Papa John's 10-Miler, April 6, 2013

1. Name: Samantha

2. Tell us about your race experience: I was a High School/College track and cross country runner. I specialized in the mile, half mile and two mile in high school. My University was more about long distance so in college I ran the 5k and 10k during track season.

3. What race did you run? Papa John’s 10 miler

4. Why did you sign up for this race? I am training for the derby mini marathon in April and Louisville has what they call the triple crown leading up to the Mini/full marathon. I have not raced in many years and was very worried about doing the mini so it seemed only logical to do the 5k, 10k, and 10 miler to build my confidence for the actual mini.

5. What/who inspires you to run? What inspires me to run? Not exactly sure…I think part of it is to return to the “Glory Days” when I felt like I was someone because I could win races. I also love to hit the pavement when I need a stress relief, it i just me and the road. Of all the sports I played, running was my favorite because it was all about what I put into training and not about how others prepared.

After getting married and having four kids I felt like I had no identity anymore and racing makes me feel like me again.

6. What is your best training tip? Just do it…Especially when you don’t feel like it.

7. Water or Sports Drink? Water all the way! I also drink Zija for a nutritional supplement.

8. Tell us about the outcome of the race: 

Chip time 1:22.15
31st in my age group
153 out of 3446 women
747 out of 6180 overall
Pace was 8:13 per mile

While training for the race I figured 8:30 was a good pace. All my friends who had done the race before said the three miles of hills (1/3 of the way in) were brutal. My Original goal was 1:25 but after the info I adjusted it to 1:30. To my surprise I blew both out of the water. It was amazing! I can’t wait for the mini in three weeks.

9. Your favorite post-race indulgence?  A nap! Although I would love to indulge in a post race leg message

10. Favorite part of racing in a Team Sparkle Skirt? I love feeling pretty while I run!

The Traveling Sparkle Skirts are a pair of Team Sparkle Running Skirts (one Hot Pink & one Turquoise) that travel the globe spreading the Team Sparkle love. Read more stories of the Traveling Sparkle Skirts HERE.

1. Name: Heidi

2. Tell us about your race experience: I am fairly new to the running community. 2 years ago some friends asked me to join a relay team and I thought running 5 miles was far. Fast forward to today and I have 5 half marathons and a full marathon under my belt!

3. What race did you run? I ran the inaugural Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington DC.

4. Why did you sign up for this race? I was asked to sign up for this race with a group of girlfriends. It was my first out of town race. All of my other races have been local, so it was exciting to travel and stay in a hotel for a race. It is a different experience having to navigate a strange city the morning of a race.

5. What/who inspires you to run? I love to run for the experience and the running community. I love smiling at other runners and the encouragement and bonding experience from running with a group or in a race. I also love to set goals and strive for them.

6. What is your best training tip? Make sure you take rest days. Your body needs to rest and needs to recover so it is important to listen to your body and rest if it is telling you to rest.

7. Water or Sports Drink? Water for sure. Sports Drinks during a marathon make my mouth feel dry. I do make sure to drink at least one Sports Drink the day before a race and after the race though.

8. Tell us about the outcome of the race: I did not like the corral set up of this race. I am a very average runner and can do a half in about 2:20 but I do not walk unless it is at a water stop. This race however had a huge corral range that was all runners between 10 min-12 min pace. That is a HUGE difference. There were people walking right off the bat and I just could not get moving. I felt awesome and I did PR, but I was disappointed my time did not better reflect how great I felt and how much I pushed myself. The crowd until the 5k mark really slowed me down. My pace at the 5k mark was 11:27 and by the 10k I was up to 10:09 and held that til the end.

9. Your favorite post-race indulgence?  Wine

10. Favorite part of racing in a Team Sparkle Skirt? The race I ran was a women’s centered race and was meant to empower women. I felt like the perfect female racer in my hot pink Team Sparkle skirt. I got tons of compliments and felt sassy!

The Traveling Sparkle Skirts are a pair of Team Sparkle Running Skirts (one Hot Pink & one Turquoise) that travel the globe spreading the Team Sparkle love. Read more stories of the Traveling Sparkle Skirts HERE.

When preparing for your own run Disney event, trying to find (or make) your very own Disney Princess Costumes can sometimes be harder than the actually training. Luckily, we have plenty ideas for running costumes. Consider this your very own Disney running costume guide.

Costumes for Running {DIY Merida Running Costume}

Are you feeling a bit BRAVE? If the answer is yes, then the DIY Merida running costume, is perfect for you. Here’s what you’ll need…

* {one} teal tank top (or shirt), & attached gold “trim”
* {one} teal Team Sparkle skirt
* {one} pair of gold Team Sparkle sparkle sleeves
* bow, arrows & quiver
* optional: fiery red hair or wig & teal running shoes (while they aren’t necessary, teal running shoes really are the “icing on the cake”)

Assembling the DIY Merida running costume is pretty self-explanatory. But once you are dressed, voilà… a Disney-inspired running costumes DIY style.

