Another Race On The Schedule

I know I said I was only going to do a few races before Dopey, but that list is already growing.  I have the Lumiere challenge and a few 5ks this year, just like planned.  But next year I have now added the 20th Anniversary Donald's Half Marathon to this list.

That means I now have four halves before the Dopey challenge and three of which are paired with a 10k as a challenge.  I guess my training will definitely be constant and hopefully by the time 2018 rolls around I'll be back and ready for the Dopey!

I think the best news about signing up for the half marathon in January is the fact that I convinced my roommate to do it with me and then we have a bunch of people from work also signed up.  While I don't really like running the race with people (I did it once which was great, but it was with a close friend and we had similar paces), I am happy we're making it a social event.  It will just make it that much better.  This is just helping me get more and more prepared for my challenge, but it is helping my roommate keep running and staying healthy as she's had a tendency to quit when things get hard.  We're helping push each other and the rewards will be sweet...

2013 Disney World Marathon Part 2- The Finish

The first half marathon ended at Animal Kingdom and the second started as we headed off toward ESPN Zone.  This part was just like the Tower of Terror 10 Miler and the Wine and Dine Half Marathon.  It was long, there were "hills" and in all honesty probably the most boring part of the race.  There were some interesting characters on the course, like Launch Pad from Duck Tales...

At this point my knees and thighs were starting to hurt.  I stopped at my first medical tent ever for some BioFreeze and that definitely helped... What also helped was the fact that they had sponges soaking in cold water ready for runners at about mile 17.  It was right before we ran into the ESPN complex and I can tell you, those sponges were one of the best ideas ever!

Running through ESPN was interesting as usual.  Got to see a lot of the fields and track.  There were actually some track athletes running on the track which I thought was interesting considering we were all dying and yet they had these college level athletes training right there...  We did run around the baseball diamond just like Disneyland Half.  Disneyland is a tad bit better on this part because they get the boy scouts and girl scouts to fill the stadium while there were just a few people cheering from the seats at the marathon.

As we were leaving ESPN Wide World of Sports, we hit mile 20, which has a HUGE mile marker considering it was the race's 20th year.  They had Mickey, Minni, and Pluto there which was pretty cool and I won't lie, I got an awesome picture!

The course was pretty much exactly like the Wine and Dine Half, but they did make it safer.  At the half marathon there was a line of cones between the runners and cars... during the marathon there was an entire buffer lane with cops inside of it to make sure no one got hurt.  It definitely made me feel better.

Hollywood Studios was pretty normal with Wreck It Ralph as well as Mike and Sully out to take pictures.  I was actually taking pictures with Mike and Sully when I saw one of my friends pass.  After that I saw my Mom and decided to see who could make it back to the finish first.  

After DHS we ran by the Yacht and Beach Club, which have always been one of my favorite hotels.  The only thing that really annoyed me was the trio who decided to take up the entire path to walk and one of them was practically giving a tour to the other two about some of the hotels.  This was a RACE not a TOUR.  Sorry, that is one of my biggest pet peeves and I might not have been the kindest when I passed... blame it on my open water swimming past.

We were ushered backstage behind EPCOT only to emerge in the UK.  From there we ran through the World Showcase and I ran through most of it so I was pretty proud.  I did take a picture with Bell (who really needed to work on her makeup) as well as Mulan and Mushu.  Eventually I made it to the front of the park, around the corner, and hit the Mile 26 marker!

.2 miles left and I was able to finish!

I was alive, I was still moving, and I didn't throw up.  Overall, that was a huge accomplishment.  I started and finished without getting swept.  That medal around my neck has never felt better!  The marathon took me 6 hours and 4 minutes and I was more than proud of that.

My friend and I with our medals... Finished 2 minutes apart!

Will I do another one?  Probably considering I still want to do the Goofy, but I need to train better.  In the days after the race my knees have been acting up quite a bit so I need to do better for them.  Still, I was happy I was able to finish a marathon since it's something I never thought I'd be able to do.  

2013 Disney World Marathon Part 1- The Start

It has been a few days now since the marathon and I am pretty much back to normal.  The race overall went really well and I finished and received my medal so I am definitely calling it a success.  I had a lot of fun and I'm just super proud of myself for pushing through to the end.

