Dumbo Double Dare: The Disneyland Half Marathon


We are never ones to pass up a good Disney race recap so when our friend Lois agreed to share her experience at the Dumbo Double Dare race challenge over Labor Day we were excited!  After visiting Disneyland for one race challenge this year, I'm not sure when (or if) we will fly cross country to do another one, but it sure was fun seeing it through Lois's perspective!



Sunday, September 6, 2015 was the last day of racing at Disneyland.  It was the final leg in a long journey.  It was a day when dreams came true.  It was the day that I would accomplish something I had set out to do almost 2 full years earlier.  It was a day I would do the Disneyland half marathon, a day that would finish up the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge, and a day that I would get the coast to coast medal.


Like in Dopey, the multiple mornings with the O dark thirty wake-up call seemed like they were getting earlier.  And like Dopey, the day of the longest race of the challenge I was able to get out of bed quickly and move quickly.  Unlike Dopey, I didn’t get stuck in a major traffic jam as I headed to the race. 

By this time, the Goofy statue and I were getting very well acquainted, as I stopped there for yet another pre-race picture.  I met up with my friend Erin as we were coming out of the elevators, so we walked over to Downtown Disney together. 
We met up with some friends for a pre-race picture and some words of encouragement.  We met at Earl of Sandwich, which was a great place to meet.  It was on the way to the start line, but it wasn’t crowded so we were easily able to find each other.  My friend Melanie and I had hoped to run the half together, so I was very thankful for an easy spot to find each other.


We headed to the start line. I dropped back a corral so we could start together, but we made our way to as near the front as possible.  We actually were right by the 2:30 pace group.  We thought about trying to stay with them, but we also know pace groups don’t stop for anything.  We decided to run our own race and pace and not join the pace group.  We didn’t stop for many pictures while in Disney’s California Adventure or Disneyland, the lines were just too long, maybe due to the fact that the hero of the story was combined with the villain.  We saw Lady Tremaine with Cinderella, the Evil Queen with Snow White. We did stop for DJ and Lightning McQueen and we absolutely had to stop for Tiana and Dr. Facilier since that is my youngest daughter’s favorite movie!  
 I think every race for the weekend I made a stop in Cars Land for a picture of whatever Cars character was out.  We stopped by the Mickey wheel and by the castle for some pictures, then we headed out of Disneyland and we hit the streets of Anaheim.

I have to tell you, I had heard about the entertainment on the streets, but I didn’t think it was going to be as much as it was.  It really was a street party.  I loved the dancers, the high school bands.  The costumes of the Spanish dancers were so bright and beautiful!!  I forgot to get a picture of them, but I loved the hula dancers that I did manage to get a picture of.  The classic cars were amazing.  I thought it would be a small group like in the Speedway of the marathon.  Goodness, no, the cars went on for over a mile.  My favorite color is purple, so when I saw an awesome purple car with Elvis Stitch on the front I had to get a picture.  I was Elvis Stitch for the full marathon for Dopey, and Stitch for the half for Dumbo, so it was the perfect car to just snap a picture with.

Angels’ stadium was probably one of my favorite parts of the half marathon.  I grew up a HUGE Cubs fan, and I had once dreamed about seeing a baseball game in every major league stadium.  So when we hit Angels’ stadium I was so excited.  I love running the warning track on a baseball diamond.  I do the Coors Field Homerun for the Homeless just to run on the warning track (and get a slushie for free).  When I was doing Dopey, I didn’t hate ESPN zone, because we got to run on a baseball field.  So to run on the warning track at Angels’ stadium just got me pumped up.  I told Melanie that we should run the entire thing, no walk intervals…but then we had to stop for a picture.  I loved the boy and girl scouts lining the stands and cheering us on.  I high fived lots of girl scouts that day.  Angels’ stadium was just a fun experience, and I would do the Dumbo challenge or the Disneyland half again just to run the stadium.

