2014 Goals

The last two years I have been going really hard and accomplished so much.  I want to have big goals for 2014 but I have to say I am kind of stuck on what to do.  So I am reaching for crazy, awesome, insane and amazing ideas.  Share away!!!!

Here is what I have so far!

January-The Dopey Challenge in Disney (5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon)
Ok. Ok. This is a HUGE goal and I should feel accomplished two weeks into 2014.  Running 48.6 miles is a lot but running them in 4 days is somewhat crazy! I love crazy!

February-Myrtle Beach Full Marathon
Super excited about this race! I will get to meet my running coach, some MTA members and see my nephew (who lives there).  My plan for this race is to run faster than a 4:45.  I am going for a PR two days into my 33rd year of being alive.  I also am excited to be going on a small vacation with my Mom and Dad.  Dad will be running the half and Mom will be there for support! :)

March-Got nothing scheduled yet... I may schedule a marathon during this month so I can get my Marathon Maniac number and my Jersey for my April race.

April-Kentucky Derby Marathon
Running a marathon with my teacher friend Kat!!!!! This will be Kat's first full marathon and possibly my 3rd of 4th of the year.  There is a marathon the day after the Derby marathon that I am considering.  I told you I like crazy! :)

May-Probably Ohio Tough Mudder
Mexico for my Brother's wedding!!!!!!!! :) First time using my passport! 

June-Probably Nashville Tough Mudder

July-Vegas with my PNP sisters.  Hiking and Zip lining while I am there :)

August-Nothing
Maybe a trip to visit my parents in Canada 

September-Nothing
Disney Half (maybe) Just so I can get my Coast-to-Coast 

October-Regnar in Nashville (this is a maybe)
Chicago Marathon (maybe)
Columbus Marathon (maybe)
Basically, I am really unsure what I want to do this month.  I may just be to tired to run another marathon...so not making decisions until May. 

November-nothing

December-nothing

Things I want to do that doesn't involve racing...
Become a YOGI :) Seriously, I want to learn out to do crazy poses and hold them. 
Paddle Board
Be more active in Nature....NOT JUST RUNNING

I want to be able to hold awesome things like this :)

Finally, I really want to find a PE/Health Job.  I been wanting to do this for a while but this is the year I will be taking the step towards changing my career.  Who knows my career may also change my location.  I just know that 2014 is the year for growth, change and challenges.  I plan on heading into everything with a open heart and a will to achieve the impossible. I can do anything if I just continue to work hard and believe that the impossible is POSSIBLE!

2013 Final Review

What a GIANT year 2013 was for me! I accomplished a lot but also dealt with a few injuries, heart breaks and health issues.  This year I had to learn to really listen to my body both physically and mentally.  I gained a better understanding of the person I want to become and the person I plan on leaving behind.  I think it is simply amazing how much a person can grow in one year yet stay same in so many ways.  I plan on closing the year out with a lot of HOPE for my future in my career and my fitness life.  Closing the door on 2013 just allows me to see that I have a lot of great things coming ahead. :)

2013 REVIEW

Jan
I started 2013 out with the Goofy Challenge with my BRF (Best Running Friend) Corinne Crabtree.  This honestly has to be my proudest moment of 2013 for me!!!! It was a tough race but I knew I could face anything with Corinne beside me.  Running 39.3 miles in Disney with the Crabtree's is a memory I will always cherish.

Jan/Feb
Beachbody cleanse-no working out or eating crap for 21 days.  Lost 15 pounds but gained a better understanding on food, why rest is important and to listen to my body. Oh and I turned 32..BOOOOO.

March
Found out I had a Thyroid Issue. 

April
Ran the Nashville half marathon in pouring rain...I got a new PR but came home with an injury.

May
Ran the Cap City half marathon with an Achilles injury from Nashville.

June
Vacationed in Miami with my friend Kelly.
Pulled myself out of the Sunburst Half Marathon and Michigan Tough Mudder because of Achilles injury.

July
Vacationed in Nashville for a week :)
Phat Camp with my PNP family...talk about a great weekend in Nashville.
Duathlon.. My Dad Beat me.

August
New Kids on the Block concert :) Yes, you just read that correctly.
Louie had surgery.

Tough Mudder with Corinne.

Kenny Chesney in Detroit with old and new friends.

September
Ran the Air Force Marathon with my Cousin Diana!!!!! 3 days later had hernia surgery...UGH!
Didn't run, workout or even yogaed (is that a word) for 6 weeks.

October 
Pulled myself out of the Wine Glass Marathon.
Pulled myself out of the Columbus half marathon.
I hated this month :( It was super hard for me to pull myself out of these events...specially Columbus.
First Halloween party in Downtown Columbus.

November 
Wine and Dine Half Marathon with Tracey and Corinne.  I LOVED this race for many reasons!

