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Hot Chocolate 5K Philadelphia – 2015 Recap

April 22, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

The Hot Chocolate Race Series are great races to participate in whether you consider yourself a beginner of an advanced runner. This is my second time participating in a Hot Chocolate Race and once again, I loved it.

This year, the Expo was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia, a much better option than last year. It was a small expo but very organized. Bib and packet pickup lines were not long at all and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. There was a booth where you could exchange hoodie sizes, pending availability. The hoodie fit perfectly, and as last year’s hoodie, I sized up to a medium. It is heather grey with pink and oh-so-comfy!

I was good at the Expo – only spent $30. Bought a Roo Sport 2.0 (which is probably the best $25 ever spent!) and bought some Mamma Chia drinks, which I already loved.

This was a training run for me, and my running coach suggested not going past an 11-minute mile. I had been battling the sinus infection from hell – on antibiotics for the second time, and I was very tempted to stay home, and maybe I should’ve listened to my body and stayed in bed. I woke up with body aches and a hoarse voice, but anyway…the weather was sunny, chilly and very windy. The 5K is an out-and-back course starting at Eakins Oval to Martin Luther King Drive to finishing right in front of Philadelphia’s Museum of Art. It’s a beautiful course, with the Schuylkill River/Boathouse Row on your left as you make your way back to the finish line. I never get tired of running here.

Corrals were crossing the start line approximately 4 minutes apart. I moved back to Corral E to be with my friends (you can always move back, never up) and it was crowded. Crossed the start line at 8:04 AM and had to walk a bit because the course was so crowded. It did spread out just past mile 1 for a bit. I was running a 10:30-11:00 minute mile just until it was time to turn back. It was a fierce headwind. Finished in 35 minutes.

Didn’t feel well enough to stay around for the finisher’s party, just met up with friends and coworkers and chatted a bit while sipping a steaming hot mug of cocoa, which was just perfect after running not only sick, but under those chilly and windy conditions.

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I truly enjoyed this race. The swag bag is awesome, course is great, wonderful spectators and volunteers. Can’t wait to drag more peeps out for this one next year 🙂

Have you participated in a Hot Chocolate event? What are your thoughts on it?

Lindy x

 

Disclosure: Although initially invited by RAM Racing to be a Hot Chocolate 15K/5K ambassador, I did pay for this event myself and was not compensated in any way. My thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: 5k, fitfluential, hc15k, hot chocolate, hot chocolate 15K, hot chocolate 5K, hot chocolate 5K philadelphia, philadelphia, races, RAM Racing, running, sweat pink

Vacationing in Puerto Rico

April 1, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

I’ve returned from a beautiful week in sunny Puerto Rico, to chilly temps (it actually snowed 3″ the day after I came back, so imagine how mad I was). I’ve been back for 2 weeks now, just slacking on the blogging! I had so much energy and went to bed each night, anxious and excited to go running the next day. I can’t recall a time when I felt that way, and it was truly wonderful to run alongside the ocean, in my hometown. I was emotional the entire time; it is my home and sadly I can’t stay. So along with feeling rejuvenated and happy, I had the best runs in a long time.

Running through Condado Beach

Running through Condado Beach

The cool ocean breeze was refreshing! No wonder there were so many runners at all hours of the day, running along the ocean.

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Puerto Rico is rich in history, art and culture. Below is a path for walkers and runners to access the San Geronimo Fort, which was built in the 17th Century.

 

Road from Condado that leads to San Geronimo Fort

Road from Condado that leads to San Geronimo Fort

Post-run treats included fresh, raw juice from the juice bar across from my hotel as well as good, old piraguas, or snow-cones, which can be found in little carts all across the island.

Piraguas in Old San Juan

Piraguas in Old San Juan

So, back to reality, but at least it is April, and warm weather is on its way. I have two runs pending (Hot Chocolate 5K and the Bucks County Half Marathon). I’m excited for both. With the help of my running coach, I have trained for these runs and I have trained on hilly terrain, crucial for the Bucks Half. I have been angry with my calves because they’ve pained me, and in return, I’ve given them a good foam rolling. It hurts like hell, but I can honestly say that during Sunday’s 12-miler, they didn’t really bother me, so yay for painful foam rolling!

More updates on their way, including a race giveaway you won’t want to miss 🙂

Lindy x

 

 

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: bucks county half marathon, bucks half, coach, fitfluential, half fanatics, hc15k, home, hot chocolate 5K, puerto rico, running, san juan, sweat pink, training, vacation

Disneyland Paris Half Marathon

February 22, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

It’s Official!

