Wednesday, March 26, 2014

NYCMarathon...Womp Womp Womp



So the phrase "third year's a charm" CLEARLY did not work for me. Ugggghhh. 

NYC Marathon has been on the top of my running bucket list for 6 years now. I didn't apply for the first time until three years ago because I was scared to death to. Now I'm furious with myself for that. 

I even ran Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge and STILL didn't think I could run NYC. How crazy is that? Talk about messing with your brain. I'm mad that I let myself think this way. 

I'm mad because the rules have changed and you can't automatically get in after three years of trying. I'm mad because I thought for so many years that I just wasn't good enough. I'm mad because I see people posting that they got in and I know good and well 1.) They don't really even care about it. 2.) they've ran it a zillion times and take it for granted. 3.) They don't even plan on training. I can't take it!!! 

I'm just mad. 

My hubby gave me the ok to throw myself in the floor and pitch a fit. Really?!? What am I?? Three years old?? Good grief. Retail therapy tomorrow will be a better solution. 

Really I'm just going through a brief moment of insanity and I'll be back to normal soon.  It probably doesn't help that I was JUST in NYC three days ago on a trip that that I've waited my whole life for and all I could envision was how great would it be to run through this fabulous city. I'm just heartbroken that's all. And mad. 

I would love to portray having the perfect life and pretend that it doesn't bother me, but it does. Don't get me wrong, if I never got to run another race for the rest of my life, i have been blessed beyond measure and I would be happy. However, I'm still a big dreamer at heart and I'm a Marathon runner dang it. I want to run NYC. 

Insert BIG Sigh now. 

The good news is that when I put my mind to something, I don't have it in me to quit, so like it or not, I'm coming for you, NYC. It may not be this year or heck, WHO KNOWS when it will be but I WILL run it one day and when I do I'm going to fly through those city streets because I can. 

I'm not scared anymore. I'm a marathoner. But for right now, I'm a girl and I'm just mad. ;)  




MyOatmeal.com Review

myoatmeal.com Oatmeal and Powdered Peanut Butter
Every Order Custom Built For You

     Once I find something that works for me, I stick to it. Let's just say that I'm a creature of habit. Probably not my most admirable quality but it works for me.

     At least three times a week, I eat Quaker instant oatmeal (Maple Brown Sugar flavor) and sometimes if I'm feeling frisky I try the variety flavor box. I always add dried berries and granola. Always. If I'm feeling REALLY frisky, I order an oatmeal to go from Starbucks or McDonald's and I use whatever the mixed topping is that they give me. 

     Needless to say when I was given the opportunity to review the myoatmeal.com "create my own custom blend" of oatmeal, I was ecstatic!! I will be honest and say that I had never heard of this company and was intrigued. 

     I went online and not only ordered Oatmeal but Powdered Peanut Butter too! What has this world come to?? I was stepping out of my comfort zone now. WAY OUT.

BamagirlRUNSPB and BamagirlRUNSOatmeal :)
     So the process went like this:
**I went to the website, myoatmeal.com. I was then able to choose from the options of either Custom Oatmeal or Peanut Butter. I created my Oatmeal first.

**Create a Custom Blend--"Where you design your own, perfect blend of healthy oatmeal, and we put it together for you! Follow the steps below to create your own blend of healthy and delicious oatmeal.  Once you submit your custom blend, our team of oatmeal specialists will mix up everything you selected for a perfect, custom bag of oatmeal, built exactly as you told us too! Your oatmeal, your way, every time."

1. How much Oatmeal Are we Going to Make for you?--I got the Small (1lb bag)
Options were-Small 1lb, Medium 2.25lbs, Jumbo 4lbs.

