Bobby’s Workout Routine Part 3

November 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This is the final installment of my husband’s workout routine. Check out parts one and two if you missed them!

Welcome back to part three, and the conclusion, of my workout routine.  As a recap, make sure you are being consistent with how often you work out and that you are putting in a healthy effort (intensity).  Today’s post will cover days three and four of the four-day rotation; a cycle that often includes a rest day in the middle and possibly a long run after day four.

I would like to briefly touch on warming up.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that I have to spend more time warming up to prevent pulling something.  I generally spend 3-4 minutes on the treadmill at a jog pace or do a 500m row.  After I’m warm, I do a mix of shoulder rotations with leg stretching.  Lastly, I do a couple of pull-ups and push-ups followed by pretzel stretching to loosen my back.

Day three is focused on biceps with a secondary second pass at back.  I also try to add in a run or some other form of cardio such as bike; this day being more for endurance than speed like day one.  I start with three sets of overhand pull-ups, followed by two sets of side grip pull-ups, and then two sets of normal grip pull-ups.  This emphasis on pull-ups is more due to my personal goals than anything else.

The true bicep focus begins with 4×12-14 on seated curved bar curls.  I like to change the grip up between the two widths for each set.  Next is 4×14-15 standing dumbbell curls; alternating which arm is coming up at a time.  I follow that with a similar set of 4×14-15 standing dumbbell hammer curls.  I will finish off the workout with either bent over rows or some form of row-like pulling on a machine.

Day four is primarily for shoulders, though I touch on chest and triceps again.  This is a day I have to make sure I do a really good job of warming up as I have had shoulder issues in the past.  The workout begins with 4×12-14 barbell overhead press.  The key here is to keep your base solid and do not use your legs to press it (unless you’re doing some kind of full body workout and want to engage your legs).

Next up is 4×12-14 dumbbell overhead press.  Yes, this is very similar to the first exercise, but it helps develop your stabilizer muscles and is a slightly different angle.  I follow this with 4×12-14 dumbbell side lateral raises and then a matching set of front raises.  By this point, my shoulders are usually spent.  I will wrap up the workout with a few sets on peck deck, dips, and/or triceps extensions.

This concludes my normal workout routine that I’ve been doing for the past few years.  I hope it’s been helpful to someone.  If you have any questions, please post them.  And remember, be consistent and intense.

 

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Buy One Give One With Aftershokz

November 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Aftershokz, however, all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be present, where I get a small commission if you buy through my link.

It’s now November, and the holidays are upon us. It’s my favorite time of year, with all the beautiful decorations, movies on TV, parties, and events. However, there is one aspect of the holidays that can sometimes get overlooked, but it’s a really important one to me. The holidays are a time to give. To give of our time, our resources, and our love. It’s a great time to show your care for friends and strangers alike and recognize people for the goodness in their hearts.

This year, Aftershokz has made it super easy to give something to a deserving person, without it costing you anything extra. Were you maybe planning to buy some amazing wireless headphones this year? First, let me tell you why you need them, then why you need them specifically to give back to someone else with the buy one give one promotion.

In case you aren’t familiar with the brand, AfterShokz is a sport headphone company. These specific wireless headphones are amazing because they allow you to gain motivation from your music without blocking out your surroundings. They rest outside of the ears and use bone conduction technology to transmit sound. Also, AfterShokz headphones are extremely lightweight, and comfy. I usually forget that I am wearing them!

Now for the special promo: This Black Friday weekend, Aftershokz will be offering their wireless headphones at a discount along with a buy one, give one deal. For every order of wireless headphones on the website, they will be adding one FREE open boxed Trekz Titanium headphones, while supplies last.

The goal here is to pay it forward to someone else this holiday season, and Aftershokz is making it easier than ever.
In the pictures in this post, you can see me with my dear friend Kelley. She is such a wonderful, deserving friend and I knew immediately when I heard about this promotion, that she would be the recipient of my extra set of headphones.

Here more about Kelley, the promotion, and why she deserves this special gift in the video below.

Be sure to follow the hashtag #GiveGoodVibes, and use it as well as @aftershokz to show you giving your second pair of headphones to someone else. I can’t wait to see your photos. Happy giving!

