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

[Disney9.9.10]

I love your motivation! I probably would have gone shopping too - you NEED gear to run in the cold, so why not?! And no judging about the packing here, I also pack really really early for my trips!

 

[creativeamanda]

I love your motivation! I probably would have gone shopping too - you NEED gear to run in the cold, so why not?! And no judging about the packing here, I also pack really really early for my trips!

Ha--only Disers really understand the need for packing so early! What if I forget something?

 

[creativeamanda]

Many have asked me what kind of training methods I have used. For my first 5K, I used the Couch to 5K method. This is truly a great program, and I would recommend it to anyone. For the Half Marathons, I have used this:

This is a run-walk method of running. Currently, I am doing 3 minutes run/1 minutes walk.

And it adds in your music and changes to BPM to match your pace:

This application was a little pricey at $14.99. This is the most I have ever paid for an ap, but it has been worth it. I used it for the Myrtle Beach Mini before training went awry. But I knew how to finish the half by then, and even though by that time, I had only run at most 7 miles at a time, I was able to do the mini.

On Saturday, I will only have 50 days left (see)

So it's time to start packing. Here is how I do it. About 3 months out, I typically throw everything in a bag. 2 months out, I repack, and determine what I think I will need to still buy. Since I'm at two months out, I'm at the repack segment.

I have three bags--one for the IOA/CSR part of the trip, one for BWV, and one for the races.

Bag 1:

Bag 2:

Racing Bag:

And today, I had someone else decide she needed to be in my racing bag:

So, what do I need to get?

Absolutely nothing. No shopping needed! Which is kind of happy and sad at the same time. In a couple of weeks, I'll go through again, and then the week before seriously repack everything.

Oh, and ya know what?!? 51 DAYS!!!!

 

[creativeamanda]

Severl of my Facebook friends have asked to see my 5 K outfit in full force. A couple of days after Christmas, I had Sweetie take a picture for me.

I also traded in my iPhone and Nike+ application for this:
or

I know many people like the Garmin, but I like how the interface is with Nike on this watch. After syncing the run with the computer, I was able to pull it up:

It's been no secret that I have been battling ITBS, also known as Iliotibial band syndrome. It's a common knee injury for runners. The best form of treatment is the use of a foam roller to loosen the iliotibial band. The treatment is actually quite painful, but less painful than ITBS after a run. I got a foam roller about a month ago:

The verdict? For the Myrtle Beach mini marathon, I had pain between miles 5 and 6. Yesterday for the 9.5 mile run, I started having pain at mile 8. While I'm still having pain, it's less intense and takes longer. I have to say, too, that this was after inflaming it 3 days before in the gym doing squats.

Hey, and you know what?! I go to Disney next month!!!

 

[Ariel484]

Cute 5K outfit! Love the colors.

And yes, a foam roller is a MUST. I still don't use mine as much as I should, but I can definitely tell a difference when I do. Glad you are getting some benefit out of it!

 

[creativeamanda]

Cute 5K outfit! Love the colors.

And yes, a foam roller is a MUST. I still don't use mine as much as I should, but I can definitely tell a difference when I do. Glad you are getting some benefit out of it!

Thanks! I also ordered some KT Tape for that knee and I hope that will help a lot. It would help to take some weight off, because the extra 15 pounds I'm carrying around is not helping at all.

 

[creativeamanda]

Ahem, or woman, whichever.

This has been the running week ahead of all others.

Monday: 9.5 miles
Tuesday: 2.5 miles
Wednesday: 0.5 miles between weightlifting circuits
Thursday: 2.25 miles
Friday: leg day, no running. I think 50 squats with 70 pounds plus the bar (45 pounds) was enough
Saturday: rest day
Sunday: Planned 3 miles

So, if I add correctly, that's 17.5 miles for the week. Whew. That really is a lot.

This is the last week before work starts back after winter break, and I'm really not looking forward to returning to work on Monday. I've said I couldn't be a stay at home mom. I lied. I definitely could be a stay at home mom. I just wouldn't be able to go to Disney at all. Ever. Ever. Ever.

