Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Post Run Experiences. 

When it comes to post run, I am pretty simple as I focus on FOOD! As soon as I'm done, I want to eat! I often have food prepped and my recovery drinks ready before I head out, so as soon as I walk in the door, I am ready! 
I usually strip down out of my sweaty clothes, set my electronics to charge and head right to the food. As I'm eating I'm often doing light stretches. As soon as I'm done, I head to shower. Oftentimes I will brush my hair but wash it later than evening after a nap. 

After races it isn't much different. I like to grab my race bag, grab the baby wipes and cleanup and then take medal pictures. Once my pics are done, I'll take off props, layers, and shoes and put on a dry shirt and flip flops. I also eat some snacks and relax for a bit before heading back to the hotel to shower. Once at the hotel, I'll charge electronics, strip off my sweaty clothes and hop in the shower. Oh and there is usually a celebratory alcoholic beverage (or 3!) at some point as well. 

How about you? What do you usually do after your runs? 

​Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is What I would tell myself if I was just starting to run. 

I have written about this before briefly about what I would like new runners to know before running. 

• 1. What is your goal?
• Do you want to do a 5k? 10k? Half? Full? Start here and work it all out
• 2. Training Plan
• How will you reach this goal? 
• 3. Gear
• What shoes will you wear? How about clothes? What about compression socks? Rollers? And let's not forget timers and/or watches?
• 4. Form
• From the beginning, you have to emphasize proper running form to prevent injuries. 
• 5. Nutrition
• Carbohydrates (in all forms) will be crucial for this along with protein, fats, and of course water. Let's not forget lessening processed foods. 
• 6. Sleep
• How much sleep does your body need? How much are you getting? How is it effecting your runs? 
• 7. Time to Run
• What time works for you-morning, afternoon, night? Don't forget about time of year and temperature? 
• 8. Fuel
• How are you fueling pre-race and mid race so you don't bonk/hit a wall? How do you fuel after? 
• 9. Race Day
• What does it take to have a successful race day? 
• 10. The future
• Where do you want to go with this? Set a goal? Set a PR? Try something else? How does this fit in for you? 
  

I didn't know or do many of these things when I started running and as I've written about my first race in Disneyland in 2010, it was not pretty haha. 
What would I tell myself almost exactly 6 years since I signed up for my first race ever on the day I fly to WDW to run my 40th-42nd Disney race and earn my 55th-60th medals? 
YOU CAN DO IT.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF  
PUSH YOUR LIMITS
RUNNING WILL BECOME A PASSION
You may not have been the athletic growing up but you can do it. You can train and do hard things. You will do Dopey Rebel, you can run and PR at a World Major. It'll take time but you will do it all. Just remember to stay positive and get those workouts and it will be okay. 
Looking back on my journey, it really is crazy how far I've come and not to mention, all of the races I've been lucky to run and all of the friends I've made song the way. I'm so pumped for this weekend (it's rare I get to do a brand new race) and can't wait to see everyone! 


​What would you tell yourself? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Brands.

I have a rule that I will only support something I use and love. I have had others to promote a product but if I don't use it, I don't believe I can do a good job promoting it. 
Here are the list of products that I'm currently loving and use often:

• Biofreeze
• Vega sport-I use their pre hydration, post hydration and protein. Some of the only protein powder I actually like!
• Nuun-I've been using nuun to hydrate before races and I'm loving it! I've been having such gold success 
• Ucan-I haven't talked much about t because I'm still testing it out but wow. It's a super starch that's used as fuel and you don't have to fuel during races. It's amazing 
• Clif shot bloks and shots-I've tried other fuel but have never found any that I like as much as Clif 
• Sparkle athletic skirt-I wear them all the time! Cute yet don't get in the way
• Sparkle athletic visors-so cute and so comfortable
• ProCompression socks-gotta #keepittight they look great and help so much with recovery 
• Sparkle skirts-I actually just bought their shorts and they are great
• Sweatybands-they make the Rundisney headbands and they don't move on my head and I wear them during training 
• Skechers performance shoes-I train in a wide variety of shoes but I race exclusively in Skechers and I love them. 
• Rundisney-obvi I love them so much! #runalltheraces

​What are brands that you like? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Race Shirts.

I love me some race shirts! I have talked about in the past how I keep all of my race shirts and wear them for training. However, there is one thing I don't like to do: wear the shirt before I finish the race.

Part of it is because I am superstitious, part of it is I think it is silly to wear a shirt for a race that you have not complete yet, but really the true reason is the "nothing new on race day" rule. I train in shirts and outfits I will wear. I have had issues with shirts chafing or bunching up or doing weird things on training runs so I can't imagine what could happen if I wear a shirt without testing it. Now most of the time the race shirts are similar so I would be fine, but what if I wasn't? and especially with all of the challenges I do, that would not be good.

