Where Have I Been?!?!

Well hello there!

I realize it's been over a year since my last blog post...wow...I can't believe I let it sit idle for so long! BUT - I have a great excuse...

At the end of June 2016, my husband and I found out that we were expecting our first child!  The first (and only) race I ran during my pregnancy was a week later at the 2016 Peachtree Road Race.

Luckily, my pregnancy was pretty easy...no real complications...but having hypertension caused my doctors to strongly discourage me from continuing to run and work out during the pregnancy.

Back in January, we headed to Walt Disney World on our "babymoon" (yes, I see some of you rolling your eyes at that term)

We happened to be there during Marathon weekend and spectated the marathon in EPCOT.  It was a lot of fun cheering on the runners and many of my friends during the race, and it validated what I had been thinking about for quite some time...when registration for the 2018 runDisney marathon weekend rolled around, this happened -

Yep...not only did I sign up for my first full marathon, but I'm going for the Goofy Challenge!  I'm crazy excited and scared to death at the same time, but I have some amazingly supportive friends and family and an equally crazy friend who will be by my side every step of both races...it's going to be a tough, but fun journey!

And, on March 4th, we welcomed our son into the world!

I'll be checking in with my training, products I've found to be helpful, and planning our first trip as a family of 3 to Disney World! It's time to dust off the cobwebs and keep you guys in the loop (if anyone even still reads my blog!)

More to come soon!

Holiday Gift Guide For Runners

‘Tis the season, right??

I love buying gifts for my family and friends.  There’s something so satisfying about picking out a gift for someone and seeing them light up when they open it.  There are so many fantastic products out there for runners, and I wanted to share some that are on my Christmas list with you!

PRO Compression socks

This is my go-to brand of socks…whether I’m out and about running errands or I’m sweating it out at OTF or the open road, I always have a pair of PRO compression socks on.  Not only are they great for your feet both during workouts and for recovery, they also have super fun colors and designs!  I’m loving the December Sock of the Month – they will be perfect for those holiday runs and workouts!  Unfortunately these sold out in about 3 hours!  Make sure to subscribe to their emails so that you won’t miss out on the next “Sock of the Month”

http://www.procompression.com

Sparkly Soul headbands

These are so fun, versatile, and go with ANYTHING in your closet.  I love them because, for me, they actually stay on my head and don’t move during my workouts.  They have no piece of black elastic in the back either.  They’re always coming out with new designs and colors, and the ladies who run Sparkly Soul are AWESOME!  They truly love what they do and you can definitely tell.  What girl doesn’t need a little more sparkle in her life?  Oh…and they were named as “The Best Stocking Stuffers of the Season” in Women’s Running magazine!  Now how can you argue with that?

http://www.sparklysoul.com

InknBurn

If you love standing out during races and wearing something unique, InknBurn is the answer!  They come out with such beautiful pieces of clothing, ranging from bottoms that look like denim to shirts that look like a holiday sweater – they have something for everyone.  Not sure what the recipient might like?  Get them a gift card and let them pick it out themselves!  They have camisoles, tees, tanks, long sleeves, shorts, capris, and pants/tights to choose from.  All made in the USA by a small company of less than 20 people.  The quality and art you’ll find here is hard to beat!

http://www.inknburn.com

RoadID

 I absolutely love my RoadID.  I actually wear mine everyday and not just when I run or work out.  If you’ve never heard of the company, they make identification both for your wrist as well as one you can wear on your shoe.  You put any vital information on them so that in case of an emergency where you’re unresponsive, the people caring for you are able to contact your loved ones.  I know I’m guilty of not always filling out the form on the back of my race bibs, so having this guy on my wrist is not a bad idea.  They also have a service you can pay extra for that has a number to call that gives any allergies or other vital medical information. 

http://www.roadid.com

A Race Entry

 If you know of a race that someone wants to run, a race entry could be the PERFECT gift!  Back at Christmas 2013, the hubby gifted me the 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon weekend, complete with airfare, hotel, race entry, and park tickets!  Now, yours doesn’t have to be as elaborate as that, but it could be a great idea…maybe find a race that you can run with them!

