runDisney Dopey Challenge Packing List

January 7, 2019

Weather Conditions For Marathon Weekend

For the past three years, the weather in Florida in January has been quite unpredictable. That’s why it is important to know what to put on your Dopey Challenge packing list. I am providing my packing advice for the Dopey Challenge because it includes all races (except the kid races).

The first year I ran my first marathon in January of 2013, the temperature was in the mid-80’s with humidity. The past two years we started the 5K with temperatures 30 degrees or below. Then each day it got warmer little by little.

Two years ago, the half marathon was cancelled due to thunderstorms in the area where the volunteers would have been. I have even heard the stories of how there was sleet and ice at the water stops in 2010. So now I pack for ALL weather conditions!

Organize Your Clothes For Each Race

When I run the Dopey Challenge I have a costume for each race. I place them in zip lock back along with the underwear, bra, socks, compression shorts, and accessories I will need for that race. This also helps to keep each day organized so when I need to get the next race day laid out, the costume and accessories are all together and easily accessible. I am also including cold weather clothes with each race outfit.

Keep Your Race Gear With You

I also pack all race gear, costumes and shoes in my carry on bag when I fly. That is a must for any race that I run. I can live without clothes and my makeup; but I can not run without MY GEAR.

Also when checking into the hotel the race gear bag is always in my sight. I don’t want to take any chances of it getting misplaced accidentally.

What to pack for each race

Running Essentials

The basic running essentials are the items you trained in back home. On race day is not the time to try out something you haven’t trained with. You will need one of these for every race. The essentials include:

Socks
Compression socks
Underwear
Sports bra (nipple guards for men)
Compression shorts
Running shoes
Garmin/Running Watch
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Visor
Braces or KT tape for problem areas
Glide

Running Costume Accessories

If you are wearing a costume you need to consider packing the following into separate baggies:

Sparkle skirt or bottoms
Top
Socks/Compression tights or leggings
Wings/headpiece/jewelry
Wig
Hair clips or bows

Running Accessories

If you run with music or special gear don’t forget to pack those into a separate baggie to keep everything organized

Music player and charger
Headphones and charger
Sunglasses
Fuel belt
Fuel (Gus, chews, gels, food, etc.)
Spi belt
Water bottle

Weather Gear

Running Clothes for Weather

To be prepared for all-weather conditions, I pack the following extra items to have just in case:

Capri running tights
Fleece lined running tights
Regular running tights
Short sleeve shirts (layering pieces)
Long sleeve shirts
A throwaway sweatshirt and/or shirt
A winter hat
Gloves
An extra zip up hoodie
A bathrobe works very well as a warm layer and easy to shed once the race starts
Fleece towel from Wal-Mart that you can easily toss
I have seen runners with a towel or blanket from the hotel!

Weather Running Accessories

Without knowing FOR SURE if the weather is going to be what they truly predict, we do have to plan for anything. Especially if you have run the races in the past two years. I now will be packing the following additional items just in case. Even if the forecast shows a perfect 70 degrees and sun all week, I don’t want to take my chances.

I pack the following portable items with me as essentials on race day to have at the race start and finish.

Rain Poncho – you can purchase them at Rite-Aid for $1.00 each. They are folded up nice and small so you can keep it in your race belt.
Heat Wrap – The foil mylar thermal blankets you get at the end of races are also sold in stores. They are usually in the camping section. I purchased them in bulk on Amazon and have plenty. I sometimes bring extras with me on race morning in case my friends need one.
A plastic bag (grocery bag). I use this bag on race morning to carry my phone, snacks, water, banana and whatever else I may need that morning. Then just before the race starts I empty it in the garbage and squish up the bag and tuck it in my race belt.
- This bag becomes very useful at the end of the marathon when you have your medal(s), a bottle of water or Power Ade, banana, snack box, heat shield and/or cooling towel.
- It’s especially important should you need to go to the bathroom. You can leave it all in the bag outside the potty!
A Trash bag – If the forecast is sounding like heavy rain, Disney will still start the race. Grab some large trash bags from the hotel and wear them as a poncho on race morning. Do your best to stay as dry as you can while you are standing in the corrals waiting. If it is raining hard on race morning you can wrap your shoes in bags to keep them somewhat dry.
Hand Warmers – you can load up on them now at Target in the dollar section or Home Depot sells them in boxes. Again another compact item that you wouldn’t be sorry you brought with you just in case.
Gloves – They don’t sell a lot of gloves in Florida. It’s not something you can find easily. Two years ago we noticed socks all over the side of the road during the marathon. People were using socks for gloves. Since it was so cold for so long they didn’t start shedding them until around mile 8.
Newspaper – to stuff into your shoes if they get wet at a race. They will be dried out overnight!

