2 on Tuesday

runDisney announced the event calendar for 2015-2016 late last week.  Immediately, social media erupted (okay, it actually did twice once when they posted and quickly removed and then when they "officially" published it) because of a couple of noticeable absences.  The first, Expedition Everest in 2016.  I am not really surprised for 2 reasons - 1) there have been rumors of Everest's cancellation for a while now.  If they aren't planning on holding it in 2016, it's not a huge shock; 2) it's kinda the blacksheep of races and is often announced last minute.  Might still happen and we just don't know yet.

The next item that is missing?  Tower of Terror in 2015.  When they first published it and then it went away, people assumed it was to add TOT.  But alas, the official one didn't have it either.  runDisney has since confirmed that TOT is "suspended" for 2015.  One hopes it will come back in 2016, but who knows?  There is a lot of speculation about why - construction at Hollywood Studios (which doesn't make sense since W&D goes through a larger portion of HS and it's not cancelled); to make room for a Disneyland Paris event?  Personally, I don't know.  I am just glad I did it before it got suspended!

 

In other runDisney news, lots of Wine and Dine updates were posted to the runDisney website.  They published the event guide and course maps.  The course map hasn't changed - in fact they didn't even change the date on the map (seriously, it still says 2013.  Seriously?).  But of course, most important is waivers and corral assignments.  My number puts me in Corral B.  It's only a couple of weeks away!  Can't wait!

Expedition Everest: Summit Party

Don't miss my recap of the Expedition Everest Expo, 5K and Scavenger Hunt.

Following the race, was the Expedition Everest Summit Party.  After finishing and picking up a bottle of water and some snacks (they had mini Cliff Bars and banana's), I picked up my stuff from baggage and headed into Animal Kingdom.

People were still working on the scavenger hunt while I was headed in (Pam and her mom were still out there so I had some time to kill), so they had a walkway for finishers to head into the park.  Once I was inside the gates, I made a detour to the bathroom to change my top and clean up for the party.  While I wish I could have showered (not possible), I did use my Nathan's Power Shower Wipes.  It's definitely not the same as showering, but at least it got the sweat off my face.  I also put on my jacket, because man was it cold out.  Only like 65 degrees.

The main section of the park that was open was Dinoland USA (everything open) and parts of Asia (just Everest and Kali River Rapids).  I immediately headed for Everest - couldn't wait to ride it at night!  There was no wait, just the walk to the front.

I have to say, riding Everest at night was definitely a different experience.  I've ridden the ride a lot, but it felt very different at night.  It was a little scarier!  The parts inside were in the pitch black.  It was a lot of fun!

 When I got off the ride, I was ready to get right back on!  The line was a little longer this time, but then I realized they were still doing single rider line.  So I used that line and rode 3 more times!  That might be the most I have ever ridden Everest in a row.  By the 4th time, I needed a break.  And I was awful thirsty.

They still had the adult beverage carts out, so on the way back to Dinoland, I stopped and got a margarita.  It was delicious (sorry, I love margarita's).

Since I was still waiting for Pam and her mom, I figured I would check out the rest of the party.  They had a DJ out and he was playing some fun music.  They also had some characters out, so I stopped for some photo's - Goofy and Pluto in their farming finest.

 

After Pam got there (her mom headed back to the hotel early), we headed to check out Kali River Rapids.  It's always been closed when I've been there or way too cold to ride it.  It wasn't quite warm enough (still) but we did anyways.  Most people seemed to be waiting for Everest because there was no wait all.  We ended up in a raft all by ourselves.

I have to admit, it was fun but it was definitely kind of creepy.  Since the park is usually closed at night, the ride isn't well lit which added to the spookiness.  And since not many people were riding it, there was no one else in site.  It was still fun, but doesn't hold a candle to Grizzly River Run (in California Adventure).  It might be better with more people in the raft (and in the daytime), so I'll have to check it out again.

Overall, I enjoyed the Summit Party.  I got my fill of Everest, finally got to ride Kali River Rapids and the DJ was pretty good.  Not quite as good as the Wine and Dine after party (with the Food and Wine Festival going on, that after party is pretty epic), but still a great time!

Race Recap: Expedition Everest Challenge Part 2: Scavenger Hunt

Don't miss my recap of the Expo and 5K.  Now on to the Scavenger Hunt recap!

Expedition Everest Challenge: Scavenger Hunt
May 3, 2014

When I last left off, I had crossed the finish line of the 5K.  Up next was the scavenger hunt.  Shortly after crossing, they had volunteers waiting to hand you your first clue.  You got a bottle of water and then your clue with a mini Sharpie and light.

Love the baby Sharpie!

After I tried to read clue #1 and run to the first stop, but since I was afraid I would break my neck, I walked while reading it.  Here is clue #1:

The answer was tied to your bib - the green flag was on the right side of the bib.  It took me a minute to get it, but once I figured it out I started running again to the clue stop.  It was located right outside the security gate for Animal Kingdom.  After telling the volunteer my answer, I got clue #2.

