More Medals!

I had the sudden realization last week that August really isn't that far away.  I was excited because that meant I would be heading home in just a few short months, but then again I'd also be running the Dumbo Challenge in a few short months.  And my running... ya, it probably isn't anywhere near what it should be.

But you can always count on Disney for releasing new information to keep you excited for any race, no matter where your training is.  Just a few days ago they released pictures of the four medals you could gain at the Disneyland Half Marathon.

In all honesty, i don't really care about the Alice in Wonderland medal or the Dumbo one for their design, but that's more of because they were movies I never really connected with.  I still love the D medal for the actual half, and of course I'll be collecting a fourth medal that weekend, my second Coast to Coast.

Speaking of Coast to Coast, they recently announced a few more races and new medals.  When I say new races, I mean more 10k's and double race challenges.  There will be the Glass Slipper challenge in February with the Princess Half Marathon (another 10k and Half pairing).  Then if you do the Tinkerbell Half Marathon in January and the Princess in February, you get a special Coast to Coast medal.

In all honesty, I'm not a pink kind of girl, so I won't be going after this specific coast to coast medal.  Good luck to everyone who is!  That's a quick turn around, but should be fun!  Now the glass slipper I may do just to keep my running up for all these weekends.  Plus, the Princess Half is the only race I have done every year since I've started running these races.  There are a lot of special memories with the race so I figure I might as well...

So now, coming the the realization I better start training some more.  I have been able to get to the gym for elliptical and spinning training to help salvage my knees and then a few road workouts just to keep that training up.  Speaking of which... it's almost time for spinning!  Enjoy your workouts, whatever they might be today... I know I'll have a sweaty, but great time at mine!

Picturing the Princess Half

I know I'm late on this again, but it's better late than never...  I really don't have anything different to say about the Princess Half that I've already said in previous posts so I decided that this time I'd just focus on some of the pictures... Luckily they did change some of the characters you were able to meet...

The Ferrari Italia... My absolute favorite car that you can drive at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

The castle was absolutely beautiful... I actually don't think I've run through it before when it wasn't completely light outside.

King Mickey... always a pleasure to see him.  Queen Minnie was also out, but needed to break for tea time or something along those lines.

Main street and the hoards of people who came out to support the runners.

Princess Tiana and the gang.

Mulan and Mushu.  

I don't think I've ever seen an opportunity to take a picture with Mary Poppins in this costume so I just had to stop and take advantage of it!

Princess 2013- Training Really Does Matter

My third Princess Half Marathon has officially be completed.  That makes my current track record 1 Marathon, 6 Half Marathons, 1 10 Milers, and 1 5K.  Technically I should probably have more 5k's, but hey, I never liked to do things the normal way.

February has always been my athletically cursed month.  Back when I was a swimmer, there was a meet about this time in February I was never able to compete in.  It was when I was first diagnosed with rotator cuff tendonitis (it was so bad I couldn't move my shoulder) and I was usually sick during that meet.  It seems as though that tradition has turned over into running because I did not feel my best this morning and this race was definitely not one of my better ones.  My time wasn't terrible (2:42), but I was in a lot of pain.

I decided not to stop too much this time as I have already photographically documented this race twice, I just took it easy.  I did get pictures a few times and those will be coming tomorrow probably.

I was hoping to get closer to my personal record during this race, but I could very soon tell that wasn't happening.  As soon as I woke up, I wasn't feeling good.  The first few miles was a mental fight between me and my stomach. Luckily I won, but my stomach didn't go down gently.  Plus it was incredibly hot for so early in the morning and by the first mile or two I had a fine layer of sweat.  The nice thing was that it seemed runDisney also adjusted for the heat and set up more water and medical stops than it seemed they had in the past.  I absolutely loved them for it!

The water and sometimes powerade were welcomed at every stop and I did force myself to stop at a medical station.  It was hard since I just wanted to finish, but my knee and ankle were getting tighter and tighter and I knew without biofreeze, they weren't going to last.  I did walk most of Mile 8, but pulled myself back together after that.  I forced myself to get to certain landmarks (the on ramps, water stations, etc...) and that really did help.

