Guest Post...Motivation!

So today I am your guest blogger! My name is Molly Ritterbeck and I blog over at Miss Molly (http://www.mollyritterbeck.com) and I am so blessed to be writing as a guest today!

What I am going to talk about today is motivation. What motivates you? Let me tell you about what motivates me!

I am a working mother who has two beautiful daughters and a husband that serves in the military – that is enough stress in itself isn't it? Well let me tell you with the bills that come with kids and life in general and job changes to boot I was getting stressed. My tension headaches, anxiety, and sore shoulders (my stress goes straight to my shoulders) I just didn't know what to do. I was also starting to really lose myself in taking care of everything and everyone else that I was kind of fighting off some depression.  I didn't want to turn to medicine and I knew if I went to a doctor that is what I would get.

My husband told me I needed to get active and change my diet – but I was never going to do something because I was told – I needed to do it for myself. I had friends who went back and forth with new diet fads (meal plans, pills, prescription pills, etc) and I saw how they aged, fought self confidence issues, and more. I didn't want to be like that. Being a gymnast for over 8 years I thought I was still in shape despite not doing anything for a long time….so I decided one day to run a 5K with NO training. Not one of my brightest moments. I paid for that for a couple days after.

As I was sitting in pain one of the days after I was mad. I was mad that I couldn't do it. I was mad that Nick finished in 21 minutes and came back and ran half of it with me again. I didn't need his help to finish. I didn't want his help to finish ever again. I was going to do this.  I started running little by little and building distance. I found friends to do it with me. I joined a running club. People were motivating me who didn't even know me. I was not the best but they didn't care at all. They thought it was awesome to do what I could and so did I. 

I also started to notice the pain in my shoulders was gone, the anxiety was gone, and the headaches were gone. I had energy and could get more accomplished in the day. I was happier and was eating better. I was becoming what I had wanted and it was all because I didn't want to be beaten. My motivation was to not be beaten. 

I only had one moment of doubt and that was when my friends started to notice that I was losing weight and asked about it. Since I do not weigh myself very often at all (the gymnast in me swore I would never worry about a scale again), I had no clue – and I honestly said I didn't think I had lost much so I couldn't tell them. One of my friends stopped and looked at me and said “Well what’s the point if you aren't losing weight?” I stopped in my tracks. Wow – what was the point I thought. The best part is – it only lasted a moment and I was able to say “The point is I feel better, and I now know I can do anything I put my mind to.”

I was mad at my friend for asking such a shallow question, but at the same time I was glad that I could answer her with the right answer and not a shallow one. 

My motivation is myself and my family. It will never be to get to a number on the scale, but maybe to fit in my jeans better. It will never be to be in the “in crowd” and be skinny because lets be real – strong is the new skinny. I will be strong for myself and my family.

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WOW! What awesome words Molly! Thanks so much for guest posting for me! Make sure to visit Molly on her blog! 

QOTD: What motivates YOU?

Guest Post...Tips for Running a runDisney Race!

Today Heather from Through Heather's Looking Glass is taking over my blog! Many of you know Heather through her amazing runDisney experiences! I always love reading her runDisney posts! I've been reading Heather's blog for years and am lucky to have gotten to meet and hang out with her on several occasions since I started blogging! She's such an awesome person!

Heather is also a Disney travel agent!!! She can book your Disney vacation for you as well as your runDisney vacation! As soon as I get back from Disney, Heather is going to book my room for Marathon Weekend in January! Email her at heather@travelwiththemagic.com to get your Disney vacation started!

Enjoy Heather's post on tips for running a runDisney race! Thanks so much Heather for guest posting for me!

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I have gotten a lot of questions from people about runDisney races in general. Tips for getting the most out of the weekend, what to expect, when to go where, special things to note that are different from regular races. Well, I thought it was high time to compile all of my info into a blog post to share with you all!

   

      TIPS FOR RUNDISNEY RACING 

Expo: Try to get to the expo the first day it is open if you are able. Merchandise can run out, especially in popular sizes, after the first day. Not to mention the first day is typically less crowded. For marathon weekend, all the Goofy merchandise was sold out by Friday afternoon, and the expo had a line to even get into the building!

   

Race retreat: I have done the race retreat once, and while it was very nice, I don’t thing it’s “necessary.” When it’s very cold outside it’s nice to have somewhere to go and relax and eat, but it’s definitely not a “must” and you will be ok without it, so don’t fret if you didn't get in before it filled up.

