Feb 27, 2015

Five Reasons to Use BibRave | Friday Five

This week's Friday Five linkup is a free Friday. That means the topic can be anything we want to do. I decided to share a site that I love and is great for any runner. This week's topic is


Five Reasons to Use BibRave

1. Know BEFORE You Go (and register)

About to run a race but haven't been to the expo or run the course before? About click 'register' on a new race and plunk down a chunk of your race budget? Thinking of setting up a racecation but need to know if the race it worth it? Enter BibRave. BibRave is like the Yelp of racing. You can find and review races all across the country and globe. See what real runners just like you had to say about all aspects of the race. How was the parking? Is there an expo? How hard is the course? And one of the most important ones, would you recommend it? All this can be found on the site, so look up that race today.

2. Find Great Races

We all love racing, but if you're like me, you love finding new races. How do you find them? Sure, its great when you read about one on another blog, or see a linkup with Five Races to Run in 2015. Then there's the companies that run a series of races to try, like PR Races put on by Potomac River Running. But in the end, you need a way to find other races. Guess what? You can use BibRave for that as well. You can search by a location, month, length and even terrain. Maybe you want to give a train run near Poughkeepsie?

3. Share Experiences (good and bad)

The other great thing about BibRave I love is share my experience. I love reading other reviews, but love to share my thoughts. Ever race I run, when I write up my race recap I also write up a BibRave review and link to it from my recap. I love reading what others had to say and find it valuable, so why not do the same for others? In doing so, you only make the site better. I've even added 6 races previously not reviewed. Many were very small local races, but good races that I want other in northern Virginia to know about. But it's not only about the good, but also the bad. I don't go on to bash a poor race, but I write about what could be improved or what I didn't like about it. Maybe it just wasn't my type of race but someone else will still enjoy it. Or maybe it's valuable feedback that can help improve the race. I've read reviews by some where it talked about the improvements from the previous year. Just like the guideline I think you should use for anywhere on the internet: don't bash, be constructive but don't hide the truth either, be honest.

4. Community (#bibchat)

The community around BibRave is great too. The site itself allows you to have profiles and upvote races, but there isn't a lot of interaction beyond that on the site. I like following certain people, so I can see anytime they post a review; another great way to discover races. But the community of BibRave is through #bibchat on Twitter. Every Tuesday, at 8 pm CT, the folks at BibRave host a Twitter chat. Each week it will cover a different topic related to racing and fitness. Every week there is also a giveaway: sometimes through sponsors like last week's MESTRENGTH or even just some orange BibRave swag. The people participating are fun, friendly and it is always enjoyable. The hashtag is one used throughout the week as well, for all things racing and running related.

5. BibRavePros

Last, but certainly not least, are the BibRavePros. They are the ambassadors for BibRave. Yours truly happens to be one of them. The reason why I applied to be one at the end of last year was because of reasons 1 - 4. I truly love the site and enjoy the chats each. I was adding reviews to my recaps long before I was a BibRavePro. I'm an ambassador because I love the site, which I think is the only reason to be an ambassador. BibRavePros get opportunities to work with races and get you discounts which we share and products to review and share with you as well. We are also out there running races and putting them on BibRave for you to read about. I mentioned "global" when I talked about where you can find races. We have 3 international BibRavePros, so I'm not just saying global to sound good.

Haven't seen the site before? Go check out BibRave, read a few reviews, see what you think. While you're there, create a profile, maybe follow me, and write your first review. The running community is an awesome place and this site is a great part of it.

Linking Up


Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: CourtneyCynthia 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 - What Running Has Taught Me

Eat, Pray, Run DC - Five Things I Will Miss About WInter

You Signed Up for What?! - Workout... Interrupted


Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

Running on Lentils - Five Reasons to Run the Pittsburgh Marathon

4 Well Rules - Top Five Pictures from Princess Half Weekend

Run Away With Me - Five Weird Things About Living in Alaska





Feb 23, 2015

Run Disneyland Paris | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as 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 blog out.

