Runderella

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Disney’s Princess Half Marathon/Glass Slipper Challenge Recap

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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

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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

Running Playlist

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It’s been a while since I’ve shared my music playlist with you and since Spring is around the corner (ok, not really, but my glass is always half full), well, anyway, here are a few of my favorite running tunes.

September – Cry for You
Capital Cities – Safe and Sound
Tinie Tempah featuring Ellie Goulding – Wonderman
Drunkenmunky – E
Eminem featuring Rihanna – The Monster
Lady GaGa – Applause
Avicii featuring Aloe Blacc – Wake Me Up
Chris Brown – Yeah 3X
Eiffel 65 – Blue
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – Can’t Hold Us
Bastille – Pompeii
David Guetta featuring Chris Brown – I Can Only Imagine
Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed
Karmin – Hello
Fall Out Boy – My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light ‘em Up)
Icona Pop – I Love It (Tiesto Remix)
Afrojack featuring Eva Simons – Take Over Control (Club Mix)
David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi – Memories
Jay Z featuring Kanye West and Rihanna – Run This Town
David Guetta featuring Snoop Dogg – Sweat
Britney Spears – Work Bitch
David Guetta – Little Bad Girl
Justin Timberlake – TKO
Ellie Goulding – Burn
Linkin Park featuring Steve Aoki – A Light That Never Comes
30 Seconds to Mars- Up in the Air
Calvin Harris – Let’s Go
Nicki Minaj – Pound the Alarm
Flo Rida – Low
Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams – Get Lucky
Daft Punk – Aerodynamic

I also love running to boy band songs and singing out loud…don’t judge 😉

*NSYNC – Tearin’ Up My Heart; It’s Gonna Be Me; I want you back

Backstreet Boys – I Want it that Way

The Treblemakers (Pitch Perfect) – Bright Lights Bigger City

Feel free to share your suggestions. I love discovering new music!

xo, Lindy

Goals for the New Year

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Setting goals for myself for this new year is something that I’ve been thinking a lot these past couple of days. 2013 was an amazing year: the only goal I had was to finish a half-marathon and I went on to completing 4 half marathons, a 10-miler and a full marathon. Not in a million years did I ever come close to thinking I’d get this accomplished, let alone in one year.

This past year taught me so much. I’ve learned that I need to use my foam roller a lot more, that 13.1 miles is my favorite distance race, that I’m in competition with none other than myself, that hydrating properly is not just for the week of a race, but should be accomplished ALL the time.

That being said, my goals for this new year are:

  • Run 1,000 miles in 2014. This is more than double what I ran in 2013 but it’s not impossible. I did slack a lot last year and skipped a lot of my training runs. I’ve run out of excuses! 🙂
  • Try my best and always give 110% effort.
  • Use the foam roller on a frequent basis. Using a foam roller or a massage stick helps to relieve pain, stiffness and reduce muscle knots. I have IT band issues and this helps tremendously! Honestly, using a foam roller hurts like hell, but it really works. Had I done this sooner, I would’ve saved time/expense visiting my chiropractor thrice weekly for sessions!
  • Stay local!. There are so many races that I want to run, but in all honesty, I have had more fun at local races than ones I’ve traveled for, not to mention the expense of traveling for these. After Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, unless I get into the NYC Marathon, I’m staying local. I’m finishing a degree and with tuition expenses that keep skyrocketing and emptying my bank account, it seems to me it is the wisest thing to do. The Philadelphia Tri-State Area has some amazing races and I’m about to discover more of them 🙂
  • Encourage/Inspire others to run. This is actually HUGE for me. I love what running does for my body and my mind. Running allows me to escape the stress of everyday life and it makes me feel free. I love the friendships and the bonds I have formed as a result, and love how the running community comes together to inspire one another. I want people to discover how wonderful running is and that there’s no going “too slow”. You CAN do it!!

Have you set any fitness goals for 2014?

xo, Lindy

Obligatory End-Year Post: 2013 In Review

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This year has been amazingly good to me and has taught me so much! It has taught me that with determination, anything is possible.

Never in a million years did I think I could run a mile, let alone several half marathons and a full marathon. It required a lot of patience and a lot of work and it was exhausting but in the end, every ounce of strength put into it fully paid off.

I’m so thankful for the countless miles I was able to run this year and the amazing friendships I have made throughout this journey. Running for those who can’t, running for charities close to my heart, running to feel free, and getting to the finish line during those moments when my head wanted to overtake my heart and say, “Stop!”

First race of the year, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.

I was so nervous going into this race not only because I was traveling alone to Florida, but it was my first race EVER. I completely trained indoors for this half marathon on a treadmill. I dressed in costume as Cinderella, stopped to take pictures along the course with the Disney characters and came home with a shiny new medal. This runner’s high feeling lasted a really long time, and it was what got my new running addiction started. Running again in 2014!

Second race of 2013, The Bucks County Half Marathon.

This race was super-exciting, not only because it was right in my backyard (traveling for races can get so expensive) but because it benefited Autism Cares Foundation and also, my family was coming!

