Oh, I just love Disney Races! The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend has always been one of my favorite races. Each Disney Race I run, it always feels like a joyous running celebration.  Disney Characters, marching bands and D.J.’s along the course is always a positive moment for me.   These events always put a smile on my face.

This weekend, I headed to Orlando, to run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon. My plan was to spend one night at Old Key West and then head home soon after the race. I arrived mid-morning Saturday and headed to the Running Sport Expo to pick up my number.   After the Expo, I checked into the Old Key West Resort, enjoyed an early pasta dinner and was in bed by 9 pm for a 2:45 am wake-up call.

The next morning, at 3:30am. I was on the Disney resort bus to the staging area.  When I arrived, I headed over to the Race VIP Indoor Retreat (a prior purchase package) to sit down and have some fruit, coffee, pastries and to stay warm until race time.

The race started at 5:30 am on a side road near the Epcot parking lot.  About half hour later my corral was sent on our way.

We all headed on World Drive towards the Magic Kingdom.

We passed the monorail and the Magic Kingdom sign, and then we were at the Magic Kingdom.

My favorite part of the course!

We ran through the entrance and down Main Street, USA.

We took a right turn into Tomorrow Land, passed the Laugh Floor, Buzz Lightyear, and into Fantasy Land.  We ran by the Carousel and the Dumbo ride.

Next stop, running through Cinderella ‘s Castle. I love seeing the castle all lit up!

The course then made its way through Liberty Square, Frontier Land   and then on the way back to the Epcot for the finish.

Once I arrived in Epcot, I ran past Space Ship Earth and then out an employee gate to the finish line.

A volunteer placed a medal around my neck and then I grabbed some water, Gatorade and snacks and headed back to Old Key West to shower and head home.

 

Continue reading →

 

Sunday, I ran the Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon.   It was a beautiful gorgeous   morning.  I had a fantastic time running along the ocean and I love seeing the results of the Jeff Galloway coaching program.  My long run endurance is increasing and my performance fitness has improved.  I am so happy about this. 🙂 Yeah!

The Expo

My spouse Ed and I went to the expo on Saturday morning. It was at the Broward County Convention Center. We picked up my packet and then walked around checking out all the vender booths.   The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home followed by an early dinner.

Race Day

 

The race started at 6:00am.

The start line was close to the Museum of Science and Discovery in Fort Lauderdale.

The temperature during the race was high 60’s – low 70’s. Too warm for most runners, however, I actually like the warmer weather, easier on my respiratory system.

The course travelled down Las Olas Blvd towards the ocean coastline, along the ocean, through a nature park (Birch Park) and then   back to the coastline towards the finish line.
The course was mostly flat.

There were many gorgeous views of the sunrise…… from the intra-coastal bridge approaching the ocean…. and along the ocean front.

Running through Birch Park was very clean and scenic.  The view of the waterway throughout the park was stunning.

I had a fun time.

Next week …Princess Half Disney

9 weeks until the Boston Marathon.  This came in the mail….

Last weekend I ran 21 miles as part of my Galloway Boston Marathon training Program.  By running longer, I am increasing my endurance and performance for race day.  In order to prevent the physical soreness of 21 miles, I walked and ran very slowly.   Turtle pace.  My assignment for this run was just cover the distance.  No huff and puffing.  Pure exhaustion was not allowed.

Prior to the run, I had a carbo-load dinner and then it was run time the next morning. I had plenty of snacks and drinks and just tried to enjoy myself. I sang along to Country music, and Broadway tunes just to make sure I wasn’t pushing too hard. I also broke the mileage into 4 segments of 5 miles.  After each segment, I would stretch, grab a snack and just chill a minute or two.

 

And then I was done.

and I was not found lying on the ground pass out.

I also been swimming to build up my strength.

I’m about 10 weeks away from the Boston marathon.   My training is going very well. Last week I ran  10 mile repeats.   Mile repeats are…. you run hard for one mile, recover for a bit, and repeat.  By doing mile repeats, I am hoping to increase my marathon speed.

Later in the evening, Super bowl .  Patriots