When it comes to travel and racing, I have an exciting year ahead. The year started off with fairly loose plans and now they are starting to take a bit more shape. Which means I can finally share them with you all!
Here is what I expected for this year:
- I wanted to do my first marathon.
- Peter and I planned to take two 3-4 day trips (one in the spring and one in the fall) to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary this year. Plus, we hope to continue the enjoyment of having little getaways together like we did in 2011.
And my calendar has filled up pretty quick. I’m for sure not complaining! Check out the races and places I will be hitting up this year:
March Travel – Philadelphia, PA – Speaking @ Binge Eating Disorder Association 2012 Conference
I will have the chance to share my story and how social media impacted my experiences with binge eating. I look forward to connecting with other women who have struggled with this disorder and women who strive to help others overcome it. I will be part of a panel with the inspiring Ashley and Dana.
March Race – Publix Atlanta Half Marathon
I can’t wait to run this race in my hometown. The course will be a hilly challenge, but I will have lots of friends running it as well! Including this lady, which brings me to my next stop on the agenda.
May Travel – Boulder, CO for the BLEND Retreat
I just had to fit in some blog travel fun and I have always wanted to visit Colorado. Even better that this event focuses on exploring the area and really spending time together out doing things. I loved the conferences I attended and spoke at last year, but look forward to a low-key blogger getaway. Although not TOO low-key. I will be co-teaching a group bootcamp class on Saturday morning with Lindsay! Get a taste of my workouts and register. There are still some tickets available, so nab yours!
May Race – THE BIGGIE!!!!
I plan to run the Cleveland Marathon as my FIRST FULL MARATHON!!!!! Gah! I can’t believe I have a race picked out now. I am bouncing off the walls with excited energy.
I knew I wanted to get started towards this goal so wanted to pick a spring race for my first. I tried finding a race close to me, but none in the area were far enough out to give me ample training time. Since Peter and I knew we wanted to travel a long weekend together, we decided to do what we did with my first half marathon and make it a getaway experience.
I tossed around different races and their locales, but some were too far away or places we wanted more time to visit and travel than just a long weekend. You’re going to think we’re nuts for picking Cleveland for one of our trips, but we’re excited. Why? It worked out to couple it with a race, visit a new city, and we get to go to a place we’ve wanted to visit for a long time.
We may be crazy, but we both love theme parks. We honestly even considered spending some time at Disney as one of our trips, but knew we had to save that experience for the kids. Sooooo…we’re the weirdos spending a weekend together visiting an amusement park and running a marathon as a romantic getaway. I like it.
Now…do I walk an amusement park the Friday before a Sunday marathon? Or brave it the day after?
June Travel
June will of course be our regular family vacation to Daytona Beach, something I look forward to every year for all the traditions we have there.
October Race & Travel – CHICAGO!
Now, you’re going to really think I’m nuts. I hope to run my second full marathon in Chicago. Yep.
Either way, Chicago tops the list of US cities I want to visit. It tops the list of races I want to do. And it tops the list of blog buddies I want to visit. Chelsey and I have been in cohorts planning for me to come stay with her for a fun weekend and for me to do the race. I’ll definitely stay tuned in with trying to do 2 races in one year, but the timing will work out to give me around a month scaled back after Cleveland. This year is about dreaming big for me, after all. I will always be realistic and adjust as needed, but this is the plan!
End Of Year Travel – A Cruise
To end out the year, Peter and I plan to take our second long weekend getaway with a 4 day cruise. He has never been on one and has wanted to go on one for awhile. I’ve been on a few Carnival cruises growing up, but it’s been a decade since my last one. The thought of ending out the year with a relaxing vacation sounds fabulous. We’re not sure exactly where or when yet…but we know we’re excited for this plan.
There you have it! Busy, big plans for the year ahead. I’m game!
Planning or hoping to attend any blog events? Traveling for any races? Any suggestions on favorite cruise lines or destinations?
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{ 109 comments… read them below or add one }
How exciting girl!!! Maybe when you are in Philly we could meet up! I’ve been thinking I need to plan a trip to Philly soon.
We are thinking of doing a cruise at the end of the year as well.
Tina, check Cedar Point’s schedule – they’re sometimes only open on weekends in the spring/fall.
All your races and trips sound so fun!
I’m pretty sure Peter checked when we were looking over things, but I will make sure to double check. that would not be cool!
Wow you are planning to be one traveling fool
The marathon thing is darn exciting and Cedar Point!? Jealous! I am planning to go there one day, I am a roller coaster fanatic 
YAHOO!!! I just saw a commercial for Southwest yesterday saying they’re now flying from Chicago to Atlanta – cheap ticket my friend!!!
