Today is Rare Disease Day.
It has recently occurred to me, now that the Princess Half is over for this year, that I have been slacking SO badly on my fundraising efforts for the A-T Children's Project (Ataxia-telangiectasia... I spelled it right on the first try! Go me!!!) ☺
For those of you who didn't know, I will be doing the Dumbo Double Dare at Disneyland this Labor Day Weekend (August 31, 2013 - September 1, 2013). The Dumbo Double Dare means that I will be doing the Disneyland 10K (the first year for it!) on the 31st, and the Disneyland Half on the 1st.
Yes, back-to-back.
As part of my participation in such an exciting event (the first year of this event!!) I am working to raise money for the A-T Children's Project.
You can read more about it on My Fundraising Page.
My goal is to raise $600. Thanks to a old high school friend, I am already $10 of the way there (1.666667% of the way to my goal).
I understand $600 is a lot of money. I'm not asking anyone to donate an arm and a leg - at least, I hope I'm not! What I am asking is that you please take a short moment out of your day, and make even what you may see as being a "trivial" donation.
Every donation counts. You may not think that $5 is a big deal to donate, but it is. It means a lot - especially to the Olive family. I'm running with Team Randy and Alex for the ATCP. Randy unfortunately lost his battle with A-T and leukemia in 2004. Alex will be 3 years old in 8 days. He was diagnosed with A-T when he was just under 2 years old, and from what I can see from the update from his mother, Crystal, it has been a struggle.
Thanks ☺
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Maybe... Marathon? Race Junkie
We're going to start off on a note unrelated to running.
Shocking, I know! But we'll get there, I promise.
I am officially done with my internship hours! I'm already 140+ hours over the minimum cumulative I needed, but I needed more hours with individuals... And I finished them up today! I am freaking psyched. I meet with my head supervisor and my instructor before class on Monday, and we'll talk about it then. I know when I met with my head supervisor on Tuesday, he told me that when people finish their hours he usually has them stop. But I'm pretty sure I have to continue all the way through to the end of the semester, so it may just result in me having my hours cut back.
Also, when I was making my outreach calls today (which helped me meet - and surpass!!! - the minimum individual hours needed), I sucked it up and called one particular client... Last time I talked to this person, s/he wasn't mad at me, but s/he was mad as can be. And I do mean MAD. And this person normally is a bit loud on the phone anyway, but that day s/he was taking loud to a whole new level. As in, I held the phone away from my hear and my team leader could hear the person. Maybe not understand him/her, but definitely hear him/her. And she (my fearless team leader) went and got me a soda to make up for the call ☺
Anyway, I called this person, and s/he was in a MUCH better mood. The concern that she/he'd had for over a month now? Taken care of.
And I was genuinely happy for him/her - AM genuinely happy. It really is amazing to know that the pieces all fell into place. It took more time that s/he would've liked, but the fact of the matter is that the end result is wonderful news.
Now on the subject of running... Technically I'm registered for the Disneyland Half Marathon... Twice. Yes, TWICE.
I'm really contemplating deferring the non-charity-organization-registration to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.
Yes, I just said what you think I said. I've conquered a half marathon (granted, I walked most of it, but I did it - AND a crap-ton of walking around the theme parks for all four days we were there!) and now I'm really getting psyched about the prospect of doing a marathon.
And also of somewhat warmer weather, so I can take my running from the treadmill to the trail by our apartment. Only a little bit of that is related to safety concerns. From what I can tell, they plow the trails around here pretty quickly. Frankly, I think I'd be more likely to get frostbite and hypothermia than to slip, fall, and break my neck... Although I'd rather not chance THAT, either. It's so interesting: in the last year, I haven't been all that concerned about breaking bones and running (or, breaking bones in relation to running). But in the last week I was just so concerned that I would break something. My feet and legs hurt so badly that I went from overpronating to possibly underpronating (I couldn't tell, all I knew was it was out of the norm). You hear horror stories (I think one of them was in a recent issue of RW) of people running in the winter, falling, and breaking something.
Just because I'm slow doesn't mean I can't do it.