 Football game with my Brother Bobby

December
Found out that my thyroid is messed up again :(
Started training hard for the Dopey Marathon

After, looking back I did accomplish a lot but I also had to pull myself out of a lot of events.  This year was the year of really listening to my body with all the issues I had going on.  My Achilles is feeling better and my thyroid is just going to have to be a learning process.  I raced when I could and rested when I had too.

I am still thinking about all my goals for next year.  My body has been going really hard the last two years.  To say I want to slow down would be a complete LIE :) I want to continue to push myself in many things in my life not just racing.  I have HIGH hopes for 2014!!!!

2013 thanks for the good times, the learning experiences, the heart breaks and the ability to share my passion with others.  I am glad to close the door on you but will always smile knowing that you changed me for the better!

A Break up because it's broken... Saying goodbye to Mr. Scale

I have decided that I need to break up with Mr. Scale.  I am actually really sad to let him go because he has controlled my eating habits for a long time.  Lately, I have noticed that Mr. Scale is not giving me what I need.  In fact he has been a complete JERK.  I have been working so hard and eating so healthy each week to get nothing back in return from Mr. Scale. 

It is just so frustrating to not see or get what I want.  So why keep it around? Clearly, he doesn't care about my hard work, muscles or killer runs.  He can't tell me to keep up the good work or that I lost inches.  Basically, this break up is more about me NOT really the Mr. Scale.  I been so discourage at the silly number that I haven't been celebrating my successes.  

It is finally time to tell Mr. Scale he has to leave my bathroom floor for a while.  I know I will want to check in monthly to see my results but no more daily visits.  I don't need Mr. Scale if I continue to kill my workouts and eat healthy foods.  I know I am healthy, strong and have a ton of ability to do what I want to do.  Mr. Scale can't measure that or my success.  

It is time to break away from the scale and break free into my life!! After all its truly not about a silly number...ultimate goal weight is healthy and strong!

Disney Wine and Dine Rating

Wine and Dine

November 9, 2013

10 PM Night Race 

Expo-5/5

Getting to the Disney Expo before the crowd comes is KEY! My running partner and I went to the expo Friday afternoon.  This allowed us time to walk around without being in a huge crowd, as well as check out the awesome race gear without waiting in lines.  The expo had printers there just in case you forgot your form at home! There was a lot of people to help you to the next location, as bib pickup and shirts were in different buildings.  I somehow ended up in Corral K (last corral).  Luckily, I was able to look up my PR from Country Music to switch Corrals.  I ended up in Corral D but stayed with my friends in Corral F.  Jeff Galloway was at the Expo too.  They had a guy talking about the course, fun Disney shirts and a ton of running booths. 

Race Swag-5/5

I LOVE my race shirt! The long sleeve shirt is made by Champion, athletic gear and is a dark color.  On the sleeve it has each park that we ran in.. one of my favorite things about the shirt.  On the back of the shirt is the race map!

I just love the lanyard and of course I love the medal! It has Mickey on the front and on the back a place to engrave name and race time.  Disney medals are solid and heavy which just proves they use material that isn't cheap.  

Starting Line-4/5

The only part I did not like about race was waiting around.  We got to the starting line 2 hours early :( They did have loud music playing, characters to take pictures with (more waiting) and a ton of bathrooms.  There were runners sleeping in the grass waiting to get into their assigned corrals. The corrals were blocked off by gates which prevented runners to jump corrals :) Each corral had its own start....fireworks went off about every 2 minutes! I love the fireworks its a great touch! 

Course-5/5 

Of course I am going to be pleased with the course... I mean come on we got to run in the parks at night! We ran in Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot! Everything was lite up and there was music all around us.  I have never ran a night race so this experience was completely different for me. This course was super flat.  I don't think you could PR here but then again I was to busy taking pictures. 

My favorite part of the course was when we ran in the Christmas area (I believe it was Hollywood Studios).  Every single light bulb was bright, in the perfect place and just stunning to look at.  I had to stop to take pictures of this magical spot on the course!

Water Stops-5/5

There was a water stop almost every single mile. 

Final Line-5/5

I can't even remember much about the finish line since there was so much going on.  I did stop to take a picture with Mickey before I crossed over. Minnie and I believe Goofy were at the finish line too.  I was awarded my medal before I went into gear check.  The food wasn't great nothing I would eat at least. They did offer bananas, water and some sort of sugary drink.  After we picked up our Gear we headed over to the changing area to change.  There was a huge line for the wine/beer but this was worth the wait! :) 

After Party-1/5

I have heard so many amazing things about the after party.  I did love the fact that Epcot was open all night for the runners but there seriously wasn't a lot of food to pick from.  We literally walked all over the world to find good food (we wanted something we knew we would like).  We found fries and some kind of egg roll.  I am so picky when it comes to food, especially after I ran 13 miles.  The last thing I wanted to do was walk around looking for food.  We did walk an extra 6-7 miles after we ran...SERIOUSLY.  I don't think we found food till probably 3:00 A.M. (we finished around 1).  They did have awesome drinks everywhere but wasn't the best idea after running for 3 hours.  If I was to run this race again I would skip the party to get some GOOD food back at the hotel. 

