Kona Chocolate Run

Well this was supposed to be my break out race, the amazing 10K following the marathon, my chance to move up for placement for Princess Weekend. Instead it was a flop and it was 100% my own fault.

Since Detroit, I have been slacking with training. I could go through the list of excuses that I had been using but in the end it boiled down to, I just took too much time off and I paid for it.

In the week leading up to the race, the weather did not look to promising. It was supposed to be warm (low of 56) but rain was in the forecast. I wasn't worried about rain as long as the temperate held out.

Saturday before the race we decided to make the trip over to Plymouth to get the race stuff. It was a bit of driving but I prefer to not have to worry about stuff that morning if at all possible. Plus, I wanted my jacket!!! We got there not too long after opening and there was no problem getting in and getting our stuff and getting out. The kids checked out the expo area (their favorite thing to do) and we headed home.

Sunday dawned very rainy. Actually when I woke up it was POURING. Oh well, I got ready and headed over to meet my mom and Jennifer. It was going to be mom's first 10K and I was so excited for her. The drive in was fine and we found a parking spot with no problems. No rain at this point. We got over to the start and met up with another friend Janie and her mom and friend for pictures!!! So far the rain had stopped and was holding out.

The race had 2 starts for the 10K and we were all in the 2nd wave. It was 10+ minute mile pace. I was really hoping to be towards the front of this group but life had other plans. I just was not feeling it from the very beginning. I was pushing during each interval. By the half way mark the rain started. Then the rain really started. It was really warm though so it was not really unpleasant. It was about this point Jennifer and I came upon a group doing 2:1 intervals too. Tony and crew were cheering and having a blast. We stayed with them for the next 2.5 miles then I was just done. I told them to go ahead and I would get to the finish.

It was not pretty and it was nowhere close to a PR but I finished in 1:10. The end of the race had a chocolate buffet but by the time we got to the finish the line was around the park with no sign of the end. We decided it was not worth the wait and went to the finish line to see my mom. We got to see her cross which was awesome. She did so great and I hope I have convinced her she can do more races!!!

I did love the course, it was through the neighborhoods of Plymouth and I will for sure do another Kona race!!!

I did it--I finished a MARATHON

To think that 18 months ago I had no desire to even go a mile, to complete 26.2 of them on a Sunday morning is huge. My first race over a 10K was in February but before that, I had already registered for my first full marathon. How do things like that happen? Well, this one was simple. For the Detroit Marathon the cheapest registration is the first week of the year. The race with the least amount of spots is the Marathon BUT unlike other races, Detroit allows you to change your race distance through August. So, I signed up for the full expecting that come August I would drop down to the half, well I didn't.

The race was amazing and hard and emotional and everything I had read it would be. Here is how it went.

The night before we stayed downtown at the RenCen. This has 2 benefits. 1. I would not have to stress about parking or getting downtown by 6am on race morning. 2. It meant the kids could be on the course. There was no possible way the kids could be outside from 6am-1pm and not go nuts.

I have to admit, when we checked in I got super excited. Here is the room key for the runners. I was wondering if everyone staying there that night got it but I saw others with a different, normal key so it was so cool!!

I had a nice dinner with my amazing group of running friends and then had a relaxing evening, I even skipped watching the Tigers play so I could rest.

Sunday morning came early. We met in the lobby at 6am to walk to the picture meeting point at Campus Martius. It was cold but not miserable (I think it was 41 at the start but very little wind). I even left my sweatpants and sweatshirt in the hotel. After the picture I realized I had not grabbed my inhaler and had not used it either. I knew I was going to go slow in the beginning so I texted my mom to bring it to Mile 8 for me. After a quick stop in the Compuware building to use a real bathroom it was off to the start.

I was in corral L and it was not bad. Not too crowded and the people around me were so nice and friendly. Lots of first time runners which was so neat!!! I knew in my head I had to start off slow because I had to make it the entire way. I got lucky and ran into a friend and her mom and I stuck with them for the first 10K. It was so much fun to run across the bridge and into Canada. The border agents were cheering and super friendly on the course and Windsor was very welcoming to us. I made it to the relay exchange, saw my team member off and I had to double back to get my tag cut off my shoe.