2. Now Choose your Oats! (We only use Non-GMO oats)--I chose Quick Rolled Instant Oats.
Options were-Quick Rolled Instant Oats, 5 Grain Rolled Oats&Flax, Steel Cut Oats (whole grain), Smash Blend Oatmeal, Gluten Free Quick Oats, Organic, Gluten Free, Thick Rolled Oats.
3. Time for Some Flavor! (We only use 100% natural flavors)--I chose Cake Batter
Options were-None, Amaretto, Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Banana Cream Pie, Bananas Foster, Black Forest Cake, Brown Sugar Flavor, Butter Pecan, Butter Rum, Cake Batter, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cinnamon Roll, Coconut Cream Pie, Cookie Dough, Creme Brulee, Dark Caramel, Dulce de Leche, English Toffee, German Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker Crust, Honey, Horchata, Key Lime Pie, Lemon Meringue, Maple, Mint Chip, Oatmeal Cookie, Old Fashioned Glazed Donut, Peaches & Cream, Peanut Butter, Pistachio, Red Velvet Cake, Snickerdoodle, Strawberry Short Cake, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Icing, Tiramisu, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Frosting, White Cake and White Chocolate.

4. Pick your fruits-(The regular option is perfect for most people!)-I chose Cranberries.
Options were-None, Apples, Banana Chips, Chipped Coconut, Cranberries, Crystallized Ginger, Dark Raisins, Dates, Dried Plums, Figs, Golden Raisins, Mangos, Pineapples and Turkish Apricots.
*Premium Fruit Options-Blueberries, Cherries (Tart), Peaches, Pears, Strawberries.

5. Nuts, Seeds & More- (For a little something extra)--I chose Sliced Almonds.
Options were-None, Cashews, Chia Seeds, Flax Seed (Ground), Flax Seed (Whole), Hemp Seeds, PB Lean (Powdered Peanut Butter), Pecans, Quinoa Flakes, Sliced Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts.

6. Let's Sweeten the Deal-(Recommended if you added a flavor!)-I chose Brown Cane Sugar (plant).
Options were-Brown Cane Sugar (plant), Brown Cane Sugar Granules (plant), White Cane Sugar (plant), Monk Fruit (plant, calorie free), Sucralose (Splenda).

7. How often should we ship it?-I chose "Just this Once", I had to try it first before i commit!
Options were Just this Once, Every 2 Weeks, Every Month, Every 2 Months, Every 3 Months.

8. And the final step...Name your Blend.--I named mine BamagirlRUNSOatmeal.

Here is the final product! 
Cake Batter Flavored Oatmeal with Cranberries and Almonds
Nutritional Label for BamagirlRUNSOatmeal
     I could not wait to make a bowl of my very own custom oatmeal blend after I received it in the mail!  As a true creature of habit, I added more dried berries and granola and it was delicious!! I felt like I was living on the edge eating the cake battered flavor (I don't eat sweets). This was a treat for me AND it's healthy!! Even better!!
My Oatmeal..(made a little soupy)
with added dried blueberrerries, cranberries and grandola. DELISH!!!
     I followed the same procedure when I ordered my Powdered Peanut Butter as I did with my oatmeal. I went to myoatmeal.com, clicked on "Make Your Own PB Lean"

**"Customize your own PB Lean!! Our PB Lean is a dehydrated peanut butter powder that has 85% less calories from fat.  It mixes with water, yogurt honey, jams, protein shakes or any other kind of liquid you want.  You can bake with it in muffins, pancakes, waffles or anything else you can think of. Follow the steps below to make your own healthy and delicious dehydrated peanut butter powder!!

1. How much PB Lean are We Going to Make for You?-I chose Small (8oz)
Options were-Small (8oz), Medium (1lb), Jumbo (2.25lbs.)

2. Pick your Peanuts (This is NOT PB Lean yet! Not until you add some flavor!)- I chose Light Roasted (Pressed & Ground Up)
Options were Light Roasted (Pressed & Ground Up) or Dark Roasted (Pressed & Ground Up)

3. Lets Add a Little Crunch!!! I chose Pecans
Options were None, Cashews, Chia Seeds, Flax Seed (Ground), Flax Seed (whole), Hemp Seeds, Pecans, Sliced Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts.

