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Tips From Jeff Galloway - Dealing With Heat

7/30/2015

It has been blazing hot here in Atlanta this summer. Between the heat and humidity, it has made runs tougher than normal despite what time you head out. With some goal races coming up in the next few weeks, training must continue regardless.

Sweaty messes after a Sunday long run!

Yes, while running in the heat of summer can be brutal, it is still possible to train during these months. Thank you to my fellow Atlanta resident, Jeff Galloway, for providing us with some great tips on handling running in the heat. Remember, as long as you run smart, you can still run safely in the summer.

***DISCLAIMER: All information provide above was provide to me by the Jeff Galloway Blogger Program to share with my readers. Thoughts are not my own (other than if noted), rather they are the advice and thoughts of Jeff Galloway.

Dealing With the Heat Training through the summer can not only be grueling, but down right dangerous. Here are some tips to train safely and as comfortable as possible in the hot summer months.

Slow down by 30 sec/mile (20 sec/km) for every 5F temperature increase above 55-60F ( every 2.5C above 14C)
When the temperature is over 70F (21C) you may take a 5 minute “cold shower break” every 25-30 minutes to keep cool.
Try to complete your run before the sun rises above the horizon. More frequent walk breaks during hot weather can lower body temperature increase.
If you used to run 3 minutes between walk breaks, run only 90 seconds (walk 30 seconds) at 70F (21C) and at 80F (26C) drop to 60 sec run/30 sec walk or 30/30
When you start to heat up more than normal, take a longer walk in a mall or indoor AC building
Pick shady courses on hot days.
Don’t wear a hat! Pour water over your head
Have an indoor alternative—treadmill, etc Run in the deep end of the pool, using a flotation belt

ANOTHER AMAZING LAKE TAHOE RETREAT!

We stay at the beautiful and comfortable Squaw Valley Lodge. Lodge amenities include indoor and outdoor hot tubs, swimming, tennis, sauna and fitness room. Week camp began Thursday, July 23th.
Weekend camp began Friday, July 24th at 5PM. Both camps began with an easy run to get acquainted. The morning breakfasts were followed by clinics by Jeff and his guests. Seminar topics include Running Injury Free, Nutrition, Speed work, Goal setting, Shoe selection, Pool running, and Running form / analysis.

After lunch, our guests shopped, went sightseeing, sunned by the pool, or joined the group for a scenic hike, T-shirt swap, bike ride, river raft ride, etc. The group gathered again in the evenings for dinner onsite or at one of the nearby restaurants and after-dinner relaxing.

You can learn more about the various Jeff Galloway Retreats at http://www.jeffgalloway.com/retreats/.

MAKE YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE MARATHON FOTO/ROAD RACE MANAGEMENT LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

In conjunction with the Road Race Management Race Directors' Meeting, Road Race Management and MarathonFoto will again honor an individual who has made a major difference in the sport with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is for contributions to the sport of long distance running over the course of a lifetime. Nominees, who may be either living or deceased, should have made major contributions to the sport in more than one area, for example as an administrator, elite athlete, promoter of the sport, or innovator as an event director or vendor.

"We are seeking to honor a 'sport changer'...a person who really made a difference," says Phil Stewart, RRM editor and publisher.
Nominations from the public are being solicited and will close on August 31, 2015.

A ten-person committee will choose the winner to be announced November 6 at the Race Race Management Race Directors' Keynote dinner in Hollywood, FL.

Make your nomination now!

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Funner Runner Turns 6 Months!

7/27/2015

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I cannot believe it has been 6 months since Funner Runner launched! Where has the time gone? A lot of great things have happened over the past 6 months, so in celebration of the "1/2 birthday" of my blog I decided to take a walk down memory lane of some of the highlights.

January 2015

A 4-Miler PR at the Resolution Run

Ran the Hot Chocolate 15K with some awesome friends

February 2015

Papa J's 1st Running Costume

Completed my 2nd Glass Slipper Challenge

Atlanta Track Club Hawk's Fast Break 5K

March 2015

Earned my pie on Pi Day

Ran 13.1 miles in the rain at the Publix 1/2 Marathon

April 2015

Our 1st Adventure Run!

