Poppy Ran Me Over With His Scooter - A PHM Trip Report UPDATE!! 7/23 Pg. 21

[jandlinz]

Congratulations on the weight loss! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!
Lindsey

 

[Cando86]

You look FANTASTIC!!

I ran a 5k last year and ... let me just say I am so impressed you are running a half! PHEW. Can't wait to hear about it!

Onion lady ... I've had a few of those. I had "yoga lady" once who consistently reminded me to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth to stay calm throughout the flight. It actually helped
I kind of follow you on Instagram (candacejarj) and I remember you posting about this trip. I'm excited to hear more about it!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Not going to comment too much on your journey (I mean, you don't me to tell me how awesome you are and you are doing) but it is great you found something you could stick with it and is just great that you are happier. I tried getting into running and just couldn't do it (easy to get distracted with the kids and stuff). I am sure having Jenni to support you helps a lot (I know the one time I was good about going to the gym I had a few co-workers do go with).

I might be old school, the only Zack Attack I know is the one from Bayside and is all about Friends Forever

Glad things worked out ok with your trip - other than Onion Lady at least. And Chick-Filet is a must. Glad that Popadon realized early he needed the scooter - at least as a security blanket. Oh, and definitely noticed the Jamberry nails in the last picture. (my wife and daughter are big into that ... and of course my son gets jealous so he of course has them as well)

It always helps to have someone to go to the gym with. When all of this first started, it made a huge difference for me.

Hahaha, the only reason I listed that Zach Attack is because I know a lot of DIS friends of mine watch Big Brother, and he was on last season. LOL.

I was glad that Pop realized he needed the scooter too. It really came in handy.

They are Jamberry's! Hahaha, how educated you are. Of course Peter has them too, he can't be left out!

What a great story on how you took up running! I'm so impressed... and wow, you look great! Good for you on starting AND keeping up with it!

I also don't understand why people need to sit next to me when there are five million other empty seats. It's even worse when they have a special aroma.

A17 - what a prime spot AND a great seat! Ending the night with a Mickey bar sounds wonderful.

Aww, thank you so much! It's still a work in progress.

I totally don't understand it either. Like, what are you doing sitting right on top of me?

I wish I could end every night with a Mickey bar, but that's just not a good thing. LOL.

Totally agree with this (although, there are those who would say that I am a runner, which is why I agree, but I digress). 6 minutes on a 5K is like cutting off 10-15% of your time. 5Ks tend to be one of those areas where every second counts, so it's definitely impressive to shave 6 minutes off your time.

This is my biggest fear! I'm trying to add distance to my running so that I can do a 10K next year (I made it to almost 4 miles today - 3.9!), but I'm so afraid that I'll push myself too far too fast and injure myself. Running doesn't seem like a dangerous sport ... but if you're not careful, it's so easy to get injured when running!

You can really see the significant difference that your hard work and dedication made - congratulations! It really sounds like this was a major journey for you and I'm so glad/proud/impressed that you were able to make these changes in your life and work so hard to reach your goals!

You live near the Jelly Belly factory in Wisconsin??? So awesome!!!

My mom's reaction probably would have been exactly the same.

Best end to arrival day ever! What more could you possibly want when you get to Disney than a Mickey Ice Cream??

Anyone is welcome to agree! Hahaha. There are people out there that would say that I'm not a runner, because I'm not fast, but they can just suck it. Bahaha.

My advice for not hurting yourself is making sure that you're not adding more than 10% per week to start. So if you normally run three days a week at 3 miles a run, it's totally okay on one of them to add a mile. Just keep doing that on a weekly basis, and you'll be there in no time, without injury.

Thanks so much. It's been a bit journey that I'm still on.

I do! I live five minutes away from the Jelly Belly Factory! I'm right over the border in Illinois. But they're going to be selling it and moving! Depressing.

Oh man you use Big Borther gifs, amazing!! That's a pretty amazing journey you've been on congrats on your progress and hope there is more in the future. Sounds like a good travel day .

I do use Big Brother gifs! And to think that soon we will have a new season and more Big Brother gifs to use!

Thank you so much.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Luckily Zack Attach wasn't referring to you in that gif

You certainly have reason to be proud of yourself! What you have done is a total accomplishment! And I understand why this half marathon was such a big deal for you!

A Jelly Belly...factory? I want that!!

Glad travelling went smoothly! Ending arrival day with a Mickey Bar, so perfect.

Bahaha, yes he absolutely was not referring to me in that gif. LOL. He was probably talking about Nicole.

Thanks so much! Yes, the half was a huge deal for me. A big accomplishment with how far I've come.

Girl, right down the road from my house. Five minutes. Bam. Jelly Belly factory. Haha.

