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I received such a great response to my post So You Want to be a Runner- 8 Tips for Beginners, I have decided to do a series of posts on the topic of running. Every few weeks or so, I will write about a topic related to my favorite sport. Today,
According to Women’s Running website
- 34 % feel afraid of running alone.
- 33 %say they will switch to indoor activities.
- 34 % of those take some added precautions such as a wearable safety item that contacts help when activated or deterrent, such as pepper spray.
- The number of pedestrians killed — 6,283, an increase of 3.4 percent from the previous year — was the highest such number since 1990.
I don’t know about you, but I have enough to worry about on a day to day basis. I want and should be able to lace up my running shoes and head out the door without worrying about a distracted driver hitting me or being assaulted. I refuse to cave into fear and not live my life, nor should you. Here are eight safety tips for runners(or walkers and cyclists for that matter).
Do not run in the dark.
If this is the only time your schedules permits, run with a friend. Use the buddy system and make sure you are wearing proper reflective gear .
Do not run with earbuds.
I need to be listening to something while running. I always have either a podcast or an audiobook on while out for my run. Instead of earbuds, I wear AfterShokz. AfterShokz are wireless bone conduction headphones that sit outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.
Alter your routes.
Do not run the same route every day. I have 5-6 different routes I rotate throughout the month.
Do not post your route on social media.
Runners love to post their runs, whether it be on social media or onan app like Strava or RunKeeper. However, you don’t know who can see that route, so play it safe, don’t publish it. There are ways to leave it out of your post. Check your privacy features on your apps for more information.
Carry your phone.
Always have your phone on hand in case you need to call for help. Also, you can be found by the GPS on your phone, so god forbid you are hurt or taken, it may become a useful tool in finding you.
Carry identification.
Instead of carrying my license, I wear a Road ID band. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.
Carry pepper spray or mace.
Though not legal in all states, if it is, it is a good option. I carried it for some time, but after spraying a groundhog thinking he was an evil person lurking in the bushes, my husband bought me the Wearsafe Tag. The Wearsafe Tag is a modern-day panic button. You press a button, and it sends an alert to your emergency contacts. It includes your GPS coordinates and audio of what is happening around you. I love it.
Be seen.
There are many distracted drivers out there. People zone out when driving. It is vital that people see you. Wear reflective and bright clothing, run against traffic, obey all traffic laws, and run on sidewalks if all possible. Also, appear assertive. Look people in the eye when passing by — those who seem confident and assertive are less likely to be bothered.
I hope these tips are helpful and give you the tools you need to go out and exercise safely and in peace.
Be safe and happy Running!
Hello February! Tell me, did January seem long to you? I have heard several people remark that January was the longest month ever. I did not find it felt any longer than any other month. Perhaps because we had decent weather and winter is not as bad as it could be. Of course, the last time we had such a mild winter here in Boston, we ended up with 108 inches of snow. Every week in February was a snowstorm. No, thank you!
If you recall, back in January, I said I would be posting about my goals and my progress throughout the year. It helps keep me on point, and I hope to inspire others to reach for their goals. So how did I do?
January Goals
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist.- NOPE
- Start a new strength training program.- DONE
- Pick a marathon to run._DONE
- Purchase family room furniture.-DONE
- Save an extra $900.00.- DONE
- Schedule out scrapbook dates with friends.-DONE
- Organize bathroom.-DONE
- Write six new posts.- Missed it by 1!
- Learn more about SEO.- NOPE
Nine goals, and I only missed 3. Not bad. The dermatologist goal, I never got around to it. I never made it a priority, and I need to do that. I was also awful at setting some time aside to learn more about SEO. Tomorrow that stops. I am putting aside 3o minutes 3 times a week to learn more.
Though not explicitly called out in January, I did make progress in other categories and related subcategories listed for 2020.
Personal
- Health
- Get 7 hours of sleep a night.- averaging about 6.5 hours
- Run/Walk 2020 miles.- 148.82/2020
- Running consistently and on week 7 of my heart rate training program.
