I'm on the Disney Blog!

I saw a post on facebook today, from the "Disney" group I "like" which discussed "great costumes" from the Disney race. It was a 5 minute slideshow of costumes they liked during the race, and guess who popped up 2 minutes and 57 seconds into the slideshow... ME! I was so surprised to see myself on the slideshow, of over 13,000 runners! I remember taking this picture RIGHT after the race as well. I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling!

Here is the link to check out the slideshow from the Disney Blog. 

And here I am!

Disney Official Princess Results!

Final Time:

1:49:27

Age:

25

Gender:

Female

Bib:

#5677

Distance:

13.1 miles

Clock Time:

1:49:28

Net Time:

1:49:27

Overall Place:

329 / 13773

Gender Place:

289 / 13090

Division Place:

61 / 2365

5K Split:

23:50

10K Split:

49:11

15K Split:

1:16:00

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!

Skydive Saturday

Today was one of those days that you know you will remember the rest of your life. I went skydiving for the second time. This time was in Orlando at "Skydive Space Center" and we had views of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. I wasn't nervous at all, but we had to wait 4 hours to get on the plane. It was amazing, the first time I went in Thailand I was preoccupied by the video and camera, trying to make sure I smiled. Also she said a flip wouldn't make the video as close up so I wanted to do it again. So today I did, and the guy flipped me out backwards this time and did flips! We were up 15,000 feet.

Waiting the 4 hours... My friend braided my hair!

I did my 20 minute run today and ran 2.08 miles. 

I woke up at 9:15 AM to run. I had a few drinks last night, so actually going was a accomplishment! Tonight I just prepared everything for tomorrow! Take a look!

I would love to post more, but I am really going to bed now at 8:34 PM. We are waking up at 3 AM for the race, so goodnight! I am so excited! Wish me luck!

Princess Expo and Lululemon Princess Party!

I woke up this morning with the anticipation of my Princess Expo. My friend had to work until 1:15 PM on her laptop, and the hours leading up until we could leave felt like forever. I went on a walk (4.21 miles), made breakfast/ snack/ and lunch for my friend while she worked, cleaned up, and searched for local gyms to get a trial membership to do yoga next week after the run. For snack I made "grown up" ants on a log. I used almond butter and granola on top- they were a hit!

I wish everyday was a Princess Expo! I am so excited, I am wearing my shirt. Seriously, I came home and put it on immediately. Isn't it the best Princess shirt in the world?

I was so excited to go to the lululemon outlet, but I was a little disappointed. I have found better sales at the regular store! They didn't have any jackets except heavy ones, and barely any pants- the only pants were still in the $80 range. It was fun to be there though, all the girl had Princess crowns on for the party. I immediately walked in and asked if I was one of the first 50 to get a tinsel, I wasn't even sure what that was, but I was. I now have a red sparkly thing in my hair like the Maloof lady on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The picture looks like she is checking me for lice, but she is really adding Princess bling.They had Mix protein smoothies (very sweet, but good... probably too much sugar to be healthy) to try and a station to make signs for your Princess runners, unfortunately I can't hold my own sign. I did buy a top though, for $40ish which isn't bad but not great. I liked it though, and will probably wear it skydiving tomorrow! 

We had to hurry through the expo so my friend could get back to work. I wish we could have explored longer, but I go tto do everything we went for. We got our bibs, shirts, tracking, and goal bracelets. I have never used these, so I am excited! 

Soon the race will be here. The whole reason I started this blog! I do have a few goals for after the blog. I really need to incorporate strength training, continue yoga, and eat healthier. I was really hoping to lose a few more lbs from the training, which didn't happen. I know I am disciplined since I followed my schedule, so I need to expand beyond running (even though this is a running blog) to reach those goals. I have a few more pictures of the Expo on my camera I will add. I am going to rest up a bit, we are headed out tonight. What a fun weekend ahead, skydiving tomorrow and RACE DAY Sunday!

Vegetarian Day 2: Not a success.