The last few miles of the race went as expected, and I kicked it up a notch near the end.  I have a habit of doing this when I run, pushing harder toward the end, so I can finish.  Melanie on the other hand doesn’t like to kick it up at the end, so I did end up having to pull back a little.  We passed the 2:45 pace group somewhere around mile 11 (how they got ahead of us, I have no idea).  We wondered if we would catch up with the 2:30 pace group that we had started with.  We didn’t catch them, but we had a great finish time of 2:33.  Not bad for stopping for pictures while in DCA and DL, stopping for every mile marker, and stopping for a few pictures along the half marathon course.  We were quite pleased with our time.

I really enjoyed the whole race experience while at Disneyland.  I loved the ease of walking to the start line without having to catch a bus.  I loved being inside the parks for the 5K and the 10K.  I truly loved the set up of the half marathon, where the first few miles were fun, taking pictures and enjoying Disneyland, but I absolutely loved that the last part of the race we could just get a good groove on and get running.  I love the smaller field that Disneyland has of runners compared to the massive field at Walt Disney World.  Getting Dumbo and getting my Coast to Coast medals were something I had dreamed of since 2013, when I first started thinking of doing the WDW marathon.  I wanted it even before the first Dopey was announced.  I loved Dumbo, the whole experience.  I liked the fewer days of Dumbo versus Dopey.  I loved Dopey for making me push so hard for something.  I liked Dumbo, because I ran all 3 races relatively pain free.  I am Dopey, I am Dumbo, I make my own dreams come true!!   -Lois
 

I'm sorry if my running annoys you

My friend Kristy recently wrote a post about things runners do that could be contributing to an unpleasant race experience for other runners titled "How to make sure you don't ruin a race for others".  She interviewed a group of runners on Facebook and recorded their responses.

While I was reading this post, it reminded me of a post I had been wanting to write for over a year.  I have definitely been a runner who has had her ups and downs. Over the years I've been a corral "A" runner, I've been a middle of the pack runner, and I've been an injured runner. For those reasons I feel I can be very diplomatic when writing this post.

Let me start out by saying that running is such an individual activity and out of all the races I've run (and I've done quite a few "bigger" races) I have never encountered another runner who I've contributed to me having a bad race experience.  With that being said, I understand when runners are annoyed with
 other runners who blow "snot rockets", run in groups that block half the road, or who just disregard runner etiquette altogether.  However, there are a few things that I think other runners need to just get over.




1. Yes, I know that some runners are annoyed with the run/walk runners.  I have done the run/walk method in the past and I will continue to use it during my next marathon.  If I am doing a race where I plan to run/walk, I know enough to place myself on the side of the road. When I am slowing down to a walk, I know to put my hand up to signal the change in my speed. That is the right thing to do.


It was mentioned by a non run/walk runner that us run/walk runners should turn around and check to see if anyone is behind us before we start walking. Well, I've learned early on not to turn around while I run.  When I first started running races I use to look over my shoulder to see how many people were still running behind me (I was paranoid that I would finish last).  I need to stay focused on the road ahead of me, not constantly taking time to look back. I would never expect a runner in front of me to look back. That's what the hand raise is for.  When you are driving a car, you are responsible for controlling your vehicle so it does not hit the car in front of you. I feel the same thing goes for running. I am responsible for paying attention to what is in front of me.  Perhaps not every runner is familiar with the run/walk method and might not know what the hand raise signifies. Well, runner's are a smart bunch, I think after a while they'll figure it out.


2. Apparently the constant beeping of Garmins and other devices us run/walkers use annoys other runners. Honestly, I was shocked when I heard this one.  This is so insignificant that I can't believe any runner would actually say this.   If these runners don't need the beeping for running intervals then heck, they shouldn't even be running at my pace. They should be ahead of me. Or better yet perhaps these runners should just put their ear buds in and listen to their music.

3. One thing that I constantly read over and over on blogs and on Facebook posts is people complaining that they had to weave in and out of "slower" runners.  This makes me feel bad when other people say this because it is essentially like they are saying "other people are in my way".  Yes, there is something to be said about corral placement. I have ALWAYS started in my correct corral but that doesn't mean that I have never been passed by someone who started behind me or in my same corral. I too have had to weave in and out of people that were not running as fast as I
was but that is just all part of the experience. Not everyone who is in your same corral is going to run at exactly the same pace at the same time. You need to be prepared to share the road with everyone.