At this point I was feeling good and it showed in my times. My time from the 10K-20K split were the best of the whole day. I really liked the tunnel, though I know a lot of people don't. I thought it was just so cool and coming out to all the cheering fans. I also got to see my family for the first time at that point. The kids were so cold and I felt so bad for everyone standing out there. It meant so much but honestly I think it is too much to have the kids come to races, it is just not fair to anyone.

Corktown was fun and there was a group giving out M&M's (complete with someone dressed as one. That was fun and a nice treat.

At mile 13 we split from the International Half runners who had done the first half of the course with us. It was quiet on the course until about 14.5 miles when we caught up to the US only half runners who were doing the second half of the course. I got to see a running friend at 14 and it was a huge help to see him and have him check in with me. He caught a picture of me going past!

As I approached Mile 16 I started thinking, only another 3 miles until I see some friends who were coming out to cheer. Imagine my over the top surprise when they were there on the side of the road. They had brought signs, a speaker system to cheer and their kids ran with me for a little bit. It totally gave me a boost!!! I actually had tears in my eyes to know I have such an amazing friend to do this.

Indian Village was amazing. They seem to have a lot of fun with the event. So many of the people who live there were out and celebrating the runners. There were beer stations and one guy was out with Jelly Beans in a cup. I also found a PoP with NO LINE and I took a quick pit stop which I have never done in a race before.

Then it was time to get onto Belle Isle and I fell apart. My hamstrings got so tight (never happened before) and that was my slowest split time, including the end. I was just dragging around the island. I could not get into and kind of groove BUT my friend and her family where at the start of the island and the end! Leaving the island I felt better after seeing them and knowing there were only 4 more miles to go. I knew I could do 4 miles but I also knew my chances of getting below a 5:30 were GONE. The Riverwalk was nice but it was kind of boring, not a lot going on but it was the end!!! There was a nice man and his daughter with bananas and cider as we got on to Atwater and it was so sweet to see all the people who came out to support strangers.

I had been dreading the hill at 25 but I knew my family would be there and sure enough, I turned the corner and there they were. The kids even ran with me up the hill and it made me want to cry. As we left and turned on Larned towards the finish a lady said seeing the kids made her want to cry and gave her a boost. It was so sweet. Then right as I was questioning why I was doing this, I saw my amazing friends. Her husband and kids ran a little with me and then it was time to get to the finish. One of my relay team members was right there and that gave me a boost!!!

The finish line was emotional. I did it. I knew I could but I had not counted on it being so hard. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but I did it. I walked to the end to get my finisher picture and then to meet my relay team. I was even able to bend down which I count as a HUGE WIN!!!

I was so lucky on this journey to meet so many amazing people to help me through this and support me. Also I know without Jeff and my mom there is no way this could have been possible. The support and encouragement they gave me was beyond anything I could hope for. Not a single complaint when I headed out for my long runs on the weekends and braving the cold to be there to cheer me on. THANK YOU!!!

I will do this again, I am not sure. I love the half and enjoy running it. I am not sure if the full is my thing but I did it and I am proud, even if my time is not so pretty.

The best thing about being done was coming home. My sister and her family came over and decorated the house. It made me tear up, again!!!

























BONUS Surprise: Today I got a video of the start and finish! I am hard to spot in the start but it is just before it ends and I am in the middle wearing teal

It is almost here--Marathon Time

Hard to believe I registered over 9 months ago to undertake this feat. I am not sure what made me think I needed to tackle this but I am glad I have. As the hours and minutes tick away I am playing the event over and over again in my head. I am so thankful for RunDetroit for sponsoring the 18 mile training run on the course. I have a better idea about what to expect and I have more confidence in myself.

I am scared though. Am I eating right? Am I drinking enough? I know I am not sleeping well and I am not sure if it is the excitement, the fear or what.

