Training Injured: Crawl If I Must

I have been struggling with that injury that must not be named (cough...cough...plantar fasciitis) since January 2013.  While initially it was limited to the left foot, while training for the Dumbo Double Dare, I began feeling that ominous pain in my heel/arch on my right foot.  I am going to be training for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon that occurs on January 19th.  How to train for it has been an ongoing discussion with my chiropractor.

So, we first focused on what I can do without risking further injury: aquajogging and elliptical trainer.  I have access to a pool and have an elliptical trainer as well in my home workout gym.  I will start off on the elliptical trainer but if I cannot do it without pain, I will switch to aquajogging.  Both forms of exercise are great cardio and low to no impact.  More information about aquajogging can be found here.

In addition to daily stretching, massaging my foot with a tennis ball and towel scrunches, I will also begin to incorporate strength training.  Strength training will strengthen the muscles so the injury will be less likely to occur again.  For my strength training, I love my Zcut DVDs that feature workouts with Zuzka.  The workouts take about 30 minutes so they are perfect for my busy schedule and, while you can use weights if you want, they feature bodyweight resistance exercises.  I love the workouts and by the end I am a sweaty mess.

The third component is stretching daily.  I have specific stretches for that injury which must not be named but I am also to my whole body daily.  In addition, I have a Triggerpoint roller which I roll out on nightly and The Stick which I use at the office at least twice a day on my calves.

Triggerpoint Roller

The Stick

I have modified the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Training Program for beginner runners on the Run Disney website.  I incorporated strength training every other day, on Tuesday/Thursday I train either on the elliptical trainer or in the pool by aquajogging, and I run on Saturdays outside.  I also never run more than 13 miles and every other week is only a 3 mile run to give my body time to heal. My training schedules for September through the event are:

 I will also be following the old adage "If it hurts, stop" so I don't injure my foot further.  If it hurts, I will modify my workout appropriately rather than push it.  My goal is to run/walk the Tinker Bell Half Marathon without further injury.

I know I am injury prone so setting a schedule with the injuries in mind is essential for my training.  I'd rather be too conservative rather than push myself too hard, too fast and have additional injuries.  Happy training!  Let me know how your training is going and how you deal with injuries.

How to Register for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon When It's Sold Out

Tinkerbell Half Marathon registration began and closed!  General registration began at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2013.  It was sold out on July 10th around 9:00 p.m.  Wow!  RunDisney races are popular!  So, can you still sign up for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon?  Yup! How?

There are still spots available through Disney charities and travel operators.  Running with a charity can be hugely rewarding.  Last year at Tinkerbell Half Marathon, I was amazed at Team in Training (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).  Their coaches were cheering and supporting their team on several points on the course.  I was amazed at their support of each other.  I also saw coaches offering support, biofreeze, and KT Tape to their struggling team mates.  It was amazing to see!  The charities which are listed on the RunDisney page are:

Race Weekend Charity Groups

• A-T Children's Project
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Autism Speaks
• Cure Duchenne
• Kellsie's Hope Foundation
• Lazarex Cancer Foundation - Team for Life
• Special Olympics Southern California
• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Team Muscle Makers
• Team to End AIDS
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

 The travel operator is GET Travel Sports & Events.

So, if you are determined to get your wings, you still have the opportunity to fly to Neverland!  There is also still time to register for the 10k, 5k, and kids races. Keep Tinking On!

Walt Disney Wednesday: 1901 Lounge

All Disneyland fans know about Club 33.  Club 33 is an exclusive members only restaurant above Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square.  It is located next to Blue Bayou Restaurant.  Haven't seen it?  Many people walk by daily and don't realize what it is.  Here's a picture of the door and the iconic "33" sign. 

Little known fact: Club 33 was named in honor of the original 33 sponsors of Disneyland

A lesser known secret is that California Adventure has its own lounge only available to certain members of Club 33.  It's called 1901 Lounge.  Unlike Club 33, you cannot make reservations for non-members.  Rumor has it that only actual members can gain access to 1901 Lounge.  1901 Lounge is inside Carthay Circle Restaurant.  The 1901 Lounge is rumored to have early works from Walt Disney Studios, including original pieces with Walt's signature!

Little known fact: 1901 refers to Walt Disney's birth year

Do I want to see it?  Yes!  I have just added 1901 Lounge to my bucket list in addition to Club 33!   

I"m Going to Disneyland But Where Do I Stay?

Whether planning a vacation or your next run through Run Disney, one of the first of many questions is "where do I stay"?  First, let me say that I am NOT a travel agent or associated with a travel agent or hotel in any way.  I am someone who just visits Disneyland ALOT!  According to my annual pass last year, I made over 50 visits to Disneyland.  Why?  I LOVE this place!

I found this map on the internet (not sure of the source) and have been using it as a reference when I make hotel reservations.  You can also check out google earth street view as an additional resource.  WARNING: I do believe that more of the hotels should be designated as within walking distance.  For example, Anabella Hotel near Katella Avenue and Disneyland Drive is only about a 5 minute walk from the parks and across the street from the corrals used for the Run Disney races.

