Run, Karla, Run!

Summer running  is here! (RunKarlaRun.com)

Memorial Day Weekend is here, which means the unofficial start of summer running. As the mercury climbs, runs can become challenging and even demoralizing. I have a mantra for the occasion: “Hot summer runs lead to cool fall PR’s.” Mid-run it might sound more like, “Hot! Runs! Cool! PRs!” But you get the idea.

What’s the best temperature for a run? I did the investigating for Shape.com, along with digging up seven expert-approved tips for throwing down even when the mercury climbs. And if you do happen to get demoralized out there, I’m re-sharing a few oldies but goldies that will help you push through the toughest summer running.

Hot dog! (RunKarlaRun.com)

7 Running Tricks to Help You Speed Up in Hot Weather

The dog days of summer can be a tough time for running. The hotter it is, the harder it becomes to push yourself. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your sweat sesh if you do it right. Heck, you can even use this time to build your speed for the months ahead.

Cooling techniques like pre-chilling your body can actually help you run harder and keep you cool longer during a sweltering workout, according to a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. But that’s not the only way to beat the heat and build running speed this season. From workout tweaks to form drills and on-the-run chill-out methods, here are seven science-tested and expert-approved ways to cool down and speed up. Yes, you’re going to need a few more ice trays. And maybe a Snoopy Sno Cone Machine. Who said summer running can’t be fun? → Read all 7 tips at Shape.com

“Just keep pushing…” (RunKarlaRun.com)

Running Mantras For Racing And Training

I didn’t always have a running mantra. In fact, it took me years to hone in on a few that really work for me. When I’m struggling and need to dig deep, I turn to two phrases that somehow spur me on. One is just perfect for summer running.

85 degrees and humid? “Hot summer runs lead to cool fall PRs.”

Mile 6 of an 8-mile tempo workout in the sun? “Hot. (inhale) Summer. (breath) Runs. (gasp) Cool. (wheeze) Fall. (gasp) PRs.” It’s my go-to summer training mantra. → Read more at RunKarlaRun.com

Spring and fall brings the best temps of all (RunKarlaRun.com)

What’s the Best Temperature for a Run?

When researchers from the University of Tulsa examined the 25 fastest performances at different distances, along with the temperature that day, they discovered that perfect running temps hovered between 73.4 and 49.4 degrees depending on the distance.

Basically, the farther or longer you run, the cooler you want it to be. “When it’s warmer, your body’s ability to dissipate heat can be compromised,” says Angela Hillman, Ph.D, an exercise physiologist. “The cooler the temperature, within reason, the more heat your body can give off to keep you from overheating.” Read the rest of this entry →

Running plantar fasciitis free in Central Park (RunKarlaRun.com)

Oh, plantar fasciitis. It’s real pain the foot. Many runners will deal with it at some point in their careers. In fact, it’s so pernicious that 1 million people seek treatment for plantar fasciitis every year. Plantar fasciitis accounts for nearly 8 percent of all running injuries, making it the third most common running injury behind patellofemoral pain syndrome, aka “Runner’s Knee,” and iliotibial band friction syndrome, aka “IT Band Syndrome,” according to a study from the University of British Columbia.

I struggled with plantar fasciitis for four months—October through January—missing training, missing races, running through it, and then missing training some more. I’ve now been well-heeled (get it?) for 3.5 months, ran a 10-mile personal best at the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run in April, and ran my second fastest half-marathon ever (and an age-group personal best!) at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in May. These are the tools that helped me get back into fighting shape by giving plantar fasciitis the boot.

Of course, I’m not a doctor, and you should always consult with yours, preferably as soon as possible. I saw a podiatrist to diagnose and treat my plantar fasciitis right away.

5 Plantar Fasciitis Fighters

WalkFit Platinum Inserts (RunKarlaRun.com)

WalkFit Platinum Inserts, $20

I truly believe wearing orthotics is what helped me turn the corner. After months of trying (at various points) rest, massage, stretching, taping, and a night boot, I still couldn’t shake plantar fasciitis. It would get better, then return same as before.

