I ran 13.1 miles...

Happy Saturday world!!

In a strange turn of events, I didn't have to work today. WHAT?! It was absolutely amazing. 

I started my day off with no alarm (aside from a whiney puppy) and a relaxing cup of coffee on the couch with that really cute guy I occasionally refer to as my person.

I couldn't think of a better way to start a day off!

THEN-

it was off to the puppy park with pooch face mcgee... for a solid 15 minutes... because while he can get very hyper, he is also a little lazy bones.

See?

Exhibit A- Lazy bones dog refusing to get off my foot because he got too hot.

...

But look- he's smiling!

After the dog park, all the animals passed out for afternoon naps while I went and enjoyed a little poolside reading.

Um. Perfect day!

And while I'm sure you've enjoyed being jealous of this kick booty day I've had, I've gotten grossly off today's topic!

I'm finally going to recap my experience in this year's

Disney's Princess Half Marathon!

This was my second half marathon and I have to admit, I didn't train as long as I would've liked. For last year's run, I trained for probably 6 months... 

You know, in hindsight, that sort of sounds like overkill...

This year's 2 month training was much more realistic...

Ok, let's be honest, I trained exactly as long as I liked. 

I offered to make tshirts for my sister and I for the run using one of my favorite toys- my Silhouette Cameo!

I ordered some heat transfer goodies and with inspiration from our favorite Disney princesses (and the clever help of one of my good friends), we came up with fun sayings to wear on our run!

The expo happened to be the same day as my birthday so that was the first stop on my 25th!

To make things even more exciting, we found out there were some extra openings in this year's Disneyland Half out in California and the boy entered us as a birthday surprise! 

Anaheim- see you in September!

Which also means, when we cross the finish line in California, we'll get an extra medal for completing a half on each coast- The Coast to Coast Challenge!

Then, the Saturday night before the run, I laced up my running shoes with some lucky bright blue laces, and I carb loaded with some delicious tortellini and garlic toast made by my love!

Then of course, bed by 7 pm because waking up at 3 am to run 13 miles is NO JOKE!

Race morning was so exciting!! But crazy cold. It was supposed to rain but luckily it held out till after I crossed the finish line. One of my favorite things for Disney runs is that they set off fireworks at the start of each corral. It keeps the excitement going even if you aren't one of the hardcore people that will manage to run 13 miles in 1 hour. 

When our corral finally started, half hour after the first start, I can't tell you how my heart went nuts as I finally ran under the start line!! It's hard to run when theres so many people all around so you have to go slow but you can't help but be pumped and start out strong.

If you've never run a half marathon or if you have but haven't ventured into the world of run Disney- I highly recommend Disney runs!! The entertainment along the course makes the miles fly by. There's another character or DJ spot around every corner so there's always something to distract you from the potential mind blocks you may hit.

At the halfway mark exactly, there were signs everywhere that it was "time to get STRONGER" and that kick booty Kelly Clarkson song was blasting through speakers! Cheesy but seriously got me pumped to keep it up!

Then, there's amazing things like the line of screaming spectators as you head up Main Street USA to Cinderella's castle. It sends chills up my arms just thinking about it. It empowers you in this amazing way and makes you push harder than you ever have in any training run. I was lucky to have my boy along the route AND some amazing friends (that even provided mid run orange slices!!) that really helped me keep pushing when I thought my legs couldn't possibly run any more.

And I mean, come on, you're running through Disney World!!

Oh... had I not mentioned I ran in a Cinderella tutu?!

...

I ran in a Cinderella tutu.

Don't be jealous.

So last year, I did my first half in 3:18. For any obnoxious brats out there thinking "Oh wow... that's really slow!" - IT'S 13.1 MILES! I went from not being able to finish a mile to doing 13.1 of them. 

I. Am. Awesome.

Period.

This year, I wanted to finish it in 3 hours. I picked up a little pace bracelet at the expo so I would know exactly what time I had to be at each mile marker. 

For the first 3/4 of the run, I was doing perfect on my goal pace! I had my iPod nano on my nifty watch band (Thanks Kaki for that kick booty Christmas present!) running both my sweet jams and my stopwatch. I had my phone tucked into my running belt so my runkeeper app could track my route and pace for me to look over at the end. 

At that point in the run, I got a horrible blister on the arch of my foot and it significantly slowed me down.

THEN- at the end of mile 11- my nano died on me!

*gasp!*

I was tune-less AND stopwatch-less so I didn't know if I was still making my goal pace! 

The last chunk is the hardest. There's what feels like a million ramps and the final stretch through Epcot is the longest mile of my life. 

Point being- rough time to not have my nano!

I pulled out my iPhone, plugged in my headphones, and just held it for the last 2 miles. I slowed down a lot and thought I would have to walk the rest of the way. I hit the 13 mile mark and tried to run but my hips were killing me. That's when this woman I had never met before came up behind me and just put her hand on my shoulder and said "No! You can do this! You run this last part!"

...And I did.

And I made it across the finish line in 3 hours!

... and they saran wrapped both my hips with ice right after.

HURRAY!

But I did it. I never think I'm capable of it but look- I got a medal. 

And some finish line love!

Now, if that were a full marathon, I would have to turn around and do what I just did all over again...

What?!

That's insane.

So if I say this on here... maybe I'll actually stick to it!

Walt Disney Marathon 2013- I'm coming for you!

I can do it as long as I keep running after I run the half in California in September.

The idea is to be able to run 26 miles the year I turn 26.

... I may seriously regret this goal. 

Wish me luck on this journey! No doubt you'll be seeing a lot of it right here!

Oh running! You think I can do the Disneyland half in 2:45? I have 6 months to cut 15 more minutes off my time... Time to hit the pavement! Anyone else thinking of venturing into the world of full marathons?