Coming back for the 3rd time! Love this Half Marathon!

The Biggest Loser Run Walk Race Series is a popular racing series that traverses the country each year.  It has gained popularity on the shirt tails of the ever popular TV reality series... The Biggest Loser.  Directly from the Biggest Loser Run Walk site they state - 

"The Biggest Loser RunWalk is a non-intimidating race series designed to challenge America to get fit. You’ve been inspired by the hit reality show “The Biggest Loser,” now it’s time to get off the couch and hit the pavement and achieve your fitness goals. This race series will include a challenge for everyone.

We believe that anyone and everyone can be an athlete and invite you to take part in an inspiring event for all fitness levels."

I was immediately drawn to this Half Marathon after I completed my first Half in January of 2013.  I had LOVED the show on TV so why wouldn't the Biggest Loser Half be a great experience too?  So after I returned home from my first Half Marathon adventure at Disneyland in 2013... I found this one and registered.  Staying committed to the fitness goals I had set for myself was so important so it made sense to find races that I could do locally and do it!

I did write some blog posts about my participation in the Seattle 2013 Biggest Loser Half Marathon HERE and HERE... in two parts.  Then again in 2014 I decided that compared to Disneyland this race series that would come to my area was one of my favorites... so I did it again in 2014 and I wrote about it HERE.

In 2013 - the Race series took place right in Seattle and took off from Gas Works Park on the waterfront in Seattle.  It was definitely a challenging but fun course around Lake Union... and then finishing back where you had begun at Gas Works Park.  I did that particular race with my younger sister and for someone that doesn't usually run with anyone else (me  - I am the solo runner) - it was fun to experience it with her.

2013 (with my sister)

I loved the experience and set a pretty good PR that day also!  My friend Carrie participated in her VERY FIRST Half that day too and found the experience awesome!

Carrie at the finish of her FIRST Half!

Fast Forward another year and a few Half Marathons later... I found out the Biggest Loser Race Series was coming back to the area but this time to Everett... which is a suburb north of Seattle and actually quite a bit closer for me then even Seattle had been.  I registered again knowing I would have a terrific experience and be surrounded by a super supportive atmosphere on Race Day!  It did not disappoint!  The course started out on the waterfront in Everett at the Port of Everett and traversed the neighborhoods above the Port and then ended back down at the Port.  It was not particularly a scenic route except for the beginning and the end but once again a good course that had such an encouraging atmosphere!

2014

So I bet you guessed that I am going back for more!  Yes!  2015 - October 25th - The Biggest Loser Run Walk Series is coming back to the area!   This time the race will be taking place in Lake Stevens, WA.  They keep getting closer and closer to my house!  So exciting!

I want to say in closing that before I began my run/walk fitness journey I didn't believe I could do it.  There has been a lot of encouragement along the way... in the form of internet, people and events like this one!  I couldn't have done what I have done or what I am doing without events like this to work towards!  This Half Marathon will be my 20th!  So if you need that extra boost to get going... sign up!  You won't be sorry.  The Biggest Loser Race on October 25th consists of a 5K (3.1 miles) or the Half Marathon (13.1 miles).  Yes YOU Can!

PS - They also offer a Kids Mile Run... and they get a medal!  I love it when I don't have to do anything to motivate my kids to be active!  They had so much fun doing this!

Would like a chance to participate in this event? 

I have been given a code for my readers to receive 15% off your entry to the Lake Stevens, WA - 
Biggest Loser Run Walk 2015
Just comment below and I can make sure you receive that discount code so you can register at the discounted price. 

Stay tuned! 

A chance to win a FREE race entry to the Lake Stevens, WA Biggest Loser Race coming up tomorrow... 
right here!!!

**The opinions in this article are completely my own - I did receive a free entry for the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Lake Stevens, WA on October 25th, 2015 for becoming a Blogger Partner with the Biggest Loser Race Series.

Run through SAFECO Field! Yes Please!

We had so much fun the other evening running a fun 5K through SAFECO Field in Seattle benefiting Mariner's Care and their Refuse to Abuse charity!  I participated in this fun event last year but my daughter wasn't able to run last year because of age restrictions.  This year they changed the policy on age of children and made it possible for any children to run as long as they could finish "under their own power".  Makenna and I headed down for this fun evening race in our matching Sparkle Athletic skirts!

