Attitude of Gratitude

November 8, 2013 by Meridith

Every November there are trends that circle back around. NaNoWriMo for the authors and aspiring novelists. No shave November in support of the American Cancer Society. And of course, seeing many friends and loved ones share what they are grateful for each day on Facebook.

While I don’t express my gratitudes daily, I sincerely feel them throughout the weeks, days, and hours. As you might already know (if you follow our Instagram/Twitter/Facebook) I’m in Disney World this week with my family, prior to running this year’s Wine and Dine. And somehow, Disney makes me feel ALL THE FEELS, in a big way. They’re good like that. My heart swells, my eyes well, and I can’t help but look at my family and think they’re mine, all mine.

I’m grateful for my children’s unbridled enthusiasm which is always authentic and never forced.

And I’m extremely grateful that I have a partner who knows exactly what I’m thinking with just a glance, who will go along with my off the beaten path ideas (like grilled cheese for breakfast), and will make certain things happen for me because he knows that they mean a lot, even if they’re not always the most convenient.

Being down here in Florida has given me the chance to see a few of my favorite people and I’ve got more in store for me. Having the chance to spend a day with Brooke and her family was amazing.

We’ve had a few opportunities to spend long weekends together but this was the first time we had our children together, although I feel like we’ve been planning it forever. We knew that they would love each other as much as WE love each other.

We were not disappointed!

I’m grateful for new things… and things that are tried and true and don’t change. I grew up coming to Disney World and while it keeps evolving and growing, it still feels like “home”. Perhaps that’s why there’s such a well of emotions that are evoked every time I’m here. I spent my family vacations here, a college spring break (let’s not talk about that), my honeymoon. I’m a Mouseketeer, a dreamer, and a believer.

At the end of each day my little family talks about what our favorite thing was of the day. The kids surprise me with their favorites often times because it’s usually not what I would expect them to say. For example, at Hollywood Studios, Little’s favorite was the rainbow that appeared in the sky after a light rain.

And Pooks’ was becoming an Honorary Citizen in the historical One Man’s Dream, the story of Walt Disney. One of the cast members overheard him asking me a question about a first rendition of Mickey Mouse and through a little scavenger hunt, he was award this badge and got to sign a ledger.

I’m grateful for their inquisitive nature, for them wanting to know all there is and all there isn’t. Their relentless pursuit of knowledge keeps me learning, thinking and growing. And seeing things that I might otherwise not notice for lack of observance.

Victoria and I grew up on Disney, although when we were teenagers, we never had the opportunity to share the parks together like we do now. I’ve spent much of my adulthood vacations in Disney and many of them with her by my side and I’m extremely fortunate that we have been able to do so. (I just noticed that we usually take pictures with her on my right! Creatures of habit!)

The other morning, I was in Animal Kingdom when I got an email saying that someone wasn’t able to attending the runDisney’s Wine and Dine meetup and that I was next in line for the spot! I am so very grateful for the experience that I had last evening.

More about that to come but a quick summary: it was amazing from start to finish and I met so many really awesome, really genuine people. It was good stuff and hey, you know ALL THE FEELS I spoke about earlier? Yes. Those were out in full force. I get so emotional, baby!

The emotions will keep on coming all weekend, I’m sure. Along with my gratitude.

Tomorrow morning my kiddos are running in the kids races and their excitement and energy is just feeding my excitement; even though our vacation is nearly over in days, it’s still rich in experience.

To say that I’m super excited for the next few days might be a slight understatement. People, there will be tackle hugs and tears and pictures (and we will lament that Jess and Bec aren’t with us). There will be meetings with new friends and seeing long-time friends, like Heather and Lisa. There will be squealing, there will be carb-loading lunches and light snack dinners.

And then, just when you’d think that it can’t get much better than that… it does. Because then, we get to run a half marathon!

Stay tuned…

Race Day Packing List (leave the anxiety at home)

November 6, 2013 by beewhobabbles

Am I running a half-marathon this weekend? I’ve done the training, and I know we’ve mentioned it around these parts quite a bit, but other than that, I’m really unprepared. Friends are asking me what time I’m arriving, where I’m staying and I’m all “Hmmm. I should know the answers to these questions.” I wasn’t even sure what corral I was in, until last night.