I mention this because I want to remind everyone that it IS a race and it IS open to runners of all ability levels and paces. If runners don't ever want to weave around someone, hear someone's annoying beeping Garmin, have to watch out for other runners,  or hear a runner accidentally start to sing along to their ipod
(yes I'm talking about Lacey), then perhaps those runners should just run by themselves at home on their favorite trail. You will no doubt experience all sorts of runners on race day. Some will not run the same way you do, but keep in mind that everyone's goal is to cross that finish line and they are doing whatever they can to make it possible for them to do that even if it means doing a run/walk and having their Garmin beep.

Keep in mind that runners don't set out to annoy other runners! Please just have an open mind next time you are out racing.  -M

Disclaimer: Kristy and I are actually friends and she knew
 that I was going to write a follow up post to hers.

We are linking up with the gals from Tuesdays on the Run

Running the Tussey Mountain Relay



There are so many things that I am looking forward to this fall but the one thing I am especially looking forward to is participating in the Tussey Mountain  50 miler Relay Race in October.
 
 Several years ago I ran this race with members and instructors of the gym when I worked there and we had so much fun. This summer when I started teaching classes at the gym again I had the opportunity to become part of the team. Of course I accepted. There are so many great things about this race. Their motto is "Just for the hill of it"

1. The terrain. Yes it is very challenging as it is straight up the mountain with much elevation, but it is mostly on a dirt road which is much easier on your legs than a road race. What goes up must come down, so the second half of the race isn't as bad as the first half. 

2.The weather is usually perfect during this time of year for the race. The trail is mostly shaded so you do not get the direct sun on you. 

3.I have always wanted to do a Ragnar Race, but this ultra is great since it is only one day and there is no restless sleeping in a van.

4. One of the things I like about being part of an Ultra is the aid stations. So much better than at a marathon. In addition to water and Gatorade, they have snacks such as gummy bears, swedish fish, pretzels, and even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Some of the aid stations are only for the Ultra runners (that are doing all 50 miles by themselves).

5. Finally, it is just fun. There is 7 of us that do about 2 legs each. We get shirts made that say, "We run for Fun" because that is why we do it. There is no pressure with this race..

Have you ever Participated in an Ultra or Ultra Relay? -L




 
We are linking up with the gals from the Friday 5!

Sharing the Disneyland 10k

Over Labor day weekend many people were preparing barbeques, hitting the pool for a last dip before summer ends, or just enjoying a lazy weekend.  That weekend was anything but lazy for our friend Lois.  She was starting the second of three races out at Disneyland. She participated in her first Dumbo Double Dare and she is happily going to tell you all about it starting with the 10K on Saturday.
Dumbo double dare


Being on the west coast made the early morning wakeup calls much easier than the wakeup calls at Walt Disney World for the Dopey challenge. 



The 10K was villains themed, so I dressed as the Queen of Hearts and headed off to the races. 
dumbo double dare race
 The Goofy statue in the lobby was my go-to for the early morning prerace picture, just a fun place to take a picture.  The walk to the start line was an easy walk and didn’t take long at all.  I loved that part of the Disneyland races, they were all so easy to get to, no getting up extra early to catch a bus or leave early to beat the race traffic.  I absolutely loved being able to walk to the start line, and then at the finish of the race, walk back.  Disneyland can’t be beat for the ease of getting around race morning.


Cruella De Vil had taken over the stage and told us all to be prepared as the villains were now in control, and Mickey was not to be found.  It was true, I didn’t see Mickey the whole race.  Malificent came on the big screen and was very upset she wasn’t invited to the party, and you know what happens when Malificent doesn’t get invited to the party.  She took over and Rudy wasn’t able to start the race (but don’t fret, Malifecent was the one who started the race)
Dumbo double dare race


The race didn’t put us right into the parks, instead we headed down Disney Way toward the convention center, circled around that, and then entered the park on the east side on Harbor Blvd.  I liked being on the street for a bit, as it gave the corrals time to thin a little.  Once we hit the parks, we didn’t leave until the very end of the race where we went through downtown Disney to hit the finish line.  Along the course, the villains were out.  I stopped to get a picture with DJ, and who I thought was the shadow man from the Princess and the Frog (my youngest daughter’s favorite movie).  They had Lotso out from Toy Story, but the line was super long and I didn’t want to wait.  As we rounded into the Hollywood Area, Hades was out.  I’d never seen him, so I stopped for his picture.  Man, he is one scary dude.  Then Lady Tremaine was right there, so I stopped there as well. 


