I'm Quitting BodyRock!

I have been following bodyrock.tv for awhile.  When someone asks, "Where can I find free workouts for strength?"  I always suggest bodyrock.tv.  What I loved about bodyrock.tv was that there workouts are (1) free on youtube, (2) incorporated bodyweight resistant excercises and (3) did not need a lot of equipment.  However, they have made some changes which I do not like.  At all.

Over the recent past, their workouts are relying more and more on equipment.  Not just dumbbells and barbells but equipment that most people do not have like the equipment which is listed here on their website.

But more than that, I am uncomfortable watching their videos.  They camera angles used and the way the videos are shot remind me more of soft porn than workout videos.  I am uncomfortable as the photographer lingers way too long on the crotch or breasts of the female host.  I am embarrassed when I am showing the workouts on my phone or someone walks in and sees me watching the video.  The videos are no longer uplifting and motivational to me.  So, I have made the decision to no longer use their product. 

I am also excited that I found a replacement!  One of the original hosts, Zuzka, of bodyrock separated from the company awhile ago but has since began her own company.  Her videos can be found on youtube and the workouts are focused on bodyweight exercises supplemented with dumbbells (if you want).  I feel motivated and uplifting and (the most important) I get an awesome workout.  If a family member walks into the room while I am working out, I am not embarrassed or self conscioius.  Well, maybe I am but not because of what I am watching :) 

I've enjoyed Zuzka's workouts so much, I purchased the Power Strength 3-DVD Collection for $15.99.  I've finished the first three workouts and love it! I'm so glad I found Zuzka's workouts! 

Weekly Acountability Recap 7/20/2013 - 7/27/2013

Wow!  Where did the week go? Let's recap this week's goals:

1.  Lose 1 pound - I started at 200.5 pounds; on 7/26/2013, I weighed 196.5! 
2.  Work out 4x week - I worked out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday!
3.  Eat <1700 calories per day - Yes, I did!

This week's workout goals are:
1.  Monday-Upper Body
2.  Tuesday-Run 2 miles
3.  Wednesday-Lower Body
4.  Thursday-Run 3 miles
5.  Friday-Upper Body

I changed this week's strength workouts and began following Zuzka's Power Strength Series 3 DVD Set I will refer to these workouts as "PS").  I LOVE it!  So, I did workout five days this week but my actual workouts were:
(Saturday - ran for 45 minutes)
1.  Monday- PS Workout 1
2.  Tuesday- Run 2 miles; PS Workout 2
3.  Wednesday- Stretch
4.  Thursday- Run 3 miles (3.15 miles in 42:03 minutes)
5.  Friday- PS Workout 3

All in all~a great week!

To Retreat or Not Retreat - Princess Half Marathon

There are a lot of add-ons for RunDisney events.  When you register for a RunDisney event, you can add pins, purses, necklaces, meals, kid races and for some races you can even add a race retreat.  Of course, in the immortal words of Mr. Gold from Once Upon A Time, all of these magical items have a price. 

For the Princess Half Marathon, there is a magical event called Race Retreat.  In 2013, it was a mere $99 per person.  This is not cheap especially considering it will be tacked onto other expenses such as race registration, airfare, hotel, meals, and other race costs (costumes, souvenirs, park tickets, etc.).  These all can add up quickly.  The question I hear a lot is "Is Race Retreat worth the price?"

My hubby and I treated ourselves to the Race Retreat in 2013 as part of our Princess Half Marathon experience.  I will share my experience and let you decide.

What is Race Retreat?
Race Retreat is a separate tent set up in the area referred to as "Family Reunion" area.  The tent is exclusively for individuals who have purchased the Race Retreat add on package. 

How Do I enter the Magical Race Retreat?
When you pick up your packet at the expo, there is a magical wristband.  The wristband is checked to obtain access to the Retreat tent. 

