Training recap week of 1/30

Another week of training for Princess in the books! And even though I missed some runs this week, the runs I had went really well! Sometimes, it's all about the small victories.

We are less then 3 weeks to Princess and I am getting very excited. Not just for warmer weather (and it better be warm, do you hear me Central Florida?), but for a few days away. I like to have trips scheduled in the winter to break up the cold and grey weather.

Currently training for:

• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half
• Star Wars Dark Side 10K
• Star Wars Dark Side Half

Monday
Scheduled: Rest or Cross Training
Actual: Pure Barre

Tuesday:
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: Rest

One of my best friends who lives in Philly was in town and we met up for dinner.

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 1 mi 20-30 seconds under GHMP, 15 minutes tempo (10 sec over GHMP), 800m hard plus WU and CD
Actual: 6.0 mi, 58:26
Paces: {Mile} 8:15, {Tempo} 8:50, 8:55, {800m} 7:15

This was a weird workout. It seemed an odd combination of distances and paces, but I am sure it had a purpose. I am please with my times though - right were they should be!

Thursday
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: 5.14 mi, 46:20, 9:00 pace

I ran this one with the Oiselle Volee during Flight Club. It was a little faster then I would have run an easy one, but it still felt good!

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 8 miles easy
Actual: Rest

I was supposed to do my long run this day, but I woke up with an upset stomach. It just felt off all day, so I mostly slept and pushed my long run until Sunday.

Sunday
Scheduled: 3-6 mile easy
Actual: 8.02 mi, 1:16:02, 9:29 pace

My long run today felt really good. The pace was comfortable and I felt strong the entire time.

Total Miles: 19.16
Total January Miles: 92.96
Total February Miles: 19.16
Miles to Goal (1,270): 1,157.88 

Training recap week of 1/23

If I had to describe this week in training in any way, it's be okay. My runs went okay. I did okay getting most of my workouts in. I did not do great in terms of cross training, but I did go to a Pure Barre class, so that was good.

What was good about this week was I got another set of back to back runs in and my legs felt much better this time around vs. last time. Also good, one more week of winter is behind us 😃 Can you tell I am over winter?

Currently training for:

• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half
• Star Wars Dark Side 10K
• Star Wars Dark Side Half

Monday
Scheduled: Rest or Cross Training
Actual: Pure Barre

Tuesday:
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: 4.4 miles, 40:07, 10:03

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 2 miles (1 above goal HMP, 1 below goal HMP) x 2 (with a 3 minute rest in between), plus WU and CD
Actual: 6.11 mi, 56:48
Paces: {First set} 8:54, 8:34; {Second set} 8:34, 8:52

The first set was tough, but for some reason the second set was easier.

Thursday
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: Rest

I had a work function this night, so no run for me. I tried to set my alarm to run something pre-work, but my bed was too warm and it was too cold outside for me to get up.

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.0 mi, 40:17, 10:04 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 11 mile long run
Actual: 11.0 mi, 1:45:41, 9:36 pace

Not my best week, but not my worst week!

Total Miles: 25.18
Total January Miles: 92.96
Miles to Goal (1,270): 1,177.04 

Training recap week of 1/16

This week was pretty good in terms of training. Got all my runs in and felt strong on them. I also took my first Pure Barre class. Gilt City had a really good deal on class packages so I figured it was a good time to try it. The classes were more then half off - a great deal! This way I can try the classes and if I don't like them at least they were a deal.

Currently training for:

• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half
• Star Wars Dark Side 10K
• Star Wars Dark Side Half

Monday
Scheduled: Rest or Cross Training
Actual: Pure Barre

Tuesday:
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: 4.5 miles, 43:35, 9:41
Cross Training: TIU K+K HIIT and Abs

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 8 x 800m at HMP (8:46), plus WU and CD
Actual: 6.36 mi, 1:02:27
Paces: 8:49, 8:45, 8:44, 8:43, 8:38, 8:43, 8:53, 8:43
Cross Training: TIU Leg Workout

This was a tough workout, but I am pleased with how my paces ended up.

Thursday
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: 5.15 mi, 47:35, 9:14 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Cross Training
Cross Training: TIU Arms and Abs

Saturday
Scheduled: 8 miles long run
Actual: 8.12 mi, 1:21:01, 9:59 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: 3.17 mi, 32:26, 10:14 pace

Overall, a pretty good week! I got my runs and some solid cross training in!

Total Miles: 27.30
Total January Miles: 67.78
Miles to Goal (1,270): 1,202.22 

Training recap week of 1/9

 

Remember last week when I complained about the cold weather? Well this past week we had a huge shift in the weather and I ran in shorts on Thursday. SHORTS! I was wonderful. Of course, it snowed on Saturday... so there's that.