But let's also keep it real here, when you don't know what the color or design of the shirt will be, how will you be able to match it with cute bottoms or a skirt? too much work!

anyways, how about you? Do you wear the race before you finish the race? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Things I don't like about running. 

Last weeks post was on the things I love about running and this week is things I hate. Hate is a bit of a strong word so let's say things that I don't like too much. 

Running is such an individual sport so there are few things I don't like about it. If there were more things, I just wouldn't do it. However there are 3 things that really bother me. 

1. Craziness around races
This is basically for rundisney races and other popular races. Social media has made it easier to learn about races and learn tips for races but it also has caused a frenzy. For example, rundisney moved the registration for Wine and Dine back 2 weeks and people have gone crazy-freaking out, taking off work, etc. sometimes it's good just to take a break and breathe and know it'll be okay. Usually around crazy times, I try to stay away from social media on those topics. 

2. Rude Runners
I don't mean this in etiquette ways which also bothers me, I mean this in people thinking that you have to do X to be considered a real runner. X could be a time or a race or wearing an outfit or run without stopping. I personally believe anyone that wants to run is a runner! No rules or regulations! It has taken me awhile to really understand that I am a runner. Even though I don't consider myself fast, even though I'm always working on getting faster and improving, there are others that see my progress as motivating and that is true for everyone! 

3. Not respecting the distance
This one really does bother me! If you are going to run a race-make sure to train for it. I don't see the point of not training and potentially really injuring yourself. 
As I run a lot of rundisney races, this comes up a lot. People thinking they can run a race on pixie dust and hope. Or even worse, people knowing they won't train and will get swept. Make sure when you plan for a race that you do everything you can to get to the start line healthy and prepared. 

So that's it for me. I don't like posts to come off as negative but I believe in keeping it real! 
​
How about you? What are some of your dislikes or pet peeves about running? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 

Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is What I love about Running. 

The best thing about running is twofold: one is the personal effects and second is the community. 

I love that running is something that is good for my body and also something I'm excited to do. Since I've been running, my endurance has definitely increased and I'm slowly picking up speed and I love seeing the changes in my body from running. I love how much fun it is to race especially in costume. 
The second is the running community. I love writing this blog and getting to interact and meet new runners. I love joining running groups like We Run Social, BOGP Lizards, and nT#urd and going to meet ups and meeting in real life people you interact almost on a daily basis. 

How about you? What's your favorite part of running? ​

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Outfits. 

When it comes to outfits, I'm pretty set in my ways. My typical training outfit is above: headband, race shirt, shorts, running belt for my keys and running shoes. I'm currently breaking in about six pairs of shoes (yes, you read that correctly!) and pick them at random. 
It's usually 60-75 degrees so this outfit works. If it is cooler, I will add on a long sleeve shirt and if it drops  below 45/50, I will add capris. If it's in the 40s or lower, I'll add gloves. 

For long runs, I'll add a hat and compression socks depending on the distance. 

Now for races, if it is rundisney, i will be in costume of course (all my princess recaps will be posted this week! Yay). 


But for non Disney races (which I have a few coming up), I will wear:

• Sparkle athletic hat
• Regular shirt or tank
• Sparkle athletic skirt
• Black shorts that stay in place
• ProCompression socks
• Skechers (I usually only race in Skechers!) 

And of course I always have:

• My garmin
• My RoadID
• Sunglasses
• Beats wireless headphones
• iPod 

How about you? What do you usually wear? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Race Medals! I just got in yesterday and headed straight to work and then came home and passed out-so tired!

Since I do not have time to do a full-blown post, here is a mini recap of my weekend at Princess:
This was my shortest trip ever but I still managed to hit a ton including all 4 parks, all the food and drinks I wanted,a quick trip to Universal and more

• Weather was AWESOME! for once
• I loved my costumes for both races
• I recovered well-not much soreness while running
• I stopped for about 10 photo stops in the 10k and 13 in the Half
• I'm heavily considering Princess for next year (another short trip!)
• I can't wait to be back for Star Wars: Dark Side​

How about you? anyone else just finish Princess half marathon weekend? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Spring races-here you go!

I have a lot on the calendar and then a potential long break for the Summer:

• 2016 LA Marathon
• 2016 Glass Slipper Challenge (10k + Half)
• 2016 Coaster Run 10k 
• 2016 Pacific Half Marathon
• 2016 Carlsbad All Day 20k
• 2016 Santa Anita Derby 5k
• 2016 Star Wars:Dark Side 5k
• 2016 Dark Side Challenge (10k + Half) 
• 2016 Tinkerbell 5k 
• 2016 Pixie Challenge (10k + Half)
• 2016 RnR San Diego Remix (5k+ Half Marathon)
• potential half marathon PR??

