Disney Marathon Weekend and Other Races

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This one is a decision we will all have to make quite fast. As of Tuesday at 12:00 PM Eastern time, Disney World opened registration for the Disney 2015 Marathon Weekend. Ahhh, I am so excited about it, but am still trying to decide if I can. If you are in the same place, we better make up our minds quickly, the half marathon is already 85% full. Whaattt?! I know, crazy. 

Since going to runDisney and checking out all the race availability yesterday, I have also had the sad, sad realization that the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is sold out. Seriously, it was sad day. Oh well, I will just have to sign up quicker for 2015. 

As for 2014, here are a few races that I am interested/considering running in. Have you done any of these before? And if so, what was it like?

Key Largo Bridge Run

From what I gather, you run on one of those crazy long bridges that we see all over the Florida Keys. This one is also in November, so the weather should be absolutely beautiful! Seems fun, but early. Why are there so few night runs? 

Florida 10 Sarasota

The park where this run takes place is absolutely beautiful. This race is also a bit less than a half marathon, so it would be super great for me in December. I am pretty sure it even has a post race breakfast party. You had me at breakfast... Well, except for the whole bit about needing to run 10-miles before eating. My lazy side is still hung-up on that part. 

RAG Sarasota 9K to Marathon

This one also looks pretty great, and close. The only down side I can possibly see is that the entire race is on one, half-mile, track. I have heard that this track is beautiful, but will have to go check it out myself before agreeing to run around it about 26.5 times. 

Oh, and its in the morning. Am I the only person who hates running early? 

Southernmost Marathon and Half

This looks like sooo much fun! The race ends at the southernmost point of the US and takes you all around Key West. I have also never been to Key West and would love to have a reason to make the trek down. Really, this race is the most likely for me. The views will be stunning and I can get a vacation in as well!! 

What other races should I have on my radar? If you have any you love or are planning to try, let me know! I am trying to broaden my race horizons past Disney World :)

Things to Note: The picture above was taken by my favorite Disney blogger, Ricky Brigante from Inside the Magic. His flickr page has lots of super fun pictures for your viewing entertainment. 

This Week in Workouts- Let's Eat!

Happy Sunday, I hope your Valentine's Day was fantastic!! This week I read a great article on Houzz about how to get them most out of your weekend. There are a few things on this list that we are planning to do today! The hubs and I have some friends who buy us tickets to a show every year for Christmas and this year they got us tickets to Once. So, tonight we are going to Once and meeting up with said friends at their favorite new eatery beforehand. Oooo, I cannot wait for some serious fun and serious eating tonight.

If you follow me on instagram, then you know this week has really been all about eating for us. Our first Hello Fresh order came this week and our third Blue Apron. There has been lots of cooking and tasting and reviewing of said meal plans. Hopefully, there will be a very in depth review article with a very clear winner in the following couple of days.

But now, to the workouts!

Sunday: Recovery day from Barry's Bootcamp and an evening of dancing

Monday: Easy Yoga Flow that I will have to post soon followed by a 10-minute bridge workout

Tuesday: Rest Day

Wednesday: 2-mile workout followed by this Ali K Yoga Flow for Core in the morning, then, Hot Yoga in the evening.

Thursday: Easy Yoga Flow, again.

Friday: 5-mile run followed by a Yoga Flow for Flexibility

Saturday: Aerial Yoga Strong- which is pretty much massive muscle toning in a silk sling... Quite fun!

10-Minute Bridge Workout

I often do this workout before a yoga flow to get my body warmed up, or after a jog. This bridge workout helps to warm-up the lower body and will do a number on that hind region. Each move works a different part of the legs and back to give our backsides the ability to defy gravity. Since this is working the lower back, bum, and legs, it is extra important to maintain the right posture so there is no risk of a lower back injury. Be sure to keep any strain off the lower back.

To complete this workout, do each move 20 times (or 10 times per side). Lower back to the ground and rest for 30-seconds, then complete one more set. To get the most out of this workout, do it before a yoga flow or after a cardio session. If you want to kick it up even more, double it up and do each move 20 times. For a serious burn and a workout all on it's own, you can alternate and do this workout after the first bridge set, then this workout after the second.

