good carbonation and could be a great everyday beer.
The Unibroue Trois Pistoles could be the best beer I've ever had. Now, I am by no means a beer expert, and many others have had more experience trying many more different varieties. But wow, this was great. First of all, I like stout beer, the stronger, the deeper, the darker, the better for me. This did not disappoint. Dark in color, full bodied, tasted like a mix of semisweet chocolate syrup with coffee beans, the right amount of carbonation, and just the right smoothness to make it a drink that you can sip like a fine wine. Think of a cold winter's eve, sitting by the fire, and having this as a perfect drink. HAHA. No really, this was great, and I wish this was available outside the restaurant!!
Day 6: Bedele
Day 7: Birra Moretti La Rossa
Day 8: Orange Blossom Pilsner
(as an aside, I also tried the Bud Lite Lime ... but it really was not worth a picture nor a review, and not in the same league as the other beers I tried here).
Wow, that was fun. I wanted this post to be about my running and training while on vacation, and running in the resorts, but well, I couldn't run. So what's an injured runner to do on vacation? Drink beer! This was a small sampling of the wide assortment of beers found at Disney. I am glad I did this and now want to try more. The variety of textures, bodies, smells, and flavors are wonderful, and I am starting to appreciate the "complexity" of some of these brews.
Final word: Unibroue!!!!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Swallowing my pride ...
Time to face reality. My femoral neck stress fracture is taking longer to heal than I had expected. I don't want this to be a bad thing, and I want to stay positive. But I will be going to Walt Disney World with my family next week, and I have to face reality ... there will be a lot of walking, and although I think I can handle it, my doctor and my family don't think so, and frankly, I am still limping around on a crutch, so who am I fooling?
I continually look to two runners: Kara Goucher and Meb Keflezighi, American long distance athletes, who have suffered similar hip stress fractures, and have gone on to become champions.
I am not at the same level as they are in athleticism of course. But I realized that if I am to maintain and reach my goal of completing the Goofy Marathon and Half Challenge, I have to swallow my pride. So today in preparation for my trip to the my happy place, Walt Disney World, I have reserved myself an electric scooter:
It was a hard decision to make. I fully realize that others are a lot worse than I am, and have more serious medical problems than I do, and live in a so-called ECV every day. But I had too much pride, no way a runner like myself was going to ride in a scooter at Disney! But I realized that this is the way to go. This is the best way for my family and I to enjoy ourselves at Disney, and I can heal in the process.
I especially thank www.disboards.com and the specifically the folks on the disABILITIES page for sharing their experiences and thoughts, and inspiring me to go this route. I will still run, this is just a little vacation!
I continually look to two runners: Kara Goucher and Meb Keflezighi, American long distance athletes, who have suffered similar hip stress fractures, and have gone on to become champions.
I am not at the same level as they are in athleticism of course. But I realized that if I am to maintain and reach my goal of completing the Goofy Marathon and Half Challenge, I have to swallow my pride. So today in preparation for my trip to the my happy place, Walt Disney World, I have reserved myself an electric scooter:
It was a hard decision to make. I fully realize that others are a lot worse than I am, and have more serious medical problems than I do, and live in a so-called ECV every day. But I had too much pride, no way a runner like myself was going to ride in a scooter at Disney! But I realized that this is the way to go. This is the best way for my family and I to enjoy ourselves at Disney, and I can heal in the process.
I especially thank www.disboards.com and the specifically the folks on the disABILITIES page for sharing their experiences and thoughts, and inspiring me to go this route. I will still run, this is just a little vacation!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
How quickly focus changes
A few months ago I was shopping around technology for running ... I was using the app iMapMyRun as a GPS on phone device, and I was considering getting a GPS watch (those Garmins look great) ... and maybe even asking for one for my birthday. Would have been a fun (but not necessary) addition to my running gear.
