Princess Half Marathon | outrunningthefork

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Who’s a Planner? Not This Girl!!

Unless she really has to! And, really she has to these days 🙂

Picture taken from http://www.margaritasmilesandmouse.com – Thanks Patty!

See, in 2 days I’m leaving for one of my favorite places in THE WORLD! Yeah, that’s right…I’m going to Walt Disney World!!! And I’ll be coming home with those three pretties up there! (Well, that’s the plan!)

It is runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend again!!! This year they’re adding a new race and a new Challenge — The Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half Marathon run together will get you the Glass Slipper Challenge medal!

So there’s costume planning, there’s meetup planning, there’s play in the park planning. And this time, there’s Meal Planning. Yeah…usually I tend to fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to eating. Especially when I’m at Disney World.

But, occasionally I will buy a package and sometimes that package includes the Disney Dining Plan. And sometimes there are actual sit-down meals involved. Now, at Disney, most of the time you need to make reservations for these “Table Service” meals and this is where my trouble starts!! So a few weeks ago, I decided to start making my ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) which meant that I was going to have to decide where to eat. Like…now! A. Not so good at making decisions and 2. How do I know what I’m going to want to eat in 2 weeks??!

Anyway…I made my Round One reservations a couple of weeks ago. Then, of course, this past weekend I made Round Two. It involved lots of juggling and rearranging and finally, I think, I have arrived at a plan! For the most part, I’m trying out all new places. Though, I do plan to eat at the Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge – This is a fun place to go with a group of people and I imagine it will be just as fun with one! I bring my own fun with me 🙂 This will be my only “repeat” restaurant on this trip.

One thing you can expect during my trip is LOTS of food pictures. And lots of FUN pictures!!

Up next — FastPass+ planning and the ever popular Magic Band!

Tags: #DisneySide, #GlassSlipperChallenge, Dining Reservations, Disney Dining

Comments 9 Comments
Categories Cinderella Family 5K, Enchanted 10K, Food, Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Travel, Walt Disney World

Mangia! Mangia! A Virtual Blog Hop!!

3 Feb

Carb loading. Almost every runner’s favorite part of training. Okay, so every runner in THIS house enjoys this part of training!! And when people think of carb loading, they picture that nice plate of spaghetti and a big hunk of garlic bread!!

spaghetti_dinner pinecrestonline dot org

Picture from Pinecrestonline.org

Often misunderstood, carb-loading does NOT occur the night before a big event – it’s a process. A process I don’t know enough about to share with you – Now…I will be studying up for my #Dopey2015 experience though and will keep ya’ll in the loop!

What I’m gonna share with you today is Carbo Loading – Disney Style!

Meet all your new best running friends!!

At *most* of the big runDisney events (WDW Marathon weekend, Tinkerbell, Princess, Disneyland Half Weekend), runDisney offers an extra event – The Pasta in the Park Party. Now, I should insert here that I have never purchased an entry to the Party but have attended as part of a charity team for WDW Marathon Weekend (I went both Friday and Saturday) and at Princess last year a lovely couple gave me their daughter’s ticket since she couldn’t attend. So I can’t comment on the Disneyland events, but really, we’re all about the Princesses today!

In Walt Disney World, the Party is held in EPCOT at the World Showcase Pavilion (located between Canada and the United Kingdom). You party ticket includes entry into EPCOT as well as special seating for the Illuminations show after you eat and party!

Entrance to the World Showcase Pavilion

The Food: It’s Disney, so you go in believing that at least it won’t be bad 🙂 Given that they’re cooking a really LARGE amount of food to appeal to a LOT of people, it might not be as fantastic as dinner in a smaller venue. But it’s good — and there is something for everyone. Roast chicken (my personal favorite!), vegetables, a couple of pasta varieties including a vegetarian option, bread, salad, desserts (brownies and cookies) and some bananas. All the lemonade, water and punch you can handle is included in your ticket, but there is also a cash bar. I did hear on at least on occasion, a partier asking for gluten free options and the chef came out to make sure they got something suitable (as is the Disney way!)

Disney Brownie!!

The Seating: Big round tables! Get ready to make friends! You never know who you’ll be sitting with! Aside: I was lucky enough in January 2013 to meet a couple of running greats (thanks to my involvement with Team McGraw!) People move in and out pretty quickly for the most part and the Disney folks are quick to clean up and make room for new people.

The Entertainment: Now this is where you KNOW Disney is gonna go all out! DJ, Dance Party, Hula Hoop contests…there is something for everyone! It’s loud. There are flashing lights! It’s fun!! And, of course there are characters! We were lucky enough to get to meet Mickey, Minnie and Donald!!

Another part of the entertainment is the special seating for Illuminations (the amazing fireworks show on World Showcase Lagoon). I don’t know about you but the night before a half marathon or a full marathon, I need to get to bed! Especially at Disney when I know I have to wake up around 2:30 or 3 to get on a bus!! So I have never taken advantage of this perk of the Pasta Party since Illuminations tends to start around 9 pm!

The Price: For Princess Weekend, the Pasta in the Park party is USD52 and you can choose to go on Friday or Saturday. Is it worth it? If you want to make it a party, then this could be a fun way to do it! You *do* get entry into EPCOT for a couple/few hours which is a nice perk and if you have non-running folks with you they can stay for Illuminations (hey, runners can stay for Illuminations too, but..dang you’ll be tired in the morning!!) I’ve seen groups and families making it a party – the kids do love the dance party!!

