I recently had the opportunity to attend Building a Healthier Future Summit, hosted by The Partnership for a Healthier America. The honorary chair, First Lady Michelle Obama, closed the summit by discussing the growing problem of obesity among our youth.

Summary of Address

(Video of Full Address Below)

The First Lady took a different direction compared to her usual talks about Let’s Move. During her address the topic was focused on, a different environment, the home and how parents play a pinnacle role in the health movement. There is no one more important to a child’s health then the parent. Parents ultimately choose how healthy their child is based on their family diet and activity.

Kids aren’t out grocery shopping, making breakfast, or enrolling in ballet or YMCA classes.

The problem isn’t that parents are lazy. The problem is that parents are busy. They are overwhelmed by the Super Market Sprint (getting in and out of the grocery store as fast as possible). The food industry and marketers shouldn’t bombard them with complicated labels or vague messages to eat healthy and make better choices without defining what that actually means. Parents need to receive information when they actually need it; when they are about to buy/cook/order food for their children.

We would never let our kids skip going to the doctor or allow them stop adding and subtracting because they don’t like it. The same should be true about eating healthy.

Parents face an uphill battle against advertisements and media. The best way for parents to combat this is to be the best example. It’s not enough just to change a child’s eating habits; parents need to change their eating habits as well. Parents are a child’s first and best role model. If a child has one obese parent, they are two times more likely to be obese as adults. So the best thing a parent can do to improve their child’s health is to start taking care of their own health.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Food Network Star, Anne Burrell, best known for the reality series Worst Cooks in America and The Next Iron Chef. Burrell has also authored the New York Times bestseller, Cook Like a Rock Star. 

Anne Burrell at the PHA Building a Healthier Future Summit

To say that Anne Burrell knows food is an understatement, using her culinary knowledge and true passion for cooking she provides insight on eating healthy at home, easy and inexpensive cooking tips, and making dinner a true family affair. Burrell believes eating healthy is easy and it all starts with one basic step.

When you start making food from scratch that’s where health starts.

Kids and Healthy Eating – Not Impossible

Even though Burrell doesn’t have children of her own, she does have some advice on improving the healthy eating habits of kids.

Burrell says that what children consume early on is what determines their food preferences later on. If kids start off with bad eating habits, they don’t develop an understanding of good nutrition. Children need to be educated early and it all starts in the home.

What parents need to be responsible for is what comes into their home and what they send their kids to school with.

From Burrell’s experience, establishing healthy eating habits early allows for children to be able to choose healthier options when they are outside the home (school, friends, etc); even when they encounter people who don’t have the same eating habits.

Where should parents begin? Burrell says that “parents need to make the rules.” Children should not dictate what’s for dinner; parents need to begin to take back responsibility of their home menus. “Kids aren’t out grocery shopping, parents are.” Stronger food boundaries and rules need to be set in the home.

Kids are only going to get hooked on chicken nuggets if you feed them chicken nuggets.

Making Food a Family Affair

Even though parents should have the final say on the dinner menu, families should make dinner a family affair from beginning to end. “There is so much more to the family dinner than yummy eating. Its cooking dinner together, it’s spending time together. It’s about looking each other in the eyes instead of jamming food down your throat and going on your way.”

Burrell says that one of the most important parts of the family dinner is meal preparation.

The great equalizer between parents and children is preparing a meal together.

Healthy Cooking Tips

Just because you aren’t a professional chef doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be whipping up a meal for your family. Burrell suggests that eating at home is as easy as three ingredients. “If you have eggs, dry pasta, and a can of tomatoes you can always make dinner.” She also says that you shouldn’t be afraid of big flavored foods. Food should always taste good; so make sure you taste it while cooking.

Going cheap and healthy can be easy. When cooking chicken use chicken thighs, it’s inexpensive and provides a lot more flavor. An inexpensive side option is beans, its a great way to get protein and it easily makes you feel full.

Burrell’s go-to recipe when cooking for her nieces and nephews is her Turkey Burger. The burger is savory and provides a little crunch, which kids love!

If Burrell could rid the world of one food…

I would get rid of chicken nuggets. How about we just eat real chicken.

A week before Valentines Day my husband surprised me with the most exciting news… we were going to run Rock n Roll Nice 10 Miles du Carnaval.

I was excited. In my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have imagined that we were going to be flying halfway across the world to run a race in one of the most beautiful places.

After a 7 hour flight from the US to Switzerland, we boarded a plane taking us over the Alps and into France. After this beautiful flight, we landed in Nice!

