The Goofy Challenge that Wasn't

One week ago I finished my third marathon, my first one in three years.

The path to getting there left a lot to be desired.  I had high aspirations for this race, even thought about making it a Boston qualifying attempt, but life got the way, and slowly that dream drifted away and was replaced with lower expectations and revised hopes.

I signed up for the Goofy Challenge with my husband the day the registration opened.  This would be my husband's first marathon, so why not run a half the day before?  We were going to run/walk the half together, stop for all the character pics, and actually enjoy a Disney race versus always trying to PR or go for a decent time.  Then we would both do our own thing for the full.

My running at the midpoint of 2016 felt flat and uninspired.  I sought out a coach (who is awesome and I am hoping to use again this year) to target some races in September, but one was derailed by a calf cramp that left me in pain for my back up race and through much of October. I went into the Wine and Dine weekend undertrained and stressed, teaching was taking a lot out of me, and trying to juggle school, coaching gymnastics, running, and life continued to take a toll.  I woke up my first morning in Disney in November sick.  I tried to race the 10k and realized early on that my body was not going to allow it.  I ended up pulling back in the 10k and running the half for fun, having a great time, but not getting the race times I had been hoping.

I spent most of December on the treadmill, trying to recover from my illness and I don't like running when it's dark, so due to my schedule it was often the only option.  Then the week before Christmas I started sparking a fever, missing my last 20 miler, after once again feeling very undertrained.  Just a few days before Christmas the fever came back, even higher this time, leading me to go to the doctor and get diagnosed with bronchitis. I was forced to slow down my training runs, cutting many short.  I pushed on, trying to stay optimistic, hoping for the best.

My husband left for Disney Tuesday night.  We had gotten the Race Retreat, so we had the VIP expo pass, so he took advantage and went and got me race merchandise he thought I would like.

Expos are way more expensive now that we both run

 I didn't go down until Thursday night.  My school was amazing and actually let me leave early because a storm was entering the area and I was worried it would cancel my flight.  I ended up landing in MCO before my flight even would have taken off.

One of my fav routes:  the lake at Pop

We had a great room at POP for my first night there.  I did a nice cool run around the resort to shake out my legs and we checked out before heading to the expo so I could pick up my bib.  We were switching to Beach Club, one of our fav resorts, for the rest of the trip,

I was impressed with the amount of merchandise left at the expo when we arrived, and the ease with which I got my bib.  I heard horror stories of the first day of pick up, but luckily by Friday there were no issues.  I got my stuff, we hit up Epcot for bit, where we got the notice that the half was cancelled.

Opening of the Expo on Friday

To state I was devastated is an understatement.  I was looking forward to the fun half almost more than the marathon, so to find out it was cancelled was disappointing.  It was amusing when we went back to the resort because there were tons of upset half marathoners in the resort bar and up getting to talk to some nice people.  I guess when runners can't run, they drink, right?

We're going to run when we don't have to!

Making our own photo stops

We got up in the morning and went out to run a few miles. I had debated doing 13 miles on my own, but was clinging to the idea of a marathon PR, so I decided against it.  It was truly awesome to see all of the people out running that morning, some in costume, some with their bibs.  There were spectators out, people providing race support, as we circled the Boardwalk area, and people went out to officially earn their race medals.  It made me want to keep running, but I restrained myself.

We laid low most of the day, getting lunch at Portabellos in Disney Springs, hitting up the expo so I could return my Goofy stuff and see if they had any marathon stuff, and we hit up Magic Kingdom for a bit.

Sunday we made sure we were on the first bus and I was THANKFUL we had the race retreat.  It was only 40 degrees with wind chills in the 20's.  Plus some super nice people had a pile of throw away clothes to pick from, so I got extra pants and my husband found retro Buffalo Bills sweatshirt.  Go figure!

We stayed in the race retreat as long as possible and then started the nearly 30 minute walk to the corrals.  I always forget how long it is, but it was nice not to have to wait too long before starting.

In usual Disney splendor, we were set on our way with great fireworks and fanfare.  Of course my nervous bladder acted up, and I stopped at the first set of porta-potties. I felt so much better after that and was able to get in a groove as people spread out.

I worked hard to maintain my new modified goal pace, a good PR pace.  I always like to go way too fast at the beginning, so it was hard to reign in my enthusiasm.  I felt good.  I hit the Magic Kingdom mile 5ish) feeling awesome, slightly below pace, and happy.  I stopped for my castle pic, and loved the miles through the park.

The ensuing miles were boring, and around mile 7 I felt my bronchitis starting to bother me bit.  I kept looking forward to Animal Kingdom, roughly mile 11, looking for some entertainment.  I saw my husband in a little out and back part of the course and noticed him grimacing a bit.  I hoped he was ok, and continued on.

At this point I was still rocking my pace.  I was noticing some pain in my hip/butt area, and I think the hills in Animal Kingdom really aggravated it.  Leaving the park I was focused on the next destination, ESPN.

Around mile 16 I started putting more walk breaks in to try and get my leg to hurt less.  My pace dropped, but I was still trying really hard to hold on to my PR,but ESPN got the best of me.