The items listed above contain affiliate links.

Bag Check At The Race

This is an example of bag check from the Tokyo marathon.

I left a bag at bag check for my first marathon. Since then, I don’t really need to check one. But some people would like their desired items after the race. To do so, you check your bag at the race start. Each section represents the first letter of your last name. Then you leave your items in the runDisney plastic bag (this is the only bag they will allow).

At the end of the race they match your bib number to the bag and you can have your things. Some people like to have the following after the race:

Flip flops
Powder
Deodorant
Dry Shirt
Action Wipes or baby wipes

If you follow these tips and have these items with you prior to the race start you are one step ahead of the game! It’s better to have it with you, then to have to worry about getting a ride to a nearby store and buying throwaway clothes, which usually sell out once people see the forecast is colder than expected.

Have a great race and I’d love to see you out on the race courses! Check out my Facebook Page to follow along with me this week! Please leave your instagram or Facebook page link in the comments so I can connect with more runDisney friends!

Helping a Soldier Readjust to a Civilian Job

December 30, 2018

Despite being diagnosed years ago with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), Jordan Stubblefield, age 27, used to be very physically active. In fact, he has served in the Army Reserves for over 10 years, including two recent active duty tours in Afghanistan. Now Jordan is readjusting to his full-time civilian job as a senior software developer.

Helping a Soldier Readjust to a Civilian Job — Jordan Stubblefield, military vet readjusting to a civilian job with the helop of Cigna and Achilles

However, the change to a sedentary lifestyle and sitting at a computer for long hours every day has put pressure on his spine and aggravated his scoliosis, causing severe back pain. Looking for a way to keep doing a job he enjoys, Jordan asked his employer about making some changes to his workspace.

“I was no longer physically active without the disciplined approach to exercise that full-time military service gave me. I’m sitting most of the day now. My scoliosis didn’t really bother me when I was active, but I began to get severe back pain once I found myself behind a desk every day,” said Jordan.

Jordan’s employer put him in touch with Cigna. Cigna’s vocational coaches not only help customers who have a disabling illness or injury with their return-to-work efforts, but also provide pre-disability support services to individuals who are experiencing pain or discomfort doing their day to day job tasks. The goal is to prevent the situation from escalating and reduce the likelihood of a person needing to go out on a disability claim.

Jaclyn Sphon, a Cigna vocational coach, helped facilitate with Jordan’s employer adjustments to his work station equipment and helped him reintegrate fitness back into his routine. She also offered him the opportunity to work with Achilles International through Cigna’s customer referral program. Achilles International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate in athletic events. An Achilles personal trainer provided Jordan with a customized workout plan to gradually and safely increase his physical activity, strength and stamina.

“When I brought my workplace accommodation request to my employer, I had no idea of all the resources that would be made available to me through Cigna. Receiving personalized attention from my Cigna vocational coach and Achilles International has helped me get back to feeling at 100 percent and start a gym routine again,” said Jordan.

To celebrate Jordan’s progress, Cigna offered him the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World® 5K presented by Cigna on January 10 as a member of Team Cigna.

“For Cigna customers, participating in a race represents a healthy milestone on the road to recovery. We believe that, as you gain –and in Jordan’s case regain –physical strength, you’ll also build confidence, which can positively affect all areas of your life, including your work performance,” said Ryan Bruce, manager of the Healthy Working Life Program at Cigna. “It was an honor for the Cigna team to work with Jordan and help him readjust to a civilian job after his active service to our country.”

“It was surreal to receive an invitationfrom Cigna to participate in the 5k at Walt Disney World. It will be a first time visit for me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to celebrate my progress in this way. I’m also incredibly grateful for all the support I received to literally get me on my feet and moving again,” adds Jordan.

Overcoming Physical Challenges to Literally Get Back on Her Feet

December 30, 2018

Makeda Lovelace, age 44, from Douglasville, GA, is constantly on her feet –whether it is in her role as a mother to three lively boys or working in the hospital emergency room as a medication history specialist. So when she first began experiencing severe pain in the bottom of her right foot in October 2017, Makeda tried to ignore it so that she could keep up with her busy schedule.

However, this Airforce veteran of 17 years soon found that she couldn’t ignore the pain any longer. During a motorcade parade in support of miltary women, Makeda found she was unable to walk on that foot at all. And she was no longer able to perform her job at the hospital.