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Bobby’s Workout Routine: Part 2

November 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

This is part two of a guest post by my husband Bobby. Enjoy!

Time for part two of my workout routine. (Check out part one here) The main takeaways from part one were to be consistent and intense with your workouts.  You also have to learn your own body and what works for you.  I have learned that if I push too hard, I know I’m going to be dragging for the rest of the day.  I now know the effect that taking pre-workout has on me and have to alter my plans if I don’t take any for some reason.  You will even learn, over time, how your body performs differently in the morning versus evening workouts.

Back to the actual workouts.  Day 1 was focused on upper back and legs with the goal of increasing max pull-ups.  This also hits on biceps, which will be the focus of day 3.  I don’t think I mentioned it in the first post, but I like to run on day 1 and 3.  Day 2 and 4 are my Tabata days (see below).

Day 2 is good ole chest and tris.  We do one day, ONE people, that focuses on chest…not chest day four days in a row.  My personal focus here is to increase my push-up rep count with a slight focus on chest bulk.  I like to stick to the 12-14 rep count for 3-4 sets like I did on day 1, however, this is the day that I alternate rep counts on more than the others.  From time to time I will increase the weight and lower the reps in an eternally failing attempt to increase bulk and raw strength.  I also like to put my bodyweight on the bench and go for max reps for four sets (which is a fairly well-accepted standard for measuring performance).  For now, I’ll just cover my normal rotations.

I like to start off with bench press 4×12.  After bench is done, I start to add in the Tabata rotations.  The Tabata concept is that you push hard for 20 seconds and then rest for 10 seconds, in cycles.  The idea is to get your heart rate up and to consistently push hard.  I tend to do six pushes per exercise.  When doing an entire workout of Tabata, I will do the six set cycle and then rest for one minute before going back at it.  When I’m working it into a normal workout routine, I just do the one six push set and go back to the next weighted exercise.  There is a free Tabata app that would tell you when to start, when to rest, and when do recover.  Here are a few examples of exercises that you can do for your Tabata sets: jump rope, box jumps, burpees, stationary bike, elliptical, or the best: row machine.  I have also successfully used Tabata to help me improve my running speed.

My next weighted exercise is usually decline dumbbell press, 4×12 if my back is feeling up to it (know your body).  4×12 incline dumbbell press is next followed by three sets of max effort dips.  If you have a pec dec machine, do 4×14 on that, else you can lay flat on a bench and use dumbbells or cables to get a similar workout.  In between all of these weighted exercises, I like to do a set of Tabata.  My heart rate stays at a good level for the entire workout.  At the end, I will do either triceps push-downs or push-ups as a form of burn out.

Hope this has been useful to at least someone out there.  Let me know if you have any questions.

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Bobby’s Workout Routine: Part 1

November 13, 2018 by

Hello! I asked my husband Bobby to do a guest post about his workout routine. He has been consistently working out, in particular, lifting weights, since junior high, so he has a lot of experience! Feel free to comment if you have any questions.

My workout routine is below, though I will first talk a bit about my philosophy.  There are a ton of trendy workouts that pop up each year, some better than others.  The most important thing about any workout is that it gets you doing something…anything.  The new fad in workouts is great by default if it causes people to stick with some form of exercise (maybe with a few exceptions).  The two most important factors when it comes to working out are consistency and intensity.

You will not see significant results if you aren’t consistent with doing some form of exercise.  If you want great results, you also have to be intense.  Not all workouts have to be killer, but if you don’t even break a sweat…

Ask yourself, when was the last time one of your workouts left you gasping for breath, dizzy from exertion, or nauseous?  Note: it’s important to know your body and not hurt yourself.  I’m not advocating for being stupid.  Just make sure you are pushing yourself if you really want to improve and meet your goals.

My workout routine, when I am able, consists of a four-day cycle.  I generally workout on Monday and Tuesday, rest on Wednesday and get back to the gym Thursday and Friday.  I could go four days straight, but my body responds better with a rest day in the middle.  That also allows me to a bit more flexibility regarding the part of my body I want to focus on.

