Dopey Training: Month 1 Review

Month one is done! This month has been a roller coaster--my birthday, the cancellation of Wine and Dine, another month of unsuccessful job hunting, and the pandemic is still raging on in many parts of the country. You can't open social media for a minute without someone asking, "Do you think Marathon Weekend will happen?" and quite frankly, I'm in need of a social media break because of it!

With July behind us, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my own goals and the first official month of Dopey training. In short, it was perfect! Rarely do you get a month where you can just run according to your plan, but I guess that's the benefit of quarantine and Bill having inconsistent work. I've prioritized my runs and got out 3 days per week, working on speed and building to a 10-mile long run. It's felt comfortable and invigorating! I kept up with HIIT and strenght workouts, but I definitely need a bit more consistency in those. I need to add more core training; I let that go in quarantine.

Nutrition was meh at best. I've started tracking my food, and saw a slight tick down on the scale. The days around the long run are the hardest. There is good reason people say losing weight when marathon training is hard. I'd love to get off (and keep off) 5-10 pounds, just for speed and impact on my joints.

I also started a log to track my quest of 40 races for my 40th birthday! Having a little creative time to make stickers, bullet journal, and color has been a nice break. I'll sit down with Robby and we draw together. He gives the best compliments!

So now we look ahead. I've decided August is my month of acceptance. I need to accept that the gym is not open. I need to accept that I am not teaching and training as much at the gym. I, therefore, need to accept a home workout routine that fills in the cross-training gaps that I usually put zero thought into, due to my job. I'll continue to work on speed with track workouts. I'll increase my long run to a half marathon. I'll also continue to tighten up nutrition for my own health and weight loss. 

I still have no plan or goals to how I will run Dopey. I think I'll have a better idea when the simulation weekends come around. I know I will definitely follow the run/walk/run intervals and I'm certainly not going for any sort of speed. 

My marathon weekend friends, have you started training? How is it going?

The Monday after...

The Walt Disney World Marathon weekend has come and gone. We weren't there, but were definitely cheering everyone on from home! I love seeing all the pictures, posts, and stories from friends and strangers alike.

From when I said, "Never again!"

Now that it's Monday, I'm sure some of you (like me) are high on pixie dust and ready to jump into another runDisney event! We are focused on the 2021 Marathon Weekend, with Kate taking on the marathon (her first!!!!) and with me being crazy and doing Dopey just one more time. (Anyone remember 2014? That "one and done" race? I lied, I guess!). We are also going to follow the race weekend up with a cruise, and yes, doing that challenge too. Starting in May we will also be APs, so expect to see us on every course from Wine and Dine 2020 through Star Wars 2021.

Since it's Monday, and we are all motivated, I figured I'd share some of what I'm doing to help coach Kate to the marathon! Here's our January focus:

1. Build a good base and exercise habits. We are both focused on a few runs per week just to get in the habit of getting out there.
2. Focus on nutrition and weight loss. It's hard to lose a ton of weight during a training cycle, and we don't want to have to focus on that when we're already focused on the miles. Dropping a few pounds in the next couple of months will only make training and running easier.
3. Get started with a Disney budget! Maybe not the most fun, but we are both starting to save for our upcoming trips. 
4. Start looking for proof of time races. We definitely want to have a proof of time so we have a little buffer for corrals.

So take that motivation, and let's do something with it. Who's running Disney soon? 

2020 Marathon Weekend Update!

Well, guess it's time to make it official--we will NOT be at marathon weekend in 2020! Sad faces for days!

There's good reason, though! We are now officially Walt Disney World AP holders, so we have WAY big plans for May 2020-21. This includes a very special running year for me!

As we were getting ready to celebrate Bill's big 4-0, I started to think about my own looming birthday (38 is a few weeks away). I wanted to do something big for my 40th, so why not do 40 races for my 40th? It perfectly coincides with our tenth wedding anniversary in May of 2020 (which obviously means an all-out crazy trip to Disney), so we scooped up annual passes at a discount and we are ready to start planning.

So, no races at the beginning of 2020, but we will be ready to go for 2021. On that note, we won't be coming down for Wine and Dine at all. Super sad faces...sort of! It's because I will be RUNNING NYC!!!! Yes, I have guaranteed entry to the 2020 NYC Marathon!!!!! Yes, I'm still freaking out a little. This is my dream race, and to get to do it as part of my 40 for my 40th is a dream come true!!! More on that later...

So, expect to see lots of support and tips, but you won't see us at the actual race. For those getting ready for marathon, Dopey, and Goofy, it's time to get training! You can find the official runDisney training plans HERE. Best of luck, and I'm always here to help! Who is getting ready for 2020?

To Dopey or Not To Dopey

If you are on any kind of social media these days, the question is up almost daily. "I've never run a marathon (or sometimes even a half), but I really want to do Dopey. Am I crazy?" All the runDisney fanatics chime in with the usual upbeat, "You got this!" comments and we perpetuate the new marathoners taking the Dopey plunge. Friends, don't do it. Let me say that again: DON'T DO IT! And guess what? It's not why you may think.

