End of week running plus a field trip

I had a busy end to my week. Wednesday evening I got a short run in with Kaden.  Thursday was packing for his field trip on Friday to Animal Kingdom. With that trip we decided to make an extra day of it (we are pass-holders); so I had to make sure everyone was packed and good to go.

Starting with Wednesday-

Kaden and I went for a run. He was still a little sore from Monday's run but still went out and did almost 2 miles. He is 8 so I give him lots of credit for asking to go with me. 

I did a slow run with walking intervals. I did 2.5 miles with a pace of 11:21. Super happy with that considering I am doing walking intervals. No knee pain either! Oh happy run day!! 

Friday-

Our trip to Animal Kingdom was bright and early on the bus with lots of 2nd graders! Thank goodness for coffee! I was chatting on and off with a few parents. Then as we pulled into Animal Kingdom, of course I had to brag about running on that road and how flooded it was from Wine & Dine weekend. It's still very fresh in my memory! Sis-n-law and I tried to take pictures but our hands were so wet we couldn't get our phones to open at all! 

I had a group of boys. First thing they wanted to do was Mount Everest! Bless their brave little hearts! They rode it like champs! Our day consisted of lots of walking and for that I was thankful. When I am unable to do my running, walking will do. 

We went on the safari and I took a selfie, yes a selfie with the giraffe! 

Fun stuff! 

The kids had a great time, even though it was sooo hot! Florida has missed the memo for springtime. High 80's in March! Unreal! 

Even though it was hot, we made the best of it. Lots of smiles to go around!

As it was time for the field trip to end, we stayed and were meeting the rest of the family at Epcot. Fireman had a day with the girls checking out the Flower and Garden Festival. Lucky gals! 

Kaden and I hopped a bus to meet them there and decided to take a few fun photos. 

I love this little guy to pieces! He is so much fun! 

Saturday-

We had Magic Kingdom planned, but it was crazy busy. I know how that sounds, but we have never waited in traffic for more than a few minutes just to park.  The ticket lines were insane too. so we decided to hope a monorail back to Epcot. ( the kids were not super thrilled). We did stuff that they didn't do yesterday, just to change it up. Plus, we take things slow since we don't have to rush around. (perks of being a pass-holder). We did a few countries to let the kids learn a little. by 3 pm we were hot and over it.  It was time to go home. Boo! 

Sunday- 

We unpacked, did grocery shopping and all that fun stuff. I did lots of laundry. So fun said no mom ever! Kaden kept asking if we were going running. I told him yes, I planned on it at 6:30 and fireman was going to prep dinner. 6pm rolled around and I hadn't drank nearly as much water as I should have. I was still exhausted from the past few days. I decided to sit down and finish the book I was reading. My son was a little bummed and I was bummed for letting him down and not going, but I knew not having enough water and being so hot the past few days it would have made for a crappy run. With that I have a goal to run a few days with him this week. 

Amber's Year In Review

I am featuring a fellow running friend. We met through my sisnlaw's consignment shop and the rest is history.
I mentioned doing WDW Wine & Dine half marathon weekend and the next thing I knew, she was signed up!
I have enjoyed following her running endeavors this year! It's so inspiring to see someone just say "hey I'm going to start running race events".  I asked her to write up a review of her year in running. And well... here it is!

I used to run just "to go for a run" and I never trained for anything. I even ran an ultra relay and got a medal, with no real regard for the whole situation. Fast forward to January 2014, I began running to train. But for what, I didn't know yet.
Then early spring I got word of the registration opening for the Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon. I asked my hubby about it and he said "sure why not?!" So, I signed up and realized I needed to train for it. I mean it was friggin' 13.1 miles!
In signing up for this race, I also began finding other ways to start participating in runs. So it began...the great race...uh, race, of 2014.
Since beginning in January, I've run too many 5Ks to count, two 10K, a quarter marathon, and a half marathon. More than 1.5 races per month!
I've pushed my body beyond its limits, cried, laughed, cringed in pain. But all the while, becoming a better wife, mother, runner, and person. My children now participate in races and my husband has begun running again as well!

You can follow her running journey over at: www.runmomgo.wordpress.com

I love this picture collage she created! I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for her! 

Wine and Dine 1/2 recap

I. Ran. A. Half. Marathon.

Say what?! I did it. I really did. In the rain, along with the wind and temperature dropping. 

Let's start with the expo.

There was so much going on! The lines however, for picking up bibs and shirts were short. I was able to walk up with no line at all. This was a first!!  I was a little sad that there were no character spots though. With PHM weekend, there were characters and we did pictures. I'm a nerd yes, but it helps set the mood for a Run Disney event. 

Pictures! (even if the baby is on his back)!

We finished up at the expo and went back to the vacation rental to relax.  After naps and carb loading on pasta, it was time to get ready. My son fell ill during this time with a fever and was complaining of neck pain. It was scary and nerve wrecking to not know what is wrong. Thankfully grandma was there though. She is the best! We got him settled and I finished getting ready. 

I was very undecided about what to wear; capri's, shorts, or pants. The weather was going to be chilly, but then rain got added into that factor, (thanks Florida weather). So I just decided on shorts. Looking back I am glad with that decision.

