Myrtle Beach Marathon

Myrtle Beach Marathon

February 15, 2014

Expo: 3/5 
The Myrtle Beach expo wasn't my favorite expo in the world but it certainly is up there.  The expo didn't have a ton of vendors but I really don't care for them that much anyways.  My favorite part of the expo was the free beer and the live animals.  I got to see two little monkey's play, pet some sweet dogs that were up for adoption and hand dollar bills to vet therapy dogs (no touching these dogs).  We were in and out of the expo in less than 45 minutes.  It wasn't to crowded in the isles which is HUGE since many places crowd as much in as possible.  I didn't give the expo a 5 because there really wasn't a lot of things to buy :( but then again I didn't need anything.

The monkeys were the highlight for me! I could have stayed there with them all day! 

Race Swag: 5/5
I LOVED the race swag. We got a bag, socks and a short sleeved shirt.  I just love my pink socks that they put in our race bags.  They gave the ladies pink socks and the men orange ones.  My Dad gave me his orange socks!!!! The bag isn't the best as mine doesn't have the best zipper. 

Starting Line: I don't know :(
Dad and I waited on the bus shuttle to take us to the starting line.  The race started at 6:30 a.m. the bus was still not there at 6:13.  So we had to walk over a mile to get to the starting line.  Why didn't we leave earlier? It was pouring cats and dogs which was the main reason why we waited to late to leave. When we got to the start line everyone was already off running.  We didn't get poured on and we didn't have to stand around...so it turned out just the way it should have!

Course: 4/5
I really did love this course but the crowd support just wasn't there.  I understand it was cold and super windy but I felt like I was out there by myself most of the time.  There wasn't a lot of bands either or entertainment but again the weather wasn't the best.  There was suppose to be animals on the course but I didn't see a single one.
My favorite part of the course was when we were running on ocean blvd.  We got to run in front of the hotels, the small amusement parks and the best was the beach. Nothing beats looking over and watching the ocean waves hit the sand while running.  I LOVED this part of the course!!!!
What I didn't like was the wind.  Holy smokes it was hard to run the last 8 miles.  I think the wind had to be around 20-35 mph.  It was a really struggle but I know it wasn't the courses fault.. I blame mother nature.

Water Stops: 5/5
Funny thing about the water stops I don't remember them.  I rarely take water from the stations since I carry some of my fuel belt.  I did stop to take water at mile 12 to take in my ucan but other than that I didn't really pay much attention.  I know there was a water stop every 2 mile with some sports drink.  They did have gu's, banana's and even oranges at two of the stops.  I grabbed three oranges around mile 22 (I think) because I wanted something tasty. 

Finish Line: 2/5
I was kind of upset with the finish line.  They didn't have a large banner with "Finish" on it....I love to see a finish sign after 26.2 miles I guess.  When I got to the food line there wasn't much left for me.  I did have some hot soup, milk and I grabbed a fruit cup.  Other wise, there was nothing really yummy for me to eat.  The only reason I am giving the finish line a 2 is because of the free beer.  I was able to have as much beer as I pleased without paying.  That rarely happens at races.  They had a band playing but I was to cold to enjoy it.

Medal: 5/5
I just loved the beach theme medal!!! How fun is it to have a medal that is flip flops.  The medal says 2014 finisher on the back this is a nice little touch. 

Results: 5/5
I was completely happy with my results! I didn't plan to race since I have a marathon on Sunday.  I just told myself to run strong and go with what I was feeling.  I did just that! I kept at 6:1 (run 6 and walk 1) for 18 miles then decided to go down to 4:1.  I did push but I didn't push so hard that I was really struggling.  I decided before the race that I didn't want to go any slower than a 5:20, so I was happy that I was under that.  I did beat my last marathon time (not Disney) by 15 full minutes but I was 26 minutes under my PR.  For some reason my race results are not up on the website....looks like I have to contact them since I need that for Marathon Maniacs.

Overall: 5/5
I seriously loved this race for many reasons.  1. It was my birthday Marathon!!! 2. I loved running near the ocean. 3. It wasn't a large race which meant no running around mass amounts of people. 4. Marathon Training Academy members were there which we had a meet up.  5. The weather actually was perfect (NOT THE WIND).  6. I just loved the animals at the expo, plus the free beer was a HUGE bonus. 7. Free beer at the finish line.  8. My parents were at the finish line.. this is the first time I had someone cheer me on. It was very special to me to have them there :)

Would I do this race again? Yes! I did love the course but really wished for more crowd support.  It was nice getting away from snowy Ohio to run on the beach.  I don't think I will go back any time soon but this marathon will be on my list of favorites.  

