Well, my goodness!
A week has passed since the Disney Marathon and I am feeling good :) There is so much to say, so I will try to recount as much as possible without boring the poo out of you:
My sister and I got up at 3:00 AM and started getting ready for the race (dressing, stretching, applying copious amounts of Body Glide), each of us freaking out in our own way. I used the purple Sharpie provided by Disney in our marathon gift bags to do a little something I used to do in college: I wrote adjectives on my body. With the idea that there is a connection and strength between mind and body, the thought that what we say can affect how we feel, I occasionally write on myself to help that along (see What the Bleep Do We Know?! to understand more).
"Powerful" on each thigh. "Strong" (with a 3-circle Mickey) on my core.
The words are almost faded, but are a fun reminder of what I did a week ago.
Anyway, by 4:00 AM, we caught the Monorail to take us to the race starting site. Everyone on the train with us looked just as excited and cold--and when I say cold, I mean cold. Hoth cold.
It was 27 degrees and all the layers we were wearing did very little for warmth. It was actually quite funny, people in hardcore running gear wrapped in trash bags and Mylar, bathrobes and towels. A DJ blasted music that I bobbed along to in an attempt to stay warm.
And don't even get me started on how chilly the Porta-Potties were. It was no wonder that as soon as the race began, you could see runners peeling off to pee on the edge of the trees!
It was around this time, waiting in line to freeze our butts off, that my dear sister kindly and encouragingly told me, "This is the WORST idea ever."
Ahh, sweet sister! But it was all in good fun--especially since she recently told me she's considering doing another marathon, yay!
Anywho, as the race really got started, there were fireworks and music and Mickey and the gang to welcome us to the starting line! As our massive corral (the Tsunami, they called us) crossed the start, our D-Tags were activated. Attached to our shoelaces, the D-Tags are how the timing was recorded for each individual racer; it was also great to walk through the parks later and see people with their D-Tags still attached.
My sister and I started the race together, which was really important to me. Even though I knew we wouldn't be running the whole thing together, it was really good that we starting out by running across the starting line together :) This won't be the last race we do together, but more on that later.
It really was something to run in the cold, dark morning. Racewalkers, joggers, couples, groups. Everyone was excited--if not freezing! As I had mentioned earlier, there were a lot of layers that got thrown to the side as everyone started to get a little warmer; however, just as quickly as someone would ditch a sweatshirt, someone else would pick it up and put it on!
The mile markers were big lit signs with the elapsed time shown in front of them. People stopped to get their pictures in front of them; Disney provides you with a disposable camera, which is very nice of them considering how many photo opportunities there are along the way for great pictures! There are princesses and pirates and Pluto, too, all ready to take a picture with you as you run through the various parks.
Epcot, the first park you come across, was my favorite to run through, since it was still dark. Crowds of people who were brave enough to come out this early were cheering us on throughout the entire race, but it was really something to see them at the entrance to Epcot. Running past Spaceship Earth (aka the Big Golf Ball) with an inspiring orchestral score blasting out of the speakers was unbelievable.
The rest of the race is kind of blurry. It was freezing (the ground near the water/Powerade stations was icy), and running on the long stretches of highway was pretty tough. It was a huge help to have the ChEAR Team shouting encouraging words to us, and every time I got really tired, there was a marching band playing "Eye of the Tiger" or the Central Florida Accordion Club playing Polka music!
I really hit the wall around Mile 10; my hip, which had bothered me during the early weeks of training, did not do well in the cold weather. I kept myself going by setting mini goals: Just make the next big mile cut--and I did. Just make it to the Magic Kingdom--and I ran through Cinderella Castle. Just make it to my parents, who were waiting to see us run past at mile 12.5--and I saw them, and cried, and was ready to call it a day.
Even when I could barely shuffle along, there was such an overwhelming amount of support, from my family and total strangers and the wonderful people at Walt Disney World. I went as far as I could, and then (truly) happily limped back to the hotel room with my Mom and Dad.
A hot shower that drained the Atlantic Ocean and some cashews and water kept me going while the folks went to go see my sister cross the finish line. Not too long after they left the room, though, I heard a rustling outside the door: It was my sister, wrapped in warming Mylar and wearing a Mickey-shaped medal! Although my parents missed seeing her cross the finish line, I was really excited that I got to see her first :) Even though she was nasty gross with salt caked to her forehead, I was so proud of her and so glad that she finished her first marathon!
The rest of our stay down in Walt Disney World was wonderful, filled with good food, great rides, and a crap-ton of painkillers! Everywhere we went there were people wearing their medals, limping with pride. I really was so pleased and proud of myself for my accomplishment: even if I didn't finish the marathon, I ran a half marathon for my first race and trained my butt off!