The Inaugural Dopey Challenge

So first, let's go with the logical explanation, which I'm sure is what you think my reasoning is. A marathon is a beast. 4 days of super early wake-ups. Miles upon miles of running on less than fresh legs. The level of commitment of training to make each race successful. It felt like a part time job. If you have never run a race of more than 13.1 miles, it is an entirely different experience. Taking on a four day challenge when you don't know what the final distance even feels like is a little crazy. To finish these races with a smile, you have a lot of work to put in. Yes, it can be done. Yes, when you register I will turn into your cheerleader and gladly offer my advice and experience. BUT, before you slap down that credit card, hear me out.

The marathon. Let's get real, Dopey is all about the marathon. Some people will tell you to walk everything else. Focus on the marathon and you'll be fine. (I personally ran each race, but did have a strategy that I'd happily share for anyone who wants to listen). The marathon. It is an incredible race. It's something most people will never be able to say they have done. What happens when you stack all those races before marathon day? You lose the marathon. There is nothing in the world like your first 26.2. Why would you want to combine that with a challenge like Dopey? Think about goals. What it feels like to accomplish those big, hairy, scary goals. Why would you want to check all those boxes in one weekend? A marathon on fresh legs is hard. It is its own accomplishment. A marathon will change you. You will be stronger and know that you can do anything. That strength will take you through tough times in running and in life. You will forever be able to carry that strength to your future goals. You will gain confidence, smile bigger, and walk just a bit taller. Take the breath, run the marathon, revel in your happiness, celebrate, come back another time and do Dopey. You will never have another chance to do your first marathon. Do you want to simply survive? Or do you want to train and focus on that race and make each step amazing?

So friends, before you follow the crowd who will all "rah-rah" you and say "DO IT!" think about you, your goals, and how you want to remember your first marathon. It an experience like no other! Hopefully I'll see you there in January, only doing the marathon!

Race Report: 2019 WDW Half Marathon

We're unpacked and back to our normal schedules, which means it's just about time to recap the races! This year, the adults were in for the half (only...) and it was right in the middle of our trip. We already had 3 full days of parks, food, and late nights leading up to the morning, so needless to say, we weren't giving the race our best. With that, I had a blast and it was a great reminder of why I love to run Disney!

My mom stayed with the boys while Bill and I were up early to run (thanks mom!). Disney World races never disappoint with those early wake up calls! We were out of our hotel around 3:45, which is pretty good since we were aiming for 3:30. We met up with Chris and found out that Kate's kidney stones (which clearly did not get the memo that we were on a Disney vacation) had kept her up sick all night. She decided it would be best to sit this one out and come back next year for the full, but that's another post, another day, and a fun prospect for next year!

We boarded the buses as usual. I personally prefer to let Disney do the driving on vacation. I know many will disagree and say take your own car, but I should never be trusted driving at 3 am in a sparkly skirt and ears! We had our hands full with breakfast, bags, watches, headphones--I always look like a hot mess getting on the bus. It was business as usual, minus the bag tags. This, friends, is why you should read your event guide. I freaked out because I was missing my tag, just to find out they label it for you when you get there. Corrals were well organized and we did the long trek, hit a few port-o-potties, and got a little time to rest before we began. I was in corral E, but we got off surprisingly fast. I was in the second wave of this corral. I have to say, I appreciate the waves instead of corrals lined up to P. It's a nice incentive for people to get there early!

The course felt so comfortably familiar! It seriously felt like a homecoming! I was sad to have missed the Cigna meetup the day before (we were doing lots of family stuff and I couldn't bail on them), but it was great to just know I was surrounded by friends.

If you've never run the half at WDW, here's the quick summary: lots of back roads, a little Magic Kingdom, the CASTLE, more back roads, lots of cones, a touch of Epcot (really just a touch), and the finish line. I was lucky to enter MK in the dark and got to see the castle all lit up for the holidays. It is so beautiful, and running up Main Street to the castle may be my favorite part of every runDisney race. The WDW races never have much time in the parks, but in some ways the wide open spaces are nice. There's a few crowding points (hello cone alley!) but overall there's space to breathe and move.

I didn't do many photo stops in this race, but I had to stop for Jack Sparrow. My first big disappointment as a mother--here I was so excited to show my pirate obsessed kid, and nope. Not impressed at all! Of course Daddy got a picture with Lightning McQueen and that was a huge hit! Robby hasn't even seen Cars, nor does he really care much about cars in general. Go figure!

I finished in a respectable, but definitely not goal-reaching or "good" by my standards 2:33:33. Far from a PR and far from where I wanted to be in this race (my initial goal was 2:15), but it felt good, I wasn't in pain or pushing so hard I thought I'd die, and I finished in time to get back to the hotel and help my boys get ready for their big races.