I really admire you for your journey with running. I'm still trying to find the right thing for me. I'm kind of limited because I have a bad ankle and can't do exercises that pound on it. So running is out as are a lot of the aerobic type stuff like Zumba. Right now I have an exercise bike but I have to force myself to ride it. I'm thinking of trying out yoga even though I have pretty poor balance on my ankle.

I feel you on the personal space issue! It's one thing if it's crowded and that was the only seat. I think I would have gotten up and moved to one of the other empty seats.

Yum! Chick-fil-A and a Mickey bar. Now that's a way to start the trip!

Thanks so much. It's difficult to find something that you enjoy. I do like biking outside a lot. Not the stationary bike, but outdoors I do enjoy. Definitely try yoga. I love it myself, I really need to do it more often than I do. Don't worry too much about your ankle, especially not at the beginning.

For real though. I just don't understand why someone hasn't passed out the memo that it's only okay to sit that close to someone when you have no other alternative. Hehe.

Hi Danielle

I've enjoyed your previous TR's so I'm glad you started your new PHM one! I can't imagine planning a trip for 12. I just got back from a trip with my mom, aunt, and cousin and I planned mostly everything - that was stressful enough.

I'm so glad your dad got to come on the trip and that he's feeling so much better! That's great. My dad had a quadruple heart bypass when I was 6. It's quite scary but I'm sure the family time is the perfect remedy.

Congratulations on your continued progress. Running a half marathon is a huge accomplishment! I can't wait to read all about it.

I'm glad you're here!

Yes planning a trip for 12 was definitely a feat that I don't want to repeat anytime soon. It all worked out, but there were definitely kinks along the way.

Thanks so much. For us it was a scary time, because he's never had health problems before, so for all of us kids being in our 30's now, it was just something we had never dealt with before. I couldn't imagine going through that when I was 6!

I LOVE hearing people's stories about how/why they got into running. I was "dared" into it - a family friend kind of doubted I could do a half marathon (I'd never even done a 5K), and that's how I did my first! I trained for 9 months, and learned a LOT about not what to do. I'm not good at running, and I'm a huge fan of the Galloway method. But I love those dang medals, so I keep on going. I still don't consider myself a "runner", even after the races I've done!!!

It's so inspiring to see your story, and how you made life changes that totally benefit you.

My Dad had (and still has!) a hard time accepting that he can't go-go-go like he used to. It's such a huge adjustment, but I'm glad Popadon listened to his body and used the scooter

Wow, you were dared into it, that's kind of awesome!

I totally hear you, I'm not good at it myself, but girl, I've seen your times, you are leaps and bounds ahead of me!

Aww, thank you so much. It's been a tough road, and there are many bumps along the way. But it's just that. A journey.

I'm glad that he listened to his body and used the scooter too. He definitely enjoyed himself more than he would have if he had tried to just walk the whole time.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Great job on your improved physical fitness -- you look fabulous and it's such an inspiration to me. I want to start running...did my first 5K in the fall with my friends but haven't run since then because it's cold outside and I'm a wimp. And because I have an elliptical but hate it. And I can come up with a gazillion excusees, but I need to stop that! I've also put on weight in my job and weigh more than I've ever weighed before (even more than the end of my pregnancies). I'm still thin, according to most standards, but I feel out of shape...I get breathless walking distances and stairs, and I want to be more healthy and fit. I want to feel comfortable with my body and to have a good relationship with it. Not sure if that makes sense. Anyway, my oldest daughter is a runner and she has promised to help me with a running program when she gets home in a couple of weeks, and I've set the goal to do the Princess 5K with some friends next year. So thank you for the inspiration!

Thank you so much!

You know, running in the cold isn't actually as bad as you think it would be. I do have a temperature threshold. I'm okay with like 30 degrees and no snow. That's as low as I go. LOL.

Listen, out of shape is out of shape, regardless of whether or not you're still thin by all rights and regulations. I totally hear you there. It's about being in better shape, not being thin. That is what I try to focus on.

Yay! The 5k is a lot of fun, and as you'll find out as you read my TR, you don't have to feel too much pressure with the run. It's definitely a more laid back fun run.

Your transformation is GREAT!! If I didn't have the bad knee I would try to run but I guess I'll have to stick to walking a brisk pace around Epcot I'm already subscribed to this TR as well and can't wait to hear more on both!

Thanks so much!

Hey, walking a brisk pace around Epcot is totally okay.

I've told you before and I'll tell you again...I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU AND WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED!!!! You rock my dear friend.

I hate when people do that at airports and on the train. There are all kinds of seats on the train in the morning with NO ONE in them and I inevitably get someone sitting next to me.

for arrival and Chick Fil-A;I miss going there (but since Mark's gallbladder surgery, he and chicken don't get along ).