- Travel and Recreation
- Weekend away with Bill.- BOOKED
- The Canadian Rockies.- BOOKED
- Read 50 books. – three books read in January.
- Scrapbook once a week.-I have been consistently doing this.
Financial
- Less frivolous spending.- I was much better this month, but still not where I want to be.
Overall, January was great. Now it time to think of February. What do I want to accomplish this month?
February Goals
- Start weight watchers again. I need help in dropping this weight that I gained while injured and find this program to be the most helpful.
- Start planning Robbie’s graduation party.
- 30 mins, three times a week on SEO.
- Make the dermatology appointment.
- Come up with a savings plan with Robbie.
- Schedule posts for when I am on vacation.
- Try three new recipes.
- Read three books.
We are headed on vacation this month, so any household goal will have to wait until March. I think these will keep me busy enough.
What about you? Did you accomplish your goals for January? What are your plans for February? Post in the comments or reach out to me on my Goal Climbers 2020 Facebook page.
Welcome to the 2nd edition of my Travel Bucket List Series. In 2017 we went on an Alaskan cruise. We sailed through the Inside Passage and visited Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. We fell in love with Alaska. It was beautiful, and the people were terrific. We knew we wanted to go back, but this time on a land adventure. We hope to make this trip in the next couple of years. Here is what we plan to do and see when we visit The Last Frontier.
Anchorage
Our trip will start in the beautiful city of Anchorage. Anchorage has just under 300,000 people and is home to 40% of the state’s population. It borders the Chugach Mountains. The temperature in the summer ranges from 55-78 degrees. My boys are not fans of hot weather, so this another vacation where the weather will be perfect in their minds.
In researching where to stay, I knew I wanted something a bit upscale and with beautiful views. The Hotel Captain Cook looks perfect. It is Anchorage’s only preferred hotel. The Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is an organization of 62 independently owned luxury hotels across the world. The hotel is home to four restaurants and 12 shops. Take in the views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from one of the 546 rooms and suites.
Views from Captain’s Deck 
Lobby 
Hotel Captain Hook
The Hotel Captain Cook is part of Historic Hotels of America, the official travel organization of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are only 275 hotels and resorts across the United States that have been awarded this prestigious honor for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architect, and ambiance.
As I mentioned, the hotel has four distinct restaurants; however, a friend recommended the 49 State Brewing Company. It was voted Alaska’s best brewery. In addition to serving food, 49 State Brewing Company has two theaters housing a variety of entertainment and a rooftop patio.
As for things to do in Anchorage, our plan is going on a whale watch to see Beluga whales! Belugas are stunning, and I have only seen them in captivity.
Second, on my list of to-dos is the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska Native Culture and Traditions. Within the center is 10,000 years of history about the Alaska Indigenous Cultures. There are art exhibits and dance demonstrations. There is also a guided village site tour.
Another must-do for us is Ekultna Lake. Fed from the Eklutna Glacier, this is a popular spot for all kinds of outdoor activities. There are trails for hiking, kayak rentals, biking, and more. Take part in easy hikes and more difficult ones for those looking for a challenge. Next to the lake is the Ekultna National Historical Park. Take a guided tour and see an Alaska Native and Russian Orthodox cultural experience. See the old and new St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and the spirit houses of Native people.
Spirit Houses
Denali here we come, but first Talkeetna.
On our way to Denali, we plan to make a pit stop in Talkeetna, known as the gateway to Denali. Friends of ours stopped here for a night and recommended Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.
The lodge sits above the town on a ridge on the south side of Denali National Park. The lodge consists of the guest lodge, main lodge, mountainside rooms, and suites.
Talkeetna has a cute downtown area filled with shops and places to grab a bite to eat. Take a walk down Main Street and see the Talkeetna River. One of the activities we are thinking of is a River Jet Boat Ride. It looks like a lot of fun.