Those are just a few things on my Christmas list…please feel free to leave any additional suggestions in the comments….I would love to see them and maybe even learn of a new product to try out!

Until next time,

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend - Meet Ups (UPDATED!)

With the exciting race weekend that is just days away, myself along with thousands of other avid runDisney runners are busy packing and gearing up for the fantastic weekend ahead of us!

During the weekend, there will be many opportunities to meet new friends and see old ones.  I know I'm crazy excited to see a lot of friends whom I haven't seen for awhile.  While chatting with one of those friends last night, we both realized that it was this weekend back in 2013 where a lot of friendships were formed.

Over the course of the weekend there are a few 'meet ups' going on where you can meet some new people...maybe someone you've followed on social media.  I wanted to share a few with you that I knew were going on -

#TeamSparkle Donut Meet-Up

 If you're a runDisney fan, I'm sure you've seen tons of ladies (and even some guys!) sporing the ever so sparkly skirts during the races...these more than likely came from the awesome gals at Sparkle Athletic!  I met one of the founders, Kelly (@according2kelly) at Disneyland in 2013 and look forward to seeing her at each runDisney weekend that I attend.

This year they are hosting a meet up...but not just any meet-up...a DONUT MEET-UP!

Sadly, I don't think I'll be able to make it to this one due to prior commitments, but this is sure to be a great time!  Come carb up for the races and get to know the ladies behind the Sparkle!

Cupcake Meet-Up

I met Krissy (@krissymmurphy) for the first time at the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend and we have been friends ever since!  She is partnering up with DVC Central for the meet up, which will benefit PAWS Chicago, a national model and the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane animal shelter.  The money raised will go towards fellow runDisney fanatic, Justin Stone (@DisnyRunr24), fundraising efforts as he trains for the 2015 Chicago marathon as a member of Team PAWS Chicago.  Now...you may not know who Justin is, but you may be familiar with his amazing photos of his 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon medal and the infamous hash tag #MakingLemonadeOutta...

photo credit - Justin Stone

While registration for the meet up during the Disneyland half marathon weekend is now closed, you are more than welcome to stop by, say hi, and maybe even get a picture with Justin and his medal  :)  BUT....have no fear...they will be having another cupcake meet up during Wine and Dine half marathon weekend in November AND there is a virtual option! (with the virtual option you still have a chance to win prizes and receive the commemorative item...but you'll have to provide your own cupcakes).  Check out Krissy's blog to get more info, and you can register by clicking here :)  You can also check the official Cupcake Meet Up Facebook page for more information as the dates get closer.

The #PupcakeMeetUp2015 will be held from 1:30-2:30pm at the Picnic Swirl.  It's sure to be a fun time!

Instagram Meet-Up

Ivie (@ivieanne) and her fiance' AJ are an incredibly inspiring couple.  They have both changed their lifestyles and have lost a lot of weight!  They are also super cute together.  I've also never met them but hoping I can make it over to their meet up to say hi and introduce myself.  I'll definitely be in need of caffeine over the course of the weekend!

#WeRunSocial

I actually met Linzie (@SharpEndurance) at one of his meet ups during the 2013 Disneyland half marathon weekend.  I was a little shy but he made me feel right at home.  I'm excited to see him again during this weekend!  I've been following Carlee (@CarleeMcDot) on social media for quite awhile and am looking forward to meeting her in real life!

If you want to learn more about #WeRunSocial, check out the blog that Brian (@PavementRunner) wrote about it.  I've got my shirt packed and plan to wear it while spectating the 10k so look for me on the course!

There are tons of other opportunities to meet and run into people - the expo, anniversary party, the races, and the parks!  I strongly suggest you take the time to introduce yourself....the running community is a wonderful one to be a part of - I know I have met some of the most amazing people I've ever known through it.  You never know who you might meet and what connection you might have.  Make sure to say hi if you see me around!

Do you plan to check out any of these meet ups?

Disneyland Half Marathon Packing Vlog

Hey guys!

Soooo….I kind of leave for Disneyland in EIGHT DAYS!!!!  I cannot believe the time is almost here!!!

