A Day Of Celebration!

This post is a week past due!

Even though I have continued celebrating like it was my job.

Today is my last day of vacation.  And although I just stuck my bottom lip out when I typed that... I couldn't have asked for a better vacation!

It was one of those fantastic, extraordinary, incredibly delicious weeks that I will treasure FOREVER.

Even the piles and piles of laundry and nonsense that I need to go through won't break my happy spell.

It was just that good!

And now let me take you back a week....

It was the day after (of?) my race.  My glorious race.  I didn't finish and get home until around 2am... so, after a quick "too excited to sleep" nap, we were up and ready to make the most of our day.

We chose Universal Studios.

It was FINALLY our chance to visit the beloved Hogwarts.

Wow!  It was breathtaking!  Especially for Harry Potter nerds like ourselves.

We have both read every single book...some a couple of times.... and have been hard core fans since the series first started.  I have been the fan that attended book release parties, that counted the days until a new book was released, that has stayed up for 24 hours just to read the book cover to cover because I couldn't stand not knowing every detail.

Kev has been just as big of a fan ... except with a little more patience.

One year I even bought two books because I didn't want to share mine with him.  Luckily, he accepts all my issues with a smile on his face.

The whole Harry Potter area was just exactly how I imagined it.  It blew my  mind how it was brought to life and how no detail was left uncovered.

I think we just walked around with our jaws on the floor for the first hour.

Honeydukes.  The candy shop... complete with chocolate frogs!

And we FINALLY got to taste Butterbeer!

It was incredible!! We tried it as a frozen drink... which Bethany suggested... but you can get it regular as well.  It was perfectly sweet with a butterscotch flavor.  And Kev doesn't even really like butterscotch - but this stuff was so yummy. 

We spent so much time just wandering around the town.. going in and out of shops... taking pictures... discussing details... kissing owls...

I even forgot that we were in an amuzement park in Orlando.  It was if we had been transported to another world.

Except for the amount of tourists in shorts and t-shirts when it was clearly snowing....

Our lunch was eaten at The Three Broomsticks.  Fish and chips to be exact.

And then after hours in Hogsmeade... we finally moved on to the rest of the park.

And had our brains juggled around inside our skulls....

Kev took that of Bethany, Teddy, and me when we were coming around the loop.

It is a good thing that you can't see more of a close up of my face... because I was probably grimacing and thinking "I'm too old to be doing this!".

One of my favorites....

We spent the rest of the afternoon running from ride to ride... and got through just about every thing at both Universal parks.  The longest wait we had for a ride was 15 minutes.  It was pretty awesome.

At this point, my "not sore at all legs" had begun to ache like no body's business.  Every thing suddenly caught up with me and along with the excitement, the heat, the getting on and off of rides, the sore half marathon muscles, and the amount of (not so healthy) food... I was thinking of calling it a day and heading home to bed.

But the thought of wasting an evening in Orlando gave me my second wind... so we headed back to Epcot for some pizza.

And then preceded to take crazy food pictures that my family is known for!

We went to Via Napoli - the new(er) Italian restaurant.  We had all eaten there for last year's Food and Wine Festival when it was brand new.  Being such a lover of all things pizza... it is one of my faves!  And such a fun experience.  I orginially had wanted to participate in the Festival again as I didn't get to eat/drink much the day before because of the race... but sitting down for a meal just sounded so much better.

And it definitely did not disappoint!!  The boys got pepperoni and the girls got roasted eggplant.

I wish I could live in that restaurant forever.

But then I would probably be expected to do a lot of chores.

The last thing on our agenda was to get ice cream at Beaches and Cream.

This ice cream parlor is located at The Beach Club ( me + Kev favorite resort!) and is right outside of Epcot.  We just walked to it and hung out by the pool while we were waiting for a table.

Beaches and Cream is KNOWN for their amazing ice cream treats ( and their burgers and fries are great too!) Specifically the "Kitchen Sink"....

It is literally a kitchen sink full of every single thing that you could possibly think of.  It is insane but so much fun to watch a table full of kids receive this as their dessert!  They were so excited.

At this point in the day, we only had the tiniest corner left in our tummies for dessert.  So, Kev got his favorite : The Chocolate Milkshake.

