Team Run

I am really enjoying my work with Team in Training, both the fundraising and the team runs.  This morning was a team run and I thought I would tell you a little about what goes on there.  

Each Saturday morning the team meets to run together.  We usually meet at a different place each week for variety, like local parks, a college campus or different sections of the rail trail.  As team members arrive, we gather and start stretching.  Once everyone is there, the coaches get the meeting started with announcements etc.  Everyone introduces themselves and what races they are training for.  While this is going on, maps/directions are handed out.  The coaches will recommend a distance based on the training schedule for each athlete.  The last thing that happens at each group run is called a “mission moment.”  This is where a team member will share something moving—either about their honored teammate (cancer survivor) or something else meaningful that happened mission related.  Sometimes mission moments are good news, sometimes they are sad news, but they are always a great way to get the run started—by reminding every one of the real reason we are all there.  A team photo is taken, then it’s time to run!

Add this to the list of cool things
 I have seen while running.

My run today was six miles.  Very quickly on I meet and started running with two girls whom I will also be doing the San Diego half with.  We hit it off quickly and found a lot to chat about.  I stuck with my 1/1 ratio for the whole run.  The girls seemed very surprised that I could keep up and even pass them doing my Jeff Galloway run/walk/run method.  Our running coaches drive the courses to check on the runners and provide water stops.  The coaches also set up snacks and water at the end.  After chatting and selling some Bondi Bands, the team run was done.  The girls and I made plans to ride to the airport together race weekend. 

What I love most about the team is how supportive everyone is.  No runner is ever left behind.  Everyone cheers each other on and is there to help when someone is having trouble.  I am so thankful that I found Team in Training.  The San Diego half will certainly not be my last Team in Training event.  If you are interested in joiningTeam in Training, check out this site or email me! 

Getting my medal at the
Disney Princess Half Marathon. 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Refocusing

In just ten short weeks I will be in San Diego for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  This will be my second half marathon.  My major concern when training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon was that I finish.  Now that I know I can complete a half marathon, it’s time to work on getting a PR.  Getting a PR should not be to hard because I stopped for so many pictures in the Princess.  Even is I run at the same speed, I will still get a better time in San Diego. 

One thing that has concerned me is that I have not done any runs past a 5k since the Princess.  That ends tomorrow!  I will be doing six miles in the morning and begin following the Jeff Galloway plan.  It worked great for me the first time, so I feel confident it will work for me again. 

So far, Weight Watchers has been going well.  I have been working on finding low points meals and snacks.  I did find these cupcakes in the bakery at my local grocery store that are just 3 PointsPlus each.  I find that eating a fruit or veggie at each meal has helped me stay full.  

This has been a week of refocus to me.  I found a few great articles I wanted to share with you.  One was on Active.com about ways to improve your half marathon training and the other is from Runner’s World about how to use running to help you lose weight.  I am ready to get working on my next half marathon!

Have you ever went through a refocus period?  What promted it and how did it work for you?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***Please don't forget to register for my "Run Like a Fool virtual 5k".  Run or Walk anytime between now and April 8th.  As a thank you, I will send all who register a finisher medal.  All proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  

Weight Watchers

When I first started my running journey, I had hoped that it would help me lose some weight.  While I did lose some weight, I still have a ways to go.  I do a lot of running, plus Turbo Fire and Chalean Extreme.  All that working out makes me hungry!  I try to make good choices, like Shakeology and lots of fruits and veggies, but it’s time for some help.  I joined Weight Watchers today! 

I did Weight Watchers a few years ago with some success.  The plan was different then.  We still counted Points, but back then the points were calculated from calories, fat and fiber.  Now, PointsPlus values are figured with carbs, protein, fat and fiber—not calories.  That is about all I know about the new PointsPlus, for now.  Oh, and fruits and veggies are all zero PointsPlus!  I am off to read my new program materials. I will keep you updated about how I am doing on the plan. 

Have you tried the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan?  How did it work for you?  What did you think of the plan?  Any tips for a newbie? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***I did my first Run Like a Fool virtual 5k run tonight with a friend.  When are you doing yours?