I’ve started to get my things together and pack, and had a crazy idea to do a vlog…my FIRST vlog….was a little scary but I did it and now I’m posting it for the interwebz to see. 

So here it is…check out my “must have” racecation items!

Just a couple of things to add that I left out -

ALWAYS pack your race clothes into your carry on bag.  If you check your luggage and it gets lost, you could be up the creek without a paddle.  You don’t want to run in any new clothing or shoes for the first time at a race, so make sure you have these!  Everything else you could buy once you arrive.

Also, I like to make sure that my KT Tape sticks to my skin by using alcohol and hair spray before applying.  Make sure that your skin is clean and wipe the area down with alcohol and allow it to dry.  Then, spray on the hairspray (aerosol works the best) and allow it to dry, then apply the tape.  You can purchase small spray bottles to fill with alcohol and travel size hairspray to take with you.

I am so unbelievably excited!  Hopefully we'll see what fun merchandise will be for sale at the expo :) I hope to see YOU there, too!

Did I leave anything out?  What's something you would add to the list?

River Run for Hope 10k recap

Since I registered for the Disneyland half marathon a little late, I panicked a bit since I hadn't run a 10k race since the 2014 Peachtree Road Race.  When I entered my finish time on the runDisney proof of time page, I was not pleased with my estimated finish time for the half.  I started looking frantically for a 10k race that I was in town for and thought I was out of luck...

...until I saw a post in one of my Facebook running groups.  There was a 10k race on Saturday , May 30th!  Talk about getting one in just in the nick of time!  I immediately signed up, hoping for the best for the race.

Race day came, and I woke up with a very unhappy stomach.  I was not feeling very confident about the race, but I knew it was my last chance, and even if I shaved off a couple of minutes from my proof of time, it would be better than what I already have, right?

The race was in Roswell, GA and started and ended at a Catholic church.  The race benefits the work of the Ghana Friendship Project's work.  It helps to supply medical and health care supplies, educational material and clothing to the people of Ghana.

Getting to the race was super easy.  I arrived at around 6:30 and had plenty of time to grab my bib and shirt, walk back to my car to get ready, and get to the finish line.  I kind of liked that I didn't have a lot of time to stand around.  I went to the race solo so I took some time to give myself a little pep talk (and a couple of pictures)

 

The race started promptly at 7 a.m. and we were off!  The weather was perfect....low 60s and overcast.  The humidity was a little high but the cool temperatures helped.  I wasn't able to find my interval timer the night before so I depended on my Garmin to tell me when to run and walk.  As the race started I skipped over the intervals until I got away from the crowd.  Mile 1 felt pretty good.  During mile 2 I started to struggle mentally and actually considered cutting my race short and making the turnoff for the 5k course.

But I didn't.

I pushed through and kept going.  Mile 2 I slowed down a bit, but really picked it up the rest of the race.  We ran for about a mile on a dirt road, which my knees enjoyed.  At this point in the race I started to make it a goal to pick people off in front of me.  Each time I passed the person in front of me I aimed to pass the next.  During mile 4, I realized that I could actually PR my 10k time.  I kept with my intervals and was shocked at the average pace per mile each time.  As we came up on the finish line I really kicked it into gear.  There was a nice little downhill toward the finish line and I sprinted toward it.  When I stopped my watch, I was at 1:16:55...a new PR!  I haven't PRed a 10k in over 2 years, so I was absolutely ecstatic with myself.

I grabbed a bottle of water and saw runners with freeze pops, so I scoped them out at the refreshment table and snagged an orange one.  So tasty after the race!

I was shocked when I looked at my splits....with the exception of mile 2, I had all negative splits!  Usually I get slower as the race goes on, but to run faster?  Go me!  When I got home I immediately entered my new proof of time into the runDisney website and was much happier with their estimated finish time for me.

I have to give so much credit to my trainers at Orangetheory Fitness.  I haven't run outside much lately...the only runs I've been doing have been on the treadmill during our workouts.  My workouts have really helped build my endurance and got me here.  I really got back my love of running during this race and I am already looking forward to meeting up with some friends on Saturday morning and getting some more miles in.

