Tinker Bell Race Weekend at Disneyland - Part 1

     
The Tinker Bell Race Weekend is a part of the runDisney Race series that happens during Mother's Day weekend at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim , California.  The weekend consists of a Race EXPO at the Disneyland Hotel, Neverland 5K on Friday, Tinker Bell 10K on Saturday, and the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on Sunday (Mother's Day).  

I had been looking forward to this trip for over a year... pretty much since the last day of my trip to the Tinker Bell Race Weekend in 2015.  This was my 4th Tinker Bell Race Weekend... BUT my first taking one of my children along.  My 10 year old daughter has shown lots of interest in running and has done several local races with me over the past few years.  So... we put our sights and our pennies in a jar for over a year to save up for this trip. 

A girl's trip to Disneyland for Mother's Day weekend and lets throw a few races in for fun!

We flew out of Seattle VERY early Thursday morning May 5th... we were traveling with my friend Merritt... who has done Tinker Bell twice before and had been my travel partner in 2015.  She was game to do the trip with us... not minding having Makenna join us!  

On the plane and ready to go!

We traveled down early because the Race EXPO at Disneyland opened on Thursday... we needed to be there to get a full day in at the EXPO and rest up for our early start of races the next day!  The Neverland 5K at Disneyland had a 5am start time on Friday morning.  We had planned to not go into the Parks on Thursday so it was EXPO, lunch, and rest up for the next morning!  Makenna was excited about the pool at our hotel too so we made time for that.

The EXPO which was located at the Disneyland Hotel was fun (crowded) ... Our flight out of Seattle was at 6am... we arrived in Orange County by 9am... at our hotel and headed to the EXPO by 10:30am... we dropped our things at the hotel and headed over to the EXPO. We acquired our bibs, had a chance to shop the EXPO merchandise, and successfully checked into our hotel room.  We stayed at the Best Western Stovalls which is a Good Neighbor hotel just off official Disney property located on the corner of Katella and Disneyland Drive.   I have stayed at the Stovalls for the Tinker Bell Race weekend every year since 2013... a good location for access to the EXPO and the Parks.

We had some fun at the EXPO... meeting Jeff Galloway and some special photo opportunities.

 Official line for the TINK Merchandise... "Pack your patience!"

 Found Chip for a selfie in the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel!

 Jeff Galloway and his wife Barb (not pictured) - always genuine and inspiring!

 Honda is a new sponsor of Autopia so they had a fun Photo Op at the EXPO!

View from our room at the Best Western Stovalls - you can see California Adventure... 

We had lots of fun looking around the EXPO... had lunch at Trader Sam's (restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel), and headed back to our hotel to check into our room and enjoy some down time.  Later on that evening we headed over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at Earl of Sandwich.   After a yummy dinner we went back to our hotel to lay out our things for the Neverland 5K in the morning!  

Up next... Neverland 5K Race Recap!

  Were you there?  What goodies did you pick up at the EXPO?

If you could dream of a destination race... where would you go??? 

OOFOS!!! A review and GIVEAWAY!!!

Want to enter for a chance to win your own pair of OOFOS?  Read on and then enter the contest via the Rafflecopter below!

Running is something that is still new for me... I have only been at this for about 3 years.  Sometimes the things you really need aren't obvious at first.

When I first started on this Run / Walk journey... after a long run or race day I did notice fatigue and soreness sometimes in my lower legs and feet.  I wondered about just wearing my supportive running shoes after a run or race and thinking that might help.  There were times though that even though my running shoes are awesome... after a run I just want to let my tootsies breathe and be comfy!  Then one day I found out about Recovery Sandals.  I tried another brand first... actually one that I found out about on a fellow Bloggers review.  I thought the idea of recovery sandals sounded good so I ordered them.   They were comfortable but I felt like there must be a better pair out there. 

OOFOS Mission - Our mission is to make YOO FEEL BETTER.  We know when you wear our shoes you will understand.  

I had heard through various modes of social media about OOFOS.  (All good things!)  To be honest the price is what kept me away at first... after all they are "just" flip flops right? Then prior to my trip to Disneyland in 2015 to participate in the Tinker Bell Race Weekend my bestie running buddy told me she was thinking about ordering a pair of OOFOS.  So I considered it and I did too!  I thought they might be the perfect sandal to tour the park or at least wear around the hotel after our races and long hours touring the theme parks.   I ordered the OOFOS OOriginal in Black.  I would suggest ordering true to your size in the OOrignal.  I wear a size 10 running shoe but in OOFOS I ordered a size 9.  They were (and are) a perfect fit.  I have NEVER looked back!  They are my go to around the house and I kind of wish they would make a warmer slipper version.  I live in the Pacific Northwest and unfortunately it isn't always "sandal weather" here... even indoors.