That’s what I’m expecting to do. So happy Southwest finally made it to Atlanta.
oooh I hope to see you at the BLEND retreat!!
Between friends getting married & trying to find a place to live, all my money seems to be tied up! At least weddings have some fun travel involved
Looks like a fun year! Chicago was my first marathon back in 2007. Enjoy!
Tina, you’re coming to Cleveland?????!!! Shut up! We HAVE to get together! I’m probably going to be running the half (if not, I’ll be there cheering!).
Cedar Point is seriously the bomb.com. You will have a BLAST.
Tina, you’re coming to Cleveland????!! Shut up!!! We HAVE to get together! I’m probably running the half, but if not I’ll still be there cheering.
Cedar Point is the bomb.com. You will have a BLAST.
I signed up for my first full marathon in May too!! And am already signed up for a second in October so you are not the only crazy one signing up for marathon’s left and right without even having completed one
Good luck training!
Glad to know i’m not the only mad woman. Haha! I just know how much I LOVE running and don’t see it being a problem mentally. I plan to run as safely as possible to avoid injury, so hopefully it will all work out. Best of luck to you too. We can motivate each other.
Oh no, you are not alone
And I am totally with you on the smart running – lots of rest days for sure 
And foam rolling! Should be fun! (only could say that to another race addict 
Most people think I’m nuts when I say I run/race because it is fun!!) I sometimes think the training is as much fun as the actual race running because of the anticipation! I’ll be keeping up to date on your blog for motivation for sure! Exciting!!!
OH MY GOODNESS I was NOT expecting to see Cleveland on this list but I am SO DARN HAPPY that it is!!!!! We will treat you very well, my dear!!!!! I’m working on the big blogger meetup for the weekend so I’ll keep you posted when it’s scheduled.
Wow, your plans sound so exciting! Marathon + theme park?! I’m pretty sure I’m running my first marathon in May too but in my hometown. I’ve always wanted to do this marathon, it ends by the waterfront, and it’s a beautiful marathon. Plus, I’m walking distance from the start/finish, and I know all my family/friends will be able to come watch me. The only tricky part is the cold, winter running now!
Wow what a great year 2012 will be for you!!!!
It’s so cool that you are committing to running a marathon–get it girl!!
As far as cruising goes, I’ve only been on one. It was a celebrity cruise on one of their largest ships. While there was a TON to do on the ship, it felt too big to me. I would have preferred a smaller one. Hope that helps!
I’m looking forward to going on a trip to London with my family after graduation this summer!
I loved London! That sounds like a great post grad trip.
i’m so excited about the retreat! i don’t know if i can get a ticket and whatnot but i want to at least meet up with a bunch of people several times while y’all are all here!
and a cruise? take me with you?
You better find a way to hang out with us! I would be too bummed being that close to you and not getting to meet.
PS – I’ll stash you and baby in my carry on.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! I am so excited that you’re doing Chicago! And it looks like you have a lot of other fun things planned, too.
What a fun, full year ahead.
See you on Chicago Marathon race weekend, lady!
CAN’T WAIT to play (and run) at the Blend retreat together! whoop whoop!
how exciting!!! What awesome plans
Awesome race and travel plans! Sounds like lots of fun for you this year.
I don’t have any travel plans for this year yet, we’ll have to see how our finances will work out. But I do have some tentative race plans, that don’t include travelling.
What an exciting year!! I’m going to BLEND also- Yay! Any excuse to go to Colorado is good to me. My husband and I are going to fly out on Wednesday and do some hiking and stuff, and then he’ll go off and mountain bike and drink beer while I go to the retreat. I’m so excited for it!
YAY!!! Glad you’ll be there, Lauren.
Looks like a busy, but fun year for you! Good luck on all the races!
Those look like amazing plans! Seems like such a busy and exciting year ahead. My big plan for the year is studying abroad in Italy starting in september, I’m excited and terrified. I’m also hoping to run in my first race, but I’m still mulling that one over
That is going to be such an amazing experience. Wow! Scary, but exciting!
Ahh that is so exciting!! You are going to LOVE Cedar Point! I used to go every single summer and it’s one of my favorite places ever
. I think it’s amazing that you plan to run 2 marathons…you are such a rockstar Tina! Do you think you’ll go to HLS this year?
I probably won’t do HLS because of all the other travel. Boo!
we were hoping to go to the blend retreat, but it just a few days after lori’s wedding so not sure if we will make it
looks a like a great year with lots of amazing things to look forward too!!
love chicago too!
Yea, right after a wedding would be a tough time. although wedding = more wonderful.
Yay! I’m running Chicago too!!!!
