Tink Tuesday: 12 Days to Go!

In just 12 days I'll be running the Tinker Bell half marathon! I have heard nothing but great things about the course. For those that have run it before, are there a lot of things to see once you leave the parks? I know the course goes through a residential area, but I'm wondering if I'll get bored. 

Weekly Recap

Tues: rest

Wed: rest

Thurs: 1 mile 

Fri: 2 miles

Sat: rest

Sun: 8 miles 2 miles

Mon: 2 miles + 4 miles

This week's running was terrible. After doing 10 miles last Sunday, I took it easy during the week. All the holidays in the middle of the week are throwing me off, too. I was planning to run at least 8 miles on Sunday, but I started feeling really sick only a mile in. I'm really hoping that I'm not coming down with the flu. :( I got in 2 miles before work on Monday and 4 after. On the bright side, I'm still consistently stretching and foam rolling. The aching pain I was feeling in my hip has completely gone away.

In other news, have you seen the WDW marathon weekend shirts yet? Don't they look nice?! I like that they all have the subtle Mickey in the background. 

Best of luck to all the WDW runners! Can't wait to read all the recaps!

Have you done any split training sessions? Some in the morning, then another run later? 

Ways to Save for Disney

I go to Disneyland more than the average bear mouse. I get a lot of "you're going to Disneyland again?!" I don't go on lavish trips, but feeding my addiction takes a nice chunk of change. I thought I'd share some of the ways I save for Disney.

Diverting Payroll Funds: I have a small amount of my paycheck directly deposited into a separate account that's for vacations only. It's small enough that I don't notice it, but it grows quickly. I have it labeled on my online banking as my "Disneyland Fund" as a little reminder. 

Coupons: I'm not talking about crazy couponing where your week's worth of groceries gets down to just $2, but using them when you can. Then, put the amount you saved in a jar towards your vacation fund. 

Gift Yourself: Once a month or whenever you can, buy yourself a Disney gift card. Tack it onto a grocery shopping trip or when you're at the store grabbing something else. This works best for saving for food/souvenirs. I tucked away a $50 gift card to use at my last runDisney expo. 

Side Jobs: This may not be something that applies to you, but if you have a side job (maybe you sell Avon products, etc or babysit or have an Etsy shop), put aside all or some of your proceeds for your next Disney trip. 

Birthday/Christmas/Bonus Funds: Grandma send you some money in that birthday card? Quarterly work bonus? If you receive funds that weren't expected, especially those for a special occasion (i.e. birthday), put it aside. Then when you're on your Disney vacation, you'll think of the person who helped make that trip possible. My next trip, a couple of my meals are courtesy of my brother. :)

Running Tip Jar: This is one of my favorite ways to save for a runDisney vacation is the running tip jar. I first heard about this from Lena at The Beginners Runner and posted about this when planning for my Dumbo trip. This is great for motivation and saving up spending money. 

How do you save for Disney? I'd love to hear other ideas!

2014: Fitness Goals

I'm pretty pleased with how my running went last year. I logged more miles last year than any year before. I had 3 actual races (2 10ks and a half) and achieved a sub-2:15 half training run. Most of all, I've realized that running is less about physical strength and more about mental endurance. If I push myself, I can do it. :)

Fitness Goals for 2014

- Improve overall pace (hopefully closer to a 9 min/mile)

- Stick w/ a training plan

- PR at least once

- Run at least 2 half marathons and 2 10ks. Hopefully more.

- Incorporate stretching into my daily routine

- Learn and practice more yoga

- Strength training/more core workouts


What are your fitness goals for 2014? 

2014

2014

I love New Years. It's a chance to wipe the slate clean and have a fresh start for the upcoming year. It's full of hopes and dreams for the upcoming year. Just puts a smile on your face, right?

I'm not feeling it so much. This year is starting out in a very different direction than I hoped. I expected to still be at the bank (which I am), my husband would be done with school (he is) and have a new job (he starts in February), we'd run a few races (we've got a few planned) and overall, just enjoy being together (..."together" while living 3 states apart??).    

Living in different states for 8 months was definitely not in the plans. Granted, my husband always said his first year of work was going to be crazy and probably suck, but this was not what I had in mind. 

Still, we face life's challenges. I'm so grateful for this job opportunity for him. We're still going to do all of the above. The time we do spend together will be more meaningful and special. We're going to Italy soon and I'm sure there will be a lot of weekend trips where we meet up and explore a new city. He's been saying that Disney World should be on the list.

Instead of New Year's resolutions, I'm setting a few goals for myself. 

- Meet with friends once a week (drinks after work, dinner w/ friends, etc)

- Get more active with my social media (blog, twitter)

- Try a new recipe once a week

- Make a quilt or other sewing related project

- Organize my craft area



Since fitness is a huge focus on my blog, check back tomorrow for my fitness goals for 2014!

Did you make any goals for 2014? 

Foodie Friday: Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

I used to work at a popular Italian chain restaurant famous for their breadsticks. One of their other big hits was a thin creamy, yet spicy soup with kale, sausage, and potatoes. This recipe comes pretty close to the restaurant, but this version is a lot spicier. It could also just be the sausage I got. Still very yummy!


4 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
1 lb spicy Italian sausage (ground or removed from casings)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups Russet Potatoes, cubed (I leave the skin on.)
4 cups of kale, in bite size pieces
1 cup heavy cream

parmesan cheese, grated
crusty french bread

Directions

In a large soup pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium until crispy. Add the sausage. Using a utensil, break the sausage into small pieces. 

Once the sausage is browned and crumbled, drain off the grease, leaving a tablespoon or two to saute the onion. Push the sausage to the edges of the pot and add the onion to the center. Saute until translucent, then add garlic and saute until fragrant. 

Stir in the broth and potatoes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. 

Add the kale and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover for 10 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve with grated parmesan and bread. Enjoy!

2013: A Look Back In Photos

Eating healthy was a top priority.

We rearranged and organized the apartment.

I turned my sewing hobby into a side job that would fund my Disneyland trips.

I got a big promotion at work, which subsequently increased my wine intake. ;) 

We went on vineyard getaway to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. 

I created (and didn't follow) a lot of training plans.

I went to Disneyland!

And completed the Dumbo Double Dare (Disneyland 10k & Half Marathon).

I also became an annual pass holder again!

I said my farewell to the Court of Angels inside Disneyland. It's now becoming part of the exclusive Club 33, which I will most likely never get into. A girl can dream, though. :)

I finally hung up my race bling (half is my husband's).

I PR'd and achieved my goal of running a 10k in under an hour, just in time to submit it for proof of time for the Tinker Bell Half.

I got a FitBit! (I love this thing!)

And joined a gym. 

My husband graduated from college!

And got a job! (3 states away! More on that later.) 

Cheers to 2014!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!