Disneyland Half Marathon weekend - Meet Ups (UPDATED!)

With the exciting race weekend that is just days away, myself along with thousands of other avid runDisney runners are busy packing and gearing up for the fantastic weekend ahead of us!

During the weekend, there will be many opportunities to meet new friends and see old ones.  I know I'm crazy excited to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen for awhile.  While chatting with one of those friends last night, we both realized that it was this weekend back in 2013 where a lot of friendships were formed.

Over the course of the weekend there are a few 'meet ups' going on where you can meet some new people...maybe someone you've followed on social media.  I wanted to share a few with you that I knew were going on -

#TeamSparkle Donut Meet-Up

 If you're a runDisney fan, I'm sure you've seen tons of ladies (and even some guys!) sporing the ever so sparkly skirts during the races...these more than likely came from the awesome gals at Sparkle Athletic!  I met one of the founders, Kelly (@according2kelly) at Disneyland in 2013 and look forward to seeing her at each runDisney weekend that I attend.

This year they are hosting a meet up...but not just any meet-up...a DONUT MEET-UP!

Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to make it to this one due to prior commitments, but this is sure to be a great time!  Come carb up for the races and get to know the ladies behind the Sparkle!

Cupcake Meet-Up

I met Krissy (@krissymmurphy) for the first time at the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend and we have been friends ever since!  She is partnering up with DVC Central for the meet up, which will benefit PAWS Chicago, a national model and the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane animal shelter.  The money raised will go towards fellow runDisney fanatic, Justin Stone (@DisnyRunr24), fundraising efforts as he trains for the 2015 Chicago marathon as a member of Team PAWS Chicago.  Now...you may not know who Justin is, but you may be familiar with his amazing photos of his 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon medal and the infamous hash tag #MakingLemonadeOutta...

photo credit - Justin Stone

While registration for the meet up during the Disneyland half marathon weekend is now closed, you are more than welcome to stop by, say hi, and maybe even get a picture with Justin and his medal  :)  BUT....have no fear...they will be having another cupcake meet up during Wine and Dine half marathon weekend in November AND there is a virtual option! (with the virtual option you still have a chance to win prizes and receive the commemorative item...but you'll have to provide your own cupcakes).  Check out Krissy's blog to get more info, and you can register by clicking here :)  You can also check the official Cupcake Meet Up Facebook page for more information as the dates get closer.

The #PupcakeMeetUp2015 will be held from 1:30-2:30pm at the Picnic Swirl.  It's sure to be a fun time!

Instagram Meet-Up

Ivie (@ivieanne) and her fiance' AJ are an incredibly inspiring couple.  They have both changed their lifestyles and have lost a lot of weight!  They are also super cute together.  I've also never met them but hoping I can make it over to their meet up to say hi and introduce myself.  I'll definitely be in need of caffeine over the course of the weekend!

#WeRunSocial

I actually met Linzie (@SharpEndurance) at one of his meet ups during the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend.  I was a little shy but he made me feel right at home.  I'm excited to see him again during this weekend!  I've been following Carlee (@CarleeMcDot) on social media for quite awhile and am looking forward to meeting her in real life!

If you want to learn more about #WeRunSocial, check out the blog that Brian (@PavementRunner) wrote about it.  I've got my shirt packed and plan to wear it while spectating the 10k so look for me on the course!

There are tons of other opportunities to meet and run into people - the expo, anniversary party, the races, and the parks!  I strongly suggest you take the time to introduce yourself....the running community is a wonderful one to be a part of - I know I have met some of the most amazing people I've ever known through it.  You never know who you might meet and what connection you might have.  Make sure to say hi if you see me around!

Do you plan to check out any of these meet ups?

Disneyland Half Marathon Packing Vlog

Hey guys!

Soooo….I kind of leave for Disneyland in EIGHT DAYS!!!!  I cannot believe the time is almost here!!!

I’ve started to get my things together and pack, and had a crazy idea to do a vlog…my FIRST vlog….was a little scary but I did it and now I’m posting it for the interwebz to see. 