Characters: There are plenty of characters along the course, especially within the parks. Have your phone or camera out and ready to hand to the cast member, and give them any instructions you want to give. They aren't all “great” at photo taking, I had to tell the to tap the screen to focus the picture after getting a few blurry ones. Bummer. There will also be professional photographers on the course and at the character stops, so be sure your bib is visible to the camera when they are taking your photo.

   

Fueling: There are PLENTY of aid stations and I have never brought my own water bottle. There was water and Powerade available about every 1.5 miles. I do bring my own fuel/gel minus one for the half and two for the full (there is one clif shots stop during the half, and two during the full). If you aren't used to taking Clif's products, be sure to bring your own or practice with them before the race.

Hotels: Be sure to stay at a host hotel on property for the least amount of stress come race morning. Not only will you be surrounded by other runners, but it is the only way to have official race and expo transportation, which is important when you don’t have a car! (email heather@travelwiththemagic.com for hotel info and pricing)

 

Transportation: There are buses outside of the host resorts to take you to the expo and the race and back. Typically there are big signs out front of the resorts directing you to race transportation pick up. If you aren't sure be sure to check with the front desk at your hotel. After the race, there are buses near the family reunion area to take you back to your resort, just look for the signs so you know which line to get into. Also, be sure to get to the buses EARLY. There is a LONG walk from the family reunion area to the corrals, and it is a slow walk full of people, so allow yourself even more time than you think you would ever need. Trust me on this one!

Sweepers: You have to keep a 16:00 per mile pace or you will be swept off the course. They have buses at certain cut off points to transport those who cannot maintain pace. Keep in mind Disney doesn't start the timer as far as SWEEPERS go until everyone crosses the start line, so you have a bit of a head start as long as you aren't the last one to start.

Weather: You can’t control the weather, neither can Disney. I have run in Disney in weather in the 20’s and in the upper 70’s. Be prepared when you pack for ALL weather situations, they can quickly change. A garbage bag is a good alternative to a poncho, and remember that if you throw off old sweatshirts, etc. Disney picks them all up and gives them to charity.

   

Finish line/family reunion area: After you cross the finish line and get your medal, Disney will give you water, Powerade, and a little box of snacks. Then you can take photos, get your bag at gear check pickup, and meet your family in the family reunion area. There are big signs with letters on them so plan a meeting spot to meet up with friends and family after you finish the race.

Training: There are training programs on the runDisney website to help you get ready for your big race day!

Gear check: Disney gives you a big clear bag when you get your race shirt, and there is a sticker with numbers on it, you put it on the front of your bag and this makes it your gear check bag (be sure to tie a knot in the top of the bag so your stuff doesn't fall out!) I pack a pack ticket for walking back through EPCOT to our hotel if I feel like it and am staying in the EPCOT resort area, flip flops, a jacket, a towel, and my hotel room key.

Corrals/proof of time: You are put into a corral based on your proof of time from a 10k race or longer. If you have no proof of time, you will be put towards the back. However, if you get a faster time between registration an the race, just bring proof of time to the runner relations booth at the expo/bib pick up, and they will put a sticker with a new corral letter over your old one. The volunteers DO check corrals and have flashlights to read your bib to make sure you are going into the right ones.

    

Bathrooms: There are plenty of port-o-potties at the start, but there will still be lines so arrive early. There are some at the family reunion area but we usually skip these and use the ones right before you get into the corrals, they usually have shorter lines. There are also potties all along the course, but we usually try to wait and use the "real" bathrooms in the parks. There are some you run right by in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, as well as in Frontierland. When running the full we have stopped at the ones at the Ticket and Transportation center as well, and you run right by some in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

Meet up/Tweet Up: You may have seen blog posts about the cool runDisney social media meet ups that are held during race weekends. These meet ups are typically held on Friday morning, very early. If you want to try to get in, keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog and the @runDisney Twitter feed for information on when you need to keep an eye out for registration. The meet up for marathon weekend was full in three minutes!

   

Family fun run/5k: The 5k is typically the day before the half marathon, early in the morning. It is an untimed fun run, but you still get a shirt, bib, and (rubber) medal. There are characters along the course, and it’s a fun relaxing way to get a taste for runDisney racing. The 5k typically doesn’t fill up as fast as the half marathon.

   

Kids races: The littlest runners can take part in runDisney races too! There are kids races at the Wide World of sports (think diaper dash and kids one mile run).

