Runderella

Running, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

Race Recap: 2018 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

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Disney’s Princess half marathon is a wonderful experience for novice and experienced runners, and those of us in between. It is the perfect girlfriend getaway vacation, filled with the magic of Disney.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the race I first ran back in 2013 and the race which sparked my love for running. A few weeks ago, I went down for the 10th Anniversary of run Disney’s Princess half, but also my 5th running anniversary, where I met up with my best running girlfriends for a weekend of eating, drinking, and running Disney. I booked the hotel rather late, and all that was available was All-Star Movies. While it isn’t my favorite resort, I’ll take staying in the parks rather than outside. It’s so much easier to get around and not have to rent a car or Uber.

Unless there are items I am interested in buying at the expo, I typically avoid going to the expo on day one. The crowds are insane everywhere! Once you arrive at ESPN Wide World of Sports (there are buses running frequently from all Disney World resorts), there are two stops: one is to pick up your bib and race shirt; the other building has the expo merchants. This year, I noticed they had a building dedicated to carrying all runDisney merchandise.

I’ve been extremely busy and had no time to put together a race costume and most likely will not have one for Star Wars, which is a bummer. I looked around at the expo and did see a few items that would work well for a costume but being that I didn’t go on day one to the expo (wasn’t planning on buying a costume), everything in my size was sold out. My friend was coming down a day later, so I asked her to pick up an Eagles hat at the airport, and I quickly threw an outfit together – a dark green Lululemon top and black skirt. Combined with the hat, I decided I would run as an Eagles Princess; fitting since they just won the Super Bowl. Go Eagles!!

I spoke with Jeff Galloway, Olympian and creator of the run-walk-run injury free program and asked for his advice. If you’re ever at the expo, please pay him a visit. He is truly the most genuine and nice person and gives great advice. I explained to him that I’ve had my share of injuries in the past 2 years and that my last run was 6.5 miles on Christmas Eve. His suggestion was to run 15 seconds and walk 30 seconds.

With Olympian Jeff Galloway

Race morning came and my friend and I had some fruit, coffee and some carbs. The resort had free coffee on race morning, which was really nice. Disney suggests runners taking bus transportation to the start line board buses no later than 3:30 AM, and monorail passengers board no later than 4:00 AM. Since my friend missed the expo, we had to stop at runner relations in the morning to pick up her bib, so we boarded the bus at 3:00 AM. The weather was a bit cool, but it was expected to be warmer than usual for February, and warnings were placed everywhere reminding people to hydrate and dress appropriately for the warm temperatures.

Corrals were going off every 5 minutes or so.  Race announcers Carissa and Rudy were great at keeping the crowds entertained and informed when their corral would take off. My corral took off 45 minutes after the elites/A corral. My Gymboss timer set for the run/walk ratios that Jeff Galloway suggested and started run/walk after a quick 5 minute warm up.

I was feeling great and decided to increase the run intervals to 30 seconds (bad idea). I felt my hamstrings start to burn a bit, and before it got worse, I stopped at the first medical tent and rubbed Biofreeze on my hammies. Once that kicked in, I was good, until my right foot started to ache. I’ve never had issues with my feet while running, so this struck me as odd and concerning. I stopped at the second medical tent briefly, sat down and massaged my foot for a minute and was back on my way with no other issues, thank God!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

I was doing great time-wise. Aside from those two medical tent stops, I stopped to use a real bathroom (wait was over 10 minutes but SO worth it), because let’s face it, no one wants to use a port-a-potty unless deemed necessary. Stopped for a photo op shortly after mile 11, because Jack. Enough said!

Run Like you left the crock pot on -“This is Us”

It sure wasn’t my fastest half time, but it wasn’t my slowest either. I’m extremely proud of myself for finishing despite the fact that I didn’t train for it. I really have not been motivated, and the fact that winter doesn’t seem to want to leave doesn’t help either.

I have two races coming up so I am training for those. They are: Star Wars half and the Broad Street Run, America’s largest 10-miler and one of my favorite races ever. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

P.S. What’s on your race calendar for 2018?

Don’t Call it a Comeback…running

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…I’ve been here for years. I’m corny, I know. 🙂

Today marks the beginning of my return to running after obtaining clearance from my physical therapist. Since I have not run since November 2016, I will be following Jeff Galloway’s beginner 5K program. Using a run/walk program is a great way to build a training base while reducing the risk of injury.

