Thursday, December 26, 2013

From our "House" to Yours...


Christmas Morning :)
      One of our favorite family traditions for Christmas Day is going to Waffle House for breakfast! I can honestly say that my kids probably anticipate this more than opening gifts. Crazy right?! 
     
      I try to instill in my kids is that Christmas is not all about gifts and Santa, there is a real reason that we celebrate this holiday and without the birth of baby Jesus there would be no Christmas.  While gifts, parties and Santa are all fun parts of the Christmas Holidays, being together with family, giving to others and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas always holds a special place in my heart. 

     Now how does this all tie in to the Waffle House?! Well. I'm not really sure that it does other than it's a crazy tradition that my kids, hubby and I love to carry on. Over the years we've set up rules to along with this breakfast.
1. NO makeup. Go how you look when you wake up. This applies to the girls, even when they are grown. :) 
2. You MUST wear your new Christmas Pajamas.
3. You always leave a tip (along with a generous dollar tip) of Fresh Baked Cookies... Enough for all of the staff working on Christmas morning. 
4. You MUST humor Mom and take a family photo (taken by a stranger) inside or outside of the Waffle House. This will be the only family photo that Mom will require all day. 
5. You will eat all of your breakfast. This rule never gets any argument. ;) 

     I love that my kids love this tradition and don't get caught up in missing the true meaning of Christmas...Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year! 

*What are some of your family's craziest Holiday traditions? 


Saturday, December 21, 2013

Country Music Marathon. Code BAMAGIRLRUNS #RunCMM


So how excited was I to find out that I was chosen to be a blogger for the Rock n' Roll Series St. Jude Country Music Marathon & 1/2?!?! So excited that I wanted to scream a big YEEEEHAW out to anyone who would listen!! I've got runner's lungs so that would have been pretty loud. Just sayin'. 

There's a lot of cool info about this race that I will be sharing but in the meantime... If you want to join me and register, go here and use the Code: BAMAGIRLRUNS for $10 off! Feel free to share with all of your friends. :) http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/nashville

The race is April 26th. Hope to see you there! 


Monday, December 16, 2013

runDisney: Will You Stop for Photos? #WDWMarathon #MondayMotivation



     I spotted this pic the other night on the runDisney Facebook Page and I gotta tell you... It got me fired up to run the Walt Disney World Marathon in just a few short weeks! I remember this scene all too well. It was the Mile 20th Celebration at the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon and I am jumping in to the line to get my pic with these guys... I'm at the back of the line, red shirt and Mouse Ears. :) 

     Everyone was moving SLOW through this mile, taking it all in. There's no other marathon where you can stop for photos with Donald, Mickey and Goofy at the same time. The kid and runner in me LOVES moments like these. 
 Standing in line waiting for photo!

Me and one of my favorite running buds.
     I goofed off with one of my best pals, Dave Mari and we took lots of crazy pics through this mile! All of the medals from the past 20 Walt Disney World Marathons were featured on the arch for us to run underneath....Cool!
Mile 20 Selfies!

The 20th Anniversary Medal! Gorgeous!

Loved all of the bling on the arch!

     I'm training hard and am ready for the big payoff--the ultimate reward, 26.2 miles of Magical fun!

     I leave in 22 days....two more long runs and I'm there!

**Are you running the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon?
Will you stop for photos? I do! :) 

**Be sure to check out runDisney.com for more information on runDisney events.

One of my most favorite race pics...EVER!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

December 12th Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Discounts

     One thing I'm looking forward to in the 2014 year is running my first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Competitor Race. Nashville Country Music Marathon is calling my name!! And really, how could I not want to run it when my sister is featured all over the billboards?!?!  :)  

My Sis at Country Music Marathon


     December 12th is a big day for discounts on the Rock n' Roll series. Be sure to take advantage of these great deals! I know I will. :) 
Go here for more information on the December 12th Discounts. 
Big Discounts!!