This is so exciting and I just cannot believe it is almost here. I hope the weather holds out and we have perfect race conditions!!

It is almost time!

Detroit Women's Half Marathon and 5K on Belle Isle

Last weekend I decided to take a training run and use this new race as a place to get in my miles. I am SO GLAD I did.

First, the communication by the race were the best of any race I have done. They made sure everything was completely clear and they send out many email updates and posted to their Facebook page all the time. I really helped me to get excited for the race (well more excited).

The expo was help downtown at the Hilton Garden Inn. It was OK, but I think if the race grows at ALL it will need a different layout or venue for it. My favorite part of the entire expo was the Spa. Since it was a Women's race it really catered to women. Inside the spa were students from Aveda doing nails, neck/hand massage and hair braiding. There was also a local PT/therapy place offering stretching which was nice!

The expo also had some of my favorite vendors and the Blick Art store had the BEST EVER poster making station there. Plus they gave out a coupon. Because of their station I have to have the SUPER big markers they had there, they were perfect for posters!!

Race morning was a perfect Michigan fall morning. It was a little cool at 57 but it was clear and nice. We headed down to Belle Isle early so we did not have to worry. Just as promised, parking was a breeze. Tons of spots and super easy. Standing around it was a little chilly but not bad. It was just mom, my godmother and myself and they planned to meet up with Pattie. I missed seeing her due to a last minute run back to the car for my inhaler!!


For an inaugural race, it was amazing (heck, it was amazing for any race I have done). They had pacers at all levels (wearing the cutest matching skirts/tops). I ran into a long time friend before and got to say hi. She was planning for a much faster  I got in with a Princess friend, Janie (we matched) and kind of planned for a 2:45 or so finish. I was using this as a training run and honestly my times lately had not been breaking any records, actually as my miles increased my times did too. I went off and felt great. The sun was coming up over the river and Belle Isle looked so nice. The course actually went backwards from the marathon course which was a little confusing for me since I went the other way 3 weeks ago (and I am easily confused on directions).

There were so many cool things on the course. There were inspirational signs everywhere with the best quotes. I really wish I had been able to get a picture of all of them. Also, tons of water stops, 3 fuel locations and 2 chocolate stops with Sanders chocolate caramel candies!!! They also had course support, the best being what I think was probably a high school group. They were awesome to run past! Also the view was so nice!!!

 I did not like the energy drink they had by Hammer but I loved the Hammer fuel stuff. I stuck with water. Now, I have been trying to limit how much I drink on the course and 9 water stops were a lot BUT with the wind my mouth was dry and I am so glad they were there.

Belle Isle really is a wonderful place. We made the loop of the island 2.25 times. The worst spot was at the end near the Coast Guard post because the wind was brutal. Someone said it was over 20 mph which I believe but I don't know for sure.

So, as for my race....I just went with a comfortable pace in the beginning. At about 5 miles I realized I had the 2:20 pace in my sights which was not good. I knew I was going too fast. At the 10K mark I checked my watch and I had run my fast 10K ever! I kept saying I needed to slow down but I felt awesome. At 10 miles I knew I could beat my Niagara Falls time so I decided to see what I could do. I came in at 2:26 which was a PR by 3 minutes!!! I also felt great.


I got my medal (this was the only odd thing, it was the same medal for the half marathon and the 5K). I do love the medal. Then we realized both my mom and my godmother had placed in their age groups so we waited for them to get their wine prize and get a picture on the podium!!!


A few observations. First, most races are not like Disney races (I know, I was shocked). In this I mean times. At 2:26, I would be placed in the top 20% at Disney since there are a lot of new runners. Here, I was in the bottom half of finishers so I was on the slow side. Also, while many people wore skirts (it was a women's race after all) there were very few tutus or costumes!!

Either way, I will do this race again for sure! It was nice to have something so amazing in the D! And according to them, Women Run The D!

