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Disneyland Paris Half Marathon

February 22, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

It’s Official!

runDisney announced during this morning’s Princess Half Marathon that there will be a half marathon scheduled for September 2016 at Disneyland Paris.

This is exciting news indeed! It’s too early for me to even consider it, but I’d love to go to Paris again! Paris is a gorgeous, charming city full of excitement, and rich in art and history. I’ve visited in 2005 and just had the most amazing time and ate the most amazing food in the world. Seriously, I just crave going back.

Click on the image above to be transferred to Disneyland Paris where you can sign up for their mailing list and receive updates including when registration will open.

Will you be running the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon in 2016?

Motivation and Training Tips from Jeff Galloway

February 9, 2015 By Lindy 1 Comment

Happy News!!

I have been chosen as a Jeff Galloway blogger! I will be sharing running tips from Olympic runner Jeff Galloway with you.

In case you don’t know who Jeff Galloway is, he’s a former US Olympian and founder of the Run Walk Run method that has allowed thousands to achieve their running goals. He is also the official training consultant for runDisney races.

This week’s tips are on motivation and training, two huge factors when it comes to running.

My first encounter with Jeff was in 2013 at the Disneyland Half Marathon. I had been chosen to attend the Disneyland Half Meetup, a wonderful opportunity to meet with Jeff Galloway and other celebrities (Sean Astin, Joey Fatone, to name a few!) and run across Magic Kingdom, followed by breakfast and a Q&A session. I was surprised at how approachable Jeff was – he gave me a hug, we posed for a pic and I told him that my goal was to complete a marathon. The problem? I was lacking motivation.

Mental Training for Runners – Jeff Galloway

Jeff asked me what my last race finish time was and gave me pointers on how to train for my marathon.

Here are this week’s Galloway tips on motivation and training:

When paced correctly, running delivers the best attitude boost you can get. Sustain this by pacing yourself gently during the first mile or three.

A well-paced run enhances vitality for the rest of the day. Start each run at least 30 seconds a mile slower than you will run at the end.

If you have a Run Walk Run strategy that is right for you on that day, it’s possible to feel good after every run-even the marathon.

Running is the best stress reliever I’ve found. Research shows that running tends to activate the conscious brain which over-rides the emotional subconscious brain and manages the negative and anxiety hormones during and after the run.

Research shows that as runners get faster, their stride length shortens. A quicker cadence is the mechanical key to faster running.

The finishing of a run that is longer than you’ve run in the last 3 weeks can bestow a sense of achievement that is unique and empowering-due to positive brain circuits that are turned on.

You can’t run a long run too slowly or take too many walk breaks. You’ll get the same endurance based upon the distance covered.

Using the Jeff Galloway run-walk method, I have been able to complete 8 half marathons and a full marathon.

QOTD: Have you used the Galloway run walk run method to train and/or on your races?

Lindy x

Running New York

January 28, 2015 By Lindy 2 Comments

New York holds a special place in my heart.

I’m lucky that I’m less than a 90-minute train ride to New York City and can go to that lovely city on a whim. I love the city of lights and excitement, and now I get to spend more time in NY 🙂

I’m running New York!

I wasn’t planning on entering the lottery for the United Airlines NYC Half but when registration closed and I found my friends entered and got in, I immediately regretted the decision to not enter. I’ll still be there, volunteering as a medical professional, which is great. They are in need of volunteers for their upcoming races, so be sure to check it out here.

I’m happy to be helping out, but knowing how I felt after not registering for the NYC Half, I decided I wasn’t going to let another opportunity pass me by. I registered for the Airbnb Brooklyn Half, which starts out in Prospect Park and ending in Coney Island at the boardwalk. I can’t wait to run through one of my favorite cities in the world! Hotel is already booked and time from work is scheduled off.

I’m also registered for the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon lottery. I didn’t get in last year and I hope I get in this year and run through all five NYC boroughs. A few of my running buddies got in through guaranteed entry so I hope I get to join them.