RNR EventEvent DateHalf PriceFull Price10k Price
ArizonaJan. 9$100$115
New OrleansFeb. 2$100$105
USAMar. 15$95$110
DallasMar. 23$65
San FranciscoApr. 6$95
RaleighApr. 13$75$90
NashvilleApr. 26$80$85
PortlandMay. 18$60
San DiegoJun. 1$90$105
SeattleJun. 21$65$85
ChicagoJul. 20$65
Virginia BeachAug. 31$65
PhiladelphiaSep. 21$65
MontrealSep. 28$55$70
San JoseOct. 5$65
ClevelandOct. 11$65
BrooklynOct. 11$35
DenverOct. 19$69
St. LouisOct. 19$55$75
Los AngelesOct. 26$65
VancouverOct. 26$65
SavannahNov. 8$65$75
Las VegasNov. 16$99$99
San AntonioDec. 7$65$75
INTL EventEvent DateHalf PriceFull Price
NICEFeb. 16€17.00
LISBON HALFMar. 16€30.00
MADRIDApr. 27€20.00€55.00
LIVERPOOLMay. 25£25.00£40.00
OSLOMay. 31NOK 550
EDINBURGHJun. 29£27.00
DUBLINAug. 4€ 41.00
*         The discount is $20 off all North American Rock 'n' Roll Events (includes Canada)

*         Brooklyn registration will be opening on Thursday December 12th and will remain open, registration will be $35 ($10 off the opening price)

*         Cleveland registration will be opening on Thursday, December 12th and will remain open, registration will be $65 ($20 off the opening price)

*         LV registration will be open for one day and then close again after the 12th until a date TBD in 2014, registration will be $99

560x110-RNRWntPromo-Merch


* Discount Disclaimers:
- Discount is valid on December 12, 2013 from 12am – 11:59pm PST for open Marathon & 1/2 Marathon distances only
- $10 discount towards Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn 10K
- Not valid towards Mini Marathons, Bike Tours, Kids Races, GET FIT Challenge or Relay options
-€5 & £5 & 50 NOK Discount is valid 12 December at 12am GMT to 11:59pm PST for all International Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Events
- No other discount codes or promotions can be used in combination with the National Running Day promotion
Merchandise Disclaimers:- Discount is valid on December 12 @ 12am – December 13, 2013 @ 11:59pm PST
- Receive an additional 20% off orders over $100
- Excludes: 2014 merchandise, Tienken jackets, Sports Hooks, X1 Audio, Fuelbelts & Training Book

Have you ever ran a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Race? 
What do you love about them? 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Just Keep Running

     Recently, I was contacted by the guys over at DisEnvy and was asked if they could interview me and get a few tips and advice on running runDisney events. I was honored to be able to participate!  For those of you who may have missed it, here it is....Enjoy!

Thank you to Disenvy for the interview!! Be sure to follow @Disenvy on twitter and their blog at www.disenvy.blogspot.com.

Just Keep Running





Over the past few weeks we have been bring you interviews with castmembers at Walt Disney World. This week we are going in a different direction. Kristin is an avid runDisney Runner, and runner in general. She has been running since 2008, and ran her first runDisney Race in 2009.

What is your first Disney memory?
Honestly, I don't really have a first Disney memory. I've been going since I was 6 years old so LOTS of my childhood memories come from Walt Disney World.

What is your first Disney Vacation memory?
There is no way that I could narrow that down to one favorite. I have so many! I have memories with my kids and my own family that are probably my most favorite.

Favorite Disney Movie?
I'll go old school on this one--Cinderella.

How long have you been running?
I've been running since 2008. I had always been a sporty girl and even did Jazzercise in my high school days...oh my! When my youngest was about to start Kindergarten, I started feeling the "I'm all alone at home blues". I was a stay-at-home mom then and knew that I had to find something for me to take my mind off of having all of my babies out of the house. My sister had just ran her first 5k and her race pictures looked fun so I decided to give it try! It was the BEST decision that I ever made.