Results-Doesn't MATTER :) 

I went into this race just wanting to have fun.  In fact, if you ever want to run a Disney race the main goal should be FUN. 

Overall-5/5
I had a blast at this race :) I loved every single minute! I do think the race started a little late. Starting 1-2 hours earlier would be a good idea so people could finish before midnight.  Would I run it again?!?! You bet! This race allows grown adults to relive their childhood...some of us even got to play dress up (if you run Disney costume is a must!)  When I am running down the streets of Disney I can't help but think of my family vacations there.  I got off the plane with a smile and left with a lot of joy in my heart... that is because Disney is simply amazing!

What's up next?!?!

This Guy of course :) Yep, I am heading back to Disney in 50 days to run a 4 day race (Jan 2014). This race will really test my mental state, endurance and my ability to continue when things get tough.  I will be covering 5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon...also known as the Dopey Challenge! I am excited to head back to this magical place because I know I will have fun no matter what the outcome (I better finish) :) See you soon Dopey 

~Happy Miles

Kathy :)

Need a holiday wreath?

Need a Holiday Gift? Don't know what to get?? What about a crafty wreath made by the one and only Kathy :) I will be taking orders for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Winter and Football Themed Wreaths. 

I did find the wreaths off pinterest so I did not come up with the wreaths myself.  However, I will for sure make them unique and different from the ones above. Who doesn't want to have a turkey hanging on their front door to greet all their thanksgiving guest? He is cute right?!?!?

What about Christmas wreaths? I am going to be painting Santa's face so he will have eyes :).  I am trying to come up with snowman wreath for those who doesn't celebrate Christmas.

I have always been crafty but rarely do I do much with my gift.  I figured why not share the love and my talent will all of you!! Wreaths will be 35 dollars plus shipping if I can't deliver myself.  I can come up with anything...so if these don't look like something you want but have a great idea let me know!

I can't wait to show off the ones I make :) Get excited Kathy's Craft Tuesday's are coming soon!

20th half marathon this weekend..

If you have been following me for a while you know that running is a big part of my life.  I love the challenge, the spirit of the race and the way I feel when I cross the finish line.  I never imaged that the race bug could take me this far into my running career (life).  I have to say the distance changed me for the better. The first race I ran I didn't believe in myself or my future... With every mile I complete my life gets better.  I now know that anything is possible..if you work hard and believe in yourself.

This Saturday night I will be running my 20th half marathon in Disney.  I can't help but smile knowing that I will be celebrating this major accomplishment in the most magical place on earth. 

Running the distance has allowed me to travel, as well as meet up with friends all over the world.  I will be meeting my Nashville friend Corinne, as well as my Canadian friend Tracey Friday evening.  This will be a great weekend to laugh, cry and relax with great friends.  Memories will be made I am sure.

I can't wait to bring this medal home with me... Disney does so many things right but I think there medals are my favorite  I am also excited to complete my first night race ever.  I am a little nervous about the 10 PM start time but I have faith that the energy and excitement of the race will keep me going. 

Look for race recap next week :) Happy Tuesday Friends

What do you do with old race shirts?

What do you do with old race shirts? If you are like me you do a lot of racing a year, which means a lot of shirts.  Don't get me wrong I LOVE my shirts because I can wear them to work!!! Most people however, don't get to wear T-shirts to work like me.  So what in the world do you do with all those shirts??? Here are some awesome ideas..

1. Make a Quilt

This is my favorite thing to do with old shirts because the quilt tells a story.  I have a quilt my sister made me from high school with pictures of my friends and T-shirts from sports.  I LOVE it!! It keeps me warm when it is cold and warm when I am feeling down.  I got my second quilt a month ago from my sister! I JUST LOVE THEM!!!

 2.  A New Bag

I love bags... all kinds!!! How sweet would it be to have a bag with your bib and race shirt! I am not sure how to complete this task but I am going to look into it!!!

 

3.  T-shirt Pillow

Now you can make a shirt pillow.... to match the quilt you just made! I love the cool design on these pillows below.  Would be fun to have to travel with on airplane or have in hotels (I hate using other peoples pillows). 

4. Wall Art

Why not have a wall for race gear.. shirts, bibs and medals! FUN!!! I love this idea A LOT... This would be easy for anyone to complete! Check out Pinterest to find out how to make your very own wall art.

So there you have it :) Fun ways to keep those old race shirts you don't wear anymore.  I am thinking of ways to make ornaments for Christmas... so stay tune!