Looks like a killer year! CHI is going to be awesome.
I’m going to Blend too – sooooo excited!
I know you are! I’m going to be on the same flight with you and Heather.
Really?! This is going to be the best retreat ever!
I love your enthusiasm for racing. I wish I could get more into it. I like to run, just not really the whole racing part. My friend Jessica (EatDrinkBreatheSweat) is planning on Chicago for her first full. I may just happen to be in Chicago that weekend!
I’m so excited Jess is doing Chicago too. How awesome would it be if you were up there as well. Especially since Jo I think plans to be there too for Jess. Big party!
Whoa, I knew you were going to do Chicago but the Cleveland Marathon took me by surprise! Go Tina!
I wanted to go to Blend, but financially it’s not in the cards for me this year. Hope there’s another one next year.
Congrats on the marathon plans, exciting! Looks like you have a fun year ahead!!
GEEZ! You’re one busy girl. And of course, the best part is BLEND!!
SO SO SO STOKED!
Wow! Lot’s of fun travel plans. I have never been on a cruise before and I wish I could go to the Blend retreat but it’s not gonna happen this year.
Sounds exciting! That’s an awesome line-up!
Why sign up for one marathon when you could sign up for 2?
Looks like a fun year ahead!
I knew you would get me.
I really want to do Chicago this year but I’m not sure where I will be located (finishing up grad school in May). I walked around Disneyland the Thursday and Friday before my first marathon and it turned out okay!
I love royal carribbean as far as cruise lines. I also really like princess!
Thanks for the feedback on walking around a theme park before a race and cruises. Very helpful.
love your plans! you know I can help you with your cruise, too.
I have always wanted to run chicago. I am in the process of figuring out which marathon I want to do next!
You will be fine walking around 2 days before. I think it’s better than sitting still and doing nothing! we walked around the disney parks for 2 days before our marathon and it was fine.
You handle cruises as well as Disney? Awesome!
yup. I can actually book pretty much any destination, I just specialize in Disney! but I book carnival, Norwegian, royal Caribbean, etc.
Look at your with all of these big races and trips! Good luck with your marathon training. I’m sure you’ll kill BOTH of those races
We definitely need to meet up when you’re in Daytona – I’m pretty sure I’ll be in town this year.
As for cruises – I’ve done Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney. I LOVED Disney (but I would wait and do that one with the kids once B is 3) and Royal Caribbean was fun (Carnival was “eh”). I’ve also heard good things about Celebrity. I guess it really depends on where you want to go!
Wow! You have a lot going on there! Looks like a fun 2012.
what an exciting year to look forward to!!
I’m so excited about BLEND – and was really excited to see you co-leading a workout. I’m ready to get my butt kicked, since group fitness is not my typical routine.
I’m also SO excited to see you’re going to be tackling your first marathon – woohoo!! Let me know if you need any help or suggestions along the way. I love marathon training!
If you have to choose between Friday (before a Sunday race) and Monday (after your first marathon), I guess I’d choose Friday – but try not to be on your feet all day. You never know how your body is going to handle the marathon, so although the day after is better from a racing perspective, you may not want to be walking around either. Can you go Thursday?
Thanks for the feedback, Heather! We probably can’t do sooner than Friday because of how long we can be gone with family watching the kids. I’ll sit in lines if I have to. Haha!
And you know I will take any advice and support you can offer. I really look up to you and your kick butt running/racing!
Aw – thanks Tina!
ahhhhh! i might just have to come watch you run!! cleveland’s only like an hour and a half from me!
You should! Alicia from Poise In Parma is planning a blogger meetup because there are a few of us running.
Wow! What a great list of trips and races! I am STOKED to be able to meet you when I come to Chicago to watch Jess run the marathon!!! this is SO SO EXCITING!!!!! And you will rock all of these races, I just know it
AHHH!!! SO excited about CHI!!!!!!! I can’t wait to meet you and for you to be there when I run my FIRST full and you run your SECOND. You crazy woman, you! I love it! And now I REALLY wish I was also running CLE (half) to see you cross that finish for your first full. I was thinking about it at one point (Alicia at PIP and Heather at 26milesandmore had me thiscloes to just doing it, money and budgeting aside!) and now I’m bummed I won’t be there! SO awesome Tina!
Wow, that’s a busy year you’ve got planned! Looks like a ton of fun
We’re planning one big trip to Greece for my 30th this year and because my husband’s family mostly lives there. So it will be half family, half vacation
I would so take a trip to Greece! Haha! That sounds like a killer way to celebrate 30 and still get time with loved ones too. How awesome.
