While 2021 might not have been the amazing comeback that we were hoping for, it was definitely filled with positive moments and some return to normalcy. Personally, 2021 has been a year of change and learning to go with the flow. Obviously, having my baby was the highlight of the year (and possibly my entire life). But today as we close out 2021 and start a new year, I want to reflect on my highlights for running, Disney, and travel. So keep reading for the best of 2021 for Running Disney and Travel! Happy New Year!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them I will get a commission. These products are linked because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
Running
2021 ran the gambit in this category for me. I went from running relatively regularly, to not running at all because I was so pregnant, to back to running again with a race! It just goes to show you that with some determination you can always come back from some time off, even if “coming back” looks a little different than you expected. Read about lessons I’ve learned Running Postpartum HERE!
Race
My best race was my 2021 Nashville Rock’n’Roll 6.15 mile run. Other than my neighborhood Turkey Trot, this was the only in-person race I ran all year. It felt amazing getting back out there and running with other people again. Read the re-cap HERE!
Purchase
Oh my goodness, I cannot say enough good things about my treadmill, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750! I love it SO freaking much! I never expected to be one of those treadmill people, I’ve always run outside. But getting my treadmill and using iFit completely saved my sanity when I got super pregnant and running outside didn’t feel good anymore. Plus, I love the option to run no matter what the weather is. Read my review HERE for the full rundown on my Nordictrack Commercial 1750!
Lesson
2021 taught me some hard lessons about running. I never expected to have to give running up all together when I was pregnant, and I absolutely had no idea how hard returning to running after having a baby would be. Still, I did what I had to do for my body and my baby, and came out the other side with my passion for running and determination to get back to long-distance training in 2022!
Disney
So…. this year was definitely bleak in Disney travel for me =( We canceled even more Disney trips, and are still not sure when we will be returning. We have high hopes for 2022, but probably the end of the year. Regardless, I still watch my favorite Youtube channels, The Tim Tracker and Disney Food Blog, for my Disney park fill. I keep dreaming of the day I can return to the parks again! <3
Entertainment
I may have not stepped foot in a park this year, but I did watch PLENTY of Disney+! There have been so many amazing shows that came out this year, I am loving each Marvel series. My favorites have been Wanda Vision and Loki. But they have all been captivating and give me something to look forward to each week!
Purchase
Recently I did a little Disney online shopping spree and got my first Lounge Fly item, a Tiki Room Wallet! Also, I got a great Disneyland long sleeve shirt. I cannot wait to make it back to California and show my wee one my favorite park! =)
Travel
We were extremely cautious this year while I was pregnant and then with our young son. Travel, while not totally non-existent, was much less a priority than it usually is for us. We were able to take a few trips in 2021, and I am so happy we did!
Hotel Stay
There were only a few hotel stays this year, but they were all pretty great! I’d say my first choice for the best hotel stay was our quick staycation when I was VERY pregnant (like due that week). I was STRESSED and feeling like our baby would never come, so we decided to just stay one night at a gorgeous hotel in downtown Nashville, the Joseph. It was exactly what we both needed, and that trip will always bring a smile to my face.
A close second would be our trip to St. Regis Atlanta. It was relaxing and it truly felt like a vacation after months of staying at home with our little baby.
Dining
Hands down, the food at the St. Regis was the best dining experience we had this year! We had room service every day, and we were not disappointed! I loved everything we ate, I want to go back if for nothing else than the food!
Overall Vacation
Our babymoon in Navarre Beach Florida was fantastic! It was definitely the best vacation as we spent our days walking the beach, watching the sunset, and relaxing in our beachfront rental. Read about that trip HERE. It was the perfect relaxing weekend we needed!
Purchase
We purchased a travel bassinet (Mi Classic Travel Bassinet) for ‘lil man, and he loved it! I really love the bassinet, I actually wish we had traveled more so we could have used it a bit more. Though we did end up using it as a transition between his smaller bassinet before we moved him to his crib since it is fairly large. I highly recommend it!
Overall Conclusion for 2021
So yes, 2021 might not have been filled with Disney Vacations and Caribbean babymoons like I might have liked, but it did have some really memorable moments! It taught me to make the best of each situation and to be grateful for what I have. Some of the most impulse decisions, like our staycation and St. Regis trip, ended up being my favorite memories of the year! Overall, 2021 was a crazy, life-changing year, and I cannot wait to see what 2022 will bring us! Have a Happy New Year and make your own best-of list! I guarantee reflecting on your favorite moments will make you smile!
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