Give me the down and dirty~What is Included?
According to the RunDisney website, the following is included:

Pre-Race Amenities

• Pre-race bagels, fruit, coffee, water and PowerAde
• Temperature-controlled tent with lounges
• Private restrooms and bag check
• Padded stretching area

Post-Race Amenities

• Internet access to check live results
• Breakfast with hot and cold beverages
• Changing tents
• Self-treatment station
• 10-minute massage for only $10 (subject to availability)
• Designated location to meet friends and family to celebrate your accomplishment!* 

Other Amenities:

• 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon commemorative item
• Disney Character greetings
• Live video feed from the Finish Line
• Information Station

 In 2013, for participants the Race Retreat tent opened at 3:00 am and remained opened until 10:30 am.  In 2013, the price was $99 per person (the price has been increased for the 2014 race year).  Some levels of ChEAR Squad can enter the Race Retreat after 5:30 am.

The tent is full of small, round tables.  In 2013, there were issues with transportation so the time which I spent pre-race in the tent was very limited.  There was coffee, tea, powerade, and water available as well as fruit and bagels.  If you had a bag, there is a bag check in the Retreat Tent that is separate from the regular bag check.  The Race Retreat Tent has its own separate port-o-potties.  It was nice not to have to wait in line!  We were only in the tent about 5 minutes before we began the long trek to the corrals.

The Tent is climate controlled.  In 2013, it was very warm outside and it was much more comfortable in the tent.  After running the half marathon, it was refreshing to come inside.

After the race, when you entered the tent you were handed lotion, a wet towel, and flip flops (our complimentary Disney Half Marathon commemorative item).  There was also an abundant amount of food that was available including eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, fruit, bagels, water, coffee, tea and powerade.  There was also champagne for those who wanted to celebrate.

There is a medical area inside the tent that includes a self-help area and to seek medical attention.   Also, there is a lounge area that has a live feed to the finish line on a large screen television.  The line for the massage was ridiculously long so, while it was available, my hubby and I both passed.    There is also an area to take pictures with characters.  I saw the mice from Cinderella and the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty rotate in/out.  They were available for pictures before the half marathon and after.

The tent was crowded but manageable.  We sat at a table with another nice couple and had a lovely chat with them. I did enjoy sitting comfortably, chatting to other participants and relaxing in a comfortable atmosphere.  While we ate, I watched participants cross the finish line in a comfortable manner.  I absolutely loved that!

So~the million dollar question~Is It Worth the Price?
Ultimately, it will depend upon what you would like from your race experience.  I liked having a comfortable place to relax, not worrying about the weather outside and not having long lines for the port-o-potties.  It was great being pampered for a year!

For me, I did not feel like it was worth the $99 per person that I paid (2013 prices).  I drive my car to the race so we can leave at any time and I would rather go to the hotel, clean up and have breakfast where it can be made to my specifications.  I have made the decision that I would rather spend the money this year on souvenirs, park tickets and at the expo rather than the Retreat. 




 

Pinterest RunDisney Costume Ideas

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard to keep all of your ideas

I am addicted to Pinterest!  I love the recipes, workouts, and home decorating ideas.  But every now and then, I come across a Pinterest Board which is spectacular.   I love looking at costumes for races and follow a few creative people just for that purpose.  My latest obsession is Nicole Buompseniero's Disney 5k and Half Marathon Costume Ideas.

While I have never met Ms. Buompseniero, I admire her creativity and her ability to come up with creative costume ideas for her pinboard.  I am definitely going to be referring to her board as I come up with costumes for my upcoming races! 

Weekly Workouts and Goals: July 15, 2013

Last week was horrible!  Need to re-dedicate myself because (in the words of Loreal) I'm worth it!

So, this week's goals are:
Lose 1 pound
Work out 4x week
Eat <1700 calories per day

My workout goals are:
Monday-Upper Body
Tuesday-Run 2 miles
Wednesday-Lower Body
Thursday-Run 3 miles
Friday-Upper Body

Let's do this!

Race Day Countdown - Dumbo Double Dare

The three medals on the left are the Dumbo Double Dare medals

50 days away from Disneyland's Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland's Half Marathon Weekend!  I am just getting back to running.  It's been since January since plantar fasciitis first reared its ugly head.  I am still not 100% but definitely better than what it was.  This will be my first half since Princess Half Marathon in February and I cannot wait!  I am running a 10k and half marathon in two consecutive days and getting three gorgeous RunDisney medals!  I am so excited and determined to make it happen! 