I finally bought these over-the-counter shoe inserts while taking 17 days off from running. Why did it take me so long to try an orthotic? My doctor told me try all the other things first. I finally bought the inserts that worked for my mother when she had PF. I figured we have the same feet, so why not?

I wore them whenever humanly possible. I work from home, barefoot. No more, I wore shoes with the inserts all day long. Bye-bye plantar fasciitis. It only took a few weeks. Wish I had tried them from Day One. I still wear them much of the time when I’m out and about, except when I’m running, to keep the old PF away. I’ve never been so thrilled with an “As Seen On TV” product.

KT Tape (RunKarlaRun.com)

KT Tape, $13-$25

KT Tape, how do I love thee? There is no way I would have made it through those four months, including the Honolulu Marathon in December and GORE-TEX Philadelphia Half Marathon in November, without KT Tape on my foot. It’s pretty simple: Without KT Tape, my PF hurt—a lot. With KT Tape, it either didn’t hurt at all or hurt much less.

Will KT Tape cure your PF? No, but it’s a great tool to give you extra support when you need it. I’ll continue taping my foot for long runs. Seriously, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this stuff is like voodoo.

They even have a bunch of new products I learned about and sampled at a press event in March. KT Tape Pro Extreme is for wet, humid, or ultra hot conditions. You can even swim in it. Hello triathlon! KT Flex has targeted support specifically for knees, and is also water resistant. KT Recovery+ is a drug-free patch to reduce swelling and inflammation. The new KT Recovery+ Ice/Heat Compression Therapy System includes a microwaveable heat pack, freezable gel pack, and adjustable wrap for use throughout your body. And if you want to get in the Olympic spirit, Pro USA KT Tape in red, blue, or black screams “USA.”

Zensah PF Compression Sleeve

Zensah PF Compression Sleeve, $25

Zensah’s PF Compression Sleeve is the newest tool in my plantar fasciitis kit. I received it two months ago at a Zensah media event and I’ve been absolutely blown away. I wear it Every. Single. Day. I’m wearing it right now as I type. The second I feel any arch ache, I pop the sleeve on for instant relief.

Much like KT Tape, it gives your foot that extra bit of support. The sleeve uses compression to stabilize the fascia. And the squeeze? Oh so good! It’s way more comfortable than my night boot, which I never wear any more because it didn’t really seem to do anything for me. (And notice: the boot is not on this list.)

Plus, the sleeve is much more packable when you travel. I carried my darn boot for nearly three weeks around Hawai’i. Wish I’d had this sleeve instead! I brought it with me to Florida in April and California in May. So convenient, easy, and comfy. I also love that it really, truly stays stink-free thanks to silver ions woven into the fabric. Read the rest of this entry →

Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2016 is the 5th anniversary of the event. (runDisney)

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2016 Weekend presented by PANDORA Jewelry from May 5-8 at Disneyland in California celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2016. I’m returning to the race for the first time since the inaugural event to celebrate Mother’s Day with my mom.

The women’s focused running festival includes the title half-marathon, Tinker Bell 10K, Never Land 5K, Pixie Dust Challenge (running the 10K and half-marathon), runDisney Kids Races, and runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, where runners can buy shoes in the coveted New Balance runDisney Collection.

I’m flying through the Pixie Dust Challenge, courtesy of runDisney, and pacing my mother through her first 10K at the Tinker Bell 10K. She did her first 5K with me at the Walt Disney World 5K in 2014.

Pausing for a pic in Epcot with my mom during the Walt Disney World 5K. (Photo: RunKarlaRun.com)

Two years later, she’s upping the distance before she turns 70 in just four months.

Tinker Bell is the perfect race. My mom was Tinker Bell for Halloween when she was a little girl, not once, but twice. The movie came out in 1953, when she was just 7 years old.

On top of it all, she hasn’t been to Disneyland in 38 years. What a way to celebrate Mother’s Day and usher in a new decade!