It has been so nice outside here in southern Pennsylvania over the past week. Spring is finally here! Time to run outside.  I much more prefer to run outside, but my neighborhood is hilly. It’s good for short runs, but I still had not found a good place for every day training runs—until now.

Last week, a friend asked me to meet her at our local high school track for a run. I immediately said yes, but I was not sure if I would like it or not.  I had thought about running at the high school track lots of times before, but always decided against it. Thoughts of running at my old high school track always brings back stomach churning memories of running during gym class in high school, wearing a hideously unflattering white gym shirt and ill-fitting black cotton shorts . One day each year we all had to run a mile around the track for the presidential fitness test. I hated it! It was the worst school day of the year by far. I never in a million years thought I would ever go back there to run again by choice, but I decided to give to give it a try anyway.

I pulled up to the high school at 6:50, about ten minutes before I planned to meet my friend. The first thing I noticed is that the place I used to park was gone. Covering “my spot” when I went to school there was now a building. I found a new place to park and met my friend. We started the walk toward the track as I felt my old anxieties coming back. As I stepped onto the track, my first though was that is felt a lot smaller than I remember. Four times around the track is approximately a mile. The track used to feel like running around an ocean to me, but now it did not seem so big. When I had considered running on the track, I always pictured it crawling with very fit teenagers running circles around me. That was not the reality at all. The track was not very crowded, there were just a few middle age to older people walking and running, none of whom seemed light years ahead of me in fitness.

I am so glad I went! It felt great to run outside in the nice weather. I have run at the high school track a hand full of times now. My friend and I have an ongoing running date Tuesday and Thursday evening. To moral of this story--Do something every day that scares you. What have you done that scares you lately?

A dream is a wish

--Amy

***Don’t forget to sign up for my virtual 5k supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In memory of someone very special to me…

As you know, I held a virtual 5k last weekend. I want to report that it was a huge success. Together, we raised over $900 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. I am so touched and thankful for all the support you have shown me. I can never express how much it truly means to me. Several people have asked me if I have extra medals to sell. Sadly, I do not. Since the event was such a success and so many more people want medals, I decided to hold another virtual 5k!

I originally joined Team in Training because of a very special little girl, Kaitlyn Kay Bourgeault. While Kaitlyn was not affected by Leukemia, she did have a terminal illness. Kaitlyn was diagnosed with a very rare and fatal disease called Niemann-Pick, type A. I am sorry to report that on Thursday March 22, sweet beautiful little Kaitlyn lost her battle at the age of two years, eight months. Over the past year or so, I got very attached to Kaitlyn and her family. I love this little girl like family. Her death hit me very hard, but I consider myself lucky to know her. Her spirit was like no other.  She and her family taught me so much. They showed me that every day we have our family is a gift and to appreciate it. They also taught me to trust in God’s plan. Every time I see a big, pretty hair bow, I will think of my beautify angle Kaitlyn.

While there was nothing I can do to help Kaitlyn, I can help other families to not suffer the loss the Bourgeault family has experienced. Knowing that leukemia is the number one disease killer in children, I joined Team in Training. I will be dedicating my run in my virtual 5k in memory of Kaitlyn. If you would like to be part of the “Run Like a Fool Virtual 5k”, please click her to register. For the virtual 5k, you run or walk where ever you want, whenever you want from now to April 8th. As a thank you for registering, I will send you some BLING! Everyone who registers will get a finishers medal. If you live locally, I am planning to get together at the Red Lion High School track in the afternoon of Sunday April 1st. Please share the race with your friends!

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Bondi Band Fundraiser

I love Bondi Bands.  I cannot run or workout without one.   I have to many to count.  Bondi Bands were the very first company to believe in my blog and offer to do a giveaway for you.  I have an intense loyalty to them, so when I was offered the chance to do a Team in Training Fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, I was so excited!  One of my favorite products helping out one favorite charities—sign me up!

Knowing that we are training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon, they sent me a huge box of Bondi Band’s with tiaras on them—so cute and the perfect tiara for the Princess Half!  Bondi Bands are no slip, no drip headwear so you can look good and get on with your life.   The most important thing I was looking for in the Bondi Band was that is stayed put during my entire workout.  I always wear a headband when I work out to hold back all my long, thick hair.  I HATE when I have to slow down and readjust it.  I am happy to tell you that the Bondi Band did just as I had hoped…no readjusting during a long run or an hour spin class.  This is a huge plus for me.   Something else wonderful I have discovered about Bondi Bands over these past few cold, winter months—Bondi Band work as great ear warmers. 

