Walt Disney World of Bust: Thanksgiving Disney Wedding Family Adventure! – Day 1

Our third week long trip to Walt Disney World of 2012 was planned for a family grand gathering of 50 in celebration of a family wedding.  The wedding would take place at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn with a reception to follow in EPCOT. 

Being that it was our third trip to WDW within a year and that we were traveling during high peak times and I'm cheap, we choose to drive down to Florida this trip. We are Disney Vacation Club owners (Boardwalk is our home resort), Annual Passholders, and Tables in Wonderland holders so the expense of this trip was "minimal."  We planned to stay in Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa while family was spread out in the World at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside.

For every Disney trip (WDW or Disneyland) we sit down as a family and list the new or haven’t done in a while experiences we want to accomplish on the trip.  Below is our November list:

1. Magic Kingdom – Fantasyland expansion
2. Magic Kingdom – haircuts at Harmony Barber shop
3. Magic Kingdom – Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
4. Magic Kingdom – Celebrate the Magic Show
5.  All Holiday decorations - Gingerbread Houses
6. Hollywood Studios – Pirates of the Caribbean – Legion of Captain Jack Sparrow
7. Hollywood Studios – Osborne Lights
8. Epcot – new Test Track (if open)
9. Epcot – Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure 
10. All ride photos with the cousins
11. Disney wedding

We set a PR of 18 hours and 10 minutes driving down from Connecticut.  The drive was uneventful – which is exactly how you want a long distance drive to be and we soon arrived at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort at 9:44am.

The resort was all decked out for the holidays and when we arrived the lobby smelled like hot apple cider!  We arranged for early check-in because having been in the car for 18+ hours we were unfit to be in public without showers and our teeth brushed.  We had requested a room near the new swimming area in the Paddock, but since all we wanted were showers and a ready room, we received a room in the Grandstand area of the resort – studio room 9701.  This was a nice corner room located on the 3^rd floor (love the elevators & parking in Saratoga!) overlooking the Lake Buena Vista golf course with views of the Tree House Villas. 

After unpacking and showering, we were ready to hit the parks at high noon.  The only problem with that was we were in need of a meal and we were in no mood to fight the Magic Kingdom quick service crowds.  So instead we decided to grab lunch at Captain Cooks at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and take the boat from there over to the Magic Kingdom.

First stop in the Magic Kingdom – Town Hall Square Theater – to upgrade my Disney PhotoPass to a Disney PhotoPass+!  This was the second time we have used the PhotoPass+ (first time was in April 2012 a few weeks after the launch of the product).  I absolutely LOVE getting off Splash, Space and Everest and loading our ride photos on our PhotoPass!  TIP:  Remember to take a photo of the PhotoPass Number and the activation code.  You’ll need these numbers to easily replace your PhotoPass+ if you “misplace” it!

Awesome!

After getting our Fast Pass to Space Mountain we made our way over to Fantasyland.   I was pretty convinced that Under the Sea Journey of The Little Mermaid would be the same ride as in Disneyland’s California Adventure.  We had first ridden it during Disneyland’s Half Marathon Weekend in 2011 and were quite impressed with the “next generation” animatronics.  Yes, it was the same, however, the theming and attention to detail outside and in the pre-boarding queue was outstanding.   

Interesting taste....

We also visited Gaston’s Tavern to partake in LeFou’s Brew (Disney’s answer to Butterbeer) and view the Be My Guest Restaurant menu prior to eating there later in the week.

One of our last stops of the day was Harmony’s Barber Shop located between the Firehouse and the Emporium.   This is a true Disney gem that we have been enjoying since our baby’s first haircut.  Everyone can get their haircut here or just opt for some pixie dust! 

All in all we had a successful first full day with all three Magic Kingdom mountains ridden, new Fantasyland explored and haircuts completed for the Disney wedding later in the week!  We finished the night up with supper at Boma in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

What to Wear When it's Cold Out There

Manchester Road Race with Janice & Becca

I smell snow.   No need to panic and move your running inside to the “dreadmill.”  With the proper prep you too can remain a road warrior and continue to log your miles out on the blacktop.

January 2013 will mark my 5^th Walt Disney World marathon and 4^th Goofy Challenge.  In order to be in race-ready form, I will continue to run my long training runs outside.  Temperatures can range anywhere from 50 to 10 degrees and sometimes lower

 First thing I have found you need is a Clothing Temperature guide on what you should wear at what temperature.   I keep page 170 from Jeff Galloway’s, “Marathon:  You Can Do It” dog-eared with my running clothes

 There are plenty of these guides available.  Find the one that works for you and keep it where you can easily reference it when needed.  You can also find what to wear guides on Runners World and other running websites:  http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html

If I plan on running in the morning, I lay out my clothes the night before.  This way everything is lined up for me and easy to put on in the dark so I don’t wake the entire house getting ready.  I check the weather report for the time I’m going to begin my run and until the time I should be finishing my run.  For instance, if I plan on running 20 miles then I will need to plan my gear for 4 hours or more.  I also make sure that my cell phone, my Garmin, my road ID as well as my hydration belt is packed and ready to go.  

