Stubborn Luck

Over lunch today I had someone ask me how my recovery was going. People have been commenting on the fact that I'm in heels, or that I look good since the break, and that it's nice to see me without the walker. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago I was confined to my bed in a ridiculous amount of pain. With the exception of when I first wake up, my limp is almost nonexistent. With the exception of the one-inch scar on my thigh, you'd never know I have three freakishly large pins holding my femur together.

"You made it look so easy, you handled it so well."

Did I? I don't think I did. I think I threw a fit the first night I was home. I distinctly remember throwing a pillow while crying because I was in pain and couldn't sleep. I remember taking my first shower, sitting on a shower seat with my leg hanging out of the shower because it was too painful to get all the way in and just sobbing. And when I say sobbing, I mean the all the way from your gut ugly sob, the kind where you can't breathe, but you don't make a sound.

Those first two weeks I cried...a lot. Those first two weeks I swore...a lot. Those first two weeks I lost hope...a lot.

I threw countless pity parties for myself. Sometimes people would indulge me, more often than not they wouldn't. I appreciate the times they wouldn't.

Sure, it's fine to wallow in self-pity on occasion, because let's face it, the situation sucked...like really sucked. I went from running four days a week and hitting the gym at least two to three times a week to nothing. Zip, zero, zilch, nada, nyet, etc. I watched my leg muscles atrophy and it killed me. I worked for that calf, I worked for that quad and hammy. I put miles on those legs, they carried me through some of my toughest runs and helped me through some crazy shit, and they were disappearing before my eyes.

It was devastating.

I hated being helpless. I hated having people open doors, carry things for me, help me to my car. It drove me insane. Now, I would like to point out in a normal situation, I don't mind these things, but when I had a walker and physically could not do it myself, it enraged me.  Thank you to those that understood that and let me be stubborn, but finally stepped in when they knew I needed it and whispered words of encouragement so I wouldn't be defeated.

That helplessness humbled me though. The struggle of finding convenient parking (yes, I refused to get a temporary handicap parking tag...stubborn, remember?), the amount of time it took to get somewhere, the fact that I was exhausted from walking into a building, it humbled me. People do this on a daily basis and are not like me, they won't be getting better. I am so incredibly lucky.

It's cheesy to say that, but I am.

My recovery for all intents and purposes has been perfect. Everything is healing the right way to the point that I tend to forget I even broke it...well until I overdo it at the gym.

I'll repeat it, I am so incredibly lucky.

And maybe I did make it look easy, but I can promise you, it hasn't been easy, and it's not over yet. I still have a little more than a month before I can run and I just started reincorporating weights into my workout (cautiously of course). I had to laugh the other night because when I was leaving the gym I ran into my chiropractor. We were chatting on our way to our cars and he asked how I was doing. While catching up I mentioned that my surgeon humors me, he gets that I'm stubborn and that I want to push through and get to the finish line. My chiropractor laughed, tilted his head and said, "Yeah, I get that, in fact, I'm pretty sure I humored you, too."

I can see the finish line approaching and I know it's not the full finish. I know I'll have to work back to where I was and I know I'll still have to go at a turtles pace. But I can see it and I'm ready.

2018 Recap and Plans for 2019

Part of me is surprised that it is 2019, and then the other part of me is like OMG finally! 2018 was kind of a really long year, is it just me?

2018 had its share of challenges for me, but it also had a ton of milestones. I completed my first (and only?) Goofy Challenge. Yes, that's 39.3 miles in two days...back to back...because I'm clearly Goofy. It was some of the coldest conditions I've run in for the half and then for the full, we had a 20-degree temperature swing from race start to finish. It was disgusting! But you know what? I did it, and I bet my previous marathon time. And it did it all with my squad beside me.

I also crushed the Princess Half Marathon. I have been chasing a finishing time of 2:30 for a long time and this year I wanted it more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. I ran with two members of my squad and they got me to mile 7.5 ish before telling me to run and if they caught me they'd kick my ass. It was when I hit the fountain in EPCOT after the turnaround that I knew I could do it. It was within my reach. I dug as deep as I could and when I passed the 2:30 pacer that I had lost around mile 5 I started to tear up. I did it. I did it with seconds to spare, but dammit I did it.

