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.
I remember the first time I realized Disneyland has races. I was thumbing through a magazine at the doctors office and there was an ad. It was not just any ad. It was an add with a runner dressed in costume and running through the Disney castle! My heart stopped. What is this great experience I have been missing?
A typical RunDisney ad
Now, I do not call myself at runner. At the time I saw the ad, I had not ran since high school and I was 412 years old. I was overweight, out of shape, and had tried many times to get in shape but, for various reasons, I had not succeeded. Then I saw this ad for the Tinkerbell Half Marthon and I wanted to know more. Run through the castle, in costume, before the park opens?! Hello, someone take my money!! A quick internet search came up with the RunDisney site. As I devoured the information on the races, my heart sank. RunDisney half marathons have a pacing requirement of 16 minutes per mile. I could not even run around the block much less run the half marathon. Sound familiar? Well, this post will put your fears to rest and provide some guidelines as to how to give yourself a little buffer, especially if you were a beginning runner like me.
What is "Sweeping" and Who Are the "Balloon Ladies"?
The official policy of RunDisney is that you must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace. If you are unable to maintain that pacing requirement, you are placed on a bus and driven to the finish line. This is what is referred to as "being swept". What Disney does not tell you is how they know whether or not you are maintaining the required pace.
The sweeper clock does not begin UNTIL the last person crosses the start line. The pacers (for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon and Princess Half Marathon it was two ladies) for the 16 minute miles start right after the last person. They maintain a 16 minute pace throughout the race. So, how do you know which of the 25,000 participants are the pacers? The two pacers have a helium balloon and the sweeping brigade made up of the bicyclists and sweeper buses remain behind them. Because the pacers have balloons and are ladies, they are referred to as the "Balloon Ladies".
I had the opportunity to talk to these wonderful ladies after the Princess Half Marathon as well as a few of the runners who kept pace with them. The balloon ladies are very nice and the runners said they were very supportive and motivational. It looked they had a party going on the entire race!
How Do I Know If I Will Be Swept?
The balloon ladies let you know if they are passing you. The bike riders and balloon ladies also let you know if you are behind pace and how much time you have to reach the next stop. I am told by people who were swept that you are given ample warning before you are swept.
How Do I Give Myself Extra Time?
There are thousands of people who are running the race at RunDisney events so Disney uses corrals so everyone does not start at the same time (I'm sure this would be chaotic). For example, at Tinkerbell Half Marathon for 2013, there were corrals A through G (7 corrals) and the corral start times were 5 minutes apart from each other. If corral A started at 5:00 a.m., corral B started at 5:05 am and so forth. This means that the higher corrals had an extra buffer of time (remember, the pacers do not begin until the last person crosses the start line).
So, how do you get assigned to a corral? Disney assigns corrals based on timed, verifiable race that are submitted by you. Under each race under "Registration" there is a header for "Proof of Time". For the Tinkerbell Half Marathon for 2014, it states:
If proof of time is not provided by November 1, 2013, data provided is
incomplete or cannot be verified, you will be placed in the last start
corral. To provide or update your proof of time, you must email all
proof of time data requested above to disneysports@trackshack.com. No
corral changes will be made after November 1, 2013.
It is important you do a 10k and submit the time by the deadline to Rundisney. This will boost your chances of getting assigned a higher corral. Disney assigns corrals based on your proof of time and estimates your finish time. The faster runners/walkers are assigned the higher corrals.
Also, move towards the front of the corral. This will prevent you from being blocked in when your corral starts. If you are worried about blocking faster runners, then stay on the right so others can pass you easily. The further you are away from the back of the pack, the less likely you are to be swept.
The biggest tip I can give you is to train. If you have trained, you should be fine. I love the Galloway Method where you do run/walk intervals. Below is one of the training videos for his method.
The most important tip of all: have fun! It's an incredible feeling when the volunteer places the medal on your neck and you realize what you have accomplished! What Disney race are you training for?
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard to keep all of your ideas
I am addicted to Pinterest! I love the recipes, workouts, and home decorating ideas. But every now and then, I come across a Pinterest Board which is spectacular. I love looking at costumes for races and follow a few creative people just for that purpose. My latest obsession is Nicole Buompseniero's Disney 5k and Half Marathon Costume Ideas.
While I have never met Ms. Buompseniero, I admire her creativity and her ability to come up with creative costume ideas for her pinboard. I am definitely going to be referring to her board as I come up with costumes for my upcoming races!
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:
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!
In 2012, I decided that I wanted to do RunDisney's Princess and Tinkerbell Half Marathon. I had not ran since high school so I knew it would be a challenge. I signed up and immediately joined the ranks in becoming "Disney Poor" after the mouse took the registration fee from my bank account.
