Kicking butt in the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Disney fanatic does not even begin to describe me.  I love Disney; anything and everything to do with Disney.  Disney World is my happy place.  Epcot is my passport to the world.  Animal Kingdom is my zoo.  Magic is palpable throughout Walt Disney World.  So it stands to be true that as a runner I would participate in every single Disney race (on the East coast).

Disney Hollywood Studios Osborne Lights

This past weekend I ran the Disney Enchanted 10k.  Last year I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  I was looking forward to running a different type of race.  Enchanted 10k was one of the shortest races that I've run.  Dressed as the Little Mermaid (Ariel) I was ready to rock this race! Character stops, which are a big draw for Disney races, was a bit sparse due to the distance.  My only character stop was with Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio. Genie dressed like Goofy, Luminere and Cogsworth from the Beauty and the Beast, Tinker Bell were the other character stops that I skipped.  Running through Epcot proved to be fun.  Not being able to run through Magic Kingdom was the one disappointment.  As a "Princess" orientated race, running through the castle in Magic Kingdom would have been perfect.  But alas we just ran though Epcot and the Boardwalk.

Sleeping Beauty Aurora (pre race)

Jiminy Cricket and Pinocchio

Lumiere and Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast

Last but not least my post race picture...

Texas trip - Mardi Gras parade

Going home can bring up a lot of emotions.  Some amazing memories flood back.  A few sad recollections arise.  But overall going home, for me, cleanses my soul.  Bringing my son to my old stomping grounds is important.  I want him to experience other areas, cultures, smells, etc.  Growing up in Texas makes me very proud.  My favorite saying is that I was born and bred in Texas.

During our last trip to Texas, we visited an area of Dallas called Oak Cliff.  Oak Cliff is an amazing and eclectic neighborhood.  We lucked out and attended an amazing Mardi Gras parade.  The Mardi Gras Oak Cliff parade was the perfect mix of New Orleans meets Texas.  Where is could you experience motorcycle Elvis, marching bands, dancing sharks, a pink dog car and pounds of beautiful beads! @oakcliff

 More details of our trip to Texas to come!

Rainy Days

Perfect way to spend a rainy day. Legos!

I am a Marathoner

Certain characteristics are foreign to me.  Tall, brilliant mathematician, amazing dancer are just a few adjectives that I will never claim.  Marathoner was also included in that group of words. Until just a few weeks ago.  I ran a marathon! Me! Even I am in shock.

Homeschool

I have several passions including running, my kids, etc.  While training for this current marathon season I also started a Homeschool group.  My curious, vibrant LO needed more of an educational structure.  The thought of homeschool frightened me.  I am not a traditional teacher, and at first didn't know many other moms interested in homeschooling.  I researched, read and asked questions.  Our class formed.  Over time our group grew.  Now we are 9 strong.  Teaching children, especially your own, can be overwhelming but yet exciting.  But imagine 9 rightfully opinionated parents, moms specifically, all with the noble goal with providing the best education possible.  No small task let me tell you.  We are in our sixth month and still going through many growing pains. 

Chasing the Bling

This is my first attempt at a half marathon.  Before this last month the longest race was a 5K. A 5K!!!  Training started last March.  I wanted to start slow and easy.  After researching many training protocols I ended up with the Galloway program.  It has been working out well.  At first I was a bit disappointed that I was not training to run the whole half marathon.