If you know me well, you know this isn’t the norm. I’m a bit scattered- but I love to plan. I live for poring over details for things, again and again. Making lists, checking them twice. Sort of like Santa, but with better shoes.

I’m not sure what my deal is with this race, but I’m feeling mostly breezy about the whole thing. Perhaps it’s because I know it’s not going to be a PR moment for me. Sure, I’m going to try my best, but my current best is not so close to my overall best. For me, that eliminates a lot of race anxiety and pressure. It’s also an insane Saturday for me and my family; my husband has football tickets to his college’s homecoming game (Go Knights), and I’ll be working at our city’s craft show all morning; it’s the major fundraiser for my women’s service club. (A nap has been scheduled. Now who can I get to make me pancakes at 6am before I have to be at the show?) There’s been a lot of coordinating between us, the grandparents, and our babysitter to make sure we all get to do what we need to do. I have a lot on my mind! Finally, I’m just really excited to see my friends. My kids and I met up with Meri and her fam on Monday to travel around the world in EPCOT, and it was the best day I’ve spent at Disney in a long time. This Friday, I’m heading to the expo with Vic, and then the Wine & Scoot Chicks, plus some cool friends, will all meet on Saturday for some pre-race fun. So yeah. I’m thinking about a lot of stuff besides the race. And that’s okay. I’m sort of enjoying my lack of anxiety.

I started packing on Saturday, because I was cleaning my bedroom and thought- “why put this away if I’m just going to pack it in a suitcase in a few days?” Besides my costume and shoes, I had to think about my racing essentials. In no particular order…

1. My garmin. I switched to the Forerunner 10 when my 210 broke a few months back, and I absolutely love this watch.

2. My spibelt. I wear this so I can easily carry my fuel and my iphone.

3. Clif Shot- Mocha flavor. I had some trouble figuring out what would work best with my invisalign and this is tasty and gets the job done without getting stuck in my braces.

4. My iphone. Every blogger needs a camera and a twitter account at all times, right?

5. My ipod shuffle. I don’t normally run outside with music, but I think I’m running solo at this race. Music will be a good break from being inside my head! Usually, I run 7 or 8 miles of a half marathon without it, and then I blast my tunes for the homestretch.

6. My water bottle. I’m debating this because I hate water stops. They’re crowded and I always feel like I lose momentum. I also usually end up looking like I’ve entered a wet t-shirt contest. I don’t care for my current water bottle though so…maybe.

So, I’m packed and feeling good. The only thing I’m nervous about is running so late at night, because I’ve definitely become an early morning runner. I guess I should stay up late for the rest of the week. Who will entertain me on twitter?

What are your racing essentials? Should I bring a water bottle to the race? Are we following you on twitter? Leave me your twitter name!

Chick Chat: All Dressed Up for Halloween

October 31, 2013 by writeitdownjess

Happy Halloween, boys and girls! Or is it ghosts and goblins? Perhaps there are some vampires and zombies out there reading this as well.

Or maybe you’re reading this thinking, “ahmahgah, it’s Halloween and I have no costume! What am I going to DO?” while slapping your cheeks, a la Kevin McAllister in Home Alone.

Okay, probably not. But whether you’re looking for inspiration, a chuckle, or reading this simply because you love us (which I suspect is all of you), this chick chat is all about dressing up. Read on for some of the Chicks’ favorite costumes of yore…and more recent yore!

Meri

I had two tried and true costumes when I was a kid: gypsy and hippie. Some might say that they are very similar and to that, I say, true. My mom liked easy costumes and I usually just went along with it. Hey, when you’re getting to eat candy (a rarity in my house growing up), you get what you get and you don’t get upset.

Hottie-boom-body!

Now that I’m an “adult” (loose interpretation), it’s less about me dressing up and more about the kids. We let them choose their costumes at this point.

Adora-kids.

My boys are cuckoo for Halloween so we begin discussing costuming options in September. This year they settled on being a pirate (surprisingly the harder of the two costumes to track down) and the werewolf. Not what I would have picked but I suppose we need to allow for independent thinking and all that.

