The start of back to back runs

This weekend begins running 2 days in a row. I’m not a streaker, not a run everydayer, I need my rest! So running 2 days in a row is new to me, but that’s what I signed up for, so I’ve gotta practice!

This morning I ran 1 mile (that was weird too, I didn’t want to stop) with Ella, and 2 Minnie Mouses (Minnie Mice?) in the stroller. And tomorrow I’ll run 7 miles. I’m still recovering from some intense squats on Wednesday, so it felt good to loosen up my legs today, hopefully they feel good tomorrow.

The humidity is still bad, the air is THICK. I need to use my inhaler before I run, otherwise I’m struggling out there. Im still happy it’s summer, I love spending the day in the pool!

So, since we are talking about another Disney race, let’s talk about costumes. I’m thinking Maleficent for the 10k.

I saw the new movie, and I’m in love with her. I don’t know who I want to be for the half: Princess Leia, Padme, Marie from Aristocats, Mrs. Incredible…

Disney Princess Half Marathon

We talked about PR or character stops, costumes, mantras, early wake up calls and traveling with 2 kids…now it’s time to talk about the race!!!!!!!

I made sure I had all my things ready before going to bed.

We woke up at 3, I had the coffee pot ready to go, so with the flip of a switch one of my rituals was under way. There was no way I’d make it without coffee! I ate an uber bar and a banana, drank a cup of coffee and got dressed. Then grabbed a Lara bar, more coffee (in a fruit loops container) and we were off to catch the monorail at 345a.

We ran into some other Princesses, but not many Princes. Morgan commented that it was the best smelling race start EVER, he also said he would never do this race again. I saw a lot of make-up and nicely fixed hair…I don’t run in make-up (maybe mascara) and my hair is always up, with a head band.

There are several staging areas, we started out together, but had to split for corrals. It was VERY humid, I drank a few cups of water before getting in my corral, and ended up losing my “front-of-corral” spot because I needed to use the porta-potty.

Fireworks started each corral, so everyone felt special as they crossed the start line.

Although, I was pushed by a lady who was “in coral A” but missed her start. No one around me really cared for her. If you miss your corral, don’t push people to get ahead of them. Also, don’t lie about your proof of time. It’s not cool, and if you do, don’t loudly talk about it as you are getting passed.

Anyways, I didn’t wear a watch, didn’t use run keeper, I just ran…and calculated my time at each mile marker. I started about 18 minutes after the race actually started. As long as I was on the 8s at each mile I felt good.

First character stop was at mile 2. The line was at least 15 people, I kept running. I took a selfie as I entered Magic Kingdom.

Can you tell how sweaty I am? This was before mile 3 (I think), it was very foggy/misty/humid. I got water, poweraid or both at almost every stop. I broke a rule, I tried something new on race day. I ate 1/2 a pack of Cliff blocks at mile 4, 8 and 11. The extra energy was awesome!!!! I do need to look at water stops and plan my fuel better. There was water at ~7 and 9. So at 8, I was needing water to help with my chews and there was none.

Magic Kingdom was awesome! The crowd on Main Street was so energizing. And running through the castle was fun. A runDisney official took one of my pictures and commented on the amount of kinesiology tape I was wearing. Dude, it’s my crutch and totally mental. It’s time to wean off of it, but not on race day! (And honestly, I was wearing less that normal!)

I stopped for two characters who had no lines.

Then I left Magic Kingdom, I was doing pretty good on time, I felt awesome, so I put my phone away and “Let it go” (that was the mile 7 song, which was about the same time I made the important decision…PR)

Entering Epcot, I felt phenomenal. The mile 12 marker put a huge smile on my face. I asked someone what her time was, and what corral she was in. She started in D and her time was 2:14. I really pushed through the last mile. There was NO wall, I knew the finish was close, I had energy, and I didn’t hurt.

I finished in 2:17:25, nearly 1min faster than my first half. I am so happy!

After getting my medal, goodie bag, picture, etc. I tried to find Morgan, luckily we think alike and found each other in about 30 seconds.

The race was great. With 24,000 runners it wasn’t super crowded. And Morgan finished 37th OVERALL.

My first runDisney event, to participate in, did not disappoint!

Costume time

Princess Rapunzel has come together well. It’s not a perfect replica, I’ve seen some great, and pretty true to movie costumes. I’m going for the all purple look. I MIGHT make puffy arm ribbon things. I think it would really add to the costume, but it would also require a trip to Hobby Lobby. (Also some pink iron-on rhinestones instead of a corset might be cute!)

My tutu is very short, I have to have real shorts under, not just sliders. I wanted to avoid having tulle rub while I was running. I used 2 shades of purple tulle. It’s a rather light purple, I’m thinking I need to add more of the dark color.

I have purple KT tape, and I’m deciding between compression sleeves or socks.

I prefer running in sleeves, but I like the color of the socks better. While discussing my dilemma with a non-runner friend, she suggested I just wear black ones that I already have. laughed, that would not be very princessly.

I’m going to give the costume a test run, no one wants a surprise during a race!