Well, this year's birthday has come and gone, and I did not get nor even ask for a GPS watch. Because of my injury, I had to stop running. And instead of a $200 (or more) Garmin Forerunner GPS watch to help me track my miles, I got this:
This is an Orthofix 3315 Bone Stimulator.
Yup, bone stimulator ... prescribed by my orthopedic surgeon to help heal my stress fracture. I have to wear it 3 hours a day for the next 90-180 days. The GPS watch has to wait.
How things change.
Well, this year's birthday has come and gone, and I did not get nor even ask for a GPS watch. Because of my injury, I had to stop running. And instead of a $200 (or more) Garmin Forerunner GPS watch to help me track my miles, I got this:
This is an Orthofix 3315 Bone Stimulator.
Yup, bone stimulator ... prescribed by my orthopedic surgeon to help heal my stress fracture. I have to wear it 3 hours a day for the next 90-180 days. The GPS watch has to wait.
How things change.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Ice Cream Victory
Last night I drove my family to a local ice cream place, Sundaes, got out of the car, walked in, got a chocolate ice cream cone, ate it, and walked back to the car...VICTORY!
Why "Victory"?
Because I was not able to do that one week ago.
It has been almost 7 weeks since I sustained my latest running injury, my femoral neck stress fracture, and I've been on crutches since then (save for a couple of ambitious moments when I tried to come off, but ended up hurting myself again.) And last night I left my crutch in my car and walked over to get ice cream, unassisted. Victory.
When I started this blog a couple of months ago, I wanted to chronicle my training towards the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge, the Marathon and a Half Challenge. Yes, it may have turned into an injury report, with bits of Disney Pixie Dust thrown in ...
But my goal remains the same.
Yes, I sold my entry to the popular Spring Lake Five Mile Run, and I am trying to transfer my entry to the Belmar Five Mile Run (any takers please message me).
But I am still registered for the Atlantic City Half Marathon, and also the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon! And God willing I will run both.
I am not in denial (or maybe I'm in denial of being in denial?), I know I have to recover smart, and train smart, and listen to my doctor and to my body. We will be going to Walt Disney World in several weeks, and I have already researched online to find places to rent a wheelchair if I have to use one ... (God...30-something years old and I have to use a wheelchair at Walt Disney World?) ... but that's a big if.
But getting myself excited all over again at my favorite site:
Will keep you updated on the progress, but for now, Disney Trip planning!
Why "Victory"?
Because I was not able to do that one week ago.
It has been almost 7 weeks since I sustained my latest running injury, my femoral neck stress fracture, and I've been on crutches since then (save for a couple of ambitious moments when I tried to come off, but ended up hurting myself again.) And last night I left my crutch in my car and walked over to get ice cream, unassisted. Victory.
When I started this blog a couple of months ago, I wanted to chronicle my training towards the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge, the Marathon and a Half Challenge. Yes, it may have turned into an injury report, with bits of Disney Pixie Dust thrown in ...
But my goal remains the same.
Yes, I sold my entry to the popular Spring Lake Five Mile Run, and I am trying to transfer my entry to the Belmar Five Mile Run (any takers please message me).
But I am still registered for the Atlantic City Half Marathon, and also the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon! And God willing I will run both.
I am not in denial (or maybe I'm in denial of being in denial?), I know I have to recover smart, and train smart, and listen to my doctor and to my body. We will be going to Walt Disney World in several weeks, and I have already researched online to find places to rent a wheelchair if I have to use one ... (God...30-something years old and I have to use a wheelchair at Walt Disney World?) ... but that's a big if.
But getting myself excited all over again at my favorite site:
Will keep you updated on the progress, but for now, Disney Trip planning!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Patience
Question: what does waiting in line for Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios and waiting for a running injury to heal have in common?
Answer: both require patience. and lots of it.
It will be five weeks tomorrow that my orthopedic surgeon told me that I had a femoral neck stress fracture, and that I had to be on crutches, "for a couple of weeks...". Well, even though literature suggests that it often takes at least 6 weeks on crutches, I became a bit impatient, and after only one week I started to weight bear, and I came off crutches for a week ... limping badly.
