Wake Up! it’s Consultation Week!

Shiawase Life

Happy, Happy Monday! It’s April 6, and it’s another exciting week here at Shiawase Life (and Outrunning the Monorail).

As I work on the process of bringing the content from OtR’s blog here, I wanted to start to share updates on training and coaching here, and soon, there’ll be a tab up there ^^ that will house all the updates and information.

…but back to the excitement of TODAY!

This training season, I have selected three major race weekends to offer the “full package” of training plans, coaching support, and race-day strategies: the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, 2015 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend, and the 2016 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Each of these have been selected for the following reasons:

1. I have personal experience in participating in each of these weekends.
2. I have assisted runners in each of these weekends.
3. I will be attending each…

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2015 Disneyland Half Marathon and Dumbo Double Dare Training

Good morning, everyone!

Fresh off the heels of my own second 50K, and following vicariously the goings on of runners participating in the Inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon weekend this weekend, I am feeling PUMPED about running and racing! I’ve been revisiting training plans, reviewing past race recaps, and just smiling ear to ear, thinking about the memories, the triumphs, and the people that make each race weekend special.

Follow your dreams!

With that welling energy and enthusiasm, I am proud to announce the launch of training plans and packages for the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon and Dumbo Double Dare! I’ve run the Disneyland Half twice (the first time in 2011, as the second part of my first Coast to Coast Challenge; second was with the Inaugural Dumbo Dare in 2013) and I can honestly say that this is my FAVORITE half marathon. Not just favorite runDisney half, mind you, but, of the 17 halves I’ve run, my FAVORITE, all around.

Here are the details of these specific plans:

• Capacity is limited to 5 Dumbo Double Dare runners and 5 Half Marathon runners (these numbers can be flip-flopped based on demand – basically, I am taking on 10 runners.
• Each package includes a runner survey, 30-minute consultation, a personalized training plan, access to a private FB group specifically for Disneyland Half and Dumbo Double Dare runners, unlimited email/text access for coaching/advice, plus a race-day strategy session.
• These packages are fully adjustable to your schedule, your ability and your goals.

To register, visit THIS LINK today.*

ETA:

Also new this year: a “FASTPASS” option for runners who need guidance in the form of a training plan, but don’t want/need extra support.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have in the comments, or email me at khiguchi at gmail dot com.

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* General registration for the 2015 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend opens on rundisney.com on February 10. Early registration (DVC, AP) launches January 27th. Outrunning the Monorail training plans and packages will be available for purchase while spots last.

2015 & 2016 runDisney Training Plan Packages COMING!

WOW.

It’s been way too long since I last updated this blog, but here’s a quick update on what’s happened since my last Outrunning the Monorail update:

• Created another video submission to Disney Parks Moms Panel
• Cheered on more friends to their inductions to the panel 🙂
• Coached an incredible first group of Outrunning the Monorail runners through the fall
• Ran the 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon and 2015 Goofy Challenge
• Proudly saw 14 runners accomplish running goals they didn’t imagine they could before!

Now, it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t perfect, but in these past three months, I’ve learned a lot, and I can’t wait to KEEP MOVING FORWARD into the new year, with running and Disney, so I am very excited to announce that starting JANUARY 18th, new training program packages will be dropping!

Look for more details and information soon! 

Year 4, Round 2

It’s hard to believe, but a little over four years ago, I started a journey. This journey sounded simple enough – an application to join a panel of talented professionals who shared their passion with an inquisitive community of individuals from all over the globe and all walks of life.

Since that year, I have gained many things – insight on an exciting (and emotional) process, advice from current and prospective panelists, and lastly, but perhaps the most valuable – enduring and deep friendships.

This year, I am honored and excited to once again join the second round applicants to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. With three years of R2 experience under my belt, I feel a mix of both veteran confidence and optimistic excitement.