I started my current routine about two years ago.  I change things from time to time, which is important (for time sake, I’m not going into the reasoning behind that thought #AvoidRabbitHole).  I based my rep count off Dwane Johnson’s routine because…well look at the guy.  Most of my main exercises are four sets of 14.  My goals include a practical form of strength and fitness, not just massive growth and heavy lifts, which would utilize lower reps of heavier weights.  When I’m doing my fourth set of 12-14, I should have trouble getting that last rep or two.  There should be times where I can’t get that last rep, which goes back to intensity.

On day 1 I focus on upper back and lats.  My goals also include being able to do a good number of pullups and weighted pullups, hence the focus of day 1.  I generally start with three sets of weighted pullups (either wearing a vest or holding a dumbbell between my feet).  I like to mix in legs into day 1, so I alternate from upper back to deadlifts (3×10) for my second rotation.  I’ve had issues with my low back, so I tend to do lower weight on deadlifts.  It’s important to activate your legs.  If you usually skip leg day, add it in and see if you don’t get better all-around results.  Your legs are some of your largest muscles and working them out produces testosterone, which benefits your entire body.

I usually like to do three sets of max effort pullups next (again with personal goals in mind).  Next is standing 4×12-14 barbell rows.  This is the opposite direction of what a pull-up works.  Notice, a lot of these exercises also engage my biceps, which is intentional.  Two days a week touch on bis and back, while two days touch on chest and tris.

I like to do seated lat pulldowns, 4×12-14 next.  After that, it’s on to dumbbell rows on a flat bench and dumbbell shrugs, both 4×12-14 in a sort of superset.  At this point, I’m usually spent, but if I have a bit left in the tank I will add in a set or two of inverted row or curls.

Throughout this workout, at least after the deadlifts, I will add in leg extensions and leg curls.  Since this is an entirely different muscle group, I can add them in between other sets to keep the pace of the workout going.  I generally only do three sets of each.

I’m going to stop the post at this point, but will follow up with the other days of the cycle in a separate post…provided anyone actually reads this.  In fact, if you’ve made it this far, include “the force” in any comment, so I’ll know if anyone got this far.

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5 Tips for Running When you Travel

October 26, 2018 by

Update: This post on 5 Tips for Running When you Travel first appeared in 2015, and I have now updated it, in October of 2018. 

If you are anything like me, you might make excuses when you are traveling for why you can’t go for a run. I have used every logic possible to talk myself out of a run, but in the end, I always regret not running when I travel. When I’m traveling, no matter if it’s by car or air, I always tend to eat more unhealthy than I do at home, and I’m sitting more than I do at home, so if there was ever a time I needed to run, traveling is when it is! So below I have compiled 5 Tips for running when you travel. Enjoy!

5 Tips for Running When you Travel

1.) Research the area: It’s not wise to just take off running from your hotel without knowing a bit about the area. Maybe you could even try to connect with local runners on social media and ask them their favorite routes. Traveling is a great time for exploring a new place! Maybe find a route that has a convenience store you can stop at along the way for a bottle of water, or a park with a scenic trail. Remember, knowledge is power!

2.) Pack well: I know there are a million thoughts going in and out of your head when trying to pack for a trip, and thinking about running gear may be the last thing on your mind. However, if you have everything you need all together in one bag you may be more likely to actually go for a run when you reach your destination. I bring a drawstring bag with my GPS watch, headbands, GU, body glide, sunglasses*, etc. whenever I travel so there is no excuse and no rummaging around in my suitcase. Then it’s just a matter of throwing in a couple running outfits and my shoes!

3.) Be safe: Always tell someone where you plan to run and what time you will be back, even if it’s a text to a friend or a front desk worker at the hotel. Be mindful of your surroundings! If you listen to music, make sure you can still hear your surroundings. You need to be on the lookout, especially in a bigger city where you may be crossing streets or around a lot more cars.

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Stopped at a crosswalk on a group run in Boston at the Healthy Living Summit.

4.) Make time: This is a big one for me! Travel wears me out y’all. The last thing I want to do after a long day of driving or flying is lace up my running shoes! It is important to look at your schedule and pencil in a time to hit the hotel gym or run the roads, or it may not actually happen. Sometimes the only available time is late at night, but it’s a good excuse to get out of your boring hotel room.