I continued the training plan from the Princess Half Marathon into this half. The course was beautiful, scenic and if you’re a nature-lover, you will love this race. Well-organized and while the course is a bit challenging, it still is my half-marathon PR, by 17 minutes so yay to me! Gorgeous shiny medal to boot! Running in 2014.

Third race of 2013, Broad Street Run.

Seriously, I can not say enough good things about this run. It’s by lottery and I felt incredibly lucky to have gotten in! A few people I know decided not to run, worried after the events occurred at the Boston Marathon this year, and understandably so.

Security was a top-priority for the city of Philadelphia and not a single second did I feel unsafe. Loved that Sweet Caroline was played at the start line (for Boston) and seeing Mayor Nutter giving high-fives at the start. The course is flat and fast and the spectators are amazing. If I’m fortunate enough to get into it in 2014, I’d be happy!

The Electric Run Philadelphia didn’t happen. Canceled by the Philadelphia Fire Marshal due to lightning and rain. Registration deferred to 2014.

Disneyland Half Marathon 2013

Exciting and challenging at the same time! First time in the West Coast, going for my Coast to Coast medal and getting sick midway through the half marathon. Learned so much during this half and it taught my body what it liked and didn’t like. Met Olympic runner Jeff Galloway and ran with Sean Astin, Joey Fatone and Ali Vincent during the Disneyland Half Meetup.

While I ran my worst half-marathon time, I had an amazing time and one I’ll never forget.

Philadelphia Marathon

Shed much sweat and tears through this training, which lasted all summer into the fall. First full marathon and I was super nervous.

Great course, amazing spectators and so much support from the community that I was in awe. I truly love my city and hope to run again next year (if not the full, the half). Injured at mile 22, I was able to finish due to the wonderful spectators who encouraged me to get to the finish line.

My biggest accomplishment: Going from running zero miles in 2012 to running over 400 miles in 2013. I can’t wait to see what 2014 has to bring.

Have a safe and wonderful New Year, friends! Hope to see you soon at the start/finish line 🙂

xo, Lindy

Getting that hill training started: Bucks County Half Marathon

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Hey guys,

I’m very happy to be adding another half marathon to my 2014 list!

I will once again be running the Bucks County Half Marathon on April 13, 2014.

It is benefitting Autism Cares Foundation, a cause near and dear to my heart. As some of you know, my youngest brother has Autism.

Located in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania, this challenging course (it’s a bit hilly!) takes you through Tyler State Park, where you’ll encounter the most gorgeous scenery nature has to offer! I spotted deer and rabbits as I ran this year 🙂

Prices are currently $66.00 until December 31st. Who’s going with me?

Information can be found here: http://www.buckscountymarathon.com/

Here’s a video montage of this year’s (2013) event:

http://youtu.be/pUqgfgxmbe8

You can read my race experience here:
www.runderella.com/post/48213920362/bucks-county-half-marathon

Have a great day and hope to see you at the start/finish line!

Lindy xo

Why I run?

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This is pretty much the story of my life these days. Between my mother getting upset with me running half-marathons and marathons, (angrily, she says, “Just stick to the 13.1 ones!”) and friends and family not quite understanding why any human being would put themselves through such torture and punishment for a “stupid medal”. Or, “I can’t even run half a block, and you’re running, what? 26 point, what?” Whatever your goals in life are, don’t let anyone steal away your desire to complete them, for no goal is too big or impossible to aim for. If it makes you happy, and God knows I love the way running makes me feel, then do it. Don’t run with just your legs, run with your heart.

Philadelphia Marathon Experience

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A week late, I know. And it’s a long post, so sorry!

Funny to think that exactly a week ago the weather was pleasant and in the low 60’s and today it is in the 30’s. Surely we were blessed with good running weather 🙂

Trained for this marathon for 16+ weeks and this is my celebratory run. 26.2 miles in my city, in my home, in my backyard.

Saturday, my friend Allison and I went to the Philadelphia Marathon Expo down at the convention center, quickly grabbed my bib, walked around and didn’t buy a darn thing, mainly because no one had Honey Stingers…

Had reservations for Maggiano’s on 12th and Filbert and carboed until I couldn’t eat anymore. They have the best bread and I seriously could have eaten like 5 loaves!

That night, I was so anxious that I couldn’t sleep. Set every single alarm on: 3:00, 3:15, 3:30…but I was up by 11:00 PM after having gone to sleep less than three hours prior. It wasn’t merely a standard pre-race anxiety, it was my first marathon and my mind wanted to race too.

Drove to the train station where the airport line runs since the first train runs at 4 AM. Seems everyone else did the same too.

Arrived at the Ben Franklin Parkway around 5:30 AM and good thing I brought my coat because it was really windy and cold at the start. Port-o-potty lines were long, and we waited in line approximately 45 minutes!

Attempted to chow down on a toasted bagel with peanut butter and a banana but I was still feeling anxious. I did the best I could.

