Journal 4/26/ 2012

Tori and I hit the River path for a walk today. We did 2 miles, at 18:24 a mile. We were going so strong at a flat 18:00 until we hit the 3/4 mile mark and then we slowed down. It didn't seem to matter how fast I tried to walk, I couldn't kick it back into gear and we ended slower than that. Oh well, it was a pretty good walk, and I'm glad that I got it in! We're headed out of town for the weekend, so I don't think we'll get another walk in until Monday at the earliest.

April 23, 2012 Journal

I haven't been to work out for a week. I could give you lots of excuses, I'm stressed, I've been in pain, I've had a ton to do on top of trying to pick up more hours at work. Take your pick, the fact is that I just haven't it gotten done. I should probably go tonight, but that's not going to happen either. I am in an awful lot of Fibromyalgia based pain, which can probably be attributed to the cold wet weather. I really need to go.

I keep asking myself if I'm really training for this half marathon or am I just playing a game. I wish I knew that answer. Since DH lost his job I've been having trouble finding a routine. I really need to create some habits and get with it, but every time I blink our lives keep changing. I suppose one could suggest that's all the more reason for me to create a regular work out routine. I'm just not sure yet where I can fit it in consistently.

The plan is that Tori and I will go tomorrow afternoon after she gets off of work. Ok. I can make that happen.

I WILL make that happen.

Something to Think About

Source: bellamumma.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Sometimes I get so busy and wrapped up in my own "stuff" that I forget what I do effects everyone around me. To me, feeling good in spirit is the foundation of feeling good physically. I love this little Karma Cleanse, it's a great reminder to always be the person that I want to be.

"Watch Your Attitude" is what I'm struggling with lately.
Are any of these holding you back?

PodCasts to Make the Work Outs Easier

This piece was originally posted back in September on The DVC Mom's Traveler.

Working out is by far my least favorite activity during the week.  I just don't get that "high" some people do from pushing their bodies.  It doesn't really feel good, and I'm left afterwards exhausted and quite often starving.  So my challenge has been finding ways to make exercising more enjoyable.  So, like so many other things in life, I plus it up with Disney!

I keep some great guys in my pocket (on my iPhone that is) to help me pass the time and make my workouts fly by!  These are three of the nicest guys and they love to share their passion for all things Disney.  There's no way that I could pick one that I like the most because they all offer a little something different for your listening pleasure.  If you're looking for a way to pass the time working out or just want to hear some fantastic Disney fans talking about the most magical place of all, tune in and find your motivation!

My favorite VidCast comes from Rick Howard of Kingdom Magic Vacations.  Travel with Rick offers video tours of fantastic Disney Destinations around the world on land and sea.  He's also done some great ride-a-longs with special guests, Disney food tastings, and fun interviews.  Rick is my go-to video when I'm on the recumbent bike at the Y.
Follow on Twitter @TravelWithRick

Lou Mongello hosts the WDW Radio show and has all the latest information you need to get your Disney on.  Not only does Lou's show offer all the latest in Disney news and event coverage, but he's got what's happening in the community covered as well.  Lou's the ultimate source of information in our house, and his Disney History episodes are THE best out there.
Follow on Twitter @LouMongello 

Mike Rahlmann hosts a rollicking good time with this fun roundtable of fabulous Disneyphiles. On the Be Our Guest Podcast, Mike is joined by a bevy of lovely ladies that laugh and talk about their vacation adventures in a friendly accessible manner. This is the crew that keeps me walking when I just want to sit down.
Follow on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike

So that's it!  The sounds that keep me motivated when I'm working to stay fit and feel fab whether it's on Friday or any other day.  What do you listen to when you're working out?  Do you have any tips to help get your Disney on, on the treadmill?  Leave me a message below and let me know how you "Keep Moving Forward!"

No-Bake Energy Bites

I found this recipe on Pinterest (yes, I'm actually going to really make something I pinned) and thought that it sounded like a tasty thing to eat before going to work out.  DH made them, and I must say that they're pretty good.  Super easy to pull together as well.  There was a little too much coconut for my taste, but the rest of the family loves them!  I may try and switch it up with some dried cherries for the next batch. 

