Category: Running

I can’t believe we pulled it off – our first runDisney event – the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  This race was like no other, full of Disney magic, characters; even the medal was special.  You knew, from the moment you registered, you were going to be part of something awesome.

The two days in Orlando were AH-Mazing!  However, I didn’t have the full experience that I wanted.  Next year (yes, I will be running next year) will be different. 

Since it’s getting close to registration time for next year, I wanted to share some tips and lessons I learned the hard way.

The Princess Half Marathon is not just a race; it’s a weekend event. 

We drove to Orlando from Texas in two days, arriving Saturday afternoon before the Sunday race.  By the time we got to the Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN Wild World of Sports, we only had about an hour to take it all in – and there was a ton to take in!!  I picked up my packet, made a couple of purchases then it was time for the expo to close.  There was so much to see and do, and I missed it. 

Train and Qualify for an Early Start Time

The race started at 5:00 am for the corral A (holding area)  – we were in H.  Not everyone starts at the same time – for safety, the runners start in waves.  Well, our wave didn’t start until 6:40 Am!  By that time the sun was coming up, and so was the temp.  One of the girls I met said it was the hottest Princess Half to date!!  And I felt it.  By mile 8 I was totally wiped out. Which brings me to my next lesson…

Hydrate Throughout the Race

I had the bright idea not to drink water early in the race, you know, so I wouldn’t have to wait in the long potty lines.  Haha, not the best strategy!  By the time I started drinking, it was too late.  I tried drinking, pouring water over my head, anything to get hydrated.  But it was too late – I had hit the wall HARD!!  From mile 8 to mile 13 were miserable. And the potty lines weren’t that bad 🙂

Take Lots of Pictures

After hitting the wall at mile 8,  all I could think about is finishing, and I quit taking pictures.  A decision I am regretting now.  I don’t have nearly enough of the whole weekend.  And, being in the back of the pack means you are running with a lot of people!!  So the lines to take pics with Disney characters along the race course were SUPER long!  I didn’t want to fall behind, so I passed up the picture opportunities.  Stop, take pictures.

Test Your Princess Gear Before the Big Day

Yeah, it’s all exciting dressing up like a princess to run through Disney, but you better make sure what you are wearing will be comfy for 13 miles.  My daughter bought oh-so-cute Beauty and The Beast leggings and wore them for the first time in the race.  Well, about halfway through the inseams were rubbing raw spots on the inside of her legs.  Those spots were very painful the next day!!  

Good News is…We FINISHED.  It wasn’t pretty or spectacular, but we finished.  I am so proud of myself for not giving up and pushing through.  Even though I wish I would have done things differently – I wouldn’t trade the experience!  It was still awesome, and it was still magical.  I am HOOKED.  Can’t wait to do it again next year!

Do you have any tips for running the Princess Half Marathon?  I would love to read them so I can prepare for next year. 🙂

Disney Princess Half Marathon 2018 Recap

My first runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend was short but sweet!  Running in this race fulfilled a dream my daughter and I had for years. And here we were finally doing it.  Honestly, it was one of the most exciting things I have ever done, and the fun went on and on.   There were men rocking full princess gear, Disney characters along the course, hearing “Let It Go”  and seeing the fireworks as we crossed the starting line, and just being there with 24,000 other runners – it was just incredible! Erica’s friend Edith came along to join, and Brad was our awesome cheerleader, holder of extra gear and chauffeur.

Health and Fitness Expo at ESPN World of Sports

ESPN Wild World of Sports hosted the Health and Fitness Expo.  I swear when I saw the “Welcome Runners” banner, a tear rolled down my cheek.  It was a good thing I didn’t have much time at the expo, or we would have been broke.  Vendors packed the center with tons of glittery, girly running stuff!  I had time to purchase a new purple glitter headband and a new flip belt for all my running necessities.  Then it was time to go.  🙁  We missed all the talks and interviews.   Two twelve dollar beers from the outside vendors and it was time to head to the hotel.

RACE DAY!!!

Erica is looking thrilled to be up this early 🙂

The next morning we were up at 2:00 am – yes, you read that right!  The shuttles to Epcot started running a 3:00 so we had to be up and princess ready. Downstairs the hotel staff at the Hilton Bonnett Creek met us with lots of cheers!  It was a great way to start the morning!  Thank Goodness the coffee was ready and waiting! An impressive breakfast spread was also provided along with more coffee (Yay!!), water and fruit to take with us.

Quick photo op at the hotel before boarding the bus to Epcot.

Waiting to go to our corrals (we did most of the waiting in the potty lines). Loved checking out all of the costumes.  Some of the guys got into it as much as the girls!  🙂

Time to say goodbye to hubby and head to the starting area.  There were over 20,000 runners!  If you look close, you can see the starting line way in the distance.

Finally – our turn to start.  We were in the next to the last corral, so we didn’t cross the start until 6:40.  Disney still made us feel special with fireworks and “Let It Go” blasting as we ran passed through the arch.  I was nervous, excited and ready to get started.  Here we go!

Mile 2!  Feelin’ good.  (Forgot to mention I was dressed up as Rapunzel, so I absolutely had to stop for this picture).

By mile 4 the girls had run on ahead, but I didn’t mind.  What is this look? 🙂

Magic Kingdom!

Running through the Magic Kingdom was a blast!  It was fun seeing the Cast Members come out to cheer us on!

The moment I have been waiting for – Cinderella’s Castle!  It’s been 15 years since the last time I was here.

 And that’s it folks….no more pics til Epcot!  We exited Magic Kingdom, and I hit the wall, and the pictures stopped.  The sun came out in full force and baked those of us still on the course.  But we pressed through.

Spaceship Earth at Epcot – almost to the finish line!!

Hooray!!  We Finished!  Even though it was tough – we still had a magical time.  After hobbling to the car, we rested up by the pool while the girls napped.  Brad and I had to head home the next day, Erica and Edith stayed a few days and had more Disney fun!  I am so glad Erica and I had the chance to experience our first Disney Princess Half Marathon together.  Now it’s time to start training for the next one!

Lessons Learned at My First Princess Half Marathon