February 2020 – Run Read Repeat

RunDisney Princess Challenge Recap 2020

In February of 2019 I declared that I was going to run the Fairytale Challenge in Disney World in 2020. That means running a 10K (6.2 miles) on Saturday and a Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday. This was going to be my first half marathon. Long story short if you take a look at the race recap section you’ll see once I started running I didn’t stop and this was ultimately by second half marathon.

In the week leading up to going to Orlando my level of stress was high. It’s flu season after all. At both of my son’s schools it seemed like everyone was sick. I knew that if they got sick I couldn’t possibly leave them. As luck would have it everyone stayed healthy and on Thursday, February 20th I made my way to Orlando. After checking into my hotel I made my way to the Expo.

What is the Expo?

The Expo is where your running shopping dreams come true. Imagine three buildings at ESPN World Wide of Sports- one with exclusively RunDisney merchandise, one where you pick up your bib and can take pictures with the giant mile signs for each race. Finally, another building where you pick up your race shirt(s) and vendors with anything from running shoes, to graphic tanks, headbands, race specific Pandora and so much more.

The Expo opens Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. I arrived at approximately 3:00 PM. Other than waiting in line to enter the exclusively RunDisney merchandise building there were no lines. You could easily spend hours pursuing the various booths. I limited my purchases to:

Saturday, February 22, 2020-10K

The weather was unseasonably cold in Orlando. I’m talking in the 40s kind of cold. The 10K started at 5:30 AM. Since I was staying at the Contemporary I was able to take advantage of the RunDisney transportation to the starting line near Epcot. But that also meant being outside waiting for the bus at 3:00 AM. The weather prediction vs. the reality were two different things. Originally, it was supposed to be in the 50s at the start of the race. Clearly, this wasn’t the case. Fortunately, I brought shorts and pocket light n tights as options for bottoms but had planned on running in a tank and bringing long sleeves to “throw away.” (Actually RunDisney collects the discarded items, washes and donates them.) Change of plans. I wore my tank, put my “throw away” long sleeves on and then added my Bomber Jacket for waiting in the corral.

While waiting in the corral can be tedious, it’s also an amazing chance to chat with other runners from all over the country or world. As we approached go time, I removed my “throw away” shirt and put my Bomber Jacket back on. After the first two miles or so I warmed up and I was good to go. Along the route there were characters, music and photographers to capture the perfect running photo. This was the first time I was racing back to back days. But truth be told, I don’t know how to “take it easy.” While I didn’t want to run hard as I knew I was running a half marathon on Sunday the weather was perfect for setting a good pace.

The route was mostly surrounding and within Epcot. It was a fun course. I didn’t stop for character photos until I spotted Mickey Mouse on the Boardwalk. There were only two people in line so I figured it would be quick. I jumped in and out of the photo and it was well worth it. My boys thought it was the best thing ever.

Since the race started at 5:30 AM, it was dark for nearly my entire run. I finished well before the sun was up. I felt good the entire run and finished in 53:48.

While running is a very personal sport. It’s about doing better than the race before, right?? This happened to be a PR (personal record) but then I was curious and started looking at how it measured up against the other runners. Let’s take a look:

There were 12,572 runners in the 10K. I finished 308th.
There were 10,728 female runners. I finished 168th.
There were 1681 women in my age group. I finished 38th.

Holy smokes. Not only was I personally pleased with my overall time and race, but look at those number.

What did I learn?

The Bomber Jacket is literally amazing. I might have mildly panicked when I didn’t have along sleeve performance shirt with me since the weather shouldn’t have required it. The Bomber fit the bill. No chafing and provided me with the extra layer that I needed.
When traveling for a race….alway pack a long sleeve performance shirt regardless of what the weather is saying.
You can stop for a picture with Mickey and still PR.

February 23, 2020- Half Marathon

Day two waking up at 2:30. Somehow it was easier the second day around. Transportation to the Half Marathon was via Monorail vs. bus. This was so much easier!! The weather was also 10 degrees warmer. So that meant it would be in the low to mid 50s for waiting in the corral and running. Ideal for running, a tad bit chilly for waiting. However, following the 10K they gave out mylar blankets. You better believer I brought that with me Sunday morning. Especially, since my plan was to run in just a tank I knew I would need the mylar to stay warm without the benefit of a jacket.