Oh, and I did this little thing called the Chicago Marathon. My niece and I signed up through ALZ Stars and planned to run together. Somehow I got a 43 minute and change PR. While that was awesome, nothing, and I mean nothing, beats running those 26.2 miles with my niece. To see how far she has come in her running and to
have her right there with me was the best thing I could have ever asked for.

I do not have any big races planned for 2019. Right now my focus is to run races I've never done before. I want to explore. I want to work on speed. I want to work on stamina. Basically, I want to be the best version of me, both running and personally, that I can be. I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings me. Thank you 2018 for serving me a giant slice of humble pie, now watch in 2019.

I Just Felt Like Runnin': 200 Days Streaking

I did it. I completed my run streak. Going into this challenge I was hoping to make it 100 days because let's be honest, life gets in the way, a lot. I learned so much about myself during these past 200 days and it is hard to believe this challenge is done.


via GIPHY

In 200 days I...

• Have run 611.24 miles
• Have wanted to quit more times that I want to admit
• Have said the phrase "It's only 11 minutes, you can do 11 minutes" every time I wanted to give up
• Have blown through 2, almost 3 pairs of running shoes
• Have pushed my own limits and learned when it was enough
• Still love running

A huge shout out to everyone who has supported me throughout this and put up with my constant #runstreak posts. Now I'm ready to focus on Chicago and push through to Goofy.

Find Your Tribe

Yet again I have failed in the world of blogging. I have not posted since the marathon and there has definitely been a lot of exciting things happening. I will post about my run streak as well as Princess weekend, but right now I want to write about finding your tribe.

Your what?

Your tribe.

Something I have learned throughout this crazy running experience is that you only get stronger when you surround yourself with strong and encouraging people. You need people around you that push you to be your best self. You need the challenge.

My tribe is pretty big and pretty kick ass if I do say so  myself. My Mamas from MRTT are always pushing me and always challenging me. It is so refreshing to have a group of women who constantly build each other up. 

My running buddies are equally amazing. Sometimes you just need a run with one other person. Sometimes those runs are filled with conversation (maybe more conversation that running) and sometimes they are quiet, but words are not needed. 

My family is fantastically supportive. My sister is constantly cheering for me, my niece is as well. My parents came out to cheer us on in their pj's for goodness sakes! It doesn't get much better than that!

My kiddos are so proud and honestly it means the world. They get excited when they see me on a course and they tell me how proud they are of me even after a weekend run. 

Of course I cannot talk about my tribe without mentioning the chief himself. I'll tell you what, I lucked out. Scott is one of the most supportive members of my tribe. He pushes me, supports me and keeps me going. This past race weekend when I knew I was close to a PR my phone was blowing up with texts from him telling me to "GOOOOOOOOO!" Not everyone gets this kind of support from a spouse. I mean, really, this distance running is a total time suck and kills most date nights (Oh you wanted to eat cajun food tonight, yeah I'm running 10 in the morning that won't end well), but he gets it. As he enters the world of duathlons and triathlons I can only hope that I am as much of a support system as he is for me. 

Everyone needs a tribe. Everyone needs a support system in this world. I will happily join your tribe and help cheer you along the way! 

Thanksgiving Thursday

For those of you that don't know what Thanksgiving Thursday is, it is the one time during the week where you stop and basically count your blessings. Even if you've had one of those weeks, I promise you can find at least one thing to be thankful for, no matter how big or small.

This week I am thankful for...

• Scott and all he does. He's kicking butt and taking names!

• My little dude and our sweet moments.

• Mommy daughter days that include crafts.

• Family all around us.

• A great group of ladies that push you through the finish line (plus back to back weekend races with them!).

• Pumpkin spice Cheerios. No, really. SOOOOO good!

• All of the great friends we have made through sports and various activities. 

What are you thankful for this week?

Not So Cool Summer Morning Series Completion: AKA My Face Didn't Actually Melt Off

Saturday was the final race in the Sommer Sports Summer Series. This year the series seemed a little harder, maybe because it was a whole lot hotter this summer. That is not an exaggeration by the way. July was insanely hot and August was not much better. Plus the last half mile of the race is in direct sunlight. It's almost like running directly into the sun. 

