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Princess Half Marathon Recap- Coast to Coast!

*Warning I have lots to say!*

My first half marathon ever was the Disneyland Half Marathon in 2009.  After that I completed Disneyland Half in 2010 and Tinker Bell Half Marathon in 2012 and 2013.  The common denominator?  Disneyland.  We live in So Cal so we are Disneyland Annual Passholders and can easily do a Disneyland race without too much pre-planning.  We never imagined we would be able to run a race at Disney World (we have very hectic schedules- and it is a pricey trip!).  We had dreamed of getting a Coast to Coast medal but we never imagined it would actually happen!

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2012 was our favorite races of all time so we knew we would be participating again in 2013 so as soon as registration opened we were all over it!  During that time Laurie's sister Amy was talking about us doing another family Disney World trip (previously we went with her in 2009).  We knew how much Amy loved Disney World, so we had mentioned to her about the Princess Half Marathon weekend and she surprised us by saying she wanted to sign up as her first half marathon!  We would make it a family trip and go for the week.  Amy's 5 year old daughter Bella would do the kids race.  Laurie's mom decided she would join us and do the 5k.  I invited my parents to join us and do the 5k.  Before we knew it we had a family racecation (race + vacation).   We all registered as soon at the race opened and began planning our trip.

Laurie and I flew in on Friday night and met up with our families.  They were winding down for the night to participate in the Royal Family 5k and Kids Races (my recap is here).  Saturday was a very long morning of cheering for our runners followed by Laurie and I going to the expo.

The expo was NUTS.  By the time we got there Saturday afternoon I was well aware (thanks to social media) that it was going to be crowded.  I work with Pre-School aged children so over the years my patience has grown exponentially!  I am thankful for that because the expo was so packed it truly tried our patience.  We received our race bibs and we received our wrist bands for the Coast to Coast challenge!

Fit snug with my Nike Fuel Band

We walked over and grabbed our t-shirts and then explored the expo a bit.  It was so packed you could barely walk around but we still enjoyed ourselves.  I bought a team sparkle Princess Half Marathon exclusive t-shirt that said "Running Happily Ever After".  I love it!  Laurie got a new road bicycle charm necklace- it's adorable and she got many compliments on it all week.  By the time we got into the official merchandise section so many things were sold out.  Laurie got a coast to coast t-shirt, they didn't have my size left, and we got a princess half vinylmation medal.  I really really wanted a coffee mug- but they were sold out!

We returned to our hotel room and feasted on some pizza, our tried and true pre-race meal.  Since we were still on Pacific Time we had a lot of difficulty winding down to go to bed.  That combined with excitement made it nearly impossible!  Around midnight we finally fell asleep.  Our alarm to wake up went off at 2:30am.  Yep- not a lot of sleep for us!  We drank our coffee and had some light breakfast and headed out to the shuttle stop around 3:15am.  

There were many princess runners staying in our hotel and we were able to see some great outfits!  We arrived at the race start with plenty of time to drop off our bag and use the restrooms before they called us out for our long walk to our Corral.

Already packed just walking into the meetup area to wait for our walk to the Corral's

Pre-race picture of Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella

We did our walk over to the Corral's to wait for the race to begin.  There was so much excitement in the air!  I am easily cold- and once I am cold it is very difficult for me to warm up.  I know so many princesses were complaining about the heat- but I felt perfect!  I didn't need to stress out about throw-away clothes.  I was fine in my tank top and arm-sleeves.  

Laurie and I were in Corral C- our Tink Half time would have put us in B (my Long Beach time would have put me in A).  We moved back to be with Amy in Corral E.  We had no intention of speeding through the course- our only goal was to help Amy finish her first half marathon!  It is a different world starting farther back in the Corrals (more on that further down) and we had to watch several Corral's start before us.  

As we waited the crowd busted into song- I recorded it with my camera!  It shows the energy at the beginning of the race.  This is one of the reasons I LOVE the RunDisney races!

I had some trouble turning the camera off - it's new!

Then it was our turn to go and the Fairy Godmother bid us adieu with some fireworks.  

off we go!

The first few miles were in the dark.  Our pace was slower than Laurie and I had trained but we got to have a different perspective on the race.  We looked around a lot more and took many more pictures!  We had asked Amy which pictures were "must have's" for her and decided to stop any time she wanted to.  My only "must have" was Gaston!  If he was on course I really wanted a picture with him.  

heading towards Magic Kingdom!