I do blame most of the pain and difficulty of this race on not training properly.  I had only gotten to a single 5 mile run during my training and I probably needed more than that.  Up through mile 5 and 6 I actually felt decent (other than the stomach bug).  Now I do have some time to relax, get through a busy season at work and then figure out my training for Dumbo's Double Dare Challenge.

This weekend I did decide on a few things...
1. I am training a hell of a lot better for Dumbo's.
2. I am going to train to run Goofy's Challenge in 2 years... Goofy's 10th anniversary.

Fit For A Princess Expo

Now, I love expos, but this morning's was a tad bit crazy.  I think everyone and their family decided to be at the opening of the expo.  The funny thing was, even though there was a long line, the crowd didn't seem too bad when I actually got inside.  Part of it was probably because the expo and registration pick up were in the same room.  The room was split, but you could easily go between the two.

A lot of people were going straight to the expo and what appeared to be the race merchandise area.  As much as I love all my t-shirts, jackets, cups, pins, and everything else I acquire from the race merchandise area, I decided to avoid it.

That's definitely not saying that I left the area empty handed.  It wouldn't be a running expo if I left empty handed!

Of course Disney makes sure you leave with something just for registering and showing up. In their goody bag was the race shirt (purple this year which was a welcomed change), a pink bag, button, Luna bar, and I got a pin that I purchased with my registration.

As for my mini shopping spree... I bought a pair of Nike capris and 2 more princess shirts. I guess I really am slowly turning into a princess...

...Front...

...Back...

People Say The Nicest Things...

Ever starting my new job, it's been really hard to train for the Princess Half Marathon and keep up with my personal goal of averaging 12 miles a week.  It always feels like my endurance is completely shot and I'm just not in the shape I was at the beginning of the year... which in all honesty I'm probably not.

Still today I was able to hit the road and I had a pretty decent run.  Not my fastest, not my best, but it wasn't my worst either.  It was in the last mile though that I ran into some people I had met last year and they made me feel a lot better about my running.

I had met this couple at a wine dinner at a Walt Disney World restaurant.  They were very nice and we soon found out that we lived in two communities that were side by side.  Now, I had always looked out for them, but had never seen them.  A few months roll by and I stop keeping an eye out.

Then today I see a couple who look oddly familiar and she waves me down.  Sure enough it was the couple from the dinner.  We talked for a bit and as we were leaving the wife tells me "You're running so well, so fast!  You're looking good!"

That was all I needed to hear really.  Personally I know I haven't been running my best or anywhere close to it, but to hear someone compliment me on my running... that makes me feel as though I'm running my best.

That is one of the reasons I always try to thank people, compliment them, or in the least smile.  You never know when something small like that might help change someone's day.  Today it certainly helped my running.

Moving Up in Corrals!

The Princess Half Marathon is in just a few weeks so all of the last details are coming out... including the corral assignments.  Now, other than the marathon and 10 miler I've always been in Corral C.  For those other two races I was in G and B respectively.  Well, that's apparently all changing right now.

For the 5th Anniversary Princess Half Marathon, I will be moving on up to Corral B!  I am actually pretty excited about this because I was never really expecting it.  I got into running to stay in shape when I retired from swimming.  Swimming and triathlons were my competitive sports, I was never and still never think of running as something I'm going to get into competitively.  So that fact I moved up in a corral, shows that my training is starting to come through!

Now the hardest part will be living up to that.  Guess I have to work harder at getting back into my running stride and endurance before the Princess to keep up with this B corral.

Double Dared by Dumbo

It's been a few weeks since this actually happened, but there was the whole marathon thingy going on and a new job.  Luckily now I have some time where I get to share some exciting news.

Right before the marathon I was able to pre-register for the Dumbo's Double Dare Challenge during the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend.  It ended up being a good thing considering the challenge and the rest of the weekend sold out within hours of opening.

If you haven't already heard, the Dumbo's Double Dare Challenge is the new 10k race on Saturday followed by the half marathon on Sunday.  Pretty much, it's Disneyland's version of the Goofy Challenge.