I have to admit this one stumped me.  So instead of trying to figure it out, I headed to the next stop first.  On the way to clue stop #2, I saw Donald hanging out where Chip and Dale had been during the run.  I decided to stop for a photo.  Loved the sailor outfit!

Back to the clue, I knew what I was looking for - numbers in the first clue - but I was still trying to figure out the whole thing when I heard some people next to me solve it.  The answer was 4 (which still doesn't quite make sense to me), but since I knew it, I told the volunteer and got clue #3.

This one was easy to solve!  I love these types of puzzles so I did it while I walked to the next clue.  On the way there, I stopped for a photo with Timon, who was hanging out where Rafiki had been.

At the next clue stop, I gave my answer and got clue #4.  This one was also pretty easy to solve since it was tied to clue #3.  I ran to the next stop and punched out the correct items.

Upon showing the volunteer I had punched out the correct items, I got clue #5 (the final one!).  This one was tied to clue #5 and was very easy.  

Just overlay clue #4 with the items punched out and see what it said.

That was the final answer!  I headed straight towards the finish line.  Right before the finish line, they had some volunteers and I had to hold up the answer to clue #5 - the number 4 (I just held up 4 fingers).  After I got approval on my answer, I headed to the finish line!

My final time (5K + Scavenger Hunt) was 49:44.  Took me about 22 minutes to do the Scavenger Hunt.  I ended up the 21st women and 7th in my age group (30-34).  Not bad at all!

Oh, and don't forget about the medal!  I have to say, this medal is definitely one of my favorites.  It ties into the theme of the race perfectly and is just plain fun!

Closed

Open

Even though the race was over, that doesn't mean the night was!  Up next, I'll share some of the post-race party!

Race recap: Expedition Everest Challenge Part 1: 5K

Don't miss my recap of the Expedition Everest Expo!

Expedition Everest 5K
May 3, 2014

Unfortunately, the weather didn't really cooperate on Saturday either.  During the day it rained on and off, but was predicted to stop by the time the race started Saturday night at 10pm.  When we headed to the race start at 9pm, it was only misting.  Since it was only in the 60's, this was not really ideal weather.

We got to the start area pretty quickly - staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge was so convenient!  After checking our bags and using the bathroom one last time, we headed to the start area.

This was were the race got not so fun.  Since the theme is Everest they had it set up like the race.  And someone (not so brillantly) decided to create fake snow.  When we started walking towards our corral it was misting, but the time we got to the corral it was pretty wet.  The combination of the fake snow and rain made it really rainy.  And since it was so cold, waiting for the start was freezing.  I get the idea, but if it's not 80... maybe don't do it?

Can't really tell, but it's raining.  A lot.

We were in corral B, so we didn't have to wait long.  I said goodbye to Pam and her mom (who were doing the challenge together) and headed off.  Once we cleared the start - it was not raining.  At all.  So in other words, all the rain was from their "fake" snow.  So annoying!

The first obstacle was just under a mile in.  We had to jump over hay barrels.  I can't remember exactly how many there were, but my guess is 6 to 8 rows.  They were pretty low to the ground, so not too challenging!

Following the hay barrels, the course headed into Animal Kingdom.  We headed in through the front gates and then went towards Asia.  Just past Discovery Island I spotted Chip and Dale in their camp gear finest!

We made a right hand turn at Asia and I spotted Rafiki.  No line, so I quickly stopped for a photo.

After Rafiki, the course took us towards Everest and past the Finding Nemo theatre.  We took a hard left turn and headed out of Animal Kingdom.  Just outside the gates was Baloo.

Just Baloo was Mickey!  He had no line, so I had to take advantage of a photo.

After Mickey, we headed for a short out and back behind Everest.  This is where obstacle #2 was located.  It tires! They were pretty easy since it just involved hopping through them.  Although I did almost trip on one of them #thatwouldhavebeenawkward

After the tires, the course turned around and we headed back to the parking lot where the finish was.  Shortly before the finish was the last obstacle - crawling under a net.  Since it had rained earlier, it was kinda wet, but they had put down a tarp so you weren't crawling on mud.

After that, I headed towards the 5K finish.  I wasn't doing this one for time, so I wasn't really watching my pace or anything during the 5K.  It was nice just to enjoy it.

My watch did put the course at 2.9 miles - definitely short of the 3.1.  Usually are long, this is the first time (at a Disney race) where the course has been short.  Since it was a fun run for me, didn't really bother me!

Results
Official: 3.1 mi, 27:53, 8:59 pace
Garmin: 2.9 mi, 27:53, 9:41 pace

I'll be pack with Part 2 soon - the Scavenger Hunt!

Expedition Everest Challenge: Expo

Earlier this month (it's still May so I can say that), I headed down to Disney to participate in Expedition Everest.  Since I'd like to get these recaps done before Grandma's (fingers crossed!), let's get started with the expo.

