Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Be a runDisney Princess!

Monthly Challenge

Virtual Coast 2 Coast Step Challenge!

Star Wars Weekends

A galactic experience for the whole family!

Fan Girl Favorites

Enjoying Star Wars, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Disney and all things Geeky!

Running With A View

Running, trails, biking, challenges, nutrition; it's all things I care about and love to do.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Why You Need to Attend Type-A Parent Conference


If you are a blogger or blogger-to-be, you should really consider attending a Type-A Parent conference and here's why:

1.  Meet Other Bloggers:  There is nothing better than connecting face to face.  By reaching past the computer screen, shaking someone's hand and exchanging business cards, you connect in a different, beneficial, more positive way.

2.  Learn:  The main purpose of a conference is to provide a forum for exchanging ideas, learning new concepts and expanding your knowledge.  Experience is sometimes the best teacher and why not learn from others?  Guest Speakers share their successes and mistakes to help you become a better blogger.

3.  Network:  Conferences bring bloggers and potentials sponsors together.  You are able to explore, network and connect with brands that would benefit you and bring an audience to the brand.

I had the privilege of attending a Type-A BootCamp in New Orleans two years ago.  As a new blogger it gave me the jump start I needed and opened up a world to thousands of other bloggers with whom I could connect.  I learned about photography, Instagram, marketing and more.  I made new friends, shared experiences, gained new insights and found people that provided encouragement and motivation.

And it's not too late for you to join Type-A Parent Conferences this year!

Join the Type-A New York City Bootcamp on Saturday, August 1, 2015
or
Join the Annual Type-A Conference in Atlanta, October 8-10, 2015

Isn't it time that you connect and be a part of the World's Largest Network of Mom and Dad Bloggers?

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If you'd like to go, let me know!
kesselrunner77@gmail.com


Monday, March 30, 2015

Coast 2 Coast With A Purpose: The April Challenge

Many of you are participating or following our Coast 2 Coast Virtual Challenge:  the virtual step challenge from Disneyland to Disney World  which we hope to complete in November.   But did you know that there is actually a family walking from Disneyland to Disney World?  The Cobb Family is walking from Kingdom to Kingdom in memory of their daughter, Julia.
The Cobb Family at the Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi
I had the privilege of talking to Jennifer, Julia's mom, while she was in Jackson, and I want to share their story and inspire you to help them on their magical journey.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

May the 4th Be With You! 2015 Virtual Challenge

May the 4th is Star Wars Day and is celebrated here at Kessel Runner as well as with fans across the globe!  It's a holiday where fans of all ages pay tribute to the universe created by George Lucas and share their love of the franchise as only true fans can! 

Not only do we want to celebrate Star Wars Day, but we also want to give back.  And two charities that I feel touch each of us in some way are the Leukemia Lymphoma and Wounded Warrior charities.  So, this  year, I will be hosing a Virtual Challenge to support both of these organizations; and here is how you can get involved...

Monday, March 23, 2015

2015 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Recap

February 2015
My friends Colleen, Shannon and Sharon shared their birthday wishes at Walt Disney World and the Princess Half Marathon this year!  Completing the Princess Half Marathon together was an accomplishment that they will always remember!

It started with stuffing the suitcases not only for a race but for a birthday week!  And Don't forget the 2 most important accessories:  Magic Bands and Fitness Bands! 

First stop was the Health and Fitness Expo!  Which was as big and as busy as last year's. 

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Avoiding the Roadblocks and Registering for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

runDisney's Wine and Dine  Half Marathon is a very intriguing race, and one that would be great for a first-time half marathoner!  For one, runDisney races are for everyone - not just elite runners; two, a night race gives you a completely different, magical perspective on the parks; three, you avoid the bright, Florida sun; and four, the After Party in Epcot until 4am can't be beat!
A large race like this one can seem daunting and full of road blocks in your mind.  But, here is how to avoid those obsticles and begin your journey to a memory of a lifetime!