We crossed over from Disney’s California Adventure into Disneyland.  The one big difference between the west coast and east coast Magic Kingdom’s is that the castle on the west coast isn’t a prominent feature.  I of course stopped to get a picture by the castle, but it was rather underwhelming, after doing the races at Walt Disney World.  I loved going behind the scenes and seeing the train depot, the floats, and the Imagineering building.  I don’t know why, but seeing that gave me the chills, I guess it comes from knowing that is where the magic starts. 
Dumbo Double dare race, Captain hook
 I didn’t stop for many pictures in the Magic Kingdom, but I had to stop for Hook and Smee (maybe it is because I absolutely adore Killian Jones on Once Upon a Time, so I just had to get a picture with the original).
Disneyland 10k medal
The 10K ended the same was as the 5K, heading out into Downtown Disney, then through the finish line near the Disneyland hotel.  It was so much fun to see all the villains out, and as I was crossing the finish line Malificent was there.  Once again, the 10K didn’t disappoint, and I really think it is my favorite distance.
Have you ever done any of the Disney 10K's? What were your thoughts?

Harvest Festival 5K

 Every year our local area puts on a 5k race in celebration of the Harvest Festival. None of my family ran it last year, but my dad and sister ran it in 2013 and I ran it in 2012 and then another time a few years back.  The last time I ran it I placed first in my age group. I run a lot more now than I did back then so I was hoping to place again!
 
We had a beautiful day for the race. The best I can remember in recent years. The race did not start till 9:30 am and it was already starting to get hot. This was a chip timed race, however there was not a timing mat to step on as you started the race, there was only the finish line timing mat.  So I guess those that started near the back had the same start time as those in the front.  That isn't really fair but I guess since it is only a 5K it's not like anyone needed this as an official time to qualify for another race! 

Right from the start, I felt short of breath and just didn't feel right. Knowing that I won first in my age group before, I wanted to meet my goal again. Since it was a local race, I knew a lot of people there and I felt that added pressure to make sure I did well. The first mile I didn't feel like I was going that fast since my breathing was off. I looked at my Garmin and it read 6:47. What??? I have to slow down. No wonder I didn't feel right. I knew I had to hold my pace back the following miles. When I did that, I started to feel a little better. Even though I finished strong, I wasn't feeling very confident with my time this year, like I had in the past.

I met my mom, Scott, and Baylee at the finish line and waited for my sister and dad to cross.  After they crossed we had to walk across a parking lot back to the  lawn of the registration building to get water and snacks. It wasn't a far walk, but it would have been nice to have the water given out somewhere right past the finish line, especially since it was such a hot day. The race was pretty organized and right away they had our names, times, and places up on a board to view. I saw that I placed 2nd in my age group, which I was still happy with. My dad said that he placed 4th, and of course awards were only for the first three in each age group. 
 
 
 We stayed for the awards ceremony and we were surprised as well as my dad was to hear his name being called for 3rd place. Silly guy can't read the results right. He says, "well I'm glad I stuck around."  I was also fortunate enough to win one of the door prizes, free admission to one of the corn mazes!  Later that afternoon I went back downtown to visit friends and watch the annual parade.

What a beautiful weekend.  Next up, is a 5k through the Vineyards next weekend. I will be looking forward to that.

Do you like running local/small races? -L

This my friends is one thing I can't run without, can you?

As runners, it seems as though we have or own version of "would you rather". Would you rather run a hilly route on a cool day or a flat fast route on a scorching hot day? Would you rather PR or have the most fun race of your life? Things like that. 