Last Long Run before the Detroit Full

When I decided on January 1st to make the Detroit Marathon my first full, I thought I had plenty of time. I was trained for a half and how much harder would it be to double the miles? BOY, I was completely wrong about that.

Before today I had done three 18 mile runs. One of them was even an amazing training run downtown using the last 18 miles of the marathon course put on by RunDetroit (I will post about that in another post). Today was the last long run before it was taper time. I had originally planned to go out to Kensington to take part in the 20 mile run out there put on by Running Fit since the one downtown was so awesome. I got up this morning and got ready and all packed up and then looked outside. FOG, not bad here but enough. Then I talked to my mom and I decided the 40 minute drive without fog just wasn't worth it. I decide I could bang out the 20 miles here around the house and be done earlier than going out there and adding 1.5 of drive time.

Again, totally wrong. 20 miles alone is tough. I am not sure if it is because of the half I ran last weekend, the just getting over the cold, the being completely alone or just because it was 20 miles but it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I was not fast but I kept reminding myself that Jeff Galloway says over and over in his books (and when I talked to him) that the pace on training runs does not matter, it is the distance.

I do feel slightly guilty though. When I met JG at the Disneyland expo he urged me to make it to 24 miles at a minimum. I just couldn't do it. I did take the kids and walk to get a Gatorade which got me another 1.5 miles so my maximum distance before Detroit is 21.5. More than some training plans but a lot less than Galloway suggests.

I am nervous. I am respecting the distance but right now the distance is scaring me!

22 days from now and my first Full Marathon will be over. At this point I am unsure if I will do another one. I enjoy the halves I have done and the training for a full is hard and I have not even given it as much as I should be giving.

Time for the Wonderland 10K--Dumbo Double Dare Begins

I will start by saying, Disneyland races are so different from ones at DisneyWorld. I had read about them and I had looked at the maps but WOW, I was shocked when I made the walk from Paradise Pier over to the start line. It was crowded but nothing like WDW and it was SO CLOSE!!!

I got there super early so I could be there for the Princess Posse picture and the PbRC picture. It was so fun to see the costumes and to see people in person for the first time. I have to say, once again the running community is the best and the most welcoming!

After pictures and talking we made our way to the corrals. Now since we had all done this before we waited. By the time we got to D corral, it was completely packed. I mean there was NO WHERE for us to go. We ended up kind of sneaking into the front of the corral which was nice but it was not laid out well or in a position to fit as many people in as needed to be there. They did delay the corrals so there was more time between starts.

In the corral we got talking about how we were going to manage the timing/pace for this race. I said I was going to go slow and use my intervals. Melissa was there and decided to stick with me and use my 2:1. When we went off at the start Jeff Galloway was in front of us. It was so cool to watch him. He was using his usual :30/:30 and he took off and left us in the dust within the first mile.

I personally think the course for the 10K was altered so we did not cross the 5K course because the water stations did not match what was on maps from before the race. Melissa and I stuck together and I have to admit it was a HOT day.

There were not many character stops in the beginning and the ones we did pass were BUSY. Since it was the Wonderland 10K they were all Alice in Wonderland characters. We did stop at a couple places and we had a great time!


Our time was not great but we had an awesome time!!!



After the race, we decided to spend the day exploring Los Angels. Now that was a fun day!!

Dumbo Double Dare--Part 1 The Expo

Since I had to work on Thursday AND we were flying with a companion certificate, we were very limited in the flight choices we had. We were supposed to leave DTW before 8pm and get into LAX about 10pm. We were delayed about 30 minutes but they were able to make the time up during the flight. We landed a little after 10pm PST. Now at this point we had to get the luggage and get to Avis to get the rental car. Overall it was not a bad experience but LAX is under construction was so it was not the most pleasant experience and the traffic at the airport and getting to Avis was a little bit much so late at night.

We did have a funny. I was assigned our car, a white Kia. We got the bags in and were just getting into the car when another group walked up. Seems they were assigned the same car. Well, we were in it and we just left.