Gun went off at 7:00 AM (first race that has ever started right on time!) and I crossed the start line at 7:32. With the Philadelphia Museum of Art behind us, we started to run down the Parkway, east on Arch through Chinatown, down towards Penn’s Landing to South Philly, back a bit north to running west through South Street where I saw some friends, through Chestnut Street and onto University City/West Philly towards the Drexel campus. That was Hill #1. I didn’t train on hills (huge mistake) but I ran it up until we reached 30th Street Station. The views were spectacular! While I ran with my iPhone, I tried not to take pics, after all, I live here anyway.

At times I forgot where I was…I kept worrying about keeping pace, hindering my ability to fully enjoy the experience. Looking at my watch, the numbers written on my arm, keeping close eye on the Clif pacer, and so on…that made me so sad.

Ran past the oldest zoo in America, the Philadelphia Zoo and back towards (MLK Drive) West River Drive and towards Eakins Oval, where the half marathoners would steer right to the finish line and marathon runners would run left for another 13.1 miles. At the half mark I saw my sister, she hugged me and handed me some pretzels and I was on my way. I was already 30 minutes past half marathon goal but I wasn’t worried. I ran my first half conservatively, saving all my energy for the latter half.

The next miles would have you running on Kelly Drive, with the Schuylkill River on your left and the torture of watching the runners in their last trek on the right. It’s an out-and-back course and that’s what I dislike about it, honestly. You’re on mile 17 and they’re on 24 running right beside you, just going opposite directions. That was quite a mental battle for me.

Mile 18 was rather strange…right before the 30K mark, you veer off to your left to run through the Falls Bridge (which is gorgeous, btw!) then make a u-turn and run right back. Saw my co-worker who’s a badass runner, she’s an elite runner, who was out cheering with her infant son. She gave me some words of wisdom and it was very nice to see someone during the latter half of the course. Got my second wind and off towards Manayunk.

Dear Manayunk, I spent most of my twenties partying on Main Street and I never realized how hilly those roads are. We didn’t run through the actual hills of Manayunk, oh dear God, no. But anyway, Main Street is far from flat. Run down Main until the bridge (where it ends and there’s a road that puts you on I-76) and that’s mile 20. Make another U-turn and back towards Center City.

Mile 21 and we’re in front of the movie theater right by Ridge Avenue and I’m starting to cramp up, badly. I’d already lost sight of the pacers…they were a mile ahead! Grabbed some water at 21.5, ran/walked a bit more and by mile 22, I was walking. Stopped on the side of the road and stretched but the ball of my right foot felt like it was on fire and my left ankle was hurting. I was getting so many text messages from my running friends encouraging me to keep going.

I thought to myself, “What would make me feel worse tomorrow? Stop at Mile 22 and call it a DNF, or walk the remaining 4 miles and earn what I deserve?”

I chose the latter.

I limped my way to the finish line. Saw my sister at the 25.5 mile and she got on the course and walked with me until mile 26. The Philadelphia Police Officers were cheering on, encouraging me to sprint the last 0.2 to the finish line. Funny thing is that you literally can not see the finish line until you’re at 26.1 and I forgot about the pain and ran until the end, high-fiving Mayor Michael Nutter, crossing so far off my goal time. And I started to cry when I got my space blanket and my medal. I was relieved, delighted but I was angry. I didn’t feel accomplished. So many people had left and I felt like the last person there.

I had support from everyone, except my Mom, and it took her a week exactly to explain her behavior. She never, not once, asked me how I felt, if I needed anything, nothing. She wanted no part in this. She even went out of town to Virginia for the weekend so she’d have an excuse not to go. Anyway, last night she said to me that I should reconsider running marathons. Angry with me that I have all these races scheduled for next year. Her response, “I’m afraid something is going to happen to you.” While I can understand as a parent, I simply told her to just support me. You may not understand why I run, just be there as a parent, when I need you.

Here’s a few pics:

Looking half dead after the marathon:

Front of the medal:

Back of the medal:

I ended up going to the sports doctor and getting my left foot examined. Thankfully, it isn’t a stress fracture but possibly peroneal tendonitis. Only cardio allowed is swimming for at least 2-3 weeks. Can’t wait to get back into running. I’ve got a half in 8 weeks!

Lindy

Marathon Training Weeks 12-13

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These past two weeks have been insanely busy juggling work and life, and while I have missed some of the weekly training runs, I had to accommodate my schedule to fit in the long runs.

I truly dislike knowing the fact that while I tried my best to follow a training program as perfectly and as strictly as I could, it just hasn’t been possible. I leave for work at 6 AM and return home after 8:30 PM and most of my runs have been on the treadmill (with the exception of long runs, which were outside, thank goodness!) I hope that it is enough to carry me through and help me to finish strong.

My last long run was last Saturday, a 20-miler that went well until I “hit the wall” at mile 14. My sister surprisingly showed up at the park carrying bananas, pretzels, water and Gatorade, and I caught my second wind, finishing in just under 4 hours.

Here we are, 18 days before the marathon. I’ve got a 14-16 mile training run this week, then tapering begins. I’m so nervous and keep having dreams about everything that could possibly go wrong – it’s simply a fear of the unknown, although deep down I know I’m trusting my training. I’m debating running without my Garmin, too.

Any marathoners have any advice/tips for a new marathon runner?

Lindy