We arrived and took advantage of the FREE parking for running participants in the Mariner's official parking garage.  Made our way to the Bib pick up, got our bibs and bags quickly and then headed back to the van to dump our loot.  We quickly attached our race bibs... got our stuff together and made our way back to the start line to find some friends who were also there to participate.

Makenna got #888 - She said it was because she is 8 years old! 

I call that LUCKY!  What a fun number! (and she is adorable!)

 

 

 We waited for a bit at the start line and soon it was time for the race to begin.  There were slightly over 1000 participants.  The race organizers did not have corral assignments but just asked that folks line up with faster runners to the front.  Then they let the runners go in groups of about 75 or so at a time having a minute or so between groups.  We were in the 4th or so group and off we went.  Makenna did such a great job staying with me this time and taking the walk breaks when my interval timer would sound.  At about miile 2 or so she was tiring a little and asked to walk more then the timer was calling for but it was no big deal... we were there to have fun!  And we did!

 

The Medals were so much fun... little baseballs!

There are not a lot of races that can measure up to the "fun setting" (except for runDisney but that is another story)!  This race took us through the entire park and even across the bridges onto the top two levels of the parking garage.  So much fun to run through the Suite hallways and then down to access tunnels that the players use!  Then the finish took us out onto the actual field and the final steps are from Home plate to about 3rd base!  Access to the Medals and the after race treats was up through the Pitching area. 

So much fun!  I loved doing this race again and doubly loved it because my daughter could do it with me!  Loved it!



Have you ever run through a Major League Stadium?

Where would be your "dream spot" for a fun run? 

Who is your favorite person to get out and run with?  Or do you like to run with anyone at all?

Harvest 5K - A Family Run!

This was a running weekend!  

On Saturday, September 28th, my whole family turned out to participate in the first Harvest 5K in Stanwood, WA.  This race took place just minutes from our home at Klesick Family Farms that also happens to have a successful delivery business of Organic Produce. 

100% of sponsor fees from this event and runner registration fees went to CrossWay International, a non-profit ministry who will be drilling a water well in Ukundu Town, Kenya - home to 2,000 people including 200 orphans. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to cover the cost of the well.  It is amazing that a bunch of local people can turn out on a rainy Washington morning and raise enough money to change the lives of an entire village across the world!  Yeah!

My whole family participated in this event... it was a rainy and cold morning... my children had attitudes... all over the maps... my daughter was excited... my oldest son had to be convinced this was going to be fun (he still didn't think so at the end)... my youngest son was excited he was going to get to ride in the plastic covered stroller.  My husband was game to push the stroller and let me do my "running thing".  At least we were all there!

The whole family... Wyatt (9), Makenna (7), 

and Luke (5)... oh and that is me and my awesome husband Brian!

The weather was not great... drizzling and windy... as we waited for the race to begin most people were cold... but soon they were encouraging everyone to the start line and off we went.  My daughter loves to run... she was off... I soon settled into my "routine" and at about mile 1.5 my oldest son and my daughter started telling me to slow down (I am not super speedy anyway).  My 9 year old slowed to keep up with my husband and I took off ahead... never far ahead of my girl though.  This course was awesome... farm roads all the way... we freaked out a few herds of cows who chose to run along for a bit.  a few vehicles made an appearance (all farm trucks who more that happy to wait for the runners and walkers).

Here are few shots of the family at various places on the 3.1 mile course.

The weather held off enough to get it done but most participants left before the race organizers had a chance to hand out any awards.  Bravo to Klesick Farms for planning this first ever event!  It was terrific!  Below is a photo of some of our friends that participated as well... so much fun!

Ran a 5K with my Daughter on her 7th Birthday!

I recently participated in a 5K about an hour north of where we live.  The race was a benefit for the "scholarship fund" for a summer camp I used to work at prior to marriage and children.   The Firs is located in Bellingham, WA... one of the prettiest spots in the Pacific Northwest!   Love that place!   I love the camping industry... worked in it for 13 years!  The 5K had a Super Hero theme... the Super Hero 5K !  Loads of fun!  Lots of costumes!  it almost felt like a Disney race because if you didn't have at least a little bit of a costume you felt a little dumb!