A marathon, I mean. Not falling and breaking something, although I suppose I could do that, too. But I mean just because I'm slow doesn't mean I can't do a marathon. Or a marathon AND a half (at separate times, I mean. At least right now).
And now I'm seeing all of these really cool races. I mean, they're ones that I'd noticed before, but they'd always seemed out of reach to me. A wonderful former best friend suggested the Diva Dash 5K. I'd eyeballed the Leprechaun Chase 10K, but that sold out ridiculously quickly (something tells me it's related to it showing up in the February or March issue of RW??). And oh my god, if I had my way I would sign up for the Runner's World Half & Festival. And do the entire. Freaking. Thing.
...
Is that a belated runner's high talking? I can't tell.
A half marathon seemed like a dream - a dream fit for a princess. I don't even know how I got up the guts to sign up for the Princess Half, but I don't regret it for a second!
I used to think a marathon was crazy and WAY out of reach, and I couldn't imagine spending 5-7 hours of my life (all at once!) doing such a thing...
I used to think a half marathon... Well, I didn't really even think about half marathons, to be completely honest.
Four years ago I was a freshman in college. At this time of year I'd been engaged for just over two months, I was actually liking college (the first semester was a doozy), and I was trying to envision where life would take me, but I was still somewhat unsure.
I never ever ever saw my life taking this (literal) path.
But I'm along for the ride (or run, walk, and plane ride, as the case may be), and I'm loving it.
Bring it.
(Now to wait for the hubs to get home from class so we can go run together!) ☺
Shocking, I know! But we'll get there, I promise.
I am officially done with my internship hours! I'm already 140+ hours over the minimum cumulative I needed, but I needed more hours with individuals... And I finished them up today! I am freaking psyched. I meet with my head supervisor and my instructor before class on Monday, and we'll talk about it then. I know when I met with my head supervisor on Tuesday, he told me that when people finish their hours he usually has them stop. But I'm pretty sure I have to continue all the way through to the end of the semester, so it may just result in me having my hours cut back.
Also, when I was making my outreach calls today (which helped me meet - and surpass!!! - the minimum individual hours needed), I sucked it up and called one particular client... Last time I talked to this person, s/he wasn't mad at me, but s/he was mad as can be. And I do mean MAD. And this person normally is a bit loud on the phone anyway, but that day s/he was taking loud to a whole new level. As in, I held the phone away from my hear and my team leader could hear the person. Maybe not understand him/her, but definitely hear him/her. And she (my fearless team leader) went and got me a soda to make up for the call ☺
Anyway, I called this person, and s/he was in a MUCH better mood. The concern that she/he'd had for over a month now? Taken care of.
And I was genuinely happy for him/her - AM genuinely happy. It really is amazing to know that the pieces all fell into place. It took more time that s/he would've liked, but the fact of the matter is that the end result is wonderful news.
Now on the subject of running... Technically I'm registered for the Disneyland Half Marathon... Twice. Yes, TWICE.
I'm really contemplating deferring the non-charity-organization-registration to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.
Yes, I just said what you think I said. I've conquered a half marathon (granted, I walked most of it, but I did it - AND a crap-ton of walking around the theme parks for all four days we were there!) and now I'm really getting psyched about the prospect of doing a marathon.
And also of somewhat warmer weather, so I can take my running from the treadmill to the trail by our apartment. Only a little bit of that is related to safety concerns. From what I can tell, they plow the trails around here pretty quickly. Frankly, I think I'd be more likely to get frostbite and hypothermia than to slip, fall, and break my neck... Although I'd rather not chance THAT, either. It's so interesting: in the last year, I haven't been all that concerned about breaking bones and running (or, breaking bones in relation to running). But in the last week I was just so concerned that I would break something. My feet and legs hurt so badly that I went from overpronating to possibly underpronating (I couldn't tell, all I knew was it was out of the norm). You hear horror stories (I think one of them was in a recent issue of RW) of people running in the winter, falling, and breaking something.
Just because I'm slow doesn't mean I can't do it.
A marathon, I mean. Not falling and breaking something, although I suppose I could do that, too. But I mean just because I'm slow doesn't mean I can't do a marathon. Or a marathon AND a half (at separate times, I mean. At least right now).