4. Time for Some Flavor! (we only use 100% natural flavors)-I chose Vanilla Frosting.
Options were None, Amaretto, Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Banana Cream Pie, Bananas Foster, Black Forest Cake, Brown Sugar Flavor, Butter Pecan, Butter Rum, Cake Batter, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cinnamon Roll, Coconut Cream Pie, Cookie Dough, Creme Brulee, Dark Caramel, Dulce de Leche, English Toffee, German Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker Crust, Honey, Horchata, Key Lime Pie, Lemon Meringue, Maple, Mint Chip, Oatmeal Cookie, Old Fashioned Glazed Donut, Peaches & Cream, Peanut Butter, Pistachio, Red Velvet Cake, Snickerdoodle, Strawberry Short Cake, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Icing, Tiramisu, Vanilla Cream, Vanilla Frosting, White Cake and White Chocolate.

**Seasonal Flavors--Egg Nog, Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, Smores.

5. Pick your Fruits-(The regular option is perfect for most people!)-I didn't choose a fruit.
Options were None, Apples, Banana Chips, Chipped Coconut, Cranberries, Crystallized Ginger, Dark Raisins, Dates, Dried Plums, Figs, Golden Raisins, Mangos, Pineapples and Turkish Apricots.
*Premium Fruit Options-Blueberries, Cherries (Tart), Peaches, Pears, Strawberries.

6. Let's Sweeten the Deal-(Recommended if you added a flavor!)-I chose Brown Cane Sugar (plant).
Options were-Brown Cane Sugar (plant), Brown Cane Sugar Granules (plant), White Cane Sugar (plant), Monk Fruit (plant, calorie free), Sucralose (Splenda).

7. How often should we ship it?-I chose "Just this Once", I had to try it first before i commit!
Options were Just this Once, Every 2 Weeks, Every Month, Every 2 Months, Every 3 Months.

8. And the final step...Name Your PB Lean. I named mine BamagirlRUNSPB!

Here is the final product!!
Vanilla Frosting Flavored Powedered Peanut Butter
Nutritional Label for BamagirlRUNSPB
      Since this was my first time to ever try powdered Peanut Butter, I must admit that I had NO IDEA what to do with it! I looked on the website and they recommended adding it to waffles, jams, protein shakes etc. I decided to add it to my favorite protein powder and create a yummy healthy shake. I used my friend Carrie's Vanilla powder. It was sweet but not too overpowering with peanut butter flavor. Did I mention that it was healthy too??

BamagirlRUNSPB mixed with Carrie Burrows  Vanilla Protein Powder
 makes for the PERFECT protein shake!

My shake!
      Overall, I will say that I was highly impressed with this company's website, concept, pricing, taste and quality.  I will order more of the custom oatmeal and powdered PB Lean and recommend my friends to do so also! There are 22 Billion different combinations to try...I've got ALOT of oatmeal and peanut butter to eat!! :)

     Since I don't eat sweets this was a HUGE treat for me. I got the taste of Cake Batter and Vanilla Frosting without having to actually eat those things. Both the oatmeal and the peanut butter fit right in with my healthy eating habits and that is something that I can appreciate.

     My favorite part of the entire process?? Naming my Blends!! I know that is such a minor little detail but I gotta tell you, I was smiling from ear to ear to see my name on the packages. I love fun details!

     The next time I order, I will try to be just a bit more creative and I think that the Old fashioned donut is calling my name. :)

     For more information, recipes and ordering details please visit myoatmeal.com

*Disclaimer: I was provided product via Fit Approach in exchange for my original thoughts and review on MyOatmeal.com. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

NYC, Here We Come!!!

     I'm going to be a busy girl for the next few days! Hubby surprised me with a surprise Anniversary trip to NYC...I almost flipped! I felt like the guys from the Salsa commercial....NEW YORK CITY?!?!! 

     Can't wait to see the city, be a total tourist from Alabama and spend some time with the hubs! And yes, this was our Christmas Card one year. True Story. ;) 


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

What Happens in Vegas Can Come Home to YOU!!!! #LVKickOffNight

Join Me for the NEW Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Kick Off Night Virtual & Fun Run!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!! 

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas?? Not so much the case!!! A little bit of Vegas is coming to a city near you or you can bring Vegas to your hometown!!!

You can now start registering for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kickoff Night; Fun & Virtual Run!! 