This week's post came pretty easy. Why? Well, there was some pretty big new coming from runDisney weekend, so I had to share it on the blog. Since it's also Sunday night as I write this, it'll fall just in time for Magical Mickey linkup. This week I'll be talking about...


Run Disneyland Paris

This is an announcement that has been a long time coming. The rumors were abound for a while: a runDisney event would be happening in Paris. Then, there was the rumored timeframe, September 2015. Then, there were buttons and promotional pictures being taken in Disneyland Paris. And then, everything went silent. No more rumors, no announcements, nothing.

I had actually heard earlier this year, when I did some wishful thinking, that runDisneyland Paris was on hold until next year due to some sort of technical difficulties. It wasn't much to report on, and it was expected that the announcement would then hold off for a while. That's why the wishful thinking occurred. But it was coming.

Well, that all changed this weekend. A Disneyland Paris race is now officially happening. In a very un-Disney like fashion, this was announced with very little fanfare. Actually, it's hard to find anything much on it. However, you can go sign up here for more information. The inaugural half marathon weekend will be September 23 - 25, 2016. Frankly, I know I can't afford to travel there, but I signed up for the emails anyway.

Image courtesy of http://run.disneylandparis.com/

Get your passports ready.

Do you have interest in running Disneyland Paris?


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.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code


Feb 20, 2015

Five Races to Run in 2015 | Friday Five

Man, it's been a chilly week in NoVA. The warmest day was the day after it snowed and was briefly into the 20's. Today is a record cold sort of day it's looking. I cannot wait until spring and racing season gets into full swing. Speaking of racing season, the topic for this week's Friday Five linkup is quite appropriate. This week's topic is


Five Races to Run in 2015

1. Rock 'n' Roll DC (Washington D.C.)

March 14, 2015
Reason to run: ME!

That's right, this race will be my kick off to the spring season. I'll be running the half marathon on March 14th with my sister, who will be tackling her first half marathon! They also offer a full marathon and a 5K distance. I'm really looking forward to this race. I've heard the course is pretty good: mostly flat with only one (albeit long) hill. It will also be my first RnR event, so looking forward to the music on the course. I also was given the race tent package as a birthday present from my sister, so will be enjoying my race like a rock star. So come on and join us. You can even get a discount from many of my online friends who are Rock 'n' Bloggers, such as Smitha that has her code in this week's Friday Five.

2. Pittsburgh Marathon (Pittsburgh, PA)

May 3, 2014
Reason to run: Run all the bridges!

Race number 2 is not a race I'm running this year, but one I plan to soon. It looks like such a fun and challenging course. They offer a full, half and relay team, 5K and kids options. The city is know for the rivers and it's bridges, and the course takes you across 5 of the bridges, giving you incredible views of the city. My wife went to school in Pittsburgh, we both have friends there, and both love the city. There are some really cool differences in the different neighborhoods of the city, which you see 13 of on the course. It's high on my "to run" list.
May 24, 2015
Reason to run: Also ME!

Yes, race number 3 is also and opportunity to run with me. But wait, there's more. You'll also get the opportunity to swim and bike with my as well! This will be my first triathlon ever (yet another reason) and I'll be running with Katie from Adventures by Katie (what, even more reasons?). Not enough yet? How about it's a great value too? Current registration fees? Just $50. They also offer relay and youth tri options. It's from one of my favorite local race organizers, Bristow Swim and Tri, so I'm really excited to see what their triathlon will be like.

4. Runner's World Half Marathon (Bethlehem, PA)

October 18, 2015
Reason to run: It's Runner's World! Also, Bart Yasso

You probably already know, but Runner's World has their own Half Marathon and Festival. Didn't know? Well now you do. They offer a weekend of activities, including kids races, 5K, 10K, the half marathon and even a 1 mile dog run. You can even do a Hat Trick (5K, 10K, Half) or a Five and Dime (5K, 10K). It looks like a great weekend of activities. I first saw about this last year in a recap, with awesome pictures running by the steel stacks. Being PA born and raised, I really want to run this race. It's Runner's World own event, so I'm sure they'll put a lot of attention into it and be a great event for runners. Since runDisney dropped Tower of Terror 10 Miler this year, I may look to run this race this fall instead.