Source: Disneyland Paris

 

runDisney announced during this morning’s Princess Half Marathon that there will be a half marathon scheduled for September 2016 at Disneyland Paris.

This is exciting news indeed! It’s too early for me to even consider it, but I’d love to go to Paris again! Paris is a  gorgeous, charming city full of excitement, and rich in art and history. I’ve visited in 2005 and just had the most amazing time and ate the most amazing food in the world. Seriously, I just crave going back.

Click on the image above to be transferred to Disneyland Paris where you can sign up for their mailing list and receive updates including when registration will open.

Will you be running the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon in 2016? 

 

 

 

Filed Under: fitness, Jeff Galloway, races, run Disney, runDisney, Running, running, training Tagged With: disneyland, Disneyland paris, disneyland Paris Half, fitfluential, half fanatics, jeff galloway, run disney, runDisney, running, sweat pink, training

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.

Screen Shot 2015-02-09 at 11.23.47 AM

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

Filed Under: Jeff Galloway, races, runDisney, Running, training Tagged With: Disney, disney princess half, disney run, disneyland, Disneyland half, disneyrun, enchanted 10K, fitfluential, half marathon, jeffgalloway, jeffgalloway131, motivation, runDisney, runinjuryfree, running, runspiration, runwalkrun, training

Running New York

January 28, 2015 By Lindy 2 Comments

New York holds a special place in my heart.

I’m lucky that I’m less than a 90-minute train ride to New York City and can go to that lovely city on a whim. I love the city of lights and excitement, and now I get to spend more time in NY 🙂

I’m running New York!

I wasn’t planning on entering the lottery for the United Airlines NYC Half but when registration closed and I found my friends entered and got in, I immediately regretted the decision to not enter. I’ll still be there, volunteering as a medical professional, which is great. They are in need of volunteers for their upcoming races, so be sure to check it out here.

NYC Half Medical Volunteer

I’m happy to be helping out, but knowing how I felt after not registering for the NYC Half, I decided I wasn’t going to let another opportunity pass me by. I registered for the Airbnb Brooklyn Half, which starts out in Prospect Park and ending in Coney Island at the boardwalk. I can’t wait to run through one of my favorite cities in the world! Hotel is already booked and time from work is scheduled off.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half – May 16, 2015

I’m also registered for the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon lottery. I didn’t get in last year and I hope I get in this year and run through all five NYC boroughs. A few of my running buddies got in through guaranteed entry so I hope I get to join them.

I’m really, really excited! As I learn more details from volunteering at the NYC Half, I’ll share them with you. If you’re running or spectating, stop by and say hi.

Hope to see you in New York!

Lindy x

Filed Under: races, running Tagged With: airbnb brooklyn half, brooklyn half, brooklyn half marathon, fitfluential, half fanatics, half marathon, new york, new york road runners, nyc, nyc half, nychalf, nyrr, running, running new york, runspiration, sweat pink

Will Run for Chocolate! Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

January 24, 2015 By Lindy 3 Comments

Sweet News:

RAM Racing contacted me this week about becoming an ambassador for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K run, which will take place on Saturday, April 4th, 2015. I had such a wonderful time last year with my sister and our friends (it was their first 5K!) and we decided to participate once again, so these news made me quite excited 🙂

 

HC Blogger

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Ambassador

 

Needless to say, I accepted.

The race:

Known as America’s Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race series was established in 2008, having its inaugural race in the lovely city of Chicago. Each Hot Chocolate race features a 15K (9.3 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles) race and it is perfect for both runners and walkers. Each participant receives a goodie bag filled containing a full-zip hoodie that is fleece-lined (they’re so comfy!) and if you use code RunderellaHat when registering online, you’ll also receive a Hot Chocolate Hat to go with your hoodie! Hint: Women’s hoodies tend to run a bit small, so size up.

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2015 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Race Hoodie (Fleece-Lined!)

 

The Expo:

The Expo for Philadelphia’s Hot Chocolate 15K/5K will take place on Thursday, April 2nd from noon to 6 pm; and Friday, April 3rd from 10 AM to 7 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Hall G, Philadelphia, PA.

Due to the volume of runners participating in the Hot Chocolate Races, there will be NO race-day bib/packet pick-up. If you can’t attend the expo, you may have a family member or a friend pick it up for you as long as they have a copy of your confirmation email (limited to five packet pick-ups per person).

