Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

We are now one week away from Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend and although I am not lucky enough to get to participate this year, I thought I would give you a recap of last year’s event.  It also might help to explain why I love RunDisney events so much and how I have managed to get myself suckered into the biggest race of the year.  After I ran the Wine & Dine Half Marathon in November, 2013, my mind immediately went to “Dumbo Double Dare” because I felt like if I went back for a RunDisney race, I would have to "up" my game and I didn’t think I was crazy enough to "up" it to the full marathon.  So, when registration opened for the Disneyland Half Marathon, I immediately pulled the trigger.  And being a spoiled Disney Vacation Club member, I got to register early and secured a coveted spot in the Dumbo Double Dare (10K race on Saturday plus Half Marathon on Sunday).

Disneyland Half Marathon runs Labour Day Weekend so my grain-farmer husband couldn’t come, but because the kids were still out of school, I felt guilty about the thought of going to Disneyland without them.  I also liked the idea of us all having a RunDisney medal around our necks.  I knew I could complete the races while they waited in the hotel room, but I got to worrying that if something did happen to me on the course, they may be quite traumatized having to fly my body home!  So, we asked Grandma to come along.  I was particularly impressed when she also decided to participate in the 5K.  In the end, someone from our household ran in each of the events that weekend:  Our 7 year old daughter ran the 400m Kids Race, our 12 year old son ran the 5K, and I ran the 10K and Half Marathon.  So we have a lot of experience with the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend! 

We decided to splurge by staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  We usually stay at a Good Neighbour Hotel at Disneyland but in the case of a race weekend, the Disneyland Hotel was a far superior choice.  The Fitness Expo is right there, and we were able to attend it several times.  It was great to be able to pop in to hear a speaker, grab a Clif Shot Gel that I forgot to bring from home, or have an injury taped up.  The hotel is also located right by the start and finish lines so it was just a quick walk.  You really can’t beat the convenience of Disneyland Hotel so I would recommend it to everyone heading down for a race weekend.  And when I say we “splurged”, I booked through GET Travel which is the travel operator for RunDisney and the rate was excellent and so well worth the money.  We also purchased our park tickets through GET Travel and got an amazing deal! 

The 5K event was Friday morning and shortly after it sold out, I regretted not signing myself up for it, but it was Grandma and Matthew who participated in this one.  It was great for Emily and I to be able to see them start, and finish, the race.  I was really proud of them both.  It is worth noting that the 5K events get all the bells and whistles of the bigger races.  RunDisney does an amazing job of making every distance so special and it is heartwarming to see every age and athletic ability be rewarded at the end for their hard work.  

Saturday morning I ran the 10K which was a lot of fun because you get to go through the theme parks, without having to run a terribly long distance.  The kids races happened later on in the morning and I really wanted to be at the end so I could see Emily finish.  I waited in the corral with her hoping she would let me escape to the finish line to see her cross, but she wanted me to run the 400m with her.  So I did: in my flip flops, with my camera and 10K medal around my neck, carrying a coffee.  She beat me fair and square.  I could not catch her.  I was so so proud of all my runners that weekend and was so glad I brought them with me.

Sunday morning delivered the Half Marathon.  My biggest fear through the whole weekend was that after all the expense involved in traveling, all the miles put into training, and with all those medals on the line, for some reason I would not be able to complete the Half Marathon.  I wasn’t afraid of giving up.  I was afraid of being unconscious and having to be removed from the course.  So please, if you ever find me unconscious on a RunDisney course, don’t remove me!!  I will come around…eventually!  Once again, we got to run through our beloved theme parks and although I would love to tell you all about it, I really remember very little.  I can still see the World of Color Fountains which were dancing for us, and I remember running through Radiator Springs and down Route 66.  Coming through the Sleeping Beauty's Castle is clear, as is New Orleans Square, which is possibly my favourite location in all of Disneyland.  But otherwise, the visions are cloudy.  I didn’t stop for any characters, although the Villains really tempted me as I love a good Villain (or bad Villain, depending on how you look at it).  It really is amazing to run through the backstage areas and around the virtually empty theme parks that you love so much.  There are cast members and volunteers lining the course and waving with Mickey hands.  It is the best and makes me tear up just thinking about it.

By the time runners get out into the streets of Anaheim, the view isn’t as exciting, but you’re getting pretty numb to it all so it doesn’t matter that much!  Race organizers did their best setting us up for fun along the route.  There is a huge car show, which provided lots of encouraging spectators, and of course the run around Honda Center and through Angels Stadium is pretty cool.  Another runner I was visiting with at the start of the race told me that a tip to the Half Marathon is to make it to Honda Center before the sun comes up so you aren’t running into it.  I can’t say for sure if that’s a legitimate concern, as I did get around Honda Center in time and didn’t have any trouble with the sun, but others may want to consider it.