When and what was your first runDisney race?
My first runDisney race was in 2009. After I started running in 2008, I saw someone wearing a Walt Disney World Marathon shirt in my local gym. At that time, I had never really paid much attention to people that wore running shirts. When I saw her shirt, I knew right then which long distance race would be my first. I had someone tell me, "It's not that I don't think you could do it, I just think that you won't." I went home that day and registered for the 2009 Walt Disney World Half Marathon.

How do you go about training for runDisney events?
For me, I run all of the time so I'm always "Half-trained". The hardest part of running a runDisney event is that I have to train myself to take it slower and train myself to get plenty of rest! Those early mornings are tough!

What is your favorite runDisney event, and why?
Princess Half Marathon is probably my most favorite race. I love the course, it's a huge girl's get away weekend for my friends and I and I've ran every one since 2009 so I'm a Perfect Princess. :)


I noticed you are training for the Dopey Challenge, what motivated you to take this challenge, and what is your training like for a such a long weekend?
I will be honest and say that when runDisney announced this challenge, there was never a question that I wouldn't run it. I love a good challenge and the medals...OH MY GOSH. I will receive 6 runDisney medals that weekend. Between four days of running at my favorite place in all of the world and the six medals, it was a no-brainer.
The training has been great so far! I have tried to stay on track and follow the Jeff Galloway training plan. I downloaded it to my phone from the runDisney website so I know exactly how many miles to get in each day. I've had to tweak it to cooridinate with my busy schedule and I don't walk any of the miles but I don't plan on walking during the challenge either.

How do you determine if you are going to stop for a picture opportunity with characters?
I stop for every single character! I train hard at home so that when I run runDisney races, I will still have a good enough pace time so that I have the time to make those stops. I couldn't imagine running a runDisney race and not having those pictures in the end. I don't care about PR's...I care about having fun!



How do you balance your park time on race weekend?
I am not a normal runner. It really depends on what my friends want to do after the races but I'm a believer in going to the parks and staying in motion! I have done the Goofy Challenge twice and was not sore after and I really think it's because I kept moving! I have a hard time sitting still...especially when I'm at Walt Disney World!

Do you do any training while at the resorts before the race?
I have been known to get a couple of runs in around the resort if I'm staying for a lengthy trip. Usually walking in the parks is enough exercise for me on race weekends.

Do you have a playlist or a favorite band to listen to on runs?
I normally listen to Pandora when I run so I don't necessarily have a playlist but Pink fires me up! She's a tough girl...I like it!

What is your biggest motivation during a race?
My biggest motivation is always the Finish Line! I know how great I always feel at the end and when I'm having a bad race, I push through. The Finish is ALWAYS worth it!



When you cross the finish line, what is the first thing that goes through your mind?
It's over?!?! I want it to last forever!

What's the best way to recover after a race at Disney?
I always recover by going to the parks after a runDisney race. It's fun to show off your new bling and keeps you from tightening up! I don't over-do it but I like to keep moving.

What is your biggest achievement at a race?
Probably when I caught a lady that was running next to me as she was falling to the ground due to dehydration. That was a really scary moment. She passed out and I was not sure that she was going to be okay. I literally carried her with her arms draped across my shoulders (along with another fellow runner) to the finish line. I realized during that race that it's just as important to help get others to the finish line as it is yourself!


What advice do you have for running in the cold and how do you train for different climates?
So this is a tricky one for me. I'm usually a very "hot-natured" runner and live in Alabama so we don't have too many weeks of extreme temperatures. The key is to find clothing that will keep your body temp stable and not allow you to lose your own body heat. I admit that I'm terrible at this because I want to shed all of my clothes when I run. TMI, I know. Ha! I also own a treadmill so when it's really nasty outside, I utilize my treadmill. The summer months are more of a killer for me...The humidity is so bad where I live so I really have to stay hydrated. I drink about 120oz of water per day in the summer time and that seems to help.

