runDisney News Updates!

So this time tomorrow I'll be 35,000 feet in the air somewhere between New Jersey and California!  Crazy!

Just wanted to give you guys some runDisney updates before I leave.  There aren't many, just a few odds and ends.

Not sure how much I'll be able to post while I'm out in Disneyland so try not to miss me too much!  We wil have Wi-Fi in both hotels we're staying at but our schedule is pretty jam packed until about midnight every night (because we obviously need to close out the parks and grab a drink at Trader Sam's, right??)!  I'll be sure to come back with a ton of updates, pictures, recaps, and reviews though!



Disneyland Half  - Sold Out! It's on SUNDAY!

The most recent update is that there's a free poster you can sign up to pick up at the expo.  I posted about it here.

runDisney also posted a blog with a packing list of some items that you shouldn't forget!  Go to their blog to check it out!

See you guys there!!


Tower of Terror 10-Miler  - Sold Out!

Waivers have been emailed to participants for the weekend races!  Click here to be linked to your waiver.

Also posted earlier....

• 10-Miler Course Map
• 5k Medal Revealed

Wine & Dine Half  - Sold Out!

No new updates....

• Half Marathon Course Map
• Food & Wine Festival Booths Announced 
• Finish Line Party Tickets Still on Sale

Marathon Weekend

WDW Half:  83% full
WDW Full: 90% full
Goofy: 91% full


Tinker Bell Half  - Sold Out!

No new updates...


Princess Half  - Registration Open!

No official new updates other than the date:  February 24, 2013


Everest Challenge

No official new updates other than the date:  May 4, 2013


  

Week in Training, 8/20 - 8/26

Training last week went kinda ok.  Some of the CrossFit WOD's kicked my butt, but I PR'd one day.  And then there was my horrible horrible run on Sunday... blah.  I'm trying to forget about it completely.


Monday, 8/20:  CrossFit

Didn't think this would woop my behind as much as it did!  

Warmup:

- Bicep Curls  5x10

15# warmup - 25# - 25# - 25# - 30# - 30#

WOD:

3 rounds for Time....

- 500m Row

- 400m Run

Total Time:  15:15

Didn't realize how rough running would be after the row!  My legs felt like complete jello.

Tuesday, 8/21:  Rest Day

Wednesday, 8/22:  CrossFit

Warmup:

- Back Squats, 8x3  at 70% max weight

Since my max weight so far is 155#, I used 105#. Felt good!  But I think it tired out my legs for the WOD...

WOD:  15 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)

- 10 Kettle Bell Swings, I used 35#

- 10 Box Jumps, I used 20" box

- 10 Ring Dips, attempted to use a harder band (Red) but after 1 round, I switched back to blue

I've done the 24" box easily before but my legs felt like lead. I even caught my toe twice on the 20" box....scary! 

Total: 6 full rounds plus 10 kettle bell swings & 3 box jumps

Thursday, 8/23:  CrossFit

Warmup:

Deadlifts, 3x5

Half of us read the board wrong and thought it was 5x3...oops

115# x 5 for warmup, 125 x 3, 135 x 3, 135 x 3, 135 x 3, 135 x 3

WOD:  5 rounds for time

- 10 Hand Stand Pushups, used 45# and 25# plate plus abmat for my head

- 20 Floor Sweepers, 75#

- 10 Power Cleans, 75#

Total time:  15:00

Felt good!  Should have taken off at least the 25# plate for the hand stand pushups, it was slightly too high.

My baby hand stand pushups

Friday, 8/24:  CrossFit

Warmup:

- 800m run and stretching/squats

WOD:

- Snatch Balance, 7 x 1 to max weight

15# x 5 warmup, 35# x 3 warmup, 55# x 2 warmup

55# - 60# - 65# - 70# - 75# - 80# - 85# 

I failed at 85# twice but felt good so kept trying until I got it.  Felt a little shaky at the bottom but the last one was stable enough so that I could stand successfully.  Was so excited and the instructor even got a pic...see below!  I think after I figure out the balance of it, adding a little more weight will be slightly easier.  At first we thought that my squat stance was too wide but after a few different attempts, realized that it's a comfortable stance for me.  We also tried getting my grip a little wider but that failed miserably.

85# Snatch Balance...woot!

Saturday, 8/25:  Running

Holy crappy run, Batman!!! But I sure as heck learned a lot on this run.  

1.  Heat & humidity suck.  Big time.  First 2 miles felt amazing and then the clouds parted and the sun came out.

2.  Nuun?  My body hates it.  With a passion.  Now I know why the last few miles of the marathon in January sucked so much too when I switched over after I ran out of Gatorade.  I didn't start drinking the nuun until about Mile 2.5.  Around mile 3 my stomach started cramping miserably.  I thought I was going to hurl so I sadly threw in walk breaks.  I was SO bummed and defeated.  I drank 20oz of water/nuun and I still felt ridiculously dehydrated.   That's not normal.  Just chugged a coconut water when i got home and SUCH a difference.  Guess I'm sticking to Gatorade now and forever.  

3.  A PR will 99.9% not happen at Disneyland since I need to shave off an average of 2 mins/mile for that to happen in a week.  Umm...nope.  

4.  I need new headphones.  My current ones kept emitting a strange hum.  

My mile splits?  Entertaining.... 

1. 9:12 - felt AMAZING! didnt even notice pace until after mile was over

2. 9:30 - felt so good that had to force myself to slow down

3. 10:24 - first cramps started

4. 11:00 - first walk break due to cramps

5. 12:08 - anddd the walking continued

6. 13:00 - pretty sure I almost walked this whole mile b/c I was going to puke

7. 13:21 - and walked even more

8. 12:30 - sucked it up & ran b/c I wanted the 'run' over with.

Sunday, 8/26:  Rest Day


How has everyone's training been going lately?  