Here are my "must have’s" for running in the winter:

"fall" and "winter" CW-X's

• Running Tights:  I’m normally a Running Skirts girl, but once the temperatures dip into the 40’s, I break out my CW-X’s.  I own 3 pairs of these babies (2 winter weight and 1 fall weight) and although they are quite expensive ($$$) they are worth every single penny.  CW-X’s are engineered with compression and support features and come in different fabric weights depending on your temperature needs.   

One of my Pearl iZumi Jackets

• Good layers and warm outer shells:  Once temps dip below 20-degrees I layer up with a sports bra, tank (Nike), long-sleeved tech shirt (normally a race giveaway shirt), and then thick Polypro top (Brooks, Asics, Adidias) or my Pearl iZumi wind proof and waterproof jacket.  I cannot say enough about these jackets.  One of the best features is that the sleeves zip off and the jacket then converts into a vest!  There’s a back pocket that can hold your sleeves while you run or you can simply tie them around your waist.  Plus they come in colors other than yellow, like green, pink and orange (hint,hint, Santa).  No matter what brand you prefer be advised it should be a made of fabrics that keep the moisture away from your body.  It may be cold, but you will be sweating and being cold and wet is not fun.

Half-Gloves - can be worn under mittens

• Socks, Gloves/Mittens, Hats and Headbands with Ear Covers:  Yes, you need all of these.  My motto is that when in doubt bring and leave in the car.  When training during the winter months I would also invest in a runner baklava.  Your motto should be NO EXPOSED SKIN!  Again favorite brands are Trail Heads, Brooks, Nike.

My favorite running mittens

• A good paid of sunglasses:  My running sunglasses are Maui Jim ($$$).  I’ve had them since 2008, they are lightweight and do not slip off my face when running.  They are also Polarized and wrap around the corners of my eyes to limit exposure.  I love them and cannot rave about them enough.  When I begin my long runs in the dark, I just put them up on top of my head until I need them.  They stay put.  LOVE!!

Winter Hydration Tip:  Remember that your fluids can and will freeze.  Remember to keep them out of the cold by pulling your top layer over the bottles when you run.

Shopping Tip:  Where should you shop for these running goodies?  I visit my local running specialty shop, Fleet Feet.  There are also the big box locations.  And another favorite is www.runningwarehouse.com

The Day I Became a Believer in the Jeff Galloway Run/Walk Method

With Jeff Galloway at the 2011 WDW Marathon Expo

Nothing really prepares you for the pain and suffering of your first marathon.  You really don’t have a clue until you live, barely, through it.  I apologize to all my half marathon friends, but you cannot compare the two distances.  In my novice opinion, they are two entirely different beasts.  Once you finish your first half marathon you are definitely tired, sore and spent, but once you finish your first full marathon you want to DIE.

I consider my first marathon a disaster.  I hit the wall at mile 20 with every single muscle in my torso and legs cramping.  Muscles that never hurt during training were now crying out in pain with every step. At mile 18 I was scanning the side of the road looking for a nice ditch to lie down to rest or a vehicle to throw my body in front of in the hopes of ending my misery.

I don’t remember exactly how I got my body to the finish line, but I know it wasn’t pretty and I wasn’t running.  I had to continuously stop to stretch out my cramped calves.  I finished in 6:03:33 with tears streaming down my face so happy that I was done and with a vow that I would never, ever, ever run a marathon again.  EVER.

The pain wore off and in March 2009 I stupidly registered for my first Walt Disney World Goofy’s Challenge.  What’s Goofy’s Challenge?   Here’s the official write up from www.rundisney.com:

Goofy Challenge Wristband

“If you think that a marathon is just a walk in the park, put your endurance to the test and compete in Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge! A 39.3-mile adventure held over two days, participants will run the Half Marathon on Saturday, followed by the Marathon on Sunday. If you finish both races within the pacing requirements, you will be awarded the coveted Goofy medal in addition to your Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse finisher medals.”

You see.  The Goofy Challenge is not a big deal.  I had completed a full marathon and I had completed a half marathon.  How hard could it possibly be to complete them in the same weekend?

