(Final 8/12)The WILDEST Ride in the Wilderness!" Princess Half Marathon TR/Feb.2014

[Trentmom]

Thanks! I'm excited to share the race!



I can't see it?? Which pic?



I don't sleep well to begin with, so the night before a race...not so much!

I'm really excited about doing Alice! You should find a way to come visit Nicole and I at AKL and eat at Boma!



No sleeping at Disney! We can sleep at home!!!! You are so Jazzirit on this one Nicole!

After the jambo sign, there are 2 lobbies pics.

It is the 2nd lobby pic. When you look at floor, I swear I see half of an old lady's face, mainly her eyes.

You are probably going think I am nuts now

 

[stacy~**]

Ok...thank goodness for your insomnia because those are some of the best AKL pictures EVER. We were in Disney last week and visited AKL (Sanaa! YUM!) for the first time since 2006 and I feel instantly in love. A resort stay is sooo in my future there! Really love your pictures!

So as a new "fangirl" of yours I have to ask if you are vegetarian because you seem to be eating that way. Just curious since I am a vegetarian (well I guess pescetarian since I will eat seafood a few times a year but its pretty rare).

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

After the jambo sign, there are 2 lobbies pics.

It is the 2nd lobby pic. When you look at floor, I swear I see half of an old lady's face, mainly her eyes.

You are probably going think I am nuts now

Totally don't think you are nuts...I think I'm just blind. I am one of those people that stare at those hidden pictures forever and can't see anything and get a blazing headache!

Ok...thank goodness for your insomnia because those are some of the best AKL pictures EVER. We were in Disney last week and visited AKL (Sanaa! YUM!) for the first time since 2006 and I feel instantly in love. A resort stay is sooo in my future there! Really love your pictures!

So as a new "fangirl" of yours I have to ask if you are vegetarian because you seem to be eating that way. Just curious since I am a vegetarian (well I guess pescetarian since I will eat seafood a few times a year but its pretty rare).

Yes maam! Savannah & I are both vegetarians.

 

[ZellyB]

Those shots of AKL are just beautiful!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Those shots of AKL are just beautiful!

Thank you!

 

[Careree22]

I am really enjoying your TR so far! You don't look old enough to be your daughters mother

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I am really enjoying your TR so far! You don't look old enough to be your daughters mother

Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE!!! Thanks!!!

 

[annmarieda]

In the last update, I was sitting by the pool with my runner blogger friends, waiting for Kim, an old friend of mine, to arrive at Pop. A little funny. We had JUST been talking about how we sometimes felt a little "famous" because of our blogs, sometimes you don't realize people are reading your blog...you just think you are writing to yourself. Anyway, we had just been talking about that and out of nowhere this woman walks up and is like "Are you KAREN from Losing the Glass Slippers?"

I was so blown away that someone recognized me! I chatted with Wendy a bit and she told me she loved my blog and how we had some things in common. It was so funny b/c she realized why the other ladies were giggling and said "Am I your FIRST?!?!?" I was like, YEP! First fangirl!

That is so cool!!!

It was nice and relaxing to just jump in Kim's van and drive to AKL. We thought we might not find a parking spot, the lot was pretty full, but we found one and headed inside. Ahhh, I love everything about this place from the bamboo to the woodwork, to the music.

Just in case you don't know this... like I didn't... and if it applies to you or anyone in your party. If you have a TIW card, you get free valet parking when you go for dinner at any of the resorts. I can't tell you how many times in January that would have been helpful... either a full parking lot or running late or just not wanting to park in the back 40.

I have to share a few of my AKL shots from my trip with Rey. This trip was a princess trip and I really didn't spend a lot of time on my photography, but these are worth sharing b/c AKL is just a stunning resort to shoot. Stacy, you know how I was telling you that I have insomnia? That came in handy for this shot at 3am. I laid on the ground to take a few of these and I think the one person behind the desk must have thought I was nuts!

As always, I adore your pictures. You make an already amazing resort look even more amazing!!!

Ahhhh, I'm so excited to stay here again for PHM 2015!!! One more, my favorite Savanna shot from that trip with Rey:

It is on my list too! Maybe for the donald... or even perhaps for part of the ToT trip... perhaps even for the phm. Who knows... all I do know is I can't wait to stay there again too!!

I LOVE Boma. This was my third time eating there, and it did not disappoint. Everyone loved dinner and I did take one shot with my phone because my camera didn't have a wide enough lens to get all this food! Bwhahahaaaaa! Don't judge, I was carb-loading for the race!!

