Friday, January 31, 2014

Start Your Day and Run Off Right!

I'm a foodie. I love to eat, I love to snack, and I like to drink. So now that I'm getting into running I do need to change some things in my diet. This healthy lifestyle thing is great, but for someone who loves to cook and eat anything and everything whenever I want needs to change. I won't compromise my other passion for food and drink, I just won't, that wouldn't be me. But I am making more of a effort to find new recipes and to try new things. So far I've done well. I really love Pinterest to find healthy recipes. I have a list piling up of new ones I'd like to try. 

I also find I have some trouble fueling before and even after running. Thank goodness Lauren was with me before and after the Wine and Dine half marathon. She did a bit more training and research than I did. I probably would've ate the entire food and wine festival before the half (it took everything I had to wait untill after the race to indulge). I would love to know what some of you more experienced runners out there enjoy before a big race. I especially struggle with breakfast. Yes I've heard a bagel and almond butter will do the trick but I would like to hear more ideas. 

I said before I find healthy recipes on Pinterest. I just found one id like to share. I haven't tried it yet so stay tuned. Once I make it I'll be sure to give my review! 


I really like the idea of this recipe. I like that it can be made in large batches and you can make it ahead of time. Time saving, healthy, and hopefully delicious! For the recipe make sure to visit our Pinterest page!

-Kayla 

QOTD: What's your favorite healthy and delicious breakfast recipe?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Be Our Guest

Every Wednesday we're going to be posting "Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday." These posts will be our favorite places, activities, tips, restaurants etc about the Walt Disney World Resort.

Our first installment will feature Be Our Guest Restaurant. We chose Be Our Guest as the restaurant where we celebrated our completion of Wine and Dine. It was Kayla's first experience here but I had dined here once before for a lunch and a dinner. Overall it is still new and novelty to me so I was not opposed to going back! When we arrived we checked into the host stand and were given a buzzer. We waited a few minutes and then we were summoned across the bridge into the Beast's castle. Once inside you're greeted by spectacular views of the ballroom, which is where we were seated. There are two other rooms open, the west wing (where the rose is kept), and the garden room. All three rooms are open during lunch as well.


The Ballroom



Our waitress happened to be a fellow runner and training for Dopey. She suggested protein for dinner to help with our recovery. Kayla ordered the Salmon and I ordered the Lamb Rack. Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious, no complaints here. 

Refueling after hitting the parks all day!

 Even though we were stuffed we had to try the gray stuff. Let me tell you it was delicious, especially when it comes on top of a brownie. Previously, you had to be celebrating something and the gray stuff was brought to you at the discretion of your waiter/waitress. Now everyone is free to order it off the menu. 


Try the gray stuff, it's delicious!


Periodically during dinner the master (Beast) would walk through the ballroom then greet guests in the library (the same room where lunch quick-service orders are taken). Once you had finished your meal you were free to go have your photo taken with the Beast. 


Beast was jealous of our medals.
We were jealous of his castle.

We made our reservations 180 days in advance (the earliest you can make them) which is always recommended. In a past trip I have gone up to the host stand around 4/4:30 and asked if they were taking walk ups. Occasionally they will take you right around 4 without a reservation but it's not always a guarantee. Also, in the days leading up to your visit, there may be some cancellations so keep checking! 

All in all we were very happy with our Be Our Guest experience and think it is well worth the 1 sit down credit if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. Don't forget that if you can't get a dinner reservation you can always go for the quick-service lunch. We both look forward to dining at Be Our Guest again in the future!

Lauren

QOTD: Have you dined or would you like to dine at Be Our Guest for dinner? What were your impressions?

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Welcome!

Kayla and I are going to give this blogging thing a shot! Kayla and I became friends when we were roommates on the Disney College Program. We made so many memories together while living in the most magical place on earth. Now we're living six hours apart but still motivating each other and continuing to build on our friendship.

We discovered the wonderful world that is RunDisney last November at the Wine & Dine Half, our first half marathon ever! We were a little sad we didn't discover it sooner--like when we were living at Disney (that would've been too convenient). Now, we're committed to healthier lifestyles, thanks to motivation from the most magical place on earth.

We want our blog to be a place where we can reveal our Disney Parks tips, tricks and expertise. In exchange we hope you'll learn with us as we navigate the new territory for us that is RunDisney. Along the way we'll also talk about our favorite products we've discovered, some new recipes we've tried, or how our latest workout it going. 

Welcome to our journey from CAST members to HALF marathoners, we can't wait to share it with you!


Lauren


QOTD: What would you like to see on our blog?