Vic

Every summer, my sister would start planning her Halloween costume. She always created intricate, creative and unique costumes over three to four months. I was always impressed. She labored over what she would be months ahead of time, and she would repeatedly ask me about my plans. My response was ambivalent. I didn’t know and I didn’t care. I usually figured it out the week before trick-or-treat night. And while my sister was always stylish, I regularly placed comfort before style.

Over the years, I was a genie, a vampire, a 50s rocker, a prairie girl. I was a turtle, a ballerina, a witch and Underdog. But most often, I dressed as a ghost.

As a young girl, I was obsessed with Casper the Friendly Ghost. I know I am totally dating myself here, but I loooooved Casper. Perhaps because he was bright, happy being in a season where the goal was to scare one another. I think I went as the neighborhood’s friendliest ghost for three or four straight years – I used a plastic mask and a hand sewn… uh… sack, which I think was made from a white sheet.

I loved to trick-or-treat with friends and family, to flee from house to house gathering all sorts of goodies, then sorting them into piles once I was back home. Now, I love to hand candy out to the kids who come to my own door. (Albeit, six kids usually knock on my door. Those kids get awesome candy.)

I rarely dress up for costume parties as an adult. Trust me, when you’re an October baby, costume parties get really old, REALLY FAST. It – however – has happened several times. I’ve been a 60s mod girl, Little Red Riding Hood, but most often, I wear scrubs and pose as a doctor or surgeon. Hubs has gotten in on that action as well.

BEST COSTUME EVER. I add a plastic stethoscope and voila. I am good to go.

Brooke

I have always loved Halloween, because I love dressing up and playing make-believe, and also it’s in the same month as my birthday, so it feels like a very long celebration. The candy is okay too.

We used to trick-or-treat at the mall when I was a kid, and my mom dressed me in some pretty cool costumes. One year, my brother and I were the cutest ever Raggedy Ann and Andy. When I was seven, my mom let me dress as a punk rocker, complete with pink streaks in my hair. My favorite though, was the year I turned six. My mom made a movie star costume for me, and let me wear dangly “diamond” earrings, a sparkling necklace and my grandmother’s fur coat, which was the softest thing I’d ever felt in my life. And she let me borrow her HIGH HEELS. I felt so special; wearing pretty make-up and mom’s shoes and jewelry.

One of my favorite adult costumes is one I wore last year, when I was pregnant. Josh dressed as Linus and I made a t-shirt with Snoopy’s face on my belly.

How cute is this?

Jess

I have possibly the worst memory in the world, tied only with my mom (thanks for passing that along, Mama Jess), so it’s hard for me to drudge up the various things I dressed up as when I was little. There is one gloriously strange costume that sticks out for me, when I was 7 or 8. I was a bunny. And not just any bunny. I was Hammer Bunny. As in MC Hammer, people. I was kind of obsessed. Not sure why I had to throw the bunny angle in there.

You might wonder what this costume consists of. It goes a little something like this: a super-stylish white Hanes sweatshirt and sweatpants, most likely bought at Costco; white bunny ears attached to a headband (headband headache, CHECK); a rubber bunny nose with buck teeth that should have been called Sweat-Maker; and, of course, sunglasses. That was the MC Hammer part.

I wish I had a picture of that, but I’m sure I burned them all somewhere along the way. I did manage to dig up a random picture of me in what looks like a pilgrim costume, however.

I’m the shorter pilgrim.

I kind of lost interest in Halloween once I was too old to trick or treat. But since having Bug – and since this is his first Halloween, AHHH! – my love for this holiday has been renewed. Probably because I get to dress him up, parade him around, and then eat all of his candy. Hey, he’s too young for now! I’m doing him a favor.

My sweet baby elephant.

All right, Scooters, it’s your turn! What are you going to be for Halloween this year? What was your all-time favorite costume? Tell us in the comments!

Avoiding Comparisons

October 30, 2013 by beewhobabbles

The last Monday of the month is reserved for breakfast at my MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) meetings and this week’s discussion, on avoiding mother comparisons, fed me better than the french toast and hash brown casserole.