After we arrived we settled into our hotel room and then made our way to the Rock ‘n’ Roll expo, which was located right next to the famous flower market. The expo was relatively small compared to other RnR expos. One of the only downsides to the whole experience was that there wasn’t an English speaking volunteer available to help us. We had problems with our registration, so the language barrier made signing in extremely difficult.

RnR Expo

After getting all our registration problems ironed out, we headed to dinner to get some carb loading in. This was probably the best pre-race meal I have had EVER! Fresh seafood and rice pilaf…. TO DIE FOR!!

Pre race meal!

Once finished with dinner we headed back to our hotel to get ready for our upcoming race.

Flat Runner

Could I be running a more beautiful race course…. Ummm, I don’t think so! The whole race was along the Promenade Des Anglais.

Race map

The morning of the race we realized that the temp dropped about 15 degrees compared to the day before. Runners were huddling in corners of buildings waiting for the race to start.

It was freezing!

But the weather didn’t deter the runners. When it came time to start, we were ready for the most amazing 10 mile course!

Start of the race

Some runners were dressed to impress. These guys actually played their instruments while running… it was running talent at its best!

These guys played while they ran

Once the race started, in typical RnR fashion, there was on course entertainment. Mostly bands and two DJ’s.

On course entertainment

Truthfully, RnR could have gotten away with no on course entertainment since the course was beyond beautiful and it was entertainment enough to watch everyone run by dressed in their Carnaval costumes.

Everyone dresses up for a Carnaval Race!

The atmosphere was full of excitement from the previous day of Carnaval fun.

Streamers in the trees from Carnaval

Here are some of my favorite photo highlights from the 10 miles along the Promenade.

View of course mile 6.5

View of course mile 6

View of course mile 8

View of course mile 8

View of course mile 8.5

View of course mile 7.5

View of the course at mile 9

Hitting the 10 miles seemed relatively easy. I actually found myself feeling somewhat sad that the race was over. I really wanted to continue running. But the finish was just as fun as the actual course.

Finishers medal and Carnaval

Finishers medal

The post race food was AWESOME! Nothing like cake, oranges, and soda!

Post race drinks

Post race snacks

I never thought these words would be typed by my Disney loving fingers… but Rock ‘n’ Roll Nice 10 Miles du Carnaval ties as number one (with Disney Marathon Weekend) for my favorite race experience. The combination of beauty, amazing runners, fun atmosphere, and great on course snacks & entertainment ranks this race at the top of my list.  It wasn’t a huge race, which allowed for elbow space. There were even runners with strollers (which didn’t get in the way)! Rock ‘n’ Roll Nice is a race I would recommend in a heartbeat!

Lately, I have been living my life more openly. Not really looking for amazing experiences, but allowing those experiences to happen. Seeing that even the little things in life can bring the greatest joy. Moving through my days more slowly and taking the time to feel the world around me.

During the last ten years of yoga classes (on and off), I have reached physical goals. But I have never felt deeply moved, inspired, or close to the universe…. that is until today.

I walked into my hot yoga class, taught by Wesley, with an open mind. Throughout the class, I did struggle with some poses. But yoga is about growing and stretching. You are never perfect in yoga, there is always another step that you can reach. So I allowed myself to feel the struggle in my poses, to understand that the struggle is something to be embraced. It means I am ready for growth.

At the end of class, we all came into sitting where Wesley directed us to say a mantra that we were encouraged to embody in our daily lives “No harm. No harm. Do no harm.” and then we came into a collective “Om”.

I don’t know what it was about this “Om” or why I hadn’t felt it in other classes I have taken, but today it hit me to my core. The sound was one of the most beautiful sounds I have heard. I felt the universe move, I felt my soul jump, I felt connected to everyone and everything around me. This Om hit me so deep, it gave me goosebumps. This one particular moment, “The Om Moment” was the first time I truly felt part of something bigger. An important part of something bigger.

Find your Om Moment and embrace it.

I can’t tell you the day I thought it was a good idea to run Goofy (Disney World Half Marathon and Disney World Marathon in 24 hours). That is a blur to me. What I can tell you is the day that I thought, “What the hell am I doing running 39.3 miles?!” The thought came to me post Disney World Half Marathon, when my body was so sore that I actually subjected myself to this…

In the last year and a half I have ran a hand full of half marathons. Even though I kept the Disney World half marathon easy, it hurt… and it hurt bad. I went to bed that night thinking, “if I cry or tear up trying to get up in the morning… I am calling it quits.” So I set-up flat Amanda and then curled up for 7 hours of running dreams.

