The WIzarding World Of Harry Potter!

I know it's past midnight, so technically I missed another blog day. HOWEVER- today was another BUSY and FUN day. I woke up about 7:30 AM to get ready, take the dog out- feed him/ etc. before HARRY POTTER today. We left the house around 8:25 AM to make our way to Universal Studios. (We is my brother and I). We parked with little to no traffic, and basically ran through the CityWalk with excitement to reach The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When we got to the ticket counter, we debated between a one park entrance or two, which would allow us to spend half the day at Universal Studios, but we decided on just getting Islands of Adventures pass. Instead, we paid a extra $25 to get a "Express Pass" which allowed us to wait in a separate line at the rides which was ultimately shorter. This pass was worth it, we ended up waiting no more than 10 minutes for rides that had over a hour wait.

So, FINALLY it was time for Harry Potter! One annoying thing about Universal in general is that they don't allow bags on any of the main attractions. Therefore the line to get into the Castle was so long and we didn't realize the long line was only for people with bags. The ride was called "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey"  and all I can say is WOW! This was very impressive. Definitely a highlight of our day, so much we went on it 3 times. This is a ride you can't use your fast pass for, so my suggestion is to GO SINGLE RIDERS! You stay in line with the person you are with, but then when it's time to ride the ride you sit with strangers. Big deal, you would most likely sit next to a stranger anyways and you can't talk during the ride. Take advantage of single riders! There were lines everywhere at Harry Potter. Even to get into the stores! The other rides were not as impressive, however I did enjoy looking around "Honeydukes Sweetshop". Of course we had to try the famous "butterbeer". I have heard mixed reviews, but I absolutely LOVED IT!

After Harry Potter, we hit EVERY ride in Islands of Adventures. Including the water rides, which were a mistake because it wasn't warm enough to be walking around soaked! Highlights in Islands of Adventures include "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" and the Dr. Suess section. We ate lunch in "Jurassic Park" area. We had a great time, but there is something about leaving Universal and leaving Disney. I just always have that "feeling" after leaving Disney that lacks at Universal. I can't explain what it is exactly, but I think Disney does a better job, all around.

We had a sushi dinner at Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant which was close to the park. The food was great! We had soft shell crab, seaweed salad, udon noodles and sushi. I have to admit, I didn't care for the sushi as much as the other food, but it was a good meal. We stopped at downtown Disney after to do some last minute shopping, and I got the cutest St. Patricks Day Mickey Moues t-shirt. We also stopped at Goofy's Candy Co. and picked out a chocolate chip cookie to share. I really just wanted to go into the store and look and how cute and perfect all the desserts looked!

We walked a LOT today, but I am still excited to go on a run tomorrow. I know what I need to do when I get home, include YOGA and strength training with my running. I am excited to start training again for the Chicago marathon, do sprints for a few 5ks and 10ks over the summer, and possibly even a MARATHON! 

Mickey sprinkles!

Don't these just make you smile?

My new shirt! I love it! I bought it with my Disney Dollars :)

It's 1 AM and I am absolutely EXHAUSTED! I have a BIG day tomorrow- I am going to a "Meet & Greet" at Disney, and having dinner with a Graphic Designer at Disney! Hopefully I will get a tour of the design department. I am really excited!

My first running prize!

I started to write this yesterday, but got distracted because I had a friend visit. Yesterday was the first day I've missed a post since I started this, so I will have to make up for it today.

Yesterday- There were around 900-1000 runners/ walkers today. I came in 6th place of the girls! It was awesome. The weather was perfect, and it was a really pretty loop.

My official time was 23:04! Pace: 7.43

I was bummed at first because I read the first 5 girl finishers received prizes, but guess what, I GOT A PRIZE TOO! Yes, they called my name at the awards! I got a green Publix bag with two "Fiddler 5k" beer glasses. Perfect.

#6 :) 

A Beer after the run! HAHA 

A sample I got at the 5k 

My prize mug!

After the race I went to the Winter Park Farmers Market. It was really cute and I had a few samples of cheese, sauces, and fruits! It truly was a perfect Saturday morning.

My friend came into town and when I got back we went to lunch and spent the day around downtown Orlando. The Michigan vs. Michigan State basketball game was playing (I didn't really care) so we went to a local bar to watch that. We went out last night to downtown Orlando. It was a fun, exhausting day.

Today we went to brunch at Dexters in Thornton Park. The food wasn't amazing, but it was amazing to sit outside in the beautiful weather. I ordered a cheeseburger with fries, and ate most of it. It was probably around noon by the time we ate, and I didn't eat any breakfast because I thought we were going out for breakfast, which turned into lunch. The area (Thornton Park) is really cute. I love how everyone spends the day brunching outside on Sunday in Florida! It is way to cold in Michigan. I can really see myself living here. My brother and I spent the rest of the day relaxing at the pool and just enjoying the sunshine! It was a pretty low key day, but we are going to HARRY POTTER at Universal Studios tomorrow! This was by no means a healthy eating or drinking week. My brother was in town so we went out to eat a lot, and ate at the parks. Tomorrow is a new day!

