Hey Princess Pals!
Sorry it's taking me so long to reacclimate -- here is my imitation of a RR...cross-posted from the Leanies...
I keep thinking about starting this post, and then I have to do something, and then it doesnt happen because I realize I dont have enough time
so this time Im typing it in Word and then Ill paste it when Im done. That way I can leave it if needed and come back until I finally have the entire post!
This was my first solo trip, so I had a lot to think about and process, as well as the race. It kind of merges together into a combined solo trip/race report. An inauspicious start, my flight was delayed out of Boston because we had a air conditioning problem (i.e. it didnt work), and then we lost our place in line. At this point I wasnt too stressed. I had just scored big getting 18 Rabbits granola bars at the airport to have for breakfast every day, so that was a win! You cant get them in stores around here, only at the airport, so I already had a treat in place. Anyway, after going down the wrong side of the terminal, I finally found my way to Magic Express so I could wait in a very long line. I just made it on the next bus, and I was on my way to the All Star Sports Resort. I checked in and found my room on the 3rd floor of one of the Touchdown! (football) buildings, facing the football field. Not a bad location, and it was a bright sunny 80+, much nicer than the 30s I left at home.
I went to the food court and had a turkey sandwich kids meal. My strategy was to eat kids meals for lunch, but it turned out not to be the best one. The turkey part was fine, the hamburger bun was less than thrilling. I had double grapes with it, so not too bad. And I bought a refillable mug, so I could have unlimited light Minute Maid lemonade and unsweetened tea. Then it was time to head for the Expo! Keep in mind the only big Expo Ive ever been to before is for WDW Marathon Weekend in January. I was surprised that this Expo was a bit smaller (packet pickup and the vendors all in the same building), but there was still plenty to see! I was ecstatic to find myself in Corral D. Since they were running A-F, I figured this put me right where I should be. Another WISHer online had said Track Shack (who runs the race) had D at 2:51-2:59, which was definitely my goal range.
I didnt find anything I needed with the various vendors, but I did stop at the
Disney store. I bought 2 bondibands, a singlet and a long-sleeved shirt. They had a great variety of merchandise, and I noticed right away they had more in larger (i.e. not just XS, S and M) sizes.
After making my purchases I headed back to the resort, and my luggage had arrived! I unpacked, and did a little walk around the resort. I liked the big sports icons, and I noticed teenage cheerleaders and football players strolling around. Soon my buddy Corinna arrived, and we headed over to the Wave at the Contemporary for dinner. It was great to catch up with her, and I tried really hard to make good choices for dinner. I had a buffalo mozzarella flatbread (ok, but not really yummy), and a bowl of butternut squash soup (delicious!). And that was it. I was comfortable, and didnt mind skipping dessert. I made it a relatively early night, and slept ok. The bed was not particularly comfortable, and I was up at 7. Which turned out to be a good thing, since the cheerleaders started practicing outside my door at 8
I took myself for a tour of the other All Star Resorts. I really liked the giant icons at All Star Movies. I dont think I could stay at All Star Music, because if I got stuck in the Country Fair section I might do someone bodily harm if I had to listen to that music all day. Yep, there is music playing from each of the buildings reflecting their design. After my tour, I hopped a bus to DTD. I had to stop in at the Christmas store, but nothing new since Jan. I went into Once Upon a Toy, and bought a Goofy as Chewbacca for my son. I was starting to get hungry, so I headed over to Fresh A Peel (where Mickey Ds used to be). I had a citrus grilled chicken salad that was absolutely delicious! I asked for very light dressing, and found the meal to be perfect and filling. After a swing through the World of Disney, quick stop in Ghirardelli for espresso beans for dh, and quick look at Tren-D, I headed back to my resort.