Feeling exhilerated, I laced up my sneakers purchased at least 6 months previously at Walmart and decided to head out for a "quick jog". Well, what was in my head and what my body can do were two different things! I made it to the end of the block (I don't think it was more than 1/4 mile) and knew I was in trouble. I was already huffing and puffing, my lungs were trying to escape this new form of torture by beating out of my chest, my legs and feet were already hurting and my head finally was saying "Whoa! What did we just do?!"
Feeling utterly defeated, I walked back home to look at training programs. I searched "half marathon training programs" on google and came up with more than two dozen programs. I had no idea what made one program better than the other, if they were realistic or anything about them. Somewhere in my research, I found a golden nugget. I was happier than a kid finding free gum on the underside of a table! I learned about the Galloway Method. The basic premise is to take walking breaks before you need them and incorporate walking and running intervals. The reviews sounded wonderful. "Finished in an upright position", "made it all the way to the finish line" and "finished injury-free" were some of the phrases tossed around. Jeff Galloway, a professional runner and Olympian, creates running programs for Run Disney for each of their races. I took a closer look. It looked feasible. Start walking/running and increase distance and speed. I knew I could walk. I could run for about 30 seconds. That's a good place to start.
Over the next several months, I increased my distances and went from a 30 second run/walk interval to a 1 minute run/walk interval. When it was time to do the half marathon, I continued with the Galloway Method. I actually finished! It was wonderful! Are there programs that train you to run the whole event? Yes. Will I use them? Probably not. I get a wonderful workout with the run/walk intervals, never out of breath, have energy at the end and it works well for my body.
Snow White and Evil Queen posing for pictures at the Tinkerbell Half Marathon
What separates Run Disney events from other races? While this can be answered 100 different ways, one of my favorite ways is the costumes. Grown women and men pay homage to their favorite, pixie, princess, prince, villain and favorite character by creating a costume inspired by their beloved character. The course is filled with all sorts of Disney characters.
When I was deciding on a pixie powered costume for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, I obsessed over my first race costume. I was not sure how to create a costume. I read all blogs related to costumes and looked at the previous year's costumes (to see the race pictures from the 2013 Tinkerbell Half Marathon, visit www.marathonfoto.com). My favorite blog related to costumes was from According to Kelly. Kelly has ran many, many Disney races and always comes up with fabulous costumes which she makes herself. You can also check out etsy, a website for crafters and sewers to sell their hand made creations by searching for your character and adding "running costume". You can also search google and google images the same way.
After you decide on a character, decide what details symbolize the character. For example, Snow White, what are the details that let you know it is Snow White? Yellow skirt, blue top, red/blue short sleeves, white collar or combination of these items? For Tinkerbell, is it the light green skirt, wings, pom pom on her shoes, strapless top or poofy bun? Identify the items on the costume that are essential in recognizing the character. Now, how do you modify that item so it is easy to run in? For example, look at the picture above. See Snow White's sleeves? They are strips of ribbon that are held together at the sewn to an elastic that make the short sleeves. Very breathable and very runnable.
A Snow White Inspired Costume from www.team-sparkle.com on Pinterest
Identifying the icons for each costume that make it recognizable as that character is essential in creating the perfect running costume. There are those that replicate every item on the costume while others create a character-inspired costume. The best costumes have little details that reflect the characters. For example, if you saw a disney runner in a yellow skirt, blue tank top, and a red ribbon in her black hair, you would probably still identify her as Snow White? Why? The color scheme is Snow White including the red ribbon in her hair (an essential detail in her costume).
When you are putting together your costume, take a minute to ask what are the details which are essential to the character. Don't forget to include these in your costume. Happy Costuming!
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.
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.
I just finished my first half marathon! I decided almost 6 months ago that I wanted to participate in Run Disney's Half Marathon. For six months, I went from not being able to exert myself for even 5 minutes, to being able to exert myself enough to finish a half marathon! For six months, I focused on the goal of seeing the finish line, obsessed about my Tink inspired costume, and checked the facebook pages for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon daily.
On January 20, 2013, I finished my goal of crossing the finish line! I wasn't the slowest, I wasn't the fastest. I had a fabulous time and I crossed the finish line in an upright position with a smile on my face!
Then, something strange happened. I was no longer motivated like I had been. I felt lost the next week and in a fog.
So, what's a girl to do? Look forward to another goal! I have a second half marathon scheduled for February 24, 2013 at Disney World~the Princess Half Marathon! Since I am doing one race at each Disney resort within one calendar year, I will also be receiving the coveted Coast to Coast disney medal.
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!
