Countdown to the Glass Slipper Challenge

     We are 30 days away from the beginning of the Glass Slipper Challenge.  I am excited and nervous.  I have run the Princess Half twice before but this is different.  Any time there is a challenge involved, it seems more exciting.

     When Disney had the inaugural GSC in 2014, I tried to sign up.  I made the mistake of waiting until I got home from work to try to register.  As you can imagine, it was too late.  I didn't make the same mistake again.  I set an alarm on my phone and asked a friend to come sit in my classroom so that I could get on the computer right at noon.  There were so many people on the website trying to register that it took me a little more than 30 minutes to register.  It sold out in less than 2 hours.  I got my spot though.  I was thrilled to find out that my friend Ena was also able to register.  She was originally going to sign up for just the half marathon but had a change of heart at the last minute.  We ran the other 2 Princess races together.

     We are staying at the Art of Animation resort in a Little Mermaid room.  I have never stayed at this resort before so I am looking forward to checking it out.  I was a big Little Mermaid fan when the movie was first released.  

     I haven't been able to train or run at all for the last 4 weeks due to plantar fasciitis.  That makes me a bit nervous.  I have an appointment with an orthopedist who specializes in running injuries on Monday.  Hopefully, he will tell me I can start running again.  In the meantime, I will continue to stretch, ice, and roll my foot.  

     My friend Ena decided to dress in an Anna costume.  I think costumes make races so much more fun.  I still have to put my Elsa costume together.  I am quickly running out of time.  

Are you participating in any of the races during the Disney Princess weekend?  Will you be wearing a costume?

Virtual Races

     Running is an expensive hobby.  I don't think anyone can argue with me on that point.  There are registration fees, hotel stays, meals, travel expenses, shoes, clothing, massages, foam rollers and other gadgets, etc.  The list could go on and on.  Last year, I discovered virtual races.  They have their pros and cons but they are a great way to run a "race" and cut down on some costs.

     Let's look at the pros.  First, you can run some virtual races throughout the year which may help you reach a goal if you want to run a certain number of races.  I ran 3 virtual half marathons last year which helped me reach my goal of 12 for the year.  Second, the cost is much less than having to travel to an official race.  Finally, you still get the bling!! The medals are actually quite nice.  

     There are always some cons.  Virtual races aren't as much fun as official races.  There aren't swarms of people.   There is no expo to attend.  You don't have a finish line to cross.  No photo ops.  However, you can still run with a friend to make it more fun.  

     The only site I used last year to sign up for virtual races was US Road Running.  Recently, I found a new one called Will Run for Bling and Charity.  There are also many official races that offer a virtual option.  The Jeff Galloway 13.1 is offereing a virtual option.  I will be signing up for a couple of virtuals again this year.  How do you feel about virtual races?  Will you be running any this year?