I started in Corral G, the 2nd to last corral.  I've never really been that close to the back and the sweepers were already a worry for me so I decided I was going to just run the first few miles and put some distance between myself and the sweepers.  Yes, I have heard the sweepers aren't too strict at the runDisney races, but I didn't care to find out about that.  So I skipped some of the first few character stops.  That meant I missed my favorite, the Pirates, as well as Jack Skellington, who I really could care less about getting a picture of.   They also had this huge poster up which was really cool.

I took my first break (and only restroom break) at mile 4.  I was able to catch my breath and do a mental check over how I was feeling.  Overall, pretty well, definitely better than what I was expecting considering I really wasn't prepared for the race and hadn't been feeling well the days before the race.  

The race then headed to the Magic Kingdom when we came up to one of my favorite views of any of the runDisney races... running down Main Street.  The castle is just so pretty in the early morning, isn't it?  This was the first place I got to see my support crew, aka my Mom.  I still wasn't really stopping for character pictures, especially considering the princesses and royal Mickey and Minnie both had super long lines.  Luckily, I've already taken a few pictures with royal Mickey and Minnie and I'm not a huge fan of the princesses.  I did finally stop for a picture just outside of the Magic Kingdom with Mary Poppins and started stopping for more pictures.  Here are a few from the rest of the first half:

 One cool thing, was the Disney World Speedway, which hosts the Richard Petty Driving Experience.  For the race, the race track hosted close to a mile of the race as well as a car show.  Of course Tow Mater, Lightening McQueen, and Finn McMissile were all a part of it.  There were some super nice cars there ranging from the classics to the newest sports car.  It was definitely cool to see all of the cars out there.

The race then went to Disney's Animal Kingdom where they actually had some of the smaller petting zoo animals out.  Everything from a hawk and owl to a snake to sheep and goats.  I did spy one of our elephants in their night barn still even!  Of course they had some iconic characters out there... I bet you might recognize a few:

 

There was also another cool thing that I got to do before exiting Animal Kingdom... I got to ride Expedition Everest!  That's right, I totally rode a roller coaster in the middle of the marathon.  They had just opened the attraction as I was going by so I jumped on it and got a front car seat.  Only at the Disney World Marathon could you ride a roller coaster during the race!

After exiting Animal Kingdom, we headed towards the half way marker, as well as the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility... stay tuned for what happened in the second half of the race!

The Week Has Come...

The marathon is only 3 days out.  It's kind of hard to believe it's that close finally.   I won't say I'm ready, because I definitely could have trained better and be feeling better.  I have been getting a sore throat from the weather constantly changing out here and I haven't been feeling my best otherwise, but I think that comes from stress from work and the run.

Still, I'm going to get through this run.

Plus, I did go to the expo today and I bought a lot of stuff... and I mean A LOT.  Check out my haul:

So of course to wear this stuff and show it off proudly, I have to finish!  I also need to add a medal to the picture, but that's coming...  In the race bag I got- The race tech shirt, a 20th anniversary button, shoe laces, cliff bar, pre-bought pin, temporary tattoo and the race info.  Not much, but again, I'm happy not to have all the papers and random stuff that I never use.

At the expo, I obviously bought a few things.  For race merchandise, I bought the white champion's jacket, 20th anniversary mickey ears, limited edition pin at the event, a nice box collection pin, a Dooney and Burke 20th anniversary purse, and a smaller version of the poster.  The artist for the poster was at the event this morning and was signing them as she gave them out.

I also got the Captain Hook shirt I've been wanting since the Tower of Terror run.  It's supposed to glow in the dark, but I just wanted it because it's Captain Hook and awesome.  I don't think I'm going to run it though.  I think I'm going to wear the "I Thought They Said Rum?" shirt I've worn for most of the half marathons.

It was crazy seeing all the set up these last few days.  On Wednesday they were already setting up medical tents and water stops.  Then today there were DJ booths and other areas getting set up.  Traffic signs were up and warning drivers... it was nerve wrecking at the same time as exciting!

O yes, and before I left the race area I signed up for running alerts to be sent to my parents as well as to be posted on my Facebook.  In the same area you could get a race photo for free from HP.  They gave you a hard copy there and sent you an electronic copy, which is great for me to post here!

One more day of work and then it's race time!

20th Anniversary Marathon Medal Revealed

Donald couldn't run forever (although it seems like some of us can) and he was eventually caught by Mickey, Goofy, the runDisney team and fans.  First, they revealed his half marathon medal, which made Donald happy so he gave back the plans for Mickey's medal.

So what am I running for?  What are some of you running for?