So here it is…check out my “must have” racecation items!

Just a couple of things to add that I left out -

ALWAYS pack your race clothes into your carry on bag.  If you check your luggage and it gets lost, you could be up the creek without a paddle.  You don’t want to run in any new clothing or shoes for the first time at a race, so make sure you have these!  Everything else you could buy once you arrive.

Also, I like to make sure that my KT Tape sticks to my skin by using alcohol and hair spray before applying.  Make sure that your skin is clean and wipe the area down with alcohol and allow it to dry.  Then, spray on the hairspray (aerosol works the best) and allow it to dry, then apply the tape.  You can purchase small spray bottles to fill with alcohol and travel size hairspray to take with you.

I am so unbelievably excited!  Hopefully we'll see what fun merchandise will be for sale at the expo :) I hope to see YOU there, too!

Did I leave anything out?  What's something you would add to the list?

It's Finally Time!!

The day has finally come...tonight I leave for California for the Disneyland half marathon weekend to complete the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare Challenge!!

Needless to say, it's hard to focus at work today.  I'm so ready to head to the airport with my BRF Brandi and her mom.  My bags are packed and I'm ready to go!

Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram all weekend as I will be posting pictures and updates throughout our trip.

Foodie Friday is still on for tomorrow so make sure you check back for a yummy guest post from another BRF, Jill!

Until next time,

Jen

Wordless Wednesday

It's almost time!!

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend information!

Wow...so LOTS of info has surfaced in the past two days about the Disneyland half marathon weekend, and I must say, all the buzz about it on Facebook and Twitter is making it very hard to concentrate today!!

Source

Here's what we know so far - the course maps have been posted!

Half Marathon course
5k and 10k course

Can I just say I'm so excited to run inside Angels Stadium? (Even though I'm a Braves fan)

The corrals have also been posted -

Dumbo corrals
Half Marathon only corrals
10k only corrals

I'll be in Corral D!  If you're in that corral as well please join in on the fun!  I'll reveal my costume a week or so before the race so you know what to look for.

Waivers and Authorization forms are up, just in case you need someone to pick up your bib for you.  I'll be helping out my roommates with this task while they enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer them!

Print Your Waiver

And finally - runner tracking is now active so that your friends and family back home can see how you're doing during the races!

Runner Tracking

I was reading through the final race instructions for the Dumbo Double Dare as I was concerned how they would verify that you completed both races of the challenge, and luckily it was explained here.  A few months back in one of the Facebook groups I'm a member of, someone was talking about how they would register for a challenge and skip the first race, complete the second and still get their challenge medal.  This infuriated me...I'm training hard to complete this challenge and I know there are so many people out there who actually want to run both races, and to have someone half ass it and expect their challenge medal rubbed me the wrong way.

If you are completing the Dumbo Challenge, you will receive one bib to wear for both races.  Once you complete the 10k, you will receive a wristband.  After completing the half marathon the next day, you will trade your wristband in for the Dumbo Challenge medal.  I was really relieved to read this and wonder if they have always done it this way for Goofy's Challenge or if it was something new. 

You can find the race program, virtual goodie bag, final race instructions, and tons of other information on runDisney's website.

I am so incredibly excited and really hope to meet some of you there!

Until next time,

Jen

Weekly Workout - July 22-28

Gah...I have been a horrible blogger lately, and for that I apologize.  I need to make it a point to carve out an hour or so to sit down and write out my blogs. 

Last week I got my back-to-back runs in on the weekend.  Saturday I did 2 miles with Guinness.  They were slow as I'm still working with him on running, but we did okay.

Sunday I got up early to try and beat the heat.  I parked at Fowler Park and ran toward the trailhead so that I would have a place to stop, refill my water, use the restroom, before heading back to finish the rest of my run.  I tried Sharkies for the first time as my fuel - have to say I wasn't a fan of them.  They were super chewy and took me a few minutes to eat them. (I do love my Handana though!)

The second half of the run my legs started to feel really heavy.  I walked more than I wanted to, but it was getting warmer and the humidity was rising as well.  There were so many friendly runners along the path, waving, saying "Good morning" - it was really nice to be out there with other runners of all range of experience.