There are nature hikes, sled dog tours, ATV off-road, fishing biking, and more. There is even a little bakery called the Flying Squirrel Bakery-Cafe that I would love to try.
Denali National Park
The main reason for us wanting to go on a land-based trip to Alaska is to see Denali National Park and the largest mountain in North America, Mt. Denali.
We plan on staying at the Grande Denali Lodge. Located on Sugarloaf Mountain, the lodge offers panoramic views of Denali National Park and Nenana River Canyon. The décor is Alaska Native Heritage and showcases what I imagine when I think of this part of Alaska.
In looking over the list of things to do, it is going to be hard to choose. There is a bus tour of Denali, hiking, ATV rental, Jeep safaris, flightseeing to see Mt. Denali, river rafting, dog mushing, glacier landing, and more! There are the Canyon Run Rapids and Denali River Adventures. Each has a 2 to 6 hour trip down the rivers from Class III to Class IV rapids. For the less adventurous, there are scenic wilderness rafting tours as well.
Another activity of interest is the Denali History Tour, Led by a naturalist; this is a 4-5 hour hop on and off bus tour. Here and see the history and beauty of Denali National Park. Make stops at several historical sites, including Primrose Ridge, to see an Alaska Native Presentation.
Girdwood
After a few days in Denali, we will move on to the last stop of the trip to a little town called Girdwood, Girdwood is a resort town not too far from Anchorage. There is a beautiful hotel called the Hotel Alyeska, and we plan to stay for the remainder of our trip. It is a chateau-style hotel and looks gorgeous.
Like the other places we plan to visit on the trip, this hotel and area offer plenty to do. We plan on hitting the Byron Glacier Trail, Alyeska Aerial Tram, and Chugach State Park. Happy Trails Kennel is top on our list for an Iditarod experience. We did summer dog sledding in the Yukon a few years back and look forward to this experience once again. Another must on the list is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Here orphaned and injured animals go to be taken care of and, for some, released back into the wild. Finally, no trip to Alaska is complete without panning for gold. We can’t wait to relive the historic gold rush of Alaska and visit a working mine. Who knows, we may strike it rich!
As you can see, there is so much to do and see in this beautiful state. So tell me, what would you want to do and see in the Last Frontier?
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I have a confession to make. I use to hate sleep. I thought it was a colossal waste of time. There was always so much to do, and sleep was not one of them. I blame law school. While in law school fulltime, I worked three jobs. In addition to that, I needed to keep my B average. One can not do this while sleeping! I averaged 4 hours a night. It became a habit. Then I turned 40.
40 happens to be when I started running. What began as me wanting to lose a few pounds became much, much more. I fell in love with running and wanted to make sure I was always feeling my best. To accomplish this, I learned sleep was so important. I made an effort to get at least 6 hours but aimed for 7 hours of sleep a night. It was working well. Fast forward to last summer. I was now 47 and started to experience changes in my sleep. I had some trouble falling asleep. The quality of sleep was not great. I was not able to fall into that deep sleep that is important.
During one of my runs, I was listening to a podcast. The hosts, both women, were talking about sleep and what has helped them. One of the products was Nuun Rest.
Nuun Rest is part of the Nuun family of products. Nuun is a hydrating beverage without all the extra additives and sugars. It’s product offerings originally were for sports hydration, but have expanded to everyday hydration. Nuun Rest is a blend of magnesium, potassium, and tart-cherry. Tart cherry has shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve sleep quality. It increases the level of melatonin and helps improve the quality of sleep and duration. Magnesium has shown to relax the body and to aid with sleep. Since I started drinking Nuun Rest, my time in deep sleep has increased. I feel more rested in the morning. According to one study, we need between anywhere between 1.5 to 1.8 hours of deep sleep a night. This is roughly 20% of our overall sleep. Like the other Nuun products, Nuun Rest is vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It comes in Blackberry Vanilla and Lemon Chamomille. I love the Blackberry Vanilla. One tablet of Nuun Rest has ten calories and 1 gram of sugar. Mix it with 8 ounces of water and you are good to go.