We went with a pirate theme for Pirates of the Caribbean. Simple not over doing it. 13.1 miles is a long way to go and I didn't want to be uncomfortable. 

We got to ESPN for warm ups and had a lot of fun dancing along to the music. 

As you can see it was nice a dry! That lasted until it was time to line up in our corrals (again, thanks Florida weather). 

As we got in line the rain started, We pulled on ponchos that grandma had told us to pack. They were super thin so it wouldn't be so hot. But just the thought of running in one was irking me. I didn't train with a poncho. HA! I also didn't train in cold, windy weather. The odds were not with me. I was a little nervous as the fireworks went off. Go time for real! 

At first, the rain wasn't bothering me so much. Sisnlaw and I just took it slow and laughed it off at first. That only lasted so long. Then came running through puddles that we couldn't see because it was dark and lighting wasn't the best everywhere. Wet shoes = wet feet, which is NEVER fun. Yes, I was wearing features, but at Animal Kingdom the puddles were really bad. We smiled and carried on. 

 The temperature started dropping and It just felt like it was getting colder by the minute. Of course that could have been because my feet were wet, who knows. By the time we hit mile 6 my hands and feet were numb. There is no mile 6 picture either, To much rain, and wet hands, clothes that we couldn't get the phones to open the camera. Dang touch screen!  I was still smiling though. I was still happy. Enjoying the race just chatting away with sisnlaw. By the way, we didn't listen to any music. 

We stretched every few miles and made sure to take water from all stops. 

The mile pictures didn't come out so good, Very bright lighting and I was not taking the time to adjust my camera settings in the rain. I got pictures, that's all that matters right?! 

By mile 10 Sisnlaw was over it. I was almost agreeing with her. Our half marathon had turned into an endurance half marathon. The saying "you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have", Yup that is exactly how I was feeling at that point. 

Just keep running Just keep running. Before I knew it we were coming into Hollywood Studios! I was so excited to see the Osborne lights! I think that might have been my favorite part. And maybe because at Hollywood Studios it stopped raining and I yanked off my poncho! 

It was beautiful. I could have cried, except I was still to numb. 

We carried on through the park and I actually felt like I was warming up. That lasted maybe 5 minutes total. Leaving the park to make our way towards Epcot the rain came back. So much for that little dry spell. My knee started to bother me at this point. I just kept telling myself a little further you only have a little further to go. Running the path to the Beach and Yacht club and Boardwalk was not fun. It was narrow and way to many people. Some were walking and they had no care to move over to the right side, I even said as we came up on them, runner to your left. Not one person moved. No one. It was a little annoying. I just wanted to get through the herd and finish. The Boardwalk was very slippery. I did do a very fast walk through most of that as I didn't want to fall or injure myself so close to the finish line. (Fireman told me later a runner slipped and hit her face. He helped her to the nearest cast member). How scary! 

Gosh I was so happy to see mile 13!!! The end was near!! 

The finish line was a blur. Fireman took photos, but they didn't come out, the guy running next to me blocked all pictures. Not his fault, it happens. I don't even remember if I cried. I was in so much pain because of my knee I just wanted ice for it. 

I will say the volunteers and spectators were amazing! They stayed in the rain for us! I thanked so many as I ran by. It's one thing to run in the rain, but to just stand there and cheer runners on or hand out water. Just an amazing feeling!! People are good!! 

The after party was still rainy and cold, We brought cothes and changed and attempted to enjoy the early morning! The food was great! 

In Mexico, Donald was waiting for us! It was nice to be dry for a few minutes!

Overall, I will say this race was an experience! Would I do another half marathon? Maybe. I'm not opposed to it, I would just want better weather conditions. HA! 

September is here already!

We are 5 days into September. Unreal!! This is a crazy month for me. My Sisnlaw gets married this month!! That means, bachlorette party, bridal shower, and lots of last minute run arounds! Oh on top of normal daily chores! Let the craziness begin this weekend with her bachlorette party!!
We are going out of town for the weekend. I am excited for this get away and of course I have packed running clothes because there is a fitness center! YA! I am hoping to get up and go run! Even outside would be a nice run, the view is beautiful where we will be staying! I'll be sure to take lots of pictures.
The last few days flew by. I went out to Orlando for a day to take care of my girl friend's daughter while they welcomed their newest addition to the world. We went to Disney World, it was hot, but not crowded at all! I managed to get lots of walking miles in so I skipped running. I treated myself with a Dolewhip float. I enjoyed every minute of it too! No guilty feelings!

Every time I walk down Mainstreet U.S.A. I think back to Fabulous and her marathon. I stood across from the Indian and used that as a landmark so she could keep an eye out for me. She had no clue what I was talking about but I had hope. It was cold, very cold.  There I stood waiting and hoping I wouldn't miss her and Kelli run by. I stopped by the Indian and took a picture to send to Fabulous to let her know I was thinking of her. I love my best friend! 

Disney is ready for fall, now only if the weather would get the memo!! 