Teddy got the Ice Cream Sundae:

And Bethany and I got our USUAL... The No Way Jose!

It is a peanut butter/chocolate ice cream sundae.  Words can not describe how incredible it is!  It will forever be my favorite ice cream treat!

And then total exhaustion set in.  I think we were all asleep within 30 minutes of arriving back at the house.  I got out of the shower and then crashed on the bed.... which made for a ridiculous hairdo the next day. 

Which actually isn't different from most days.

It was the perfect ending to a wonderful race weekend!  I couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Up next..... My trip to Syracuse!

Busy Being In Love

I still plan to finish telling you all about my race weekend......

But right now I'm busy being in love with this little angel...

I'm in Syracuse, NY right now enjoying my new niece, Caroline Ruth.... and her Mommy and Daddy.

I thought I would have plenty of time to blog... but babies are hard work.  :)

I'll be back to a regular blogging routine ( if you can call it that) when I get back home.  But for now... I've got a first bath to photograph...

And I swear it's not mine. 

The Pros and Cons

There are always going to be some of both.  Especially with a race.  And I feel like it is important to share ALL the information.  I know it is always helpful to me as I read multiple race recaps from last year to help me prep for this race.

The CONS:

1.  It was held at night which makes it hard on your family/friends if they are planning to watch you cross the finish. Not that my family complained... because they didn't even care one bit when I finished... they were just so happy to be there for support.  But,  I didn't cross until 1am - which made for a long day. 

2.  The course.  As much as I LOVED running through the parks at night.. it was such a tight fit and hard to run a good race with so many people trying to fit down a narrow walkway.  Especially when some of the runners that I encountered found it necessary to stop abruptly for pictures and to walk - leaving those of us running having to jump up on the grass to prevent ourselves from colliding.  I was amazed at the lack of respect for other runners on this course.

3.  SPECTATORS.  And the fact that there was basically none.  Spectators make a race successful.  They are your encouragement and support during the race and are just as important ( to me) as fuel and proper running shoes.  I get that the race is at night... and it is probably not safe for spectators to be along the course while out on the highway ( even though the roads were closed)... however, I feel that families and friends should be allowed to spectate from the parks and the finish.  The same way they are allowed to during the January half and full marathons.

It was long and dark and LONG without having people cheer you on.  And even though there were some cast members and some characters along the way... it just wasn't the same.

Disney was so intent on having people pay the extra $50 to attend the after party in Epcot that they basically prevented any one from watching from the side lines.

This is a picture of the finish line....

                                   

See my point?  The finish line is where the lit up signs are on the left hand side.  Disney prevented any one from getting closer by putting up a random fence and a large green lift that wasn't being used for anything.  My family saw me cross ... but barely.

Every time we asked about where spectators could go... the response was " they can buy a ticket to the after party".  A party that only lasted until 3am - AND you still had to pay for food and drinks.  Not worth it... in my opinion. 

The only other option was to stand outside of the Beach Club resort.... which would have been perfect except for the fact that it was in the middle of mile 12.  So, even if they saw me there... they wouldn't be able to get to the finish in time.

Ok.  Enough about that.  I think you get my point.  :)

4.  The amount of hills.  I was fine with them as I had been preparing ever since I had that bad run back in February.  It is important to cross train with weights and spin classes... and a lot of running on an incline if you do not have hills to run on.  I have always read that it is better to RUN up a hill because you can RUN down the other side and make up some time.... instead of stopping to walk on a hill.  Use the flat roads for walking.  I definitely used this advice and it made for a smoother run.

5.  I lost my Clif gel in the middle of the race. (not Disney's fault, of course, only mine!)  Don't depend on your Clif gel being able to hang on to your belt.  It is delicate and will break loose if you are running a long distance.  I wish I had put them in my spi belt pouch as Kev had suggested.

6.  Having to drink Powerade. (Again... not Disney's fault)  I ended up getting sick ( vomited.. sorry if that is TMI) once I got home and showered.  I was feeling great and then all of a sudden it hit me.  I'm not sure if it was me not being used to the powerade or the Clif gels or if my body was just pissed off that I just pushed it through 13.1 miles.  Regardless, I got sick.  But I felt MUCH better after that.  I just feel that it is important to practice different forms of food/drink and figure out what is best for you to perform. 