All moves will be done in bridge position. Get into bridge with the feet flat on the floor facing forward hip width apart, knees at 90 degrees, and the pelvis raised as high up as possible. The shoulders should remain tucked so only the tops of the shoulders, the head, and the neck are resting on the ground.

Bridge Dips

Works: The lower back, upper thighs, inner thighs, gluteus medius and maximus

Start in bridge pose then slowly lower the body so the bum is about an inch off the ground. Hold, then slowly rise back up to starting. Be sure that you are lowering so each vertebrate touches the ground once at a time; the lower back should not touch the ground. Do this 20 times.

Wide Leg Bridge Dips

Works: The inner thighs, all glutes, and outer thigh.

This is very similar to the original bridge dips, except with a wider stance. Separate the feet so they are almost shoulder width apart and rotate the toes out about 45 degrees. Complete 20 bridge dips in this extended position.

Raised Leg Bridge Dips

Works: All glutes, lower back, abs, upper thigh, inner thigh, and outer thigh.

Oh, you will feel this! For this move, you are doing the same thing as the original bridge dips, but with the right leg raised straight in the air. Complete 10 bridge dips with the right leg straight up and the toes pointed. For an easier alternative, try keeping the right leg at the same level as the left. Alternate and complete 10 raised leg bridge dips on the left side.

Bridge Pose Leg Extensions

Works, Lower abs, gluteus maximus, hind leg, and lower back

This will be the first bridge pose without a dip, relish that! Start in the tradition bridge position, then slowly raise the right foot so it is perpendicular to the ground, hold, then lower the leg down so it is parallel to the ground. When raising the foot upward, flex the foot, then, point the toes when lowering down to the ground. Do no let the right foot touch the ground and be sure that the pelvis is as high as possible with hips even. Complete 10 on each side.

Bridge Pose Side Extensions

Works: Inner thigh, hip flexors, Those tiny muscles of the inner thigh and hind leg, obliques, and upper and outer thigh

This is very similar to the previous exercise, but the leg will extend to the side instead of up. Slowly extend the right leg out to the side with the foot flexed and the leg in line with the hip. Hold, then point the toes and bring the leg back to the center point of the body making sure to keep the leg in line with the hip and hips even.

For this move, it is super important that the hips stay even and the leg stays as close to in line with the hip as possible. It is better to keep the leg in line with the hip than to have it higher up in the air. Complete 10 per side.

Mini Bridge Raises

Works: Gluteus medius, inner thigh, lower back, and upper thigh

This will be the greatest gift you will ever give your lower back. Start in the traditional bridge pose then lower so your bum is about an inch off the ground. Contract the bum muscles so your back rises up about two inches, hold, then relax so you are about an inch off the floor again. Continue this 20 times without letting your bum touch the ground.

Bridge Pose Calf Raises

Works: The calfs, glutes, outer thigh, inner thigh, and upper thigh

Stat in the traditional bridge pose then, slowly raise the feet up to releve so only the balls of the feet and the toes are touching the ground. Hold, then lower back down. Be sure that the pelvis is as high up as possible. This should be the highest your pelvis has been yet. Complete 20.

For advanced, complete 10 calf raises with the right leg straight  in the air, then ten with the left leg straight in the air. You can do this after the regular calf raises for a super great workout!

Rest for 30-seconds and complete one more set. During the rest, I like to hold child's pose or happy baby to give my lower back a good stretch.

Bridge Dips Part I

Bridge Dips Part II

Wide Leg Bridge Dips Part I

Wide Leg Bridge Dips Part II

Raised Leg Bridge Dips Part I

Raised Leg Bridge Dips Part II

Bridge Pose Leg Extensions Part I

Bridge Pose Leg Extensions Part II

Bridge Pose Side Extensions Part I

Bridge Pose Side Extensions Part II

Mini Bridge Raises Part I

Mini Bridge Raises Part II

Bridge Pose Calf Raises Part I

Bridge Pose Calf Raises Part II