Post race was very well organized: medal, snacks, pictures, bag pickup. Pro tip: pack a lightweight, small backpack in your gear check bag! Those bags are so big and cumbersome. It was really nice to be able to stick all my junk in an actual backpack. I saved the ones we got a Princess and Tink. They are perfect! I wish runDisney did those for every race!

I got back to the hotel with plenty of time for breakfast, waking the kids, getting them ready for their races, and taking the bus to ESPN. I wish I had a bit more time for a shower, but luckily it wasn't too hot for the race.

I do hope to be back next year for the marathon with Kate. We are planning on it, but also seeing how training is going for both of us as the race day approaches. Little kids definitely make this whole thing a lot more difficult!

Did you run marathon weekend? What race or races did you do? How did you do? Any PRs out there?

Runner Recipes (I can actually make)

Now that the cookies are eaten, the candy is gone, and the leftovers are no longer left, I am focusing on getting a few weeks of solid nutrition before the WDW Marathon Weekend. If you've been following along on my training journey, you know it's been less than ideal, but that doesn't mean I'm totally throwing it all to the wind for race day. I'm focused on fueling my body with healthy foods and finishing up my training with some strong runs.

Cigna, the WDW Marathon Weekend sponsor, has some great recipes for easy, nutritious, on the go breakfasts. Of course, you don't have to only have these in the morning, but for my busy mornings, these both work perfectly! Peanut butter, yes please! Pumpkin, you bet! And yes, even I, the most unskilled cook ever, can make these.

Overnight Oats

I used PB2 and almond milk in this recipe. I find the powder is much easier to use when mixing and I'm not a huge fan of dairy (or should I say, my belly isn't a huge fan).

Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bites

These were perfect for my early mornings! I don't like to eat a full breakfast before teaching at 5 a.m., so these are simple and work great to have a little something in my stomach. Gotta love the pumpkin love!

Thanks Cigna for always looking out for the runners!

Flashback Friday: Marathon Weekend Before Kids!

It's Friday. Marathon Weekend is right around the corner. Of course, that has me thinking of past races. I've been to the WDW Marathon Weekend 4 times, and they were all awesome in their own way. I got my very first coast to coast after running the Marathon and the Disneyland Half. I remember feeling like crap in that race, but thinking, "This is my only chance to get a coast to coast" and pushing to the finish. That statement is comical now! I was a runDisney neophyte! I've since run Goofy twice (first did the unofficial Dopey before it was a thing) and the inaugural Dopey Challenge. I have to admit, these longer races meant a lot of sacrifice in training, and I can't imagine doing that with 2 littles at home. For now, I'm happy to be returning to "only" run the half marathon in 2019, two boys in tow. Here's a look back at some of my favorite races at Marathon Weekend! Enjoy!

2015 Marathon: PR in FUN!

2014 5k: Dopey Day 1

2014 10k: Dopey Day 2

2014 Half: Dopey Day 3

2014 Marathon: Dopey Day 4

In 2013, I completed the unofficial Dopey--the full, half and 5k. Of course, I had to return when they made it official the following year. Disney Runs in the Family didn't even exist! I actually had an unknown blog: Just Keep Swimming. I regretfully deleted those posts! It journaled my work toward my first Goofy Challenge.

2012 was my first Disney marathon. It was my second marathon ever. Here's a fun fact: my first road race EVER was a marathon! Yep, it was on my bucket list as a one a done, so I trained and ran the Vegas marathon (long before it was a Rock and Roll). I didn't run a race again for 5 years!

Who will I be seeing at this year's Marathon Weekend? What are you running?

Progress Post: October, 2018

It's been a hot minute since I started an actual training plan for the WDW Half Marathon, so I figured it's time to take stock in how it's going. Spoiler alert: I'm not getting all the runs in!

My goal for October was 3 runs per week, just focusing on nailing intervals and figuring out a plan for the half (time goals, interval times, etc). I averaged 2 runs per week, so not terrible, but when running so infrequently, definitely didn't feel great. It's getting cold in NY, I was sick, the boys were sick, and it's just stinkin' HARD to get out and run with 2 kids in tow most days.

I love lists, so why not sum up the month in 5 highs and 5 lows?

5 LOWS:
1. Didn't get all of the weekday runs in
2. Got sick mid-month so all of my workouts suffered
3. My nutrition stunk, so no weight loss
4. Halloween candy. See number 3.
5. 6 miles feels like a really long run.

5 HIGHS: 
1. I did all of the long runs as planned (even if they didn't get done on the weekend)
2. I figured out my intervals. A 90/30 seems to be a sweet spot.
3. People at the gym are noticing an overall weight loss.
4. I did some neighborhood running, which added in intensity with hills and curves.
5. A 2:30 half seems like an attainable goal. I may even be able to squeak out a 2:15 if I really push these next 2 months.

