Disneyland Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Anaheim, CO
Sunday, September 1
Half Marathon #91
Disneyland Half #3
Weather - the Sunniest!!

And of course to complete the Dumbo Double Dare challenge, we would be running the Disneyland half marathon (again). We read and RE-READ the information to be sure that we were NOT confused on the start time. This time, there were four of us that needed to get ready. We got out the door only about a minute late. We had a friend that was meeting us in Downtown Disney before we headed back over to Haagen Dasz to get a latte. I know, we have problems.

We were able to hit the bathrooms a few times, parted ways with the other Heather and then managed to wander into corral B (even though I somehow ended up with a D bib). We did start at the very back though. Thankfully, the race started early enough that it was dark and not YET a billion degrees.

So, the friend that we were running with had only run a handful of times in the last year, so I was a bit concerned that our Disney PR would be out of reach. SPOILER - WE PR'D!!!

Anyway, the plan of the day was to NOT be the very dead last people on the course, take pictures, have fun and try to get as much running in as possible before the sun melted our skin off.

Pictures:

 

I don't even know what is happening here

 

And as always, the magic pretty much ends when you leave the park and you don't have any more characters or random farm animals to get your picture taken with. I feel like we normally hit the blinding sun on the overpass, but we lucked out and I don't feel like had to deal with that until at least mile 5.

The sunniest sun ever!

The classic cars went on much longer than last year, which I guess gave us something to look at. And of COURSE, I loved this section of signage. Hilarious!!

Things sort of started to fall apart for Piglet when we had to run along the canal before entering Angels stadium. The BEST part of the entire race was the random tent that was handing out DONUTS. L and I managed to each grab a chocolate donut with M&M's that we split with Heather and Piglet. THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER HAD DURING A RACE. I grabbed a couple gels but did NOT take one, I sure didn't need it. I was so pumped on sugar I almost crashed giving all the kids hi fives.

I mean, I know a Disney PR doesn't MATTER, but I had been looking at my watch all day and I knew it was attainable as long as we at least ran a LITTLE. Piglet sucked it up and ran quite a bit, and here I am obnoxiously telling her WE ARE ALMOST THERE:

Official Time - 3:08:24

Official 5k - 41:38

Official 10k - 1:32:52

Official 15k - 2:14:26

Overall Place - 10631/15847

Gender Place - 6034/10008

Division Place - 982/1601

Garmin Time - 3:08:34

Garmin Moving Time - 2:49:23

Mile 1 - 11:35

Mile 2 - 13:17

Mile 3 - 15:02

Mile 4 - 23:07

Mile 5 - 13:41

Mile 6 - 12:09

Mile 7 - 13:42

Mile 8 - 12:48

Mile 9 - 12:43

Mile 10 - 14:20

Mile 11 - 13:21

Mile 12 - 14:38

Mile 13 - 13:39

Mile 13.36 - 12:44

Thoughts:

• I love Disney races. They are so much fun.
• I will not run this race again (Heather, you need to hold me to this!!) - for no reason other than it has gotten really expensive to run Disney, so I am going to stick with just running Tinkerbell (I'm still a legacy runner!)
• Unlike WDW, they did not run out of gels, which was nice. Also, they did not run out of cups or water, and I think there was Powerade at every aid station.
• Very well organized event.
• My main complaints are the same - TOO MUCH MONEY AND I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE THE UNISEX SHIRTS.

Disneyland 10k (Race Recap)

Anaheim, CA
Saturday, August 31
Weather - Sunny and Warm

So. The Disneyland 10k. I had EVERY INTENTION of skipping the Disney magic over Labor Day weekend. Even when the Dumbo Double Dare was announced, I was horrified at how much money it cost. I passively sat and watched as the race sold out... and THEN I LOST MY MIND. What if I wanted to run??? So before the day was even over, I had signed up with a charity group, Lazarex, so that I could run. (Thanks AGAIN, everyone that donated and helped me get to California!!)

Anyway.

So race morning. There were four of us in the room, the Heathers and me and L. The other Heather was not running the 10k, so we were trying to not wake her up. We had planned the night before to allow enough time to get coffee in Downtown Disney before the race, which started at 6:30. We left the hotel on schedule and walked along the 5k course to get THE MOST DELICIOUS LATTE every from Haagen Dasz. As we were heading (leisurely) over to where we assumed the start would be, L informed us that since the race started at 6:15 that we should hurry. It was 6:16 when she said that. Huh. Heather and I thought the race started at 6:30. So we are wandering around (still fairly leisurely) looking for the start. We thought it was going to start at Downtown Disney, but all we could find was the finishing area for the 5k...

And then we see the tail end of people walking to the start. That might have been the start of alllll our problems in this race. Our costumes were much better on the first day, so we had planned on a 2ish hour 10k (not knowing in advance that would put us "a little behind pace") and take all of the pictures.

