Sole Sunday and Sole Friends

On Thursday, both my husband and I had a slow day at job #1 so we left work early, went to grab some sandwiches for lunch, and headed off to the gym for a bit.

 We were going to make it a short day. I posted a tweet about being indecisive of what I should do at the gym that day to some of my "tweeps" wondering if they would get the message for a response. They all told me to run except for Ashley who told me to do both. Maybe I would? But I decided to first run on the ARC (I don't know what it stands for???) I just call it a glider. 

At first, I wasn't feeling it but then my protein, carbs, and I don't know what else must have kicked in because I had a really good workout going! Then he did it... My husband walked over to me and wanted to go. He was tired. So I got off and went home wishing I had my own car that day so I could have stayed on. I was having such a good day :(  but I know that if I wasn't feeling it that I would want him to leave too.

Yesterday we went again... But I just wasn't feeling it this time. There wasn't any joy of running in me. I had to take a few bathroom breaks because of this damn thing called Chrohns, I tried the new Spotify app. for new music (hated iiiiit!), and then ended up getting off of the treadmill to go do some weight training after  mile 4 of mostly walking and little running-  It wasn't a fun day!

This morning as I was laying in bed and I turned to Twitter and Facebook. I scrolled through my news feeds and tweets as my house was still quiet and drama-free of teenagers. I love hearing the race day jitters, post race news, and pictures. Even though you may not be there with your friends, you can still support & cheer them from afar. No matter what their time... they started and finished!

There are so many of these wonderful people that do just that! Tweeting encouragement, posting positive messages, and looking out for each other is what makes me feel blessed to know these people. 

While I have only one SOLE SISTER, Kim,  I know I have many SOLE FRIENDS!

Thank you to my Tweeps that keep always it real! 
If you don't follow these blogs already I encourage you check them out. They are always filled with inspiration, fun, and will put a smile on your face reading them 

Kim http://kimrunsdisney.blogspot.com/

Tracey

Pam www.werundisney.com

Christine www.werundisney.com

Lena www.thebeginnersrunner.blogspot.com

Ashley www.thepavementprincess.com

Jen C www.hellofitnesswemeetagain.blogspot.com

Jill  www.MRScrashmattb.blogspot.com

Liz www.disneydashnov2012.blogspot.com

Marcia www.travelruneat.blogspot.com

Jen P

Andrea www.onceuponarunfairytale.blogspot.com

Brandi www.girlontherun365.blogspot.com

Melissa www.13GoingonCrazy.com.

Erin www.lovedisneyrunning.blogspot.com

Candy

Katie P

Dawnley 

Angela www.theamicks-angela.blogspot.com

And let's not forget the gentlemen too :

Joe R

Linzie www.seesharprun.blogspot.com

Justin www.alwaysrunningforward.com

Marc A

Matt  www.dadrunsdisney.com

Paul 

SUPER SATURDAY! 5 weeks from today it ALL kicks off & ends with a meet up

It's Saturday and the countdown has begun for the runDisney Disneyland Half marathoners, 10k'ers, 5k'ers, and yes the Dumbo Double Dare Challengers in Disneyland, California!

5 weeks from today we will all be running on this day to kick off what will be an AWESOME weekend!! 

New friendships will be made and memories that will last a lifetime will happen. 

After the race on Sunday Sept.1,2013 come on over to Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar on the property of the Disneyland Hotel for a tiki bar meet up & pool party to relax for a little bit. Food and drinks will be pay for your own but the stories and laughter will be shared by everyone!

You can RSVP and find out more about the meet up event at 

https://www.facebook.com/events/487237144678148/ 

See ya real soon! 

Surprise! You've Got Mickey Mail!!

  
I'VE GOT MICKEY MAIL!!





I just got home from an early day of work and the gym and my husband said "Look what we've got!" 
Of course, I was like the picture below of Mickey jumping up and down and a HUGE smile appeared on my face ~ Wahooooooo!
When we were at Walt Disney World in July we converted our tickets from our vacation package into WDW Seasonal Passes! Now when I go to the races I don't have to buy sports tickets (that was my excuse...but what I really was thinking was "Oh good we can go to Disney whenever I want this year" ). 

Well, Mickey surprised me with this special magnet for my car but I can't take the chance that it will be stolen so i will just keep in on my fridge where it can make me smile throughout the year ;-D 
 

A MUST stop at Goofy's Candy Shop!

Whenever my race weekend or family vacation is over, Oh heck! Whenever I go past Downtown Disney in Florida, there is only ONE thing left to do before I have to get in the car and come home....

GO TO GOOFY"S CANDY SHOP FOR MY APPLE!

