Go! Pack! Go!

   So, I know the Green Bay Packers are out of the playoffs...and I know that my beloved Brett Favre is no longer a cheesehead, but I still thought I would use one of my favorite chants to title my blog about packing (C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS-- just didn't work).  Also, it's really hard to find a clever and interesting title for a blog about something that some may consider to be a boring, yet necessary part of going on vacation.  

    For myself, and the other type-A Disney planners on the Disney Moms Panel, however, packing is one of the many highlights of any Disney trip. 

      Every good packer always begins with a list.  For your viewing and packing convenience, I am sharing my time-tested list with you.  Feel free to print out, highlight, and check-off to your heart's content!  You can even make copies and laminate them for further use.  Please don't judge me...it just makes me happy...

**Diclaimer:  All great packing sessions are better with magical Disney music playing to create the perfect ambience

      My two boys are going with me to Disneyland for the Tinker Bell half marathon next week, so I decided to enlist their help.  I simply told them that we were going to Disneyland and we will be there for 3 days and they will be running a 5K during that time.  Not surprisingly, this is what they determined was necessary for their trips...(who doesn't need a vuvuzela to make a trip special?)

Packing for Disneyland if you are an 11-year-old "Type A" boy:

Packing for Disneyland if you are an 8-year-old "Type Z" boy who generally forgets to put on his undies and wears his socks with the heels flapping at the toes:

BONUS PACKING TIP:  I always pack an extra (empty) bag that I can either check-on for my return flight, or use as a carry on.  You ALWAYS end up coming home with more than you left with-- especially when you attend the awesome Fitness Expos! Definitely leave space for your new "This Isn't Sweat, This Is Liquid Awesome" shirt...

***Be sure and print out your race waiver and packet pick-up information for the Tinker Bell half marathon!!  

See you at the finish line!!!

Liquid Awesome

 

       One of my favorite things about runDisney are the amazing Health and Fitness Expos that they have during race weekends.  They have everything a person could possibly need and even more of everything that a person could want.
        You can find running gear, recovery gear, race shirts, medal displays, protein bars, gels, drinks, jewelry, car decals and more.  You can register for future Disney races and other races, often at a discount.  You can meet celebrities like Sage Steele, Jeff Galloway and Tony Horton.  You can have your photo taken on a green screen, then turn around and get health insurance advice.
      All of these things are great!  However, my very most favorite thing to do at the expo is to read the shirts with slogans that so clearly express what I and many others are actually thinking during the running part of the race weekends...some of my faves from this year:

*If you see me collapse, pause my Garmin

*This isn't sweat---it's liquid Awesome

*WTF---"Where's The Finish?"

*This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago...

*I'm only doing this to post pictures on Facebook

*Does this shirt make my butt look fast?

Races Are Like Childbirth

 

 So, here is my deep thought for the day....

     Running a race is very similar to birthing a child.   

     The other day I was talking to a friend that was getting ready to run her first half marathon and as I was describing my experiences to her, I started thinking that it seems very similar to when you give birth to a child.  Here are my thoughts...

    When you first sign up for a race there is that initial dose of excitement with a twinge of nervousness of what to expect.  (very similar to seeing that positive sign on the stick!)  The next few months are filled with running and dietary research and race training (baby books, baby names, lamaze...), then comes costume coordination, because all serious runners wear race costumes. (much like planning your baby's take home outfit and decorating their plush nurseries that will never be used because they refuse to sleep in their beautifully coordinated cribs).

    Soon enough, the big day arrives!  The initial excitement of the day eventually becomes replaced with "What the crap was I thinking??", and "WHY did I think this was a good idea?"  (obviously, this is before the epidural)  But soon enough, you reach your runner's high (or...the epidural sets in) and you breeze across the finish line already planning your next race.  You cradle your medal much like a baby and are filled with an enormous sense of pride.  Recovery takes a few days (or weeks) but all in all, you will tell everyone that it was totally worth it and can't wait to do it again!

    Naturally, my sons are much more beloved to me than any race medal I could ever obtain.  However, unless you are a reality TV star, it's unlikely that you will get to experience childbirth as often as you can cross finish lines.  When I told my husband my simile about races and childbirth, he said, "Good, then the next time you say you want a baby, I will just tell you to sign up for another race!"  See you at the START line!

My Buddies and Me

    

  One of the things that I like best about running are my buddies!  I have always been a girl who likes to have a lot of friends around, and looking back I can see that during the years that my boys were infants and toddlers, there was a definite gap in that part of my life.  

   We run for the exercise and sport, but we also run for the friendship and conversation.  I know that talking while running may not earn you the fastest time, but it is cheap therapy and definitely makes the miles fly by!  

   I love all of my running buddies...old and brand new!!  I can't wait to make more=)

My cousin and buddy Kristin--she even named my blog for me!

Ready for the 2011 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon

My new buddy Stacy!  Check out her blog at www.rundisneymom.com

Allison, Amy, Me, Kristin, Leslie (sis in law), and Leslie (cousin)

High School Buddies at Disney!  And my first blog follower =) Kristi

Union County represents at the Paducah Iron-Mom

Posing with the famous Dave Mari at the Wine and Dine Expo

Walt Disney World Moms Panel 2012

     I am STILL pinching myself!  Did this really happen?  Did I really just spend 4 amazing days at Disney World with 14 strangers who have now become my best friends?  Do I really get the privilege of serving on the Moms Panel and helping thousands of people plan their magical Walt Disney World and runDisney trips?
    If I am dreaming...PLEASE don't wake me up!!!    Visit us at the Moms Panel website and fire away all of your Disney questions!!

Will Run Through Castles!

     Soooo...I am not ashamed to admit that my running journey began around 3 years ago when I decided that it would be totally cool to run through Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.  Having been to Disney so many times, I am always trying to think of things that I haven't haven't done, and that was one of those things!
     My cousins, Kristin and Leslie, are just as obsessed with all things Disney so they were on board quickly!   We signed up for the inaugural Princess Half Marathon.  Seeing as we don't live close to one another, we decided to train "virtually".  However, I am fairly certain we spent more time on "costume preparation" than on the actual running part!
      It came as a fair surprise that not only did we cross the finish line, but we did so still on our feet and already thinking about signing up for the race the following year!
      My sons were quick to ask me if I won...and while I didn't technically "win" any awards, I truly believe that anyone who crosses that finish line is a winner!  Not only are you doing something good for your body, but you form bonds with other runners and gain a huge dose of pride!  Plus, you get to run in the MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH!!!

           Year 2 of the Princess Half Marathon---we were even able to throw up a pyramid after the race!