Sunday, February 24th. RACE DAY! So freaking excited!!
What Mom and I were not excited about....waking up at 2:00am to get ready to go. The half-marathon started at 5:30am (to get all the runners through before the parks opened). We decided to try and catch the shuttle from Port Orleans to the start line as soon as it started....at 3:00am. Yikes. It was definitely an early morning.
But don't worry...we love selfies even at 3:00am!
My race day outfit! I didn't dress up like any princess specifically (but TONS of people did). Instead, I made my own tutu skirt! I loved it!
All dressed up and ready to RUN!
Loved the photo opps at the start line!! Of course, Disney puts on one heck of a show. The start line had an awesome DJ and they even had some Princesses out for photo opps.
This woman. The best support system I could ever have at a race. Lucky for me, we've done this about 6 times before! She always knows where to find me and where to get the best picture! Love my mama.
Since Cinderella never made an appearance at the race, Rapunzel is my next favorite Princess.
Still can't believe I was in Corral A. Loved starting that close! I was able to get my pace within the first half mile (which is unheard of in a race with 26,000 people) and managed to set my pace with about 5 other women.
Even though I wore my Garmin, I had no idea how close I would be to PR-ing this race. I was on track to run this half marathon in under 2 hours. Unfortunately, I decided to stop at every character Disney put out along the course.
First up...Lightning McQueen (around mile 3.5)! Lightning was outside the Richard Petty Driving Experience outside of the Magic Kingdom.
Saw Mom! She was right outside Cinderella's castle in the Magic Kingdom! My most favorite moment of the race....running into the Magic Kingdom! It was still dark when I got there (around mile 6) and all of Main Street USA was lit up! The streets were lined with a ton of people who were cheering for everyone! Cinderella's Castle was lit up with pink lights...I totally had chills running up to the Castle! The course took us through Tomorrowland and then through New Fantasyland before we got to run through the Castle! LOVED IT!!
On the way to the Magic Kingdom!
The villians were my favorite characters! They had music blaring and were hilarious when you went up to them.
Pink Castle!!
Met Jessie in the Magic Kingdom!
Ahhhhhhh! Princess Aurora!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary Poppins and the gang! They were on the very boring route between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian Resort. Seriously, that stretch was sups boring.
Yes, I know I'm saluting with the wrong hand. Don't yell at me Dad.
However, I have a bone to pick with Sarge. He lied and told us that this was the last hill (around mile 10). However, homeboy is a liar.
Oh my gosh! I'm finished!!! It was a really fun race and I loved every single second of it! It was the strongest finish I had every had. I sprinted the finish line--which I never do! In fact, Mom didn't even see me finish (probably because she wasn't expecting me to sprint it!)
Had to get my picture with Snow White after the race!!!
Mom is the best! She not only got me a Mickey Rose at the finish....but spoiled me with a much deserved and needed glass of Princess Champagne!
Best half-marathon to date!! Nailed it!