Spectating: Have a plan! Disney has info for spectators on their website. The chEAR squad packages are nice, but not necessary to see someone at the finish. I know a lot of spectators that catch their runners at multiple points during the races, relying on Disney transportation to get them around and the monorail to the finish line.

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I also have some personal tips….

-Have FUN! runDisney races are great for running with friends and family Don’t take yourself too seriously! 

-Take lots of photos! Where else do you get to run through a castle and get character photos in your running gear? Enjoy the cool things you don’t get to do at other races.    

-Be prepared. All right boy scouts, always be prepared for any situation. Don’t forget things like chapstick, tissues, layers to keep warm, sunscreen, and your camera.

-Wear your medal around the park after the race, be proud!

-bring extra safety pins in case there aren't any or enough in your bag

-If you are wearing a costume practice in it beforehand to make sure it doesn't rub or chafe.

-Need packing advice? Check out my “packing for a runDisney race” vlog to make sure you have everything you need!

-Check out the runDisney website and Facebook page, they are always updating them with great info!

QOTD: What is your best runDisney race advice that I have left off?

Guest Post...Food Prep!

Hey RoadRunnerGirl.com readers! I'm Kat over at Sneakers & Fingerpaints just here writing a guest post to help our Mindy while she enjoys some R & R!

Being busy gals with kids (in my case a pug), jobs, errands, studying, eating, EVERYTHING can be a bit tricky especially when you're trying to live the FIT and HEALTHY life!

It's never easy - don't get me wrong. But it's all equally as important for us to somehow tackle and tackle well. A main area that tends for be a challenge for me weekly is MEAL PLANNING.

I'll spell it out a bit: I work a full time job (mid shift between 10-7pm usually), am studying for my CPT exam, have been training for half marathons and will be training for a marathon starting next month, working out almost daily, making sure to be a good wifey, cooking and eating smart, snuggling my pug...SHEW!

HOW THE?!

I've learned from my pal Lindsay at theleangreenbean.com that it takes a day of meal "prep" - namely Sunday Food Prep time - to get it done to make the rest of the week a breeze!

I can't take credit for many of the foods I make as I get ideas from Pinterest, blogs, instagram - why recreate the wheel?

Typically, my husband and I do our grocery shopping every Saturday (more than likely every OTHER Saturday of the pay week) and try to stick to the local vegetable stand as well as the grocery store. From there, I can plan meals or 'food items'. My goal is to have small pieces of meal puzzles that each of us can put together during the week for either breakfast, lunch or dinner since we're almost always on the go.

Items we regularly make are:

*Protein muffins (1 recipe link is below) made with either protein and another component or egg whites mixed with vegetables and/or meat

*Meat patties (chicken, grass-fed beef, etc.)

*Guacamole and salsa (as toppings or dips or spreads)

*Cut-up fruit (snacks, shake additions)

*Quinoa or rice (to make meals)

*Hard-boiled eggs (to just eat or make egg-salad)

*Veggies (roasted or raw to dip and add to meals or have as snacks)

The list can go on!

Recipe: http://www.sneakersandfingerpaints.com/2013/06/weekly-workouts-roundup-weekend-foodprep.html

My biggest tip: Make lots of smaller meal items to piece together.

A meal doesn't have to be cooked right before it's eaten and done every, single day. We both understand that we have our busy days, can snack a lot and make up meals, and also have our meals out as well.

I've learned along the way that that you want to eat the best you can using what you have. So, if you have healthy eats on hand, you're more likely to succeed at the game of healthy eating ;)

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Thanks so much Kat for this post!!!Be sure to check out Kat's amazing blog Sneakers and Fingerpaints! 

QOTD: Do you food prep? 

The Weekly Chase #25!

Hey all! I am having an absolute blast in Disney...although it is HOT! I just wanted to check in with you real quick today for the Weekly Chase! Did you think that because I am on vacation that I wouldn't have goals? Nope...that's not how I roll! I've got goals this week although only a few!

I hope you will join us this week for the Weekly Chase!

This month's challenge is called "Move Your Body!" It's summertime and I don't want us to forget about our fitness goals. This month I want you to be specific and make one of your goals a fitness goal. Your goal could be to run 3 times a week, strength or weight train twice a week, go for a walk everyday, or do at least 15 minutes of exercise each day. Whatever you want...just make it all about moving your body!