In March of 2009, I don’t remember where I came across the name Jeff Galloway.  It could have been from Runner’s World or maybe one of his books, but at that time I don’t believe he was affiliated with runDisney.  All I knew was there had to be a better way to complete a marathon and I needed to figure it out before I began my training for the Goofy Challenge.

Jeff Galloway’s run/walk method intrigued me with the goal of “finishing in the upright position.” Since I normally ran at a 10 minute pace I choose the 3:1 ratio.  Jeff outlines this on both his website and in his many books.  The 3:1 ratio meant that I would run 3 minutes and then walk for 1 minute.  Walk breaks would help me to reduce fatigue and also speed my recovery in preparation for Goofy.  I also decided that it was now time to invest in a Garmin watch.  I bought the latest and greatest (at that time) the 405CX, but soon realized that I needed a Ph.D. to program the thing.

Never-the-less, I trained the entire season running and walking during my intervals. I was making this pilgrimage to WDW with my best friend, Terri-Ann, who was going to run the 5K Fun Run.  In January 2010, Florida was experiencing records cold temps and the weather in Orlando was actually similar to the weather in Connecticut – it was COLD.   

At the Start of the Half Marathon

We stayed at Disney’s Old Key West resort and I remember walking to the Half Marathon corral on Saturday and seeing SNOW at 5am.  All during the Half Marathon the weather was miserable with continuous freezing rain.  I stuck to my 3:1 intervals and also threw in walks through the hazardous “water” (ice) stations.  

I finished the 2010 Walt Disney World Half Marathon in 2:22:15 a 10:51 pace.  This was slower than my first half marathon in which I ran at a time of 2:15:36, a 10:21 pace.  I was fine with the time because I had a full marathon to run the following day and I was wet and chilled to the bone.

At the start of the full Marathon

The weather on the day of the 2010 WDW Marathon was better than the day before in that it was not sleeting, however, it was still “Connecticut Winter cold.”  Florida is not supposed to be that cold.  It is not pleasant.  Water stops were still frozen ice rinks, however, my run/walk plan was keeping me calm and focused until I crashed at mile 22.  All I remember is crying into my cell phone telling Terri-Ann to come pick me up so I could find a nice resting spot to die.  I don’t know exactly what happened, but all of a sudden, I saw Captain Jack Sparrow out of the corner of my eye and he was following the 5:30 pacer and THEY WERE DOING THE RUN/WALK METHOD TOO!!  

Oh my gosh!  This was the lift I needed.  I mustarded all my strength and I followed their feet, willing my own legs to keep up with theirs.  Terri-Ann came into view somewhere in Mile 24 next to Disney’s Boardwalk playground coming to rescue me from the marathon; however, I blew her off.  I couldn’t stop NOW because I was following Captain Jack Sparrow and I was going to FINISH!!!

I don’t remember a lot of that last mile and a half of the marathon.  I know crying was involved.  I know spectators were cheering me on.  I know I looked horrible.  I know that when I turned the final corner and saw the Gospel Choir I was hyperventilating.  I know that I hugged the volunteer that gave me my WDW Marathon Medal (Mickey) and I totally broke down when another volunteer gave me my WDW Goofy Challenge’s Medal (Goofy).  God bless the volunteers who put up with the delirious, blood, sweat and tears of the marathon finishers!  

I finished the 2010 WDW Marathon in 5:38:39 with a 12:54 pace.  This finish was 25 minutes faster than my first marathon a year before plus I had run the half marathon the day before!  This was the day that I became a believer in the Jeff Galloway run/walk method.

Officially Goofy with Goofy himself, Donald and Terri-Ann

37th Marine Corps Marathon Race Report: “Your Feet Should be Pounding Pavement”- Part 2

The Sunday prior to the marathon my daughter and I took our weekly horseback riding lesson in preparation for a Field Trial Event.  She has been taking lessons for 2 years.  I’ve been taking them for about 6 weeks.  Needless to say, I spent her entire lesson assuring her that falling off a horse was a rite of passage and that sooner or later you WILL fall from the horse.  My words rang true 45 minutes into my lesson when all of a sudden I was looking at the horse from a vantage point I didn’t quite recognize and landed on my left butt cheek!  Yup, just what I needed 1 week prior to a marathon race and 3 months after my torn TFL injury.  Quick – ice, Arnica, and heat – STAT!

I awoke the next morning unable to move or get out of bed.  BAD.  Very, very bad!  What to do?  What to do?  Luckily, I received this in my inbox:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ERiWnPSq1nw
 

That gave me the strength to get out of bed!