Makeda’s health care providers suggested less invasive treatments to begin with –physical therapy, accupuncture, and immbolizing the foot for several weeks –but the pain continued. Then, in Spring of 2018, Makeda underwent surgery. The successful procedure required her to stay off her foot for eight weeks to recover.

“Being out on a disability claim because of my foot was so frustrating. I’m the primary income in our family of five so I was very anxious to get back to work as quickly as possible. I was surprised to learn about the support available through Cameron, one of Cigna’s vocational coaches. He helped with my recovery and getting back to work by providing insights on the types of conversations I should be having with my doctor and employer. I always looked forward to seeing Cigna’s name on my caller ID and catching Cameron up on my progress,” says Makeda.

“Cigna’s vocational coaches partner with customers like Makeda who are unable to work because of a short-term or long-term disability, and together they create a personalized program for health improvement with the primary goal of returning to work,” says Ryan Bruce, manager of the Healthy Working Life Program at Cigna.

A Cigna vocational coach helps provide access to additional rehabilitation resources, assess if assistive devices are needed to perform work, provide mentoring for improving physical strength and stamina, and give referrals for mental and emotional wellbeing support.

Cameron coached Makeda on completing her physical therapy exercises in a structured way so that it was easier for her to track her progress and focus on her return-to-work goals. He also helped her make adjustments to her physical movements once she returned to work – tips that could help reduce the amount of weight on her foot.

Cigna also offered Makeda the chance to participate in its customer referral program with Achilles International, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate in athletic events. An Achilles personal trainer will provide additional support through a customized workout plan to gradually and safely increase physical activity, strength and stamina.

“For Cigna customers, participating in a race represents a healthy milestone on the road to recovery, but also independence. We believe that, as you gain physical strength, you’ll also build confidence, which can positively affect all areas of your life, including your work performance,” adds Ryan.

Eight weeks after foot surgery, Makeda was able to return to her same position at the hospital with no restrictions. To mark the health progress that Makeda has made over the course of a year with her foot and working towards weight loss goals, Cigna invited her to participate in the Walt Disney World® 5K on January 10 as a member of Team Cigna.

“When I received the invitation to participate in the Disney World 5k, I couldn’t believe it. It fuels my motivation to continue to stay on a healthy track. You never realize how important work is to your life until it is prevented. You also never realize how important support is during a disability until you receive it. It has been very comforting to me to work with Cigna and Achilles International because they understand what I’ve been dealing with,” adds Makeda.

Christmas Star Wars Giveaway

December 7, 2018

Star Wars toys and collectibles never go out of style because The Force is strong with boys and girls of all ages.

We’re hosting a Disney Blogger giveaway to give you a chance to win a Star Wars Gift Pack – Holiday Jumbo Toy and Collectible Bundle — valued at OVER $600! Can you believe it?

The Christmas Star Wars Products Giveaway is hosted by: The Positive MOM and Disney Mom Guide and co-hosted by:

Mommy’s Busy, 4 Hats and Frugal, Bert M Anderson, Comic Con Family, My Mommy Style, Fans of Mickey Mouse’s House, Christy’s Cozy Corners, Embracing Diversity, Mamas Mission, Cleverly Changing, WhollyART, Ginger Casa, Wheelchair Daddy, Local Mom Scoop, An Open Suitcase, Unprocessed Jess, Two Married Geeks, Ask Mama Moe, Raising Three Savvy Ladies, It’s Free At Last, Funtastic Life, A Savings WOW, En Tus Zapatos, JA Monkey, Clementine County, Gay NYC Dad, Little Family Adventure, Wife Mother Runner, Pretty In Baby Food, Teacups and Fairytales, The Jedi Father, and Lady and The Blog.

There is no purchase necessary! One (1) fortunate WINNER in the U.S. over the age of 18 will receive a Star Wars Gift pack, with new collectibles and toys inspired by our favorite characters, old and new – a $600+ value. All entries will be verified, so make sure they go through!

