Newport and The Cheer Squad

Last month, in Newport, RI, I completed my second half marathon (within the same year I'll add: Toot, Toot!) As I only had the Disney Princess Half for comparison, I was nonetheless amazed by a few of the differences.

Disney, as one might expect, runs a finely tuned event. At each water and fuel station one could easily spot a medical tent equipped with various pain relief items and trained personnel. Such personnel were virtually absent in Newport, with the exception of an occasional ambulance sighting. On more than one occasion in Newport I passed distressed runners, on the ground at the side of the road, often with a stranger and a cell phone calling for assistance. No doubt Disney would have had smiling, if not singing, staff on hand to come to your aid before you could spell out, "M-I-C-K-E-Y." Okay, I may be exaggerating, but you get the idea. Plus one for Disney.

As far as scenery goes, the Newport race lived up to it's claim of being among the "Top 5 Half Marathons on the East Coast." In fact, it greatly surpassed my experience at Disney. Though there are numerous Disney characters to be found along the course for photo opps, I was there to run. Through Disney. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the Princess Half Marathon course took me past the largest Hess gas station I've seen to date. Not exactly the picturesque Disney landmark or refueling station I needed to keep me going.

After rounding the Epcot globe in the final home stretch, we were directed though a back alley with trash receptacles. (That's Disneyspeak for dumpsters.) This is Disney, for crying out loud...the most magical place on Earth! Doesn't trash simply disappear with a wave of Mickey's wand? I've just run 13 miles...shouldn't scents of cotton candy, pancakes, or cinnamon rolls be piped in for all us sunrise runners? Humidity laden, ripe garbage was hardly in my olfactory race plans.

Newport, on the other hand, revealed breathtaking scenery at every mile. It had been many years since I'd visited this beautiful and historic city and I was delighted to be able to run through the streets and gaze upon areas I had either forgotten with time or never traversed. Historic forts, college campuses, multi-million-dollar estates, and ocean views were aplenty. When you need distractions at every step, salty air and rich history outweighs stinky garbage and gas stations EVERY time! Plus one for Newport.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall Disney experience as a half marathon first timer. In case you missed it, here's a glimpse of my Disney run: I Ran Like a Princess...Sort of. It's only now that I've doubled my half marathon experience that I can confidently nit pick. :-)

At Disney they have something called the "ChEAR Squad" where your friends and loved ones can fork over upwards of $100 per person to cheer you on in comfort and style. (Mickey Ears sold separately.) I'm not sure how popular this is since my already uber-stylish friends were running with me and my family was in the comfort of our family room back in CT. Yet it's a magical place indeed that can convince spectators to pay money to join a team to watch a race..... 'Nuf said. In Newport we had our own special cheer squad, no registration required, who even brought us pre-race gifts (we are princesses after all!) along with all the encouragement we could ask for, and then some! Plus one for Newport and the CT Princesses!

If I have to be honest I should mention package pick up in Newport was far worse than at Disney. The lines were very long unless you were running the marathon, in which case you were allowed to bypass the line altogether. However, long lines make for some interesting conversations and opportunities to make new friends, including Guinness World Record Holder 1,000-Marathon Larry! Plus one more for Larry!

Though I'd personally love my next half marathon (did I really just say next?) to be at a new location, Newport is certainly one to put on any runner's race list. Wherever you go, be sure to bring your own cheer squad.

Because there's nothing more magical than accomplishing a goal with great friends by your side!

Poison Ivy Should Be a Four Letter Word.

Last week I discovered a little poison ivy. Of all places on my lip. Within a couple hours it spread to my chin. Wanting to nip this potential problem in the bud, I called my doctor's office and made an appointment for the next day. My mission was to get on Prednisone STAT because though I don't get poison ivy often, when I do it's B-A-D.

Each year I vow to put away my weeding gloves once and for all so as never to feel this silent form of torture again. Although it's possible I acquired this from yard work, given my history, I am pretty careful about avoiding the dreaded leaves of three. Plus, while out biking last week, I specifically remember riding past someone who was weed whacking and didn't feel the need, or the kindness, to turn off his weed whacker as we rode straight through his flying debris. Note to self (and my fellow biking companion): next time, let's cross to the other side of the road. I'd rather risk oncoming cars than deal with this again!

