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]

Originally Posted by TinyDancer

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.

[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.

[TarzansKat]

I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!

Going back to read.

[TarzansKat]

First, I just wanted to say how sorry I am about the student you lost. I think running the half for him is an awesome way to honor him. When I did my first Disney 5K, I did it for me, but I also did it to honor my mother. The memories are even more special to me because of that.

I love that you're going to Universal! Is that wrong? I'm dying to see the Harry Potter theming and can't wait to be able to take my family there. Sadly, it is so difficult to work into our Disney trips, I always get sidetracked by all the stuff to do in the World.

Thanks for sharing all your training. As you already know, I'm having knee surgery in a couple of weeks, and it's really nice to live vicariously through you as you train and run!

Looks like this going to be an awesome trip! I look forward to reading more.

[creativeamanda]

Originally Posted by TarzansKat

I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!

Going back to read.

Originally Posted by TarzansKat

First, I just wanted to say how sorry I am about the student you lost. I think running the half for him is an awesome way to honor him. When I did my first Disney 5K, I did it for me, but I also did it to honor my mother. The memories are even more special to me because of that.

At first, I thought I'd make a t-shirt in honor of him, but I want this to be kind of private. So I've decided to write 34 on each of my hands--his basketball jersey number.

I love that you're going to Universal! Is that wrong? I'm dying to see the Harry Potter theming and can't wait to be able to take my family there. Sadly, it is so difficult to work into our Disney trips, I always get sidetracked by all the stuff to do in the World.

The only way I could do it was to throw it at the beginning, but I promise lots of FB pictures and TR pictures!

Thanks for sharing all your training. As you already know, I'm having knee surgery in a couple of weeks, and it's really nice to live vicariously through you as you train and run!

I hope and pray your surgery goes well. I've been reading up on meniscus tears and man, hon, you have really been in some pain! I'm sorry.

Looks like this going to be an awesome trip! I look forward to reading more.

Thanks, Kat!

[TarzansKat]

Originally Posted by creativeamanda

I can feel the love through the computer!

At first, I thought I'd make a t-shirt in honor of him, but I want this to be kind of private. So I've decided to write 34 on each of my hands--his basketball jersey number.

That is such a nice way to honor him! And it keeps it special to you. If anyone asks, and you want to talk about it, you can, but it's not so obvious as having it on your shirt.

The only way I could do it was to throw it at the beginning, but I promise lots of FB pictures and TR pictures!

It's a smart idea! I may have to consider that for an upcoming trip.

I hope and pray your surgery goes well. I've been reading up on meniscus tears and man, hon, you have really been in some pain! I'm sorry.

Thank you very much. I know I'm not a complainer. I know this because few people actually know how much pain I'm in. All the time. Every day. I'm so looking forward to getting this surgery done. Now that I know I'm having surgery and what is, in fact, wrong, I've actually felt comfortable discussing my pain and limiting my activity. I have no problem asking my seven year old to traipse up and down the stairs in our house to retrieve things when we need them!

Thanks, Kat!

[pooh'smate]

Just wanted to let you know that I am still reading but I have been on my iPod and I really hate to comment when using that because it is so hard and frustrating.

[Leleluvsdis]

We were shopping in Charlotte yesterday and the weather was crazy!! Hope you made it out safe. What app did you use for your countdown?

[TarzansKat]

I hope you have an awesome time!!!