1.  It all starts with registration
Registration for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon will be this Tuesday, March 17th, starting at 11 AM Central.   You can't run if you don't register!  Registration is simple and I have plenty of tips to help it go smoothly!

2.  Don't Doubt Yourself
If this is your first Half Marathon, you may not be ready to run 13.1 miles.  But that Is OK!  You will have 7 months to train.  Decide if you want run/walk or run, get a training plan, grab a buddy and start moving!  There will be days where it rains, you don't feel good, or family plans get it the way.  That is OK, too!  You just keep going and never doubt yourself !  I have Training Plan suggestions ready to go!

3. Plan for the Cost
Unfortunately, a race-vacation does cost more than going to a local race; and runDisney races are no different.  However, a great way to save money and still have all of the runDisney and Disney benefits is to choose the Value Resorts for your race weekend.  Most of the Value Resorts are host resorts for the Wine and Dine Weekend, and my family loves staying at the All Star Movies.  You really aren't going to spend a whole lot of time in the room, so choosing Value is a great way to participate in runDisney.   And remember to leave your travel worries to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner:  their services are Free and you reap all the benefits!

4. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
I know you've heard of runners having bad experiences with weather.  But don't let that deter you! The weather is unpredictable and it could be hot, raining or freezing the day of the race.  As part of your training, incorporate alternative clothing into a run.  Don't buy something at the last minute and expect to be able to quickly adapt.  It's best to practice the unexpected before it happens and always be weather-wise!

There is no time like to present to start your runDisney tradition with the Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

What is holding you back?

See Why the 2015 Wine And Dine Half Marathon Weekend will be the Best Disney has to Offer!

I'm here to help!... kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Pi Day Challenge



On Saturday, March 14, 2015, a phenomenal day will be upon us: Pi Day!

Does it seem irrational to celebrate Pi Day?   Of Course it is!  But who is counting?

You do remember Pi from High School Algebra?  It's that number that defines the ratio of the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter.  And it is the same for every circle.  In fact the first five digits of pi are 3.1415, which is oddly enough the same as 3/14/15 - this year's Pi Day!

So what are we going to do for the remarkable day?  Well, eat Pie of course!

But, you have to complete the challenge first!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

5 Best Events Disney Has to Offer All in One Weekend!

Everyone is trying to squeeze the most out of their time with their family; and I have found a way to create a fantastic family holiday vacation by enjoying one weekend in November!

By planning your trip for November 5 - 10th, you will be able to combine Great Food, Entertainment, runDisney, Parties, Christmas, Lights and Wonder with your family; and here are the 5 fabulous things going on!


1. International Food and Wine Festival
Start your weekend early, on Thursday or Friday, by tantalizing your taste buds as you make your way around the World  Showcase at Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival!  This premiere culinary event will host food from six continents, provide festive music and dancers, serve hundreds of national and international wines, present fabulous food seminars, and deliver thousands of desserts!  Incredible great food, drink and entertainment to start your vacation!

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Wine and Dine Half Marathon Important Links

March 2015


The Wine and Dine Half Marathon is literally a Runner's Night Out!  With an after dark view of 3 parks and an all night party at Epcot, it is a race to remember!

There is a lot to know about this race.  And to help make things easier for myself and fellow runners make, I've put together a list of important information that you will need to know!

Dates: November 7 - 8, 2015
Location: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Registration Opens: March 17, 2015 11 CT
Check Back for a Direct Link
Host Resorts: It is important to note that runDisney transportation is only available from the following Host Resorts:

Value: All-Star Resorts, Pop Century
Moderate:  Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Resorts
Deluxe:  Boardwalk Resorts, Saratoga Springs, Yacht and Beach Club, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge

Transportation:  Event Transportation will be available from all Host Resorts:  this transportation includes to and from the Health and Fitness Expo and all Races/Parties.  Host Resorts will display an updated Transportation Schedule in the Lobby.

2015 Race Information:

Runners Bibs and Waivers:  To Be Announced