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

[disneyhorselover]

Ahhh your race recap was amazing! Reading it made me a little emotional both because of my own memories of the race and your story. Congrats on finishing!!!

I'm glad you didn't have problems with the humidity. I am with you on that one-I'd rather be sweating than freezing and it's good that it was one last thing to worry about!

The monorail going by was one of my favorite parts! Every time it drove by and beeped my sister and I would wave to it. I mean come on, where else can you have a monorail beep at you while you are running a half marathon!? (Ok maybe Disneyland, but nowhere else!)

The sparklesister part made me laugh...I can totally picture that and something like that would amuse me too throughout a race.

I LOVE your blurry pics of Main St! My camera died just as I came around that corner, so I have no pictures of that part! Seeing them blurry and foggy just makes me remember that thats exactly how it was!

I'm so sorry that your knee gave you so much trouble, but I think it is incredible that you were able to push through and finish in your goal time anyways! I am a huge wimp about injuries, so when people can run through them like that I think it is amazing and brave!

I remember in my first half, getting to 10 miles and being in uncharted territory...isn't it kind of a cool feeling to know that with each step, you're going further than you ever have before?

Also I totally agree about race photographers....Why do they take pictures from ground level?? Really not a good look for most people....

Anyways congrats again on finishing and good luck with the GSC next year! (Oh, and the white rabbit was out on the 10k course this year as well, doubles the chances of getting your picture)

 

[Trentmom]

I really enjoyed your race recap. You write very well and I felt like I was there with you on sidelines.

Your outfit is super cute.

I am glad you were able to push through the pain and finish.

Great Job

Oh and that was funny about the port of potties. Glad you figured somethng out

 

[annmarieda]

OMG! What an awesome race journey!! I am so impressed! I felt so many emotions reading it. Just like you mentioned when reading mine... it was odd seeing the course and feeling like I was just on it... only for a different race. You did an awesome job and you should be proud. I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that in pain. That could not have been fun and certainly not the race you had hoped for. You looked awesome in every picture though!! Sweaty bangs and all.

So you didn't mention your costume... did it work well? I notice your sleeves are down. Tiara stayed put nicely though, right?

The red x after you took the Tylenol.. so that you don't try to get more? And did it help at all?

Oh... and pre race... I was just bout the tp issue. I would have panicked!

Congratulations on your race! And good luck next year! I have to say reading your recap has me excited to run it again!!!

 

[ARmom30]

Congratulations for finishing your 1st half marathon! I love your recap. It was real. I'm really enjoying your report so much!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

What a wonderful recap. I felt like I was there with you. I am so happy for you that you were able to complete the race. You are an inspiration that you pushed through the pain. I always give up so easy if something gets hard. Next time I am exercising and it gets hard, I will definitely think of you and push through.

I can't wait to read what happens next!!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

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!

Thank you! It really was amazing and I love having the photos, it was totally worth it to get them!

Ahhh your race recap was amazing! Reading it made me a little emotional both because of my own memories of the race and your story. Congrats on finishing!!!

Thank you!

I'm glad you didn't have problems with the humidity. I am with you on that one-I'd rather be sweating than freezing and it's good that it was one last thing to worry about!

Yep, I had no issues with the humidity and the fog was great for blocking the sun!

The monorail going by was one of my favorite parts! Every time it drove by and beeped my sister and I would wave to it. I mean come on, where else can you have a monorail beep at you while you are running a half marathon!? (Ok maybe Disneyland, but nowhere else!)

The sparklesister part made me laugh...I can totally picture that and something like that would amuse me too throughout a race.

I was being shy at first and then after a couple people ran by me saying they loved my costume and my tattoo, I decided to just start yelling Sparklesister and telling people I loved their skirts!

I LOVE your blurry pics of Main St! My camera died just as I came around that corner, so I have no pictures of that part! Seeing them blurry and foggy just makes me remember that thats exactly how it was!

I forgot about the fog too until I saw the pic!

I'm so sorry that your knee gave you so much trouble, but I think it is incredible that you were able to push through and finish in your goal time anyways! I am a huge wimp about injuries, so when people can run through them like that I think it is amazing and brave!

I'm usually a big wimp too and had struggled with injury for months, but I had just waiting too long to complete this race, I knew I had to do it regardless!

I remember in my first half, getting to 10 miles and being in uncharted territory...isn't it kind of a cool feeling to know that with each step, you're going further than you ever have before?

Also I totally agree about race photographers....Why do they take pictures from ground level?? Really not a good look for most people....

Anyways congrats again on finishing and good luck with the GSC next year! (Oh, and the white rabbit was out on the 10k course this year as well, doubles the chances of getting your picture)

Too cool! I may have to get a picture with him both days!!! My costume for the 10K is Alice in Wonderland themed as well!