We talked about what made us feel inadequate when we’re faced with other moms- personally, I’m never the mom with the tidy house, and I usually feel like we’re arriving to school or ballet or the playdate late and a bit disheveled. When a mom seems to be able to do it all; drop the kids off at school in nice clothes and perfectly styled hair instead of mom-o-flage, volunteer, exercise, keep a clean house, have dinner on the table at 6 and then spend time with her husband, I seriously wonder what the heck I’m doing wrong. I’m always the one rushing around in a ponytail, with a million things to do, and wishing for more hours in the day!

These comparisons are almost impossible to avoid, in motherhood, and in running too. Even though this is a solitary sport, everything is about the numbers. How many races have you done this year? What’s your average pace? How many miles are you running?

With my first post-pregnancy race looming closer, it’s hard to think about the numbers. I’m running well right now- a lot better than I thought I’d be, if I’m being honest- but it’s not my personal best. Most of the time, I’m okay with that, but then I see someone else’s pace on daily mile or facebook or a blog post and I can’t avoid it. I know I’m a middle of the pack runner, and I’m happy with that. I don’t have the body, or the natural talent, or the time to train to be more right now. If ever. I run for me- it’s one of the only things I get to do that’s solely for me. But sometimes, when I hear what others are doing, those feelings of inferiority creep in.

I suppose there’s no real way to avoid this, short of selling my garmin, deleting facebook and not racing. Which, really? Not going to happen. I’m competitive and I like to best myself. (It’s all very “This is between me…And me!”)

And just like I do with the mommy doubts, I’ll remind myself that I’m doing the best I can, hopefully being the best me that I can be.

Avoiding comparisons…any advice? Favorite Thanksgiving episode of FRIENDS?

Of course I fell. Now what?

October 28, 2013 by vfreile

My foot slid out from under me as I skidded partway down my staircase Saturday afternoon.

The laundry basket I was hauling landed at the base of the stairs. I, fortunately only fell several steps before I managed to stop myself with my right foot. I laid on the stairs for a few minutes berating myself.

I cursed. (A lot.)

Ultimately, I got up and picked up the laundry. Then I sat down and rubbed my foot. The pain wasn’t bad, a blessing since the New York City Marathon is a week away. And you already know I’m concerned I’ll oversleep race morning.

But when I woke up Sunday, the top of my right foot and lower leg was throbbing.

Fantastic. Now what?

I rested up yesterday, only leaving my house for a trip to the grocery store. At my nephew’s suggestion, I tossed a bag of frozen peas on said ankle for a bit. Today, I’m wearing some KT Tape and compression socks at work. I plan to ice once I am home. It’s not swollen, but is tender. I’m thinking it will be fine by the weekend, but am worried it won’t be.

Yep, I taped my foot. That’s where it hurts.

More than anything, I’m annoyed at myself for tripping and falling days before my marathon. I am kicking myself repeatedly for being so careless.

So I turn to you, fine friends of the interwebs. What should I do to make this tweak feel better? Do you have any tips for a klutz like me?

Race day nerves and nightmares

October 24, 2013 by vfreile

The gun sounds and hundreds of runners start their 26.2-mile journey at a picturesque race course in central Pennsylvania.

Me? I’m running TO the start line, which is off in the distance of rolling hills and lush trees. I’m sprinting while pinning my race bib to my shirt. I drop half the safety pins on the ground as I go. I’ve also forgotten my Garmin watch and all of my race day fuel in my rush. It’s all I can do to get myself to the start line.

I can see the crowd moving further and further ahead of me as they head down the gentle slope of a hill. I trip over my feet and land on my face. I scramble forward, reaching the start a good 10 minutes after the last racers in the pack left the starting area.

I run toward the start line, which is already being dismantled by an overachieving race crew. Event organizers stop me, “You’re too late. You can’t run here today, at least not as part of this marathon.”

I gape at the man. What? How can that be? I. AM. READY. I might be late, I might look like a Mack truck ran me down, but I am here. And I want to run!