Well when it comes to running equipment, I don't like to play that game. I like to have everything I need. However, if someone were to ask me if I would rather have my ipod or my Garmin I'd have to say this......................

 I didn't ever think I could run without music but in ACTUALITY, I have done ALL my Disney races (except Tower of Terror) without my own music. (Perhaps that is why TOT was one of best races). But anyway, Yes, I think music definitely makes my runs go better, but I've realized that I don't need it to have a good run.

On the other hand, I am totally dependent on my Garmin. I know I need to lessen this attachment and run more on feel, but since I've starting running intervals again, I need that constant beeping to keep me on track.  I am addicted to my Garmin like some runners are addicted to running selfies (yes, you know those runners). They are the runners that need that selfie for their #Proof that their run really happened. Like them, I need the #Proof of my Garmin (although the Garmin is just for me. I don't make a habit of posting the results on social media).  If my Garmin dies mid run, I actually feel like giving up. Because after all what's the point of finishing the run if I can not collect any data from it and see how I did? I say this with a bit of sarcasm, but it is true that I feel totally defeated if my Garmin dies and I can not see my progress (or lack there of).  -M

Is there one thing you "must have" on your runs? Do you need the #Proof?

We are linking up with the ladies from TOTR.

Thoughts from the Gym

As most of you know, I've been pretty dedicated to going to the gym at my PT office. And you may also remember me saying how I am one of the younger patients there. Since I've been going there for a while now, I wanted to continue to share with you some more of my thoughts about the gym (and the people there).

1. I notice that everyone else at the gym carries around a blue chart with them. On the chart it says which machines they should be working on, how many reps, and how much weight. I've been going

 here for months and never got a blue chart. Perhaps they think I am young enough to remember what I am suppose to do?

2. I totally understand why people grunt while lifting weights. I try really hard not too. Sometimes I hold my breath so I don't make an unnecessary noise!

3. I find it funny that the elderly folks come to the gym just to socialize. They aren't even dressed to work out. They have a few chairs by the window and they

sit there and eat snacks. I saw a box of donuts sitting there the other day. One lady even sits and does her check book.

4. Speaking of the older folks, there are a few ladies that actually do come to work on the equipment (their little blue chart in hand, of course). And they show up wearing their khakis and blouses with their Nikes.  I think "Now you went to the effort to put sneakers on, why don't you want to put comfortable clothes on".

5. The exercise bike that I use sits next to the PT assistance desk. We always talk while I ride the bike. The sad part is that I am always doing hill workouts on the bike so my breathing is always labored and I can barely get a complete sentence out.  This assistant must think that I am an idiot or that I don't communicate very well....lol

What thoughts would you have? -M

We are linking up with the gals from the friday 5




Races We Are Most Proud Of



The other day I was out on a training run with my sister and the topic of  "What race are you most proud of"  came up. Of course we are proud of every race we finish and I should probably be the most proud of the marathon I completed, but that was not my response.

Up until this point in my running career, I think I would consider Disney's Tower of Terror 10 miler to be my proudest race.
Fairytales and Fitness
I will tell you right now that it wasn't the most fun race (I ran alone and it was in the dark so I didn't take any pictures), but I was just amazed with myself that I had such a great run. I was so nervous starting that race. Of course I had just got over an injury (wouldn't be a complete running season if I didn't have an injury, right?....lol), so I was a little hesitant to REALLY push myself.  But for some reason when the fireworks went off and my corral was released to go, I felt like I was on fire. My little legs were going like lightening and I didn't even stop for my first little walk break until after the first three miles.  I thought the course was kind of challenging because for someone with knee and IT band issues, there was a lot of running up and down the on ramps on the highway. That did not make my knees feel good. But in the end I finished in what I would consider an awesome time and I was so proud of what I could accomplish. This race was definitely a confidence booster for me!   -M

I had mixed feelings about what my "proudest" race was.  Of course I felt so proud to run the Boston marathon in 2013, but it wasn't one that I had my best time on. I purposely took things a little slower in Boston just to soak in the atmosphere. I took candy from strangers, cheered with the folks in Wellesley, and high fived the children. It was awesome.  I was definitely glad to be there, but when I think about being excitedly proud of a finish, I think of the Disney Princess Half Marathon this past year.
 I not only finished in a great time, but I also stopped and got pictures with all the characters that were out. I think a Disney race adds an extra dimension of "challenge" to the race. You not only want to come in at a good time but you want to see how many character stops you can make and STILL come in at a good time!  I took that challenge! -L


Of course we are proud of each race we finish regardless of time but these are the ones we were most excited about! What is it that makes you proud of a certain race?