November means a switch in focus to hill training and really extending that long run. It also means the holiday season is here, and it'll be non-stop busy until our trip in January. I plan to take advantage of every nice day and every opportunity to run without kids. While I love the extra training pushing a double stroller provides, it's definitely harder to accomplish things like hills and 8-milers when you have little ones with you.

How is your training going? Any highs and lows? I'd love to hear them here, on IG or on our FB page!

Resisting the Urge

It's Wednesday, and the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon weekend has been on sale for a whole day and nothing is sold out yet. What does that mean for runDisney nuts like me? It means I'm having to sit on my hands, lock up my credit cards, and resist the urge to register for the races.

The 20th Anniversary Medal-My FAVE!

There's anniversaries at stake here. I am slowly starting to get back the desire to complete another Dopey (I mean, that DID take 5 years for the misery to subside). The lure of the 25th anniversary medal for the marathon is strong. Have you seen the 20th anniversary medal? It's my #1 favorite medal. I can only imagine that the design for 2018 is going to be spectacular. To add to the excitement, the marathon falls on Robby's 2nd birthday, so why not celebrate in Walt Disney World?

Here's the issue: babies. We want more kids, and babies take time to bake (40 weeks to be exact). I'm no spring chicken, and while running 3 half marathons during my last pregnancy was a fun task to take on, that last race was absolute torture. Not saying I wouldn't run some again, but it's all about timing. I think my third trimester will be reserved for maintaining fitness and doing some shorter races, not for 13 mile runs. No, I'm not pregnant, so no need to start speculating. It's these early registrations that are making things tough. I have no idea what life will hand me in 2017, so how could I possibly plan for 2018?

If past performance is any indication of what will happen this year, I have plenty of time to decide, especially on the marathon. Here's the catch: I'm cheap (ish) and the thought of paying a higher price just because I register later is kind of hard to wrap my head around. Add to that the fact that I'm sure the kids races will sell out, and I would hate for Robby to miss out.

Must. Resist. The. Urge.

Are you running the 25th anniversary marathon next year?

On Your Mark, Get Set...

Go! Yep, it's GO TIME for those of you hoping to snag a spot in the 2017 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Registration opens today at noon EST/9 PST. Although recent races haven't been the quick sell-out we once saw, I predict Dopey will go quickly, followed by the 10k and 5k races. Also, if you have little ones, the kids races have been going quick too.

2017 also marks the 20th anniversary of the half marathon, so I'd expect a pretty cool medal and a quicker-than-usual sellout. I think the marathon and Goofy are going to be overshadowed once again. We'll see how it all pans out as the day rolls on, but if you're anxiously watching the clock, here's a little throwback to my favorite race: the 2014 marathon and the end of my first (and possibly only) Dopey Challenge.

Throwback Thursday: 2014 Dopey Challenge!

It's Throwback Thursday!  In honor of the start of the training programs for the 2016 WDW Marathon Weekend, I thought I'd throw it back to my favorite runDisney moment: completing the inaugural Dopey Challenge!  Enjoy!  If you're running in 2016, don't forget to download your training plan here: http://www.rundisney.com/training/running/

Okay, here it is!  The final chapter in the race reports from the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: the Marathon, and the end of the Inaugural Dopey Challenge.  Check out the first four parts HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. 

So, we had been in Disney for five days already; I had already run 22.4 miles and walked who knows how many more.  I’d been lucky enough to feel amazing through the first 3 races and had followed my race plan exactly as I had laid it out.  Today, though, was different.  It was the marathon.  This is a no-joke distance that had quite honestly given me a lot of trouble.  I have never run the marathon even close to my “projected pace” based on my half marathon time.  I have never really been proud of my marathon times.  I know, I know, just finishing is a huge accomplishment.  Yes, it definitely is!  But as I continue to run and work hard at this hobby, I was really wanting a success as I would define it.  I had secretly hoped for a marathon PR; no, my previous time wasn’t great, but still, who would hope for that as part of the Dopey?  I think I had mentioned it in passing to my hubby, but that was really it.  I had outwardly set out my goal to be “just to finish” (just…yeah right…that’s 48.6 miles…no “just” for sure!). 

I look terrified!

My morning routine was the same…I’m sure you’ve read enough about peanut butter and jelly.  This morning, though, our room was very quiet.  The bus ride was very quiet.  The walk to the bag check was very quiet.  I was scared.  Really, really scared.  Like, almost in tears, scared.  I had worked so hard for this moment; I don’t think I can do this again if I don’t succeed.  My hubby took some starting area pictures quickly and I went straight through to the starting line.  The bus was a lot later this morning and I was feeling rushed.  2 port-o-potty stops and the fireworks were being released.  I only got into my corral as the race started.  No extra time this morning!  I think this is a function of this race being heavily local.  People just don’t get there as early and it’s just more congested. 