Are there any downsides to running a runDisney race?
Price and proximity are always going to be the downsides to runDisney races. They are becoming so popular and with popularity brings and increase in price as well. I live about 8 1/2 hours away from Walt Disney World so travel expenses have to be figured in also!


What advice to you have to anyone that is starting to get into runDisney?
Don't be nervous!!! I was a nervous wreck going in to my first half marathon and I walked away from it knowing that I would do this forever. It was the most fun I had ever had!

Which runDisney race would you recommend for a first race?
I would always recommend any race during Marathon weekend. There is a distance for everyone, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon...39.3 and 48.6 Mile Challenges too! It can be a bit overwhelming but it can also be very inspiring if you are a beginner runner.

For a first time runner, what are things you should expect on an event weekend?
Lots of traffic and large crowds are probably the most important things that new runners need to take into consideration. Getting from your hotel to the Start Line can be an event all in itself!

What are some things that new runners need to focus in the day before their first long distant race?
I always focus on my meals! I really try to pay attention to what I'm eating and when...carbs, staying hydrated, not eating things that I would not normally eat.

As a first timer, could you walk me through what I need to prepare for at the expo?
First, I would say to read all of the Final race instructions on the runDisney email that you receive before you leave home. There will be specific instructions as far as transportation goes. Then, Print and sign your race waivers. You can do this when you get there, but again, it's crowded and that's just one less thing that you have to do once you get there. Get there early. Merchandise sells out quickly and you don't want to miss out on those must-have race souvenirs. Aside from those things...you will pick up your race packet, shop and have fun!



Are there any most do's at the Health and Fitness Expo?
Don't rush through it! It will be crowded and there will be lots of vendors but your race registration includes this fabulous expo FULL of shopping and guest speakers so take it all in.

Spectators are a great in sports, what makes them on the runs, and do you have any advice for people that are going to the events for just that?
Spectators play a huge part of a runner's experience during races. I have had spectators cheer me on before and that was really the push that I needed to get me through the next few miles. During the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon, my mom and I cheered on my sister and brother in law on Main Street USA. It was incredible! My advice if you are going to be a spectator is...get there early, make great signs, yell out the runner's names (it's on their bibs), and go to different points in the race. The Finish line is another great place to be!

I saw that you made it to the second round for the Disney Moms Panel (Congratulations), what does the Moms Panel do and why do you want to be a part of it?
Thank you! The Disney Parks Moms Panel is a panelist made of moms who share their love for Disney and help others plan their vacations. There is a website,www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com , where you can go on and ask the Moms all kinds of questions regarding your vacation planning. I applied to be the "runDisney Mom" and there is a 4-step application process. I only made it through round two which I was very sad about. I absolutely LOVE running the runDisney races and want to share my advice, vacation planning and all kinds of other tips with everyone. I will apply again next year and hope to be able to make it onto the panel!

Big question here, runDisney event or University of Alabama Football game (Roll Tide)?
Oh wow. That's a tough one...I'll have to say Both! If a Bama game falls on race weekend, I'd have to go run the race and then head to ESPN Zone to catch the game..best of both of my worlds. :) Roll Tide!



We appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to talk with us about your passion of Disney and Running. We will see you in January for Jared's first runDisney race, and Jason's second! And if you want to follow Kristin on Twitter, @BamagirlRUNS or her Blog www.bamagirlruns.blogspot.com

Thanks again for letting me answer your questions.. I had fun!



Monday, December 2, 2013

So much to be thankful for...

SO. MUCH. FOOD.
     Oh my gosh. Thanksgiving dinner was DELICIOUS. And HUGE!!! Aside from the many many dishes of food that were served at our dinner table, I have so much to be thankful for. I've got my family, my kids and hubby, my health. WOW. What more could a girl ask for?? Through the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I will say that I am ever so thankful that I am a runner too! I do not feel the need to completely gorge myself with food and actually want to make the time to run. Let's just say that I will run before I hit the mall ANY day.