If you're looking for a great 10k race, I highly recommend the River Run for Hope.  Flat, fast course and it supports a great organization.  I'll definitely put this race on my calendar to run again.

92 days until Disneyland!!

Until next time,

2015 runDisney Princess Half marathon weekend is here!

This weekend Walt Disney World will be taken over by princesses (and a few special princes) who are earning their tiaras and some pretty sweet medals during the runDisney Princess half marathon weekend!

photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

This race weekend really holds a special place in my heart as it was where I ran my very first half marathon back in 2013. 

I am so incredibly envious of all my friends who are jetting down to Orlando to participate in this year's races.  Whether you're running the 5k, 10k, half marathon, the Glass Slipper Challenge or ALL the races, always remember to take a minute and soak everything in.  Running at Disney is such a magical experience, one that you will never forget.

I'm super excited that this year they will have a live stream at the finish line of the half marathon!  You can get more information about this on the Disney Parks Blog.

Do you have runner tracking set up to see how your friends and family are doing during the race?  Go here to sign up now.

The runDisney Health and Fitness Expo is a great place to do a little shopping for official race merchandise as well as other fantastic vendors.  Make sure to swing by the runDisney booth to sneak a peek at the medals you'll be earning over the weekend!  Just in case you need a reminder, here are the times the expo will be open -

photo courtesy of runDisney

If you love social media like I do and want to share your pictures throughout the weekend, runDisney has created some hashtags for you to use -

photo courtesy of runDisney

And last, but not least, I thought I would share my recaps from my 2013 Princess half marathon weekend with you :) 

runDisney's Fit for a Princess expo - Day 1
runDisney's Fit for a Princess expo - Day 2
runDisney Princess half marathon - Part 1
runDisney Princess half marathon - Part 2

I hope each and every one of you have a magical time at Walt Disney World this weekend and I look forward to following along on social media and watching the live stream on Sunday morning!  I hope to get my recap of my Wine and Dine half marathon up in the next week or so.

What was your first half marathon? 

Until next time,

10th Anniversary of the runDisney Disneyland half marathon!

Today is the day hundreds of thousands of runners will be sitting at their computers or on their smart phones, credit card in hand, anxiously awaiting to sign up for the 2015 runDisney Disneyland half marathon weekend!

photo by runDisney

I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Dumbo Double Dare in 2013, and it was one of the best experiences ever!  While I'm super sad I can't make it out to Disneyland this year, I'm hoping to be there for the 5th anniversary of Dumbo Double Dare in 2017, and who knows...might even make it a Coast to Coast year!

The weekend is full of fun and running!  Check out the event schedule -

runDisney Health & Fitness Expo

Disneyland® Hotel Exhibit Hall

Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, September 4, 2015 - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Disneyland® 5K presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort
Friday, September 4, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

Disneyland® 10K presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

runDisney Kids Races

Downtown Disney® District near ESPN Zone®
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Start time: 9:00 AM

Pasta in the Park Party

Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree inside Disneyland® Park
Saturday, September 5, 2015
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Disneyland® Half Marathon presented by Cigna®

Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Start time: 5:30 AM

ChEAR Squad

Disneyland® Park
Sunday, September 6, 2015

And, of course, the most important information - the pricing!

Disneyland® Half Marathon

• $199 by February 24, 2015
• $214 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $229 on or after March 11, 2015

Disneyland® 10K

• $110 by February 24, 2015
• $125 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $140 on or after March 11, 2015

Dumbo Double Dare

• $330 by February 24, 2015
• $355 between February 25 and March 10, 2015
• $380 on or after March 11, 2015

Disneyland® 5K

• $75 by March 10, 2015
• $85 on or after March 11, 2015

runDisney Kids Races

• $20 by March 10, 2015
• $25 on or after March 11, 2015

Pasta in the Park Party
With a Theme Park Ticket

• $135.00 for Adults (ages 10 and up)*
• $115.00 for Children (ages 3-9)*

Without a Theme Park Ticket

• $89.00 for Adults (ages 10 and up)*
• $69 .00 for Children (ages 3-9)*

* A theme park ticket is required to enter this party.