7.  Not signing up for the right corral. ( And for the third time... not Disney's fault... I should probably put this under "lessons learned") I realize that it was too far out to predict... but as I mentioned in my race recap - it is better to sign up that you are running a faster race and back up if necessary.  I could have saved a LOT of time and worry that I would hurt an ankle in the grass if I had been with the right pace group.

The PROS:

1.  Um.  The race was in Disney World!  Need I say more!

2.  It is a GREAT race to do if you are new to running, or running with friends, or if you just want to enjoy yourself and chill.  It is definitely a fun experience - with entertainment, some costumes, and the running through the parks. 

3.  It is at NIGHT!!! I LOVED LOVED LOVED running at night!  It is just my thing.  I wish more races were held later.  I feel that it gives you the chance to fuel properly, mentally prepare, and get plenty of rest.  For early morning races... I tend to not sleep and then feel that I am trying to hard to wake up and get my head in the game. 

5.  The BLING!

The medals are pretty awesome!  And will look great hanging on my wall!

5.  There was plenty of water, powerade, clif shots, medical stations, etc.  Disney definitely did a great job of making sure all our needs were met during the course.

6.  Being able to sign up for race updates to be texted to my family!  It was an awesome benefit and really helped with them being able to keep up with me!

LESSONS LEARNED:

1.  My running outfit!  I cannot say enough how much a good outfit makes the race.  It was the most comfortable thing EVER.  It didn't budge or chafe me.  And it wicked away any sweat that I had and kept me comfortable and dry the entire run.  I was even starting to question if I was sweating at all.  But then when I removed my gear pre-shower... I realized that it was soaked! Ew!

2.  Music.  I couldn't have asked for a better iPod mix.  D.J. Jazzy Kev made the best choices when it came to running music.  It was perfect the entire way.  I don't know how people can run without it.  And the right song just always seemed to come on at the right time...

3.  The three things that I listed under "cons" that were MY fault.  I just don't have the energy to move them... nor do I know how to do it without having to delete the entire thought and re-type it.

(Darn my typewriter class in high school.  It hasn't helped me one bit with technology)

4.  Training pays off.  BIG TIME! 

5.  You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it!  I know people say this all of the time... but it is true!! If you want something bad enough - you can make it happen.   I'm not sure what is in store for me next... but I plan to keep pushing myself.  To try new things... to continue to beat my personal best. 

But don't worry... I will keep you in the loop.  Every step of the way.

Thanks again for all of your well wishes, encouragement and support!  I couldn't do what I do without you!



Disney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon

After a morning full of awesome events, I (luckily) was able to rest and take a two hour nap. 

I awoke with determination and excitement and confidence.

I was SO ready for this race!  I was going to be lining up at the "Start" with more knowledge, more strength, more training, and more enthusiasm than I had had the first time.

I AM a runner!  No matter how fast or how slow I run.  No matter the distance I can cover in a single run.  No matter the gear that I own.  I AM a runner!

I was SO pumped up at this point.  I got my running outfit on and looked in to the mirror and said "You got this!".

And then threw in a little Coach Taylor for good measure "Clear eyes, Full hearts, Can't lose".

( And, yes, I continued to say that to myself throughout the entire race.  It is my favorite mantra.)

I ate my pre-race meal of a wheat bagel with peanut butter and sliced banana.  I drank a cup of coffee.  And I drank a bottled water.

I had decided to stop hydrating about two hours before the race.  I had been drinking water all day - so, I knew I was good and hydrated.... I just didn't want to have to stop mid race to go to the bathroom like last time. 

I also ate my pre-race meal about 2 1/2 hours before the start.  And then took along some gel for extra nourishment.

I was pumped and ready to go....

I can't tell you enough what a difference an outfit that actually fits makes in your performance!  This outfit was made for running.  It was comfortable, stayed in place, and kept the sweat off of me.  I felt like a pro.  Minus the sunburned arms <== my first burn of the year... in October.  Go figure.

I had to be at Epcot by 8:30 for race transportation to the starting point at Wide World of Sports.