The next morning I was on autopilot. I woke-up right with the alarm, rolled out of bed, and was dressed before my eyes fully opened. It was time to head to the starting line of the Walt Disney World Marathon.

I am assuming it was the excitement of the race, but my body wasn’t as sore as I thought it would be. Being in a crowd of 20,000 plus people can really put you in better spirits; especially if that crowd is full of excited runners. As we sat in our corral waiting for the race to start, I had the chance to talk to a woman who coordinates and runs ultra marathons. It got me to thinking…. (wait until my next big announcement).

But before I knew it we were being ushered to the front of the corrals; it was our turn for the gun (or in Disney style… FIREWORKS!).

At about mile one, the pain from the day before started to rear its head again. I began to hurt in my lower back, calf muscles, and shins. I was starting the race off miserable. I told myself I at least had to get to mile 10. I don’t know why I choose ten, but at the time it just seemed logical.

By mile two… I hit the wall. Weird, I know. WHO HITS A WALL AT MILE 2?! I did. I wanted to quit. My body was begging me to stop. But there was so much excitement around me I got caught up in it. I forced myself to keep going. I told myself get to mile 5 then decide.

By mile three, my muscles were starting to change their mind. My body was warming up and I was starting to feel like I could do this.

The rest of the morning was really a blur. I didn’t stop much for character pictures or photo opportunities. I channeled my inner Forest Gump “And I RAN!” I put on my favorite tunes and I got caught up in my music and let the other runners around pace me. I had turned my brain on autopilot; yes, even in the Magic Kingdom.

My autopilot running face.

Before I knew it, I was halfway there. I had hit mile 13. I had passed mile 5 and 10; not once did I want to stop. My body was hot and my muscles were happy.

It was at this point that I realized, “unless I get hurt… I got this!”

This was the first time that I truly thought I was actually going to achieve the goal of running 39 miles in 24 hours. I felt unstoppable. That was until….

Break time for rock removal

… I had a rock in my shoe.

The second half of the marathon was hot. People of Florida were comparing it to a typical July day. It was 85 degrees with a lot of humidity! As the miles went on, I saw people dropping out. Finding shade next to medical tents and calling it quits. I felt for them. It broke my heart to see so many dreams shattered. I just had to keep going, smiling through the heat and remind myself that I could do it.

By mile 18, I started to hurt again. My knees were swelling up and my joints were getting stiff. All I wanted to see was that mile 20 marker. But first we had to run the bases at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Then my second wind hit…

I got a second wind

I put on my headphones and I cruised. I might have paused briefly for the mile 20 spectacular. The pause was more of my own excitement that…. WE MADE IT TO MILE 20! Only 6 more miles until I was done.

After the mile 20 spectacular, the route went down the highway and into Disney Hollywood Studios. Those miles were the most brutal miles… no shade, direct sun, and HOT temps. But I didn’t hit a wall. I just wanted it to be finished. I wanted that finish line more than anything. I was hurting, hot, and tired. I wasn’t even hungry; which for me is crazy because I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY when I run.

I wish I could tell you character stops and the miles they were at… but I can’t. I wish I could tell you what chocolate they were handing out at DHS… but I can’t (all I know is it was Hersey’s that taste sooooo good). So much of the concrete details of the race were a blur.

What I can tell you is that motivational signs at mile 22 of marathons that say “Everyone fails one day, but today is not your day” make me cry. People who scream, “You are amazing, Stranger!” make me cry. I think from mile 22 to 25 I spent most of my energy holding back tears. I knew I had done it. I was going to be a marathoner. Now it was just time to smile through the pain.

Smile through the pain

Then I saw it… my FAVORITE structure on Disney property. I was at the end of the race. It was only a matter of time before I had my medal.

The last mile was one of the most anticipated moments of my life; yes, ranking right up there with marriage and giving birth. Once I crossed the finish line I felt amazing, strong, and accomplished. I had achieved something I didn’t think possible… I ran 26.2 miles. And those miles were accomplished under very difficult conditions (sore muscles, hot temps, etc.).

One of my proudest moments!

The rest of the day was spent slowly walking around (keeping our muscles warm), followed by a much deserved nap. When I finally gathered up the energy to move again, we headed to the Magic Kingdom for extended hours, where we treated ourselves to much deserved Dole Whips.

Best thing in the world post marathon

The next day all I craved was fruit. So we found a place in the Animal Kingdom that sold amazing fruit plates.