The LA marathon is a just over 2 weeks away and I am already getting nervous. This is my third time running and I am really hoping for a sub-5 marathon and a new PR! It is my only marathon for the year so I want to do well!

Glass Slipper challenge the next week will be a nice recovery weekend-I do not plan on speeding through but plan on stopping for a lot of pics and my costumes are almost done!

I have been wanting to do the Coaster Run for awhile so I figured why not now? I am not sure this will be a PR as I have an All Day Running Clinic the day before but who knows! 

Pacific Half marathon will be a beautiful half marathon but the elevation is a bit all over the place. I plan on running it as strong as possible but if the elevation is super taxing, then I won't push the pace. 

Carlsbad All Day 20k will be a very unique experience and should be super fun. It will also serve as my taper for Dark Side. Since I will be running 4 5ks, my plan is to use the first one as a warm up. The second one a bit faster. The 3rd one (my age group) as a PR attempt and the last race as a cool down. We will see how it goes!

The next weekend is the Santa Anita Derby 5k as I loved this race last year. It should be fun and I will base my performance on how the 20k went the week before. 

Star Wars Dark Side: all 3 races. My costumes are coming together nicely and I am SO excited to see how this will go. I think it will have great photo opps but the weather may be difficult. This will serve as my taper for Tinkerbell. 

Even though Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend is pretty close, I have a lot due in school before then so I will be busy busy busy!! I am beyond excited to try out the 5k (the only one that starts in the park!) and also run the half! I will be a Perfect Pixie when I finish!! My first legacy race :0) 

and finally the RnR San Diego. I will run the 5k the day before as a warm up (and it should also be on part of the course so I can get a feel for it) and then try and PR the half. They have a new course coming so I will need to study the elevation but I definitely will be trying my best. 

I may throw a random local race in there but will keep the summer mostly to just training as I will be defending my dissertation proposal, along with taking 2 summer classes and traveling like crazy (SD for RnR, Texas end of May and beginning of July, NYC in May) so I will be busy and stay busy. Once August hits, I won't have class anymore!! AHHH! just dissertation! 

​So that is all I have now. How about you? What are your Spring race plans? 

Another Tuesday, another Tuesday on the Run hosted by our favorites: 
Erika from MCM Mama Runs, Marcia from Marcia's Healthy Slice and Patty from No-Guilt Life.This week's topic is Running Year in Review! I am also linking up with Courtney and her End of the Year Running Survey!

This year was definitely an experience (next week I will share all of the medals!) as I ran:
1 ~2.7 miles
7 5ks
10 10ks
1 ~6.7 miles
7 Half Marathons
4 Full Marathons
You can see all of the recaps here as they were all a variety of races and I learned a lot. 

Best race experience: WDW Marathon. It is my favorite race I've ever done and signifies the end of the Dopey challenge. It was amazing from start to finish. 


Best run: I've had parts of good races but my best run while training was my 20 miler a few weeks ago. I felt strong and never hit any wall-it was awesome! For races, my best was Tink half. I had SO much fun and the weather was nice and I felt strong the whole time. 


Best new piece of race gear: my beats wireless headphones. What a difference it makes to not have a string attached and the sound on them is awesome 


Best running advice you've received this year: compression socks during races. I was always worried I would get too hot but the recovery process is so much easier! I own so many ProCompression socks now and love them all!


Most inspirational runner: Kathryn at dancing to running. She is pregnant and still working out. She completed a half marathon 30 weeks pregnant! Such an inspiration :) and she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy earlier this week and already has her post-baby race picked out! 


Fav pic from a race this year: I love the one Jen took of me during the NYCM(see below!). I've never had people come and spectate a race on the course for me so it was so nice two of best friends were able to do that! 
I also LOVE this picture actually taking during a race and actually looks cute from the Tinkerbell 10k-see at the bottom

​
Race experience to repeat in a heartbeat: it's a tie!! As the WDW marathon was my favorite race, I would love to do it again! And will in 2017 and 2018. However the race I would want to do again that I'm not sure I will get a chance to do again-the NYC Marathon. What a special race! 


Sum up the year in a short phrase: insane! Who runs 30 races in a year! I am still in shock I made it through with no injuries and also am still getting faster! 


This year will definitely go down as the year I really challenged myself both physically and mentally. I learned a lot about myself and how to prepare for races.  


How about you? How was your running year ?