I plan to share as many details on the 2015 Recruitment Season as possible (after closing timelines), but am also glad to answer any questions, too! So, without further ado, here’s a little bit about the process so far:

Timeline

ROUND 1: Tuesday, September 2 through Friday, September 5

ROUND 2: Tuesday, October 21 noon through Monday, October 27 -includes seven essay questions and a video submission

ROUND 3 & BEYOND: ?? To be revealed* ???

TRAINING: All new panelists are required to attend training at the Walt Disney World Resort, potential dates include December 10-15, 2014.

I am excited to join in for another cycle of FUN – and no matter what the outcome is this year, it’s sure to be a magical experience.

* In the past, Round 3 was a phone interview, and new panelists were drawn from this round. 

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2015 WDW Marathon Weekend Training Packages

EDITED: Thank you for the incredible response! Capacity has been reached for the 2015 WDW Marathon Weekend – please stay tuned for other coaching opportunities.

Happy April 1! I am so excited to announce that the big day is here and we’re rolling on registrations 🙂

I’ve capped the amount of packages offered for this first training season so I can be sure to offer the individualized attention that I believe makes the difference when it comes to customized training plans and coaching, so if you’re thinking about signing up, but have any questions, please feel free to comment here, or email outrunmonorail at gmail dot com so you can make your most informed decision.

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For those of you who have already registered, thank you so much for your support, and I can’t wait to get started!

 

#outrunmonorailchat tonight!

 

#outrunmonorail chat winner: Dawn Scott! @highnoonmama

Tonight, as a pre-launch of tomorrow’s registration opening, I’m hosting a special chat on twitter called #outrunchat, where I’ll be hosting an hour-long chat about running, training, and racing! Anyone is free to join, and as I’ve mentioned in the graphic, one person will win a prize pack including, but not limited to, nuun and a pair of Sparkle Athletic Shwings!

Never joined a twitter chat before? Well, it’s easy!

How do I #outrunmonorailchat?

1. Sign into twitter

2. If you aren’t already, follow me at @outrunmonorail, so you can see the questions tweeted out.

3. RT (retweet) the question, then answer with hashtag #outrunmonorailchat. Here’s an example: I might tweet out – Q1: What is your favorite race distance? #outrunmonorailchat, and so your answer /tweet response could be something like: A1: I like Half Marathons the best. #outrunmonorailchat

Optional: If you have a program like tweetdeck, you can set up a column that follows #outrunmonorailchat. This way, you can see who’s interacting and maybe even meet some new pals!

How do I WIN!?

Well, I think you’re a winner just for joining us, but to be eligible for the prize pack, all you need to do is answer AT LEAST one question during the chat (again, 8-9 PM Eastern). Winner will be announced tomorrow (Tuesday, April 1) on this blog post and will be contacted via twitter.

Additionally, you may earn an extra entry by tweeting the following:

” Join @outrunmonorail for the first-ever #outrunmonorailchat at 8 PM EDT. More details here: http://bit.ly/PbcGTH ”

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Hope to see y’all there! And as always, please feel free to leave any questions here…or tweet me!

 

runDisney Anniversaries

Wondering when some of your favorite runDisney races began, and when they might celebrate their special anniversaries? Check out this handy guide!

 

January

Walt Disney World Marathon – 1994 (20th anniversary was 2013)

Goofy Challenge – 2006 (10th anniversary will be 2015)

Dopey Challenge – 2014

Tinkerbell Half Marathon – 2012*

Tinkerbell 10K – 2014*

February

Princess Half Marathon – 2009 (5th anniversary was 2013)

Enchanted 10K – 2014

Glass Slipper Challenge (13.1 + 10K) – 2014

May

Expedition Everest Challenge 5K – 2008**

August/September

Disneyland Half Marathon – 2006 (10th anniversary will be 2015)

Disneyland 10K – 2013

Disneyland Double Dumbo Dare Challenge – 2013

October

Tower of Terror 10-Miler – 2012***

November

Wine and Dine Half Marathon – 2010 (5th anniversary in 2014)****

Avengers Half Marathon – 2014

*Tinkerbell Weekend will be moving to May in 2015.

** Everest Challenge has moved all over the calendar in the past! September, June and May have all been hosts of this event!

