From One Mom to Another: Tips on Disney, Races and Kids

 In 2018 I had a race nearly every month, some months I did two.  I did 2 half marathons, 4 trail races and added in a couple cross training activities. Running keeps me sane and from weighing 250lbs and racing makes me focus so I do it a lot.  My race calendar starts on January 1 with the 5k Resolution Run.  It is a fun local race that has been cold and snowy for the last couple years.  This year was my second full year of twice weekly Body Pump and the weight training is helping my running and body shape.  The first set of photos takes us through June.  I coached soccer for the last time this spring and Sydnee joined me in a couple races, where she ran the kids races after I finished the longer race. The highlight of the first half of the year was an amazing two and a half week vacation.  I attended the Skirt Sport Ambassador Retreat and made tons of new friends.  I ran the Skirt Sports 13er and it was beautiful, fun and amazin...

 (Not us): Photo: Montana River Guides Montana has some of the best white water in the nation.  My son loves rafting and outdoors.  He decided to skip the last couple Disney trips so I have found other opportunities to spend time with him.  One of our favorite getaways is spending an afternoon on the river.  We have been rafting together for several years now and love the fact we can get some nice waves within an hour of home.  Hunter could guide us because last year he took the Swiftwater Rescue and Raft Guide Class and guides for a local summer camp, but we don't have a boat.  I haven't purchased one because we aren't sure what Hunter plans to do when he graduates next year so we just book a tour with our favorite local guides. Montana River Guides (MRG) is a local company owned by Mike Johnson, one of the nicest men you will ever meet.  He hires great guides and has a wonderful staff.  They will ensure you are safe and have a gr...

(The 2017 race was held July 9)   The Missoula 1/2 Marathon is my big race for this year and most years.  This year marked my 7th half marathon.  I love running in my home town, course is flat and beautiful and Run Wild Missoula does a great job with the entire weekend.    Race prep starts early, like October when I sign up for the race because it is only $75 if you sign up early.  The website is easy to find and use: http://www.missoulamarathon.org/   Then I am locked in and it forces me to start training and increasing mileage, even in the winter when running on the treadmill or in cleats is a must.    Fast forward to July.  Marathon weekend starts on Friday with activities, speakers and the beer run.  I skipped these because I had to work.  Saturday is the 5k, the kids' marathon and the race expo.  I normally volunteer at the expo but this year was unable to because of personal commitments so my weekend...