My parents sent me on my way with hugs and love and encouragement and support.  Bethany, Teddy, and Kev took me to Epcot.  We had decided since the race didn't start until 10pm (my corral wasn't until 10:15) that they would hang out at the house until they were texted that I had reached the half way point.  Then they would head up to Epcot for the finish.

(I LOVED that Disney was able to text my family my whereabouts during the race.  The texts included my average pace so they could guesstimate when I would finish!)
My family (minus Bethany) chowed down on wings while they were waiting.....

And I think it is hilarious but awesome that Kev made sure to take a picture of the food for the  blog.  He is such a good blogger husband.  :)
The weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect!!  60 degrees and NO humidity!  I couldn't have asked for a better evening to run.  And speaking of evening... it is my favorite time to run.  This race was meant for me.

The large crowds and bus transportation resulted in a pretty long wait... however, it took up the majority of the time and we arrived at the start with just enough time left to go to the bathroom and get in our corrals.

I was still feeling so good at this point.  No nerves.  Just determination.  I just kept visualizing crossing the finish.  I was ready to go.

And it also helped that texts, and emails were still coming through on my phone up until the last second.  I felt like I had an entire army of motivation with me every step of the way.

I got in my corral and then realized that I had NO idea what pace I had signed up to run.  When I initially registered, I had to give them an estimated time of finish.  And since it was so long ago, I must have given them "worse case scenario" because when I got in my spot.. I was pretty much at the back of the 12,000 + people running.  The only group behind me was the speed walkers.

I am able to run a 10 minute mile... but not able to do it consistently for 13.1 miles.  So, I had trained to do 12 minute miles and that would include some walking.  My plan was to run three minutes, walk 30 seconds, run three minutes... and so on.  I wanted to save my legs and be able to finish strong instead of exhausting myself in the beginning and having to walk a lot at the end.

I ate my first Clif gel, turned up my music and got my head in the game.

The fireworks went off at 10:15 for my group.  I crossed the start line at 10:18.  I was running my second half marathon!  I was beyond excited!

And then I realized that I had definitely sold myself short!  Registering to run a slower pace meant that I was in a group that would be running a slower pace.  I had been training to run much faster - so, I spent the entire first mile running up on the median through the grass....in the dark.  It was not ideal. 

It would have been better for me to sign up for a faster pace and then move back in the line if I didn't feel comfortable running at that speed.

Oh well, lesson learned. 

The positive from my situation was that I didn't stick to my plan of run/walking consistently.  I started out strong because I had to to get around my group and then continued to run strong because I knew that I could.  I ended up running around most of corral C as well...in the grass again.

Then we headed in to Animal Kingdom. 



Picture an already tight group running down a wide highway and then trying to squeeze in to a small-ish walkway with an even smaller entrance in to the park.  Then add in the fact that runners were stopping abruptly to take pictures of the entrance and the Tree of Life and you get chaos and mayhem in your path.
I felt like I was in a live version of Frogger.

Animal Kingdom really slowed me down a lot.  And I felt myself start to get really frustrated.  But I just stayed focused on my form and kept on running.

I ended up running non-stop for 6 1/2 miles!  We were on the back roads now headed to Hollywood Studios.  It was time to re-fuel.  And just as I was reaching for my second package of Clif gel... it flew off of my spi-belt and disappeared in to the night. 

It seems the constant bouncing on my belt ripped the top off and it just couldn't hold on any longer.

I panicked a little.

And then decided that I would just have to get my energy from powerade.  I have never had the stuff before and don't particularly care for sugary drinks.  But a runner has to do what a runner has to do. 

I was walking for 60 seconds at the beginning of the mile and then running the rest - with the exception of the water stations.  I would walk through them... grab a powerade, drink it, then grab a water, drink it... then start running again.

It seemed to be working o.k.

My legs were still feeling great... but I was getting tired of having to dodge in and out of people as we were running through Hollywood Studios.  I didn't understand why runners would not move to the right if they wanted to walk or to take pictures.

I thought about writing a book on running etiquette.

I would force every one that entered a Disney race to read it.

I reminded myself that I was supposed to be having fun!  I was running a race - at night- through Disney.  I thought about my family waiting for me at the finish.  I thought about how proud I was of my self for participating in the race.  I thought about every thing I was going to eat once I crossed the finish line.