Here is the breakdown:

· What: Las Vegas Kickoff Night 5K Virtual and/or Fun Run

· When: Wednesday, April 2

Hosted Runs

Join us for a Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kick Off Night 5K Fun Run! With events in 10 cities around the US, we hope you can find a way to join us on April 2.

WHAT: Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kick Off Night 5K Fun Run
WHERE: Check below for the Hosted Run nearest you
WHEN: April 2
EVENT DETAILS:
1) Reserve your spot before April 2 by clicking below and choosing HOSTED RUN (be sure to select the location of your choice in the registration path)
2) Sign in on April 2 at your Hosted Run (using the same first name, last name, and email address you reserved your spot with)
3) Run your 5K fun run
4) Be entered to win an entry to Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas in 2014*
5) Receive your limited edition Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas promo tee**

Virtual Run

Can’t make a Hosted Run? Run 5k on your own and be part of our Virtual Run!

WHAT: Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kick Off 5K Virtual Run
WHERE: Anyplace you can run/walk 5K (3.1miles) in one go on a road, trail, track, treadmill — anywhere!
WHEN: Any time between March 18 – April 2
EVENT DETAILS:
1) Reserve your spot by clicking below and choosing VIRTUAL RUN
2) Run 5K/3.1 miles on a road, trail, track, or treadmill
3) Submit Proof of your 5K run through the link that will be emailed out to you after you reserve your spot (Proof may come in the form of a photo or screen shot of your watch, phone app, or treadmill clock)
4) Be entered to win an entry to Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas in 2014*
5) Receive your limited edition Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas promo tee**

630x50_KICKOFF_ReserveYourSpot


Hosted Run Locations

Market:Location: Time (local)
Los AngelesA Running Experience Club (AREC) Malarky’s Grill
168 N. Marina Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
6:30pm
San Diego Milestone Running
2545 El Cajon Suite D,
San Diego CA 92104
(facing Hamilton street)
6:00pm
Chicago Road Runner Sports Chicago
1435 N Kingsbury St.
Chicago, IL 60642
6:00pm
ArizonaSole Sports Running Zone
18583 W. 59th Ave #112
Glendale, AZ 85308
6:00pm
SeattleGreenlake Road Runner’s Sport
7020 Woodlawn Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98115
6:00pm
DenverRunner’s Roost
1685 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite J
Denver, CO 80222
6:30pm
DCPotomac River Running Store
4501 North Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22203
6:00pm
DallasTitle Nine Dallas
4527 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205
6:00pm
Vancouver Running Room Canada Inc
679 Denman St
Vancouver, BC V6G 2L3, Canada
6:00pm

*No purchase necessary. One entry will be given via raffle at each Hosted Run and selected by random for all Virtual Run entrants. All winners will be notified on or before April 3.


**Limited to first 2,500 participants. All shirts will be mailed 2- 4 weeks after the event.
o 




My runDisney Medals Have A Home!



     I am proud to announce that I am now "officially" an owner of a medal rack! 

     I am almost, not totally, but almost embarrassed to admit that I keep my medals stuffed in two Lululemon shopping bags.  I know. Hard to believe, right??  

     For years now, I have debated on which kind of rack to get. So many options, so many colors, so many designs..ugh. I'm NO good at making decisions. I've had my eye on this little beauty for a while now and I'm absolutely in love with it. 

     This medal rack comes from the company RUNNING on the waland there are so many cute Disney-Inspired themes and options. I chose a turquoise color along with a simple runDisney design. I wanted to hang just a few of my medals on it...I thought this rack would be a good fit for my Princess bling!

     I wanted a design that was simple, made of sturdy material, did not look "cheap" and fit in nicely with the decor of my home. It is going on the walls for everyone to see in home, afterall! One of my favorite touches on this rack is that the plaque is made from a simulated wood with a hand-painted distressed look. Love!

     There are 17 pegs on it which is a ton for one medal rack...unfortunately, I have way more than 17 runDisney medals to display. I'm not complaing. AT ALL.This just means that I will have to own more than one medal rack. :)

     Some of the other options that I thought were nice on the RUNNING on the wall website were racks that included places for photos and bibs to be displayed as well. 