What's up next
Sunday I am running another Marathon! Yep, I am a little crazy but crazy in a good way right?  I am running "Last Chance for Boston" in Dublin, Ohio.  This race will be mental challenge for me since the race is a one mile loop.  That means I have to run the dang loop 26.2 times... CRAP.  I do have my fingers crossed and hands folded that the weather is PERFECT!

Blog about meeting MTA family soon :)

Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Marathon

I should have completed this blog a week ago but life got in the way.  I been busy working out, working on school stuff and just being lazy.  Luckily, I had time today to get a quick blog in for anyone that follows me.  Enjoy :)

Day four of Dopey was a tiring one for sure.  We went in thinking we would just take our time, enjoy the experience and take pictures if we wanted.  I was excited that this was Marathon day as the Marathon has become a big love of mine lately.  I love the distance, the challenge, the people... basically I love every single part of the marathon even the time when I feel like I could die. 

Basically, the first half the marathon was just like the half marathon.  We ran down the amazing main street in the Magic Kingdom again.  We stopped to take some pictures but didn't goof off like the day before.  Corinne had to stop to use the bathroom so I got a chance to get in line with Mr. Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.  Everyone laughed at my pose but come on you don't want to be late!

 I been following Doctor Dribble on instagram so I was very excited to pose a picture with him.  This guy runs races dribbling not one but TWO basketballs.  Freaking BEAST...a good looking one as well.  

I told Corinne that if Mickey and Minnie were at the Castle that I wanted to wait for a picture.  The line was long but it moved along faster than we both thought.  I love this silly Mouse...he sure is cute!

 After we took pictures with the King and Queen of Disney we got serious about our running.  We passed many picture stops but new that if we didn't keep running we would be in a world of trouble.  We wanted to beat the heat and of course beat the sweep.  After the Magic Kingdom we ran on the race track.  Last year there was a ton of cars, this year it was sort of boring...Not a lot of cars and where the heck was the Cars from the movie Cars? Booooo! 

Up next was Animal Kingdom.  We stopped for some silly pictures heading in which lead to Corinne hurting her big toe by a big PIG...SERIOUSLY he stepped on her foot.  I decided to take a quick picture with this awesome crew! 

 

I honestly can't remember what mile the roller coaster was but we knew this would be part of our Marathon journey again this year.  How cool is it to say hey we ran a marathon but we also road a roller coaster.  I believe it took a total of 15 minutes to get on and off the coaster.  It was a great pick me up, break or whatever you want to call it.  After we got off the coaster we were back running.

Corinne and I both got into our zone! We didn't talk much but just focused on getting the miles in.  I honestly can't say what happened between this picture and mile 20.  I do remember seeing a giant snake that was climbing a fence.. totally freaked me out.  Other than that I can't remember a dang thing.  I guess you can say I was focused big time. 

I did remember the ball park because the grass was soft heading into it.  Felt like pure heaven on my feet.  We also got a towel from Disney that was wet to cool off.  Another thing I LOVE about Disney is the little things they think about.  That towel was amazing, cold and something I carried with me till probably around mile 24.  

 

The road from the ballpark to Hollywood Studios was LONG, HOT and BORING.  I ran ahead of Corinne to keep a good pace and stopped to talk during our walk breaks.  We both were struggling a little but keep moving forward.  

 

They gave us some amazing chocolate when we entered Hollywood Studios. Corinne passed up the good stuff but not me! I took as many chocolate bars they would give me. I would say I had 4 little bars but they were freaking amazing. 

Next up was the bacon!  This is honestly all we focused on after the roller coaster.  Just get to the bacon stop.  We stopped to eat our bacon at mile 24.  Eating three pieces of bacon would get us another awesome medal called the three little pigs.  I haven't gotten the medal yet but the bacon was tasty indeed.  What a GREAT idea!!!!

You would think the last 2 miles would be a walk in the park after all we have done but it was HARD.  Corinne was worried about stopping to take anymore pictures but I really wanted to take a picture with Dopey.  She did stop to get a picture which I knew she was happy with.  After all we never saw Dopey at the finish line so I was so happy we stopped. I gave the cute guy a KISS!! 

As we headed to the finish line I had my moment.  I couldn't believe what I was about to accomplish.  I literally got ready for this race in 62 days after being off for 5 weeks from a hernia surgery.  I have never once cried during a race or even after one but this race had a lot of meaning to me.  This race meant that I was strong, a fighter and someone who will not stop till I reach my goal.  I ran for my family, my friends and even my sweet dog....this race wasn't just for me it was for all of those who has held me up along the way. 
I have to say I am so blessed to be able to use my legs to get me from point A to point B.  I would NEVER trade my love for running for anything in the world.  I will continue to do it and explore new roads along the way but this race will always be the race I am most proud of. 

