Fitness Friday–August 16

Dumbo Double Dare officially made the running group’s Race Schedule!

Currently training for: Dumbo Double Dare – August 31/September 1st, Disneyland, CA

Saturday – 10 mile run with the running group
Sunday – Rest Day 
Monday – 3 mile run – 1 mile with Madalynn, 2 miles on my own
Tuesday – Rest Day
Wednesday – Rest Day
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – Gleaux Run (Tonight! ACS night time 5K – SO excited!)

I have an 8 mile run scheduled with the running group on Saturday – this week will be my final “back to back” in training for Dumbo! Getting closer and closer to taper mode!

My weekly “Fitness Friday” schedules may not seem like a lot, but there’s a good reason…I only run a few days each week for one main reason: I have IT Band issues. Through overcoming an injury in one knee, to dealing with a flare-up on the opposite knee,  I’ve discovered that running more than 4 days a week makes my IT Band angry (then I can’t run at all). :0( Sad times.

I do keep on top of my squats, lunges, and foam rolling routine, even when I’m not running. Also, I don’t sit still, ever. Pretty much the only time I’m not moving during the day is when I’m blogging. In the world of running, I’ve come to discover, what works for some doesn’t work for all. If running 4 days what keeps me going (as opposed to being injured) then I’ll take it. When you find what works for you, run with it (literally)!  Running 4 days per week = Happy IT Band = Happy Karen! :0)

Madalynn joined me for a 1 mile run on Monday night after the sun went down. It was still way hot and humid for her and just 1 mile wore her out. She loves to run with me, I can’t wait for cooler temps so she can join me more often!

Last week, I registered as a “Legacy” runner for Rock N Roll New Orleans! I ran the very first Rock N Roll NOLA Half back in 2010 as my 2nd Half Marathon and had a BLAST! I’ve returned every year since, sometimes to run the Full, sometimes to run the Half. If you’re interested, you can see my race recaps here:

• 2010 Inaugural Rock N Roll Mardi Gras! (Now Rock N Roll New Orleans.)
• 2011 Rock N Roll Mardi Gras Half Marathon
• 2012 Rock and Roll New Orleans Full Marathon
• 2013 Rock n Roll NOLA Full Marathon

I’m registered for the RnR NOLA Half Marathon for 2014. If you’ve ever considered running this race, now’s the time! Come join me for 13.1 (or 26.2) miles of fun!

Have a great weekend! :0)

Throwback Thursday: Disneyland

In 2008, my husband and I spent our 1st Anniversary at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. We were Disneyland newbies and neither of us had visited the West Coast prior to this trip! (We spent our Honeymoon in 2007 at Walt Disney World and our 2nd Anniversary on board a Disney Cruise in 2009….and have visited all of the above many times since!) I think Adventures by Disney or Aulani is the in cards next, yes?

Ok back to the throwback…

We stayed at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and LOVED the convenience of walking everywhere! We never had to wait in line for a bus as we were accustomed to in WDW…it was awesome!

We were given a bit of magic at check-in - the Cast Member felt bad that a King Room was not available for our entire stay, so she arranged for extra pixie dust that afternoon!

When we returned from Downtown Disney, we were greeted with this:

Rose petals, bride/groom duckies, turndown service (which we subsequently had every night following!), and Mickey Mouse rice crispy treats! Loved it all!

Perfect way to begin our trip!

 

Our anniversary dinner was at Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Resort.

I special ordered this cake! :0) It was super delicious, too!

Apart from Disneyland, we also took a tour of Hollywood/LA.

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame…

…Venice Beach

Back in Disneyland, I went on a hunt for all things Mickey (food)…

Mickey Beignets

Mickey Pancake

Mickey Pretzel…ok you get the picture!

Oh yes, my contact decided to rip on day one, hence the reason I’m wearing glasses in the rest of these pictures. This trip is the reason I now carry an extra pair of contacts along in my cosmetics bag.

We also searched for “magic” character photo pass pictures…

Stich in California Adventure

Hitchhiking Ghosts in front of the Haunted Mansion

Captain Hook by the Rivers of America

Tinkerbell in front of the Disneyland Park entrance.

Yep, that was the last time I ever rode Tower of Terror. That ride nearly gives me a heart attack…every. single. time.

Characters, how could I forget the characters?

We really enjoyed breakfast with Lilo, Stitch, and friends at the PCH Grill, Paradise Pier Hotel.

We found Minnie Mouse in Toontown!

Our Disney Visa Cardmembers photo (I try to take one each trip if I remember).

With just a few weeks to go, we will be back in Disneyland/West Coast for another fun and exciting adventure! :0)

Can’t wait to be back! See ya’ real soon!

What’s your favorite way to vacation with Disney?