Considering 6-7 miles is a pretty average long run for me during training, I'm not too worried about putting these two runs back to back.  Heck, I'm not even scared of the Princess Half which is getting closer and closer.  I'm already gaining the mileage back on a pretty steady basis, which will be good considering I have to average 12 miles a week this year and I'm behind somewhere between 3-5 miles already.

Dumbo might not be one of my favorite characters, but I'm excited to take on his challenge!

Back To Training

It was nice to get a week or so break in after the marathon, but my break wasn't going to last forever.  Especially with the Princess Half Marathon only a month or so away, I had to get back into running.

My knees were still tight and sore, but I'm beginning to think that my knees will ever be completely ok. With the help of some Aleve and Icy Hot, things are looking ok.  I'm not too worried about the Princess Half in all honesty.  I've never had the best race at Princess because I've either been nursing an injury (my ankle 2 years ago) or running with a friend and making sure she finished.  So I guess I should technically run this with something hurting since I'm not running with someone...

This year I've made a goal for myself to run over 600 miles, which is an average of 12 miles a week.  Even with a week and a half off, I'm only off right now by just under 4 miles.  I thought it was going to be a lot worse, but of course that marathon is technically worth more than two weeks.  Either way, not as far off my goal as I could be.

So now the count down is on till Princess.  Then maybe I'll give myself a bit more of a break before picking up the training again.  If anything, running the marathon has given my confidence in running quite the boost... one that I didn't realize I needed, but I'm definitely not complaining now.

Princess Half Marathon- 5th Anniversary Medal

Yesterday, runDisney finally premiered the medal for the 5th Princess Half Marathon.  During the Tower of Terror expo I was hanging around the medal area for a bit and heard quite a few people asking, quite excitedly, about the new medal, but the runDisney cast members were tight lipped, although equally excited about it.

I do agree with some comments that I've read that it's not as spectacular as the 20th anniversary marathon medal or the Tower of Terror medal, but it's still keeping true to the race and all of the other medals, something I can respect.  Yes it has more glitz, which every princess needs, and it stands out form the previous 4 tiara medals.

I do wish the years would be a bit more visible (2009 and 2013 are inscribed on the gold banner behind the 1.2 Marathon... yes it's hard to see...), but this is also just the 5th year!  In all honesty, Disneyland Half's 5th year medal probably could have been better (although not for me personally since it was my first ever).  I expect each anniversary to get better and better... I mean, look at the 20th anniversary medal... it took it 20 years to get to that!

Still, I'm excited to add this medal to my collection come February.  It will be one of the at 6 medals I'm planning on getting in 2013... in other words, 2013 is going to be a big, big year!

Can't Retire My Glass Running Shoes Yet

I can't retire my glass running shoes quite yet it seems.  My internal debate on whether or not I should sign up for the half marathon lasted barely a day.  I signed up for the 2013 Princess Half Marathon this evening.

Like I said before, I really do like the Princess Half Marathon and I'm looking excited to see what a difference 2 years can make.  Considering last year wasn't for time (more support for my friend), it'll be nice to hopefully see some improvement.

Every year I have chosen a new princess.  I started with Tiana in 2011, then claimed Ariel in 2012.  Next year, I'll be running with Merida as my favorite princess.  No, I have yet to see Brave (I really need to), but I tend to be my own hero and Merida and I do share the red hair (ok her's is redder, but mine is straighter...).

I'm definitely looking forward to the race and to see how they have characters laid out.  I always like finding the small changes... and who knows, maybe they'll make some big change considering it is the 5th anniversary.  The only thing that I'm somewhat worried about is that I'll be running this race about 2 months after the marathon.  Hopefully my legs will have healed and be ready for the half.

In other news- I was going to sign up for the Runner's World Challenge, but they are not letting people register if their race is in 2013.  They better open up within the next month or two considering the 16 week deadline for the Disney World Marathon is approaching quickly.

So Many Decisions

You know, from an outside point of view, running seams to be a very inexpensive sport.  Sure you have some expensive shoes, but if all you're doing is going out and jogging a few times a week or so, there really isn't much you need.  Maybe some better head phones or a case for an iphone, ipod, or whatever you use. But then you decide to get serious...