We’re ready to run! (RunKarlaRun.com)

I even bought her the New Balance runDisney Tinker Bell Boracay shoes last year. She’s wearing them for the race, naturally.

Good luck if you’re running this weekend! Here’s a look at every fairy’s favorite race by the numbers.

2nd star to the right and straight on till morning! (runDisney)

Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2016 By The Numbers

24,000 total race registrants for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2016 Weekend

15,000 runners from California

10,700 participants in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon

4,600 runners in the Tinker Bell 10K

4,300 registrants in the Pixie Dust Challenge

4,200 participants in the Never Land 5K

1,500 kids in the runDisney Kids Races

950 runners who have tackled the Tinker Bell Half Marathon all five years Read the rest of this entry →

Baby You’re Much Too Fast: Running Prince Playlist

Oh, Prince. I don’t normally wax poetic when celebrities die, but this one hits close to home.

I’m a bona fide Prince fanatic. Apparently, I’m the first person my friends and family think of when they think of Prince, as I learned upon the news of his death. His music is the soundtrack to my life. I’ve followed him through vinyl, cassette, CDs and digital downloads, often rebuying his music in each new format. I still own Purple Rain, 1999, and Parade in vinyl. I could never bring myself to part with them.

My Purple Rain record

Prince first came on my radar in 1982 with “Little Red Corvette.” I loved the song for one simple reason: I was a kid and my dad happened to have a red Corvette. Listening to the song in his red Corvette? I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.

Of course, I had no idea what the song was really about, but it was the beginning of a love affair that would last my entire life. 25 years later as an adult in an ’80s cover band, I insisted we cover The Purple One, adding “Kiss,” “Raspberry Beret,” and “Let’s Go Crazy” to the set-list.

Prince was my first crush, the first man I wanted to marry. I was 6 when Purple Rain came out and I thought we were MFEO because we both loved purple. Purple Rain was the first album I picked out for myself. I even got in trouble in Catholic school for adding “When Doves Cry” to a picture of the dove of peace that I printed on a school dot-matrix printer. It’s still my favorite color and Prince is still my favorite artist.

My fave: Sign ‘O’ The Times

Purple Rain still holds a special place in my heart, but my favorite Prince album is probably Sign ‘O’ The Times. Every song just crushes it.

I saw Prince in concert twice, and wore purple each time. He remains the most electrifying performer I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of the legends—Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Robert Plant, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston, George Michael, and more—and contemporary artists like Lady Gaga, Beck, Wilco, and more.

So in honor of His Royal Badness, here is my Prince playlist for running in the Purple Rain. I’ve also included a Warm-Up and Cool-Down set to sneak in all of my faves.

So slap on some purple and hit the road with Prince. After all, he did sing: “I wanna be the only one that makes you come running.”

The Ultimate Running Prince Playlist

• Soft and Wet, For You, 1978
• I Wanna Be Your Lover, Prince, 1979
• When You Were Mine, Dirty Mind, 1980
• Uptown, Dirty Mind, 1980
• Controversy, Controversy, 1981
• Little Red Corvette, 1999, 1982
• 1999, 1999, 1982
• Delirious, 1999, 1982
• When Doves Cry, Purple Rain, 1984
• Let’s Go Crazy, Purple Rain, 1984
• I Would Die 4 You, Purple Rain, 1984
• Raspberry Beret, Around The World In A Day, 1985
• Kiss, Parade, 1986
• Girls & Boys, Parade, 1986
• New Position, Parade, 1986
• I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man, Sign ‘O” The Times, 1987
• U Got The Look, Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987
• Housequake, Sign ‘O’ The Times, 1987
• Alphabet St., Lovesexy, 1988
• Batdance, Batman, 1989
• Thieves in the Temple, Graffiti Bridge, 1990
• Get Off, Diamonds and Pearls, 1991
• Sexy M.F., , 1992
• Pope, The Hits/The B-Sides, 1993
• Hot Wit U, Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, 1999
• Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance, Musicology, 2004
• Musicology, Musicology, 2004
• Chelsea Rodgers, Planet Earth, 2007
• Art Official Cage, Art Official Age, 2014
• Funknroll, Plectrumelectrum, 2014
• Stare, HITNRUN Phase Two, 2015

Read the rest of this entry →

Walt Disney World Marathon 2017 takes place in January. (Preston Mack/runDisney)

Registration for the Walt Disney World Marathon 2017 Weekend opens Tuesday, April 26 at 12 p.m. ET at runDisney.com. Disney’s original running event kicks off the new year from January 4-8 at Walt Disney World in Florida.