 I have to admit it, I am a girlie girl.  I like to look cute when I work out. The Bondi Band looked good on me while I worked out and even after.  I often run errands on my way home from the gym.  The Bondi Band kept my hair in place and looking good during and after the workout. Since it does not look like workout gear, I felt fine wearing my Bondi Band to the bank and the grocery store on the way home from the gym. The Bondi Band headband is made out of Lycra, so it wicks sweat. Like many of you, I am a sweater when I work out. The Bondi Band held back the sweat from running down my face!  

Bondi Bands sold me another lot at wholesale cost, so all the proceeds go to TNT.  I will be paying the shipping cost, so every dime over the wholesale cost will go to this great cause!  For the bands, I am charging :

$10 for one

$18 for two

$25 for three

If you want more of than that, e-mail me.  We can work something out.  Please check out the pictures of the bands on this page.  I numbered all the bands.   If you see some you like, please e-mail me ( amysmith7@comcast.net)  and let me know what ones you want.   You can also find me on Facebook.  Please help support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and get some cool headbands for yourself at the same time! 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Because I Can...

While at Walt Disney World for the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I went to a blogger meet up. Meeting the other bloggers was so much fun, but the speaker was the real highlight. The speaker was Janet Oberholtzer. Her story is amazing.

Janet was a marathon runner. On vacation in southern California, her family was in a horrific car accident. Her leg was decimated, her pelvis shattered, she was barely alive. After many, many surgeries and lots of rehab, she could walk again—something doctors told her she may never do again. But Janet wanted to run! She worked very hard and has completed a few half marathons. In May, Janet will again complete a full marathon. Janet lives locally to me, so I plan to be at her marathon in May, cheering her on!

Janet wrote an amazing book all about her ordeal. “Because I Can” is a story that will give you hope. We all have trials and tribulations in our life. Reading about how Janet overcame such a huge tragedy will help you with whatever troubles you have to deal with. Please check out Janet’s website and let me know what you think.

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

My Dream Race

I want to tell you something and I need you to hold me accountable for it. Yesterday I listed my races for 2012 and I told you that I want to do a full in 2013. What I did not tell you was that I already have my dream first full marathon planned out in my head. I did not want to tell you about it in case I don’t end up doing it. Well, I changed my mind. I have to tell you about my dream “one day” race. You are my accountability.

My dream race is the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. To do this race, I will again work with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The coaches there will make sure I am prepared and ready to go the distance. Am I scared to attempt a full marathon? Terrified! I was scared to start this running journey last year when I committed to do the Princess Half. This is no different. I have 18 months to prepare.

Why the Nike Women’s Marathon? I am in love with the California coast, so there is no better place to run my first marathon. Another reason—the bling! Instead of a medal, finishers get a Tiffany necklace from a hot firefighter. They sure give you something to keep running for, don’t they?

What is your dream race? When do you plan to run it?

 A dream is a wish…

--Amy

 ***Please remember to register for my virtual 5k. Registration is just $20 and all proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help kick cancers a$$! You walk or run the distance between now and March 18. As a thank you for supporting the LLS, I will send you a finisher medal—BLING included. I am also giving away a heart rate monitor watch in a raffle of all registered. Will you help us to kick cancers a$$?

What's next?

About fourteen months ago I made the goal of my life—I was going to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon.  To be honest, I was not sure back then that I would be able to do it.  After all, I had a hard time running the mile during physical fitness week in junior high. When I played softball, I had to be able to hit really far because it took me a long time to get around the bases.  Me, 13.1 miles?  Really?

 I started this blog as a place to meet new friends, but also to keep me accountable.   If I stopped training and in turn posting, I knew some of you would call me out on it.  It happened last spring.  I was having a hard time accepting that things were not improving with my daughter’s health.  Because of my readers who called me out, I got back to training and back on track.   I trained hard, along with all of you right there with me, and I accomplished my goal. 