So my journey didn't exactly start out that way, but it definitely has been getting more and more expensive.  For those of you who have attended runDisney races or probably any other race for that matter, you know the entry fees are pretty steep.  I like to think about all the things the money is going to (charitable foundations, goody bag items, race course help, etc...), but it's still quite daunting.  Then there's all the books, magazines, gels, water bottles, belts, tech shirts, etc... that you can get to increase your training.  So now I have two of those expensive decisions to make in the next few weeks, if not the next few days.

First, the Walt Disney World Marathon has partnered with Runner's World Challenge for a VIP package.  The package itself is waaaaay too expensive for me and I know I won't be getting it.  It's mostly made for people coming in for the race anyway and I'm local so I don't need everything in the package.  However, I started looking at the general Runner's World Challenge and it looks like a pretty good training package.  You can check it out at the challenge's website here.

Second, the Princess Half Marathon opened for registration yesterday.  I've done the race 2 years in a row now and this will be it's 5th anniversary.  It's going to be about a month and a half after the full marathon and it seems like that should be enough time to recover/train for Princess.  Princess has a lot of meaning for me considering it was my first half marathon in Florida, it was the first half marathon for my good friend, and it was the marathon I paired with the Disneyland Half to get my coast to coast.  So... maybe for sentimental value?  I don't know.  I really do enjoy the Princess Half Marathon which makes this decision harder and harder.

I can always try and work some extra overtime in the coming months...

2012 Princess Half Marathon Review

I know it's been a week since the race, but I haven't had internet in that week so blogging was put on hold.  Luckily, internet is back and thus, I can finally write my review of the race!

Let's take a look at the expo first, shall we?

I personally liked the expo a lot more this year.  Registration and packet pick up were set up in a tent on one of the fields.  This provided everyone (runners, volunteers, and vendors) with a lot more space.  Official merchandise was in the packet pick up area, but I just browsed through it in favor of getting something at the vendors tent.

At packet pick up I got my bib, my commemorative bib (yes 2 bibs), my race pin (was extra on registration), and the race necklace (also extra at registration).  My running buddy, Carrie, and I checked our bibs to make sure they were working and then headed over to the expo tent where we picked up our packets, I picked up some new headphones, and we looked around.  At that time we didn't have enough time to buy anything so we looked and left, but came back a few hours later to get what we wanted.  I ended up with a new race belt (I left mine back in Cali), a race shirt (Royalty Rules the Road), a coffee cup, and the second pin.  I liked that our actual goody bag only had a handful of things in it (like our race shirt) and the flyers you normally get were left online... it was just so green!

Overall, I did like the expo. The flow was a lot better since they spaced it out and I hope they do the same thing next year.  They were also doing a better job at crowd control when it came to packet pick up so that really helped.  As you can see above, they still had the footmen and this year they added the carriage.  Only, the carriage never made it to the race course, unlike last year.

The only thing I didn't like was more on merchandise's side.  I wish they would have a small tiara that you could pin around a pony tail, not the big light up one they were selling.  I also think that the necklace and original pin should have been kept for those who ordered them online.  The online sales did say they were sold out, but they magically happened to be at the expo...

On to the race...

Originally, Carrie and I were going to walk to the corrals, but decided against it once we saw how laid out Port Orleans really was.  We would have been waking up at the same time either way... so we took the bus to Epcot and walked with everyone else to the front (notice the grammar mistake in the sign above?).  It was early... like really early, but we eventually made it to the start.

Fairy Godmother set off the runners this year, just as she did last year.  There were fireworks for each corral and while I appreciated that I got some for my corral, I realized the fireworks had another benefit.  I could hear when the next set of runners had started thanks to the fireworks!  Don't know if that was part of the plan, but strategically it was smart.

There didn't seem to be as many characters stops out this year, but they did have my favorites...

All of the villains... even though Cruella is hiding...

Buzz!

Pirates (My favorite)

And of course... Fairy Godmother

King Mickey!

Physically, the race went well for me.  I was running Carrie's speed as it was her first (and she did awesome).  I ran the hills I walked last year, which was my personal accomplishment of the race.  We finished just around 3 hours, which was Carrie's goal, so overall a great race.  I think I actually ran more than I did last year and I know I definitely didn't stop so much.