I was able to hang all six of my Princess Half Marathon, Glass Slipper and Enchanted 10K medals nicely!


This is all of my Princess Weekend Medals including the 5K's!

All of my Princess bling are happy in their new home! :)
**For these great medal displays and others, be sure to check out RUNNINGonthewall.com and to learn how to earn your very own runDisney bling, please check out runDisney.com!

Happy Running and see you at the Castle!
How do you display your bling?

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary medal rack in exchange for my opinions regarding this product. All opinions are my own.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

What's in my Yoga Tote?!? Apera Review


I packed my Apera Yoga Tote and I'm headed to Disney's Princess Half Marathon weekend!
     So this is going to be a fun post!  The great folks over at Apera Bags were so generous to send me a bag to review and take to Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Of course, I packed all of my  runDisney usuals...you know, Mouse Ears, Magic Band, Foam Roller, 12 running skirts (I need options!), my Minnie and Cinderella running shoes, lots of shirts, socks, sports bras, my iphone and all of my charging components.

     I thought my bag looked really happy to be wearing Mouse Ears and traveling to Orlando. :)

     Three Words: I'M A FAN.

     Let's face it. A bag is a bag, right??  NO Ma'am it's not!! I've owned several gym/travel bags and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by this bag. The fabric was fabulous!!!

     I chose the Yoga Tote in Fuschia. The reason I chose this bag versus some of the other bags on the website is because I thought it was a perfect fit for me and my travels. I always keep a bag packed in my car with my running essentials. I travel with my job and I never know where I'm going to end up running somedays.

Description

The Apera Yoga Tote is designed to be your yoga partner.

Our innovative yoga mat storage within the shoulder strap loops is a unique and patented* feature that allows you to carry your mat securely along the top of the bag. No more strapping it loosely to the side or carrying your mat separately.

The expansive interior storage area is easy to access and holds all of your yoga essentials – including room for a yoga block – and features a separate divided area for your shoes. Plus, the entire storage area is vented on the top and sides to keep your bag dry and odor-free.

This bag is not just for yoga, though. It’s also a perfect travel companion or weekend bag.

Now that’s flexible.


The first thing to go in my Yoga Tote??
My New Balance Minnie Shoes, of course!!
     Why Apera Bags??
Via Apera.com....
With an abundance of people, sweat and heat, gyms are often times ideal breeding grounds for germs that can lead to the common cold or even more harmful bacteria such as life-threatening methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Think about the unhealthy surfaces that come in contact with the outside of your bag – locker room floors, bathrooms, filthy pavement, etc. Also, your own wet, sweaty gear and the grimy soles of your shoes transfer germs throughout the inside of your bag.

In fact, The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) recently emphasized that people who work out in communal settings such as gyms are at higher risk for skin infections and other infectious diseases.

The NATA cited a recent study of infectious disease outbreaks that reported how skin diseases accounted for more than half (56 percent) of all infectious diseases in competitive sports from 1922 through 2005. Close quarters, such as gyms, that promote skin-to-skin and bodily secretion contact, make athletes and their sports gear particularly vulnerable to contracting skin diseases – including life-threatening MRSA. In a recent survey*, 46% of sports bag owners indicated that they never or rarely wipe down their bag.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 1974 MRSA accounted for just 2 percent of all infections; however, by 2004 MRSA accounted for 63 percent of all infections. In 2005 MRSA accounted for more than 18,000 deaths. Today, it is believed that more than 1 million people are infected with MRSA resulting in more than 100,000 deaths. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also supports these findings and has published data showing MRSA is becoming more common among athletes.

Experts agree that understanding basic preventive measures is essential in preventing the spread of these common and sometimes serious skin infections. One of the common recommendations to avoid contracting potentially harmful skin diseases at the gym revolve around sports bags. Keeping a gym bag organized (separating wet clothing) and dry is crucial as bacteria and fungus love sweat and moist environments. Laundering and/or disinfecting clothing and equipment after returning from the gym is another common germ prevention tip.