Based upon the proof of time that I had submitted I was in the second corral to start the race. I felt good, despite the 10K on Saturday and couldn’t have asked for better running weather. But…there’s always a but. You know how you have that nervous energy before a race and you think you have to go to the bathroom, but you really don’t?? Guess what sometimes it’s not just nervous energy and you really do have to go to the bathroom. So despite using the glorious johnny on the spot with a half hour of starting the race, I had the urge to pee just as we started that I was sure would go away…alas it did not. Translation, I spent the first 4 plus miles trying to reason with my brain that I was going to have to stop and waste precious time. At last I made the call to stop in Magic Kingdom and guess what, it did cost me approximately 2 minutes. Killer!

But I digressed. The start of the run is leaving Epcot and heading toward Magic Kingdom. Again there is music and characters along the route. Keep in mind it’s also well before sunrise so it’s dark as well. The start of the run was along the roadways leading up to Magic Kingdom. One of the amazing parts of the Princess Half Marathon is that you run Main Street and through Cinderella’s Castle!!

Taken on Friday in anticipation of running Main Street on Sunday

In anticipation of the much needed pit stop I ran hard the first half to try add some cushion to time. I was on pace for a PR and wanted to keep it that way.

Such a fun experience to coming running through the castle

After exiting the Magic Kingdom we were back on the roadway leading back to Epcot. The temperature remained perfect and it was beautiful to watch the sky change color in anticipation of sunrise. That said I was hitting miles nine and ten my calves began to cramp a bit. Up until that point I had just had some water during the run. To give myself some extra energy I went to my tried and true Honey Stingers. They gave me the boost I needed.

The last three miles I was watching the clock. I knew that short of something crazy happening I was going to beat my half marathon time from October by approximately four minutes. Despite the calf cramping, I dug deep. I knew I didn’t go all that way to leave anything on the table, I had to go all in. And that’s what I did pushing to a 1:54:34 time! A PR by nearly four minutes..

Truth be told, I didn’t feel fabulous right after I finished. I thought that I was going to get sick. I made my way over to a trash can right past the finish to catch my breath and if I got sick at least get sick in the trash. I could hear my high school cross country coach in my head “if you get sick you know you ran a good race.” I was most impressed with the medical staff on site as someone immediately came over, to me; looked at my bib; asked me by name if I was OK. When I indicated I just needed a minute, he gave me the time to compose myself and then I was fine.

Let’s take a look at how my time compared to the other runners:

There were 20,492 runners. I finished 562nd.
There were 17,518 female runners. I finished 325th.
There were 2847 runners in my age category. I finished 67th.

What I learned:

I need to pack a bag for waiting in the corral. For example, I need to bring a blanket, mylar is a must, snacks and water.
Always go to the bathroom one last time before the race starts.
Running through the castle is AMAZING!
I can run races on back to back days.
Time to sign up for more races!

My RunDisney weekend was amazing. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity and support of my husband and children. If you have the chance to participate in a RunDisney race…do it!! Enjoy it. Take all the pictures to remember the experience!

Planning your Princess Half Weekend

Photo credit rundisney.com

Last year I watched in awe as a group network marketing friends shared their experience at the Disney World Princess Half Marathon weekend. I was determined to run with them the following year, meaning February 2020. Translation later this week!! But if you are new to RunDisney like I was, the process was a little overwhelming. If you aren’t familiar with the various RunDisney races they SELL OUT!! So for me this added to my want to race anxiety and to get registered and reserve a room early.

So what did I do?? I did what I thought made the most sense. I stalked the website for when hotel rooms would become available to make reservations. I learned you could make reservations by phone 499 days before for a room only. Score. So I called and reserved my room. I figured I was half way there. Easy, breezy.

June 4 was the magical day that registration for the Princess Half weekend opened. I sat down at my computer at the appointed time and you guessed it, I sat in the queue. My friend, sat in the queue. We texted with our anxiety. What if one of us got in and the other didn’t?? After what literally seemed like forever I was able to complete my registration.

It all worked out right? I got registered for the race. I secured a room at a very good rate. I was able to add park tickets and photo pass and all of those things. But why did I give myself extra stress?? Well, because I didn’t really know the system. I thought I knew but I didn’t. So here’s what you can learn from me and avoid the same stress.

What if I told you that you could secure your race bib for the 2021 Princess Half Marathon during the Half Marathon weekend THIS YEAR??! Say what?? Right, it really doesn’t have to be as complicated as I made it out to be. So did you know that there are select Travel Agents that are registered with Disney? They basically have magical powers. Not only can they plan a fabulous Disney vacation for you and your family/friends, but they can also secure race bibs a year out. Or any time during that year before while supplies last. What does that mean?? That means that during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend an agent registered with Disney could call and register you for the race for next year. (Bib fee due in full at the time of booking) So if you are having some serious FOMO watching everyone run this year. Book now for 2021.