Once corral G got off (pretty quickly, just like the day before), the course was the same as the half marathon to start.  Streets around Epcot, running in the dark.  My race plan for today was a 3:1 run/walk ratio.  Again, I’m not usually a run/walker, so I had to squash the urge to run that first mile.  My head was filled with the voice of Jeff Galloway saying “You’ll be passing people the last 6 miles with a smile on your face.”  I wanted to be that person, so I did it.  I started slow.  I stuck to my intervals. I squashed the urge to run to get out of the crowd.  It was also much cooler this morning, almost perfect marathon conditions.  I was sweating early, but it didn’t feel too bad. 

Our first stop, just like the day before, was the Magic Kingdom.  I was really pushing my running intervals to stay on pace (my Garmin may have been my favorite Christmas present in a long, long time…I love knowing my pace at any given time).  I was keying into my music and quietly watching runners around me.  I talked to a few people, one of my favorites was a woman with Autism, running as part of Autism Speaks.  WOW—she was awesome!  We entered the Magic Kingdom through Main Street USA, same as the day before.  Still magical.  No matter how many times you do it.  As we went through the castle, I saw my mom and hubby cheering as part of the ChEAR Squad.  I slowed for a moment, but they didn’t see me.  I was right on pace and it was too early to stop the momentum.  We were out of the Magic Kingdom quickly and on the road again.

We passed by the Grand Floridian, my favorite hotel that we stayed at many times when I was a kid.  I have so many amazing memories with my family there.  Someday Bill and I will splurge and stay there (we are actually thinking about a 10-year anniversary trip).  There were still parts of the course that narrowed here, and I tried my best to signal for my walk breaks and stay to the right side. 

Quickly, we were at the Speedway.  Actually, it was really quickly.  I hadn’t missed an interval, and was maintaining the same pace, feeling great!  Just like in Disneyland, the cars aren’t my favorite part, but it definitely broke up the course.  The owners of the cars were there, and some of them were very spirited.  It was a lot of fun!

After the speedway, we were off to the Animal Kingdom.  On the way in, I met another runner in the same costume.  We chatted a bit, but she was doing the pictures/experience thing (I did that last year during Goofy) so I ended up losing her within the park.  I love talking to people on the course, but sometimes I get a little shy J  I will say it again, the Animal Kingdom is not my favorite park to run through.  I don’t like the uneven surfaces and the up and down of the course.  I feel like that park is a love/hate relationship with many, and I know of a ton of people that LOVE it.  I’m just not one of them.  On the way out of the park I saw Ali Vincent’s mom waiting for her to come through (she must have been pretty close behind me).  I love Ali Vincent—I got to meet her last year at Disneyland and she is an absolute doll; so inspirational!

Back on the road, and we were halfway there.  I felt good, but I knew that this is where the race started for me.  I feel like I’m at the point where I can run a half marathon any day, but 13.2, that’s HARD.  I had to keep pushing, even though my head was starting to drift.  At the front of the park, there is a lot of narrowing of the course, so I had to slow down a bit, which just meant I had some time to make up.  More miles on the road.  I knew our next stop was the Wide World of Sports, and I knew I’d see my family. 

We entered WWoS around Mile 17, I think.  We wound through a bunch of fields.  It was a great distraction.  I knew my family was at the baseball stadium and was really looking forward to seeing them.  This is also around the time you get the wet sponge/towel…ahhhhhh…it felt so good.  This year I decided to keep it on my neck so I could continue to cool myself down.  Sooooo, this is where it gets emotional.  I looked at my Garmin.  I was doing it.  I was on pace to crush my previous PR.  I mean…crush!  It was that moment that you hope no one is looking, because I totally got the ugly cries.  Get it together, there is still a long way to go!  I had to actually do self-talk because I was having trouble catching my breath, trying not to cry.  I finally took the sharp turn into the stadium, and I saw the great signs my mom made.  I couldn’t stop smiling, and I could tell they knew how amazing my run actually was going.  I was feeling so strong (and for the record, yes, I’m tearing up again even as I’m writing this).

After the stadium, you loop around to hit mile 20 and start to see the waves of runners entering where you just left.  Those runners looked awesome and it was great to cheer each other on.  I know this course well and knew that mile 21 was tough (it’s a killer overpass), and I also could hear the words of many saying “the race starts at mile 20.”  I was running strong, and must have looked good too, because even the green Army men said so!  We were on our way to Hollywood Studios, I kept my intervals, and I passed the straightaway that had given me a ton of trouble on previous races. 

Hollywood Studios flew by.  To be honest, I don’t remember most of it (darn…should have written this sooner).  Yes, I was starting to get tired, but I kept up on the intervals, even if I slowed a few times.  We ran out the front of the Studios and the crowd really perked up.  I cannot thank those who show up to cheer on these mornings enough—it’s a great pick-me-up.  As I ran, passing people, I couldn’t help but hear Jeff Galloway’s voice again…and he was right!  I was passing people all over the place.  People were cheering and were excited watching me fly by.  Wow…I must really look good!  Okay, ugly cries, ugly cries.  Yes, it happened a few more times.   I was keeping on pace. 

