Blog Archives - Funner Runner

Disneyland Bound!

8/31/2016

Today is the day - Momma K and I are DISNEYLAND BOUND! Well, first, I must get through my day at work before hoping on my flight this evening.

It seems like just yesterday we were all in a mad scramble to get registered for the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. Our bags are packed, costumes are ready, waivers are printed, and boarding passes are in hand!

WE ARE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!

We have a very busy, but fun-filled, few days coming up from expo on Thursday, meet ups, 22.4 miles to run and of course fun in the parks! With that said, Funner Runner will be on a brief blog hiatus so I can take full advantage of my mini-vacation (but be sure to follow along on Twitter and Instagram). However, there will be costume reveals via Funner Runner over the weekend. As I have done previously, I will release each of our costumes the night before the race. Thursday night we will share our 5K, Friday night will be the 10K, and Saturday night will be the 1/2 Marathon. I can't wait to show everyone what we have been working on the past few weeks!

Please be sure to follow along in our fun!
Twitter: FunnerRunner13
Instagram: FunnerRunner

You can also follow the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend with the hashtags
#Disneyland5K
#Disneyland10K
#DisneylandHalf
#DumboDoubleDare

SEE YA REAL SOON!

Question of the Day: Who will I be seeing at Disneyland this weekend? What race(s) are you running?

A Family That Runs Together: Tips From Jeff Galloway

8/31/2016

If you have followed me for a while, you likely know that running as a family is something important in my life. I absolutely love the fact that we can all share our passion for running and fitness together, and even get to run together frequently. Truth be told though, we haven't always been a running family. It wasn't until 2012 that we started getting fit as a family and started running together. I really wish that we would have started running as a family sooner, but I definitely don't take this gift for granted today.

While I don't have children of my own, a lot of friends of mine have children that are starting to become interested in running just like their parents do. Well, how do you know when it is right to get your child running (after consulting a physician of course)? What can you do to help your child start running with you? Obviously, each child and situation is different, but Jeff Galloway recently shared some great tips to keep in mind with your child's running and implementing his run-walk method.

***DISCLAIMER: All information provide below 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.

A FAMILY THAT RUNS TOGETHER
Kids think and learn better when they exercise regularly, according to research. Whether you run with your child, a niece/nephew/grandchild, or a neighborhood kid, you can make a positive impact on a young life.

True Confession:  I was a fat and lazy kid, and a poor student, at the age of 13.  Joining a group of cross country runners changed my attitude for the better, and challenged me to be a better student.  The bonding of most running groups creates positive growth experiences.

Why is running with kids such a great thing to do? Most kids like to do things with an adult.  By running comfortably with a child you can positively imprint exercise as a natural and expected part of the daily routine, that is fun.

What does running do for kids--better than other sports? Kids who run tend to have better self esteem, better grades, and are happier.  Unlike other sports, that require specific skills, any kid can run and walk.  When running, you have one of the best opportunity for quality time.  The most powerful reward for most kids is the special attention an adult gives to a child during and after a run.

How do I know when a child is ready to run?  Running is a natural activity.  Unfortunately, many kids have have had bad experiences because they have run until they were exhausted.  Tell the child that you really want to go on a walk/run with him or her.  Offer a simple reward (a special snack such as juice, a toy).  Insert walk breaks every minute, before the child huffs and puffs, and stop before the child is tired.  .

My kid runs around when she plays all the time—does that mean she’s actually fit enough to go for a real run? Yes! Short segments of running are natural for kids. Playing chase games is a great way to introduce running, such as racing Dad to the mailbox.  Walk gently between running segments and talk about how good the exertion feels.

For kids ages 6 and under:
How long should I let a kid this age run? Usually between 10 and 20 seconds at first.
How much of our ‘run’ should be spent walking? Walk for a minute or two between run segments.
What should I be careful of?  Most kids can run farther and faster than they should at this age.  Make sure the segments are short so that there is no huffing and puffing.  Make each session playful and stop before the child is really tired.