We got to Anaheim in about 35 minutes and overall not bad. We checked into Paradise Pier. We had to wait a few minutes. It was late and the person working seemed distracted but he was pleasant enough. Our room was on the 12th floor and near the elevator which was nice later in the weekend. I have to give a huge shout out to Leigh from the Mousekeplanners. She did great getting us into the room block here.

The room was super cute. It had 2 queen beds and a sofa. The beds had the cutest beach ball pillows on them (only $65 if you chose to take it home with you). We had a view of the parking lot BUT it turns out it was also the last 1/2 mile of the half marathon!!

We both crashed because we were so tired.

Friday I was up kind of early since I was still on our time. I was ready and headed to the expo about 9:40am. I had not planned to camp in line but I knew I wanted official merchandise. Jeff decided he would run to CVS with the car and get water, Gatorade and pop for the weekend which was SO NICE to have.

I got to the expo and I was in complete shock. There were people EVERYWHERE. runDisney had put green tape on the group to keep people in lines. There were lines for getting your packet and another for the expo. I jumped into the back of the expo line figuring I could get my race stuff later since we were so close. Once the line started moving shortly after 10am it was a mad house. I got lucky and a nice girl in line worked with me so we both got the things we wanted. I managed to get a Dumbo zip up, a Disneyland Half jacket, a Coast to Coast shirt, 2 straw cups, a Dumbo magnet and 2 sweatybands. Then I got into line. WOW, it was a line. It went to the back wall of the expo. After about 30 minutes I was so thirsty and still did not have my bib. I was happy since at one point I was right near Jeff Galloway as he was speaking!! It was so neat. Jeff came over to the expo and stood in line to pay for me while I went to get our park tickets and my race stuff.

It was at this time I started to see posts that the expo had been shut down for overcrowding which was completely understandable. I got in line outside and waited for about 20 minutes in the sun before I gave up. I was hungry and defeated. I asked at information how I could get my park tickets and she told me how to get into the basement area where the tickets and bibs were without standing in line. I followed her directions and there was NO LINE for park tickets or for bibs. The entire hold up was the t-shirts that had to be picked up in the expo. It was out of control. I got my tickets and my bib and joined Jeff in line. At this point he was almost to the front after over 90 minutes. I was so excited to find out a running friend was in line behind him so I got to meet her in person and her delightful daughter.

I finally got my official merchandise and we had park tickets. We went back to the room, grabbed a drink and it was time for the parks!!

Cruise in Shoes 5K

Abby has been really wanting to run with me and has wanted to do a race. When we were in Chicago she walked over 3 miles without complaining and kept up so I knew she could do it. I was looking online and came across the Cruise in Shoes 5K that is part of the Woodward Dream Cruise weekend. Now usually we are like most locals and stay as far away from Woodward as possible during this weekend but I figured a 7:30 race would get us out before most of the crowds (so glad I was right)!!!

Another bonus for this race was that there were finisher medals for everyone since I wanted Abby to get a medal. Somehow I talked my mom, Jennifer,  and Pattie into joining us. The plan was Jennifer and I would let Abby set the pace and stay with her and Pattie and my mom would stay together and go at their pace.

Abby did so good yesterday. We got to the Memorial Park lot about 6:30am. We pinned our bibs, did our hair and made our way over to Shrine High School. I will admit, it was a lot colder than I had thought it would be but Abby did great and did not complain. Jennifer met us after running to the start from her house (it was a long run weekend) and we jumped into the start.

 I also got really lucky and finally got to meet a local Princess who I have not been able to connect with. Janie is just as sweet and nice in person as I thought she would be!!!

Abby went off really fast and her first mile was under 11 minutes. She loved the cheering on Woodward and people telling her to go. Once we got into the neighborhood she slowed down, I think more because she could, not because she had to.

The course was set so that we came up to the finish line through the neighborhood before we entered the football field so we could see the finish from about .4 miles back. As soon as Abby saw it she took off and she did not slow down. She finished so strong and I was so proud of her. It was a slow 5K for Jennifer and I but it was nice to do it with her and to have someone to talk to. My mom and Pattie did amazing too and finished just a few minutes behind us.