Flame Tree Animal Kingdom

The rest of the Disney trip was spent sporting my beautiful new treasures.

Showing off my Donald medal

I would have fallen asleep wearing my marathon medal if it wasn’t so heavy!

My new treasures

20th Anniversary Disney Marathon Medal

The most interesting aspect about the whole race was the fact that going into it I didn’t think it would be such a life changing experience. Now that I am home, settled in, and back to my daily routine I do feel different. It’s a overwhelming sense of accomplishment; but not the kind that leaves you lazy. I have set higher goals for myself because I know that I can achieve them. Fear has left my vocabulary. I am a marathon runner.

Since my first runDisney race (Wine and Dine 2011), I have wanted to run in costume. This year, for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, I did! After some careful consideration and going based on your votes, a character was selected.

The morning of the Disney World Half Marathon I had to drag myself out of bed. I was beyond exhausted and (for some very odd reason) nervous. I don’t think I felt this nervous for a race since my very first half marathon.

Flat Amanda, AKA The White Rabbit

Maybe the nerves came from my first race running in costume or the anticipated record breaking heat. But either way, we were running late getting to the starting line.

Donald sending us off for our 13.1 mile trek

My husband and I entered our corral just in time, I didn’t even get a moment to think… we were moving to the start.

Once the fireworks went off, there was no turning back. I was in Florida to conquer Goofy. I was in Florida to run my first marathon. The half marathon was only the beginning in accomplishing some huge goals during the weekend.

One of the highlights of any Disney race is running through the castle!

My husband and I ran easy. We both wanted to make sure that we were going to be standing the next day to accomplish the Marathon. So we stopped for character pictures, potty breaks, and walking when needed.

I found my character crew!

The runDisney 2013 Half Marathon was, hands down, the most fun I have ever had running 13.1 miles.

Sarge yelled at me up the whole hill “YOU’RE LATE RABBIT!”

During the race there were two amazing highlights that I couldn’t have anticipated. While I was running, spectators would yell “LOOK! It’s the White Rabbit! You’re late! You’re late!” those words repeated during the 13.1 miles was the most motivation I have ever received.

Disney spectators have some of the best signs!

The second highlight happened around mile ten. As my husband and I ran pass a small group of female runners I heard someone yell, “Oh My God! It’s Happy Mother Runner! Me and my friend follow you! Love your costume!”

This was the first time that anyone has recognized me offline without me saying “Hey! I am Amanda from Happy Mother Runner.”

I found my horn!

The half marathon is an amazing course moving through the Magic Kingdom and finishing in Epcot. The feeling I have when I enter Epcot (for any Disney race) is pure relief. I love the sight of Space Ship Earth (the Epcot Ball) more than any other structure on Disney property. To me it doesn’t mean that the race is almost done; it’s more of a symbol of accomplishing huge goals that I have set forth for myself. That ball means that I am about to accomplish something great in my life (first half, first marathon, first Goofy).

Nothing like a White Rabbit Photo Bomb!

In the end, the race was amazing. It was not even close to a PR, but that wasn’t what I was trying to achieve. The half was a warm-up for something even bigger the next day.

If you had to choose only one Disney character to get a photo op with, who would it be?

When I started planning our trip to WDW for marathon weekend, I made sure that we were all settled in and ready to go by the opening day of Walt Disney World Marathon Health and Fitness Expo. Even though registration and expo are open for three days (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday), I wanted to avoid the rush and get there right when the doors opened. And boy am I glad we did!

Thursday morning, before heading over to ESPN, the husband and I made our way to O’Hana for one of our favorite breakfasts! When you plan your next WDW trip, make sure that O’Hana is on your list of places to eat.

Some love during breakfast at O’Hana

Breakfast at O’Hana

After breakfast we hopped on the expo bus outside the Polly (10:30am). The bus was pretty empty and traffic was nonexistent. We made our way there in no time.

Off to expo

And we arrive!

Off to get our bibs!

Once inside the pavilion, we made our way to the Goofy registration pick-up section (which is located in a different area than the half and full registration pick-up).

Best part about running Goofy… the lines are shorter!

WAIT?!? Why am I in corral G?

After picking up our bibs, we headed over to expo to get our race shirts. The area in expo that seemed to have the most congestion was the New Balance booth… this could be why! We had arrived early enough to get our hands on just the right sizes. My Minnie shoes were the last ones in my size and it was only 11:oo am!

The official runDisney New Balance Shoes!