I got changed and ready for the WISH Meet. I was really looking forward to this, I had several ladies from the BL I had never met in person, and I kind of felt like Corinna and I encouraged them to do this race, so I wanted to make sure I met them! The Meet was lovely, also got to catch up with Ohana cousins JenB and Kathy and meet Ohana and BL buddy Rose (and Mike!), all in all a fantastic time. So, after the Meet Corinna and JenB and I went to the Swan or Dolphin (I think Dolphin, but honestly, Im not sure which one I was in
) and ate at a Buffeteria. I was able to get just a slab of lasagna, and then we had soft serve ice cream. By the time I made it back to my room it was about 9. I quickly set out my race stuff, put my D-tag on, and I was ready for sleep. Well, sort of. Remember this past summer when I had to stop running because I had too much bacteria on my eyes? I was having a relapse, and it wasnt pretty. I went to bed not sure if I would be able to even get my contacts in the next morning, but I was determined to run in glasses if I couldnt. Luckily for me when Stitch called at 3am, the contacts went in ok. I dressed, grabbed my stuff, and was out the door around 3:30. What a huge line had already gathered for the buses! Id never seen anything like it in January, but then again Ive never left from a Value before. I opted to leave behind my throwaway jacket, just taking my Mylar blanket from January. I had no problem getting into a port-a-pottie right away, but I never found the WISH folks. I went down to my corral and settled near the front. The wait didnt seem too bad, and we were off!
I felt good at the start, which is a great sign. Once again I managed not to see the clock when I crossed the start, so I wouldnt really know how I was doing until I hit Mile 2. I should also say that while there were a great many ladies in costumes (and some fellas), there were also plenty of runners like me, in regular, non-sparkly attire. I seemed to be hitting splits around 12minutes at Miles 2-4, so I felt pretty good about things. Made it through the toll at MK, so on a roll! Approaching the Contemporary the sun came up, which was not quite so good. This was going to be a record high day in Orlando, and it started early
still feeling pretty good, but I could feel myself slowing a bit. Lovely run through MK as usual, and then to the narrows and the long stretch of pavement and sun. By the time I hit Mile 10, I knew it wasnt going to end pretty. I just kept going as fast as I could. I think my last 2 miles probably took 15 minutes each, but I knew that with my great start, I could still have a PR, so I kept pushing. I crossed the finish line in 2:52, a full 4 minutes faster than January!
I was so pleased and I do think if the sun hadnt been so incredibly hot, I might have been even faster!
After a 20 minute massage, I found the other WISHers at the T-Z tent. We had some group photos, and then back to the hotel. I was quite surprised to find I actually felt pretty good, like I didnt need a long nap. I took a shower and had a little rest, then met up with Corinna and we went to Epcot. After splitting a veggie wrap at Sunshine Seasons, we did a KimPossible mission in France, and listened to the Voices of Liberty in America. We had a delightful peach tea schnapps slush in China, and headed for the buses to make our way to AKL. We met Rose and Mike for dinner at Boma, and I was very restrained. Then we all went to JellyRolls, where we met JenB. I had never been there before, but Im already planning to go back! The dueling request pianos were so much fun! I didnt ask for a song, but I will the next time I go. I was just so tired, but we were dancing, we did a conga line to Copacabana it was a great time had by all!
I got back to my room and went to bed at Midnight. I was up for 21 hours Sunday
and I think Im now just starting to feel normal. Nevertheless, I popped up at 7am Monday and met Corinna for breakfast. Then we parted ways so she could pack and catch her flight. I went to the Animal Kingdom, just making it in before EMH ended. This turned out great, it allowed me to get on the safari before the hordes hit. After the safari I did the rainforest trek, then I meandered to Kali River Rapids, and did it for the first time. Meh. Then I grabbed a vanilla rooibos tea, and warmed up. Just as I was finishing my tea, it was time for Finding Nemo. Id never seen the musical either, so I took a seat. It was cute, I thought it was very well done. Then I went to ride Dinosaur, and had a grilled barbecue chicken salad at Flaming Tree Barbecue, which was yummy. Then I took a turn around the Tree of Life, Id never been on the back side before. I decided I was going to try to do something new at every Park this trip, and so far Id succeeded in AK and Epcot Id never done a KimPossible Mission, either. I came back to the hotel and had a quick rest, then it was off to the MK for the evening.
I had a list of a few things to accomplish, since some upgrades had been made since I was last at the MK. But I decided to start it off my doing something I hadnt done since ds was 4, the train ride. It was pleasant, and over before too long. Then I grabbed a fast pass for Space after riding the People Mover, and rode Its a Small World and Mickeys Philharmagic. I really wanted to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade since Id never seen it before, so I had a seat close to the front of the sidewalk and enjoyed it. Then I rode Pirates and the Jungle Cruise (never ridden after dark before), and Big Thunder Mountain during Wishes, which was pretty cool. I also did the revamped Haunted Mansion. I was just so tired, I couldnt make it to the Hall of Presidents. I decided to adapt my plans for the next day to come back to just do that.
