My Disney Experience Magic Bands

This is how the bands will be shipped out to guests!

While in Walt Disney World last week, I got a special sneak peek of the brand new, not yet released, My Disney Experience Magic Bands!  This is a brand new, state of the art technology that Disney is pioneering.  This band has a RFID chip in it.  It's your park ticket, your room key, your fast pass, your meal plan ticket, your credit card, your photo pass, and child ID system--that right its, well, magic!

Getting to check the bands out before they are released was so cool!  I got to ask the Cast Members lots of questions.  My first questions was "when are they coming out?"  I did not get a straight forward date, but I did get a "in about two months."  The CM explained Disney wants to hold off on release until they are certain all the kinks are worked out.  With the bands doing so much, there is alot that can go wrong.  I, for one, am happy to see them wait rather an hype up something that does not work very well.  Each family member will get to choose their own color band.  The first one will be free, but there will be a fee if the first one it is lost and need to be replaced.  Disney also has plans to introduce themed bands based on characters, movies, themes ect.  for purchase.

When I was wearing the band, it felt comfortable--just like wearing a watch.  Disney devised a genius way to
ensure that one band can will fit everyone.  See the outer dark gray part?  That part can be separated from the main band, making just the brightly colored part perfect for a child.  The bands are water proof, so they can be worn at the pool and water parks too.  The bands are meant to enhance your Disney experience.  Does your child love Mickey?  How magical would it be for your child to walk up to Mickey and be greeted by name?  This would make them feel so special.  How much do you hate carrying a park ticket, your room key, your fast passes, your photo pass, your credit cards ect all though the parks?  This band makes it so much easier to go hands free.  If you band can carry that much info, security must be a big concern, right?  Disney has thought of that one too.  First of all, no guest will be forced into the MagicBands system.  If you prefer, you can get an old fashion ticket, room key ect.  Each band is protected by a four digit PIN, just like a debit card, so someone else using it will not be a concern.  What your child's privacy?  Again, you can add or omit as much or as little info about your child as you would like. I like the band features for child safety.  If your child get separated from your group, their band can be scanned by a CM and your emergency phone number can be called, rejoining them with the group quickly.

What do you think about the MagicBands?  What is your favorite feature?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Running Hiatus

I just finished up week one of my running hiatus!  At the suggestion of my Team in Training running coach, I am taking a six week running hiatus.  I have been running for over two year, at least three times a week.  Lately, I have been getting lots of running related aches and pains--sore knees, sore feet, sore hips...I feel like an old lady!  I was telling my coach about this at the last long run before the Nike Women's Half, and I
told her I was thinking about taking a break from running.  She told me she thought it was a great idea.  We agreed on six weeks.

My running hiatus is not a complete exercise hiatus!  Instead of hitting the treadmill and running around the track four to five times a week, I tried out some stuff I have not done in a long time.  I did a few workouts on the elliptical.  My speed on the elliptical was much faster than the treadmill--is that normal?  I also went back to spin class and yoga.

My TNT team before the Nike half! 

Is my running hiatus working?  I am really not sure.  Mentally, it has been wonderful!  I forgot how much I enjoy a good, exhausting spin class with friends.  I forgot how much I like to do elliptical.  I am still not a huge fan of yoga, but the variety has been really nice.  I am still feeling sore though.  I guess after one week,
the hiatus has done wonders for me mentally, but I think its to soon to call it physically.  I tell you, it feels great to have the freedom to wake up and do what ever work out I want to!  But I do feel a bit jealous when I see a girl running down the road...

Have you ever taken a planned running hiatus?  How did it work out for you?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy
  

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC 2013

This past weekend was the inaugural Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington, DC.  Since I participated in and absolutely loved the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco last year, this event had big shoes to fill!  After the Expotique was just as cool, I had high hopes for the event.

I woke up very early race morning, got ready, and met my team in the lobby of our hotel.  After some chatting and a group picture, the team walked to the metro together.  After a few stops, we got off the metro.  There it was--race village just as the sun was rising over the DC skyline.  The team separated as we all headed to assigned corrals. Joan Benoit Samuelson and Shalane Flanagan gave runners a quick peep talk.  Looking down Pennsylvania Avenue, past the start line, at the Capital Building was an amazing way to start the race.  It was the most breath taking start line I have ever experienced.

As beautiful as the sights at the start was, the corral system was equally as bad.  At the Expotique, each runner is given a bracelet with a corresponding corral based on their estimated pace per mile.  As it turns out, the corrals were to small.  All the runners could not fit into the corrals.  Those of us who did not get to the corrals early, were stuck waiting on the sidewalks.  Race directors allowed farther back corrals to start before the runners on the sidewalk in the closer up corrals get to the start.  It was quite a mess!