This past week of training went pretty well. I skipped Tuesday run because we didn't get home until late Monday night and I was exhausted. Other than that, I did pretty good on my workouts. And I got 4 cross training workouts in! 

Currently training for:

• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half
• Star Wars Dark Side 10K
• Star Wars Dark Side Half

Monday
Scheduled: Rest or Cross Training
Actual: Lots of walking around Disney

Tuesday:
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: Cross training
Cross Training: Abs

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 2 miles @ 15 sec over goal pace (9:01), 6 x 30 sec hills, 2 miles @ 15 sec over goal pace (9:01), plus WU and CD
Actual: 6.7 mi, 1:02:53
Paces: {1st set} 8:48, 8:57; {2nd set} 8:56, 8:55
Cross Training: TIU Daily Moves

Pretty please with how the speed workout went. The second set was tough after running hills, but please with how it went.

Thursday
Scheduled: 4-7 miles easy
Actual: 5.16 mi, 49:34, 9:37 pace
Cross Training: TIU Arms

Ran in shorts! In January!

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.00 mi, 40:11, 10:02 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: 10 miles long run
Actual: 10.04 mi, 1:36:26, 9:36 pace

Since we only have like 5 weeks to Princess, I needed to start getting some back to back workouts in. Did 4 and 10 this weekend and felt really strong.

Total Miles: 25.90
Total January Miles: 40.48
Miles to Goal (1,270): 1,229.52 

Training recap week of 1/2

So we are barely into winter and I am already over the cold. I miss running in shorts and I am skip of having to wear a million layers to go on a run. Yes, I am a wuss 😏. But since I have no plans on moving somewhere warm in the near future, I guess I should stop complaining (out loud at least!).

This weeks training was much less then I expected. I was supposed to run the Disney Half this weekend, but it had to be cancelled due to severe thunderstorms. I'll have a full post later this week about everything so not going to elaborate more now.

I didn't do great with cross training this week. I haven't been doing it for so long, I am really struggling to get back into it.

Currently training for:

• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half Marathon
• Star Wars Dark Side 10K
• Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon

Monday

Scheduled: Rest or Cross Training

Actual: Rest day

I was still off of work so I really should have done some sort of cross training, but I was feeling lazy and wanted to take advantage of my last vacation day.

Tuesday

Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy

Actual: 3.5 mi, 33:03, 9:27 pace

Kept this one nice and easy. I am really just starting to get back to running 5 days a week and don't want to overdue it. I also did a toning workout from Tone It Up, so that was good!

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 3 miles @ tempo (8:56), plus warm up and cool down
Actual: 5.00 mi, 46:30
Paces: 9:02, 8:58, 8:34

My paces started a little slow, but they picked up throughout the tempo workout. Felt really strong on the last mile and was way ahead of my planned pace!

Thursday
Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: 3.08 mi, 30:31, 9:54 pace

Kept this one short as I needed to finish packing and had a very early wakeup call the next morning.

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: Disney World Half Marathon
Actual: Does lots of walking around Disney count?

No half due to weather 😡

Sunday
Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: Rest (lots of walking around Disney)

I completely bailed on this run due to the temps out (only 32 degrees) and I had not brought proper gear for that temp. It wasn't supposed to be that cold, which is why I didn't bring the right stuff.

Ended up not being a great week mileage wise, but it is what it is.

Total Miles: 11.58
Total January Miles: 14.58
Miles to Goal (1,270): 1,248.72

Training recap week of 12/26

Hope everyone had a good last week of 2016! As I mentioned in my last post, I am almost fully back to normal. Although, I don't think I will ever go back to the exact same I was before surgery (there are some scars on my stomach that prove that), but I am feeling as close to the way I was pre-surgery as I can be.

I ended the year on high note - first true speed workout! It felt really good to get a speed workout in. Felt ideal to do it at the end of the year. Here's to 2017!

Currently training for:

• Disney World Half Marathon
• Enchanted 10K
• Princess Half Marathon

 
Monday
Scheduled: Rest/Cross Training
Actual: Spin class

Used this Monday to get some cross training in! I was still home in PA, but fortunately, a CycleBar just opened near my mom's house and I got a solid spin class in there. It's been a long time since I took a spin class, but it felt good to shake out my legs and sweat out all the holiday treats.

Tuesday
Schedule: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: 3.0 miles, 29:58, 10:00 pace

Easy 3 mile run today. I was a little sore from CycleBar yesterday, so didn't push it or anything.