We had a few snacks (they had bananas, pretzels, bagels, chips and salsa and protein bars along with water). Once done we headed back to the car and you could tell the Dream Cruise was starting! The cars were out and it was so neat to see. I think we will do this race again next year and I think we will have to bring the little one so he can see the cars!!

Running with a GPS in the Big City--A race recap of the RnR Chicago Half

Yesterday I completed my 4th half marathon. This one was the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This is a race series that has races around the country. Chicago happens to be the closest but it is also in the middle of the summer!

To start off with, I was really unsure of this race and how it would go. The weather had been super hot for about 10 days before with high humidity. Also, I had had some off training because of long runs, weather, laziness, and life. Finally, we ended up walking almost 8 miles around the city the day before, oops.

Race morning I was up before my alarm and I was ready to go. I got dressed and headed to the lobby to meet to amazing Princesses from my running group! We were supposed to meet 2 more ladies so we headed out. Well, when we got there we realized we could not get to where we were meeting for a picture so the 3 of us took our pictures and got ready to run.


BIG plus for RnR, they had prerace stuff out for runners. They had small bottles of water, bananas and bagels. It was a really nice touch.

They also so a bunch of smaller corrals, unlike runDisney that seems to do fewer LARGE corrals. There were 28 starting groups that started about 1 minute apart. It was a long wait to corral 24. Now, I had put an estimated finish time of 2:30 and it ended me up almost in the back which is odd since even with runDisney that would be more like midway but whatever, I do wish I had started earlier but I could not control that. No one was checking the corrals so I could have gone up but I did not. **Funny story, a guy walking by was complaining about finding the right coral to start in. All I could think of was being in an under the sea race.

I started off strong and decided to run the first mile. I felt great. My pace on my Garmin seemed crazy but sometimes it takes time to get it right and I was not really watching. At mile 1, my Garmin said 1.10 which is not too weird and I was about at a 10 mm pace which again was too fast, which is always my problem.

I got to mile 2 and my Garmin said 2.3 and an 8:30 pace which was impossible. Then I remembered all I had read about GPS. One of the biggest issues is that if it cannot get a good satellite signal, it throws everything off. Sure enough, with all the tall buildings my GPS was all off. Crap. The time was the only thing correct. I was really lucky though, I had put on a Westin pace bracelet so I knew I was on pace. Just to give an idea, my Garmin logged the course as 13.96 miles and my final pace at 11:16 which is not even possible!

I stayed on pace until Mile 5 when there was a HUGE backup for water/Gatorade, it was horrible. It was my fault because there were other tables but I could not see them because of all the people. It completely threw me off.

I was only about 3 minutes off pace but I was annoyed. I could not check my pace, my Garmin was saying I was over a 1/2 mile further. It was so off. Finally I got to Mile 7 which is where my mom and the kids were in front of the hotel waiting! It was so awesome to see them. The next 3 miles were nice, not too bad but it was getting hotter and we were out of the downtown building area so the shade was gone. Mile 10-12 were hard. I was trying really hard but it was just off. A lot of nice people were around but a lot of people were walking in HUGE groups and I kept getting boxed in. At mile 10 I actually ended up cutting someone off and I still feel so guilty for it. I spent almost a mile thinking about it.

Another plus for RnR was the cold water sponges at Mile 11. So cool in many ways! It was weird seeing all these sponges on the ground and kind of neat

At this point I ran into another Princess who I identified from her SparkleSkirt. We talked for a few minutes before splitting up and heading under McCormick Place. This was weird. It was so sunny and then we went into the dark where they had colored lights and glow stuff and then we came back out into the sun!

I finished about 10 minutes off where I wanted to be but I did finish. I got my medal and headed through the stuff. I ran into my mom and the kids without even looking for them! It was awesome but Abby was heartbroken. They had headed to the finish area and she could not see over the barriers. She was so sad. I felt horrible for her. She was better after we took pictures together like we do at the end of the races! I love her and love that she enjoys coming to see me. It means the world.