 

If you have not eaten these...

 you are missing out on some OMG happiness!

No really, you don't understand how awesome these are. You can pick them out from the cases or you can make a custom one of your own.They are the HUGE Granny smith apples, covered in caramel,then dipped in white chocolate (my favorite) or milk chocolate, then decorated with whatever you'd like. Sprinkles, nuts, and sugar crystals are just some of the items they use to decorate the apples with. The last time I was there they decorated the apples as Goofy, Chestire Cat, Mike from Monsters Inc, Mickey and Minnie.

The most awesome part is now there is a Bakery in the new Fantasyland's Big Top Souvenirs so now I can be in love twice!

The price of the apples vary but they usually average about $9.99. Unfortunately, the apples are not considered a snack under the  snack options if you have the dining plan, but the mostly of the other items in the bakery do. So if you have any snack points left...use them there.

Recently, I found out that there is a bakery in Downtown Disney, Disneyland....yes you guessed it! I WILL BE STOPPING THERE for my celebration apple ;-)


Not only does the bakery have apples, they have Rice Crispy treats, fudge, cake pops, marshmallows on a stick, pretzels,cupcakes, and lots of more yummy stuff. 
If you are looking for a take home gift... trust me something from the bakery (especially the apples) will be better than a t-shirt that doesn't fit or a antenna topper that will fly away on your first trip- lol.

Joey Fatone is doing the Coast-to-Coast at Disneyland too!

 

 Well, it finally may happen! I might actually have a chance to meet Joey Fatone!

It was announced today on Twitter that Joey will be going Coast to Coast for the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge like me!

Joey went "Goofy" when he ran in both the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon and the 2013 Half Marathon in one weekend. Now he will be going to the west Coast to run in the Disneyland Half Marathon and 10k with all of us crazy runners on August 31 and Sept. 1, 2013

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to give a shout out to him and maybe even grab a quick picture on the course ;-)

Restarting my Dumbo training w/40 days to go!

12 weeks ago I started training for the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, hosted by rundisney, to be held in Disneyland, California. A 10k (6.2 miles) on Saturday followed by a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday for a total of 19.3 miles over a weekend and my added Coast to Coast medal for doing a race in WDW and in Disneyland all in one calendar year. My goal was to PR in both races, especially the half, and I was feeling great. 

Unfortunately, 2 weeks later I had emergency surgery and that plan all came to a halt. While recovering I wished with all my heart that I would be able to run this race still. It was a race I had been dreaming of since the day it was announced around December, but running had to wait for me to heal. 

For July the 4th of July week my family and I went to Walt Disney World for our summer vacation. I had been starting to feel better & pretty much back to normal but with some limitations still. Since we were staying at the Yacht Club that was on the boardwalk I decided that if the conditions were right I would attempt my first run/walk. 

Well, I did. It was a foggy and humid day but I was feeling pretty excited about doing this. My son went out running before me and I followed. That morning I did 3 fast run/walk miles in the off/on rain and it felt great! 

This past Monday I ran another 3.8 miles with the best running buddy a girl could have. I freaked out for a little bit before we started to run. I guess I was jut scared of being out of my element and the "what ifs" taunted my mind. But again, I did it! 

Last night I attempted the treadmill... This is how it went LOL:

I wanted to see what my time/pace would be for the 10k if it were today...Worst case scenario. 

It was tough  and I think my atrophied legs took a real beating because I felt every muscle from my waste down working. At first I was feeling great, then, tired, then very sore as I ran. The last 3 miles seemed so long. I tried to find some music to get me through but that just didn't seem to work. I decided to just say the heck with it and walk then next mile but as fast as I could. As I looked up and saw the 5 pop up. I envisioned the finish line at Disneyland like I always had in my previous trainings. Now, I had less than a half mile to go. Raising the volume of my earbuds to one of my favorite songs... I went for it and did it! 

My time wasn't the best, but it was a new start to my training and my new path leading me towards my medals waiting for me at Disneyland in 40 days! 

Q & A: Choosing a resort & getting around on your runDisney weekends

Lately, there has been a lot of runners asking me how to choose their resort and which is the BEST resort to stay at during the runDisney race weekends in Walt Disney World. There isn't any perfect resort. It's all about YOUR travel plans for the weekend.
Being a Florida resident, a Disney travel planner, and avid Disney vacationer... I can help!  I have stayed at each and every resort on Disney property and I have run in every race weekend except for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
Choosing the resort can be a real decision maker. Cost, sleeping capacities, and the location of the resort  to the parks can be some of the deciding factors. Hopefully, I can help you make up your mind and choose your home away from home while you are having the race and time of your life!