I can't eat a lot before I head out for a walk, usually I grab a granola bar or an Oatmeal breakfast cookie.  These treats looked like they might be a good option too. The recipe originally comes from a blog called Smashed Peas and Carrots.

No-Bake Energy Bites (makes 18-20 bites) 

• 1 cup oatmeal 
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter) 
• 1/3 cup honey 
• 1 cup coconut flakes 
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp vanilla 

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

The President's Bling

I took a few pictures of pretty spring flowers coming up in the forest where we walk, so that I could share them with you. There's so much in bloom that you miss unless you're looking for it. I've considered harvesting some of the violets to make violet sugar.




Here's that link that I mentioned in the video for the President's Challenge. It's super easy to sign up, and lets be honest, you're doing the work anyway! Why not bring home some bling just for training too!

https://www.presidentschallenge.org

Extra Bling is always fun!  I signed up, why don't you?

Tips for Walking Your First 5K

1. Decide to Do It!
Congratulations! You've decided to register to walk a 5k race. I know that you can do this!  If you're still not sure, fear not!  These easy tips will help your training be fun and comfortable.

2. Set a Training Plan
Now that you've decided that yuo're going to give it your all you need to find a training plan. I like the Hal Higdon Walker's 5K Training Plan. I find Hal's program to be straight forward and easy, it gives you 8 Weeks from start to 5K in easy, every other day increments that even those with a busy schedule can fit in. While it's fairly easy to train for a 5K without a serious plan, I highly suggest using one so that you can see yourself reach mini-goals along the way.  

3. Fuel The Machine
"Training" and "Dieting" are not the same thing, don't let anyone fool you. Yes, you're body will be much happier if you make the commitment to eat in a more healthful manner. However you MUST fuel the machine. You're body won't run without fuel, and it gets that fuel from food. Follow a nutritional plan that is going to work with your life style, but please don't starve yourself because you think that will make you healthier. Increase your daily water intake too, because if you're working out right, you're going to need to replace fluids.

4. Phone A Friend!
I really hate walking alone, it's boring and I don't like being left alone with my thoughts. When that happens, I usually just end up bitching to myself about how much I hate to exercise. Grab a friend (I bring my daughter Tori, in this picture I was walking with my friend Jackie) and hit the road.  Tori both give me someone to talk to so that I can take my mind off training, and helps me push myself to meet my goals. I also have a bunch of training buddies online! This blog is inspired by them as a way to keep all of us motivated. I've been told by many people that my Vlogs help make them feel like they're not the only ones that would rather be on the couch with a bag of chips. It's a good thing to have friends in similar condition to you that want to train as well. I love you #PrincessPatyCrew  

5. Dress Appropriately
There are a few things I've learned by trial and error as far as gear goes. Make sure you have shoes that fit with a little extra room for your feet to swell, because they will. Don't wear slippery underwear, or you'll be holding up your pants through the entire race. Trust me, I speak from experience on this one. Also, the right clothes will extend your outdoor training season more than you ever thought they could. Layer, layer. layer. Most importantly, cotton is an awful fabric when you're sweating, pick up some work out clothes with dry-tech.  

6. Listen to Your Body
If you're anything like me, you WANT to run. It's important to listen to your body and acknowledge your limits. In 2011 I messed up my back because I tried to run to soon.  That one error sent me into 6 months of physical therapy.  For myself (being overweight and with Fibromyalgia) my doctor has advised me not to even bother trying to run until I can walk a 16 minute mile.   It's okay if you walk!  Don't push yourself beyond what your body can handle. Pay attention to aches and pains, rest when you need too, slow down, and see a doctor before an injury gets out of control.

3.1 miles is a great distance for anyone's first race.  Training for, and completing that 5k a fun and exciting goal that can boost your confidence and your increase you health.  If you want to add a little extra fun to it, register for one of the many 5K events s held at the Disney Parks throughout the year!

If I can do it, so can you!!

Feeling good...

Tori and I had a great walk yesterday out on the Midway Village museum path. I even ran/walked the last quarter miles about 30 seconds of each the whole 1/4 mile. Though I felt really great that I was able to do that, Tori can walk as fast as I run.


I am a slow little penguin, but I'm getting it done!   I do hope to do more run/walk training, I think it's going to be the best way for me to make some real progress to my goals.  Even if I'm going slow right now, I'm just at the beginning and I know that I'll be better the more that I try.

