I’m still smiling from my wonderful trip out west to Utah for EVO ’10, The Evolution of Women in Social Media. Since I’m in training (I love saying that – it sounds so official) I had to get some runs in while I was there. I originally flew in early to take part in their 5K race but it was cancelled, so I decided to get up that morning and still get my run on.
I didn’t want to mess with the altitude on the first day so I found the Fitness Center
They had plenty of treadmills and Sportscenter on the flatscreen
I did my own 5K
My classic post run pic
After a couple of days I adjusted to the altitude and couldn’t dream of leaving Park City without a quick run through The Canyons.
Yup, I hit High Mountain Road
And saw this was the gorgeous view
And this
And this
I even saw a moose
Beautiful, right? It’s a far cry from running through my Atlanta suburb. Much more scenic, although, I did see someone get arrested on my 4.5 mile trek today, but, ahem, that’s a whole other post.
One of the many highlights from my Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend was the opportunity to ride shotgun in a NASCAR-style stock car going 140 mph at The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway. To say it was an awesome experience would be an understatement. It was thrilling, exhilarating and I actually felt very safe. I loved it so much I dipped into my pocket and bought the video of my ride so I could relive it over again, and … so I could take you along with me.
Something tells me I might regret this (I’m still counting how many times I said "wow," “awesome,” and “ooooohhhh”), but here’s the split-screen video of my Richard Petty Driving Experience:
Fun, right?
The princesses trade in their tiara's for shades and jumpsuits
Disney paid for my travel accommodations, several meals, attractions and gifts during this trip, however they did not pay for this post or the video. My thoughts and opinions are all mine.
At the risk of sounding cliché, I have to say it truly was a magical weekend. Not only because of the pixie dust they sprinkled to ensure that this was a weekend I will always remember, but also on a personal note. I set a goal to run a half marathon and after only three months of training I did it – and I can still feel my legs.
I was super excited when I received the invite to attend Disney’s Sporty Blogger Media Mixer because I knew it was the perfect event to kick off my Run Wifey Run tour (a series of road races to support my mission to become the healthiest I can be and hopefully inspire others to do the same). Also, having been to one of Disney’s mixers before I knew I was in for a special treat. And, ooh boy, was I right.
I flew in Saturday morning and checked into Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It’s my second time staying at the property and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. The rooms are spacious, I had a great view of Magic Kingdom and the Kona Café rocks – big thumbs up for Beef Teriyaki Salad.
That afternoon I met up with the other mixer princesses and we headed over to the newly renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex to hit up the race expo and visit the facilities. Massive in size, the complex boast 220 acres of courts, fields, courses and sports technology where amateur and professional athletes of all ages from all around the world come to compete.
Sounds like the perfect place for me!
Entering the Expo
They had lots of goodies
I picked up this cute headband. And, yes, it’s so true!
The princesses pause for a picture
After a yummy meal at celebrity chef Cat Cora’s Kouzzina we hit the sack early to be up and ready to go at 3:45 in the morning. Gasp!
I just love seeing this in writing: Princess Lorraine
My pre-race picture
Waiting to catch the bus to the race in all our pre-race, throw-away clothes (No, we don’t actually throw them away, we dressed in layers to stay cozy then took them off and threw them on the side of the course once we warmed up; and the best part – Disney donated them to charity.)
At 6 a.m. fireworks flew and so did the first group of princess as they took off from Epcot to Magic Kingdom and back. Being greeted by Disney’s most popular characters and a wealth of entertainment made the miles zip by and I soaked in every moment of this special race. I stopped to take pictures, send a few tweets and took a bathroom break, too. Would I do that in a regular race? Hmm, probably not, but this was no ordinary race. Where else can you run right through Cinderella’s castle?
Excited to see mile marker 12, the finish line is near!
Three hours and one minute after the fireworks began I ran, ahem, jogged across the finish line. Husband was there with the video camera to capture the moment. It’s a little shaky, he started to wave and cheer me on, but don’t worry, it’s only 17 seconds. (I’m the tall one with the tiara in the hot pink shirt and that’s the fabulous Princess Laura next to me.)
After the race I felt great. Tired, ahem, and a little stiff, but I was enjoying the moment and looking forward to the 50 minute Swedish massage that was waiting for me at The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Hmm, how can I describe the massage? It. Was. Off. The. Chain. It was incredible, relaxing and something everyone should do after running for 13.1 miles.
Talk about making me feel like a princess. My gracious hostesses sent me an in-room celebration complete with decorations, balloons, a certificate, a Triumph medal and Mickey himself. The perfect way to end the day.
Before heading to the airport on Monday, the folks at Disney had one more treat for us. We had a fabulous breakfast buffet at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway, and then had the opportunity to do a ride-along on the track. It’s hard to put into words how 140 mph feels going around a 1 mile track so I won’t. I’ll save this awesome experience for another post. I will say it was so damn awesome I ordered and paid for the $40 video tape of my ride – gasp – and will post it in a couple of weeks when it comes.