Yacht & Beach Club, then the final leg: Epcot.  This was really about to happen; I was about to finish the Dopey Challenge.  Yes, you guessed it, the ugly cries, and this time there were tons of people around.  Hard to hide it.  The countries ticked by and we were off to the finish.  What is that I hear?  The Gospel Choir.  YES!  This was it!  The finish is just around the corner. 

There is was: the finish line.  I tried to catch my breath and gave it all I had to cross strong.  I stopped my Garmin.  Try to hold it together, Aly.  YOU JUST PR-ED THE MARATHON!!!!!!!  Holy *&^% (this is a G-rated blog, but be creative).  My final time: 4:42:12.  Yes, that is a 26-minute improvement over my fastest marathon.  (For the record, my PR was from my first marathon in 2005)  No, I’m not qualifying for Boston or anything, but this was amazing for me.  Talk about trying not to cry too much.  I still can’t believe it. 

I really rushed through the finish chute to get to my family.  I collected my medals, thanked every volunteer I could find, and hugged the volunteer who put the Dopey medal around my neck (while apologizing for my sweaty, smelly self).  I collected my bag and met up with my hubby and mom.  Yes, I cried when I saw them too.  They got it.  My husband has spent many weekend mornings alone while I pounded the pavement.  My mom had to listen to me obsess over training during our daily phone calls.  My hubby kept snapping pictures; I guess I’m not one to show emotion too often, so he had to document this event.  I took many pictures with my medals, and with two of the many people who had supported me on this journey.  I posted on Facebook.  I checked official results, just to be sure that I wasn’t dreaming. 

I could really go on forever; this was one of the best experiences of my life.  I felt amazing through all four races, and I have to give one person credit: myself.  I know that sounds a bit conceited, but I think it’s an important message.  I made this happen; I made this dream come true.  It was a lot of hard work, but I would not have done it any other way.  To be able to get to that finish was amazing.  To feel great at the end was even better.  To be able to walk away with a PR and memories to last a lifetime; it’s indescribable.  To sit here, writing this post, and still tear up, that speaks volumes to how much this experience has meant to me. 

Being a bit Dopey!

I have a feeling I’ll be writing more posts about Dopey, how I approached the challenge, and the many things I did to find success.  Thanks for coming along on my journey to 48.6.  I hope if you took on this challenge, you, too, found success.  I hope that if you are looking for inspiration to run your first race, run a new distance, or finally get that PR, this story has made you smile and realize that it’s all worth it.  I am in no way done, as I whole-heartedly believe we are all a work in progress.  I’m not sure what my new running goal will be, but I do know that it will be hard to beat my experience at the 2014 Inaugural Dopey Challenge! 

My hard-earned BLING!

Tuesdays on the Run: Tips to Survive a Challenge

Challenge accepted!  This week I'm linking up with the ladies from My No Guilt Life, Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and MCM Mama Runs to talk about those crazy back to back (to back to back) challenges.  I love these challenges, and Disney does them the BEST!  Okay, I don't have much to compare it to, but I can't imagine a better race series than Disney!

Here are my top 10 tips for taking on a challenge:

1. Train! I get on my high-horse here, and it should go without saying, but you need to train for races.  I know these can be "fun runs" but trust me, it's more fun when you have a great race and you're not dying of pain.

2. Train how you plan to run the races.  When I did the inaugural Dopey, I modified different training plans and actually did my runs with the same pace and intervals that I ran on race day when I did my weekends of running back to back.  When it came time for race day, there were no surprises!

3. Set individual goals for each race.  Some you might run slow and take pictures.  Some you might race.  The most important thing, though, is that you look at your individual ability and set your goal based on your training...and stick to it!

4. Don't be afraid to PR!  You'll hear plenty of people who will tell you a challenge is not the time to run your best race.  I say, do it (especially if you followed tip 1 & 2).  I PR-ed my marathon at Dopey, after running a 5k, a 10k, and a half.  I had a plan, I stuck to it, and I left it all on the course.  Oh...and I shaved 26 minutes off my best marathon time!  Seriously the BEST running moment of my life!

5. Have a recovery plan.  I've talked a lot about Dopey, but my first challenge was the "unofficial" Dopey where I ran the 5k, half, & full.  I had to figure out a lot about my body and recovery while prepping for that race--what to eat, what to drink, ice baths, compression gear, all that stuff!  I'm still fine-tuning, but I have a pretty solid routine.  This is another part of training, so play around with what works for you.

6. Focus on hydration pre, during, and post race.  Dehydration is the enemy, so throughout your training, figure out what works for you.  Remember, you are hydrating for the final race, so be sure it's on your mind.

7. Don't sit around.  Yes, rest is an important part of recovery, but you also need to keep those muscles loose.  Personally, I hit the parks between races (well..and before and after and any chance I get).  I don't go crazy and I make sure I'm not hopping from one end to the other, but strolling through Disney keeps my muscles moving.  I highly suggest you leave your FitBit off, though...it can really psych you out knowing you did an extra 7 miles the day before a marathon!