I cannot wait to run this event with other fans of Disneyland and RunDisney events!  There is still a lot to do including making two costumes (one for me and one for hubs), room reservations, oh, yeah, and a little thing called training!

How to Register for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon When It's Sold Out

Tinkerbell Half Marathon registration began and closed!  General registration began at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2013.  It was sold out on July 10th around 9:00 p.m.  Wow!  RunDisney races are popular!  So, can you still sign up for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon?  Yup! How?

There are still spots available through Disney charities and travel operators.  Running with a charity can be hugely rewarding.  Last year at Tinkerbell Half Marathon, I was amazed at Team in Training (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).  Their coaches were cheering and supporting their team on several points on the course.  I was amazed at their support of each other.  I also saw coaches offering support, biofreeze, and KT Tape to their struggling team mates.  It was amazing to see!  The charities which are listed on the RunDisney page are:

Race Weekend Charity Groups

• A-T Children's Project
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Autism Speaks
• Cure Duchenne
• Kellsie's Hope Foundation
• Lazarex Cancer Foundation - Team for Life
• Special Olympics Southern California
• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Team Muscle Makers
• Team to End AIDS
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

 The travel operator is GET Travel Sports & Events.

So, if you are determined to get your wings, you still have the opportunity to fly to Neverland!  There is also still time to register for the 10k, 5k, and kids races. Keep Tinking On!

Jeff Galloway Method: Run, Walk, Run

 

In 2012, I decided that I wanted to do RunDisney's Princess and Tinkerbell Half Marathon.  I had not ran since high school so I knew it would be a challenge.  I signed up and immediately joined the ranks in becoming "Disney Poor" after the mouse took the registration fee from my bank account.  

Feeling exhilerated, I laced up my sneakers purchased at least 6 months previously at Walmart and decided to head out for a "quick jog".  Well, what was in my head and what my body can do were two different things!  I made it to the end of the block (I don't think it was more than 1/4 mile) and knew I was in trouble.  I was already huffing and puffing, my lungs were trying to escape this new form of torture by beating out of my chest, my legs and feet were already hurting and my head finally was saying "Whoa!  What did we just do?!"  

Feeling utterly defeated, I walked back home to look at training programs.  I searched "half marathon training programs" on google and came up with more than two dozen programs.  I had no idea what made one program better than the other, if they were realistic or anything about them.  Somewhere in my research, I found a golden nugget.  I was happier than a kid finding free gum on the underside of a table!  I learned about the Galloway Method.  The basic premise is to take walking breaks before you need them and incorporate walking and running intervals.  The reviews sounded wonderful.  "Finished in an upright position", "made it all the way to the finish line" and "finished injury-free" were some of the phrases tossed around.  Jeff Galloway, a professional runner and Olympian, creates running programs for Run Disney for each of their races.  I took a closer look.  It looked feasible.  Start walking/running and increase distance and speed.  I knew I could walk.  I could run for about 30 seconds.  That's a good place to start.

Over the next several months, I increased my distances and went from a 30 second run/walk interval to a 1 minute run/walk interval.  When it was time to do the half marathon, I continued with the Galloway Method.  I actually finished!  It was wonderful!  Are there programs that train you to run the whole event?  Yes.  Will I use them? Probably not.  I get a wonderful workout with the run/walk intervals, never out of breath, have energy at the end and it works well for my body. 

 

At the Tinkerbell Half feeling great!

Walt Disney Wednesday: 1901 Lounge

All Disneyland fans know about Club 33.  Club 33 is an exclusive members only restaurant above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square.  It is located next to Blue Bayou Restaurant.  Haven't seen it?  Many people walk by daily and don't realize what it is.  Here's a picture of the door and the iconic "33" sign. 

Little known fact: Club 33 was named in honor of the original 33 sponsors of Disneyland

A lesser known secret is that California Adventure has its own lounge only available to certain members of Club 33.  It's called 1901 Lounge.  Unlike Club 33, you cannot make reservations for non-members.  Rumor has it that only actual members can gain access to 1901 Lounge.  1901 Lounge is inside Carthay Circle Restaurant.  The 1901 Lounge is rumored to have early works from Walt Disney Studios, including original pieces with Walt's signature!