Again, not an exaggeration.

Thankfully, I had my MRTT ladies to push me through the series. 

My standings for the series was:

Race 1: 35:57

Race 2: 37:23 (Remember when every day in July was 106+, yeah that was fun)

Race 3: 37:19

Race 4: 35:33

The bonus of suffering through the heat and humidity? A fifth medal!

Thank you to all my MRTT ladies for pushing me through the series! I'm so looking forward to all of the upcoming races we have together!

Thanksgiving Thursday

For those of you that don't know what Thanksgiving Thursday is, it is the one time during the week where you stop and basically count your blessings. Even if you've had one of those weeks, I promise you can find at least one thing to be thankful for, no matter how big or small.

This week I am thankful for...

• Scott who has always supported my running and this crazy blog.

• My little dude who is killing it with sports this year.

• My little miss who is joining her school running club.

• Family near and far.

• The great group of ladies I have met through running.

• Weekend runs with my bestie.

• A tropical storm that is sure to keep the temperatures cool this weekend for our long run. 

What are you thankful for this week?

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I'm marathon training...again. Oh, and by marathon, I mean Goofy. Yes, I am running a half marathon and full marathon back to back. 

I have lost my damn mind.

How did I decide to do this challenge? Well...I looked at the training schedule and said, "Oh, it's only a couple of extra walk days, this is totally doable!" 

Sure...

I should also point out I have decided to train for Goofy during the hottest summer ever. I didn't think this through. But I have to say it has been going really well and I'm looking forward to tackling another challenge. 

On top of this training my little Miss has decided to join a running club. She will be training for a 5k this winter and I am so proud of her! She has run several, including one this weekend, and I know she will be amazing (I mean, look at her!). 

So now with the Miss running I'm going to have to bump up my training even more so I can stay close to her during races. 

Challenge accepted my dear, challenge accepted.

Snap Into a Slim Jim

Day two of our trip included a morning run with Lorren and Tay Tay. The awesome part of being in Chicago is that you can start your run at 8:30 and not die from heat exhaustion.

The original plan was to run the loop at the forest preserve for 11 miles. After the first three mile loop and before the fourth mile Lorren and I decided that the German feast from the night before was not the best idea. We ended up walking two more miles and called it quits at 6.1. Whatever, we got out there.

It should be mentioned that around the five mile mark my niece pulled a monster sized slim jim out of her skirt. I am not even kidding. She literally snapped into a slim jim. All I can say is the marathon is going to be interesting.

After our run we went for breakfast and I got the call from the airline saying they found the bottom half of the car seat (cue the choir of angels!).

The rest of the day was really chill. My Mom and I took the kiddos to Big and Little which is a shoe store in the area. I was fitted there for shoes when I was kiddo so I was thrilled that they could be fitted there, too. It's not the same location that I went to as a child, but it still had the same little stage area that I remember from my childhood (pictured behind the kids).

After the trip down memory lane we met up with my brother and cousins for dinner at Aurelio's. Talk about another blast from the past. I have to say there is something comforting in being able to go back to places that you frequented in childhood and see that it is pretty much the same. The pizza still tastes like you remember it, the prize machines are still in the back room, drinks are still brought out in a pitcher in the party room. It's just wonderful.

The kiddos also made a new friend at dinner, we met my niece Meghan's boyfriend Joe, and to say the kiddos latched on would be an understatement. He was such a good sport being sandwiched between the kids (if he only knew was he was in for that weekend!).

More to come, including the wedding!

Vanessa Welch Reindeer Run

One of my goals this year was for the entire family to complete a 5k together. We decided to make our first family 5k the Vanessa Welch Reindeer Run. This race benefits an amazing charity and you run through SeaWorld, what's not to love?!

I was worried about the early start and if the kiddos would be willing to wake up so early, but at 4:45 am they were both bouncing up and down yelling, "It's race day!!!!" They did the kids races last year, so they were familiar with the race and could not wait to go.

What I was not planning on this year was just how cold it was going to be. Thankfully, my Mom bought the kids these really cute fleece blankets that fold up really small, so I was able to keep them wrapped up before the race.