I guess it makes no difference how I acquired poison ivy. All that matters is how to get rid of it now that it's gotten a chokehold over me and won't let go.

So there I am, one day after seeing the first signs of itch, at the doctors office with new patches on my neck to offer as evidence of my predicament. I am given two choices. I can either take Prednisone for the next 10 days, or be given a one-time shot. Both, I'm assured work equally well. Um, hello? No brainer. Give me the shot. 

A few hours go by. I'm back at home and itchy as all hell. In fact, this might be what Hell is like; having eternal poison ivy and a counter full of products that offer little to no relief. I've purchased and tried nearly every product on the market, including a suggested poison ivy wash (sold OTC for, get this, 35 bucks!). What can I say, I was desperate and hoping beyond hope 'you get what you pay for.' Sadly, it offered only brief relief until I used it all up...after only two showers.

Somehow I made it through the weekend, only slightly distracted by my daughter's birthday and a mild Benadryl haze. But first thing this morning I called my doctor's office again and was given another appointment.

I tell my doctor I felt no comfort after the first shot she gave me. With a sympathetic ear she informs me I'm her very first patient to ever return for a second shot. Lucky me. A poison ivy magnet. So I receive another shot and a much-begged-for prescription for topical cortisone. God help me. Let this work! 

Even now as I write this, five days after the first shot and nine hours after the second, I am gouging my skin like I have an army of ants picnicking just under the surface. I sit here and wonder a) if I was given a placebo in first shot, b) how much longer will it take for this itching to call a cease fire on my limbs, and c) if I hadn't gotten the shots at all, how much worse would I be feeling? 

Strangely there is always some comfort in knowing it could be worse. And all it takes is once visit to the world wide web to see how much worse it could actually be. So, as I peruse pictures and tales of woe way worse than mine, I'll quit my _itching. For now. 

As soon as I can stop rubbing my skin raw and I venture back outdoors, whether in my yard or on my bike, I'll surely be whispering, "Leaves of three, LET ME BE!!!!"

The Joy of Crutches - Part 2

Who knew so much fodder could come from being on a pair of crutches. In continuation with my previous post, here goes the list of what I've learned since being on crutches:

11. "Gimp," "Crip," "Invalid," and the like are not names those of us on crutches find endearing. In case you're unsure, stay on the safe side by refraining from anything other than, perhaps, "Hey, Girl! Look at you rockin' the crutches!" 

12. Rain + Crutches = A Recipe for Disaster. Or another trip to the doctor. There should be a warning label that comes on the crutches that states, "slippery when wet." Scratch that. "When wet, prepare for a fall" would be more apropos!

13. I don't know why, but I'm continually surprised when people say the stupidest things. Here's one such example. After witnessing me nearly wipe out from a rain + crutch incident, someone actually looked at me and remarked, "Do you really need those?" Seriously, lady?! Do these look like props? It took all my restraint not to find a new use for one of my crutches right then and there in the lobby of my children's school!  

14. Travelling up and down my stairs at my new with-crutches pace has made me realize just how badly the carpet needs a cleaning! Great. Another thing to add to my growing list of post-crutches chores!  

15. Strangers and casual aquaintances still hold doors and carry items more than my own beloved family. Hmmm.

16. When you're feeling a little down, it's always good to remember somewhere out there is probably someone worse off than you. Take the female from #13. I'll be off my crutches shortly, but she'll still be an ignoramous!

17. My doctor told me I could get off crutches the day I leave for vacation, but then suggested crutches or a cane would push me ahead in airport security lines. If a fractured hip was the universe's way of telling me to slow down the last six weeks, I'll gladly wait my turn with all the other able-bodied folks, thank you very much!

18. Imagine my dismay when I learned, in addition to a few of my heels, I'd have to set aside my favorite pairs of jeans until I can lose the crutches. Who'd a thunk knuckles could be so easily bloodied from rhinestones, rivets, and bling!

19. One trip to the mall with only ONE stop is equivalent to taking 30 laps around my house. Just when I thought I couldn't detest shopping any more...!

20. I finally met my match at my grandmother's 90th birthday party when I walked in beside a lady with a walker. Now THAT would have been a fun race!



See you soon...on two feet!

