Cost of Racecations

I got a really nice compliment from my coworker today. She said I'm looking good in the body. And the skin too. I feel so much gratitude that I have the resources to spend on running and running-related travel. I know it's not the end of the year (yet). But I thought it would be interesting to look at how much we spent in our "startup" year compared to the following year. I told myself I wouldn't need to buy new stuff as much in 2025 since I already had most of the things I would need to complete a marathon.

TOTAL SPENDING IN 2024 = $6549

• Disneyland 5k 2024 $1466
• LA Big 5k 2024 $284
• OC Marathon 2024 $522
• CdM Scenic 5k 2024 $640
• SMC Classic 10k 2024 $1063
• Mission Inn Run 2024 $1075
• Holiday Half Marathon 2024 $1499

TOTAL SPENDING IN 2025 = $6476

• LA Marathon 2025 $1366
• Rose Bowl Half 2025 $724.11
• CdM Scenic 5k 2025 $1749.42
• Cookie Mile 2025 $35
• Bimbo Global 10k 2025 FREE
• Mission Inn Run 10k 2025 $1804.95
• Clueless and Breathless Half 2025 $35
• Random Clothing, Hats, Sunglasses $462
• Shoes $301

PROJECTED SPENDING IN 2026...

• 1/11 Citrus Heritage Run $676
• 1/18 Rose Bowl Half 2026 $126.42
• 2/15 Palm Desert Half 2026 $80.50 registration + $249.00 hotel
• 3/8 LA Marathon $1448.47
• 6/10 Epic Sister Camping / Disneyland Trip $2000+
• 8/1 Nebraska Family Reunion $2000+
• 9/27 - Bimbo Global Race 10k
• 10/18 - Mission Inn Run 10k - $120 registration
• 10/24 - Nike Women's Half

PROJECTED SPENDING IN 2027... 

• 1/17 - Rose Bowl Half $109.40 registration
• 3/7 - LA Marathon $363.69 registration + LARR membership + photo package

I didn't join Sparkle Squad for the 2025-26 season. I didn't renew my Strava subscription. I kind of miss it but also kind of not. Definitely the Sparkle Squad was an opportunity to spend more via the facebook group and little gift exhanges throughout the year. But I do kind of miss the features of the Strava subscription, I almost renewed it yesterday when I tried to access the heatmap for the purposes of route planning and I couldn't see street-level details. But I also miss when it would tell you "Athlete Intelligence" about something it noticed about your run. Usually it would say something encouraging like, wow that was a lot of climbing, or you really pushed your pace. It felt like I had a friend encouraging me for what was new or improved with each training session.

I guess what I'm trying to do right now is let go of the Palm Desert Half. I've never done it before and if I did it, I could get another medal for the Run Riverside County Challenge. I skipped Every Woman's Marathon 2025, and I'm okay with it since I was awarded a greater teaching load mid-semester. I thought it would be a nice trip, out to Palm Desert. But now I do have my Spring 2026 teaching schedule. Haha. Looks like I'll be running a marathon every Tuesday and Thursday.

SPRING 2026 TEACHING SCHEDULE

• MW 09:30am-12:20pm
• TR 09:30am-12:20pm
• TR 1:00pm-01:50pm
• TR 02:30pm-05:20pm

It's uncertain whether RunClub+ will continue for Spring 2026. I will be making enough from my CSUN units, so I don't really need the income from the side hustle, but it is nice to have the support from the other moms in the group. I am trying to unsubscribe from disney influencers because I don't want FOMO. I'm close to unsubscribing from LARR as well because they keep talking about this half-marathon and that drumstick dash. I'm trying to enjoy the races I signed up for and run the training runs. The actual race day doesn't feel as special when you're running a world major every other weekend. I enjoyed the Bimbo Global race a lot more than I thought I would. I enjoyed the Mission Inn Run a lot less than I thought I would.

I want to do the Mission Inn Run in 2026 because they have a legacy program. I would get a loyalty item, such as a hat, and a 3-year pin! I could put the pin on my patch jacket. It did work well to have our son stay with his grandma. However, kiddo was already nervous about Thanksgiving because he thought we would be dropping him off at grandma's again for an overnight. He said he was scared about that and didn't want to be away from us. So I would consider that when planning the potential Palm Desert Half and any other races for 2026. I'm glad I didn't sign up for the Holiday Half, even though that race was very special to me last year.

My motivation for running is to set a good example for my son. I took a few days off from my training plan, and I noticed that I had a noticeable drop in gratitude and joy. I had an increase in resentment and feelings of being disgruntled. I stayed home on Sunday when I would normally be out running and it was like I was in the way of my husband and the routine he's established with our son, they have some stuff that they enjoy doing together on Sunday while I'm out on my long run. So, I guess, it's become ingrained as a long-term pattern now that we've been doing this for two years. I really remember Thanksgiving weekend 2023 as the first runs leading up to the Disneyland 5k 2024.