5.) Call the hotel: Hotel workers are your friend! Usually, they are super knowledgeable of the area, and can hopefully tell you areas you should probably avoid, or a place where runners go on the weekend to log some longer miles. They may even be able to give you the number of a local running store you can call for help as well. It never hurts to ask!

Thanks for checking out my 5 Tips for Running When you Travel.

QOTD: What is your best tip for running in a new place? To you venture outside or stick to the hotel gym?

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through my link I receive a small commission.

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7 Weight Loss Tips for Faster Results

October 17, 2018 by

When you decide you want to lose weight, you don’t want to wait until next year or next month to do it. It’s hard to even think about having to wait a couple of weeks to start seeing results. While there is no magic pill to get to where you want to be, there ARE ways to make sure you are on the fastest path safely possible to reach your goals. Here are 7 weight loss tips for faster results:

7 weight loss tips for faster results

1.) Eat All the Veggies: Not only will veggies fill you up so you won’t want to eat junk food, but they are rich in vitamins and nutrients your body loves to stay healthy and happy. You will feel better, look better, and be on your way to weight loss in no time. Don’t like veggies? Search Pinterest for recipes that “hide” that veggie taste. People are so creative and have come up with amazing recipes!

2.) Drink at Least 8 Glasses of Water: Water is great for your skin, fills you up, and keeps your systems running smoothly. It’s such a simple thing but just doing this ONE action can jumpstart your weight loss.

3.) Move 10,000 steps each day, with 4 days involving getting your heart rate UP HIGH (even if only for 15 minutes): Get a step counter or Fitbit* and get to walking! You should be moving a MINIMUM of 10k steps a day, plus several days of higher intensity workouts. Keep in mind doing hours of cardio isn’t the answer. Short bursts are super effective too!

4.) Track Calorie Intake…For Awhile: I use My Fitness Pal when I feel like I need to get back on track after a vacation of several days of not eating properly. It’s free, and a great way to give you a visual of exactly how many calories you are consuming in a day. That in itself is eye-opening enough to help you lose weight.

5.) Don’t Drink Your Calories: I will always remember this phrase from back when I used to watch The Biggest Loser. Jillian Michaels used to tell the contestants to never drink your calories! They are empty, you will still be hungry after, and they add up quick. Just look at a Starbucks menu and you will see what I mean. So many drinks have MORE calories than an ENTIRE MEAL and people drink those drinks PLUS eat a meal and then wonder why they aren’t losing weight. Stick to water except for an OCCASIONAL treat and it will quickly make a difference!

6.) Find A Workout You Love: Not all workouts are for everyone. Some love running, some love stand up paddleboarding, and some love tennis. Experiment and find what you love because then you are way more likely to stick with it. I would much rather play a game of volleyball then run for an hour, and that’s ok!

7 weight loss tips for faster results

7.) Get More Sleep: Cramming too many things into your schedule makes you less likely to want to work out or eat properly, so right there you are sabotaging your efforts. On top of that, your body will be stressed and you are more likely to get sick, so then you won’t be able to work out either! Studies show that getting enough sleep can help aid in weight loss because only getting a little bit of sleep can mess with your metabolism.

I hope you enjoyed these 7 weight loss tips for faster results!

RELATED: 7 Fitness hacks for the unmotivated

*If you purchase through this link, I will get a small percentage in commission.

Photos by rawpixel, Sara Dubler, Arek Adeoye, Jennifer Burk on Unsplash

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7 Fitness Hacks for the Unmotivated

October 12, 2018 by

I get it. In our society, there are so many things clawing for your attention. We are all just flat out busy all the time. This leads to burnout, and it can be hard to get motivated to workout. That’s why I came up with 7 fitness hacks for the unmotivated to kickstart your fitness journey and help you reach your workout goals. Follow these tips, and you will be headed in the right direction in no time, no gym membership required!

1.) Drink more water: It seems so simple, but it has such a HUGE impact. Not only is drinking water a super duper easy hack for getting fit, but it is like the swiss army knife of health. It does so many good for you things, so it’s high time you get to chugging! Not only will drinking more water keep you from getting headaches and feeling sluggish, but it will help you feel full, flushes out toxins, is great for your skin, can boost your immune system, and helps keep you regular (aka not bloated). Aim for 8 glasses a day, and if you are like me and drive the struggle bus on this one, try drinking fruit infused water, drinking out of a fun glass, or getting an awesome fancy Hidrate water bottle that helps you track intake and has its own app! (I have the teal one and love the accountability. It glows when it’s time to drink!)