New Updated Runners World Challenge Packages for Marathon Weekend

Back in July, I wrote a post about the Ultimate Runners World Challenge Packages that were available for runners for Marathon Weekend.  It included race registration, hotel stay at the Yacht or Beach Club, hospitality suites, a gift & shirt, runs with experts, Pasta in the Park Party entry, Race Retreat access, etc.  But... it was pretty pricey for my budget.  If you were only doing one race, it's about $1700.  Goofy will cost you $1900.  Slightly more than my wallet could handle.

Well it looks like they added a few more options which are definitely more affordable for runners!  You can now book the packages without the hotel stay.  One individual race is $450 and Goofy is $700.  If you've already registered but want to upgrade, you can do that too.  According to their site, you would register for the full price online on their site and then request a refund for your original registration fee.

For a full list of what's included....

Runner’s World Challenge participants will receive:

• Entry to the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World® Marathon, Half Marathon, or Goofy's Race and a - Half Challenge (half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday) with preferred corral placement
•  A 16-week training plan for each race distance designed by The Runner's World Experts, and Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, who has coached hundreds of elites, celebs, and everyday runners.
• Weekly e-mails from Bart with guidance on training, nutrition, injury prevention, and motivation
•  One year of access to the Runner's World Challenge experts on nutrition, training, and injury-prevention
• Access to a private Runner's World Challenge web site, where you connect with other runners training for the race
• A copy of The Runner's World Complete Book of Running
• A Runner's World Challenge tech shirt
• A four-month free trial of the premium version of the Runner's World Personal Trainer, our interactive training log
• Private packet pick-up  at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo
• Commemorative 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend keepsake gift
• Pre-race course strategy session with the Runner's World experts and editors
• Pre-race shakeout runs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with the Runner’s World team
• Entry to the Pasta in the Park Party on Saturday night at Epcot® where the Runner's World VIPs & editors will be in attendance (party includes buffet pasta dinner, live DJ, Disney characters and viewing of the fireworks spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot®)
• Entry to the Race Retreat
• Pre-race amenities including hot and cold beverages with fruit and bagels, dedicated stretching area, and private "no line" portalets & bag check
• Post-race amenities including a nutritious buffet, massage, private portalet & bag pick up, and live results
• Post-race celebration on Sunday night at the Cool Down taking place in Downtown Disney® Area

To register for the 'Run Only' option (without hotel), you can register here.  

If you still want to add hotel to the package, you can book the Ultimate Package by calling 407-939-7781.

Is anyone interested in the packages?  I would love to hear your experience with them!  I think the cheaper price point will be a big draw for a lot more runners, especially since most of us already have booked months ago (I booked mine 11 months prior to race day!).  If you add up the perks of the Race Retreat, Pasta in the Park Party, etc... it actually isn't that much more than if you paid for each event individually.  Pretty cool!

*** Updated to add that you can find information and register for both packages at runDisney.com or runnersworldchallenge.com

Free Disneyland Half Marathon Poster

For anyone that is going to be running the Disneyland Half marathon this week (OMG!) and/or will be at the expo, Lasting Commemoratives is offering a free Disneyland Half Marathon poster to those that register for one.  You just have to go in person to the expo to pick it up!

To order your free poster, click here.  You have to print out the coupon and bring it to their booth at the expo!

Their fine print....

Print the coupon and bring to the Lasting Commemoratives booth at the Disneyland Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo August 31 & September 1.

(Offer is valid only at the Disneyland Health and Fitness Expo. Limit one poster per person. Poster must be picked up at the expo, posters will not be shipped. Any questions please email us at customerservice@lastingcommemoratives.com)

Adventures in Paleo Cooking, Part 2

I've got a few new recipes that I attempted and totally loved so I wanted to share them!  I'm also in the process of making Ropa Vieja and Cuban 'Rice' but I'll save that review for the next installment.

Keeping Paleo is getting easier, minus the beers that are always available when I head out with friends. I've been trying to stick to cider (which is gluten free) whenever I can but some times it's just really hard and I REALLY want to try that new awesome beer on tap.  I definitely still feel so much better than before so it's a great motivator to stick to this and not cheat as much.

Being in Disneyland is honestly going to be somewhat of a free-for-all.  I hate to admit it, but there are just some things that I REALLY want to eat when I'm there that just aren't Paleo.  Ummm....Mickey shaped beignets?  Yes, please!  I'll be making healthier choices when I have the option but I'm on vacation and I'm going to enjoy it!

So anyways....here are the most recent Paleo cooking successes!  Sorry none of these photos are mine but I was getting lazy and way too hungry to dig out my camera!


Almond Strawberry Stuffed Chicken Breast (Civilized Caveman Cooking)
- I didn't have spinach b/c I didn't want to buy a whole bag for just a few days.  Cut the recipe in half and I still had SOOO much stuffing.  After rolling some stuffing in the chicken, I skipped pan searing it and just popped it into the oven, pouring the extra stuffing around the chicken.  I love cinnamon so doused the chicken and stuffing in it.  It was a great combination of flavors and I loved the crunch of the almonds!

Mine didn't have spinach.... (Source:  Civilized Caveman Cooking)

Apple Bacon Rosemary Pork Burgers (PaleOMG)
-  Easy and tasty!  I used 5 slices of bacon instead of 6-8 and it still was delicious.  Out of a little over a pound of meat I was able to get 4 normal sized burgers out of it.  Might use sage instead next time to change it up.


Balsamic Grilled Chicken w/Sundried Tomatoes (Civilized Caveman Cooking)
- SO good and SO easy to make!  Since we're not allowed to have grills (stupid condo rules!), I just threw this in a pan with some sliced up zucchini and put it in the oven.  Also added some chopped garlic and diced sweet onions.  30 mins later, voila!  Didn't specifically measure the liquids but it was delicious.  Made only 2 servings and now a little bummed I didn't make more!

