Sunday, August 28, 2016

Disneyland with an Infant: My Packing List

Well, here we are! We're (finally) packing our bags for the 2016 Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. We started running this race in 2010 and have run every year since. This, though, is a WHOLE new world. This year we're traveling with a baby. Who knew these little creatures needed so much stuff? I've got the race-cation packing thing down, but this new territory is a bit scary. Here's my packing list for Robby's first Disneyland trip. What am I missing? Help a new mama out!

Stroller
Stroller Lock
Mommy Hook
Handlebar Tote
Sign or Luggage Tag
Fan
Weather Shield
Carrier
Suck Pads
Cooling Towels
Diapers
Wipes
Face/Hand Wipes
Pacifier Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Disposable Diaper Bags
Quart & Gallon Zipper Bags
Noise Reduction Headphones
Baby Monitor
Picture Mat & Markers
Toys & Links
Blankets
Hats
Sunglasses
Sandals
Basic First Aid Kit
Inflatable Bathtub
Baby Wash
Nail Clippers
Brush
Toothbrush
Baby Lotion
Sample Sizes of Other Care Items
Disposable Placemats
Sponge/Bottle Brush
Dish Soap
Sippy Cups/Bottles
Bowls
Spoons
Food
Snacks
Cooler
Bibs
Breast Pump
Burp Cloths/Receiving Blankets
Laundry Detergent
Backpack as Diaper Bag
Changing Pad
Pack N Play Sheets
Pajamas
Outfits
Shoes
Socks
Outerwear
Bathing Suit
Swim Diapers
Pool Floatie

I will definitely be posting this in a printable format so it's more user-friendly after our trip. First, though, I have to test out my list and see how good it is! LOL

Also, I'll be 'going live' on Facebook (on my business page) this Wednesday to show you what I pack in my carry-on when I'm flying to a race weekend. Hope you join me! Here's the link:

Monday, August 22, 2016

My Disneyland Half Marathon Goals

I've made no secret of the fact that I'm not prepared for the upcoming Disneyland Half Marathon weekend. I actually don't even have costumes ready. SO not like me! Especially when I haven't run a Disney race since last November's Avengers Half. These little humans really do take over your life!

Yesterday I managed an 8 mile training run. It actually went better than expected, but I was dealing with ideal running conditions which are never guaranteed on race day. I also have a bit of an advantage (I think) in that all of the runs I have done have been pushing a stroller. I'm hoping that race day will prove a bit easier without Robby in tow.

When you're on the road for 8 miles, you get to thinking a lot about race day and your goals. When I train clients, I always suggest giving yourself 3 goals for any given race. On a perfect day, you'd reach all three goals, but it's always nice to have your mind set on things that are achievable too.

Here are my 3 goals for the half (for the 5k and 10k, it's just finish and have fun):

1. Finish the race. That's my "given" goal, that I will pretty much achieve, regardless of the day. I'm pretty stubborn that way and our Castle to Chateau medal depends on it.

2. Finish the race in under 3 hours. I've been running an easy 13 min/mile pace with the stroller, so as long as I don't completely exhaust myself the previous days, this pace should be doable.

3. Finish the race in under 2:45. This will be a stretch, especially since I know I'll lose some time starting in the last corral. I refuse to be rude and unsafe in getting around walkers, so I already expect a slow start (and I'm okay with that, because we are there to have FUN first and foremost).

Anyone else have specific goals for the race weekend?

Monday, August 15, 2016

Corrals Are Like a Mullet

Have you heard this before? I hadn't, until I posted my somewhat major runDisney mistake: I forgot to enter a proof of time for Bill. Whoops! Looks like we'll be starting back in corral J. Honestly, we haven't trained properly at all so it's not like we were going to run these great races anyway. Might as well have fun.

This is when I learned that corrals are like mullets--business in the front, party in the back! How funny is that? And I'm sure it's quite true. My only concern is the hour+ it'll probably take for us to get started and how that's going to cut into our time in the parks. Nevertheless, it was our mistake and I refuse to whine about it or let it put a damper on our race. I do, though, all of a sudden feel like I really need to get a costume together. We weren't planning on anything fun for the half because we've just been too busy with the move.

If you are running the Disneyland Half Marathon or the Dumbo Double Dare, you can find your waiver HERE and the corral information HERE for Dumbo and HERE for the half. You just need to get your number from your waiver and match it to the corral. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

7 Tips for Running with a Baby

Even though my training has been less than ideal, I've managed to get out a few times with Robby in the stroller. On these runs, I was thinking about being a new mom and trying to figure out this running with a baby thing. First, my soapbox. Parents, it is NOT recommended that you run with your child before 6-8 months. I got these guidelines from both our pediatrician, many licensed physical therapists, and the good old internet. Please check with your child's pediatrician before hitting the road (we're there all the time anyway, might as well add it to your list of questions). Now, here are my top 7 tips (why 7...well...that's how many I had):

My favorite running buddy!
1. Check the stroller: I have a BOB Revolution (which I love), and the tires do lose air. You want to be sure that the stroller is in good condition and the tires are filled. You will notice a difference when they aren't--the stroller will feel wobbly and unstable.

2. Use one hand to push the stroller (and don't forget to switch): Keep a steady push with one hand and swing the other. It's super convenient if you're using the Galloway method to make sure you're switching hands on each interval. Otherwise, just try to remember to switch from time to time.

3. BUT use two hands over bumps: I found it a lot easier to keep control of the stroller over bumps if I just gripped with both hands for a few seconds. If not, the stroller veered off course and it interrupted my cadence.

4. Keep the stroller away from your belly: You want to keep the stroller about 6-12 inches in front of your belly, which should be about the distance of keeping a 90-degree angle in your arm that's pushing. Keep it at this distance consistently.

Our running path even marks bumps!
5. Don't lose your form: Mid-foot strike. Arm swing. All that good stuff shouldn't go away just because you're also pushing a stroller. I've been keeping Robby in his infant carrier on the stroller, so he's facing me when we walk (not run--again, check your specific stroller for guidance as mine stated not to run with the carrier attached). I've noticed that I tend to look down at him, putting my neck and spine all out of alignment. Do regular checks of your form; you may not even realize how out of whack you are!

6. Don't bring the whole kitchen sink: The stroller is big. Babies come with lots of stuff. Resist the urge to bring it all with you. I like to live on the edge, so I don't even bring a diaper or change of clothes (not that I recommend that).

7. Find a well-paved path: Our new hometown is country (okay, it's really suburban, but it feels country to me!). We don't have sidewalks, streets are curvy, and there's a whole lot of 'nature' around us. Luckily I found a great paved running trail a short drive away. It's made it so much safer to run with Robby!

Baby bonus tip: Remember, your little one is on the run too. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and some toys and/or snacks to keep him occupied while you run!

I write this post first as a new mom, then as a running coach. I'm definitely not the end-all, be-all expert. My running mamas-what would you add?