 Getting my Marathon Medal.  I was tired but the happiest I have been in my life.  Never doubt your goals or the person you want to become!

 BLING. BLING. BLING.  We got the Marathon Medal, Goofy Medal and the Dopey Medal!!! We also got a ice cold BEER!

I told myself that I would NEVER do another Dopey race or Goofy race after we finished.  I can't help but think about this amazing experience and want more of it.  I don't know if I will sign up for the Dopey next year but you can count on it that I will do it again some day.  Thankfully, I am heading to DisneyLand for the Dumbo Double Dare in August.  That is right I will be getting my Coast-to-Coast medal along with 3 other beauties!

Thank you Corinne Crabtree for being the BEST running partner out there.  I can't wait to see where our feet will take us next!

COMMITMENT

I can't say that I am a pro at running but I can say I have learned a thing or two over the years.  I figured why not help others who are beginners or want to learn more about the running world.  When I started I was clueless on what to eat, drink and didn't even know what chaffing was.  Each week I will give pointers, stories and exercises that have helped me become a better runner. 

I have made many mistakes through the years leading me to burnout, over training and injuries.  Those mistakes were lessons that I am grateful for because they made me realize that rest is very important.  Those lessons and mistakes are valuable to me but they will be extra valuable to you.  Hopefully, my mistakes will allow you to never reach those injuries and that burnout feeling.  I hope you follow along with me on this journal to get you that happy place and to reach the finish line healthy. 

~Coach Morgan

Make the COMMITMENT
The word commitment can be a scary one but it's one thing you have to make if you want to cross a finish line.  You have to be committed to your training by getting enough sleep, eating healthy and doing weekly runs.  Maybe you have a training partner? That certainly will help you commit to those long runs because someone is counting on you to show up. 

When I talk about commitment I am talking about committing to the journey.  First, You NEED to find a race that you will make that commitment too.  Look ahead for a 5k, 10, half or maybe even a full marathon.  Pick your speed and run with it :) Once, you find that race sign up but first think about it for a day or two.  Make sure this is something you want to do...make sure it is your dream.

Once you have signed up for the race you need to commit to the journey by telling as many people as possible.  Why is this important? This will hold you accountable for many reasons.  1.  You will want cheerleaders/support system along the way.  2.  If you are like me you don't want to tell people you quit training because you felt you couldn't do it....this would be harder than running the race for many.  Not many people like to say they quit because it got hard. 3.  Telling people will get you excited about the days ahead.  Maybe you can even motivate co-workers and friends to join you on your new adventure.  THIS IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT....so commit to telling people!

Like the races like page on facebook, instagram or twitter.  Normally, those like pages has tons of information about the race, training and motivation that you will need along the way.  Plus, you might be able to follow some runners that are just like you. I have many friends on instagram because of doing this very thing.  Maybe take pictures and post them with the race hashtag.... talk about motivation!

Lastly, make the commitment to yourself that no matter how hard it may get you will finish this race.  Training can be tough but you have to keep a positive mindset during the whole process. Negative thoughts will damage runs I PROMISE you that! So try to fill your life with positive things, people and thoughts. 

Commitment can be tough but once you seriously take that first step to signing up and telling people about your plans the rest will just fall into place.  Remember, that the journey is so worth it, you are worth it! Now go commit to a race!!!!!!

What are some things you worry about when committing to a program or a race?

Disney's Donald Duck 1/2 Marathon

The Donald Duck 1/2 Marathon was probably my favorite race during the Dopey Challenge.  We decided to take our time, have fun and take as many pictures as possible.  I almost had a heart attack race morning because my alarm never went off.  I was so tired the night before that I never once set my alarm clock.  Thank GOD I use my internal alarm clock all the time! I woke up 5 minutes after we were suppose too :)

The starting line was set up at a different location than the 5k/10k.  We knew that we would have to walk a good mile to even get to the starting line.  Corrals went from A all the way to P...that is certainly A LOT of people.  Each corral had it's own little party with fireworks with Donald Duck counting each corral down.  We saw a lot of fireworks.. which I LOVED.

The beginning of the race is a little blurry to me.  I think I was either still asleep or just in my zone.  I do remember it being hot and thinking this could be a terrible day.  Thankfully, the sun stayed away until we got close to the finish line.

My favorite moment of Disney weekend is running into Magical Kingdom.  I can't help but think of my childhood, my parents and my love for running.  There is this magic moment in the race where you make a sudden turn onto main street.  After that turn the magic starts pouring into your heart because the Castle is looking right at you.  I still get chills thinking about that moment...I almost felt like a little girl looking at it for the very first time.  The joy around you is something I can't even explain...AMAZING. 