And now I'm seeing all of these really cool races. I mean, they're ones that I'd noticed before, but they'd always seemed out of reach to me. A wonderful former best friend suggested the Diva Dash 5K. I'd eyeballed the Leprechaun Chase 10K, but that sold out ridiculously quickly (something tells me it's related to it showing up in the February or March issue of RW??). And oh my god, if I had my way I would sign up for the Runner's World Half & Festival. And do the entire. Freaking. Thing.
...
Is that a belated runner's high talking? I can't tell.
A half marathon seemed like a dream - a dream fit for a princess. I don't even know how I got up the guts to sign up for the Princess Half, but I don't regret it for a second!
I used to think a marathon was crazy and WAY out of reach, and I couldn't imagine spending 5-7 hours of my life (all at once!) doing such a thing...
I used to think a half marathon... Well, I didn't really even think about half marathons, to be completely honest.
Four years ago I was a freshman in college. At this time of year I'd been engaged for just over two months, I was actually liking college (the first semester was a doozy), and I was trying to envision where life would take me, but I was still somewhat unsure.
I never ever ever saw my life taking this (literal) path.
But I'm along for the ride (or run, walk, and plane ride, as the case may be), and I'm loving it.
Bring it.
(Now to wait for the hubs to get home from class so we can go run together!) ☺
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Today's post is brought to you by Victoria, with a splash of "What the heck do I talk about?"
My mind has been all over the place today, between internship, graduation, post-graduation (whenever that'll be), licensure, finances, and of course running... And running medal displays! I guess that's the most exciting bit of my day. They've got medal hangers/displays that just look so amazing!
I could easily make my own. Get a piece of wood, sand it, maybe engrave it or stencil something, stain it whatever shade I choose or paint it any color, and put some hooks in it for hanging... And then it would be all my own.
But let's face it, I'm not really feeling the medal hangers that have the plaques. They're lovely and perfect for other people, but I'm really feeling the ones that are all medal. I don't have to worry about choosing the right stain color/shade or the right color and shade of paint... Or if the color would somehow affect my medals (or rather, the ribbons on them) over time.
There are so many awesome styles out there, and some of them have such inspiring quotes, it's amazing. One of the ones I really love says "Never Limit Your Challenges, Challenge Your Limits".
I think it's close to what I'm looking for... But not quite perfect.
On the same note, I realize I'm only working two medals right now... But with any luck, I'll be adding four more over Labor Day Weekend (Disneyland Inaugural 10K, Disneyland Half Marathon, Dumbo Double Dare, Coast to Coast), and maybe a few more next years.
Part of my wants to do the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge - a half marathon one day, a full marathon the next. I know, I know, it's a bit over my head at this point. But it's about 10.5 months away, which is plenty of time to train for it.
Which goes right back to that medal hanger. Because up until I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon, or even my first 5K (the 5K for Fertility that we did in April), I never would've thought I'd be able to do anything like this. I was limiting myself...
And the people around me have been nothing but supportive. My dad asked what time I got on the half, told me he was proud of me... When I first mentioned a race I was interested in last year and that I didn't think I had enough time to train for it (from not running to 7 miles in about 2.5 months) he told me there was always next year if I trained for it. My sister asked how the weekend went - and it means a lot that she remembered that not only were there two races, but what kind of races they were (5K and half marathon). A wonderful group of women I met through an online forum before DH and I got married, and still talk to now, encouraged me. And the staff and consumers at my internship, and also my head supervisor, were excited for me. Not to mention all of the volunteers at the Princess Half (see: Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend RECAP!!! when I talk about Sunday - specifically mile 10)
In all reality, the only person holding me back... Was me. Is me.
But if I want to reach my goals... That's gotta stop.
My mind has been all over the place today, between internship, graduation, post-graduation (whenever that'll be), licensure, finances, and of course running... And running medal displays! I guess that's the most exciting bit of my day. They've got medal hangers/displays that just look so amazing!
I could easily make my own. Get a piece of wood, sand it, maybe engrave it or stencil something, stain it whatever shade I choose or paint it any color, and put some hooks in it for hanging... And then it would be all my own.