5. Roller Coaster Races (All over)

Dates based on location
Reason to run: Roller coasters, duh. And, don't even need to run.

This one I had two particular race series in mind: the Roller Coaster Race (with for me the Kennywood option) and the Run and Ride Race (with for me the Dorney Park option). Both offer the same general idea: run a race of various length at an amusement park then go ride some roller coasters (with discounted or free admission). Both are pretty cool, with the Dorney Park actually offering a half marathon length option. Neither however offer what I would want: a race course that requires a ride (or several) as part of the course. However, the Roller Coaster Race does provide an amazing option: the Roller Coaster Ride. This is where you earn a medal for riding 5K worth of roller coasters! How awesome is that?! That is bling I will earn some day (though I couldn't make the weekend for the Kennywood race this year).



Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: CourtneyCynthia 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:

Run Away With Me

Fairy Tales and Fitness

Running with SD Mom






Feb 19, 2015

Jeff Galloway Training and Motivation Tips #2

Last week, I was able to share with you the first set of tips from Jeff Galloway, as part of the Jeff Galloway Blogger Program. I'm very excited to be a part of this program, to share (and learn) some motivation and training tips from a runner I hold in high regard. I'm happy to say that I already have some more tips to share with you.


Training and Motivation Tips

By Olympian Jeff Galloway

The training journey for a marathon or half marathon raises your body's physical performance capability and your sense of what you can do in life.

Running helps to bring body, mind and spirit together in a unique and wonderful way

In researching my book MENTAL TRAINING I discovered that running turns on brain circuits for a better attitude more vitality and empowerment better than other activities studied.

In researching my book RUNNING UNTIL YOU'RE 100 I found numerous studies showing that runners have healthier orthopedic units than non runners even after decades of running.



Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million runners to their goals through his clinics, wonderful retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching.  Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com.

Last Chance

2014 Virtual 13.1 Half Marathon and 5K (Inaugural)

Last chance to become a "Legacy" participant!

Closes March 1, 2015.

Register at JeffGalloway131.com

Do you use Run Walk Run?

Feb 16, 2015

My First Half Marathon | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as 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 blog out.

In this week's post, I wanted to share with you my first runDisney weekend. This past week, BibRave had a BRF set of images going around. My race was a great experience that I can't wait to take part in again. It also is a great example of a great running friend. This week I'll be talking about...


My First Half Marathon

My first half marathon was the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in 2014. That weekend I also ran the Disney Family Fun Run 5K, so that was my first runDisney experience, but the half marathon was my first big runDisney experience. You can read my full recap from back in January. It was a race I was both prepared for and unprepared for. When training to go from running "not at all" to running for 13.1 miles, I had more than the necessary time to complete the Jeff Galloway Training Plan. In fact, I had long enough to go through the plan twice, which became my exact plan. The first time through the plan, I followed it very closely, right down to a 14 mile run, still my longest to date, while on vacation at Myrtle Beach. The second time through didn't go quite the same. Missed training runs, winter in VA, other excuses, you know the drill.

When it came to race day, I was excited and ready to go. Unfortunately, things didn't go quite as strong the whole way. Around mile 7 or 8, I hit my wall in the race. I was just dragging at that point. That's where I had two things help carry my there. First, my running friend stepped in. A coworker of mine decided to join in with me when I chose to run the half marathon. Derek helped pull me through the rest of that race. He helped pull me through mentally and physically. I took some extra walk breaks and he urged me back into my run intervals. The other thing that helped pull me through was the fact that the race was in Disney. We ran past characters, resort hotels, and back to EPOCT. Frankly, running any where else would have been just trees or buildings, but in Disney, it's little bits of magic to me. The final downhill push into EPCOT was that light at the end of the tunnel. As we ran past the gospel choir, Derek let me run ahead to get my own separate picture crossing the finish of my first half marathon. That's a BRF.