Highlights--Lots of crowd support, great signs, fun and nice people and awesome course support. From the medical people who just showed up out of no where when someone stopped to the sponges and the volunteers.

Cons--Chicago is a LOT hillier than I ever imagined. Big City running means not being able to depend on my Garmin which was hard. It was my hottest half ever and it was rougher than I had thought it would be!

I wish they did more fun races in Detroit!

The Night Before Half Number Four

We are in Chicago for the Rock n Roll Half Marathon. It has been a crazy weekend but so much fun. I will make sure to write more about the entire weekend when I get back but since it is the night before the race, I want to put my goals in writing.

A Goal--sub 2:30 again. I really do not think this is likely since the weather might be a little warmer than perfect and I walked 8 miles today around Downtown Chicago (not smart)

B Goal--Sub 2:40, I think this might work but I will have to see in the AM

C Goal--Sub 2:45, if I cannot do this, I will be disappointed in myself.

I am excited for another race but I am not mentally in race mode. Maybe it is the busy day today or the summer weather. Either way I am going to Rock n Roll tomorrow and enjoy every mile!

Runner Box June Review

Last shipment I was really excited with what was in my Runner Box! It was my favorite of the three I had ordered to try out and so I was wondering if this box would be as good.

This month was a nice mix of different edible samples and some non edible ones. There was no one "big" thing in this box like last month but I will say, again I was very happy with it.











This box contained these edible things:

• Honey Stinger Energy Bar--Yum
• Kind Bar--Again with the Kind bars. Seems they are in every company's box and I just do not like them.
• Island Boost--Another thing like a GU shot which I am excited to try. Plus a coupon that I will be using.
• Lenny & Larry's Muscle Brownie--Not sure about this one but we will see
• Sensible Foods--This was really great. Two different packages, one of dried fruit and the other edamame. I cannot wait to taste these and use them as a natural run fuel
• Pure Protein Bars- This also looks great
• PROBAR Bolt Chews--Another one I am excited for since I tend to go back to chews over gels
• Click--Protein Drink is Espresso Flavor. I do not have good luck with these so I am thinking this will just sit in my bag but maybe I will find a time to try it
• Nuun--This is my favorite this month. I have wanted to try it but the cost for something I am unsure of was a lot. Getting to try 2 samples PLUS a discount couple made me super happy.

There were also these non edible things:

• Leg Cramps--These are made by Hyland's which I loved for teething tablets for the kids so I will definitely try these if I get leg cramps. Plus it was a large sample which was impressive.
  
• Run Guard--Kind of like Body Glide. I have not had issues with chaffing but it is good to have around. I did have a little giggle when I realized they made Nip Guards too.
• Shower Pill-Strange name but this is a antibacterial wipe for after running. I love these and I am excited to try it.
• Ion Designs--Sent 3 really cut iron on reflective designs. I really like these and will be putting them on soon. Plus there is a coupon!!!

Now the only thing that did not impress me was that a coupon for $5 off Knuckle Lights was included. I guess I just don't like paying to get coupons so I hope this is not something that we will be seeing more of in the boxes. I might check out the site and see but I doubt I will order them, even if they are amazing since I will feel like I paid to get the coupon. I mean I do understand not being able to give free $45 lights to everyone though so maybe this is a good balance.

Overall I again loved my Runner Box. I cannot wait to get further into my marathon training so I can try some of these things.

I will say my only "negative" about the trying new things is that for a long run (and how slow I am) I need more than 1 of something during the run. I tend to not like to try different things so I know what works and doesn't but with only 1 to try I either have to mix it up or stick with what I know works. I guess I have to figure this one out.

June Kona Kase Review

After the disappointing box last month (that was 1/2 off) I thought I had suspended my account, I got a shipping notification for this month's box so obviously the suspend on my account page did not mean what I thought it did. I did open the box and was happy to see some new stuff and some things I am excited to try. This box was better than last month, but again, it just did not live up to the level of the StrideBox or the RunnerBox.

