100 Days of Tiaras and Tutus: A Princess Half PTR updtd 2/17 Leaving tomorrow!

[creativeamanda]

The Hundred Day mark. . .one that truly only a Disney Planner can be so excited about. Even more exciting. . .the knowledge that a "Double Digit Dance" is on its way.

What am I excited about? Other than a Disney trip, that is.

A Disney trip for the Princess Half Marathon in February.

Yeah. I have 100 days to go. And unlike years previous where I start the pre trip report almost a year in advance, I've got a whole lotta stuff to pack into 100 days.

This trip, however, will be much different than others I have had. Lots of firsts:
1. First trip to run a Disney race.
2. First time I've ever run with gear like a tutu. (And yes, there will be a tutu!)
3. First trip that includes overnight stays with a fellow Diser.
4. First time on a plane
5. First time I'll do 2 races back to back
6. First stay in a DVC resort.

Yeah, there are probably more firsts. But let's leave it there for now.

Anywho, my name is Amanda, and I am a former special education teacher-turned district office hag. I work in the special education department as an educational consultant to classrooms with kids who are autistic or have another low incidence disability (think your most disabled kids. . .that's me). My job entails modifying curriculum standards for the kids and dealing with IEP meetings, working with the most awesome parents one will ever meet, and dealing with your friendly everyday bureaucracy that plagues any government position. I love my job. I get to reach the needs of a lot of children and work with some of the best teachers and principals in the United States. I am also a current graduate student at Walden University in the Doctoral program for Educational Administration.

I have three kids, ages 13, 11, and 10 (yes, all Disney adults) and have been married for almost 17 years. Although my husband is not the Disney fanatic I am, he is coming around. My children, however, are the biggest Disney fans there are.

And just to put a face with the name:

This trip begins with me by my lonesome and ends with five nights at Boardwalk Villas with my DisBuddy and fellow Babnana Tinkerbellarella (aka Nikki). Throughout the trip report, I'm going to be referencing my transformation from size 18 to a size 8 and how a person with plantar fascitis is now able to run a half marathon.

But, for housekeeping: a few trip details:

Trip Dates:
February 17, 2012-February 26, 2012
Leg One: Pop Century (2/17-18)--solo
Leg Two: Coronado Springs Resort (2/18-2/21)--solo
Leg Three: Boardwalk Villas (2/21-2/26)--Tink arrives!

Oh, and just so you all know. . .I'm askeered of clowns. But we'll get to that later.

Coming up. . .Do I or Don't I? Double Digit Dancing to Shame my Children. . .

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: 100 Days of Tiaras and Tutus
Do I or Don't I? Double Digit Dancing to Shame my Children
Myrtle Beach MiniMarathon
First Foray into the Dark Side
Everything Leads to Shopping
You're Doing What?!?
We Interrupt this Regularly Scheduled Update. . .
Baby It's Cold Outside!
Packing Already and Training?
Modeling 101
Holy Running Week, Batman!
Walking Right Down the Middle of. . .
Drinking Around the World and Ice Baths
20 days. . .
Two Weeks
One Week From Today
I'm Leavin' on a Jet Plane!

 

[creativeamanda]

The date? November 10, 2012. The important part of that date?

99 days to Disney!

Yeah, we are talking DOUBLE DIGIT DANCE.

Few people even know what that means. But those of us who are Disney planners know that it signifies a magical day in which the clock turns from a three digit count down to a two digit one. At 8:12 am on November 10, 2012, I posted this on Facebook:

Yeah, I was that excited.

But the major question is this: Did I actually DO a double digit dance?

The answer is yes, but not in public. I was encouraged to do so, and put it on YouTube, but I'm not certain I want anyone seeing my version of the double digit dance, which just so happens to be a cross between the chicken and a rump shaker.

No, it ain't a pretty sight.

Coming up. . .my first ever half marathon. . .the Myrtle Beach mini marathon.

 

[creativeamanda]

The time?

O' Dark Thirty in the morning.

The place?

My friend Jess's house.

The event?

The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon.

And at 4am on Sunday, October 21, 2012, I was thinking, "You are an idiot. What on earth are you doing?!?" And perhaps a few not so nice things.

We get in line at first at the huge area set aside for port-o-potties. And wait. I see a coworker in line with us.

How dark was it?

This dark.​

And yes, that's a "Princess in training" shirt I'm wearing.

I had gotten my pre race fuel

Cornoholio!​

I totally intended to walk this race, as work got in the way and my treadmill tore up, but when all of the people around me started running, I couldn't hold myself back.

Nearing 6.5 miles at Broadway at the Beach

I see the finish line and although my IT band is killing me, I'm going for it!

Official time was 3:03:08

My buddy coming in 10 minutes later

All smiles. . .can we do it again?!?

Ah, refreshment, thy name is beer.

The view at the finish line

My own little treat later

I now proudly have this on my truck.
​

This was an awesome experience that got me in the right mindset for what I'll be seeing in 90 short days. I also know how I need to train that last week. I am so excited for what is coming!