Today we hit the bikes at the YMCA and had a good 45 minute ride. It's so wonderful even to have just these two days of feeling motivated and energetic. I can only hope that it continues. Coming up latter this week I've got some training tips to share with you, suggestions for motivating podcasts (Disney style) and a recipe for some yummy snacks that are fairly healthy too!

Pin It!!

Are you on Pinterest?  Okay, I admit it, I'm fairly addicted.  

If you need an invite just let me know, and then...

Follow my new 13.1 Pin Board!

 

It's The Ultimate Blog Party 2012

Hello Party Girls!! Welcome to "Running the Castle" to all of those folks coming over from the 5 Minutes For Mom Ultimate Blog Party. This is my first year participating in the Ultimate Blog Party, but this is really the first year for this little blog.

Let me introduce myself! My name is Kristen and this blog is here to help motivate me to keep on moving!

I'm a work from home mom, running a family of six people and two dogs. Things can get kind of hectic around this place and I often forget to find time for me.  I'm trying to lose some weight, get healthy, and generally keep from going crazy!

How do I plan on doing that?   I'm training to run a Half Marathon!  Except right now I don't really run and I hate working out.  

That's a picture of me doing the Tangled Royal Family 5K at Walt Disney World in February.  That's where this crazy Half Marathon idea began.  So if you're looking for a dreadfully honest look at the struggles of trying to get healthy and maintain your sanity, this is probably the place for you!

These are just some of the posts you'll find on the "Running the Castle Blog":

• My Training Log via Daily Mile 
• Training Tips Motivational Stuff (I'm sure I'll think of something) 
• Fitness Shopping for the Plus Size Girl 
• runDisney Inspirations 
• Healthy Food (really? Well, I'll try) 
• My Struggles with Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain 
• Vlogs from my walks (so you can see first hand how I'm doing) 
• Race reports

I hope that you have fun blog hopping around the party! You can also find me over at "The DVC Mom's Traveler" where all things travel and Disney are the passion.  Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope that you'll continue to join me on this crazy plan to create a better me!


Are you participating in the Ultimate Blog Party?
If so, let me know!
Post your link in the comments section and I will be sure to stop by!

Stuggling w/ My Workouts

I'm not sure why my past few training days have been so truly miserable. It's probably because I'm so stressed out right now with Geordon losing his job, and me picking up more hours at work. We've got a lot of very basic lifestyle changes coming about, even the way the house runs is taking more effort because it's simply different than it has been for the past 14 years.

I thought that I was going to have to give up my gym members, but I'm going to keep it for at least another month. I really want to be able to get back into the routine of working out. I have no idea if I'll even have enough money to fly to Florida and run the Princess Half Marathon next year, but it's a goal that I want to work towards anyway.

Right now, I just need to make sure that I get out and do something. Even if I don't go as far or as fast as I originally planned on, what counts is that I'm up and off the couch moving forward.

Have you ever gone through a training rut that made it that much harder for you to get out there and do it? What did you do to combat the malaise? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Fall Race Fun w/ runDisney

I know that I won't be able to make it down for the Fall Races this year, and even if I did, I'm not sure I'm up for starting a race at 10pm. Honestly, that's usually my bedtime. However I love that runDisney has put in a distance that's between the 5K and traditional 1/2 Marathon. I'll be looking for a mid-distance myself, hopefully before the end of the year. Perhaps a 10k in Northern Illinois not too far from home. Hrmmm... I think there's a run for chocolate in Chicago in the fall. But I Digress... back to Disney!


 The 10 mile Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Race debuts Sept. 29, 2012

"This race course runs through the set of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” and past Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat and finishes near The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Runners will receive a finisher medal inspired by the Tower of Terror and then celebrate their achievement at a villainous post-race party with their family and friends, where they will enjoy live music, characters – including your favorite Disney villains – and have exclusive access to attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Star Tours and Toy Story Mania."

You can register for this mid-distance event at 

 http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/tower-of-terror-10-miler/ 

Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend November 9th & 10th, 2012

This year Wine & Dine has been moved from Food & Wine opening weekend to early Nov. I have a soft spot in my heart for this race weekend because Mickey's Halloween 5K through the Magic Kingdom was the first Disney race that I ever did.