*** Inaugural Tower of Terror 10-Miler was held in late September; in 2013, the race was moved to October. Additionally, this race distance was introduced after the Tower of Terror 13K (2008 & 2009).

**** Previous Food and Wine Festival Races include: Race for the Taste 3K & 10K (2008 & 2009).

Other fun facts:

• Did you know there used to be a Fall Challenge medal? Yes! It was a cool extra medal you could earn for running EEC + Race for the Taste 10K or the Tower of Terror 13K.
• There are a variety of other races that have come and gone on Disney property, including a full marathon at Disneyland, triathlons at Walt Disney World, as well as a sprinkling of various 5Ks.

The Next Step for Outrunning the Monorail

What do these characters have in common?

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

In 2012, Outrunning the Monorail was launched as a way for me to document my adventures in applying to the Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel (now known as the Disney Parks Moms Panel). It was my second year of working toward becoming the runDisney Specialist, and though that journey is one that is still ongoing, the connections, support and fun that I’ve had between this blog and the accompanying Facebook page pushed me to work toward another goal…coaching!

So, in 2013, I worked to obtain my RRCA Coaching Certification and earlier this year, I launched Outrunning the Monorail Online Coaching. With a growing roster of runners, I could not be more excited about helping others achieve their goals, whether runDisney or not…though let’s be honest here, runDisney is where it all began, so it only makes sense that it is still a big part of what I do!

With all this said – it is my pleasure to announce a SPECIAL new offering from Outrunning the Monorail: 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Coaching Packages! From 10K to Dopey, I’ve got you covered! Details have been posted on the site, and registration will officially kick off on April 1, 2014 (no joke) 😉

Deciding to hire a coach is definitely a personal decision, but with Outrunning the Monorail, I aim to bring a personalized experience that allow participants to remove the “guess work” and doubt from their training cycle and really focus on training, and goal-setting.

I do also understand that every dollar counts; especially when planning a runDisney racecation. That is why I am launching the packages this early – you see, all my training plans do not officially kick off until September 9, 2014, which allows for an 18-week training cycle – however – the earlier you register, the earlier I can help you plan your “base.”

But, wait…that’s not all!

I couldn’t resist a little “sales pitch” add on, but I *am* celebrating a big birthday this year…30! Yes! In one month, I will officially bid adieu to my 20’s, and I want to celebrate with you – so if you register anytime during the month of April, use promotional code: BIRTHDAYBONUS to take 10 percent off all WDW Marathon Weekend packages! Yes! I repeat, from April 1-30, the packages will be discounted as follows:

• Minnie 10K: $100 –> $90
• Donald 13.1: $125 –> $112.50
• Mickey 26.2: $150 –> $135
• Goofy 39.3 $175 –> $157.50
• Dopey 48.6: $175 –> $157.50

As always, leave your questions or comments here, or email me outrunmonorail at gmail dot com if you have any other questions that are not answered here. I am excited to help YOU reach your 2015 WDW Marathon Weekend goals!

Why I Will Not be Running the Dopey Challenge.

I don’t know about all of you, but following Social Media on all the #WDWMarathon Weekend events has been a positively INCREDIBLE experience! Between virtual cheering and taking part in the #Minnie10K race on Friday, I definitely am motivated by so many wonderful stories, experiences and amazing photos of the thousands of runners who took on challenges beyond their imaginations.

My amazing pals, C and P from We Run Disney.

Whether triumphs were in the form of a 5K race, or the whole enchilada – 48.6 miles of magic in the Dopey Challenge, simply putting in the training and dedication to get safely to the finish line is something to admire in itself. I cannot express how incredibly proud I am of friends – new and old – that put their mind and bodies to the ultimate test(s) this weekend, and as inspired as I feel right now, I can definitively state this, just as I did when I first heard of the challenge last year, “I will not be running the Dopey Challenge.” And, I really mean it.

This list, that has been bouncing around my head for the last few weeks, is in no way a criticism or argument against the reasons people chose to (and will choose again to) run this thrilling challenge, but simply, my personal thoughts.