I have been taking Nuun Rest every night for the last six months. I am hitting my deep sleep target about 99% of the time. It has been a game-changer for me. For those of you wondering, I am still not a fan of sleep, but we have agreed to co-exist. 🙂
Welcome to the 1st edition of the Travel Bucket List Series. Our first stop, the Canadian Rockies. I chose to highlight the Rockies first, as this is our big family trip this year.
We chose the Canadian Rockies for a couple of reasons. First, we fell in love with Canada when we explored Vancouver and the Yukon a couple of years ago. Second, our kids are not fans of extreme heat. The last big trip we did as a family was the Mediterranean in July. Can you say HOT?? We knew we wanted something a tad cooler and a bit closer to home. Lastly, Adventures by Disney offers a trip to the Rockies. We have loved the last two trips we took with ABD, so it made sense to book this trip through them. The Rockies seem like the logical choice.
Calgary and Surrounding Area
Our journey will begin in Calgary. Calgary is located 150 miles north of the US/Canadian border. Located in the province of Alberta, Calgary is the largest city in all of western Canada. For three nights, we will be staying at the Fairmont Palliser.
Calgary’s premier hotel, The Fairmont Palliser, is located in the heart of the city. It is within walking distance to the city’s retail shopping, museums, and entertainment venues. It is a historical landmark offering distinctive accommodations in elegant surroundings.
The hotel has 407 newly renovated rooms that include high speed internet and entertainment, such as in-room movies. There are three categories of rooms, as well as suites. Want to be treated like a queen? Stay in the Royal Suite when Queen Elizabeth II stayed while visiting Canada in 1990. The hotel has one restaurant, the Hawthorn Dining Room and Bar. It offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch. Afternoon tea is held on Saturday and Sunday. I have heard it is fantastic and I think we may give it a try.
The hotel has a fully equipped health club and a unique guest service hotline called Royal Service. The Royal Service is a dedicated team on hand to assist with your every need.
We plan to arrive a day early and we will have some free time to explore the city on our own. The two
Heritage Park is a living historical village that spans Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s, and is broken out into four time periods:
- 1860s Fur Trading Fort and First Nations Encampment
- 1880s Pre-railway Settlement
- c.1910 Prairie Railway Town
- 1930s, ’40s and ’50s Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square
There are over 100 exhibits. The exhibits include an aboriginal encampment representing the First Peoples in southern Alberta in the 19th century. There is a working smithy, bakery, hotel, and several shops and restaurants. Horse-drawn wagons are all around. For those that love the rails or transportation of any kind, check out the streetcar from the Calgary Street Railway, or a re-creation the paddle steamer, S.S Moyie. Open year-round is the Gasoline Alley Museum. This museum houses the park’s extensive collection of antique cars and memorabilia.
Another must-do on our list is the Calgary Zoo. We love a good zoo. My kids are
While in Calgary, we will not be limiting ourselves to the city. We are in the wild, wild west, and it would only seem right that we spend the day along The Cowboy Trail. The Cowboy Trail is a scenic route through the Canadian Rockies. Nestled between the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills and the Canadian Praire, it features horseback trail rides, ranches, western-themed attractions, historical sites, and more. Our first stop will be the Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch.
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Ranch is a 540-acre ranch home to bison and elk. Here we will tour the ranch and get an up-close and personal visit with these magnificent animals. Next on our list, Saskatoon Farm.
One of the region’s signature food is the Saskatoon Berry. Though it resembles a blueberry, this delicious berry is more closely related to the apple family. After a tour of the farm, we will be treated a delightful lunch and get to try one of the tantalizing desserts made with these berries.
Our final stop of the day will be the Chinook Honey Company. We will learn and taste some honey wine. Afterward, we will have the opportunity to see the inner workings of a honeybee colony.