8. Get enough sleep!  These are EARLY race mornings and tempting park nights.  Yes, you will miss the fireworks and Fantasmic, but remember what you are ultimately there for!  I typically head back to my room around dinnertime.  Even if I can't sleep, I lay in bed, watch TV, and just relax before the next race.

9. Know before you go--about food!  We all know that fueling properly is important, but it's even more important for challenges.  Have a plan of where to go for good carbs.  Some of my favorites are Mickey pretzels when strolling around, pizza at Downtown Disney, Mama Melrose and the pasta meals at the resort quick service restaurants.  Also, I pack and bring my own breakfast for race morning.  I don't leave that to chance!

10. Make it fun! Dress up, run with friends, meet new people, just have a blast!  These races are seriously so much fun!  Why else would we all do it???

Hope this helps you in your next challenge!  We'll see you at Dumbo Double Dare!

Don't forget to check out some of the other bloggers sharing some of their favorite tips too!

Hilton Bonnet Creek: an Alternative Location for a WDW Racecation

That "precious" bag

Dangle a runDisney backpack in front of Alyson and you never know what will happen!  She called me from the Wine and Dine Expo asking if I wanted to go to WDW in January.   Apparently, she needed this backpack they were giving away with Goofy entries and Billy couldn’t go with her. Refuse a trip to Disney…I don’t think so!  And so we had to quickly plan our trip. We decided to stay off property.   We heard that the Hilton had race transportation, so we thought we’d give it a try. 

Hilton Bonnet Creek is “surrounded by the Walt Disney World

Room with 2 Queen Beds

Resort” as they say on their website.   They offer free transportation to all 4 parks and I must say, they were always on schedule.  You can purchase park tickets there and they even have a store where you can buy Disney products.  This hotel is all about customer service.   At check in, I had to join our 2 reservations, no problem.  I mentioned that we were there for marathon weekend.  Even though we had not specifically registered under their “marathon weekend package”, they gave me the swag bag and explained all the special accommodations they had for marathoners. 

Swag bag--even included a Bondi Band

One of the fun things in the bag was instructions for entering their contest for runners…estimate your finish time and the winner won a free weekend for a future stay at Hilton Bonnet Creek!

Bonus:  As I was settling in on Thursday night, I heard fireworks.  I looked out the window and could see Illuminations off to the right!

On Friday, at noon, they open the special concierge for marathon weekend.   It’s here that you sign up for race transportation.  They offered transportation for both the half on Saturday and the full on Sunday.  The only drawback here is if you are doing Dopey, you would need to get to the 5k and 10k yourself. 

They also had several buses going to the expo on Friday afternoon.  That didn’t fit my schedule (I wanted to go in the morning) so I hopped a bus to the Magic Kingdom (ticket and transportation center), took a monorail to the Polynesian and boarded an expo bus there.  When I returned to the hotel in the afternoon, I signed Alyson and myself up for the race buses (you get a wristband that gets you a seat on the bus).   I didn’t know how I was going to tell Aly we had to be downstairs for 2:45am!!! 

Runner Breakfast

It was quite the spread!

Saturday morning we went down to the lobby at 2:45.  What a sendoff this hotel gives you!!  There was a full spread of bagels, protein bars, COFFEE (I don’t function well without it), water, and everything that might be on a runners list.  In addition, there were hotel employees cheering everyone on.   We boarded the first bus heading to the race (noted here that Sunday there was no need for us to be on the first bus).

After the race, we went to Harvest Bistro for breakfast.  We came straight from the race.  The staff treated Alyson like royalty (and it wasn’t even Princess weekend!).   Our waiter told us that he would be one of the “cheerers” on Sunday morning.   He said the staff looks forward to this because it’s so much fun.

Feeling Goofy on the bus at 3am

Sunday morning, we went down a little later but still had the same experience.   Took a coffee on the bus with me, some water for later and we were off.

View from our room

There are several fine restaurants on property (both at the Hilton and the sister Waldorf Astoria within walking distance).   Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to experience any of them as we were there a short time and wanted to get some park time in.  We also looked at their fully equipped fitness center.  We didn’t use it, but it was there if needed. I also regret not being able to take a trip around the “lazy river” in the pool.  It was too cold to even attempt!

Would we stay here again?   Definitely!  In fact, this would be a nice place to stay on a non-race trip so we would get to enjoy everything this resort has to offer.  You can check them out HERE .

Have you ever stayed off property for a runDisney event?   

Race Report: 2015 WDW Marathon (Goofy--Part 2)

We're onto the big daddy of all Disney races: The Marathon!  This is my 4th WDW marathon and 5th overall marathon (did one in Vegas a long time ago).  Honestly, as I become more comfortable at this distance, this really is starting to become one of my favorite Disney courses.  You get so much Disney time and they break up the course really nicely.  If there is ever a time you consider a marathon, this is the one to do!