 

[creativeamanda]

Last year, my daughter and I planned it, but changed plans later. This year, my friend Jessica, who ran the Myrtle Beach mini with me, convinced me. I'm going to stay at a Universal Partner hotel, Wingate by Wyndham Convention Center. One reason why I chose this hotel was the price. Another reason is that since I booked through Universal's website, and it's a partner hotel, I will be able to get into Islands of Adventure early. And then finally, it's Recipient Of The 2012 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award.

So, where is it? It's about one mile from the entrance to Universal Studios. The first night when I get there, I fully intend to go here for dinner:

Yes, that means that I will have to go to City Walk. That's fine. After all, insert my name here:

Everyone thinks they are funny saying, "Run, Amanda, Run!"

Wugh-ever.

I'll show them. . .

Then, the next morning, I'll drive over to IOA for this:

In one week's time, I intend to step foot in every castle in Orlando!

I really don't have plans other than to hang out in the WWOHP that day.

I'm sure my first stop will be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey hopefully twice before the Flight of the Hippogriff. Lunch will probably be at the Three Broomsticks and then perhaps a trip into Marvel Super Hero Island before I leave. I have intentions of checking into Port Orleans-Riverside around 4:00pm that day in time for my dinner reservations at Boatwright's. I haven't really planned this one much, and don't even know if it's a feasible touring plan for a day at Universal.

Coming up. . .Disney Dining. . .What do you mean, Amanda, no dining plan for most of this trip?

 

[TinyDancer]

How exciting!! I am loving this PTR

 

[creativeamanda]

How exciting!! I am loving this PTR

A reader!!!!!

Anywho. . .thanks for stopping by. I am getting pretty close to the meat of the report--my costume, etc.

 

[WsPrincess]

Love PTR and a Princess PTR is something even better!! Great job on your first half! And I love the shirt you wore (I have the exact same one). I can't wait to read about your costume, I have now subscribed!

 

[creativeamanda]

Love PTR and a Princess PTR is something even better!! Great job on your first half! And I love the shirt you wore (I have the exact same one). I can't wait to read about your costume, I have now subscribed!

Nicole on FB did an awesome job on the shirt!

Costume news is coming up!

 

[creativeamanda]

What every runner needs to think of when a run is coming up is

1. Training
2. Pre Race Fuel
3. Attire

Attire?!? Really? Shopping?

Of course. But first, let's check everything else off.

1. Training. Training is well, not going great, but not going terribly. Exactly one year before my Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon, I started working out.

This was me in 2010, 4 months before I started working out:

And this is me last week, at the gym:

Look at those quadriceps! I am completely shocked. I didn't realize my legs were building up like they are, but this is from squats and lunges, ladies, not from running.

I'm still lifting, and it tears up my hands from time to time. . .see, callouses:

But training is going pretty well, and I am sure I will be in good shape for the half marathon. The only question I have right now is should I sign up for the 5K and walk it with a friend of mine? Still mulling over that one.

2. Pre Race Fuel
My day before the race is pretty interesting. The morning before, I am going to get up with Tink, but whether or not I do the 5K is up for grabs. I am really thinking it's going to be a veg out day. I have late breakfast reservations at Kouzzina, where Greek Yogurt and Steel Cut Oatmeal seem to be calling my name. Dinner is at Tony's, where I know I'll have my normal pre race pasta. The morning of, I'll have some Oatmeal, yogurt, and a banana in the room. I'm particularly fond of the shots and power gels in the bottom right of this picture:

Not sure if they will be available at the Expo, so I'llpick those up at Dicks Sporting Goods.

3. Attire
A few weeks ago, I got a Christmas present early from my husband--my tutu, which he ordered from Etsy:

Then, Black Friday, I picked this up from Joann's

So, putting them together, I have this outfit:

One might note that shoes are missing from this photo. This is because I need a new pair of shoes and I want to wait until I have about an hour or so at the shoe store to make a selection. The shirt and pants have been worn before in a race. I am only really concerned about the tutu getting in the way, so I'm going to try it for size. If it doesn't work out, then I'll figure something out, but I'm figuring I'll want to put body glide on my arms to prevent chafing from the tutu. Anyhow, I think I'm getting ready!

Coming up. . .Just How many Days Again, Amanda?

 

[creativeamanda]

71.


Yes, that's it. Seventy-one days left.

Today, I ran my 8 mile run, logged in my personal best for a 10K, and now feel like I could sleep forever.

Seriously.

Yep, Nike+ told me all about it.

