Hidden Mickeys, An Introduction | Mickey Monday

Welcome back to the Mickey Monday linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. My hope is the linkup will help become a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her out. Each week we'll both have the linkup widget, so you'll be able to get to all the great bloggers. This week I'm stepping away from runDisney, and into the world of an Imagineer. This week I'll be talking about...

Hidden Mickeys

One of my favorite things in the park are the hidden Mickeys. I love the search, the discovery and the pictures. Before I go to far down that rabbit hole, let's start at the beginning for the uninitiated.

What are Hidden Mickeys?

Hidden Mickeys are little pieces left behind by Disney Imagineers. Temporary Aside: Imagineers are the creative geniuses behind Walt Disney parks and projects. It's a term that comes from the combination of imagination and engineering, hence Walt Disney Imagineering. Back to the Mickeys. How the hidden Mickeys started is not officially known. One "unofficial history" is they were slipped by imagineers into EPCOT during construction because characters were to be Magic Kingdom only but the Imagineers disagreed, so they started slipping them into EPCOT.

No matter how they began, Imagineers hide Mickeys throughout so much that they create. They may be done during design, construction or the final touches. Some are intricate tiny details, others are easier finds meant to stand out. The most often take the general form of the Mickey silhouette, the tri-circle Mickey. It can be hidden almost, signs, fences, paintings, drains, rocks. That's the fun of it.

The tri-circle Mickey. Learn it, live it, find it.

How do you find them?

My favorite part about Hidden Mickeys are finding them. You know what you are looking for, the three circles, so you just need to look for it in unconventional ways. Sometimes you just need to be observant, other times you just look where you think there may be one and look very closely. I'll give you some examples of what you're looking for here, and share some of my favorites in future #MickeyMondays

We'll start with an easy one. This one can be found in EPCOT in the World Showcase. Find your way to the Morocco pavillion and look at the shop along the World Showcase Lagoon. If the doors are open you'll see these 3 metal plates together. See how they make the classic Mickey? Good.

Would you call them plates? Dishes? Metal frisbees?

Want some bonus points? Go the the United Kingdom pavilion. Find the Hidden Mickey in one of the shop signs. Name the shop and get +1 beginner Hidden Mickey points.

Since we're already in EPCOT, let's take a ride on Living with the Land. An under appreciate ride, missing its catchy tune, but I digress. During the course of your ride, you'll come across a section with tubes containing various fish usually. In the last set you'll find these baskets. They move around but can always be found in that area.

Seriously, go find the song. It will stick in your brain.

From here, let's take the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom and head up to Fantasyland. From here, grab your 3D glasses and take a seat for Mickey's PhilharMagic®. If you look to the side, you find this french horn. However, this french horn has some non-standard tubing that may look familar.

I wonder how that would change the tuning? #bandgeek

Lastly, let's that the Resort Monorail to my favorite resort: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Here is the lobby you'll find one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys. Its not hard to find, just walk in and look down, but can be easy to miss if you don't take some time to appreciate your surroundings. You're on vacation, slow down a little. I've even come across a pin of it before through pin trading, but that's another Mickey Monday post. Hopefully, all the redesigns to the lobby will leave this little piece untouched.

Take some time on vacation to just look around.

Think they're all easy? Let's move on to advanced training. We'll hope a boat over to Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Can you find the Hidden Mickey in Fire Rock Geyser?

Wait, you're saying there is one there?!

Having a little trouble finding it? It's not easy. Heck, I only found it because I was told there was one there, which makes you determined to find it. Here is a zoomed in picture of what you're looking for. I was actually told about a Hidden Mickey tour you can get from a "park ranger" if you're in the right spot first thing in the morning and ask nicely.

Oh, there you are, Mickey.

What if I want some "help"?

If you're looking to admire the Hidden Mickeys without the challenge of the hunt, there are guides to help you out. There's nothing wrong with appreciating them. It can also be nice for the youngin's as it will give directions on how to find them, so they can "discover" the Hidden Mickeys for themselves. There are various titles out there, which I haven't read so I wouldn't feel good giving a recommendation. I'd say turn to Amazon. If you can recommend one, feel free to share in the comments.

Onto the Linkup

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

Have fun. Be a kid. Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up

Image credits:
tri-circle mickey: wdsiemer.blogspot.com

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Five Favorite Fall Activities | Friday Five

It's the Friday Five linkup time. And you know what day it is... tomorrow? Game Day! You may be able to guess one time on this list of five. This week's topic is

Five Favorite Fall Activities

1. Tailgating

This one has to be number one. Ever since I was a little boy fall meant driving up 322, often sitting in horrendous traffic then breaking out the grill and tailgating in Happy Valley. I grew up tailgating at Penn State. So. Much. Fun. Now, the tailgate maybe a little more sophisticated, or at least a little more well equipped, but it's still grilling food pre-game then cheering until you have no voice. When I first went to Bloomsburg University, they looked at us like we were crazy when we tailgated, but it slowly grew. Now, they have some nice little tailgates there too. It's just a part of college football as far as I'm concerned.