ChEAR Squad (Half Marathon Only)

• Bronze – No Charge per package
• Silver – $45 per package
• Gold – $69 per package
• Platinum – $99 per package

With this being the 10th anniversary I expect this to sell out quick, so make sure you're ready at noon EST to register!

If you aren't able to get in, there are always tons of amazing charity groups that you can fundraise for and run through them.  There are also travel providers who had bibs, but make sure you contact them as soon as possible because once they're gone, they're gone!

Best of luck to everyone who will be registering!  I'll be following along at home :) 

Have you run during the Disneyland half marathon weekend before?  Do you plan to run this year?

Until next time,

2014 runDisney Wine & Dine medals revealed!

I was driving to work this morning when my BRF messaged me about the Wine and Dine medals...I had seen the first reveal of the medal for the half (you know...the one where everyone said it looked pink?)  Well this new picture squashed that...I love it!

While I'm not running the 5k, the medal is super cute!  And I'm loving Santa Duffy on the Kids Races medal!  The ribbon is interesting with the maroons and oranges in it.  I can't wait to have it hanging around my neck in a few months!

I know I haven't posted a Weekly Workout in awhile, but I am keeping up with my runs.  I had a really good 5 mile run this past Sunday :)  I'm feeling good about my training runs and am trying to work on not starting out so fast so I don't wear myself out.

What do you think of the medals?  Will I see you at Wine and Dine half weekend?

Until next time,

Jen

New runDisney Anniversary Medals revealed!

I've said it before and I have to say it again...I've been a bad blogger lately.  I've been feeling a bit unmotivated with my writing and I'm hoping my upcoming training will help spark it back up.  What better way to start than to show you two anniversary medals that runDisney released this weekend at the DisneySMMom conference at Disneyland this weekend!

This is the 10th anniversary of Goofy's Race and a Half challenge - a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday.  I would love to do this one day, but I won't be partaking next year....maybe I'll hold off for the 15th anniversary?  But check out this medal....it's pretty sweet!  And the middle SPINS!

 (photos courtesy of runDisney)

Registration for the WDW Marathon weekend (January 8-11) opens next Tuesday, April 22nd.  You can get more information about the Goofy and a Half challenge as well as the other races for the weekend here.

The one I'm SUPER excited about (probably because it'll be hanging around my neck in less than 7 months) is the 5th anniversary Wine and Dine half marathon medal!

 (photos courtesy of runDisney)

I absolutely love how this medal combines parts of the older designs with the running Chef Mickey that was added to the medal last year.  This medal is also a spinner, but I'm partial to the Spaceship Earth side of the medal though :)  They also incorporated the charms that used to dangle and put them on the actual medal at the top.  The color appears that it will be a berry/wine color, which is perfect for this race. 

The 2014 Wine and Dine half marathon weekend is full for this year, but you can sign up for an email reminder at runDisney for when registration opens next year (generally in March).

Who is biting the bullet and signing up for Goofy?  Do you love the medals?

Until next time,

Disneyland Half Marathon weekend information!

Wow...so LOTS of info has surfaced in the past two days about the Disneyland half marathon weekend, and I must say, all the buzz about it on Facebook and Twitter is making it very hard to concentrate today!!

Source

Here's what we know so far - the course maps have been posted!

Half Marathon course
5k and 10k course

Can I just say I'm so excited to run inside Angels Stadium? (Even though I'm a Braves fan)

The corrals have also been posted -

Dumbo corrals
Half Marathon only corrals
10k only corrals

I'll be in Corral D!  If you're in that corral as well please join in on the fun!  I'll reveal my costume a week or so before the race so you know what to look for.

Waivers and Authorization forms are up, just in case you need someone to pick up your bib for you.  I'll be helping out my roommates with this task while they enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer them!

Print Your Waiver

And finally - runner tracking is now active so that your friends and family back home can see how you're doing during the races!