To add on about our trip last year... I wore them all over Disneyland and NEVER once had that "I am so sorry I wore flip flops moment"!  I usually would go to a sturdy tennis shoe with good socks for touring the parks... but this time it took one time wearing the OOFOS and I wore them everyday of our trip!

  

OOFOS OOriginal

I love my OOFOS for lots of reasons... but the biggest is... they just feel good.  SO GOOD!    So naturally I wanted another pair to add for our Mother's Day trip to Disneyland again this year.  BUT... this year I am bringing along my 10 year old daughter so I needed to make sure she was going to be comfortable too!    She is a runner and a dancer.  She has had some soreness issues due to growth with her heels.  I knew getting her some of her own OOFOS was a no brainer.  She could definitely use them on our trip as well as after her dance classes.  We went with the OOFOS Original and actually have a pair of the OOFOS OOlala in "Tink" (seafoam) green for her.  She is in LOVE!   Last year at Disneyland I ran the 5k, 10K and the Half Marathon as well as toured the park for 5 days!  I know... that is a lot of running and Disney...  I can't get enough... did you see the name of this blog?  

This year... Mother's Day weekend my daughter and I will be participating in the Neverland 5K and and Tinker Bell 10K together and I will be doing the Tinker Bell Half Marathon on the actual Mother's Day morning.   Yes... we do have 5 day Park Hopper tickets too... So you can be sure our OOFOS will be getting a lot of mileage for recovery and comfort!

OOFOS OOlala in green

OOFOS Originals in Black

OOFOS OOlala Slides (pictured on my daughter's friend's feet)

OOFOS are just the BEST!  

Here are some features that are so obvious the minute you slip your feet into them...

- Absorbs more shock than traditional foams... 

Athletic shoe foams are designed to “rebound” and propel you forward. Revolutionary OOfoam does the opposite, absorbing 37% more shock with every step than traditional footwear foam.

- Reduces stress on sore feet, knees and back...

Your feet and joints take a pounding on hard surfaces. Slipping on OOFOS after a workout provides them with relief and a chance to recover.

- Cradles your arches...

Unlike flip-flops, the OOFOS patented footbed is designed with tremendous arch support to take the pressure off of ankles, knees and hips, as well as your lower back.

- Enables more natural motion...

Biomechanically designed, OOFOS flex with both your foot and the ground. The soft, flexible OOfoam material enables your foot to articulate the way nature intended.

I will just add these other things stated on the OOFOS website because they are all true!

- Soft conforming toe post eliminates chafing

- Durable OOfoam holds the cushion its entire life 

- Moisture and bacteria resistant closed cell foam is shower ready and machine washable! (I have tossed mine in the washer many times... just set them out for a few minutes to dry)

- So light... they float!

 OOFOS OOriginal in Black

(...and my cute daughter ready for her Disneyland adventure in May!)

OOlala Slide in Seafoam Green

 OOFOS OOlala

 OOFOS OOlala

I turned one pair over so you could see what the tread on the bottom looks like!

OOFOS OOlala

As for sizing... I would stick pretty close to your normal size... I will say about the OOFOS OOlala Slides... the sandal seemed to fit fairly tight on my daughter's foot so we sized her up on those only to allow for that to be more comfortable for her.  I don't think she has particularly wide feet but that is what worked for her.

I would also add that personally I prefer the Original to the OOlala... mostly for the thickness of the over strap.. but the OOlala is not uncomfortable at all. Both styles of the OOlala come in lots of fun colors too and are slightly "shiny" on the upper which is fun.

More colors available on the OOFOS website.

So... are you convinced!  I think the minute you try OOFOS on you would be a BIG fan!!!  Find a store near you and go and try them... Click HERE to find a retailer near you.

Would you like to try and WIN a FREE pair??? The winners get to choose which pair (size and color too) they would like from the OOFOS website - either the OOFOS Original, OOFOS OOlala, OOFOS OOlala Slide, or the OOFOS OOahh Slide.

GOOD LUCK!!!

UPDATE!!!  

The 3 Winners have been randomly selected by Rafflecopter and are listed below.  
They have been notified via Email!

  Thank you to EVERYONE who entered!!!  