I’m really, really excited! As I learn more details from volunteering at the NYC Half, I’ll share them with you. If you’re running or spectating, stop by and say hi.

Hope to see you in New York!

Lindy x

Will Run for Chocolate! Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

January 24, 2015 By Lindy 3 Comments

Sweet News:

RAM Racing contacted me this week about becoming an ambassador for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K run, which will take place on Saturday, April 4th, 2015. I had such a wonderful time last year with my sister and our friends (it was their first 5K!) and we decided to participate once again, so these news made me quite excited 🙂

HC Blogger — Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

Needless to say, I accepted.

The race:

Known as America’s Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race series was established in 2008, having its inaugural race in the lovely city of Chicago. Each Hot Chocolate race features a 15K (9.3 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles) race and it is perfect for both runners and walkers. Each participant receives a goodie bag filled containing a full-zip hoodie that is fleece-lined (they’re so comfy!) and if you use code RunderellaHat when registering online, you’ll also receive a Hot Chocolate Hat to go with your hoodie! Hint: Women’s hoodies tend to run a bit small, so size up.

hc_goodie_home — 2015 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Race Hoodie (Fleece-Lined!)

The Expo:

The Expo for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K will take place on Thursday, April 2nd from noon to 6 pm; and Friday, April 3rd from 10 AM to 7 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Hall G, Philadelphia, PA.

Due to the volume of runners participating in the Hot Chocolate Races, there will be NO race-day bib/packet pick-up. If you can’t attend the expo, you may have a family member or a friend pick it up for you as long as they have a copy of your confirmation email (limited to five packet pick-ups per person).

Post-Race Party:

Once you cross the finish line, you’ll receive your medal (if you’ve registered and completed the 15K) and have access to the chocolate tent, where you’ll receive your finisher’s mug (there’s a ticket attached to your bib, so don’t rip that off). The finisher’s mug has a cup of hot cocoa, chocolate fondue, a banana, graham crackers, marshmallows and pretzels to dip in the chocolate fondue. It is a chocolate heaven! There are several stations where you can take pics with the inflatable Hot Chocolate characters. Dance to rocking’ music and celebrate your accomplishment.

hc_medal_3 — New for 2015 – 15K finisher’s medal for every city!

Other tidbits:

Gear Check is available to all participants from 6:30-11 AM and start times for the 5K will be at 7:15 AM; 15K Start Time will be 8:00 AM. It is a wave start, with corrals crossing the start line approximately 5 minutes apart. Last year was well-organized and there were assigned people checking bibs to ensure people were in the proper corral.

Forgot Gear? They have tents set up in Eakins Oval where you can buy last-minute race merchandise such as gloves, winter beanies and sweaters. Last year was windy, and I ended up buying gloves.

Bring your kids! There is a Kid Zone complete with a bounce house and games. So everyone regardless of age can enjoy the day.

Pictures and Video:

From their website: New in 2015! We’ll capture you in high-resolution shots, and track those shots using your unique bib number. After the race, each registrant will be emailed free pictures and videos of themselves at the race. Share it on Facebook, tweet it, or download it and print it out.

So don’t miss out on the fun! Here’s my recap from the 2014 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Philadelphia Race.

Register for any of their races at www.hotchocolate15k.com. Don’t forget to use code RunderellaHat to get your FREE hat at the Expo! The registration code isn’t limited to Philadelphia participants, so feel free to use it for any Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race.

Be sure to follow Hot Chocolate 15K/5K on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date info on race in your city as well as upcoming races.

Hope to see you there.

Lindy x

Tips for running runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon

January 14, 2015 By Lindy 2 Comments

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is a magical race and one that holds a special place in my heart. It was my first race (yes, you never forget your first!) and while I’m saddened not to be running this year, I thought I’d share some tips that can help make this event for you even more magical.