"Join runDisney for a special event that brings the spectacle of the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival together with the magic of a Disney race. Start out by running through the theme parks under the stars with world-class Disney entertainment along the way to help the miles fly by. The icing on this cake? Finishing at Epcot® where an exclusive after-hours party inside the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival awaits. This race experience will be the ultimate "Runners' Night Out!"

You can register for Wine & Dine Weekend Events, including the 5K and kids races at http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/  

So what are you doing this fall? Will you runDisney? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Power Walk Through Disneyland

I saw this on the Disney Parks Blog and just had to share!  It's the power walk that I talked about in my last vLog post.  I'm headed to Disneyland in May and staying at the Grand Californian. Now that I know, I think I'm going to sign up for this fun morning power walk! I'm walking an 18:15 mile right now, I hope that I'll be able to keep up with the group.

A Rough Morning Walk

This turned out to be a great walk a couple of days ago. Even though it started out pretty rough we ended up with our best pace in about 2 years with two miles at 18:15 a mile! I love it when we can see the progress!

Crazy Wind Chills make for Miserable Walks

Who the heck turned off Spring? I love walking when the temp is about 43 degrees out. But this morning the wind chill made for the most miserable walk ever. Okay, so I know that is probably much colder in Alaska than it was on this miserable walk along to river, but my face is so wind chapped and my ears hurt *SO* bad. Can the warmer weather please come back now?

I also stopped in at the YMCA today and I think we're going to have to cancel our membership since DH lost his job. I think I'll be good for walking until December, at which time I might try and apply for a financial aid membership at the Y so that I have someplace to go when it gets cold.

Tangled Royal Family 5K Recap

We did it! My Princess Party Crew and I finished the Tangled Royal Family 5K back in February. I thought that I would finally get some pictures up for you! We gathered in the Parking lot of Disney's Epcot at 6am with another 5,500 of our closest friends. Like crazy women, we actually began seeking out other Princesses that we knew.
The music was blaring and the DJ kept the energy high! Dressed for the Party and ready to go, Tori and Becks did the electric slide.
At 7am the fireworks went off to signal the beginning of the race! As slow pokes stuck in the back we struggled with the back of the pack to get moving. By the time we went through the starting gate things had spread out enough to really start walking.
The first mile of this race is really awful. It's parking lot, a tram graveyard, and some sort of water/sewage plant that's on the back side of Epcot. One little speaker offered some music for a few hundred yards, but there's no encouragement on this stretch what so ever. We split up during this mile Tori, Becks and Traci walked ahead, while Jakie and I enjoyed a more leisurely pace.
Once we got inside of World Showcase the race got so much nicer. That dank depressing feeling of the first mile was gone and it started to really feel like Disney Magic.
Jackie and I were trailing behind our group, but that's okay! We were able to hop into a few character pictures with other Princesses we knew walking the race. Check out Amanda Tinney's 5K post, can you spot Jackie and I in the pictures?  It was an opportunity I don't know that we would have gotten if we had been going faster. Epcot in the morning is beautiful and all of the walkers that we met along the way were so friendly and wonderful.

One of my favorite moments was when I was jogging a little bit to catch up with Jackie and my dear friend Sarah-Irene looked at me and said "Kristen, look at you, you're running!"  LoL... yes, for a couple of dozen yards I can run (jog... okay waddle).  That's about it for now.


Once we came around towards Spaceship Earth we knew we were in the home stretch!
Look at that, Tori was still smiling! Love those ears.
There it is, the Finish Line! Everyone was happy to see the finish line! It's an early morning and a long brisk walk but it feels so very good to cross that line and have that sense of accomplishment that you did it. Disney is fantastic to it's 5K folks and everyone gets a medal!
So where do hungry girls with race bling head after it's all over? Whispering Canyon Cafe! Look at how serious Tori and Traci look about that food. It was so good and a wonderful way to relax after the race. Good job girls, I'm so proud of everyone for finishing the 2012 Tangled Royal Family 5K!

To read more about our wonderful trip check out Traci's Blog 

The View From My Fishbowl

Back on the Horse

Spring has sprung! Are you out walking?