Ages 7 to 9:
How long should I let a kid run?  Start with about a quarter of a mile(one lap around a track).  Increase by 1-2 tenths of a mile each run until you reach one mile.  For kids that really enjoy running, you could gradually increase the distance to 3.5 miles (one day a week) and enter a 5K.  Be sure to keep the pace slow during the first mile of the first race, with walk breaks every 1-2 minutes.

What is a good run/walk ratio for a kid this age? Jog for 10-20 seconds/walk for 40-50 seconds.  After two weeks, if this seems “too easy”, increase the amount of running each week by 5 seconds and decrease the walking by 5 seconds until you are using 30 seconds/30 seconds.  For the kids that want more, gradually increase to one min/one min, then 2 min run while inserting 1 min walk.  As kids want to run more, you can increase the running but walk when the child starts to huff and puff.

What should I be careful of (are they prone to going to hard and crashing and burning?) If you sense that the kid is struggling, walk more.  This usually improves attitude and conserves energy for a strong finish.  It's OK to run a little faster at the end but don't run all-out.  It is OK to let the child “win” each run.

Ages 10 to 12:
How long? Beginner kids that are out of shape should follow the suggestion for ages 7-9 at first.  For moderately active 10-12 year olds (soccer players, etc.) start with about half a mile.  Increase by about a quarter of a mile on each run until you reach 1.5 to 2 miles—or whatever distance seems to feel comfortable but satisfying.

What’s a good run/walk ratio for this age group?  Kids that are just starting, should follow the suggestion for  ages 7-9.  Kids that have been running (soccer, etc) can jog for 10-20 seconds each minute during a 10 minute warm up and find the ratio that avoids huffing and puffing: 1-1, 2 min  run/1min walk, then 3-1, and only 4-1 if a kid has no problem with this.

What should I be aware of (are they actually likely to kick my butt?)  Many 10 to 12 year-olds can run very fast at the beginning, and burn out later.  Keep the pace slow for the first third of the run.

Is this age child old enough to run a 10-K?  Most kids who gradually build mileage to 6.5 miles, once a week, will have no problem with a 10K if you help them start slowly, with walk breaks every 2- 3 minutes or so.

Hurry up and SAVE! Jeff Galloway 13.1 race registration price increases on September 2nd! Join the 3rd Annual Jeff Galloway 13.1 Race Weekend! December 9-11, 2016
Register now -www.jeffgalloway131.com

DI Dash 5K - August 27, 2016

8/30/2016

Y'all know that I love a good local race. Marietta (a nearby neighborhood) hosts quite a number of excellent 5Ks throughout the year. A few years ago, I discovered the DI Dash 5K which is held annually in August at the historic Marietta Square. Our family has made this an annual tradition to run for the past 4 years, so of course we continued the tradition in 2016.

We arrived to Marietta Square just before the sun started to come up. There is a good amount of parking around Marietta Square, but since we like to park right along Marietta Square, we got there about an hour before the race to get our parking spot.

DI Dash benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and Bert's Big Adventure. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a wonderful health care provider in Atlanta. They have always take such wonderful care of my friends' little ones in their times of need, so I am happy to help support them. A new beneficiary for DI Dash in 2016 is Bert's Big Adventure which is non-profit organization started by a local radio host that provides children with chronic and terminal illness and their families with an all expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World each year as well as various other events and projects throughout the year.

We were call to the start line area around 7:20 to line up and get ready. After a few race announcements, we were on our way right on time at 7:30.

Photo Credit: The best race cheerer ever, Becky

Photo Credit: The best race cheerer ever, Becky

Being quite familiar with the course from running it a number of times over the past few years. The race is a little crowded the first 1/3 mile or so then things spread out a lot. There are a number of rolling hills along the way, but mile 2 always seems to get me on this course as there is a decent size hill that is in there.

Photo Credit: The best race cheerer ever, Becky

Photo Credit: The best race cheerer ever, Becky

Yes, it was hot and humid. It is late August in Atlanta. However, today's run felt good. I think I am finally feeling my mojo coming back. A special shout out to this awesome guy, Stan, that I was running alongside in that final mile. I think it is safe to say that we were both motivating each other in the final stretch. If you are out there Stan, thank you!