“Sorry lady,” The man shrugs. “Next time, be here on time.”

My heart is racing as I wake from the vivid nightmare. I bolt upright in my bed with a sheet tangled around my ankle. I’m panting as I look around the room.

Reality settles in and I realize, I haven’t missed anything. I say a small prayer and thank a higher spirit that big race is still over a week away.

My handbook arrived! It’s getting real.

Like many runners, my worst fears take over as race day approaches. Mainly, I worry about oversleeping on race morning and getting lost on my way to the start line. Sometimes I worry about getting sick and being too ill to run.

Occasionally, I worry about tripping over another runner’s throwaway clothes, injuring myself as I start the race. (I saw this happen at the start of the Pittsburgh Marathon last spring. Yikes!) Sometimes, I wonder how it will go if I can’t use a port-o-let in the start area.

And there’s always the nightmare about forgetting to pack my sports bra in my pre-race overnight bag, leaving me without any support for 26.2 miles the next morning.

Wait, that one actually happened.

Thank goodness a friend drove the item to me at my pre-race hotel, saving me from my “efficient” self. Now, I triple-check everything before a big race.

Let’s face it, I’m not going to sleep the night before my marathon. I will toss and turn and get up to use the bathroom at least a dozen times. I know this, so I need to cope.

I do so by hydrating for 2 full weeks before a race and getting plenty of sleep race week. I cut back on my coffee (caffeine) intake and I rest my legs as much as possible.

The finish area in NYC’s Central Park this week. It’s ready and waiting. Thanks to friend Liren Chen for the pic

To remind myself I’m not to only one with pre-race jitters, I asked a few good friends if they shared some similar concerns.

Meri told me that she typically gets nervous the night before a race. “I immediately realize I’m doing everything wrong – not enough hydration, can’t sleep and so on.” She said her friends and running partners typically talk her down or break up the anxiety with a joke.

Another friend told me she’s had nightmares that she will be called into work race morning. Some runner pals last week joked about getting lost on the course. Can you imagine?

I can!

Brooke said she has numerous unfounded concerns the week of any big race.

“The easiest thing to do is mentally reassure myself that it’s just that – an improbable fear,” Brooke said. “Once I start running it all disappears anyway, and I’m solely focused on the run.”

Another good friend Jen suggested I remind myself that I’m running because I WANT to run. “Race day is the reward of all my hard work!” she said. “The outcome doesn’t matter so just have fun!”

That’s solid advice, ladies. Thank you.

So in the next week, I’ll be hydrating, resting and packing. I’ll also be avoiding black cats, ladders and sidewalk cracks. Don’t judge me.

Tell me about your pre-race nightmares. Do you obsess for days before your big race? What do you do to calm your nerves?

I’ve got whosits and whatsits galore…

October 22, 2013 by Meridith

Welcome, welcome, one and all. This weekend I tackled a ridiculous feat…

The semi-annual cleaning of the running drawer. (It should really happen more than it actually does but let’s not make too big of a deal about that!)

I’m assuming that everyone has a drawer like this. It’s as messy as a “junk” drawer, but there’s NO JUNK in this drawer. It’s all gold, my friends, and it’s all extremely important when it comes to running.

Uh, except for maybe this. Not sure how this wound up in the running drawer…

Okay, so let’s get down to the good stuff!

I’m a big fan of the cinch bags that some race series give out at their expos. I use these bad boys to bring things to Track and Field practices and meets for the kiddo and at other races (way to publicize!). And every time I use one, much like a race shirt, it takes me back to that race. Memories, like the corners of my mind.

I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a’plenty! Need a spoon on a string (and who doesn’t)? Check! That was from the Jog ‘n Hog this past summer.

credit: Jog ‘n Hog Boss Hog

Foot Rubz ball? We’ve got two; Jay has the other one squirreled away somewhere. I use it after every. single. race. Stickers! Blister Treatment! (Knock on wood, I haven’t had any blisters lately.) And of course, my trusty Road ID. Okay, well, the Road ID box. The actually Road ID itself doesn’t usually make it back into the box because I use it so frequently.

