Did She Get It?? And Lessons from My first runDisney Registration

Yesterday, as many of you know, the runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon registration opened. I had about nine friends, including myself, trying to get registered when 12 pm EST struck. Three of us got in right away- the two that had refreshed their pages at 11:59 and clicked the registration button early. The rest, well the page froze, nothing would load, and when it finally did, there was a 15-22 minute line before registration. Sadly, those with the long wait times got all the way to payment, but the payment would not process.

So, which group was I in? Well, let's just say that I will be running my first half marathon in November and it will be the WINE AND DINE HALF!!!!! Ahhhhh, I am so excited to make this happen, and strange as it may be, the three people who got registered were the three original who planned on running. We will be two teacups and a sleepy mouse running across that finish line in the wee hours of the morning on November 8th.

To make it even better, a few of those who were not able to register will be coming to cheer us on and celebrate at the after party with us. We will have sign making parties filled with glitter and encouragement and two great photographers along the race route taking plenty of pictures. As sad as I am that some of my dearest friends and family will not be running with me, I am also so happy to be running with the two amazing people/friends/family that will be at my side.

This has also spurred on my running bug since, obviously, we will try to register together again for the Princess Half! Then, my cousin in California and I have plans of running a runDisney race together out there and getting me my Coast to Coast medal in 2016!! What incredible goals these are, and they are things I would have never imagined doing two years ago!

So, what wisdom can I share from that registration process?? First off, it sells out FAST. However fast you are thinking, cut that in half.

Be Ready- Early

The entire half and 5k were completely sold out within 40-minutes. That is crazy! If you want to get in, be prepared and clicking ahead of time. My friend got on right before me and had no wait time, I got on at 11:59 and had a 2-minute wait with 100 people ahead of me. Those that got on at 12:05 had a 22-minute wait and some never even got to the registration page before it sold out.

For runDisney races, the early bird definitely gets that worm.

Be Actively Prepared

Second nugget of wisdom, have an active account already. Everything is filled out for you and you can speed through the process, thus ensuring you get a spot. Also, have your account information handy. I swear by 1Password for all my passwords and it saved me again for this.

Prepare to Feel Rushed- You Are!

And third, get ready to feel rushed. My super calm cousin who I have never seen stressed EVER (not even at her twin brother's wedding that she planned while being 6-months pregnant) told me how stressful that experience was. That thing sells out fast and you should be prepared to input all your information at lightning speed. I have not found that written anywhere and think it is important to know. Move fast to make sure you get in.

I am so excited to be running this and could not stop dancing/running around my house like a crazy person/clapping uncontrollably after realizing I had made it and so had some of my friends. If you are a Disney fan, you should definitely plan on doing a Disney race at some point. I have heard so many things about these and cannot wait to experience it for myself!! 

Side note- if you are super tired of all this runDisney stuff, tomorrow will be totally runDisney free. Actually, it will be pretty fitness free but something I think all of you will enjoy!

Valentines Day Gifts for The Runner

Running has gotten a bit popular over the past decade- perhaps you have heard it talked of once or twice, or, maybe that running bug has bitten you as well. It sure has got me and, chances are, it has gotten you significant other as well.

If you are in that group of the running elite known as marathoners, half marathoners (I will be soon!!), ultra marathoners, triathletes, and the like, you know there are a few products that life can simply not go on without. Of course, some of those have made it to our Valentines Day list, but some of these are also great gifts that your runner will squeal for joy over, but may not necessarily buy for themselves.

Garmin Forerunner 110 GPS Watch

This is a bit like the 405, if the 405 went on a bit of a diet and got way better at understanding where you are- even in tree cover. I will be getting one of these quite soon and would recommend every other runner or newbie outdoor runner do the same. It has better reviews than any Tom Tom, a large display, and shows you your pace compared to your goal. Too bad it does not come with the HRM strap, that is the only downside. Of course, you could always go a little crazy and buy this one instead :)

Runner's Rule Book

Every runner enjoys reading about other runner's running experiences, right? Well then, your runner will enjoy knowing all those running do's and dont's. Because, no one wants to be a rude runner.

Run The Extra Mile

It is artwork and it is encouraging. This is sure to tick two of the many boxes of the things your runner enjoys! It is also so cute and chalk-like, I just love it and would like one now to put in my office. Yes, that would be perfect.

Compression Leggings

It may not seem romantic, but this says you care about them on a logical level. Compression leggings, sicks, and the like help reduce water retention, muscle soreness by reducing lactic acid build-up, and could actually help you finish that race a little faster!

Dry Shampoo- God's Gift to Women Who Sweat

That is a fact. After he rested a bit on Sunday, he woke up Monday and created this. The. Best. Thing. Ever. Get it for your running buddy, significant other, hot yoga neighbor/instructor, or anyone else because everyone will love this.

Running Chronicles Bib Holder

How cute is this, right?! It holds all your bibs so you can look back and think of all those race memories. I simply love this idea and think it is perfect for any scrap booker or insane memory maker out there.

Chocolate Truffles

Last, but certainly not least is the needed chocolate truffles. I got these for a treat at a recent volunteer meeting and they were a hit! And yes, you do need the giant, 36-count box. Also, chocolate is great for increasing race times, stopping all joint and muscle pain, improving running complexion, and making everything not hurt. Science.

Happy Halloween and A Great Running How To

Happy Halloween!! Do you have any plans for the night? So far, I think ours include a night at home where I force the hubs to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas yet again. But really, how can anyone resist This is Halloween? I don't know. Unfortunately, we live right next to a massive shopping complex so all the cute kiddos go there for candy instead of our place. The first year we learned this the hard way and ended up with a very anticlimactic first Halloween in our new place and a MASSIVE bowl of candy. Being the kind person that I am, we pawned most of it off to our front office. Those poor girls got so much Halloween candy.

Now that the Halloween bit is over, let's talk running! I recently came across (and by I , I mean the hubs showed me) this YouTube channel all about running. The Ginger Runner has tons of great tips for runners out there and he is an untra-marathoner himself. Pretty great! This video gives some great tips for running at night, but he also goes a bit above and beyond the norm for it. I would definitely recommend watching it whether you are an ultra runner yourself, or are just getting your toes into the running world. Heck, even watch it if you want to live vicariously through an ultra-marathoner. His tips are pretty darn great!! Let me know how the video helped you as well :)

Happy Halloween and TGIF!!