Things you should be tracking about your runs

Earlier this year ( back in January) I wrote about a running journal. I bragged about how great this journal was and how I couldn't wait to start documenting my runs.  The Journal was from Gone For  A Run. We even gave one of them away during our runner meet-up at WDW.

Well it turns out that after the wdw marathon 2015 I hadn't done any training runs so therefore, I hadn't  even used that journal!

I started my "official" training for next year's marathon in August ( I know I started a month too late, but I wanted to wait until I was confident that my legs/knees were strong enough).  Anyway, when I started running again is when I decided to use the journal.


The first thing I did was fill out the goals page in the front of the book. I wrote all my goals for the WDW Marathon. Yes, I did an A, B, and C goal ( I just didn't call it that at the time).

Next, I turned to the back of the book and wrote down all the races that I've completed and filled out my finish time for the ones that I could remember.

Then it was time to start filling out the data for my runs.  I use my Garmin on my runs so I just easily transfer all the stats from my watch to the journal. These are the things I am able to track in the journal. There are a few items I don't consistently track.

 Date

Time of day

Weather

Weight ( this option is on the page but I don't use it)

Route

Distance

Type of Run ( This is where I write which intervals I did)

Time (that is took for the run)

Pace

HR  and HR Rest ( I don't use these either)

a 1 to 5 scale to choose how I felt about the run.

Calories burned ( I don't track this either)

Shoes I wore  ( I like to know which shoes I wore on each run just in case I start to feel some pain. Also, I just realized that it was a good way to keep track of how many miles I put on each pair)

Any Additional Notes about the run (I usually fill this section out with more info about how I felt)


 I Have to say I absolutely LOVE this journal. I figured documenting each thing about my run would help me take pause when an injury starts lurking or if I am consistently having bad runs I can look back and see what all the commonalities might be.

I figured this is truly the best way for me to keep track of all my runs. I know that I can always use Garmin Connect to get some of this info but I like the fact that the journal lets me write in other things about the run too.  Do you track all your runs digitally or do you write them down somewhere? -M

We are linking up with TOTR where the theme is about "tracking devices".

Fall Races on the East Coast

Happy Friday Folks. Is it feeling like fall where you are?  It's doesn't feel like fall here yet, but since we missed last week's Friday 5 where the theme was "Fall Races", we thought we would share some Fall Races today.
5k, 10k half marathon


There are SO many races during the Fall that look like loads of fun, but we decided to just pick a few that are located on the East Coast. hopefully one of them will be with in driving distance to you.

1. Oktoberfest 5K : October 4th

If you are looking for a good Oktoberfest this fall, this one is for you! This 5K run/walk is just one of the activities that will be held at the time. It's held in Bethlehem, PA at the Arts Quest Center on the Steel Stacks Campus.  This is the same location the Runner's World Running Festival is held.   
Registration includes:

  • Official Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k tech shirt
  • Official Yuengling Oktoberfest 5k beer stein/mug
  • Bavarian/German themed elements throughout the course
  • FREE Yuengling Oktoberfest beer
  • Live entertainment
  • FREE race photos
  • Early VIP access and free admission to the Oktoberfest.
  •  To Register click HERE.  To save $5 off your registration you can use code MATIMING.

    2. Flyers 5K : October 17th










    This race is for competitive runners and families and will be held in conjunction with a family fun event which includes tailgating and inflatables for the kids.
    Swag includes a T-shirt and a medal for each runner and winners will get tickets to a Flyers game. The race will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly. You can get more info HERE.

