BUSY!

WOW! I can't believe it's been a month since I've updated. Things have been busy. I have not missed ONE day on my training schedule, and the half marathon is next weekend!

I have a lot to update- this past month I visited Michigan, became a Godmother, completed my training, PLACED (3rd in my age group/ women) in the Lakeland series, celebrated a few friends Birthdays here in Orlando and have prepared for a cruise I am leaving for Thursday.

It's really been a crazy month. Although fall has officially started, it doesn't really seem like it living in Orlando! The weather is starting to cool down and I can especially feel it in my morning runs.

I also have purchased my official RACE DAY outfit for next weekend from Lululemon. I will take pictures and post pictures of everything I've been up to soon!

WEEK 6!

Training is flying by! In fact, summer is flying by. I can't believe I've been training for 6 weeks already. A LOT has happened since my last post. Last Saturday was the Track Shack Celebration of Running 5k it the Orlando Science Center downtown. It was a HOT morning, but two of my friends ran it with me so it was a blast!

My first mile was 7 minutes, my second mile was at 14:46 but then I crossed the finish line at 23.54. I was a little disappointed at first, since my last race was 23:18, however I think I might have pushed myself a little bit too much in the beginning. That is what these races are about, learning! HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprise to find out I placed! 3rd in my age group! I actually got a trophy for being top in the women age group.

My entire race outfit is Lululemon, head to toe!

I have another race on Saturday which will end the Lakeland series. I have really enjoyed the series, and have really enjoyed running in them!

The Intermediate schedule I have chosen to follow only allows one rest day most of the week. This has kept me busy! I've been trying to do the majority of my workouts in the morning, which I have really enjoyed. The furthest I have ran so far is 8 miles. I did 6 miles tonight, and it was still pretty humid outside.

I'm excited for raceday Saturday, now I need to pick out an outfit!

Lakeland Series #3

Today was awesome! My alarm went off at 5:20 AM and I jumped out of bed ready for race day. I felt a little more prepared today than the last two races since I have started to incorporate speed into my runs.

The night before I laid my outfit out.

I wore pretty much my exact lululemon outfit that I wore for the Pittsburgh Marathon. 

I am becoming very comfortable with the course, now that I have ran it 3 times and have enjoyed it every time. The weather is bearable in the shade and with a breeze by the water. Today was great. My roommate Beth and I had a extra friend come to this race with us, our friend Brent. It was great to know there were friends running in the race with us. We started together, and although I told him I wanted to start out slow our first mile was 7 minutes!

My Nike watch is completely off, so I'm not going to even go by that but I know my time was 23.18 minutes. This is a huge improvement from last week where my time was 23.59.  I came in 19th of 383 women who competed today, 3 of 50 in my age group (for women) and 131 of 705 overall.

It was a good morning. I'm still waiting for the series results to be posted. I'm confident with more speed training and dedication I can reach a 22 minute 5k :) 

Love.

"Newness breaks barriers. Reach for it daily"

Lululemon

I have a 5k tomorrow. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical yesterday, weights, abs and a speed run, improving the speed by .5 for a mile. Today I am going to do the speed run again along with 4 IW's- 0.25 sprints followed by 0.25 walks. It will be my first time completing this. Tomorrow is a 5k in Lakeland which means 5:20 AM wakeup call! 

New Goals.

I thought I was going to bypass getting sick EVER again since I'm not working in a school setting anymore. I was wrong. Last Wednesday (I mentioned in my last post how I wasn't feeling well that night...) well it got worse. I couldn't sleep that night because I was freezing and woke up feeling terrible, and knew I needed to go to the Dr. I went that day and had a temperature of 102 and tonsillitis. I felt terrible and basically slept on the couch the next two days and ate popsicles. I started to feel better Friday which was just in time because my parents came into town with two of my little cousins. We rested Saturday and Sunday spent the day at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I wasn't feeling 100% but it was so much fun to spend the day at Disney with kids who have never experienced it before. My parents left last night, and I worked this week as well so the week has consisted of going to work, driving to my parents hotel, going out to eat, and doing "touristy" things with them. I had a blast, but they left this morning and I am definitely ready to get back into my routine. I only worked out one day since I've been sick! Tomorrow is the last day of my 10 day antibiotic I was given, and I definitely am looking forward to running again.

Uh oh... Star Wars weekend!

My favorite ride- Nemo at Epcot!