Jeff Galloway’s 5K program runs 15 weeks and in order to keep me motivated, I’ve registered for the Rescue Run 5K, which occurs at the end of the 15 weeks. Talk about perfect timing, eh? This run benefits The Monster Milers, a shelter dog running and rescue organization in Philadelphia. I’m also excited because it is my first run as a Oiselle Volée runner, a wonderful and supportive community of women.

Plans for this week: (Per Jeff Galloway’s Program)

Monday – Walk or XT

Tuesday – Run 10-15 minutes

Wednesday – Walk or XT

Thursday – Run 10-15 minutes

Friday – Walk or XT

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – 1 mile

My XT usually involves taking a class on my Peloton Bike or swim at the gym pool. Stretching/yoga is part of my daily routine, which will aid in my return to running, as well as the recovery process.

Week 1, here I come. Follow my daily journey on Instagram.

Have a great week, and if you’re in the middle of a heat wave (as we are in PA), stay cool.

Oh, hi there! It’s been a while.

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It’s been a while, friends, and I’ve missed being here talking to you about my running or traveling adventures. Yesterday, I found myself at work, crying while watching the live broadcast of the Broad Street Run on the TV in the break room. This is why.

Countless visits to the sports medicine doctor, multiple X-Rays, acupuncture, chiropractor visits and physical therapy has left me in a state of frustration. I’m seeing a new physical therapist and for once, I am experiencing positive changes, although it isn’t without experiencing both physical and emotional pain. Janet, my physical therapist, cleared me for running and has suggested a goal for me to run a 5K in 3 months. This makes me beyond excited.

The pain I experienced while running was on my left hip and IT band, with some minor pain on the right knee. MRI showed normal hip scan, however, it showed chronic bilateral hamstring tendonitis. This explained the hamstring pain I felt whenever I went to my beloved Flywheel classes, and it was always when off the saddle. I stopped going to Flywheel and stopped running and giving up both pained me immensely.

But I’m really stubborn…I mean, REALLY stubborn.

Since I was cleared to run, I deleted a 5K and added another 5K. I also added a half marathon: Disney’s Princess Half in February. Not only it is the 10th Anniversary of the half, but my 5th running anniversary. That’s my girls trip, and I cannot wait!
Back to the stubbornness part. Not only did I sign up for a half marathon, I bought a Peloton bike.

 

This bike is beyond amazeballs! I fell in love with spinning years ago and now that I’m able to do this from the comfort of my own home is fantastic. I’m taking it easy and concentrating on endurance classes, which focus on heart rate training and ensuring to spend less time off the saddle. Hopefully that will be helpful when it comes to training for races.

So, where have I been?

In February, I went on a last minute trip to Disney World. Last month, had a blast from taking an 8-day trip to Puerto Rico with my sister. This year, I have a few trips planned – Montréal, Seattle, DC and back to WDW in September for a week. I’ve also been working, a lot, and currently studying for my neonatal nurse certification (RNC-NIC)

On a flight to San Juan 🙂

I just want to take a moment to thank all of you who reached out to me on Instagram and Twitter as well as  the emails you’ve sent just to check in.

It means a lot to me, so thank you! <3

Have a wonderful Monday!

runDisney – Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge

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Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend

This has got to be my favorite runDisney race in WDW. While I do miss the night races, there’s something magical about running in Disney during Food and Wine Festival. A 10K (6.2 miles) on Saturday, a half marathon on Sunday, followed by food and drinks around the world in Epcot.

Love SWA!

Flight from PHL airport was smooth as usual with Southwest Airlines into MCO. My friend Becky and I stayed at Pop Century and our friend Joanne and her family were meeting up with us in a few days for the race. Disney’s Wine and Dine would be Joanne’s first half, Becky’s second (she came with me in 2015).

Becky and I walked the 10K as I was already starting to have issues with my left hip and wanted to conserve energy for the half. I moved back to Becky’s corral so we can finish together. Becky and I took our time, taking pictures with characters, almost getting swept right around the point where Boardwalk ends and you’re entering Epcot.