     I was gone for most of the week last week visiting with family and had a great time but now it's time to get back at it! I will focus for the next several weeks on my Dopey Challenge training. It's going to be tough with the holidays and all of the activities going on but I'm going to give it my best. I haven't been training since June for nothing. It's time to make it count!
Time to hit the treadmill!
I feel like I am very close to being ready to run this race....only a few short weeks left.
Happy Holidays, happy training and see you at the castle!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Tell YOUR runDisney story via Instagram!


 RUNDISNEY on Instagram

     One of the newest crazes to hit the Social Media is world is Instagram! I'm a huge fan of this app, love adding filters to my pics and have a crazy huge ton of fun being able to share instantly with the world just exactly what is going on in the world of BamagirlRUNS!

     Of course when runDisney stepped onto the Instagram scene, guess who #JustGotHappier??? That would be me!!

      I have had an Instagram account for a couple of years now and have been waiting for runDisney to create an account. Since they added their page, it's been a gaggle of fun tagging them, searching hashtags, posting pics and interacting with other runDisney enthusiasts. I've even had two of my pictures featured on THEIR page!! OMG. How fun is that????

      I've read articles before that Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts are two of the most popular Instagrammed vacation destinations. I have to believe that that is a true statement because I know that when I vacation to Disney Parks, whether it's with my family or with my running friends, I'm an Instagramming fool! I'm totally okay with that because when I'm at home and I have friends posting from the parks in real time, I'm able to instantly add some magic to my not-so-magical day at home. Disney Magic at home...now that's what I'm talking about! 


This was my very first Instagram pic!
I love everything about it.....
I'm at Walt Disney World drinking coffee in front of Cinderella Castle. #BEST.

Three of my favorite accounts that I follow:
@runDisney, @WaltDisneyWorld and @Disneyland

      I've always been accused of being a shutterbug and taking waaaaay too many pictures. Is that REALLY a bad thing?? Are my kids going to be mad when they are adults because their mom took zillions of pictures of them as kids??  Will I regret having thousands of race pictures when I'm just too old to put one foot in front of the other?? Probably not. And if that's my biggest problem in life...whoops. #SorryNotSorry.

     Not only do I love Instagram, but my kids do too! So much so, that we even celebrated my daughter's 13th Birthday with an Instagram Birthday cake. For a brief moment, I was the COOLEST Mom amongst a room full of 13 year olds. I secretly know that my kids still think I'm the coolest Mom EVER. LOL.


Happy 13th Birthday Lindy!
The Instagram Cake was a success! #CoolMom
  
     I was not able to attend Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon or Expedition Everest Challenge this year but because of Instagram, I could see all kinds of pictures from hundreds of my runner friends posting pics from the beginning of the weekend starting with the Health and Fitness Expo all the way to the end and then wrapping it up with the Post Race Parties at Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom. I would do a simple search of either #WineDineHalf, #NBYetiGram or #runDisney and had thousands of pictures from the races at my fingertips! At Expedition Everest Challenge, runners could even stop by after the race and pick up a printed copy of their picture that they hashtagged using #NBYetiGram. 
#NBYetiGram
    

    At The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend, runDisney had a very cool booth set up that we could download a free Instagram picture with our most "terror-ific" faces on it. 

Here's how it worked:
--First, we had to get in line with our smartphones and show the Cast Member, who was also a Bellhop, that we followed the @rundisney account on Instagram. Duh. OF COURSE I'm following!!

--Next, we had to pose with the Bellhops. JUST Kidding. I couldn't resist. ;)

I was "Terror-fied" of this dude.

--Next, we posed in front of the green screen. We needed to make sure that we had a look of Terror. Check. After all, we were about to run 13.1 spooky miles. Terror face on!!
I mean, who wouldn't be scared to death of these two chicks?!?!