1. Arrive Early

Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo – Try to arrive at the expo on the first day if you want a chance to purchase official runDisney race merchandise as it is known to sell out fairly quickly. Disney Parks Blog usually updates prior to race some of the items offered for sale. If you’re interested in any items, I suggest to go to that merchandise tent FIRST, then visit the other vendors. Trust me when I tell you I missed out on so many things I wanted.

Races – All Walt Disney World Resorts including Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green, are host resorts, meaning that transportation to and from Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo will be provided as well as transportation to the race start and back to the resort from the finish line. Buses start around 3 AM, and please, please arrive early. I was on the buses no later than 3:30 AM, and while race start isn’t until 5:30 AM, some bus drivers have gotten lost or stuck in traffic. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re going to miss start time when you already have the race nervousness going. Leave early, take your pre-race meal with you (most resorts have marathon boxes with bagels, fruits, etc.) and find a spot to sit and stretch, eat your meal, use the port-o-potty, take pics with friends, etc. If you purchased a race retreat, you’ll have access to a private potty, and eat breakfast under a heated tent. I did this during my first Princess Half and it was so worth it!

2. Plan on running in costume

Running 13.1 or 19.3 miles through Walt Disney World in costume makes it much more fun. My first Princess I ran in Cinderella costume (she’s my favorite princess) and I’ve run as Minnie, Merida, Remy from Ratatouille (for Wine and Dine Half), and Tinker Bell. Look at Pinterest for some ideas! It’s so much fun planning and making costumes, but be sure to run in it before race time. You don’t want to find during the race that the costume chafes your skin, rides up, etc. That way you’ll be prepared and ready to go.

Disney's Princess Half 2013 — Disney’s Princess Half 2013

Disneyland as Merida — Disneyland Half Marathon 2013

3. Take your phone/camera for pictures

Disney knows how to put on a race. From fireworks after every corral starts, to character stops throughout, make the most of your race and take pictures. Photographers take pictures at character stops, including the beautiful Cinderella Castle stop and VoluntEARS can also take pictures with your phone. Don’t forget to use an armband, and if you’re placing the phone in your pocket, don’t forget to put it inside of a sandwich baggie so that sweat or rain (hope not!), it doesn’t get damaged.

4. Run Disney for fun

This one is up to you, but I’ve runDisney multiple times and learned to run Disney primarily for fun, not time. There are many reasons that bring you to the start line, so get out there and enjoy it. The entire weekend, the 5K, Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half Marathon is beyond magical. Run with friends, or run solo, but make the best of it. Stop at character stops, jump high in front of the Castle and just have a blast. The spectators are wonderful, and the voluntEARS are amazing.

5. Wear your medals with pride around the parks.

You’ve earned it! I wear mine to the parks the day after and take pictures throughout the parks with them. Love when people as well as cast members congratulate you on your accomplishments. It’s really motivating and uplifting!

I’ll be excitedly cheering for you all from the City of Brotherly Love, as well as following all your tweets and Instagram posts.

Have a magical race!

Lindy x

New Year’s Goals

January 4, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

With the start of a new year, many people begin new challenges, some are fulfilled, others not. The challenge I have given myself is to love myself, mind and body. I’ve always been tough on myself, almost never satisfied with what I accomplish, but that’s about to change.

I’m thankful for the sport of running and how much of my life it has given me back. This year, I’m working with a running coach to help me achieve my goal – a new PR at the 2015 Bucks County Half Marathon, a race I really love. I have no races scheduled until then, which it’s strange, and although I did contemplate registering for the Love Run in March, I decided to take it easy.

This past year blessed me with encouraging my sister to complete her first 5K, my two friends finishing their first half marathon and another friend who completed her first full marathon, here in the lovely city of Brotherly Love. Running has not only helped me to make everlasting friendships and bonds, but given me a feeling of self-worth and happiness. You may not be the fastest runner, but in the end, it’s gratifying to finish something you didn’t think it was possible.

I’m really looking forward to sharing with you a new year filled with new adventures, destinations and races.

Lindy x