    3. Atlantic City Marathon Series : October 16-18


    I am a huge fan of the Atlantic City races. I have done the April Fools series in the Spring for the last several year but have never done the Fall series of races.  Depending on which distance you run, you will be running some or all of the race on the boardwalk which I love. This is a great time of year to run at the beach!  I'm loving the swag this year for the fall races and I would love to do one of them if I can find a pet friendly hotel! Yes, I must take Baylee to the beach with me if I go. You can learn more or register for an AC race HERE.








    4. Conquer Run, Hershey Park: October 3

    There are several races that run through Hershey Park throughout the year and I am determined to do one of them in my future! The Conquer run supports The Penn State Hershey's Children Hospital to help fight childhood cancer. This a 5K adventure through Hershey Park  where you will help conquer childhood cancer by collecting each of the four diamonds – courage, strength, honesty, and wisdom – along the course!   Running through chocolate world for a good cause, what could be better?  Register or more info HERE.


    5. Shade Mountain Winery Harvest Hustle 5k  (Sept 27) and Lewisburg Lights 5k (Sept 25)

    These are two local races that we are planning on participating in.  The first one is a run through the vineyard.  I've never done one of these before but have read about many runners who have. The description of this race makes it seem like it is very hilly course. Of course there will be some sweet treats at the end!

    The Lewisburg Lights 5k is a night race and we get glow sticks to wear or hold. That one should be fun too!   Do you live near us? Want to run?


    Thank you to the Friday 5 gals for hosting this link up.

    Rock n Roll Virginia Beach: Sharing the Race Experience

     
     
    We arrived at Virginia Beach ready for a fun weekend. First up was picking up our packets and VIP passes at the Expo. Since it was Jay's first half it was his first time at an Expo so he enjoyed looking around at all the different booths. He was wondering why everything was so expensive. I just reminded him that is how it is at every Expo. He still ended up buying a shirt and of course a sticker to put on his truck. After the Expo we met up with some friends for lunch and enjoyed the Steve Miller Band on the beach that evening. The next day we went for brunch then it was back to the house for a relaxing evening and grilled out for dinner. 

    Race morning arrived too early. Neither one of us had a good night sleep. After slowly getting around it was time to head out. Luckily since we had VIP Parking we were able to park right in front of the Convention Center. They offered plenty of snacks and coffee inside. There were even foam rollers and mats you could use prior to the race. The best part was being able to use the restroom and not the port-o- pottie, and there was hardly a line. Soon enough it was time to get to our corrals. I asked him one last time if he wanted me to run with him. I really didn't mind since it was his first one. But he insisted on me to just run my own pace. I told him I'd meet him at the finish line and then we went our separate ways.
    Fairytales and fitness
     
    This is the first year since the last three years I ran that it was not extremely hot at the start. It was still warm but it was overcast. It even started to drizzle in the beginning. I was hoping that it didn't start raining anymore. Wishful thinking I suppose, because it did start raining a bit more, I wouldn't saying pouring but enough to be uncomfortable. Luckily it only went on for about three miles. Soon enough it cleared up and the sun did eventually come out and it made for great day. During the whole race I felt pretty good. I was hoping that Jay was feeling the same way. After I finished I thought to myself that I could've pushed a bit more since I didn't feel exhausted afterwards. I think a lot of us
     have the feeling after a race, like what could have we done differently. We are our own biggest critic and we just have to appreciate what we can do, not what we should've done.

    After completing the race, I found a  really good spot at the finish line and waited for Jay. I was so excited watching him cross the finish line of his first half marathon. Now it was time to celebrate his accomplishment. We met up with some friends on the beach then it was time to enjoy our brunch and mimosas at Rock Fish. I wanted to hear all about his race while we were eating. He said he ran a lot further than he thought he as going to before taking his walk breaks. He didn't want to waste any time waiting in line for a port- o-pottie so he jumped in the woods and ended up hitting a brier bush and cut up his legs. But that didn't stop him, he continued on his way and finished strong!
    race on the beach, fairytales and fitness

