RAD Reads & Weekly Review – April 22, 2012

Happy Earth Day and Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom!!

Sadly, it’s a dreary day here in the northeast.  It’s one of those days that you want to curl up with a blanket and a good book.  But instead of a book, why don’t you check out some RAD Reads from around the blogosphere?!

Running Posts
Will Run For Margaritas finished the Boston Marathon in a very impressive time given the less then ideal temperatures.  Big congrats and I’m incredibly humbled by your performance!

Running Long Island NYC finished her first half marathon!  So proud of her and all of the progress she has made.

Running With Sass provides a fantastic recap of the Gulf Coast Half Marathon in Pensacola.  It looked very hot, but it looked like it was worth it to get those awesome medals!

Words to Run By tells the emotional story of the loss of her mother and how running brought them closer before she passed.  Grab the tissues.

Running Jennie takes us on her favorite route.  Wow, Quebec sure is beautiful!

Disney Posts
Drinking Disney takes a look at the various classic martinis you can find around Walt Disney World.  I always love a good martini!

Da Mouse takes us on a great photo tour of the ongoing refurbishment on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  It’s looking great and hopefully the ride will be much smoother after this.

Disney Parks Blog provides tips on how to stay fit and healthy on a Disney Cruise.  3 laps around deck 4 = 1 mile!

Studios Central gives us a preview of the snacks that will be available during Star Wars Weekends.  They come in R2-D2 buckets!

Zannaland celebrates the return of the Little Orange Bird.  I’m so excited he’s back!  I can’t wait to get one of the sippy cups – I had one when I was a kid.

Oh and don’t forget to celebrate Animal Kingdom’s birthday and Earth Day over at This Happy Place Blog where they’re having Animal Kingdom Appreciation Month!

Weekly Review
Once again, I did not do as much as I would’ve liked, but I got in some great runs and I’m feeling good.  I’ve also really been excelling in my Spinning classes and my instructor has told me numerous times now how impressed he is.  I’m clearly getting stronger, which feels fantastic!

Here is my week in training:
Monday: Spinning – 1 hour
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 3.5 mile run
Thursday: Spinning – 1 hour
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 6.5 mile run
Sunday: 2.5 mile walk/jog

This week I discovered the powers of the cold bath.  I won’t say that’s it’s the most pleasant experience of my life but whoa does that help my recovery!  My legs are usually very achy after my runs and they stay that way for at least a day.  I soaked my legs for 10 minutes after my 6.5 miles yesterday and now I feel fantastic!  I should’ve done this a long time ago, but I was always so scared of the idea.  If you have sore legs, you MUST give this a try!  Don’t worry, you get used to the cold after a few minutes.  Plus, if you wear a long sleeved hoodie while in there, it’s not so bad.

After my run on Saturday, Barry and I headed to West Hartford to get him fitted for new running shoes at Fleet Feet.  He signed up for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler this week after seeing the very cool medal and I couldn’t be more proud that he’s taking this step!  I got a great pair of Saucony’s and I got a new fuel belt, a stretch strap, and some shorts.  I also got a pair of Injinji socks, which really make me giggle 🙂

We then headed over to Pinkberry for dessert.  I’ve never had it before and I’ve been wanting to see what the fuss was all about.  Let’s just say that it has officially changed my life and I am seriously bummed that the closed one is 45 minutes away…I would have that everyday if I could!