After the 5K concluded, a 1K fun run was held before the awards ceremony started. The post race area was pretty small, but I have to give a huge shout out to the race for coming through once again and hooking us up with snow cones. Icy treats at the finish line are totally the way to my heart in the summer, so y'all win! They also had sweat towels for you at the finish line along with plenty of water, bananas, bagels, and other snacks.

After waiting for about an hour after finishing, the awards ceremony started once the 1K concluded. They started by presenting a donation check of $55,000 to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Bert's Big Adventure. How awesome!?!?! Momma K ended up in 3rd place in her age group today! Whooop!

Upon receiving your race bib, each runner was given a raffle ticket for the door prizes that were given out. Let me tell you what, DI Dash always has some AMAZING door prizes! Some of the prizes included fitness training sessions, GPS running watch, Amazon Kindle Fire tablets, and TVs! Sadly, we did not win, but it is fun to hold on to your raffle tickets in hopes of winning big!

This is a great race for sure and one that myself and my family will continue to support each year. Thank you again to the awesome team for hosting a wonderful morning of fun!

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Expo Tips

8/29/2016

In less than 72 hours from now, thousands of runners will be flocking to the Disneyland Hotel for the start of the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend expo.

It is no secret that I love going to race expos. Race expos can tend to be a little overwhelming for runners, especially if it is your first large race. Remember, race weeks should be fun so here are a few tips to help make your expo experience a little more magical.

1. If race merchandise is important to you - go the first day if possible.
As with any expo, merchandise is limited and runDisney is no exception. Thousands of runners eager to purchase official race merchandise and other limited edition merchandise (Dooney & Bourke purses, runDisney New Balance shoes, etc). In addition to runners, there are unfortunately people looking to purchase limited edition merchandise to resell at a high premium.

Lines tend to start forming early for entry to the expo, so remember that the early bird gets the worm. If you cannot get to the expo first thing, don't worry, there will still be merchandise left however sizes and styles will become limited as time goes on. If you have a friend going to the expo earlier than you, you can perhaps have them pick up the things you just have to have. I highly recommend going to the race merchandise area as soon as possible though if you wish to get any - remember you bib will not go anywhere.

2. Have your waiver and ID ready.
Make sure you print up your waiver before you leave for the weekend. While you can print up a copy of your waiver at the expo, doing so can waste precious expo time. Your ID is vital in packet pick-up - a lot of major races require a photo ID in order to pick up your bib. (NOTE: runDisney no longer allows participants to pick up a bib on someone's behalf). I personally also wait and pickup my bib and shirt LAST. I always enjoy shopping at the expo, and some items might have limited availability, so I shop first and then get my bib. My bib isn't going anywhere, so I might as well get that last.

3. Set a budget.
Yes, you might be on vacation, but that is not an excuse to overspend. While it is tempting to buy all the merchandise, it can get expensive...QUICKLY! Look at merchandise previews (if available) and see what items you would use the most. My typical splurge is a race jacket - I wear them all the time in the winter and usually have one at my desk for when the office is cool.

4. Pinpoint exhibitors that you want to visit.
runDisney posts the official event guide on the race website a few weeks before race weekend. I always make sure to print out the map of the expo with the vendor list. I first go through and mark the vendors that I am already familiar with and want to check out their booth for new product and/or expo specials. Make sure you keep an eye on your favorite vendors' social media outlets for potential expo specials and/or giveaways.

Next, I do some research on other vendors that I am not familiar with and mark them on the expo map if they have a product I might be interested in (remember, NO NEW GEAR/FUEL ON RACE DAY THOUGH!). While I still walk through the entire expo, having a plan of attack helps me make sure that I see all the vendors I want.

5. Bring snacks and drinks
You will likely spend a little bit of time browsing the expo, so make sure you bring a light snack and your water bottle. You are here to run a race, so you want to make sure you are staying hydrated even while at the expo.