Becky qualified for Half Fanatics

May 2015

Reunited with friends in Pittsburgh

Became a Runner of Steel in Pittsburgh

I stepped outside of my comfort zone and got a 13.1 PR

Completed a 365 Run-Streak (yes, we are still going)

June 2015

Ran my first 12K and even placed in my age group

Made friends with a creepy possum

July 2015

"Swam" my way down Peachtree Road

A 5K PR while showing my Christmas spirit in July

Got a surprise 3rd place in my age group at Homespun 5K

I cannot express in words how grateful I am for each and every one of you. Whether it is following my journey on my blog, sending supportive tweets, or liking my Instagram pictures, please know that your support is much appreciated. I look forward to seeing what the next 6 months (and beyond) have in store for me.

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Why Should You Be a Member of Atlanta Track Club?

7/26/2015

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I have been a member of Atlanta Track Club for 6 years now. I originally received my membership as a Christmas gift from Papa J. Little did I know then how much Atlanta Track Club would impact my life and help me grow as a runner. When I first became a member, I was not educated on all of the great perks of being a member. Well, over the years, membership perks have grown along with the club and they are pretty great if I may say so. There are a number of reasons that I would recommend becoming a member, but I wanted to highlight just a few of my favorite Atlanta Track Club perks.

1. Free entry and discounted entry to select races throughout the year.

Yes, you read that right, free and discounted races. Races can get pricey and the ability to run a race for free is pretty amazing if you ask me. Atlanta Track Club hosts a variety of free events around the metro-Atlanta area throughout the year as a part of their Grand Prix Series. To learn more about the series and the races that are free for Atlanta Track Club members go to the website here. There are also a number of other great races hosted by Atlanta Track Club that you must pay for, however a lot of them are discounted for Atlanta Track Club members. A list of upcoming Atlanta Track Club events can be found here.

2. Discounts on running gear.

If you have been a member of the running and fitness community for any length of time, you know how much your running gear bills can add up. As a perk for Atlanta Track Club members, you will receive 10% discount at several Atlanta area running stores including Big Peach Running Co., Phidippides, and West Stride. Just saving 10% off of your running shoes and other gear for the next year could pay for your membership.

3. Be a part of an awesome running community.

Atlanta has a great running community that is growing more every single day. As an Atlanta Track Club member, you will become a part of this awesome group throughout Atlanta. Whether you find fellow members at a local race, join an Atlanta Track Club training group, or interact with other people passionate about running and fitness on social media, Atlanta Track Club provides a supportive environment for all of their members. Atlanta Track Club also hosts a number of social events during the year that gives members the chance to meet-up and even hear some really cool speakers. No matter if you are a runner or a walker, if you are up and moving, Atlanta Track Club is the place for you.

4. Early registration and acceptance into the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

One of the most popular perks of being a member of Atlanta Track Club is early entry into the Peachtree Road Race. Entry to the world's largest 10K is granted by random-draw lottery in the spring. Did you know that if you are a member of Atlanta Track Club by the February 1st you are granted the access to register for the Peachtree Road Race before the lottery even opens. Members are sent an email with instructions in February on how to register - you will receive a window of two weeks to register and if you don't register then you must enter the random-draw lottery in mid-March.

Atlanta Track Club is currently offering a special for membership of the remainder of 2015 and all of 2016 for the price of 12 months. There are different membership packages available starting at $35/year (individual, dual, and family memberships are available). Interested in becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club? Learn more about member benefits and become a member here.

Are you interested in joining in on the fun of future Atlanta Track Club events? There are a number of races happening in the upcoming weeks around metro-Atlanta.
August 8th - Jog Days of Summer 5K (FREE for Atlanta Track Club members)
August 22nd - Atlanta's Finest 5K
September 12th - Rise Up & Run 5K

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OxyRub Pain Relief Cream Review

7/24/2015

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***DISCLAIMER: I was provided a tube of OxyRub in exchange for my review. All thoughts are strictly my own.

I recently received the opportunity to review OxyRub through BrandBacker. People often ask me if my legs get tired from running or if I get aches and soreness from working out. YES, yes I do. Over the past few years I have tried a variety of different over-the-counter remedies for minor muscle & joint soreness. While they will often help those aches and pains I get on occasion, I was excited to learn more about OxyRub and try it out.