--Grand Finale! The Bellhop Photographer took us over to the computer where we entered in a few of our details...Name, email, phone etc. and then we would receive an email with the link to our image in just a bit. We were now free to download the pic and do with it whatever we like! To my surprise, the edited picture, complete with the #Tower10Miler stamp and runDisney logo turned out to be one of my most favorite pictures of the whole weekend! Thanks @runDisney for the great picture!!!

So what was the first thing that I did when I received my picture??? I Instagrammed it of course!! #FUN. #LOVEIT. #FAVORITE.
No more green screen....
My friend Leigh and I were 'dropped' right into the lobby of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! EEEEK!

     So another really cool thing that @runDisney is launching are hashtags that are specifically designed for runDisney enthusiasts to share THEIR story with other friends, runners and people who have never ran a runDisney race.
#OnTheRoadToDisneyParks

     I was lucky enough to the attend the #OnTheRoadToDisneyParks meetup in Atlanta and the runDisney PR staff was on hand to give us a little insight to the new hashtag! If you would like to share why YOU runDisney, hashtag your pics and follow along using #WhyIRunDisney to join in on the fun! I tagged in a few of some of my favorite #WhyIRunDisney race pictures already. ;)

In case you missed it, you can read my recap about the Inaugural #OnTheRoadToDisneyParks Atlanta here.

#WHYIRUNDISNEY

     On the runDisney blog, there's an interesting article about Carl Savard, a Subway Commit to Fit Ambassador from Canada who has accepted the challenge to lose weight, become fit and run the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon! You can read the inspiring story of Carl here but another fun way to keep up with Carl and other fellow runDisney enthusiasts that want to share their story is by following along using the Hashtag #RoadToRunDisney. You can also use this same hashtag (#RoadToRunDisney) to share YOUR own training and what got YOU on the #RoadToRunDisney. I can't wait to "see" all of the different reasons of why people runDisney through everyone's Instagrammed pictures!

      Is your reason for running Disney to lose weight? Do you want to be fit and healthy? Are you overcoming a major challenge in life? Is it just fun to runDisney? Do you run with your friends and family? Do you need to show off your creative Disney costumes? Are the runDisney medals just too fabulous to pass up? Start using that hashtag and let the world see!

#ROADTORUNDISNEY

     I've created this list of Hashtags that I'm currently following to see the latest pictures on all of the @runDisney, @WaltDisneyWorld and @Disneyland Resort accounts.

#RunDisney
#DisneySMMoms
#DisneySide
#WhyIRunDisney
#WaltDisneyWorld
#Disneyland
#RoadToRunDisney
#NBYetiGram
#DisneySportsFestival
#ESPNWWOS
#DisneyMP

 @runDisney uses these Hashtags as their official Hashtags for their races:

#WDWMarathon
#WDWHalf
#WDW10K
#FamilyFun5K
#GoofyChallenge
#DopeyChallenge
#TinkHalf
#Tink10K
#Neverland5K
#PrincessHalf
#RoyalFamily5k
#Enchanted10K
#GlassSlipperChallenge
#ExpeditionEverest
#DisneylandHalf
#Disneyland10K
#DumboDoubleDare
#Disneyland5K
#HappyHaunted5K
#Tower10Miler
#JingleJungle5K
#WineDineHalf

runDisney/Disney Parks Blog Meetup Hashtags: 

#WDWMarathonMeetup
#TinkHalfMeetup
#PrincessHalfMeetup
#DisneylandHalfMeetup
#WineDineHalfMeetup
#OnTheRoadToDisneyParks

     So As you can tell, I really love runDisney, Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Instagram. Being able to combine all of these is a recipe for Social Media Magic!! Feel free to follow me on Instagram...I love meeting new friends who share my same love for Disney and I can't wait to see your pictures. :)

My profile.

 Happy Running and "See" you at the Castle!
 I'm training for #DopeyChallenge so I will be posting pics of my training, the races and my medals real soon! :)


#BamaGirlRunsDopey

**Are you on Instagram?
**Are you following runDisney?
**Do you have your own #RoadToRunDisney story to tell?