6. Use discounts!
There are different ways to save a few dollars at the expo, you just need to know how. In the official merchandise area, you can save on your purchase a few ways. If you are a AP, DVC, or Disney Visa member you can save on your official merchandise purchase (ask your cashier for specific details).

Did you know that you can pre-purchase Disney giftcards at some wholesale discount stores (such as Costco) at a discount? Disney giftcards can be used as payment at the official merchandise area at the expo as well as throughout the Disneyland resort on food, merchandise, etc. While these discounts might not be huge, every bit helps.

7. Take advantage of freebies.
There will be a lot of freebies at the expo - promotional items as well as photo opportunities. Make sure to take advantage of the free photos for sure! These are a great commemorative keepsake to remember your race weekend with.

8. HAVE FUN!
We are all here to have fun. Don't let the little things ruin your time. Yes, it is upsetting if you don't get the shirt you want because your size is sold out already, the line to check out is long, or it is crowded. We all want to continue our vacation adventures by going to the parks, hanging out the pool with our families, etc....be patient and BE KIND. Remember, have a MAGICAL time!

Question of the Day: What vendor(s) are you most excited to check out at the expo?

Top 3 Packing Tips for Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Weekend!

8/26/2016

As if packing for a vacation isn't stressful enough, packing for a race-cation is even more overwhelming at times. Earlier this week, I shared a part of my racecation/Disneyland Half Marathon packing list (in case you missed it, here is a link). As I start to pack for Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, I wanted to share a few tips that may make your packing a little less stressful.

1. Always, always, always carry your race gear with you on the plane!
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put your race clothes, shoes, and other gear in your checked bag. Sure, you may have never had a bag get lost by the airline, but do you really want the first time to have your shoes in it when traveling for a race? I didn't think so. If you are traveling for a longer period of time that will require a checked bag, I recommend checking the stuff that can easily be replaced like clothes for the vacation part of your trip and putting the critical items in a carry-on bag.

2. Make sure you have your shoes.
Yes, it sounds silly, but I have had friends go on a run the night before leaving for their trip and left their shoes at home or in a gym locker. My worst nightmare for sure. I was introduced to the Klitch Footwear Clip a few years ago and I love it. The Klitch is is shoe holder that can clip onto the outside of your gym/running bag, suitcase, etc. It is perfect for traveling and I always use mine on race-cations.

3. Organize!
If running multiple races, I recommended laying out and packing your race stuff by race. For Disneyland Half Marathon weekend I am running 3 races so I pack for each race separately. I layout my shirts, shorts, skirts, socks, etc for each race and then use drawstring bags to travel with. This makes hotel life a lot easier as everything I need for the 5K on Friday is already together, so I just grab my bag and I am ready to rock!

Preparing for PHM weekend 2015. 3 runners in 8 races is a lot to organize!

Question of the Day: What are your favorite "racecation" packing tips?

#TBT A Look Back At The Magic: Disneyland 1/2 Marathon 2013-15

8/25/2016

A little more than a week from now, thousands of runners will be ready to take to the pavement of the Disneyland Resort and the streets of Anaheim for the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon! It seems like just yesterday we were registering for the Disneyland races - where has time gone? I am beyond excited to spend the weekend with some amazing running friends from all over the country and even meet up with one of my best friends and her family for some Disneyland fun!

The Disneyland 1/2 Marathon will be my final race of the weekend after completing the 5K on Friday and 10K on Saturday. This year's Disneyland 1/2 Marathon is extra special to me though - it will be my 60th 1/2 Marathon! How awesome is it to celebrate my 60th 1/2 Marathon in the final days of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration!?!?

The 1/2 Marathon starts with two miles outside of the parks before heading into Disney California Adventure. After a nice loop around the park, you cross over to Disneyland. There is absolutely nothing like the magical feeling of running down Main Street with your friends by your side. After exiting Disneyland shortly before the mile 4 marker, you make your way through Anaheim. Don't worry, the entertainment doesn't leave when you exit the parks. You will be greeted with various bands, cheerleaders, antique cars, and more as you make your way through Anaheim. One of my favorite parts is definitely running through Angels Stadium and hearing the roar of spectators cheering for you as you enter and make your way around the warning track.