We all got Celebrate pins for my cousin's first time! They also got "1st visit" pins :)

With the heat, I really want to start waking up early to run again. Or practicing speed on the treadmill. I'm still in debate of the date of my next half marathon, but I should start researching a new plan since I am no longer considered a beginner with a half and full marathon under my belt :). I can't believe how fast the week flew by, but I'm definitely ready to get back into a running/ training routine. I love training because it helps me focus on a goal and have a definite mileage for that day to prepare for- instead of just making one up. Another goal is to improve speed, which means I will need to start a program to do this. I ordered a new Cool Racerback from lululemon in Tango Red. I really like the racerback I bought for the marathon so I bought one for summer races! 

Running Goals:

1. 21 minute 5k
2. Improve speed for my next half marathon- 1:45 goal time

Almost Ready!

ALMOST ready. I've been getting nervous about this weekend, now that it is quickly approaching. I went to Lululemon today to get an outfit for the run. I needed longer shorts- and a top. I ended up buying the "Groovy Run Short"  (highlights: mid-length, COOLMAX liner, chafe-resistant) in all black and a "Cool Racerback" (highlights- luon fabric, body hugging, flat seamed) top in a light purple with stripes. It's a really simple outfit, and I debated going with short sleeves but didn't want to be too hot. I went to three different stores today looking for Body Glide and it was nowhere to be found! Here are a few other options I tried on at the store. I want that blue top, but the material is so delicate I'm nervous I would snag it just by looking at it.

I am starting to put out some of my items for the marathon- I am going to wake up in the morning to do a quick 3 mile loop before running errands, cleaning up and packing for my big weekend ahead. I'm actually going to wear my outfit to test it out tomorrow morning- I did the same thing while training for the half- wore my outfit one time before the actual race and I will do it again tomorrow morning!

Lululemon Summer

Check out this cute video from lululemon as a 2011 summer "sneak peak"!

Grace Ormonde!

I really thought by posting about the run earlier, it would make me go in the cold. But it didn't. The sun was nowhere to be found and it was freezing, so I put my run off again for another day. I am starting to feel unprepared for my marathon coming up, since I am skipping so many runs on my schedule. During my  half marathon training, the ONLY runs I skipped were about 2-3 when I was sick, other than that I stayed 100% on schedule. Tomorrow is supposed to be 45 degrees and the rest of the week is 45-47 so I am ready TO RUN! YES! I even bought fuel today at REI to prepare for the long runs. I bought 12 different Cliff Bloks in all different flavors, because if you bought 12 or more you save $.40 on each one. I figured I will use them eventually! The man at the store told me the cherry one had the most caffeine. I didn't realize that some of them don't have any caffeine, and I don't really know if it makes a difference or not. All I know is after how sick I got using the Gel during the race, I am ready to try something different. Maybe I can switch it up...

I still worked out today, even though it wasn't a run. I did Jillian Michaels on Exercise TV. She is nuts! I really thought with all the Yoga I have been incorporating I have been getting stronger, but I felt so weak doing her workout. It was a 30 minute workout, then I did 10 minute Ab video. Although it was a good workout, I didn't exactly care for it. I have liked other workouts by different instructors better. I really like when the workouts have a timer on the corner that counts down, and doing a few different ones that are shorter so I don't get bored.

I left early for the Grace Ormonde fashion show so I could stop at REI and Lululemon.  I really wanted to buy a strap for my yoga mat, because it drives me crazy since it is so big carrying it around and how it unrolls in the back of my car. I went for the cheaper option of a strap for $12 instead of a bag which was around $28.

The Grace Ormonde event was fun! It was a beautiful set up and the fashion show was fun. I even met Grace! The food was great, the fashion show was fun and it was kind of fun to get out and do something during the week.

With Grace Ormonde

I am going to see My Run tomorrow. It's a documentary about a man who runs 75 marathons in 75 days. If he can run 75, then I can run one! 

I just need to RUN AGAIN! 

9 week training schedule... until the MARATHON!

I have heard a lot about "Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide".  I decided to go with the Full Marathon Training Schedule: Novice 2.  I actually feel relieved that half of my training is done. I missed two weeks of long runs, but I ran after the race a few times, so I'm not too worried :) However, I'm supposed to jump right into a 17 mile run on Saturday. This will by far be the furthest I have ever ran, considering the half prior to this was the furthest at 13.1 miles! I will go slow, and not worry as much about time as just completing the run. This is going to be a challenge!