As soon as I was back in the hotel room, all I could think of was how I couldn't wait for next year. And in the mean time, I'll be running some other races--my sister and I are already getting ready to sign up for the Peachtree Roadrace in July, and she's got a half marathon coming up in March!
These past four months have been so rewarding; even when I was achy and tired and ready to quit, I kept going (despite many whiny posts), and last week was incredible.
I intend to keep posting (much more frequently) in this blog, especially with all the upcoming races, and I am looking forward to attempting new challenges and pushing myself to meet new goals.
Thank you for sticking with me, and I hope you continue to do so as I find out what new adventures are in store for me! Maybe I've amused you, maybe I've bored you, maybe I've even inspired you to go try a challenge of your own, but I really do hope that regardless of what this blog may have done for you, you remember its title, and the reason behind it:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
Thanks, everyone.
Showing posts with label wdw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wdw. Show all posts
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
10 Hours and Counting,,,
Yup, folks, it's almost time for the Disney Marathon!
It's about 8:00 PM here in Orlando, and freezing cold to boot--tomorrow's race is going to start with temperatures in the 20's. Brrr!
My sister and I are about to go to sleep, since we'll be waking up at 3:00 AM so we can begin transportation before 4:00 AM. There's a whole lot of confusing bus transfers and extra walking before you get to the actual start of the race, but we'll be surrounded by 24,000 people all hanging around for the same reason as us :) If that's not a bonding experience, I don't know what is.
Due to the unusually cold weather, there will be a lot of extra layers worn, including trash bags at the very start! Yes, Hefty bags and the like serve as excellent windbreakers and are an easy extra layer to ditch when the marathon begins. There will, in fact, be many layers of clothing tossed to the side during the race; Disney collects these sweatshirts, track pants, and the like and donates them to charity (an excellent decision on their part).
I'll make another post (albeit a brief one) tomorrow morning before the race, and most certainly one after :) It's going to be insane, and I'm going to capture as much of it as possible on camera and (if I'm really crazy) with the occasional Tweet-like posting. We'll see how likely that is...
No matter how it ends tomorrow, I know it's going to start out beautifully and be extremely fun the whole way through, so keep the 24,000 of us, especially my sister and me in your thoughts!
As the Mouse said, "Ho, Boy!"
Game on.
It's about 8:00 PM here in Orlando, and freezing cold to boot--tomorrow's race is going to start with temperatures in the 20's. Brrr!
My sister and I are about to go to sleep, since we'll be waking up at 3:00 AM so we can begin transportation before 4:00 AM. There's a whole lot of confusing bus transfers and extra walking before you get to the actual start of the race, but we'll be surrounded by 24,000 people all hanging around for the same reason as us :) If that's not a bonding experience, I don't know what is.
Due to the unusually cold weather, there will be a lot of extra layers worn, including trash bags at the very start! Yes, Hefty bags and the like serve as excellent windbreakers and are an easy extra layer to ditch when the marathon begins. There will, in fact, be many layers of clothing tossed to the side during the race; Disney collects these sweatshirts, track pants, and the like and donates them to charity (an excellent decision on their part).
I'll make another post (albeit a brief one) tomorrow morning before the race, and most certainly one after :) It's going to be insane, and I'm going to capture as much of it as possible on camera and (if I'm really crazy) with the occasional Tweet-like posting. We'll see how likely that is...
No matter how it ends tomorrow, I know it's going to start out beautifully and be extremely fun the whole way through, so keep the 24,000 of us, especially my sister and me in your thoughts!
As the Mouse said, "Ho, Boy!"
Game on.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I'm A Plodder
Proud Plodder here.
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I Am Carnivore. Rawr!
If I were a dinosaur, I would definitely be a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
I mean, aside from being the coolest dinosaur ever, the T-Rex ate a lot of meat.
And I like burgers.
See? Total connection.
However, despite my T-Rex tendencies, I enjoy veggie sausage, turkey burgers, and soy milk. I have had delicious vegan cookies and amazing vegetarian lasagna. Being the foodie that I am, I enjoy both the Boca and the Burger!
I bring up this subject because my sister is, in fact, a vegan. More specifically, a "90% vegan." She hasn't always been vegan, hasn't always been vegetarian, but this is how she lives now, and I am very proud of her for it! She has made me some incredible vegan pumpkin-oatmeal cookies that rival any that have eggs in 'em.
Anywho: I bring this up because, while I keep mentioning the turkey legs and magical bacon that exist in Disney World, it's important to know about the vegetarian and vegan options available, too.
Walt Disney World may have fantastic hot dogs, but there are also great salads and veggie burgers available at the quick-service restaurants, and almost all table-service locations have vegetarian (if not vegan) options on the menus. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and vegan baked goods are also commonly available at food stands throughout the parks.