So… what Star Wars toys and collectibles can you win? Only the best in the galaxy! Here’s the list of all the goodies your Star Wars Gift Pack includes:

LEGO Star Wars Solo: A Star Wars Story Han Solo’s Landspeeder 75209 Building Kit (345 Piece)

Disney’s Star Wars, “Being Chewie” Adult Comfy Throw Blanket with Sleeves, 48″ x 71″, Multi Color

Disney’s Star Wars, “Being Chewie” Adult Comfy Throw Blanket with Sleeves, 48″ x 71″, Multi Color

Star Wars Christmas Stocking – Mini 8″ Knit – Darth Vader

Underground Toys Star Wars Plush – Stuffed Talking 7″ Han Solo Character Plush Toy

Mystery Minis: Star Wars – Solo (One Mystery Figure)

Hallmark Christmas Ornament Star Wars Praetorian Guard

Hallmark Christmas Ornament Star Wars Darth Vader

- Star Wars I Am Chewbacca Tank Top

Star Wars Ultimate Co-pilot Chewie Interactive Plush Toy, brought to life by furReal

(2) Star Wars Millennium Falcon Pop Up Cards

(2) Star Wars The Force Awakens Chewbacca Electronic Masks

Hot Wheels Star Wars Boba Fett Vehicle

Star Wars BB-9E Glass Christmas Ornament

(7) Child Chewbacca Masks – Star Wars

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Solo: A Star Wars Story Reusable Tote

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Solo Home Entertainment Figure 4-Pack (Star Wars Force Link 2.0. Mission On Vandor-1 including Han Solo, Qi’ra, Range Trooper, and Weazel)

(1) Star Wars Han Solo Movie Roaring Chewbacca Wookiee Sounds Mask

Star Wars Nerf Han Solo Blaster

Star Wars Mighty Muggs Maz Kanata

And, naturally…

SOLO: A Star Wars Story Blu-ray and Digital Combo

We are all so excited to join powers to make someone very happy with this amazing Star Wars gift pack!

Which of these Star Wars products is your favorite? May the odds be in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hurry and ENTER NOW for your chance to win this jumbo Star Wars Gift Pack! This Disney Bloggers giveaway runs til December 18th, 2018!

Operation runDisney Marathon Weekend Surprise is Under Way

January 5, 2016

The flurry and scurrying around to pack and sneak my kids’ summer clothes, flip flops, swimming goggles and bathing suits took place last week while they were home from school. Thankfully I was able to seclude myself in my room to do this while they were playing with their new Christmas toys. But the last two days to prepare for the actual departure was in full swing.

We are going to Disney for my WDW marathon weekend where I am running the Dopey Challenge and my mother is running her first Disney 5K and close friends of ours are running their first runDisney 10K!

On Sunday, as we were leaving the movie theater from seeing Star Wars the Force Awakens (AWESOME MOVIE), I saw a Facebook post that the Osborne Lights were being extended from January 3 to January 6th. Once I heard that I knew I HAD to do something to get the kids and my parents to Hollywood Studios that night to see the lights. So we had to distract the kids so I could call Southwest and find out what options we had to move my husband and kids from their Thursday flight to my Wednesday flight. Good news and bad news. They could move to Wednesday for only $38 each; but I had to give up my 12:30 direct flight and we are all now flying down at 8:00 a.m. with a stop and change plans in BWI. BLECH! I HATE early flights! Also since I will be getting up early 4 days in a row for the races, that was the last thing I wanted to do. BUT it is for the sake of the JOY that I hope to see on my childrens’ and parents’ faces when they go through the Osborne Lights to see something like no other.

When I ran the Wine and Dine Half Half marathon one of the highlights of the race is that we can run through the Osborne Lights. Diana and I spent and extra long time there because we knew it was going to be the last time we could see it. But, she was on her trip with her family so she decided that the next night they were going to see the lights for sure. When I flew home I was sad. I wanted to find a way to fly our whole family down either for Thanksgiving or for a few days after Thanksgiving JUST so they could experience those lights. Well, my wish is now going to come true!

The kids don’t know yet that we are going to Disney. As usual, we like to pull it off as a surprise to them. The notes have been sent to school and given to the bus driver. Homework has been sent home and now we just have to get their butts into bed real soon because we will have to wake them up at 4:00 a.m. to begin the surprise vacation. I know my daughter is on to me. She reads my texts on my phone at times and saw some communication going on between my dad and I. So I had to squash those questions and I think we may be able to pull this off. It’s going to be different, waking them from their sleep to announce the news. So stay tuned!

When Did The Disney Magic Begin For You?

May 16, 2015

Something that I heard when I was attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was a question of “When did it begin for you?” That question has been on my mind since I heard it. I have been vacationing here in Walt Disney World for a little over a week and have been enjoying every minute here with my family. We have done many of our favorite things, and have also tried some new things that we haven’t done yet.

So when did it begin for me? When I was young, my best friend who lived next door went to Florida on vacation. Her grandmother lived in Florida so when they went to visit her they went to Disney World. I never understood what Disney World was, but it always sounded so interesting and magical and special. She would go to this amazing place and come home with cute souvenirs. I most envied her Mickey Mouse dangle earrings. She did give them to me when we got older and I have to see if I still have them somewhere.