I hope you all will be feeling the OO!!!  

#feeltheOO #OOFOS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We were provided OOFOS Sandals for this review from OOFOS but the thoughts and opinions here are all my own.

Giveaway Rules:
Prize: THREE winners will receive ONE pair each of OOFOS Recovery Sandals... winner's choice.  Contest entrants are only eligible to win ONCE per sweepstakes, - one pair OOFOS per household.
Contest starts on April 14, 2016, and ends on April 20, 2016, at 12:00 am PST. 

Enter through the Rafflecopter widget.  The winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter and notified via email provided to Rafflecopter.  The winners have two days to respond, or they forfeit and another winner will be selected.


Prize will be shipped directly to winner from OOFOS.   Winners are to notify Blog author via email of preference, size, and shipping information.  Choices LIMITED TO... OOFOS Original,  OOFOS OOlala Slide, OOFOS OOahh Slide,  and OOFOS OOlala.

Coming up... Half Marathon # 20 The Rain Run

Yes... that is correct... Half Marathon # 20!!!  How in the world did I get here?   It really seems unreal but then real all at the same time!   

Yep... I signed up for my 20th Half Marathon!  I am participating in The Rain Run in Redmond, WA on January 23rd, 2015.   I participated in this race in 2015 and had a terrific time.   When I started to think about my 2016 race schedule The Rain Run was definitely one that came to mind as one I wanted to repeat.  The course is fairly flat... scenic... and has a really awesome medal!  That is what drew me in the first time and participating a 2nd time is a no brainer!  I am not a fast runner... in fact I walk a lot... I do what is called intervals... run... then walk... then run again. I use what is called an interval timer.   Looks like a little pager... it beeps to tell me to walk or run and I can program it to what ever intervals I want.   

The official website of The Rain Run lists these benefits to participating... I wholeheartedly agree!  (especially about the bragging rights and the finish line food!)

- Chip Timed Half Marathon
- A huge and shiny finisher's medal!
- Rain Run Umbrella
- Finish line food - which include cupcakes with SPRINKLES!
- Random prize giveaways from race sponsors
- Bragging rights that you kicked butt in the rain!

The Rain Run (so perfectly named for the Pacific Northwest) is about an hour of driving time (one way) from my home... about as far as I like to go for a local race.  The race begins at Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA very near Lake Sammamish.  The course begin at the Park and travels up the paved trail along the Sammamish River Trail between Redmond and Woodinville (just east of Seattle).  The out and back course is scenic and FLAT!  There will be aid stations at miles 3, 7, and 11.  The race is limited to 750 participants.

If you have read anything here before you might know that I haven't always been a "runner".  I used to laugh when people asked if I ran... and say "Me?  No Way!  The only place I run is to the shower when I am late!"  But in spite of that... one day in 2012 I just said... I want to do this!  I had seen a picture in a magazine ad for a Half Marathon at Disneyland.  I sat looking at the picture... thinking... "I want to do that!" but not knowing if I ever could or how I would ever get there.  The answer to... "How do you do that?"   It is making one big decision and then thousands of little decisions everyday after that.  You just keep making the decision to do it and then it happens.  I found some great advice and training tips through Jeff Galloway and set off on my training.  Then... Half Marathon #1 happened... in January of 2013 at DISNEYLAND... it was epic.  I never thought I would get there but I did!  Slowly... my mindset was changing!  It is possible and I can! 

Then I came home from that trip and I wondered... should I try again?  Maybe the miles at Disneyland weren't really real miles?  My husband encouraged me to sign up for another Half Marathon... one closer to home.  So I did.  I did that one...  I was so nervous at the start wondering If I could finish.  I did it and I didn't die. 

So I signed up for another one...

I finished that one too... and so on and so on... 

I have been back to Disneyland two more times to run the Tinker Bell Half Marathon and am going back for my 4th time this coming May!

This last picture is me at the finish of The Rain Run Half Marathon in January of 2015.  I try and think of actual races as a victory lap of all of the hard training I put in.  My victory lap!  I will toe the line at The Rain Run Half Marathon next Saturday the 23rd of January... wish me luck on my 20th Half Marathon!   I am sure I won't die but I might get a little wet... but have a lot of fun doing it!  I never thought this would be me... but it is!  


How many races have you participated in?

What is a challenge you never thought you could do but then surprised yourself and did it?

Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2015 - Mother's Day

I once again had the opportunity to take a trip to Anaheim, California and participate in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in May of 2015.  It took place over Mother's Day weekend in May.  