It is my last big meal I have before each race I have done (all 4 of them ..well and the first one was really the last dinner since I opted with a big lunch instead of a dinner the day of the ToT) Still, it is an amazing prerace meal for me. Now if they just don't go and close it like they are doing with my post race I will be happy.

I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be, but I was ready to go to bed at 8pm. Kim laid down with me and the girls went off to the arcade for a bit. In hindsight that was probably a mistake, I couldn't sleep heavy wondering where Savannah was...but I'm used to no sleep!

Good for you getting in bed so early!!! I really wanted to in January. Best laid plans...

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

The Race recaps have arrived!!! I have to say ahead of time that I'm copying and pasting this (well, except for the photos, which I have to insert) from my race report on my blog. I couldn't possibly recreate the recap any better and don't really want to type out the whole story again! I did add a few things here and there when reading back over it, but it's mostly the same. So here we go!!!...(oh first, just a little update to the night of sleep)...

Savannah & Eleanor, it turned out, were actually outside the room just sitting and chatting, but I could not sleep soundly with her not in the room. After sleeping of and on until around 10-10:30, I texted her to come inside. They settled in and then some kid ran down the hall banging on windows. I guess I probably didn't help the situation by decorating our window and drawing attention to it. So...not much sleep!

Princess Half Marathon Race Recap, Part 1! Sunday, February 23rd, 2014...

I've done race recaps, but not of this magnitude, so I thought I would just start talking and see what comes out. That's pretty normal for me anyway! LOL.

I had gone over this night of sleep in my head a million times and it went about like I thought it would. Broken sleep the whole time with me finally waking up at 1:40, twenty minutes before the alarms went off. I crept out of bed and started going over my list and getting ready. Oh and I made coffee! Kim had brought her coffee maker, life saver! I'm normally an extremely early riser, so I had no problems with feeling tired. I ate some yogurt and a few mini Babycakes cupcakes. Yep. Cupcakes before a race. I probably shouldn't have since cupcakes aren't what I normally eat, but I don't usually have stomach issues. Took my obligatory selfie and was pretty pleased with my Cinderella costume!

I did my normal morning routine as well as I could, but I found myself shaking as I was trying to get my bib just perfect. I wasn't shaking because I was worried about the race, I was anxious about TIME and didn't want to be late. I was supposed to meet April at the bus stop. As soon as I walked out the door to head for the bus at about 2:50, I felt much better. I ran into April on the path to the bus. Perfect timing, I should have expected this from my twinkie. We walked over and straight onto the bus that had just pulled up, front seat even. One had pulled away as we were walking up and it wasn't even 3 am, so I'm not sure if they are running buses even earlier now?

dark selfie on the bus (NicoleTweedleDum, we'll have one of these next year!)

I was talking a mile a minute, nerves I suppose, but I talk a mile a minute on a normal day, so maybe not. I do know that this would have been a completely different experience if I had been alone and I was so glad to have company! I remember saying I didn't feel as nervous as just that everything was SURREAL. We had no issues with traffic and arrived at Epcot...er...I don't know when. I realized later that I never once looked at the time, not even in the corral.

Bananas! (I never did eat mine...)

medals!

We got in line almost right away so that we could get some photos with the backdrops. The line moved fairly fast and I loved the music/DJ. I didn't feel like I was waiting, which I hate to do, btw. It was truly surreal. I could not believe after a year of dreaming of this, it was here. It felt more like a party than me getting ready for a race!

We took photos with one backdrop, took a quick potty break with absolutely no lines (no clue where that shot is, but I took one) and then jumped back in the other photo line! These photos aren't the kind of quality I like, but honestly, it was so much fun, I just wanted to capture the moment. I did see someone who had their dslr and then bag checked it. If I get crazy enough I could do that next time. (ahem...yes, there will be a next time!)

I have no idea what I'm laughing at, but I was having fun! About to run a half marathon? Who, me?

I'm sorry, did I say there were going to be a million parts to this race recap? I meant a million and one. Right after we finished up with pics, we found Rachel! Actually, I think she found us, but who's keeping track here anyway? Time for more pictures then!!

Ok, there's a method to this madness. First of all, I always take a lot of photos, it's just what I do. It also helps me focus and calms my nerves. I wasn't feeling too nervous but maybe that's because I was having fun taking photos. I'm sharing so many with you, however, because it will be the last time you see me looking fairly cute and put together. The remainder of this race recap will be filled with my dripping sweaty bangs, red face, and look of death! I have to at least post some photos to offset that, right?