Aside from the disorganization at the start, it was an amazing race!  The course felt crowded the entire time, so it felt hard to hit my stride.  I decided early on to stay with friends, take it slow and enjoy the scenic course.  The course was the perfect running tour of DC.  We hit all the highlights--the Washington
Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capital Building, the cherry blossoms, the beautiful Potomac River.  The course was interesting for the entire race--the beginning was in the city.  Then we ran past the DC mall, then across the Arlington Bridge and back, and along the Potomac. The last mile was through the heart of DC--right past the United States Capital Building.  Then it was on to the finish line and to that beautiful little blue box waiting just for me!

Instead of firemen in tuxedos, we were treated to ROTC boys in tuxedos!  I got my Tiffany necklace medal, my finisher shirt, some snacks and some water.  My friends and could not wait to pull the ribbons off those boxes and see our finishers medals.  Nike and Tiffany did an awesome job, don't you think!  This was an amazing race.  If you ever get the chance to do a Nike race--do it!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Runner Inspiration From Joan Benoit Samuelson

The night before the big event, each Team in Training participant is invited to a big "Inspiration Dinner".  They treat us like celebrities at this event!  Coaches, family, and staff cheer participants on as they enter the event on a red carpet.  We eat dinner together, and then are treated to some amazing speakers.  The inspiration dinner for the Nike Women's half marathon in DC was amazing!

Among the speakers was the President of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  She told us we raised over $6 million to fight cancer!  She also told us about some amazing advances the LLS is helping to fund.  Another speaker was an leukemia survivor, Anna Lynn.  I have heard her speak before at another TNT inspiration dinner.  She is a great speaker, very motivating and entertaining.  I was happy to hear her speak again.  The headliner of the night was Joan Benoit Samuelson!

Joan Benoit Samuelson and Shalane Flanagan

I am a bit embarrassed to say that I did not know who Joan was until that evening.  As much as I love to run, I don't know much about the history of women runners.  Joan gave us a quick list of her running accomplishment--wow!  She is amazing! Joan entered the Boston Marathon as an unknown in 1979 and won!  She was the first ever women to win a gold medal as an Olympic Marathoner in Los Angeles 1984.  She has won her age group at the Boston Marathon in five different decades.  I could go on and on!  Joan is also a wife, mom, running coach and author.

What I liked best about Joan and her speech was how supportive she was to women runners of all ages.  She told us the best way to share our love for running and for life was to share our stories.  She said "Your stories move us all...Keep telling them for miles and miles to come".  I love this!  This is why I started this blog in the first place.  I though I had a story to tell.  I hoped that telling my story would move someone else to run, to get healthy.  I would like to thank Joan for inspiring me, and I would like to thank Team in Training for giving me the opportunity to hear her speak!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Nike Women's Half Marathon DC Expotique

Nike always has the best expo, or Expotique as they call it.  The Expotique at the inaugural Nike Women's

Half Marathon in DC stood up to that standard!

I was lucky enough to hit DC Friday morning this some friends.  It is about a two hour drive for us.  We put our kiddos on the school bus and we hit the road!  We got to DC around 11 am, check into our hotel and hopped the metro to Georgetown.  After a 10 minute walk, there it was--the Nike Expotique.  First stop was the packet pickup line.  Actually, there was no line.  We walked right up got our packets.  I was a bit disappointing that the bag check bag was plastic, unlike at the Nike San Francisco Expotique where we got nice drawstring back packs--but the rest of the goody bag was very nice!  We got our bib, lots of coupons, some Paul Mitchell shampoo, Bare Escentials samples and an elastic bracelet that said "We Run DC".  We also got this cool little credit card thing to swipe at the Expotique with the chance to win some Nike prizes.

Next stop--the Expotique!  Since I had an amazing experience at the Nike Expotique in San Francisco, I was worried the DC Expotique could not live up to it.  I wanted my friends to experience as good as an event as I did.  I think Nike lived up to my high standards!  What makes the Nike Expotique different than other expos is there is nothing for sale.  Everything is free for runners to enjoy!  It's a nice thank you for the runners, and a great way to relax before the big event.

When we entered the Expotique tent, the first stands we came upon were the Team in Training booth, and the booth of a local massage agency.  They were giving runners quick massages.  I turned the corner and saw the booth I was waiting for-the bareMinerals makeovers!  I am a big fan of the brand, so I was so excited when they announced they were a race sponsor.  bareMinerals was giving free 5 minute makeovers. It was so much

After our makeovers!

fun!  After my makeover, I had the opportunity to tweet a message about my experience and receive a free, full size product.  I got a mascara.  So cool!

Up next was the Paul Mitchell stand.  They were giving free hair up-do's.  I did not participate in this one, but a few of my friends did.  They looked so cute--and ready for the prom when they were done.  Paul Mitchell was giving out dry shampoo spray.  I love the stuff, so I was so happy to snag one.