I grew up near the Cleve and I ADORE Cedar Point! I can’t WAIT to go back this year. Not preggers, so I can GET ON EVERYTHING. You are going to LOVE it. I’d also suggest checking out the rock hall and the west side market!!
How exciting! I have to tell you –Cedar Point is freaking awesome and one of my favorite places on earth. I think you made a great choice.
Spring time is one of its least busy times, too.
I am toying with the idea of running the Chicago half! I love Chicago. Another great choice.:-)
You know I’m going to say do it! is it the same weekend?
holy moly Tina! You’ve got a lot of travel plans! Everything looks like it will be a blast. I think it is so awesome that you are “dreaming big” in 2012. I know you can do it! What an accomplishment 2 marathons in one year will be. I can’t wait to follow along as you train! The only plans I have for this year so far are Nashville for the rock&roll half and then a trip with Jesse to Charleston for a long weekend. Long weekends are my favorite trips too
I am glad you and Peter have the chance to take a few of those for yourselves !
Those are two of my favorite cities so that sounds so fun.
And I traveled a lot for me last year too and loved it. It’s crazy seeing it all in one place, but I know it will be sooooo exciting.
What a fun year you already have planned out!
Oh my goodness, Tina! What an awesome, challenging and exciting year you have ahead of you. I can’t wait to read about every adventure
Hubby and I spent a few days at Cedar Point one year for our vacation and we LOVED it. Such fun. Enjoy!
Soooooo excited to hang out with you at Blend Retreat this year! Yayyyy
Hooray! Awesome, Tina!! I’ve actually always wanted to go to Cedar Point, too. We’ve been thinking about going one of these summers.
And you’ll love Chicago! Best city ever…but I’m a little biased
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!! CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I saw you were going to run Cleveland I was about to be like, “GIRL. Your first marathon HAS to be Chicago. RUN. CHICAGO.” And yaaaaaaaay you’re going to!! I will (hopefully) be living in Chicago at that point, so if I’m not working the day of the marathon (or possibly even if I am) I will SO be out on the course cheering for you. Better believe it! Or if I end up with the same job at the marathon next year as I ended up with this past year when I worked at the marathon, I shall track you down for my man-on-the-street interviews
And then you can be famous in the Chicago active sports community 
I really want to run Chicago some day, and I really, really want it to be my first marathon…we’ll have to see where life takes me/the marathon. (Insider info: you’re going to want to register as soon as the race opens. Word among those who would know is that it’ll probably close in a week or two this year).
BAH! I’m SO excited you’re running Chicago. Seriously, you’re going to love it. It’s such a great course and will introduce you to TONS of neighborhoods you never would’ve seen if you had just come to Chi to visit. All things considered the course is pretty flat, too, which is awesome. And it’s one of the majors! Not that I expect you’ll be running elites or anything, but you’ll be running the same race as them, and that’s pretty baller if you ask me.
I’ve been to Cedar Point soooo many times. I haven’t been recently, though. You’ll freaking love Cedar Point, too. I hate it because I hate rollercoasters, which makes me think you’ll adore the place
I am SO stoked too and hope we do get the chance to meet! I have Feb 1 marked to register already on my calendar.
WOO HOO!! See you in CO, roomie!!
You are coming to Cleveland after I move?!!? So many of the Cleveland gals are running either the full or half — so make sure you get connected!
PS. The race is a Sunday race, but I would still vote for walking the park the day after. It’s a BIG park and tons of fun — wouldn’t want you to tire your legs prior to your first marathon.
Oh my gosh, what an exciting year for you!!! I’m so excited for you that you signed up for not one, but TWO marathons!! You are a total inspiration as I try to decide what comes next after my first half
Sounds like you have a lot to look forward to! Such a fun year of travel and races and bloggy goodness ahead!
What an exciting year planned! So much to look forward to and be thankful for!
OH MY GOSH TINA! I live SO close to cedar point! When I was in high school my friends would get season passes and go like 293480 times every summer. Cleveland is a really great city despite what people may tell you haha.
Squeee!!!I am so excited that you are running a marathon
I am also super excited for the Blend retreat! I’m going to be there tooooooo!!!!!!!!
Yay! We finally get to meet.
After living in Chicago for years, I have always dreamed of running that marathon if I ever find the time to train for one
Unfortunately I have struggled with foot pain in the past and I’m unsure I will ever be able to do that distance.
My hubby and I are also avid cruisers, we love them because of how inexpensive they can be compared to other types of trips. We typically use Carnival and love any destination in the Caribbean, great place to buy jewelry!
Girl, you don’t mess around! Committing to not one, but two marathons in a year? Love it! Your’e going to do so well at both and I can’t wait to read about your training. I’ll live vicariously through you.