We walked over to see if we could find any of the group photos that were taking place, that was harder than I thought. So many people! In the meantime, I was texting with Jessica so I could get a special photo for Savannah.

After I got this shot, it was time to head to the corrals! Already?!?! I'm torn on whether to continue or start part 2 here. Hmmmm... I think I will end with us headed to the corrals.

I took a pic of the now-crazy-line PP's that April and I had used with no lines earlier. We decided to use the ones out by the corrals when we got there.

I wasn't surprised at the walk, I had read about it many times, and enjoyed it. It helped warm up my muscles a bit. I was so excited!

Before I knew it, we were at the area where they split the corrals off and we headed towards F. I was pretty lucky to have someone I knew in the same corral as me. I might have been more nervous about where to go and what to do, but instead I just followed April around like a puppydog.

Up next...my run-in with a port-a-potty.

There were curse words!

 

[annmarieda]

Your costume is so adorable! You hair is super cute! Great job putting that all together!!!

Also great job getting out to the bus early. When I did the phm last year, I knew that getting there early was important so that I wouldn't have to wait for a bus. Easy to do when you aren't dragging a sleepy dh with you... PHM, I made it to the bus early without any trouble. For the donald, we had to wait for additional buses and through a line to get on. Next time I do an early morning disney race in FL, I plan to make it on that early bus!!

Can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[ZellyB]

Adore your costume! You look so cute, head to toe. Isn't the energy around the start area so fun? I love all the anticipation and excitement. Can't wait to read more.

 

[Victoriasmom98]

so you cursed at a port-a-potty???!!!! This should be good!!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Your costume is so adorable! You hair is super cute! Great job putting that all together!!!

Thanks Ann! I spent months trying to make it just right and it paid off, it was very comfortable to run in!

Also great job getting out to the bus early. When I did the phm last year, I knew that getting there early was important so that I wouldn't have to wait for a bus. Easy to do when you aren't dragging a sleepy dh with you... PHM, I made it to the bus early without any trouble. For the donald, we had to wait for additional buses and through a line to get on. Next time I do an early morning disney race in FL, I plan to make it on that early bus!!

Can't wait to read more!!!!

Thanks! I'm an earlybird, I just can't help it. I hate being late, so it usually makes me really early for stuff. More updates coming up soon! Like tonight!

Adore your costume! You look so cute, head to toe. Isn't the energy around the start area so fun? I love all the anticipation and excitement. Can't wait to read more.

Thank you! Yes, I felt like I was at a party or something, I loved all the music and seeing all the costumes. I barely felt like I was getting ready to run.

so you cursed at a port-a-potty???!!!! This should be good!!!

Oh yes, we had words. LOUD ones!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

At this rate I might post the whole thing today.

Princess Half Marathon Recap Part 2:

So where was I? Oh yes, out to the corrals we went! I will say that I was super impressed at this point with how RunDisney organized all this. 20+ thousand people and everything seemed to run really smooth. This could just be my perspective because I have spent the last couple years reading about this race and have come across some horror stories, so I was happily impressed.

When we arrived to the corrals, we got in an actual line for the port-a-potties this time. It looked big, but moved pretty fast. The smell wasn't pleasant, but I'm oversensitive to smells already.

This was what it looked like when I turned back to where we had come from. Masses of people still coming into the corrals. I thought this was so cool. Crowds usually bother me, but I was on cloud nine and loved the energy that all the people brought to this event. Everyone was in such great spirits, I've never just struck up conversations with strangers like I did during this race. Yes, even in the port-a-potty line!

So if you aren't a runner, this may be TMI for you. If you are...then TMI doesn't exist and you'll be ok with this next part! I get up to the front and realize that I do have to go...uh...#2. No problem, I was just happy that I decided to get in line when I did. I go in, sit down, do my business quickly (I'm fast like that, don't hate me) and reach for the toilet paper. Nothing. "WHAT THE F*#$*@!!! NO TOILET PAPER?!?!" I actually yelled that outloud. It never occurred to me for some reason that the toilet paper would run out? I briefly panicked, thinking I would have to run a race after not using toilet paper, but I figured it out pretty quickly. I ripped the cardboard roll off and used that. Just to make it a bit worse, Kim, being the amazing thoughtful friend she is, had woken up in the middle of the night to add toilet paper to my list of things to bring. What had I done with it? I blew my nose with it. Doh!