What else can they do?? They can also book a room, that can be turned into a package and any promotions that are announced later can be applied when applicable. ($200 deposit due at the time of booking) You also get all the perks of a Travel Agent, such as: guidance in planning, suggestions for schedule, making your dinner and Fast Pass Reservations and trouble shooting any problems that might come up. I know, I know, you can do it all on the internet by yourself. Believe me, I’ve done it…you know 3:00 AM while nursing a baby trying to make dining reservations for TEN PEOPLE. It’s doable but again it’s more stress for you. But if you prefer to do all your own reservations for meals and Fast Passes, etcetera that’s okay too. The Travel Agent’s services are there if you choose to utilize them but you aren’t required to do so.

This sounds too good to be true- what does it cost??? There’s no additional cost to you!! That’s right. You don’t pay any more and you get first rate service from a Disney Registered Travel Agent.

Who can I contact to plan my next trip??? Well, I’ll be using my friend Meghan Campbell the next time for sure!! All this serious Mom Guilt about going to Disney without my family has me thinking hard about a Spring Break trip next year. You can find her over on Facebook or send her an email.

So learn from my stress, contact Meghan today to make the planning as Magical as the trip to Disney!

Ultimate RunDisney Packing Guide!

Call me crazy, but I love to pack for a trip. Unpacking, not so much but packing is my jam. Why?? It involves lists and organizing. This is my wheel house!! Let’s start with some general packing tips:

1) Use packing cubes! Packing cubes have been a game changer in my packing. Each family member has their own color. Which means we can share luggage when we travel because we know whose stuff is who by just looking at the color of the packing cube. There are a couple of different ways to utilize packing cubes:

Pack each day in a packing cube. What does that mean? Everything you need for that day- top, bottom, undergarments, socks, shoes.
Group items together in a packing cube. For example, all socks in one cube, underwear in another cube, shirts in one, etc. This is the method I utilize when packing.

2) Make a list! No really, make a list. Even if it’s a trip you’ve packed for previously it’s helpful to have a list. This doesn’t mean you have to recreate the list each time. For example, we travel fairly frequently with our two boys. We’ve traveled since they were babies. I had a master packing list so as to not forget simple things. That’s what prompted me to create a master packing list for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

3) Lay everything out BEFORE you start packing! In order to maximize space when packing and to make sure you don’t forget anything it’s helpful to lay everything out and then begin packing.

When it came time to pack for the Princess Half Marathon weekend 2020 I was determined to carry on only. It’s rare that I travel alone and I wanted to keep it simple. I should note that I factored in that I will likely acquire a few things at the Expo and souvenirs for my kids along the way. So I also packed an empty bag inside my larger carry on bag just in case I could get everything back in for the return trip. While this trip will involve a flight for me I gained some running packing experience when we traveled to the Baltimore Half Marathon in October. So without further ado here’s my Ultimate Run Disney Packing list:

A list of must have items for a trip to Disney to run a race.

Let’s break down the packing list just a bit:

Race Items

Running Shoes: You should plan for one pair of shoes for each race you are running. Why?? Well, weather is one factor. No one wants to start a race in shoes that are wet. Unforeseen issues with your shoes are another reason. Even though you shouldn’t race in overly worn shoes…things happen. My go to running shoes are:

New Balance Women’s 1080v10 Fresh Foam Running Shoe.

PS you should only be using your running shoes for running so plan to bring another pair for in the parks!!

Socks: Here I’m suggesting two pairs for each day. Why?? Again I’m thinking about Florida and the potential for rain. So if the weather is calling for rain I would wear one pair and keep the other pair in my gear check bag or in my waist belt. Then change to a dry pair right before the race starts.

Sports Bra: My hands down favorite sports bra is the All Star Bra from Zyia Active. I’m planning to travel in one and have packed one for each race day. Stylish, supportive and non-chafing you couldn’t possible ask for anything more from your sports bra.

Costume/Running Clothes: Keep in mind that you shouldn’t wear anything new on race day. Test any costume or running gear your plan to wear before race day. When it came to planning my racing outfits I opted for Disney inspired tanks from Raw Threads (use the link for 20% off your first order!) I went with a Mary Poppins Tank for the Half Marathon and Toy Story- Buzz and Woody for the 10K!!