Wednesday
Scheduled: 3 x 1 mile at 10-20 seconds over goal HMP (so 8:56-9:06), plus warm up and cool down
Actual: 5:41 miles total
Paces: 8:55, 8:56, 8:46

This went surprisingly well. I was nervous about hitting those paces, but they were not as hard as I thought they would be.

Thursday 
Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: 3.18 mi, 30:55, 9:44 pace

Kept it nice and easy for today's run. Since yesterday was my first speedwork, didn't want to overdo it.

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 11 mile long run
Actual: 11.5 mi, 1:53:13, 9:51 pace

Didn't have the greatest month of long runs (in other words, I didn't get any in), but with the Disney Half next weekend, wanted to get a solid long run in. It was good and what a way to end 2016.

Sunday
Scheduled: 3-6 miles easy
Actual: 3.0 mi, 30:23, 10:08 pace

Total Miles: 26.08
Total December Miles: 67.95
Total January Miles: 3.00
Miles to 2016 Goal (1,000): 190.18
Miles to 2017 Goal (1,270): 1,267

I didn't not make my 2016 goal, but given my surgery and the recovery following that, I am not surprised. I did finish the year with just over 800 miles, which I am pretty proud of! It was actually more then I expected to, so I was really psyched. I upped my number in 2017, but with two marathons, it should not be an issue.

How did your training week go?

runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2016

via @runDisney on Twitter

Registration for the Princess 2016 races opened yesterday and (unsurprisingly) sold out quickly.  As of now, only the 5K and Kids Races are left.  Even though it's 1 day later and the main races are sold, it didn't seem to sell out as quickly as usual (or was that just me?).  The Glass Slipper Challenge and the Enchanted 10K went first, followed by the Half a couple of hours later.

Was it just me who thought it took longer [to sell out] than last year?  Have they finally reached the limit of races people can/want to do (note, Avengers Half is still not sold out completely)?  Not that I am complaining, I remember when you used to be able to register for months from when registration opened.  I would really love it if it went back to that and took some of the stress out of registering.

Personally, I am an annual passholder so I get to register early.  Which is also stressful since they only release a handful of registrations to AP's to keep it fair (which I totally get).  But it was less stressful then today.  runDisney.com and Active were both down at noon from the crush of people trying to register.  I am glad I didn't have to deal with that!

On another note, it's looking like the race weekend will have a Little Mermaid theme.  You can see in the above graphic that it is underwater and has seashells and the like in it.  I love the Little Mermaid, so I am excited for this!

Anyone else out there doing any of the Princess weekend races?

Race Recap: Princess Half Marathon 2015

Here it is!  Don't forget to check out my expo and 10K recaps as well!

Princess Half Marathon
February 22, 2015

State: repeat (Florida)
Lifetime: #52

As is the norm for all Disney races, it was another early morning wake up call.  I had laid all my clothing out the night before, so getting ready was a breeze.

I was running the race with my cousin Colleen (who I ran it with last year) and two of my cousins-in-law, Amy and Mary (married to two of my cousins, both of whom are Colleen's brothers).  Colleen had made us adorable matching shirts that said "Once Upon a Run".  Colleen and I opted to pair ours with Sparkle Athletic skirts!

The girls were in a connecting room and we said good bye to our moms and Mary (who luckily got to go back to sleep!).  The weather was much warmer then the day before, but still slightly chilly.  Mary and Colleen had brought throw away clothing, but it was Amy's first half and us seasoned runners forgot to tell her to bring throwaway's.  Oops!  Fortunately, I had an extra heat sheet from the day before Amy could use (and it was so much warmer then Saturday which helped a lot!).

The line for the bus wasn't too long (we got on the second one) and hit minimal traffic on the way to the start.  Once we got there and made it through bag check, we met up with Abby and her sister who were also running.  We chatted a bit, used the bathrooms and then headed to baggage and the start.  As I said, this was Amy's first half and she was feeling a little nervous and wanted to get to the corrals a bit early.  I've been there before and know that feeling so I understood.

I was in corral B but the other girls were farther back, so we could start together.  We were in the J corral.  We hung out in the corral for a while and then it was time to start.  Fortunately, they were sending the corrals off pretty quickly (more quickly then I feel like they did the year before) and we only had to wait about 25ish minutes, which I felt was quick for Corral J.

Colleen and I had planned to run together.  Mary likes to run by herself (plus she had a baby in July and this was her first race back), so she went off on her own.  We actually stayed in the vicinity of her the whole race and would play leap frog when we stopped for photo's and the bathroom.  Amy didn't really have a plan, but she stayed with us until about mile 5.5.  Colleen and I stopped for the bathroom, but Amy wasn't sure she'd start again if she stopped (know that feeling as well!).  Similar to Mary, we saw her several times throughout the race.