All Apera bags feature antimicrobial product protection inside and out to help resist odor and the attachment and survival of bacteria. Your Apera bag keeps you healthier, too. Apera’s antimicrobial product protection also inhibits the transfer of bacteria from your bag to your skin.

In addition, other key elements keep your Apera bag clean, dry and healthy. We’ve incorporated a waterproof base to prevent moisture from seeping into your bag. Strategically placed ventilated compartments allow your bag to exhale and help keep itself odor-free.   

      My Favorite Features:

  • LOVE LOVE LOVE the zillions of pockets! Seriously. I can just never have enough. One great thing about the pockets is that they were pockets of all different sizes. I like the fact that there's a pocket perfect for my ipad, keys, phone and just about anything else that I could think of!
  • I'm a girl so I love the bright pink color!
  • There is a compartment on the inside large enough to hold my running shoes. I can even keep them separated from my clothes and other clean items.
  • The shoulder strap is so comfy!! I usually always have a carry-on bag of sort when I travel and this strap did not cut into my skin. Score!!!
  • There are loops on the edge of the bag that I used to attach my Mouse Ears and pontytail holders onto. Love this feature!
  • I'm a huge believer in my foam roller and I take it with me when I travel. Even though this was a Yoga Tote, I was able to place my foam roller in the slots designated for a yoga mat and it fit perfectly. Cool!
Wipeable lining on the inside of the pockets.

Wipeable Linings

You clean your clothes after a workout, so why not your bag? Dirt, sweat and other unwanted materials can piggyback on your clothes and shoes. And those items come into contact with your bag. Wiping our easy-to-clean linings with mild soap and water helps keep your bag fresh and healthy.

Washable Insert

This bonus gift also features antimicrobial product protection and is included with every Apera bag to help keep your wet or sweaty items separate from your dry gear. Simply tuck your items in this easy-to-access water resistant zippered pouch and they’re kept from the rest of your stuff. For easy cleaning, simply wipe with soap and water by hand.

Inside pocket...perfect for my phone!
Elastic holders on the outer edges to accommodate different sized water bottles.
Pockets everywhere. Note the loop at the bottom of this pic. 
Vented pockets to defunk your stinky items. :)

Vented Compartments

After your exercise regimen, your clothes are likely to be wet and sweaty. Keeping those moist items in your bag can cause problems for the rest of your gear. Apera bags’ breathable material is intelligently located throughout to allow for air flow, keeping your bag and everything inside it dry and odor-free.

This bag is roomy! 

The shoulder strap. 
I had to stop by the Apera booth at Disney's Princess Half Marathon and
 let them know just how much I {heart} my Yoga Tote. 

     I had so much fun playing with my new Yoga Tote during Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Be sure to stop by their booth at the next runDisney event or visit AperaBags.com for more information on this cool tote and others just as cool. :)

     Another reason why I love this company...Check this out!

Apera Will Inspire All Athletes

Apera’s cause is simple – to inspire all athletes. We have created a unique business model that reinforces the social and causal components of a Social-Athlete culture.

1NSPIR3D

Apera will donate one bag to a Special Olympics athlete for every three bags we sell.

     The last time I looked, there were a few on sale on the website. ;)

     My next purchase?!? The Performance Duffel! I gotta have it!

Happy Running and see you at the Castle!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Charging My Princess Batteries



Me and My Princesses!
      Another Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend has come and gone. Once again, this weekend is my all-time favorite of the runDisney races. I love this race for so many reasons but the main reason is because I get to spend the weekend with all of my girlfriends. We laugh, we shop, we play and oh yeah, we RUN!!

     I could run races anywhere and all over the country...and I do. However, there is just something about running at the Happiest Place on Earth that brings together friends like no place else!  I run with my Mom and my sis, my running buddy, my friends from home, friends that I only see when I run Disney, friends that I've never met in person before and new friends that I meet along the way!

      I come home with so many stories, jokes and things to tell the hubby. All of which he has no idea of what I'm talking about and probably doesn't care either. That's totally okay with me.  It's my time. He doesn't have to "get it".