Runner Tracking

I was reading through the final race instructions for the Dumbo Double Dare as I was concerned how they would verify that you completed both races of the challenge, and luckily it was explained here.  A few months back in one of the Facebook groups I'm a member of, someone was talking about how they would register for a challenge and skip the first race, complete the second and still get their challenge medal.  This infuriated me...I'm training hard to complete this challenge and I know there are so many people out there who actually want to run both races, and to have someone half ass it and expect their challenge medal rubbed me the wrong way.

If you are completing the Dumbo Challenge, you will receive one bib to wear for both races.  Once you complete the 10k, you will receive a wristband.  After completing the half marathon the next day, you will trade your wristband in for the Dumbo Challenge medal.  I was really relieved to read this and wonder if they have always done it this way for Goofy's Challenge or if it was something new. 

You can find the race program, virtual goodie bag, final race instructions, and tons of other information on runDisney's website.

I am so incredibly excited and really hope to meet some of you there!

Until next time,

Jen

Disneyland Half Medals REVEALED

Today definitely deserves a second post....because today runDisney revealed the medals for the Disneyland half weekend, including the new Dumbo Double Dare and Disneyland 10k medals!!

I am absolutely LOVING the colorful Dumbo medal!!  I'll be getting the first three, PLUS my Coast to Coast medal -

PLUS, my Three Little Pigs Challenge medal!

This is going to be an epic weekend with some absolutely fun loving running friends!

What do you think of the medals?

Until next time,

Jen

Looks like Dopey is Official!

The Dopey Challenge is coming to Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 8-12, 2014!




Straight from the runDisney site -
Are you ready for the ultimate endurance challenge? Then take part in four days of fun for a total of 48.6 miles in the all-new Dopey Challenge! Participants will run the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon, and if you complete all four races within the pacing requirements you will be awarded the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge medal and the brand new Dopey Challenge finisher medal for a total of six pieces of "bling."

Here are the price tags for this ultimate race weekend -

Entry Fees and Deadliness
Walt Disney World® Marathon

$160 by June 18, 2013
$175 between June 19, 2013 and August 13, 2013
$190 on or after August 14, 2013

Walt Disney World® Half Marathon

$160 by June 18, 2013
$175 between June 19, 2013 and August 13, 2013
$190 on or after August 14, 2013

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge

$340 by June 18, 2013
$370 between June 19, 2013 and August 13, 2013
$400 on or after August 14, 2013

Walt Disney World® 10K

$95 by June 18, 2013
$110 between June 19, 2013 and August 13, 2013
$125 on or after August 14, 2013

Disney Family Fun Run 5K
$60 per participant

Dopey Challenge
$495 by June 18, 2013
$525 between June 19, 2013 and August 13, 2013
$555 on or after August 14, 2013

runDisney Kids Races
$15 per child

Mickey Mile
$30 per child

Race Retreat Packages

$120 Half Marathon Package
$120 Full Marathon Package
$200 Goofy's Challenge Package

Will you be participating?

Until next time,

Jen

Disney Princess Half Marathon - Part 2

If you missed my other recaps, you can find them here!

Disney's Fit For A Princess Expo - Day 1
Disney's Fit For A Princess Expo - Day 2
Disney Princess Half Marathon - Part 1

And now...the conclusion of my first half marathon!

Once I sent Amanda ahead, I stopped at a medical tent for some Biofreeze and kept on going.  I finally began to follow my run/walk intervals when we came to the halfway point.

A couple of weeks before the race runDisney asked on the Facebook page what song you wanted to hear at that halfway mark.  People gave recommendations, and about a week before the race, the final choices were posted for everyone to vote.  I didn't really have a preference, but the winner was "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys.

I even decided to take a little video clip of the halfway point -

When I got to mile 7, I decided to text Sharon to see how far back she was.  She was only about half a mile, so I decided to wait on her so we could run together for a bit.  We started off and in the sea of people almost immediately got separated.  Amanda had texted me earlier to let me know Lilo and Stitch were close to mile 8, and since it's one of my favorite movies AND having just gotten home from a 2 week Hawaiian vacation, I wanted to get a picture with them.

Giving the "shaka"

Shortly after I saw Genie from "Aladdin", and since he didn't have a long line I jumped in for another photo op -

Between miles 8 and 9, an accordian club was playing some fun tunes.