2. College Football

In case you couldn't tell in the last, I love me some college football. Growing up going to Penn State games, it's hard not too. Even my wife, while she may deny this being she is a Pitt fan, had a great time when she's been to games. She'll insist she cheered against the other teams, but I know. It really is an experience. 110,000 plus fans screaming, being in the student section as the chant and jump in unison, just crazy. With that said, I still loved every minute of football at the division two school I went to, Bloomsburg University. College football is just fun. Is it game day yet?

3. Marching Band

Since the 9th grade fall means two things: football and marching band. I always love watching football, but I was also in the marching band. That meant practices all week, games Friday and competitions Saturday. After high school was college marching band (now with Saturday football) and then after college it was helping with marching bands and my color guard directing wife. While this year has been a little more hectic and less hands on for me (or no hands on) but I'll still be there to watch my wife's guard perform and listen to the band play on!

4. Drinking Hot Apple Cider

I love me some apple cider. Heat it up, throw a little spice and indulge. My favorite is the cider at Colonial Williamsburg. I even had someone tell me what they add, but I have crap for memory so I forgot. *sigh* Oh well. That's why we go every year for Grand Illuminations and drink cider all weekend long. And yes, Grand Illuminations is in winter but the cider thing still works for fall, it's not exclusively winter to me, that's just the best example I could make to it.

Why yes, that hat does have three corners.

5. Costumed Candy-rama

Let's all get in disguise, go door to door, threaten people for candy and then EAT IT ALL!!!! Ok, maybe I got a little over excited and carried away, but... 1. dressing up in a costume is fun. 2. who doesn't love candy (even if I can't eat it all anymore). 3. it is even more fun with kids (my daughter wants to be Cinderella and dress her baby brother as "Jack the mouse". How cute is that?

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!

Our hosts:

Mar on the Run

Eat Pray Run, DC

You Signed Up for What?!

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up, which in turn, are blogs you should follow

Melanie @ Runner Girl in a Rocking World

Debbie @ Deb Runs

Heather @ Divas Run for Bling

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BRATS Holiday 5K Series

So I took a step yesterday to force myself to be a little more active this winter. No, I didn't pull the trigger and register for one of those last 2% of the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. Think smaller... and more local... and not Disney... I signed up for a local 3 race series over the winter. The best part: special bling.

This winter, I will be running the BRATS Holiday 5K Series. BRATS is the shortened (and rearranged?) name for Bristow Tri and Swim. They are in charge of a series of races throughout the year in northern Virginia, primarily out in the western area of what most would be considered "NOVA". They were in charge of the Manassas Runway 5K that I ran earlier this year (and LOVED). I expect nothing less out of them on these races. They have several winter races that they have bundled into a series that if you run all 3, you get a special medal (as pictured above). The three races are the Chris Yung Memorial Turkey Trot 10/5K, the Santa's Workshop 5K and the BRATS Frozen (no, not that Frozen) 5K.

The great thing about these races are a great cost and a great purpose. All three races benefit something worthwhile. The first race, Chris Yung Memorial Turkey Trot 10/5K, takes place on November 27th and benefits the Chris Yung Foundation. Chris was a Prince William County Police Officer who was struck and killed by a vehicle in the line of duty. In addition, you get the added benefit of running before eating all that turkey, thus eliminating the guilt and filing it under "runger". Want an extra helping of turkey or pie? You can grab the 10K for just $5 more. The second race, Santa's Workshop 5K, takes place on December 14th and benefits the USMC Toys for Tots. You can even save $5 by bringing a toy to donate. Don't just do it for the $5, do it for the tots. Lastly, the third and final race of the series, the BRATS Frozen 5K, takes place on January 4th and benefits the Owen Lea Foundation. The Owen Lea Foundation provides support to families living with neuroblastoma. You can help out a great foundation AND start the new years resolutions off right with a run. The first two races take place in Manassas, VA and the last in Gainesville, VA. All are located pretty easily off of 66, so not too bad of a drive even when you're coming from further in towards D.C., such as myself.

Not sold yet? Let's sweeten the pot. All three races come with a tech shirt (not just cotton t-shirt). Not bad for a 5K. That was one of the pleasant surprises I got at the Manassas Runway 5K. You want more? How about a great price? All three races are still in early bird status until the 28th. That means each race is only $20 a piece. Donate a toy and you can get all three races for just $55! That's what some single 5Ks can cost around here. GREAT value for your money. For $55 you get 3 tech shirts, three reasons forcing you to go out and run this winter AND one special bling. So hit those early bird prices. You can follow the individual links for the races or there is even this handy registration for all 3 together. It also seems that you may get early bird pricing on the bundle until 10/5, but don't hold me to that. Registration is handled through I Am Athlete.

And for the record, I received no compensation for this. I'm just sharing because I think it's great and want others to run with me. So come run with me. Please?

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Coast to Coast Challenge | Mickey Monday

Welcome back to the Mickey Monday linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. My hope is the linkup will help become a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her out. Each week we'll both have the linkup widget, so you'll be able to get to all the great bloggers. This week I'll be continuing with the runDisney theme as of late. This week I'll be talking about...

