We are totally doing the half next year

Today I worked from home, so at noon in 80 degree heat I decided to punish myself with a 30 minute run around the neighborhood.  It was hot and the sun was killing me… I even stopped to walk for a couple minutes half way through.  Total baby I know, but I hate running in the heat and when you add the scorching sun… forget about it.  I did this run for two reasons: 1 – a reality check that the heat and humidity of South Florida will be here to stay soon enough and 2 – an attempt to get me psyched for the mid-60s race time temps predicted for Sunday morning.  Mid-60s is about 10 degrees higher than my preferred running weather, hence the need for motivation.  How dare I complain about sunny, mid-60s weather… apologies to my family in New England and friends in Alaska.  I am sure I will now fully appreciate the weather Sunday morning. 

Regardless of weather, I am SO excited to head up to Orlando tomorrow for my second Disney Princess half marathon weekend!  I attended last year running the Royal Family 5k with Annette, her family and her neighbors, Tracy & Doug, and their girls.  This was an untimed fun run through Epcot where you could take pictures with the Disney characters.  I was too caught up in timing my run that I did not stop to take any pictures.  I regret that.  There were so many characters along the course, the next time I participate in a fun run through Disney I am bringing my camera to get pictures with as many characters as possible.  I may even blow off my time on Sunday and just take pictures with the characters along the way.  Haven’t decided yet… it is my dilemma of the week :)

A funny story from last year’s race… strollers were allowed on the course so Annette and Brian decided to bring their kids along and push them in a stroller. Well this was a good idea for the first mile, but apparently Brian couldn’t keep up with Annette (in this untimed race!) so after Mile 1 she was out of there.  Took off with the double wide stroller and left Brian in the dust – LOL.  There is a happy ending though, before the finish line Annette did pull over and wait for Brian so they could finish together… awww… but she seriously couldn’t just slow down during the race?  I know she is laughing right now as she reads this.

Annette - check... Addison - yup she's there...
Preston - he's not happy, but there.  Who's missing??

While we all had a great time running the 5k, we were definitely overwhelmed by all the excitement for the Princess half marathon being run the following morning.  We felt left out with our cotton race T-shirts and plastic gear check bags.  The half marathon participants received Tech tees and “fancy” mesh bags.  At the expo Annette looked at me very determined and serious and said “We are totally doing the half next year”.

And so the training for 13.1 miles began and now here we are, one year later ready to run!  My tiara and tutu are waiting right by my door and I can’t wait to wear them on Sunday.  So corny magical I know, but we will be at Disney after all!

I know you are jealous of my tiara & tutu

My friends in Alaska have called me “Princess” for years, but it would be great if you all could address me as “Princess Heather” on Sunday.  Kidding… kind of…

My friend Matt gave me this magnet years ago.
He knows what's up!

My cousin Amanda is running the Hyannis half marathon Sunday as part of her training for Boston.  An organized race beats a long run on your own any day, have fun Mandy!

A special shout out needs to go to my friend Annie in Alaska.  She is running with her sister tomorrow in their very first race, the Fur Rondy Frostbite Footrace 5K.  Temps at the starting line are forecasted to be about 10 degrees, but they are true Alaskan girls, so they are ready to run!  Good luck Annie & Amy!

Beautiful downtown Anchorage,
location of the Fur Rondy 5k

I “like” the US Road Sports Facebook page and their status update today is so great I had to share it with all of you:

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
--John Bingham