runDisney as a Family

Can I just brag on these two a moment? These two brothers are my cousins, John and Stephen.

When I registered to run 48.6mi as a St Jude Hero last year,  John immediately registered for all 48.6 too. I told him I registered for four races over the span of four days and for him to pick a race, well he sure did! If I remember correctly, John had never run an official race before registering for The Dopey Challenge.

Stephen joined our madness choosing to "only" run the final race, 26.2mi. Stephen has run a couple runDisney 5Ks with me but this was quite the upgrade in mileage for him too.

I was thrilled knowing not only did I have their support in my crazy endeavor but I would have them by my side, especially when I would be 18wks pregnant! Unfortunately, I got sick the week of the races and had to bail before the fourth and final race. I'm still a bit bitter about not getting to run, with John and Stephen for the marathon nor was I able to complete the challenge. I knew running while pregnant was going to be a feat in itself, but running while sick would not have been smart. I made the right decision for me.

John and Stephen trekked out for their 26.2mi without me. I was anxious for them, remembering my own feelings going into my first marathon only a year before. I was undertrained then, just as they were (I guess it runs in the family?). Somehow Matt and I missed them as we looked for friends in front of Cinderella's Castle. I followed their splits throughout the race and occasionally received a "we are still alive" text. We were there at the finish line when they crossed and I could not have been more proud!

I have decided to run again as a St Jude Hero for the 2015 WDW Marathon races. Because the event is only 6mo after Bean is set to arrive, I've chosen to be "conservative" with my mileage and will be running The Goofy Challenge. This challenge is over two days and will total 39.3mi (in comparison to the 48.6mi of The Dopey Challenge).

Today Stephen registered for the 2015 WDW Marathon! John is hoping his work schedule will allow him to register for The Goofy Challenge. These guys continue to amaze me. I look forward to running through the most magical place on earth with them in 2015!

St Jude Hero for Goofy Challenge

I have decided to run the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World in January as a St. Jude Hero! This challenge consists of two races. The first is a half marathon on Saturday then a full marathon on Sunday, running a grand total of 39.3mi in two days.

While the 39.3 mileage may seem crazy to some, there are plenty of runDisney enthusiasts who have been running this race for the last nine years and 2015 will be the 10th Anniversary of the challenge. 

I was thrilled to run as a St Jude Hero for the Inagural Dopey Challenge in 2014. I was humbled by the outpouring of support by family and friends and exceeded my $2000 goal. Knowing I had the support of all of you, helped fuel my training in the months leading up to the races. What I did not expect, was to run The Dopey Challenge while 18wks pregnant! I found out I was pregnant the same week I met my fundraising goal. 

While my fundraising efforts for St Jude was a success, completing the Dopey Challenge was not. I got sick the week before the race and wasn't able to shake it. Many of you may know your medicine options are limited when pregnant. I finished the first three races in the challenge: 5K on Thursday, 10K on Friday and Half-Marathon on Saturday. It was Saturday afternoon I knew it was in my best interest not to attempt the 26.2mi on Sunday. I completely know it was the best decision for me, to not race on the final day (especially while pregnant). As a mom, I know it was a smart call, there is no way I should have run pregnant AND sick. But as a competitor, it hurts knowing I was trained but did not finish (DNF). I have unfinished business with this race.

Bean's due date is June 9th, and I have been looking forward to resuming my training after his/her arrival (and yes, after my recovery). We can only hope Bean will be as healthy and happy as his/her big sister, Abigail. The least I can do, as a mom with a healty child and a healthy baby on the way, is to help fundraise again for such a worthy organization. I love knowing St. Jude provides all the care needed to families with children battling cancer. No child is ever turned away! 

If you would like to donate to my 2015 St Jude Hero fundraising for runDisney's Goofy Challenge, please click HERE.

Thirty-One & St Jude

As I have mentioned already, I accepted runDisney's Dopey Challenge as a St. Jude Hero! My goal is to raise $4000 before I race at Walt Disney World in January.

A mom friend of mine is a consultant for Thirty-One Gifts and they always have the cutest bags, totes and thermals so I asked if she'd be willing to donate a portion of a party's sales to my St Jude fundraising, and she said yes! Ten percent of the total sales will be directly donated to my goal as a St. Jude Hero. I hope you'll like the items as much as I do, and I even plan to buy a few items as Christmas gifts so keep that in mind too.

I would like to highlight a couple of my favorite items!

Organizing Utility Tote, $30

Thermal Tote, $18

The Thermal Tote seems to be the number one item I see with many. It measures approximately 9.5"H x 14"W x 4.5"D making it perfect for packing heavy snacks or lunch to take to the park. It currently is available in 10 different prints and can be personalized with embroidery. The Thermal Tote is also very reasonably priced at $18. For me, it's the perfect size to keep a few water bottles extra cold in the car so I can cool down after a long outdoor run with (or without) Brewer. 

Another popular item many of my friends rave about is the Organizing Utility Tote. I have seen this tote used as a diaper bag, to carry items to swim class and just keep another mom organized as she juggles daily life. It's a decent size without being too big, measuring approximately 15.5"W x 10.25"H x 6.5"D. It is very spacious with seven side pockets! There are 20 different prints available, including plenty of solids that coordinate with the Thirty-One Collegiate Spirit Collection.

August has a great customer special too! If you spend $35 you can choose any purse from the new Girl on the Go Collection for 50% off. There are smaller and larger options, for all ages. The colors, prints and fabrics available will make my own decisions a little more difficult since so many are catching my eye.

Lastly, as a small gesture of my tremendous thanks to those ordering from this online party I will be giving away one Party Thermal! This is currently a Hostess Exclusive item and is not available for retail purchase, unless you'd like to host your own Thirty-One party with my consultant, Summer! Everyone who places an order before the closing of this party on Friday, August 30th will be entered into Random.org and have a chance to win this Party Thermal, in the print of their choosing.

Party Thermal, valued at $75

USE THIS LINK TO START SHOPPING!

QUESTION:
-What item(s) from Thirty-One would you like most?