Royal Family 5K 2015

I did it! Yup! Signed up!  Mostly for my daughter. She was so upset to hear that I hadn't signed us up for the 5k. She was in tears. I told her it was sold out. Oops... What a nice Christmas surprise it will be! I am excited for her! She loves running and I am so glad to share the same love for it. Because of her, I ran my fastest 5K at last years Royal Family 5K. Let's see what 2015 brings! But for now, I have to think of costume ideas!

Training is going good. I ran last week at a friends house on their treadmill. Got in at 10pm and said I need to run. Being out of town and still being able to train was a win situation.

This week however isn't starting so well.. I think I am fighting off my daughter's stomach bug that she had last week. I have had an upset stomach and pain, but nothing more. (thank goodness). Lots of water and rest right now... which is killing me. Training calls!

A friend has asked for me to do an outline of stretches that I do.. I suppose I shall work on that now while the baby is asleep. More to come.

Father's Day Weekend Getaway

We planned for a mini-vacation / Father's Day retreat to one of our most favorite places, The Caribbean Resort at Walt Disney World, (for those that don't know, we are big Disney people). We love staying there. So I booked a 2 night getaway for us to just enjoy the hotel and some pool time. It was also Car Master's weekend at Downtown Disney so it was perfect timing.
 While packing, I made sure to pack running clothes. I have done this is the past on past trips but have never actually ran while on vacation. That should be a crime! I would use the excuse "I wanted to sleep in" or "I was to tired to go". No excuses this time. I packed running stuff, I was running.
Our first day there it rained on and off, but after the rain let up around 7:30-8:00 I dressed and went for a run while Fireman went for a walk with the kiddos. The view was amazing! I kept stopping to take pictures!
2 miles went by so fast!! It was truly a great run, I felt full of energy and refreshed! I didn't want to be out to long, so I went a little over 2 and a half miles. I could have been out for hours I think!

Beautiful flowers were everywhere! After the rain, they were still covered with water, made them look even better! It's funny how often we forget, to stop and just smell the roses (or in my case many flowers).

This run reminded me of just that! To stop and enjoy the present. 

I will start my training next month for my first half marathon, which of course will be Disney's Wine & Dine. So is it safe to say I have already started my run Disney in training? On another note, I love Magic Bands! They are so easy to use and makes a running trip easy because I don't have to carry a card on me! It's also awesome because it is waterproof so a trip to the pool is easy peasy! 

Enough about running I suppose, The Car show was great!  Lots of classics and a few not so classics. But my son and Fireman were in car heaven. 

And me, I found my dream van!!! One day! One day! 

We also came across this classic!!! Complete with the dog leash attached to the bumper!  

Overall, we had a great time. We relaxed. That was the whole point of this trip. A nice relaxing well deserved weekend. From the sunshine in the pool to the rainy evening in the arcade. Our weekend was perfect. 

Now back to reality! 

Sick = No Running

We had a mini get away to Disney last week. I come home with a head cold. Joy.
Our vaca was nice, we stayed with friends and all our kids. 7 total between our families. Fun times!
 We were surprised with a date night with no kids! Like is this real life??? Fireman and I went to dinner and even ordered a fruity cocktail! We walked Downtown Disney, and the Fireman scored a pair of Brooks for 55.00 at Fit2Run. I'll admit, I was and still am a little jealous at the bargain he got. By 10pm I was ready for bed. I guess that's what happens as we get older and have a routine.
 The next day we did Hollywood Studios for Star Wars fun! My little Jedi had a blast. I have learned over the last few years just what these trips are about. It's about making memories. Seeing the kid's faces light up is priceless and can't be replaced. Little Jedi was in heaven and at times speechless. I'm glad we went even though I wasn't feeling up to it. I'm super mom, I can do anything!
 So now that we are back home, the head cold has gotten worse. I haven't ran in 6 days, and It's driving me nuts. What do you do when you are ill? Part of me says to just run through it, the other part says rest up.
Resting up for now...

Half Marathon Say What?

So this fire wife here just signed up for a half marathon! Yup call me crazy, well half crazy. My fireman also signed up for this half marathon. I am not sure how I feel about this considering he runs so much better than I. (without even trying. Punk). 

I guess I better start training and figure out a schedule to go around his fire schedule.

Wish me luck!

Disney's Royal Family 5k

This past Friday, I ran Disney's Royal Family 5k with my 10  year old daughter and Fabulous. It was a blast! We ran the entire time (with the few stops for pictures). I'm a mom... it's what I do. I take pictures. Speedy (my new nickname for my daughter), was over the pictures, she kept saying she just wanted to run. After all it was a race. We finished in great time. 35 minutes! That is another record for me. Speedy kept running ahead and I would have to chase her down and yell for her to slow down. She was amazing to watch! She breezed through people with such grace. It was as if she had run 100 races before. I swear she is a natural at running. As a mom I couldn't be more proud of her and her decision to love running.      After the race through out the rest of the weekend, she kept telling me she wants to now do a 10k. Again, another proud mom moment.

It was a great weekend, sad to see it end, but having my daughter by my side was great. It makes me happy to know my daughter is choosing to be healthy. I don't have to force her to run. She loves the sport and does it for pleasure. So here's to raising a runner!