The Happiest Run on Earth

This weekend was filled with pixie dust, unicorns, and rainbows. Okay, not really, but it was a great weekend and here is why...

1. Three day weekend
2. My mom was in town
3. I ran my 24th half marathon
4. I spent the entire day at Disneyland. And I mean the entire day. From 4:45am to 8:00pm.

My mom flew into town on Friday night. It was a nice treat to have a guest after the first week of school. It gave me something to look forward to.

On Saturday, we woke up at a leisurely hour, headed to breakfast at a cute little restaurant called the Filling Station then walked through the Orange street fair. Next we drove down to Disneyland to pick up our race packets. Of course we walked around the expo to find samples and possible races we want to do in the future (Big Sur is next on our list). In fact, at the expo of the first half marathon I ever ran in 2005, there was a booth advertising for the Disney races. My mom and I looked at each other and said "One day, we are going to run that race." Disneyland has a special place in our hearts and I knew my running career would not be complete without running this race. Anyways, the planets aligned and it just made perfect sense to finally run this race.

We didn't want to fatigue our legs too much, so we left the expo, got our toes did, had an early dinner, and went to bed around 10pm.

The race started at 5:45am on Sunday morning. The earliest race I have EVER run. We woke up at 4am after a wonderful night's sleep (usually I do not sleep before races), ate our breakfast, completed our pre-race rituals and headed out the door at 4:45am. It was still dark out, but at least the temperature was cool.

My mom and I waiting at 5:30am for the race to start

The race was so much fun. We ran through California Adventure (my first time there), then through Disneyland (it was definitely the fastest I had ever made it through Disneyland), then onto the streets of Anaheim, to Angel's Stadium, through Angel's Stadium where there were spectators cheering us on in the seats.

Inside Angel Stadium on the field

Then back to Disneyland hotel where the race started.

Horrible picture, but Donald Duck and Mickey were waiting for us at the finish line

My mom and I taking our classic picture after the race (with our bling)

The Medal

The race was well supported. Lots of water stations and people cheering us on (including Disney character) along the entire race. Even though this was an expensive race (clocking in at $125), it was worth every penny.

After the race, my mom and I headed home, grabbed a bite to eat, showered and headed back to California Adventures. There were barely any lines, I think the longest we waited was 15 mins and it wasn't too hot outside. We went on California Screamin' (twice), Soaring over California, Tower of Terror, the Ferrous Wheel, the Little Mermaid, Grizzle River Run (which was awesome to do in 90 degree weather), and saw the Aladdin Musical.

On California Screamin'

The picture of us on California Screamin

Inside the Tower of Terror

On the Tower of Terror (I think we were holding hands)

Random street parade while we were eating lunch

 "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?"

My mom and I in "Hollywood"

The food in California Adventure was really good. When we were done with the rides, we sat down and ate some appetizers and had California wine IN Disneyland. Of course we needed to check out the Ghirardelli ice cream shop for dessert.

The next day we woke up at the late hour of 7:45am (hey that is late when you wake up at 4am the previous day) a little sore but very happy. My next race is Sunday October 14th in San Francisco and it will be my 25th half marathon! I can't wait.

What is something that you have wanted to do for a long time that you finally did (or have set plans to do)?