So, I work, to feed my addiction, so to speak.

Anyhow, I have really begun to work on my trip plans and get them finalized. I have set up a tentative time to meet up with Tink the arrival night that we move over to Boardwalk.

Let's move back to the first day, though. The arrival day, I'll check into the Wingate

That morning I will have gone to church and then driven in, so it will be sort of late. On Feb 18 (President's day--omg I am going to be in CROWDS), I will head on to

Courtesy Orlando Sentinel

I know for certain that I'm going to do all I can there that day until lunchtime, when I will be heading over to Coronado Springs Resort.

I have dinner reservations that night at Wolfgang Puck, and I'll be doing a little shopping for my son at the Lego Store before Hollywood Studios that night.

As of now, I have 42 days!

 

[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]

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

Going back to read.

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]

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.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Well look who FINALLY brought her internet-butt over to this here pre-trip.
I figure since mine may not finish/happen/what-have-you, I at least need to make an appearance here, on your sweet lil report.

And for those of you who don't know, allow myself to introduce...myself:

Tinkerbellarella a.k.a. Tink a.k.a. Nicole a.k.a. Nikki a.k.a. She Who Is Eternally Grateful To Have Amanda To Roll Her Across The 5K Finish Line

That's a lot of a.k.a's. I know.

Now...onto what I've missed...

office hag

You are NOT an office hag. Belive me. I know some. On a first name basis.

Although my husband is not the Disney fanatic I am, he is coming around.

He's a Pat's fan. That's almost as good.

DisBuddy and fellow Babnana Tinkerbellarella (aka Nikki)

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

We still crossing our fingers for the "Garden" view as opposed to the "Pool" view then?

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.

Pretty, pretty please re-create this for me. I pay in margaritas from Mexico.

O' Dark Thirty in the morning.

That's about what time I'm getting on the train.

I now proudly have this on my truck.
​

Wait'll you see all of the cool ones they have at the Expo. I have one that says, "Yes, I run like a girl. Try and keep up."

I'm sure my first stop will be Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey hopefully

Best. Queue. Ever.
Can't tell you about the ride though. Chickened out. We'd eaten not 40 minutes before and I hadn't taken Bonine (which normally I don't need) and if there weren't 90 signs throughout that line warning about motion sickness there wasn't one. I can't wait to hear how it was.

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.

I LOVE YOU MR. AMANDA!

The tutu and tiara are now moved for the 5K with Nicole

I need to pick up my tiara.
And take care of my shirt, the details of which change every 6 seconds.
And figure out what capris I'll wear.
And if I'll bring a light zippy hoodie.

Shoot...now I need a To Do list.

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.

Your students are blessed to have you, Amanda. And so am I.

LOVE. THE. SOCKS.

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

There's this great retailer who was at the Expo a couple of years back that had something along a similar line, but a thinner still meant not to slide all around on your head. I bought two. This year your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep me from buying 22.

So it's time to start packing. Here is how I do it. About 3 months out, I typically throw everything in a bag. 2 months out, I repack, and determine what I think I will need to still buy. Since I'm at two months out, I'm at the repack segment.

I have three bags--one for the IOA/CSR part of the trip, one for BWV, and one for the races.

I am in packing awe.

And today, I had someone else decide she needed to be in my racing bag:

Naturally.

LOVE!

I have set up a tentative time to meet up with Tink the arrival night that we move over to Boardwalk.

Are you still coming over to BWV when I arrive to check us in?

Also, I perused the alcoholic menus throughout the WS. I'm prepared to drink in any country but the US and Canada. What can I say? I'm not a beer gal. The other two countries I was worried about were Norway and Germany. Norway has something called Viking Coffee (coffee and Bailey's or Kalhua) and Germany has a Rieseling. Though I know I'll get two drinks in TOPS that night, I have done my research and am, as Scar says is so important, PREPARED.

::sigh::

38 days for me, my friend! 38!!!!!

OH!

And it occurs to me to share my plans since they are a little different:

2/21/13-2/26/13: BWV with Amanda
2/26/13-2828/13: POR solo with a request for an Alligator Bayou room

 

[creativeamanda]

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.