Dinner will be on our own. Though there will be some suggestions from our guides, I have taken upon myself to research a couple of places. So far Starbelly, Sky 360, CIBO and River Café has caught our attention. I will let you know what we pick after our trip.
Banff & Surrounding Areas
For the second part of this trip, we head to Banff. We are staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Another gorgeous hotel that has been called Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. The hotel is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open year-round; it has a championship golf course, winter skiing, and an award-winning spa. The hotel has over 700 guest rooms, including suites with rooms to accommodate everyone’s needs. It is also pet-friendly!
We will spend two full days discovering what Banff has to offer. First, a float trip down the Bow River. Starting in the picturesque town of Canmore, we will float down the Bow River and take in the majestic mountain views. After, we will have some free time to explore the town of Canmore. Canmore consists of just over 13,000 residents. Though small in population, the town is spread out due to wildlife corridors, railway highway, and the Bow River. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, though I am not entirely sure how much time we have on our own. I prefer to walk the downtown area and get some lunch. The Wood Restaurant and Lounge has an excellent menu that would please all the picky eaters in my family, plus it boasts the best patio in the Rockies.
For our second full day in Banff, we have planned a jammed packed day. First up, a bike ride along the Bow River. Here we will stop and hike to see Bow Falls.
Next is a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. At the top of the mountain is hiking trails, restaurants, cafes and a new Interpretive Center. It offers observations and hands-on experiences for the whole family. There is a rooftop observation deck that looks amazing. It looks down at the town of Banff and six mountain ranges. While up at the top, we will be eating lunch at the Northern Café, taking in these views.
Later that day, we will have dinner on our own in Banff. I am excited to check out this picturesque town.
Lake Louise and the Surrounding Area
The last couple of days we will spend at Lake Louise, Alberta. Again , we will have the pleasure of staying at a Fairmont Hotel. We get to rest our weary heads at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This gorgeous hotel is a luxury mountain resort open all year. It has world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter, hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the summer, a kid’s camp, spa, and award-winning dining. There is something here for everyone. I am looking forward to checking out the spa!
For our first day in Lake Louise, we will venture out to the Columbia Icefield, located in Jasper, Alberta. This is the largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains. It feeds eight major glaciers. We will walk on the icefield and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Also, if we dare, take a walk along with the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. After our tour, we will have lunch at the icefield. (Though we will be warm in cozy in a restaurant). Dinner that night will be at the hotels Laga Italian Kitchen.
Our last full day will take us to Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake is at an elevation of 6,183 feet. It is a glacier-fed lake; hence the brilliant blue-green color that it is a result of light refracting off the small particles of rock. Due to the elevation, the lake does not begin to melt until June. The color and water levels are at its peak in late June. Just in time for our visit! While at the lake, we will hike and take in this beautiful scenery. I have heard from friends that have been; the color is just a vibrant in real life as it is in the photos.
Later in the day, we head back to Lake Louise to have a picnic lunch. After lunch, we have various options. We could canoe on the lake, go horseback riding, biking or hiking on your own, hang back at the hotel and take advantage of everything it has to offer or take a hike to Lake Agnes Tea House. We plan on hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House.
The Tea House is on the shores of Lake Agnes, at an altitude of 7,005 ft. The hike is approximately 2 miles long, with an elevation gain of 1,300 ft. It is a family-run tea house that serves homemade sandwiches, hearty soups, baked goods, and more than 100 varieties of tea! Our evening will consist of our farewell dinner and soaking up our beautiful surroundings for one last night.
Stay tuned for the second edition of the Travel Bucket List Series, where I will highlight a U.S destination. Until then, happy travels!
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The older I get, the more I want to see the world around me. As I sat down to write my goals for 2020, I started to think about where in this world do I want to explore. A couple of hours later, my Travel Bucket List Series was born.
Throughout 2020, I will be highlighting my top 30 places on my travel bucket list to explore in the world. I have broken it down to 15 international destinations and 15 U.S. destinations. By no means is this list meant to be inclusive; it is merely the places I want to see most in the world before exploring others.
