Training for the 2016 Princess Half Marathon

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RM-Joe-and-Lisa-5K-Pre-Race-FeetWhile running is a very popular sport here in Louisiana (and maybe where you live), I hang around with plenty of non-runners and take a fair amound of ribbing about my love for taking to the road on foot.  “But what are you running FROM?” I get asked.  People also wonder if I’m worried about my knees or hips.  I’m much more worried about my heart and brain since those cannot be replaced – I’m actually running from bad genes.  Exercise is good for me and running is my cardio of choice for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that running takes no eye-hand coordination.  Good for me, since I don’t have any.

This fall has been a standout running season for me!  Not because I’m running faster, but because I’ve had company on my long runs.  This is HUGE if you’ve ever had to run in the Louisiana heat and humidity alone for miles and miles.  Joseph started running with me after I talked him into participating in the Dirty South Half Marathon, which will be his first (coming up November 15th).

Megan and Lisa - Post run rest

Megan and Lisa – Post run rest

Megan jumped in for a few weeks leading up to her wedding when she was worried about pre-wedding weight gain (silly girl).  What fun we had talking about the wedding and the future!  Joseph and I ran together on the morning of Megan’s wedding – helped us both with nerves.

Joseph and Lisa - Megan's Wedding Day

Joseph and Lisa – Megan’s Wedding Day

Training for the 2016 Princess Half Marathon

Since August, Joseph and I have run the local Komen Race for the Cure and another 5K, the Dine and Dash/Walk and Wobble, during the North Delta Food and Wine Festival.  RM-Joe-and-Lisa-Dine-and-DashOur next race, this Saturday, is a 10K – the Grin and Bear It (a nod to the Louisiana Black Bear).  The course is flat and fast and I’m hoping for a great time to use as my proof of time for the Princess Half Marathon in February.  Corral placement for the Princess is based on proof of time and I made it to corral “F” this year – I’m hoping for a repeat.  If my time’s not great, I’ll still have the Dirty South Half for a proof of time – just two days before the cutoff.

One of the best things about running with someone has been finding cool things to look at along the way – so much more fun when there’s another person to share it with.  RM-Run-Course-Garden-Spider RM-Run-Course-Caterpillar RM-Run-Course-MillipedeWe’ve seen some incredible insects, huge spiders, plenty of deer, tiny lizards, and, on more than one occasion, snakes.  First Megan and I came across a very full and sluggish rattle snake.  RM-Meg-and-Rattle-SnakeMore recently, Joseph and I were nearly finished with 9 miles when a small pine snake actually struck at Joseph as we ran by.  RM-Running-Vicksburg-Pine-SnakeThat’ll make you run faster for a minute – we did go back to take the spunky little guy’s picture – he was pretty cool.

Are you training for a race?  What training moments have been your favorite?  If you’ll be at the Princess Half, be sure to let me know!

Tower of Terror – 10 Best Things

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RM-Hollywood-Tower-Hotel-SignIt’s October and I’m feeling Halloween-ish.  Last week, I listed my favorite things about Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion.  This week, I feel it’s only fair to do the same for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  As it is most certainly one of my top three favorite attractions, I have plenty of love for every dark, spooky, incredible detail.  Where to begin?  That’s easy!  The Tower of Terror’s draw begins long before guests step into the queue.  Stroll down Sunset Boulevard and you’ll see (and hear) what I mean.  The Tower’s exterior, complete with screaming faces in the upstairs window, is sure to capture your attention.