Little known fact: 1901 refers to Walt Disney's birth year

Do I want to see it?  Yes!  I have just added 1901 Lounge to my bucket list in addition to Club 33!   

No More Excuses! AKA Get Off Your Butt!

I have a confession.  I have been using my issues with plantars fasciitis as an excuse not to work out.  I know it is stupid.  While there are some limitations I have, that does not mean I cannot work out.

I finally realized that this is stupid and I am only hurting myself.  I knew I needed to work out but kept coming up with incredible brilliant reasons to avoid working out.  Maybe some of them sound familiar to you?

Excuse: "I Look Gooooodddd!""
I don't mean that I will ever be on the cover of Sports Illustrated or Maxim.  Just the average everyday experience of looking in the mirror and deciding that I look "fine".  Victoria's Secret is not hunting me down but I don't look too bad.  Just a little "fluffy" around the edges but I am "big boned" so what do I expect?  I will never be a size 4 because I do have curves and hips.  I don't look terrible so "meh."

Truth: Being healthy has nothing to do with appearance.  I need to be in better health for so many other reasons than appearance.  I can't run 3 miles straight, I can't go up the stairs without huffing and puffing, I have fat around my middle and heart and have no energy.  These are indicators that I am not healthy and it will take a toll on my body later in life.  This is about investing in me now so I will have a future. 

Excuse: "I can't afford a gym membership, Beachbody videos, gym equipment, etc"
 All this stuff adds up.  How am I going to afford this and cute workout clothes?

Truth:  Oh stop it!  You don't need to join a gym, own the greatest DVDs or have fancy gym equipment.  When my kids were little and we just barely could afford to eat, I went to goodwill found a $3 workout tape (my big splurge!) and made weights from household items.  Need a weight?  Canned food, bags of rice and duffle bags filled with books make great weights.  Now, you can go to the local library and get workout DVDs for free.  Also, there are a number of free workouts on youtube such as Rockbody.tv that change daily and are easy to do at home.

Excuse: "I don't have time for that!"
I'm busy, overwhelmed and stressed already.  You want me to find time for working out, too.  Sorry, can't be done, my schedule is already too full.  I have stuff that I have not even touched that I have to get done.

Truth:  This is the mother of all excuses.  I spend lots of time watching TV, oversleeping and wasting time.  If it is a priority, you will find the time.  Find out what is sucking up your time and make changes!  For me, it's facebook, television and oversleeping.  I can identify what is sucking up my time and I can use that time to be productive.

Excuse: "I don't want to sweat!"
I took a shower this morning.  I don't want to be sweaty and gross.  I don't want to change my outfit~again.

Truth: Sweat means your body is exerting itself and you are becoming stronger and more efficient.  Working out for a half hour won't kill you and may be a minor inconvenience.  Not working out and staying unhealthy can kill you.  Get off your butt and just go!

Excuse: "I'm too tired!"
I can just barely get off the couch and I have no energy.  I can start working out tomorrow.

Truth: Get off your butt and go.  Walk around the neighborhood, do jumping jacks, do something!  You are tired because you don't do anything.  Exercise will increase your energy and make you stronger.  Doing nothing has gotten you to feel weak, tired and overweight.  Working out may just change that.

These are my top excuses for not working out.  I'm not going to make them anymore.  I am getting off work tonight and working out!
 

Goals July 8 - July 14

Goals for July 8 - July 14 (July Week 2)

1. I will foam roll at least once a day
2. I will work out at least 5x this week through the following workout schedule:
1. Monday: Upper Body Workout; Run 1 mile
2. Tuesday: Run 3 miles
3. Wednesday: Lower Body Workout; Run 1 mile
4. Thursday: Run 3 miles
5. Friday: Upper Body Workout; Run 1 mile
3. I will eat every 3 hours, 5-6 times a day.
4. I will plan my daily menu at night before I go to bed.
5. I will lose 1 pound.