Every week or so, I will be posting about one of the places on the list. The posts will include photos, where I would like to stay, sites to see, and more. Each week I will alternate writing between an international and a U.S. destination.
Believe it or not, it was much easier to come up with 15 international destinations than
These are my top 30. Please check back each week or so as I highlight each of these magnificent places.
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Happy 2020! Wow, doesn’t it seem strange to be saying that? I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and ready for another spin around the sun. Ringing in a new year has me reflecting on 2019, the highs and lows. It also has me excited for 2020. As I review my 2019 goals, I am happy to report that I was able to mark many of them as accomplished, but there is always room for improvement. This is how I look at a new year, a time to level up, keep improving one’s self by doing and accomplishing the things that make me happy.
As I wrote about here, I do not make resolutions for the new year, but select goals for the year. I also create an action plan for each goal and write out how I will execute it on a monthly basis. Each week, I pick certain activities to do to bring me one step closer to accomplishing that goal. I write all this down in a notebook that I carry with me. It keeps me on track and laser-focused on what it is I need to do.
Another tool I use to assist me in accomplishing my goals is accountability. By sharing my goals, putting it out there in the universe, I am holding myself accountable. This year, I have decided to do this two ways. First, each month I will be posting my goals for the month, and at the end of the month, I will report back, right here on my blog. Second, I have opened up a private Facebook page called Goal Climbers 2020. This is a group of goal-oriented people who are looking for accountability and support as they crush their 2020 goals. I will provide resources and tips on how we can make 2020 our year to shine. If interested, leave me a comment or reach out to me on Facebook. I will add you to the group.
Now, for my 2020 goals. I break my goals down into four categories, Personal, Financial, Professional, and Household. Within those categories are sub-categories. Under the sub-categories are the goals I want to achieve and how I will go about making them happen. Below are some examples, so you get a visual of what I am doing. I will not list them all here, but if you would like to see my full list, I will be sharing it in the Facebook group.
Personal
- Health
- Make a dermatology appt.
- Get 7 hours of sleep a night.
- Run/Walk 2020 miles.
- PR at a 1/2 marathon.
- Sign up for my second marathon.
- Personal Growth
- Listen to one personal development podcast a day.
- Family
- Date night once a month.
- Try something new each quarter.
- Make the most of Robbie being home before leaving for college.
- Travel and Recreation
- Explore my own backyard.
- Weekend away with Bill.
- The Canadian Rockies.
- Mom/Son Disney trip.
- Read 50 books.
- Scrapbook once a week.
Financial
- Pay off lingering debt.
- Pay cash for the 1st year of college. ( HUGE ONE!!!)
- Less frivolous spending.
- Save, save save. Earmark money each week to be automatically deposited in savings account.
Household
Here I break down each room and list what if anything needs to be improved. For instance, we need new family furniture. Our upstairs bathroom needs reorganization, things like that.
Professional
Most of this will have to do with this blog. These goals include growing my social media presence, landing sponsorships, and connecting with other bloggers around the globe. Of course, I have goals for my day job, but in the interest of keeping those separate, I will keep those to myself.
My goals are listed in my notebook. I breakdown the goals by quarter, month, and week. This way, I am always working on something, but not becoming overwhelmed by it all. For January, I have decided to concentrate on the following:
- Make an appointment with a dermatologist.
- Start
new strength training program. - Pick a marathon to run.
- Purchase family room furniture.
- Save an extra $900.00.
- Schedule out scrapbook dates with friends.
- Organize bathroom.
- Write 6 new posts.
- Learn more about SEO.
As you can see, some of these will be quick and simple, and others will be more involved. Each week I will schedule activities that will assist me in the more complex goals (like writing posts, SEO, and strength training). Does this make sense? It may seem like a bit of work, but once you are in the habit of writing these down and planning your month and week, it all starts to flow nicely.