Ah, the cold weather gear. How necessary yet how unfortunate that it’s necessary. In my perfect world, I’d not need these. It would be lovely fall weather all the time. Alas, such is not the case here in New Jersey and it’s already getting to the time of the year when we have the windows down, heat up.

Rocking the $3 Target hat (notice the gloves in hand) at last year’s Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge.

When I began running Vic took me to Target, pointed out the men’s hats and told me to stock up. When you spend a couple of bucks on a hat or a dollar on gloves, you don’t get too broke up if you need to throw them to the side if you get too warm while running. The Lululemon ones? Those don’t get tossed (added bonus: they were a gift from Jess).

Not shown: Strong Mama Sox Box Socks
They’re in the wash.

I have a socks drawer but that’s not where my long socks live. Oh no, they have a special place of honor in my running drawer! And each time I pull out a pair of the socks, it brings me back to when I got them and where I’ve worn them. (My mind likes to retain random information that is pertinent to exactly nothing.)

Heart Running Skirts socks at runDisney’s Tangled 5k.

Thanks to Brandi for this group shot of us outside of the Septa station.

Red ProCompression Socks at the Broad Street Run

And finally…

I’ve got fuel! I’ve got arm warmers (that are actually Baby Legs)! Tissues! Safety pins! Handheld water bottle! SPIbelt! These are the things that float around the drawer, usually toward the top, because I need them more often than most.

It should be noted that the drawer stayed neat for maybe a day and a half before it got all messed up again. Yep.

What’s in your running drawer? Or where do you keep all your “Stuff” with a capital S?

Where to run: San Francisco edition

October 17, 2013 by writeitdownjess

I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I know this not only because I have eyes, but also because millions upon millions of people converge upon the city by the bay every year. Tony Bennett even left his heart here, so you know it’s got to be a pretty legit place. Tony wouldn’t leave his heart just anywhere.

But San Francisco isn’t just beautiful for living; it’s absolutely awesome for running. Most of the major races make a pit stop here, there are a variety of neighborhoods, parks and trails to run on, and the weather is mild year-round – never too cold, never too warm. It’s no wonder the running community here is robust: SF is practically a runners’ utopia. Forbes even named it one of the 10 Best Cities for Runners in 2012.

I could go on and on, but instead I’ll get to the point: if you ever find yourself visiting this heavenly place and have a hankering to go running, there are a few places to bookmark. Want to know what they are? Read on!

Crissy Field

This beach and park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On any given day, you’ll find a mix of dogs and their owners, families setting up blankets and picnics on the sand or grass, and, of course, runners. Lots and lots of runners. The pebbled path here takes you along the water all the way down to Fort Point, which stops right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The route is 1.5 miles one way, so it’s a great practice route for 5Ks.

Plus, hello, it’s stunning!

Golden Gate Park

This is the West Coast equivalent of Central Park. With over 1,000 acres, it’s a gorgeous green sanctuary right in the middle of our bustling city. Not only is there a ton of stuff to do in general (I recommend the paddle boats and snack shack at Stow Lake), you could run for miles and miles here while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

Park anywhere, get out, and hit the road. The urban jungle awaits!

You can take it slow too: a leisurely stroll with Bug.

The Valentine’s Day Dash 2012 in Golden Gate Park. Thumbs up!

Golden Gate Bridge

At the very least, if you visit San Francisco, you need to walk across this piece of architectural history. But it’s a great place to run, too. The bridge itself is about 1.7 miles long, and there’s a great lookout on the Marin side of the bridge. Make sure you bundle up if you do this one – it can get blustery up there.

It’s also probably not the best option for those of you who are afraid of heights. That ish is tall.

What’s big and red and pretty all over? The Golden Gate Bridge!

The Embarcadero

This is one of my very, very favorite places to run, the Embarcadero stretches from AT&T Park where the San Francisco Giants play (an insanely beautiful place, though I am an A’s girl) alllllll the way down past Pier 39 – wave hi to the sea lions! – stopping at Pier 45. It’s nice and flat, so it’s not too terribly difficult a run. AT&T Park to Pier 39 and back is right around 3 miles, but you can easily go further to make it a longer run.