OxyRub describes itself as a pain relief cream rubs away pain—right on contact! OxyRub® works within minutes to:
- Dissolve arthritis pain in knees, hips, fingers, and wrists
- Relieve tense, painful back, leg, and neck muscles
- Cool and soothe stubborn bursitis pain
- Take the throbs out of bumps, sprains, and bruises

Just from reading the product information provided to me, I knew that this would be something great to try out. I knew between training for multiple half marathons and cross training that I would have a number of great chances to try this out and hopefully find some muscle soreness relief.

I received my tube of OxyRub very quickly and I eagerly awaited the weekend to roll around so I could test it out on my post race aches. I had some aches in my knee area, so I decided to give OxyRub a try.

I was very pleased with OxyRub. You have to remember that pain relief creams are not a "cure all" and are designed for minor aches and muscle soreness.

OxyRub applies on very easily and does not leave a greasy or sticky residue on you. It basically rubs on just like a thicker lotion or body cream would. The performance of OxyRub was just what I expected. At first I did not think it was "working" because I didn't feel that burning/tingling sensation that you typically experience with other pain reflief creams. However, I realized that I wasn't so sore anymore. I applied OxyRub in several locations during the week after my workouts at the gyms (such as my shoulders). Each time I used OxyRub I was quite pleased with the results.

I must say though that the absolute BEST part of OxyRub is the lack of "that smell" - if you have used other pain relief creams/gels you know what I am talking about. The scent of some of these products is so bad that you almost embarassed to be around people because it is obvious that you have a pain relief product on. Well, the scent of OxyRub is so mild. There is a slight smell to it, but it is so mild compared to other products and it disappears shortly after and there is no residue on your hands after applying.

Since I am a good daughter, I decided to share some of my OxyRub with Momma K. She had been complaining about tightness in her hip, so I was interested to see what her thoughts were.

"The first thing that I noticed was once I applied it, I did not feel the burning sensation that I would feel with other products. After applying the cream, I soon began to realize that the tightness and soreness in my hip had decreased! Besides the fact that my hip felt better was the fact that there was no left over odor that is found with other products!!! Usually, when using other brands of cream, everyone that you come in contact with knows from the odor that you have used some kind of pain relief cream. That is not the case with OxyRub. Also, after applying, I just washed my hands and there is no odor or burning feeling left on my hands! I have already recommended OxyRub to a coworker."

It is a pretty safe assumption that OxyRub will be found on my bathroom counter in the future. I wasn't expecting to find something that stood out so much from products that I have used previously, but I am so glad that I did. Between the performance and lack of odor, OxyRub is a winner for me.

OxyRub can be found on Amazon.com here. As a special bonus for my readers, OxyRub is offering you 20% off of your order. Use promotion code SAVEOXY2 at checkout to save 20% off of your purchase of OxyRub.

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Homespun 5K - July 18, 2015

7/22/2015

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Last year I took part in my first Homespun 5K in Rockmart, GA. I really enjoyed my race experience, so I came back this year and brought Momma K along as well. The race starts and finishes at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Rockmart. The church is absolutely beautiful and makes for a great backdrop for the race day events.

Momma K and I arrived to the race fairly early. We parked and headed over to the starting area. The volunteers were great and greeted us with a smile. We received our bibs and our goodie bags and headed back to the car. After dropping our stuff off at the car we gathered our gear, hit the port-o-potty and hung out by the starting area.

Just for your humor....I present to you my accidental selfie while trying to fix Momma K's phone. Apparently, I am new to taking selfies and don't know what I am doing...hehe!

As we waiting for the race to start, I ran into two of my friends from high school. It is always great to run into old friends who share the same passion as you do. It was good to chat to them a bit before and after the race to calm pre-race jitters.

The course was on the Silver Comet Trail which is a nice paved trail. The Silver Comet Trail is very flat and mostly shaded (which is very much appreciated in July). It was a nice out and back course that took you away from some of the hustle of the city races. The humidity and heat was definitely rough and I felt the effects of it. After coming off of a great race last weekend, I was a little disappointed in my time, but you will have rough races from time to time and each race is a learning opportunity for the next.