Now, what about you? Are you ready to set goals and crush the year? Let’s do this together.
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The new year is upon us, and many people take this time to start something new. Notice how I don’t use the word resolution. I’m not too fond of the word, and much prefer to use the term goal. See my prior post for my reasons why. In any case, perhaps you want to take up running in the new year. Running is an excellent form of exercise, both physically and mentally. There is nothing better than a run to clear your head. I love “running” through my problems. I love the people I have met through the sport. I have even learned to love the burn. You get the point; I love to run.
People often ask how I got I started. Or say things like I don’t know how you do it? I could never run. Well, I am here to tell you, you can! Here are eight tips on how to start running.
Invest in the Right Shoes
Not all running shoes are created equal, and what works for me may not work for you. It is best to be fitted by someone knowledgeable in this area. Head over to your local running store and ask to be fitted for shoes. The salesperson should have you walk around the store so he/she can examine your gait. Based on what they see, they will have you try on a few different types of shoes. Once you have a pair or two that are comfortable, the salesperson should have you try them out by running, either outside or on a treadmill in the store. Make sure the store has a 30-day return policy if, for some reason, the shoes do not work out.
Set Small Attainable Goals
On day one, I went out and ran 3 miles in the hot July sun. I would not recommend that! Aim for small goals. If you aim too high, you put too much pressure on yourself, and it takes the joy out of the process. Perhaps start running for time and not distance. For example, start by running three times a week for 20 mins. Once you are comfortable with that, add 5 mins and build from there.
Schedule your Runs
Take out your planner, your calendar on your phone or whatever it is you use to schedule your appointments and schedule in those runs just like you would a doctor’s appointment or a meeting with your boss. You would not cancel on them, so why cancel on yourself. I plan my runs out a month at a time. It helps!
Gradually Increase Your Mileage (or Time)
The rule of thumb is to increase your mileage by no more than 10% each week. I prefer every two weeks. Ramping up the mileage too quickly can lead to injury.
Keep a Running Journal
A running journal is more than just a place to track your mileage. It tells a story. As I track my runs, I note the weather, the mood I was in, how hydrated I was, how much sleep I had the night before, and what I had to eat that day. These are all contributing factors to any run, good or bad. I started to see patterns. I found if I was not hydrated, my runs were a bit sluggish. It is also neat to look back and see how far I have come when training for a race.
Add Strength Training
I learned this the hard way. I hated to exercise most of my life. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I decided running was for me. I went all out. Once I find something I like, I do it. This lead to shin splints and tightness in my hips and glutes. Once I began strength training, my problems started to dissipate. Oh, and make sure to add stretching to the routine as well. You can read all about the benefits of stretching here.
Join a Running Group
Runners are the NICEST people. When I started running, I joined a running group at my local running store. It was fantastic. It gave me one night a week that was all about me and my new venture. Most groups ( I say most because there is always an exception) welcome new runners with open arms. It also helps you up your game. We tend to want to try more when we are with others. I have done some of my best runs while running with a group.
Follow a Training Plan
There many apps or free training plans available to help you get you started. Couch to 5K is a great app. Jeff Galloway, former Olympian runner, and runDisney consultant has some fantastic training plans. Jeff has perfected the run/walk method, and his plans are fantastic for beginners. Another great resource is Another Mother Runner. I am starting their heart rate training plan this upcoming weekend. I talk about it here.
Follow these tips, and you will be off and running, literally! Starting to run was one of the best things I ever did. It changed my life, and it could change yours.
In my last trip report (you can check it out here), I shared our adventures in Monaco. Later that day, we were off to the village of Eze. Eze is a hilltop town on the Cote d’Azur. Overlooking the Mediterranean, this medieval village hosts a 12th-century castle and the Jarden Exotique with its graceful statues and beautiful vistas. It was simply stunning. Throughout the village, you can find local shops and art galleries. There were lots of unique, hand-crafted gifts. I bought an adorable bear, made out of quilting material, for my nephew.