I was pretty pleased with my time.  When I did my 7 mile run a couple of weeks ago, I "think" it took me about 2 hours (since my watch died during the run I guestimated based on what time I started and what time I finished), so being able to add 1.5 miles in the same amount of time was a nice surprise.

In the past I have had issues with not fueling my body properly before long runs and have had a horrible time recovering, but I think I've finally kicked that bad habit!  Before my run, I tried out a Snickers marathon protein bar.  It was really good and even kind of tasted like a Snickers bar.  After my run, I enjoyed peanut butter and jelly on a slice of bread with some water.  Besides being a little sore, I felt good after my run!

At some point during my run, my compression shorts got a hole in the inseam, so my exposed skin got a bit chafed - boo!  I've had the shorts for close to a year and I've definitely gotten my money out of them, but man, chafing hurts!!  Especially on the inner thigh.  Off to buy some new shorts this week!

I PROMISE to get some blog posts up this week, complete with some reviews and a giveaway!

I hope everyone's training is going well....my fellow Dumbo runners - just 30 days away!  I can't wait to meet some of you!

Until next time,

Jen

Dumbo Training Update

The hubster wasn't really home this week...he's had a lot of business travel, so I haven't cooked much, but Foodie Friday will be back next week!

So instead, I thought I would give you a little update on how my training for Dumbo is going.  I've been getting in at least 2 runs a week...I really should be doing more but some nights just haven't allowed for it.  I also spoke with a running friend about how my feet always start to kill me at around miles 9 and 10 when I've run in my half marathons.  Her hubby is working on becoming a coach and he believes that one reason my feet may react this way is that I'm not running enough.  So...I did a little rewriting of my training schedule and (hope) to run at least 4 times a week.

This week, we start our back to back run/walk days to get our body ready to do two races two days in a row.  A one mile walk is scheduled for tomorrow, and instead of an 8 mile run, I'm doing a 5 mile run on Sunday.  This weekend I'm also moving my run/walk intervals up from 1:00/1:00 to 1:30/1:00.  I've run at this pace before but it's been awhile, so hopefully I don't keel over from it!

Last weekend I tried on a new pair of running shoes - the Brooks Launch.  From what I can gather by doing a little research on the internet, these were a very popular neutral shoe that Brooks discontinued, but finally brought back by popular demand.

When I first got fitted for running shoes, I was back and forth between Mizuno and Brooks.  I do still love my Mizunos and will continue to wear them, but I'm hoping that the Brooks can keep my feet happy during my longer runs.  I can't wait to take them out for a test drive!

I also need to start getting serious about my costumes for Dumbo.  I know what I'm doing...I just need to put the pieces together.  I can't believe in just over 2 months I'll be in California for a fun-filled (and run-filled) weekend with some amazing people that I've met, and some that I'll be meeting for the first time!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.  My mom is coming to stay with me tonight and go to a 4-H banquet with me tomorrow night.  I'm looking forward to some girl time with her.

Do you use a pre-written running plan or write out your own?

Until next time,

Jen

Pro Compression winner & Dumbo Training update

Thank you so much to everyone that entered my Pro Compression giveaway!  The winner is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congrats, Kimberly!  I will email you and you have 48 hours to reply back.  If I don't hear back from her, I will pick another winner!

Pro Compression has offered a discount code to all of my readers!  Use the code BLG13 to get 40% and free shipping on non-sale Marathon socks and calf sleeves!  I know I'll be ordering a pair of red ones very soon!

Disneyland Half Medals REVEALED

Today definitely deserves a second post....because today runDisney revealed the medals for the Disneyland half weekend, including the new Dumbo Double Dare and Disneyland 10k medals!!

I am absolutely LOVING the colorful Dumbo medal!!  I'll be getting the first three, PLUS my Coast to Coast medal -

PLUS, my Three Little Pigs Challenge medal!

This is going to be an epic weekend with some absolutely fun loving running friends!

What do you think of the medals?

Until next time,

Jen