That is awesome Tina! I am planning to run Chicago too!! I can’t wait to see what you think of the Cleveland Race. My sister moved there, and it would be a good race for me next year possibly
Cedar Point is AWESOME!!!! You will love it!I have spent many summer days at CP! You have one exciting year lined up, I’m excited for you
OMG! What a FUN year!!!
Cedar Point is AMAZING – you will love love love it! Daniel and I are adrenaline junkies too, and we get so excited about going to amusement parks!
I keep hearing Chicago is a “must do” marathon! Good luck
What a great schedule you have for the year! Can’t wait to read about each adventure! I am planning on my first full marathon this year too. I am going to try for Chicago!
Oh, you should do Chicago. there are a lot of other bloggers racing or planning to race it too. It will be a big party!
Sounds like you have an eventful year ahead! We are headed to Mexico in a few days (I’ve never been) and in August I’m headed to NY for the BlogHer conference
I’ve never been to NYC either, so it’s a big year for me too 
I’ve never been to NYC either! Definitely exciting travel ahead for you.
AHHHH awesome – that was part of your dream trip – SO cool. You are totally going to rock it Tina.
You’re running SO fast right now too… 10 miles @ a 9:17 pace??? wowsa.
I am working hard too….i think I might not break that 2 min half marathon goal..but I’m only at week 4 so….never say never.
xoxo from Trinidad
Looks like you have an amazing year ahead! I will see you at Blend Retreat!!
You”ve have to find somewhere in mountainous Colorado to do a long run that weekend, right? That’s awesome that you are planning to do two fulls!
I will have 12 miles on tap that weekend. Should be interesting but I’ll be bound and determined to fit it in.
Sounds like you’ve got yourself a good 2012 in the works
I’ve had my eye on Chicago for awhile now… thinking that might be my next “big name” marathon to tackle!
Sounds like a GREAT year! And you’re not weird for wanting to go to an amusement park on vacation – we are in the planning stages of booking a trip to Williamsburg, VA to go to Busch Gardens (and then drive up to DC). We’ve been to the one in Tampa, now we want to go to the other one. So I totally get it! As for whether to do the park before or after … I did two full days at Disneyland before the Disneyland Half Marathon and had problems during the race. Just sayin’.
WOW…sounds like you have very exciting and fun-filled year in store! Hope it is filled with AMAZING experiences!
Also, Cedar Point is awesome – sure that you will love all the coasters (AND totally rock the marathon)!
Oh man! Can I go with you guys on all these excursions??!
And you should tooootally come to Disneyland sometime! Hehe, I live kinda near so that would be awesome. And your picture with McK is tooo precious….awww <3
Yay!!
I have a long list of races: a half marathon nearby in just two weeks (that sadly is looking less and less likely because of a nagging hip injury
), Around the Bay 30k in Hamilton, and the big one: a half ironman out in the mountains by Calgary! I am uber excited for this. I want to choose a fall marathon or another half ironman BUT I am waiting to hear back from grad school to know what half of the continent and what country I’ll be in!
My blogging friends and I are hoping to make an appearance at one blogging conference…but we don’t know which one yet! Decisions, decisions.
I grew up in Cleveland so I know the attraction of cedar point! You’ll love it.
SO excited to hear you’re going to BLEND!! I’m going too and can’t wait to finally meet you! I’m really anxious to start travelling again once I get a clear bill of health. I didn’t travel at all during 2011 and I didn’t realize it was something I relied on so much. So far this year I plan on a trip to Halifax AS SOON as I get the cancer-free words, a long weekend in Toronto with my friends once my energy is back. Blend in May of course (which I may extend to spend time in Denver) and a kayaking trip with cancer survivors in July! No marathons though, you can do all of those for me
I am SO thrilled that we get to meet! But even more thrilled for you to hopefully get good news soon.
Wow…big year indeed…sounds exciting! Chicago is a great city…make sure to eat some deep dish pizza while you’re there (SO worth it)! The Blend Retreat sounds awesome…I’ll have to check it out. Other than tentative plans to visit Washington DC this year, nothing planned for sure…I hope to get away sometime though!
so so so excited you’re running cleveland. i ran it in 2011 and it was fantastic! great support and cool temps. perfect for running. if you haven’t figured out your hotel accommodations, consider Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade. we stayed here and got a great race rate and the restored rooms are really fun since it was an old arcade mall back in the day. you’ll love it!
Thanks for all the tips! We need to go ahead and book our hotel so we don’t end up like we were in Savannah having to stay too far from the race.
you HAVE to call me when you are in Cleveland – I’m here
I would love meet up!
We DO!!!!
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