Below is a map of the Walt Disney World Resort Area

 

Race Transportation facts:    

 "How do I get to the race from my hotel? Can I...?"

• Each resort has their own bus transportation to the race destination
• If you are staying on a monorail resort- yes, the monorail will take you to EPCOT if your race starts there. If your race starts somewhere else (Animal Kingdom or Wide World of Sports Complex or Hollywood studios) you will have to take a bus
• No, you can not walk through EPCOT on race day to get to the starting line if you are staying at a EPCOT resort
• No, you can not take the boat to Hollywood Studios on race night 
• Not every resort is a host resort. Please check with the rundisney.com site for a list of host resorts for that race.

 "How do I get to the Race Expo to pick up my bib?
All of the resorts will have a bus that takes you to the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex. If you are driving in I recommend that you go to your resort first, check in and take their bus to the expo.You never know how busy it will be, I have parked on the grass in an open lot and hiked on it and I have parked 2 rows from the entrance. The buses will take you to and from any of the resorts...it's the easiest way to go. Just remember, you will have alot of "goodies" with you so plan on going back toy your resort to drop them off real fast. You don't want to be walking around with your bibs and loose your package. That's irreplaceable on race day.

"How do I get to Downtown Disney?" 
All of the resorts have buses to Downtown Disney. However, if you are staying at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter you will also have a boat that take you there. Saratoga Springs is in walking distance or by boat. 

Race Course Viewing :
"Can I see my runner from my resort?"
The answer to that is:
Only The Wine and Dine Half Marathon, the Walt Disney Half and Full Marathon, and the Princess Half Marathon courses run by some of the resorts. 

The Wine and Dine Half Marathon: Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, and Yacht Club

The Walt Disney Half Marathon: Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, if staying at the Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness take the boat over to one of the monorail resorts or go to the Magic Kingdom

The Walt Disney Full Marathon: Boardwalk Inn, Beach Club, and Yacht Club,Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, if staying at the Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness take the boat over to one of the monorail resorts or go to the Magic Kingdom
The Princess Half Marathon: Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, if staying at the Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness take the boat over to one of the monorail resorts or go to the Magic Kingdom

Weather:   

This may answer you're question, "Is there a nice pool?"

• When it comes to the weather in WDW Florida, let's just say it is unpredictable. Depending on where you come from around the USA this can also be challenging to pack. Always over pack or give yourself some extra play money in case you need to buy a sweatshirt or T-shirt.
• For WDW Marathon weekend and Princess Half weekend you never know what you'll be running in until about a week or two before the race. In January and February it can be 30-40 degrees at night/ start time or it can be 60+ degrees. You might even get a freak snow/ice shower (the 2010 runners saw that!) Days can be a cool 65 degrees all the way through and into the 80's.
• For Wine and Dine Half Marathon, Tower of Terror 10 miler, and Expedition Everest the weather is usually hot and humid, but you can also have a beautiful night if there is a breeze.

Is my resort close to the Theme Parks? How do I get there?
These resorts are on the monorail system. 
You can go to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT by using the monorail. To get to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios you will need to take a bus from the resort

• Wilderness Lodge and Villas
• Fort Wilderness Campground
• Polynesian Resort
• Contemporary and Bay Lake
• Grand Floridian and Villas

These resorts are in walking distance to EPCOT or by taking a 5min boat ride there.  Hollywood Studios is a 1 mile walk or you may take the bus or a boat at your resort. Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom are also available by bus only at your resort.

• The Boardwalk Inn
• Boardwalk Villas
• Beach Club and Beach Club Villas
• Yacht Club  

At these resorts you will have to take a bus to all of the theme parks. 

• All Star Sports
• All Star Music
• All Star Movies
• Pop Century
• Art of Animation 
• Caribbean Beach 
• Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter 
• Coronado Springs 
• Animal Kingdom Resort and Villas- Kidani/Jambo House
• Saratoga Springs and Treehouse Villas
• Old Key West 

 
 

Race Dreaming and Bucket List Making

Have you ever been browsing the Internet and saw a race that made you say to yourself ...
 "OMG! I have to do that race!"? 

Every runner has been there...

~ Was it the bling?

~ Was it the location of the race?

~ Was it the course or the type of race? 

~ Was it a new distance?

~ Was it to run in support of a charity?

What races are on your RACE WISH LIST?

List your top 10 races (in no order).

Then send it to your running friends and see if they have the same races on their list. Maybe you might learn of some new ones that make you go "WOW! I want to do that one!"

Run fast... Have fun! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Girl on the run's 200 Like FB Page Giveaway!