Tower of Terror – 10 Best Things

  1. The Grounds – This is one of the best, most detailed attraction exteriors ever created.  Disney Imagineering at its very best.  There’s mist, age, decay, overgrown landscaping – the story begins long before that first step inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Misty-Queue
  2. The Lobby – If you could escape from a Doom-Buggy in Haunted Mansion, it might be a lot like exploring the Tower of Terror.  Clearly, this was once a finely appointed, upscale establishment.  It’s almost sad to see it in such a rundown state.  Creepy yet lovely with a sense of foreboding.  Exactly the right atmosphere for what happens next.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Lobby-Desk
  3. The Bellhops – Seriously some of the best and most fun Cast Members in the World!  They’re solemn (but still fun) and have awesome costumes.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Bellhop
  4. The Library – So much to see! Incredible details are everywhere even before the TV comes alive and Rod Serling (voiced by Mark Silverman) sets exactly the right mood!  This attraction layers the buildup like none other – carefully crafting the story while maximizing anticipation and a bit of fear (in a good way).  Watch carefully – the hidden details are part of the charm!RM-Rod-Serling-Tower-of-Terror
  5. The Sounds – The classic Twilight Zone theme song, the televised back story, the use of sound (and silence) from the library to the end of the ride…genius!  “It’s raining it’s pouring…”RM-Tower-of-Terror-TV
  6. The Basement – Amazingly detailed (like the grounds outside), the winding path between the library and the elevator takes guests into the dark, dingy hotel basement.  Giant boilers, pipes, equipment, and Hidden Mickeys are all there to be explored.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Queue2
  7. The Service Elevator – Could a ride vehicle look more daunting?  I don’t think so.  The elevator on the outside looks ramshackle and uninviting – once the doors open?  It takes some serious bravery to step inside knowing that once those doors close, there’s no turning back.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Elevator-Doors
  8. The Anticipation – First-timers worry about what’s going to happen next.  Repeat guests DO know what’s in store and still…well, I know how hard my heart is pounding at this point and I’ve ridden dozens of times. That’s part of what keeps me coming back!RM-Tower-of-Terror-Elevator
  9. The Thrill – As you can tell from outside this attraction, the Tower of Terror tends to make people scream.  Me?  Not so much – this ride makes me laugh hysterically.  I can’t explain it, but the surprises on this ride seriously crack me up.RM-Tower-of-Terror-Queue
  10. The Pictures – Even before our Memory Maker package included video for the Tower of Terror and even with many strangers in every picture, I still count the ride photos among my most favorite.  I guess it’s all the different expressions captured and the different way each person reacts to the ride’s random movements…makes me smile every time I see our pictures.Tower of Terror Ride Photo

What about YOU?  How do you feel about the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?  Do you love it?  What’s your favorite detail about this attraction?

 

Brave Little Tailor – Walt Disney Classics Collection

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It’s time for another exiting installment of Saturdays With Nick!  That means it’s the weekend (finally)!  Until I met Nick, I only thought I had a pretty decent collection of Disneyana.  Compared to Nick, though, I’m a total rookie.  I’m sorry to say I have not one single piece of the Walt Disney Classics Collection and will reluctantly admit, this is probably not a bad thing.  For my own sanity and the safety of my wallet, I need to draw the line somewhere.  That doesn’t keep me from absolutely adoring this pair of cuties.  Be sure to check out the expression on Minnie’s face!  Totes adorbs! (Nick loves it when I say that!)

Brave Little Tailor – Walt Disney Classics Collection

By Nick

These Mickey and Minnie, Brave Little Tailor Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces are among my favorite collectibles.

Mickey stands 7 1/4 inches tall. Plussing includes a matte platinum finish on his scissors.

 

Titled “I let him have it”, it is the 1993 Animators Choice Figurine, and the first year redemption sculpture for the Walt Disney Classic Collection. It bears the Treble Clef production mark, symbolizing the music in the Academy Award-winning ‘Silly Symphonies’.

Minnie stands 6 1/2 inches tall. Her veil is painted with opalescent paint, and her shoe buckles are painted gold.

 

Titled “Princess Minnie”, this piece was the 1996 Animator’s Choice sculpt.

She has the Sailor’s Hat production mark, which represents Donald Duck’s on-screen debut in 1934 animated short, ‘The Wise Little Hen’.

They perfectly capture 2 beloved characters in a beloved scene from a (Is he going to say it again? Yes!) beloved animated short.

Follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends for more Disney adventures (and to see all their Disney collectibles!):  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.