How sweet of Mom to unpack for you.

And an ice cream bar before bed...and a Mickey one to boot...nothing better than that.

Thanks Kathy. That means a lot.

Right? Why when there are 30 other seats around do you insist on sitting right on top of me. What's up with that?!

Awwwww, I would miss Chick Fil-A too!

I have been reading your trip reports and love them. I actually live up in Green Bay area so I love all the Wisconsin and Green Bay packer references you have. My family and my brothers family are planning a trip to Disney World in October and we're flying out of Milwaukee. It's great to hear it's a good airport since it's been at least 8 years since any of us have flown and my husband has never flown and we have 2 little 4 year old girls that's coming with us. Can't wait to go. im excited to hear more on this trip.

I'm glad you're here! Yup, I try to keep the Wisconsin and Green Bay references going, even though I don't really live in Wisconsin. Hahaha, we're so close that it's almost like we live there.

I absolutely love flying out of Milwaukee. It's a very small easy to navigate airport.

 

[CarolynK]

Yaay for the exit row, extra legroom!!

At least onion lady didn't sit next to you on the plane

 

[IheartDDuck]

HAHA I DO CARE ABOUT YOUR WELL BEING. IT WAS JUST HILARIOUS GETTING THAT TEXT FROM YOU.

I'm so glad that I can make you laugh. Hahaha.

Know what you mean about starting out. First time I ran 15 minutes straight without stopping was probably one of the best feelings I had ever.

I'm still the ugliest runner ever though. Red in the face, sweat pouring off of me. Honestly. I don't feel like I'm dying anymore, but I'm sure to the world at large I look like I'm about to drop.

Personal space is my chief pet peeve. I ride the train to and from work every day and it makes me nuts when someone sits next to me when there are a ton of open seats. Or, the train is crowded so all three seats must be used, but when the aisle seat gets up and leaves, the middle seat continues to sit next to me. Move over!

It is an amazing feeling, right?

Dude, I'm such an ugly runner. Exactly the same, red faced, sweat everywhere. I have to clarify to many that I'm okay and I'm not dying.

YES! Why do you need to sit next to me. I just don't get it. Haha. Maybe I need to put out a more menacing aura.

Amazing transformation Danielle!! Glad to hear your journey was smooth

Thanks so much.

Love your recap on your running story. Talk about inspiration. I think it's amazing that you completed a half marathon after picking up running 2 years ago. That's really impressive. Alex and I have been running for at least 5 years, and we haven't come close to doing 13.1 miles.



Chick Fil A...YUM! Their chicken sandwiches are the best.


And AKL! I love the resort choice.

Awww, thanks Alicia! You know what, it takes however long you need it to take. Truthfully it was just adding the miles. And at first it would suck, because I had 3 miles under control, but adding little by little was difficult. But it's been worth it.

I absolutely love staying at AKL.

 

[IheartDDuck]

What a sweet momma to unpack for you! And you can never go wrong with chick fil a !

She is the sweetest Momma ever!

WOW, it's hard to believe "Zach Attack" was almost a year ago. And ironically, Florida Gators is what many people think the Blue and Orange of Canadia represents.

Danielle, thank you for sharing your journey to this point. I think what you've accomplished is simply wonderful and inspirational. Not only can you see results in your running, but the physical changes as well.

HAHAHAHA, oh my that lady sitting right next to you makes me laugh. Why do people do this?? And why do they park right next to me in an empty parking lot? The mysteries of life.

For what it's worth, I do not take both arm rests. Usually because the guy next to me already has.

I know! And that another season of Big Brother is almost upon us. Pfft. Ignorant people not realizing that blue and orange are CANADIA COLORS!

Thanks so much Rob. It's been a journey and I'm still on it.

I don't know why people insist on doing that kind of stuff! If it was one of the only seats, I'd totally get it. But seats everywhere and you literally sit on me.

I knew you would never do that. Leave it to the other guys to take the armrests.

Wow, you look amazing! What a great story!

Glad you had an uneventful flight, but WTH with the onion lady sitting right next to you? Not cool. And arm rest guy? Sheesh.

Yay for Chick-fil-a. We just got those in Milwaukee in September! Mickey bars, love them!

And did you hear the Jelly Belly factory is closing and moving to Tennessee? As soon as they sell it.

Thanks so much!

She just stank! I don't know what she ate prior to that but it was something. And it was stinky.

I know, there's one in Vernon Hills too in Illinois! Thankfully nothing that's right around the corner from me, so we're all good.

Yup, I'm aware they're selling it. Jerks.