Momma K and I hung out for the awards ceremony. My friends had placed so we definitely wanted to wait to see them get their medals - plus it is just nice to celebrate all of the winners. Well, they got to my age group and I was quite surprised - I placed 3rd and Melissa came in 2nd! Holla!

This is a great little hometown race for sure. It is ran very smoothly, starts on time, and is a great course. I will definitely return in 2016 for another go around on the Silver Comet. Thank you again to the Homespun coordinators and volunteers for hosting a wonderful event.

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Road Runner Sports Alpharetta Girls' Night Out - July 14, 2015

7/20/2015

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In April, Becky and I attended Girls' Night Out at our local Road Runner Sports (Alpharetta, GA). We had a great time hanging out with the Road Runner Sports team, meeting other local runners, and of course checking out the latest running gear. OH! The best part is that these events are FREE! Of course when we found out that another Girls' Night Out event was happening in July, we knew we had to go!

Girls' Night Out started at 6:00 so I hit the trail by my office to log a few miles before meeting Becky at Avalon. We got there a little early so we grabbed a quick snack and headed over to Road Runner Sports.

We were greeted by Sarah and welcomed with some light snacks and beverages. We each received a raffle ticket coming and a bonus ticket for preregistering for the event online. You also received bonus tickets for doing different things in the store such as getting stretched, trying on Moving Comfort bras, or trying on Brooks running shoes. There were also extra discounts on purchases for Road Runner Sports VIP members.

It hurts so good!

I loved it so much I bought it!

There were several "smaller" raffle drawings throughout the evening including a foam roller, CEP compression sleeves, and Balega socks. Becky scored some compression sleeves, Jen won a session with Active Stretch, and I won the grand prize of the evening of a Moving Comfort Bra and pair of Brooks running shoes.

...we all know Brooke isn't a 0.0

There was a little lighter crowd this time at Girls' Night Out than there was in April. The weather forecast was very sketchy for the evening including some potentially severe weather coming through and a lot of people are taking end of summer vacations right now which probably contributed to the crowd this evening. Regardless, Road Runner Sports Alpharetta made sure that everyone had a great time. Our host, Sarah, was fabulous and made sure we were all staying active and had us doing squats and other exercises while she drew raffle winners - of course Becky and I had to plank.

Thank you again to the awesome team at Road Runner Sports Alpharetta for hosting Girls' Night Out. Be sure to follow their Facebook page (or find your local store's page) to learn about future FREE events happening at Road Runner Sports like Adventure Runs! The Atlanta-area Road Runner Sports stores will be hosting another round of Girls' Night Out events in September. Be sure to check them out (Alpharetta- September 15th, Marietta- September 16th, Buckhead- September 22nd).

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2015 Santa Hustle 1/2 Marathon and 5K coupon Code

7/18/2015

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Use code: AMGILBERT16 to save $5 off of your 2016 Santa Hustle registration

Merry Christmas in July, y'all! I know, I know, don't rush the holidays. :)

In 2013, our family headed up to the Wilderness At The Smokies resort in Sevierville, TN for our first Santa Hustle weekend. Santa Hustle is a great themed race for sure. With fun aspects such as Christmas music, Christmas candy and cookie stations, and more! The Santa Hustle has quickly become a family tradition of ours. With the Sevierville, TN race just a short drive away, it makes for a fun family get-away before the chaos of the holidays comes around.

Source: Santa Hustle

The Santa Hustle is a race series held in multiple locations across the country each December and is a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season! Each location is different, but Santa Hustle in the Smokies hosts a 5K and a 1/2 Marathon (so locations are 5K only).

Are none of the Santa Hustle locations close to you? Don't worry, you aren't on Santa's naughty list - there is a VIRTUAL option available! That is right, you chose the time and place you want to Jingle Bell Rock 13.1 or 3.1 miles and you get rewarded with some great Santa swag too!

Are you ready to run the jolliest 1/2 marathon or 5K around? The awesome team at Santa Hustle has provided me with a coupon code to share!