We arrived in Disney on Friday and after checking in and getting settled at the hotel, we (planned on) headed to the expo.  Unfortunately, it was pouring, so we grabbed some food and then went to the expo during a rain break.  It was still raining slightly, but no longer monsooning, so that was good.

This was my first during Everest and let me just say it was a bit different then other Disney expo's.  The entire thing was contained within the stadium.  Which would normally be fine if it wasn't raining.  But since part of the expo was outside, the rain put a damper on things.

First we headed into to the packet and shirt pickup.  It was located right in the stadium, under the stands (on the outside if that makes any sense).

They did have the entire area decorated very well and totally in the theme of Everest.  I've always loved the theming of Everest so this was a big hit with me!

The lines at packet pickup were non-existent and we quickly got our numbers.  After that we headed to the separate t-shirt pickup.  The shirts seemed to be running really small, but fortunately they were doing size switches so I was able to change my size.  The shirt is a great orange color and I love the design.

They had a very small section of merchandise, really just an 'I Did It' shirt as well as a bunch of runDisney merchandise.  It was nice not to be tempted to spend money!  I had pre-ordered a pin so I did have that.

They did have an area right outside the stadium that was supposed to be the speaker area as well as a few vendor booths (I know Raw Threads was supposed to be there) but because it was raining all the booths were closed.  The New Balance booth was inside, but since I didn't want the sneakers (there was no line and plenty of sizes so if you want them, this event would be a good one to get them at) we didn't really stop there.

After that we checked out the course map and headed back to the hotel.  We managed to miss the hard rain while waiting for the bus, but it started raining again when we got back to the hotel.  Which would be the theme of the weekend (rain).

While definitely a different and smaller expo then other runDisney expo's, I really liked this one.  It would be a great one for a new runDisney participant because the expo is more manageable and not so overwhelming.

Up next - the Expedition Everest 5K!

Training recap week of 4/28 (Grandma's Week 11)

Another week of training has come and gone.  Only 7 weeks to go!  I gave myself a down week (like seriously down) this week as coming out of Nike DC, I was feeling incredibly sore.  Things hurt that shouldn't have and there were some significant soreness.  I know taking a week so low is not ideal in the middle of a training cycle, but I really want to make it to the start line healthy (i.e. uninjured).

This week also included Expedition Everest Challenge which was a first!  It was fun and I'll have a full recap soon.

Monday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Tuesday

Scheduled: 3 miles easy

Actual: 3.14 mi, 35:13, 11:19 pace

Wednesday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Thursday

Scheduled: 3 miles easy

Actual: 3.08 mi, 31:20, 10:10 pace

Friday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Saturday

Scheduled: Expedition Everest Challenge

Actual: 2.9 mi, 27:53, 9:41 + 1.09 mi in scavenger hunt

Sunday

Scheduled: Rest

Actual: Rest

Feeling so much better after this week and ready to get back into it for the remainder of training!

Total miles: 10.21

Total April miles: 124.27

Total May miles: 7.07

Miles until goal (1,250): 823.12

2 on Tuesday: Expedition Everest Edition

How is it already Expedition Everest time?  It has seriously snuck up on me (we *may* have only just made dining reso's and fast pass plans).  I think it might have something to do with this being weekend number 7 of travel in a row.  That's a lot of travel in a row.

Even though it snuck up on me, I am really looking forward to going.  We'll be staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge which will be a first for me and having dinner Friday night at Boma (another first) which I've heard good things about.  I thought I'd use this week's 2 for Tuesday to talk about some Everest things.  It might be more then 2, but oh well!

First up, lots of information was posted for the event.  Here's what you can find on runDisney.com:

• Final Race Instructions
• Waivers

There are no corrals posted online, so I am assuming we'll find those out at number pickup.

Next up is the course.  I am really excited it is all in Animal Kingdom (okay, and the parking lot)!

Lastly, costumes.  Since the race is only a 5K, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do anything for this one.  And my recent schedule has not really allowed for any craft time.  I am just going to reuse a costume and I am pretty sure it is going to be my Incredible outfit from the 5K.  That one was really good and it'll be nice and comfortable for the after party.

Oh, and let's not forget about the after party!  Animal Kingdom will be open late and we'll be able to ride Everest (at night!), Kali River Rapids (which is always closed when we are in Disney, so I am super excited about this one) and others.

 Anyone ever done Everest before?  What can I expect?  

2 on Tuesday

It's snowing.  Again.  I am so over this weather.  Today was my first run back from the marathon and I had to do it on a treadmill.  Ugh.

I am officially registered for Everest!  It was a little hard to justify the cost (and trip to WDW) for a 5K, but there are rumors that this will be the last year and I had to do it at least once.  Dear runDisney, please just take all my money!

We are just over 4 weeks from Princess which means it's time to start talking Glass Slipper Challenge costumes!  I know what I am going to be for the 10K, but I'm still working on the Half costume.  My cousin is running too, so we are discussing possible "themed" costumes.  I'll make sure to share once they are ready!

Any guess as to what I am going to be (for either race)?