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna is one of the largest running festivals in the U.S. with more than 65,000 finishers in five races and three race challenges: Walt Disney World Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, Walt Disney World 10K, Walt Disney World 5K, runDisney Kids Races, Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, Dopey Challenge, and Disney Castaway Cay Challenge.

The Walt Disney World Marathon 2017 weekend also includes the free runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, ticketed Race Retreat for pre- and post-race pampering, and Runner’s World VIP race package, which includes race entry, coaching, welcome party, Race Retreat, and other perks.

Runners in Magic Kingdom (runDisney)

The Walt Disney World Marathon takes runners through all four theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Walt Disney World Half Marathon, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2017, tours Magic Kingdom and Epcot. And the 10K and 5K run around Epcot and environs. Read the rest of this entry →

Star Wars Half—The Dark Side runs at WDW (runDisney)

The inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon—The Dark Side takes runners to a galaxy far, far away. OK, it’s actually at Walt Disney World in Florida, where the Dark Side of the Force is strong on April 17, 2016. All together 43,000 runners will awaken The Force, with many registered for multiple events.

The Star Wars “Dark Side” themed race weekend includes the Star Wars Half Marathon, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, runDisney Kids Races and the two-day Dark Side Challenge, where runners complete the 10K and half-marathon on consecutive days. Many runners will also be completing the inaugural Kessel Run Challenge, by running both the Star Wars Half Marathon—The Light Side at Disneyland and the Star Wars Half Marathon—The Dark Side at Walt Disney World.

I will be among them, courtesy of runDisney, with my husband by my side. Our costumes? Chewbacca and Rey.

Rey and Chewie! (RunKarlaRun.com)

If you see us out there, say hello!

My niece and nephew ran the the runDisney Kids Races. Each asked me to run with them. How could I say no? We had a blast.

Star Wars Half runDisney Kids Races (RunKarlaRun.com)

Now it’s time to blast off for 13.1 miles of fun through the Star Wars Galaxy.

Here’s a look at runDisney’s galactic race weekend by the numbers.

The course is strong with The Dark Side. (runDisney)

Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon—The Dark Side By The Numbers

$2.053 billion—worldwide box office receipts for Star Wars: The Force Awakens to date

260,900—combined miles adult runners will tackle at the Star Wars Half Weekend. That’s 1.36125299e-8 parsecs or like circling the world the 9.5 times.

250,000—runners who participate in runDisney events each year

43,000—registrations for the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend—The Dark Side. It’s runDisney’s largest half-marathon.

36,000—cones used throughout the half-marathon course

23,000—gallons of water at aid stations, enough to fill a swimming pool 6-feet deep Read the rest of this entry →

Super Heroes Half Marathon runners channel Thor (Disney)

Registration opens Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 12 p.m. ET for the Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland in California from November 10-13, 2016.

The Super Heroes Half Marathon and other weekend races run through Disneyland Resort and the streets of Anaheim with entertainment lining the course, including characters from Marvel’s The Avengers, bands, cheerleaders, and more.

The running homage to The Avengers and all comic book caped crusaders includes the title half-marathon, Doctor Strange 10K, Captain America 5K, runDisney Kids Races, runDisney Health & Fitness Expo, and the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge—running the 10K and half-marathon on consecutive days. Runners who register for the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge will earn a challenge medal in addition to bling for each race. To qualify, you must register for the challenge and not register for each race individually.

