runspiration

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Goals for the New Year

January 6, 2014 By Lindy

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

December 31, 2013 By Lindy

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