I was WAY too hungry to take my own photo... but luckily George's food photo skills are MUCH better than mine!

Source:  Civilized Caveman Cooking

Zucchini Almond Butter Muffins (Carrots 'n' Cake)
- I was browsing all the blogs in my reader one night and when I got to this post by Tina, I realized I had all the ingredients already in my house.  So at 9:30pm, I turned on the oven and made these babies. Like Tina said in her post, the muffins aren't sweet, just VERY slightly do you taste the honey, and they're hearty/dense.  But they tasted great!  I actually was only able to eat about 3 of these on my own...the other 6 mysteriously disappeared.  And this pic reminds me that I need to buy muffin cups....

Source:  Carrots 'n' Cake

I also attempted to make cauliflower rice and it was Good!  I'm SO not a fan of cauliflower so I was very skeptical but this didn't taste like it at all.  Didn't really follow a recipe but used olive oil in the pan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, chopped sweet onions, and about 1/2 a cup of vegetable stock.  I want to master the recipe and then I'll post it on here at some point.

Side note... WHY did it take me so long to think of freezing leftover stock into ice cube trays and then transferring the cubes to a freezer bag?  I always throw so much stock and canned liquid out b/c it's just me cooking.  I now have enough vegetable stock in the freezer to last me awhile!  Score!


And of course I had a Paleo #Fail!  There's always got to be at least one failed attempt, right?  I attempted to make barbacoa (a pulled beef dish) in my slow cooker but I think when I was making the sauce, I underestimated the spiciness of adobo chili powder.  I followed the directions perfectly but apparently my chili powder was exponentially hotter.  My eyebrows were sweating!  I now sadly have 2 more servings of this stuff in my freezer and have NO idea what to do with it but I really don't want to throw it out.  Mixing it with avocado and tomato seemed to help though and I paired it with cauliflower rice.  I will be attempting it again.... I think.  

Getting Excited!

As the Disneyland countdown winds it's way to 0, I'm getting more and more excited.  Last year was my first trip to Disneyland EVER so it was a total overwhelming unique experience.

But what am I looking forward to this time around?

The teeny tiny castle... :)  

From last years half marathon trip

I know I joke about it all the time, but I honestly do like it!  I just like to joke around with Keith since he loves DL and I love WDW.  The Sleeping Beauty castle walkthrough is pretty cool and something unique you can't see in FL.


Cars Land! 

Source:  InsidetheMagic

Since I wasn't planning on heading to Disneyland for awhile, I only half paid attention to all of the Cars Land hoopla that was going on.  It seemed awesome but I was waiting to get excited.  Well now?  I can't stop reading about it!  It sounds beautiful!  And I have to make sure that we go during the day AND at night.  It looks stunning!



The FOOD!

Need I say more?  Since Pat will be joining me on this trip, we're heading to Steakhouse 55 (we couldn't make it there last year) and Napa Rose.  Napa Rose MIGHT have been one of my all time favorite meals EVER.  Yes, EVER.

But on a cheaper budget, we obviously need to stuff ourselves and carb up with Mickey beignets every day, Mint Juleps, and of course Dole Whip floats.  However... to joke around with Keith some more.... Disneyland dole whips are MUCH different than WDW dole whips, I swear.  Slightly different taste, different texture, slightly smaller... and I think WDW's are better.  However... Disneyland does include the cute little umbrella and a cherry.  :)

Pistachio crusted lamb chops at Napa Rose

Mickey beignets!

Dole Whip floats!

World of Color

We did get to see it last year but we didn't have a great spot so I'd LOVE to see it again with a much better view.

Source:  Tom Bricker at TouringPlans

Pirates of the Caribbean

I know they have the 'same' ride in Florida, but it's SO much different and I will easily say that Disneyland's is better.  The ride is much longer and there are so many other scenes to see!

Source:  Cory Disbrow's Flickr

I'm pretty sure the list could go on and on... but I'll spare you guys until I get back!

What's everyone else looking forward to? 

Week In Training, 8/13 - 8/19

So after my fun Disneyland Half announcement on Friday, it's time to start cracking down on working on a little more running in the next 10 days.  Yes, totally NOT enough time to train properly but I just want to go out and enjoy the race.  Did have a nice semi-long run yesterday so I know I'll at least survive!


Monday, 8/13:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- 50 6-count burpees
Those weren't fun! But got through em!

WOD: "Tabata Everything Else"
8 rounds of each exercise. 20 seconds on, 10 second rest. Count total reps.
- pullups (used blue band) got between 25-28
- pushups (all real ones!) did around 60?!
- situps - did around 80?
- air squats - did around 80?

Total reps: 246

Pullups and pushups were the worst but air squats were the easiest. Def liked the WOD though!



Tuesday, 8/14:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- Burgenor Warmup
- Junk Yard Dogs & Over Unders

WOD:
- 15 rounds:
- Power Snatch to 5 Overhead Squats

35# - 45 - 55 - 60 - 65 - 67.5 - 67.5 - 67.5 - 67.5 - 70(F)- 70 - 70(F) - 70 - 70 - 70(F)
F = Failed attempts (usually 3 attempts before stopping)

Another PR for both power snatches and overhead squats but as a disclaimer, I've never attempted either of these at max weight until today. I was getting so frustrated at 70!  My form was all out of whack at first and then it started coming together.  Then I started getting tired and falling apart.  But I'll take it!

Post WOD:
- 5 hill sprints

Source:  CrossFit SoCal

Wednesday, 8/15:  CrossFit

Warmup:  "Fran"
21 - 15 - 9
- Thrusters  - Used 15#
- Pullups - Used blue band for 10, green for rest

This was an 'easy' Fran with light weights just to warmup.  My arms were sore from the past few days so I took it easy on pullups too.

