What I learned from: The Year of the Racecation

Here’s a snapshot of the fun that was had this year (recaps under Races Tab above):

January 12, 2013 – Walt Disney World Half Marathon (Sandy Hook Memorial Half Marathon)

2) Packing is fun but strategic – in THIS post I talked about how to pack and plan for a racecation. Being prepared to do a race far from home is uber importante! You never know what the weather will be like OR if you’ll have stores close by in case you need to run out and grab something. I tend to OVERPACK for racecations!

3) New scenery is exhilarating! Most days I don’t mind running the same route or same area, but when you head out of town for a race you experience that area and city the best way you can – on foot! With that, unless you’ve run the course before, you get the chance to step outside of your head and take in new sights and sounds for the first time! I remember in Zooma Austin how quiet and pretty the area was we were running in right in Bastrop, TX. Even though it was quiet and calm, the animals, flowers, sights were ALL new to me – so, I was able to focus on those things instead of getting in my head too much. The same happened at the Marine Corps Marathon. I definitely hit a wall once my shin shut down, but being in a city I’ve loved so much and seeing monuments and spectators abound was rejuvenating at the end!

4) Costumes make racing FUN and lighthearted! I haven’t always worn a race costume on each racecation, but almost have! I’ve talked HERE & HERE about Disney costumes I’ve put together to race and run in. Why? Remember when I said you want different goals for different races? Fun (or C) races are elevated with a costume! When you’re tired, spectators will call out your costume! “Go Piglet” pushed me through the 2013 Disney World Half Marathon! Thing to remember: make sure you still encompass elements of a race outfit you’re used to (i.e shorts and shoes aren’t new etc.) and try out your outfit BEFORE race day to make sure nothing is in the way or will fly off!

5) New cities = new growth and experience as an individual aka “We All Grow in Our UNCOMFORT Zones the most” – I’ve seen cities like Austin and Orlando and Washington DC before. Never had I run through them in a race until this year. I took in the sights and sounds of the city AFTER the race to explore more, but the races themselves helped me GROW as an individual. I’ve gotten very nervous in races where I knew no one – I got to the starting line solo and didn’t know a person around me. Once I got into a running stride and threw on a smile, I was able to enjoy that ‘uncomfortable feeling.’ I tell people I know that “We all Grow in our UNCOMFORT zones the most.” New experiences can be nerve wracking at first, but in the end you’ve grown as a person by being strong through those feelings of doubt. The sense of accomplishment is worth the uncomfortable feeling at the beginning!

I am looking forward to some new experiences in the upcoming year! I’ll be sharing those with you guys here this week as well! Not as much racecationing, but still traveling and growing with PURPOSE!

What have racecations taught you? Have you never done one and want to?

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REMINDERS!

There are 2 challenges coming up for January!

Challenge 1 – via Challengeloop

I’ve got some spots left for my 21 Day Challenge Group I’m also hosting! We start Prep Week January 5 and kick off Week 1 January 12 (after Dopey weekend!) Here you’ll have a virtual support group, including me, to ensure you get results in just 3 weeks as well as have accountability and guidance! Message me at >>>> katrinaellep@gmail.com for more info! Signup Ends January 10!