After the race my quads tightened up a bit, but weren't too bad.  They were sore for a few days, but never so much that I couldn't work or anything.  My ankles got super tight and they tried to get me to stop walking after the race, which of course we spent at Epcot.  My ankles have me worried for future races when I might be going faster and harder, but I guess that's something I'm going to have to tackle when I get there.

On a personal level, I was so excited when some of my former coworkers came out and cheered for me!  It gave me the push I needed for the end of the race!

RunDisney really does provide runners with some magical experiences.  Carrie didn't believe me when I told her how awesome it is to run down Main Street to the castle with crowds cheering you on... I can assure you now that she does though!

Finally, It's Cold!

All December and January, I was running in shorts and t-shirts because it was so warm.  Just a week or so ago I was actually cutting a run short because I didn't have enough water!  Then, a cold front comes in and while it's not as cold as some areas up north, it's cold to this SoCal/Florida Transplant Girl.  I'm used to warm weather... I don't do cold.

I applaud those of you who get out there and run in snow and freezing temperatures. Of course you guys also have all of the right gear (gloves, hats, etc), but still that takes a lot.  I don't know if I would be able to  get out there and run or if I would hibernate through the winter.

I did get out of comfort zone today and sucked in a cold breath before starting my run... Luckily I do have some cold weather running clothes, and I actually should have worn some of my heavier items.  I did get to wear my new capris from Nike and they are awesome!  I'm even thinking about wearing them for the Princess Half in a few weeks!  I wore a long sleeve tech shirt and while it was ok, I should have worn my thicker red cycling shirt because it is that much warmer.

Although the nice thing about getting out there and running this morning, I was able to run through this stupid cold. I think yesterday was the worst of it.  I felt it all day and people even noticed I wasn't my normal bubbly self.  I'm feeling a lot better today and the run just helped push this cold out.  Yes my throat is still a bit sore and I'm still coughing, but overall feeling a lot better.  My other secret weapon... TheraFlu.  I swear, I just need 2 packets of this stuff and I'm feeling almost 100% better.

2 Weeks Out

We are officially 2 weeks out from the Princess Half Marathon... 14 days!  It's kind of crazy considering I've been focused on this race for so long!  I can't wait for the race, especially for all the fun that weekend entails.  In fact, last night I planned the actual details with my running partner for the race.  We are definitely going to have a busy, but exciting weekend!

Thanks for Amy at Pumpkin to Princess and a few people on some forum boards, I have been able to figure out my corral for the race.  I'll be starting in Corral C, which has become my home at the starts of these races.  We'll be starting right around 6:00 and should be done before 9. 

New Running Clothes!

You know what can be great inspiration to run again?  Getting new running apparel!  Now I didn't go crazy with a whole new workout wordrobe, but I did get a few new things...

There's a Reebok and Nike outlet close to me and I had already fallen in love with the Reebok store as I could get their Easytones pretty cheap there.  I was looking for running pants, and while they had some decent yoga pants, capris, and shorts, I was just looking for something a bit tighter.  So I headed over to Nike where I found running Capris and running shorts at Nike, along with some new socks.

So guess what I'm doing tomorrow... yup, going for a run in my new Capris!

While I didn't get any shirts I was looking at some shirts from one of my favorite brands, One More Mile. I bought one of their shirts at my first Half Marathon and wore it last year at the Princess Half.  The front said "I Thought They Said Rum?"  I can tell you, the Pirates on the course really loved that shirt.

This year I found a new shirt I might be interested in.  We'll see if I actually get it, but check it out (and check out One More Mile!

Losing the Urge to Run (Temporarily)

This seems to always happen right before a run.  I decide I would rather sleep in than get up and decide to go for a run or workout.  There have been a few mornings when I have given in and just went back to sleep or read until I finally got out of bed.

I really don't like these times because they do make me feel incredibly lazy and it's harder for me to stay on my diet.  Yet, I know I will always have these times and I'm guessing that I'm not alone in that.  Obviously, my favorite times to run are when I have the itch to run and I'm feeling awesome.  Good days are also when I get to run, even if I don't have the itch, but I definitely don't mind running still.  Plus I always like to remember this:

Now even though I am feeling like this, I am determined to get a few more good runs in before the Princess Half.  I'm thinking about a run tomorrow or Saturday and a long circuit on Sunday.  

