I'm Packing My Bags... and Heading To Disney

I can't believe it. Disney Marathon weekend is here. I have so many emotions running through me, not to mention a pesky cold. I am so nervous about Sunday. I don't know why. I have put in all the training or as my friend Stacy would tell me "the hay is in the barn, girl" (said with an adorable southern accent).

I guess I just haven't been feeling 100% lately and don't want it to affect my performance. I have trained for 6 months to make this happen. I was so excited after completing my 20 mile training run, but then most of you know what happened next. Thankfully, I am not injured or really too sick to run. I have just been a bit down lately and skipped some training runs. I just need to get my confidence and positivity back. I can and should be able to complete this race. I don't know why I keep thinking 26.2 miles sounds so damn far... now. I shouldn't be scared or nervous. I should be excited and thrilled about this journey and accomplishment.

Disney has been sending all kinds of emails this week talking about what there is to see and do during the race. It should definitely be action packed, which is good. I could definitely use the distraction. Of course, packing has been a nightmare. I have a long list of things I need to put in my suitcase and gym bag. I am definitely over-packing for this weekend, but I don't care. I am driving over to Orlando, so I can fill my car. Plus, I want to be prepared for every possible scenario.

I do want to take a moment to thank my amazing friends and family who have supported me through this experience. I had no idea I had so many wonderful people in my life that will be there for me no matter what, whenever I need them. I have had a rough few weeks and the words of encouragement and hugs have been so helpful. Some may be coming over to Disney Sunday to watch me cross the finish line, which means the world to me that they would give up their Sunday and wake up way too early to be there for me. I appreciate and love all of you. And I can't wait to get together with the 30 or so of you who said you want to celebrate with me when I get home. We are going to live it up with some food and cocktails at Datz. YUM!

Disney is allowing people to track the progress of runners in all of the races this weekend. So if you know someone running, you can register at this link: Track A Disney Runner.

It won't be easy and I can't say I will be 100% healthy, but I look forward to giving the 2011 Disney World Marathon all I have, crossing the finish line (hopefully in under 5 hours) and getting a shiny new medal.

Good luck to all my those running the Disney half and full marathons this weekend. And to Stephanie, Anita, Julie, Erin and Ruben... we can and will survive the 26.2 magical miles.

Marathon Training: Week 20

Week 20 came with some ups and down. First, the bad. The IT band on my left leg flared up. Never had an issue with that side before, but I listened to my body and rested. I skipped two training runs this week - a five miler and 8 miler. I also got a massage to help work everything out. It seemed to help and I felt good going into my half marathon race on Sunday.

Now to the good. My long run for the week was 13 miles. So to make it easier to track and get me in race mode, I signed up for the Women's Half Marathon in St. Petersburg. I was surprised to learn based on my estimated finish time I would be in starting corral #2. Thankfully, two friends who are also running the 2011 Disney Marathon were in the corral with me.

Overall, it was a good race. I got to see parts of St. Petersburg that I have never seen before, like the Pier. I made it through the first 10 miles feeling great, but then my IT band became an issue and slowed me down a bit. I will say I finished this race 11 minutes faster than my first half marathon, setting a new PR of 2:12:24. The finisher medal was also kind of cool. So I really can't complain. 

Speaking of cool, while picking up my race packet, I was able to get an up close view of what I have been training for. Disney was on hand with the medal for the 2011 marathon. It is massive and heavy. I can't wait to have one draped around my neck. I will probably cry like a baby when they do it, but it will be such an awesome accomplishment and I will be relieved to finally be done with training. Just seven more weeks to go.

I do think I have clued in on the IT band issue though. After two months and a couple hundred miles or more, I think I have worn through another pair of shoes.

I was hoping to get a new pair of shoes at the race expo, but the vendors did not carry my brand. BOO! I did find a place online that had my shoes on sale with free two day shipping. So I will have some new kicks by Wednesday. However, I think it is best that I take a small break from running, do some yoga and stretching and give my IT bands a break. I want to feel good and be able to fully run the marathon in January.

Check Out My Bling: 2011 Disney Marathon Medal

Walt Disney World has announced the 2011 Disney Marathon Medal. More than 50,000 people voted on the bling, including myself. This is not the medal I chose, but does it really matter? I think finishing the race is more important. Although, wearing the medal the day after the race does entitle me to free theme park admission. So that is a big plus.

Vote On My Marathon Bling

Disney announced some cool news today. Everyone who runs the 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon will receive free admission to the theme parks the day after the race or what is being referred to as "Marathon Monday." Guess that gives me one more day to "pack it in" at the "house of the mouse." For those of you who don't know, the post-marathon plan is to hit Epcot so that I can eat my way around the world in desserts. Sure, people like to drink around the world. I'll probably do some of that, but after running 26.2 miles I'm going let my sweet tooth run wild. It will be well deserved and delicious.

Another interesting twist announced by Disney today. Organizers are letting runners (and everyone else) vote on the bling you'll get at the end of the race. Here are the choices:

You can vote on which marathon bling I will receive at www.disneyworldmarathon.com. Personally, I like medal 1, but choose what you like. Voting closes July 28 and the winning medal will be announced in August. Oh, and while you're there, sign up for the race. Why not? If I can run 26.2 miles, so can you!