When I got out of the PP, April said "Was that you?!" LOL...she heard me from the stall she was in. Just like me to cause a scene at the port-a-potties! We headed right over to corral F after that. Haha, just realized...F word and then F corral. We were actually calling it the fantastic, fun, friend corral!

They check your bib as you are going in, I heard stories of people trying to jump corrals, I just don't get it honestly. There are thousands of us, just ENJOY where you are and have fun! I digress...

zoomed a bit to get a shot of all the corral letters ahead

looking behind me

It was pretty full already and I was happy to stay where we were, near the back. It was not long and they were sending off the wheelchairs and first corrals! I was shocked at how fast it went. We must have just had good timing, I thought we would be waiting in the corrals forever. I cannot explain how excited and overwhelmed I was. I remember thinking over and over...I CANNOT BELIEVE I AM HERE FINALLY! It was just amazing.

I had decided to run 5/1 intervals because of my knee injury and April and I were running different intervals, so we wished each other good luck and I popped in one earbud. It was our turn and I had to giggle as I went over the starting line that I was already tearing up. If I was crying already, I would probably be a blubbering mess by the end! The smaller corrals but shorter wait for each to start must have helped because from the get-go I didn't feel overcrowded at all. I was so elated, the moment was here, I was doing it, and it didn't feel real!

I loved the dark. I paced myself and just soaked it all up. I passed the 1 mile marker before I even realized it! April and I played leapfrog for a bit and then I got into my groove and lost her at some point. I realized that I had no interest in stopping for pictures or waiting in lines, but LOVED seeing all the festivities. Cloud nine!! Took a blurry shot of the Pirate ship as I passed.

Side note here for DISers that are reading and wondering my photo plan: I spent countless hours reading reports and trying to decide what characters to stop for. I just wasn't sure which ones I HAD to get and how I would feel. My plan was to at least run through the ones in the dark. I thought I might stop for the villains first. This all went out the window for a few reasons but at the beginning of the race I realized I didn't need the photos. I knew they wouldn't be the quality I wanted anyway and something about watching as I ran by was enough for me. I just didn't feel the need to stop.

I also realized pretty quickly that I had to let go of the photographer in me. This point and shoot, covered in sweat, was not going to take the kind of shots I'm used to. I did decide for a quick pic of mile 2, I think I saw April again at this point, but I was in a haze of excitement and euphoria. And sweat. A haze of sweat. Note about the weather. Florida is humid and I trained in the cold, but I didn't have a single problem with the weather. I sweat buckets no matter what weather I run in and heat/humidity doesn't seem to bother me, other than being soaked in sweat! It was foggy and I really loved it. It helped with the heat and it just made everything a little more *dreamy* for me somehow.

Just realized I must have been delirious already b/c I stood in FRONT of the Donald on the sign.

For those of you that don't know, I was running with a knee injury and a bit of foot tendonitis? I had only gotten up to 10 miles in my training because of my knee pain and my taper was a BIG taper because I was trying to rest it for the race. It was bothering me at this point and the foot as well, but nothing I couldn't handle. I arrived at the Magic Kingdom toll booth and was so excited to take this picture! I actually think this is when I realized the shots wouldn't be the quality I really wanted but I was ok with that. Oh and a side note I just remembered...it was SO COOL to have the monorail drive by and honk as we were running. It was dark and foggy and the monorail would pass by and it blew my mind for some reason. I was running, at Disney, and monorails were passing by! Surreal.

My attempt at a selfie. LOL. I had already taken off my glasses b/c they were sliding, which was a bummer later because I couldn't read any of the fun signs!

When I started running again there was noticeably more pain in my knee. Luckily there was a med tent right after the toll booth and I grabbed some Biofreeze as I ran by the slathered it on my knee. That helped a little. It was about this time I started to have the urge to yell SPARKLESISTER! at every runner I saw with a Sparklekskirt on. I eventually just started doing it. Some people would look at me like I was nuts but most would realize what I was talking about and we would briefly chat about how fabulous they are and how I had one on under my petticoat. I'm sure I looked like a lunatic yelling Sparklesister at people and lifting up my skirt! LOL

I was feeling really good, just the nagging in my knee for the moment and enjoying it all. I had to go back and look at the order of these shots b/c it gets a little muddled in my brain.
Speedway area...

Villains! These were a consideration to stop for when I was planning the race, but I just wasn't feeling that line and I really was just enjoying my run. I loved seeing them from afar and they were playing a Selena Gomez song (Cruella DeVille) that made me think of Savannah.