Our first must have photo stop was the villans.  Amy loves them and wanted to get a picture.  It was a longer wait but we had a cushion since we started in Corral E.  This was my first race where I was worried about our pace.  I was a little stressed about the long waits- Amy MUST finish!  She was never a runner (ever) and had trained to do this race.  We would not let her down.

They were all in character and were hilarious!

We inched closer to Magic Kingdom and I saw Lumiere! Since I was dressed as belle- this was a must have for me.  I pulled over and told Laurie and Amy to keep going.  THIS was the picture I got:

yep, I blew it.  That's his little arm.  My head blocked him!

I sped up to catch up with Amy and Laurie- and it felt good to run!  We entered the Magic Kingdom and I was loving all of it!  When we run the Disneyland races it's definitely cool but we go so often that I know most of the surroundings.  Disney World is a much different story so I really was enjoying our run down Main Street!

I think it's safe to say that Laurie was also enjoying it!

They had a bunch of volunteer's helping take photos here

We then ran through Tomorrowland and turned into the new Fantasyland area!  I had never seen it in person so I was loving it all- even the Mine Train construction!  Then - there he was - Gaston!!  AND he had a short line- so we jumped in!  

He said to me "Bonjour Belle" to which I responded "Bonjour Gaston" (of course)

Then we turned towards the castle.  The castle at Disney World is significantly larger than the castle at Disneyland so I got a picture of Laurie heading in.

You can see the trumpeters in the distance

WOW the castle was packed!  We had to walk very slowly through the castle.  It smelled very un-princess like in there!  

eek!  So many princesses walking through

Laurie and I broke off from Amy to take a picture with Jessie (Laurie's favorite) and to take a picture with Cinderella in the background.

Jessie!

Cinderella with Prince Charming

We caught up with Amy and kept on running.  Amy had told us that at mile 6 she would start walking- and we told her we would do anything to stay with her.  At this point with all of our picture stops (there were more- but I figured I would limit the pics on this already LONG post) we were at a very slow pace and Laurie and I were starting to worry about where the sweepers were.  We knew we were in front of many people but since Amy wanted to walk at mile 6 we wanted to make sure we could build our cushion!  We kept running past the half way point (yep- Amy went past 6 miles running) where they were playing the fan voted song- "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys

Half way and I felt amazing!

Just past here was our hotel where my mom, dad, Laurie's mom Sue and Amy's daughter Bella were supposed to be.  I had circled on maps and signed them up for runner tracking.  I also had warned them of potential times we would be there.  We thought they were prepared to see us there and then head on the monorail to the finish line.  As we ran past they were nowhere in sight!  Ugh!  Laurie and we not too concerned but we wanted Sue and Bella to see Amy running!  We called and texted them and it turns out they had made very unfortunate yet very understandable error.  When we signed all of them up for runner tracking they were not aware it was in Kilometers.  So when they got the text that we were at 10k they misread it as 10 miles and they thought they missed us!  They were on their way to the finish line.  We shook it off, took a picture with the Genie and carried on. 

Could we wish our family back to see us?

At this point we started walking.  As I mentioned it is a completely different race when you are in the back of the pack.  It was very crowded and there were not a lot of people out there smiling.  In fact, some people looked pretty miserable, injured and or sweaty.  There were other people enjoying the race- but I think we were in with a group that was stressing out about the sweepers.  As Laurie and I had done several Disney races- we were used to all smiles and happy excited people.  It was strangely quiet back there as we were nearing the last few miles.  I had an epiphany at this point that maybe I COULD do a full marathon if I slowed my pace down.  We made it to 10 miles- the longest Amy had ever gone!

The farthest Amy had ever gone!

Amy reiterated that she was done running but would instead walk.  We obliged of course but we told her that she would need to walk fast so we could keep our pace fast enough!  When we got near Epcot we knew we would make it!  We saw Sue and Bella just before mile 12 and Sue was screaming and crying (for Amy) that she was going to do it!  Her waterworks in turn made our waterworks start :)  Once we saw spaceship earth we knew we were so close!

had to do a jump photo

sisters!

We passed the gospel choir and headed towards the finish line.  We saw my parents cheering on the final stretch!  My parents live in South Carolina- and we live in California so any chance for them to see me run is wonderful for me.  We held hands and crossed together!  Amy did it- and we would be getting our Coast to Coast medals!!  