WOD:
Backsquats, 5 x 10
95# - 115# - 125# - 130# - 130#

I didn't know my max weight for backsquats so this is a PR!  Previously I had hit 115 but knew that wasn't my max either.  Was having a little trouble going past parallel in the squats but finally got it!  I think I was scared I wouldn't be able to stand up!



Thursday, 8/16:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- Mobility

WOD:  "Jared"
- 800m run
- 40 Pullups
- 70 Pushups

Hero WODs are always intense!  They were created to honor the fallen soldier who the WOD was named after so it's always humbling to learn a little more about him....

U.S. Army Master Sergeant Jared N. Van Aalst, 34, of Laconia, New Hampshire, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died August 4, 2010, in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered while his unit was conducting combat operations. He is survived by his wife, Katie Van Aalst, his daughters Kaylie and Ava, and a posthumous son, Hugh Jared.

There was a 30 minute cap on this WOD, at least at our box/gym, so NO ONE had been able to complete it all day.  It was HARD!  For the pullups I used the green band and made sure I did EVERY pushup the 'real' way.

Was able to get through 2 full rounds.  Whew!  My 2nd run felt SO slow!



Friday, 8/17:  CrossFit

Warmup:  2 rounds
- 10 air squats
- 20 back extensions
- 10 air squats

WOD:
- Overhead Squats 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1  (previous PR of 70#)
   Warmed Up w/ 45# x 5, 55# x 3, 65# x 1
   75# - 80# - 85# - 90# - 95#

- Front Squats 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 (previous PR of 115#)
   105# - 110# - 115# - 125# - 135#

- Back Squats 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1  (previous PR of 130#)
   135# - 145# - 155# - 160# (FAIL)

Well, on a happy note...I killed my PR's in EACH of these!  Everything felt good until I got to the backsquats.  155# was HARD so when I racked it to 160# I was trying to mentally prepare myself.  While in the squat I could feel myself falling forward on my toes, which is BADDDD.  I tried SO hard to rock myself back onto my heels and it was just NOT working so I crashed HARD falling forward.  Luckily I was quick enough to duck my head and not get nailed by the bar but woah..it scared the crap out of me.  After that happened I just called it quits for the day.  UGH!  Never ever want that to happen again!

That's me!  From way back in June, so the bar is missing 20#

Saturday, 8/18:  CrossFit

Our gym/box had a demo outside of the local running store so we all headed there for the workout.

WOD:  AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 20 mins
- 20 squat jumps
- 20 6-count burpees
- 20 flutter kicks

Got through 4 full rounds plus 20 squat jumps and 10 burpees.  Felt good throughout for the most part!  Other than the soaking wet parking lot?  We had a good time.  :)  Plus I ended up buying a new pair of shoes for CrossFit b/c my Nike Frees weren't the best.  Went with the New Balance Minimus Trainers. Will test them out next week!

That's me in the pink!

Sunday, 8/19:  Run & CrossFit

I felt like I was crawling and was hoping for at least 10min/miles but I'll take it.  No matter what I did I just couldn't pick up the pace.  Wore my Nike Structures for the first time since Goofy and I don't think I like them any more.  They just feel so clunky compared to my Brooks Pure's.

After the run I headed to Whole Foods where my CrossFit box was holding a community class.

WOD:  15 min AMRAP
- 100m run
- 10 hand release pushups
- 10 jump squats

I honestly don't remember how many rounds I got through.  At least 5!

runDisney Meet-Up and Warm-Up for Disneyland Weekend

Yesterday runDisney announced that they were having another one of their awesome meet-ups prior to the Disneyland Half Marathon!

They've had one I believe during every race weekend ever since the very first Wine & Dine Half Marathon in 2010.  It's a great way for a few lucky runners to meet some great elite athletes and celebrities and have any type of question answered by the gurus.  Jeff Galloway is always in attendance and most of the meet-ups include a few mile run with him around the theme parks or other unique parts of property.  Other special guests have included the winners of past Disney races, Olympic track coaches, Ethan Zohn & Jenna Moresca from Survivor and Amazing Race, and Tony Horton from P90X.

From the Disney Parks Blog post yesterday....

Photo from runDisney

To kick off the upcoming Disneyland Half Marathon, runDisney will be hosting a Meet-Up and Warm-Up to get runners revved up for the seventh annual event weekend.


Thirty selected applicants will get an opportunity to get their “kicks on Route 66” during a special training run through Disney California Adventure park and its newest addition, Cars Land.