So, here goes…

1. I love running.

Okay, this one sounds weird, right? But hear me out: I love running so much, and I love training – but I do NOT want to get that nagging feeling of “having” to go out on a training run, or bringing upon that dreaded burnout on myself. As my disclaimer said, this is just me. Tons of people can, and did endure training with fantastic results – that was proven today. I just know myself enough to know that I simply don’t want to lose my love for the sport, even temporarily.

2. It’s too expensive.

 

This one doesn’t require too much explanation…but yeah. These were the prices for 2014, and as they always do, they will rise. No one ever said running was a cheap sport, but $500? That’s a whole lotta dough. And I could run at least 5 full marathons with that.

While our expenses have been cut significantly by moving to Florida (and it’s a drive up to Orlando instead of a flight) there are lots of extra costs to consider, and frankly, the value isn’t there for me.

3. I love sleeping.

Disney advises runners to board the busses for the 5:30 AM start of the longer distance races (10K, 13.1 and 26.2) no later than 4 AM. I can handle that – to a certain extent. I returned home from the 10K on Friday, and felt soo sleepy from my restless night of just ONE non-full night of sleep. So, there’s that.

4. There are so many races yet to run.

Cheesin’ at the Minnie 10K.

Here in Florida, the race season is SHORT. And, there are SO many races I want to run, not only on the same weekend of WDW Marathon, but the weekends flanking it – so it’s hard to justify repeating the same race over and over again, with increasing costs.

Don’t get me wrong, I would never trade my 13.1 or 26.2 experiences at WDW, but frankly, it’s the same course. Over and over. Princess, too! Until Disney mixes up the course a bit (I am sure it can be done, somehow) I feel that (again, for me) running 4 races in a row will feel more like deja vu, or really, sleepwalking, given my reason #3 😉

5. I love running.

No, this is not a repeat – just a declaration I will repeat – hopefully – until I die. I love running; the sport of it, the camaraderie and energy – everything. I realize that with my new foray into online coaching, there is a good chance that I will be coaching runners interested in taking on Dopey, or similar challenges – and for that, I am excited to share my advice and experience, however, I know my own limits. Accomplishing 48.6 miles over the span of four days is an amazing accomplishment – one that I am so incredibly proud of my friends for, and will encourage others to pursue, but it is not anything I want to do. And personally, I don’t think you should ever do anything YOU don’t have your heart in.

All this being said (or written), I can state this: I am interested in the 2015 Goofy Challenge. Wait…what? Yeah, it might sound weird, especially since that’s just 9.3 miles more, but that’s also two wake up calls more (reference #3) but yeah. That’s my story and I am sticking to it!

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Did you run Dopey 2014? Is it in your future runDisney plans? 

2014: Are YOU ready to run?

Good morning everyone! If you’re one of the tens of thousands of runners about to participate in the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, can you believe all the fun begins in JUST three days?

Posing with Daisy after the 2013 WDW Marathon.

While my race weekend will consist of running the 10K, then making a quick turnaround back home, I am so very excited for everyone running every event – from the Family 5K, to those brave contenders of the Inaugural Dopey Challenge, which consists of running every event (5K, 10K, 13.1 and 26.2).

If you’re looking for last minute information and race instructions, be sure to check out the official race program. Everything, from transportation notes, to spectator viewpoints and even future race dates are within those 36 pages, so be sure to check it out – and pick up a paper copy as soon as you check into your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel as a keepsake!

Not running any of this week’s upcoming events, but hungry for your chance at an upcoming runDisney event? Whether you are a beginner, or a more novice runner looking to challenge your standing PR, or take on a multi-race challenge, Outrunning the Monorail has you covered with a new feature coming this Spring 2014, with ONLINE COACHING! Details will be posted soon, but if you are interested, or have questions, please feel free to comment here…I can’t wait to share the excitement, and accomplishment of completing a runDisney race with you.

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Will I be seeing you at a runDisney race this year? Shout it out!