Even though about 3/4 of the race isn't actually in the Disneyland Resort, this isn't your typical half marathon. You have to experience it to understand. Here is a look back at a few of my favorite memories from the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon.

2014 was Momma K's first Disneyland 1/2 Marathon! We absolutely had a blast spending 19.3 miles together making wonderful memories.

2015 was an extra special year with it being the 10th Anniversary of the Disneyland Half plus a little pre-birthday celebration for Momma K's 60th birthday! We ran strong with our friends Coach Jeff and Becky and ended up getting Momma K a new PR along the way!

The Disneyland 1/2 Marathon will be my final race of the weekend after completing the 5K on Friday and 10K on Saturday. This year's Disneyland 1/2 Marathon is extra special to me though - it will be my 60th 1/2 Marathon! How awesome is it to celebrate my 60th 1/2 Marathon in the final days of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration!?!?

Obviously, I am crazy excited to head to the west coast for another 22.4 mile weekend of fun with friends. Is it Wednesday yet? I am ready to go NOW! Ok, maybe not now, because I am nowhere near done packing...

Question of the Day: What are you most excited for during the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend?

My Disneyland 1/2 Marathon Packing List

8/24/2016

I don't know if it is because I am a total pre-planner or the excitement of heading to Disneyland (or both), but it is time for me to start packing for Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. I have a few busy few daus leading up to leaving for California, so I am starting to layout and organize some of my stuff for Disneyland. I am a list person for sure, especially when packing. Here is a list of some of the most important things to pack for your race-cation.

Expo:
ID
Waiver(s)
Cash/Credit card/Giftcards
Race information (expo times, expo layout, etc)

Race Day:
Shoes (multiple pairs for multiple races)
Shirt
Shorts
Sports bra/undergarments
Socks
Throw away clothes or garbage bag (great for cold/wet weather)
Hair ties
Sparkly Soul Headbands
Handheld bottle/Hydration belt
Bib holder/Race Belt
iPod (and charger)
Garmin/watch (and charger)
RoadID
Pre-race food (banana, power bar, etc)
Fuel - Gu, chews, etc
Vaseline/Body Glide
KT Tape (make sure to precut your strips or have scissors)
Sunglasses
Hat/Visor
Sunscreen
Chapstick
Medication/Inhaler

Post Race:
Park Tickets
Recovery shoes/sandals
Recovery sleeves/socks
Foam Roller/The Stick
Travel first aid kit
Blister Pads
Gallon bags for icepacks
Plastic bag for dirty race clothes (or use gear check bag)
Biofreeze
Tylenol

General Items:
Shirts
Jacket
Shorts
Jeans
Undergarments
Socks
Comfortable shoes
Bathing Suit (if doing pool time)
Pajamas
Cell phone charger
Portable cellphone charger
Medications
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor, etc)

Yes, race-cation packing can be stressful. Just make your list and check it twice. Remember that a lot of what you might need can be purchased at your destination in a worst case scenario.

Question of the Day: What items are on your packing list that I might have missed?

Atlanta's Finest 5K - August 20, 2016

8/23/2016

Atlanta Track Club hosts a variety of pretty awesome events each year. Each other their races offer their own unique qualities to them - theme, location, distance, etc, but one thing is guaranteed you will have a great time. I first ran this race in 2015 and knew right away that this would be added to my 2016 race calendar. It was a very well organized race, great course, and supported our Atlanta Police Officers and Crime Stoppers, so it made for a pretty awesome Saturday morning.

The race started and finished at Pemberton Place (near Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola). Since this is a big attraction area of downtown Atlanta, parking was plentiful which is awesome (minimal parking fee) and there is a large park area was a great space for pre and post race events, award ceremonies, and the kids races.