Hint: when you reach Pier 39, make a pit stop at Trish’s Mini Donuts. These things are piping hot and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Hint hint: once you turn back and hit the Ferry Building, reward your efforts with Gott’s Roadside, a ridiculously good burger joint with outside seating perfect for people-watching.

The clock tower at the Ferry Building. Oh, and some beautiful sunshine and blue skies.

Running along The Embarcadero during The Giants 5K back in August!

Lyon Street Steps

I’ve never actually run here, but I would be remiss not to include it on this list. Made up of 288 punishing steps, this stairway connects the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighborhoods. This is a runners’ favorite, but I have yet to attempt it. Probably because I’ve heard how hard it is!

Still, the view might be worth it.

Pic source: http://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Lyon-Street-boasts-the-perfect-steps-3794332.php

As you can see, Forbes wasn’t lying, and my list is just the tip of the iceberg. Try dragging your heart with you when you leave here. I guarantee it’ll put up a fight.

Do you have favorite running spots where you live? Tell me about them in the comments!

runDisney’s Tower of Terror 10-miler

October 10, 2013 by vfreile

Saturday’s race was like none I’d tackled before.

For starters, we ran at night. We also tackled 10 miles in Florida’s heat and humidity.

But what really “made” the event? I ran, skipped and sashayed with Cinderella’s evil stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella.

That’s right! The zippy ladies bickered, hurled snide comments at Cinderella (and each other and some other runners) and chased each other, with me in tow. And they looked amazing!

Let me rewind. Last week, I headed to Walt Disney World for runDisney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler.

I spent a few days in the parks with friends, visiting with our own Brooke and my dear friend Jen.

We headed to the race expo on Saturday, a self-inflicted move made in part to keep myself from spending too much money. (It worked!) There, I ran into pal Kelly, who runs Sparkle Athletic with several girlfriends. We started chatting, and before I knew it, I had agreed to run with Kelly. She assured me she wouldn’t be racing the 10-miler, which I greatly appreciated since the run fell the week between my two 20-milers in my training for NYC next month. (We won’t even delve into how crazy fast Kelly is…)

Fast forward to Saturday evening. I checked my bag, hit the port-o-lets and bid my friends and travel partners farewell. (They had all planned to race the event. So I took myself out if the mix as to not to be tempted to go too fast.)

The gang: Aaron, Jen, Ray and me

I entered my corral and quickly found my racing partners Kelly and Carrie. I’d love to give you a play-by-play of the run, but truth be told it was all a blur!

Fireworks signaled the start of the 11,000-person race, and scared the bejeezus out of me to boot. Our happy group set off, including the lovely Krissy (an Oiselle teammate) and Megan. We parted from Krissy quickly since she’s a speedy speedster.

I’d love to be able to share a detailed run down of all the quips, zings and silliness we encountered on our run, but the race went by in a flash!

We laughed, we ran and we laughed some more. We stopped for each and every character stationed along the 10-mile course, and yet the entire race flew by. I didn’t even look at my watch until our last mile through Hollywood Studios.

The gang’s all here, with villains from The Lion King.

“WHY ARE YOU SO FAST?” Drizella yelled to Anastasia around mile three. “What’s wrong with you and how did Cinderella trick us into this ball? It’s the worst. There aren’t any princes.”

Off with our (gulp) heads!

Posing with Megan and Jafar (pic from Megan)

As we ran, the stepsisters graciously adopted me as a third and hurled “insults” my way as well. Anastasia (Kelly) repeatedly yelled out my name as we ran and as she hit the pavement, searching for a prince. Drizella (Carrie) accused me of being a mouse-sympathizer (aka, one of Cinderella’s friends). They chased each other, screaming and “cheered” for others as we ran.

“Move it people! There’s a ball to get to!”

I unwittingly started a game of tag just after mile four. oof! We dragged other runners into the game, laughing all the while. We heckled our way through the trail area as we entered the Wide World of Sports complex. We were thrilled by the bounce of the complex’s track and were spooked by several ghosts who weren’t ready to let us leave after posing for a photo.