The first 5 miles went by pretty quickly - Colleen, Amy and I chatting and catching up the whole time.  It was a bit crowded at the beginning, but it did start to thin out right as we passed through the parking toll booths.

We passed several characters on the way (Captain Jack Sparrow, the Princes and the Villians) - the lines were pretty long so we skipped stopping.  I let Colleen decide which ones to stop for, as I've basically stopped for everyone at this point!

Near the speedway, we saw Vanellope out.  She didn't have a crazy line, but we decided not to stop for a picture.  Colleen's kids like the movie (but we didn't want to wait), so I grabbed a photo of Vanellope from the side.

Kinda looks like she is dancing...

After Vanellope, we headed towards the Contemporary and into Magic Kingdom.  Time for my favorite part!  Main Street was packed with spectators and as usual, never fails to give me chills!  We stopped for a group photo with the Castle in the background.  Amy almost didn't stop (as she was afraid she wouldn't start again), but she jumped in at the last minute!  So glad she did, it turned out to be a great photo.

Love it!

We continued into Tomorrowland, where we saw Buzz Lightyear.  We didn't wait in line, but I grabbed a photo from the side again.

To infinity and beyond!

Colleen and I stopped at the Tomorrowland bathrooms and Amy continued on.  We'd catch her on the road back to Epcot.  Right before we headed through the Castle, we saw Anna, Elsa and Kristoff on the balcony.  In previous years they have had the trumpeters out, but it's a good spot for those 3.  Could you imagine the lines if they were on the actual course for photo's?  No Princess Minnie and Prince Mickey out this year.  Usually, this is where they are out but there was construction going on, which is why I am guessing they weren't out.

Where's Olaf?

We made our way through the Castle - second favorite part of this race!  It's a feeling that never gets old!

As we continued on, we passed Buddy in Frontierland before heading out of the park and then Aurora and Prince Phillip.  I managed to snag a great shot of Woody - wasn't planned, sheer dumb luck!

Hey dude...

The journey back to Epcot from the Magic Kingdom was pretty typical.  I felt they had a good amount of characters out (can't really remember if I thought it was more or less then the Marathon Weekend) including Mary Poppins, some men in tux's with a glass slipper and some others.  We didn't stop for any of the photo's but they were still a good distraction from the race!

They did have one character out that I had never seen before - Vacation Genie!  I would have loved to have gotten a photo with him, but the line was ridiculous.  Even if I had been alone, I would have not stopped as the line was probably 15 minutes long.  But that didn't stop me from getting a quick picture from the side!

Love it!

Usually on the way back from Magic Kingdom, the Princes' line is much shorter and you can get a quick picture.  The line was much shorter then on the way in, but still longer then we wanted to wait.  Since we had a photo of those guys from last year, we skipped it.

The rest of the route to Epcot was pretty standard.  I know we saw the Green Army man from Toy Story on the on-ramp hill, but honestly, the rest is a bit fuzzy.  Colleen and I were chatting away and I wasn't really paying attention (which, btw, is a great way to pass a race!).

Last year as we made the turn into the backstage area of Epcot (right before you actually head into the park), they had Sophia out.  Colleen's daughter is in LOVE with Sophia right now, so were were keeping our eyes out for her.  Luckily, she was out in the same spot and there was only 2 people in line!  A quick pick of Colleen and Sophia and into Epcot we went!

No line = success!

The out and back in Epcot is not quite as spine tingling as going through Magic Kingdom (usually because we are like .5 miles from the finish and I want to be done, lol), but it's still awesome.  They had the comic Fairy Godmother out with a mic which provided some good entertainment as we came through.  The gospel choir was also in it's normal place right after you leave Epcot.  They are another one of my favorites - my body just knows by now when you hear them the end is near!

Colleen and I tried to pick it up a bit as we headed into the finish, but then we saw Prince Mickey (or King, I'm not sure, I like Prince better)... with no line... so we just had to stop for a photo!  I had gotten Princess Minnie at the Expo and now have a matching pair with Prince Mickey.  I am so glad we stopped, this is one of my favorite photo's from the race!

Prince Mickey for the win!

From there, we headed to the finish!  Our finish time was 2:16:20, which considering we made a bathroom stop and a couple of photo stops, was pretty good!  We were just running this for fun, but still beat our time from 2014 by 4 minutes.