The Marine Corps Marathon is sometimes referred to as “the people’s marathon.”  This marathon is also a favorite of “newbies” and first time marathoners.  If you like running with 35,000 of your closest running friends, then this marathon is for you!  Honestly though, for a first time marathon, heck for anyone who is not an elite, I think they would enjoy this marathon.  No matter how fast or slow you run, you will have company on your run.  If you are like me, a runner/walker you will not be alone!  If you are speedy then again – you will not be alone - or so I’m told. 

The course was lined with Marines cheering us on!  What an inspiration!  Every time we past a mile marker a Marine with a bullhorn called out our time.  Water stops were manned by the Marines with both water and Gatorade and they all were encouraging us.  How humbling. 

The food provided consisted of orange wedges, Clif Shots, candy, Sport Beans and Dunkin Donuts.  We ran through Roslyn into Georgetown and then past the Kennedy Center, Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, Dr. Martin Luther King, WWI, WWII memorials.  We also ran past the Washington monument and Smithsonian Museums on our way up to the US Capital building. FAB-U-LOUS! 

Then we rounded the turn on our way back to Crystal City and over the 14^th Street Bridge to “Beat the Bridge” at Mile 20.  This bridge seemed to go on forever, but the company was good so we carried forward.  We then ran through Crystal City.  Here the crowd support was awesome with lots of good music and cheering spectators. 

For the final 2 miles we had one quick jaunt around the Pentagon and then onward along Arlington National Cemetery (majestic and sobering), then up the hill (which is steep, but short) and through the finish at the Marine Corps War Memorial. 

What a humbling experience to have the Marines cheering us on to the finish line and congratulating us.  I turned to them and said, “No, THANK YOU!  I just ran 26.2 miles, but you defend our country every day!”  Through the chutes we walked to receive our medals with a quick salute and hugs all around and then on to the Iwo Jima memorial for our race finish photo. 

The Marines took good care of us providing us with a “FitFul Post Race Recovery Meal” box.  These packs had hummus and crackers, pretzels, Dole fruit bowl, dark chocolate and a bagel.  Actually quite good!  Bananas, water and Gatorade were also handed out. 

We all received a recovery jacket – complete with a zippered front and hood – love it!!!!  This came in handy as we waited our turn for the shuttle buses.  The finish festival also had free massages and a beer area.  Since we needed to outrun Hurricane Sandy to get home we skipped the festivities and made our way to the shuttles.

Ah, the shuttles.  The Marines quickly got the lines for the Metro and shuttles under control.  The lines were long, but moved along at a post recovery marathon pace – SLOW.  The shuttles were nice coach buses and took us on a scenic drive back to Crystal City.  Unfortunately, the Crystal City shuttle provided one stop and we still needed to walk an additional mile and a half back to the hotel.  There was bitching and whining and that’s all we need to say about that.

All in all – I would HIGHLY recommend the Marine Corps Marathon to anyone – elite, novice and anyone in between.  You will be supported by the best of the best and have the most amazing sightseeing tour of Washington, DC!

37th Marine Corps Marathon Race Report - Part 1

My 50 marathons in 50 States quest for 2012 ended with my running of the 37^th annual Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.  The Marine Corps Marathon begins and ends in Virginia and runs through Washington, DC and its various landmarks and memorials.  In your quest for 50 Marathons in 50 States, this marathon can be counted towards the State of Virginia.  If you know anything about me, you know that Washington, DC is one of favorite places to visit besides Walt Disney World, Disneyland and a US National Park so this marathon was one of my "must do's/bucket list" marathons.



We stayed at the Doubletree hotel in Crystal City and packet pick up was a short Metro ride away at the DC Armory.  Luckily we had been there before for the Rock-n-Rock 1/2 Marathon in March, however, us being us - didn't realize this until we came up from the underground. 

The race expo was very good, but since this was my 14th event for 2012, my budget was limited to only the purchase of a Marine Corps Marathon jacket.  So.... I made it out of the expo with the jacket, winter head wrap, a magnet and a visor.  Hey, I refrained myself and did not buy any Running Skirts or Sweaty Bands and only spent $140!! 

The race start began at the Pentagon which was a short 10-minute walk from our hotel.  We had rearranged our travel plans, due to Hurricane Sandy, and checked out of the hotel a day early on our way to the start.  We soon joined the herd of runners moving through Pentagon security to select our corral based on our anticipated finish time.  At the Marine Corps Marathon it’s up to you to determine where you should line up.  My running friends and I choose a 5pm finish corral.  Our race plan was to run 2 minutes with 30 second walk.  I had just come off a torn TFL injury and had fallen off a horse a week ago, so I wasn’t exactly in the best shape!