“This is the worst champagne ever!” Anastasia yelled after downing a cup of lemon-lime Powerade at one of many water stations along the course. She hurled the cup with gusto and stomped forward. “The water?! Is it from Figi?”

The stepsisters also repeatedly reminded volunteers and supporters to cheer for all the runners. And they certainly let crowds know when they weren’t living up to their duties.

Don’t mess with us

I can honestly say I’ve never had such a fun time running a road race. Carrie after the race said she couldn’t recall ever taking her race character so seriously before. She also giggled that they drew me into character as well.

Thank you, Kelly and Carrie, for an incredible run! I laughed so hard I nearly cried and I loved every moment, even in the crushing unseasonable Floridian heat. Can’t wait until my next runDisney event!

We did it!

Have you ever run a night race? Have you chased others, or heckled running partners, along a course? Do you know which villain I portrayed?

Kids Will Be Kids: Inspiring and Motivating

October 8, 2013 by Meridith

Pooks is at the stage in his running career when as soon as a race ends, he immediately asks “When is my next race?” Which is awesome because that enthusiasm is beautiful at age 8… and at age 36.

After this past Sunday’s 5k with Jay, he’s ready for the next race and wants to know what we have on the agenda. He’s actually signed up the runDisney Kids Run next month during Wine and Dine. (We’re surprising the kids with this trip so shhhh, don’t tell!)

Now, I’ll also say this. While he’s runs with gusto, he’s not extremely fast. He’s not winning any age group awards.

He’s racing because he enjoys spending time with his parents.

He’s racing because he has that enthusiasm for running that doesn’t come with the love of winning, but with the pure love of moving.

Pooks is one of those kids in constant motion and has been since he was a baby. He might not be the best, he might not be winning any tangible prizes or medals, but he’s doing his best. The Cub Scouts motto is “Do your best” and it’s one that we try to foster within our household. Note that doesn’t say “Be the best”… it says do your best. Practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes better.

I’ve said to before but for the people who are new to this blog (or don’t keep track of my every move), I didn’t start running until two years ago. I run for myself but the fact that my kids are watching me certainly motivates me to keep going. These little people that we created are watching our every move. They look to us for guidance in every aspect of their lives at this point and that is priceless.

I want to do right by them.

And while I’m sidelined by my own injury, I still want to encourage their love for motion. I want them to have fun while exercising and it needs to have some glimmer of fun for me, too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it. And they probably wouldn’t either.

What is absolutely fantastic is that when Pooks gets home from a race, Little immediately wants to have a race of his own. Complete with a bib.

This “race” was four laps around the yard. The finish line was my husband and myself holding a ribbon for him to run through.

A few months ago, bamagirlruns posted videos on Instagram of her husband doing workouts with her children and what looked like all the kids of their neighborhood as well. Inspired by this, my kids and I took our yard for our own workouts.

Getting planky with it. Notice that Little makes the downward dog modification.

We have stations in the corners of the yard, some at my suggestion and some at theirs and we run from corner to corner. My Little has Autism and is very selective on what foods he will eat (white and orange foods). While I have very little control over that, he’s always down for a good frolic in the yard!

Right now the boys have gym class once a week in school. New Jersey requires physical education throughout all years of schooling but the short amount of time they have at school for active play isn’t enough. So we supplement at home and thankfully my boys are willing participants.

I’m not concerned so much with their form at this point, that will come with time. Right now, they’re out there, they’re having fun, and they’re moving!

Bear crawls and crab walks are among their favorites.

Fall is always our “busy” season. Actually, so are winter, spring and summer. But fall is when things really seem to get crazy. We’ve got school, homework, after school activities, Cub Scouts, piano lessons, etc etc etc. Setting aside 10-20 minutes a day to getting moving with my boys is something I look forward to because it’s ours and because I love seeing them turn to me with expectant looks on their faces, asking, What’s next?

What are some family activities you do together? How did you find the love of running (or swimming, or cycling)? Any ideas for fun “stations” for the kids? (I saw a friend used a game spinner the other day during her workout and I’m definitely thinking that’s something I’ll have to incorporate.)

Scootadoot

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