I had taken my earbud out at this point, it was slipping out of my ears from all the sweat and annoying me. I didn't really feel like I needed them and decided I could pop them in after the Magic Kingdom if I needed to. We came to the underpass and I had to laugh when I heard another Princess exclaim how happy they were for a downhill. I laughed b/c I had to immediately stop and walk down it because downhill is not a good thing for knee pain! Ouch. Up was much better! Loved the DJ, everything about this race was just so much fun, always something to see and hear.

I have very little memory of when this was, I didn't even add this shot to my blog b/c I was unsure.

I was grabbing water at every stop, there was no shortage, although I kept repeatedly asking for water instead of Powerade until I realized that at each stop the water was at the end. No idea why it took me a couple stops to figure that out. (or why they have to put the water at the end) I took a GU some point? Then I realized I had been enjoying myself so much that I missed mile 4 mile marker all together! I thought that warranted stopping to take a picture of mile 5!

It was coming now, that moment I had thought about so many times in training. I remember rounding a corner backstage and BELLS. Cow bells. Bells ringing everywhere. I turned the corner and it was all that I imagined and more! The cheering, the lights, the castle...I tried to take a pic while running and it was all blurry. It's about what I experienced anyway b/c I was crying!

I decided to pull over for just a second and take a less blurry shot.

I ran down farther to where I wanted to take a selfie, these castle shots were really the only ones I wanted for sure during this race.

My attempt at a selfie was pretty pathetic! I looked a wreck, but on the inside I was beaming, I swear! As you are my witness, I will NEVER, EVER, EVER wear my bangs down again during a race. They were so matted down and sweaty...a bangless Cinderella would have been better.

You have no idea the amount of editing it took to get my face not totally beet-red.

A CM offered to take my picture luckily! YAY!!!!!

(you know you said you wanted me to post a lot of pics, it's your own fault if you are getting tired of seeing my face!)

Elated, I turned around, stepped onto Main Street, started to run again, and was hit with searing pain in my knee. It stopped me dead in my tracks.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

That would be mean to leave you in suspense.

It's a sickness. I don't know why, but I'm always compelled to FINISH. Probably how I ended up finishing the race! Every time I do a trip report or recap, I just have to finish it.

Ok, Ok, I know you are waiting on pins and needles b/c you don't already know that I finished the race.

So, there I was, in the Magic Kingdom hub, in panic mode b/c I suddenly had severe pain in my knee. I stepped onto the sidewalk, you know right where the snack cart usually is in the hub? Yeah, there. I'll always think of that now. I thought maybe stretching a bit would help. I stretched and tried to calm down. Nothing but pain. I could see the knee was swollen and realized that no amount of stretching was going to help at this point. I just need to go.

So that's what I did. In the amount of time it took me to run from the hub to Tomorrowland, I had decided that I could not stop again. As I ran, the pain subsided a tiny bit, but I was still in a lot of pain. When I looked at the videos I could see myself visible "limp-running". I fumbled with my earbuds and scowled a bit as I ran by a line of MAYBE 4 people waiting for the White Rabbit. *sigh* I wanted so badly to stop but as I thought back, I realized that each subsequent time I had stopped during the race, the knee pain had gotten worse.

...sidebar for those of you on the DIS: I think this first stop that I really wanted to make and wasn't able to is what made me choose to do Alice for 2015 PHM...I WILL STOP for that darned Rabbit this time!

I was going to finish this race, I hadn't trained for this long to not finish, so I felt like I transitioned pretty quickly into letting go of anymore photos.

Until I saw the Castle. Ugh, my heart sunk a bit as I realized I could not stop for a shot in front of the castle, but I knew I already had the shot the CM took, so I let it go and just focused back on soaking up what I was actually doing! I was running through the castle! Who cares about photos! I was happy to see no bottlenecks or slow down and I was able to actually run through the castle. I teared up yet again, I was so overwhelmed by being here and doing what I had dreamed of but also had some fear of not finishing because of the pain. A photographer caught it. A little blown out from the flash, but I can see what I was feeling written all over my face.

I have to mention here that I really didn't care for my photos, but purchased them anyway because it was my first half marathon. I'm a photographer and I pride myself in finding great angles for people. It's not rocket science and I know I'm not a sports photographer, but I will never understand why they shoot UP during these races. The angle is so incredibly unflattering and adds even a double chin to people who don't have one. I don't know, maybe their legs are tired so they have to squat down. LOL. Anyway, I didn't love the angle of my shots, but most of you know what I look like and in the scheme of things it really doesn't matter if this is exactly what I looked like or how many extra double chins that angle gave me. It's enough for you to get the idea. They are a record of that day for me, so I'll cherish them, even if my face looks like a watermelon.

