Tower of Terror Training

Can you believe it's June already!? When did that happen?! I am excited that it's finally starting to feel like summer here in New Jersey. Thanks warm weather for finally deciding to show up!

Now that June's here it also means that training for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler starts today. I have to admit that I haven't really done much running since the Nike Women's Half Marathon. During training and the half I developed a HUGE blister on my left foot from my orthotics. So I had to send my orthotics out to be adjusted which gave my blister some time to heal and not look so scary. My orthotics came back at the end of last week, just in time to start up this next round of training-yay!

My goal for this training cycle is to complete the whole thing! In my 2 prior training cycles I haven't stuck to the schedule as well as I should have for various reasons. I know I'm capable of running a better race but I just need to stick to the plan! Since I have been running for more than a year but not so consistently I've decided to follow Jeff Galloway's finish in the upright position plan. Originally I was going to select the time improvement plan, but right now I need to focus on completing a training schedule and feeling strong at the end of a race. My past 2 races I've always lost steam towards the end and want to avoid that this time around. 

The other areas I want to focus on are weight lifting and nutrition. I'd like to work in Body Pump classes as cross training twice a week. I also really need to start eating better to keep my body fueled properly. I'm starting off slowly by tracking meals into MyFitnessPal again but would like to slowly transition over to clean eating. I've been browsing blogs for recipes and meal plans to get some ideas. If anyone has any resources that helped them transition to clean eating, please, let me know! 

QOTD: Are you starting training for Tower of Terror or another fall race? 

Don't forget DVC and Passholder signups for the Star Wars Half-Marathon weekend are tomorrow at noon!

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Movies Under the Stars

This week our "where" for Where in the WDW is all over property at each resort. As cast members, there's always a plethora of fun free things to do on property and this was one of my favorites. A bunch of us would head over to one of the resorts and watch whichever Disney movie was playing that night--us and all the kids.

Movies Under the Stars can be found in your recreation guide when you check in and is typically listed under children's activities (but everyone's a kid at Disney, right?). Each night of the week a different animated film is shown on a large blow up screen outside at every resort. The movie may not be the same at every resort though so you can pick and choose where you want to go/what you want to watch.

My favorite place to watch movies under the stars is at the Polynesian Resort. Not only do you get to watch a movie on the beach, when the movie is finished the music for Wishes is piped in and you have a front row seat for the fireworks. 

Other resorts such as Yacht/Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, etc also host a campfire before the movies as well. Smores, and a Disney classic?! Sign me up. 

If you're ever looking for something low key to do at night after pounding the parks all day, this is a great option. 

QOTD: Have you ever watched movies under the stars during your WDW stay?

Also, a big thank you to Lauren at Lauren's Glass Slipper for nominating us for a Liebster Award! We'll get working on those questions and have a post for you tomorrow!

Lauren

Tower of Terror Weekend Trip Planning

Ever since Kayla and I made the last minute decision to sign up for the Happy Haunted 5K and the Tower of Terror 10-Miler we've gone right into planning mode. I grew up with my mother as a Disney Travel Planner (we get excel spreadsheets of our trip itineraries) and Kayla works a Travel Planner. It's in our blood and nothing excites us more than mapping out the possibilities of our next trip. 

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We've made our first big decision to stay at the Wilderness Lodge which we're thrilled about. I have never stayed here before; it's been on my "to stay" list for quite some time. As an Interior Designer I love the theming of Wilderness Lodge. There's just something about walking into that expansive lobby with it's beautiful, sweeping views. We know that this will be the perfect resort for us to unwind and relax pre and post race. 

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With our first big decision made, we still have to map out dining and other activities. On our list is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I've seen the parade before during a cast preview when I was a CP, but I've never experienced the full party. I love that I keep finding new things to try each time I visit WDW. 

We're also looking into some delicious dining options that are new for the both of us. We seriously LOVE to eat, we could (and probably do) plan our trip around where and what we'll be eating. This is another area in which we'd like to branch out. We know at least one whole day will be devoted to the Food & Wine Festival (which is almost better than Christmas in my opinion). We'd also like to explore a character breakfast and a fine dining dinner option as well. 

Even though our trip is still 7 months out we can't help but research obsessively! We'd love to hear from you veterans what has worked for you during TOT (especially those running both races). Until then, I have a quick WDW girls weekend planned with my mom for the end of the month. I'm sure I'll being doing lots of research and reporting back to Kayla while I'm there!

Lauren

QOTD: What is your favorite activity or dining experience while in WDW?