Post-Race Party:

Once you cross the finish line, you’ll receive your medal (if you’ve registered and completed the 15K) and have access to the chocolate tent, where you’ll receive your finisher’s mug (there’s a ticket attached to your bib, so don’t rip that off). The finisher’s mug has a cup of hot cocoa, chocolate fondue, a banana, graham crackers, marshmallows and pretzels to dip in the chocolate fondue. It is a chocolate heaven! There are several stations where you can take pics with the inflatable Hot Chocolate characters. Dance to rocking’ music and celebrate your accomplishment.

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New for 2015 – 15K finisher’s medal for every city!

 

Other tidbits:

Gear Check is available to all participants from 6:30-11 AM and start times for the 5K will be at 7:15 AM; 15K Start Time will be 8:00 AM. It is a wave start, with corrals crossing the start line approximately 5 minutes apart. Last year was well-organized and there were assigned people checking bibs to ensure people were in the proper corral.

Forgot Gear? They have tents set up in Eakins Oval where you can buy last-minute race merchandise such as gloves, winter beanies and sweaters. Last year was windy, and I ended up buying gloves.

Bring your kids! There is a Kid Zone complete with a bounce house and games. So everyone regardless of age can enjoy the day.

Pictures and Video:

From their website: New in 2015! We’ll capture you in high-resolution shots, and track those shots using your unique bib number. After the race, each registrant will be emailed free pictures and videos of themselves at the race. Share it on Facebook, tweet it, or download it and print it out.

So don’t miss out on the fun! Here’s my recap from the 2014 Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Philadelphia Race.

Register for any of their races at www.hotchocolate15k.com. Don’t forget to use code RunderellaHat to get your FREE hat at the Expo! The registration code isn’t limited to Philadelphia participants, so feel free to use it for any Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race.

Be sure to follow Hot Chocolate 15K/5K on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date info on race in your city as well as upcoming races.

Hope to see you there.

Lindy x

Filed Under: races, running Tagged With: 15k, 5k, chocolate run, fitfluential, hc15k, hot chocolate, hot chocolate 5K, hot chocolate 5k coupon code, philadelphia, race ambassador, RAM Racing, sweat pink, willrunforchocolate

Tips for running runDisney’s Princess Half Marathon

January 14, 2015 By Lindy 2 Comments

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is a magical race and one that holds a special place in my heart. It was my first race (yes, you never forget your first!) and while I’m saddened not to be running this year, I thought I’d share some tips that can help make this event for you even more magical.

1. Arrive Early

Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo – Try to arrive at the expo on the first day if you want a chance to purchase official runDisney race merchandise as it is known to sell out fairly quickly. Disney Parks Blog usually updates prior to race some of the items offered for sale. If you’re interested in any items, I suggest to go to that merchandise tent FIRST, then visit the other vendors. Trust me when I tell you I missed out on so many things I wanted.

Races – All Walt Disney World Resorts including Swan and Dolphin, and Shades of Green, are host resorts, meaning that transportation to and from Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo will be provided as well as transportation to the race start and back to the resort from the finish line. Buses start around 3 AM, and please, please arrive early. I was on the buses no later than 3:30 AM, and while race start isn’t until 5:30 AM, some bus drivers have gotten lost or stuck in traffic. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’re going to miss start time when you already have the race nervousness going. Leave early, take your pre-race meal with you (most resorts have marathon boxes with bagels, fruits, etc.) and find a spot to sit and stretch, eat your meal, use the port-o-potty, take pics with friends, etc. If you purchased a race retreat, you’ll have access to a private potty, and eat breakfast under a heated tent. I did this during my first Princess Half and it was so worth it!

2. Plan on running in costume

Running 13.1 or 19.3 miles through Walt Disney World in costume makes it much more fun. My first Princess I ran in Cinderella costume (she’s my favorite princess) and I’ve run as Minnie, Merida, Remy from Ratatouille (for Wine and Dine Half), and Tinker Bell. Look at Pinterest for some ideas! It’s so much fun planning and making costumes, but be sure to run in it before race time. You don’t want to find during the race that the costume chafes your skin, rides up, etc. That way you’ll be prepared and ready to go.