L has some sort of hip/leg injury, so we were running slower than usual anyway. The first aid station was at mile 1 (outside the park) and finally entered the park somewhere around mile 2. We took a decent number of pictures, and I am the MOST OBNOXIOUS HUMAN on earth... see me prance... see me photo bomb... However, look how HAPPY I AM!!

So we are in line to take a picture with Monsters Inc. (behind the tallest guy ever in the entire UNIVERSE):

When we notice... there are not many people behind us. Now, we had been in line for probably close to 10 minutes, and we knew we were taking it easy, but I don't think that any of us imagined that we were THAT far behind. And sure enough, the crowd thins and we see the bike sweepers. They don't tell us we are in danger of getting pulled, but that we are "a little behind pace." Well. What does THAT mean? So we still took our picture, but figured maybe we should try to, I don't know, run a bit.

I'm the only one doing the monster pose.

We finally end up on Main Street, the location of the second aid station... at like mile 4.2??? Why so far in between aid stations?? It was so hot!! And apparently, they also ran out of cups. So, they gave us GIGANTIC bottles of water and suggested that we "share with a friend." Seems wasteful.

As you can tell, our costumes were in theme with the 10k - Alice in Wonderland! So we HAD TO stop and get pictures with all of the characters (which, by the way, it really didn't seem like there were THAT MANY on the course):

We are approaching the castle and in line for a picture with the Tweedles, when we for REAL see the sweepers. Not just the guys on the bike, but the ACTUAL GOLF CART SWEEPERS.

Dave ran up behind us and ASSURED us we would have time to get a picture in. Meanwhile, the sweepers are SCREAMING at us - "RACE OR PICTURE - YOU HAVE TO KEEP MOVING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GET PULLED." Everyone else in line believed them and took off. We (riskily) chose PICTURE (and then run REALLY FAST):

Turns out... there was only ONE guy behind us, otherwise, this magical shot of us with Dave exiting the castle makes us FOR REAL the last people on the course. Hilarious.

 

We are now well aware that the sweepers, in fact, DO pull people off the course in the park, so the whole myth about - "if you are in the park, you are safe" IS A LIE. We ended up having to actually run that last mile, stopping only for the random aid station that was at mile 5.5. Turns out, we passed a decent number of people and we CRUSHED our 2 hour goal (which again, would have apparently put us outside the course limits. Oops.

So... how did we do?

Bib #22392

Official Time - 1:52:41

Official 5k Split - 55:25

Overall Place - 7562/7828 (look at all the people we passed that last mile!!)

Gender Place - 4917/5133

Division Place - 806/841

Garmin Time - 1:52:39

Moving Time - 1:24:54 (see, we stopped A LOT)

Mile 1 - 13:05

Mile 2 - 13:52

Mile 3 - 24:32

Mile 4 - 23:29

Mile 5 - 14:01

Mile 6 - 19:12

Mile 6.43 - 10:20 (hey, look at that!!)

Thoughts:

• We really felt like we had to get in for the inaugural. I will not run again... running both was... over $300??? That's insane.
• I am REALLY bitter about the stupid unisex sized shirts. According to the results, in the 10k, over 5,000 runners were women, and barely 2,000 were  men. THAT JUSTIFIES GENDER SPECIFIC SHIRTS (jerk of the week - the person that decided unisex was finnnnnne).
• The aid stations were placed VERY strangely. First one only a mile in and then well over 3 miles to the second one. And the last one was only about 2/3 of a mile from the finish. WHY?
• Related: At least they didn't run out of water, but it seemed SUPER wasteful to have to run with those giant water bottles.
• Disney is the fun fun FUNNEREST. I had the most fun ever, even IF I almost got pulled (Most stressful EVER).

The Worst Blogger Ever

That would be me...

• In a crazy turn of events, I have actually been... running. Like, not a 3-4 miles here and there. Still sticking to my promise of rebuilding my base and hoping I get some of my strength and speed back. To recap:
• Weds 3/6 - 7.5 miles ( 7 sets of 800's and other stuff)
• Thurs 3/7 - 7.0 miles
• Sat 3/9 - 6.01 miles
• Sun 3/10 - 9.1 miles
• Weds 3/13 - 8.12 miles (4 miles "easy", 4.12 @ "MP")
• That's almost 38 miles... of straight training. What.
• I've been awfully quiet about it, but in just over a week I am headed back to Moab. I didn't sign up for the 100 this time (THAT would be crazy). Optimistically I am signed up for the 24 hour division, and I plan on taking it easy and enjoying myself. I haven't even started checking the weather yet (although I'm totally going to the SECOND I am done with this blog post).
• Random yoga again:

•  Still miserably failing at fundraising. I think I'm tapped out... RAFFLE is still open until May 1... donate if you can.

It's a Raffle!!

I am doing something different this time!