This picture has appeared a couple times on the blog, but I really enjoy our castle selfie.

What's your favorite place to run? Have you ever had someone help pull you through a race?


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.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code


Feb 13, 2015

Five Things You Love to Hate | Friday Five

Oh happy Friday everyone. Friday is finally here, but not soon enough. The topic for this week's Friday Five linkup "All About Love". At first, I was not happy with the topic. I couldn't decide what to write about, but then it came to me. I could have gone straight to the feels and wrote about loving my wife, or my sweet two little munchkins, but I did not. I could have written about reasons to love Disney or runDisney or running like Phoebe, but I did not. I could have written about expressing your heart filled love through doilies, but I did not. Instead, this week's topic is


Five Things You Love to Hate

1. THAT Guy

Everyone has that guy (or girl). Maybe it's that guy that shows off at the gym, lifting the entire stack of weights or running 40 miles per hour. Maybe it's the coworker that coughs for two weeks at work without going to see a doctor. Or perhaps it's an obnoxious neighbor. Or maybe you're Gru and you hate that guy. You know who also hates them? Frank. I don't know Frank, but there's a Frank, and you can bond over that and love together. Or maybe you have a sarcastic friend (or if you're like me, they're all sarcastic) and you joke about loving to hate each other (mine's named Zima).

2. THAT Song

I love music. I love all sorts of genres and all sorts of artists. But there's always that song that you just can't stand. It may be one everyone loves, but you just can't take it. Or it gets played again... and again... and again... and again... and you just want to rip the radio out of the car and throw it onto the road and let the traffic of the interstate stop the sadness. Or maybe it's by Justin Bieber. Whatever the circumstances, we all love to hate that song.

3. THAT workout

You hate it, you curse it, you swear you'll never do it again but them you finish, feel great for beating it and do it again. Maybe its speed work. Maybe it's that part of a run that's a uphill, both ways, with a head wind on a 89 degree angle. Maybe it's burpees, planks, or moving that giant tire across the damn gym for no reason even though it looked happy on that wall and you were made anyway to disturb its slumber just to make it cross the room like some sort of chicken joke. But we're glutton for pain, glutton for the punishment and glutton for the achievement. That's why I can run 13.1 miles and immediately be ready to sign up for next year. Damn you runner's high.

4. THAT Fictional Character

You know you have one (or twenty). That one character that. You. Just. Despise. You can't stand them. Your face scrunches in spite when they come onto the screen or onto your page. Yet you love watching and reading about them. You just want to see them pummeled to little pieces, those pieces ground up then those pieces doused in gasoline and then lit aflame. But you don't want to see them go. You need them. "Every fairytale needs a good old-fashioned villain". In fact, if they are gone, if they were to come back and ask "Did you miss me?", you would explode... and then say "yes".

5. THAT Writer 

This may not apply to everyone, but surely a large number of you can relate. Especially if when we talk fictional characters, your favorite has died. Or all of them have died. Maybe multiple times. Perhaps you have read or watched Game of Thrones? Maybe you were happier when just an ear was gone? Or maybe you're glutton for pain, watch the BBC like me and shudder at one name:

Gif courtesy of the world of Tumblr.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: CourtneyCynthia 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?! - Five Things to Love about a Triathlon

Mar on the Run - Love

Eat, Pray, Run DC - Gifts for the Lover in Your Life


Some other good reads, pulled from the link up:

HoHo Runs - Disney Valentines

Got2Run4Me - Five Ways to Love Your Heart

Running on Lentils - Five Things I Love: Animal Edition





Feb 10, 2015

Jeff Galloway Blogger Program - Training and Motivation Tips

I'm excited to share with you the first in hopefully a long line of posts. Recently, I noticed a Facebook post about a new program from Jeff Galloway. And when I say noticed, I was tagged by my running pal Oswald in the comments because he knew it would fit me perfectly. Jeff Galloway was starting a blogger program, where he will share tips, motivation, discounts and other great information with a select group of bloggers to then pass on to you, the readers. So I sent my email immediately expressing my interest. Jeff Galloway and his Run Walk Run Method is what got me started running, and a huge part of why I love it. I was thrilled to receive an email welcoming me into the program and my first set of tips to share with you. And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give you tips directly from the man himself, Jeff Galloway.