Then when I was 14 my parents said they were going to take us to Disney World! They have friends in Lakeland, Florida so we were going to rent a car and drive to Florida and visit them, go to Daytona Beach, Universal and Disney World. It is a fuzzy memory for me; but I’ll never forget the looong drive, the South Of The Border signs that seemed to appear for days, the sunburns, shopping for new clothes and brand new sneakers just prior to going away, and piling into the back seat of a car for the longest car ride of my life.

But it was worth it. From what I can recall, I remember driving to the parking lot of Magic Kingdom and seeing the gates welcoming us to the Magic Kingdom park. That now is still one of my favorite things to take a picture of during my marathon and half marathon races because it stems back to that time when I saw it for the first time as a kid. I also remember seeing the castle, walking down Main Street, the Barber Shop Quartet, the horse and carriage, the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Skyway Ride (gondolas in the back of the park), the lines in the roped off ques that zigged and zagged forever, the cinnamon rolls on Main Street and the smell coming from the bakery, and the building for Space Mountain stands out strong in my memory. I also remember fondly the Electric Light Parade at night and standing on Main Street seeing these amazing floats going by all lit up and the music playing loudly throughout the park. It was something I had never seen anywhere else before.

As I write this post and think hard of the memories, they are coming bac to me in bits and pieces. Is that when it began for me? Or is it when I started to come to the parks with my husband before we were married. He and I began coming to the parks together in August of 1998. We had a blast coming here together for the first time. Then we made it a yearly tradition, and sometimes we came twice during a year for a long weekend getaway. Each time we came we learned more and more about Disney and people would often ask us why we kept going to Disney. They didn’t understand that each time you go there is always something different you can do or something new to see, or a restaurant to eat at that you haven’t gone to before, shopping to be had and much, much more! The same holds true when you come here with your children. First, when they are younger, you do the children’s rides with them, they as they grow bigger you can do more of the thrill rides with them, you can take them to more restaurants and the water parks. You can stay out later with them!

Then of course, my husband and I met with a wedding planner in 2001 and he secretly booked our wedding date after we left our meeting with them. So then the magic continued as we had our wedding at the wedding chapel 13 years ago today, and our reception in Epcot at the French pavilion outside for the Illuminations show. So when did it begin for me? It may have been that time when I was 14 and saw the Magic Kingdom for my first time and got a taste of it. Only to have more and more exposure each time we came. I couldn’t get enough of it and I still can’t! We have to leave this amazing vacation tomorrow and we will always be looking forward to the next return trip back.

When did it begin for you?

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Overview

May 11, 2015

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Beach and Yacht Club Convention Center. The event was run from Thursday evening until Sunday morning. I flew down with my family late Thursday after work and school.

While we are still on vacation I am trying to update my blog when I can. I have so much to share so I am sprinkling it about in little pieces for you!

The first event I attended was on Friday morning. We had checked in at the Orlando World Quest hotel where we stayed last January. I got to bed around 1 am and was up at 6 to head over for breakfast at the conference. I stopped at the registration desk and was surprised with all of my gifts! The had breakfast. Breakfast was very good and a chef (who I will research more into for you since I arrived late) spoke about how all of the meals were gluten free, nut free, sugar free and safe to accommodate those with food allergies. I will get more facts on what types of foods were prepared. But I found that to be so interesting since I had been doing research on gluten free eating.

After the breakfast, which included a swag bag, we went to the General Session. That was incredible. I have a whole blog post to write about it but it included guest speakers, giveaways and lots of inspiration and enlightenment! In the evening there was a dinner for all of the attendees and families on the beach and that was so much fun! More to come on that as well!

I was still in mom mode on the first day because Adrienne had developed a bad asthmatic cough so I told my husband to call the doctor and I got him a phone number of the local Walgreens near them and had a prescription called in for her. During the lunch break of the seminar I had to drive back to the world quest hotel and pick up the family and drop them off at the Boardwalk where we were having our vacation. I got back just in time to grab a quick lunch and then the afternoon session continued.

After the great afternoon presentation by Donald Driver we went to our breakout sessions and then departed for the night until dinner and the Anna and Elsa meet ups!

After my session I drove over to Walgreens and got the prescription, returned the rental car and walked back to the hotel to change and get ready for dinner.

Sorry for the brief recap of the first day but I wanted to give you a quick idea of what it was all about. More to come later!

Tag: #disneysmmc