After grabbing our race shirts, we headed to the runDisney section to pick-up the cutest vinylmation Disney has. This bad boy will be living on my desk at Columbia, hopefully no colleagues take him hostage!

So excited to put the medals around Mickey’s neck!

Once we had done a little shopping, shirt swapping, and browsing we headed back to the bus. But not before we got some pictures with our bibs in-front of oversize medal backdrops.

This is my first marathon medal! I couldn’t think of one better!

Why not go Goofy? Ready for some insane mileage!

When we got back to the Grand Floridian we unloaded our runDisney bags to take a look at our new race shirts and pins.

I’m disappointed in the colors this year. Wish Goofy was white again.

The official runDisney pins are so awesome!

We took the rest of the day to explore the parks and have some fun. While mingling with other runners I realized that I should have tried to get a earlier corral because of my previous half marathon times. I decided that the next morning I would go back to expo and get my bib changed. I am so happy we had done all our shopping and waiting in line the day before, because when we got to registration and expo the lines to get in to expo actually went around the field!

That’s better!

Now to conquer the 39.3 miles that comes with that Goofy bib!

What are your thoughts on the new runDisney shoes?

Last week I was among thousands of people who were sitting at their computers patiently waiting and hitting the refresh button on the browser. I was hoping to be one of the lucky few to be selected for the Walt Disney World Marathon Meet-up. When I received the email saying I was selected, I screamed. There it was, my name, on the list.

When Friday arrived, I was more nervous about the meet-up than attempting to complete the Goofy Challenge (half marathon on Saturday and then a full marathon on Sunday). The whole idea of running with Bart Yasso, Jeff Galloway, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers, and Dick Beardsley made my head spin. These are runners who have inspired me to become a better runner and to pursue my goals.

The morning of the meet-up I hailed a cab at the front of the Grand Floridian Hotel and rode over to the entrance of Disney Hollywood Studios (cost was $17). Disney wasn’t offering transportation since the meet-up began at 6:30 am. When I arrived, there were people already waiting at the entrance. I could feel the excitement in the air.

As we all filed into line to sign our waivers and pick up our runDisney shirts (white cotton), three of the original Disney gang showed up for picture opportunities. During pictures, I goofed around with Donald pretending to race one another.

Then a slight hush came over the 100 attendees. That’s when I saw some of the greatest runners of all time walk in, including the amazing Desiree Davila. I instantly felt the magnitude of what I was about to experience.

Desire Davila and I before the run

After a brief introduction by runDisney, we were split into two groups.

Group 1: 9 minute miles with the pacers being Adriano Bastos (8 time WDW champion) Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Desiree Davila.

Group 2: 12 minute miles with the pacers being Jeff Galloway, Bart Yasso, and Dick Beardsley.

My pacers for a 2.5 mile run. Is this what a runners heaven is… yes!

We ran 2.4 miles through Disney Hollywood Studios.  Truthfully, I don’t remember much of the park. What I do remember is how quiet it was. As we circled the park, there were characters out for pictures. I also had the chance to chat and run with Joe from the Marathon Show (a podcast that has been such a great help in my adventures of running).

My running proof photo, photo bombed by the amazing Bart Yasso!

As we finished our run, we ended in the outdoor studio where Disney holds the Lights, Motor, Action Stunt Show.

Waiting for us was an ESPN food truck serving breakfast sandwiches, juice, and coffee. Once everyone got settled in, the program began.

Joey Fatone rode in on a stunt truck. He talked about his training and how he got started running. Joey addressed the fact that N’SYNC will not be getting back together (tears) and then discussed his running music list (likes Black Eyed Peas) and running method (just staying in shape).

New Balance then discussed their new runDisney running shoe. They also talked about how to choose the right shoe and how the runDisney New Balance shoe isn’t  for everyone (we bought two pairs at expo).

Then the running greats came up and took part in a question and answer session.

Here are some of my favorite pieces of advice and quotes:

“Three aspects that need focus in your life: Mind, Body, and Spirit. Life is all about balance.” ~ Joan Benoit Samuelson

“We need to inspire each other!” ~ Joan Benoit Samuelson

“I split life into two categories: BC and AD. BC is before children where I use to schedule my day around running. AD is after baby diapers, now I schedule my running around my day.” ~ Joan Benoit Samuelson

Me and Joan Benoit Samuelson (the women’s marathon first gold medalist)

“The young lady at Starbucks curses my name every Wednesday! My advice never have a workout named after you!” ~ Bart Yasso

The best pre-race sandwich, ever! Between Bart Yasso and Dick Beardsley

“Disney is the only place in the world where you say I’m only doing the marathon and truly mean it.” ~ Desiree Davila

“You are the leading force against childhood obesity by just being out there doing what you are doing…running!” ~ Jeff Galloway

Me and Jeff Galloway (member of the 1972 US Olympic Team)

After the the running panel finished, runDisney introduced the funny and inspiring Drew Carey. Drew spoke about how he started running to lose weight but then incorporated it into a healthy lifestyle. Then Drew said something that rings true and  is important for people beginning the journey in healthy living, “You don’t have to be perfect you just have to live healthier!”