Raw Threads is usually at the Expo so you can check them out there if you haven’t decided on your race day gear. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the Florida weather can be tricky regarding temperature and humidity. The long range forecast has changed at least three time in the last week. So I’ve planned a variety of bottom choices to go with my tanks. In an abundance of caution I have two bottoms planned and packed for each day. My absolute favorite running shorts: the Mesh Energy Shorts from Zyia Active. These are my go to for all warm weather running. Breathable, comfortable and chafe free!! I’ve run multiple races in the Mesh Energy Shorts and couldn’t be happier. But since the races go off at 5:30 in the morning I’ve also packed my go to running tights Pocket Light n Tight Capris from Zyia Active. I’ve previously run several races including a Half Marathon in capri length light n tights so I know that they are also a dependable choice. I actually prefer them because I prefer to keep my phone in the pocket, rather than in my waist pack. But that’s just my personal preference.

Water/Fuel Belt Truth be told, I would rather not have to run and carry my own water and/or fuel. But if I have to wear a belt the Spibelt Running Belt is my go too. I’ve added an additional pocket to mine. So I wear one in the back and one in front. The idea behind this is to keep those items that you won’t need at all during the race in one. i.e. ID, phone, insurance cards, cash, credit card. Then put items you will want to access in the other pouch such as race nutrition, tissues, chapstick.

Race Fuel: This is another thing you want to test out before race day. While you would imagine something could upset your stomach you would be surprised!! During your training experiment with different kinds of fuel to get a sense of what gives you the boost you need during your run. My favorites are from Honey Stinger. While they offer a variety of items from waffles, to gels, the gummy chews are my favorite.

Phone/Device for Music: I know many say that you should enjoy the sights and sounds of a race without music. But I personally need music to keep me moving!

Headphones: While training I alternate between Aftershokz for outdoor runs and AirPods for indoor runs, race day calls for Aftershokz all the way. You can truly hear what’s going on around you while at the same time enjoying your music. While the concept of sitting outside your ear appears strange at first the sound is still incredible and again I can’t stress the importance of being aware of the people around you to stay safe during a race.

GPS Watch/Charger: I’m slightly obsessed with keeping track of my time, pace and heart rate during a run. My first device for running was my Apple Watch. I wear it every day all day. So it’s natural that I would also use that for tracking my runs. But then I also started running more and wanted additional analytics. So it’s possible that I run with my AppleWatch on one wrist and my Garmin on the other. Whatever your preference don’t forget your watch and charger!

Small Bag/Backpack: While you will get a clear plastic bag at the start of the Expo. I prefer to bring my own small bag or backpack to make it easier to store items as I collect them and to keep my hands free.

Foam Roller: Since I’m opting for carry on only. I’m breaking this rule a little bit. Rather than bring my larger foam roller, I’m bringing my Foot Roller/Massager instead. I’m hoping this will do the trick until I get home and I can foam roll!

Post Race Shoes: After a race I cannot wait to take off my sweaty socks and shoes!! It’s not so much that they hurt as much as they just want some fresh air!! Olukai Women’s Sandal are in my post race gear bag for warm weather races. They are supportive and kind to my post race feet!!

Light Jacket: I generally try to avoid running in the rain at all costs. But we can’t guarantee that race day will be dry. While if it’s a really bad rain nothing is going to truly keep you dry, I’d like to do my very best for a light rain. So I’ve added the White Bomber Jacket from Zyia Active to my bag. Lightweight and breathable with strategic ventilation this will get it done for a light rain. Plus it doubles as a light jacket for the parks.

Visor/Headbands/Hair Tie: So I don’t usually run with a hat because it makes me overheat. However, I wear glasses and back to my rain contingency plan I’ve packed a visor with the thought that the brim will help keep the rain out of my face and the fact that it’s a visor and not a hat will cut down on the overheating. My hair is really too short to pull into a pony tail so I opt for headbands when I’m running. I picked up some cute one from Sweaty Bands before heading to Disney. PS they will be at the Expo!!

Ziploc: Seem random? Never leave home without some baggies. Why?? Back to my apparent obsession with the rain. Put your phone in a baggie to keep it dry during the race. Need to ice after the race?? Make yourself an Icepack. Don’t want to fight with the package for your race nutrition put them in a baggie. See…you need to pack baggies!!

Body Glide/Vaseline: Truth be told I have not yet had to use body glide or Vaseline when I’ve run. Then why is it on my list. Yup, just in case of rain you know I’ll be coating my feet in Body Glide in a valiant effort to avoid blisters!!

Miscellaneous/Disney Specific items These are pretty self explanatory and many of the same things you would pack for a non-running Disney trip. As a mom, I must travel with snacks even if my children aren’t with me so I’ve of course added snacks to my bag. My water bottle is attached to me at all times. As hydration is key I’ll be sure to bring it along. In addition to water I enjoy Arbonne Fizz for a pick me up and PhytoSport for before, during and after my run.