Glad you are here!

Well look who FINALLY brought her internet-butt over to this here pre-trip.
I figure since mine may not finish/happen/what-have-you, I at least need to make an appearance here, on your sweet lil report.

You are just fashionably late.

And for those of you who don't know, allow myself to introduce...myself:

Tinkerbellarella a.k.a. Tink a.k.a. Nicole a.k.a. Nikki a.k.a. She Who Is Eternally Grateful To Have Amanda To Roll Her Across The 5K Finish Line

That's a lot of a.k.a's. I know.

Ooooo. . .I get to roll you? As in shove/push you? Yeah, as long as you drag me across the finish line for the half.

Now...onto what I've missed...



You are NOT an office hag. Belive me. I know some. On a first name basis.

I'm sure you do, my dear.

He's a Pat's fan. That's almost as good.

And Red Sox.

We still crossing our fingers for the "Garden" view as opposed to the "Pool" view then?

Or the quiet pool. That would be awesome.

Pretty, pretty please re-create this for me. I pay in margaritas from Mexico.

Okay, February 21, 2013, I will. When I see you!

That's about what time I'm getting on the train.

Wow--hope you have some coffee.

Wait'll you see all of the cool ones they have at the Expo. I have one that says, "Yes, I run like a girl. Try and keep up."

My truck's going to be all stickered up!

Best. Queue. Ever.
Can't tell you about the ride though. Chickened out. We'd eaten not 40 minutes before and I hadn't taken Bonine (which normally I don't need) and if there weren't 90 signs throughout that line warning about motion sickness there wasn't one. I can't wait to hear how it was.

Hmmm. . .I should be fine--I like Mission Space.

I LOVE YOU MR. AMANDA!

He is glad I'll be doing that with you!

I need to pick up my tiara.
And take care of my shirt, the details of which change every 6 seconds.
And figure out what capris I'll wear.
And if I'll bring a light zippy hoodie.

Sounds like a shopping trip for you, my dear.

Shoot...now I need a To Do list.

Don't you always?

Your students are blessed to have you, Amanda. And so am I.

Thank you, dear.

LOVE. THE. SOCKS.

They are cool, aren't they?

There's this great retailer who was at the Expo a couple of years back that had something along a similar line, but a thinner still meant not to slide all around on your head. I bought two. This year your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep me from buying 22.

Only if you stop me from buying too many t-shirts!

I am in packing awe.

Especially since I changed that plan. The little bag is just for shoes now.

LOVE!

Are you still coming over to BWV when I arrive to check us in?

Sure will! Call me when you are on Magical Express and I'll mosey on over to the lobby!

Also, I perused the alcoholic menus throughout the WS. I'm prepared to drink in any country but the US and Canada. What can I say? I'm not a beer gal. The other two countries I was worried about were Norway and Germany. Norway has something called Viking Coffee (coffee and Bailey's or Kalhua) and Germany has a Rieseling. Though I know I'll get two drinks in TOPS that night, I have done my research and am, as Scar says is so important, PREPARED.

I've been doing a bit a research, as well.

38 days for me, my friend! 38!!!!!

I have 34 now. Well, 33. I refuse to count today.

And it occurs to me to share my plans since they are a little different:

2/21/13-2/26/13: BWV with Amanda
2/26/13-2828/13: POR solo with a request for an Alligator Bayou room

AB is awesome, awesome, awesome!

 

[creativeamanda]

Main Street USA!

Yes, I'm one of THOSE people who have to start their first full day at Magic Kingdom. I have reservations that night for dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe. I have thought of canceling it a couple of times, but I look back at the menu and see they have shrimp and grits on the menu.

This little lady originally from Charleston just can't pass that up.

The second full day is my Animal Kingdom/Epcot day, with dinner that night at Tokyo dining.

Third full day is Epcot rope drop and I will get to check out of Coronado Springs and check into Boardwalk Villas with Nikki!

Meanwhile, I'm down to 33 days before the trip.