    Later that day we went to a friend's house and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the pool and the hot tub. After playing a couple rounds of corn hole it was time to get read for the headliner Sheryl Crow. We thought we had the VIP for the concert since we received Race Day VIP so we didn't eat dinner because we thought it was included. When we arrived, they said that Race Day VIP and Concert VIP was different. We thought that was odd because the last few times that my sister and I were invited to be VIP, we got to do the dinner before the concert and have preferred viewing.  Regardless, it wasn't a big deal and the concert was fun and Sheryl Crow put on a great show.
    anniversary race shirt virginia beach half marathon
     
    Here is what the 15th anniversary race shirt looked like! I think it's pretty cool!
     
    I know this wasn't a very in depth look at this race but I've ran it now for several years in a row. If you are thinking about signing up for this race but need more information about the expo, race day, the course, or any of the VIP events, please feel free to check out our other posts. They are more in depth. I promise.  -L
     
    2014
     
    2013
     
    2012
     

    Why I'm feeling so defeated!

    Have you ever felt really good about something and then something happens and it just burst your bubble?

    Ever since I signed up for the WDW Marathon for the second time, I had a goal to just beat last year's time. It shouldn't be hard, seeing as I ran the entire race injured last year.  But, I finished the race and that's all that matters.

    I have to admit that I did have fun during the marathon and I DID say that I was "One and Done", but I felt like I owed it to myself to give it another try and hopefully run it at the best of my ability. So yes, my only reason in running it again is to better my time. I know it should be all about fun, but at this point I just want to see what I am capable of. I know from experience that anything can happen on race day, so it may be foolish of me to even set any goals.

    But there is where the problem lays. After more time than I care to admit, I've been calculating, and looking at past race paces, and looking at my current training run pace to develop a plan. I not only wanted to finish the marathon in a better time than I did last year, but I actually have a goal time in mind.  According to my plan and the average pace per mile I would have to run, it seemed doable. I would definitely be cutting it close and might not make my time if I had to make a restroom break or stop at a med tent, or any other possibility that an unpredictable race day could throw at me.  I am four months out from race day and already my plan was making me nervous and I was putting undue pressure on myself.

    I had a pretty good 6.2 mile training run on Saturday and hit all my miles under the pace I needed to be at to hit my marathon goal. I was actually pleased with myself UNTIL I put that pace into the McMillian race pace calculator. Boy did I feel defeated!  Apparently I have more faith in myself than McMillian does.  According to their pace calculator I will miss my time goal by 18 minutes. Okay, so maybe this was the reality check I needed.   This doesn't stop me from trying my best but now I guess I should know to not be disappointed if I don't make my first goal.   -M

    Have you ever WAY exceeded a running goal that you made for yourself?
    How accurate have you found those pace calculators to be?

    We are linking up with the lovely ladies from TOTR.

    Motivation provided by Women's Running magazine

    Hi everyone! This week has been pretty busy/emotional for us as we adjust to some new things life has thrown our way. Because of this I know I have been behind on my runs. I did go to the PT gym once this week which I am going to chalk up as a success and I plan to go again on Friday.

    I haven't ran since last Friday when my sister and I did the Sole Sister 7 miler. We ran through town, it was pretty uneventful except for the fact we did it at 11:30 and it was scorching hot. I don't know why we thought that was a good idea????

    So just when I was feeling a little bad about how my training is going, I came home to something that perked me up! An unexpexted suprise in the mail will always do that!

    As part of the Rock n Blog team, I am participating in a collaboration with "Women's Running" Magazine and they sent me some great swag including this Zip up. 

    They also sent me this racerback tank. I think this is really cute and love how it has the Women's Running logo on it as well. Those round things shown in both pictures are actually hair ties. I was actually excited about those. Remember that was something I was hoping to get in my Beauty box but didn't. 


    If you would like to subscribe to Women's Running Magazine  you can use our code FAIRYTALESNFIT to get it for only $9.99 instead of the traditional price of $19.99. You can subscribe here http://runrocknroll.co/lUlDmH

    Does new gear motivate you? -M
    What magazines do you subscribe to?