Following the Jeff Galloway-led run, selected applicants will also meet a couple of special guests, including three-time Olympian and former American 1000m record holder Suzy Favor Hamilton. As always, there will be surprises along the way.


~~~~~~~

Congrats to everyone that was selected to attend!  Sounds like the meet-ups are getting better and better, and a run through Cars Land????  AWESOME!


To read about past runDisney meet-ups, I have recaps of some of them listed below.

runDisney Meet-Ups:
          2010 Wine & Dine Jeff Galloway Meet-Up and Run 
          2011 Disneyland Meet-Up with Jeff Galloway
          2011 Wine & Dine Meet-Up & Eat-Up    (Guest Post)
          2012 Marathon Weekend runDisney Meetup and Run
          2012 Tinker Bell Meet-Up & Fly Away (Guest Post) 

California Dreamin!!!

So umm... I swear my friends are the WORST when it comes to peer pressure.... the WORST!!!

Yesterday someone posted that there were a few additional spots available for the Disneyland Half over Labor Day.... can you see where this is going???

Well, this just happened...

Yes, I will be there!  I found a decent flight and decided to just take the plunge.  Now I just need to find a floor or couch to crash on.  Anyone have any extra room?  :)



Side note... if you too are swayed by peer pressure...  the link to register is here.  

More Celebs Running in runDisney Events

runDisney made a few more announcements today about celebrities that will be running during Marathon Weekend!

First up is Sean Astin, of Goonies, Rudy, and Lord of the Rings fame.  He ran the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in about 1:59 last year and kept talking about how awesome it was.  He'll be running the Disneyland Half as well as the WDW Marathon in January!

Sean finishing Tinkerbell!  Photo from runDisney's FB page

He posted a video on his blog right after the Tinkerbell run and he completely touches on everything that I love about running at Disney!





Also running the full marathon is Drew Carey.  He ran the 2011 Disneyland Half Marathon and also ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011 when I ran it!  Sadly I didn't get a chance to see him though.

Source:  People.com

Next up to be announced was Giles Marini.  Many women will know him from the Sex and the City movie and everyone should recognize him from Dancing with the Stars.  He'll be running the WDW Half Marathon!

Kit Hoover, co-host of Access Hollywood is also running the WDW Half Marathon.  I love her as a co-host and watch the show pretty much every day.  I remember her from when she was on the first season of Road Rules and have been a fan ever since!  She always talks about how much she loves running so I would love to hear what she thinks of the runDisney races when she's done!

Source:  Access Hollywood

They join other celebs Ethan Zohn, Jenna Morasca, Alison Sweeny, and Colin Cowherd, who have already announced that they are all running the WDW Half Marathon.

Can't wait to see if there are any other celebs announced!  And if any of these guys need a running buddy, where do I apply?  

runDisney News Roundup!

Trying to keep up with all the runDisney news is almost a full time job!  I didn't want to keep creating new posts for each minor thing so trying to put them all here.  I know I already posted about the marathon medal a few hours ago but wanted to get this out there before tomorrow!

The first non-race specific announcement is the release of the brand new runDisney website.  No longer is it directly linked to the ESPN WWOS site and it's SO much easier to navigate and find things!  There's sections for each individual race, training programs, travel information for each theme park area, race results lookup, a new upcoming blog area, and an FAQ section for overall runDisney things to individual race questions.

screenshot from the new rundisney.com

OK, now onto the race specific stuff!  The biggest news lately was with the WDW Marathon Weekend, including a race registration discount, but I'll go in order of sooner races.

Disneyland Half  - Sold Out!

I had posted these earlier but it doesn't hurt to link to them again!

• Half Marathon Course Map
• 5k Map 
• Official Race Program
• Site to print waivers and see bib numbers

The medal was also officially revealed! 

Source:  runDisney FB page

Tower of Terror 10-Miler  - Sold Out!

Also posted this earlier....

• 10-Miler Course Map
• 5k Medal Revealed

Wine & Dine Half  - Sold Out!

• Half Marathon Course Map
• Food & Wine Festival Booths Announced 
• Finish Line Party Tickets Still on Sale

Someone that was at an expo also posted the Wine & Dine medal on the runDisney FB page...  It was mentioned that the flash blew out the color of the ribbon.  It's more of a deeper purple.

Source:  Tagged on runDisney's FB page

The 5k medal was also seen at an expo.  The ribbon is red and white candy striped...

Source:  Running of the Ears

And the participant shirt logo was also revealed!

Source:  runDisney

Marathon Weekend


WDW Half:  73% full
WDW Full: 82% full
Goofy: 88% full


Busy news week for marathon weekend!  First, if you haven't registered yet, there's a race registration discount now available to celebrate the release of the new runDisney website and the reveal of the 20th anniversary marathon medal.

Enjoy the original early registration price until tomorrow, 12pm on August 15th, 2012.  To register, click here.

Walt Disney World® Marathon

• $150 by June 19, 2012
• $170 between June 20, 2012 and September 25, 2012
• $190 on or after September 26, 2012

Walt Disney World® Half Marathon

• $150 by June 19, 2012
• $170 between June 20, 2012 and September 25, 2012
• $190 on or after September 26, 2012

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge

• $320 by June 19, 2012