Me, NASCAR ready
In the meantime, if you’d like to read more about the sporty side of Disney, I’m putting together a post highlighting many of their active attractions for The Vacation Gals and will provide a link once it’s up.
So, who’s game to be a princess next year? In fact, the Princess is just one event in Disney’s Endurance Series that also features the Expedition Everest Challenge (June 12, 2010), the Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (Oct. 1-2, 2010), the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 6-9, 2011) and Champion 5k at ESPN the Weekend (February 2011).
Wait. Did someone say Wine & Dine?
Winks & Smiles,
Disney paid for my travel accommodations, several meals, attractions and gifts, however they did not pay for this post or my written account of the weekend. My thoughts and opinions are all mine.
Yup, I’m hitting the road again, well actually I’m flying (courtesy of Air Tran) with my BlogRollin’ partner, Christie, the good folks at Everywhere, and the rest of the Macy’s Path to Peace digital outreach team to take part in an unprecedented LIVE on location #gno tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 8 at 9 PM EST, in New Orleans.
If you are in or near New Orleans please come out and join us live – I’d love to say hello! If you aren’t in the area you can still party with us by using Jyl’s custom tweet grid. We’ll also be USTREAMing so watch for tweets with the link.
Wait, there’s more. We’ve got some goodies to giveaway …
Make sure to visit Mom It Forward here to enter to win the Path to Peace Prize Pack from Macy’s ($250 retail value).
Good Luck and I hope to see you live or on-line tomorrow night!
When I opened my e-mail a week ago and saw the invite from the fabulous folks at Walt Disney World asking if my little princess, Milan, and I were available to attend an exclusive Tea Party celebrating the release of the upcoming movie, The Princess and The Frog, I had to read it twice. The first time I was so excited at the thought of bringing Milan with me for this wonderful experience that I missed an important part of the e-mail: the tea party will be featured on The Tyra Show celebrating Princess Tiana, Disney’s first African American Princess. I quickly responded yes. These two princesses would be honored to hang with Tyra and Tiana at their perfect little tea party.
Having just been to Disney for their African American Mom Blogger Mixer, I knew that my friends there would take great care of me and Milan. Disney doesn’t just do things; they do things big – really BIG. They flew us in this past Thursday night so that we would be comfortable and rested for the tea party on Friday.
Milan and I at the Atlanta Airport ready for our first mother-daughter trip
Two princesses playing on the plane
I was super excited to learn that we were staying at The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – it's Walt Disney World Resort's flagship hotel and when I tell you it’s fabulous, trust me, you feel like a princess there.
Milan, and her doll, in the lobby at the Grand Floridian
A special surprise our Disnesy friends left for Milan
The beds in our room were super cozy
Need I say the flat screen stayed on Milan's favorite channel - Disney
The view of one of the pools from our patio
The tea party taping wasn’t until Friday evening so Milan and I had all day to play in the parks. Her choice, Magic Kingdom, of course. This princess had other princesses to find.
Standing with Snow White
Hanging out in Ariel's Grotto
Chillin' with Aladdin and Jasmine
She even found her own Fairy Godmother
Milan is also a thrill-seeker so we had to ride some rides, too!
Having a blast on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Gasp! Someone let her drive at the Tomorrowland Speedway
Mid-afternoon we headed back to the resort to get princess-beautiful for the big event. On our way to the tea party we met up with Leigh from Theme Park Mom and Stefanie from Mommy Musings and their little princesses.
Milan and her new pals - notice the princess wave
The party took place in Magic Kingdom outside at the beautiful Swan Boat Landing, near Cinderella’s Castle. Upon arrival the little princesses were given Princess Tiana tiaras and t-shirts. We mommy princesses received tiaras, too.
Cinderella's Castle - breathtaking!
The princesses have arrived
Approximately, 15 moms and princesses had a fairytale evening filled with yummy treats, dancing, and exciting surprises. One of the highlights for my little princess was Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, of course. They hosted this lovely event and were absolutely phenomenal with all the girls. Everyone was also thrilled when Tyra made her surprise, grand entrance and announced that she is treating us to see the movie when it opens nationwide on December 11.
Um, Yum!
Swirling & twirling
Princess Milan, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen
Tiana & Tyra
All the princesses and the royal couple
It was a wonderful adventure, and I’m so thankful that I had this opportunity to share with my daughter. I’m also excited that I can share it with you, too. This Wednesday, November 25, scenes from the tea party will be a part of The Tyra Show celebrating Princess Tiana’s debut. The show airs at 4 p.m. on CW69 in Atlanta, check here for details in your area.
Winks & Smiles,
A special thanks and hugs to Laura Spencer and the wonderful folks at Disney for providing us with awesome opportunity. And, a big thanks to Leigh for sharing some of her fabulous pictures.
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