I awoke early again Tuesday so I could get to Epcot for EMH. It was pouring and nasty, but I had a poncho and I was determined to enjoy my day. I was planning 3 Parks today, so I had to be efficient. I rode Soarin and got a fastpass for later, then it was off to Mission Space orange side, of course! I was a little skeptical because of the rain (still raining and pouring in spurts), but I got in line for Test Track. I did eventually ride, but we were stuck on the course inside for awhile, while they waited for the pouring to die down. Then back to Soarin. Still raining, so I did Living with the Land. Then it was clearing up, and World Showcase had opened. I headed for Norway and did the Maelstrom. Ive never stayed for the movie after before turns out that was a good choice. Then on to Germany, where I was going to buy a caramel apple but when it came right down to it, I looked at them and I just didnt want one it just looked like too much for me. So, I went to the American Adventure and watched it for the first time. Ok, one inaccuracy I have to point out John Adams never said Thomas Jefferson was a better writer than he was. He actually thought the opposite. In any case, then I was starving, having aborted the caramel apple lunch plan. I went to France and selected a turkey and brie on French bread. I was standing in line to pay when guess who found me? Mike and Rose! It was great to run into them again, and I was so glad I had passed on the chocolate mousse! It looked good, but like too much. This was my usual response with the desserts this week, so I didnt end up really eating them, just a half a carrot cake cookie. Anyway, tummy filled I wandered to England to go through the garden in back (another thing I never did), then it was off to DHS.
I was going for one reason, to see Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, which I had never seen. I got there 10 minutes after the start, so I decided to hang around for the next show. I did the Great Movie Ride, and Prince Caspian (for the first and only time, trust me), and then I was able to get in line for the show. It worked its magic on me, I just love Belle
Anyway, I didnt see any other reason to hang around the Studios, so I took the bus to the TTC, and then the monorail to MK.
My first stop at MK was Columbia Harbor House, which was closed
so I ended up eating at Starlight Rays. Here is where I totally fell off the wagon. I had chicken breast nuggets and fries. This was my only clear indulgence of the trip, so I consider that massive progress. After being sated, I headed off for the Hall of Presidents. I liked the update and enjoyed the show. Then one last ride on the PeopleMover, and I left the MK for the resort. I got back and packed while I watched the rest of BL, and went to bed. I had to drop my luggage before 7 and catch the ME at 7:05, so I wanted to be up early.
I took some last photos of the resort, and headed out for the airport. My flight was uneventful, other than JetBlue moving to a terminal where they dont have McDonalds (so no planned oatmeal for breakfast but I did find another 18 Rabbits bar!). It was great to be home, but I was so tired, I couldnt really have a coherent thought, and I had to go to work the next day.
Since then Ive been catching up on sleep, I ran 2M Thurs., 3M Fri., and 4M yesterday, and Im taking today off. Yesterday we went to a
AAA travel show to book a cruise as a gift for my dads 75th birthday, and to get information on a drive vacation to Canada.
So, for the big result I weighed in at WW yesterday, and I was down 2.4!
I could not believe it! I am so pleased to have finally lost weight after a WDW vacation! This brings me to a total of 14.6 lbs in 6 weeks, which feels awesome.
I have truly written a book here, and now I have to go to church. Hope everyone is doing great, I promise to have replies soon!
Maria
We stayed in Epcot til after 8, but left before illuminations to beat the crowd. I was like a zombie by the time we got back to our room that night. 
I'm going to attempt a couple of miles either tomorrow or Sunday.
I'm sure it will be great, but I am a little nervous. There is a huge group from his work running (a couple hundred people), so there will be a party of sorts afterward. They have their own recovery area, etc. And that night there is a concert. A bunch of Wishers are running, so I think it will be fun!
) and achy body. The hardest part is that I am working (yes, they all know I am sick but want me in if I can be). By the time I got home yesterday, I was shaking and felt horrible. Thankfully the fever broke last night and even though I feel a bit better today, I still feel super weak and achy. Not a fun way to come home.
You used it in perfect context too.
Glad you had such a great trip. I am trying to hang onto my disney high too.
I think you should go for it!
It has me feeling a bit depressed and lazy. I want to run outside in shorts and a tank top. I need a temper tantrum smiley!!!!!!
I think it will be nice to do a race where you get to sleep in your own bed the night before, too!