• $350 between June 20, 2012 and September 25, 2012
• $380 on or after September 26, 2012

And here are the two new medals for the half and full marathon!

Andddd...I'm not done yet!  The Disney Store also has some marathon weekend merchandise for sale already for 2013!  Is this a new trend that some of the items will be for sale prior to the expos??

Check out the Disney Store runDisney stuff here!

Tinker Bell Half  - Sold Out!

The race shirt logo was announced on runDisney's FB page too!  What do you guys think?

Source:  runDisney FB page

Princess Half  - Registration Open!

No official new updates other than the date:  February 24, 2013

Everest Challenge

No official new updates other than the date:  May 4, 2013

The 20th Anniversary WDW Marathon Medal!

I know I've been waiting to see this medal FOREVER!  Probably the minute I crossed the finish line of the full marathon this year I started thinking about what this baby would look like.

So here it is guys, the 20th anniversary marathon medal!  I know a few leaks made their way onto the internet earlier but I wanted to be sure it was legit before making the announcement.

Who's excited?  What do you guys think?  I totally love it.  Love the classic Mickey on one side of the spinner.  I think it's simple yet sophisticated (well as sophisticated as a runDisney race should be!).  And I seriously can't wait to have this around my neck!

Anyone else excited to get BOTH new medals when you run Goofy?  :)   Not gonna lie, that was a huge driving force in me registering for the crazy challenge again.  How can you say no to TWO new medals?! 

Week in Training, 8/6 - 8/12

The past week was all CrossFit, every week day.  That's what happens when I'm bored at home and it's too hot out to want to do a long run.  I did wrap up the week though with the Yankee Stadium 5k!

Monday, 8/6:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- 400m run
- 50 Pullups (did 20 w/blue - harder & 30 w/green band - easier)
- 400m run

WOD:  3 rounds for time....
- 15 hang power cleans - I used 75#
- 15 burpees

Hang Power Cleans (source)

So sadly the clock at the box konked out so we have no idea how fast we did it in.  But this was rough!

75# is a new PR for me, had only gotten up to 65# in the past!  The last two sets of hang power cleans took a bit, had to do 2 or 3 at a time towards the end.  Burpees had to be in spurts of 5 after awhile.  Do burpees EVER get easier?

Ha, I MIGHT need this.... (Source)

Tuesday, 8/7:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- 800m run
- 50 Pushups

WOD:
- 100 Thrusters for time, max of 25 mins - used 45#
- Every time bar touches the ground, 25 Wallballs - used 14#

HOLY HARD! Last time we did 100 thrusters, it took me about 15 mins but we were allowed to put the bar down.  THIS was a whole different beast.  As long as the bar didn't touch the ground, we were still ok...so everyone was trying to figure out how to rest the bar on our bodies.  Backs, thighs, squats... it was rough.

I ended up only getting to 80 thrusters and had to put the bar down 4 times.  Total of 95 wallballs since time was called when I was mid-wallball. Tried to do 5 thrusters at a time and rest the bar somewhere on my body but it was miserable! lol

Yea...I don't want to do that WOD again for awhile!

Thrusters...yay!  (Source)

Wednesday, 8/8:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- 800m run
- 50 pullups (25 blue band - harder, 25 green band - easier)...baby steps!
- 800m run

WOD:
- Clean & Jerks:  3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3
65# warmup x 5, 85# warmup x 3, 90# warmup x1
95# - 95# - 95# (only got 2) - 95# (only got 2) - 95# (only got 1)

Clean & Jerks (Source)

The first time I did Clean & Jerks was a little over a month ago and it wasn't to max weight, so this is a nice little PR :)

My brain just WASN'T working though, and my body wasn't having it towards the end.  I just could NOT get my elbows under the bar at all after awhile.  I got the height just couldn't finish it up.  I attempted a 6th set just to see if I could get any cleans but failed miserably.

And can't I consider this a PR for Power Cleans as well?  In the past it was 90#.



Thursday, 8/9:  CrossFit... the "Filthy Fifty"

Woah... lol

Warmup:
- 1000m run
- 50 Pullups (20 blue band, 30 green band)
- 1000m run

WOD:  The Filthy Fifty.... 30 minute max
- 50 Box jump, 24 inch box
- 50 Jumping pull-ups
- 50 Kettlebell swings, 1 pood (35#)
- Walking Lunge, 50 steps
- 50 Knees to elbows
- 50 Push press, 45#
- 50 Back extensions
- 50 Wall ball shots, 20# ball  (I used 14#)
- 50 Burpees
- 50 Double unders

Holy Filthy!  I knew today was going to be brutal but this seriously kicked my rear.  Since there were so many of us in class at 5pm, we started at different sections of the WOD.  I started with kettlebell swings and continued my way down the list.

Umm... I only got to 10 Burpees!!  I guess getting to 6 of the 9 stations wasn't horrible.  But still.  Knees to elbows is what ate up a TON of time.  I just couldn't get momentum going and felt all off balance so I had to do like 2 at a time.  FOREVER.

And the weights weren't scaled down for the girls.  Except I realized I was using a 14# medicine ball instead of 20#.  ooops.


Friday, 8/10:  CrossFit


Warmup:
- 800m run
- 50 pushups
- 1000m row

WOD:
- 30 Thrusters 75/45#  (I used 45#)
- 3 15ft rope climbs
- 20 Thrusters 75/45#
- 2 15ft rope climbs
- 10 Thrusters 75/45#
- 1 15ft rope climbs

Total Time:  12:23 (I think...)

Yayyyy rope climbs!  (Source)

Last time I attempted rope climbs I could really only get up to the ceiling once.  I'm proud to say I hit the ceiling EACH time for these!

Thrusters weren't bad but compared to the rest of the week, these thrusters were tame! :)



Saturday, 8/11:  Rest Day


Sunday, 8/12:  Yankee Stadium 5k