We got to Pemberton Place nice and "dark and early" but we had plenty of time to get parked, eat breakfast, and head out to the race area.

Thanks to the wonderful Atlanta Track Club volunteers, check-in was super easy and quick. I cannot thank these volunteers enough - not only did they get everyone taken care of quickly, they did so with smiles on their faces (even at 6am). Volunteers ROCK!

After getting our bibs, we used the restrooms (both indoor facilities and port-o-potties were available) and hung out with a few of our friends while we waited to head over to the start. The start line for the race was a short walk from Pemberton Place. On our way to the start, we were greeted by about a dozen mounted Atlanta Police Officers. I am a sucker for animals in general, so obviously I had to check them out!

There were 4 start corrals that you self-seeded yourself in based on your projected pace. The waves started 2 minutes apart which helped reduce crowding on the narrow parts of the course. The course is a little narrow (not too narrow though) with some pothole infested streets in the first mile, so being spread out a bit is very welcomed.

When you run races downtown, you typically find yourself on some pretty tricky hills, but not today! Huge kudos to Atlanta Track Club for finding a way to run the course that it was fairly flat and forgiving (especially by Atlanta standards). Most of the first half of the course is a very gradual downhill which is so nice! Don't get too comfortable though because as you head up Techwood and Luckie Street in the final mile, you get a few uphill stretches.

Since I ran this race last year, I knew what to except on the race course. I really took advantage of the first half of the course and ran a pretty strong first mile and a half. I tried my darnest to keep that pace through the hill of Luckie Street, but today just wasn't the day. I was super proud of myself though because I didn't loose the mental battle. Instead of focusing on my pace slowing down, I focused on what was right in front of me and kept pushing. I ended up finishing just shy of 3 minutes faster than last year, so I definetly have a lot to be proud of.

After finishing, I grabbed some water and met up with a few friends while we waited for Momma K and Papa J to finish. While waiting, we got to cheer for a group from the Atlanta Police Academy as they crossed the finish line together.

Photo Credit: Jennifer

Photo Credit: Jill

Before we left, we went and cheered for the kids' 50 meter dash. I absolutely love cheering for our junior runners. As I stand there cheering them on, I don't know what is more touching - watching the looks on the kids faces or the parents' pride watching their little ones run.

What an awesome morning of running and time with friends! A huge thank you to Atlanta Track Club, volunteers, and of course Atlanta Police Department for making this morning possible. If you live in the Atlanta area, I highly recommend checking out Atlanta Track Club. From races to training groups to social events and even kid programs, there is something for everyone.

Photo Credit: Jill

See ya in 2017, Atlanta's Finest 5K!

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.
September 10th - Rise Up & Run 5K
September 24th - Wingfoot XC Classic (FREE for Atlanta Track Club members)
October 23rd - PNC Atlanta 10 Miler & 5K

Interested in becoming a member of the Atlanta Track Club? Learn more about member benefits and become a member here.

Area 13.1 Half Marathon - August 13, 2016

8/19/2016

After running Meaningful Miles 5K in the morning, grabbing some breakfast, resting a bit, and having a late lunch, it was time to get ready for part two of my double race day - Area 13.1 Half Marathon.

I have ran Area 13.1 Half Marathon each year since the inaugural event in 2012. The race has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years and has gone through a lot of changes over the past few years including course changes and date changes (2014 it was held in November). Last year there were a lot more downs than ups, but I decided to come back in 2016 to give it another shot since a different race company was in charge this year.

To be honest, I kind of dread night time races. I am not a good night time runner, plus dealing with fueling in a timely manner for a night race just throws me off. Knowing that it was going to be in the 90s with a heat index of mid to upper 90s at the start of the race stressed me out a good bit. Heat is no joke and can be dangerous, so I was super prepared for the circumstances (along with most of the other runners) by having plenty of fluids on me.

I know, if I dread night races so much, why in the world did I sign up for a night time half marathon (let alone for 5 years in a row now)? That is a good question. I like to put myself in uncomfortable situations to make myself stronger. With that said, here I am for yet of 13.1 miles of uncomfortable fun. :)

Between my Fitletic headlamp and fuel belt, I was ready to go!