It started off with a really cute card with this quote on it:

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Mahatma Gandhi
I am not exactly sure how this relates to running but I like the quote.

This month was again a lot of different bars to try. I am not a huge energy bar fan because I usually do not like the taste or texture but it is nice to have choices.













Here is what was included in this box:

• One Bar--It was a Mango one and really tasty!!!
• Kind Bar--I have tried them before and I am not a fan but maybe this will be better
• Dr. Will Bar
• 18 Rabbits Bar
• Clif Shot in Razz--I like these but they are not new
• Mamma Chia--I am excited to try this one since I have heard a lot about Chia so maybe I will like this one
• HalfPops partially popped popcorn--I am unsure about this but I will try it
• Osmo Active Hydration is an powder to add to water. I have not found one I can stomach so maybe this one will be different.

Overall, I am again underwhelmed with this box. I have cancelled my subscription mostly because the other two services just seem to have a better product so I don't want to waste money on things I will never use.

Visiting Walt DisneyWorld now that I have runDisney!!!

We just got back from our family trip to WDW. Yes, we are one of "those" families who love Disney and vacation there whenever possible. Right now it is the perfect escape for all of us and we love it. When we told Abby we might not be back for 2 years she broke down saying it wasn't far (we used all our points for this amazing whole family trip so we need to take a year off to get back on cycle). We will have to see if we can really not go next year!

Now how does a family trip in June have anything to do with runDisney? First, I met up with some amazing ladies I met while training. We all did the Princess Half Marathon together in 2013. We have stayed together and are still there for one another. Go Princess Posse!!! We met at the Tea Room at the Grand Floridian and had a wonderful time!!

Another fun thing was at the Beach Club we were having dinner at Cape May and I ran into a guy wearing a runDisney Marathon shirt and I commented. We ended up talking about Dopey, Marathon weekend, Coast to Coast and the Glass Slipper Challenge!!! It was fun!

Finally on my last day, I was wearing my pink I DID IT T-Shirt from Princess and while checking out at the Emporium the lady checking me out said she was doing the Glass Slipper Challenge and was trying to work out how to do Tinkerbell!

I know it sounds cheesy but it was almost like a club. I loved being down there, seeing the race route and dreaming ahead to next year!

I cannot wait.

Get Out and Run (a June Stridebox Review)

This month I was excited to see what Stridebox had to offer me. My cute little brown box could not have come on a better day. I had had a long day and it gave me something to look forward to.

I opened my cute box with the blue paper just makes me smile. I loved opening it up and seeing all the surprises.

First thing that I noticed was the Get Out and Run sticker. It set the whole vibe for some reason.

This box actually contained less food stuff this month which was a nice change from the other boxes from other places. First there was a set of locking laces by Lock Laces. I don't have trouble with my laces but I am going to put them in my back up shoes and give them a try. If I love them, I will get another pair for my training/race shoes!

Next thing that I pulled out was the Foot Rubz ball. The little green ball has the little nubby things all over and is a hard ball that is perfect for those nights when your feet are hurting. The kids even had run trying this one out.

The other none food/fuel thing was from Blue Steel Sports--It is an Anti-Chade Cream with Tea Tree Oil. I will be saving this to try out soon.

Now for the foods/fuels.

• Skratch Labs included an Exercise Hydration Mix. I have not had good luck with these but I will give it  a shot.
• Pocket Fuel had Almond Butter with a Kick in Banana and Blueberry in a neat squeeze pouch. Looks good
• Electro Delytes Citrus Bars for before or during activity also look really tasty.
• Finally, the thing I think I am most excited for. PowerIce Frozen Refreshing Ice Bar with Electrolytes! I but these in the freezer immediately since with the temperatures increasing I know I am going to love these "frozen things". 

After this month, Stridebox has moved into the lead as my FAVORITE subscription box. I am so excited for next month!