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!
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