It was my daughter's 7th birthday - she ran the entire race with me ... dare I say faster than me... well I was pushing my almost 5 year old in the stroller.  That is a long hard way with a kid that weighs probably 40ish pounds!

The race was really well organized and after a quick race day bib pick up - we were off.  The course was a combination of a little road running and then onto the running trails of Whatcom Falls Park.  It was wet and a little muddy but other than that - no complaints.  My running app came up a little short on mileage at the end (for a 5K).  None the less I was excited to see that finish line and get out of the snow and rain.  The race supplied LOTS of snacks and prizes for top finishers.  They had small things the kids could get like Batman rings and even some capes for sale. (We made our own and proudly wore them!)  After the awards were handed out the entire crowd sang Happy Birthday to my Makenna!  We had so much fun!

 

It was freezing that morning and actually snowed while we were running!  



 

I didn't take too many photos because of the weather but all in all a great fun run!  We had a blast! 

 

Next up - April 28th!  The Heroes Half in Everett, WA! 

Race Recaps - River and Rails 10K, Hippity Hop 5K, Tulip Run - 5 miler

Recently I have participated in a few local races... let me tell you about a few...

Arlington Runners Club sponsored the recent River & Rails 10K/5K on March 23rd ... the course was a simple out and back on the Centennial Trail just outside the city of Arlington, WA at Haller Park.  I participated in the 10K and my friend Carrie ran the 5K (which was her 1st!).  The trail is an awesome paved trail that used to be a railroad system but has been reclaimed as a trail used for recreational use in our area!  So great!  They used time chips and the race was awesomely (is that a word) supported!  My family came out and cheered me on which always makes me so happy!  I also ran the mileage that day for the virtual run of the Sandy Hook Run for the Families.  That official run took place in Connecticut... a little far from Washington State.  So participating as a Virtual Runner was a great way to still be involved.

 

 

 

On March 30th (Easter Weekend) I ran in our little town's Easter run - the Hippity Hop 5K... a quick little race right in our sleepy little suburban city.  There was a great turnout and perfect weather.  The race was really well organized right up until they said "GO"... the race organizer unfortunately didn't notice that the course flaggers sent the runners the backwards way on the course and subsequently cut off about .6 of a mile.  When I came around to the finish I saw the race clock and got a great confidence boost and then realized there was no way we could really be done.  My friend Carrie was there for that one too.  My daughter is sporting her Team Sparkle with me!  Oh well... it was fun and I made up the mileage by running around the bank parking lot a few times.  Happy Easter!

 

 

 

 

Then on April 6th I jumped out of bed and raced up north about a half hour to the beautiful Skagit Valley to participate in the 2013 Tulip Run 2/5 Miles.  I wasn't preregistered so I was unable to be time chipped.  Oh well.  When I arrived about an hour before race time I didn't really know what to expect.  I have never ran in any races sponsored by the Skagit Runners Club.  The registration process was really well organized and registration took place inside at one of the large bulb growing farm warehouses.  The weather was less than perfect... pouring rain!  I returned to my car after I got my number and contemplated just driving back home.  It wasn't just drizzling - it was POURING! 

 

Here is a picture to prove it... as I sat in my car wondering if I should even get out!

 

 

Well... I did get out... and run I did.  The course ran about 20% on pavement and the rest on a very established trail.  It was a terrific experience and although I have never run a race that was a "5 miler" I had a time goal in my head that I wanted to finish under and I made it!  Yeah!  The HOT shower I had when I got home was much needed - chilled to the bone though!

 

 

 

 

 

Up next weekend... the Super Hero 5K in Bellingham, WA!  Can't wait!  



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Movie Rewards and cashing in!

I have been a member at Disney Movie Rewards for a long time...  If you are not familiar with DMR then let me quickly explain.  Most Disney Movies you purchase have this inside...

 

First you need to set up an account at DMR (Disney Movie Rewards).  It is fairly straight forward and easy to do.  Then locate this paper inside each of your Disney movies and enter the "magic codes".  Then you begin to save up points so you can get lots of FREE stuff. (You do have to pay for postage so Freebie beware).  Being a member has other benefits as well... DMR often times has exclusive sweepstakes you can enter and coupon codes for newly released Disney movies.