Like I mentioned yesterday, I don't really know if this is a good time to change my diet- 3 days before my big race. I will try again after Sunday, but last night I went out to dinner with my friends parents to Tony Roma's and was pretty hungry by the time we got there at 8 PM. I ended up getting a "caprese" pasta dish with chicken. It looked really interesting to me, and I wanted to stay away from the burgers! I barely touched the chicken by the time I finished the pasta though, but I brought the grilled chicken home and figured I could have chicken for lunch instead of a protein smoothie.

I woke up today with the sun SHINING! I have set my alarm for 8 AM every morning since I have been here. At home, there is no way I would be waking up early if I didn't have to- but it's different when the sun is shining! Why sleep when I can play in the sun! And that is exactly what I did.

I ran 2.52 miles at 22 minutes 05 seconds. My pace was 8:45. 

The pace was exactly what I want my race pace to be. The race is 13.1 miles and this was only 2.52! I am definitely going to take tomorrow as a "rest" day. I have a lot of activities to do tomorrow!

For lunch I made the leftover chicken in a wrap with spinach and cheese. I also cut a small tomato and added a little salt, pepper, basil and balsamic. I LOVE tomatoes! They are by far one of my favorite foods in the WORLD!

I am going to dinner with my friend tonight for his Birthday. I made him a Birthday brownie cake, and decorated it with pink!

I went to the pool after cleaning up today. I just got home and had a few of the most amazing almonds I have ever eaten- Blue Diamond Wasabi & Soy Sauce. I have always heard what a great snack almonds are, but have never been a HUGE fan. I think this flavor may have changed my mind! Hopefully it is still as beneficial as the plain almond.

Tomorrow is the Princess Expo! Not only that, there is a event at the Lululemon outlet for the runners! I am going to go to the Expo and lululemon. Here are some of the details on the invite on facebook- and look a crown on the logo!

More Info

In the spirit of the 2011 Disney Princess Marathon, we here at the lululemon athletica Orlando Outlet want to give all of our guests the opportunity to feel like a princess and all of our runners out there the opportunity to celebrate with us as they prepare to take on the race. In addition to all of your favorite lululemon gear, there will be tons of surprises in store, including the following:

*Christine from Baldwin Park will... be providing the first 50 guests, starting at 2:00, with a complimentary hair tinsel strand because, well, every princess deserves to shine. Tinsel strands are limited to one per guest.

*Mix1 will be providing complimentary protein shakes, while supplies last, from both their performance and lean performance line to support our runners in being their absolute best.

*We will have an in-store “Creation Station” where you will find all the tools you need to create a special sign to cheer on your loved ones participating in the race. 

Stop by any time between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm this Friday, February 25th to experience the fun. We look forward to celebrating with you!

I am so excited! I will let you know how it goes. I have to get ready for dinner tonight, AND I am going outside to see if I can see a shuttle launch at 4:50 PM. Normal afternoon!

Florida forecast, in the 80's!

That's right. I decided I will be staying in Orlando for 3 weeks! It was supposed to be a week, but I changed it to stay a extra two weeks! I'm really excited. I checked the forecast for next week, and I can't complain. Here are a few things I have to look forward to in the upcoming weeks:

1. Disney Princes Marathon- my first half marathon, 13.1 miles!
2. Skydiving at Skydive Space Center 
3. Disney World!
4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios 
5. 3 weeks to kick start my healthy eating on my own, running outside and going to the pool!

Today I went to the gym for my Cross Training day. I did one hour on the cross trainer at different levels and speeds. For the first 30 minutes I read Glamour and the next 30 minutes I held 5 lb weights in each hand. I was a little sore today from Yoga, but in a good way. I am excited to try a few different classes at Yoga Shelter. The class I did yesterday was called "Slow Flow". The description is "for those looking to experience a physically slower moving class. We will be holding postures that cover the entire body, and focusing on the breath which will help to create a supple and toned body. This class is soft and smooth but always challenging". It was a challenging class, and I was pleased that I could feel the effects of it today. I ate oatmeal with blueberries today for breakfast. 

Here is a picture of my new Lululemon Stride Jacket II. I was just trying it on, I will probably wear it skydiving in Florida!