Super Heroes bling (Disney)

The weekend is the final 2016 event in the runDisney series, and runners’ last chance to earn a Coast to Coast Race Challenge medal by running a half-marathon or marathon at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California in the same calendar year.

Disney’s running series now has four race weekends at each Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and the new Disneyland Paris Half Marathon debuting in France in September 2016. Runners who complete the Paris half-marathon and a U.S. half-marathon or marathon in the same year will earn a special Castle to Chateau Challenge medal. Read the rest of this entry →

Running pal!

My running pal is 7 years old today! Okay, so she’s probably not. But five years ago today this sweet baby dog came into my life. My husband, Phil, and I anointed that day as her annual fete. She was a stray and the vet guessed she was about two years old. So 7 it is!

Looking good at 7! (RunKarlaRun.com)

As a pup, Cinderella was living in the woods of Tennesse in a place rescue workers told me is a popular spot for “dumping” dogs. It still breaks my heart to think of her living on her own, foraging for food, getting by any way she could. Her front teeth are ground down to stubs, the vet guesses, from chewing on sticks and rocks. One of her nicknames is Toothless, because she’s as sweet as the Night Fury of the same name in How To Train Your Dragon.

A man who lived nearby spotted her and won her trust over time. She lived in his yard for a while, until he decided to put her into rescue, where she eventually found her way to me.

Cinderella is the most tender-hearted dog I have ever known. She has so much love to give, and has been a great running pal, hiking buddy, snuggling bug, and best friend. I call her my “co-worker.” We spend every waking (and sleeping) moment together. Both Phil and I agree that adopting her is the best thing we have ever done.

Last year, I put together for Shape.com “The Ultimate Guide to Running With Your Dog” with nine vet and trainer tips for keeping your furry running pal healthy on the run, including fueling (dogs burn fat, not carbs for energy!), stretching (yep, it’s good for them too), warning signs (humidity is especially tough on dogs), and lots more. Read the rest of this entry →

Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (MarathonFoto)

This post is brought you by the letters P and R. That’s right! I had a fantastic race at the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run despite some wonky weather that brought 50 mph winds and a sub-freezing windchill.

Success! (MarathonFoto)

More than 16,000 runners finished the race around Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 3. I headed to D.C. with my husband and a dozen friends who decided to make a weekend of it.

This was my second time running the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run. In 2012, I found the course far too crowded and no cherry blossoms on the trees. The second time around, there were still no cherry blossoms—what had been left from peak season blew off the trees the night before in 50 mph winds. There was not a one to be found.

But I headed to Washington, D.C. earlier in the week and had the chance to see them during a gorgeous run around the National Mall, before they all blew away. Phew!

Where I Stayed

I’ve come to love visiting Washington, D.C. It’s a truly fantastic running town.

Running the National Mall in 2015! (RunKarlaRun.com)

This is my third trip to the city in the last year, and my husband Phil’s umpteenth. I’ve stayed at three different hotels in that time; Phil has stayed at a dozen different properties in the city. Our go-to hotel has become The Carlyle Dupont Circle, a Kimpton Hotel. Read the rest of this entry →

Cherry Blossom run ready! (RunKarlaRun.com)

It’s racing time! The Cherry Blossom Ten-Mile Run is finally here. And guess what? I’m actually ready to run. As in feeling good, feeling healthy, and feeling fit. Yee-haw!

Back In Black

It’s a welcome feeling after a tough 2015. In the span of six months I got a stress fracture and plantar fasciitis. Oof. There were ups–when I ran my second fastest 5K ever. 25:06, baby! And there were downs—sitting out the Runner’s World Half Marathon and showing up to the GORE-TEX Philadelphia Half Marathon with a taped foot.

When the familiar twinge of plantar fasciitis flared up yet again in January, I took drastic measures—17 days of rest and a battery of treatments that finally worked. And then I got two herniated discs in my spine. Sheesh!

Now I’m 7 weeks into a 12-week training program for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. I’m happy to report my neck is feeling OK—not 100%, but totally manageable. Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by how good I feel. Knock on wood. Really, if you’re reading this, please knock on wood for me.