Coast to Coast Challenge

When taking part of runDisney, the bling is fantastic. It's high quality, heavy duty, awesome looking bling. One of the great things about runDisney, if you're up for something a little more difficult and out for bling, are their challenges. One such challenge has you going the distance. Right around 2,172.5 miles that is. I'm talking about the Coast to Coast Challenge.

What is the Coast to Coast Challenge?

The Coast to Coast Challenge is the result of running in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in the same year. Not only that, but it needs to be a half marathon or longer to qualify. When you complete both in the same calendar year, you earn an additional medal, with the iconic Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands in the center.

It really is a great looking medal.

What races can I run?

If we take a look back at the runDisney schedule Mickey Monday, you'll see all but two weekends qualify. The two that don't are Everest Challenge and Tower of Terror, as neither have a distance long enough. You have three race weekend opportunities in Florida and four in California.

For Walt Disney World:

Walt Disney World Half Marathon

Walt Disney World Marathon (same weekend)

Disney Princess Half Marathon

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

For Disneyland:

Star Wars Half Marathon

Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Disneyland Half Marathon

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon

What about the pink one?

Ah yes, the pink Coast to Coast. If you're looking to earn a little more exclusive variant of the Coast to Coast, you can race both of the more "female oriented" races within the same calendar year. To say it simpler, if you run both the Princess Half Marathon and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, you can still get your coast to coast bling, however you can get the special pinkalicious edition. Same design, just a dash more pink.

Ok, maybe a little more than a dash more pink.

What if I want them all?

Who doesn't want all the bling. Previously, if you wanted both, you needed to run 3 races: two to earn your first Coast to Coast and a third to go back again. Two of the three needed to be Princess and Tinker Bell, but the third would stretch it out. Unfortunately, that has been changed and now 4 races are required. So you need to run the set races for the pink medal and any other two to earn the second. That's a lot of travel.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, looking at the schedule so gracious pulled together into one place, what if I run the Walt Disney World Half Marathon followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon and then the Tinker Bell Half Marathon? What medal to I get then? The answer is your choice. If you meet a special case like that, runDisney will contact you to ask which you prefer. They're tricky like that. They tend to think of these things.

If you want to know a little more, or do some fact checking with the source, you can feel free to check their FAQ on the Coast to Coast Challenge, but hopefully you'll see I've got it pretty covered.

Onto the Linkup

That's the download on the Coast to Coast Challenge, so if the last Mickey Monday had you thinking about running, maybe this would will be making you think about running on both coast. If so, yay, but my apologies to your travel budget. I'll quickly divert your attention to that detail by offering you the link up.

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. There have been posts on runDisney, on the parks and even on the Moms Panel, so just give it some Disney and count it.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

Have fun. Be a kid. Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up

Image credits:
blue c2c - runningatdisney.com
pink c2c - runDisney.com

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Measure Twice | Book Review

This post will be a little step away from the normal run / Disney / runDisney posting. I was given the opportunity to read an advance review copy of the book Measure Twice by J.J. Hensley. J.J. is a writer and runner from Pittsburgh, PA. Here's a little bit about him:

J.J. HENSLEY is a former police officer and Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service who has drawn upon his experiences in law enforcement to write stories full of suspense and insight. Hensley, who is originally from Huntington, WV, graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Administration of Justice and has a M.S. degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. The author is currently a training supervisor with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and lives with his beautiful wife, daughter, and two dogs near Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Hensley’s first novel RESOLVE was named one of the BEST BOOKS OF 2013 by Suspense Magazine and was named a finalist for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers organization.​
​
He is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime.

The first novel RESOLVE is a mystery set during the Pittsburgh Marathon. While his latest novel doesn't incorporate as much running, being a runner, he still threw in tidbits and pieces runners will understand and appreciate.

I took to reading Measure Twice over Labor Day weekend while at my in-laws. I read it in short chunks around time with my 2 year old and one month old. The best compliment I can give is that I could hardly put it down and most certainly couldn't wait to pick it back up again. J.J.'s writing style is artful. He creates a compelling story that draws you into that world. This story is again set in Pittsburgh, which for me makes it easy to picture and visualize as I know the places. J.J. crafts the story cleverly, telling between two views in parallel. I found myself anxious for the switch to see what was happening at the same time elsewhere. Without going into details the story was suspenseful and thrilling. He creates an evil, driven with purpose and devious to the end. J.J. balances this with a flawed good, looking to break through to redemption. If you want a little more to the plot line, read the Amazon description. Being my first book review, I'm looking to keep from giving too much away.

The book was a fantastic read leaving me wanting more. You can be sure I will be going back to read his first novel. If Measure Twice sounds like your style of book, I have good news for you. the book has a publication date of 9/20, so you won't have to wait long. Preorder it now through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, which ever is your book dealer of choice. Digital or paperback, just get the book.