Use code: AMGILBERT16 to save $5 off of your registration

For more details on the Santa Hustle, be sure to check them out on online and on social media:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

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Elf Trot 5K - July 11, 2015

7/17/2015

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The Kennesaw Grand Prix offers runners a wide variety of 5K races (and 1-mile fun runs) from May to November. Perhaps one of my favorite on their schedule is the Elf Trot 5K. Yes, you got that right, an ELF TROT in July! It is time to celebrate Christmas in July! Momma K and I got out our festive red & green attire for this race. There were a number of runners, volunteers, and spectators that were dressed for the occasion - some more than others.

Surfin' Santa!

I'm going to be honest, when I woke up I wasn't really feeling it. I knew how warm it was outside when we left home and the sun wasn't even up yet. There are some days that you don't "feel it" but you get it done because you love what you do. I also thought of the wonderful cause that I was supporting this morning - the Georgia Chapter of Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

The face I gave Momma K when she wanted me to go take a picture before the race...

I had never met a Christmas lion before

The 1-Mile Fun Run took place before the 5K. It was awesome to cheer on the 1-Mile runners! There were a number of Atlanta Track Club Kilometer Kids out there rockin' it which was great to see.

Yay! Atlanta Track Club Kilometer Kids

I spy an INKnBURN Momma!

The course is fairly flat to Georgia standards. It is an out and back with a loop on a paved trail in the park. I started the race out comfortably and just rolled with it. It was a hot and humid morning and I didn't want to push myself too hard today.

A mile in I knew I was at a pretty good pace and at mile 2 I knew I might possibly PR. I started to feel the effects of the heat as I went up the long gradual hill around 2.5 miles. The right song came on my iPod and I pushed through. I crossed the finish line with a new PR of 20 seconds! While my first reaction was beating myself up because I missed my 5K goal time by 15 seconds, I couldn't hang my head too low about a new PR on a day that I wasn't feeling it.

The post-race area was small, but great. There was an assortment of vendors and refreshments including bagels, Christmas cookies, water, and my favorite...POWER ICE!

This is definitely a great race! I cannot wait to run my next Kennesaw Grand Prix race in a few weeks - Run for Wounded Heroes 5K. If you are in the area, I definitely recommend joining me on August 1 - it is the same awesome course and supports a great cause as well.

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Road Runner Sports Alpharetta Adventure Run - July 9, 2015

7/15/2015

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After a brief hiatus of Adventure Runs in the Atlanta Area due to the July 4th holiday last week, it is time to hit up Road Runner Sports Alpharetta Adventure Run!

Star Wars themed Adventure Run in June!

What is an Adventure Run you ask? Adventure Runs are hosted by Road Runner Sports stores and are a scavenger hunt style fun run. At the start of the run, a map is revealed on a board (or sent to your email if you pre-registered) and you are sent on your way. Your goal is to get to as many checkpoints and get back to the store in an hour. Each checkpoint gives you raffle tickets to be used in the drawings once the run is over. At some checkpoints you simply get tickets for arriving and some have fun little tasks to complete (such as burpees, planks, etc). There are some pretty awesome prizes to be won and the best part is that Adventure Runs are FREE!

Avalon (Alpharetta, GA)

Each Adventure Run night has a different theme. So far I have participated in Spring (baseball, Easter, etc), luau, cartoon character, and 80s night. For the special "4th Thursday" edition of Adventure Run in Marietta, they decided to celebrate the July 4th holiday a little early and have a red, white, and blue theme. Since there is no such thing as too much "Americana" - Alpharetta carried over the holiday to tonight for another red, white, and blue themed Adventure Run.

Because America is beautiful and so are you!

Like we always do, we arrived to Road Runner Sports early to get checked in and checkout some of the vendors/races there. The vendor tables have tickets for you as well so you try out new product, find new races, and EARN TICKETS! Remember, the more tickets you have, the better your odds are of winning prizes!

Zulu Racing Tent

Getting bonus tickets with "water pong"

Becky and I have pretty much become known as the "planking girls" at the Alpharetta store. We are now requested to plank for pictures before we run :) Who would we be to decline.

Credit: Road Runner Sports Alpharetta

The checkpoints were pretty spread out this week. We had a few that were between 1.5 and 2.0 away from Avalon. It is important to know your pace and figure out what checkpoints make the most sense to go to to get the most tickets and arrive back to Road Runner Sports in time for the start of the raffle.