Running Central Park in NYC (RunKarlaRun.com)

I had my best run of 2016 last weekend, an 11.25-miler through Central Park. The sun was shining. Birds were singing. Lovers were holding hands. Trees were blossoming. Flowers were blooming. And I was falling in love with running New York City all over again. It was a Brady Bunch “Sunshine Day.” Read the rest of this entry →

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (runDisney)

Didn’t get into any of the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races? You can still run by registering with a runDisney Charity Group or Travel Provider. Bibs for the half-marathon, Disney Wine & Dine 10K, Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge, and Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K from November 3 to 6, 2016 are available.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is typically runDisney’s fastest selling race weekend. The 2016 races sold out in under 3 hours when registration opened Tuesday, March 29. The 10K and half-marathon filled within 30 minutes. The 5K and challenge weren’t far behind. Registration is still available for the runDisney Kids’ Races as of post time. Visit rundisney.com for more info or to register.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon welcomes in 2016 a new Ratatouille-themed 10K and two-day race challenge, along with a new half-marathon route and start time for the main event. The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is moving from Saturday night to Sunday morning due to ongoing construction and new hours at the theme parks. The race’s signature Post Race Party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will still take place under the stars from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday night, when Epcot stays open late solely for runners and party ticket holders.

If you want to be among them, register to run with a charity or travel agent.

The 2015 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Medal (runDisney)

2016 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Charity Groups Program

runDisney Charity Groups offer guaranteed entries, discounted Walt Disney World Resort hotel rates, specially-priced Walt Disney World theme park tickets, and discounts on other race amenities. Check with each group individually for their requirements and benefits. To register, contact each group below. Read the rest of this entry →

The running rules of the road apply to us all. (RunKarlaRun.com)

People are quirky. And runners are no exception. Turns out we have a slew of habits that drive each other to madness and toward the finish line.

I explored some of them in two stories at Shape.com: “The Do’s and Don’ts of Courteous Runners” and “Pre-Race Rituals That Runners Swear By.” For both, I crowd-sourced responses from my social media friends to find out what makes us collectively tick and ticked-off.

I’ve definitely broken some of the running rules of the road. Chances are you have too. Eeks! Some are venial sins and some fall into the category of don’t ever do it. Like ever. Never.

And when it comes to race-day rituals, I’ve definitely been known to obsess over outfits, laying it all out perfectly the night before. I once even had a “lucky” pair of capris. We’re all creatures of habit! Enjoy!

We broke Rule #4 and snapped a runfie! (RunKarlaRun.com)

15 Rude Habits to Break and Running Rules to Follow

“It’s a crowded course out there. Follow these rules of the road to keep the peace while pounding the pavement.”

Ah, the etiquette police. We’ve all wanted to “citizen’s arrest” some runners out there and we’ve all broken the running rules, too. I asked my 30,000 collective social media followers via Facebook and Twitter for their biggest running pet peeves. The response was overwhelming. I narrowed it down to the 15 biggest blunders that drive runners to madness, from corral jumping to snapping runfies and mid-race phone convos.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Which of the rules do you break?

Find our if your most hated peccadillo made the list at Shape.com.

My Honolulu Marathon #FlatRunner (RunKarlaRun.com)

Do Pre-Race Rituals Actually Work?

“Experts discover whether there’s any truth to these quirky running superstitions, from wearing a lucky charm to obsessing over sleep.”

I asked readers for their pre-race rituals. Then I asked experts to weigh-in on the most common five to find out whether they help or hurt on race day: Laying out your clothes in all those #flatrunner pics, wearing a lucky fill-in-the-blank, obsessing over sleep, and a few more. The verdict? Some are super healthy. Some—not so much.

Do you have a pre-race ritual or must-wear item?

Find out what the experts think at Shape.com.

