Originally posted at laurabowers.net on March 28, 2016. I’m updating my author website by moving all older runDisney and running content here!
My last-minute recap continues!
I’ve already posted about the Fit for a Princess Expo. Today, I’m chatting about the Royal Family 5k! First, some back story. See, during registration time, I kept wavering back and forth, not sure whether I wanted to sign up or not. That is … until someone posted on Facebook about it being full which, of course, immediately made me want to sign up in the most desperate way! So I logged onto Active.com for the poos and giggles to see if it would accept my registration. It did! Woo-HOO, I took it as a sign that it was meant to be. 🙂
Now, as mentioned in my expo recap, I had a hard time sleeping the night prior. So I was exhausted in the morning. Excited, yes. But still exhausted.
Since it’s been a year, my memory is foggy when it comes what time I got to Port Orleans’ bus station–maybe 4:00 something?–or what time I got to Epcot. All I can remember is that a.) I was nervous, b.) I was overwhelmed, and c.) I really regretted not making plans to meet up with friends from my running group. But it was awesome seeing so many happy, excited runners, though, like these folks in Corral B!
The morning was crowded, chaotic, and loud with music pumping and I absolutely loved it! Somewhere around this time, however, I realized that I forgot to charge my camera battery the night before. Seriously?? How could I forget something as simple as that? But whatever, it was fine, I could always use my phone.
Pretty soon, Corral A was sent on their way and those of us in B were shuffled to the starting rope.
My plan was to take it easy, saving my legs for Sunday’s half marathon, but I was feeling too excited, hyper, and edgy for easy, so I ran the first mile at a healthy pace.
Once I hit Epcot’s World Showcase, however, the brakes came out and I took the rest at a slow, leisurely pace, soaking in every moment for what it’s worth.
Now, somewhere around this time, I started feeling a tad lonely. I mean, don’t get me wrong, as a novelist, I’m a total introvert at times who loves observing life from the outside in. However. runDisney‘s events aren’t for introverts. Well, not this one, at least, so seeing the many groups and pairs and couples really made me wish I had a running partner.
I asked Aladdin to run with me, but he just laughed.
To my pure delight and total joy, I soon saw three awesome British gals from my running group coming toward me as I waited for Belle. Brits to the rescue! They welcomed me into their group, so the rest of the run was a complete blast. And when we caught up with some other friends? More pure delight and total joy. 🙂
Before I knew it, we hit Mile 3.
And I earned my first runDisney medallion!
Afterwards, I waited an insanely, insanely long time to get a picture with Mickey. But come on, look at how our colors coordinate! Totally worth it.
So the question is, now that I’m going to be running the Glass Slipper Challenge, do I dare sign up for the 5k as well?
Um … heck yeah! Besides, wearing the medallion underneath the Half Marathon medal really acts as a nice cushion so the medal doesn’t keep bumping against your stomach., see? 😉
But this time I hope to be a little smarter by:
- Getting more sleep the night before and losing my “you can sleep on the plane ride home” attitude.
- Telling my husband to NOT flush the toilet after I finally get to sleep … no matter what he puts in that bad boy. Yeah, I know, that’s gross, but Port Orleans Riverside’s toilets are loud!
- CHARGING ALL ELECTRONICS the night before!! Geez. That should be a no-brainer.
- Establishing a running partner beforehand because apparently, I’m needy and co-dependant when it comes to runDisney events.
- Wear a costume!
- And a tiara!
For the rest of the day, Bob and I first went back to the Expo because of me getting all OCD over my impulsive Dooney & Bourke tote purchase. (When it comes to money, I do NOT do impulsive.) I ended up exchanging it for the crossbody but should have stuck with the tote. Seriously, those puppies really bring out my crazy so this year I pre-purchased my tote already and decided that Bob will be the one selecting my bag!
We then hung around the pool before our ADR for Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge – another HUGE mistake because we got there late, (I underestimate travel time,) and we didn’t get back to our room until 10:00. Yeah, I know. Way too late. Live and learn. But our meal was amazing and I absolutly love, love, LOVE the Wilderness Lodge!
Next up, the awesome, amazing, incredibly fantastic Princess Half Marathon!