Running is going well, and the past few days I've been hot wearing this:

Yes, hot.

Packing is going well:

There's been a change in the whole packing order:
from the back--
all the major clothes for the trip
just running gear
shoes.

Yes, I have a suitcase just for shoes. I will have 4 (count them 4) pairs of running shoes--two for touring, 1 for the 5K, and one for the half marathon. I also have my Crocs, flip flops for around the room, and my cowboy boots.

Yeah, cowboy boots.

On the Disney shopping list, I'm at a serious juncture--this is my last one of these:

I'll have to take a trip to Basin.

And for the record, my favorite one is at the Grand Floridian.

In training news. . .I have started using KT Tape for my ITBS that has been bothering me. The tape has been really helpful. It's made me more able to complete my runs.

THis was last Sunday before the tape:

And after:

The orange drops before are because I could not continue running for the pain. With the KT Tape:

YES!

Coming up. . .drinking around the world and baths of ice.

 

[TarzansKat]

I love everything about your plans. They're Disney plans. So much better than any other plans.

Congrats on your fastest 5K run! You are fast! I am impressed.

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

You are just fashionably late.

I try.

Ooooo. . .I get to roll you? As in shove/push you? Yeah, as long as you drag me across the finish line for the half.

Oh yes, my friend, you do. I hope they capture THAT on film.

And that's another item for the To Do list - figure out how I'm going to GET to the finish line to see you. I'm not 100% sure if they'll restrict that area to racers and people that registered for the CHEAR squad. Hmmm...

And Red Sox.

I'm not a baseball fan (or basketball), but I'll take it. I'm a football/hockey kinda gal.

Or the quiet pool. That would be awesome.

Totally forgot about the quiet pool. That WOULD be awesome.

Okay, February 21, 2013, I will. When I see you!

Deal!

Hmmm. . .I should be fine--I like Mission Space.

Me too.

The chicken side.

Sounds like a shopping trip for you, my dear.

Now isn't THAT too bad. LOL

Only if you stop me from buying too many t-shirts!

I think we're going to need a handler at the Expo. LOL!

Sure will! Call me when you are on Magical Express and I'll mosey on over to the lobby!

I don't want to wait 37 more days. Can't we just be doing this NOW?!

This little lady originally from Charleston

That's where my boss is from.

The second full day is my Animal Kingdom/Epcot day, with dinner that night at Tokyo dining.

Remind me to tell you how I kind of ended up at Tokyo Dining by accident one night for Illuminations.

Third full day is Epcot rope drop and I will get to check out of Coronado Springs and check into Boardwalk Villas with Nikki!

Yes, I have a suitcase just for shoes.

I'll have to take a trip to Basin.

Oh. Shucks.

Coming up. . .drinking around the world and baths of ice.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

YAY! And BRRR!

 

[creativeamanda]

I love everything about your plans. They're Disney plans. So much better than any other plans.

Congrats on your fastest 5K run! You are fast! I am impressed.

Disney plans are the best, aren't they?

I don't know that I'm really all that fast, but for short distances I can hold my own. Thanks!

I try.



Oh yes, my friend, you do. I hope they capture THAT on film.

And that's another item for the To Do list - figure out how I'm going to GET to the finish line to see you. I'm not 100% sure if they'll restrict that area to racers and people that registered for the CHEAR squad. Hmmm...

That would be interesting on film.

I'm wondering if it would be simpler for you to cheer me on as I'm going into and out of the area near the TTC. We can discuss it later.

I'm not a baseball fan (or basketball), but I'll take it. I'm a football/hockey kinda gal.

Please tell me you at least hate the Yankees. . .

Totally forgot about the quiet pool. That WOULD be awesome.

Yeah, it would!

Me too.

The chicken side.

Do I hear clucking from somewhere?

I think we're going to need a handler at the Expo. LOL!

Or a personal assistant to carry our loot. . .

I don't want to wait 37 more days. Can't we just be doing this NOW?!

I got some work to do first, but I'd gladly skip it all first.

Remind me to tell you how I kind of ended up at Tokyo Dining by accident one night for Illuminations.