Although I chose this schedule, I am making starting at week 10 since I only have 9 weeks until the race. I feel like I properly trained up until that point for the half marathon, so I am confident if I follow it and take the first few long runs slow it should be fine. The only thing I am worried about is, time. I have a lot going on from now until the race, so my goal is going to be to FINISH. I am not going to concentrate as much on time, and set a time goal as I did for the half, but really concentrate on the long runs, and getting through them! I have never ran over 13.1 miles, so this weekend will be a first. I think I am going to take the "rest" days, and even possibly after the 4 or 5 runs to go to Yoga.

So there it is, my first FULL MARATHON training schedule. Tomorrow it will be exactly two months until the race. I know it will fly by! Now, what will I pick out from lululemon for race day? 

Taken from Hal Higdon's Novice Marathon Training Page... 
PEOPLE DIFFER GREATLY IN ABILITY, but ideally before starting a marathon program, you should have been running about a year. You should be able to comfortably run distances between 3 and 6 miles. You should be training 3-5 days a week, averaging 15-25 miles a week. You should have run an occasional 5-K or 10-K race. It is possible to run a marathon with less of a training base (particularly if you come from another sport), but the higher your fitness level, the easier this 18-week program will be.
This program consists of several different increments:
Long Runs: The key to the program is the long run on weekends, which builds from 6 miles in Week 1 to 20 miles in the climactic Week 15. (After that, you taper to get ready for the marathon.) You can skip an occasional workout, or juggle the schedule depending on other commitments, but do not cheat on the long runs. Notice that although the weekly long runs get progressively longer, every third week is a "stepback" week, where we reduce mileage to allow you to gather strength for the next push upward. Rest is an important component of any training program.
Run Slow:  Normally I recommend that runners do their long runs anywhere from 45 to 90 seconds per mile slower than their marathon pace. The problem with offering this advice to novice runners, however, is that you probably don't know what your marathon pace is, because you've never run a marathon before! Don't worry. Simply do your long runs at a comfortable pace, one that allows you to converse with your training partners, at least during the beginning of the run. Toward the end, you may need to abandon conversation and concentrate on the act of putting one foot in front of the other to finish. However, if you find yourself finishing at a pace significantly slower than your pace in the first few miles, you probably need to start much slower, or include regular walking breaks. It's better to run too slow during these long runs, than too fast. The important point is that you cover the prescribed distance; how fast you cover it doesn't matter.
Walking Breaks: That includes walking breaks. Walking is a perfectly acceptable strategy in trying to finish a marathon. It works during training runs too. While some coaches recommend walking 1 minute out of every 10, or walking 1 minute every mile, in the CARA Marathon Training Class, we teach runners to walk when they come to an aid station. This serves a double function: 1) you can drink more easily while walking as opposed to running, and 2) since many other runners slow or walk through aid stations, you'll be less likely to block those behind. It's a good idea to follow this strategy in training as well. Our class that trains on the lakefront finds water fountains (also known as "bubblers") every mile, or more often. We teach them to stop frequently to drink. Our classes that train elsewhere in the suburbs don't always have easy access to fluids, but we teach them to wear a water belt and also stop frequently to drink. You will lose less time walking than you think. I once ran a 2:29 marathon, walking through every aid station. My son Kevin ran 2:18 and qualified for the Olympic Trials employing a similar strategy. And Bill Rodgers took four brief breaks (tying a shoe on one of them) while running 2:09 and winning the 1975 Boston Marathon. Walking gives your body a chance to rest, and you'll be able to continue running more comfortably. It's best to walk when you want to, not when your (fatigued) body forces you too.
Cross-Training:  Sundays in this training program are devoted to cross-training. What is cross-training? It is any other form of aerobic exercise that allows you to use slightly different muscles while resting (usually) after your long run. In this program, we run long on Saturdays and cross-train on Sundays, although it certainly is possible to reverse that order. The best cross-training exercises are swimming, cycling or even walking. What about sports such as tennis or basketball? Activities requiring sideways movements are not always a good choice. Particularly as the mileage builds up toward the end of the program, you raise your risk of injury if you choose to play a sport that requires sudden stopping and starting. One tip: You don't have to cross-train the same each weekend. And you could even combine two or more exercises: walking and easy jogging or swimming and riding an exercise bike in a health club. Cross-training for an hour on Sunday will help you recover after your Saturday long runs.
Midweek Training:  Training during the week also should be done at a comparatively easy pace. As the weekend mileage builds, the weekday mileage also builds. Add up the numbers, and you'll see that you run roughly the same mileage during the week as you do during long runs on the weekends. Midweek workouts on Wednesdays build from 3 to 10 miles. (I call these my Sorta-Long Runs.) There are similar slight advances on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program is built on the concept that you do more toward the end than at the start. That sounds logical, doesn't it? Believe me--as tens of thousands of marathoners using this schedule have proved--it works.
Rest:  Despite my listing it at the end, rest is an important component of this or any training program. Scientists will tell you that it is during the rest period (the 24 to 72 hours between hard bouts of exercise) that the muscles actually regenerate and get stronger. Coaches also will tell you that you can't run hard unless you are well rested. And it is hard running (such as the long runs) that allows you to improve. If you're constantly fatigued, you will fail to reach your potential. This is why I include two days of rest each week for novice runners. If you need to take more rest days--because of a cold or a late night at the office or a sick child--do so. The secret to success in any training program is consistency, so as long as you are consistent with your training during the full 18 weeks of the program, you can afford--and may benefit from--extra rest.