      Every Mom deserves this time and they deserve it multiple times a year. I catch ALOT of flack for it from other Moms that I know and I have this to say..."If you don't schedule that time with your friends and have some ME time, no one else with do that for you. AND IT'S OKAY." If you've read my posts before, you know that I cherish this time with my own sister and Mom. Seriously, everyone needs that kind of time.
Starting the Half with Grandmary and B!
At the start line of the Royal Family 5K with Grandmary!
     I arrived in Orlando with my girls late Thursday night. I would normally come earlier but Thursday was my little boy's birthday and I had things to do with him that day. Talk about "Mom guilt". Go to Disney World on your boys' birthday...that will put some guilt on your plate for sure. Again, I wrestled with this. I struggled. Not going to lie. With runDisney adding in the new 10K, that backed up the weekend by at least a day. I ended up doing a few things before I left so he wasn't too too mad at me. :(  Next year I'm probably not going to be able to run all of the races during that weekend. His birthday falls on that Friday so I'm already planning on the year that his birthday falls on the actual day of the half, that will just HAVE to be a family trip. I'm not planning on missing Princess but I'm not planning on missing my boy's birthday either. I know it's silly and in the big scheme of life, it doesn't really matter if I miss Princess or not but it DOES matter if I miss his birthday. It's a win/win if we go as a family for a run trip!

     Honestly, if these are the worst of my problems, I consider myself to be the most blessed Mama around. I love my kids and I want to be the best Mama to them which is why I take the time to recharge my batteries. It just so happens that my favorite "charging station" is at Walt Disney World. My kiddos know it runs deep with me therefore,
we are all on the same Disney page at Long Casa. :)

  Back to the Princess talk.  How could I not love a race where glitter and tiaras are a must?!?!  
Glitter everywhere!!
     This half is basically the same course as the Walt Disney World Half Marathon but with a totally different vibe. It's all girly with everything from the expo to the merchandise...this weekend is fit for a Princess. I'm really not the tiara-wearing type but for Princess weekend. Yeah. I'll go there.
Starting the Half with my sis!

     I ran the Glass Slipper Challenge this year. It was FABULOUS!!! 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Some of my friends ran all of the races and some of them only ran one race. That's also what I love about this weekend...we all run our own race but eventually catch up after the races and spend time together!

     As I said before, I will be back to run Princess next year. If you need a great girls' getaway where it's okay to be frilly, girly and have the most magical time with your friends, book your trip right away!
This trip is on our calendar already for 2015...Let the wardrobe planning begin!

**Registration for the 2015 Princess Half Marathon Weekend opens July 15th at noon! Don't be late!

Happy Running and hope to see you at the Castle!

Me and Vallie flying out! Orlando Bound!
I got to hang out with my two friends, Jenn and Tracy...so great to see them!
Ran 22.4 miles with my favorite Canadian!

LOVED hanging out with this girl all weekend. NEVER a dull moment. NEVER.
Playing in parks with Rebekah, Heather, Jess, Grandmary, Brooke and Makenzie!

And then there were four....
We started out 6 years ago with 6 of us running this race.
I hope to keep running it for a long time....To infinity and Beyond! LOL!!
We made it to the expo Friday and got some Princess love from Minnie!
Meeting up to get on the bus to go run the 10K!
Getting there is half of the fun!
Grandmary, Heather, Rebekah, Diane, Brandy, SusieQ, Jessica, Me and Makenzie!
I love seeing Susan and Carrie...wished we lived closer!

This is where we hit the Princess Wall....Good times with the Sweet Heather!
Finished another race with SusieQ...I ran my first Half with her. :)))
Had so much waking up three mornings with this chick.
Dinner with Jindy....we could talk all night!!
Crazy glad to have this girl in my life!
I love my MsPrincessLeigh!!!!
Wanna go run 71 miles at Walt Disney World this year and then go play in the Parks??
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Magic Kingdom time!
Enchanted 10K finishers!

Pefect Sisters! We've ran this race 6 years now!
Loved hanging out with Victoria in Epcot!
I only get to see her during runDisney events but I'm so glad I do!

The fun doesn't just happen in Disney World, we met these Princesses
on our flight back to Birmingham and instantly we became Princess Friends...love it!