On the way back to the ship, we took a little tour along the outskirts of Nice. We stopped at the memorial to Princess Grace, and there was also a stunning view of our ship.
France was amazing, and it is a place I would like to visit again. Next stop on this tour, Genoa, Italy!
Until next time,
Heather
My family loves to cruise. It is a fantastic way to see new places. There are many different cruise lines to choose from, but our family prefers Disney. We have been on eight Disney cruises and setting sail again in February. So what is it about Disney that keeps us coming back for more? If you are a follower of this blog, it is no secret that I love anything, Disney. Their service is second to none, and they know what the customer wants before the customer even knows what they want. It is my happy place. So what is it about a Disney cruise that makes it so special? Here are our top six favorite things on a Disney Cruise.
Disney’s Service
Disney’s service is first class. Every cast member goes above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic time. From the stateroom host/hostesses to guest services to the servers in the dining rooms, each person makes the magic happen in their own way.
Surprised Nicholas with a cake. 
A towel cake! 
Our hostess always playing games with the kids’ stuffed animals. 
Celebrating our anniversary and my first 1/2 marathon.
On our first cruise in 2010, we had the most fantastic server, Oliver. He took such great care of us. In 2018, we were once again sailing on the Disney Magic. I heard he was still working on the ship. I called Disney and requested to be seated at one of his tables. Imagine our surprise, not only was he still on the ship, he remembered us! He was excited to see us and could not believe how the boys had grown. Oliver’s service was top-notch, and his assistant server, Miguel, was just as great.
Entertainment
No one does entertainment like Disney, and the entertainment on the cruise is no exception. From award-winning Broadway shows to comedians, live music, game nights, trivia, dance parties, character interactions, dinner shows, and more, there is always something to do and see. I love catching a show before dinner. Two of my all-time favorites are Frozen and Disney’s Believe. We also enjoy the two dinner shows, Rapunzel’s Royal Table and Tiana’s Place.
Tiana’s Place 
Frozen 
Rapunzel’s Royal Table 
Rapunzel’s Royal Table
Character Interactions
By far, character interactions are one of my favorite things, whether on a cruise or at the parks. On the cruise, it is a bit easier; the lines are shorter and tend to move faster. My kids are more apt to stand in line if they know it will be quick.
Pirate Night
Where else can you dress like a pirate, watch a fun pirate show, and watch fireworks on the high seas? The night starts with a Caribbean themed menu. All the servers dress in pirate-themed clothes. Jack Sparrow and Captain Hook make their appearances. Mickey, Minne, and the gang are dressed in their pirate best. At around 10:00 pm, there is show up on deck, ending with fireworks. Did you know Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line to have fireworks at sea? The night ends with an enormous buffet. It is a great time.
Adult Only Areas
One may think Disney Cruise Line is just for kids, but it is NOT. My husband and I have gone without kids and had a great time. There are plenty of areas where children are not allowed. This would include an adults-only pool, spa, fitness club, bars and clubs, a cafe, and adult-only dining. The adult-only dining is our favorite. Each trip, we make sure to snag a reservation at Palo. Palo serves Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. You can make a reservation for brunch or dinner. We usually go for brunch, though dinner is terrific as well. The food is fantastic. I highly recommend the chicken parmesan.
Adult only deck and pool
Pink Champagne Bar
Photo credit- Touring Plans
Disney’s Private Island
Like most cruise lines, Disney has their little piece of heaven in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island. There is a kid’s club, a family beach, and an adult’s only beach. There are cabanas to rent, snorkeling, swimming with stingrays, bike riding, and more. For all you runners, there is 5k upon arrival. There is so much to do here that I feel it needs its own blog post. Be on the lookout for that in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of this beautiful island.
I could go on and on about the things we love about a Disney Cruise. These are just the highlights. If you are looking for specific information on an itinerary, I have various posts about our Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises here on my blog. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of something and take a look. Happy reading!