But let's face it, I'm not really feeling the medal hangers that have the plaques. They're lovely and perfect for other people, but I'm really feeling the ones that are all medal. I don't have to worry about choosing the right stain color/shade or the right color and shade of paint... Or if the color would somehow affect my medals (or rather, the ribbons on them) over time.
There are so many awesome styles out there, and some of them have such inspiring quotes, it's amazing. One of the ones I really love says "Never Limit Your Challenges, Challenge Your Limits".
I think it's close to what I'm looking for... But not quite perfect.
On the same note, I realize I'm only working two medals right now... But with any luck, I'll be adding four more over Labor Day Weekend (Disneyland Inaugural 10K, Disneyland Half Marathon, Dumbo Double Dare, Coast to Coast), and maybe a few more next years.
Part of my wants to do the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge - a half marathon one day, a full marathon the next. I know, I know, it's a bit over my head at this point. But it's about 10.5 months away, which is plenty of time to train for it.
Which goes right back to that medal hanger. Because up until I signed up for the Princess Half Marathon, or even my first 5K (the 5K for Fertility that we did in April), I never would've thought I'd be able to do anything like this. I was limiting myself...
And the people around me have been nothing but supportive. My dad asked what time I got on the half, told me he was proud of me... When I first mentioned a race I was interested in last year and that I didn't think I had enough time to train for it (from not running to 7 miles in about 2.5 months) he told me there was always next year if I trained for it. My sister asked how the weekend went - and it means a lot that she remembered that not only were there two races, but what kind of races they were (5K and half marathon). A wonderful group of women I met through an online forum before DH and I got married, and still talk to now, encouraged me. And the staff and consumers at my internship, and also my head supervisor, were excited for me. Not to mention all of the volunteers at the Princess Half (see: Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend RECAP!!! when I talk about Sunday - specifically mile 10)
In all reality, the only person holding me back... Was me. Is me.
But if I want to reach my goals... That's gotta stop.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Comps and more comps
Today is my first day back in the "real world". It's been kind of nice getting back into the swing of things. I woke up a little earlier than usual - probably still used to getting up freakishly early for races??
Then I dozed back off. Of course.
Getting back to internship... It was nice. I'd already known that I was tired and everything, but walking back in and looking at everything with a clear mind and a far more positive attitude... It made me realize just how much I really needed those days off, even if they were full of running events.
Running events that I enjoyed *immensely*. Wouldn't change it all for the world.
Now to get back on track. I've got comps on Friday. Written comps, that is. I'm not particularly worried about passing those. I really feel like I'm going to do well on them, especially if I know my stuff really well for one-to-two sections and can use those sections to expand on everything else. I have four hours for four four sections, in which I have to write one essay for each section.
It's a huge difference from the CPCE. That multiple choice section... It was 160 questions, I prepared as best as I could... And I'm pretty sure I bombed it. I'm really afraid that I didn't pass. I know that people usually feel like they really failed it... But I REALLY feel like I failed it... If I have to retake it, then I can't graduate until I pass it - and the next time it's offered is in the fall. Ugh.
I can tell which sections I didn't really study as much as others. All the same, I've heard people saying that they thought the Encyclopedia of Counseling (AKA this HUGE book most all of us bought to study from) was a waste. A good book, but not the least bit helpful when it came to the CPCE...
But I am SO GLAD that I spent as much time as I could on Theories and Careers. Theories was a beast to take, and it's something that I still struggle with a bit. I lucked out with my grade; I emailed my professor because my grade was coming out to a C+ (2 C's and you're on academic probation, 3 C's and you're kicked out of the program). He bumped me up to a B-, which is the lowest grade I've gotten this whole program. I really lucked out.
Oh, and even better... I found out yesterday that I didn't get accepted into a doctoral program in Human Sciences with a specialization in Child, Youth and Family Studies (yes, without a second comma). Talk about a downer. Came back from this amazing weekend, only to discover that I didn't make it into the program... And it was my last outstanding doctoral application, which means that unless I'm magically accepted into something some time soon, I'm not going on for my doctorate in the fall.
I wouldn't even know what else to apply for. And the whole thing really does suck.
On that note... I got to see Bunheads yesterday? I think it was the season 2 finale. Yay for ending on a positive note. It was a good episode.