We were given our finisher’s medals, I iced my hip and back to shower/rest/eat before heading to the parks for a while.

Wine and Dine Half Marathon

Becky and I were right on the buses by 3 AM. We bought marathon fuel boxes from the Everything Pop Food Court at Pop Century the night before. The food court was open early for runners, and we picked up bottled water and a coffee for me. The weather was cool, yet comfortable, and we met up with Joanne at the corrals. Since Joanne didn’t have a previous race finishing time (10K or greater), she was placed in the penultimate corral, and Becky moved back with her in L; I was a bit up in corral G.

I didn’t dress in costume for the 10K, and while my sister crafted a Belle-inspired running tutu for the half marathon, I didn’t have time to craft a top, so I went with a Raw Threads Belle-inspired tee, which I purchased at the expo.

First 3 miles went great. I ran by effort, not pace, then it hit me like a ton of bricks. My left hip started to bother me. I stopped at the first medical tent and grabbed two acetaminophen tablets. The nurses marked my hand, indicating that I received a dose, put some BioFreeze on my hip and knees and carried on.

In so much pain but still hanging on….

The Galloway runners aiming for a 2:30 finishing time passed me and I tried to tag along, but I quickly lost them. I stopped at every single medical tent, and by the time I reached mile 9, I knew I was in trouble. My attempts at running were over. I received another dose of acetaminophen, some Powerade, and a Clif, and saw my friend Joanne who started in corral L pass me. She briefly stopped and (God love her) offered to stay with me but I told her she needed to keep going and I would be okay. Okay, I would be for sure. I took advantage that I was walking the last 4 miles and stopped for photo ops and just enjoyed talking with people that were also walking alongside.

Finished in my slowest time ever, but needless to say, I finished and received both a half marathon finisher’s medal and the Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge finisher’s medal.

My friend Becky waited for me at the finish line, having gotten swept at mile 8 after an asthma attack. She ended up being okay.

We rested and went to the Post-Race party at Epcot until it closed. It was one of the most amazing weekends. Visited Universal Studios, danced, ate, drank and enjoyed every minute with my friends and not one damn whine from how much pain I was experiencing.

Shortly after returning home, my dear friend Becky was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which explains why she was so lethargic and not hungry the entire trip 🙁

Wine and Dine is a great Disney race. I suggest running this at least once.

 

Goodbye, Summer. I’ll miss you.

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Summer has come and gone and while I’m bummed that it’s over, I’m looking forward to autumn. I love fall for its cooler weather, pumpkin-everything, sweaters and boots, as well as the races that I will hopefully be running. I mention ‘hopefully’ because I’ve had my share of injuries, especially with my left hip. Physical therapy exercises, yoga, and Flywheel have helped tremendously in getting me back on the pavement, but the recurring fear of injury always lingers in the back of my mind.

Aside from working, this summer I made a week-long trip to Disney World, spent numerous weekends relaxing and soaking up the sun at the Jersey Shore and went on a few trips to NYC to see a few concerts. Didn’t take out my beloved Schwinn out all summer, so back to the attic it goes until next year.

This season, my focus will be on keeping my mind and body healthy. I’m working full-time, part-time and per-diem. Fortunately for me, the per-diem position doesn’t start until November, but it means I have to cut my Disney’s Wine and Dine trip a few days short. I am also taking six credits at the university doing nursing research. It takes me back to my days studying to become a nurse. I was working full-time and at the college full-time. Looking back, I still don’t know how I managed to pull it together, yet it is a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind, heart, and soul into. I wanted to be an RN so bad.

Training for Lumiere’s Challenge has not been an easy task, that’s for sure. The plan is to take it real easy on the 10K, possibly walking it, and conserving any and all remaining energy to run the half on Sunday. I signed up for Aaptiv (formerly Skyfit), an app for iOS and Android that has multiple workouts, including training plans for races. Last week, I started using it for the half marathon training and I loved it. I ran faster than I had in years! The coach walks you through pace, breathing techniques and alerts you when it’s time to slow down or speed up. The music is fun and upbeat and while the workout was tough, it pushed me to give everything that I had in me. I plan on continuing the Aaptiv half marathon training, including on race day. This is not a sponsored post, btw. I am just really enjoying Aaptiv at the moment.