Final Race Instructions Are Out!

Today I had a lovely email from runDisney waiting for me in my inbox.  There wasn't too much I haven't already found out... waivers, race program, weather, tips, travel details, and more ads.  However, there was one interesting thing... a virtual gift bag.

There wasn't really anything too big in the goodie bag, but it did have some offers from some of the sponsors.  There were also a few drawings you could enter.  The one I entered was for $150 to use for ifitness merchandise.  It's a nice idea, but I think there should be more coupons or vouchers for booths at the expo.

I don't expect anymore details to really come out about the race.  We have our route, we have our bib numbers, we know what to expect, and princesses, I think we're ready!

Adding Hand Weights

I've started to pull back from some the really intense circuit workouts as the first step to prepare for the Princess Half.  I love my hard circuits and feeling sore, but I need to start focusing on preparing for the race.  I've run sore before and I don't feel like doing that for 13.1 miles...

I found a new set of daily circuits that aren't too hard, but still get the point across.  The funny thing is, I actually found these workouts on Pinterest (one of my new interests).  I've pinned them on my Health and Fitness board along with a bunch of inspiring quotes and pictures.  If you want to take a look click here.

Anyway, while the circuits are pretty good, I decided to add in some hand weights.  It was just a little something to add that much more to my workout.  As Jillian Michaels always says, you're working out multiple body regions at the same time which is creating a better workout.  Most of the exercises I added weights to were actually in some of Jillian's workouts and so I was familiar with the addition and I trying something totally new (which as we all know isn't always a good idea...).

So, I ended up doing 2 rounds of the circuit (they take anywhere from 10-15 minutes each round) with the additional weights.  It really did feel good and I did get that shaky muscle feeling afterwards for a bit.  Do I expect to be sore tomorrow? No.  But that's a good thing since I'm planning a run in the morning.

Bib Numbers Are Out!

I've been seeing some people mentioning their bib numbers and I finally found mine.  Since I'm running this as a team, my number is in the 20,000s... to be exact it's 20850 (my teammate is 20851).  The arrival of the numbers means the race is only getting closer.

In fact, the race is 3 weeks out!  This time in 3 weeks I should be finishing the half marathon and getting back to get cleaned up.  Each week gets more and more exciting!

I was able to get a nice 7 mile run this morning. I did run into this little turtle who was hanging out next to the nature path.

Fail? Or Just Hit A Limit?

Today was an off run day and so I popped a couple Jillian Michael DVDs into my computer and decided to get a strength workout in.

I started really well.  I jumped back into week 3 of 30 Day Shred and it was pretty intense.  By the 3rd and final circuit my arms and quads were screaming at me. I could barely hold myself up.  I'll admit, there were a few exercises that I did skip.  I figured I was going to do another circuit workout that I could give myself that.

So I decided to move ahead and work on Jillian's Yoga Meltdown DVD.  I figured I would get some good stretches in, loosen up some of the soreness that had set into my legs last night.  But, have I mentioned that pretty much nothing that Jillian Michael's does is easy?  Ya, because it's not.

I barely got through the first part of the Yoga meltdown before collapsing.  My arms were just too tired and my legs were on fire.  There were a lot of static poses added for strength that just made me feel like I was going to collapse into a pile of mush. So yes, I quit.

I still go a pretty decent 30 minute workout in and my arms are still humming from the workout.  These DVDs are meant to be intense and done individually, not together.

I can't decide if I should have kept going and modified my moves or if I really did just hit a limit.  I'm probably going to be sore and my muscles will be singing for a while, but I'll question if I could have gone farther.  Of course, it is probably better that I didn't push myself too far since I have the Princess Half in just a few weeks.  I ran it last year with my ankle injured (or well on the way to recovery) and I don't want to do that again this year.

Here's how I am justifying this... Tomorrow I plan to run 3-5 miles (probably closer to 5) with at least one circuit afterwards.  Now, depending on how board and restless I get since it is my day off I might do an afternoon workout again. Get back into those doubles that I used to do when I was a competitive swimmer and triathlete.