Then I dozed back off. Of course.
Getting back to internship... It was nice. I'd already known that I was tired and everything, but walking back in and looking at everything with a clear mind and a far more positive attitude... It made me realize just how much I really needed those days off, even if they were full of running events.
Running events that I enjoyed *immensely*. Wouldn't change it all for the world.
Now to get back on track. I've got comps on Friday. Written comps, that is. I'm not particularly worried about passing those. I really feel like I'm going to do well on them, especially if I know my stuff really well for one-to-two sections and can use those sections to expand on everything else. I have four hours for four four sections, in which I have to write one essay for each section.
It's a huge difference from the CPCE. That multiple choice section... It was 160 questions, I prepared as best as I could... And I'm pretty sure I bombed it. I'm really afraid that I didn't pass. I know that people usually feel like they really failed it... But I REALLY feel like I failed it... If I have to retake it, then I can't graduate until I pass it - and the next time it's offered is in the fall. Ugh.
I can tell which sections I didn't really study as much as others. All the same, I've heard people saying that they thought the Encyclopedia of Counseling (AKA this HUGE book most all of us bought to study from) was a waste. A good book, but not the least bit helpful when it came to the CPCE...
But I am SO GLAD that I spent as much time as I could on Theories and Careers. Theories was a beast to take, and it's something that I still struggle with a bit. I lucked out with my grade; I emailed my professor because my grade was coming out to a C+ (2 C's and you're on academic probation, 3 C's and you're kicked out of the program). He bumped me up to a B-, which is the lowest grade I've gotten this whole program. I really lucked out.
Oh, and even better... I found out yesterday that I didn't get accepted into a doctoral program in Human Sciences with a specialization in Child, Youth and Family Studies (yes, without a second comma). Talk about a downer. Came back from this amazing weekend, only to discover that I didn't make it into the program... And it was my last outstanding doctoral application, which means that unless I'm magically accepted into something some time soon, I'm not going on for my doctorate in the fall.
I wouldn't even know what else to apply for. And the whole thing really does suck.
On that note... I got to see Bunheads yesterday? I think it was the season 2 finale. Yay for ending on a positive note. It was a good episode.
Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend RECAP!!!
Oh, my goodness. I've been neglecting my blog. I was going to post about a week and a half ago, but I got caught up with comps and everything (and I'll hit that in a later post).
Long story short: Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2013 was THIS weekend. As in, we got back about 7.5 hours ago.
In the end I'd say it was pretty successful, but sometimes it's easy to forget that trips can be stressful. Granted, I was expecting a decent amount of stress - and I got very little sleep the whole time, too! But it was definitely enjoyable.
We stayed at Coronado Springs Resort, in Casitas 4. I'm so glad we stayed there, especially because that's where the Expo was. When we got back from the 5K Saturday morning, there was a line for the Expo that not only went out of the door (mind you, Coronado Springs has a very LARGE convention center. We're talking LAAAAAAARGE!) but it went down the side of the building, across the street by the parking lot, and down the front of the main building! It was absurd! But we were able to go on Friday. We picked up our race packets, did a little bit of wandering and shopping... I could've stayed at the Expo all weekend, just looking at everything, but I had places to get. We took some pictures with Disney princesses on the way out of the Expo (and basically every day, really), then did a quick jot around Animal Kingdom before ending up in Magic Kingdom for the rest of the night and a beautiful fireworks display.
On Friday we got up and went to the Expo. Let me just say that it was SO COOL! One thing that could keep me going back and doing Disney races, other than the fact that I'd be going to Disney(!!!!), is the fact that the Expo was just amazing! There was such a variety. And the volunteers at the Expo AND during all of the race events were just so wonderful.
After the Expo we went to Animal Kingdom and did an awesome safari through their Wildlife Reserve. We got to see cheetahs, lions... Even a white rhino - an endangered species! There were also giraffes, elephants, crocodiles... Heck, there were even flamingos!
Then we went to Epcot for the Pasta in the Park Party, and then their IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth light show.The Pasta party was beautiful, to say the least. The chandeliers, the lights... And the DJ they had was amazing. I'd be surprised if they didn't have him for every resort possible at WDW. He was even up super early (but not bright!) for the 5K the next morning.