I was tracking Amy and Mary as well and after getting our medals, I checked my phone and realized they would be finishing any minute as well!  Amy came in about 2 minutes after us and Mary 1 minute after that.  Colleen needed a bandaid (her sock had been rubbing) so we stopped by medical which was enough time for us to see Amy and Mary get their medals and meet up with them.

We all picked up some water, Powerade and headed for photo's.  I separated from the girls to get my Glass Slipper Challenge medal and photo, but they were waiting for me on the backside.

They had put out a finisher background (with race photographer) which was larger then the ones before the food.  It was perfect for large groups, so we stopped to take a photo as we definitely needed a group finisher photo!

Overall, I had a great time at this race.  Disney races don't disappoint and this one was no different.  I do wish they had had more Princesses on the actual course though - I think I only saw 1?  Seems a bit off for the Princess race and would be my one issue.

Another great race and can't wait to come back in 2016 and do it again!

Results:
Official: 13.1 miles, 2:16:20, 10:24 pace
Garmin: 13.4 miles, 2:16:18, 10:11 pace

Official finishers!

Princess Half 2015 - Expo Goodies!

As with all runDisney races, our weekend started with a trip to the expo!  After checking in at the hotel and leaving our bags with storage, we headed to ESPN's WWOS.  Luckily, we didn't have to wait long for a bus and off we went!

Upon arrival at the expo, they had large signs out front for all the races.  I stopped to take a picture in front of the Glass Slipper Challenge one!

And of course, upon arrival, Mary (my sister-in-law) and I stopped for (my) traditional beer.  They had really cute pink cups this year.  I swear I took a photo of the cup at WWOS, but I can't find it for the life of me.

We headed into the HP Field House first to get our numbers.  We did my number first since the Glass Slipper Challenge was separate from the 10K and Half numbers.  After picking my number up, we made our way around to the GSC pictures.  New this year we had to stop for a photo with our number at pick up (and then they reviewed the picture after the half to get your GSC medal).  There was no line and I was in and out in a few minutes!

I also always pre-order the pins (they are a must for me, so it's worth it to pre-order so I don't have to stress about them).  I have to say, I really loved the pins this year! 

From there we headed back down to the first level to get Mary and my mom's numbers for the 10K and my shirts.  But before we headed down, we stopped at the runDisney instagram booth.  All you had to do was show you follow runDisney and you could take a cute photo in front of their green screen.

Is it me or does my head look oddly larger then my body?

From there we headed to the ground floor.  This was Mary's first 10K, so had to document her first number pickup!

After they picked up their numbers, I picked up my race shirts.  I really like the designs this year!  So cute - particularly the 10K one!

 

The merchandise on this side was pretty picked over.  All the good stuff had already been moved to the Jostens Center.  But they did have some characters out for photo's which was nice!  We stopped for a photo with Queen Minnie.  The line was only about 10 minutes which was good, because she was out during the 10K and the line was easily 30 minutes!  Glad we stopped at the expo!

My mom bought us tiara's to wear; I think I was made to wear tiara's

After our picture with Minnie, we headed to the Jostens Center.  They had the red carpet rolled out again and we stopped for a photo with the Footmen!  I love how do up this race, it's just so fun!

The Field House wasn't too crowded.  We made our way to the 10K shirt pickup and into official merchandise.  Already, the gear was pretty picked over.  From the preview, I wasn't in love with much, so this wasn't an issue for me!  And even in person, I wasn't in love with the designs, so really not an issue.  I didn't see the tumbler cups which I had liked, so saved some money there.

I was pretty good and only picked up a couple of items.  First, I did pick up a 19.3 Mickey magnet - not because I needed another magnet, but because I loved the color!  Looks great on my fridge!

I also got my new standard - the mini medal pin.  I don't know why I started collecting these, but these are apparently my new thing.  I have a {small} craft project idea to do with them (don't get impressed, it's nothing big or hard) so I'll share once I do.

And lastly, my always traditional Sweaty Bands!  Abby actually picked these up for me the day before when she was at the expo which was good since they had sold out before I got there (at least these ones had).

 

My mom picked up 'I Did It' shirts for the 10K for herself and Mary and then we headed out to the rest of the expo.  Back in January they had regular runDisney Mickey magnets that said the distances on them (6.2, 13.1, 19.3, etc).  I had picked up a 6.2 one to give to Mary after her race and I was glad I did because they were all sold out at this expo!  You're first race ever desires proper documentation :)

We didn't spend a ton of time in the rest of the expo.  Stopped by the runDisney booth to look at the newly released Tinker Bell medals (I'll share those photo's in a separate post with my thoughts on them) and stopped by Sparkle Athletic to pick up my skirt for Saturday.  But then we headed out - we were itching to get to the park (plus we were hungry!). 