First congrats on all your running success. It's good to hear you didn't go out an run the half marathon the day after you decided to run ; ) As someone who needs to get her fat a$$ up off the couch, you may have just inspired me. Just gotta come to terms that a genie and my 3 wishes really isn't coming ; )

Ok, forget jelly belly factory by your house. Did you say caffeinated jelly beans???????? Is this really a thing? Please ignore my comments above and tell me red bull now comes disguised as a little bean of joy.

Thank goodness onion lady didn't end up sitting next to you on the plane. Can't believe you stayed there. Though you should have told her the cops were bringing an onion smuggler off the plane ; )

How sweet of Mom and Pops to pick you up and have your stuff all unpacked for you. And double props for the mickey ice cream bar.

Thanks so much. Yeah, I was smart. I wasn't one of those people, and believe me they exist, that are just like "oh yeah, and then I just ran a half marathon with no training." Ugh. Annoying.

Yes! Girl, caffeinated jelly beans! It's really a thing, mainly designed for runners to give us energy when we're out there for a long time. But I guess you could use it to replace red bull. Haha. A word of warning though. These items can upset stomachs, so check that out first. http://www.jellybelly.com/search?query=Caffeine+Beans

I was thinking she might! Thankfully she literally had the worst boarding position ever, so we were all good already.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I have bad news..... They are closing the Jelly Belly factory. I know... It sucks!

I'm so proud of you on your transformational journey. I'm doing something similar with biking and hopefully have some kick *** results!

Mickey bar and feet propped-- great first night!

Girl. I know. Idiots.

Thanks so much! Good luck with biking, that's awesome! I love biking, I just haven't done it for a while, because of my focus on running.

Wow what an intro. That's a lot of personalities to handle and can't wait to hear about your trip and your first half! Congrats!

I'm glad you're here!

First off, congratulations on all of the progress you've made with your running! I am totally not a runner at all and don't care to be, but I really respect people who can do it and stick with it. Not an easy sport to take up. My dad started running at about 40 years old (along with my step-mom, who was already a runner) and he has now run more marathons and even ultra marathons than I can keep track of. Plus, it gives them an excuse to travel - just to do some different races. To my knowledge, they haven't ever done a race in Disney, though.

Thanks so much! It definitely takes effort, but I do enjoy it. A marathon is definitely a goal I have in mind, along with Jeni. She talks about ultras too, and I'm like "woman. Let me run this half and not die first!"

Ugh, that's super annoying! I mean, sure it's nice to feel important, but you also need to have time off without being made to feel guilty for it.


Wow, that's cool.


I totally don't get when people do stuff like that. I ride the bus to work and sometimes people just don't seem to understand the personal space thing. Like the lady who basically sat on me the other day.

Yup. Completely agree. And the thing is that I put my work phone away while I'm on vacation, but I inevitably bust it out that final few days, just to look at emails to make sure the world hasn't ended. Cause goodness knows people act like it has.

And this too!! Totally hate that. And also when they sit with their knees super far apart, leaving you with almost no legroom.

Glad you had a good trip in and some yummy treats upon arrival!

YES! They do sit with their knees all far apart too! Why!?

First of all, its so cool to hear your running story and well done on the progress you've made. Lol at the personal bubble invasion - I get that on the train all the time. Sounds like you had a good evening though - I don't know what Chick fil-a is, but I've seen it enough on TRs to know it must be good. Looking forward to the rest.

Thanks hon. Hopefully I'll see you soon at a run.

Haha, Chick Fil-A is just a chicken place. We never had them in my area of the U.S., so having it in Florida was basically the only time we'd see it. We do have one now, but it's not close to me. It's just a treat.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Joining in (for pretty much the first time on any Disboards trip report!)! I am mostly a lurker on these boards, but have been meaning to plug in a bit more. I read your trip report from SWW, and it was abso-stinkin-lutely hilarious!

Congrats too on your running accomplishments! I'm a newbie runner - I totally get what you mean about desk jobs and weight gain. I'm about two years into my first office job, and the weight gain is annoying as all get out. All those studies that pop up on FB about sitting all day leading to an earlier demise don't help, either! I'm hoping to run the PHM next year with my little sis. That's the goal, anywho. I'm a LOOOONNG way from being at a point where I feel ready for it, but I figure you can't finish anything you don't start!!

Excited to read all about your experiences at the PHM!!

If this is your first time on a DISboards TR, thank you soooooo much for making it mine! That's such a compliment.

Desk jobs are the worst with that, right? Argh, I can't stand it. That would be awesome if you could do the PHM next year. It's a great experience. Just start one foot in front of the other.

Congrats on your journey and thanks for taking us all along with you...
On the personal space lady and man. can we talk?
I ALWAYS get the person who not only brings food(with onions) on the plane and proceeds to gag me with the smell,but then they go falling asleep with legs spread wide and leaning all in my seat. I have to make a game out of it, take pics, poke, put things on em.. yeah i'm a child. I figure serves em right...
As usual the wit, i love it. looking forward to more....