So, I was overwhelmed running through the castle and as I came out and down the side, I looked over and saw a tiny line for the photo in front of the castle. A photographer caught me right when I was looking:

and then I let it go and kept going! Rey says this is my annoyed face.

In that shot I still had the camera in my hand but as I ran past mile 6 mile marker, I tested taking a shot while running and it was blurry. I decided to let it go as well (see a theme here?) and put the camera away.

I found more biofreeze and had some water on my next walking interval. If I kept moving I was ok. This was the first time I had fear of being swept. Looking back (and when I saw all the people behind me at mile 11) I realize this was silly, but at the time I was worried that if I had to walk the rest of the race (or crawl) I might be so slow that I would get swept. This had never really been a fear during training, so it was hard to swallow. I briefly got mad as well. I was angry that I couldn't just enjoy my race like everyone else. I wanted to have FUN and enjoy but instead I was just trying to push through this pain.

And then there was cold air...
I knew it was coming but hadn't looked up what song had won. I knew immediately it was Frozen. It was funny, I had not watched the movie at the time because I knew I would want to change my costume last minute! LOL. I was sort of out of it, but I think they had cold air machines??? I thought I was delirious at one point. And then Let It Go was blaring, and I was singing...and sobbing. I was going to finish this race, pain be damned. It was at that point that I decided that if I couldn't have exactly the race I wanted, that I at least wanted to finish in a time that I had hoped for. I just wanted to get under 3 hours. I normally run 10 miles in 2 hours, so surely I could run those 3 miles in an hour?!

As I passed many short lines for photo ops, I wanted to stop and at least take a pic of each of them, but I couldn't. I was too afraid that the pain would worsen, so I just kept going. I put both my earbuds back in and blared my music. I thought it might take away from the experience, but I still felt the energy of all the people around me, even if I couldn't hear anything but my music. I needed to zone out. I'm pretty sure that was about the time a photographer got this shot. I look pretty happy for someone in pain.

Somewhere around mile 8, I saw the 2:45 pacers pass me. I was trying to keep up with them, they were doing intervals as well but not the same ones as me. I lost them when I had to stop for more Biofreeze somewhere between 8 & 9. I was bent over slathering my leg when I heard a familiar voice! April!! My twinkie! I'm not sure what I looked like to her, I was relieved to see a familiar face but afraid I would just spew all over her about pain, so when she asked how I was, I just said IN PAIN. I think. It's all such a blur. What I do remember is her asking me if I had gotten any tylenol yet and showing me that they had it. I promptly took it while they marked a big red X on my hand.

As I started back up, I think I was rambling about pain. I'm unsure. I was pretty out of it. She asked if I wanted company, she said she could pace me to the finish. I was so taken back, I didn't want to hinder her race, I knew I was moving slower than my usual pace, and I was worried I would make a fool of myself by crying or complaining the whole time...but oh how the company was needed. So I said yes. Good choice Karen! We started back up doing my 5/1 intervals, which seemed to be ok.

That was the moment I knew. I knew I would finish the race.

It was funny, the previous day at the pool April and I had been chatting and she said she wasn't a "caretaker" type of person. That couldn't have been farther from the truth. It was like having my own personal trainer and cheerleader! She would say things like "You are strong, just 3 miles to go, you can do that any day! Look at that...remember how close that was to the start? You are almost there." I knew she was trying to help me and knowing that made all the difference. My mantra in my head became "Pain is temporary". I had heard this so many times before but never really understood it until this moment.

At mile 10 we both wanted to stop for a picture. I had not gone more than 10 in training and April was dressed as Aurora, so she had to stop for the Aurora mile marker!

If you couldn't tell, THAT, my friends, is the look of pain. LOL.

Haha, I look nearly insane! Right after this was the ramp up to the overpass. When I started back up running it was really painful, but I knew if I kept going it would loosen up a bit like the past few times. Up, up, up we went! I'm good with up. These last 3 miles were some of my favorite, even though I was in so much pain. As we were going up, Rachel came up to us! Different Rachel than from my meetup. This Rachel lives in Florida now and works for Disney. I follow her on Instagram, she takes fabulous photos. It was great to have another person with us, April and Rachel chatted and I listened but didn't talk much.