Here are my goals from last week:

• Goal #1: Run at least one mile every day (challenge goal). Yep! I've even ran here on vacation! Hopefully I can keep it up the rest of the week!

• Goal #2: Stretch and roll every day. Yes! I made sure to bring my Stick and Triggerpoint Therapy Kit so I could continue this on vacation too.

• Goal #3: Get my blog posts scheduled for vacation week. Yes! I didn't want to leave my readers hanging with nothing to read this week! ;-)

• Goal #4: Line up and schedule guest posts for the blog. Check! I have some awesome guest posts lined up for you this week!!!

• Goal #5: Wash everyone's clothes. Check! It took me two days but I got everyone's clothes washed for the trip!

• Goal #6: Pack for Disney. Check! Whew! I'm glad this one is over! I LOVE to travel but I hate to pack! Especially when I have to pack for multiple people and not just myself!

So here are the goals I have for this week:

Goal #1: Run at least one mile every day (challenge goal). My plan is just to keep the streak alive this week. I'm not going to run anything over a mile. Just getting out there to run will be challenging enough!

Goal #2: Stretch and roll every day. This will go hand in hand with running everyday!

Goal #3: Have fun! I'm hoping we all have a great stress-free vacation with no one getting sick and everyone having a great time!

I know it's short but hey! I'm on vacation! At least I have some goals! ;-)

QOTD: What goals do you have for this week? Do you run or workout when you're on vacation?

Runner Spotlights #40

While you're reading this...we are in Disney!!!! And of course we are having the most magical time on Earth!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I also want to say Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads out there! I am super lucky to have a great Dad of my own! And my hubby is an amazing Dad to my two boys!

Me and my Dad a few years ago!

But now it's time for another runner spotlight! If you are interested in being spotlighted on my blog please email me at mindy@roadrunnergirl.com. I would love to feature you! You don't have to have a blog to be spotlighted...you just have to be a runner! :-)

Today I am spotlighting Phaedra from Blisters and Black Toenails! I love the name of her blog! Because as runners...we experience those two things at least once in our running career! Keep reading to learn more about Phaedra!

Name: Phaedra Kennedy
State: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

When and why did you start running? 
I started running in 1998 as a way to lose weight.

What is your favorite race and race distance? 
My favorite race would have to be the Boston Marathon. I'd say my favorite race distance would be the half marathon distance. It doesn't beat my body up as much as a marathon does. 

What is your race day routine? 
I usually get up way earlier than I need to. Eat breakfast at least a couple of hours before the start and then I get to the start with plenty of time to use the porta potty and do a really good warm up. Getting a warm up in is a must for me.

What is your most favorite piece of running gear? 
This is a tough one. I have so many things that I love. Right now, I’m loving my Zoot Ultra running jacket. 

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your running?
I actually eat a fairly low carb diet for an endurance athlete. I focus on low glycemic carbs like sweet potatoes, steel cut oats, and sprouted grain bread as well as using alternate flours like chick pea and coconut flour. I tend to eat a lot of protein and vegetables and I use protein powder on a regular basis. I guess you could say I kind of eat like a body builder, ha ha.

What do you wish you’d known when you first started running? 

I wish I knew about 1) Body Glide and 2) pacing.

What is your fondest running memory? 
Having my hubby pace me to my first Boston Qualifier at the Ottawa Marathon.

What is one thing that most people do not know about you? 
Not sure. I am pretty much open about everything. Sometimes TOO open, ha ha.

Here are all the different ways you can connect with Phaedra!

Blog: http://blistersandblacktoenails.blogspot.ca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/redrunningshoe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlistersAndBlackToenails
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/redrunningshoe/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/littleredrunningshoe

Thanks so much for sharing with us Phaedra!

QOTD: How has your weekend been? Any Father's Day plans?

Fitness Friday and Thoughts on Spirit of the Marathon II

It's been a crazy week! Lots of laundry and packing going on! But we are officially on our way to Disney!!!! Yay!!! I will be posting pics from our vacation all week so make sure you are following me on Instagram and Facebook!

As for the blog...I will be posting some but I also have some really awesome guests posts lined up for you to enjoy! Please show them some love!

I wanted to let you know about my thoughts on the Spirit of the Marathon II movie! I was super excited to receive a pass to see this movie from Fathom Events, although I would have gone to see this movie on my own. My running friend Mindy (yep....name twins) came to see it with me!