Thanks so much Kim.

Ick! Ick ick ick! It's just gross. And I do always get some issue on the plane too. I had to deal with a guy spreading his legs very wide on an 8 hour flight to France.

A little late to the party but I'm here

Since I've just been following along with your most recent trip reports I'm used to seeing you at your current weight, but I have to say, you have really lost a lot and you look fabulous. Good for you

Jelly belly factory near your house? You're winning at house locations.

Onion lady could have sat further away but at least she doesn't seem like a jerkface, cause that would have been even worse.

A Mickey bar is the way to start off a trip right.

I'm glad you're here!

Thanks so much. That before picture is actually a picture from one of my older TR's. It's hard to believe sometimes.

I do win on house location! Until they move it and sell it like they're planning on doing with the factory. So depressing.

You are correct, Onion Lady was definitely not a jerk face, she was very pleasant. Just a little stinky. LOL.

Congrats on your weight loss!!! And good for you to find something to stick with in the way of exercise. I get bored walking day in day out on my treadmill. I prefer to be outdoors walking or hiking when the weather's nice out. I wanna try running, but I don't think my knees can handle it.

Sorry about onion lady. It never seems to fail that you end up with that one person that has to choose to sit next to you and invade your personal space even though there are plenty of seats available on the plane. Chick fil a is a must! I first tried Chick-fil-a when we drove down to WDW back in August 2006. After a few years of trying to patiently wait to see if Chick-fil-a would finally start opening stores in the Chicagoland area, I got my wish!!! Now I don't have to wait until we drive down to WDW to have Chick-fil-a!!

Great way to end the day with a Mickey bar!!!

Thanks so much! I hate the treadmill too, I much prefer to run outside, but I do what I have to when it's necessary.

Yeah, there are always people invading your personal space. It's like it can't be avoided!

I know, they finally started opening them in the area. The closest one to me is in Vernon Hills, but that's still a bit of a drive for me to go for a craving. Like I feel about having to go to Portillos. But then it's a good thing they're not right around the corner.

 

[IheartDDuck]

You are off to a fantastic start with this TR! I so applaud your dedication and hardwork on your journey!

Thanks so much Dawn.

I agree totally. Like when your boss says " It's good when staff takes vacation time. Everyone needs it" when another person on our staff takes vacation time.He gave less than 48 hours notice and is out when another person at that facility is already out. But when it is me I am made to feel like a criminal. I mean Hey - I earn vacation time so I should be allowed to take that time.


60 minutes did a spot on signs in NY subways- Men - Control the spread or something like that.

Yes, right?! I earned this vacation time dangit, let me take it. He's just far too reliant on me.

You look great! Congrats on sticking with the running. To be perfectly honest, you look gorgeous in your "before" picture, no matter what you weighed.

I think they put crack in those Chick fil A sandwiches! They're one of the few fast foods I will eat.

I'm glad Popadon got the scooter. Wouldn't want him pushing things so close after his surgery.

No better way to end the day than with a Mickey bar!

Thanks so much, that's so sweet.

They do put crack in them!

Woohoo...what a prize....a Pic of Danielle biting a pineapple!!!!!! Lol....you crack me up. I was curious how you got started running. Great job and what amazing progress you have made. Races can be addicting. I started running 5k's a few years ago...got mildly injured, stopped running...started again....got a cold with that never ending cough, stopped running. I just picked up the C25K again in Jan and am enjoying it. Tried to sign up for the Dland 10k in Sept to push myself....missed logging in to sign up at the openining and it was sold out within 45 min. One day....

Great start to your trip so far. Looking forward to reading more.

Woo hoo! It's a great prize!

Races can be addicting. I was looking at races to do this year and had to start making my decisions about what I'm going to register for. I don't like spending tons of money on races in my home town, so it takes time to decide. LOL.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Joining in!

Congrats on your weight loss and sticking with the running! You look fabulous! I've done 2 Half Marathons at Disney and unfortunately, each time afterwards, I take a much too long hiatus off running. Why is it so easier to break the habit of running than it is to break the habit of eating chocolate???

Ugh...on people invading personal space! Boundaries people...boundaries!!

Can't wait to read along and see how your run goes. And way to go for Popadon for going to Disney 4 weeks after his surgery!

Christine

Thanks so much!

I know, that's a struggle isn't it! I haven't been running quite as much as I should have, but I'm fixing that.

Your commitment to training and fitness, and your transformation, are worthy of a half-marathon post.

I am in total admiration!

************************************************************************

Enjoyable arrival post. Love the space-invader onion lady. Your arch picture is really pretty! It looks surreal in the dark and rain.