More on that later!  I'm trying to do a separate post on it! 

New Disney World Half Marathon Medal Revealed!

Update 8/10:  runDisney just posted on their FB an actual photo of the medal and not just a mockup.  What do you guys think?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
runDisney finally revealed the medal for the WDW Half Marathon during Marathon Weekend!






I can honestly say I love it!  It's very similar to the 15th anniversary medal from last year but this time all one color and incorporates 2013 into it.

Medal that was revealed in the video

Hopefully tomorrow we'll also get to see the full marathon medal!  Cross your fingers!!

What do you guys think?  Love it?  Hate it?  Indifferent?

Adventures in Paleo Cooking

Since I've had a few cooking successes over the past week or so, I figured I could throw them all in one post this time.  I've been home a lot more so it's allowed me to seriously sit down and cook how I want to.  Hopefully I'll be able to get down a routine so it doesn't take as long and I can streamline the process!

Bacon Wrapped Tahini and Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Civilized Caveman Cooking)

- I really enjoyed these!  I think I used slightly too much tahini the first time so the next time I made them I used a lot less and I loved them.  Also added raw diced onions with the sundried tomatoes to add more flavor.  You can pretty much stuff these with anything so I want to experiment with the other chicken I have.

I wanted to pair these with some awesome brussel sprouts with nuts and cherries but didn't have all the ingredients so instead I made Lemon Brussel Sprouts...

Stuffed Chicken & Lemon Brussel Sprouts

Lemon Brussel Sprouts (Civilized Caveman Cooking)

- These were GOOD! I'm usually not a major brussel sprout fan since I think they can be bitter.  Since these are cut so fine, it helps them cook thoroughly and they weren't bitter at all!  If you don't LOVE lemon though, use less lemon.  I can never have too much so this was perfect!

Chili (The Clothes Make the Girl)

Really enjoyed this!  Let it simmer for the full 2 hours and it had great flavor.  I definitely want to put this over spaghetti squash but all I had yesterday was some avocado.  Fresh chopped tomato would also be good!  Threw two servings of this in the freezer for future consumption.

Chili

And of course I can't cook without some dessert!

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake  (Civilized Caveman Cooking)

LOVED!  Didn't candy the walnuts (just added them into the batter) and it still tasted really good.  Definitely a cake consistency and not like banana bread too much.  And I might have added more cinnamon than was required in the swirl part.  But really, can you ever have too much cinnamon?  Never!

Cinnamon Banana Cake

I also attempted a Thai Red Chicken Curry but it didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it to so I need to play around with it a bit more first!

And remember, if you want to see a list of my favorite Paleo successes, check out my Paleo Recipes Page!

Week in Training, 7/30 - 8/5

Last week went pretty well in terms of CrossFit.  STILL haven't gotten my butt outside to run in addition to it though!  Exams are today and tomorrow though so after that, I'll REALLY have some free time on my hands.

Ugh, this is what I feel like right now! 

Oh, and those GHD's that I did last Thursday?  It still hurts to sneeze!  :(




Monday, 7/30:  CrossFit

Warmup:
- Deadlifts 3x5
Did a 135# warmup and the rest at 155#.  Ouch! I probably should have dropped down to a lighter weight since it took me FOREVER!  And my back was definitely really sore the next day.  Oops.  Only one way to learn I guess.

WOD:
AMRAP (as many rounds as posible), 7 mins:
- 10 Wallball Toss - used 14#
- 10 Pushups - did them all the 'real' way
- 10 air squats
- 2 min rest
- repeat for another 7 mins

Total:  4 rounds, 4 rounds
Today I hated pushups.  But got through the WOD and felt good!



Tuesday, 7/31:  Rest Day

I woke up late and had class in the afternoon so no time to get to the box.  Felt good resting my back though!



Wednesday, 8/1:  CrossFit

Warmup:
Push Press - 15#
- 10 Second Hold
- 10 reps, 2 rounds

WOD:
- Push Press, 7x2
45# warmup (5 reps)
55 - 65 - 75 - 80 - 85 - 90 (fail) - 90

A new PR!! Last time I only got to 70 or 75!  WOOT!



Thursday, 8/2:  CrossFit

Warmup:
2 rounds:
- 800m run
- 50 Double Unders or 150 single jump rope (I did singles)

WOD:
- 21 Back Squats, used 95#
- 42 GHD (glute ham developers)
- 15 Back Squats, used 95#
- 30 GHD
- 9 Back Squats, used 95#
- 18 GHD  (or 54 regular situps), since I'm still new to GHD they bumped me down to regular situps for this round!

Total time:  14:35

Felt good the entire workout.  I know the GHD's are going to kick my butt over the next few days.  They don't hurt at all when doing them but you'll be reminded about them for days to come.   Last time I did them I sneezed 5 days later and it hurt!  :)  They ease all the newbies into them so only the veterans do GHD's the entire WOD.



Friday, 8/3:  CrossFit

Warmup:
"Cindy" for 3 rounds:
- 5 Pullups (used blue band)
- 10 Pushups
- 15 Air Squats

WOD:  AMRAP (as many rounds as possible), 25 mins
- 10 Kettlebell Swings, 55/35 - I used 35#
- 25 Shoulder Press, 45/25 - I used 25#
- 10 Kettlebell Swings, 55/35 - I used 35#
- 2 min rest

Total: 4 full rounds plus 10 KBS & 25 shoulder press

Woah, we did NOT think that this would be this hard!  It was all shoulders over and over and over...lol.  We were all joking how the shoulder presses would be light...yeaaaaa definitely not!  My arms feel like jello!

Post WOD:  500m run



Saturday, 8/4:  Rest Day



Sunday, 8/5:  Rest Day

The Great Medal Caper, 20th Anniversary Medal Mystery!

UPDATE 8/2:  2nd video has been posted and added to the bottom of this post!