Disney's Princess Half 2013

Disney’s Princess Half 2013

 

Disneyland as Merida

Disneyland Half Marathon 2013

 

3. Take your phone/camera for pictures

Disney knows how to put on a race. From fireworks after every corral starts, to character stops throughout, make the most of your race and take pictures. Photographers take pictures at character stops, including the beautiful Cinderella Castle stop and VoluntEARS can also take pictures with your phone. Don’t forget to use an armband, and if you’re placing the phone in your pocket, don’t forget to put it inside of a sandwich baggie so that sweat or rain (hope not!), it doesn’t get damaged.

With Lilo and Stitch

With Lilo and Stitch

 

4. Run Disney for fun

This one is up to you, but I’ve runDisney multiple times and learned to run Disney primarily for fun, not time. There are many reasons that bring you to the start line, so get out there and enjoy it. The entire weekend, the 5K, Enchanted 10K and the Princess Half Marathon is beyond magical. Run with friends, or run solo, but make the best of it. Stop at character stops, jump high in front of the Castle and just have a blast. The spectators are wonderful, and the voluntEARS are amazing.

5. Wear your medals with pride around the parks.

You’ve earned it! I wear mine to the parks the day after and take pictures throughout the parks with them. Love when people as well as cast members congratulate you on your accomplishments. It’s really motivating and uplifting!

Snow White

An excited Princess 🙂

I’ll be excitedly cheering for you all from the City of Brotherly Love, as well as following all your tweets and Instagram posts.

Have a magical race!

Lindy x

 

 

 

Filed Under: races, runDisney, Running Tagged With: disney princess half, disney run, disneyrun, enchanted 10K, fitfluential, glassslipperchallenge, half marathon, princesshalf, races, run disney, run disney marathon, runDisney, sweat pink

New Year’s Goals

January 4, 2015 By Lindy Leave a Comment

With the start of a new year, many people begin new challenges, some are fulfilled, others not. The challenge I have given myself is to love myself, mind and body. I’ve always been tough on myself, almost never satisfied with what I accomplish, but that’s about to change.

I’m thankful for the sport of running and how much of my life it has given me back. This year, I’m working with a running coach to help me achieve my goal – a new PR at the 2015 Bucks County Half Marathon, a race I really love. I have no races scheduled until then, which it’s strange, and although I did contemplate registering for the Love Run in March, I decided to take it easy.

This past year blessed me with encouraging my sister to complete her first 5K, my two friends finishing their first half marathon and another friend who completed her first full marathon, here in the lovely city of Brotherly Love. Running has not only helped me to make everlasting friendships and bonds, but given me a feeling of self-worth and happiness. You may not be the fastest runner, but in the end, it’s gratifying to finish something you didn’t think it was possible.

I’m really looking forward to sharing with you a new year filled with new adventures, destinations and races.

Lindy x

 

Filed Under: half fanatics, Running Tagged With: bucks county half, Disneyland half, fitfluential, fitness, goals, motivation, runDisney, running, sweatpink

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:

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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.

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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

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

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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.

Filed Under: runDisney, Running Tagged With: 1/2 marathon, Disney, disney run, epcot, fitfluential, food and wine festival, half fanatics, half marathon, halffanatics, racecation, races, run disney, run disney marathon, runDisney, running, running in disney, sweat pink, winedine, winedinehalf

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

Filed Under: races, runDisney, training Tagged With: Disney, disney run, Disney's Princess, enchanted 10K, enchanted10K, fitfluential, Glass Slipper Challenge, glassslipperchallenge, Princess Half Marathon, princesshalf, race recap, racecation, races, run disney, run disney marathon, runDisney, running, sweatpink, waltdisneyworld

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Meet Lindy

Hi there! I'm Lindy, a Philadelphia-based fitness, travel & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

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  • Ran Disney’s Castaway Cay 5K this week with my sissy. Amazed to see so many runners there. It was boring course IMO, but overall a nice experience. I wish it would have been earlier in the day; at 10:30 am the sun was already blazing!! #castawaycay5k #castawaycay #disney #disneycruise #disneywonder #bahamas #igers_disney #instadisney #disneygram #disneygrammers #dcl #disneyblogger #rundisney #disneyaddict
  • Just returned last night from the most amazing vacation I’ve had in a REALLY long time. My body is still swaying back and forth! Our experience with @disneycruiseline Wonder was incredible! I ended up booking another stateroom for next January on the Disney Magic. .
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  • Nice and easy morning run through the laguna of Condado in San Juan. Last run here at home until hopefully later this year. Now off to get ready to hop on the @disneycruiseline Disney Wonder for the next four days.
  • Feeling nostalgic. Still homesick after almost three decades in the mainland. .
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