Training and Motivation Tips

By Olympian Jeff Galloway

When paced correctly, running delivers the best attitude boost you can get. Sustain this by pacing yourself gently during the first mile or three.

A well-paced run enhances vitality for the rest of the day.  Start each run at least 30 seconds a mile slower than you will run at the end.

If you have a Run Walk Run strategy that is right for you on that day, it's possible to feel good after every run-even the marathon.

Running is the best stress reliever I've found. Research shows that running tends to activate the conscious brain which over-rides the emotional subconscious brain and manages the negative and anxiety hormones during and after the run.

Research shows that as runners get faster, their stride length shortens.  A quicker cadence is the mechanical key to faster running.

The finishing of a run that is longer than you've run in the last 3 weeks can bestow a sense of achievement that is unique and empowering-due to positive brain circuits that are turned on.

You can't run a long run too slowly or take too many walk breaks.  You'll get the same endurance based upon the distance covered.

Olympian Jeff Galloway has coached over a million runners to their goals through his clinics, wonderful retreats, training programs, books and e-coaching.  Sign up for his free newsletter at www.JeffGalloway.com.

Save up to $200

Looking to run a half marathon or marathon that goes beyond the ordinary?   RUN ITALY Tours offers more than others do and travel with "Coach Jeff".
March 22, 2015 - Rome Marathon 26.2, 13.1 and 5K distances
Book and save up to $200 at www.RunITALY.com

Offer Expires: 2/14/15

What motivates you?

Feb 9, 2015

10 o'clock Ice Cream | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as 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 blog out.

In this week's post, I want to share with you a family tradition. This is a tradition that we have taken from my wife's family and mad our own. It's one you may find that you want to take on for yourself. This week I'll be talking about...


10 o'clock Ice Cream

This has to be one of our tastiest traditions. It is also a pretty straight forward tradition. The tradition is this: when on vacation at Walt Disney World, every day at 10 am is time for a special treat, an ice cream treat! Now, you may be thinking, can you even get ice cream at 10 am? You, in fact, can. If you want to participate in this tradition, you'll want to look for the ice cream carts that they have spread throughout the parks. Only some will be open, but we generally have success finding at least one open cart.


The choices at the carts include some standards. The first delicious option is always the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar. This is my wife's go to choice. Second, and one of my favorites, is the Mickey's Cookies 'n Cream Ice Cream Sandwich. your third common option is a boardwalk classic, the frozen banana. Another fruity option you can choose Edy's Strawberry Fruit Bar. This is my "mix it up" choice when I want something different. Some carts will also offer soft frozen lemonade as well.


I told you the tradition was simple and delicious. It's fantastic in the summer time months. I'll admit, not all days we'll have one, but it's always fair game every day. Some days the time just gets away from you. Some days we'll split, especially if you have a day with a big breakfast. Other days, it's just a good way to celebrate vacation. Plus, if you do marathon park days, rope drop until they kick you out, you'll get in the miles around the park.

Do you have any vacation traditions?


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.

You also have the option to add the linkup code to your post if you'd like. It is not required, just another option. If not, please follow the above link back guideline. Get the InLinkz code


Feb 6, 2015

Five (More) Fitness Snapshots | Friday Five

Happy Friday everyone. It's time for my Friday Five post. The topic for this week's Friday Five linkup is a visual theme. This week is five fitness snapshots. I previously wrote a post on this topic where I started writing before even choosing any pictures. This time, I actually have 2 pictures picked, so I'm a step ahead. Let's see how it goes (again). This week's topic is


Five (More) Fitness Snapshots

1. Safety First


I like to run early mornings. When I can't run early morning, I usually end up running in the evening. Why? Because that's when the two little ones are finally in bed, so it's the easiest time. That normally means some amount of dark time, or now in the winter, all dark time. Safety is paramount always with running but 10 fold in the dark. Currently, I always make sure to wear two LED slap bracelets and a third blinking clip light.