Crutches Are Only Fun When You're 16.

Quick update since my last post. It turns out I ran my half marathon in Disney with a stress fracture on my hip. This fun fact landed me on crutches for the next six weeks.

Here's what I've learned since being on crutches:

1. Going upstairs is far scarier than going downstairs because you can't see where you're going to land when you're falling backwards!

2. Crutches should come with kickstands. Or wriststraps. Or be padded in felt because no matter how carefully you place them, they inevitably fall to the ground!

3. When you realize you've forgotten to put on your deodorant for the day, it's easier to use your son's Right Guard from the downstairs bathroom and smell like a "cool breeze" than take another trip upstairs!

4. Strangers are more willing to help you (holding doors, picking up dropped items, etc) than your own family!

5. It's better to be on crutches in the winter when you can layer on the clothes for extra padding against your ribs/side, but even then it's good to remember, Body Glide is not just for runners!

6. "Wanna Race?" is only funny if the person asking you is also on crutches!

7. Being on crutches is only fun when you're sixteen and your friends carry your books for you!

8. Crutches should be paired with backpacks...or one of those As-Seen-on-TV grabber tools because holding onto anything extra other than a tissue is damn near impossible! (See #7.)

9. A 24-ounce container of water can be carried in a sports bra whenever necessary. (See #7.)

10. Anyone looking for a new product patent idea: A cupholder would be a great improvement to any set of crutches - think baby stroller or carseat options - because #9 is only appropriate in the privacy of your own home!

Considering all this was gleaned from only being on crutches for ten days, imagine how much I'll have to share after the full six weeks is up! God help us all!!

I Ran Like a Princess...Sort of.

This past weekend I got on a plane to Orlando with two good friends and met up with five others. Our big plans did not include lounging by a pool and sipping drinks all weekend, but to complete the lofty goal we individually (though peer pressure may have played a part) set for ourselves: to run the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon.

For several days leading up to our race weekend, our group shared tips on hydration, pre- and post-race nutrition, and the benefits of electrolytes, all in the hopes that this new found knowledge would help us cross the finish line. We were, for the most part, novices still in disbelief that we signed up for this race to begin with, and finally here it was, about to begin.

The crazy thing about running a Disney race is that it all takes place before the parks open to the public. Even crazier, 26,000 people actually willingly agree to get up at 2:00 in the morning, board buses in the dark, and make their way to the corrals where the nerves start to kick in full force. (Our alarm clock, pictured here.)

One thing's for sure. Disney knows how to pull off an event of this magnitude, complete with jumbo trons, celebrity sightings (Ali Vincent from The Biggest Loser and Sean Astin from The Goonies to name a couple), and fireworks.

I knew I was in for a greater challenge because I'd been running with an undiagnosed hip injury for ten days leading up to the race and it was bothering me even prior to the start.

Yet there's something about watching the Fairy Godmother wave her magic wand, casting a good luck spell over all the runners, and then hearing a blast of fireworks to signal the start of the race to make a gal forget her aches and pains!

Although the sun had not yet risen, it was 70 degrees and nearly 100% humidity with heat warnings posted on the race website. These warnings didn't mean much to us as we awaited the start of the race at 5:45 am but a few miles into the race I started to understand the toll humidity can take on a runner. (Can you say, "waaaaaaatttter"??)

I have to admit, once the race got going, I used nearly everything available on the course to help propel me through. This included water and/or Powerade about every mile and a half or so, Tylenol when I developed a headache at mile four, BioFreeze on my knees when they started to ache around mile five, and again later on for each my calves and quads. Aching hip and knees aside I was feeling pretty good. Turns out, running into the Magic Kingdom, down Main Street, and through Cinderella's Castle -- all while spectators and Disney employees cheer you on along the way -- is a great motivator.

There are many opinions about stopping for the many character photos available during the race, but I had decided upfront not to run with my phone so I wouldn't be tempted. I didn't stop for a single photo opp and it felt good to pass those who stopped to stand in line for pictures. Granted, a great many of them probably run at a faster pace and still reached the finish line ahead of me, but I couldn't imagine slowing my time down any further by stopping. That's just me.