~~~~~~~~~~

Looks like runDisney is going to make us work to see the 20th Anniversary Marathon Medal!  They posted on FB and Twitter just now that Donald stole the medal and we have to help find it.

There are a few videos to watch that help us 'find' him, as well as pics and stuff that we have to 'Like' to move Mickey along in the quest.  However, to move onto the next 'reveal', enough fans have to like and share the items!  Hopefully this isn't as frustrating as the Tinker Bell announcement! :)

Screen Shot from runDisney's FB page

So I guess the faster we all band together and go through the motions, the faster the medal will be revealed?  Hopefully?  :)   Start liking and sharing!

Check out the Great Medal Caper on runDisney's FB page and let me know what you think!

I'll definitely continue to update with any news I find!

~~~~~~

2nd video has been posted!

More Celebs Running the WDW Half Marathon!

runDisney announced through Twitter today that Colin Cowherd from ESPN2 and ESPN Radio is currently training for the WDW Half Marathon in January!

There's also a cute video posted with the announcement.... now THAT is exactly how I like to carb up for races!



Earlier last month, runDisney also announced that Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeny will be running, as well as Jenna Morasca and Ethan Zohn of Survivor & Amazing Race fame!  Jenna and Ethan are veteran runDisney runners (I believe they did Princess and I was able to meet them this past January) so it's fun to see how runDisney makes fans of us all.  :)  

Peru in Pictures

Back in May, Patrick and I headed to South America on a Peruvian adventure!  Things have been crazy since I got back so I never really had time to go through my photos and post about the trip.  I didn't get into too much detail with the specifics of the trip but tried to give some highlights!

We went with Active South America and they were awesome to travel with!  I'd definitely recommend them to everyone!  Our guide, the staff, and porters on the hike were amazing.  The food that the porters were able to whip up for us while on the 3 day hike blew my mind and we were SO well fed!

So out of the 600 or 700 photos from the trip... here's some of the highlights :)  I was nice though and left out the photos of dead animals for purchase at the markets.  You're welcome.

Obviously the highlight of the trip was seeing Maccu Picchu (we still can't figure out how to spell it, we saw a million different ways) and it was just as breathtaking and amazing as I thought it would be.  The altitude definitely kicked my butt but I toughed it out and made it to the top!  We knew it was going to be rough when we were walking around the airport when we landed and were already out of breath just walking towards baggage claim!

Since our flight from the States landed in Lima around 10pm, and our flight the next morning to Cuzco was at 5am, we decided to tough it out and camp out at Lima Airport.  It honestly wasn't THAT horrible.  Lucky for us (and all other travelers to Lima and Peru), the airport and all of the shops are open pretty much 24 hours.  So you can sit at Starbucks, get free wifi, and hang out until your hearts content.  I've NEVER seen a 24 hour airport back home.  We were definitely not the only ones that were hanging around until a morning flight either!

The view of the mountains heading into Cuzco

Sleeping in airports are always an adventure

When we landed in Cuzco, we had the whole day to ourselves before meeting up with the group the next day.  Just wandered around Cuzco a bit and tried to get acclimated to the altitude.  Our hotel offered unlimited free Coca Tea so we pretty much drowned ourselves in tea, which helped.  Yes, same plant that cocaine is made from but I swear it just took the edge off the altitude sickness.  :)

The architecture around town was simply beautiful.  After wandering a bit, we decided to grab an early dinner, which was amazing.  I had to obviously try the alpaca since it's a local dish, and I really enjoyed it.  We decided to head back to the room to relax for a bit before hitting the town again but instead ended up passing out until about midnight.  So much for that!  But it was seriously the best nap EVER!

Coca Tea before heading out to explore!

Beautiful architecture

View from our hostel patio!

Doorknob details

We met up with the group the next day and headed out to lunch to get to know everyone.  Wandered a market and then headed up to Sacsayhuaman (you'll see it spelled a million different ways) for our first adventure.  It's an archaeological ruin that people are still trying to figure out it's main purpose.  Some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the Sun, others say it was a granary, and some just say it was the place where the old Inca King would play football using the heads of enemies.  :)

Wandering the markets

Saqsaywaman - or "Sexy Woman"

The next day we did some mountain biking around the Sacred Valley.  I guess you would call it mountain biking, but it was all on roads, and all downhill...which was SWEET!  :)  The views of the mountains around us was stunning and we stopped a few times to just enjoy the view.  We then headed into the town of Pisac and wandered the market there and hiked up to the Pisac ruins.   It was one of the hardest hikes of the trip and I feel like it took FOREVER!  But the views were worth it.  

Enjoying the view on a break from mountain biking

Baby alpacas (or were they llamas????)

Our first of many hikes, beautiful! 

The next day our trek towards Machu Piccu started with a trip to a market to get some toys for many of the children that we'll meet along the route.  Instead of giving the kids money or candy, the toys were a perfect idea.  We hiked the Lares Trail (and not the famous Inca Trail) since we registered so late and all of the permits given out by the government were already gone.  However I LOVED the Lares trail.  It allowed us to walk through some villages and see more of the countryside.  

Getting supplies at the market

We had 5 or 6 porters with us that helped carry all of our hiking belongings (our big suitcases were left at the hotel).  To say these guys were impressive is an understatement!  They also had to carry their personal items, all of the food, propane tanks for the food, tents, blankets, etc.  CRAZY!  

Our first hiking day was pretty long.  Our guide wanted to get a little further than what was planned so that the second day could be easier for us.  We were hiking for so long that we had to bust out our handy dandy headlamps!  After dinner we piled on a few more layers of clothing and zipped ourselves into our mummy sleeping bags.  I think the temperature that night dropped to 40 degrees or so (I think??) but with all the layers, I was nice and toasty!  

Giving out toys to the kids

Start of the trek to Machu Picchu

We didn't appreciate where our campsite was until we woke up the next morning.  When I unzipped the tent and looked out, I was stunned.  We were in a tiny little valley with mountains all around us.  I could have sat there all day just taking it all in.  I think I said that a million times on this trip.  

Every morning on the hike we were awoken by the porters with hot coca tea (which I sadly spilled ALLL over me and the tent the first morning!) and then breakfast was served a little while later.  

The view we woke up to when we stepped out of our tents!

Today's hike was rough too, and of course I felt like I was dragging behind.  I'd walk a few hundred yards and need a rest break b/c I couldn't catch my breath!  When I finally made it to the peak, which was about 15,500 feet, I was yet again blown away by the view!  Ipsaycocha Lake was on the other side of the pass that we had climbed and it was gorgeous!  We all hung around there for awhile, took a ton of pictures, and then started our trek into the valley to get to our lunch site.

15,500 feet... even without the lack of oxygen, it was breathtaking!! 

Our lunch camp that day, what a view!

We then hiked to the town of Ollytantambo and some of the group wandered the ruins there while myself and a few others did some shopping and relaxed in a cafe.  Patrick and I added to our empanada gorging on the trip and each had to try different ones.  I definitely enjoyed all of the food on the whole entire trip.  And the avocados!  OMG, so good.  

We took a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we would be sleeping that night.  It's a complete tourist town since that's the jump off point for anyone that wants to go to Macchu Piccu without hiking the Inca Trail.  It was a cute town but not too much character since it was all built for tourism.

Train tracks going through Aguas Calientes

The next morning was an early one!  We woke up and were on line for the busses by 4:30am.  The gates to Macchu Piccu opened at 5 so we wanted to be one of the first ones there.  After a 20-30 minute hike up, we turned a corner and there it was.  AMAZING!!!! 

We hung around for a few hours wandering through the ruins before heading back to town.

What the trip was all about!  Machu Picchu! 

Taking it all in :) 

Sadly I had to head home the next day so I was totally bummed.  The rest of the gang hung out for another week and I'm so jealous of the rest of their trip!  But the week I did have in Peru was absolutely awesome.  If you guys have a chance to go, I'd definitely recommend it!