What did anyone else get at the expo?

Training recap week of 2/16 (Pixie Dust Challenge Week 7)

Hello!  I'm alive!  Sorry for the bit of radio silence, just needed to recover from Princess Weekend.  We had so much fun (lots of post recaps coming!) but I definitely came back exhausted and needed some time to recover.  This puts me 2 training recaps behind, so let's get those out of the way first. 

This week was pretty good.  I missed a run because I was behind in packing for Florida, but got my 4 days of cross training in!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest
Cross training: Pink Flamingo Workout (Tone It Up)

Tuesday
Scheduled: 4 miles easy
Actual: 4.02 miles, 38:58, 9:42 pace
Cross training: Bikini Arms (Tone It Up)

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 2 x Harlem Hill @ 10K pace (7:50)
Actual: 3.1 miles total
Paces: 8:24, 8:10
Cross training: Thailand Tush and Daisy Duke Workout (Tone It Up)

I cut this speedwork a little to save my legs for the weekend.

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: Rest
Cross Training: Sleek and Slender Abs

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: Princess 10K
Actual: 6.32 miles, 1:18:20, 12:24 pace

I ran the 10K with my sister-in-law (her first!) and was happy to run it at her pace.  Recap coming soon!

Sunday
Scheduled: Princess Half Marathon
Actual: 13.4 miles, 2:16:18, 10:11 pace

Another great Princess Half in the books!

Total miles: 26.84

Total February miles: 74.20

Miles until goal (1,250): 1,098.75
Cross Training: 4/4

Training recap week of 2/9 (Pixie Dust Challenge Week 6)

To say I'm over this winter would be understating it.  I am beyond sick of the cold and wind.  Luckily, we haven't been getting snow like Boston, but the temperatures have been brutal.  I am over not being able to feel my fingers and toes on runs.  Thank god for hand and toe warmers!

Fortunately, this upcoming weekend is Princess and I'll be heading to sunny Florida soon.  I am really excited to be in warmth and sunshine. 

Another good week for me with cross training.  I can definitely feel myself getting stronger!

Monday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest
Cross training: 35 minutes elliptical and 3 Ab Moves (Tone It Up)

Tuesday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.00 miles, 28:59, 9:40 pace
Cross training: 3 Moves for Upper Back and Sleek and Slender Abs (Tone It Up)

Wednesday
Scheduled: Speedwork - 3 x 0.5 mi @ 10K pace (7:50)
Actual: 5.03 miles total
Paces: 7:57, 7:48, 7:40
Cross training: Best Ab Routine (Tone It Up)

Thursday
Scheduled: 3 miles easy
Actual: 3.17 miles, 31:25, 9:54 pace

Friday
Scheduled: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday
Scheduled: 13 mile long run
Actual: 12.02 miles, 1:53:34, 9:27 pace

Sunday
Scheduled: Cross Training
Actual: Cross training - Refine Method

Total miles: 23.22

Total February miles: 47.36

Miles until goal (1,250): 1,125.59
Cross Training: 4/4

2 on Tuesday

 

While at the WDW Expo, I stopped by the runDisney booth to check out the Princess medals in person.  I liked them when they were first shared and like them even more now that I've seen them in person!  I love the Enchanted 10K with the snowflake and of course the Princess one!  You couldn't tell in the original photo by runDisney, but the medals are actually silver, not gold.  I think that touch works well with the Frozen theme.  Just about 4 weeks until these are mine!

via runDisney Facebook page

This past weekend was the Star Wars Half Marathon weekend in Disneyland.  I have to admit, I didn't get too excited about this race when they announced it.  I liked the movies (and I've actually never seen the newest 3), but I didn't love them.  It's been a long time I last saw them and my taste in movies has changed a lot since then, so I should probably re-watch them all.  I think I'd like them more now... Anyway, I obviously didn't do the race, but I did have a little bit of FOMO watching everyone at the race this weekend.  Everyone seemed to love the race course and the characters out looked like so much fun.  Hopefully I'll be able to do this race one day!

2 on Tuesday

I've decided to do something a little different this holiday and join the Runners World Run Streak!  We'll be streaking from Thanksgiving to New Year's.  This is the first time I have ever done something like this and I am excited for the challenge!  I figure it'll be a good way to get some miles in towards my total mileage challenge for the year and burn off those extra holiday calories!