Nick and I, along with our buddy, Dave, host The Disney Exchange Podcast where we discuss our love of all things Disney and offer travel tips, restaurant and resort reviews, planning advice, and other Disney-related nonsense…while we argue and laugh a LOT.  Follow the Disney Exchange on Facebook and weigh in on our many opinion-solicitations.

WDW – Stop Being Surprised

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This post is really more a reminder to myself (and those of you who will identify with my predicament) than an admonition to the world at large.  When it comes to Walt Disney World, I’ve gotten used to certain things being part and parcel of vacationing there – Price increases, stroller collisions with my legs, folks that try to squeeze their kids in front of me to see a parade, and having my view of Wishes blocked by either a woman filming the show by holding her iPad over her head or a really tall guy with his 8-year-old on his shoulders.  These things, while irritating, are expected – I’m used to them.RM-Walkers-Walt-Disney-World

Today I’m trying to figure out why other things still surprise me after all this time.  When you get to the bottom of this list of things that I can’t get used to, please let me know – is it just me?  Or do some of these still catch you off-guard from time to time.

Memo to Me:  WDW – Stop Being Surprised

  1. Personal Space-Invaders – Probably I’m a little quirky since my personal zone tends to be fairly large unless I know you (and like you).  It never ceases to amaze me how close complete strangers will come to rest near me.  Touching me.  Sweating.  Ugh.Walt Disney World Summer Crowd
  2. Litterbugs – Seriously!  Why I’m shocked by them, I have no idea.  There must be hundreds of Cast Members who count on these trash slingers for job security.  I want to run up to them so badly and say (in my best Southern accent), “Bless your heart!  You were raised by folks who couldn’t afford a trash receptacle!  Please, let me show you how to use one!”Walt Disney World Crowds During Star Wars Weekend
  3. Unsupervised Children – True story:  Raymond and I decide to take a break at Animal Kingdom one afternoon by grabbing a cocktail at the Dawa Bar and listening to the fantastic sounds of the Burudika band.  We found seats at the bar, ordered our drinks, and just when I should have been soaking up the incredible atmosphere and enjoying a quiet moment with my favorite fella…I saw this little girl carefully studying some of the gorgeous plants in the landscaping.  RM-DAK-Dawa-Bar-AreaShe caught my attention because she was young and alone.  Like maybe seven years old.  I studied all the nearby adults trying to determine who she was with and nobody but me was paying any attention to her as she began tearing and stripping leaves off of a big, beautiful tropical plant.  I was outraged!  Surely her parents would notice and put a stop to the destruction.  Never happened.  These unattended children are everywhere – I don’t get it!  Where are their parents?  See?  I’m shocked every time!!!
  4. Pickpockets (or Pick-strollers) – I know there are thieves everywhere, even at Disney World.  That’s not actually what surprises me.  It’s the people who are so completely trusting and unconcerned that they leave valuables in their parked strollers and leave their packages, purses, and backpacks unattended.  Then, after not one tiny bit of caution was taken, these people act the outraged victims.  Caution and common sense somehow get left at home.  That’s what shocks me every time.Nighttime in the Magic Kingdome at WDW
  5. “Only-Guest” Syndrome – I get that they paid a small fortune to vacation at Walt Disney World.  I get that the lines are long, the Florida sun is hot, the theaters are crowded, the choice views are hard to secure – somehow this translates into some very ugly behavior!  Line cutting, loud talking, flash photography on dark rides, NOT moving to the end of the row, but sitting in the middle, berating Cast Members over things beyond their control.  I recently saw a photo posted on a Facebook group of a mature “gentleman” sitting in Bay Lake Tower’s Top of the World Lounge with his bare feet upon the table.  It’s beyond my comprehension how oblivious this particular kind of guest can be.

I know!  I need to get over it and do a better job of going with the flow so I stop being surprised by this negative stuff!  Luckily, I’m still delighted and surprised when pixie dust finds me, when Cast Members take a few minutes to chat and share their vast Disney knowledge, when an unexpected Character meeting happens, when I spy a Hidden Mickey, or when I find a special pin or souvenir to take home.  What things still surprise you on vacation at Walt Disney World?