If you are familiar with Disney World, you will be surprised that the hotels at Disneyland are close to the parks.  Disneyland is surrounded by city streets.  Most hotels will have shuttles going to/from the parks and there are sidewalks so it is easy to get around.

Distance between California Adventure and Disneyland?  Maybe a 5 minute walk turnstile to turnstile if you stop to take pictures.  They are right across a large plaza from each other so you can easily go from one park to the other.  Downtown Disney is also within walking distance of each park.

There are lots of hotels with lots of different price points.  The most inexpensive way I have found to book hotels is through priceline or travelocity.  My hubby and I do not generally plan our trips in advance but rather look at each other on Friday afternoon and decide it's a great day to see fireworks above our favorite castle.  We have a Disney-Go Bag in our trunk so we can leave on a whim.  So, we end up booking a hotel as we drive down to Disneyland.

The rare times we plan our trips, such as family reunion trips or Run Disney events, we still book through Priceline.  Whatever your budget, you can find a hotel near Disneyland.  If you want to spend an outrageous per night price, you can stay at the fabulous Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier or Grand Californian Hotel which are all owed by Disney.  On a budget, well, there is Super 8 Motel.  There are lots of choices and price points to fit everyone's budget and needs.

Here's to your next stay!

When Injuries Hit...

My left foot taped just before the Tinkerbell Half Marathon

The Monday before the Tinkerbell Half Marathon (the half was on Sunday), I began having issues with the my left foot after running 10 miles.  The bottom of my left foot began seriously hurting after my 10 mile run.  I have never felt pain in that area, so I was unsure what to make of it.  A quick internet search led me to plantar fasciitis and the treatment is to ice, elevate, rest, and wear shoes that support the foot.  Oh, yeah, and give it time to heal.

I began icing my foot, rolling it on a frozen waterbottle and stretching it.  But it still hurt. ALOT!  Hubs and I went to Disneyland Friday morning to the expo to pick up our bib and packet.  Although I love Disneyland, I did not feel that I could walk around the parks all day (insert sad face!).  Even though I took it easy Friday and Saturday, I was seriously worried I would not be able to participate in the race.

At the Expo, there was a KT Tape booth.  I waited in line for over an hour.  Taping my foot helped quite a bit.  Don't get me wrong~it still hurt.  KT Tape provides support and stability.  It is not a one-size-fits-all-will-cure-whatever-ails-you remedy.  My sister in law (the hero of my story) also suggested some anti-inflammatory cream.  My sister in law has been battling severe foot issues over the last few years and has become an "expert" in her own right.  As soon as I explained the symptoms, she took my foot and hit the exact spot of the pain.  Between the tape and the anti-inflammatory cream, I was not limping the day of the race and it actually felt okay.

I completed the whole 13.1 miles.  I paid for it the rest of the week and I rested my foot with crutches and LOTS of ice.  I have only attempted one run since Tinkerbell and that lasted a very short lived 10 minutes.

I will do the Princess Half Marathon on January .  While I would love to do intervals of run/walk throughout the race, I will likely walk most of it.  I don't want to injure myself any further.  My goal is to simply finish in an upright position with a smile on my face!

Some lessons I am learning through this injury:
1.  Accept yourself the way you are.
2.  Be as compassionate with yourself as you would be to others.
3.  Focus on doing what you can.
4.  Find out how others have dealt with the same injuries.

Run Disney Tinkerbell Half Marathon

I did it!  My first half marathon was completed on Sunday, January 20, 2013 when I crossed the finish line just outside Disneyland!  The Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend and the race itself was an amazing experience.  If you are looking at running a half, this one is a GREAT experience and so much fun.  If you HATE Disney, you probably will not like this event.  If you are looking for a unique experience and are even remotely considering doing this race, just think a happy thought, sprinkle some pixie dust and go for it!

My Tink-inspired outfit: Tinkerbell shirt from www.rawthreads.com, arm sleeves and skirt from www.sparkleskirt.com, and glow in the dark shoe laces which my hubby gave me as a surprise and our race bibs!

The race starts at 5:00 am.  UGGHHHH!  I am NOT a morning person but I set my alarm clock for 3:15 a.m. to get ready by putting my hair up in a sock bun, sprinkling LOTS of glitter in my hair, and getting into my Tinkerbell inspired outfit and race gear, driving to Disney and walking to the corrals.

The corrals are about a 15 minute walk from the parking structure.  Hubby and I did make it to the corrals in time!  I was assigned to Corral B but my hubby was assigned to Corral C so I started in C with hubby so we could experience the race together.

 I chose not to wear wings since I thought they would drive me crazy.  At the start there was more pixie wings, glitter and tutus than in a drag queen revue!  It was so much fun to see everyone's costumes and see grown women embrace their inner pixie!