Michigan... Cold

I'm back in Michigan. I woke u early this morning, around 6:00 AM to prepare the house, take care of the dog, and lock up before my friend picked me up around 6:45 AM to head to the airport. I was sad to leave the little dog, I love Scampi! He is so sweet, and always would come sit by me.

I arrived back in Michigan before 11 AM and could tell it was freezing just by looking outside. So I'm being a little dramatic, it's in the 40's but it was 80 yesterday in Florida!

I love being home, but I already miss Orlando...

Today lululemon came out with a new print called Unicorn Tears. They also have a new color called "Violaceous" which is kind of a hot purple shade. I like it, I'm not crazy about the new color but I like the Unicorn Print. I really like this "Pure Move Crop", it looks like there are little fluffy flowers on legs! They're $78, and not specific to running, more yoga. I really don't need a pant right now, if anything running shorts and tanks.

Pure Move Crop

Unicorn Tear Print, "Down Time Jacket

"Violaceous" color in Define Jacket

What are your thoughts about the new color and prints? Like? Dislike? I think I have to see them both in the store as well. I am about to take a nap before writing some follow up e-mails from last week. What a great vacation, Orlando- I can't wait to see you again (hopefully soon!)

Sushi Picnic

It is beautiful out today. B E A U T I F U L! And yes, I am currently enjoying a sushi picnic in the front yard. We had about 9 rolls leftover from last night's dinner and we took them home so I could finish them for lunch today! They are tasty, but I stand by yesterday that they are not my favorite rolls in the world.

I slept in until 9:30 AM today and woke up, took care of the dog and changed into my running clothes. I had to take my brother to the airport, but I figured if I was already in my running clothes and tennis shoes I would go on my run right when I got home instead of getting on the computer and laying around. That is exactly what I did! I came home, and went almost immediately out the door. It was probably high 70s during my run, a little hot but I really enjoyed it and it made me sad to think I will be back in the snow in a few short days.

I didn't really have a plan for my run so I just kind of went out of the neighborhood and kept going. Originally I thought maybe I would go about 3-4 miles but it was so nice outside I did a slow 5.

I ran 5 miles in 51:57. 

I came home and did a few stretches, sit ups and push ups outside in the front then took the dog for a quick loop around the block. His hip has been hurting him so I haven't taken him far, but every time I leave the house he tries to come with me!

I thought about training during my run today, and how I actually miss having my schedule to look at and know exactly how far I have to do the next day. I am excited to find a new training schedule, and possibly even longer for the marathon. Also, I think it will be really fun to add intervals which scared me at first. Hopefully the weather will reach the 50s soon at home, anything under that is a little cold for me.

Well I have about a hour left in the sunshine until I have to get ready to go to my Meet & Greet at Disney! I debated stopping at the Lululemon outlet on my way, but like I mentioned before- I really wasn't too impressed by it. Maybe it could be like a "hit or miss" though, the store is sometime like that as well. Also, I've spent a little out of my expected budget on this trip so far, so it might be best to just enjoy the weather :)

One more exciting thing, on my Nike plus I am ONE mile away from the next level. I'm not exactly sure what it means, but I'm excited to get out of the green and onto the blue!

Ready, set, 5k!

I think my brother and I were either drugged at lunch, or just extremely worn out from the last two days at the park. Either way, we got back from lunch and I told him I was going to lay down for 15 minutes, and woke up 2 hours later. When I went to scold him for letting me sleep that long he told me he just woke up as well! What happened to us!

