3 things.

And for the 3rd week in a row, I am sick. I have succeeded in getting a sinus infection this time (which isn't that surprising) and am now on my 2nd round of antibiotics. You can't make this stuff up. I just can't win, people. I would like to thank this stupid excuse for New York Spring weather. It's extremely frustrating to not have a day where your entire body is functioning in a moderately normal fashion in almost a month. Please ignore my whining. I'm trying to keep it to a minimum.

I really should've put money on how fast the inaugural Minnie 10k was going to sell out. 7 hours for a 10k is quite impressive. On the other hand, Dopey and the 5k totally blind sighted me. I definitely under estimated the power of an inaugural for that one. Hope everyone who wanted to, got into the races of their choice. Even though I have a stronger word than "Dopey" for all my friends attempting the challenge, I'm excited to cheer them on!

A new TV show in the instant queue? Revenge. Anyone else a fan? Wow. Is this action packed full of drama. The entire 1st season had enough going on to keep you on the edge of your seat every episode. I'm only half way through catching up in season 2, but I'm slightly annoyed that I can pick out the formula (get ahead in the plan in one episode, hit an obstacle, fall back for 2). Not even going to lie, I have had nightmares surrounding this show. I know, it's sad. Don't judge me. I don't know how much more my anxiety can take, but I'm proud of myself to branching out.

How's your week? Sign up for any new races?

Did you enter the Journey Bar giveaway yet?

WoW!

Have you entered the Journey Bar giveaway yet?

 

I heart doing this. 

A Journey Bar Giveaway!

Here's the thing, I don't really have a sweet tooth. When I first discovered Journey Bar through the Crowdtap Store, I was immediately intrigued. They hooked me with the fact that they were savory nutrition bars, as opposed to every other sweet one on the market. Personally, nutrition bars are the best route to go for long run breakfast (especially because it's a routine I can take with me on race-cations) but trying to choke down chocolate flavored anything at 5am before a long run does not appeal to me. When I read the co-founder, Marguarette's quote "I believe bars should taste like real food, not candy" and that these bars are naturally lower in sugar (only 7g!) I knew this was something that would be perfect for me. I contacted the company and they agreed to send me some of their products to try.

From their website:

what is a savory nutrition bar, you might ask? well it's unlike any bar you've ever seen before! the most obvious difference is the savory, instead of sweet, flavors, which are inspired by cuisines from around the world.  journey bars are made from organic whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, which makes them a great-tasting, healthy alternative to the typical sweet bars.  our bars are also gluten-free, non-gmo, vegan, and soy-free.  

Sea Salt- a truly global flavor, our sea salt bar is about as simply savory as it gets.  just a hint of sea salt is used to bring out the natural flavors of the almonds and whole grains.

Rosemary- one of the most common spices used in delicious French cooking found its way into our bars. with rosemary’s warm and earthy aroma, we realized it's the only flavor we needed for this wholesome bar. sometimes less is more.

Seasame Ginger- inspired by the healthy cuisines of japan, toasted sesame is blended with whole grains to create a mild and warm flavor, while a hint of ginger is used to add freshness. you’ll find this flavor truly delightful!

Don't expect your taste buds to be accosted with which the powerful flavor names suggest. Just like they said in all their descriptions, the flavors are hinted and the taste is very mild (i.e. perfect for long run breakfast) which to me was a good thing. I also wasn't expecting the bars to be on the softer side. They were really good and very filling. The pizza marinara, cocunut curry and parmesan romano flavors sound really tasty, so I will have to go hunt those down and find them. I will definitely be incorporating them into my breakfast routine during training.

How many of you are ready to try them, too? Lucky for you the fabulous peeps at Journey Bar provided me with an extra set that I'll be giving away! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway What's your favorite pre-run meal?

Journey Bar was generous enough to provide me with their product to try and to host a giveaway. All opinions are always my own.

Special Treatment Saturday and a Stride Box surprise!

I interrupt this regularly scheduled Saturday to inform the interwebs of my latest and greatest accomplishment. 

Guys, I made a Quiche. 

Seriously. 

Saturday mornings not in training season, have turned into sleeping late followed by the best breakfast ever. This morning I decided to switch things up. I decided I would take over cooking duties. We have to take care of those who take care of us, right?! It was a well deserved special treatment Saturday that I'd love to keep in rotation. (Just not all the time, I reallyyy love those scrambled eggs)

Anyway, I figured that was definitely noteworthy since I'm far from what you'd call a chef and super proud I didn't poison anyone or burn down the apartment. 

Want to make your own? I found the recipe on Trader Joe's website awhile ago. I substituted Italian chicken sausage for the chirizo and a cheddar mix for the manchengo. It was really good, although, next time I will add more cheese. 