It was a very warm and humid day so we planned to take it easy. We went out to one of the checkpoints that was about 1.5 miles out and then headed back to Avalon to hit the checkpoints in there.

1/2 mile in and already sweaty...

ALL the fun! ALL the tickets!

Momma K and Becky "arguing" over which way to go :)

We always enjoy the checkpoints inside of Avalon. You can rack up a lot of tickets in here typically, plus you get to check out some awesome shops and restaurants. We got to play in a sprinkler at Road Runner Sports, had a photo challenge for our "secret checkpoint" (check out your local Adventure Run page on Facebook for details the day of your run), and did jumping jacks. One of our favorites is Exhale - these ladies are always a blast to see and ready for selfies. One of the girls noticed that Becky and I were wearing Sparkly Soul headbands....they carry them at Exhale!

We gathered back at the lawn at Avalon for the drawing. My tip for newbies doing adventure runs - sort your tickets by like color and keep strips of tickets attached (this will make it easier to locate if you won). Since it was a hot evening, the awesome team at Road Runner Sports made sure we all rehydrated well - they had a ton of water on hand and popsicles for the kids (big kids got the left-overs).

I was our only winner this evening. I scored a Adventure Run shirt which I gave to Becky. For as hot as it has been the past few Adventure Runs, she was wanting to turn a shirt into a tank - now she has one to use :)

If you haven't checked out your local Road Runner Sports' Adventure Run, I highly recommend that you do. They are great fun for all ages. A few of my friends have pushed their kids in strollers and some have brought their children with them for the run. You can run as fast or slow and as far as you want in the hour. The absolute best part is that they are FREE!

Go to www.AdventureRun.com to find a location near you!

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It's Registration Day!!!! Princess 1/2 Marathon Weekend Registration Opens Today!

7/14/2015

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Get your tiaras ready! It is registration day for runDisney's Princess 1/2 Marathon weekend in Walt Disney World. Going into its 8th year, Princess weekend is always a popular one. This year runDisney will host a variety of princess themed events in mid-February including kids' races, 5K, 10K, and half marathon.

2015 Princess 1/2 Marathon

I am excited to be registering for my 4th Princess 1/2 Marathon (and 3rd Glass Slipper Challenge) today. Princess weekend hold a special place in my heart since it was my first runDisney race in 2013 and Momma K's first 1/2 marathon in 2014. If you are in need of some runDisney fun - check out my 2013-2015 Princess Weekend experiences here.

If you are planning on registering for any of the races, make sure you are online and ready to go at noon (eastern time). Check out the runDisney website for more details including registration fees, travel information and more. Here are a few tips for getting registered:

(1) Be on time.
        You will want/need to be online at noon Eastern (if not even before)
(2) Be ready.
        Have all of your registration information and credit card ready to go.
(3) Know what you are registering for.
        Are you registering a friend or loved one for a race (or races)? Make sure you know in advance         what you are signing up for. Noon is not the time to hem and haw over what you want to run.         Yes, it is a commitment, but you don't want the race to fill up while you are making up your mind         or waiting for you loved one to respond to your text.
(4) DON'T GIVE UP!
        Active.com has been know to crash during hot race registration such as runDisney races. A             new queue system has been implemented that will put you in a "line" to register, so get in line             and be patient (don't exit out and come back in because you will lose your spot in line).
(5) Register in order of importance
        If you are registering for multiple races, register in order of importance/popularity. More than             likely, Glass Slipper Challenge will fill up first.
(6) Use social media.
        Follow runDisney's Twitter account (@runDisney) for the most up to date information such as             the current percentage sold out.
(7) Have a back up plan.
        Just in case something happens and you are stuck in traffic getting to your computer or your             internet goes down have a friend/family member on call to register you.
(8) Get shut out? There is still hope!
        If worst case scenarios happen and you miss open registration, there is still hope. Make sure to         check the runDisney site for information of purchasing bib packages from travel agents or you         can run with a charity group and raise money for some awesome charities while you runDisney         in February.

Question of the Day: What event(s) are you planning on registering for today?

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