Princess Half Marathon weekend medals were released this past week!  They had announced the Frozen theme for the 5K a while ago, so I am not surprised that the other medals have a Frozen influence as well.  The 10K has a snowflake where the carriage was last time which is a small touch of Frozen and the Half and Challenge medal just have snowflakes on the ribbon.  I have to admit, I love them!  I know some people might be over Frozen but I am not.  Can't wait for these beauties to be mine in February!

Race Recap: Princess Half Marathon 2014

In case you missed it, don't forget to check out my Enchanted 10K recap!  Rounding out the weekend, here is my Princess Half recap.

Princess Half Marathon
February 23, 2014

State: Florida (repeat)
Lifetime: #43

Sunday marked another 3am morning.  Our group (me, my mom, my cousin Colleen, Pam and her mom) headed to the buses at 3:45.  There was little bit of a line to board, but there were plenty of buses waiting, so it wasn't long.

Similar to Marathon morning - crazy traffic!  I don't know if we boarded earlier last year, but I don't definitely don't remember so much traffic.  At least the bus is comfortable!

After we arrived, we went through security and made our way to the corrals.  Pam headed off to meet Abby and Colleen and I took a couple of minutes to get situated before saying goodbye to my mom.  After one last bathroom trip, we made the long journey to the start.

In case you are wondering, I did end up wearing my Anna costume.  And I am so glad I did!  There were definitely some Anna's on the course (no surprise there) but nowhere near as many as I though there would be.  The cape also only bothered me slightly.  It was shifting around my neck, so I tucked it into my sports bra straps and then it was fine! (I'd untuck for photo's).

Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long in the corrals because we had been running late.  My corral was B, but Colleen was back in G, so I dropped back.  I forgot to tell her she could submit a new time after she registered (she had run a sub 2 in September so would have been in B with me).  Next year!

The corrals went off smoothly and we didn't have to wait too long, which was nice.  Colleen and I wanted to run it together and since I've done it before, I let Colleen make all the decisions on which pictures we would stop for.  We skipped a lot, but stopped for some good ones!

The first couple of miles were the normal - highway to Magic Kingdom.  We people watched the costumes and chatted the whole time.  I typically run races alone - it was nice to have the company!  Since I was starting in a later corral then usual, it did start to get lighter a lot earlier on.  It was already light by the time we hit Magic Kingdom!

Right after making the right turn onto Main Street, we spotted my mom and Pam's mom in the crowd.  It was full of spectators, so glad we spotted them. We stopped for our first photo on Main Street.  We had to get a photo together in front of the castle in costume!

Snow White and Anna say hi (through a haze of humidity)

Following our stop on Main Street, we headed into Tomorrowland where we stopped for a photo with Buzz.  Toy Story is one of Colleen's sons favorite movies, so a Buzz (and Woody in Frontierland) stop was necessary.

Even though it looks like it, we are not wearing the same sneakers

After Buzz we made the customary loop through Fantasyland and through the castle.  Marathonfoto got some good shots of us coming through.  I still haven't decided if I am going to buy the race photo's or not (if I had to guess I would say yes).  After the castle, it was on to Liberty Square and Frontierland where we stopped for Woody.

No idea why we are laughing

 From there we headed out of the park.  We skipped the Aurora/Prince Phillip line backstage and made our way back onto the highway.  This portion of the course narrows and definitely got a little crowded.  We just tried to not crowd anyone and soon it was opening up.

The miles went by pretty quickly.  On the way back to Epcot, we stopped for a photo with the Princes and Captains Jack Sparrow and Barbossa.

Those are real guns on Hercules.  

Think we were joking about where the rum had gone

Here's tip for those who really want these photo's.  Don't stop on the way into Magic Kingdom.  You'll pass then again on the way back to Epcot and the line will be significantly shorter.  For example, on the way out, each line (Princes and Pirates) were at least 50 people long.  On the way back, less then 5 people.  So much more time efficient!

From there, we headed up the on ramp to the section of rolling hills.  Despite having run this course a bajillion times, I cannot remember how many hills there are in this section.  At every hill I kept telling Colleen this was the last one.  And then there'd be another one.  Oops!  Maybe next year I'll remember.

Right after the last hill (the actual last hill), we headed into Epcot.  As soon as we got inside, there was Princess Sophia.  She had no line so we stopped quickly.

Apparently I have a signature pose

From there it was on to the finish!  Even though it's short, this section of Epcot is still a favorite.  We passed the Gospel choir and made our way to the finish line.  A little last second bit of effort and we crossed the finish line!  My mom was waiting near the finish and got a photo of us right after we crossed the finish line.