2.) Workout during commercials: This one seems silly, but I use it a lot on days I don’t feel well but know I need to so *something* or when I’m feeling worn down and don’t want to do a lot of high impact movements. It’s also great when you are short on time. Most of us watch some sort of TV at night whether it’s regular TV, Netflix, or something else. My quick hack for when you are just not feeling it is to work out during commercials. I will do a set of crunches, some squats or lunges, or even plank. I will repeat a quick “circuit” until my show comes back on, and I know I will get about 10-15 minutes of work in during an hour. easy peasy!

3.) Wear fitness clothes more often: I often talk myself out of working out because I either don’t have clothes with me or I’m too lazy to change (I know sad but true.) I have combat that by keeping a bag of clothes in my car, and when I AM at home, I wear workout clothes that way I have no excuse. If there is a break in the rain I can go for a walk around the block. While I wait for dinner to cook in the oven I can do jumping jacks or sprints up and down my street. No fussing with finding clean clothes or talking myself out of it because I have to change, it’s already done.

fitness hacks

4.) Follow fit people on Insta: Motivation from others can go a long way, even if its a stranger (hey, you are reading this right? heh.) Search fitness hashtags and follow some encouraging and motivating people online. Some people are great at giving you the little push you need to get off the couch. (By the way, are you following me? (@HeathersLG)

5.) Put it in your schedule: I have always found that when I write my workouts into a day planner or put them in my Google calendar on my phone, I am much more likely to keep them as I would any other appointment. Make yourself a priority!

fitness hacks

6.) Grab an accountability partner: This is actually how my blog came to be! So not an individual PERSON, but what turned out to be a whole bunch of people! When I began training for my very first half marathon back in the fall of 2009, I started this blog to hold myself accountable for my training. It clearly worked, because I have run around 30 half marathons, four full marathons, and countless other race distances since then. Start a blog, find a friend, ask your spouse to hold you accountable (ok, maybe not that one. I can see that ending badly), but anyway you get the point! (PS if you sign up for my free email course in the “start a blog link” you will get free fitness and goal tracking printables emailed to you!)

7.) Practice self-love: You guys, this is the most important one, and honestly the other things will work SO MUCH BETTER if you have this number seven at your foundation. You have to love yourself enough to workout. These fitness hacks can only take you so far. You have to realize that you are worth it, the time you spend is worth it, and that it will allow you to be an all-around better person for your family and yourself. <3

*May contain affiliate links meaning if you purchase through my link I make a small commission. 

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Summer Humming with Humm Kombucha

July 10, 2018 by

Disclosure: I’ve teamed up with Humm Kombucha for this sponsored post, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

It was about a year ago that I tried Kombucha for the first time. I had read great things about it, but y’all I’m picky. I’m all about overall health and wellness here on the blog, but I just wasn’t so sure. I am happy to report after a year I am still humming along drinking Humm Kombucha (my favorite flavor is coconut lime!) from Publix here in Tampa!

humm kombucha

I actually get a good amount of questions about this, so let’s back up a bit. First, what is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea with probiotics and antioxidants that help contribute to your overall digestive condition. Probiotics found in kombucha balance the good and bad bacteria in the body and the antioxidants positively impact multiple systems in our body. It’s also vegan, dairy and GMO free. Humm Kombucha, is live and raw kombucha, with 2 Billion Probiotic Cultures at bottling, and comes in 8 flavors, including Pomegranate Lemonade, Hopped Grapefruit, Lemon Ginger, and Coconut Lime. Not to mention, it tastes really good! Especially on a hot summer day.

Keep reading, I love a good story like this one:

Humm Kombucha was started by two women in Bend, Oregon, brewing a mother-in-law’s kombucha recipe in their kitchen during the recession. They then created a door-to-door delivery service (hello! sign me up please!) with folks leaving money under their mat for kombucha with the goal to help the local community feel better and do better. It hits all the feels right? Nine years later, they are now sold at major stores nationwide as well as in Canada and Sweden!