Yep.. This is now my famous pose on main street! I plan on having many more like this in the future!

This is the very moment we stopped racing and starting playing :) I told Corinne I wanted to get as many pictures as possible! I mean heck why not take our time and enjoy this amazing experiences.  As we ran into Tomorrow land we made our first of many stops with Buzz Light year. 

 

Next the Queen of Hearts

My favorite moment of all was when we stopped for Tiger.  The line was super short so we had to stop.  I didn't really understand what Tiger wanted me to do.  I have a million pictures of me trying to figure it out.  At first I was thinking he wanted me to act like a Dog....As I was walking away I realized he wanted me to be a puppet.  DUH! I was Pinocchio... This is one of my favorite pictures!

 

 Then I stopped for a quick picture with this tall Dude!

Next up was the dead part of the half marathon....boring ville. 

Could be a Xmas card

After the dancing reindeer we ran into the beautiful golf course.  There was a line that was a little longer than the others so I knew it would be a good stop.  It took probably around 15 minutes to get this picture but it was WORTH it.

Mickey is so cute :) Don't you think.  We got serious after this picture and decided that we should head to the finish line.  After all our half marathon time wasn't looking so awesome.. PLUS, we really needed to get off our feet.  As we ran into Epcot I couldn't help but think how awesome this day really was.  Running to me is always my happy place! Disney plus running equals a little slice of heaven...I wish every run was like my Disney runs because they all seem to have a little bit of magic in them.

This is when we started to lose our minds :) I don't know how I got my leg up so high after running so many miles. Those cheerleaders thought we were awesome.

I have no idea what is going on here. 

I loved the finish line pictures since these guys are some of my favorite Disney friends.  Not many people stop before they get to the finish line... I figured what the heck!

Overall, this was my favorite half marathon of my life! I didn't worry about time or anything for that matter.  All I wanted to do was not focus on the stress and life I left back in Ohio.  I wanted my life to feel like a child even if it was just for a few hours.  I think this is why I love this race because it allows me to remember what it feels like to be carefree.

We also saw Chris HOTTIE Powell :) We spoke to his wife Heidi for a quick second.

Up next...
The Marathon

Disney Inaugural 10K

The Disney 10K marked the second day of running out of four for the Dopey Challengers.  The excitement was in full swing as this was the first 10K race during Disney World Marathon weekend.  Just like the 5k there were a lot of families but there certainly was a lot of Dopey runners.. 7,000 to be exact.

 The weather for the 10k was HOT and Humid....I was so thankful this wasn't Marathon morning.  Many runners were doing the run/walk method that Jeff Galloway provides for Dinsey.  I believe it was the smartest thing for all Dopey runners to take part in.  No rushing, as we needed to save our legs for the half and the full marathon.

I was able to take some pictures with characters during the 10K.  Some pictures didn't turn out but thankfully runDisney captured them.  I took pictures with Peter Pan and Captain Hook while Corinne waited for the bathroom.

The course was the perfect distance for a beginner because it was flat and pretty exciting.  We winded around Epcot's world showcase and around the Giant Ball.  Of course, I had to stop and take a fun picture with it.  I swear Corinne and I snapped a million pictures ... clearly, we didn't care about time at all.

We had to take our famous pose picture! I think the guys behind us were like what the heck! It was brilliant idea :) 

I liked the course a lot! I really liked how they changed the 5k and the 10k course up.  I was thinking we would be running a very similar path but that wasn't the case.  The water stops were awesome and so were the volunteers.  I really LOVE race shirt and the medal (sorry I don't have a picture on this blog with medal).  The shirt is long sleeve and a tech gear.  I of course got the wrong size shirts but Disney allowed me to trade them in for a new size.. THANK GOD!!!!!

We finished this race in 1:45 not bad considering we stopped for pictures and walked a lot trying to save our legs. 

Interesting people along the course

Dude ran in just his swimsuit.. OUCH! I know I could never do such a think but hello he had a nice body.

She was such an inspiration! She wore full gear during the WHOLE Dopey Challenge.  I know she finished the 5k, 10k and the half.  I pray she finished the full!!! She walked the whole race in honor of a fallen firefighter.  If she can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!

Overall, it was a really fun day.  I would suggest this race for beginners and families looking to do something unique and different!  I just loved watching families cross the finish line together :) There is something to be said about a fit family!

Up Next.. The Three Little Pigs Challenge

Wordless Wednesday

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Disney 5K Family Fun Run

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Disney 5K Family Fun Run: Thursday started the Dopey challenge with the 5K Family Fun Run.  The race started at 6:15 at Epcot Center, which meant we needed to be...