Let me give you a little background...
The Tinker Bell Race Weekend began at Disneyland in 2012 - the Inaugural weekend as a part of the runDisney Race Series offered through runDisney at both of it's North American theme parks (Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Flordia).  In 2012 the Tinker Bell Half weekend at Disneyland consisted of a 5K and Half Marathon races respectively and took place in January.   I did not participate that year because - well at that point for me personally - running (or walking for that matter) a Half Marathon was a total out of the question... no way... a complete impossibility.  Or at least I thought...

Fast forward... I did it!  The 2nd year of Tinker Bell in 2013 I somehow trained, made the trip, and participated in my first Half Marathon... (and I did the 5K too)!  It was a total - off the charts - awesome experience!  ...and I was hooked!

Tinker Bell Half Marathon 2013

I came home after that first trip and signed up for more races... a lot more... and I registered to go back to the Tinker Bell Half at Disneyland again... and again!

Tinker Bell Half Weekend 2014

Obviously - I LOVE it and can't stay away.  If I could afford to do more runDisney I would!  

This past May of 2015 - we were set and ready - I was traveling this year with friends and we were definitely making this a girl's weekend!  We flew down from Seattle early Thursday morning the 7th of May.  The Race EXPO was opening that morning and we were registered for the 5K and the Pixie Dust Challenge so we wanted to make sure we were there early enough to get all of our needed Race EXPO things (bibs, shirts, and free stuff) as well as have time to shop a bit at the fun Disney Race EXPO. (The Pixie Dust Challenge is a registration that combines the 10K and the Half Marathon as a "Challenge" and then you receive an extra medal and shirt in addition to the regular things.)  Our flight was an early one out of Seattle and we flew directly into John Wayne airport in Orange County - which I think is the most convenient when traveling to Disneyland from one of the local airports.  We made it with no major glitches... checked in at our Good Neighbor Hotel - Best Western Stovalls and we were off to the EXPO!

The EXPO was a bit crowded when we got there (which was about 10am) - we had some fun shopping the official merchandise and then made our way around to the other booths.  As usual runDisney had a good mix of booths and merchandise available... as well as an interesting and helpful speaker series that took place at scheduled times on the main stage.

Now... this Blog post is suppose to be about the Half Marathon that took place on Sunday - May 9th - Mother's Day... specifically... so lets get down to it.  I did write about the Neverland 5K HERE and the Tinker Bell 10K HERE.  I had done this actual half marathon twice before... so there were no big surprises... or should I say Brand New to me things about it.  It was still an AMAZING experience and so much fun I can't even explain it... this year was a little different because I was doing this race as a part of the Pixie Dust Challenge and would receive and extra medal for my accomplishment at the end!  (which I did... yeah me!)  runDisney added this feature to the race for this year... the 10K had been added in 2014 but not part of any challenge.  I had done both the 10K and the Half in 2014 as well.

Photos on the course tell the story best...

 The start line - Corral C

 Looking Back from Corral C

 Time to make this REAL!

 CARSLAND!

 Running through Sleeping Beauty's Castle is the BEST!

 I am so sorry Tink... your line is just toooooooo long!

 The line for "Brother" the Disneyland Horse was much shorter... 

he's one of my faves anyway!

 After our spectacular Finish!  

This is my friend Merritt - Love her Rosetta costume!

The BLING!

So... the Tinker Bell Half Marathon... another one is in the books.  So much fun and an experience that is really hard to explain unless you do it for yourself!  You are in luck for 2016... at least at this point because there is still room to register and experience it for yourself!  Check out runDisney's website and read all about it!  ...Or pick one of runDisney's other events that they offer throughout the year - you will not be disappointed... Disney delivers!  Whether you are already a runner/active person or not... setting goals is key to maintaining - so if you love Disney and want a supercalifragilous way to stay motivated... you have found it!  

I am so looking forward to going back in 2016... (Yes - I am registered!) BUT this time I am taking my daughter with me!  She will turn 10 in April and will be old enough to participate in the 10K!  Of course we registered for everything we could... because when you go all that way - you might as well run them ALL!!!  So... Makenna will do the 5K and the 10K!  I will be participating in the 5K and the Pixie Dust Challenge (which consists of the 10K and the Half Marathon!)

Leave me a comment below!  I LOVE to hear other people's stories and hear about other events!

Have you done one of the runDisney races?  Which one is your favorite?

What kind of fitness events or goals help to keep you motivated?