Hello Cousins!
I apologize for the cross-posting to
Jeanne, Jackie, Debra, Corinna and Rose -- Here is my Princess RR...
I keep thinking about starting this post, and then I have to do something, and then it doesn’t happen because I realize I don’t have enough time…so this time I’m typing it in Word and then I’ll paste it when I’m 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 an air conditioning problem (i.e. it didn’t work), and then we lost our place in line. At this point I wasn’t 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 can’t 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 I’ve 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 didn’t 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 didn’t 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 don’t 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 D’s 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 O’hana cousins
JenB and Kathy and meet O’hana 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, I’m 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 wasn’t 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 couldn’t. 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! I’d never seen anything like it in January, but then again I’ve 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 didn’t 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 wouldn’t 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 wasn’t 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 hadn’t 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 didn’t 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 -- who had had about enough of Universal with fiends
rotfl: I saw that Freudian slip!). I had never been there before, but I’m already planning to go back! The dueling request pianos were so much fun! I didn’t 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 I’m 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. I’d 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, I’d 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 I’d succeeded in AK and Epcot – I’d 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 hadn’t 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 It’s a Small World and Mickey’s Philharmagic. I really wanted to catch the Main Street Electrical Parade since I’d 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 couldn’t 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. I’ve 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 didn’t 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 didn’t 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 it’s magic on me, I just love Belle
…Anyway, I didn’t 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 Ray’s. 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 don’t have McDonald’s (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 couldn’t really have a coherent thought, and I had to go to work the next day.
Since then I’ve been catching up on sleep, I ran 2M Thurs., 3M Fri., and 4M Saturday, and I took Sunday off. Saturday we went to a
AAA travel show to book a cruise as a gift for my dad’s 75th birthday, and to get information on a drive vacation to Canada. I did 3M yesterday and today is supposed to be yoga day, but it was cancelled
I did do an hour of office laps this morning, so I had some movement in my day.
So, for the big result – I weighed in at WW Saturday, 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.
Where am I now? (again, I apologize for the cross-posting):
On a very sad note, yoga is ending at work at the end of April, so I will have to modify my Tuesdays, maybe this is an opportunity to modify my week so it fits just a little better...
I've decided to give up crunchy for Lent. That means popchips, pringles and popcorn -- with the exception of Sundays, because "every Sunday is like a little Easter" I think this will be good for me. I'm already planning to hoard my SyFy tivo for Sundays, so I can enjoy with popcorn
I was seriously considering giving up chocolate, but my dh was scared
We also give up meat on Fridays, so that's another easy low point day just waiting to happen. We are skipping our traditional pancakes for dinner tonight (Fat Tuesday), and instead having turkey burgers. I will enjoy my last Popchips for awhile with it
I think we're going to register for the Providence Rock n' Roll Half. We've always wanted to do a Rock n' Roll, and it's hard to get closer than Providence for us. It's in August and going to be hot, but maybe I'll run well if it's relatively early in the day?
Just had to add a few Sci Fi notes:
Is anyone watching SyFy's version of Being Human? I prefer the original on BBCAmerica, but I'm giving it a chance.
Not at all surprised SGU is back for the final 10 episodes, I'm afraid that franchise has run it's course.
Torchwood will be on Starz July 1 for Season 4! Wish we got Starz, but at least it will be on Netflix...
Eureka and Dr. Who will be back this summer, haven't heard about Haven and Warehouse 13?
Any other news that's fit or unfit to print? I'm always looking for the Sci Fi gossip!
Hope everyone is having a great start to their week!
Maria
Hope to meet all of you, on upcoming race weekends! Was so happy to see Corinna and Jen B. - even very briefly - so wonderful to see some great, familiar, friendly faces! 
)! This trip also served as a 50th (!!) birthday celebration for my DH, so we had made lots of dining (etc.) plans in advance.......will definitely plan to visit with all of you and our other WISH pals, on our next race weekend vacation! 
-- always gets a Christmas bonus!) caught it and made sure we got it. 
Dennis has been seeing a great massage therapist in Cambridge who specializes in PF, and it has made a huge difference for him. PM me if you want her contact information. 
I'm back to my normal running week, maybe that will help. 
to all the cousins! 
your way! 
It's good to have choices! The only sad thing is that if she doesn't take the slot, it disappears. They don't do a wait list, either you make the cut or you don't. I am not going to call any of my friends with 6th graders today...I figure if they get in they'll call me...
Good luck in Providence! I think RnR does a nice job with their races, easily on par with WDW...and the medals are heavy!