So now that I have completed my first big goal, what now?  I have been asked that a lot over the past two weeks since the Disney Princess Half marathon.  Would I keep running or was it a “one and done” deal for me.  Well, I am happy to tell you that I will keep at this running thing.  The princess was a wonderful first half marathon, but now I need to get a great PR.  I have come to far to stop now.  I have more half marathons line up for this year, as well as some smaller, local 5 and 10k’s.  Here is a list of what I have planned for 2012, so far anyway. 

• Hershey Park 10k April 15, 2012
• San Diego Rock and Roll Half to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: June 3, 2012 (click to the right to donate wink, wink)
• Baltimore Women's Classic 5k: June 24, 2012
• York Rail Trail 10 Miler: August 25, 2012
• Disneyland Half Marathon: September 2, 2012 (anyone need a roommate???)
• Diva Half Marathon: Long Island, October 7 2012
• Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon: November 9, 2012

As a lofty goal, I am considering doing the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge in January 2014.  The Goofy challenge is a half marathon on Saturday and then a full marathon on Sunday.  Crazy, right?  To do this, I am going to try to do a full marathon some time in 2013. 

Since the princess is over, what are you running plans now?  Was the princess your only half marathon, or are you now hook on running , like me. 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

***Please remember to register formy virtual 5k.  Registration is just $20 and all proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help kick cancers a$$!  You walk or run the distance between now and March 18.  As a thank you for supporting the LLS, I will send you a finisher medal—BLING included.  I am also giving away a heart rate monitor watch in a raffle of all registered.  Will you help us to kick cancers a$$?  

Disney Princess Half Marathon Part 2

Read Part One here.

Runners entered the Magic Kingdom on a side service entrance.  Once we turned the corner, I looked up and there is was—Cinderella Castle.  I could feel the emotions bubbling up inside of me again. This was the exact second I had in my head during all those long training runs.  I ran hard and fought it back as we turned the corner into Tomorrowland, after all—I wanted my pictures to look good.   After Tomorrowland, we continued on to Fantasyland and then through the castle!  This was my first photo stop.  I HAD to get the castle shot.  The line was not that bad, so I stopped for a second.  After the castle, runners ran through Frontierland, then we out of the Magic Kingdom. 

We exited the Magic Kingdom to the parade staging area.  Right there was a character spot I had never come across.  It was Princess Aurora with her prince and the three good fairies.  I had to stop!  The line was the longest I had seen yet, but my time was good so I stopped.  A mile or so later, I came upon the photo stop I had been waiting for—Belle and the Beast.  I always joke with my husband that he is my beast, so this picture was a must for me!  The line was again long, but I did not care this time.  I had to get this one. 

About a week before the race, runDisney put up a Facebook poll of what song we would like to hear at mile marker seven.  Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” won the poll.  It was fun hearing that played.  Most of the runners know the song was from the poll.  runDisney knew what they were doing.  The song worked to get a lot of the princesses going again, including me. 

Around mile eight, my feet started to hurt.  One mistake I think I made in my training was doing mostly trail running.  The trail is softer and more forgiving than the road, so I suspect that is why my feet hurt so much.  Once we hit around mile 10, there was a killer over pass to run around and up.  I found this part of the race especially difficult because of the grade of the road.  The slant of the road was hard on my knees.  At this point, a cold rain started falling.  I was really regretting tossing my jacket back around mile two.  From the top of the overpass, I could see a sea of people that were behind me on the course.  Once I was past that, EPCOT was in my sight.  I was almost done.  What a great feeling! 

One of my favorite parts of the whole races is when readers recognized me and introduced themselves.  The first came very early in the race.  A reader recognized me around mile two.  We ran together and chatted until around mile four when I had to make a tissue stop.  The next reader that recognized me was just after leaving the Aurora character stop.  Sadly, we did not spend that much time together.  When I stopped for a picture with Belle and the Beast, she kept going.  The last reader who found me along the course was just before the finish line.  It was a reader and her prince running together.  That is why I started this blog—as a place to meet friends, to find support.  Each of you found me at particularly difficult parts of the course for me.  I thank you for introducing yourselves to me!  You have no idea how much it really means to me.