As far as traditions this holiday season, I think we're going to just stick to training and our weekly routine and not do much else. Like, yes, bake cookies at home. But no, we're not planning to do any elaborate holiday light display that you have to pay to get into. I am still taking advantage of Buy Nothing to get things that are new to me, but also free. Yes, I have been stockpiling gifts for Albert to open on Christmas, which, by the way, we have no plans for. About half the gifts are games, which we can play at home. Running and doing my training is bringing me joy. And I look forward to returning to Fit4Mom in-person classes with Albert over winter break. I would also like to go rollerskating or ice skating at least once.

10 things I have learned from being a Disney mom

It is rare for me to have an original thought these days. Even less likely is that I actually write it down. And further, following up on that thought is the rarest event—like seeing a unicorn. Speaking of magical, I wanted to formalize some things Disney has taught me. These lessons translate into other areas of my mom life, so I wanted to share them in a list format.

1. On time is late. Early is on time. Way early is best. 

For Disneyland, I love doing rope drop. The first hour of the day is the most efficient. You want to be there as early as possible. If there's a virtual queue, join it. This extends to registering for after school programs, summer camps, marathons, whatever. Find out when the registration opens and know exactly what you want to purchase beforehand. Have your credit card ready and check out quick!

2. Having a magical day is your responsibility. Make a plan. Do your research.

Coming to the park with your top three already decided is really helpful, like what attractions and experiences are on your bucket list. This applies generally to prioritizing your life. You can be happier if you know what your goals are and celebrate when you achieve them. I'm not saying obsess over every single thing, but you don't want to be feeling FOMO when that holiday parade you saw last year just happened yesterday because you forgot to plan this year.

3. Bundle and save, but don't sweat the spending. If you are on a budget, use gift cards to limit your spending.

Buying in bulk at Disney isn't a thing, but you can save money with an annual pass (magic key). You can also save by purchasing a promotional 3-day ticket with flexible dates. Waiting until promotions are available will save you money in the long run. I'm not into unlimited spending, but I'm more of a 50-50 strategy. Bring 50% of the calories you plan to consume and plan to buy the other 50% while in the park. Same with toys. We try to stick to a $100 budget for each park day. We've used gift cards to restrict kiddo's spending too. I'm doing reverse budgets for our runcations to see how much we spend; that way, we can make a plan for 2025.

4. Bring enough hats and sunglasses for everyone. Make a packing list and stick to it.

Prepared is armed. If you forget a hat, you'll be paying extra $$ for a hat in the park that is more expensive than it has any business being. Likewise, with sunglasses, even if the day starts out grey, it will probably get sunny by the afternoon. Being outside all day leads to eye strain and fatigue. The best idea is a one-to-one ratio of sun hats and sunglasses to people in your party. This goes for any function like a beach day or a hike.

 
5. Stay ready so you don't have to stress while getting ready.

We have a corner where we keep our suitcases, park bags, toiletry bags, and diaper bags all packed. We copy and paste from previous packing lists and check off items as they are loaded into bags, which are loaded into the car. We keep track of when we leave the house, get to the parking structure, and get to the park. That way, we will know next time if it's worth leaving sooner or if we can try leaving later, and we don't stress about it. We even load up the car the night before so that in the morning we can just make coffee, get dressed, and walk out the door.

6. Comfortable over cute every time.

If you have two pairs of shoes, choose the more comfortable one. Don't even think of wearing something new that you haven't worn before for an extended period of time. Consider bringing a poncho if it's raining. It's not cute, but you'll enjoy the day more if you're not stuck in wet clothes. Make sure you have a pocket for your phone that is easily accessible because you'll need it often and quickly to capture those magical moments.

7. Cast members will move your stroller. It will not remain in the exact location where you parked it. Do not panic. Personalize it.

One of the best things we did was to get a stroller sign with our name on it. When you get enough different strollers in one place, the odds of someone else having the exact same model as you are finite. You need to be able to find your stroller when it's not where you left it, and you don't want anyone walking off with yours accidentally. This could be extended to any piece of luggage for travel. Also this can be extended to life in general, it won't always go to plan. Remain calm. 

8. Any moment is perfect for a sing-along, parade or dance party.

Leave your inhibitions at home. This is the time to make memories with your kiddo. Sing out loud if you know the words. March along with Mickey and friends. Dance in the street. Seize the day. Nobody cares if you look ridiculous. Just have fun and be in the moment. The biggest thing kiddo says is Mommy stop looking at your phone. So if you can, just be immersed in what's happening right now.

9. Calories don't count when you're walking all day.

We typically walk 7 miles or so in the parks. That's about 400 extra calories. Yes, I know Disney treats can be very caloric but as long as you stick to your budget, there shouldn't be too many extra calories involved. Enjoy what you do eat. Don't worry about it. Choose something fun and memorable that you can't get elsewhere.