I literally squealed for Donald!

I stopped for few pictures, and by the time I came out of the complex I knew my PR hopes were gone.  At times I feel like I looked drunk.  My leg was not quite working right, to the point where I bet I looked drunk at times, and of course mile 20/21 were into a major head wind.

My husband texted me around this time saying he was struggling, and I guess misery loves company, because it made me feel better that I wasn't the only one hating life.  I pushed to get to my favorite parts of the course, Hollywood Studios, through the boardwalk, around the world in Epcot, and to the end. 

Trying to act like I'm not in pain

 At this point my walk breaks were frequent and not just through water stations like they were up until mile 20 or so,

The finish is so close!

but I was able to run across the finish line smiling and giving Minnie Mouse a high five.


While I sat waiting for my husband to finish I felt a rush of disappointment.  I didn't achieve any of my goals.  I felt like I had failed, and I fought to keep the mindset that it is our struggles that make us stronger, better.  This struggle proved that I wouldn't let anything beat me, not bronchitis, not physical pain, not stressful life.

Woooo!  Minnie Mouse!!!!

Now I'm looking to 2017, figuring out some new goals, some new hopes.  I am going to try for a half PR sometime this spring, and I have Chicago in October.  The hubs and I just signed up for Wine and Dine Half again, and we are considering returning to marathon weekend in 2018, both thinking about seeking redemption, and we have the transfer to use from the cancelled half.  Not sure if I want to go for Dopey again, like I did for the inaugural year, or do Goofy,  I am just hoping 2017 brings me a better running year so I can go into whatever race feeling more confident and prepared!

Princess expo take 2

I

We returned to the scene of the craziness again on Friday, missing the opening.  I really just wanted to go back so I could actually see the vendors as we left in a hurry on Thursday, frustrated by the chaos and the crowds.  (Sorry for the blurry pic, but barely any lines!)

The crowds were definitely much more manageable, especially in the RunDisney merchandise areas.  Most items were still in stock, including those pink jackets that caused so much drama.  

The vendors were there in full force

And I loved walking around and looking at them.  A few of my favs were Inspired Endurance, Sparkle Athletic, Sports Hooks, and the New Balance area.

Even the New Balance area was cleared out enough that I could wander in and look at, albeit not try on, shoes.  Definitely love the Minnie and Ariel shoes- but I'm so picky about my footwear that I'm afraid to take the plunge, so for now I'll just admire from afar.

As we were getting ready to leave we noticed Jeff Galloway speaking so we stopped and listened for a bit.  He's always fun to listen to! He gives out great advice and has a great personality that draws you in.

After his talk he said he'd be going back to his booth for pictures and stuff.  My husband and I tailed him back into the expo... A little stalkerish almost as we kept just far enough not to be obvious but close enough not to lose him.  MAN can he weave through a crowd quickly!  But we got there and I was excited to get my pic with an Olympian!  

After this we did leave, checking out the RunDisney medals as we went.  I snapped a pic of all the medals I'll have after Pixie Dust in May (yes, I'm a bling-aholic).  Can't wait until they are all mine! 

Conclusion:  if you don't mind missing out on a few of the most coveted items (this year the tervis and wine glass) then going early the second day is much less stressful than trying to survive the first.  There were great things to see, buy, and do that I enjoyed much more on Friday!

Princess Expo Craziness

I like my race gear.  I'll admit it.  When RunDisney posted their sneak peak, I gave my husband and mother in law a list of things I wanted (three things- not crazy) and we created a game plan to split up and get them.  We even left for the expo at 4:30 am this morning from Lauderdale to make sure we could check in to our hotel and get to the expo early.  

There was already a fairly long line for Dooneys, packet pick up, and the expo, when we got there.  We went to our prearranged posts and waited patiently.  When they started a soft opening and letting a few people in at a time early I got  excited.  I just wanted to be done with it!

I went to merchandise first, which was actually apart from packet pick up this time.  The hubs and his mom attempted the expo merchandise area.  I got right in after some confusion, bought my three desired items, a jacket for the hubs and got out easily.  Even got my preorder jacket without hassle.  

Preorder:

That was not the case for my tag team partners.  They said it was a madhouse in their section.  Pushing, crowding, and crazy princesses snatching items, depleting shelves faster than the poor cast members could keep up.  Taking multiples of items.  I didn't believe it because my own experience was so nice, but I later saw it for myself.

I had to pick up two bibs and deal with being registered for both the half and Glass Slipper somehow.  I also had an issue picking up my preordered pin, but some amazing cast members helped me with both issues and I was on my way.

When I got to the expo part the hubs mentioned he thought he saw something I would like in the merchandise there so I scurried over.  It was a madhouse.  People everywhere, cast members surrounded by people trying to get items they wanted.  I finally saw the sweatshirt that they hadn't shown on the sneak peak and didn't have in the first area.  I dodged people and luckily saw one on the rack in my size.  I scooped it up and found the end of the crazy long check out line.