Want more incentive? Ok. A portion of the sales for the novel are going toward breast cancer research through a non-profit called Par for The Cure. There. Even more reason.

Disclaimer: I was provided an advance review copy of the book to read and review on my blog. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions expressed are honest and my own. But seriously, the book rocked.

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The runDisney Schedule | Mickey Monday

Welcome back to the Mickey Monday linkup. The linkup centers around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. The hope is the linkup will help become a great place to turn to for Disney content each week and help all the bloggers participating out by helping readers find that great mouse-eared content. I'm co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie, so of course check her out. Each week we'll both have the linkup widget, so you'll be able to get to all the great bloggers. I previously wrote a post as a primer to runDisney. This week I'll be talking about...

The runDisney Schedule

I thought a good post for Mickey Monday would be to lay out the runDisney schedule. They have many events throughout the year, so it's important to plan a choose which you'd like to run, unless you can afford to run them all, then by all means, do. This isn't meant to be an in depth look at any of the particular races (that can be several other Mickey Monday posts).

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Month: January

Next Date: January 7 - January 11, 2015

Number of Races: 4

Coast: Right (WDW Florida)

This is the largest of all the race weekends. WDW can handle more runners than Disneyland, purely logistically because they can do it all on property, and of all the Florida races, this is the crown jewel. First off, it includes the only marathon on the runDisney schedule. The beauty of the full marathon is that you get to run through all 4 parks (last year also included the raceway and ESPN Wide World of Sports). With the full, the weekend also offers a half marathon, a 10K, which held it's inaugural (or inaugurual if you read the bibs) even in 2014, and a family fun run 5K. The nice part with the distances is they are character themed from the main favorites. The 5K is Plute, the 10K Minnie Mouse, the half marathon is Donald while the full marathon is the mouse himself, Mickey Mouse. As with all the weekends, I'll say it hear and not type it 20 times, there are kid races offered for the little ones of any size. I'm not meaning to gloss over like they're not important. They are. I think that it's fantastic any little kid can run and get a medal. I just don't want to type it of every race weekend I put on this.

The weekend also offers 2 challenges. First is the Goofy Challenge, which will be celebrating 10 years this up coming event. The Goofy Challenge is for anyone Goofy enough to attempt the half and full marathons back to back. Take on the 39.3 miles of this race and leave with some special Goofy bling. Personally, this medal is HIGH on my list, simply because I am a HUGE Goofy fan. For this reason, I really hope they don't trim it out in favor of the next challenge in the long term. After the addition of the 10K, the minds at runDisney felt the need for another well placed challenge. If you're Goofy for doing the half and full, what would you be if you attempted all 4 races? Dopey, of course. Enter the 48.6 miles of the Dopey Challenge. One of the completers in it's first year: Dopey Dave (who will be going back for more).

There is actually (surprisingly) still room in the Goofy Challenge, so if you think you may want to challenge yourself, take the plunge and go register now!

Get Goofy! Get Running!

Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend

Month: January

Next Date: January 15 - January 18, 2015

Number of Races: 3

Coast: Left (Disneyland CA)

This is one of the brand new geeky runDisney races (and I say geeky as a good thing). When Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend was moved to May, it opened up a weekend in January for a new Disneyland race. Jumping into this spot from hyperspace is Star Wars Half Marathon weekend. The weekend will offer 3 distances: the half marathon, 10K and 5K. In addition, they are offering the Rebel Challenge for completing the 10K and half marathon. There is nothing extra for including the 5K, other than pride, and isn't that enough?

I have to say I love this theme. I've always loved Star Wars and am a huge geek myself, so I was glad to see when this rumor finally came true. That said, I'm one of the people that would have preferred seeing this in Florida, just to balance out Star Wars on one cost and Avengers on the other. I think that would have lent itself to some sort of special geek coast-to-coast challenge medal that I would have loved to seen (and earned).

This race sold out FAST. So if you were reading this and thought, "Man, that sounds awesome. Sign me up." you're unfortunately out of luck. You can try and find a charity opening, but otherwise, be ready to register for 2016 as soon as it opens next time.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Month: February

Next Date: February 19 - February 22, 2015

Number of Races: 3

Coast: Right 

This weekend is one of the two female oriented weekends. It's a "royal celebration" and all about joining the Disney Princesses (and being one too) and making dreams come true. This race weekend includes the Disney Princess Half Marathon, the Disney Enchanted 10K and the Disney Princess 5K. Also included is the Glass Slipper Challenge which includes completing the 10K followed by the half marathon the next day. While these races are female themed and oriented, men are of course welcome to still run. I know I plan on running it, though I plan on running them all, so nothing will really stop me. 

This weekend is also sold out, so good luck there. Hold onto your tiara until 2016 (or wear it anytime. Anytime is acceptable if you're confident enough).