Anyone who knows me will find this hilarious. It's hard to shut me up. I know, you are shocked. Well, 10 miles of pain and I finally shut up! Now we know what it takes. As we passed Sarge and got to the top of the overpass, I asked April if she would take a picture and catch up to us. If I can't take them myself, I make other people do it for me! Brilliant. Loved seeing all the runners below headed up and around the ramp I just ran up.

I think we went down and then back up, I'm unsure, but I remember being up on another ramp into Epcot when I saw 11. More tears when I told the girls that this was the farthest I had ever run. I could see Epcot (barely) through the fog! I was almost there. I also knew there was a bit to go from reading other race reports, so I continued to pace myself and just focus on putting one foot in front of another.

Rachel had to stop/slow down for a bit and we kept going. I was nearly there! We came down into the Epcot parking lot and I saw 12! April told me that if I could run a mile in 20 minutes, I would do it in under 3 hours. As if! I can walk a mile in that time. Let's DO THIS! She also asked if I wanted to run the whole thing and she must have read my mind, I was so ready to do this.

The last mile was like a dream. The pain was still there, but it just didn't matter now. I was going to finish! We ran into Epcot and past Spaceship Earth. There were a bunch of Starbucks people outside waving Starbucks signs (noted to self: have one later!) and A Fairy Godmother was on a mic saying something to us about how we should yell out any word, doesn't matter what it is. I bit my tongue. I didn't have any nice words to yell. LOL. I tried to ham it up for the photographer I saw as we ran past...

April doesn't even look like she's sweating. It bears repeating...number one lesson I learned from this race? NEVER.EVER.EVER. wear my bangs down again. Never. Say goodbye to them, you won't see them again during a race.

We ran out to World Showcase and then turned around, April ran ahead to snap a picture of me.

We headed back to Spaceship Earth where we turned right into a back area. I knew they were coming, I felt like I was holding my breath to see them...and there they were. The Gospel Choir, singing. More tears, I was almost there! I so wish I had gotten photos of this, but I'm Letting it go...LOL

We came around another corner and I recognized it from photos, and before I knew it, there it was. The finish! I was completely overwhelmed but I sped up a bit. Pharrell's Happy was blasting but I barely noticed. I heard names being called, heard the cheers and saw that line. There are just no words to describe the relief, happiness, pain and accomplishment I felt all at that moment.

JAZZIRIT!!!!!!!!! (for those of you that don't understand, it's our new signature move...Jazz hands and Spirit fingers UNITE!!!)

I love it! I know at first glance I look all sassy, but if you look again, there's some pain and relief in that face too. That's what I love about it. It was miserable and magical at the same time! (yes, Taylor Swift lyrics fit perfectly) That was the last shot like that, because I couldn't hold it together any longer, I was a sobbing mess. You have to know how important this is to me to post this photo because I hate the way I look, but love that it captured that moment when I realized I had done it. Trying to hold it in...

We can't all look freaking adorable when we're crying like NICOLE does!


I had imagined this moment so many times but your imagination cannot capture those emotions the way the real thing can. I cried for the finishing, for the training, the pain, and the overwhelming pride I had for myself.

They handed us wet towelettes and had us continue to walk. I felt a little confused and dazed but April helped me find ice and they strapped it onto my knee. I felt a bit like a zombie at this point, I took a picture of my medal (priorities!)

and then I was up hunting for water but could only see Powerade. April (again...new BestRunningFriend!) handed me a water and I drank. We took pics of each other quickly before saying our goodbyes, she had to go a different direction for the GSC and Coast to Coast medals!

I was still a zombie for a bit, I had my backdrop pic taken and grabbed a banana (don't even know where it went) and a box of food and headed out to the reunion area. Kim and Savannah both texted me saying they got ALL the updates all at once, after I had finished. Bummer. They also never could see me or get close enough to the finish. It took them a while to find me but they came bearing a rose and I burst into tears when Kim gave me a hug. I asked Kim what the time was that they sent(I forgot to turn off my garmin right as I crossed), that's how I found out that I made it under three hours! 2:51:41. Not bad for a Disney Half with an injury!

They were good tears but I also missed Rey and wished he had been there. It was hard to be alone at the end after having so many supportive people around before and after the race. I think in 2015 I'll make sure to find a way to meet up with people after the race if we are going to be finished around the same time. If not, we can always meet back at the resort...I think sitting around for a while, alone, was what was hard.

Rey sent me a text though, and I thought I would share it.