No better way to start a trip!

:

Thanks so much Dee.

Joining in! Congratulations on your progress with running! I tried to get into running a few years ago because the DH really loves to run, but I ended up giving up. Maybe if I convince the hubby that I will run if we can do a race at Disney, he will agree to another trip in a few years hahaha.

Thanks very much! Ooohhh, convincing him to run if you do a race at Disney!

Thanks for sharing your running story. You have done a lot of hard work and it shows. Running is not easy and injuries are common. I started running when my daughter was a senior in high school and wanted someone to run with her at 6am, when she needed to be able to run a mile for P.E. It wasn't easy. At first it was an accomplishment to run a block non stop, then two blocks, etc. My daughter graduated and never ran again, but I kept going. My sister was running and talked me into training for a 5k race in the fall. It was the hardest race I ever ran, that first race, but the sense of accomplishment was wonderful. And I found out I was very competitive, which kept me running for years. I've slacked off a bit but still get out there occasionally.

Thanks so much!

Injury is always what worries me the most, because it can happen so easily. But, everything has been getting better over time. The competitive side of me makes a huge difference. I just want to keep getting better.

 

[IheartDDuck]

I just have to say that I've had "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" in my head for days and I'm fairly certain it's your fault. I keep seeing your thread title whenever I check my subscriptions and my subconscious turns it into that song.

Hahahahaha, I'll take the blame for that!

I don't care what level anyone is at, we all worry about that!


6 minutes is HUGE.

Heck, I was happy with 4 seconds last Sunday. LOL!


OOOH! That means you can buy Belly Flops!


Ugh, onion lady and double armrest guy? BLEH!

I had a double armrest guy last week. He was also double glass of wine at first beverage service guy

And then they gave him a free one as he flies to much (me, I got squat, just a dead car when I landed lol).

Me no likely double armrest guys (or gals).


Glad your mom had your back there. LOL!

I'm focusing now on just being able to cut off like a minute!

I can buy Belly Flops! They have like a whole vat of them when you get there pre-packaged and ready to go for low low prices. LOL.

Double arm rest guys! Seriously, what is the deal! Like "nope, I get all the armrests!"

I am so amazed with your progress with running, and weight loss, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle! You are seriously my inspiration, I've been trying SO hard lately, and I've only lost 3 stupid pounds, and I have SO far to go, so I love hearing your story, even though I know you've told me before! I absolutely have to do the Couch to 5K again, I know it's going to be hard, and I know I'm going to hate it, because I quit at week 3 when I attempted it before, but I hate being a quitter, and eventually I want to run the Princess Half so I have to start somewhere! So proud of you for actually doing this and not giving up!

Haha, I actually read this update in my car on my break at work yesterday and I was cracking up about Onion lady...so gross, I probably would have moved if it were me, I need my personal space!

I love the sign at night, I never get to Disney at night, so I haven't seen it lit up in person, but it looks so pretty in pictures! Yay, Kidani, I love that place! And a Mickey bar to start off your trip, how perfect!

Thanks so much Jen, that's such a flattering thing for you to say.

Seriously, it just takes patience. It never gets easier, it just gets harder, and you have to be ready for it is all. If you struggle with C25K, run it through week three when you start hating it, and then go outside and just try it out there running for as long as you can, then walking, then running, however you feel you can do it, not how the program is telling you. That's how I did it. And running in a familiar area, I then had points where I'd say "I'm going to not stop running until I get here, then next time not until I get here". Try not to get discouraged. I always remind myself how long it's taken me to gain the weight, and that it will take a long time to lose it.

Yay - here we go!

Yay! I'm glad you're logging on for this one too!

 

[IheartDDuck]

looking forward to reading your report. I'm hoping to run the first Disneyland Paris half marathon next year so I'll be stealing all your tips

Thanks so much! Oooooh, the Paris half! They announced it while we were waiting in the corrals and I got pretty excited.

Looking forward to reading all about the race! I hope to do it next year! I just completed a half marathon this past weekend and I know the work that it takes to accomplish the goal that we set for ourselves. You go girl!

Thanks so much! And congrats on your half marathon!

Congratulations on the weight loss! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!
Lindsey

Thanks so much!

You look FANTASTIC!!

I ran a 5k last year and ... let me just say I am so impressed you are running a half! PHEW. Can't wait to hear about it!

Onion lady ... I've had a few of those. I had "yoga lady" once who consistently reminded me to breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth to stay calm throughout the flight. It actually helped
I kind of follow you on Instagram (candacejarj) and I remember you posting about this trip. I'm excited to hear more about it!

