Race Recap: 2018 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

March 27, 2018 By Lindy 1 Comment

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

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?

Treadmill Running

January 2, 2018 By Lindy 3 Comments

Does the outside temperature influence whether you run indoors or outdoors?

The treadmill and I have become besties since it feels as if we’re living in the North Pole, not Pennsylvania. When it’s too cold outside for me (below 40 – I know, I know…I’m such a wuss), I run indoors, where every mile I run feels like 5. Last long slow run was 6.5 miles on Sunday, and I kid you not, it felt awful, even while watching a movie on Netflix. But running indoors works for me when working 12.5 hour days. Being out of the house for close to 14 hours with the commute, running at 9 pm in my house simply works for me. At least I’m doing the best I can; I’m giving 110%.

Training for the Princess Half has been going okay. Some weeks I am unable to run 4 days/week, so I’m XT with cycling classes on my Peloton bike. My cycling performance has gotten a lot better, and I’m hoping it will help my running performance as well. Yesterday, my IT band was screaming at me, angry, for pushing on the bike so hard for a personal record, but I got it 🙂

Previous PR was 281 two days ago. Today, 307!

I don’t anticipate a personal record on this half marathon, and I’m ready for that since it’s my first run post-injury/recovery. My goal is to finish strong, uninjured, and best of all, have a great time with my friends.

I’m excited about traveling to a warmer climate, although most Floridians right now will disagree since temps this week have dropped into the 30’s. I still don’t have a running costume made as I don’t have an idea of what I want to dress up as. I’ve run as Cinderella, Merida, Remy, Aurora, Minnie, Belle…I’m thinking Steamboat Willie since he’s my favorite, but I am not completely sure. Toss some ideas at me if you have them.

Hope everyone is keeping warm this lovely and frigid January.

Training: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon

November 8, 2017 By Lindy 4 Comments

Nothing excites me more than going back to where my love for running Disney started: runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon.

2013 run Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was my first half marathon, actually my first race ever, in 2013. This race will always occupy a special place in my heart. For years, thoughts lingered in my mind that I will never be able to run a mile, let alone a half marathon. It took lots of discipline and a few bouts of crying to get this done. Fearing that people would judge me for being a slow runner, or for taking walking breaks, I trained solely on a treadmill. Little did I know that using the run/walk method by Jeff Galloway would take this new runner to cross a finish line.

Running changed my life. Through running, I have discovered the limitless potential my mind and body have. In the process, I have formed wonderful friendships that are sure to last a lifetime.

This will be my 15th half marathon. I’ve not run in exactly a year, my last race being Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2016. My body is still in progress, and I’m positive it will make a full recovery, but for now, slow wins the race.

The training plan I’m using is from the My ASICS run app on my iPhone to build up miles/endurance. It starts out really slow, which is what my body needs at the moment.

Monday: Run 1 mile at 15:22 min/mi. – Done.
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Thursday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Friday: Run 1 mile at 15:24 min/mi.
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: Run 2 miles at 15:24 min/mi.

I got on the treadmill for that 1 mile run and it felt so long, and it was really hard trying not to go faster. I felt tightness on my hip after that one mile run, not sure if it was from the run itself or the fact that I cycled on my Peloton bike for 45 minutes earlier in the day. Trust me when I tell you that after these injuries, I am freaking nervous to run again but I want it BAD.

Have any of you dealt with running injuries that set you back? Any races you’re currently training for?

Oh, hi there! It’s been a while.

May 8, 2017 By Lindy 7 Comments

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!

Goodbye, Summer. I’ll miss you.

September 21, 2016 By Lindy 1 Comment

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

Motivation and Training Tips from Jeff Galloway

February 9, 2015 By Lindy 1 Comment

Happy News!!

I have been chosen as a Jeff Galloway blogger! I will be sharing running tips from Olympic runner Jeff Galloway with you.

In case you don’t know who Jeff Galloway is, he’s a former US Olympian and founder of the Run Walk Run method that has allowed thousands to achieve their running goals. He is also the official training consultant for runDisney races.

This week’s tips are on motivation and training, two huge factors when it comes to running.