This race is also a collecting spot for Toys for Tots and there were Marines there in full dress collecting toys. When Aaron saw them he asked if he could shake their hands. Of course I said yes and he ran up to all three and shook their hands. It definitely made me smile.

My wonderful running buddy Michelle was also there. We ran it together last year and absolutely loved it. I'm super thankful that she ran it again this year because she snapped some awesome photos of us crossing the finish line together. Plus, she had a PR! What's not to love about that?!

Now on to the race. Aaron wanted to take off running right away and Scott and I tried to explain that it is a long distance and he really needs to pace himself. Jillian on the other hand was exercising her mouth the entire race. We did some bursts of running once we made it into the park. Remember how I mentioned earlier how great it was that those blankets folded up nice and small? Yeah, I thought that until I was running with them on my back.

Anyway...

The kids had a great time during the race and really did amazingly well. We made it to the finish line at 52:14, which was faster than I thought we would finish in. We all ran across the finish line together and I'm not going to lie, it was all Scott and I could do to keep up with them. Those little ones can book it!

Even after the big race (which was actually short, it was only 2.8 miles) the kiddos still wanted to do the kids races. They break these races up by age and since the kiddos are 6, they were with all of the big kids. They also break these races up by boys and girls, which I think is kind of neat.

The little ladies went first and Jillian was running with her hair perfectly flapping in the wind. The smile on her face when she came up on the finish was worth its weight in gold. She had such a great time!

The dudes were next and Aaron took off like a bat out of hell. I didn't realize just how fast he was until that race. He finished with a lot of the older kids in his division, which was awesome to see.

All in all it was an awesome race. I am so glad we were able to do this as a family and cannot wait to do this again next year! After all, the family that runs together stays together :)

I'm Half Crazy

I'm in full on half marathon training...again. The difference is that I'm running more than one this race season (currently two, but possibly 4). I know! I'm clearly half crazy (see what I did there?).

Another difference is that Scott is running one of the races with me! I am so excited to see him complete his first half marathon. I remember the first time he crossed a finish line and the pride in his face. Amplify that by a million and that is what he will be like when he crosses the finish line in his first half marathon.

What else am I doing different this year? Well, to be honest, I'm taking it seriously. I'm eating right (says the girl who had a slice of cookies and cream birthday cake today), doing strength training and really focusing on consistency in my running. I am really hoping this is the season I come in sub 3 hours.

So am I saying I didn't take the other 4 half marathons seriously? Well, kinda. I mean I trained, but not really. Last year was the first year that I really applied myself and I hit the mark that I wanted to hit, so now it's about crushing that.

What else is this about? Ultimately, it's about being a role model for my kids. Ever since I really started running more than just a couple of races a year, the kiddos have been in to running as well. Jill wants to run all the time with me and our goal is to do one race as a family this year. I cannot wait for the four of us to cross a finish line together.

Are you a runner? Do you have any training tips that you want to share with me? I'm all ears!

What's Been Happening Here...

I've been awful about updating (outside of weekly menus). To say that we have been busy would be a gross understatement. But before I get into that, let me tell you the big news...

Drum roll please...

Scott has been promoted to Security Operations Manager. Woo hoo! We had a feeling this was coming, but we didn't want to jinx ourselves. I am extremely proud of him and all of the hard work he has put in to his area. I cannot wait to see him excel in this new position!

Now, back to what we have been up to. I've been training... a lot...

I have on average one race a month (realistically, it's two a month) and a 15k and two half marathons coming up. One of those half marathons is the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I'm doing the glass slipper challenge again and adding the 5k this year. I've been trying to run 3-4 times a week with one of those runs being at minimum 4 miles. I also added some strength training and core work to the mix and I've tweaked my diet a little. I'm really noticing a difference in my time since adding this. 

I also have been going for weekly acupuncture. I like to think that this is helping my running. I know it's helping me overall. I'm not nearly as stressed, and I'm starting to just let things roll off my back a little more. Never in a million years did I think I would enjoy having dozens of needles stuck in me, but I truly do. It's the most relaxing 45 minutes of my week.

Now back to the races. Yesterday, my friend Michelle and I ran the 4 on the Fourth in Oakland. 

