This first few months of 2016 have been extremely crazy busy. I hadn’t planned on doing two races one week apart, but I won a complimentary entry to the Mercedes Half Marathon during Valentine’s weekend. How could I say no? This was the 4-year anniversary of my first half marathon, so I couldn’t miss it even if I had to walk it (which I did). It was also the Mercedes-Benz Marathon 15th Anniversary Weekend, so it was fun times all around.
The following weekend I headed to get my impromptu Princess on at the Princess Half Marathon, which was also my first Run Disney race back in 2014. Memories. It was such a blast! Did I mention that I hadn’t ran over 3 miles since early December? Don’t try this at home. That’s one thing I love about Disney races, I don’t have to worry about all of the pressure. Recap coming…
I’m happy to be back focused more on diet and exercise and not worrying about when to get in an 18 or 20-miler before the big taper. I’ll be honest, after the Eau Palm Beach Marathon in December, I kinda took a break. Maybe too much of a break, but my body absolutely needed it. Three full marathons in less than two months with a half sprinkled in (including training miles)—yeah, I needed it. Trust me, it wasn’t on purpose. Everything I do, I do it with a goal in mind. I was also trying to nurse my tendonitis, so I kept it easy as possible. Regardless, I can’t and won’t take anymore time off.Now that my two races are out-of-the-way, I can focus on my personal goals. I’m also back fully focused on Weight Watchers, living Beyond the Scale, working on strength training, and planning for late spring, summer, and fall races.
Speaking of planning…
I FINALLY purchased a life planner! I decided on the Erin Condren LifePlanner! What made it even sweeter is the amazing 20% off sale which includes a FREE wellness journal with purchase. Eeeeek! So glad I waited! It should be here in a few weeks and I can’t wait to share it! And since sharing is caring, you can receive $10 off your first purchase by using my referral link: https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/artneywalker0408. Just PASTE (very important) the link in your browser, sign-up, and you will receive your $10 off code to start shopping!
I went to Michael’s to pick out #AllTheWashi tape and stickers to start my obsession with planning. It’s real out here in the life planner streets! It’s like a whole ‘notha world (basically scrapbooking for planners). I’ll get more into that later.Before I go, I have some awesome things going on right now:
- Smarty Pants Complete Vitamins Review + Giveaway. Make sure you enter!
- Check out my ActiveFit Briefs review EVERY runner, fitness enthusiast, weightlifter, new mom—heck…everyone should try out. Read more about them + get your FREE sample! Changed my life!
I know you thought I forgot…Happy Leap Day!!!
I am so happy for you to get to enjoy those races. Its totally fine to take a break form time to time.
Thank you! I definitely needed it!
Your costume for Princess was absolutely adorable. A girlfriend and I are tossing around the idea of doing GSC next year. We’ll see if we can make it a reality!
Thank you so much! I normally like to take more time to plan out my actual costume, but I did my best. You and your girlfriend should totally do it!!! Nothing like doing it with friends!
I am on my 2nd Erin Condren planner I love it!
Yay! I am so excited, I can hardly contain it! I have been tracking the package since I got the email. lol
Thats amazing Artney, congrats on getting those impromptu races done! I’m starting to run a lot more, I hope I can just pop up and do a half marathon one day :)
Thank you, Ivanna! I’ve been seeing you getting it in! Once you start, you will be addicted!
I had the same skirt for Princess! Definitely not a pressure kind of race: I was hurting through the half, but it was a blast.
I, too, love the Erin Condren planners. I got one for Christmas, and I love it to pieces. Have fun with your washi tape!
Thank you, Jenn! Great minds! :) I was hurting, too, especially doing two so close together. I’m taking it easy over the next few weeks, so I can come back stronger. Everyone has me excited about my ECLifePlanner!
Congrats on both races! How fun!! And that planner- I’m in love!!
Thank you, Nicole! I can’t wait to share it!!!
Great job on the Princess Run! Hey, you know me…I love an impromptu race!
Haha! Yes, you do! I only wish I had your speed! :) Thank you, Wendy!
Great photos, love the Mermaid outfit! It’s funny how races can sometimes just pop up on our calendar, but it’s part of the fun of running! I was considering buying the Erin Condren planner but ended up getting a Kate Spade one this Christmas. They look like so much fun to use!
Thank you, Janelle! I heard the Kate Spade planner is great as well! You will have just as much fun with yours, too!
Congratulations on your finishes! Way to go!! I purchased my first Erin Condren planner this year, which I found at Staples. I wasn’t even looking for a particular brand but when I saw it, I had to have it! I really like it, especially the positive messages throughout.
Thank you, Michelle! I had no idea Staples had her planners! I’m going to look for one there. I can never have enough. Mine should arrive today. Excited!
I love your little mermaid outfit and OMG just got a new EC planner also and those stickers. And that tape. You have me totally dying to get into Michaels!! And I’m totally going to use your code to get some more goodies. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Becki! I’m so glad I found that skirt! I’m soooo exited about my new planner! It’s so easy to go over budget buying stickers and washi! haha! Make sure you get your online coupon and you should get more once you check out (on your receipt). You’re welcome!
I loved the mermaid skirt for your Princess Half! I would love to do a Disney race someday. So many great races for you and it sounds like you are doing a great job of listening to your body and taking rest as needed which is important.
Thank you, Sandra! It’s probably my favorite one that I own now! Oh, I hope you get to do a Disney race. One of the most fun races I’ve ever done!
I have several friend who ran the Princess Half and had a blast. It’s on my bucket list, for sure. I can’t wait to get back to Weight Watchers after I’m no longer pregnant….and I LOVE my EC LifePlanner! I’m on my fifth one, and they’ve always been so helpful. :)