There I was, the very last part of my very first half marathon.  As I turned the corner to exit EPCOT, I knew I was almost there.  All of those emotions from before came back tenfold.  I kept telling myself, hold it back until after the finish line—you don’t want to ruin your finisher pictures do you?  At mile thirteen, we were treated with songs from a gospel choir.  We turned a corner again and there it was—the finish line!  I started to run hard.  I snapped a few pictures and then decided to just enjoy and soak up every second of it.  It felt almost like a dream.  I just kept running.  People on all sides of me were cheering.  When I crossed the finish line, I heard the announcer say “congratulations princess Amy,” as he did for each princess that crossed the finish line. 

There were volunteers all over putting medals on finishers.  I made eye contact with a volunteer and he come up to me.  He placed the medal around my neck.  I grabbed my medal and held it up to look at it.  All that hard work and there I was, holding my medal.  I just stared at it I awe.  It was so much more beautiful that I had imagined.  It was heavy and thick, with a purple diamond shaped stone and lots of little diamond like stones all over it.  From there, I continued on to get my finisher photo taken. 

Since I crossed the finish line and got my medal, all I could think about was how much I wanted to see my husband and my daughter.  After a quick walk through the food tent and bag check, I rushed to the family reunion area.  There they were waiting for me.  I went up to my husband for a hug and picked up my daughter.  She grabbed a hold of my medal.  I felt so proud of what I had done and was so happy to be able to share it with her. 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Disney Princess Half Marathon Part 1

This is a post that is 14 months in the making. On February 26, 2012 I achieved a goal that I have worked harder for than any other.  I did it!  I am now a Disney Princess. 

The morning started early to say the least.  I got up at 2:30 am, got dressed and met a few friends in the lobby of our hotel at 3am.  We drove from the Bay Lake Tower to the Polynesian Resort to catch the race bus.  After stopping at Captain Cook’s for a bagel and some coffee, we boarded the race bus and were off to EPCOT.  The excitement in the air could be felt by everyone, all smiling and laughing.  The aisle was covered in glitter.  As the bus pulled into EPCOT, I was so happy we opted to use official transportation instead of riding the bus.  Traffic was crazy! 

We got off the bus and headed toward the staging area until the corrals opened at 4am.  The DJ was pumping, people were dancing, lights were flashing in the dark of night,--it was almost a club scene.  More and more runners were filtering in.  Lots of Disney characters were ready for photos.  I loved every minute of it! It was so exciting.

 I had several groups to meet up with.  First was my running mommas group.  I love these ladies!  They are so supportive.  It was so great to meet you in person Hope, Jenn and Liza.   Next, I meet with some of my Princess Half Facebook friends.  By then, it was time to head to our corrals!  Along the way, I meet some of my Team in Training friends.  The walk to the corrals was long and very, very crowded.  It was stop and go, like rush hour traffic is Los Angeles.  I made a porta potty stop along the way.  It took me over and hour to get from the staging area to my corral.  For a while, I was afraid I would not make it to my corral by the time my corral started.  I finally got to my corral about 15 minutes before the start of the race.  The corral was tight!  I tried to make it up to the front of the corral to meet my friend Jane, but I could not get through the crowd. 

I began to feel overwhelmed with emotions as I got a glimpse of the starting line.  I remember thinking, wow, am I really here?  How did I get so lucky that I get to experience this?  The moment that I had planned for and worked really hard for was finally here.  I thought about all the time and effort I put into my training.  I now had to hold back the tears.  Was all the hard work and training that it took to get me here worth it?  Yes!

What I loved about the beginning of this race was that they made each corral feel like the first.  Corral A started and then corral B.  Next was corral C—my turn!  When each corral started, it was like a brand new race.  First, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother sent us off with a bippity boppity boo.  Then we heard “ready, set, go!”--all followed by fireworks!  What a way to start a race! 