Minnie greets finishers at Disney Wine & Dine Half (runDisney)

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon is getting a new menu of events, following in the footsteps of every other runDisney race in the U.S. The race weekend at Walt Disney World from November 3 to 6, 2016 will debut the new Disney Wine & Dine 10K, Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge, and a new half-marathon course and start time. Registration for the 2016 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon opens March 29, 2016 at 12 p.m. Eastern at runDisney.com.

The Disney Wine & Dine 10K, with a Ratatouille theme, will take place Saturday, November 5 as the first course in Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge. The second course is the title half-marathon on Sunday, November 6. The new 13.1-mile route will take runners through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and forgo Disney’s Hollywood Studios due to ongoing construction at that park.

Traditionally a nighttime race, the half-marathon is moving to morning. Why? Walt Disney World is planning to open all four of its theme parks during nighttime hours, limiting when races and race set-up can take place. (Read about the behind-the-scenes process in Planning Disney Races Takes More Than Magic.)

“Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Disney Parks)

New attractions expected to open by race day in November include the nighttime Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Frozen Ever After experience at the Norway pavilion in Epcot.

But don’t worry runners: the race’s signature Post Race Party at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will still take place under the stars from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, November 6, when Epcot stays open late solely for runners and party ticket holders. Now you’ve got time to shower and relax before partying the night away with Festival food booths, Disney characters, musical performances, and special access to Epcot attractions. Read the rest of this entry →

The TCS New York City Marathon (Courtesy of NYRR)

Didn’t get into the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon through the random draw? You can still be a part of it on Sunday, November 6 by registering with one of the 340 official charity partners. I’ll be there as one of NYRR’s race announcers.

The TCS New York City Marathon is the largest 26.2-miler in the world, averaging 50,000 runners in the last three years. In 2016, 19,083 of those runners were accepted through the random draw, 23 percent of the pool and an increase of 9,913 (108%) over the past two years. A total of 82,172 runners applied to the draw.

Another 43,000 people will have guaranteed entry, for a total of 125,000 applications from runners in over 125 countries. Runners can earn guaranteed entry through a number of methods, like NYRR’s 9+1 program, time qualifications, completing 15 New York City marathons, international travel partners, and official charity partners.

The New York City Marathon’s charity program has raised nearly $200 million for hundreds of causes since it began a decade ago. The program’s first year was 2006. I ran the 2007 New York City Marathon—my first marathon—through a charity, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. In 2015, 8,700 charity runners raised $33.9 million for a variety of not-for-profit organizations, bringing the 10-year total to $198.9 million.

You can be one of them in 2016.

2016 TCS New York City Marathon Charity Partners

Runners will be asked to raised a set amount of money in exchange for guaranteed entry into the race. Contact each group individually for more information or to register with them. Find more info about the race’s charity program at nycmarathon.org.

Gold Charities

Gold level charities provide runners with race day perks and a VIP experience.

Silver Charities

Silver level charities provide runners with race day perks, including race day transportation and a tented start area. Read the rest of this entry →

Yep, those are the Alps in the background.

This post is sponsored by Diadora. I thought it was a fun story and a great opportunity to share drool-worthy running pics from Southern Europe.

1482 km. 920 miles. 35 runners from 10 countries. Nine days. And one shoebox.

That’s what happened when Italian athletic and sportswear company Diadora decided to fulfill a shoe order in an unexpected way. The idea? Turn the routine into an epic adventure.

I want to go to there!

One unknowing customer set-off a nine-day, 1500-km relay across Southern Europe when he pre-ordered a pair of Diadora’s new N9000 running shoes. Instead of boxing and shipping the shoes per usual, they delivered them on foot.

A team of 35 runners—and one dog!—from 10 different countries passed the shoebox like a baton from Diadora’s factory in Milan, Italy to the customer’s front door in Barcelona, Spain. Runners ranged in age from 19 to 56 years old. Among them were four couples, and one even flew in an airplane for the first time to participate in the relay.

Team Diadora

A live tracker marked the shoes’ daily progress through Italy, Monaco, France, and Spain at makeitbright.diadora.com. Read the rest of this entry →