As you know, I am fundraising for Lazarex, for entry into the Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare Challenge in September.

To kick-start donations, I am going to toss in some of my own money as incentive!

Rules:

1. Obviously any donation, no matter the size, is appreciated! However, for the raffle, a minimum $10 donation is required.

2. 1 entry per $5 donated. So if you donate the minimum $10 - you get two entries! Donate $25? Get 5 entries. Easy peazy!

3.  What do you GET?? I'm doing tiered giveaways based on OVERALL donations! The prizes are cumulative, so at every new level, just add it to the list of stuff I'm giving away. NEW PRIZES TO BE ADDED, THE LIST WILL JUST GET BETTER AND BETTER!

$10+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks

$100+(This tier is guaranteed!)

• ONE pair of Pro Compression marathon socks
• TWO tubes of Nuun (to one winner)

$200+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card
• 1 black Newton visor
• 1 yellow Newton visor

$300+ (This tier is guaranteed!)

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

 $400+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$500+

• $25 INKnBURN gift card

$750+

• $25 Lululemon gift card

FUNDRAISING GOAL MET+

• $100 Runningwarehouse.com gift card

4. Since I'm an INKnBURN ambassador, I would love for my readers to get a shot at trying out the brand. If my 15% off code BeckaToldMe isn't enough, stack $25 free money on top of that and you'll be on your way to getting a great deal on the most stylish and unique gear out there! (To be clear, I am buying these out of pocket, these are not being provided by INKnBURN for this raffle - I love the brand THAT much that I want others to love it too!)

Also up for grabs - marathon socks from Pro Compression!! Two pairs are available for two winners!! (Even if you don't win - you should check them out! They consistently have GREAT deals!)

If I raise enough, I added in a gift card to Lululemon. Everyone should have ruffles on their skirt (or, if you are a guy, it looks like their non-ruffly men's stuff is also pretty sweet.)

Source

I also thought about just giving away a pair of shoes, but people are so picky about their shoe choices. INSTEAD... I am going to throw in a $100 gift card to runingwarehouse.com - That's enough either for a pair of shoes or a large chunk of a pair. If you have never bought from them, they ship SECOND DAY AIR FOR NO SHIPPING COST. I've bought from them for years and they are top notch.

5. From now until May 1, donate for a chance to win! NEW donations from today, February 22 through May 1 are eligible for entry in the raffle. (Raffle extended - March 1)

6. This is a great opportunity for BOTH males and females!!

7. I will post weekly occasional updates with donations received for reference.

• As of February 28 - $25 in total donations
• As of March 6 - $25 in total donations 
• As of March 20 - $230 in total donations
• As of April 18 - $355 in total donations

8. Please be sure to leave me a comment on this post that you have donated so I can track. Thank you!

9. Winners must notify me via email - squirrelgirl44 (at) hotmail (dot) com by MONDAY, MAY 6 to claim their prizes! I will then get your gift card emailed to you within 48 hours OR your prize mailed to you (if applicable).

Why wait... start now! Donate HERE. 

•  Remember, your donation is tax deductible.
• The service budget for Lazarex is 83% (or $0.83 of every dollar) and annual operating expenses are 17%. Since Lazarex founders cover the cost of annual operating expenses, 100% of each dollar you raise or donate goes directly to our patient program services.
•  Lazarex Cancer Foundation builds a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families. 
• They provide financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials.
• They help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services.
• They provide resources for cancer patients who’ve been told they have no other options, but who are not yet done with their journey in life and refuse to give up now.

Three Things Thursday

1. I've ran for 20 minutes this week. That's it. It's not that I'm not motivated, I was LUCKY enough to contract the zombie bird flu plague that's been going around. Outside of the time I've been at work, I've been under a heated blanket (I cannot believe I didn't own one until this week. It might be my favorite purchase EVER) in my recliner. I even slept in my recliner for a few nights. And by "sleeping," I mean passing out from taking so many medicines. I'm ready for this to be OVER.

2. I maybe, kinda, sorta have a plan. Not enough of a plan to go into any detail since it's just imaginary in my head right now. But maybe my mojo is back. And I'm excited.

3. The best "exercises" of the week:

An hour of YOGA!!

A new plank record!