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

Month: May

Next Date: May 7 - May 10, 2015

Number of Races: 3

Coast: Left 

The second half of the female oriented weekends in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend. This race used to take place in January after Marathon weekend, but got the bump to May. It aligns with Mother's Day now, so why not take Mom for a 13.1 mile run to show your love for her. This weekend is also very female centric: all about dawning your wings as a fairy. This race weekend includes the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, Tinker Bell 10K and the Neverland 5K. New for 2015 is the Pixie Dust Challenge. I bet you'll never guess what it is for running. Wrong, it's for the half marathon and 10K! In addition, if you run the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and the Princess Half Marathon in the same calendar year you get  a special pink coast-to-coast medal.

Registration for this recently opened, which you would know if you had seen my post on it. One of the surprising things about that is it has NOT sold out yet. You can actually still get in on the half marathon. The Pixie Dust Challenge even held out for a surprisingly long time. So why not jump on in. Go by the runDisney page and register!

Fairy bling takes a pinch of pixie dust.

Expedition Everest Challenge

Month: May

Next Date: May ??, 2015

Number of Races: 1

Coast: Right

This is easily the most unique of all the runDisney races. Expedition Everest Challenge is a "5K nighttime adventure run with obstacles, scavenger hunt". They only offer 1 race, the 5K, but they offer a nighttime version and then a daytime "Family Edition". This race is unique in that you start with a 5K run with obstacles. After completing the run, you're in Animal Kingdom at night with some clues to solve in order to complete the scavenger hunt portion of the course. This race offers a very unique experience you won't really get anywhere else. The medals for this race are also usually very unique and very cool, lately including a medal that opens to reveal a working compass inside. Registration hasn't opened for the 2015 race yet, so you'll still have time to make the 2015 race. 

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

Month: August

Next Date: August 28 - August 31, 2014

Number of Races: 3

Coast: Left 

This is the latest race on the runDisney schedule. Maybe you're even here because you've been reading great write ups on the races that just took place. Maybe you followed the tweets and got a contact runner's high. You could look at this like the bookend to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. There are 3 distances offered, what is the Disney standard half, 10K and 5K. This weekend also includes a popular challenge: the Dumbo Double Dare for completing the half and 10K. Run those 19.3 miles and earn an extra piece of hardware and some bragging rights.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 10-Miler Weekend

Month: October

Next Date: October 3 - 4, 2014

Number of Races: 2

Coast: Right

Well, that was a mouthful. Seriously, what a name. This is one of two runDisney night races, giving it a more unique experience. You have two races: the Happy Haunted Trail Run 5K in the morning followed by the long-named ToT 10-Miler in the evening. Obviously, October isn't exactly cool temperatures in October, which is why the race is at night, but from what I've heard, it is still usually quite humid. This race weekend is usually more Halloween heavy as you'd imagine, so you'll see other characters at the races, such as the ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. There's no challenge associated with this weekend, but you can run them both and have a split half marathon (which is my plan for 2015). Plus, after the race you get an included after hours after party in Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash. Enjoy the rides, DJs and villains until 3:30 am. If you have kids, might I suggest grandparents to babysit that night and the next morning.

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Month: November:

Next Date: November 7 - 8, 2014

Number of Races: 2

Coast: Right

This is one of the weekends highest on my desire list. The weekend includes the second of the runDisney night races. It includes two races, the first being Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K. A Christmas themed Disney race?! Reason number 1 for this weekend. The second race is the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, another evening race through the parks. The course traditionally includes 3 parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, when other halves only include 2 parks (Reason number 2 for this weekend). As with ToT, there is no official challenge, but you can run both the 5K and half and have your own personal challenge if you'd like. Finally, this race also includes and after party, the finish line party that includes the After-hours Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival. Yes, until 4 am you can enjoy the rides, characters, music and most importantly over 25 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival kiosk. That is BIG reason number 3 for this weekend.

Who doesn't love some anniversary bling?

Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend

Month: November

Next Date: November 14 - November 16, 2014

Number of Races: 2

Coast: Left

This is the second of the brand new geeky runDisney races . This races was added to help grow the number of Disneyland races, as the east coast was out numbering the west coast heavily. The weekend will offer just 2 distances: the half marathon and 5K. There is no challenge to go with these races. The 5K will be run on Saturday with the half marathon on Sunday. Super heroes are hot, so the theming will be great. I can't wait to see what they do with this over time. With all the expansions to the Marvel Universe in film, I am sure you will see more than just the main Avengers characters showing up over time. It should be really super.

This race sold out FAST as well. So if you were reading this and thought, "Man, that sounds awesome. Sign me up." you're out of luck just like Star Wars Weekend. You can try and find a charity opening, but otherwise, be ready to register for 2015 as soon as it opens next time.

Hulk like puny running shorts

Onto the Linkup

So that's the overview for the runDisney schedule as it officially stands. With the way runDisney sells, you do unfortunately need to plan a little further ahead when you want to run a race. Hopefully, this can give you that starting point to plan ahead. For now, we'll jump on into the linkup.

Here are the guidelines:

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. This week was runDisney, last week was Moms Panel, who knows what the next will bring.

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content. Without that link back, they can't find the linkup and therefore the other blogs. Help me help you.