Have fun creating your own costumes for running! For even more costumes for running or Disney Princess Costumes {women} ideas, check out our entire Disney running costume guide.

If a Disney running event in your future, then Disney Princess Costumes {women} are a must! Whether it’s the Disneyland Half Marathon, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, Tinker Bell Half Marathon, or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon – these are all the perfect race for wearing costumes for running.

When preparing for your own run Disney event, trying to find (or make) your very own Disney Princess Costumes can sometimes be harder than the actually training. Luckily, we have plenty ideas for running costumes. Consider this your very own Disney running costume guide.

Costumes for Running {DIY Princess Mulan}

Do you have a lucky cricket? Have you battled the Hun army for fun? If so, then you’ll be thrilled to know that creating your very own DIY Princess Mulan running costume is pretty quick & easy. Here’s what you’ll need…

* {one} purple tank top (or shirt) with light purple ribbon “trim” added to create the “kimono” look
* {one} purple Team Sparkle skirt
* {one} pair of purple Team Sparkle sparkle sleeves
* {one} pink “kimono” belt
* {one} flowered fan
* optional: purple running shoes (while they aren’t necessary, purple running shoes really are the “icing on the cake”).

Assembling the DIY Princess Mulan running costume is pretty self-explanatory. But once you are dressed, voilà… a Disney-inspired running costumes DIY style.

Have fun creating your own costumes for running! For even more costumes for running or Disney Princess Costumes {women} ideas, check out our entire Disney running costume guide.

If a Disney running event in your future, then Disney Princess Costumes {women} are a must! Whether it’s the Disneyland Half Marathon, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, Tinker Bell Half Marathon, or Disney’s Princess Half Marathon – these are all the perfect race for wearing costumes for running.

When preparing for your own run Disney event, trying to find (or make) your very own Disney Princess Costumes can sometimes be harder than the actually training. Luckily, we have plenty ideas for running costumes. Consider this your very own Disney running costume guide.

Costumes for Running {DIY Princess Tiana}

Are you willing to kiss a few frogs in an effort to find your “prince?” If so, then you’ll be thrilled to know that creating your very own DIY Princess Tiana running costume is pretty quick & easy. Here’s what you’ll need…

* {one} lime tank top (or shirt)
* {one} lime Team Sparkle skirt
* {one} pair of lime Team Sparkle sparkle sleeves
* {one} “water lily” belt
* {one} “water lily” inspired headbad
* optional: lime running shoes (while they aren’t necessary, lime running shoes really are the “icing on the cake”).

Assembling the DIY Princess Tiana running costume is pretty self-explanatory. But once you are dressed, voilà… a Disney-inspired running costumes DIY style.

Have fun creating your own costumes for running! For even more costumes for running or Disney Princess Costumes {women} ideas, check out our entire Disney running costume guide.

ALL of the Disney running races are perfect examples… the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, the Princess Half Marathon, Disneyland Half Marathon, Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, Walt Disney World Marathon, are all ideal opportunities for wearing costumes for running… especially Disney running costumes.

Gearing up for your own runDisney event? Trying to find (or make) your very own costumes for running? Luckily, we have plenty ideas for running costumes. & The Best part? Running in costume doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Creating a run-able costume is easy thanks to our very own Disney running costume guide.

Cruella Deville {Disney Villain} Running Costumes

Are you more of a Disney Villain than a princess? Then maybe dressing up as Cruella Deville is the perfect Disney inspired running costume for you.

Creating your very own Cruella Deville costume for running is pretty quick & easy. Here’s how…

You will need:

* {one} black colored tank top or running shirt
* {one} black Team Sparkle skirt
* {one} pair red Team Sparkle sparkle sleeves
* {one} black & white feather boa
* {one} pair of “dalmation-like” spotted knee high socks
* {one} sinister red pair of lips (rumor has it MAC Russian Red lipstick works well & won’t wear off.)
* {one} black & white wig/ hat/ or simply “spray” dye your hair half black & half white to achieve Cruella’s famous ‘do!
* optional: matching running shoes (while they aren’t necessary, matching running shoes really are the “icing on the cake”)

Assembling the Cruella Deville running costume is pretty self-explanatory. & You can be sure that the cheers (& occasional light-hearted “boo’s”) will be well worth it.

Have fun creating your own costumes for running! For even more costumes for running ideas, check out our entire Disney running costume guide.