Time to start packing! I will have a washer and dryer in Orlando. I am housesitting for some amazing friends I met in Thailand! They were there visiting for a contest we were all in sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.  I am sad they won't be there, but I am excited to see their cute pup! 

12 mile run :)

I don't know why this lady is talking about a 5k and not saying anything about this being my longest run yet! Whatever.

Today was phenomenal! I went to sleep and woke up knowing today was my 12 mile run. My sister didn't like the idea of running 12 miles with me, so I went to track near my boyfriends house. I almost cried when the guy there told me the track was 16 laps= 1 mile, the one near my sisters was 7 laps=1 mile. I wasn't going to let that ruin my mood though. I had my playlist, my Princess outfit, and my Gel packets all ready for my run!

I ran 12.01 miles in 1 hour 46 minutes and 44 seconds. Pace 8:43.

I am proud of that time. I can definitely run another mile in under 14 minutes to equal my goal of finishing my half marathon in under 2 hours!

I wore my skirt, top, new running socks, and new flo y bra. I will post a picture of my entire outfit, laid out clean- not now because I look like a sweaty donkey.

My sister didn't like the longer shorts I bought, she didn't think they fit right, so I think I'm going to return those. For $48, I will wait until a short goes on sale. The skirt worked out really well with the Body Glide. My legs don't hurt at all. I noticed my nose kept running so I am going to need to bring tissues. I didn't have a fanny pack (I don't think that is the "cool" word for the running packs) because I am using my dads and he brought it Vegas with him this weekend to go hiking, but the only other thing I will need in my pack is a face wipe, tissue and my phone. I will need my phone to locate my friend after the race! My headband came off around mile 6 and I just threw it to the side, but for the race I will just stick it in my fanny pack, or I might try another one... However, I don't want it to interfere with my Minnie bow!

So I am happy to say, I am officially ready for my race :) I can't believe how fast these 2 months have flown by! I feel great right now. This is the longest I have EVER ran in one setting. I know I have a lot of support going into the race from my family and friends and that feels great too. Everyone has been really supportive answering my questions, and listening to me rant about my runs. When people ask what I've been up to lately though, really it's just been working and running. So, it really has been a big part of my life the last two months (and twelve years).

I am drinking the Premier protein shake right now. I ate a Access bar, a Cliff shot turbo in Chocolate cherry and a GU Energy Gel in Jet Blackberry. I personally liked the Cliff one better. I went through two, and although I have two left I think I'm going to pick up a few more before I head to Florida.

In the beginning of my run, while I was doing my 5 minute warm up walk a lady told me I had great legs and it takes a lot of work to achieve that. She was a lot thinner than me so it was a nice compliment, I didn't know what she was talking about because I already had my headphones but it was amazing how much motivation a nice compliment can give.

During the 10 mile mark my right knee started to hurt a little bit and I actually could feel myself talking to my knee, just telling it to feel better and thank you for carrying me through. As weird as it sounds, it worked and I was able to run through another 2 miles which seemed like nothing.

I am exhausted, and going to a "surprise" Valentine's tonight so first is first- I need to shower.

I had a a Turkey on multigran and a pickle from Potbelly's before and it was really good. It's really cool you can go online and type in exactly what you had to get the Nutritional facts. I am really trying to make healthier choices! I am exhausted, must shower. Must rest. Must take off socks.

Calories: 626

Total Fat34%22g

Saturated Fat43%9g

Trans Fat--0g

Cholesterol26%79mg

Sodium100%2406mg

Total Carbohydrate21%62g

Dietary Fiber27%7g

Sugars--6g

Best e-mail ever! (Final race instructions for your Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend!)

I just got my Disney Princess Marathon E-mail! My comments are the pink.

It's about that time! 

Glass running slippers packed? (Yes, they are!) Fairy Godmothers consulted? (Yes, she is!) Good. 'Cause it's almost time for the 2011 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend! (Yay!) So we're back, once again, with final race instructions, as well as your race waiver, spectator information and more. See ya real soon! (Yes, you will!)