Goals after Wine and Dine weekend are to pick a late spring/early summer race that I can properly train for. Working again with Coach Kristy is also one of my running goals.

Well, this is a brief update for now. I’m off to do some major homework since I’ll be away in Puerto Rico for two weeks 🙂 I’ll be back soon!

Until next time,

Lindy xo

Spring Fever – Spartan Race Giveaway

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Temperatures are slowly rising and what better way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of spring, than with a Spartan Race Giveaway.

 

Spartan Race is an obstacle course inspired by Ancient Spartan warriors who embodied ultimate endurance, resilience and strength.  Spartan Race is designed to push you to tap into your highest potential and greatest strength. It is a true adventure that will leave you exhilarated and empowered in ways you’ve never experienced before.

If you’ve tried a trail race, mud run, obstacle race, or adventure race then it is time to try a Spartan Race.

And there is something for everyone:

  • Spartan Sprint: 3+ miles with 15+ obstacles
  • Spartan Super: 8+ miles with 20+ obstacles
  • Spartan Beast: 12+ miles with 25+ obstacles

Enter the Reebok Spartan Race Giveaway below. The giveaway will run for a week from March 11 until March 18, 2016 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be announced on the blog and on Facebook.

Good Luck! If you don’t win, don’t fret. You can still win big by saving 20% off all races with the code listed below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Philadelphia Half Marathon: Race Recap

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Better late than never, I’m back blogging and I want to share my experience at the 2015 Philadelphia Half Marathon.

It’s usually a 20 minute drive to the start line from my house and due to the pre-race jitters, I leave really early so I can park in my go-to garage and relax with my bagel and coffee. Although some people expressed disappointment with the length of the security lines, having walked through at 6:30, I experienced no issues whatsoever.

Having lost a few weeks due to IT Band issues during the summer months, I didn’t feel good about aiming for a PR in this race, therefore I moved back to the penultimate corral and set a goal to just have a good time. Coach Kristy recommended I take it easy during the first half, and if feeling okay, give it all I’ve got during the latter half.

Waiting at the corral was probably the worst part. Most of it was my damn fault – I didn’t dress properly for the temperature. I wore a short sleeved tech shirt and my Lululemon capris. Race morning temperatures were scheduled to be in the 40’s, but the wind was brutal, therefore with the wind chill, it felt like they were more in the 30’s. The race started a bit late and waiting in the cold just stiffened my body. My body was in so much pain before I even started and I contemplated leaving. A runner standing in front of me saw me shivering and offered me his space blanket, but once I saw he was wearing shorts and a sleeveless top, I politely declined.

First three miles were really crowded and I couldn’t slow down to maintain the pace Coach Kristy suggested for the first half, which was 11:50/mm. I was averaging 10:30/mm pace and even then I was pushed by a girl who seemed upset she couldn’t get by due to the crowded course. While I do understand her frustration, some runners went up on the sidewalk, an option she had and chose not to take, instead she pushed runners around. From what I witnessed, I wasn’t the only one.

There was a headwind that followed us throughout the course. The sun peeked between the clouds, yet the cold didn’t deter Philadelphians from coming out and supporting runners on the course. The city was awake and alive, one of my favorite things of running in my city. The screaming and cheering is music to my ears!

I kept my usual tried-and-true routine of fueling every 5K with gel (used Carb Boom Energy Gel) and hydrated frequently. I was still feeling pain in my joints from the cold wind, so aside from that, I was feeling okay for the most part. The hill past the Philadelphia Zoo, (you Philly runners know what I’m talking about) nearly killed me. It’s a steep hill and just downright mean. There’s nothing sweet about Sweetbriar Road. I walked the entire hill in order to avoid depleting glycogen stores. In fact, most of the runners I saw were actually walking it.

Elevation Chart for Philadelphia Half Marathon

Reached the top and started to run again when tummy issues decided to strike. Past the Please Touch Museum was a fuel station which happened to have no gels, and I knew I’d be in trouble since I only carried two gels with me. Mile 10 was a beautiful downhill and at the start of 11, we were greeted by people dressed in costumes, dancing and cheering on. That was probably the highlight of my day! I was feeling tired and upon reaching mile 12, I looked at my Garmin and saw that my time was 2:27 and I knew I wasn’t going to PR.

Mile 13 is a slight uphill and I just gave it everything that I had in me. I crossed the finish line in 2:38; my goal was 2:35.

Running the Philadelphia Half is probably one of my favorite races, aside from the Broad Street Run. The medal is absolutely perfect, too! Many thanks to Coach Kristy at Run the Long Road Coaching for her guidance.

I’ve taken some time off to relax and take a break from training. I’ve spent time reading, spending time with family and friends and my pets but now I’m ready to get back into running and cross-training.

I have a giveaway coming up for the New Year, so stay tuned because it’s a pretty cool one 🙂

Hope you’re all doing well.

Lindy xx

Galloway Blogger Tips | Training Plan

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Here are some useful tips from Jeff Galloway on the importance of having a training plan.

THE TRAINING PLAN

  • WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TRAINING PLAN?  When using a proven strategy, a runner gains control over fatigue while improving motivation.  Those who follow the right training plan, for the individual,  tend to improve more, with less injury risk.
  • WOULD BEGINNERS BENEFIT MORE FROM A PLAN  Unfortunately, most beginners “run as they feel” or follow conflicting advice.  This leads to confusion and more aches and pains.   The right schedule will systematically increase the type of running needed for a goal, with strategic rest for rebuilding.

 

  • KEY TRAINING ELEMENTS:

1)   A longer run builds endurance,

2)  A hilly run builds strength,

3) Scenic or social runs insert fun and keep you coming back for more.

WHAT IS ADDED TO A PLAN IF THE GOAL IS TO RUN FASTER?  The right training plan will gradually increase the speed repetitions needed for the individual goal.  Easier days and rest days must be inserted before and after speed workouts.  To avoid injury, the pace and the increase must be realistic for the individual.

  • EVERY OTHER DAY!  Most runners—especially beginners—run best when they run every other day.  This allows for the “weak links” to heal.  The very slow long run is usually on the weekend, when there is more time available.  Hills and fun days can be run on the short runs during the week (for example, Tuesday and Thursday)
  • SHOULD I EXERCISE ON NON-RUNNING DAYS? While you don’t have to exert yourself on non running days to improve your running, exercise will energize your mind, and improve your attitude and vitality—while burning some fat.  So I recommend any exercise that does not fatigue the calf muscle, such as recreational walking.DOES VARIETY HELP?  Changing things a bit can improve motivation.   You don’t have to change the “mission” on specific days, but alternating some of the courses or running with different groups can make each day more interesting.
  • WHAT ARE VARIOUS MISSIONS, FOR VARIOUS DAYS? Each type of run bestows a different benefit.  Hill runs build strength.  Drills that work on cadence, gentle acceleration and gliding will improve your running form.  Long runs produce stamina and endurance.
  • WHAT SHOULD I DO THE DAY BEFORE AND THE DAY AFTER LONG OR FASTER RUNS?  Take it easy on these days.  Do little or no exercise, don’t over-eat, drink 8 glasses of water/sports drinks, and focus on how you will enjoy the next run.
  • SHOULD I SKIP THE REST DAYS—TO IMPROVE MORE QUICKLY.  Not Recommended!  It is during the days off from running that the running body rebuilds and improves.  While some runners can get away with running short and slow runs on rest days for a while, these “junk miles” can compromise recovery and lead to injuries.
  • IF I DON’T LIKE A WORKOUT CAN I SUBSTITUTE? Following a consistent plan is more likely to lead to success and improve motivation.  Those who pick various elements from different schedules experience  more burnout and injury.

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When I first started running, I ran by “feel”, not having an actual plan in place. While this allowed me to finish a race, I wasn’t finishing strong and caused a lot of injury to my body (ankle sprains, continuous IT band issues). Having a training plan along with a running coach, I lowered my half marathon time from 3:04 to 2:37 and I’m feeling much stronger every day. I’m currently training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November.

 

Do you run with a training plan?

2015 Disneyland Half Marathon/Dumbo Double Dare

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Little over a week ago, I flew out to sunny California to participate in this year’s Dumbo Double Dare Challenge at Disneyland. A few weeks ago I didn’t know I’d still be going – IT Band syndrome and family issues halted both training and planning. I’m really thankful things work themselves out because I truly needed to get away.

My friend Michelle and I arrived on Thursday, but we didn’t get to the Expo until Friday morning. To my surprise, the Expo was not opening until noon. Lines were everywhere! I don’t recall the Expo opening that late during other race weekends, but I could be wrong. You were allowed to line up downstairs at bib pickup though, and because of the heat, they opened at 11:30.

Entrance into Disneyland Half Expo

Entrance into Disneyland Half Expo

Bib Pickup was quick and easy and there was someone going up and down the waiting line checking waivers and identifications, expediting the process, which helped tremendously. Picked up Disneyland Park tickets from GET Sports (I’ve used them every time and they’re amazing), and proceeded upstairs to pick up the race packet at the Expo. The Expo was crowded, lines were huge, so I just grabbed some Sport Beans since they didn’t have any Honey Stingers, and a few Sparkly Soul bands and left.

Disneyland 10K – This was my first 10K in Disneyland, and I was excited because everyone I ran into said that the 10K in Disneyland is their favorite course. The ART buses were picking up at my hotel at 3:57 and 4:27 AM on Saturday morning. I always like to get on the earlier buses just in case. Met up with a few friends at the Disneyland Hotel and walked over to the corrals. I was on C.

This 10K wasn’t overly crowded. The morning was a bit chilly, so I kept my sweater on for most of the race.

Here’s a course map of the 10K:

Disneyland 10K course map

Disneyland 10K course map

 

The Disneyland® 10K starts on the streets of Anaheim, passing through the Grand Plaza of the Anaheim Convention Center before entering Cars Land at Disney California Adventure® Park. Continue into Disneyland Park, down Main Street, U.S.A. before completing the final stretch of the course through the Downtown Disney® District and arriving at the finish line next to the Disneyland® Hotel. Source: runDisney

At the start of the Disneyland 10K:

 

 

 

I enjoyed this course a lot. I was conserving a lot of energy for Sunday’s Half Marathon, therefore I made it a goal to just go out and enjoy the course and not worry about time. Loved running through both parks, which looked absolutely beautiful at dawn.

 

Tiny Castle

Running through the Tiny Castle

 

Finish

10K Finish

 

Disneyland Half Marathon was held on Sunday, September 6th. I set my alarm for 3:00 since the bus pickup was at 3:45. I was already awake, worried as usual, but there was doubt plaguing my mind that I could run this. I kept thinking about what my coach said, and she was really worried about me running the entire weekend since 1) I was undertrained and my longest run was 8 miles, and 2) I was just coming back from IT Band issues. So, I hit snooze and in my mind, decided I was going to sleep in and not run. But I’m so damn stubborn….

The last time I ran this race was in 2013, when temps soared to the high 90’s that week, which made me dehydrated and ill. I was a bit nervous about that happening again. Thankfully, while it did get warm fairly quick, it was not as bad as it was then.

I was in D this year due to a 2:37 half PR. The corrals were extremely crowded and people were hopping the fence to get in front. I think they should consider spacing the corrals out like they do for Princess. Corrals went from A-G for the Disneyland Half, with anyone who placed under 2:35 in A-C, everyone else from D-G. This was a problem for me because although I am not a super fast runner, I’m not slow either, but I was stuck with slower runners and walkers and during the first few miles, had to walk because I had nowhere to go.

Crowded Disneyland Half Course

Disneyland Half Course

Once the course opened up, I was able to run. It seemed the whole community of Anaheim was out that morning. Loved running through the vintage cars, the dancers and cheerleaders, and although the sun was up and beaming early on, it didn’t get uncomfortably hot. The folks at MousePlanet were so kind to have cold, fresh orange slices, and candy, as well as wet sponges on the course. They were uplifting, and I’m really thankful for that pick-me-up!

Disneyland Half

Disneyland Half Marathon

Once I could run, I ran 3:1 intervals and stopped at every hydration station, always remembering to thank the volunteers and spectators for coming out. When I ran this in 2013, I walked up the hills, and this year, I ran. I’m so happy with the progress I’ve made, and thankful for Coach Kristy who makes the impossible, possible.

At the finish, you got your Disneyland Half Medal and if you were taking part in the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, you were directed to a station where your bib number was looked up and if it matched up with the pic they took at the Expo, you received your Challenge medal.

DDD Finish

DDD Finish

Overall, the energy was amazing, and aside from the overly crowded corrals and first few miles, I enjoyed myself and had a wonderful time. Running in Disney is just magical 🙂

runDisney Dumbo Double Dare Challenge Bling

runDisney Dumbo Double Dare Challenge Bling

 

Lindy x

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap

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Oh what can I say about this race weekend, other than it was epic. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and was really looking forward to getting away, even just for a weekend.

Once we drove up to Brooklyn and checked in with our Airbnb Host, we headed to Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park for the 2015 Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon Pre-Race Party. Loved that once we exited the subway, there were signs everywhere pointing to the party.

Signs pointing to the pre-race party outside the subway

Signs pointing to the pre-race party outside the subway

 

We had so much fun at the pre-race party! There were people giving away airbnb shoelaces, multiple stations where you could play mini golf, and there was a live band playing. The area was surrounded by food and beer trucks, while security remained high with NYPD (Harbor Unit, I think) looking at the Pier from the boat.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Pre-Race Party

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Pre-Race Party

Check in was fast and there were no lines. Loved that you could see the race shirts before picking them up. I had to size up to a medium but I loved the race shirt. Had my race shirt airbrushed at one of the Airbnb stations with the blog’s name.

 

The only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of vendors, although most of the essentials were available for purchase. Ate some fabulous quinoa arepas from the Palenque food truck at the pre-race party and carb-loaded with tasty brick oven pizza. Ate the best doughnuts in the planet at Dough Brooklyn.  I went there every.single.day and don’t regret it one bit. 🙂

With friends at Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park

With friends at Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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Wave 2!

Race morning and our wonderful Airbnb Host woke up at 5:30 AM to drive us to the Brooklyn Half start line. Such a wonderful and kind gesture! Getting through security was a mess and took about 45 minutes for me to get security clearance. There were porta potties in the corrals, which was great. Wave 1 departed around 7 AM and I still hadn’t gone through security; Wave 2 took off around 7:45.

The course was very crowded and I found myself weaving in and out. Right before entering Prospect Park, it started to rain heavily, which I didn’t really mind since it was warm. What I did not like was getting water in my shoes. That is the most unpleasant feeling. It rained I think for the first 3 miles.

My running coach Kristy suggested that I run by effort, rather than pace, and I felt that was fine. I ran with my Garmin turned on but with the pace hidden, so all I could see was current time and date. Miles 5-6.5 were hilly and boy was I glad to wave those hills goodbye!

On Ocean Parkway headed for Coney Island

On Ocean Parkway headed for Coney Island – Last Hill!!!

After mile 7, the course is rather flat and almost slightly downhill. I was feeling good but wanted to conserve as much energy as possible, so I changed things a bit. I stopped after mile 8 to stretch and decided to run one minute and walk 30 seconds for as long as I could. I kept this going from miles 8-12.

Once I passed mile 12, I sped up and raced from the 20K point until the finish. I loved that once you entered Coney Island, you couldn’t see the boardwalk until you turned left (I believe it was Surf Ave), where the crowds were alive and cheering for runners approaching the finish line.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Finish Line

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Finish Line

I turned the corner and saw the 400 Meters Left sign and the time clock on the finish line and immediately knew it would be a PR for me, and I started to cry. Since I was racing that last mile really hard, I was feeling slightly out of breath and had to hold back from crying further. I checked my finish time and saw that I set a 7-minute PR!!!

I couldn’t have done it without the guidance of my running coach; she was the first person I texted as soon as I crossed the finish line. I was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to tell her, because we did this together.

 

Yay for PRs!!!

Yay for PRs!!!

After the finish, I felt like I had to walk forever. No water in sight, but grabbed an apple and some pretzels to immediately fuel. There must’ve been what felt like a million stairs to get anywhere, and boy does going down stairs hurt!

My friends were waiting for me in front of MCU Park with signs, then we headed out for food, margaritas and to get some sun on the beach.

Now for the finish line party

Now for the finish line party

 

Photo taken by @dulceraq

Photo taken by @dulceraq

 

Finisher's Badge

Finisher’s Badge

Overall, I enjoyed running through the lovely streets of Brooklyn, meeting wonderful people and setting a new personal record. Thank you for being so good to me, Brooklyn!