Limping so badly that I aggravated it, and my orthopedic surgeon said "two more weeks."
Well, this past weekend, my wife and I went out to dinner with some friends, (at Daniel's Bistro in Point Pleasant, which was phenomenal by the way), and I did not like the prospect of hobbling in on a crutch and attracting attention when I wanted to have a nice night out. So, exactly like someone who did not learn his lesson before, I left my crutches in the car, limped a couple of blocks to the restaurant, and needless to say, after dinner, one of my friends had to literally carry me back to the car. Literally. As in pick me up carry me back like a load of laundry. Great, how's that for attracting attention.
Two days later, today, my groin still aches.
I had planned on resuming my training for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon on July 1, next week. Because I wasn't patient enough, now I have to be more patient.
Life has a way of teaching you a lesson over and over until you learn it.
And patience is what I need, given that I move around slower and get to places later. On the plus side, being forced to slow down actually forces you to slow down! Look around. Appreciate things. A couple of weeks ago I went on a Disney Cruise (see my trip report) on a crutch. Looking back, it wasn't a hindrance, or a pain. It was relaxing actually. I did not feel I had to rush to get anywhere, because I knew I couldn't run there. So my wife would stroll leisurely with me, and I got to actually see the ship, and experience the atmosphere.
In a few weeks we will going to Walt Disney World. Will I be on crutch? Maybe. But if so, I will be happy to slow down and look around. Really look around. I am always telling people about Disney's attention to detail, and the intricate theming of everything from the streets to the garbage cans to the smells to the attractions. Now instead of running to Space Mountain, I will be able to really appreciate Main Street USA.
But while I'm contemplating doing that, let me pull out my obsessive-compulsive touring plans!
Answer: both require patience. and lots of it.
(I thank and credit grumpyfan.wordpress.com for the above)
It will be five weeks tomorrow that my orthopedic surgeon told me that I had a femoral neck stress fracture, and that I had to be on crutches, "for a couple of weeks...". Well, even though literature suggests that it often takes at least 6 weeks on crutches, I became a bit impatient, and after only one week I started to weight bear, and I came off crutches for a week ... limping badly.
Limping so badly that I aggravated it, and my orthopedic surgeon said "two more weeks."
Well, this past weekend, my wife and I went out to dinner with some friends, (at Daniel's Bistro in Point Pleasant, which was phenomenal by the way), and I did not like the prospect of hobbling in on a crutch and attracting attention when I wanted to have a nice night out. So, exactly like someone who did not learn his lesson before, I left my crutches in the car, limped a couple of blocks to the restaurant, and needless to say, after dinner, one of my friends had to literally carry me back to the car. Literally. As in pick me up carry me back like a load of laundry. Great, how's that for attracting attention.
Two days later, today, my groin still aches.
I had planned on resuming my training for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon on July 1, next week. Because I wasn't patient enough, now I have to be more patient.
Life has a way of teaching you a lesson over and over until you learn it.
And patience is what I need, given that I move around slower and get to places later. On the plus side, being forced to slow down actually forces you to slow down! Look around. Appreciate things. A couple of weeks ago I went on a Disney Cruise (see my trip report) on a crutch. Looking back, it wasn't a hindrance, or a pain. It was relaxing actually. I did not feel I had to rush to get anywhere, because I knew I couldn't run there. So my wife would stroll leisurely with me, and I got to actually see the ship, and experience the atmosphere.
In a few weeks we will going to Walt Disney World. Will I be on crutch? Maybe. But if so, I will be happy to slow down and look around. Really look around. I am always telling people about Disney's attention to detail, and the intricate theming of everything from the streets to the garbage cans to the smells to the attractions. Now instead of running to Space Mountain, I will be able to really appreciate Main Street USA.
But while I'm contemplating doing that, let me pull out my obsessive-compulsive touring plans!
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