I know. I know. Who am I?!  

And while we're talking, yesterday I got a surprise StrideBox in the mail! I knew I had wanted to try it, but couldn't remember if I actually bought one. Turns out, my awesome friend Megan gifted it to me! I don't know how I got so lucky with such great friends, but I truly feel blessed. Thanks again for being so awesome! 

From just looking at the contents in this box, it seems like the program is totally worth it. I can't wait to try the new flavors of Nuun and ClifShots along with the Hammer, Barnana and Action Wipe products. I've heard good things about them all.

I just realized the last time Megan and I ran together was at last year's Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.
Good luck tomorrow, runners! 

How's your Saturday going?

Staying at The Port Orleans Resort, French Quarter.

For the Princess Half weekend, we decided to stay on property the night before the race for the convenience factor. Since we made this decision the week before our options were slim. In the end, we decided on Port Orleans- French Quarter. I heard rave reviews of this resort, so I was eager to decide for myself. The Princess Half was the same weekend of the Rock-n-Roll New Orleans and I was sad I was missing it. For a homesick girl, this was probably the next best thing. The hotel was the best portrayal of elements from my hometown I've ever seen.

The buildings were very Pontalba apartment-esque. (Those are the buildings that surround the St. Louis Cathedral. Once upon a time, I wanted to live in them.) The walkways around the resort were similar to the streets found throughout New Orleans (you know, without the trash and smell ;).

They even named the streets with New Orleans-esque names. It was funny hearing B try to pronounce Pontchartrain. Could you imagine if there was a Tchoupitoulas (hint: the T is silent)? 

The quick service restaurant, Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, was themed after the warehouses where they keep Mardi Gras floats. There was actual float memorabilia hanging from the ceiling. Being that Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World (where all the official Mardi Gras floats are housed year round) was a staple field trip throughout my childhood, it was a nice touch. 

The food options were a big difference from other resort quick service options. Lots of fried food (obviously) that was made to order, including beignets and po-boys. I didn't get to indulge as much as I wanted, but what I did sample from B's plate was delicious. The dough and the sugar on the beignets and the bread on the poboy weren't quite right, but it definitely did the trick.

I was even ok with the alligators all around the pool.

B said this guy looked sad all alone, so I decided to join his band.

The resort backs up to Sassagoula River, which is beautiful and very swamp/ bayou like. There are boats that will take you from the resort to Downtown Disney. This was definitely a convenient perk. I had never ridden it before and it was a nice new adventure. We took a ride after dinner the night before the race to check out what was at The Team Disney store, then came back. 

Another of my favorite features of this resort is that the nightly movie is held in the big grassy area between the buildings. At other resorts, this is normally held by the pool, where it gets loud and distracting. It looked like it was nice to watch the movie without the background noise of screaming children.

The other side of the resort is called Riverside and it's themeing is more Bayou/Plantation and less New Orleans Proper. The royal guest rooms (special new headboards) are located in this part. I've never stayed there, so I can't give much feedback about it.  I noticed, the Disney transportation buses go to French Quarter first as well as the race transportation. I heard a ton of people had problems on race morning getting there on time because the buses would fill up and never have a chance to get to Riverside. 

Not gonna lie, I'm not normally a fan of imitation New Orleans. I cringe if you say my hometown's name wrong. I won't order Jambalaya at a restaurant in NOLA, much less somewhere else (my dad's is the best). So, I was nervous about staying there. But I will say, Disney did a good job. I'd definitely consider staying there again and can see why it's such a favorite among guests.

What's your favorite resort?

W.o.W!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday brought to you by my Runner's World calendar.

ToT10Miler Team runDisney post

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I'm still recovering and I cannot wait until Friday; I will be done with antibiotics and hopefully start feeling normal. Becoming a productivity member of society is proving to be a long and slow process. When the commute to work takes it out of you, it's hard to remember you're supposed to be an endurance athlete. Speaking of, glad I'm not training for anything right now. I did sign up for a Classtivity Passport, so as soon as I feel up to taking new classes, I will definitely let yall know all the hilarity that will ensure.

In other news, my post about the runDisney Tower of Terror 10 Miler is up on the Team runDisney Blog if you want to check that out. My other recaps of the race can be found here: 

The Haunted 5k Trail Run

Tower of Terror 10Miler

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

The runDisney website is showing it's over 50% full. If you're thinking about running, my vote is you should. They moved it to the 1st weekend in October this year, so I'm hoping the humidity won't be a factor last year. In that case, how can you not want to run this one? I think it's the perfect time of year- Halloween AND The Food and Wine Festival. But I might be a little bias :)

What's your favorite holiday/ time of year to visit Disney?