Especially that vanilla/caramel cupcake.  It was calling my name.

I saw the marker for mile 12 ahead of me.

I couldn't believe my eyes.  I was almost finished.  I had exceeded my expectations.  I was in the home stretch.  I started to cry.

I was determined to not get emotional during this race.  I cry easily and I had been tearing up for months every single time I would picture myself crossing the finish.  It didn't matter where I was... I would think about it and I would start to cry.

I even cried a little when Bethany and Dad crossed the finish in the 5K.  I know how hard it is to set a goal, train, accomplish that goal, etc.  I have had so many ups and downs and successes and opportunities.  I thought about how far I have come.  I thought about all of the support that I have. 

I was about to FINISH a half marathon.  And I was about to FINISH with a good time - far exceeding my original expectations.

I felt great.  I felt strong.  I felt ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

I ran past my favorite resort - The Beach Club.  The mile 13 marker was in my view.  MILE 13!  I was almost finished.

I pulled out my phone.  Dialed Kev.  I could tell he had answered but I couldn't hear him because of all the cheering.  I screamed in to the phone "I AM COMING!".

I ran around the corner and saw the finish.

I threw my hands up in the air and crossed the line with the biggest smile on my face.

I did it!  I fist pumped.  I jumped up and down.  I shouted "woo-hoo" a couple of times.  But I didn't cry.  I had gotten it out of my system at mile 12. 

A young girl came over and put the medal around my neck.  I couldn't stop smiling. 

I grabbed a water.  A clif bar.  And a bag of food.  And went on the crazy search for my family.

The major issue with this race ... that I will go in to more detail about with a pros and cons post... was that Disney pretty much prevented any spectator support and finish line support.  My opinion is that they did this to get more money for themselves by forcing family members to buy a $50 per person ticket to attend an after party where you could watch your runner on the jumbo tron.

I thought that was ridiculous.  So, we didn't purchase any tickets.  The good news is that they were able to see me finish - but barely.  Like they were a mile away and saw a glimpse of me barely.  But they still saw it... and we found each other without much trouble.  (thank goodness for cell phones!)

My family is THE BEST!

I love this guy... he was SO happy for me!

Bethany was the photographer, Kev handler, navigator, and incredible support!

My parents watched from a different spot - so, they weren't all together.  But we found them pretty easily as well.  I love how excited they were!

My prized possession... my medal

Still on cloud nine!  So happy and still full of energy!

The only soreness that I had at this point was my feet.  Just my usual "my feet are sore" kind of thing.  I had no chafing and no other issues.  I was lucky and it was a pretty good race!

Oh.. and did I mention that I shaved 40 minutes off of my previous half marathon time!!!  I ended up running with a 12.37 average pace.  Pretty close to what I had predicted.  Take out the poor choice of corral start and the issues with congestion while running through the parks and I would have probably come in under 12 minutes. 

I feel pretty darn good about that!  In fact, I feel GREAT about that!

As far as all of the eating that I was going to do when I finished.... I didn't feel like having much of anything.... let alone the free beer they were offering.  All I wanted was water and water and more water.  And I ate a clif bar.

The crazy thing was that I was still full of energy.  Even after a shower.  I had a hard time sleeping.  I just kept replaying every thing over and over in my head.

I got out of bed much earlier than I expected.  Still no soreness.  Still feeling great.  And ready to celebrate with my cupcake.

It was delicious. 

And the best way to start the day's festivities.  I was a half marathon finisher, after all... and I had some celebrating to do.

The Food & Wine Festival

Ok.  So this isn't the race recap. 

But it is important that I blog about the amazing weekend's events in the order that they occurred.

Otherwise, it can get very confusing.

For me.

We headed to the Food and Wine festival after we (Bethany) got cleaned up after her race that morning. 

The festival has become my most favorite event that Disney has to offer.

Food + Wine = Perfection.

Except for that I had a race to run that evening... which meant I had to become more of a spectator than a participant.

But even with just being a spectator... I still had a blast.

It probably had something to do with the company that I chose to hang out with.  :)

 We took our usual group shots at the entrance of Epcot...

 My shirt says " Will run for food... and drinks".  It was one of the 1/2 marathon shirts they were selling at the expo.

I thought it described me perfectly.