Bonus musings:

• If you missed the announcement on Twitter, I threw out my shoes from CIM. They were still in the plastic bag. I didn't open it, I'm not sure if they were still damp and/or moldy. I'm ashamed it took me two months to do this. I'm the worst.
• No more half-assing costumes for Disney! My shirt arrived on Tuesday for one of our Dumbo costumes. SO EXCITED ALREADY. I should probably contain myself a bit since it is 7 MONTHS AWAY (FROM TODAY!!)
• A is on this kick where she is reading "Made In" labels on EVERYTHING. Toys, clothes, etc. She wants to know why EVERYTHING is made in China. I say, remember that awesome brand INKnBURN? THEY are made in the UNITED STATES. She says, "I need something from them, I don't have anything made in the United States." Kinda sad.
• For the first time in longer than I can remember, I didn't drink a soda. (Yesterday). This wasn't really intentional, and it is certainly not going to be a trend. Just weird.
• Re: weight loss/nutrition. Apparently the zombie bird flu plague can help! I am down a few pounds this week as a result of my soup diet. WHEEEEE!
• I'm supposed to be running a half on Sunday. Wow. I'll probably die of exhaustion. I'm the most tired human EVER this week. And I don't even know what I'm going to wear!! The race is called the "Super Half" - because it is on Superbowl Sunday. Not sure if it is themed race. Since the Broncos aren't going, I don't care who wins, although I really like the name Flaccccccco. Just sounds fun.
• I need help/ideas for fundraising. I'm guessing my constant tweets asking for "just THREE DOLLARS A DAY" aren't doing the trick. Not sure I can pull off another awesome giveaway. My singlet for Lazarex already came in the mail so I guess I'm officially part of the team! You can donate HERE of course.
• Did I already mention I'm hatching a plan? If the stars align...

Super Exciting News!!

If you don't currently stalk me on Twitter or Facebook, you may not have heard that I was one of the INKnBURN ambassadors chosen on Friday. WHAT. I feel like I won the lottery!!!

I'm so incredibly honored and excited to be part of the INKnBURN team. I can't wait to see what is in store for me this year! If you aren't already familiar with them - check out their website!! There is so much awesome there, and it is all made right here in the USA!!

INKnBURN ambassadors

With that said... being accepted as an ambassador finally seemed to "mentally" get the motivation going. I'm part of a pretty amazing group of people! And then... I came down with YET ANOTHER cold over the weekend. So instead of getting out of my lull I've been in, I was coughing and sneezing and in bed pretty much the whole weekend. Is it my imagination or does it seem like there are WAY MORE SICK PEOPLE this year??

In other random:

• I had another massage yesterday. Again, I was told I'm incredibly tight and that I should foam roll more often. WHY AM I SO LAZY ABOUT THIS?
• I'm supposed to be running a 1/2 on Sunday. I guess I'm glad it was not this weekend, since I can't even breathe right now.
• I registered for the Colfax half marathon. It is one of the bigger half marathons in Colorado, and I've never run it, so I'm pretty excited to be in town to run it this year (at the expense of NOT doing something elaborate for my birthday this year).
• Remember all the Disney madness with the Dumbo challenge selling out in less than an hour? I'll be posting my fundraising link on a pretty regular basis. This time, I'm raising money for Lazarex - you can read more about what they do on my donation page - HERE.

Three Things Thursday

1. Disney

OH. MY.

If you at all had any interest in running the new "challenge" for Disney, the Dumbo Double Dare or the Disneyland half marathon, chances are you pre-registered at WDW or Tink. Or you were sitting at your computer waiting for registration to open on Tuesday morning.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, THIS WAS PURE CHAOS.

The challenge was more than 50% pre-sold due to the ability to register at the expos. The RunDisney website got completely bogged down and many people got locked out when trying to register. Dumbo sold out IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. What.

I had been hemming and hawing about whether I was going to do it, at a $280 price tag, it was... expensive. The 10k sold out shortly after the Dumbo challenge, and the half marathon sold out in 26 hours. I did NOT get in to register. Who knew that it would sell out so fast??? However... I did want to run. So, I signed up to raise money for charity again! This time I will be fundraising for Lazarex Cancer Foundation. Please check out my fundraising page here. I have a goal of $950 (which means I have a daily goal in the $3-$5 range). Anything you can contribute, as always, would be GREATLY appreciated.

2. Calves

If I go back and scan my race recaps, I have been having the "tight calf" issue for over two years now. I cannot seem to figure out the cause of it. I *do* stretch, I am lazy about foam rolling and I definitely have been watching how much water I drink. Still can't seem to fix it.

This past weekend at Tink, they were just as bad, if not worse, than ever. Since I had a short day on Monday, I went to get a deep tissue massage. They only had time to squeeze me in for 30 minutes, so I didn't get THAT much accomplished. She did say my calves and thighs were tight, and immediately asked if I had IT band problems.

I think I need to be more diligent on this. I am scheduling a longer massage for this weekend. I don't want to have to stop running/racing because I am too lazy to get it taken care of.

3. NKOTB

I know it is not running related. But I love me some NKOTB, and they announced a new tour, The Package, on Tuesday! They will be touring with 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men. WHAT. Bummer that they are not coming to Colorado though :(

Maybe LA??? (J says I'm crazy for even CONSIDERING traveling for a concert).

Related:

A says to me last night, "Mom, there is a One Direction concert. CAN WE GO??" Yes. Yes we can.