Princess Weekend -- Saturday

4:30am is early. Really early.

But, Lili and I had to take off by 5:30 for the 5k, according to our race packets, so we were up in the pre-dawn, excitedly getting ready. Tricia was trying to doze, but our bustling about kept her awake.

I was wishing I had thought to get a dietCoke on Friday night so I could have a few sips of caffeine to start the day. I strolled down to the vending machines on our floor, but it was all candy, no sodas. Blar.

At some point I remembered that my headphones were still in the car. I almost always forget stuff like that, so I was pretty happy to have remembered. (I have a really hard time running without music.) On my way out to the car to get the headphones, I passed by - huzzah! - a soda machine. I scrambled around for change while I was at the vehicle and did indeed get my dietCoke on the way back to the room. Whew! Trauma averted!

Onto the bus we trundled. It was a little cold out, but I was so excited I barely noticed. Lili was nervous about maintaining the required pace, but she looked darned adorable in her Fairy Godmother outfit! I figured no race official would have the heart to pull her from the course! As we boarded the bus, it became clear that Lili would be the star of the day. People immediately began exclaiming "Fairy Godmother!" and gasping those delighted little gasps you only hear in Disney. It was so darling! The gasping continued once we got to the starting area. Everyone wanted their picture with Fairy Godmother! She brought a smile to everyone who saw her. I felt like a proud mother hen.

We wandered around for a little while to keep warm, hit the port-o-potties (I'm pretty sure I was the first person to ever use the one I was in), and before we knew it, it was time to line up in our corrals. Lili was a couple of corrals behind me, so we hugged and parted ways to wait for the start. Off we went! Belle and Beast waved to us as we crossed the Start line, and the 5k was officially underway.

The first mile was mostly through parking areas, so it was fairly unremarkable. But the second mile was utterly dreamy. Running through the countries of EPCOT - what a treat! As we entered on the Mexico side of World Showcase, there were several of the young cast members from Mexico on the sidelines, playing instruments and cheering us on. Every single country had cast members out in the early dawn to support the runners and walkers - it was truly magical. The China pavillion had only three people, but they cheered so enthusiastically, it might as well have been 50. The UK and Canada pavillions were especially raucous, which was just what we needed as we headed into the last mile. That third mile whizzed by in a heartbeat. I remember seeing several more EPCOT employees (who were AMAZING and supportive - that park has a fantastic cast) and then, before I knew it, the finish line appeared just after the 3 mile mark. I broke into a sprint. About halfway through that sprint, I realized I had sped up a little earlier than my body normally had energy for, but I figured "No way am I going to slow down now! I might as well gun it, because I'll have time to gasp for air at the finish line!"

I ran my fastest 5k ever that day -- 32:45(ish). For alot of runners, that would be abysmally slow. For me, it was a pretty big deal.

After I finished, I waited for Lili at the finish line. When the announcer cheered "Here comes the Fairy Godmother!" I rushed out of the designated waiting area and met her just after she crossed the line so I could give her a big hug. I was so, so proud of her! She did a fantastic job, and spread a lot of cheer in the process.

We didn't linger long - we had a Boma breakfast to get to! (Also, my watch was already an hour ahead, so I got a little confused and thought we were running later than we were. Whoopsie!) Back onto the bus to the hotel. Walking back to our room, we passed several people headed out to start their day in the parks - it was only 8am, after all! Some of them looked at us with puzzled expressions, wondering, no doubt, why we'd be wandering around in our silly outfits wearing race medals. Showers all around, and off to Boma!

After breakfast, we did a little shopping, and then played a round of mini golf at Fantasia Gardens. Let's just say I don't know my own strength -- I have an unreal ability to send golf balls flying way off the green! We had so much fun, though. I have never, in all the years I've been vacationing in WDW, played a round of mini golf there. It's a GREAT way to relax and laugh and spend time with friends.

After golfing, pool time! Tricia wanted to swim to burn off calories and make room for another evening of Boma gorging. I just wanted to relax and let my feet dangle in the water. Lili hung out and relaxed in the shade. Also, much people watching. There was a threesome of older ladies who gave us a glimpse into our futures - if the three of us are that fabulous at that age, the future looks bright!

More Boma. Holy crap, that prime rib they serve there is like a symphony. I ate alot of it. Bobotie, Ginger Carrot Soup, Zebra Domes, Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake. They made it, I ate it. I was marginally concerned that all that food would weigh heavy in the morning, but I threw caution to the wind, as is my way when confronted with deliciousness.

Again, we did some shopping to help our ample dinners settle. Then it was time to put heads to pillows to rest up for the big day!