After that, we made our way through the chute to the water.  This year after you picked up your water, you got the nice mesh drawstring bags (which we got last year at the Expo).  It was such a nice idea so we could put our water into it!  Excellent thinking runDisney.  I also picked up my GSC medal and made my way to the step and repeat for photo's.

I do have to say, not sure if it was runDisney or Marathonfoto, but they made some great changes to the official finisher photo setup.  First of all, they had hightop tables right next to them, so no more having to put all your stuff on the ground and then bend to pick it all up afterwards.  The next great change - the photographers had an Enchanted 10K medal with them so you could get a photo with all 3 and the 'Finisher' background.  So smart!  I really wish they had had that for Dopey.

After that, we collected our food boxes and baggage and went to find my mom.  We hung out a little bit, I had a celebratory beer (at like 8am, such a lush) and got some photo's with the Princess.  Rapunzel and Ariel were out, so I got them with 2 different Princess then the 10K.

Overall, this continues to be one of my favorite races.  Colleen also really enjoyed it and we've already decided to do it again next year!  I felt like there were about the same characters as last year (even though we didn't stop at all of them, Colleen commented that they helped break up the race).  Weather was hot (again) but nothing we can really do about that.

See you in 2015!

Results
Official: 13.1 mi, 2:20:20, 10:42 pace
Garmin: 13.29 mi, 2:20:20, 10:33 pace

Princess Half Expo

My trip to Florida started off very well - I got switched to First Class (the man/boyfriend/husband of the women sitting next to me was in first and they wanted to sit together so I switched seats with him.  In First Class - yay!) and my flight was on time.  It was a great way to start the trip!

After checking in to the hotel, we headed to the expo.  My aunt and cousin were arriving later, so my mom and I were picking up their stuff.

Fortunately, after the disaster that was the expo held at Coronado Springs, they moved it back to ESPN World Wide of Sports.  So much better.

We started off going to get our numbers.  There were no lines and it went very smoothly.  After that, we headed into the Josten's Center for shirt pickup, merchandise and the rest of the vendors.  But not before a photo with our footmen!

My mom got us all tiara's to wear!

After our photo opp, we headed to shirt pickup.  I have to say, I really loved the shirts this year!  The designs were so cute and I am a big fan.  Good job runDisney!  From there, we went to official merchandise.

Despite my best efforts, I did not walk out of the official merchandise empty handed.  I didn't buy any clothing though, so that counts right?

Pam already picked me up my Sweaty Bands, which was a good thing because I didn't see them (although since I already had them, I wasn't looking very hard).

And I got what I really wanted - my Princess ears!  My photo did not turn out well, but here's the photo from runDisney (I'll update with a better photo once I take one).

I also picked up 3 magnets.  I definitely did not need 3, but I couldn't decide between them!  I am going to bring one to work.  Apparently magnets are my new expo item - I got one at Wine and Dine, Dopey and now Princess.

I wasn't planning on getting another wine glass, but I just loved the design of the Half one.  Plus the back says 'Sorry Charming, Gotta Run'.  It is so cute!

Lastly, I got one of the Glass Slipper Challenge mini medals.  I got one for Dopey, so I figured I should get one for this challenge too.

After we were done at the official merchandise, we hit the rest of the expo.  We didn't spend too much time because my aunt and cousin were on their way to the hotel.  We did stop by and pick up the Lasting Commemorative postcard.  Otherwise, we were good and didn't buy anything.

Overall, I thought this expo was so much better than last year.  Moving it back to WWoS was definitely the better decision!

My (bib) Princess of choice this year!

runDisney Princess Weekend Race Updates

Before I dig into the upcoming Princess weekend, the Bake Sale for Noah has been extended to 5 pm today!  There's still time to bid on some delicious goodies!  Click here to check it out and make a bid!

With just 2 weeks to go before Princess, runDisney has been busy releasing all the important information for the weekend!  The official program guide was just released.  You get a printed copy at packet pickup, but it's always good to review before hand (check it out here).

But perhaps the most important information is the corrals (and waivers with your number).  My number is 20259 which puts me in Corral B.  But I'm going to do the half with my cousin who is a couple of corrals back, so I'll drop back to run with her for that race.  If you still need your waiver, you can get it here and check out the Half corrals and Glass Slipper corral placements.

They also released the course maps for all 3 races (5K, 10K and Half).  No surprises on any of those maps as they are all the same as they were for Marathon weekend (as I assumed they be).  But if you'd like to see them with the pretty Princess weekend colors, I've included them below.

5K and 10K

Half Marathon

Given the number of people who do all the Disney races, I do wish they'd change up the courses for events.  It does get a bit repetitive!

Anyone else doing any of the Princess races?  Which corral are you in?