Personally, left on my own, I tend to go for a quicker, smaller dinner on my own for less money. Or if you’re on a Dining Plan then you might as well use that. In fact, this year I actually *am* on DisneyDining and will be having (what is becoming my standard) meatloaf and potatoes at 50’s Prime Time Cafe early in the evening then relaxing for my 13.1!

Whatever you decide to do, wherever you decide to eat, remember that your entire weekend will be Magical!!

Now, head into the great wide internets and catch lots more information from Princesses who *know*!!

Virtual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Blog Hop Directory

Tags: #PastaintheParkParty, #VirtualrunDisney, Pasta in the Park, Princess Half Marathon Weekend, runDisney, Walt Disney World

Comments 15 Comments
Categories Cinderella Family 5K, Enchanted 10K, Food, Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Walt Disney World

Now We Can REALLY Get Excited!!!

30 Jan

So I mentioned the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend the other day.

Today things got all real up in here!!

excited

A link to the race waivers was posted out there in Social Media land….and runDisney has the corral assignments up on the website. So now every Princess knows where she’s starting out – whether she’s running the Glass Slipper Challenge or “only” doing the Half Marathon or 10K.

The important thing to remember is that no matter where you start, everyone is running the same course and everyone gets the same medal and unless you have a bib number 1-10, you’re really only racing yourself!!

And, if you fear being the last one over the finish line, remember that at Disney the last finisher is just as important as the first!!

Coming up on Monday we’re gonna do a little blog hop and people (and Princesses!) will be able to learn ALL about the entire weekend from lots of experienced runDisney runners! Make sure to check them out!

Until then, here are a couple of links to get you warmed up!!

Patty likes to throw a little Ryan Gosling our way every now and then… http://margaritasmilesandmouse.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-princess-half-marathon-corral-and.html

Julie tells it like it is, with a huge dose of inspiration and encouragement!
http://runwalkrepeat.blogspot.com/2014/01/racing-and-dead-last-finish-believe-in.html http://runwalkrepeat.blogspot.com/2014/01/princess-half-marathon-starting-corrals.html

Tags: Bib Numbers, Corral Placement, Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney

Comments 3 Comments
Categories Cinderella Family 5K, Enchanted 10K, Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney, Running, Uncategorized

I’m Back!

26 Jan

Not only am I back *here*, I did my first 5K in a VERY long time last weekend! Sure, I walked the whole thing but I did it and my leg didn’t fall off!!

I am so far behind in my training for next month’s runDisney Glass Slipper Challenge — but I’m going to give it a go. I think in the next 3-4 weeks I can at least build back up to close enough mileage. And I now know that my walk pace can keep me from getting swept (knock wood!)

I also have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor this week and I’m hoping we can get me into some PT to get my legs strong again.

I never knew I could miss working out and running so much – life is funny that way!!

Image used from http://www.ginasblog-gk.blogspot.com

Tags: #GlassSlipperChallenge, #PrincessHalfMarathon, runDisney

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Categories Cinderella Family 5K, Enchanted 10K, Glass Slipper Challenge, Princess Half Marathon, runDisney, Running

Looking Ahead…

12 Jan

From theboringrunner.com

Well, my running year did not end on a great note. And so far this year is not starting off much better.

But I have GREAT plans!!! And some goals need to be set because my BIG BIG goal is to run the runDisney #DopeyChallenge next January.

Just this morning, I deferred my entry for the Houston Aramco Half Marathon and it makes me sad to do it. This is really one of my favorite events, mainly because it’s in my hometown, but also because it’s very well done. And Flat. Ish. And if you know me, you know how important that part is! I’m happy that I am doing it “officially”, though, because this means I don’t have to go through the lottery for next year (Much more on my next January later!) I am still going to have take a shot at the 5K though, even if I have to walk/limp the whole thing!

Up next is the runDisney #GlassSlipperChallenge. This will be a 10K on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday. I’m sitting out Houston expecting to be much further along in my recovery than I am now. To that, I am planning on – finally – making a visit to a *real* specialist on Monday. There’s a walk-in (hahah!) orthopedic clinic right up the street and ortho help is what I need. I hope.

Also on my radar for this year is another shot at the Marine Corps Marathon – another favorite! They’re moving to a lottery this year so in order to make sure I get in, I’m going to get in on the Marine Corps 17.75 – it’s a 17.75 K race just outside of the Marine Corps Base at Quantico VA. Finishing this will give me guaranteed entry to the big show!! There are also a couple other events sponsored by the great folks (yeah, the Marines!) from the Marine Corps Marathon that I may have a peek at!

Locally, I’m in for the Greater Hartford Quarter Marathon, the Solstice Sprint 5K and for the second time, the Hogsback Half Marathon!

There’s also a slew of Hartford Marathon Foundation events that I haven’t signed up for, but you know I’ll be there!!

And the random “special” events…Like the Hartford Run or Dye in July – I’m in!! And there’s a “Run for the Bulls” in Bermuda at the end of March that I’m planning on doing with my friend Sharon – who happens to be a Bermuda expert so it’s going to be a super fun trip!!

Besides running, I’m really NEEDING to get back to Bikram – trying to save my pennies for that one but hope to be ready to sign up by the end of next month – then, since I’m working from home it’ll just be a matter of scheduling it so I can go many days a week!

So, right now it’s a very haphazard plan, but once it’s written down – training plans can be set up and really, the goal is to get me to #DopeyChallenge in good shape and ready to have fun!