I really enjoyed your race recap. You write very well and I felt like I was there with you on sidelines.

Your outfit is super cute.

I am glad you were able to push through the pain and finish.

Great Job

Oh and that was funny about the port of potties. Glad you figured somethng out

Thank you! I freaked for a moment and was imagining being one of those runners that everyone was trying to shy away from b/c they think I went in my pants! I'm glad I figured out what to do!

OMG! What an awesome race journey!! I am so impressed! I felt so many emotions reading it. Just like you mentioned when reading mine... it was odd seeing the course and feeling like I was just on it... only for a different race. You did an awesome job and you should be proud. I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that in pain. That could not have been fun and certainly not the race you had hoped for. You looked awesome in every picture though!! Sweaty bangs and all.

Pain is temporary! I really have fond memories, even with the pain I was in, so I'm glad I pushed through it!

So you didn't mention your costume... did it work well? I notice your sleeves are down. Tiara stayed put nicely though, right?

Everything about the costume worked great except my bangs and the sleeves. They slid down and were a PITA to be honest. I didn't take them off and throw them down b/c I was sweating so much that I was using them to wipe the sweat. I won't be using sleeves again, at least not that kind. They were too thick. The rest of my costume was perfect!
The red x after you took the Tylenol.. so that you don't try to get more? And did it help at all?

Nah, I didn't notice it helped at all. My knee was so swollen at that point. Yes, I didn't realize they did the red X, it makes sense, then you can't overdose on their watch.

Oh... and pre race... I was just bout the tp issue. I would have panicked!

apparently when I panic, I curse! I think everyone around got an earful!

Congratulations on your race! And good luck next year! I have to say reading your recap has me excited to run it again!!!

Thanks!! I'm excited for next year too!

Congratulations for finishing your 1st half marathon! I love your recap. It was real. I'm really enjoying your report so much!

Thank you so much!!

What a wonderful recap. I felt like I was there with you. I am so happy for you that you were able to complete the race. You are an inspiration that you pushed through the pain. I always give up so easy if something gets hard. Next time I am exercising and it gets hard, I will definitely think of you and push through.

I can't wait to read what happens next!!

Thank you!! Just remember not to hurt yourself pushing through pain! I will say that I normally push more than I should, but I will stop if I'm really hurting. Obviously with the race I was willing to even walk away with a bad injury to finish b/c I figured I could rest/recover/not run for a while once I got the race done! It was worth it, for sure!

 

[JessM]

Great Half Marathon recap and congrats on your first one!

All of your pictures look better than mine so don't even worry about it! It was so humid and I was so sweaty it was hard to take any decent ones haha.

Too funny about the porta potty with no TP, the WORST!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

That port-a-potty will never mess with you again, huh Karen? At least always have a travel pack of tissues if not toilet paper!

Your update was very emotional and you can tell you write from the heart. I enjoyed it tremendously even though I'm not a runner. I can see the joy and feeling of accomplishment on your face as you run. So very proud of you!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

WOW!! Just awsome! What a moment- thank you so much for sharing your journey!!

 

[WDWaddictt]

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. I'm so sorry you were in pain glad you were able to have support for a while at the end. What an amazing job you did finishing strong, great time. And I love the shot showing your emotions at the finish, you look adorable. I was a blabbering mess reading it and what Rey texted you. What a great way to remember the experience. Way to go!

 

[momabaarjo]

YOU DID IT!​

Karen, congratulations...I know exactly how you feel dealing with an injury, being in pain and doubting yourself. But it is times like this that you find that inner strength to put that aside and JAZZIRIT!

Cupcakes for breakfast... my kind of girl...who needs a banana when you can have a cupcake. Hmmm, thinking this might need to be my breakfast next year since is worked so well for you!

Oh my, the pottie situation... but way to find a solution!

I could feel all your nervous energy in the corrals, it is such a cool feeling while you are waiting but at the same time you are a stressful mess! I can't wait to feel this all over again! I too cried at the starting line of ToT...so many emotions.

I SIMPLY all the pictures of you running. I hope that I get lots this time around...at ToT somehow I managed to not to be in the right place at the right time. And whether they meet your standard or not, you have them!

Mainstreet, the Castle...oh man I can feel your tears...so wonderful!

The finish line is better with friends, and I cant wait to have my cupcake friends there in the end with me! JAZZIRIT! I think you deserved to lose it in the end and I am glad you have a picture of it. Tears are a good thing...you overcame and finished....WAY TO GO CUPCAKE!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Great Half Marathon recap and congrats on your first one!

All of your pictures look better than mine so don't even worry about it! It was so humid and I was so sweaty it was hard to take any decent ones haha.

Too funny about the porta potty with no TP, the WORST!

Thanks! I have no idea why it didn't cross my mind that they might run out of TP! Next time I'll bring my own!