One of the most amazing things about Disney is their ability to not just accommodate, but to go above and beyond the dietary needs of their guests. By calling the WDW Dine phone line, you can give advance notice of the dietary requirements of your party--be it vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, etc.
Once you let the restaurants and chefs of Disney know about your dietary needs, that's where the fun begins! Disney's chefs are able to make some truly remarkable vegan dishes, and better than me attempting to describe them, I suggest you check out this blog: Vegan Satori.
My sister, of course, was the one to point me towards this particular entry, describing the author's wonderful experiences eating vegan in Walt Disney World. The meals actually sound quite tempting, and I may even give them a shot!
After I enjoy a dozen corn dog nuggets at Casey's Corner, of course.
I mean, aside from being the coolest dinosaur ever, the T-Rex ate a lot of meat.
And I like burgers.
See? Total connection.
However, despite my T-Rex tendencies, I enjoy veggie sausage, turkey burgers, and soy milk. I have had delicious vegan cookies and amazing vegetarian lasagna. Being the foodie that I am, I enjoy both the Boca and the Burger!
I bring up this subject because my sister is, in fact, a vegan. More specifically, a "90% vegan." She hasn't always been vegan, hasn't always been vegetarian, but this is how she lives now, and I am very proud of her for it! She has made me some incredible vegan pumpkin-oatmeal cookies that rival any that have eggs in 'em.
Anywho: I bring this up because, while I keep mentioning the turkey legs and magical bacon that exist in Disney World, it's important to know about the vegetarian and vegan options available, too.
Walt Disney World may have fantastic hot dogs, but there are also great salads and veggie burgers available at the quick-service restaurants, and almost all table-service locations have vegetarian (if not vegan) options on the menus. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and vegan baked goods are also commonly available at food stands throughout the parks.
One of the most amazing things about Disney is their ability to not just accommodate, but to go above and beyond the dietary needs of their guests. By calling the WDW Dine phone line, you can give advance notice of the dietary requirements of your party--be it vegan, vegetarian, kosher, gluten-free, etc.
Once you let the restaurants and chefs of Disney know about your dietary needs, that's where the fun begins! Disney's chefs are able to make some truly remarkable vegan dishes, and better than me attempting to describe them, I suggest you check out this blog: Vegan Satori.
My sister, of course, was the one to point me towards this particular entry, describing the author's wonderful experiences eating vegan in Walt Disney World. The meals actually sound quite tempting, and I may even give them a shot!
After I enjoy a dozen corn dog nuggets at Casey's Corner, of course.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Happy Birthday WDW!
That's right: On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida officially opened it's gates!
Opening day attendance was around 10,000 people, and though Walt himself wasn't around to see it, his presence was felt throughout the park.
From the rides to the restaurants to Mickey and Minnie and all the gang--I don't think Walt could have envisioned such a wonderful outcome. Walt Disney World truly is the happiest place on earth, and I, for one, am glad to see that each year it gets bigger and brighter and more beautiful.
Happy Birthday, Walt Disney World--I'll see ya real soon!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Whee, Progress!
Today marks the end of the first week of training, bringing my sister and me ever closer to the big finish in January!
I must admit, when I got started today, all I could think was how I haven't really been able to run for more than a few minutes at a time (not to mention, my right hip-leg joint has been bothering me). But, I decided to try a new method: I would power walk for a few minutes (no slower than a 15 minute mile) and then run for one or two at a 12 minute mile pace.
This helped me so much! Using this method, I'll be able to work up to power walking for a couple minutes and running for at least five, and then switch to running entirely. See, just when I'm feeling down, I realize that not all hope is lost.
Also exciting news: I bought a scale and have finally started tracking my weight. I must be nuts to put it out here in the open, but it doesn't sound embarrassing when I think about the fact that I'll be making such progress.
Now, I've never been obese, but I've never been the healthiest weight I should (except for that time in 8th grade when I had the stomach flu and mouth/sinus surgery within weeks of each other--I looked awesome).
When I first moved up here, I was around 180 lbs, the heaviest I've ever been. This was a result of senior year stress, auditions, and discovering McDonald's chicken sandwiches. Mmm.
When I went home for a few doctor's appointments at the end of August, I was down to 167.
Today I weighed 160 lbs.
Seriously, I could not be happier to type that number; even knowing that total strangers and good friends will be completely aware of how much I weigh doesn't bother me. I have come a long way and am so excited to think of where I'll be in January:
Healthier, a runner, the right weight, and (oh yeah) in Disney World.
Whee!
I must admit, when I got started today, all I could think was how I haven't really been able to run for more than a few minutes at a time (not to mention, my right hip-leg joint has been bothering me). But, I decided to try a new method: I would power walk for a few minutes (no slower than a 15 minute mile) and then run for one or two at a 12 minute mile pace.