So now I have a question for you. Humm is asking me, and you, how you #HummAlong this summer. And no, you don’t have to know how to sing. Trust me it’s not one of my gifts. You don’t even have to know the song, just grab a kombucha, open it up, and Humm Along. You can Humm along as you go to work, go for a run, pick up your kids from camp, or enjoy a day at one of the beautiful local beaches around your area.

Humm’s #HummAlong campaign is inspiring people like you and me to join a collective humm, bringing more people together to feel better and do better in the world. Always a good goal, right?  While we are all on our own paths and journeys, it’s the attitude we take, in good times and bad, and the company we keep that shapes us. Remember, you are the only one that can change your attitude! So how about on one of these hot, sticky days you mosey on over to Publix, grab some Humm kombucha, and #HummAlong with us. (Search the hashtag on social! Use it yourself!)

Me? How do I #HummAlong? I have been enjoying the pool life here in Florida this summer. We were able to get away for a “staycation” this weekend and make some awesome family memories. Kids grow up so fast, so getting to spend time with the ones I love is my favorite way to #HummAlong. What about you? Share on social media!

humm

Be on the lookout on my Instagram for a giveaway later today!

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4 Tips to Stay Sane and Healthy This Summer

May 17, 2018 by

Disclosure: This post was created by myself and sponsored by Personal Trainer Food. However all opinions are my own.

It’s that time of year again. Kids are getting out of school for summer, which would make you think things are slowing down, but often the opposite happens. Between camps and work and the pool and trying to keep our children busy, things can end up being more hectic than the school year, leaving little time for yourself, and more importantly your health. I have compiled four quick tips (you know, because you are already too busy for like, 17 tips) to help keep you sane and healthy this summer.

1.) Schedule “me” time into your day (learn to say no): We want our families to be happy, and a lot of times we equate that with busyness and activities. However, this can end up running us ragged and leaving no time for a little peace and quiet, or for a run or yoga class. Your health and well being are important, so don’t be afraid to say no to a social activity or pool play date every once in a while so that you can have some downtime yourself. I promise your kids won’t be scared for life!

4 tips for staying healthy this summer, including personal trainer food

2.) Get outside with your kids: Summertime is a great time to get outside and lead by example and show our kids the importance of being active. Thankfully in our day and age, there are some amazing ideas for fun outdoor activities on Pinterest. I have seen everything from outdoor Twister to water balloon fight ideas and more. Not only is this healthy, but can be a great bonding experience for your family.

4 tips for staying healthy this summer, including personal trainer food

3.) Wear sunscreen and sunglasses: After the bleakness of winter, if can be hard to flip the switch and remember that you are now wearing tank tops and shorts and not long sleeves and pants. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply, even on cloudy days. Also, be sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses or a hat, even for the kiddos. If you are in the water or sweating a lot, be sure to reapply more often than normal.

4.) Try Personal Trainer Food: Eating properly is at the core of our health, and it can be so tempting to grab fast food or processed snacks when you are busy in the summer, but don’t be tempted! Especially to have a good start in the morning, you need a filling healthy breakfast to keep you going during the day. Enter Personal Trainer Food.

4 tips for staying healthy this summer, including personal trainer food

Talk about QUICK on the go meals, I can have a delicious (seriously tastes really good!) omelet and maple sausage cooked and ready to eat in 90 seconds! And I don’t even have to dirty up a pan or use the stove. It’s such a  time saver, but that’s not the only plus. These meals are proven to help aid in weight loss, as they are high in protein, have good carbs in them as well as healthy fats. They are flash frozen so they keep their natural flavor and freshness which is awesome.

4 tips for staying healthy this summer, including personal trainer food

Their meals also either contain very low or no gluten, and have no fillers or hidden sugars. They just show up at your doorstep, go in the freezer, and then I just grab one in the morning and throw it in the microwave. Worries about not liking some of the food? Don’t! There are seriously so. many. options. on their website, which makes it easy to mix up every week or keep the same favorites. Their prices are fair and there are no hidden fees.