I was looking at pics and reading everyone's comments. I always knew you could do it cause YOU can do anything. I wish I could have been there when you crossed but probably for the best because I teared up like a big baby looking at your pics, I wouldn't have been a good sight at the finish line. I truly mean it when I say you are an amazing, beautiful, smart, determined, inspirational woman. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see the rest of the pics.

The race was everything I had hoped it would be and finishing it, not only in a time I had hoped for, but injured, really made me realize that I can do ANYTHING. I am so excited to run it in 2015 and to do the Glass Slipper Challenge. Not only will it be a new challenge for me to complete, but I hope that I can run without injury and really enjoy it. I DID enjoy it, even through the pain, and it was the perfect half marathon for me. I can't imagine a better place to do such an amazing thing.

Up next...in pain? Can't barely walk? Been up since 1:40 am? How about a full day park hopping and Extra Magic hours until 1am?!?! He11 yeah! There's no sleeping at Disney, even when you run a half marathon!

 

[Tinker326]

I already read most of this on your blog but I LOVE reading it again!

Cupcake for breakfast- yup- you found the correct 2015 PHM running group!

3am bus shot selfie. I'll practice so I'm better. Then again, hopefully you wont' be like a pillow and I'll have to hold you up while sucking in my gut and pushing my chin out to eliminate the double chin. This could take some work. 10 months to practice.

Me and the port-a-potties. I'll need to make at least 2 stops during waiting. I can guarantee it. I have the world's smallest bladder!

Re-reading your TR makes me not able to wait till next year when I get to experience it myself!!!!

For GSC, do you know if we can pick princess bib color? Or is that only for the 1/2 alone?

Great update KarenTweedleDee....

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I already read most of this on your blog but I LOVE reading it again!

Cupcake for breakfast- yup- you found the correct 2015 PHM running group!

3am bus shot selfie. I'll practice so I'm better. Then again, hopefully you wont' be like a pillow and I'll have to hold you up while sucking in my gut and pushing my chin out to eliminate the double chin. This could take some work. 10 months to practice.

Me and the port-a-potties. I'll need to make at least 2 stops during waiting. I can guarantee it. I have the world's smallest bladder!

Re-reading your TR makes me not able to wait till next year when I get to experience it myself!!!!

For GSC, do you know if we can pick princess bib color? Or is that only for the 1/2 alone?

Great update KarenTweedleDee....

I MAY be a pillow and you MAY have to prop me up??? Can I get back to you on that?

I also MAY bring a full roll of toilet paper in my Sparkleskirt. It can totally hold it too...and then some!

Yes, you still pick a princess. You get ONE BIB for both races...which I take major issue with b/c I totally wrinkle and mess my darn bibs up! I'm going to have to be extra careful. I'm already trying to figure out what Princess to choose for my bib since I'm being Alice. I may go with Cindy again b/c it's BLUE and will match.

 

[Tinker326]

Oh, I posted mine as you posted the third installment of yours.

So it warrants another comment - of course!

You made me cry during the last recap there! I am SO proud of you pushing through! Shows what a strong, determined person you are!

So glad you had April to lift up your spirits those last few miles. Those were my hardest and I wasn't in the type of pain you were- so I can only imagine how wonderful it was!

Your cry is adorable too- so sorry to disappoint you.

Next year- the White Rabbit is for sure a must stop for you- along with a few other ones you had to run past!

Great finish to your first 1/2. Awesome!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Oh, I posted mine as you posted the third installment of yours.

So it warrants another comment - of course!

You made me cry during the last recap there! I am SO proud of you pushing through! Shows what a strong, determined person you are!

So glad you had April to lift up your spirits those last few miles. Those were my hardest and I wasn't in the type of pain you were- so I can only imagine how wonderful it was!

Your cry is adorable too- so sorry to disappoint you.

Next year- the White Rabbit is for sure a must stop for you- along with a few other ones you had to run past!

Great finish to your first 1/2. Awesome!

This is what is so PERFECT about doing the GSC! I'm hoping to "get my character on" when we run the 10K and then I can still enjoy just running most of the half and not feel like I HAVE to stop for many. At this point in my head, I would be happy to just stop for the castle pic and the White Rabbit! Other than that, I think I will have gotten a lot of character shots during the 10K and won't feel as compelled.

Besides, I know myself all too well and I have a PR to beat, so I will most likely be unable to let go of trying to be the time I got this year!

 

[ZellyB]

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. I'm so sorry you were in pain but what an amazing job you did finishing strong. And I love the shot showing your emotions at the finish. What a great way to remember the experience. Way to go!