This helped me so much! Using this method, I'll be able to work up to power walking for a couple minutes and running for at least five, and then switch to running entirely. See, just when I'm feeling down, I realize that not all hope is lost.
Also exciting news: I bought a scale and have finally started tracking my weight. I must be nuts to put it out here in the open, but it doesn't sound embarrassing when I think about the fact that I'll be making such progress.
Now, I've never been obese, but I've never been the healthiest weight I should (except for that time in 8th grade when I had the stomach flu and mouth/sinus surgery within weeks of each other--I looked awesome).
When I first moved up here, I was around 180 lbs, the heaviest I've ever been. This was a result of senior year stress, auditions, and discovering McDonald's chicken sandwiches. Mmm.
When I went home for a few doctor's appointments at the end of August, I was down to 167.
Today I weighed 160 lbs.
Seriously, I could not be happier to type that number; even knowing that total strangers and good friends will be completely aware of how much I weigh doesn't bother me. I have come a long way and am so excited to think of where I'll be in January:
Healthier, a runner, the right weight, and (oh yeah) in Disney World.
Whee!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fighting the Mental Battle
Lucky me, I had a day off of work today!
Now, while I still have yet to go to the gym today, I have options: I can go to the gym later, take a walk around the neighborhood, do pilates in the apartment, etc. I can even use my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. Yes, you read that correctly.
I could also stretch like crazy, finish cleaning my room, and do a little mental-marathon training; in fact, that's most likely what I'll do!
The thing that's really keeping me going (from the mental perspective) is reminding myself of why the Disney Marathon conversation even came up in the first place. I wanted to go to Walt Disney World. Again.
I spent a good portion of last spring and summer auditioning down in Orlando; I drove a few times, flew most, and got very used to Florida sunshine. I have a ridiculous amount of knowledge regarding the parks and love reading Birnbaum's Guides to WDW for kicks. I watch Disney Vacation Guide DVD's with the same reverence as if they were Oscar-winning films.
All of that? My motivation.
I mean, yes, I want to lose weight and get in better shape and accomplish this amazing goal of finishing a marathon.
But, I really, really want to go to Disney World again.
So I'm going to keep watching my Vacation DVD's and reading my Birnbaum's and researching online about which restaurants have the best desserts (all of them). And each time I get up to go to the gym or to run outside, I'm going to picture the castle and the mouse and the magic.
Mickey-vation. Mouse-spiration. Whatever the name, it's working.
Now, while I still have yet to go to the gym today, I have options: I can go to the gym later, take a walk around the neighborhood, do pilates in the apartment, etc. I can even use my Bollywood Dance Workout DVD. Yes, you read that correctly.
I could also stretch like crazy, finish cleaning my room, and do a little mental-marathon training; in fact, that's most likely what I'll do!
The thing that's really keeping me going (from the mental perspective) is reminding myself of why the Disney Marathon conversation even came up in the first place. I wanted to go to Walt Disney World. Again.
I spent a good portion of last spring and summer auditioning down in Orlando; I drove a few times, flew most, and got very used to Florida sunshine. I have a ridiculous amount of knowledge regarding the parks and love reading Birnbaum's Guides to WDW for kicks. I watch Disney Vacation Guide DVD's with the same reverence as if they were Oscar-winning films.
All of that? My motivation.
I mean, yes, I want to lose weight and get in better shape and accomplish this amazing goal of finishing a marathon.
But, I really, really want to go to Disney World again.
So I'm going to keep watching my Vacation DVD's and reading my Birnbaum's and researching online about which restaurants have the best desserts (all of them). And each time I get up to go to the gym or to run outside, I'm going to picture the castle and the mouse and the magic.
Mickey-vation. Mouse-spiration. Whatever the name, it's working.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Once Upon A Time...
...There was a girl who loved Disney.
The Man, the Movies, the Mouse that started it all. To this young woman, Walt Disney World was truly the Happiest Place on Earth, a place where dreams really did come true.
One day, she had a wacky idea: she and her sister would run the Disney Marathon.
A novel concept, save for a few factors: the Marathon was in 4 months, her sister was an excellent runner, and she was not.
Thus began a quest to get in shape, build endurance, and ultimately, run with the Mouse.
Decision Made: 09/09/09
Marathon Date: 01/10/10
Let's do it.
The Man, the Movies, the Mouse that started it all. To this young woman, Walt Disney World was truly the Happiest Place on Earth, a place where dreams really did come true.
One day, she had a wacky idea: she and her sister would run the Disney Marathon.
A novel concept, save for a few factors: the Marathon was in 4 months, her sister was an excellent runner, and she was not.
Thus began a quest to get in shape, build endurance, and ultimately, run with the Mouse.
Decision Made: 09/09/09
Marathon Date: 01/10/10
Let's do it.
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