While in line I witnessed chaos, discussing it with those around me who only had a few items.  I saw one wine glass fall and break, but I think the woman legitly just dropped it.  I was feeling claustrophobic and anxious- and a little guilty that I was in the middle of this mess.  I hope that my actions didn't screw people up or that I was accidentally rude to anyone like the behaviors of so many around me.  I almost put the sweatshirt back several times and just left.  

I finally got to the front of the line and watched several people buying multiples of items.  I even saw someone spend $1200.  Obviously I began to suspect that many of these items would appear on eBay shortly.  I smiled at my cashier and told her I had just one item- that I'd make her job easy at least for a few minutes.  She smiled back looking frazzled and I felt bad for her.

We stopped to have lunch at the little restaurant in ESPN and then I realized I forgot to grab a poster board from the upstairs area to decorate.  The line for getting back into the expo was so long that I approached the cast member manning the door to see if there was ANY way I could just go and grab a poster board that was RIGHT THERE.  He told me he couldn't stop me but policy was... And I felt bad for him, a little embarrassed that I asked to break the rules.  Not very princess like.  I bet people were yelling at him all day, too.  I told him I would follow the rules and he was appreciative. I bet a lot of people weren't so cooperative based on his demeanor.  After seeing the line I decided the poster board wasn't that important.  I was frustrated and overwhelmed by the crowds.  Maybe tomorrow.

The packet pick up line was out the gate as we left just after 11:40.  This is my third princess and who knows how many Disney races, and I HAVE NEVER seen such ridiculousness.  I really do feel embarrassed to have been there and didn't even really look around because I just wanted to get out.  This very well might be my last princess since I will be finally getting my pink C2C at Tink this year.  I left feeling disappointed in humanity and unhappy- not excited and inspired to rock the races this weekend.  I'm happy that I did get the merchandise I wanted, but almost ashamed, too, and I didn't even do anything wrong.  

That's not to say that everyone was greedy and crazy- I met some very pleasant people today who were considerate and helpful.  I watched awesome cast members work hard to make my experience and other people's days positive.  Unfortunately there were also those who would stop at nothing to get what they want- and those are the ones who tarnished the expo for many.  

I'll conclude with a snap shot of my haul from the expo... But I feel bad even posting this after seeing and reading about the day.  I'm glad to have my keepsakes, but am saddened by the chaos they caused.  

Ft. Lauderdale here we are!!!

It's finally here!  The day before the A1A Half Marathon!  Of course, Western New York had to throw us a whirlwind of weather yesterday- which nicely gave me a snow day for school- but left me anxious that we'd get out this morning.  We had several back up plans in case we couldn't get out of Buffalo. White out conditions multiple times yesterday made the roads treacherous, but luckily we were able to safely arrive at the airport in -1 degree weather, windchills in the -30 range.  Yikes!  Glad we are racing down south.  All the races by us have been cancelled for safety reasons.

The weather did cause some issues with our departure, making us board late and sit for awhile.  We eventually got going and made great time in the air.  After getting our luggage and rental car it was off to the expo.  We really wanted the peace of mind of having our bibs in our possession before going to the resort and settling in.

The expo was pretty nice.  Lots of vendors/deals/free samples.  The race merchandise was pretty picked through, which disappointed my husband since this will be his first half and he wanted to get something.  (Don't worry- we each managed to spend plenty!) I really liked the styles offered and the greenlayer company seems to have some quality stuff and nice designs.  

Looking forward to the race tomorrow!  Temps a little warmer than I'd like and windy, but who doesn't want to run the beach at sunrise?

Wine and Dine: The Expo!

Expo morning started with a hot and humid run on the path between Pop and Art of Animation.

Having just left NY, where the previous weekend's quarter marathon was in the low 40s, I thought I needed to acclimate a bit.  I felt like I was running in a swamp, but I really liked the path.  I had never run there before, and I really liked the 1.25 mile loop and seeing all of the other runners out and getting their sweat on!  After a quick shower it was time to go!

This being my husband's first half, we wanted to get to the expo super early.  We were there about an hour before and jumped in line, chatting with some other excited runners.

To our immense happiness we we're let in roughly a half hour early.  We booked to merchandise first and bought the things we knew we had really wanted.  There was so much stuff!

Then we got through the 5k and half bib lines pretty quickly, only to have to go wait in another zigzagging line to pick up pins and the commemorative jacket.
I wasn't too thrilled to have to get in yet ANOTHER line for this stuff, not quite sure why they changed it.

We went to the merchandise tent in the second building, just missing getting a shoe ornament (no worries, got one online from the Disney Store site).

While we waited in the MASSIVE line that wrapped out of the area and through the expo, we took turn getting our shirts.  Then we browsed some vendors

Loved this set up at New Balance!

before heading upstairs to listen to Jeff Galloway speak.

Overall I thought the expo was pretty well done, though I felt the new line for pins was a tad tedious. I was also sad they were letting people take 5+ of the shoe ornaments so they were gone within the first hour.  It was definitely busy, but we had a good time and spent A LITTLE too much... Oops!