Meet the Family: Aly

Hello everyone!  I am 35 years old, and currently live in New York (though I grew up in NJ, and will always consider myself a Jersey Girl).  I love everything Disney, especially running Disney races.  I work as an online fitness coach, a running coach, a group exercise instructor, and I also work part time at the local community college.  Fitness is truly my PASSION and I love every moment I get to spread the love of fitness, especially running. And yes, you can say this whole "runDisney" addiction is my fault...and I couldn't be happier!

2013 Coast to Coast

Races Completed:
2005 Las Vegas Marathon
2010, 2011, 2012 Disneyland Half Marathons
2012 WDW Marathon
2013 Goofy Challenge (WDW Half Marathon & Full Marathon)
2013 Family Fun Run 5k (to make me unofficially Dopey)
2013 Giant Race Half Marathon
2013 Dumbo Double Dare (Disneyland 10k & Half Marathon)
2013 Jingle Jungle 5k
2013 Wine & Dine Half Marathon
2013 Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
2014 Dopey Challenge (WDW 5k, 10k, Half, & Full--48.6 miles)
Okay...updating this...I seriously lost count of races and years, but here are a few other races I've done:
Surf City Half Marathon
Princess 5k, 10k, & Half
Star Wars 10k & Half (Disneyland)
Hot Chocolate 15k

Inspiration for Running:  This one is interesting for me.  I am a total freak, I know, but I absolutely LOVE being in the gym and working out. It's not a tough one for me.  On that same note, I acknowledge that I am a freak and 99% of the population does not share this love.  Because of this, I try to show people that fitness can be fun!  Whether it be running at Disney or dancing for an hour during Zumba, I want others to love being fit too!  So, that's #1!  I'm inspired by people looking to find a way to add health to their life. I don't think people realize the feeling I get when a friend will comment on a post and says, "Okay, I'm going to workout today or I'm going to start a healthier habit today." I am truly humbled when I am able to inspire just one person to do something for themselves. As a newer mother, this rings true today even more than when I started this blog years ago.

My Favorite Character:  I'm cheating and picking 2 (don't tell the rest of the family).  First, Winnie the Pooh is my fav.  What can I say?  I love that cuddly bear!  He's just so cute!  My second is my favorite princess--Cinderella.  I grew up going to Disney World, and my favorite childhood picture is me with Cindy when we had lunch at the castle.  In my dreams, I'm Cinderella.  I keep trying to convince my hubby that I actually AM Cindy, but...

Why I Love Running Disney:  I love Disney.  I love running.  What's not to love?  But seriously, I love running Disney for 1,000 reasons, but one huge one is that Disney supports all runners and supports running for fun!  It's okay to run/walk/run at a Disney race.  It's okay to walk at a Disney race.  It's okay to take pictures.  It's okay to run fast.  It's okay to put on a tutu and tons of glitter at 3 am.  Disney is all about fun, and having fun while being fit is what I'm all about!

My Advice for Training:  Okay, I'm getting serious here.  Respect the distance.  Whether it be a 5k or the Dopey Challenge, you need to respect the distance and what it means to you.  Training is hard.  There are times I don't want to run.  I do, though, because I want my races to be nothing but fun.  You never want to be at the starting line wondering if you can finish.  You want to own the race and be able to enjoy every mile.  So please, train for your races.  I promise, it will pay off when you are sprinting toward the finish line AND able to spend the rest of the day proudly wearing your medal while running all around Disney!