Awww, thanks! Yeah, I did post a bit with this trip. Not as much as I would like to, but also because I prefer to enjoy my vacation rather than post on IG all the time.

Yaay for the exit row, extra legroom!!

At least onion lady didn't sit next to you on the plane

I love extra legroom!

I was so grateful that she didn't.

 

[RunnerMommyof4]

Sorry I'm just going go sit here for a minute and drool over the Chick-fil-a

Joining in and can't wait to hear about your run. Wishing I could convince DH to do something awesome like a WDW run with me. Lol I'm better off to go solo on that one.

Ready to read how it all turns out!! Congrats on the awesome accomplishment thus far

 

[vrajewski10513]

I'm so glad I started reading your trip report! I'm currently in the same boat you were 2 years ago, and just started a C25K plan. I'm aiming for the Color Me Rad 5K thats on my birthday this year in June. The extended goal is to eventually do the Avengers 1/2 marathon at DL (I'm a superhero nerd!). I can't wait to hear about the race, and the rest of your trip!!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Whoo-hoo!!! On your fitness/weight loss/running journey!!!

And caffeinated jelly beans??? What a brilliant idea!!! I might have to search and find some local...

 

[IheartDDuck]

Sorry I'm just going go sit here for a minute and drool over the Chick-fil-a

Joining in and can't wait to hear about your run. Wishing I could convince DH to do something awesome like a WDW run with me. Lol I'm better off to go solo on that one.

Ready to read how it all turns out!! Congrats on the awesome accomplishment thus far

Go right ahead and drool over Chick-fil-a. It's awesome stuff! I'm glad you decided to join.

Running in WDW is so much fun. It definitely helps to have a partner to go with. It's not about running the race together, because the three of us that ran the 1/2 ran at different paces. But you have to wait before the race for quite some time, and it's nice to have someone in your corral with you talk to.

I'm so glad I started reading your trip report! I'm currently in the same boat you were 2 years ago, and just started a C25K plan. I'm aiming for the Color Me Rad 5K thats on my birthday this year in June. The extended goal is to eventually do the Avengers 1/2 marathon at DL (I'm a superhero nerd!). I can't wait to hear about the race, and the rest of your trip!!

I'm glad you're here!

That's awesome that you're planning on a 5k this year! I love 5k's. But now that we've added distance, my SIL and I now look at each other and go "okay, so now do we do 10k's all the time?!" Haha. I want to do the Avengers 1/2 too. I just want to do all of them actually.

Whoo-hoo!!! On your fitness/weight loss/running journey!!!

And caffeinated jelly beans??? What a brilliant idea!!! I might have to search and find some local...

Thanks Nancy!

You can get the sport beans at a lot of stores. No worries, you should be able to find them.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Before I start this chapter, I have to share with you a photo that my Mom took the night that they arrived in Disney. They originally hadn't planned on arriving in WDW until Tuesday the 17th. However, there were snowstorm warnings all through the path they were driving through, so rather than stopping when they were supposed to, they continued driving and arrived in WDW on Monday the 16th. So they booked a night at All Star Music since they arrived early. This was how Pop felt about being in WDW already.



Yup. He's up to his same old antics.

"Well That Was A Scooter Fail"

Wednesday February 18, 2015

What better way to start a day than waking up in Disney World. Right?!



We didn't wake up super early, because of my late arrival the night before, but I was up and running by about 8am.

Of course, I had to take pictures of our lovely accommodations.



How'd that guy get in there?





And our view. We didn't have savannah view this time, because we had to book three studios, so standard views were the way to go for us.



The one complaint that I have regarding DVC studios is the fact that everything is a bed and a pull out couch (other than at Old Key West). And me typically being the third person in the room when we travel, I end up sleeping on the pullout. They are terrible! Just really uncomfortable to sleep on. Now, obviously things could be worse. I could be at home and not in Disney. But still, they could do better on the bed situation.

I had to sit down and create my Disney inspired makeup look for the day. Followers on IG like to see those, so I try to put thought into them. I also took a picture of my makeup brushes.

I have a problem. And I will use almost every single one of those to apply my makeup. Contrary to what you may be thinking, it doesn't take me an hour and a half to do my makeup. Generally takes me about 20 minutes, up to 30 minutes if I do more intricate eyeliner.



My makeup today was inspired by Spaceship Earth.



Once we were all ready to go, it was time to head down to Bell Services to pick up Pop's scooter. We had rented through Best Price Mobility for the week. They will deliver the scooter to your resort on your arrival date and then come back and pick it up when you depart. Makes everything easy. Plus, WDW actually doesn't rent scooters for the entire week. You can only pick them up at the parks and then have to drop them off at the entrance of the park. So, you're without a scooter when you're at your resort or anywhere else. Thankfully, they have partners that they recommend on the website, and this company was one of them. We had no problems with it and would recommend dealing with them for anyone who had to rent a scooter.