The movie itself was fantastic! So inspirational! I loved every minute of it! I laughed, cried, and nodded my head in agreement at several parts of the movie. This is a movie every runner should see! I don't want to give away any of the details but make sure you see it when it comes out on DVD! Afterwards I walked out of the theater wanting to go for a run lol! This movie made me proud to be a runner!!!

Now it's time for Fitness Friday and for me to tell you all about my runs and workouts this week!

• Saturday- #plankday 1:02, 5 mile run in 53:01 average pace 10:36

• Sunday- #plankday 1:02, 1 mile run in 8:51

• Monday- #plankday 1:05, 1 mile run in 8:52

• Tuesday- #plankday 1:01, 1 mile run in 8:44

• Wednesday- #plankday 1:03, 3 mile run in 29:44 average pace 9:54

• Thursday- #plankday 1:01, 1 mile run in 8:54

• Friday- #plankday 1:00, 1 mile run

I got all my runs in for the Run Streak...although I did miss one of my 3 mile runs. I ran 1 mile that day to not break the streak....the weather just wasn't cooperating for me to get 3 in that day. I had to run in between thunderstorms! 

Now's the hard part...keeping up the streak while I'm on vacation! My friend Stephanie and my mother-in-law have both promised to keep me accountable on the trip. My mother-in-law even said she'd run/walk with me! So hopefully I am successful! Wish me luck!

QOTD: What was your best run or workout this week?

Bokos Sandals Review!

Disclaimer: Bokos sent me this product free to review through my ambassadorship with Girls Gone Sporty. I received no other compensation. All opinions in the post below are mine and mine alone!

Living here on the Gulf Coast, I am definitely a sandals and flip flops gal! We can wear them almost all year round! So when I got the opportunity to review a new pair...I got super excited! And I love supporting small and new businesses (Huma Chia Energy Gel, BAMR Bands, Kindrunner) so this one was right up my alley! 

Introducing Bokos! 

What's unique about these sandals? 

• They can get dirty, smelly, wet, hot, and cold...and you can wash them and they'll be as good as new!
• They are made using non-porous rubber material that is designed for strength and durability. They can withstand normal wear and tear plus life's most demanding activities! The rubber material helps block out dirt and keep the sandals clean.
• They are anti-slip. I hate when I get a pair of flip flops wet and they are so slippery that it feels like I'm going to fall. 
• They are easy to clean. Just wash them in the sink with soap and water and they're good to go!
• They are anti-odor. Have you ever worn a pair of shoes to the point where they stink? These don't do that! Yay!

How were Bokos born? Here's the story on their website: 

"Bokos was created by two brothers from Minneapolis, Minnesota. After spending time overseas, they returned to the United States with sandals styled similarly to Bokos. The unique design and material made for a durable, easy to clean, and fun to wear sandal.

The founders began wearing these sandals everywhere. Around the campsite, after mountain biking, hosting barbecues, and everything in between. Soon, friends and family (and often, strangers) started asking how they could get a pair - to wear to the beach, after a workout, or just to wear around the house.

It was then that Bokos was born.

We created Bokos for people like us, people like you. People with too much to do and not enough time.

Whether you're a camper, cyclist, hiker, surfer, shopper, or gardener, Bokos are made to keep up. The one-piece design gives superior durability and versatility and makes Bokos easy to clean, anti-odor and anti-slip. 

From your gym bag to your camping gear, your front closet to your back porch, we're confident that wherever your Bokos end up, they will soon become your new favorite sandals."

 Bokos come in a variety of colors...black, pink, melon, blue, military green, grey, and navy blue. And they are not just for women...they are for men too!

They are also very reasonably priced...only $16.00 a pair! 

I chose a black pair so that they would match everything. I have my eye on a pink pair though! 

The sandals were super comfy! They felt great on my feet after running! I can see these going into my race bag come race season! I wore them to the pool and LOVED them! It didn't matter if they got wet. And when they were wet they didn't slip on my feet!

I also wore these outside after it had rained and they got a little mud on them. I brought them in and washed them in the sink...so easy! And they are clean again!

I really wish they had these in kid sizes! They would be perfect for my boys for the summer! Hint, Hint Bokos!!! ;-)

If you're looking for the perfect sandal for the summer...I highly recommend Bokos! And Matt (one of the owners) has kindly offered a discount code to save you 20% off! That would make your pair of Bokos only $12.80! Super cheap for a good pair of sandals! Use the code ROAD to receive your 20% off! :-)

QOTD: Have you ever heard of Bokos? What do you think?