As I neared Disneyland Resort, I realized two things.  First of all, my time was so much better than I anticipated that I thought Grandma might not get the kids to the finish line in time to see me.  Secondly, I realized that if I kept it up, we could be in Disneyland before rope drop, thus guaranteeing Emily a coveted spot in the Anna and Elsa Meet and Greet line!!  So, it was the thought of her getting to meet those girls that made me keep up my record-breaking pace.  Coming up that last stretch of Disneyland Way, in front of the Disneyland Hotel where the family was going to be waiting for me, I started to scan the crowd to see if they were there.  Fortunately, Grandma is tall and I spotted them right away.  They had made it!  And no sooner did I pass them, I could see the finish line, the most beautiful thing you will ever see, and the thing you have been imagining for so many months.  One step across that line and I had earned four medals in two days, and achieved a personal record of 1:43:43, a record I have no intention of ever beating because there is nowhere else I would rather run a personal best than at Disneyland.  

We did make it into Disneyland before park opening to get ourselves into the Frozen Meet and Greet line.  And do you know what?  Not only did Emily get to meet Anna and Elsa, but I did too!  And like any good Princess, they really liked my bling!  We walked around Disneyland all day long with our medals on and I drew a lot of attention as four medals clanked against each other.  People would stop and turn to see what the noise was and their faces would light up when they realized what I had accomplished, and soon there was a whole park full of us clanking along.  By the end of the day I had a terrible headache from all the noise, but I would not take them off.  I had worked too hard.

There is truly nothing like a RunDisney race and I guess that's why I am in the trouble I am now, training for the full marathon just 136 days away.  In the meantime, I want to send my very best wishes to everyone running in any of the Disneyland Half Marathon races this year!  I want you to know that you CAN do it, I WILL be thinking of all of you, and I WILL be following along via social media to see how you are doing.  But most of all, I send to each and every one of you, the three most important things: 

FAITH, TRUST, and PIXIE DUST!

Taste - It  Food Tours

My Mom had the great idea that for my birthday she would take me on one of the Taste It Food Tours which originated last summer in Moose Jaw and have since expanded to Regina, Saskatoon, and Cypress Hills.  So, last week we took the Queen City Downtown Tour and although I do not claim to be qualified to do a "review", as I am fairly content anytime anyone brings me food, I thought I would share our experience anyway.  Let me begin by saying that this was not the original date we had booked, but Mom got a stomach virus the day of the tour and we were graciously allowed to change our date.  It turns out that the original day also brought terrible weather, and monsoon conditions around the time of the tour, and we later found out they wisely rebooked all the guests.  For these reasons, I was impressed from the start with the customer service we received.  The Queen City Downtown tour meets every second Tuesday throughout the summer in Victoria Park, and the day we attended was a beautiful evening, although very hot!  We had four stops on the tour, which lasted approximately 3 hours in total.  Of the four stops, I had been to three of them before, but I don't get out very much so I don't frequent any of them.

Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza

The Hotel was our first stop on the tour, and one of my favourite places in the city, although it is currently under much needed renovations.  The lounge and tea room are now behind a wall which decreases the grandeur of the lobby, but all in all was not terribly imposing.  There was a lot of noise going on but that is just something we will have to put up with for a little while.  I know the Hotel will be better for it in the end!  We were seated at an elegant table in the dining room and received a glass of Ravenswood Zinfandel which was lovely.  We were served a plate which had a perfect portion size, great flavours, and the classy finesse that one would expect from the Hotel.  We were told the Chef would come out and explain the dish which I appreciated as he was the only Chef who did speak to us, however we were all shocked by the young man who emerged.  Unfortunately, I was at the far end of the table, and could not read his name, but I am pretty sure I have pyjamas older than him.  The dish was described as (something to the effect of): arugula with white balsamic vinaigrette, crostini with foie butter, sliced AAA beef, truffled mushrooms, and fried onions.  It was absolutely delicious and an elegant start to the evening.

Beer Bros.

From there we walked the couple of blocks to Beer Bros. where we were seated in a private room.  We were given a small, although adequate, glass of beer and it was described as a cross with a pear cider.  No one at the table claimed to be able to taste any pear notes, but I know I am NOT a beer connoisseur, so perhaps they were in there somewhere.  As many know, the Beer Bros. and Willow on Wascana restaurants share partners and the quality and class of the Willow definitely translates to the more "pub-like" atmosphere of Beer Bros.  This was upscale "bar food" and we were served a pair of house-made beerogies, cabbage roll sausage, garlic smashed potatoes, and a demi glace.  Again, these are my quick-jotted notes of what the wait staff explained, so I could be wrong on any of these details.  It was a generous portion and I started to think that perhaps I would get very full on this tour.  I love the idea of the beerogies to make use of whatever ingredients may be on hand and in season, and my understanding is they make various kinds.  They were really delicious with a nice thin dough, and make me consider rolling my perogie dough out more.  I believe my favourite element, out of the four restaurants, were the smashed potatoes.  I don't get overly excited over potatoes, but these were awesome!  The presentation of the dish was very nice and overall Beer Bros. was a very impressive stop and I am anxious to get back there!

