A Dopey Adventure

This week's update is getting posted a little late this week do to a new addition to our little running family. Welcome to the family Sir Archibald Hambone! We've been getting acquainted with our new running coach, so the blog posting has been a little delayed, but Dopey training hasn't taken a backseat either. Monday - 4.2 miles Tuesday - 7.4 miles Wednesday - 10.2 miles Thursday - 13.2 miles Friday - 10 miles  Saturday - 3.1 miles Sunday - 9 miles WEEKLY TOTAL: 57.1 miles Monday-Thursday were my standard Dopey training days.  I have been working on running through fatigue so I'll be all set, not just for the mileage of Dopey but also for walking around and having a great time at the parks that week too.   On Friday, I was able to run at the lake.  Nicole's family has a lake house in Massachusetts that we try to get to as often in the summer as possible.  One of my favorite things to do is run the 5ish mile path ar...

Is it just me or are these training runs getting more difficult each week?  This Dopey Challenge training is no joke.  But I guess 48.6 miles over 4 days is no joke either. Monday (4 Miles) -It's so nice to start the week with low mileage runs.  It helps the Mondays not feel so Monday-ish and is a good start to the week.  Also, less time pounding out the miles means more time getting things done, especially important on a Monday. Tuesday (7 Miles) -There's a nice out and back near the water by me that means I spend the bulk of this run on a nice gravel path surrounded by pretty natural views. Wednesday (10 Miles) -Actually, it ended up being 10.1,  I'm trying to get used to the extra little portions of a mile that come in races, whether it's .1 or .2, it really makes a difference! Thursday (12.2 Miles) -For long runs I usually choose an out-and-back course.  However, an unleashed dog changed that plan.  Also, please leash your dogs!  Y...

Monday -4 miles Tuesday -7 miles Wednesday -10 miles Thursday -11.2 miles (I've started adding the "extra distance" of the marathon to the long runs.  Remember, it's not 26 miles, it's 26.2 miles.) Friday - REST DAY!!!!! Saturday -6 miles with Nicole Sunday - 3.1 miles for the last leg of the runDisney virtual running shorts Interesting Tidbit:  Heigh-Ho has come up on shuffle during each long run while training for the Dopey challenge...just in case I forgot what crazy thing I was training for!

If you’ve ever stayed at a Walt Disney World resort hotel and turned on the television in the room, you’re probably familiar with Stacy and her Disney must-dos.   When I enter my resort room and flip the TV on and hear Stacy’s list, I can’t help but be excited for all the fun to come at Walt Disney World!   Every repeat visitor has their favorites and traditions.   Whether it’s a ride on the Monorail, meeting Mickey Mouse, or dropping in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, there’s something for everyone!   Read on for my list of things I simply must-do on each Disney vacation and some tips to get the most of each experience. 1)       Spaceship Earth - Like a grand and majestic spaceship… For me, there’s no ride experience in any park that can top Spaceship Earth.   From the coolness factor of going inside the “golf ball,” to the detailed audio-animatronics, to the classic narration (currently performed by Dame Judi Dench) t...

Maybe you're a Disney fan who has heard about this runDisney thing, or seen the cones all over the roads on your non-running trips.  Maybe you're a runner who wants to runDisney as a fun race-cation.  Whatever brings you to runDisney, you won't find a more welcoming and inclusive group of runners anywhere.  I run both Disney races as well as other local races and NOTHING beats the atmosphere of a Disney running event.  Want to learn more?  Read on... 1) Register Early! -While runDisney races don't sell out as quickly as they have in the past, many of them (especially the 10Ks) do sell out.  The full list of events and registration dates is listed on their website: https://www.rundisney.com/ A piece of fine print: runDisney did away with deferrals a couple of years ago and there are no refunds...when you sign up, you are making a commitment! 2) Start Saving Now -These races are not cheap.  While a local half marathon can run from 50-100 dol...

My third week of Dopey Challenge training wrapped up yesterday.  Luckily, it has been "so far, so good."  I'll take it! Monday: 3.6 miles.  I always run on Monday mornings because for me, it's a great start to the week.  Plus, my Mondays usually feature shorter runs, so it's a great way to ease into the week! Tuesday: 6.5 miles.  I was supposed to run 6 miles, but I'm notoriously bad a misjudging distances.  Next thing I know, I'm either a little bit short of the planned distance or I've traveled out a little too far.  Luckily, in this case, it didn't matter, because I don't mind tacking on an extra half mile. Wednesday: 10 miles.  I was surprised at how good this run felt.  My running route is quite hilly, but I was able to move at a pleasant speed. Thursday: 12 miles (long run) -Sometimes after Wednesday's standing date with a ten miler my legs are shot going into the long run.  This is actually the goal, because I'm trying...

Hello and welcome to this week's "Throwback Thursday" picture. Meeting Chip & Dale at Mickey's Toontown Hall of Fame This land in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opened for the 25th Anniversary of the park in 1996.  Previously it was known as Mickey's Birthdayland and Mickey's Starland.   One of the attractions was Mickey's Toontown Hall of Fame.  Here you could join one of three lines to meet some favorite Disney characters.  The three groups were princesses, villains, and classics.  On this particular trip, one of my favorite things to do was meet the characters, so this spot was absolutely perfect? Do you have any memories from Toontown Hall of Fame?  Share in the comments below!

One of my favorite things about Walt Disney World is all of the great Disney snacks!  What's the saying...run Disney so you can eat at Disney?  From salty to sweet and everything in between, the snacks at Walt Disney World are sure to satisfy any craving! 1) The Dole Whip First of all, what is a Dole Whip?  Dole Whip is a pineapple frozen dessert that is available in several locations around Walt Disney World.  It has a great balance of sweet and tart flavors and is perfect for a hot day.  I like to bring mine into the Tiki Room or enjoy it while watching the afternoon parade.  It can be served in a soft swirl cup or in a float with pineapple juice.  Get this at Aloha Isle in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom.  Don't be dismayed by the often long line, this treat is worth it and the line moves pretty quickly. UPDATE: You can now get the dole whip with vanilla swirl here! You can also get a dole whip at Pineapple Lanai at Disney's Polynesian R...

Good Morning and Happy August! August has always been one of my favorite months.  It's still summer, so the weather is great and there's always plenty to do with lots of visits with friends and family.  I always loved back to school shopping and the feeling of having fresh pens, pencils, and notebooks.  Plus, my birthday is in August, so that's not half bad either! Meatless Monday has become a thing in recent years.  When you're pescatarian, like I am, every Monday is meatless, but I thought I'd share what I whipped up for dinner yesterday! Drunken noodles w/ Tofu. I like to do all my prep ahead of time, which required some vegetable chopping: That's one red bell pepper, one Jalapeno w/ seeds removed, one block of extra firm tofu, and one pound of string beans, trimmed and cut in one inch pieces. I put a large pot of water to boil on the stove to cook up one pound of rice noodles. I put some canola oil in a large pot and heated it up.  I then ...