Last year, I PR-ed the marathon during the Dopey Challenge.  This year, after signing up only a few weeks earlier (never recommended, by the way), I set an "un-PR" by running my slowest race yet.  But...what that means for you is lots and lots of pictures!  I spent my time enjoying the course, the other runners, and enjoying the beauty that is a marathon.  Most people never get the opportunity to experience 26.2 miles--it's a rare and exclusive club, and I'm proud to be part of it!

Waiting in corral H

We started out just like the day before, very early and cold (albeit, warmer than the morning before, but I was still really glad I brought extra Mylar blankets for the start).  I put myself back a corral because my #1 goal during this race was to ride Everest in Animal Kingdom.  I had it timed out and I wanted to be sure I wasn't just standing around.  I sat at the start to save my legs, and waiting for the send off.

Starting Line!

Today, they were giving runners the warning not to cross the start line with their blankets, not sure exactly why, as during the half I had my blanket tied around me for 2 miles.  Luckily it was warmer, so I ditched it at the start.  I also planned to Instagram my way through the race (see...that's why you need to follow me on Instagram: DisneyRunsInTheFamily).  So...let's let the pictures tell the story of the 2015 WDW Marathon:


The race starts out with a few miles on the streets between the Magic Kingdom & Epcot.  While it's not the most exciting part of the course, it's nice to be able to spread out and get your pace going.

The first fun place you run to is the Magic Kingdom.  You enter through the Transportation and Ticket Center, but just seeing the MK sign is awesome!

First stop...Magic Kingdom!

Castle Selfie!

When you turn the corner to actually enter MK, you are immediately on Main Street USA--it's my favorite part of every race!  You HAVE TO do it once...or twice...or...well...hold on, I have to count...

I love that they keep the castle lit for Christmas.  Even if you are there at dawn, it's still beautiful!






Right turn ahead, and you're in Tomorrowland!


You then run around the back of the Magic Kingdom, right past the newest, hottest attraction: The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  Why is THIS ride not open?  I would have waited for this one!!!!  Left by the carousel, and you hit the picture perfect spot of running through the castle.  It's my secret dream that someday I get that perfect pic and I'm featured on the runDisney website.  Weird...I know!

REAL bathrooms at MK

Mile 6 is the last mile marker you see in the Magic Kingdom, but WAIT!  Make sure you use a real bathroom before you leave the park!  So much better than a port-o-potty!










After you exit the Magic Kingdom, you only have a few short miles on the road before you hit the Speedway.  Rumor is they are getting rid of the Speedway in a few years.  For a normal Disney vacation, that doesn't impact me too much, but truth be told, it's a great distraction when you're running a marathon!

Do I look faster on the Speedway?

There are some more roads, and Disney does it right by taking you by some more characters and stops.  I didn't stop for characters this time around, but I did stop to take a pic with the Goofy topiary.  When I was a kid, I totally wanted this to be my Disney job.  Too bad I can't keep a plant alive more than a week!

Soon enough, we were heading in Animal Kingdom (my #1 race goal...remember).  I was still a little early even though I went as slow as I could, so I stopped at another real bathroom.  People...this is GOLDEN in a race!  After the potty break, the line was open.  I quickly got into the single rider line (they were ready for us) and had a BLAST riding Everest in the middle of a marathon.  Now THAT is a bucket list item for sure!

Waiting in line!

Here we go!

AHHHHHHH!

After the Animal Kingdom, I was finally free to run a little faster, so I picked up the pace and didn't stop as much...well...except for this picture.  It's a must stop for me!  I love the Haunted Mansion!

Dead tired!

After taking a quick break to lie down, we were headed into ESPN Wide World of Sports.  A lot of people don't like this part, but honestly, they must have not been on the course before it was added.  It's perfect timing to give you a break in the miles.  You are here from mile 17-20, you get your cold towel, and you get the energy of the stadium.  Not my favorite part of the course, but it's definitely a fun part.  Today, though, it started raining, so no wet towels were needed...we were already wet.  

After WWoS, you hit mile 20 and it's the home-stretch.  A steep uphill and you head on into Hollywood Studios.  By this time the park is open and there are tons of people cheering you on...oh, and always a few that are angry that the park has traffic.  I snapped a few pics quickly, but by this time it was starting to really rain, so I was also trying to keep the phone safe.

A few quick turns, down around the boardwalk, and you are on your way to Epcot.  It continued to rain, so this was the best shot I could get.  You can almost, sort of make out the ball behind me.  Either way, it's there...trust me on this one!

Gospel choir, then DONE!  Another Goofy Challenge in the books, and my 4th WDW Marathon completed.  Every year I say this is my last for a while.  Let's see if that holds true for 2016! Thanks for coming along!  

Love volunteers--especially when they have BLING!

My bling from the weekend :)