It's GIVEAWAY TIME!  

Last week  my Travel Girl on the run Facebook page hit our "200th Like" and I promised that there would be a giveaway when we hit that number and since the page hit 200, why not give 2 collectors prizes? You can choose to enter one or both. This giveaway is open to everyone who qualifies...It's quite simple.

To enter this drawing you must:

• Be a follower on Travel Girl on the run Facebook page
• Share this post on your Facebook Page &/or Twitter
• Be a follower on this blog (simply click follow in the right column)

For 10 Bonus Points:  in the comments complete this sentence  "If I could travel anywhere in the world I would go to____."  If you have some time tell me why too.

 THAT'S IT! GOOD LUCK

Minnie Minis Nail Polish Collection
 by OPI

Disney's Vinylmation Collection Figure

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One of my favorite desserts come from BOMA

Everyone has a dessert they said "YUM" to on a vacation and wished they could take it home with them. 

Well, Years ago I loved this dessert so much I asked the chef's at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Boma for the recipe and he gave it to me before there was the book of recipes from Walt Disney World restaurants. 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to eat it again. But,since I didn't get enough of it, I decided to come home and make it and share it with my followers. 

I have made this for PTO teacher's breakfasts, luncheons, and yes even for Christmas Day with my family. 

I make it with challah bread w/o raisins. I have made it with the croissants..but I wasn't a fan of it.

As you can see I made it in my Pyrex square pan and in a loaf pan (to share with a friend). I cooked it for a bit longer than it states below, You'll know when it's not soggy anymore in the middle. It rises as it cooks, but settles as it sets.

I have made it with and without the vanilla sauce. That's your decision.

Let me know how yours comes out when you make it.  

Happy Baking! 

Banana Bread Pudding
From Boma's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups Milk
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 cup 3 T. Sugar
7 each Whole Eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
4 tablespoons Butter
3 each Bananas, sliced
5 cups Croissants, brioche, or challah bread, cubed or one whole loaf of Texas toast, cubed 

 

Method:
1. Cut day-old croissant, brioche, challah, or Texas toast into cubes. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer, combine milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and beaten eggs. 3. In a 9x9 square or round pan, place one layer of bread on bottom. Place bananas on top, followed by a layer of bread. 4. Pour custard mixture over the entire dish, filling it 2/3 to ¾ full. Press top bread layer into custard to prevent the bread from drying out. Add more custard if necessary. 5. Place butter chunks on top of bread pudding. 6. Bake at 300 degrees for one hour or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
7. Serve with vanilla sauce (recipe below).

 

VANILLA SAUCE

Ingredients:
3 cups Heavy Cream
1 ½ cups Milk
1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
9 tablespoons Sugar
2 tablespoons Cornstarch
6 each Egg Yolks 

Method:
1. Heat up milk, vanilla, heavy cream, and sugar.
2. Combine cornstarch with egg yolks.
3. Once liquid boils, temper some of the liquid into the yolks and stir vigorously. Then return tempered yolks into the pot.
4. Turn off the heat and stir continuously until well combined and thickened.
5. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set over an ice bath to cool.

Breakfast at O'hana in Disney's Polynesian Resort

From all the way back when I was a little kid this breakfast has been one of my favorite character breakfasts. I have not only gone there with family on vacation but I have gone there with friends to celebrate crossing the finish line at some of the Disney runs for our post-race meal!

O'hana is located inside the Polynesian resort on the top floor of the Grand Ceremonial House. It is an "all you care to eat" breakfast featuring Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch. 

What is an "all you care to eat breakfast"?

Your family gets to stay seated while the servers bring a skillet of food to your table. When you are finished with the skillet or you need refills of items in the skillet just ask and they will bring more as many times as you would like. 

The meal consists of: 

*Mickey waffles

*scrambled eggs (you can also ask for poached, or fried eggs)

*link sausage

*biscuits

*bacon

*roasted potatoes 

*assortment of fruit on the side

*cinnamon bread 

*Hawaiian pineapple bread

*POG juice (passion fruit, orange, and guava juice) It's awesome!

*coffee

*milk

*any other soft drinks if you'd like

Since this is a character breakfast ~ the characters will come around to the tables and greet you. Yes! All ages are welcomed to take pictures! (As you can see we are not shy)

Kids.. Pull out those autograph books so they can sign them and don't forget something for them to write with too! 

The meal prices fluctuate during the year due to value or peak season. The current prices are $15 (kids) - $35.99 (adults) per person. 

You also need reservations so plan ahead of time before you travel. 

For more information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/ohana/

Your travel agent, such as myself, can also help you with making reservations