Last weekend marked the official start of my RunDisney addiction. I’m talking about Princess Race Weekend! Kaitie and I both did the challenge. Of course, she is a veteran with her hefty stack of medals from races throughout the years. For me though, this was my first time participating in a RunDisney event. On top of that, it was also my first half marathon!
A little backstory, I ran cross country in high school and generally really enjoy running. since starting college, my exercise habits have been off and on. But since I had signed up for the Glass Slipper Challenge (GSC) last summer, I worked much harder at consistently getting out and running. I was super jealous of Kaitie when we went for Wine and Dine weekend because she was running it and I wasn’t. But that didn’t stop me from going to the expo, which just got me even more excited for Princess. As months got closer, I got more serious about my running and training. A buddy of mine ended up running the Gasparilla half on the same day so we decided to train together for it. But anyways, the point is I actually trained and was ready for the weekend.
On Friday we left a little later than we planned, and dropped Walt of at the doggie hotel for the weekend, so we headed straight to the expo to pick up our packets! Of course we couldn’t go to the expo and not get some souvenirs to further prove we are hardcore RunDisney racers. As well, we also stopped at the Children s Miracle Network Hospitals booth to see Kaitie’s old roommate Kieriay! she works for them and was pretty excited to be there. We were also pretty hungry so we made sure to try almost all of the sample food. For the weekend we stayed at Fort Wilderness. I was in a tent while Kaitie was in her parents RV (Her dad was volunteering at the half). But don’t worry, I actually love tent camping.
Of course for the GSC, before you can tackle the half you have to run the Enchanted 10k on Sunday. Kaitie and I decided to Jog/Walk this together because we both wanted to save our energy for the Half. I had a lot of fun going through this course with Kaitie! you get a lot of park and resort time on the 10k course. Not to mention this was my first RunDisney race ever! I honestly couldn’t tell you our time nor could I care. It was fun. And with my first race, came the first of three medals!
Of course after waking up at 3am and then doing the 10k, your pretty tired throughout the day. That didn’t stop us from having a delicious lunch with Kaitie’s parents at Kona Cafe. I have eaten here for breakfast before but never for lunch. I got the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and is was pretty good. Kaitie got the Pan Asian Noodles with Tofu and I must admit I liked hers more. We also split the Vegetarian Sushi Roll.
After lunch we had plans to go to Magic Kingdom for a while. But we were feeling pretty tired so we got a Dole Whip while we were at the Polynesian and sat on one of the swings on the beach for a while. meanwhile Kaitie named all of the seagulls and gave them back stories.
After that we walked to the Grand Floridian to get Kaitie’s mom a surprise cupcake. We did also end up walking into Magic Kingdom to pick up some Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards. we’ve been pretty into playing that around the park recently. Unfortunately we either forget the correct band or something else happens and we have not even completed our first run through. Today we just picked up a new set and then headed back to Fort Wilderness. Naps ensued next. I believe we then woke up for dinner and hung out watching game shows until it was time for bed.
My alarm went off at 3am… and I hit snooze for another 15 minutes. Eventually I got myself and headed for the coffee pot that was already hot and ready thanks to Kaitie’s dad who had to leave at 1:30am to volunteer. I walked into the camper to find Kaitie still asleep. So naturally I sang Adele’s ‘Hello” song to her until she woke up. I ate my banana and Luna bar while simultaneously drinking water and coffee. We drove over to Epcot, which was a pain but I am sure that is per norm. Once we parked and got half way to the where the action was I realized I still had my glasses on and had to go back to leave then in the car. Once we got in we went to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals tent to see Kieriay again before the race! Then it was time use the bathroom before heading to the corrals. The race started as we were walking over but we were corrals J & N so we had some time.
Of course, eventually we got to our corals, the races started, and the race ended. But I must say, running my first half was probably one of the most achieving feelings I have ever had. Not just finishing, but even in the middle of the race I just felt good running and about myself. It was awesome. Unfortunately a costly bathroom break in the first half mile caused me to be one minute over my goal time. I was shooting for under two hours and ended at 2:01:30. But it’s okay, I really am not disappointed. I’ll just have to get it at the dark Side Challenge in April! Plus… I got a medal… Actually three!
Overall Princess Race Weekend was absolutely amazing! From the Expo, the races, and of course spending the weekend in Disney with Kaitie, it all was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to running more RunDisney races in the future! Cannot wait until April!
Lake&Kaitie 