Amy's first medal!

we did it!  Added our Tink Half medal for pictures

Bella joined us for a picture with Rapunzel

Our final time was 3:46 - our longest by almost an hour but it felt like it went much faster than that.  We were so happy that Amy finished!  Laurie and I also discussed the possibility of doing this race again but running the whole thing.  It was such a great time for us- we were so excited that we had done it AND we still had 5 days at Disney to enjoy!

My new favorite medal the coast to coast!  Also loved the Princess medal.

I celebrated with a caramel apple- my favorite!

Laurie did a "medal Monday" picture with all of her medals (and Oswald ears)

We really loved running this race!  It was definitely an eye opening experience for us, but in a good way.  Laurie has often felt like all of her training was not helping her out, as she felt like she was too slow.  With all of the energy she had at the end of the half marathon she really started to understand that she was, in fact, a runner.  We loved everything about this race- but especially the fact that our families were there to participate and support us.  I wish Disney World was closer- but I can say that some time down the road we WILL do another Disney World race!

being dorks

Next up?  Wedding planning.  I am on a race hiatus since we need to save money.  I will still be running, and I will keep my distance up but there will be no "races" until my next very exciting one- the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland in September!  For that race I will do the 10k on Saturday and the Disneyland Half Marathon on Sunday.  I can't wait!

Royal Family 5k and Kids Races- A Spectators Perspective

The Princess Half Marathon weekend has come and gone and I am still reeling from our amazing experiences (a week at Disney World can do that to you)!

We flew in to Orlando early on Friday morning (and arrived Friday night thanks to the time change) to meet up with my parents (Boris and Valerie), my soon to be sister-in-law (Amy), my soon to be niece (Bella), and my soon to be mother-in-law (Sue).  Our parents were meeting for the first time and all of us would be participating in the Princess Half Marathon Weekend!

On Friday night we started preparing everyone for the Royal Family 5k.  My parents would be doing the 5k as one of several races they have already done.  My Mom did her first race ever in her 60's and my dad did his first race ever in his 70's!  Sue would be doing her first 5k race- she had previously done a short triathlon at her gym.  Bella (5 years old) would be doing the kids race, her first race ever!

Bella is my favorite kid- so spunky and fun and shares our passion for Disney.  I really wanted her first running experience to be a great one!  We shared with her our tradition of laying out our race clothes the night before- she loved that!

Isabella - all ready to run/fly!

On Saturday morning Sue, Boris, and Valerie all got ready and left the room at 4:45am to head over to the race start.  We stayed behind and left at 5:30am to go spectate.  We boarded the shuttle bus with several other 5k runners and spectators.  We had absolutely no issues with transportation and got there with plenty of time!  

We saw tons of people in costumes of all ages.  Bella really loved seeing everything there!  We would yell out which characters we saw.  Bella loved Santa Claus- real beard and all!  They were playing music and pumping up the crowd at the starting line.  Then they brought out Royal Mickey and Minnie and set off the first Corral with fireworks.

They set off fireworks for every Corral- we loved cheering!

Then it was time for our parents to go!  We caught them in their Corral and showed them all of their signs.

and off they went!  There were several more Corrals to go- which meant more music and more dancing!  I'll tell ya they kept us entertained.  They even called Bella up to the stage to dance for the crowd!  We were making such special memories for her!  RunDisney really made it so awesome!

A high five for the announcers

We then headed over to the finish line to watch the 5k finishers come by.  What a beautiful sight with Spaceship Earth (aka Epcot Ball) in the background!

Go runners go!

We cheered for so many runners!  I was so impressed with how many young kids were doing the 5k.  As a youth coach I LOVE seeing that!  The costumes were just awesome!  We saw a family run by where the dad was dressed as the Genie, the son was Aladdin, and the daughter was Jasmine.  It was awesome!  We found them later and told them how much we loved their costumes.  Then we saw Sue head towards the finish line and soon after we saw my mom and dad!  Everyone was doing great!

Sue dressed up as Tinker Bell

Mom and Dad dressed up as- Mom and Dad

We had so much fun watching the Royal Family 5k and up next was the kids races.  I had no idea the amazingness that would soon happen.  

I pinned on Bella's race number and then she was put into the Corral with the other kids running 200 meters.

So focused on getting it centered

While we waited for Bella at the finish line we got to watch the 100 meter races- the 1-3 year olds.  Oh my goodness... THE cutest race I have ever watched!  They had several small Corrals within the race.  The only downside is that it took forever to finish those races - so we waited a very long time for Bella's race.  The 100 meter kids were TINY and so funny!  There were princesses and princes and several parents running with, in front of, and behind all the runners.  Some kids were having the time of their life smiling and waving and some, well, were not.  Some kids would just take 3 steps and sit on the ground.  Some would cry and chase their parents.  It was hilarious!  Everyone watching just loved this very slow 100 meter race.  

