Disney Princess half marathon recap

It feels like forever since I have written about my training. life has been exciting! I haven't really done too many races this year but one race that was phenomenal was the Disney Princess. I highly recommend it to anyone.

I completed the Disney princess half marathon in February.



It was amazing! Everything Disney does is extravagant and over the top! Before the race started the winner from last year's race got up to the podium and wished us success. Then the fairy godmother, in full costume greeted us and told us she would be with us every step. Sweet fairy godmother ;)

My race results surprised me. I didn't really train for this race so I didn't know what to expect as far as time. When I finished with 1:37 I was more then pleased.  I ended up tying for 5 in my age group and was 31 woman overall. 42 runner overall out of 26,000 runners.

The best past of the race was certainly the pink medal with glitter and bling. Beautiful!
I run because it makes me feel strong. I run because it gives me energy and confidence in life. I run because God blessed me with the ability, I may never be the best but I love to get out there and give it my all.

The other best part was that I ran the race with one of my best friends I have known since freshman year in high school. We were all decked out in our tiaras.  I wish I could be a princess everyday!

  

  

Race For the Cure 2012

My grandmother was beautiful.  She was graceful, had a great smile (with bright pink lipstick), beautiful figure, and was the most amazing host and cook.  She always brought our family together for huge celebrations and dinners.  I was so lucky to live near my grandparents from the age of 4 to age 12.  Then, one day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My whole world changed.  I had never experienced loss before in my life.  Suddenly I had a fear that she might not make it.

Two slow and steady years later, I was surrounded by family hugging my grandma for the last time.  There was tons of family and she left to Heaven in the comfort of her home.  It was the day before Thanksgiving and I couldn't imagine being thankful for anything that year.

Now, looking back, I am thankful to have known my grandma!  I am thankful I had such a wonderful person in my life.  Someone who bought me ballet clothes, someone who baked cookies with me, someone who was always excited to see my brother and I. 

Without a doubt, I am who I am today because of my grandmother's positive influences in my life at such a young age.  I still strive to live life with the grace she did.  She was a hard worker, always cleaning, always smiling. 

I ran this year's Race for the Cure in her honor.  Shirley Berg - I will always remember you and know you are looking down from Heaven. 

I ran a 20:43 5K, 12th overall, 3rd in my age group

Every step of the way I thought of the battle that so many face with cancer.  Every breath, I thought of my grandmother's fight, her physical battle to stay strong in spite of the disease.

Right to Left: My friend Ashley and I

Race photos

Time: 21:48

Time: 27:32

Pictures were taken by Event Pictures

The Dreher Park Dash posted the official pictures! I went ahead and ordered a few but wanted to put them up on here too since I am impatient, haha.

Overall, it was a great race and a great event to do together with Bryan. I love that we can run together even though he is not as obsessed with it as me ;-)

Question:

What are some things you and your significant other enjoy doing together?

Bryan and I just started running together. We also are starting to attend more baseball games and concerts in the area this summer with friends.

Spice up Workouts

Lately I have been trying to spice things up in my daily exercise routine and it has been great. I have actually been looking forward to workouts. For the longest time I was stuck in a rut- running 40 min a day (5 miles) 4-5days a week. But lately I have been trying new routes. longer distances, different goal paces, new music, and even running at different times of day and love it!

Tuesday's Workout: Yesterday I did a morning run and an evening short jog. It was so nice to break up the mileage and do a little more than normal. AM RUN: 2 miles @ 8:13pace. 3 miles @7:30pace PM RUN: 2 miles @ 8:30pace daily total= 7miles. I felt great on the evening jog knowing I had already completed the bulk of training and it was a joy run to enjoy the scenary.

Wednesday's Workout: Today I slept in. I love getting much needed sleep and having time for reading and omlettes in the morning before going to work. Then tonight I did an hour run on the treadmill at the gym. I did mental increments of 6 minutes and time flew! I ended up running 7 miles with a brisk walk at the end.

Thursday's Workout: Tomorrow I hope to get in a Bikram yoga session after work and a short jog.

Breaking it up makes running so much more interesting. I am hoping to run 5k race this summer so I have something to train for again. Races are just the motivation I need.

Happy Wednesday!

Pic Source