I of course took some pictures around the lobby while Mom and Pop were taking care of that. Can you catch me in the reflection?



I tried to get a little more artsy. See, I bought a new camera recently. I'm not a photographer by any means, but I wanted to have clearer pictures. But I didn't want the hassle of a DSLR. So I purchased a Sony a5000 with an additional lens for a really nice price. You can adjust like a DSLR too, so that's a nice feature. And it's MUCH smaller than most DSLR's, which is nice.

Photographic evidence of a picture NOT taken with my iPhone, which is what I've had on most of my other TR's.









Kind of nice to play with if you ask me. I'm really happy with my purchase.





Soon, the scooter was picked up and we were ready to go for the day. I wasn't sure how Pop was going to handle the scooter in terms of him having to be in it. He's not a proud man as a whole, but you have to admit that to be taken down by a surgery and basically have to be in a scooter can affect you. But he did really well.



What I was concerned with were judgy people. And believe me, I've been one of them in the past. The ones that look at someone in a scooter and you think they're in it for various reasons. I knew that on the outside Pop looks fine, but that he had to be in the scooter the majority of the time. I didn't want people judging him.

You don't want to make me angry. Nor do you want me to go all protective Mama Bear when it comes to my Pop. Cause I'll take you out.



So anyway, initially I was worried that people were going to look at him and judge him. So of course, the Epcot bus comes, which we were waiting for. They open the back door, because Pop is going to be let on first, before everyone else. And the ramp doesn't lower. The bus driver kept on trying and kept on trying, and it didn't lower. He spent a good five minutes trying to lower the thing. I told him not to worry about it, and to just go ahead. He called another bus.

My fears about judging were put aside though, because there were some really nice people waiting near us that said that they could help to lift the scooter on the bus if we needed it. I thanked them, but told them it wasn't necessary, that we didn't mind waiting. They said they felt bad. I told them it was a new world for us with the scooter, and explained about his heart surgery. They offered again to lift the scooter into the bus, and I told them not to worry about it.

So my faith in people was restored.

Thankfully, another bus came about 10 minutes later, and that ramp worked just fine. The bus driver on the new bus said that he didn't quite understand why the other driver couldn't get it to work. He basically implied that the other bus driver was kind of a dee dee dee. Haha! I call it pebkac. A common IT term that my brother uses anytime someone says that something with their computer was wrong.

"Well IT man, what was wrong with his computer."

"Pebkac".

"Pebkac?"

"Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair".

Jason (being an IT man) and I use this all the time so that we can speak in code with each other.

Pop expertly pulled that scooter on to the bus and parked it. One, two, three.

Like a glove.



This amazing ability to drive a scooter with drive a later conversation that Pop had with Cynthia about opening a Scooter Tutor school. Cause you all know that most people that rent scooters around WDW can't drive them to save their lives. And all I have to say about that is. Imagine them driving a car...................

While we were on the bus ride over to Epcot, we met a really lovely family consisting of a Mom, her sister, her Mother, and her daughter. We ended up chatting about Pop's scooter and struck up a conversation about why he's in it for this trip. Their Mom and lunch cancer, so she said she was all too familiar with having her chest cracked open, but that thankfully she was cancer free. Their daughter really loved my shirt and all of my Tangled items that I hd. They were all so nice and we talked about my running the half marathon. To which the Mom says "are you going to look as beautiful when you cross the finish line as you do now, because you are just lovely".

Talk about embarrassing! I turned about 10 shades of red. It was such a nice compliment and I told them as much. But I informed them that the reality was that I was going to be a red faced, hot sweaty mess when I cross the finish line. I did tell them though that I do my makeup with Disney inspiration in mind, so that's why I look so made up.

Such a nice way to start the trip though. They were such nice people and you could truly see that they were major Disney fans. When we arrived at Epcot, we all told one another to have a nice day, and they wished me luck on the half marathon.

We had arrived!







We headed into the park. I headed right in, Pop headed in after me.

And Mom got the blue Mickey of death. And was told she had to go to Guest Services outside?!

What the heck?

Up next: You impostor you!

 

[Dugette]

Nice start! Gotta love AKL! Did you buy into DVC or is it just your parents, I can't remember? Yeah, having an option of a second bed in the studios would be nice.

I understand that concern about judgement. Because there is definitely a lot of that going on. I remember reading a TR about a young woman who had just had heart surgery and had to be in a wheelchair at WDW. She looked young and healthy and could get up for limited periods and appear fine. So, of course, some people would question their motives and such. I always try to remember that appearances aren't everything. Glad people were good to you guys.

Oh no on the Blue Mickey of Death!