The first few miles were tough for me.  I woke up that morning with a cold.  I had a sore throat and a runny nose.  It took me a while to get my breathing in check, after stopping at the first medic tent for a wade of tissues.  By the time we hit mile three and the Magic Kingdom parking entrance, I found my stride.  I made a deal with myself a while back to push hard and not stop until I hit the Magic Kingdom.  There were a few fun photo stops I was tempted to make, like villains with Maleficent and Cinderella’s step mother, but I keep going strong.  The first really challenging part of the course was a major dip and back up right in front of the Contemporary Resort.  There is a boat overpass where the road dips.  The steep uphill was tough, but then, there it was—a glimpse of the castle!  

To be continued (read part II here)...

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Lucky Leprechaun Virtual 5k

Dear Friends,

I wanted to take time out of all my fun reporting about the Disney Princess Half Marathon to tell you about a project I am working on.  As you know, I have been training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.  I will run the San Diego Rock and Roll Half Marathon on June third.  I will be running for a reason much more important than the personal challenge of completing a Half Marathon.  As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program, I have pledged to train on the behalf of all the affected children and their families to help raise money for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma research and patient assistance programs

As you may or may not know, leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children and the leading fatal malignant disease of men and women under the age of 35.  Although the cause of leukemia remains unknown, recently developed treatments and steady advances in research bring us closer to a cure every day.  These research advances were only achieved as a result of contributions made by companies, foundations and individuals.

My goal is to raise $2900 by April 1st. If you would like to help, please consider registering for my virtual 5k.  For the 5k, anytime on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, run, walk, skip or crawl the distance—BLING included!  As a thank you for registering, I will send you a finisher medal.  I am also doing a drawing for a heart rate monitor watch from all who register.  Please consider registering and helping me reach my goal.  With the generosity of people like you, there is every reason to believe that a cure for blood-related cancers is in sight!

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

To register, click here!  http://ll5k.bbnow.org/donate.php

Tangled Royal Family 5k

Last Saturday, February 25, I had the pleasure to participate in the Tangled Royal Family 5k.  The day started very early for me.  I woke up at 5:30 am and met my friend Robyn and her hilarious eleven year old son, Shawn, for our drive from Bay Lake Tower over to the Polynesian Resort.  Before we caught the bus to the race, we stopped in Captain Cook’s for some much needed coffee.  Then we were off to the Epcot Imagine parking lot at the race staging area. 

We got there around 6:15.  The staging area was rocking with a fun DJ and lots of characters.  I meet some friends and had a blast taking photos and passing the time.  When it was time to head to the start line, a Disney singer beautifully sang the National Anthem.  The start line was a bit chaotic with kids and strollers mixed in with the runners.   runDisney tried to get faster runners up front and walkers/stroller in the back with minutes per mile signs up at the start, but they were not generally followed.  The race started and we were off!

The first mile or so was run in the Imagine parking lot.  I spent most of the first mile bobbing and weaving between children, walkers and stroller.  This was alright with me because it was a fun run after all.  I had lost my friends by then.  That is okay with me, as I prefer to run my races alone.  I love having friends to hang out with before the start and at the finish, but I prefer to run alone.  As we approached Epcot, I got a nice glance at the back of World’s Showcase and Test Track.  I find it so fascinating to see the “behind the scenes” stuff. 

Running through World’s Showcase was amazing.  We entered the park at the Mexican pavilion.  World’s Showcase is one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World, so seeing it in a different light was very fun.  I don’t usually get to see it that early in the morning, with the pavilions empty.  There were characters at about every other country, but the lines were very long so I did not stop.  About half way through the countries, I ran into a friend from back home.  We both knew each other would be at the race, but with 5,000 runners, I did not expect to see her there.  We ran out of World’s Showcase together.  Then it was on to Future World, out of Epcot and through the finish line!

At the Tangled Royal Family 5k, I earned my first race medal. I will cherish that medal forever because it was my first.  Going into the race, I looked at it as practice for the half marathon.  I practiced what to eat, how to get to the Poly to park, getting my coffee, riding the race bus.  Doing all these things the day before the half put me at ease for the big day.  I had two outfits for the half that I could not decide between.  I wore my purple SparkleSkirt! I got at the expo and my princess Balancing Act Clothing top.  I decided that since this was a Rapunzel race, I had to wear my purple outfit for the 5k. 

Did you run the Tangled Royal Family 5k?  What did you think of it?  Have you ever had a “practice race”? 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy