That sounds so neat! I still wouldn't even enter a walking race. Not to sound lazy or anything (cause I'm not) but I don't even like to walk. I mean, we go on walks to the playground and around the block in the summer, but that's not too bad. Disney is the only place I'll happily walk at all day long.
It really is a neat thing! Haha--no worries. You're obviously not lazy at all since you're a dancer--dancing is SUCH a good workout! But I know that walking/running is NOT for everyone. My mom wouldn't run for anything.
I started training about 4 months before the half I had signed up for (I wasn't even running when I signed up for the half, I just figured I'm too cheap to fork over the money and then not do it so that was extra motivation). I couldn't even really do the training program at first as, like I said, I couldn't even do 10 minutes! But I gradually added more time. It really is a great book. There's a few times of reading it that it'll be so inspirational that you'll be like "Yes! I can do this! I want to go run right now!!" . The guy that wrote the book (who's done LOTS of marathons/halves/10k's/etc.) says that he runs kind of like that, something like he runs for 15-20 minutes and then walks a minute. I had a huge problem with my knees when I first started (I think I wasn't building up slowly enough), but I just made sure I took an anti-inflammatory and iced them after I ran and now I hardly ever have problems (I also have nights when I need to get my run in but if I have any pain in my knees I don't push it). I think it's funny that when I was in high school I thought anyone could do a mile in 7 minutes! Now I'm doing 12. But it is so fun and the races have such a feel of community, people you never met cheering you on like they were your best friend, people talking to you before and after the race. The atmosphere is just electric at races. There's a fellow DIS'er with the User name heatherlynn444 and her and her husband do runs together (she's a teacher that tries to fit in Bible study, classes, runs, etc.!) that has a really great running blog, here's the
link. I find on days when I don't feel like running I read her blog and then it re-motivates me

. I will let you know when I start my PTR (probably right after April 3rd as that's when I'm able to make my ADR's). Oh, also you can find half marathon relays where you enter as a team and your husband would run half and then you would run the other half, so that's always an option too!
I should get that book in the mail early next week at the latest. I can't wait!! Thanks so much for recommending it. And it's awesome to hear your running testimony. I really, really want to run a half! Michael and I decided last night that we'll commit to running the 5K at the church camp we take our kids to in June, and then we're going to try to run a 10K for the 4th of July run here in town. I'd love to be able to run a half either next April or next (it's really tough because Michael has to work Sundays, and most of the races are on Sunday mornings). Haha--I know! I used to think that since I ran a mile in under 7 minutes in Cross-Country, I could do that forever. YEAH RIGHT!

We're satisfied with 11 minute miles now. And I'm sure that when we start running more than 3, we'll be even slower than that. Let me know how your race that's coming up goes! And I can't wait for you to start your PTR.

I'll have to look into those partner halfs! Maybe they'll have one close to us...
I've always enjoyed this thread because of the trip updates, but now I am getting motivated by it. My DH and I started running and it has been difficult for me and I really wanted to give up. But now I am inspired to keep trying. We are using the 'couch to 5k' method. Hopefully I'll be doing a half marathon some time in the future (way - way in the future). Thanks for the running testimonials!
I'm getting inspired too!

I'm so glad it's helped to re-inspire you. And that's awesome that you and your DH are running together. Michael and I love it when we go. I know it'll be tons of fun to do races together. Do you have a specific race you're training for? Good luck as you keep on running!! And I don't know if you have bikes or not, but we've started riding some, and it's great since it's not hard on your back. Maybe you could do that on some non-running days.
Just got all caught up with your TR, I am really enjoying it! I have stayed at Ak twice when I was a CM at AK (that is how I knew about the eggs). We are DVC members so this will be the first time staying at Kidani!!

We always go in Oct for F&W and I agree I love the decorations. It seems like you guys had a really good time, and I love how much you love the world! Since you enjoy Ak so much I wanted to share some photos with you from when I got married, I got ready at AK:
Oh wow--you had a lot of reading to do! Thanks so much for reading along!

How long were you a CM? What an incredible experience! Michael and I want to retire and then work at Disney someday. I've heard so many great things about Kidani. My cousin is staying there next month, and she's SOO excited! Are you going to do a TR? Oh my goodness--we had a fantastic time. We really couldn't have asked for a better vacation.
Your pictures are absolutely GORGEOUS!

What an incredible place to get ready and take bridal portraits! Where did you get married? There are so many places at WDW that would be wonderful for a wedding.
Good for you!!

It is so difficult sometimes. I wanted to quit several times before my first (I don't know why I didn't start off with a 5 or 10k

) and there were many days/nights where I JUST DIDN'T WANT TO RUN. So I would tell myself I didn't have to do what I was supposed to do, if it was a night I was going to run for 45 minutes I would tell myself I could do 15 and then stop if I wanted. Most of the time I would get to the 15 minutes and think to myself I might as well do the rest, or I would tell myself I'll do 5 more minutes and then I'll see how I feel, and some nights I would just stop after the 15 and figure tomorrow's another day. I think the worst part is just letting the days get away from you without doing anything and next thing you know it's been a week and you haven't even attempted to run. It isn't always fun but I promise it's worth it if you're prepared on race day!
**And I'll stop hijacking the TR now
No worries!! Hijack away!