The race starts and ends in Riverside Park in Roswell which is a great park with playgrounds, picnic tables, and plenty of parking (overflow parking is available down the road with shuttles to/from the race). While we arrived early to get parked and settle before the race, most of the main lot was already full (mostly with families and gatherings in the park), however the overflow lot was pretty empty.

Of course it wouldn't be a race day without seeing some of my favorite people out and about before the race!

Credit: True Speed Photo

It was about go time and around 6:50 they announced for all of the 1/2 Marathon runners to head over to the start line area (the 1/2 Marathon started at 7:00 followed by the 5K at 7:10). I grabbed my headlamp and other necessities and got ready to go. Yes, it was still sunny (and blazing hot), but headlamps/lights are required for all half marathon runners with an estimated finish time of longer than 1:50ish (trust me, you need it).

The start line was just outside of the park on the main road. With about 800 half marathon runners, we got lined up pretty quickly. Thanks to the awesome pace teams, it was pretty easy to determine where in the start area that you should line up.

As you leave Riverside Park, you head out and do an out and back that takes you through a mile long (or so) stretch of trails. The trail part was added to the course when it was redesigned in 2014, so I am pretty used to it by now. Let's be real, I am a pavement lovin' runner. Everything was going pretty well. My pace was just about what I was hoping for in the first few miles to be conservative so I didn't overdo it in the extreme heat.

My biggest gripe of the day comes into play here though. Remember how I mentioned that the half marathon started at 7:00 followed by the 5K at 7:10? Well, the 5K runs the same first 3.1 miles of the half marathon course. That means you had the super speedy 5K runners getting tangled with the half marathon runners inside of the narrow trail. There was some total nonsense happening including some near shoves and yelling at one another to get out of the way. Not cool runner friends, not cool. My suggestion here would be to either delay the 5K from starting until 7:30 so the last of the 1/2 marathon runners would be out of the woods before the lead 5Kers came through or alter the course for one of the two races so they don't cross paths. I get that there are logistics such as amount of time the roads can be closed and such, but it really did create a pretty rough situation for the mid-to-back of the pack half marathoners and about all of the 5K runners.

Credit: True Speed Photo

We survived the trail! Seriously, the mile or so that you run on the trail can be brutal. It isn't even the trail aspect that I find tough, it is the fact that there is little to no air circulating in there which makes it even hotter and difficult to breathe. That is now behind us and it was time for 10 miles on the road.

Just past mile 3 you go through Riverside Park, so Papa J was waiting along the course with extra drink for me to refill my bottle with. Last year I had issues with water running out on course for the back of the pack, so Papa J wanted to make sure I had all the hydration I needed. Plus I cannot drink Gatorade which was the electrolyte on course, so I was able to make sure I had enough with me.

Beware of aliens on course! They say runners are trying to escape the invasion and they weren't kidding!

This heat is no joke friends - please make sure you hydrate well (even carry you own fluids at races) and slow down if needed. I started feeling a bit yucky with the heat around mile 5. I just felt "funky" and knew that I really needed to just slow myself down before something happens.

As I mentioned earlier, this race has gone through different changes over the years. In 2015 they had to revamp the course to these crazy switchbacks that repeated multiple times and a lot of people complained about how confusing it was (especially in the dark). Last year they resolved the issue and had us do basically an out-and-back in one direction and then another out-and-back in the other direction. The past 3 years this has been one of the flattest half marathon course's in the Atlanta area. Well, the past two years we were all surprised when we hit a pretty nasty hill at mile 7ish that was about a mile of climbing.

It was completely dark by the time I got to mile 8ish, but it was still pretty toasty the entire way - I mean, it IS August in Georgia so it is expected. Things got pretty ugly for me. There were a number of police cars helping keep our lanes clear and directing traffic out of neighborhoods from mile 8-10ish. Well, between the bright strobing lights (in the dark) and the heat, I got extremely nauseous. This has happened to me at a number of the night races that I have done, so I have pretty much confirmed that this is just a sensitivity that I have. I am so thankful that my friend, Jill, stayed with me and slowed down when needed to get through the rough moments along the way.