The key to packing is to be organized, while bringing the necessities without overpacking. It’s a very delicate balance. Happy Running and safe travels!!

Half Marathon Training that Works!

If you are anything like me you look to the internet for a craft, a review on a product, a recipe, etc. so it would make sense that when I was preparing to run my first half marathon that I would look to find a guide online. But I didn’t just want any plan I wanted a plan that I trusted and I could make work for my schedule. As a busy mom of two young boys there are only so many hours in the day. However, if I could “schedule” my runs/cross training then I knew I could get it done. I’m the kind of person that if it is on my calendar than it’s much more likely to get accomplished.

As I researched plans, I also learned so very much from my friend Suzy Goodwin, of Run-Lift-Mom Podcast about the minimal effective dose in training. What does this mean?? It’s means while training and cross training doing the most to effectively train while at the same time not overtaxing your body to prevent injuries. Much of what I am sharing I’ve gotten from her years of experience and have found it to truly work for me!!

At the time of this writing I’m about to complete my third half marathon training cycle. This was also my most complete training cycle and the one that I felt the best. It’s a combination of keeping to the mileage training schedule, cross training twice a week and taking a closer look at what I’m eating each day.

Let’s break it down. Each week has a KEY RUN. This is the run that the most important for the week. It could be a speed workout or a long run. We will get more into the specifics below. Each week also has TOTAL MILEAGE. You can make up the total mileage any way that works best for you. For example, let’s say the total mileage goal for the week is 20 miles and the key run is 8 miles. Once you’ve completed your key run you can make up the additional twelve miles any way that works for your schedule. Maybe it’s three -4 mile runs or two- 6 mile runs. You do you and what works best for you.

So before you get started you are going to want to get a wall calendar or a desk calendar. I happen to use a spiral bound planner that has a monthly, daily/weekly view and pencil. Why? Because I’m also using it as a journal as such to document how I’m feeling during the course of my running, as well as goals for each race etc. Why the pencil? Well, because life happens. I might think I’m going to run 5 miles on a Wednesday morning but really I only run 3 miles and then I need to adjust another run to make up the mileage. I would rather erase it and make it look pretty then have a bunch of cross out marks. The alternative to this is to use Post It notes to write in your projected runs for the week and move them around on your calendar as your week develops. Then you can write in on the calendar after you complete your run/cross training.

Here’s a look at what I mean:

So let’s break down the routine that I have been following. I look at my running week Monday through Saturday. In general, I try to get my key effort done at the beginning of the week so I know psychologically that I have it done! That’s not always the case because frequently Saturday is my long run day, so it entirely depends on the week. So I usually run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings for thirty minutes I work one-on-one with a trainer for weight and cross training. You’ll notice that above I don’t really commit to I run this on this day, that on that day. That’s the beauty of this plan. Once you complete your key run you make up the remaining mileage when it works best for you. Truly this is the only plan that I could add to my already full calendar. It gives me total control over getting my miles done when it works best for me. Take a look:

Why the sharp decline in miles from week 8 to week 9?? That period of time is known as a taper. It’s a chance for your muscles to heal after the course of the training cycle and for your body to rest. It’s also one of the hardest part of the training cycle for me. I’m so amped up and ready to go but I also know I need the rest.

Why add weight/cross training to the schedule?? To be an effective runner you need to build strength and muscles beyond those that you are using for running. Think core, gluts, hamstrings, etc. Here are my personal examples of how with training has helped me combined with the schedule above:

In preparation for my first “long” race a 12 mile run I had terrible hip pain in my right hip. It would feel mostly fine when I ran but would be extremely painful after a run and for the days following. I cut back on the miles and did not complete the outline training plan. The only time I felt relief was during the taper period. This hip pain continued through my next training cycle and again I had to cut back on miles before completing the full plan and the only time I had relief was during the taper period. My trainer determined my hamstrings were incredibly tight and this was causing the pain in my hip. Over the course of four months and into the start of a new training cycle he developed a serious of exercises and stretches to work on my hamstrings.

Guess what, this training cycle I made it all the way through. I had no need to cut back on miles and even better no hip pain. Combining the above training routine and weight training I’ve also seen a sharp decrease in my per mile time. As in nearly a minute a mile. Clearly, everyone will have different results and you should only do what you feel comfortable with and what is right for you but this plan has been working for me. I hope it will work for you too!