Disneyland 5k and Half Marathon Weekend

What a great weekend to finish off our summer!

Gian and Sabrina ran the Disneyland 5k (3.1 miles) on Saturday. Tabitha did the 200 yard dash Kids Race. And finally on Sunday Gian ran the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles).

On Friday we checked into the Disneyland Hotel as our final trip this summer. While we waited for our room we attended the EXPO for the running events. Gian, Sabrina and Tabitha got their T-shirts and race numbers while Charlee and I looked at all the fun running stuff. Sabrina got the cutest shirt (photo to come)...It says..."I know. I run like a girl. (Try to keep up)" I also liked the one that said, "Some girls chase boys. I pass 'em."

I spotted a celeb and debated with Gian for a good 5 minutes before I got the guts to go get a photo with him. Do you know who this is?? Hint: channel 4 news. Yep, Chris Shauble. He was so gracious and kind. I did kind of laugh at him when he asked if I was running. HA!! (Maybe next year...anyone wanna do the 5k with me next year?)

The girls always get so excited when we get into our room and the first thing they do is run and jump on the beds!

The next thing they do is start asking to go to the pool. We wasted no time and went to the pool. Tabitha went down the big waterslide by herself for the first time. After that, she was addicted! I'm so glad she finally learned to swim so she could enjoy that!

Even Charlee loves to swim! She loves when Daddy throws her in the air and catches her in the water. Total giggles!

We had dinner at Goofy's Kitchen (an early celebration for Tabitha's birthday in September).

I think these Princesses need a fairy Godmother!! Don't you?

Funny, not so funny story....While we were getting our food Tabitha spotted Cruella De Ville. She started asking who she was, why she was dressed like that and clearly did not want anything to do with her! So while we were chatting it up with Dale, Tabitha saw that Cruella was getting closer to our table. Dale tried so hard to calm her fears by hugging Tabitha, holding her hand, making faces at Cruella. It was so sweet. But Tabitha still wasn't having it! She finally blurt out (loudly, I might add)...."I don't like her! She freaks me out!" I couldn't help but chuckle and I could hear Dale laugh in his costume too!

After dinner it was off to bed. We had an early morning with the 5k starting a 7am!

Geared up and ready to go!

Gian and Sabrina at the start line. This year's theme was Toy Story, so Buzz and Woody kicked off the run! During the run they saw lots of characters and stopped for a couple pics (which are on Gian's phone since we don't have a small camera...any ideas on how to get them on to our computer without a cord?)

They finished with a time of 29 minutes and 38 seconds. The goal was 30 minutes or less. When I saw them come around to the finish line I saw Sabrina just totally sprint to the end. She wasn't even winded when I got to her...a little rosy cheeked and sweaty, but it was kinda humid. She's amazing!

Then it was Tabitha's turn! She ran with Gian and had such a great time. She was even more excited that she got 2 medals!

Run, baby, run!

After the races on Saturday we ended our little vacation with some more swim time at the hotel. Sabrina made friends with a little girl from Belgium..little language barrier, but thankfully Gian speaks French and could interpret for them. Tabitha spent a lot of time up and down the water slides. And Charlee, me and Gian splashed the day away!

Sunday morning (4:30 am) Gian got up and went to Disneyland to run the 1/2 marathon. I felt so bad that I couldn't go cheer him on...but not quite practical with 3 kids in tow. And again, no camera for him to run with, and who wants to take pictures of themselves running? His goal time was 2 hours and 20 minutes or at least beat him time from last year. He completed the 1/2 marathon this year in 2 hours and 33 minutes. We are proud of you Gian!!! You look great with that medal around your neck!

We had a fun weekend! We are also looking forward to setting our running goals as a family (yep, even me) and going again next year! Again, I'm extending an invitation to anyone who wants to join us next year. Any Disney/running freaks out there?? Mark your calendars...September 4-6, 2009!