Have fun. Be a kid. Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up


Image credits: runDisney.com

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Five Blogs to Follow | Friday Five

Whoops! Almost forgot about the Friday Five linkup this week. So I'm putting this up a little later than usual. But hey, it is Friday, so there are your five. This week we're stepping outside ourselves. This week's topic is

Five Blogs to Follow

1. Running with SD Mom

I thought with this week's topic, I'd have to reach outside of blogs who take part in the Friday Five, because, we're talking about blogs you should read, and you should already be reading those. I'll start with Smitha. I love her blog. She has a great variety of posts, is an ambassador of a bunch of brands and puts together a list of giveaways every Wednesday. Who doesn't love winning stuff? 

2. The Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World

Great book (which I've read and will eventually write about) but also a great blog. They have lots of runDisney related posts, so if you plan to do runDisney, be sure to give them a read. Even if you don't, still give them a read. That's the whole point of this week's topic, people!

3. Adventures by Katie

Next we're going to take the monorail over to Adventures by Katie. Not only is she lovely for helping co-host Mickey Monday (get your Disney post ready for Monday), but she has a lot of great posts. She runs, she has a lot of great Disney posts and shares some great food and recipes. Stop by and check out her adventures.

4. Pittsburgh Runner

Next I have to share Kristy's Pittsburgh based running blog. Being a PA boy and that my wife went to school at Pitt, I love the city, so the Pittsburgh portion appeals to me. Beyond that, she writes about a lot of races, hosts a list of Pittsburgh Running Blogs, is doing the run in 50 states thing and one of my favorites things, has samples of Energy Bits available for sale. They're a great product, but only come in fairly large sizes, so this is a great way to give them a try and see if they work for. That's what I did and found that I love them.

5. T-Rex Runner

The last blog on my five pack of reading is going to the T-Rex Runner. She has a very humorous writing style laced with perfectly placed gifs. She seems very honest in her writing, sharing her thoughts and struggles, but still keeps it light and funny. I really enjoy her style more than anything, but it delivers good content as well. Don't want that to come out wrong.

Speaking of Following

Well, since we're talking blogs you should follow, are you following me? If not, here's your opportunity. You can see the plethora of links in the top right corner or check out the main ones here.

See what I have to say in short bursts (say, about 140 characters).

Check you my slowly growing face in a world of book.

Lovin' on the blog?

March to your own drum? You RSS Rebel

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Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!

Our hosts:

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Eat Pray Run, DC

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up, which in turn, are blogs you should follow

Fairytales and Fitness

Pam and Christine @ We Run Disney

M @ ReadEatWriteRun

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Liebster Award

Way back in June, I was nominated by Sharon over at Run-Hike-Play for a Liebster Award. I'm not normally for anything chain letter-ish. Even the ice bucket challenge to me is a little too much chain letter. I like it's purpose of giving money to charity, but I hate "forced" participation. But since this is really geared at getting to know other bloggers, I thought this could be fun to do, so I'm choosing to accept. My about me page could really use an updating, so I'll considering this a halfway step to eventually getting there. I'll just consider it a tree structured blog hop to avoid my dislike of chain letter anythings.

The Rules

1. Link the person who tagged you. (check)
2. Answer the 11 questions that the person has asked you. (see below)
3. Look for 11 bloggers and nominate them. (ooo, we'll try but 11 is a lot)
4. Come up with your own 11 questions for your nominees. (see farther below)

Sharon's Questions

1. What is your current fitness/health goal?

Since I don't have any race on the horizon, any sort of distance goal is out. I eventually want to run a full marathon (though when, I don't know). I also want to improve my half marathon time to under 3 hours, but I don't have a next one scheduled. I'll have to select my weight loss goal. My current first goal is to get under 240 lbs. That's really just my starter goal. My larger goal is 220, but I want to have some more intermediate to start. After that, I want to see how realistic 200 lbs will be. Depending on what shape my body is at 220, that may or may not be realistic or even important. Health is more than just pounds, but my health needs to lose a chunk of pounds before the "more than" become important. I'm using WeightWatchers to help me achieve my goal. And when I say "using WeightWatchers" I mean I'm paying them money and trying to remember to track points. Ok, it's not that bad... except on weekends.

Man, that was a wordy start to my 11 questions.

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

This is a tricky one for me. I'm a travel person. I love to go new places. There are so many places around the world I want to see and that someday I will see, but I'm a travel person on a budget. If I had to pick just one, I think I would pick Japan.

I'd do this for several reasons. First, I enjoy various Japanese foods and would love to try the cuisine "from the source". I'm a foodie, so you have to know that will make the list. Second, is the technology. I'd love to go there and just buy the stuff I could never buy [easily] here. All the cool and / or obscure gadgets. Crazy phones. Whatever. I'm a geek and I love my gadgets. Last, but certainly not least, Tokyo Disney. Of course Disney makes the list. I hope to visit them all someday. This would include two parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Sure you have shared rides other parks have but you also have the unique ones and spins on classics. Some rides that look cool to me: Monsters Inc: Ride and Go Seek, The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents "Aloha E Komo Mai!", Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (because I miss it).