I think I need to start posting more of what I am eating- to be more accountable for it. I haven't been recording in my notebook since I got to Florida, I am just too busy! This "relaxing" vacation has been jam packed with activity. (All of it fun...) I barely had any time to relax! I didn't even get to read the books I anticipated reading.

Harry Potter... Disappointed

I mentioned a few posts ago I was going to see Harry Potter. We missed it, and I finally went today! I have loved every Harry Potter movie in the past, except this one. I missed Hogwarts, and the story line in general. I haven't read the books, but this just really seemed all over the place.

Anyways, today was cross training. I did the elliptical at the gym for 60 minutes. The first 30 I read a magazine, and the next 30 I held 5 lb weights and listened to music. I like holding the weights throughout cardio, because I'm sure I have expressed my boredom during strength.

I came home and had an amazing protein shake from melaleuca. Here are the details:

ProFlex20™ Shake — Dutch Chocolate

How Protein Works

Exercise creates microscopic tears in your muscle fibers. Your body uses amino acids found in protein to repair and strengthen those muscles by properly replenishing them during and after workouts, so your recovery time decreases and you feel less fatigue. Fast-absorbing dairy proteins give your body the post-workout nutrition it needs while fiber aids in digestive comfort.

I found a track for Saturday! I have my 12 mile run this Saturday and I am going to practice it like it's the race. I will work on my playlist tonight, and I have everything else prepared. I am actually excited about this :)

Diet & Fitness Journal

Although I hate the word "diet", my mom bought me a "diet & fitness JOURNAL your personal guide to optimum health" book. Basically you record EVERYTHING you eat. I am not opposed to this, I have tried in the past but get sick of it. My goal this week (starting today even though it's Thursday) is to do ONE WEEK of 100% commitment to recording what I eat. I will review it after a week, since it's my first day I don't really know if I like it yet or not.

I had my 4 miles at "race pace" run today.

I ran 4 miles in 33 minutes 57 seconds on a track.

I tried not to concentrate on "how much distance" I covered, rather kept my watch on the pace instead. I tried not to even look at that, just to get a feel for it. My pace was a lot more constant with 8.13 miles and one at 9.13, overall average 8.28 minute miles. I wore shorts today to the track and ran outside to my car after and must have had three different people scream at me "you are going to get sick! put some pants on!" It was quite amusing.

I have been switching my morning coffee to tea. This morning I had a Earl Grey Organic Tea, and it was great! I also love green tea. I drank green tea every morning when I was living in Bangkok.

I really love my Nike watch. When you run your fastest time, or run 5 days in a row a athlete pops up and tells you how proud they are of you. I love it!

My friend Hannah is a marathon pro! I'm not sure how many she has completed, but I know she has completed a few full marathons and her mom is a fan as well. I have basically asked her 100 questions. She recommended these, and I can't wait to try them!

1. GU Energy Gel: Simple & Fast.

DESCRIPTION:

GU is simple. Simple is fast.

Simple to take, simple to digest, GU Energy Gel provides just what you need for premium exercise fuel and none of the extras that slow you down. GU takes you where you want to go, fast.

Launched in 1991, the world’s first energy gel is still the most efficient sports fuel available today. GU’s carbohydrate blend delivers high-quality, easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels.

I am going to head to REI this weekend to pick them up. I am debating eating a access bar during the race, however I think these Gel shots will be easier! Like I said in my earlier post, I am going to try a complete run through next weekend on my 12 mile run, meaning wear the outfit, try the gels, basically do everything I am doing for the race. I might even try my Minnie skirt! People on the track that day will be extra confused. I just want to make sure everything is right for my big day! I also ordered those lululemon ultimate running socks! I am expecting my Amazon CDs and socks any day now!

I love getting e-mails when lululemon gets new products. I think these Hot Class Shorts are really cute in coal/ purple crush, but I definitely want to try them on before buying. Also, they might be something I would only wear to the pool!

Today I wore a BRIGHT YELLOW and black Brooks running long sleeve that I bought from Hansons Running Shop and black Ralph Lauren, RLX Sport shorts. I love these shorts. I can't find pictures of either of these online, but I'll take a picture soon to put up. The shirt is obnoxious yellow, obviously made for night running but it's really comfortable although I was a little hot in long sleeves for the run. The shorts are great except I felt they were a tad bit too short, I forgot a headband today but had a bandana in my gym bag my parents gave me for Christmas. I tried to fold it like a headband but it was off after about 10 minutes and I had to wear it around my wrist! It's really cute, the bandanas just don't stay on my head. I did abs and free weights of 8 lbs today. I have been researching new strength training, I am going to print out some exercises.

Tonight I am going out to dinner and finally going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part I.  Although I have not read all the books, I have seen (and enjoyed) all the movies. I would like to get around to reading them one day, I just personally prefer to read non-fiction books. My brother has read every single book, and loves them. He came home with the last book the day it came out and I read the last few pages to see what happened, which made him very upset. Opps!

UPDATE- 8:48 PM We missed Harry Potter :( My mom decided to come to dinner with my brother and I, so we ended up staying for a while. I WILL SEE THIS SOON THOUGH!