This...

I liked this picture of the medal because the quote also really resonates with me.  It all started with a dream, then you add some hard work, and eventually you can reach any goal.

Summer Running

It seems that while I have started to acclimate to the heat I work in daily, I'm still not used to running in the heat.  It's just zapping any energy I have and making my runs harder than they really need to be.  Within the first mile I'm dripping with sweat and if I don't have my water bottle with me, then I'm probably not getting more than 3-4 miles done.

Running in Florida is just so different compared to running in California.  In California, it was cooler in the mornings so I was able to get my run in and relax before the heat of the day really set in.  In Florida, it's just hot 24/7 during the summer.  Last year I ran on a treadmill during the hotter months, which I hated probably just as much as running in the heat. This year, I don't have that option.

I'm feeling confident with my training for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler and I'm pretty sure I've got the Wine and Dine Half Marathon training and execution figured out for November... by then my training should be getting some relief from the heat (or so I hope... watch, it'll be the hottest winter ever).  And of course in January is the Walt Disney World Marathon.  Today I am 25 weeks out from running that Marathon and while that means I still have plenty of time to train, I'm still nervous about it really.... with the heat and everything, do I really have enough time???

I've been debating whether or not I should just work on my endurance and get a few long runs in here and there while the heat is still pretty bad, or if I should keep trying to push my long runs.  My decision will probably change weekly, or by run.  I just tend to run in the moment.  I won't let myself do long runs during my work week considering I have work those days, but other than that, who knows how far I'll run.

I should be back to building up my long run again this week, up to 7 miles again to be exact.  Will I actually hit it?  Who knows.  I just have to get myself out of bed and onto the road first...

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...

More Races!

I have been meaning to sign up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon for a while now.  I just haven't since there were still some major questions pertaining to my future.  Well, yesterday I got some great news, my future became a bit more secure, and now I've signed up for the Dine and Wine Half Marathon.

I'm super excited for this race because it provides a few new experiences.  The course is different, which is nice because I've been repeating the same course for Princess and Disneyland for two years now (Not saying those courses are bad, quite the opposite actually).  It's a night race.  I know, after all my complaining about running at night, I'm now running a race at night.  Who knows, this could permanently change my opinion of training in the evening.  Third, there's the after party which sounds like a ton of fun, but I should probably make sure I'm not working the next day.  Finally, it's just a new race for me!  That's always exciting!

Well, signing up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon isn't my only exciting news...

I've also signed up for the 20th anniversary of the Disney World Full Marathon.  Yes, you read correctly, a full marathon.

Now, those who grew up with me and know me pretty well are probably surprised I'm doing a full marathon.  Heck, when I was a swimmer, I swore I would never run.  Then I started doing triathlons and eventually half marathons.  Still, even after my first half marathon I told my parents that I would never do a full marathon.  Well.... SURPRISE!

So, I have a few months to train for the full and I'm sure I can do it.  I have great supporters surrounding me and it will be a huge success when I'm able to finish.  So I guess there's something new to follow me on my blog for... to see if I survive the full marathon!

And you never know... if I survive the full marathon... maybe the Goofy Challenge will be in my future???

Detours for the Drivers

When we're running a race we often see the cones, policeman, and detour signs that have been set up so we can take the road and not have to worry about cars. Well this morning I got to be the car and it was a bit of a nightmare.

As many of you know the Walt Disney World Marathon is currently running (as in I saw the pack on my drive into work). Well that means a lot of roads on property are shut down.

This morning I learned which ones were shut down and which roads were still opens. Property was crawling with policeman, yellow cones, and volunteers. I missed a few exits because of flashing lights, although they exits were still open, and ended up driving off property and coming on again. I did make it all the way to animal kingdom park and lodge, however I needed to be on the opposite side of property.

My second attempt yielded exits that were actually closed this time, but I made the right turn eventually, got onto one of the main streets that only had 1 lane closures on pieces of it. There was more traffic right were I needed to park but that was because that was where the race was at the same time!

I've always known triathlons and running events caused a lot of traffic closures and delays, but I have a new found appreciation for the drivers who do actually have to get somewhere... It's still not worth drivers yelling profanities or throwing objects at the runners (has happened to me during triathlons) but instead if a driver gives themselves extra time, it shouldn't be a problem.

Good luck to all of those running right now (2 of my good friends are and who knows how many of you!) looks like it should be a great day for a race! Have fun!