RunDisney concluded the meet-up by giving away runDisney suitcases, vinlymations, New Balance shoes, and a free entry into next years marathon. After the presentations were finished, we had a chance to talk with the speakers.

Oh and we had the chance to boogie with Goofy (totally awesome!)

**A special THANK YOU (from the bottom of my heart) to runDisney for the amazing opportunity!**

With only three days between me and conquering a total of 41 miles in a 72 hours, I have finally finalized my running and workout playlist. The songs have been tried and tested by both myself and my toddler in numerous dance parties, sweaty Jillian Michael workouts, and numerous miles completed while pushing a jogger. I hope that my running and workout playlist will energize, inspire, and hopefully push me (as well as you) across the finish line.

A Running and Workout Playlist (50 of my favorite songs)
(in alphabetical order)

01. All the Right Moves – One Republic
02. Animal – Neon Trees
03. Back in Time – Pitbull
04. Breakeven – The Script
05. Brokenhearted – Karmin

06. Call me Maybe – Carly Rae Jaspen
07. Cooler than Me – Mike Posner
08. Don’t Stop the Party – Pitbull
09. Don’t Wake Me Up – Chris Brown
10. Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia

11. Drive By – Train
12. Everybody Talks – Neon Trees
13. Feel Again – One Republic
14. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris
15. Firework – Katy Perry
16. Give me Everything – Pitbull

17. Glad You Came – The Wanted
18. Good Life – One Republic
19. Good Time – Owl City and Carly Rae Jaspen
20. Hall of Fame – The Script

21. Hello – Karmin
22. Hey, Soul Sister – Train
23. Home – Phillip Phillips
24. I Cry – Flo Rida
25. Just Can’t Get Enough – Black Eyed Peas
26. Kiss with a Fist – Florence and the Machine

27. Let Me Love You – Ne-Yo
28. Lights – Ellie Goulding
29. Little Talks – Of Monster and Men
30. Park Rock Anthem – LMFAO
31. Pumped Up Kicks -Foster the People

32. Rock That Body – Black Eyed Peas
33. Scream and Shout – Will.I.Am
34. Sexy and I Know It – LMFAO
35. Some Nights – Fun.

36. Somebody That I Use to Know – Gotye Ft. Kimbra
37. Starships – Nicki Minaj
38. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
39. Take Over Control – AfroJack
40. The Edge of Glory – Lady GaGa
41. The Fighter – Gym Class Heroes

42. The Show Goes On – Lupe Fiasco
43. Titanium – David GUetta
44. Tonight Tonight – Hot CHelle Rae
45. Try – Pink

46. Want You Back – Cher Lloyd
47. Where Them Girls At – David Guetta
48. Whistle – Flo Rida
49. Wide Awake – Katy Perry
50. Wild Ones – Flo Rida

And one for good measure (a trait I picked up from my first trainer who was Irish and believed that one more of everything gave good luck).
51. You Make Me Feel – Cobra Starship

Walt Disney Marathon Weekend 2013 has arrived! There is less than 3 days until I hit the pavement to conquer 41 miles! The next four days are going to be a blur of excitement.

Here is what I have on my schedule!

Wednesday:
We arrived!

Thursday:
Breakfast at O’Hana (MY FAVORITE)
Then quickly head off to ESPN Wide World of Sports to attend Expo

Friday:
Walt Disney World Marathon Meet-up (7am) where I get to meet some amazing runners including Jeff Galloway and Bart Yasso.

2012 Marathon Meet-up: Disneyparks.disney.go.com

Run two miles with Jeff Galloway around Disney Hollywood Studios
Total Miles Friday: 2

Saturday:
The Disney World Half Marathon
Total Miles Saturday: 13.1

Sunday:
The 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon
Total Miles Sunday: 26.2

WDW Marathon start 2012: DisneyParks.Disney.go.com

If you want to follow my journey during the next few days, I will be tweeting all the excitement at https://twitter.com/HappyMotherRun