After the water station at mile 9, I saw this, and it just cracked me up-

My dear friend, Jessica, had big plans to come down and watch me run, but it didn't work out that way, but she followed me through the texts from the runner tracking and texted me words of encouragement, so I sent her this lovely picture of me in return -

At mile 10 I believe I hit my "wall".  My feet were absolutely killing me, it hurt to run, and I felt so incredibly sluggish.  BUT...I kept telling myself "You only have a 5k left...you can do this"  And, of course, at mile 10 is the dreaded on ramp that you have to climb.  The Green Army dude from "Toy Story" was there helping the Princesses stay motivated to get up the ramp.  Honestly, I didn't think it was too bad.  Even if I wanted to run up it I couldn't...there were sooooo many other Princesses!!

The Princesses behind me!

Running on the overpass was actually a lot of fun.  Car after car of people driving into the parks were honking their horns and shouting words of encouragement.  I'm really glad I decided to run without my headphones!  We came to mile 11...not much further!  We were right outside Epcot and a very animated DJ was rocking some tunes and chatting it up on the microphone.  I ran by and saw Mulan and Mushu, and since the line wasn't long and I was almost done, I stopped for another picture!

As I mentioned before, one of my favorite things about the race was looking at all the awesome signs made by the spectators.  This one, just past mile 12, was one of my absolute favorites -

When we got behind the scenes at Epcot I knew we were sooooo close!  At the last water stop, I saw Sharon, sprinted up to her and said "We're finishing this race together!"  We were both in pain at our feet, so we decided to walk a majority of the way and save our energy to run across that finish line.  I saw Pinocchio and had to get a picture with him....but not before the Cast Member that was with him took one of himself with my phone :)

Thanks, random CM!

As we made our way to the edge of World Showcase and looped back around, that Epcot ball never looked so good.

We went to the right of the ball and saw the gospel choir - that's your signal that you're in the home stretch!!

At this point I texted J and tell him we were almost done!  He texted back to let me know where he and D were standing, and Sharon spotted them out.  They had huge grins on their faces (hopefully because they were proud of us?) and so did we.  We rounded that last turn and saw the finish line!!  As we crossed we hugged...we had done it!  We were half marathoners!  The volunteer put that beautiful medal around my neck and we walked to the area where they were handing out water and Powerade, then went to get our finisher pictures made.

We grabbed our runDisney snack box and went to find the boys. 

We hung out for awhile and I decided to take a seat on the ground to change out of my shoes and just relax.  J snapped this (cute) picture of me -

As we went to head back to the resort, i saw that Snow White was out taking pictures.  Of course, I had to get my picture made with her seeing as I chose to dress up as her!  J stood in the bus line and waited for me.  She complimented me on my sparkly skirt as we took a picture (for whatever reason the picture the CM took with my phone is really washed out - will have to post the pro pictures when I buy them).

We headed back to the resort to shower, pack up, grab some lunch, and head to the airport.  I was a little bummed to have to leave so soon, but the overall weekend was something that I will never forget.

On the way home, I sported my awesome new Team Sparkle shirt and my gorgeous new bling.  While the first half of the shirt might not be accurate (yet), I definitely kick ass.

I had such an amazing time doing the Princess half marathon as my first.  Will I do it again?  Hard to say - there are so many other awesome races that runDisney puts on that I want to do first, but maybe in a few years.  My next runDisney race(s) will be the Dumbo Double Dare in August.  I've never been to Disneyland before, so I plan to take it all in, check out the parks and see how it sizes up to Walt Disney World.  Maybe I'll see some of you there!

Before I end this post, I want to say thank you to my husband, Sharon, Amanda, my fellow Sweat Pink, Girls Gone Sporty, and Energybit amabassadors, my friends, my family, fellow bloggers, and you...my readers.  This journey wouldn't have been as memorable had it not been for all of you.  I hope that you'll stick around to see what happens in the next chapter of my running career, because I'm not ready to hang up my shoes yet...I'm just getting started!

Until next time,

Jen