Finally it was Bella's turn!  She was in the very back of the Corral so we thought for sure when they split them up into sub-groups and let them go, she would be one of the last to start.  

Laurie showing Bella her race sign on the way to the starting line

When they sent the first wave we really didn't expect to see her but all of a sudden from the back of the pack- there she was!

Cruising up from the back!

 Passing people!

To the finish!

I was so excited for her!  She did it all by herself- Amy walked behind everyone to follow her.  She got her medal and we gave her so many hugs and kisses to congratulate her.  Later we saw her official photos- she was so focused:

Focus faced!  (Photo credit MarathonFoto)

Overall, we had such a great time spectating the 5k and kids races!  If you are at all considering doing it- go for it!  It was so well run (despite waiting for a very long time for the kids races) and everyone in our group had the best time!

We headed back to the hotel to clean up and then Laurie and I went to the Expo to pick up our race packets for the Half Marathon.  I'll continue more about that when I do my Princess Half Marathon Update (coming soon).  

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Recap

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon was yet again another amazing RunDisney experience for me.  Add it to the list!

I participated in the Inaugural Tink Half last year- and loved it!  In fact, it was my favorite race of all time- so I knew that this year would be awesome and I was so thrilled to run it!

After my amazing experience Friday Morning at the Tink Half Meet Up I was even more excited to get back up to Disneyland!  Laurie and I drove up on Saturday morning and checked into our hotel- The Hotel Ménage.  It was perfect walking distance to everything- and it was actually a very nice hotel!  Last year we stayed at the Hojo and we loved it, but with just Laurie and I for this trip- it was too pricey.

Our first stop was to head over to the expo to get our bibs/t-shirts and just "window shop".  I love a big race expo and seeing all the gadgets, clothes, etc that I do not need/must have.  We walked over and saw several other Tink runners with their bags.  I'll say this, everyone looked happy.  It's hard to not be happy at Disneyland (unless you are a 4 year old throwing a temper tantrum).

We walked around the expo for about an hour- I wanted to see everything!  We picked up a few gifts to give to our family during the Princess Half (including a team sparkle skirt for Laurie's mom to wear for the 5k- those Team Sparkle ladies are so helpful!) and we each got an ifitness race bib holder I loved this purchase!  I hate how I have to pin my numbers through all my favorite running clothes.  This belt worked perfectly!  Laurie got the version that would hold her Gu's and she also loved hers!  Yay new toy!  We look like "real" runners! (ha)  I made sure to grab my Vinylmation (I have a collection) and the Tink Half medal for it.  This has quickly become my favorite!

Seriously- how cool is this?!

We walked back to our hotel, took the car to California Pizza Kitchen (we always have Pizza- it's a tried and true pre-race meal for both of us) and then got ready to sleep for the night.  Before we laid down we made sure to do our ceremonial laying out of the race clothes.  I want things to be perfect on race day so I kinda obsess about things being perfect the night before.  Laying out the clothes helps me rest easy knowing I have everything (of course I have everything I checked my bag several times!)

Our first race ever in team sparkle skirts and wings!

We woke up at 3am (ouch) and had our coffee and breakfast.  I usually have an english muffin with peanut butter and half a banana.  We headed out in the dark to the starting line.  You could hear the energy from so far away!  We got there later than I would have liked- but were able to join in with our Corral just as the race was starting for the earlier Corral's.  

Tinker Bell came up on the screen and sprinkled some pixie dust for all of us and we were off!

I can't reiterate enough how amazing the energy at Disney races are!  Everyone seemed to be in such a great mood.  It's so exciting to go under the starting line and know you are about to accomplish something pretty amazing.

We made it about 2 miles and then headed into Cars Land.  Disney really outdid itself when it built Cars Land.  It is so true to the movie and the attention to details is just amazing.  It is a MUST SEE at night (or in our case in the morning) when all the lights are on!

We passed by World Of Color with the fountains on- gorgeous.  Unfortunately my photography skills are lacking with insufficient light!

I tried to take a few pictures of Laurie in front of it- but they didn't come out very well either!  

We were then off across the esplanade (fancy word for the space between DCA and Disneyland) into the gates of Disneyland.  So many people had set up here to watch their family and friends.  It was awesome to see so much support!  

Then off to my favorite part- Main Street USA!