And I did it wearing my new shoes:

My husband did something awesome this week. I talked about wanting to walk the 5K with my friend Nicole enough that he registered me for the 5K. So Saturday, I'll do the 5K and SUnday the Half. That shifts around clothing somewhat. I've been worried about wearing that tutu for a half marathon. The tutu and tiara are now moved for the 5K with Nicole and this is now the attire for the half:

Yep, I'm taking the half seriously. Watch out half marathon PR. You are going down.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Joining in! Congratulations on you weight loss and the running!! That is really awesome, you look great. Your job also sounds pretty amazing - I would love to do something like that when I finish school. Looking forward to reading more about your plans

 

[creativeamanda]

Joining in! Congratulations on you weight loss and the running!! That is really awesome, you look great. Your job also sounds pretty amazing - I would love to do something like that when I finish school. Looking forward to reading more about your plans

Oh, wow, thank you! I really do love my job. It has its headaches from time to time, but for the first time since I started working, the day tends to fly by every day. That is great. Wish I could get more done in my day, but there you have it.

 

[creativeamanda]

I don't know why I'm saying that. My updates are about as regular as the announcement of the next Disney discount. . .

Anywho,

I've been absent for a little while. I really meant to have an update last Saturday and I was prepared to do just that. Then life got in the way.

When you are a teacher, there are students who really make a difference. They really make you believe in how miracles can happen and people can change. I had a student like that. He worked so hard and in the last hour, passed the Exit Exam and got his high school diploma. He was in college this past semester. On the way home from a church function last Saturday, I got a call. My former principal did not want to talk to me, she wanted to talk to Dan. From the tone of the conversation and the fact that several others had called me during the church function and I just let them go to voicemail, I knew it wasn't good. What was wrong? Had he had a backslide and was in jail for something?

No.

In the wee hours of Saturday morning, my beloved student was in a fight. He was hit in the back of the head. He did not make it.

Details of what happened are sketchy and the kids who were there are telling lots of different stories. I don't know that any of that matters. All that matters is that this kid is not coming back.

I've thought of many different ways to commemorate this kid, and I thought of the fact that he was the MVP on the track and field team this past school year.

My princess half marathon will be run this year in his memory. And for those of you who are teachers, make sure the kids you teach know that you care about them. All of them, even the tough ones. This particular kid was a "tough kid" who became a great one just because he knew people cared about him. It makes a difference in their lives, to love them even when they are the hardest to love. As a matter of fact, I'm convinced those are the ones that need it the most.

 

[WsPrincess]

I just read your update and as a high school teacher who gets a lot of the tough kids, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling. I think your way to remember him and celebrate his life is wonderful. You are a great person who did make a difference to him! HUGS

 

[creativeamanda]

I just read your update and as a high school teacher who gets a lot of the tough kids, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling. I think your way to remember him and celebrate his life is wonderful. You are a great person who did make a difference to him! HUGS

Thanks. I am doing better today and I hope that I'll be out running again soon. I've only run once since this happened.

 

[creativeamanda]

This past week, I did something I had not had to do thus far in training: dress for cold weather. It was such a foreign concept to me, that I had to buy cold weather running clothes. Of course, I had to shop. So, I got all dressed up, went to the gym, and ran out on the road. . .

Facebook post from that day. . ."This is either dedicated or crazy. Haven't figured out which but if it's crazy I sure look the part."

And just a thought regarding the weight room. . .dontcha think it's time for the football team to clean the mirrors? Maybe I'll bring some windex this week when I go back.

I ran in the cold (all 40 degrees of it. . .on second thought, I may have been over dressed) and put in one of the fastest 2 miles ever. It was dark and I was ready to get back into the gym and then home.

On the same vibe as shopping, I got some Bondi bands from the recommendation of the princess half facebook group.

For the 5k--I know this is my tiara race, but I think that I'm going to have to hold the tiara in. It also matches my socks, which I haven't posted a picture of, but they are very similar to this Bondi band.

For the half marathon. I'm excited about this whimsical little one!

I also have picked up a few energy-type items everytime I have been to Dick's Sporting Goods. Which leaves me with this:

and this

and this

You know, I may have enough!

In other news, I'm currently packing.

Yes, packing. For a trip that is a little over 7 weeks away.

What can I say?!? I'm ready to go.

 

[Ariel484]

Hi Amanda! Sounds like things are going well so far!

I'm so sorry to read about your student... That's so nice of you to run the race in his honor.

Love your outfits! Have you taken them out on test runs yet?

 

[creativeamanda]

Hi Amanda! Sounds like things are going well so far!

I'm so sorry to read about your student... That's so nice of you to run the race in his honor.

Love your outfits! Have you taken them out on test runs yet?

I have not taken them on test runs yet, but the half outfit is the exact same as the outfit I typically wear running, so I think that one will be fine. I am worried about the whole tiara/tutu thing. That one concerns me that it'll chafe or something and I really don't want to be chafed. The pants I'm wearing and the fuel belt are all what I wore for the half. And of course, I'm breaking the shoes in! Thanks for dropping by!

 

[pooh'smate]

Joining in. I didn't know you had started a PTR or I would have been here sooner.

 

[creativeamanda]

Joining in. I didn't know you had started a PTR or I would have been here sooner.

It's all right, and thanks for joining in!