3. What is the longest distance you’ve ever run? The longest you hope to run?

The longest distance I've run is 14 miles. That was a training run I did a Myrtle Beach last summer while training for my first half marathon, the WDW Half Marathon. My longest race has been a half marathon. I plan to run a full marathon at least once, so 26.2 miles. I do plan to do Dopey at least once too, which is be 48.6, but that's not a single run, so I don't think that quite counts.

4. Which race was your favorite and why?

I've enjoyed most of the races I've run so it's hard to pick a favorite. That being said, I'll have to go with my first big race, the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. It was not my best performance but it was still a special and fun race. I'm a Disney geek so I love Disney magic. runDisney delivers on the Disney magic. I will go back and have a better performance at this particular race but running the parks is something hard to match.

5. What is your favorite running gear item and why?

I'm going to cheat a little on this question call my favorite running gear item my Armpocket. I say "cheat" because it's my favorite because it holds my phone, so it's more of a two-for-one deal. It really is great though. Not only does it hold my phone well and stays snug on my arm, but it also has several pockets inside. I can fit my ID, a credit card, some cash, house or car key and a GU Gel without it getting uncomfortable. I can even clip my GymBoss on the outside no problem.

6. What inspired you to start blogging?

I started writing as a way to try and keep me honest when I started working to lose weight. Shortly after, I signed up for my first half marathon and the focus shifted to running. Couple that with my love for Disney (my first half would of course be runDisney) and run. geek. run(disney) was born.

7. What do you love most about blogging?

I enjoy getting to share. I find it fun to write and share about things I know or things I learn about. I love sharing knowledge of Disney. I'm kind of a big kid when it comes to Disney. I also love when a post lets me share my humorous side. It doesn't work for every post I write, but when the right one comes along, the end result makes me happy.

8. What do you like least about blogging?

Honestly, the biggest thing I dislike is not posting. I know that sounds like a cop-out but when I don't have enough time to get as many posts out that I'd like, it bums me out. There just aren't enough hours in the day for me to always get in some writing and still sleep (which is a precious commodity with a almost 2 month old).

9. What's your favorite food?

I love food. That makes this a very hard question to pick just one. I'll instead select what is my favorite weakness food, being the one that is bad for me but is my weakness when it comes to not eating it. That is ice cream. It's the one thing that can be so easy to binge on.

Oh, I'll just get that pint, make myself eat the recommended serving as a special treat and it will last a while... That's strange, my spoon is already hitting bottom.

10. Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what's your favorite song right now?

I haven't used music in a while to run, since I had issues with my music and tracking at the same time. I do love music when running. Coincidental timing, on #bibchat this was just discussed, so of your favorite songs.

A5: Gonna Make You Sweat, Are You Gonna Be My Girl AMD Zero to Hero #bibchat
— John (@rgrdisney) September 10, 2014

A5: And if we're talking surprising song / #guiltypleasure S&M #bibchat There... I said it... I confessed...
— John (@rgrdisney) September 10, 2014

11. If you could choose any race, which race would you do and why?

If I'm going to pick one race, it'd have to be the original: The Athens Marathon. I think the why is self-evident, much like these truths. And hey, racecation in Europe.

My Nominees

Well, this part isn't very easy. I've picked some people and put a little time in trying to see if you've at least written a Liebster post, so if you have, my apologies. If you haven't but don't like it, pretend this didn't happen. You see nothing. You know not'ing.

1. The Adventures of Us
2. Pittsburgh Runner
3. Adventures by Katie
4. Mar on the Run
5. Run Jenny Run
6. Running 'N' Reading
7. ReadEatWriteRun

I'll stop at a lucky 7. It's late, I'm tired, it rhymes with 11.

My Questions

1. Why do you run? (you can replace run with another fitness-related-ish activity if you'd like)
2. What's your favorite dish? (cook if you do, eat if you don't, both if you're feeling hungry right now)
3. Where's your favorite place to go on a vacation? Why?
4. If you could recommend one blog to follow, what would it be? (no, you don't have to say rungeekrundisney.com)
5. I love the song, so what would you do if you had a million dollars? (haven't you always wanted a mon-KEY)
6. Why do you blog?
7. What's your current favorite guilty pleasure song?
8. If you had 2 extra hours a spare time a day (that would have no effect on your level of tiredness, so no sleep answer) what would you do?
9. Inspire us... What is your favorite quote?
10. If you could check off any one bucket list item tomorrow (or a more convenient day), what would it be?
11. Who is the toughest Harrison Ford character? (there is a right answer to this)

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Disney Parks Moms Panel | Mickey Monday

Welcome to the first Mickey Monday linkup. The linkup came from a desire to make sure I was posting more about Disney on my blog. Then I had I thought, if I want more Disney for my readers, why not link that up with other Disney posts and increase the pixie dust dose? With this in mind, the Mickey Monday post became the Mickey Monday linkup. I'll be co-hosting with Katie from Adventures by Katie. Frankly, she already has a lot of great Disney content, so she was an easy choice. You're along for the inaugural linkup, so thank you very much. First I'll share with you my post, then the guidelines and finally the links. This week I'll be talking about...

