Taking a few days off for the holiday is not going to hurt you at all. It may end up being a much needed break. You don't need to keep doing races to keep doing well. The Princess Half was my first official race. I had done those informal "take all the time you want" 5K, 10K, and 15K "races" but nothing where I had a medal to finish for! I never got close to the 16 min. threshold even though I was terrified the first half of the race that I would. The second half, I didn't worry anymore because I realized I was doing great (and mostly walking BTW) so it was time to enjoy the most boring part of the race! 
There is something about the Princess that really inspires you and most ladies that I spoke to after the race ended up doing a lot better than they had anticipated. I didn't get those feelings with the Disneyland Half. It just didn't feel as special or inspiring. There were great people around and I am always so touched by those participating that are young at heart. The best thing about the DL half was the weather! Not sure about the other Disney races, but so far the Princess is tops in my book. 
I just figured I had to acclimate to running the new surface and the heat/humidity. One more week and I still sucked wind, big time. And this was Walking 1:00 and Running :30.
So last night I strapped it on and I was amazed how fast (for me at least) I had been running. It was raining/drizzling, which I loved. I slowed waaayyyy down and incredibly I felt so much beter. Unfortunately, the battery in my Garmin died 4 laps in, so I really don't know my average pace for the run, since of course I didn't look at the time when I started/finished. But regardless-- I felt so much better about my finishing prospects for Mickey's 5K on Saturday!
Well-- In 48 hrs I'll be in Disney looking forward to my first 5K!
I just wish my training had been better. I know that this whole running thing is a tremendous learning curve and since I've only been doing this for about 3 months, I have a whole lot of learning to do!
During the sweltering Carolina summer, I've been training indoors on a treadmill, thinking once it "cooled off" in September, I'd train for a month outdoors. Well-- the humidity and heat just broke this week, so I put off running outside until about 2 weeks ago. Oh my word, what a difference! On the treadmill I was comfortably run/walking at 14:30 +/-, with 5R/1W intervals. Outside I wasn't even making Disney's minimum pace of 16:00.
Then it hit me. I hadn't been measuring my pace outside since I didn't like the feel of my Garmin on my sweaty wrist.
Have fun at the Wine & Dine everyone! Kick some butt! 
Good Luck!! It sounds like you will do awesome!! I can't wait to hear how the trip is for everyone. This group has worked so hard that I am sure it will be so much fun! What am I most curious about? How many of you will actually drink any wine after running the half?
Good Luck!! It sounds like you will do awesome!! I can't wait to hear how the trip is for everyone. This group has worked so hard that I am sure it will be so much fun! What am I most curious about? How many of you will actually drink any wine after running the half?
Thanks, HockeyKat, I'll look up your your group after football season is through (we have guests who stay over for every NCSU home game). I should be far enough in my training to join you then. As for the half, I was looking at the Rex half marathon held in conjunction with the City of Oaks marathon or the Turkey Trot at Lake Norman later that month.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I just came in from a good run in the rain. It felt great
I'm not sure wine is the ideal post-run beverage (I personally think beer is a better choice), but I sure would have some and I hope all our WISH runners will too. I mean, what makes for a better story when you get home, telling people you ran a half marathon and had the usual bagel and Powerade or that you had a few glasses of wine and some fancy food?
We drank around Epcot all day. I don't know if beer is a good recovery drink or not, but I know I felt no pain! 
At the DL Half, it was so crowded that it took us a little over an hour just to pick things up. The tickets took forever, and the organization was a bit confusing. I didn't even look at one booth! I would anticipate no longer than an hour on average for most Expo's. The stuff that takes time is if you decide to buy something because the line is long. But, the staff is always very efficient so once you do get to the counter, they get you out of there quickly. My strategy is changing for the next Expo. I want to make it in and out in 15 minutes! I am going to have to study that map! 
I will pick up my race related items and whomever is with me will get me the race themed merchandise. At least that is the plan...Oh wow that sounds so cool!
I did a biathatlon on Sunday, it rained the entire time. Not sure what my official times are yet. It was a 450yd swim and a 5k run (cross county in the rain ugh)
My aunt invited me to join her and her family in Disney next week, so I'm going to WDW!!! Not sure if I'll run, but I'll take my shoes just in case they like to sleep in
What great accomplishments you guys! Very inspiring- keeps me dreaming BIG
Well today was my follow up with the ortho for the results of my MRI and it showed.... nothing. But he, once he felt of my knee and heard my symptoms again, he said it was definately plica, which, as he described it, was like the appendix of your knee. lol. Everyone has it but some people have to evetually have it out. But the good news is, that it doesn't have to come out right now! He acutally said that unless I was in severe pain he recommended waiting- which was a big difference from what his PA had said and a relief to me! He also oked me to continue to continue to train for the half! He said I would eventually reach a level of pain that I couldn't train through and then I would know my limit but until then there was nothing to stop me! I am far from ready for the Princess but intend to continue to train until I find that limit and hope I am able to reach my goal!!!
If I were you, I would stick to one of the walking plans - I am partial to Hal Higdon. The Half is very much walkable with the right amount of training and it would be a bit less pressure for your knee to deal with and more certainty that you won't get to the severe level of pain. There are tons of walkers so you wouldn't be alone. In fact, there were speedwalkers that were passing me while I was running! 
Perhaps with enough Pixie Dust at the Disney Princess, your Plica will stop being a pain and you will go back to your doctor afterwards and continue to get more great news! Sending good vibes your way for no Plica pain!What great accomplishments you guys! Very inspiring- keeps me dreaming BIG
Well today was my follow up with the ortho for the results of my MRI and it showed.... nothing. But he, once he felt of my knee and heard my symptoms again, he said it was definately plica, which, as he described it, was like the appendix of your knee. lol. Everyone has it but some people have to evetually have it out. But the good news is, that it doesn't have to come out right now! He acutally said that unless I was in severe pain he recommended waiting- which was a big difference from what his PA had said and a relief to me! He also oked me to continue to continue to train for the half! He said I would eventually reach a level of pain that I couldn't train through and then I would know my limit but until then there was nothing to stop me! I am far from ready for the Princess but intend to continue to train until I find that limit and hope I am able to reach my goal!!!
Laurie....WAY TO GO! Congrats on your awesome run. I got tears in my eyes when you talked about looking like your mom. You made her proud! Thanks so much for posting
Laurie, I just read your race report and I am so impressed with you, and I sit here crying and thinking how proud your mom must be of you. I lost my mom last year, and this past winter when I was really struggling with the loss, I started the couch to 5k, and the running has helped me so much to deal with my feelings in a healthy way and not eating my way through them. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and a huge congratulation on finishing your first half-marathon!!!