Personal trainer food

A lot of times I end up staring at the fridge not feeling like or having time to cook for my family (hello that would involve going to the store, meal prepping, cook time, etc.) and now I don’t have to worry about it. I can use that extra time to go for a run, or play a game with my family so it’s a win win for everyone. They even have quick on the go snacks you can order like cheeses, nuts, and seeds. Now I have literally no excuse for eating healthy, even when I’m super busy. Give them a try this summer, and I have a feeling you will be using Personal Trainer Food even after the next school year starts!

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runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap 2018

May 1, 2018 by

When I ran last year’s runDisney Star Wars half marathon, I had no idea I would be running again this year. Thanks to the generosity of Raw Threads, I was able to do the challenge and I had a blast! I ran both races by myself and just had fun (and yes my lack of training was disturbing) but it didn’t matter, I was in my happy place.

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

My alarm went off at 3:15, and I had no idea if it was raining or not. (Before I went to bed it was looking like it was going to be a soggy run.) I got dressed and headed out to my car, and there was no rain! I drove the easy drive over to EPCOT, and sat in my car and ate breakfast before walking over to the buses. I again went to the bathroom here as opposed to at the Magic Kingdom (DO THIS. Lines were INSANE at MK parking!) I got on a bus around 4:35, and made it to the start of the race and into my corral at 5:05. I really liked not having to wait so long in the corral, and didn’t mind driving to EPCOT at all. It was all pretty relaxed!

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

Soon corral C was moving up, and I got a shout out from race announcer Rudy before the fireworks went off and we started the race. I try not to do a ton of “thinking” at the start of a half marathon because I can easily psych myself out. Mile one hits and you think “crap I have to do this 12 more times!” The first several miles were boring and dark (and smelly, running by one of the plants) with a few characters scattered about. I stopped for one, this little guy.

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

Soon  we headed into Animal Kingdom. I had a cut on one of my toes from the day before, and my band aid came off around this time and was in my sock driving me crazy. So when we got to Pandora I took my shoe and sock off, stopped to do an Instagram story, and also went to the bathroom (no rushing for me haha!)

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

I enjoy running through Animal Kingdom I think because I have run through it the fewest number of times. Something I really liked about this race that I now remember from last year are the abundance of character opposites. So. Many. Characters. As we were leaving Animal Kingdom, there were literally about 10 different photo oops, so I just got in line and started taking selfies (not posting them all because there were so many!)

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

As I was standing in line, I spotted someone familiar right in front of me. Dave! Back in the day Dave and I ran Wine and Dine half together. Maybe 2011, 2012? I Hadn’t seen him in years so it was great to catch up for a minute!runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

 

This one was kinda creepy but fun! About this time it started sprinkling on us but thankfully never turned into a full blown rain.

 

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

 

After spending about ten minutes taking photos, I decided to move on because I knew the longer I was on my feet the more it was going to hurt!runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

 

I was then back out on the road, headed towards Hollywood Studios. These couple of miles were pretty boring, but I took some sport beans, some Twizzlers from a stranger, and lots of Powerade to combat the humidity and trudged on. I made the turn into Hollywood Studios, took more photos with characters (not posting them all, again there are so many!) and knew I was getting “close” and at least the rest of the race would have interesting things to look at. runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

 

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

Almost as soon as I came in, I was out of the park and on the Boardwalk. Thankfully I had stayed enough ahead of the masses that it wasn’t bottle necked yet. I did stop for this fun photo around that time though.

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

By this time I was ready for it to be over and said I wasn’t stopping anymore (I ended up stopping for two more pictures!) I mean I couldn’t resist this guy.

Now I was in EPCOT and int he home stretch. I enjoy this part of the course because we go all the way around World Showcase like at the end of the full marathon.

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

I stopped one last time in front of the EPCOT ball for a quick picture and then came on home. Actually, there was one more stop right before the final turn. I just couldn’t run by when there were no lines haha! I videoed the finish for Instagram as I ran through, and I finished around 2:45. I got my half medal and challenge medal, and headed to the car. No photo taking this time, I wanted to get off my feet and out of my soaking wet clothes.

runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon Race Recap

Yes it was humid, yes it was hard being untrained, but I had so much fun and am so glad I decided to run. runDisney will always hold a special place in my heart, and I don’t see myself turning down any of those races anytime soon!

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