Disney Parks Moms Panel

So, what in the world is that, you may be asking yourself. Well, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is a forum where you can ask any Disney destination question you have and get responses from Disney experts, in the forms of real Moms (and Dads). The panelists are selected for their excellent Disney knowledge, with a specialized area, such as Walt Disney World or the Disney Vacation Club. You can know these people, every day people, really know their stuff because Disney selected them themselves through an application process that takes place every year.

The great thing about the site is their is already a wealth of information of questions that have been asked as well as answers that have been given. It can be anything from the name of a restaurant, questions about how FastPass+ works or advice on the best way to accomplish a vacation goal you have. They're not just a technical resource but can give their valuable opinions. You know that guy at your office you always trust about the new technology? You know the one I mean. The one who you can ask about any new phone or TV and he'll always somehow know about it and be able to give you an informed opinion? Well consider them that guy, but for anything Disney.

One of the cool things about the panel is the open applications. There are always several rounds. The first involves text answers and the later rounds can vary year to year, but have included a video portion, trivia and of course more question and answer. Anyone can apply and become a panelist hopeful. And I mean anyone. Even this guy applied this year. Round one just closed this past Friday, so the waiting game begins for all those with faith, trust and pixie dust dreams.

My #DisneySide submission for my Round 1 application.

So go ahead, head over to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and give it a search for any question you have. Don't see it? Ask it. Not only will you help yourself, but you'll be helping others that come after you.

And now, the Linkup

Ok, so these will get a little more formalized as we get rolling, but here are the starting guidelines. 

The post just needs to be about anything Disney related. As you can see from this post, I went with something a little off to the side. Many of my posts will likely be runDisney, but there is no requirement there. 

New posts are fantastic, but for now, if you have a great old post you want to share, drop it on in.

Try to visit as many of the posts that you can as time allows. The point of this is to share and support each other.

If you're going to be a regular, please link back to the host posts. It's just good etiquette and frankly, that's how others will get to your fellow Disney lovers content.

Have fun. Be a kid. Enjoy.

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Five Race Day Rituals | Friday Five

Let's go racing! Ok, maybe not right this second, but let's pretend we're going racing. Let's walk through that day. What does that morning look like for you? Are you a simple piece of toast, run like a maniac, have your free bottle of water and banana and you're done? Or do you have a routine the resembles a MLB player stepping up to bat? The Friday Five linkup looks to examine that phenomenon this week. This week's topic is

Five Race Day Rituals (of my brain)

Not to be confused with Brian

1. Why am I awake at this senseless hour?

That would be the first thought I have after the alarm goes off at half past too damn early. Heaven help you if you need to drive any substantial distance to get to your race as well. When doing the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run, I had to drive to the metro then ride it into D.C. I was so early driving that even the lights at the Dunkin Donuts were off. It wasn't even "time to make the donuts".

2. I know I need to go, but I don't need to go.

Ah, the ever endless battle leading up to race time.  With early morning, beat the rooster, forget the bugle, wake up call, of course your body is out of sorts. You know you need to get the morning bathroom break out of the way and yet of course you don't feel ready too. Don't feel uncomfortable talking about it, everybody poops. I mean, who doesn't want to have to go a mile and a half into a 13 mile run?

3. Crap, what did I forget?

No matter how many times you checked your bag the night before... No matter how many times you checked again before you left the house or hotel... No matter how many times you checked yourself before your wrecked yourself... you always feel like there has to be something you're overlooking, but you can never figure out what, that is, until it's too late. Hope those safety pins weren't important.

4. Why did I pay to run this far?

This one is exclusive to the longer distances. At some point, looking at the daunting task ahead, I can't help but think "What am I doing? Why would I volunteer to run that many miles on a Saturday, for fun? Not just volunteer, I PAID them to do it! Why?" Generally, that is luckily just a fleeting thought before hand. On hard runs, it may come back for another visit or two.

5. Man, that sucked... when does registration open?

No matter how hard the race itself is, runner's memory always kicks in. You may be exhausted, tired, sore, busted, broken and falling apart, but you'll be ready to sign up again.

Another Link Up Opportunity

Do you love Disney? Do you blog? Do you want to blog about Disney? Why not come join my new link up starting this Monday: Mickey Monday. The requirements are simple, just write about Disney. It can be runDisney, the parks, the food, the characters, the channel or the mouse himself. All that matters is a Disney post and a desire to link up with others who love Disney. I'll be starting the first official link up this Monday right here and co-hosting with Adventures by Katie, so please come on by to add a link or read what others have to share.

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Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. Check their posts (Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up for What?! and Mar on the Run to see the full set of links). I will add some others, usually randomly, as I read them to share the love. Go visit and keep reading!

Our hosts:

Eat Pray Run, DC

You Signed Up for What?!

Mar on the Run

Some other good reads, pulled from the link up

Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner

Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes

Tara @ Running 'N' Reading


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