It was a nice race through Oakland and Winter Garden. Thank you to all of the people in the neighborhoods that we ran through for allowing us to take over. I finished 17th in my age group and had a pace that was just under 12 minutes. I was pretty pleased with myself. 

The rest of the day we just hung out. Scott had to work, so the kiddos and I played games, made a pie (Aaron's request) and made homemade pizza for dinner. 

It was definitely a relaxing evening. To be perfectly honest, none of us stayed up to watch fireworks. The kiddos went to bed at their normal time and I was in bed not too long after. 

Scott's been pretty busy lately, too. Aside from the promotion he is down almost 60lbs since January. For real. 

He's been doing Couch to 5k to get ready for all of the races we have coming up. I keep telling him he will be passing me on the course soon, but he doesn't believe me. 

Other than that, we are just plugging along. I'll try to update more often. Keep looking for the weekly menus and be sure to check out Scott's blog! 

And then we run.

Friday night after the kiddos are finally asleep, Scott and I usually plan out our weekend (planning is in my nature, what can I say?).  After talking for a few minutes Scott asked, "Did you ever think our weekend plans would include both of us going on runs?" Um, no.

Seriously, before the kiddos came our weekends were spent sleeping in and either seeing a movie, mini golfing or whatever other adventure we could cook up. In the summer, it was days spent in the pool soaking up the Florida sun.

Once the kiddos came the weekends were spent napping when they did and trying to not pull all of our hair out. We still did a lot of fun adventures, but they were not as spontaneous as before. They also included the amount of baggage you would take on a weekend getaway.

Now our weekends include waking up around the same time we get up for work, lacing up our running shoes and pounding the pavement. Never did I think this would be us, but I love it.

It's amazing how much changes over the years. I cannot wait to cross the finish line with Scott during his first half marathon. When you finish a half the feeling of pride you have is undeniable, but watching someone you love cross for the first time is beyond that.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have peanut butter protein balls to make. (Yes, I am now that person.)

Celebrating 8 years

Scott and I celebrated our anniversary this weekend. I seriously cannot believe it has been 8 years.  Mimi and PawPaw took the kiddos for the night and we were able to dress up for a night out.

Funny story about my dress, I snagged it at Target that morning with Jillian in tow. When I tried it on she asked if the M on it stood for Mommy. I think that's pretty adorable.

Every year we pick a Disney restaurant to have dinner at since we met and were married there. We actually repeated a restaurant this year and went to Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We went there on our third anniversary and loved it so much that we had to go again. 

Dinner was amazing, as expected. We even spent some time walking around the resort and were able to sit on the rocking chairs and look out over the savanna. 

While dinner was great, I have to say my favorite part of the weekend was our morning run on Sunday. Yes, both of us went on a run together. Scott began the couch to 5k program on Saturday, so this was his second day. 

I took him to my favorite trail and we took off (or as he will tell you, I took off). We did a complete 5k even though his day 2 only took him to just over 2 miles. I am so proud of him for taking on this challenge, not just the couch to 5k challenge, but the whole healthier lifestyle challenge. I mean seriously, look at the photo of him above, there is a noticeable difference. 

After our run we went to our favorite breakfast place for omelets. All in all it was a great way to celebrate our anniversary.

I cannot believe we are approaching 8 years. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us! 

Mother's Day Weekend

First and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mommas out there! I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.

My weekend started with the Girlz on Fire 5k. Michelle and I thought it would be a great way to start the weekend and celebrate us. I PR'ed on the run, even in the heat and humidity. My next goal is to come in under 35 and then ultimately under 30. Baby steps...

After the race, Michelle and I celebrated at Keke's. It's one of our favorite places for breakfast.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out with the kiddos. Scott and Jillian went to lunch and Aaron and I went to lunch. I love individual time with kiddos, it gives us time just to focus on them and learn their little personalities.

Today we started our day with mass. I love that my church does May crowning on Mother's Day. There is something incredibly sweet about that. After mass, we stopped for passion tea lemonades at Starbucks. Can you tell they are my children?

