disney's princess half marathon

{last minute princess prep}

We attempted to go to bed at a decent hour the night before the race.  Easier said than done.  I think I managed to get at least 4 to 5 good hours of sleep before my 3am wake up call.  I really can't remember the last time I woke up at that hour; in fact I don't think I have ever gotten up that early.

We left the hotel at 4am and headed for Epcot.  We had to be parked by 4:30am and in our corral by 5am.  They were going to start the race with or without you!

I knew there was a lot of people participating, but I don't think I really grasped the idea of 16,000 people until we got there.  We were constantly in the middle of a crowd.  It was almost like we were being herded everywhere we went, but it a good herding kind of way.

My aunt and I were in the 4th group to start (corral d) out of I think 7 or 8 groups.  It was pretty cool because before each group started, the fairy godmother would say a little diddy and then fireworks would go off.  It made each group start seem special and I really liked that.  When it was our turn to start (promptly at 6:09am), I started getting so excited and pumped up.

The whole thing was so amazing.  I truly think this was the best running I have done thus far.  It was so cool to see all the characters along the way and the bands and drum lines and all the amazing people cheering us on.  It was an awesome experience.  I think my favorite part of the whole race was running through the Magic Kingdom (mile 5 to 6).  It sort of felt like we owned the place and helped to re-energize us.

The roughest part for me was around mile 9 and 10 when I started getting a little of this.  So embarrassing, but true.  Let's not talk about it.  

When we hit mile 11 and 12 it was pretty unreal.  We were so close to the end and it was hard to believe it was almost over.  It felt great to finish the final stretch with the big Epcot ball in the background.  When they put the medal around my neck, it was pure bliss.  I did it.

It's hard to believe that I came all the way from this to accomplishing my first half marathon; and the Disney Princess Half Marathon none the less!  I owe a huge thanks to my aunt who has been such an amazing running partner.  I could not have done this without her.  

I know I once said that I was not a runner and didn't really enjoy it, but I think my feelings have changed.  I have worked so hard and would hate to just stop.  So I am officially going to say that I am a runner and I actually kind of like it.  I am going to take a little bit of a break to concentrate more on my yoga, but I am not going to stop completely and I am already looking for another half marathon to do in the fall.  Can we say progress, my friends?!

Thanks for all your support and encouraging words along the way.  I have some of the greatest blog readers out there!!

{we look tired because it's 4am; 4AM PEOPLE!}

{we're next to start!! eek!!}

{fairy godmother about to send us off}

{on main st. in the magic kingdom (mile 5ish), excited to see our support team; my hubby, uncle and two cousins}

{re-entering epcot with about 1 mile to go}

{we are officially now disney princesses!!!}

{my biggest fan and greatest support}