On Saturday... Well, there was the 5K. We were in Corral C... Oh, and we had a special guest in our corral! You'll see a picture momentarily.
I'm proud to say I finished in under 40:00. Give or take I'd say it was about 39 minutes. I'd been thinking my ideal time goal was under 40 minutes, and my ideal was between 42:00 and 45:00.
By the way, one of the race photographers... Got a not-so-attractive picture of me. I accidentally cut in front of a guy who was about to have his picture taken. So the picture basically has me making an "OH, CRAP! SORRY! Eeeeeeeee...." face.
After the race we crashed. I still can't believe that I napped for a couple hours after a 5K, of all things. Granted, I didn't sleep much... But still!
Then we went to Hollywood Studios, saw a shortened version of Beauty and the Beast, in which Gaston dowa NOT die, as far as we are aware. and then back to Epcot.
Word to the wide: Don't ever walking too damn much the night before a big race. I should've ditched the group and gone back to the resort for rest, as I had to be on a bus by no later than 4 the next morning... But I didn't. Can you say foolish?
(Why, yes, Santa was at our race AND in our corral! LOL. I was so surprised when he turned around and I saw short, dark brown hair. He was good enough that even in his short red running shorts, well, he just did it so WELL!)
Now on Sunday, our wonderfully amazing day... I'm genuinely amazed I was able to eat a banana for breakfast. And almost as surprised that it didn't come right back up.
I didn't take very many pictures, just because it wasn't that easy to access my phone.
The most disappointing part of the race is that my legs hurt so badly between the 5K and the BEYOND excess of walking, that I was only able to run a few miles. I had to walk about 10 miles of it. I was truly hoping that I could've run at least half of it... Well, now I know what to train for when it comes of Dumbo in Disneyland in August/September.
I hate to say it, but I was just so ANGRY about not being able to run more of it. It feels like I'll be doing some easy shin splint exercises for a bit...
I'm so surprised that I didn't start crying around mile 10. I'd already seen the volunteers there on that side, since we were heading back on the other side of the divided highway... They were holding up signs saying things like "You deserve a pedicure after this" and "Mind over muslce".
It was such a good feeling, knowing that random strangers (or at least random and strangers for some of us) were just so willing to support us all.
BTW. I think the winner this year finished in about 1:17:00. Ir was insane!
(yes, my poor running buddy was asleep at the Race Retreat)
We wandered the Magic Kingdom after napping for a few hours.
Apparently they requested help from someone from housekeeping services. I was so tired that I had a pillow over my face, AND I didn't hear her come in. Wow.
After my nap, we went to Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch. Can you say "Yum"?
Anyway, I think that's about it. OH! And I bought A STICK! That is, they at least help with tired, sore muscles. So far so good, although if your muscles are really tight then you will DEFINITELY feel it!
And now I leave you all with some memes to describe this weekend in my life:
Long story short: Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2013 was THIS weekend. As in, we got back about 7.5 hours ago.
In the end I'd say it was pretty successful, but sometimes it's easy to forget that trips can be stressful. Granted, I was expecting a decent amount of stress - and I got very little sleep the whole time, too! But it was definitely enjoyable.
We stayed at Coronado Springs Resort, in Casitas 4. I'm so glad we stayed there, especially because that's where the Expo was. When we got back from the 5K Saturday morning, there was a line for the Expo that not only went out of the door (mind you, Coronado Springs has a very LARGE convention center. We're talking LAAAAAAARGE!) but it went down the side of the building, across the street by the parking lot, and down the front of the main building! It was absurd! But we were able to go on Friday. We picked up our race packets, did a little bit of wandering and shopping... I could've stayed at the Expo all weekend, just looking at everything, but I had places to get. We took some pictures with Disney princesses on the way out of the Expo (and basically every day, really), then did a quick jot around Animal Kingdom before ending up in Magic Kingdom for the rest of the night and a beautiful fireworks display.