That port-a-potty will never mess with you again, huh Karen? At least always have a travel pack of tissues if not toilet paper!

Your update was very emotional and you can tell you write from the heart. I enjoyed it tremendously even though I'm not a runner. I can see the joy and feeling of accomplishment on your face as you run. So very proud of you!

Thank you Ann!!

WOW!! Just awsome! What a moment- thank you so much for sharing your journey!!

Thank you for reading it!!

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. I'm so sorry you were in pain glad you were able to have support for a while at the end. What an amazing job you did finishing strong, great time. And I love the shot showing your emotions at the finish, you look adorable. I was a blabbering mess reading it and what Rey texted you. What a great way to remember the experience. Way to go!

Aww! Thanks!

YOU DID IT!​

Karen, congratulations...I know exactly how you feel dealing with an injury, being in pain and doubting yourself. But it is times like this that you find that inner strength to put that aside and JAZZIRIT!

Cupcakes for breakfast... my kind of girl...who needs a banana when you can have a cupcake. Hmmm, thinking this might need to be my breakfast next year since is worked so well for you!

Oh my, the pottie situation... but way to find a solution!

I could feel all your nervous energy in the corrals, it is such a cool feeling while you are waiting but at the same time you are a stressful mess! I can't wait to feel this all over again! I too cried at the starting line of ToT...so many emotions.

I SIMPLY all the pictures of you running. I hope that I get lots this time around...at ToT somehow I managed to not to be in the right place at the right time. And whether they meet your standard or not, you have them!

Mainstreet, the Castle...oh man I can feel your tears...so wonderful!

The finish line is better with friends, and I cant wait to have my cupcake friends there in the end with me! JAZZIRIT! I think you deserved to lose it in the end and I am glad you have a picture of it. Tears are a good thing...you overcame and finished....WAY TO GO CUPCAKE!

CUPCAKES UNITE with JAZZIRIT hands!!!!!! Thanks Tammie!! Can't wait for next year!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

So, the race was over, but I was just sitting there alone. It was a bit depressing and I will say that next year I will either meet up with people or hit the bus right away. Instead, I sat on the ground, ate my bar that was in the box, and tried to figure out how to meet up with Kim and the girls. We were texting, but even with instructions of what lettered flag I was sitting by, it took quite a while for them to find me. When they did find me, I burst into tears and a random princess nearby, asked if it was my first half and congratulated me. I must have looked like a wreck!

I gave Kim a hug and Savannah gave handed me a rose.

She was pretty excited to give it to me, I think. She took quite a few photos of it that day and the next few days and wanted me to bring it when we switched resorts! She took a few other photos as well while they were waiting for me that I thought I would share:

Haha, my daughter knows me WELL! This is the only sign she got a shot of. Perfect! I was disappointed that I didn't see more signs while running, but I had to take my glasses off and couldn't read them.

I was soaked to the bone and ready to go, my feet hurt and my knee wouldn't really bend without awful pain, so we headed to Kim's van, me walking like a peg-leg! I should have known this wouldn't be easy after the previous night of searching for her van at AKL...but I assumed that was just a one-time occurrence. No such luck, apparently Kim is a little directionally-challenged!

I hobbled along while the girls and Kim discussed what number they had been parked at. Eventually we found the van and I was so happy just to sit down and be driven back to the resort...

until I looked up and saw we were in the Magic Kingdom Parking tolls. At opening.

What?!?! Somehow Kim had not followed the signs correctly and went the completely wrong direction. I told you she was directionally challenged! There were tons of cars going into the parking lot and when she asked for directions they told her to get all the way over...and she couldn't! So into the parking lot we went. More directions and we drove in a square and ended up right back in the parking lot! I wasn't laughing at the time, I was kind of checked-out. I was starving, cold and wet, and just didn't really have the mental energy to be a passenger driver. The third set of directions finally got us back on course to Pop and we were there before I knew it! Shew! I went straight to the shower, Savannah took these pics while I was in there. I thought it was so thoughtful of her to take these shots for me.

Oh that shower felt good! After getting cleaned up I re-taped my knee, took some more ibuprophen, and headed to Epcot! No rest for the wicked! VERY brief stop for a quick snapshot and then I had to eat/drink something.

The plan had been to eat at Tangierene Cafe in Morocco, it's my favorite CS meal at Epcot, but I could not fathom the walk out there without food and drink, so we opted for Electric Umbrella instead. Good choice! They had a vegetarian flatbread that was fantastic! Kim and I both had that.

Eleanor had chicken, which she said was good.

Savannah had the kids mac-n-cheese, I would rant again about this issue with CS meals and not getting an adult portion when you have paid for it, but I don't have the energy. LOL. Regardless, she said it was good, much better than the dry stuff at Pop.