Each corral starts with a send off from a Tinkerbell on a computer generated screen.  "Three, two, one. GO!"  and we were off!  We spent the first five miles or so running in California Adventure and Disneyland.  They wound us throughout the parks, including cast areas.  Disney had many of the main rides lit up (you couldn't ride), floats from the parade out as decorations and, of course, character stops.  One of my favorite was World of Color music playing and the water fountains lit up by Paradise Pier.  Hubby and I stopped for a quick picture and then once again we were off!  We only stopped for a few pictures and could not resist stopping for a quick picture with the Chimney Sweeps on Main Street Disneyland.   Of course, a highlight is to run through the castle when it is all lit up against the early morning sky!  The Disney parks were full of Disney runners!

That's a lot of runners!

The spectators were all along the course cheering us on.  It was amazing seeing husbands cheering on their wifes, kids cheering on their parents, and grandparents cheering on their kids.  My favorite cheering section was the Red Hat Society ladies.  This group cheered as loud for us near the middle of the pixie mush pot as they cheered for the first racer.  These ladies were so great and such a motivation as an older generation cheered on the younger generation of women!  Thank you ladies!  Here were some of my favorite signs:

Around mile 6, we left the Disney property and began winding through the streets of Anaheim. There were bands, cheerleader groups, and spectators cheering us on after we left the parks.  I have a soft spot in my heart for marching bands so I loved hearing the junior high, high school and college bands playing on the course.  It definitely pumped me up!

Pretty soon, we could see Tower of Terror from a distance and knew we were getting close to the end.  Through a tunnel and up to see the glorious "Finish" line arch!  My hubby turned to me and said, "Let's sprint to the finish."  We began to run our hearts out.  But, darn you Disney, it was a Disney illusion.  There was a loop which we did not see.  Hubby, not skipping a beat took my hand, looked into my eyes and "I meant at let's run from the 13 mile marker."  We laughed, slowed to a walk and continued forward. 

Want to see my favorite cheerleader?  My daughter was waiting for hubby and I at the finish line.  She even had a little surprise for us.  She had a shirt made that said "My parents cheered for my dreams, now I cheer for theirs". We spotted her just before the finish line (thankfully we were running) wearing her cheer bow from her cheer days and waving her pom-poms.

 Before long, we were running to the finish line with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy to greet us with high 5s!  After the finish line, the group bottlenecks.  We received our medals, handed a water and snack box and went to the parks for some fun and celebrating that we actually finished our first half marathon!  Of course, we had Tink with us wearing it proudly!

My first Disney bling~ain't she purty!

Faith, Trust and A Little Pixie Dust

I cannot wait!  The Tinkerbell Half Marathon is almost here!  This combines my love of Disney (and I am a Disney fanatic) with my goal of losing weight.  Ever since I found out that Disney has running events where you run and there is entertainment and character stops along the way, I wanted to do a Disney run.  In 2013, I am running a half marathon in Disneyland and Disney World about a month apart!

The Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend (yes, a whole weekend!) begins this Friday!  There is an expo Friday and Saturday and the half marathon is early Sunday.  I am so excited that I want Friday to hurry up and arrive and them time to slow WAY down so I can savor every minute of my first half marathon experience!

As with any major event in a girl's life...clothing is key!  For the Tinkerbell, my costume is Tinkerbell inspired.  I ordered one of their fabulous fairy inspired shirts from www.rawthreads.com with wings painted on the back and a running skirt from Sparkle Skirts.

My shirt is the black one.  The front and the back are gorgeous and the fabric is SO soft and moisture-wicking!

I cannot wait to pick up my skirt on Friday at the Expo!  Leah, the owner of Sparkle Skirts was so friendly and answered ALOT of questions.  I LOVE this skirt and cannot wait to try it on!

Of course, I will be using pixie dust liberally!  Oh, yeah, my goals for the Disneyland Tinkerbell Half Marathon:

1. Smile!
2. Have a great time!
3. Finish in an upright position.

Seriously, it's Disney where dreams come true!

A Tiki Evening!

Saturday night my husband and I checked out a great place at Disneyland Hotel.  My daughter and niece highly recommended it and I could see why within a few short minutes.  It's the "dive bar" of the Disneyland Hotel where the bartenders are the mentors of the Jungle Cruise captains!  It's located at the Disneyland Hotel~just follow the signs. 

It's a very intimate (translation: small) bar with light appetizer available but~like everything Disney does~it is a unique experience.  While sipping something yummy with your honey, you see volcanoes erupt and shipwrecks depending upon the drink that is ordered.  The bartenders are hysterical and the atmosphere is light.  They are entertaining and we loved the corny sense of humor!  Just the thing after working on a legal pleading for 12 hours! 

Outside it is a totally different experience.  Sit on the coaches and watch the tiki torches while watching the waterfall and come early enough to enjoy the Polynesian music!  The musician is great and you can close your eyes and almost smell the tradewinds!

My husband and I try to do something different each time we go to Disneyland. This definitely fits the bill and we will come here more often.