That sounds interesting. And possibly very pretty

YAY! And BRRR!

 

[creativeamanda]

Last week, training came to a higher point, with the required run being this:

11 miles, which I did really, really slowly. Im trying not for speedwork, but to work on the endurance. I have started using KTTape on the long runs, and did you know what your leg looks like with that tape after you pull it off?

Thats some interesting tan line there.

I also have to mention that it was really warm last weekend, and hence the shorts. It was actually kind of awesome, until I tried to run outside at 2 in the afternoon with the temp being 80+. Yeah, thats not a great idea. Last summer I ran a lot, but its been a long time since I conditioned in that, and it gets really uncomfortable. I cant imagine how it felt for the Marathon weekend, because that was the same weekend I was running.

So, onto IT band pain.

I had some, closer to 8 miles, which is better than last ½ marathon. Instead of pushing through, I started walking, which is the real reason for the slower pace at the end. I headed home for this:

An ice bath. Ive been told by my friends who are athletic trainers that this was a good method to deal with pain, and so I tried it. I must say that I was stiff for about an hour, but this really did aid in recovery and I was able to go through my day normally afterwards. I would love it if Tink and I were near the ice machine for our trip, because Id fill up a cooler and make a small ice bath after the half for myself.

I did pretty good for most of the runthe green is where my running was faster than the previous mile, called a negative split.

Of course, the 1433 was due to walking the last two miles, so I just need to work more on the IT Band.

That, of course, is the last of the 80 degree weekends for some time:

Which is fine with me, because I like running in the 60 degree weather better.

Yesterday when I went out, it was in this:

A three mile run became 5. Very pleasant.

In trip planning news, I got some Mickey Mail this week!

That was at 29 days out, which is typically where Ive gotten it recently.

In the planning itself, I left you all with meeting up with Nikki on February 21. That morning, I have rope drop at Epcot. Itll be my last meal on the DDP, as Ill be doing Tokyo Dining the evening before oop. I do think there is a possibility Ill cancel that Tokyo Dining, as Im also wondering if I really just want to grab a few things in the World Showcase, but Ill play that one by ear. Anyway, the meal for that night is Cape May Café, which I just reviewing on my dining review. Nikki and I plan on having a few drinks around the world that evening. Im thinking of four in Epcot, and I dont know which one will be the night before. . .

1. Grey Goose Slushie (Wine stand in France)

Ive had this every trip since 2009. No need to stop now.

2. Patron Lime Margarita (Margarita Stand in Mexico)

This one could be traded out for a better idea from Tink, Im sure.

3. Pomegranate Margarita (Margarita stand in Mexico)

Definitely a must for me. But warning. Dont drink a Grey Goose Slushie, this, and then go on the Orange side of Mission: SPACE. I have good reason for that warning.

4. Italian Margarita (Italy)
Ive never had one, but Tink has suggested it, so I need to try.

On February 22, we have the Expo at Coronado Springs. I think we are going to get there early (I hope). I am possibly going to drive (what do you think, Nikki) so we can be a little slower finishing with our breakfasts and stow away our loot without carrying it on buses.
Then, I plan to spend time at Magic Kingdom. I am thinking even if my plans say something else, that would be a good day for watching the afternoon parade with corn dog nuggets and French fries. No commando, just calm day. Because the next day, the races begin! Dinner that night is at Ohana, and I havent told Tink (Guess I am now), but we may have a short meet up with clanmccollough, who I met on my solo trip by chance in 2009 and I did the Soarin stampede with her, her beautiful daughters and husband.

Coming up. . .Tinkerbellish skirt and RACE DAYS!

 

[Ariel484]

Hooray for ice baths and Mickey Mail! I forget, do you have a foam roller? That really helps the IT Band a LOT.

Wow, those drinks sure do look good...I never got my slushie on this trip in France. So sad. That Pomegranate Margarita looks mighty tasty too! There's another in Italy I've heard about...I think it's called a bellini? Something about peach and champagne. I may need you to do some research for me!

Lots of good plans here!