After makeovers, we checked out the Nike fashion area.  There were so many fun clothes and shoes to try on.  Next, we tried our luck to see if our

My name on the wall!

swipe cards would win us anything.  Sadly, none of us won.  After refueling with a Luna Bar and some Nuun, we were done with the Expotique.  Next, it was time to shop!  We made the short walk to the Niketown to check out the Nike Women's Half Marathon race merchandise.  They had lots of cute stuff this year.  A friend even snagged the exclusive Tiffany blue shoes!

I was so happy that Nike did a great job with the DC Expotique.  My friends and I loved it.  Nike really does through the best expos in the business!

The Tiffany shoes!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Hershey 10k 2013

I had planned to post this last Monday, but in light of what happened in Boston, I decided to wait a while to post it.  On Sunday April 14th I ran the second annual Hershey 10k.  I did the first one last year, so I guess that makes this a legacy event for me.  Not only was this a great race, but I got to do it with my Team in Training teammates, so it was a great race!

My pre race preparation for this race was very different for most races.  My daughter and I had the stomach flu the day before the Hershey 10k!  All day before, and all night--up till the time I left for the race I considered not doing it.  I was not actively sick anymore, but I still did not feel well and I knew I was dehydrated.  I did not want to miss out on the event or cheering on my teammates--so I decided to go.  I went into it promising myself I would not push myself too hard--just to do what I could.

My running buddy Lish and I got to the event early, got our packets and went to the Team tent to meet up with our teammates.  The Hershey characters were there for a meet and greet exclusively for TNT members at first.  The start of the race was sort of awkward--it was hard to even find the start line.  It was not well marked, and the race started in the opposite direction as last year.  That was not the only thing they changed course wise!

I enjoyed the race last year--but my only complaint was that we spent very, very little in Hershey Park.  The course change this year ensured a lot more time in the park.  Like all of Central Pennsylvania, this course was very hilly.  The race started out in front of Hershey Park Stadium.  We ran out the parking lot, around Giant Stadium, then out Hershey Park Drive.  Next we ran behind the Hershey outlets and into the park!  We ran through the Hershey Boardwalk, then past the new roller coasters, through most of the park, and then back to Hershey Park Stadium for the finish!

At the finish I got my finisher medal, some water and a snack bag--complete with Hershey's chocolate. I felt okay for most of the race, although I could feel I was dehydrated.  I did not drink anything until the first water stop at mile two, but then I drank two cups of Gatorade and a cup of water.  This was a big mistake!
All the water sloshing around in my tummy did not make it feel all that great.  This meant it was time to slow down!  By this time, the TNT walking team caught up with me.  Usually, this would be an insulting--walkers had passed me...--not with the TNT walking team.  They typically walk 12-13 minute miles.  The walking coach is very inspiring, so I decided to hang with them for the next few miles--all the way though the park.  Less bouncing helped my tummy.  By the last mile, I started to run hard again for a strong finish.  I finished four minutes slower than last year--not bad considering how awful I felt the night before the race!

I would like to thank the Hershey folks for putting on a great event.  They took the not so great parts of the race from last year and made it a better race. The Hershey 10k is a

great event that I can't wait to do again!

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Runners for Boston

This evening I attending our local "Runners for Boston" event at 6:30 PM.  This event was held locally at our running store--Flying Feet in York, PA.  The event was also held all over the county.  It was set up for runners to show solidarity with each other, but also to raise money for One Fund Boston.


The York PA event was very moving.  I met several friends there--all from my Team in Training team.  Everyone who donated $20 or more got a shirt.  The owner of Flying Feet gave a little speech at the beginning.  He got chocked up when he was speaking about the victims.  He said " I have an eight year old grandson..."  I could hear him holding back the tears.  Half of the crowd was tearing up.  It was a very moving experience.

We had three local runners in the crowd who were at the Boston Marathon last weekend.  On the course, I

got to interview one of them.  He was telling me he finished the race about 15 minutes before the bombs went off.  He also told me he will be going back to Boston for sure next year.

After a quick speech and a ready, set, go--we were off.  This was not a real race.  The store owners was joking about not having the permits.  No official start or finish line.  No bibs.  Runners did not get competitive on the 2 mile out and back course.  Some people ran the course two or three times.  It was so nice to just be out there together--supporting other runners.

I would like to that Susquehanna Printing for donating the shirts!   I would also like to thank Flying Feet for getting this event

together with such short notice, and for the yummy snacks at the finish.  We runners are a strong, tough, supportive group.  The best part of the evening was who I spent it with.  I hate the reason we were there, but I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful community of people.

A dream is a wish...

--Amy