Victoria's Tavern

It was another couple of blocks walk to Vic's.  I know we were all appreciating the walk breaks.  Of the four spots we visited, I think Victoria's Tavern had the best "theme" and I can't describe it, so just go and see it for yourself.  We were seated in the vault private room which is a very cool, but small, space.  This was great for a while and we got a terrific group picture, but it got very hot in there very quickly.  We were provided a very tall glass of their house lager.  When someone mentioned how much larger it was than the Beer Bros. glass, the waitress responded "Well, we're NOT Beer Bros!" which cracked us all up.  I appreciate the generosity of the glass, but really didn't need two beer in a row.  I would have much preferred a cocktail, and to their credit we were offered a soda or coffee to replace the beer, but no additional liquor.  Therefore I sucked it up and drank the beer.  I will always take the free booze.  Vic's is known for their grilled cheese and we were all served their sandwich of the day which was made with in-house fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and served on fresh focaccia.  It was excellent.  Honestly, it could have been half the size it was at this point of the tour, but I can appreciate them wanting to give everyone a generous portion.  However, the weird part was that all the sandwiches came out with different side dishes (lager chips, french fries, tossed salad, caesar salad), and we were asked to just call dibs the one we wanted.  This is okay with your family or very good friends, but for a group of people who have just met, it was a bit awkward determining who wanted to eat what.  By the time the meal came out, the vault was really hot and uncomfortable (and I don't complain about heat very often).  In general, I'm sure this is probably a prized private room and just didn't work out for a group of ten on such a hot day.  Everyone was happy to get out of there and by this time, the longer walk to the last stop was much appreciated.

Fireside Bistro

Although we definitely needed the exercise, it seemed kind of strange that Fireside was so far away when the other locations were so close together.  Thankfully, it was very cool, roomy, and a comfortable last stop.  We arrived to a glass of Kahlua, Bailey's and Milk.  Cue angels singing!  It was very refreshing and a welcome change after the beer.  We were served a S'mores Cheesecake.  The cake itself was really good and the plating was fine although I am still unsure about that grape.  It still kind of bothers me...like it should have been a berry, but they ran out of berries.  But all in all, I don't complain about cheesecake, so it was a great ending!

As usual, I have gone on too long so I will conclude here as quickly as I can.  At $89 per person, it is a hefty price point, however I believe it was worth it (or course, it was a gift so I didn't actually pay for it).  It was a substantial amount of food, included four alcoholic beverages, and when else do you get to go to four restaurants in one evening?  It would normally take me a full year to hit all of them.  The restaurants worked well around a guest food allergy (even though the rescheduling of the original date led to some confusion and therefore last minute accommodations).  I believe that at all four restaurants we received a representative meal to showcase that location and the tours are a great way to get to experience different locations, for tourists and locals alike.  I should note that the menu offerings change nightly so if you are on the Queen City Downtown Tour, you will not necessarily end up with the dishes and beverages described above.

My only "criticism" about the tour itself is that I think I would have liked a bit more information, but I am a nerd that way.  Our tour guide did give us some history about the city and restaurants, but there was a decent amount of time after we were seated, and before our food came, that there could have been more details from either our tour guide, or preferably a Chef or staff person of the restaurant.  Our group got along very well, and made great conversation, and perhaps our tour guide was watching for that and would have interjected more information if there was a lull.  And it's very possible that most people would rather just sit and drink their beer than be bombarded with history, so I'm not sure others would consider this a criticism.

I would love to do all three tours in Regina (Cathedral and Wascana are the others) so will plan to do another one next summer and I think the Taste It Tours would be a great way to experience the other cities as well.  Most tours run until the end of September so there is still time for you to book yourself on one this year!  Thanks so much to Mom for the treat and to the staff at Taste It Food Tours as well as the Hotel Saskatchewan Radisson Plaza, Beer Bros., Victoria's Tavern, and Fireside Bistro for a lovely night out in the Queen City!

Queen City Marathon Preview

We are now exactly a month away from the Queen City Marathon.  Does this thought terrify anyone else, or are you all just way more prepared than I am?  Last month, I had a bit extra time around Regina one day and decided I would take a run/walk around the new half marathon course.  So, I parked at Conexus Arts Centre and embarked on the route with map in hand.  I also had points plotted out where I could bail on the idea and get back to my car in a fairly timely manner.  I was successful in completing the whole route (albeit at a snail’s pace), despite the city NOT shutting traffic down for my journey.  I guess I didn’t put my request in in time.