On Friday we got up and went to the Expo. Let me just say that it was SO COOL! One thing that could keep me going back and doing Disney races, other than the fact that I'd be going to Disney(!!!!), is the fact that the Expo was just amazing! There was such a variety. And the volunteers at the Expo AND during all of the race events were just so wonderful.
After the Expo we went to Animal Kingdom and did an awesome safari through their Wildlife Reserve. We got to see cheetahs, lions... Even a white rhino - an endangered species! There were also giraffes, elephants, crocodiles... Heck, there were even flamingos!
Then we went to Epcot for the Pasta in the Park Party, and then their IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth light show.The Pasta party was beautiful, to say the least. The chandeliers, the lights... And the DJ they had was amazing. I'd be surprised if they didn't have him for every resort possible at WDW. He was even up super early (but not bright!) for the 5K the next morning.
On Saturday... Well, there was the 5K. We were in Corral C... Oh, and we had a special guest in our corral! You'll see a picture momentarily.
I'm proud to say I finished in under 40:00. Give or take I'd say it was about 39 minutes. I'd been thinking my ideal time goal was under 40 minutes, and my ideal was between 42:00 and 45:00.
By the way, one of the race photographers... Got a not-so-attractive picture of me. I accidentally cut in front of a guy who was about to have his picture taken. So the picture basically has me making an "OH, CRAP! SORRY! Eeeeeeeee...." face.
After the race we crashed. I still can't believe that I napped for a couple hours after a 5K, of all things. Granted, I didn't sleep much... But still!
Then we went to Hollywood Studios, saw a shortened version of Beauty and the Beast, in which Gaston dowa NOT die, as far as we are aware. and then back to Epcot.
Word to the wide: Don't ever walking too damn much the night before a big race. I should've ditched the group and gone back to the resort for rest, as I had to be on a bus by no later than 4 the next morning... But I didn't. Can you say foolish?
(Why, yes, Santa was at our race AND in our corral! LOL. I was so surprised when he turned around and I saw short, dark brown hair. He was good enough that even in his short red running shorts, well, he just did it so WELL!)
Now on Sunday, our wonderfully amazing day... I'm genuinely amazed I was able to eat a banana for breakfast. And almost as surprised that it didn't come right back up.
I didn't take very many pictures, just because it wasn't that easy to access my phone.
The most disappointing part of the race is that my legs hurt so badly between the 5K and the BEYOND excess of walking, that I was only able to run a few miles. I had to walk about 10 miles of it. I was truly hoping that I could've run at least half of it... Well, now I know what to train for when it comes of Dumbo in Disneyland in August/September.
I hate to say it, but I was just so ANGRY about not being able to run more of it. It feels like I'll be doing some easy shin splint exercises for a bit...
I'm so surprised that I didn't start crying around mile 10. I'd already seen the volunteers there on that side, since we were heading back on the other side of the divided highway... They were holding up signs saying things like "You deserve a pedicure after this" and "Mind over muslce".
It was such a good feeling, knowing that random strangers (or at least random and strangers for some of us) were just so willing to support us all.
BTW. I think the winner this year finished in about 1:17:00. Ir was insane!
(yes, my poor running buddy was asleep at the Race Retreat)
We wandered the Magic Kingdom after napping for a few hours.
Apparently they requested help from someone from housekeeping services. I was so tired that I had a pillow over my face, AND I didn't hear her come in. Wow.
After my nap, we went to Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch. Can you say "Yum"?
Anyway, I think that's about it. OH! And I bought A STICK! That is, they at least help with tired, sore muscles. So far so good, although if your muscles are really tight then you will DEFINITELY feel it!
And now I leave you all with some memes to describe this weekend in my life:
This next one is important because I'm self-conscious about being slower than most of the runners:
To be honest, I never thought I would ever work to becoming a runner. Or that I would enjoy it! I'm working to not hold myself back with limitations I impose on myself.
This is how I was feeling after the run:
Because let's face it, I finished, AND within the time limits!
And with one last parting shot!
I was feeling the "Why am I doing this" in the middle of the run, around 6 miles or so. And again around mile 11 or so.
But I've been thinking... Disney races are something I would LOVE to continue doing. I have high hopes!
Anyway, I'm trying not to doze off over here at my desk. Out I go. Goodnight! ♥
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