10. A kiss goodnight is sweet.

I don't know how people stay all day until the nighttime events. I think I've only seen one night parade. But I think this is one of the nicest things about the parks, in concept. To say goodnight with music and fireworks. Or a dancing fountain. Or projections set to music that tells a story. I think this can be generally extended to parenting. Kind of like the saying, "don't go to bed angry." Kiss and make up. Go ahead and apologize for losing your temper at 2pm when you were dehydrated, sunburned, and exhausted. Tell a bedtime story. 

Everything we program into our little ones is stored in their amazing brains. I find it fascinating to see what pours out of my kiddo. I can see that those long days and nights of investment are already starting to pay dividends. Albert is an impressive storyteller. He remembers Disneyland and wants to go back.

holidays collide

We had a fantastic day at Disneyland, doing less and enjoying more. The temperature was just about perfect. We parked at the Toy Story lot for $26.50.

We started in Tomorrowland Pretzel Cart for $7.50 because our kiddo loves driving cars at Autotopia. Then we went to Mr. Toad's wild ride for the same reason. Fantasyland Fruit Cart sold us 2 juice boxes for $5, and then we spent $21 on the grey stuff, tater tots, a lemonade, and a hot coffee. Albert didn't eat the tater tots, but he did eat the cucumber we had brought, and we used the diaper changing station there, which was great.

We found a cool spot inside the castle to watch a short film. Following the Disneyland Band from the castle down main street was so fun. We spent $13 + $29 + $31 for toys (cars, remote control Mater, and a new bubble wand) and then headed up to the Magic Key Terrace for our special lunch ($55).

We enjoyed a leisurely 1.5-hour lunch on the patio and spent $20 on special gold medallions. Then we walked through Pixar Pier and got the Magic Key exclusive FREE tote bag for Viva Navidad. We saw a show called Operation Playtime! Featuring the Green Army Patrol.

We decided to go back to Disneyland to catch some rides, and we met a lovely man who suggested we participate in the Flag Retreat ceremony. Albert dashed in and out of every gift shop in Grizzly Peak, looking for more cars; thankfully, we didn't find any. We did find Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Chip and Dale. Albert got a wave from Dale and a hug from Chip, and he was so excited about that. We did buy a frozen fruit bar over there, and Albert ate it along with some raisins we had brought.

We went into Trolley Treats before leaving DCA ($42) and I picked up some things that will help give me the energy to finish up the semester of grading. Churro toffee! Most of the holiday eats are available on Nov 10th, but the following items started Nov 3rd, so we went ahead and brought them home to enjoy over the next several weeks.

• Minnie Santa Hat Apple: Green apple dipped in caramel with two marshmallows ears enrobed in milk chocolate, rolled in red sanding sugar, and embellished with white M&M'S chocolate candies and a white chocolate Santa hat with a bow
• Minnie Santa Hat Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with red sanding sugar, green M&M's chocolate candies, and a Santa hat
• Holiday Milk Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallows dipped in caramel and then milk chocolate drizzled with green and red chocolate

After the flag retreat ceremony, we went to New Orleans Square, where the fog was put on the Rivers of America. We didn't see any show there, but they were practicing for something. The Pirates of the Caribbean line was only 20 minutes, so we did that. Always love that ride!

Finally, we decided to get dinner at Jolly Holiday before heading home ($39). Albert had the Mac & Cheese, Mike had the Roast Beef sandwich, and I had the Jolly Holiday Combo with grilled cheese and tomato soup. I added the Pumpkin Chai cream puff to say farewell to fall. It was actually so good. Mike got a coffee from Refreshment Corner ($3) for the drive home,e and we listened to the Ragtime piano player right there on the patio. It was great to sit there with other families. All the kids were screaming, and all the parents were exhausted, and it was dark; the lights in the trees were twinkling, the balloons were lit up, and so was the Christmas tree. The joys of that visit were in the simple spending time (and money) together and having moments of stillness without having to go-go-go.

We kind of decided to let our Magic Keys go, we will not renew them when our renewal window opens. I love and enjoy being at Disneyland but also it is expensive and we're not rich. We can spend that money elsewhere for sure.

Albert has an obsession with pressed pennies. We had to buy a set of 8 near It's a Small World, another set of 3 on Main Street, and 3 in Adventureland ($11). So the money we spent that day was $300 exactly. It's not so much the cost of the Magic Keys, which are expensive, though; it's more about this additional spending for one Disney day. Even though we didn't stay at a hotel, we spent a ton of money on the treats, food, and toys, and Albert is getting even more and more into shopping. We must be careful about bringing him places or get better at saying no. I don't want my kid to end up very spoiled (and it might already be too late). We plan on doing more straightforward, free, and local things until we get our balance on the credit card back down to zero and until we can rein in our monthly expenses. We are still determining when or if any opportunity may arise to buy a condo in the current complex that we live in, but if it does, we want to be ready when that happens. If we can buy, our mortgage plus insurance plus HOA fee will be so expensive we'll have to cut corners to afford it, so we'll start now. It's hard to put a price on joy, but we can find just about the same amount of joy doing stuff like walking around our neighborhood for free.