Anyways, today was fun. We went to Fiddler's Green in Winter Park to pick up my race packet. #378! I want to wear a all green outfit, since tomorrow I think is a St. Patrick's day themed run, or at least from the pictures it looks like people will be in green! I'm not really sure. The shirts are long sleeve shirts, and I got a large to give to my dad. I am considering though, saving all of my t-shirts and making a blanket one day. I never really wear t-shirts like this, or long sleeves either. They aren't really comfortable to me!

This is my race outfit for tomorrow. The tank is more yellow, but it's a Cool Racerback from Lululemon, the skirt is the one I wore in my Princess race last weekend, a black run skirt from lululemon,  Luckily, I already had a green skinny satin pirouette from lululemon. The jacket is my sisters, and it's a green Define Jacket from a few years ago. I doubt I'll wear it during the race, but I'll keep it in my car for after! I hope I look just like a baby leprechaun. 

After we picked up my race info, we headed to Park Avenue in Winter Park. There were two restaurants on my mind, Bosphorous, a Turkish restaurant where I sampled a few pieces of chicken the other day and was really interested considering I'm not sure if I have ever had Turkish cuisine. The other one, I also walked by, and also saw on a blog is called Briarpatch. It was adorable! We sat outside and the only thing on my mind lately has been BREAKFAST. I don't know why! Anything breakfast! So I ordered the Rasberry and Brie Cheese filled French Toast. I have never seen a combination like this, and it was amazing! The portion was HUGE, I got 3 large pieces of bread and was only able to finish one of them. I brought the rest home and had them for dinner with strawberries on top! 

Tonight I really wanted to go to sleep early, however I don't know if that will happen since I just napped for two hours! We are going to go print our Universal tickets for Monday. We can't decide to get one park, just to see Harry Potter or get both park access and just make a full day of it. Decisions, decisions!

I received a e-mail from active.com that directed me to a article from shape.com. The content was:

"6 Rules for Running Faster"

1. Start Out Slowly

Ironically, the first key to running faster is to start slowly. In both training and racing, take your time to build toward your goal. In training, spend time building your aerobic fitness and strength before racing ahead to speedwork. At the races, include a warmup to activate your muscles and gradually build into your race speed. The gains you make from easing into both training and racing will help keep you injury-free, help your performance progress at a rate your body can handle, and allow you to reach a higher fitness peak.

2. Focus on Form

The time you invest in focusing on your form will pay off in free speed. Proper running form is both efficient and economical. Watch a video of the best runners and you'll notice very little wasted energy, as every movement serves to push them forward. Aim for relaxed arm carry, strong push off and faster cadence to make the most of your running form. Identify any weaknesses in your form, then address them with drills or strength exercises at least once a week.

3. Follow a Plan

Enlist the help of a coach, reputable book or training program. While many athletes are willing to do the work, often the work is inconsistent or improperly timed, which means inconsistent or slow results on race day. Avoid working too hard or too fast too soon. Remember, in training and fitness (and in comedy), timing is everything. A plan will help you reach your goal with the right balance of training so you arrive at your race fit and rested enough to peak.

4. Disconnect to Connect

Every once in awhile, disconnect from technology (pace, heart rate, measured courses) to connect with how running feels. Learn to read your body's cues about what running slow, moderate and hard feels like. Focus on your breathing, the sound of your feet and the conversations in your head. Learning to understand and then manage these will improve your ability to pace yourself and race up to your potential.

5. Redefine Your Comfort Zone

Breaking through to a personal best requires discomfort. Once a week, redefine your comfort zone by getting uncomfortable. Hill work, fartlek runs, speedwork, running with a group or taking your run a little farther are all ways to create challenge and change in your running. With proper challenge, you'll find improved fitness and strength that help you achieve your running goal.

6. Be Limitless

Rather than asking yourself "why," think in terms of "why not?" Even the best runners had to take a first step toward their dreams. Envision yourself at the end of the year, or even a few years: Where would you like to be with your running? Then, determine how you'll get there. Set smaller goals en route to your bigger goals. Reassess your progress after every race or year, then work at your weaknesses until they become strengths.

I will try a few of these. I always start out fast, so I wonder if I should start out slower. Also, I don't really follow any "form", I wonder if I did my wrists would hurt less. And finally, maybe I should try a few runs without a ipod, watch, etc. Just to run. Why not? 

The Princess Run!

I can honestly say this has been one of the BEST weekends of my life. Maybe with the least amount of sleep in my life as well. After skydiving, I came home and tried to go to sleep immediately to get a full 6-7 hours of sleep before the Princess run. This did not happen. Oh no, instead I didn't fall asleep at all. Not even for a SECOND- I tossed and turned but couldn't get flipping backwards out of the plane and the anticipation of the Princess run out of my head.