Along the thirteen-point-one-mile route there were tons of spectators, family members and friends of runners, many of whom either clapped, cheered, or waved signs of support. Here are a few of my favorite signs:

"I See a Pedicure in Your Future"
&
"Mind over Muscles"
(from the Luna bar company)

"Like I Good Sports Bra, I Support You"

"I Got Up at 3am Just to Hold This Sign!"

and perhaps my favorite of all, "Hello Complete Stranger, I'm Proud of You Too!"
Thank you, Peggy Sue, for the added inspiration as we made our way into Epcot.

Along with signs I greatly enjoyed the Green Army Sergeant from Toy Story who barked out commands like, "Get Moving Up That Hill, Princess!" to push us farther along our journey,

I had been warned in advance the loneliest stretch of the race would be between miles seven and ten, outside the Disney Parks, but by that point my legs were not only on fire (sung in my head to the tune of Alicia Keys) but on auto pilot. I took in the sights and sounds around me to keep me moving. All in all my pace did suffer, due to my hip and knee pain, but I did the best that I could under the circumstances.

Much to my surprise ('dismay' may be the more appropriate word), the Disney Princess Half Marathon didn't end at mile marker 13.1 but a bit beyond in the parking lot behind Epcot. I'm not sure of the official distance but my Garmin watch told me I ran 13.24. (What the hell?! Don't you people see me limping?) Either way, I did it. I REALLY DID IT!

I ran like a princess (sort of) limping across the finish line, grateful to be done, and thrilled with my accomplishment.


I was exhausted yet thoroughly elated when the sparkly pink jeweled race medal was placed around my neck. As were all my other Princess running friends. We each ran our race with no regrets and have already vowed to run another half marathon in our future. (As my 12-year-old son would say, "no take backs!")

Princesses, we've come a long way and I'm proud of each and every one of us! I went to the airport with two good friends and left Orlando with five more, along with enough laughs and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you, my friends, and thank you, too, Disney for an amazing experience!

Two Weeks.

Two weeks from now I'll be getting off an airplane and beginning what will surely be a weekend of a lifetime.  You see on February 24 2013, two of my good friends, five new friends, and myself will be running alongside 26,000 others (most of whom will be donned in tutus and tiaras) at the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon.

This has been a miracle in the making considering two years ago at this time I was attempting to train for my very first 5K run and wasn't feeling particularly optomistic about being able to accomplish that goal.

It's a funny thing about goals, however. Once you set your mind to something, physical and/or medical limitations aside, the seemingly impossible becomes, well, possible.  I've now been training for the Princess 1/2 for the past 14 weeks, beginning after recovering from a frustrating ankle sprain with three and four-mile runs where I was be huffing and puffing, forcing my legs to move under me, until my iPhone app told me I could stop; and working my way up to a recent and surprising ten-mile run, which I not only completed in a respectable timeframe but found myself being able to hold a conversation throughout -- something I'd not been able to do a relatively short time before.  Despite the many weeks of training beforehand, it wasn't until I hit the stop button on my watch officially completing that ten mile run, when it became clear I would actually be able to pull off the Princess 1/2.

Self doubt was replaced by self confidence. And it only took 10 miles to get me there.

To anyone who says they can't do what I am doing, I can only reply with a resounding, "YES YOU CAN!"  I've said it before and I'll say it again: I was never a runner, I never liked to run (hated it even), but with each passing mile I now am starting to truly appreciate the feeling of my sneaks hitting the pavement.  And believe me, THAT is something I never thought I'd hear myself say. But the fact is, it's become MY time.  Time for myself to go as slow or as fast as I please, to let my mind wander or to concentrate on my favorite tunes. And with each new mile marker behind me, it's one more pat on the back I give to myself for reaching a new goal.  The Couch-to-5K and RunKeeper app programs should seriously consider adding a cheering sound bite at the end of each run for runners...but lucky for me I have an amazing group of friends and fellow princesses with which to share and congratulate each other on our accomplishments.

In two weeks I'll have reached the greatest of my goals to date: 13.1 miles.  Yes, 1/2 marathoners proudly include that last tenth of a mile where they push themselves to their limits to cross the finish line.  I look forward to that moment with equal parts excitement and trepidation.  Knowing I'll be meeting my seven special friends to share that moment afterward will make it all beyond my wildest dreams.  Where better for it all to happen than Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true!