Lindy with Jeff Galloway

My first encounter with Jeff was in 2013 at the Disneyland Half Marathon. I had been chosen to attend the Disneyland Half Meetup, a wonderful opportunity to meet with Jeff Galloway and other celebrities (Sean Astin, Joey Fatone, to name a few!) and run across Magic Kingdom, followed by breakfast and a Q&A session. I was surprised at how approachable Jeff was – he gave me a hug, we posed for a pic and I told him that my goal was to complete a marathon. The problem? I was lacking motivation.

Mental Training for Runners – Jeff Galloway

Jeff asked me what my last race finish time was and gave me pointers on how to train for my marathon.

Here are this week’s Galloway tips on motivation and training:

When paced correctly, running delivers the best attitude boost you can get. Sustain this by pacing yourself gently during the first mile or three.

A well-paced run enhances vitality for the rest of the day. Start each run at least 30 seconds a mile slower than you will run at the end.

If you have a Run Walk Run strategy that is right for you on that day, it’s possible to feel good after every run-even the marathon.

Running is the best stress reliever I’ve found. Research shows that running tends to activate the conscious brain which over-rides the emotional subconscious brain and manages the negative and anxiety hormones during and after the run.

Research shows that as runners get faster, their stride length shortens. A quicker cadence is the mechanical key to faster running.

The finishing of a run that is longer than you’ve run in the last 3 weeks can bestow a sense of achievement that is unique and empowering-due to positive brain circuits that are turned on.

You can’t run a long run too slowly or take too many walk breaks. You’ll get the same endurance based upon the distance covered.

Using the Jeff Galloway run-walk method, I have been able to complete 8 half marathons and a full marathon.

QOTD: Have you used the Galloway run walk run method to train and/or on your races?

Lindy x

runDisney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2014 Recap

November 19, 2014 By Lindy 1 Comment

runDisney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon was a race that I’ll never forget. Has it replaced my favorite runDisney race (Tinker Bell)?

It was the first Wine and Dine Half for me. It’s a night race and I had to switch my thinking and planning. I’m used to carb-loading the evening before, waking up at 4 AM, or in runDisney’s case, 2 AM, etc.

Flew out Friday to Orlando and stayed at the Magical Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Just the thought of having Tonga Toast (Kona Cafe), Dole Whip (Pineapple Lanai) and Stitch (‘Ohana) in the same resort made me feel giddy. I’m a kid at heart! 🙂

Went to the Expo on Friday afternoon at ESPN Wide World of Sports and to my surprise it wasn’t overly crowded. I didn’t have to wait in line for anything – packet pickup, race shirt, or even the runDisney Merchandise area. Considering that all of the runDisney Expos I have attended have been agonizing, hours-long events, I was more than delighted to be in and out.

If you liked runDisney on Instagram, you got one of these:

runDisney Wine and Dine

Since I had to switch planning, we planned on sleeping in Saturday and going to Epcot for lunch at Tutto Italia to carb-load, followed by a nap until it was time to take the bus to the race start. My friend Becky and I headed to the buses and hung out at the corrals for a while before separating – I was in G, she was in K.

runDisney Wine and Dine Half – Waiting before entering corral

It started to rain around 9:30 PM and I was just hoping it would stop. It was 63 degrees at start time and drizzling. Corrals crossed the start five minutes apart; I think the G corral crossed around 10:35 PM or so. We exited ESPN Wide World of Sports and made a left out of the complex into Osceola Parkway and run there for about 3.5 miles before entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In the parking lot before entering AK, there were two characters from Disney’s Electrical Parade – the turtle and the bumblebee, all lit up and glowing.

Animal Kingdom was beautiful. I stopped once to use a real bathroom and to warm up a bit. AK was dark, with paths so narrow you were forced to walk at times. I remember turning the corner and seeing the Tree of Life all lit up. I didn’t take pictures because I didn’t want my phone to get wet, but the sight was gorgeous. We ran past Expedition Everest and then back out on the highway. AK is one of my favorite Disney Parks, and I truly enjoyed how magical it was to run through it. Took a picture with Pluto on my way out.

Back on the highway, we ran opposite direction in which we entered AK. The rain got heavier, yet we saw some folks in the middle of the highway, cheering with signs for us. That was amazing! The spectators make such a huge impact on us runners. My friend Becky, when she finished, she said that there were times when she felt she couldn’t go on, but it was those spectators yelling out her name, encouraging her that got her to the finish line.

We ran another 4 lonely miles in the dark on the highway before entering Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The rain wouldn’t let up. I kept hearing people yell, “puddle”, but it just didn’t matter anymore. My clothes were soaked and my feet were wet and cold. I’m pretty sure I stepped on at least a dozen puddles. My headphones kept sliding out of my ear canal.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – I believe we ran through the whole park. We passed Toy Story Mania and Woody and Buzz were out but the lines were too long. Once you got into the Streets of America, it was all lit with holiday lights, music and even snow, which took my breath away. Seriously, the most beautiful scene in a race, EVER.

Exited DHS and ran through the DHS/Epcot connector. Into Boardwalk (where it was a bit slippery!), past Yacht and Beach Club, when I found the best spectator ever, Peggy Sue, sitting in her wheelchair in the rain, with her bag of Starbursts and Twizzlers, God bless her! I just started bawling; she truly made my day!!

runDisney Wine Dine Half at Boardwalk with Peggy Sue

Entered Epcot, where we ran past the United Kingdom and Canada, into the main corridor, past Spaceship Earth (you awesome spectators were loud, thank you!!!) to the finish. I love how you can’t see the finish line but it’s so close you can feel/hear it. There was a beautiful light display right before you made a left turn into the finish line.

Heard the announcer call my name and that got me pumped up. High-fived Mickey at the finish line, grabbed my medal and determined that having finished this race meant much more to me than any other race. The dark course, the rain and the cold didn’t stop me, even when I was heavily tempted to get inside the sweeping buses that idled on the highway.

I was less than pleased when finishing the race, cold and shivering, we had to wait over 20 minutes for gear pickup. The voluntEARS were awesome and trying to expedite the process but that didn’t really help. The changing tents were crowded, with another long line to enter, so I skipped it. Here’s when the situation got even more annoying – to enter Epcot, you had to have your bag checked, again! Yet another crowd of long lines for bag check and another to check wrist bands for the finish line party. If you got a drink at the finish from your voucher, you had to dispose of it before entering Epcot. This made a lot of sense to me…sigh.

My friend Jillian was waiting in front of Soarin’ and I changed in a bathroom there and went into Soarin’. There was no line/no wait for Soarin’ and that made me really happy. One girl who’d finished the race was waiting to get on the ride when she passed out. Nurse instinct was to run over and help her. I think she was dehydrated and hypoglycemic. I hope she ended up ok.

The finish line party would have been awesome had it not been for how miserable the weather was. My left ankle was swollen, with pain radiating to my shin. I had tostones with mayo-ketchup in Puerto Rico in Epcot and waited for Becky, who was limping from the blisters on her feet. No food and drinks around the world for us as planned – ugh!

Did it replace my favorite Disney race, Tinker Bell? Maybe. I loved Tinker Bell because it was a smaller race, but Wine and Dine was smaller as well. I’d say that out of all the runDisney races, Wine and Dine Half’s course was my ultimate favorite. I think that I would’ve enjoyed the race much more if it wasn’t for the weather (nobody’s fault, really, and besides Florida hadn’t had rain in close to a month!) Needless to say, I’ve decided that in California, Tinker Bell is my favorite runDisney race and in Florida, Wine and Dine.

I must admit, that the most rewarding highlight of the race was seeing my friend Becky finish. This was her first half marathon, and she finished in the cold rain and with blisters on her feet. I loved hearing how much I’ve empowered her to get started with running and I couldn’t be prouder. It’s rewarding to learn how much of an impact you can make in someone’s life on a daily basis. I don’t blog too much and I know not too many people read this space, but I hope that even if it’s one person who’s life I’ve changed, that I continue to have the ability and the means to do that.

Celebratory Post-Race Meal: Cinderella’s Royal Table Lunch

Post-race celebratory brunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table

With a swollen left ankle (me) and painful foot blisters (Becky) we can say, we did it! See you next year, Disney!

P.S. Thank you to Jillian for being such a good supporter, to the voluntEARS and spectators for making this race magical.

Registration Day for Run Disney Princess Half Marathon and Glass Slipper Challenge 2015

July 15, 2014 By Lindy Leave a Comment

In just a few hours, general registration will open for the 2015 Run Disney Princess Half Marathon and Glass Slipper Challenge. If you’ve always wanted to do this run, don’t wait to sign up. This year’s (2014) Glass Slipper Challenge sold in just a few hours!

Here’s what you need to know:

Sign up for an account on Active.com and if signing up multiple runners for the races, have all their information ready to go and have your credit card handy.
The Princess 5K and Kids Races may have a ‘Frozen’ theme. (Rumors heard on the Twitterverse!)
During the Princess Half Marathon weekend, a Castaway Cay challenge has been added.

From the Run Disney site:

“On Monday, when weekend is over, set sail on board the Disney Dream for a 4-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral. You’ll sail to Disney Castaway Cay for your 5K run along sandy white beaches, past swaying palms and sparkling turquoise lagoons, with magical Disney moments to surprise you along the way. It’s a runner’s paradise in a spectacular island oasis. Best of all, as a runDisney guest on board the Disney Dream, you’ll receive VIP treatment with exciting activities, special merchandise offerings, and featured menu items.”

In order to complete the Glass Slipper Challenge, one must register for the Challenge itself. If the Glass Slipper Challenge sells out, registering separately for the Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half and finishing both races does not count as the Glass Slipper Challenge and you will not receive the special Glass Slipper Challenge medal. Please keep that in mind when registering!
All Walt Disney World hotels are host hotels for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. This means that transportation to and from Epcot is available and will transport runners to the start line.
Be patient! If you can’t get in immediately at noon on July 15, 2014, keep trying.

It is an amazing fun-filled, magical weekend. It was my first half marathon and will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was an empowering experience. It’s a great race for beginners, too!

Registration opens at noon today!!! Now go plan your running costume! 🙂

Recap of my Run Disney Princess Half Marathon (2013)

Recap of my Run Disney Princess Half Marathon 2014 and Glass Slipper Challenge

See you at the races!

QOTD: Will you be registering for the Princess Half Marathon race weekend?

Lindy x

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon/Glass Slipper Challenge Recap

April 1, 2014 By Lindy Leave a Comment

Hi everyone,

I’m finally getting around to posting my recap from the 2014 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon / Glass Slipper Challenge. Life’s been crazy busy!

Another day of waking up at 2:30 AM. I have to give a lot of credit to those people who completed the Dopey Challenge this year – I am not an early morning person at all and can’t even imagine getting up four days in a row at 2-3 AM.

I didn’t have anything planned as far as running gear goes and while one should never try anything new on race day, I did just that, but it’s because I stuck with companies I love and use their products frequently and I know how they fit. My usual two stops at the Expo: Raw Threads and Sparkle Skirts.

Our friends were staying at Disney’s Boardwalk and were hosting a baby shower for one of our fellow runners and we carb loaded there – so much food: spaghetti, garlic bread and cake! Lots of yummy carbs to burn off in the morning 🙂 and hydrated with Nuun (great way to get your electrolytes in).

Sunday morning, we were on the bus before 3 AM. The cafe had these half marathon packs for $10, which included a bagel, peanut butter, banana, raisins, fresh blueberries and an energy bar. I took that with me and once at the parking lot in Epcot, I just sat on the ground and fueled up and hydrated a bit more. Lines for potty were long (as usual) and about 20 minutes to even get in the door!

Here’s a pic of me waiting at the Corral:

Minnie Mouse Waiting Before Entering Corral

I was in Corral G. This year, to avoid crowdedness, runDisney made corrals smaller, and it really helped. Weather was so humid and the fog so dense you couldn’t see past 1/4 mile, at least.

The corrals crossed the start line very quickly – I think they got to G in about 25 minutes or so.

Here we are, finally reached the start line:

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Start Line

Off we were! It was still very dark out and upon reaching mile 1, just as last year’s Princess Half, were Captain Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean. This year I didn’t stop at any characters; the lines were super long!

We came across parts of the course which narrowed significantly and many runners were forced to either walk or run on the grass. There were more volunteers than usual, which was great. I stopped at almost every water station since the humidity was just awful.

Entering Magic Kingdom area (notice the foggy sky!)

Entering Magic Kingdom

One thing that I enjoy more than seeing characters are the local bands and the community coming together to cheer and support the runners. This was more prevalent during Tinker Bell and it made me enjoy the run a lot more.

This is a band playing on the course. They were so energetic and so talented!

Finally made it to Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom and thankfully this time the crowd passing through the castle thinned out. Photographers at the castle were dismissing people fairly quickly, hence this cheesy picture I was unable to retake.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Cinderella’s Castle

Made one stop in Tomorrowland for the bathrooms and on my way out of MK!

Passed a lot of characters and still didn’t stop. My only stop would’ve been Stitch and when I passed that mile marker, it was only Lilo there. I was so upset! Stitch may have been on a brief break. Elsa and Anna from Frozen, forget it! At least 20 people in line for a pic there.

Mile 12 and I knew to start looking for Peggy Sue. Peggy Sue is a huge supporter and comes out to support runners at Disney races and at some local races. I missed her last year and when I entered the TTC, I spotted her wheelchair, I knew I had to stop. She gave me a hug, some Twizzlers and we took a pic. I love seeing her and it’s her wonderful spirit that gives us that motivation to finish the last mile. Love her!

Disney’s Princess Half with Peggy Sue at Disney’s TTC

It was a great race and I was so happy seeing my friend at the finish line who was volunteering (she handed me my pretty Pink Coast to Coast medal). Went back to the resort, showered, took a nap for an hour and off to the parks we go! Celebrated with some Macarons from France in Epcot, and a huge dinner at ‘Ohana, complete with a Lapu Lapu 🙂

Celebrating in Magic Kingdom after Disney’s Glass Slipper Challenge

If there’s one thing I learned from running Disney is to just go and have a blast. Don’t worry about your time (but maintain pace to avoid getting swept), stop and take pictures with the characters, with your friends, spectators, whoever. Or you’ll end up regretting not doing this and that like myself.

The 2015 Run Disney Princess Half Marathon registration opens July 15, 2014. It tends to sell out fairly quickly, so be sure to sign up for email alerts. Don’t miss out on the fun! It’s walker-friendly, beginners friendly, so it’s a great race for your first half.

Lindy xo

Disney’s Glass Slipper Challenge Weekend: Enchanted 10K

March 4, 2014 By Lindy

I’m back from an amazing week at Walt Disney World. I must admit it started out crazy – mad traffic on I-95 at 6 AM, TSA security checkpoint lines all the way down the corridors of the Philadelphia Airport, followed by US Airways changing the gate last minute from Terminal A to Terminal C. We almost missed our flight. I swear we ran a 10K to the gate, with the doors closing promptly behind us. Remember that scene in Home Alone when everyone is running through O’Hare? Yep…that was us.

We departed on Friday and left on Wednesday. The Expo was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports and the resorts had buses running every 15-20 minutes. Setup was no different than last year’s – it was still cramped and crowded. I just grabbed my race packet, stopped by my two favorite spots: Sparkle Skirts and Raw Threads and got out. Had a great dinner at Bongo’s in Downtown Disney and went to bed early.

Enchanted 10K

Woke up at 2:45 and headed out to the buses by 3:30 AM. Loved that the race started on time. I was in Corral B and headed out shortly after 5:30.

Disney’s Enchanted 10K start line

I didn’t care much for the first half of the course. I ran with my friend Patricia. We started out great but it was so warm and humid we had to slow down considerably.

The first 5K (3.1 miles) were on the road, pitch black and not much in sight. We passed the White Rabbit shortly after passing Mile 1 and probably 15 people in line to take a picture so we decided to keep running. There was an overpass set up with a snow-making machine and Queen Elsa from Frozen was on top of the overpass. It was a breathtaking scene. Probably my favorite highlight of the race.

After the 5K mark, we were entering Epcot and ran through World Showcase, into Boardwalk, past Yacht and Beach Club, back to Epcot and to the finish line there, past Spaceship Earth. The last three miles were awesome – lots of spectators, character stops and since the sun had already risen, everything looked beautiful. Also, it was such a nice break on my legs/feet running on the boardwalk.

Disney’s Enchanted 10K at Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk

Ran the latter half faster than the first half so I was pleased with those negative splits. Also, having a half marathon the next day meant that I had to conserve as much energy as possible. The course didn’t feel cramped at all. I wish they had more entertainment during the first half. It was a great race, nonetheless. Hearing my friends shouting my name near the finish line was priceless.

The medal is really pretty. If you were running the half marathon the next day, as part of the Glass Slipper Challenge, you got a bracelet on your arm that read, “Enchanted 10K finisher.”

Here’s a runDisney photo of the Enchanted 10K medal:

Enchanted 10K Finisher’s Medal

Stay tuned for my recap of the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.

Lindy xo