At 2 AM I realized that my alarm was going off at 3 AM, therefore there was really no point in even trying anymore but instead woke up and had a english muffin with almond butter and a water with sustain in it. At 3 AM I started getting my "Princess" gear ready. Before I knew it, it was 3:45 AM which was the deadline for us to leave the house to head to Epcot. 

We got to Epcot and somehow managed to hit minimal traffic. We got there, parked and made our ways to the corrals. It was crowded, but a fun walk because everyone was dressed up in their Princess gear!

I dropped of my friend Natalie to her corral and made my way to A. Since I was by myself I managed to maneuver myself to the front, to get a few pictures of me by the START sign. It didn't seem like we were in the corrals very long, because I was so excited! The fairy god mother came onto the stage, said a few words (my ipod was already on) and FIREWORKS went off for us to start! I was so excited I SPRINTED! I don't know how fast I was going, but apparently it was my fastest mile yet! I tried NOT to look at my watch, but just enjoy the experience.

Since I seriously trained for this half, I didn't take any pictures along the way. I really wanted to see what my personal best time could be, just by running it. The race was incredible, there were sections of Disney characters all along the race cheering you on. The most memorable part of the race, was entering the Magic Kingdom to Cinderella's castle. The music I grew up to was playing, and it was still dark so the castle was glistening! When I approached it I felt myself get choked up a little bit and almost cry. It was such a mix of emotions, I really can't explain why I felt this way, but I'm pretty sure it's something I will remember the rest of my life. The miles went by pretty quick, and I just concentrated on everything going on. I talked to myself a lot, and felt no pain the entire run. Now... Did I make it under two hours? YES! I did. My Nikeplus watch is OFF! I have been OVER training. Just by a little bit, but I'm not complaining, when it said I still had about .30 miles left, it was wrong- there was the finish line, RIGHT in front of me! My official time was:

 1:49:27

My sister e-mailed me and said my time was 1:50:30 and I was confused because I was right at the start line and crossed it right when the fireworks went off, also I remember seeing the 1:49 on the clock and sprinting at the end to make the 1:50 mark. Later on when I checked the website again, they corrected it and put my time up! I had a Cliff Gel pack before the race and two during. I don't know if it was these, because it didn't happen last time I had them during my 12 mile training, but I spent the remainder of the day feeling quite ill in my stomach and thought it had something to do with these. Next time I'm trying the shot blocks! I must have been a sleepy big ball of emotion today, but after I went to the water table and chugged a water, walked around a little and really took in what was going on, I felt again like I was going to cry.

I can't even explain how happy I was when my friend Natalie called to try to find me. She did AWESOME today, and I was so excited to see her. When I saw her I ran to her, gave her a big hug and was so happy to hear how much she loved the run as well. The first thing she said to me was "We are doing this every year" and she also had goosebumps at Cinderella'a castle! 

I had so much fun today. I was sad my sister and dad weren't here to share in the excitement, because I knew they would really love it as well. I have been overwhelmed with all of my friends and families e-mails, texts, and facebook messages congratulating me about the race. I really appreciate my dear friend Hannah for all of her support over the last few weeks, she has been my "fairy godmother" during this process answering my insane questions and pushing me all the way!

Today I really feel a sense of accomplishment. 

I am so tired right now, I haven't slept. I will recap more of the race as soon as I get a good nights sleep. I dropped off Natalie at the airport tonight to drive to Ft. Lauderdale to visit her family, and as for me- I am turning my phone on silent, not setting a alarm, and waking up when I'm finished sleeping! A yoga class or massage sound pretty amazing for tomorrow, as well as cleaning up and doing some laundry. I am SO happy I decided to extend my Orlando trip from one week to two and a half. I would be so sad if I was leaving tomorrow! I still have so much to look forward to, and I can't wait! I never really considered myself an "athlete" before, but today I can say I do!

OH, one more fun fact. 13,091 people ran the race today. My place? 289! 289 out of 13,091 people who crossed the finish line. Meaning, I was faster than 12,802 of the runners. Now, let's be serious. Who can say they went skydiving and ran a half marathon in a span of 24 hours? I guess I can! 

I would recommend the Disney Princess Marathon to ANYONE!

Here are a few more pictures from my actual camera. Most of the pictures on this site are from my blackberry, but here are some from my small canon!