We continued the Mother's Day celebration with a late lunch at Bonefish Grill with Mimi and PawPaw. Normally, I love Bonefish, but this location has really sucked it up the last few times. It was a great afternoon with them though, so that made up for it.

When we came home we did a ton of work in the yard and played some baseball. All in all it was a fantastic weekend. I hope yours was just as wonderful!

Winter Park Road Race

Scott, Michelle and I raced yesterday morning. It was the final Track Shack race of the season and we just had to do it.

There were two separate races, the 2 mile and the 10k, or you could do both as a part of the distance dare challenge. Naturally, we chose the distance dare challenge. Go big or go home, right?

For the distance dare you had to run the 2 miles first and then immediately go down to the start line of the 10k. By the time I crossed (27:12) and made my way down they were sounding the air horn for the 10k.

Michelle and I had split up during the 2 miles, but thankfully, she was only a minute or so behind me and we were able to start the 10k together. Scott was behind us, but booking it. He was averaging a 14 minute per mile walking pace.

The funniest moment of the race? When Scott passed us. Seriously. We were just past mile 1 of the 10k and Scott just zoomed past us. Of course, he made a spectacle and started yelling that everyone should take a photo because this was the only time that he would be passing me.

Since we all caught up to each other, I decided this was the race I would do with Scott. He has never asked me to stay back with him because he always wants me to crush my previous time, but I wanted to be there with him on his longest race to date.

This was my first time walking with him and hot damn was I impressed. Not only was I impressed with how in the zone he was, but I was impressed with how far he has come since January. If anyone has any doubts about how dedicated he is to losing weight and getting in shape, walk with him when he hits his stride.

Michelle met up with us and walked the majority of the 10k with us as well.

I have to say, Winter Park has become one of my favorite courses (minus the brick roads). The trees, the lake views, the insanely gorgeous houses, all make this course my favorite. I think the majority of the race that's all we commented on.

When we began to approach mile 6 I knew I was close to my Enchanted 10k time, so I gave Scott the "please don't hate me, I really want to be close" look and he told me to run. I finished the last .3 or so on my own, literally. No, seriously, at one point I was the only runner. There were people in front of me and people way behind me, but nobody around me. It was kind of a cool experience.

I finished the 10k in 1:32:37 which wasn't too far off from my Enchanted 10k time. Michelle was close behind at 1:33:41 and Scott came in at 1:34:06.  For the distance dare our combined times were:

Me: 1:59:48
Michelle: 2:02:37
Scott: 2:04:26

I am so proud of Scott! This was his longest distance to date and his first medals. You betcha he worse those the majority of the day!

Thank you to all of the volunteers that were on the course. Thank you to the random residents of Winter Park that played the Rocky Theme, Chariots of Fire and other various songs along the route.

Stop by Southern Fried Fat Guy's Facebook page to leave Scott some love!

Pig on the Pond

I know you're expecting to see a "What My Family Ate For Dinner Post" but uh...well...you see it was a busy week. Scott and I were at a conference (I ran it, he presented) and I'm pretty sure the only thing we made all week was spaghetti. So there ya go.

Yesterday I ran the Pig on the Pond Rib Run 5k. I actually scored a free registration from one of the sponsors, (thank you Jessica!) but I had planned on registering for this one anyway.

Since it was a "Rib Run" lots of runners were dressed as pigs. The cutest costume I saw though was the couple that ran as Kermit and Miss Piggy.

I did miss having my running buddy with me. It's just not the same running with earbuds in.

The kiddos arrived shortly after the race and we had some time to hang out before Jill's performance. Uncle Bob, Aunt Vanessa, Mimi and Paw Paw all braved the chilly morning to come out and hear our little gem sing.

She did such a good job and was all smiles while she was on stage!

To congratulate her on her performance we all went for brunch at one of our favorite places.

I think next year we will try and spend some more time over at Pig on the Pond. This was actually our first time checking it out. I know Scott would love just talking to all of the BBQ experts that are there.

Hope you're having a great weekend so far and that you remembered to "spring forward" last night!

Princess Half Marathon Weekend Pt 2 - The Enchanted 10K

Welcome to part two of the Princess Half Marathon Weekend three part extravaganza! Saturday morning was our first of the two races. Naturally, I sparkled for the race.