My parents were still in transit when we arrived at Epcot.  (They had chosen to go in to Magic Kingdom right after the 5K due to the fact that it was the 40th anniversary of the park opening.... 40 years is crazy.  I will be 40 soon!  The park must feel super old. )

While we were waiting for them, we opted for a snack in Mexico.

Guacamole (our favorite!) and chips with the most incredible margarita in the world!

 I'm not even joking!  No margarita that I have had has  EVER topped the Epcot margaritas.  And they have amazing flavors, too.  Kev, however, likes to stick to the original lime...so, that is what he got.

 Bethany... just being excited for the day!! She did just finish a 5K, after all!

 Another photo op...

 And then the 'rents arrived.

We had been studying the map for the past hour...so, we knew exactly where and what we wanted to try.

We started with Hawaii - pork sliders and mai tais.

Then Ireland - Fisherman's pie.

Then Greece - Souvlaki.

Then I remembered that I had a camera around my neck.  And that we wanted to document our eating throughout the day.

We headed to France.  Mom got the chicken with a mushroom sauce...

 Dad got the escargot...

 He actually really loved it!  But since we all like to act dramatic in pictures.. he insisted on making a disgusting face.

It's called ACTING!

And for the record.. I don't know how I could ever attend the festival without this crew.  They are the perfect subjects for crazy food picture taking.

Next... Mom got the most delish funnel cake that I've ever had...

 Pumpkin! 

I'm not really a fan of funnel cake... just because I would rather have so many other things as a "treat" but this stuff was fantastic.

And we actually had an audience while I was taking the pictures. 

Whether they thought we were funny or cool or crazy... I'll never know.  But they sure had a good time laughing right along with us.

We tend to be a fun group to watch... if you are people watchers, that is.

China's black pepper shrimp...

 It was my one regret from last year.  That I didn't try it.  We ran out of room in our bellies.  But this year, we made sure we saved room for it.

Even my Dad ...

 Then we returned to Mexico.  For crispy shrimp tacos and beef tenderloin tacos.

 They were out of this world!

Keep in mind that I am only trying one bite of each... so, it may seem like a lot of food.. but Kev was actually the only one getting full. 

Australia had shrimp on the barbie... with berry and pepper sauce..

 And then we could not go on another second.  Because every one was so full. 

 It may look like small portions.. but it will fill you up fast!

At this point I was anxious to get back and get ready for the race.  I needed a nap and to rest my feet.

Our last stop was in Germany... to get my post-race treat.  A vanilla/caramel cupcake.

And then we said goodbye to Epcot for the afternoon....

Up next:  THE RACE!!

I DID IT!!!!!!

My race was a SUCCESS!!!

 My training paid off... big time!

 And I really appreciate every single person's support!  Y'all were AWESOME!

It was a night to remember.... but one that I'm going to have to tell you about later... because right now I've got Harry Potter waiting for me at Universal!

Thanks again for all your kinds words and encouragement..... I couldn't have done it without you!



Disney's Halloween 5K

Dad and Bethany's race was a SUCCESS!!!

And here is how it all went down.....

Bright and early photo ops...

 The Incredible Hulks....

 Getting "bibbed"...

 Voila!

 "Hulking"

 The Start... (obviously)

 Disney sure knows how to do a race!!  The event was packed but full of entertainment.  Mom and I got a great spot right on the fence at the finish line... and just waited it out.

It was so much fun to be a spectator!! We did lots and lots of cheering... and it got me even more motivated for tonight.  Multiple people were running the 5K and the half.  Good grief!

And here they come!!!!

 I wanted to be able to cheer and take pictures at the same time.....so, I basically just screamed as loud as I could while I was snapping away!

I'm sure the people next to me appreciated that.

Dad and Bethany did SUCH an AMAZING job!!  Not only did they run in good time... but they stopped to get pictures with characters along the way.  They really made sure to take in the full experience!!

With their medals...

Getting to see them run was so much fun!! And a great way to kick off race day!  We are now freshly showered and ready for our next adventure. 

Up next is the food and wine festival.... I will not be partaking in any wine.  Or crazy food, for that matter.  I'm going to try to take it easy, drink lots of water, and head back to the house around 3pm for a nap!

12 hours and counting.....