While I wished that I felt better, it was great to get to run with Jill and catch up a bit. I went into this race knowing that this was simply a 'get some miles in and earn some bling' race for me and not one where I was planning on pushing myself by any means.

Credit: True Speed Photo

We got to the finish line all in one piece, got our medals and some water, and some cheers from our friends and my family. That was about it though. Sadly the post race area was about non-existent by the time we finished. I guess since a bulk of the runners ran the 5K, the vendors packed it up earlier on in the evening. It was kind of a bummer to have nothing really left when you finish the race, but it is what it is.

My favorite race DJ, Mr. Inspiration, was there with free hugs and high-fives and I got some water and a banana (which was more that we got last year), so it was all good. I must say that I was highly disappointed though that the paramedics were trying to pack up and leave while the race course was still open and a good number of runners still out on the course. As we were walking to the car someone approached one of the medics loading up the vehicle telling them that a woman was having heat related symptoms and needed assistance. I am sorry, but this really upset me. If the race started at 7pm and the course was open for 3 1/2 hours, I could care less about sponsors/vendors, but the emergency personnel needs to be there until AT LEAST 10:30 if not a few minutes afterwards in case of lingering illness or emergency situations.

For those wondering, yes, I felt ill for the remainder of the evening but felt a lot better after a good night rest. Double race day was done and it was time for a bit of recovery. I got home, stretched/rolled a bit, got some fluids into me (seriously, I drank 2 bottles of water before bed), and showered before crawling into bed with no intentions of doing anything in the morning except watching ladies of Team USA in the marathon.

After 2015 I honestly doubted that I would run this race again after the horrible experience that I had. However, after Orion Racing took over, I decided to put my faith in them and try it again. I am certainly glad that I did. Other than the issue of the half marathon and 5K being too close together and medics trying to leave the site prematurely, everything went MUCH better than 2015.

Question of the Day: Are you a "morning runner" or a "night runner"?

#TBT - Disneyland 10K 2013-15: Ready to Kick of the 2016 Dumbo Double Challenge!

8/18/2016

It is hard to believe that in a little more than three weeks I will be starting the first leg of my 4th Dumbo Double Dare Challenge. If you don't know what the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge is, it is a challenge held during the runDisney Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. Participants in the challenge run the Disneyland 10K on Saturday followed by the 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. That is right, 19.3 magic miles of fun and memories (or 22.4 miles if you opt to do the 5K as well). The race course is about a mile or so outside of the parks before entering Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, and Downtown Disney before crossing the finish line. As with the other runDisney races, there are great character photo ops and Disney magic surrounding you.

The Disneyland 10K was my first runDisney race at Disneyland. This race is special to me for a variety of reasons but mostly for the memories that I have made with some of my amazing friends the past two years. I decided that it would be fun to take a look back at some of these awesome memories that I have made.

In 2013, the inaugural Disneyland 10K was an Alice in Wonderland theme. This is probably one of my favorite race themes that I have ran with runDisney because there are so many great options for costumes or inspired outfits. Between Alice, Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, the Tweedles, and the many other characters, the options are amazing.

2014 was Momma K's first Dumbo Double Dare Challenge and she was super excited to kick off the weekend. We ran with our friends Fiona and Lena and shared many giggles and smiles along the way. We even ran into a few interesting "characters" along the way.

In 2015, Becky joined us in California for her first Dumbo Double Dare Challenge and Coast to Coast. Becky quickly learned that when you runDisney with us, costumes are necessary. We decided to go down in the Brier Patch and run as our favorite characters from Splash Mountain!

Momma K and I are both excited to be taking on the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge again in 2016! The Disneyland 10K course is one of our favorite race courses for sure!

Question of the Day: Will you be running the Disneyland 10K? Are you taking part in the Dumbo Double Dare challenge?