My Sparkle Skirt is Mouse in the Mix

We were up bright and early at 2:30 a.m. to get ready for the race and make our bus by 3:45. Yes, the race was that early. 

The course was pretty cool. We started in the EPCOT parking lot, ran through the toll plaza, made a u-turn, went up the ramp, through the back entrance, around the countries and around the EPCOT resorts before finishing back in the EPCOT parking lot. 

Michelle was in the corral behind Cathy, Lorren and myself and I think Lorren and I lost Cathy before mile 1. We did us our code word though to find each other. What was our code, you ask? Oooo-de-lally! Yes, as in Robin Hood.

The screen said "Go Princess Go!"

It was pretty humid that morning, which made it kind of spooky when you ran around the countries. Like I said before, the whole course was great. There were a ton of characters (including Elsa!) and a ton of music to keep you pumped up. Plus, there were a ton of great volunteers that encourage you the whole way. I would like to take this moment to thank the lifeguard at mile 5 or so, you were wonderful and wonderful looking.

Lorren and I finished in 1:32:06 which is my personal best for a 10k. The best part of the finish though was that Scott was there to give us our medals. 

Not everyone gets a medal from security.

Cathy and Michelle were not far behind us (I think Michelle actually just finished a few seconds behind with her chip time).  We were able to snag this snazzy photo of all of us after the finish:

The 10k definitely helped with the nerves, but we all knew the big race was the next day. We also knew we couldn't just sit in the hotel all day, so we went to Magic Kingdom for a little fun. That fun included Michelle's first time on Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room. 

We headed back to the hotel early, devoured some pasta and were in bed by 6:30. None of us had a hard time falling asleep and before you knew it, it was time for the half!

Be sure to check in tomorrow for part 3!

Prettyful Princess

One week from today it will be princess weekend. At this time next week I will already have one medal around my neck and will be anxiously awaiting the other two. Whoa...I think my stomach just did a flip.

Aren't they prettyful?!

This upcoming race weekend definitely snuck up on all four of us, but I'm excited to face the challenge. 

19.3 miles, or as Michelle and I refer to it, "6.2 and 13.1." This will be my fourth princess half marathon and I am well aware of where I will hit my mental roadblocks. The biggest one for me is after the castle. You are on such a high going through the castle and then you run on the backroads for what seems like an eternity.

Then the real roadblock hits. Mile 10. You can literally see the finish line and you still have 3.1 to go. So close.

I have to give a big shout out to all of my supporters for this race. Y'all have been great and I am so thankful for all your kind words, encouraging words and for making sure I'm drinking enough water and eating enough carbs (Amy!).

Be sure to check back next week for my post race posts!

Dick Batchelor's Run for Children

Michelle and I braved the cold this morning to run the Dick Batchelor's Run for Children 5K at Universal Orlando.

There were not a lot of runners this morning, but there were firefighters from Orange County that ran in full bunker gear. You guys and gals rock!

The course went through City Walk, Islands of Adventure and the original Universal. I will admit, I have not been to Universal since they were building Islands of Adventure, so I spent the majority of the time trying to take everything in.


The other cool thing about this race is that we officially have run through all three theme parks in Central Florida. The only park that I have not had my Brooks stride across is Animal Kingdom. I plan on fixing that soon.

Anyway, back to the race. Michelle and I finished in 41:49, which was pretty decent. After the race we took our time leaving and ran in to Shrek and Fiona.

I almost died. I'm pretty sure I skipped over to have my picture taken.

Okay, but here's where it gets awkward. Shrek clearly has minimal control over his hands and definitely hit my in my chest.

Of course I had to text both Amy and Tay Tay to tell them. Amy is convinced mascots are drawn to me in some sick way and Tay Tay was just shocked that Shrek could find my chest. Sisterly love, it's a beautiful thing.

After the Shrek incident, Michelle mentioned that she wanted a photo of us surfing.

Thankfully, two nice young men dressed as Captain America and Wolverine volunteered to take our photo.

I'm not going to lie, that photo is pretty amazing.

I am so glad Michelle and I were able to hit this milestone together!

My next race is with Scott. This will be his first race and I cannot wait to see him cross the finish!