It's helping to motivate me. I really, really want to get back to where I can run and run and run. It used to be no big deal to run 5 miles, and now I'm dying after 2. Waiting a week or more between runs is what kills us. We have to just commit to getting out there and running--even if we don't feel like it!
Another great update! And more awesome photopass pictures...do you guys *ever* take a bad photo??!! I'll say it again...your CD was the deal of the century!
Interesting take on Boma. We plan on dining here for breakfast on our upcoming trip. I keep hearing raves about it - hopefully it is more impressive for breakfast than supper. And hopefully there is no ginger in the eggs!
I completely love OMD too. It is right up there with TSM and TOT for me. Seriously! I love the feeling you get after walking out of the film.
Thank goodness you didn't wait 1 1/2 hours for Fantasmic. I have never waited more than 20 minutes, and have always had amazing seats. Thank goodness because I don't think I would have seen it if I had to wait over an hour!
Those photos of the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach are making me so excited for our upcoming trip. I love this area at nite!
Too bad the transportation didn't work out for you going home. But at least the cab wasn't too expensive.
Can't wait to hear all about your final day, but at the same time, I am very sad that your report is coming to an end!
Aw, thanks so much! Haha--YES. I just don't post those!

We did get a fantastic PP deal, though. We literally stopped at almost every single PP photographer we saw! We wanted to make sure we got a lot.
We actually had breakfast at Boma on our last morning (the next post). I'll write all about our experiences then, but I'll tell you now that it was much more impressive than dinner. And, no ginger in the eggs!

I'm sure yall will love it.
OMD was definitely one of our favorites. We're just nerds like that. It's fun to see that so many other people like it, though! And I would have been REALLY frustrated if I'd waited 1.5 hours for Fantasmic because it really wasn't that great in our opinion.
It was so gorgeous to look out over the lake and see the Yacht and Beach clubs all lit up. They do such a good job with the resorts. Your trip is coming up soon!! Are you going to write a TR?
Yeah, we were thankful that the cab wasn't super pricey. It was definitely worth it. A 2 hour round trip to DTD and back to the resort was NOT our definition of a fantastic last night! I'm excited/sad to write about the last day! It was a great day, but it's sad that this is coming to a close. I don't know what I'll do when I can't write about our trip anymore--especially since we have no clue when we'll be back to WDW!
AnimalPrincess - your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
I agree!
I can see your pictures for some reason today! Work is so weird.
I agree with you about Fantasmic. I've seen it a couple times but have skipped it on my last couple of trips. I'm just not all that impressed with it. The first time I saw it, I found it a little boring. I feel the same way about Illuminations too. I think part of what I don't like about Fantasmic, is that once it's over, everyone is leaving the park at the same time and your walking with hundreds upon hundreds of people. I feel like I can't move!
Boma looks nice but I don't know if I'll ever eat there! I've wanted to try it but...I don't know how much I'll like the food!
Beach Club is BEAUTIFUL. It's much quieter than the Boardwalk side and you're still in a great location. Loved it when I stayed there.
That's so crazy! Sometimes our internet spazzes out and we can't get on anything--at all. And then sometimes it works fine, but just blocks the "normal" stuff.
We agree. They both last a little too long. Both of the shows have really cool effects, but they drag them out to the point where you forget how cool they are. It's just not something we want to fight crowds to see again.
You might really enjoy Boma. I know that a lot of people love it. Michael liked it more than I did, but it was still both of our least favorites. But my cousin's family thinks it's the greatest restaurant at WDW!
I think that if Michael and I ever stayed at an Epcot resort, Beach Club would be our choice. It looks absolutely gorgeous. And it's close enough to walk over to the BW if you ever want to... But it might be REALLY hard to get Michael to stay anywhere else, because he loved AKL sooooo much!
Hey Staci-
Great updates as usual.
I am really looking forward to seeing the Nemo show at AK. We missed it last time I and i KNOW it will turn out to be one of our favorites also. Your pictures look amazing and just made me wish I was already there.
Too bad you didn't enjoy your Boma meal though. We are eating over there on our third night and I cannot wait to try one of those zebra domes. And now that you mentioned it I will look for the pineapple cheesecake too!
You know what? The Great Movie Ride is not my favorite either but I guess you have to do it at least once, right?
AND I think your 14 bucks were well spent on your way back to the hotel.
Have a great weekend!
Q
Hi Queila! Thanks so much. You will LOVE love LOVE the Nemo show!!

It is just fantastic! Beatriz will be in love with the puppets. It's a great show.
If you like sweet things, you'll probably love the Zebra Domes! They're too rich for me, but tons of people love them. I'm more of a fruity dessert person, so the pineapple cheesecakes were SOOO good to me!
I agree. I'm glad we tried it because now we know that we don't like it. There are still a few things that we didn't get a chance to try this trip, and we'll have to try them next time. But I think everything needs to be experienced at least once!
Yes--the $14 were more than worth it. Thanks so much! It was a really good weekend. I hope yours was great as well!