With full bellies, we made a B-line for the next most important stop! Margaritas! Kim and I went to Cava de Tequila and both got passion fruit. Then we attempted a selfie...in dark Mexico...

looks like I've already used too many images for this update! Surprise, surprise!

Up next, a little drama...

 

[ZellyB]

Ugg on getting lost on the way back to the hotel. I know once I've finished a hard run I'm ready to just get back to a warm shower. The rose is so pretty and such a thoughtful gift! What a sweet girl you have.

Good for you for heading right back out to the parks. We've done the same thing and I think getting back out and walking has been a good help for my legs. I also completely get that ravenous feeling after a run. When I get done running, it's time to EAT!!!

 

[Tinker326]

Awww, very sweet of Savannah to take the pictures-

And good for you for getting cleaned up and heading right back out there! That's the way to do it!

And excited to see your walk around the world with drinks! Hahahahaha!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Ugg on getting lost on the way back to the hotel. I know once I've finished a hard run I'm ready to just get back to a warm shower. The rose is so pretty and such a thoughtful gift! What a sweet girl you have.

Good for you for heading right back out to the parks. We've done the same thing and I think getting back out and walking has been a good help for my legs. I also completely get that ravenous feeling after a run. When I get done running, it's time to EAT!!!

Yep, I was just so ready for that shower, I was hoping I didn't come across annoyed with Kim though! She's so laid back, I don't think she even noticed that I was stressed about it!

Awww, very sweet of Savannah to take the pictures-

And good for you for getting cleaned up and heading right back out there! That's the way to do it!

And excited to see your walk around the world with drinks! Hahahahaha!

Lots of drinks and a little drama too! It was an interesting trip around the world!

 

[Victoriasmom98]

Waiting on the drama here..........

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

at the end of the last update, Kim and I had just purchased our first drink of the day! I had to use a flash to get a picture of the drink, it's so dark in Mexico. Kim LOVED it, I think she ended up having 3 of those that day!

Savannah wanted to go on the boat, but I hadn't thought about this when we got the drinks first! I told her they could go ahead and we would wait...and she got mad. I felt bad because how can I be angry at my kid for wanting me to go on a ride with her? BUT, I wasn't throwing away my drink, so off she huffed to ride. When she came off, she was still upset, but I just tried to keep moving. The girls realized they had pressed penny machines in each country and so began the challenge of collecting them all!

We headed out of Mexico but Savannah reminded me that Eleanor wanted to try the churros. They are actually Churritos now (guess b/c they are in circles?) so we stopped to get some...and I grabbed a frozen margarita from there. This seemed to annoy Savannah even more. *sigh*

Kim had gotten another passion fruit before leaving Mexico. So just in case you want to count the drinks my daughter was annoyed about, we were both on number 2. Now seriously, I was annoyed b/c I just ran a freaking half marathon, I can have some drinks...and my daughter is huffing and annoyed like I'm boozing it up and ruining HER trip. I hadn't had a drink the whole trip!

Again, I just ignored and kept moving. When we got to Norway, the girls went hunting for the penny machine and Kim and I had a seat and took another selfie. We weren't sure we were getting any better at it.

The girls wanted to ride Malstrom, and Kim wanted to head back to Cava to get another drink! I told her to bring me a water and the girls and I got in line. Savannah & I ended up griping at each other in line a bit, I tried to explain that she was making me feel like I couldn't enjoy my after-race drinks and she said she thought I was going to drink too much. I have no idea where this was coming from, I rarely drink at home at all. I think it was more about the trip being about ME, MY RUNNING, MY DRINKS...than anything else. We've talked about it since the trip and she was feeling like this was ELEANOR'S first trip and it was all about me. I admit, it was hard to juggle those things and I think that's just what set her off. Either way, after being able to talk to each other, we both were able to let it go and move on...for now...

They wouldn't pick his nose. Spoilsports!

We had fun on Malstrom and met Kim and my water back outside. I took a photo to document that I wasn't JUST drinking alcohol.

On to China!

Apparently China does not have a penny machine! What they do have is a HUGE store, so while the girls shopped, I took a few photos and sat down for a while. Walking was good so I didn't get stiff, but I was in quite a bit of pain still, so resting was good.

Bling! (yes, I was wearing my Bordeau sparkleskirt)

Around this time, Meg texted me! Meg is one of the runners that put together the #runnerslove meetup on Friday. If you remember, I hadn't been able to spend much time with her at the meetup because a storm came through. I was excited when she texted and said she was headed to Epcot!


Up next...more travel around the world!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Waiting on the drama here..........

See how fast I deliver when you ask Ann???

 

[ZellyB]

Oh the joys of teen girl drama! I'm glad you guys were able to talk it out later, but I totally agree you deserved a few drinks after your accomplishment. And, while the walking is always good after a race, I totally sympathize on the pain part. Yowch.