2. Hydration Central


This picture is actually from today when Nuun asked to "see your stash". (In my defense, I did recently win 16 tubes of Nuun) Staying properly hydrated is important, even when it's cold out. My hydration of choice has been Nuun since the first time I tried it. It's a fast absorbing electrolyte blend perfect for rehydrating you after a run without all the extra sugars of other drinks. Also love their Nuun All Day, which is vitamins and flavor, perfect for drinking throughout the day. I'm also now lucky enough to run for Team Nuun.

3. The Bling


I love to run just to run. I also love races. The environment is fun and gives the run just a little something extra. While I just enjoy being out there with my ASICS, there's nothing I love like earning a new piece of bling. It's shiny. You can wear it. It's a personification of your accomplishment. And it's just cool (though some more than others).

4. The Costumes


This doesn't apply to all races, but race costumes are a lot of fun. My first experience wearing a costume for a race came at runDisney. The picture above is from my first race, the Family Fun Run 5K which made the runDisney blog. Costumes are also commonplace there, which makes for a fun environment. I like to have fun when I run, and a costume can be a part of that. I'll admit it's not for everyone, but it is for me.

5. My Happy Place 


The most recent #BibChat was centered on your running happy place. For me, this is an easy choice: Disney. While I've only run two races there (both during marathon weekend 2014) it is an easy running happy place for me because Disney is just an all around happy place for me. I'm a huge kid when it comes to Disney, which may be evident in my blog.

Linking Up

Check here for some links out to others sharing, staring with our three lovely hosts: CourtneyCynthia 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:

Juliana @ 4 Well Rules

Lisa @ Running out of Wine

Coco @ Got 2 Run 4 Me





Feb 2, 2015

The Dapper Dans | Magical Mickey

Welcome back to another edition of the Magical Mickey linkup: the linkup centering around a love for Disney, sharing that love and connecting with others. I hope you find this linkup as 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 blog out.

In this week's post, I want to write about my favorite entertainment groups at Walt Disney World. There are a a lot of great options. This particular group performs live in the Magic Kingdom. This week I'll be talking about...


The Dapper Dans

The Dapper Dans are a barbershop quartet that sings, plays and dances their way around Main Street U.S.A. In their colorful pinstripes, bowties and matching hats, they're a perfect fit for the era portrayed by Main Street U.S.A. They are a great performance to stop and watch, even if just for a song like many do. They sing in fantastic harmonies, as you would expect from a barbershop quartet. You'll also find them sometimes telling corny jokes between songs (but I like corny jokes). Here them joke and sing their rendition of Cruela de Vil, from my runDisney trip last January.


The Dapper Dan's operate as a 4 man group (obviously, since they are a quartet) and perform around 8 shows a day, seven days a week. For this reason, there can be as many as 12 Dans, to rotate through, allowing for substitutes as needed. When I've been there, year to year, I usually see the same 7 or so Dans performing in some permutation. I like seeing familiar faces. The Dapper Dans' signature outfit consists of their colored pants, matching stripped vest, solid bow tie and ribboned hat. Each Dan will generally wear a separate color, except for special times, such as their Christmas best, pictured below.

Looking "dapper" in their matching Christmas best.

They also lace up their tap shoes, and have been known to throw in a little here and there to their tunes. Not only do they sing and dance, but they also play the Deagan Organ Chimes. Check the chimes out in this video of Swanee River, also from my runDisney trip last January.


They really are a joy to watch perform to me. We always try to catch them once or twice when we're there. Frankly, they seem to enjoy being out there doing what they're doing, which I enjoy seeing.

Have you ever seen the Dapper Dans perform?


Onto the Linkup

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