Running, Rolling, And Run Disney

I'm drinking coffee, and thinking that all the swearing and pain from foam rolling was so worth it. After my last 5k, my IT band made my knee really angry. Like, incredibly bad. But, I was sucking it up, and trying to still run. I could barely do it, and pretty much went so far back in the progress I made that, I admit, I was getting angry.

But, I'm learning my body needs to be taken care of. That $35 was the best money I've ever spent (along with my shoes and inserts, lol!).

I know each of us is busy, and life gets in the way. I'm trying to remind myself to keep this morning's feeling of good health and contentment when I'm struggling.

These are my RunDisney Virtual Race Series medals (my son's for August haven't come in yet, and he's jealous!), and I'm excited to get beyond 42 minutes. If my body cooperates.



Going from being told I might never walk on my own while pregnant with my first, and the pain my feet have gone through this past year to running a 5k, and most importantly being healthy and becoming strong makes me want to keep this going. I know it won't ever be perfect, and I might not be the fastest, but that doesn't matter.

posted from Bloggeroid

Disney Magic And The Crazy Mommy

The past two Decembers, my family journeyed to the most magical place on Earth.

Not Hawaii. That's one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Not Venice, though it feels pretty darn magical. I speak from experience here as I've visited both places.

I'm talking Magic With The Mouse.

Walt Disney World.

With my little ones, who are now 3 and 5.

Now, I've been to Disneyland (or, the Land, as it is sometimes referred to). That was a crazy land in Cali, no shower, six hour flight then straight to the park at 6 p.m. only to be fooled about Splash Mountain's fun at any other time drop by my future husband and his dad.  Needless to say, I have very dim memories of being rushed through the park that October. Except for that ride (because we have the moment of said drop forever frozen in time and documented by the Land, including my look of terror and utter hot mess post-flight self), and the Indiana Jones ride. Loved that one.

Fast forward many years later (we did get engaged in our Anaheim hotel...and not on the beach in Malibu, but sigh...), and we are happily married with two lil dudes. Perfect time for a family vacation!

My husband had taken family vacations down to Walt Disney World with his family when he was younger, which at that time included a fabulously long road trip (once in a trans am...or was that California? I always get those mixed up when they tell the story) with his mom and little sister.  We are not that adventurous, and opted for flying the friendly skies. Approximately two hours versus hours and hours and hours driving south?  Flying every time!

And this past time was incredibly magical.

Like any mom, I'm overwhelmed. I'm happy. I'm embroiled in a messy mix of pure happiness, anxiety, stress, giggles, gratitude, exhaustion, accomplishment...the list goes on and on. And the past year was especially filled with struggles. My feet decided to rebel on me, and I developed plantar fasciitis in one foot, while the other had a flair up from an ankle injury I incurred during my first pregnancy due to the stress of the pf. Not fun. Walking was painful, let alone running around with two very active little dudes. My life is a series of crazy juggling of things, and the things I loved to do (dance, working out, running around with my boys, standing!) were near to impossible.

And we were going to WDW. Where walking is an endless activity.

Long story short, I finally started to find what my body obviously needed (the right shoes for me SO IMPORTANT, time for yoga, breathing!) to counterbalance the years of working in heels on a marble floor.

When we were at Disney, I suddenly felt lighter, happier, and dare I say, magical? Despite the fact my husband was miserable with the virus the rest of us were getting over, we had the most relaxed and wonderful time. I felt lighter, no pain in my feet even after hours of walking all day long. Of course, I had my trusty foot roller (which made TA really interesting, and full of laughs!!), but really I think the best part was the abundance of water I was drinking (I mean, I know how important it is to keep hydrated but had been seriously slacking of late), restful sleep (ah, mommy happiness!!), healthy eating (we aren't big dine out people, and stayed in a place that had a full kitchen) everyday, and YOGA!!!!!

The atmosphere at Disney, of course helped! The wonder and happiness in my boys' faces at every moment was just what a stressed out mommy needed.

When I came home, I knew that I had to figure out how to keep those feelings alive.

And so, my Disney Journey has begun. I've learned tips, tricks, and best of all, how to keep my memories alive everyday while at home.

And, I've begun running again!! Cause, you know a princess can run to the Castle, join the Rebellion, or even Wine and Dine at Epcot.  #RUNDISNEYGOALS

(photo copyright A. Jakstas)

Dreaming Of Disney

I sit here in the pouring rain, waiting patiently for my kindergartner to get dropped off at the bus stop, and try to desperately not let the pouring rain damper my already dampened mood. The road construction through our development has made the drop off wait anywhere from 15 to 60 longer than usual.  And while I can't wait to have a new street with less off road flare, it's caused havoc on our routine. (And our bus driver is kinda awesome, which meant the times I mention picking up my lil dude usually ends up with tearful pleas not too do so.)

This leads to me a few things I made myself finally realize.

I'm DONE.

As in, done waiting for the right time, things to "be in place" so that I can get my dreams and goals achieved. I plan, daydream, but then I let the world overtake me. You know what I mean. Push the things that make me happy, challenge me, and generally are mine to the back burner so that I can mom, wife, work. It's ridiculous. 

WHY DO WE DO THIS TO OURSELVES??

This past fall, I started walking everyday after my son jumped on the bus in the morning, pushing my youngest who was two in his stroller. I met a fellow mom whose daughter was in his class just down the street from us, and we walked. She was my catalyst, calling me put for trying to beg off on rainy or cold days. I learned to suck it up, buttercup! This turned into counting steps (thanks, Samsung Health!), and made me really feel energized.

But here's the kicker. I spend way too much time on my phone (Facebook especially!!), or watching tv.

There were days, though that I rarely turn on the tv, which ended up being my happiest! Putting the phone down actually let me accomplish laundry AND yoga!!

So, that's the deal. I'm DONE. I know I need my phone for my fitness tracker, etsy selling, email for my at home job, but I'm going to set up times just for checking in. And stick to them.

And blog more! My endless Disney tips, frugal mommy tips, and hot mess madness.  I ran my first 5k this past weekend!!!

This summer, my five year old and I are running Run Disney Virtual 5k shorts, and I've convinced the husband if we can sell our second mortgage house that maybe, just maybe, we will run the castles soon. Grandpa's already convinced.

So, here's to Disney Dreaming. And making your own Pixie Dust!!