One of the last pictures we took

As we ran through the castle we stopped and took a picture with Peter Pan and Wendy and that was officially the last time we would stop.  We spent a lot of time in DCA and Disneyland stopping for pictures or in gridlock with so many runners that we were WAY behind the pace we wanted to be at.

The reality is that Laurie and I have done almost every single half marathon (7) together (I did 2 without her).  We trained so very well for Tink so we knew there was a chance for us to beat our PR from Disneyland 2009 (my solo PR was in October at Long Beach Half Marathon).  Laurie does not ever look at her pace/time as it stresses her out.  I was not going to be the person to tell her that we were about 5 minutes behind pace- but she could tell, and we didn't talk about it.  We refocused on running- and I stopped taking pictures.

Then the miles just starting flying by.  We were cruising!  I could feel us moving so much faster and we both felt so great!  We ran through Anaheim and enjoyed seeing all the great signs, cheerleaders, kids, pets, etc.  When we hit mile 10 I got a HUGE grin because I knew we were going to do it!  Laurie was going to get her personal PR and we were going to get our PR of running together!  I wanted Laurie to get that PR so so so so bad.  She has gotten so close at other races but unfortunately things had not gone her way yet.  Last year at Tink Half she had some awful cramps and we had to walk a lot.  This time was different!  She looked so good, happy, healthy!  Her form looked upright and strong.  I knew we were going to do it and I got emotional- and I didn't dare tell her ;)

Those last 3 miles can be so difficult.  You have to dig down deep.  You are so close- but yet, 5k away.  Right as we hit mile 11 we caught up with Sean Astin.  I was so thrilled to see him again, as I had chatted with him on Friday during the Meet-Up.  Laurie was also excited to see him but too focused to say anything to him.  I chatted a little bit with him- wished him luck (I didn't want to bother him) and returned to running with Laurie.  We ended up keeping the same pace as him through the finish line (he really helped us to keep going).  As we entered the final area I saw one of the little girls I coach with a sign for me!   

She ran the 5k the day before and killed it!  Her picture made it on the Run Disney Facebook page!

I love the kids I coach!  Seeing something like this on a race course (this was my second sign from a kid I coach!) is so inspiring and really helps you get a burst of energy.  Note- make signs for your loved ones!

As we approached the finish line I high fived Minnie while Laurie went to the other side to high five Mickey.  We met up in the middle and crossed together.  I was not sure what our exact time was - but I knew one thing WE DID IT!  I hugged Laurie and said- "We crushed it!"  We also joked how we had beaten Sean across the finish line- and then a few hours later there it was!  Picture proof:

There is Laurie in her signature Pink Newtons- with her green running skirt and purple shirt! (photo credit RunDisney)

We walked through and we were given our medals (my favorite race medal- and now I have 2!) and then we just relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere (and stretched a little bit).  I checked my email and there it was- our official time (I had the times tracked to my email) we beat our previous best by 9 minutes!!!  24 minutes faster than our 2012 Tinker Bell Half Marathon!!!  It felt so good!  It made an already amazing feeling feel that much better!  Our first race in a skirt and wings too!

That is a genuine smile!  Showing off what powered her speed in this race!

I wouldn't want to share this moment with anyone else! (Bonus- our shirts matched the ribbon)

We returned to our hotel room and took a short nap- then it was off to Trader Sam's Tiki Bar for a fancy drink!  For the second year in a row Laurie and I did something we called "no drink til Tink".  We did not have any alcohol in the months heading up to Tink (we took a small time out for xmas but not a sip after!)  We wanted to make sure that our celebratory drink was that much more special!  The drinks there are delicious- as is the food.  We later grabbed my favorite post-race treat- a caramel apple!  I picked up the Mickey Mouse apple.

We had so much fun at Tinker Bell Half Marathon!  It makes me really excited for our upcoming race the Princess Half Marathon at Disney World!  We are going to earn our Coast to Coast medal at that race too!  (earned by running 1 race at Disneyland and 1 at Disney World in the same calendar year).  It will be our first race ever at Disney World!  Princess will be a much different experience as we are running it with Laurie's sister who is a beginner runner- and this is her first half marathon.  We just want to make sure she finishes and enjoys it.  My parents and her mom are running the 5k and her 5 year old niece is running the kids race!  We have been pumping that kid up for her race since she was surprised with this trip at Xmas!  I can't wait to see her!

Until then, we will bask in the glow of our 9 minute PR!  Our fastest run together since 2009!