 

 

Over the years I have cashed in a few fun things... mostly we get MORE movies.  My most recent Freebie from DMR is one of my all time favorites... not an old one but a classic!  ENCHANTED on Blu Ray! 

 

 

We already owned this classic on DVD but I wanted the Blu Ray to get the extra Bonus Features... (yes... I am a Bonus Feature Geek).  This Blu Ray has the addition of a "game" called The "D" Files.  When you select the game on the Bonus Features you basically watch parts of the movie and when references come up to other Disney movies the game quizzes you on what movies these references came from.  LOVE IT!  ENCHANTED is a terrific movie with references to LOTS of other Disney movies strung throughout! 

 

If you haven't ever given ENCHANTED some of your time - I strongly encourage you to give it a watch! 

 

DMR (Disney Movie Rewards) is worth it!  It takes some time and organization to get those codes and input them into your account... but Free is Free! Definitely worth it!

 

 



Keeping Disney in every day!

Keeping Disney in every day when you live far from the Magic of the Parks can be a challenge!

Unfortunately not every day do we get to wake up to this kind of magic!

(This is my oldest son on our trip in 2005 - it pays to have a Disney Visa and get to go to the Character Meet and Greet)

When we are in the midst of the magic one thing we love is the music of the parks and how that can add to atomsphere and really how we experience it!  All we need to do when we come home from vacation is turn on some of that music and immeadiately we are transported.  We have several cds that help with that but we have found something recently that is GREAT! 

Follow THIS link to Reedy Creek Radio and you can stream music from all 5 Disney parks right through your computer.  They play a variety of Parade, Park and atmosphere music that shuffles through.  I love how turning it on instantly puts me in a Disney state of mind.  I can close my eyes and almost smell the churros.  I can't believe we didn't know about this long ago!   I know they have an app for IPhone users (unfortunately I have an android).  We would encourage the folks at Reedy Creek Radio to get an app going for android users! We were a little curious where the "Reedy Creek" name came from.  We found interesting facts about that HERE.

Another way to access Disney Parks music is buying music.  HERE is a link to Amazon where lots of CDs are listed on that include Disney Parks music. Our favorite that we own is The Official Album of the Disneyland Resort that came out during the Happiest Homecoming on Earth (2005) - which was Disneyland's 50th Birthday year.   It is awesome and has a lot of music that is no longer "available" at the parks for listening.  So it becomes a bit of a walk down memory lane when we listen.

Another one of our favorites is a newer release - The Music of Carsland released in 2012.  Love this one!

It can be a challenge to keep the magic in every day - we have found that the music is the best way!  Other ways to bring the magic into your home and everday life - ... mickey pancakes, disney games (we have many - Disney Scene It, Buck a Roo, Disney Matching, Disney Rummikub, Disney Trivial Pursuit and many more) - Disney Snacks - we google up recipes online and try to recreate them.

We have even made up our own family Disneyland Game that we play around the dinner table, in the car or just about anywhere... it is called "What Ride am I on?" - Basically everyone takes a turn and describes the Queue (this is the name of the waiting area or line)  and then the actual ride itself and everyone else gets to make guesses about what you are describing.  Lots of fun and helps the kids and (and the adults) to remember details you might otherwise have forgotten.  Lots of fun!  Feel free to alter the game to suit those that are playing!

We wish you luck keeping that Disney magic in your every day. 

Wouldn't it be awesome if every day could be a Disney Day?!!!

Wow... school began yesterday. I now have a 2nd grader and a Kindergartener! How did I become the mom that has "big kids"? I am very involved with a local MOPS group and have been a member since my oldest was about 6 months old. We had a "Back to MOPS" Picnic the other day to get our new Fall program going... I saw the looks on some of the moms faces as some of us "other moms" unloaded our big school age boys. They quietly moved in closer to their much smaller 2 year olds and protected them like a mother hen. I remember feeling this way. Looking at those GIANT school agers and thinking they were secretly plotting to attack my 2 year old BABY! Now I am that mom... I have one of those school age monsters riding around in the back of my mini van. If you look really closely he still has that cute baby face... and he just told me last night that he will never love anyone more than me. I am going to hold onto that for awhile.