I had a few thoughts of the new course that I’d like to share with you as we get closer to race day.  Keep in mind, this is with regards to the half marathon, not the full, because I am not THAT crazy.  Wait, I AM that crazy…just not until January.  I am really excited about it and I can see why organizers were able to add so many more bibs because the route is much wider than it was before (for example, there are no narrow pathways through Wascana Park).  I think this wide course is going to be very comfortable and we will see some really good times come from it as there will be less “jockeying” around other runners.  So, this is really great news!  

I love the loop through Downtown Regina and overall we are going to run past some really great Regina landmarks: Conexus Arts Centre, Wascana and Victoria Parks, the Downtown Plaza, Legislative Building (scrims and all), Science Centre, etc.  I am also super excited about the ease of access and parking that we are going to find at Conexus Arts Centre!  In fact, it will be so easy that I think spectators will be able to see their runner off, drive to another route location, and drive back in time to see them finish (without any fear of losing a prized parking space).  Speaking of Conexus, I have tried to obtain insider information about what may replace the Pasta Party Saturday night but have been unsuccessful.  I hope we will have an event of some sort since, as I have mentioned previously, a lot of useful information can be gained by listening to the speakers.

I am very excited for the people who live along Quinn Drive. as they are going to have one heck of an exciting parade to watch Sunday morning.  I wish I lived in one of those houses so I could sit on the lawn, drink coffee, and cheer as people run by.  I am counting on that street to have the great, inspirational signs which we all look forward to, so it’s all on you, Quinn Drive!  Speaking of spectators, I think a great spot to watch will be around Candy Cane Park.  Runners will make a pass on either side of it so spectators would get to see their runner twice in that area, and then could still drive back to the finish line!

My 8 year old girl has decided she would like to run the 3K again but my 13 year old boy has decided he is far too lazy.  Unfortunately, I missed both of their runs last year as I was at MasterChef Canada during QCM weekend.  I love that the mini-marathon is now on Saturday so that I will get to run with her (or I will coerce someone else into running with her and will relax around the finish line).  If you’re looking for me, I will also be volunteering during parcel pickup on Friday from 11:00 to 5:00 so please come by and say “Hello”!  In the meantime, take care and best of luck to everyone as the days tick down!

Food Day Canada

There are only 16 of us on the planet who know the feeling of coming face to face with this amazing pantry.  It is a moment I will never forget.  I had several thoughts and feelings at the time, and although "scared" should have been the first one, I felt pride.  I think as Canadians we are all moved by the flag, and as foodies, what is better than the flag made out of food?!?  Absolutely nothing!  My second thought was "Who the heck did all that??"  It was absolutely incredible.  And when we were told to run to it and grab our ingredients, I thought "Oh no, I am NOT wrecking that masterpiece!!"  But it was inevitable, and after just a few moments of admiring its beauty, it was torn apart by the MasterChef Canada Season 2 home cooks.

I was reminded of this image this past weekend, as people all across the country celebrated "Food Day Canada" by shopping locally, dining at their favourite restaurant, cooking with home-grown ingredients, and sharing their love of their regional foods via social media.  Tweets flew from coast to coast and it was really fun to play along and see how Canadians were celebrating.  Everyone was so proud of their regions and traditions which also reminded me of all the friends I made at MasterChef Canada and how cooks from various provinces held different sets of skills and familiarity with ingredients.

Food Day Canada really got me thinking about the amazing ingredients that we have right around us.  In Saskatchewan, we are known for grain, but when you think about it, there is very little that we do NOT have here.  We are a little shy on seafood, I will admit that, but we have beautiful fresh water fish!  Many of us have gardens and the ability to grow an array of our own produce.  For anything we cannot grow, we probably know a farmer who can, or the local farmers markets have no shortage of talented producers and artisans.  Our Regina Farmers Market is an absolute gem and has been bursting with growth over the last several years.  Every time I attend, I am blown away by the quality of the selections, passion of the vendors, and the masses of people out to shop healthy, local ingredients, grab an amazing bite to eat, or just stroll around and listen to music and visit with friends.

All in all, I think Canadians do a great job of celebrating their food throughout the year, but it was terrific to have one day set aside to really stop and think about it.  The power of social media was very evident as we were able to connect across the country and I am happy that so many people were able to get together with friends and eat amazing food.  I was truly blessed to get to spend it with Regina's very top chefs and some incredible cooks at arguably the most beautiful location in the city.  It was a practically perfect Food Day.  Until next year, keep supporting local producers when you can, cook with all the incredible ingredients Canada has to offer, and share your recipes and food stories with your family and friends.  Let's make Canadian Cuisine and Food Culture bigger and better than ever!