Surfing Through a 10K Run

I think the more we participate in runDisney events, the easier it is to wake up at 3 AM. I'm sure it helps that it's our regular wake up time for work. 

I have to add that usually I have a little excitement the night before and I can't fall asleep quickly. This time around I had no problem sleeping. We had a long day. 

As I mentioned, we wake up around 3 AM for work. The Friday before the run we needed to pick up our race information. So after working ten hours we arrived at the Expo near 4 PM. There was a healthy sized crowd at the Disneyland Hotel convention center. The crowd flow was great and organized. Participants are sent into the parking garage, which was decorated for the occasion, then back out again to the halls. 

It was a hot day and we were ready to get back into the convention center. 

Eric and I didn't buy anything this time around. We did browse a few booths for men's active wear. The fashion was dedicated to women with character themed skirts and headwear. Don't these vendors know that men also wear clothes? We even wore clothes to the event to prove this. 

We were eager to get home. After a quick stop in the Official Merchandise store, we left. Eric and I had to make the same trek back to the car through a very hot Downtown Disney. I was crossing my fingers that the weather during the race wouldn't be as hot and humid as last year. 

Getting back to the start of our story, before the break of dawn.  It almost seemed like we were one of the first to arrive. Getting into the structure was so easy. I don't think we had seen this before. As it turns out, we had forgotten that both the 5K and 10K took place at the same time last year. This year they had been separated, a good thing. 

Here you can see we are ready to take on the world. (Translation : Take on the slope that dips under the hotel tram drop off....hate that part of the course)

I want to mention there was a slight, cool breeze happening!! No humidity like last year!  

As the participants gather with anticipation, all of our attention is locked on one individual. Kronk! 

This was the best costume we had seen that day. This guy even had Izma vocals and music from the film, Emperor's New Groove. I'm not sure how he dealt with wind resistance, but everyone loved it. Here's one more full body shot where Izma is shown. 

The route was the same as last year and that was a relief. It's great to know what you're in for so that you can prepare for the "ups and downs". 

As Eric and I made our way through the course, we kept an 11 minute per mile pace. We do enjoy character photo ops, but we didn't really see anyone that caught our eye. 

Apparently we were fine with photos of just ourselves! 

Eric used to drive this trolley through Toontown, during his attractions days.

 

The theme of Stitch/Polynesian/Retro Elvis was falling flat. I don't think I even saw Lilo out along the route. "Elvis" Stitch was near the river in Frontierland, but at that point we didn't feel like waiting in the queue. Running along the Rivers of America meant that we were almost through with this 10K! 

Both Eric and I paid homage to our friend Miley-chan, as we ran past the Pirates of the Carribean attraction. It was at that spot where Miley fell during the 2014 Tinkerbell Half. But, I think we promised not to tell anyone. 

We wound our way through Downtown Disney. Once we hit the Tortilla Joe's restaurant, that's when I knew it was almost over. This race had gone by quickly. I think it's my favorite length of a run event because it's all in good fun. There wasn't a moment where I had to negotiate with myself to keep pushing forward. I can recall whistling at one point, but I forget what melody I used. 

And look! They even gave us medals! We finished in 1 hour and 8 minutes. That's about 11 minutes shorter than last year's 10K, not bad! 

I can be seen here looking very awkward and hunched over. Not my best photo at all!

We also had a few pals running the event. Josh and Daniel joined in for the second year in a row. No one passed out and we all finished. Both Eric and I skipped the Half Marathon this year. I'm pretty sure we will run the Dumbo Challenge next Labor Day (run both the 10K and Half Marathon in one weekend). 

For the time being, Eric has the Avenger's Half in November. I'll train with him, and then cheer him on from the sidelines. I'm going to try and see him at as many cheering locations as possible. So, I guess it's a good idea I'll be training with him!!! 

Less Than 50 Days to Japan!

The time to fly is drawing near and I already know what I'm wearing to Tokyo Disneyland! I don't want to make it sound as though we leave in a few days. We still have six weeks. But, it's now a great deal closer than the last time I wrote about our up coming trip!

Just within the last week Eric and I have plotted out which regions of Tokyo we will see per day. To sum up the itinerary:

We arrive/land Monday evening and head to our first apartment. Travel one train stop to Disneyland and DisneySea for the next four days (most people I know had lengthy train rides to the parks). We'll then switch apartments to Shibuya on Saturday, and see the Robot Dinner Show that night in Shinjuku. Sunday morning we'll check out Japanese cosplay in Harajuku plus surrounding area. Early Monday, travel to Kyoto via bullet train to spend a day there looking at shrines and the old city. Then Tuesday through early Thursday, see more of what Tokyo has to offer. That Wednesday we will have our Ghibli Museum visit as well. We had hoped to break up the Disney Parks days, but the multi-day tickets must be used consecutively. And, we can only park hop the last two days. 

Eric and I are not at all worried about running out of activities. Although we initially thought our length of stay was good enough, it seems like we definitely will need to go back! I don't think I've been this far out from an up coming trip and already thinking about when we can go back! There have been suggestions to visit Universal Studios in Osaka as well, but we can't justify that when there's plenty to see in Tokyo. 

We did hit a slight snag, but I think we have a solution. We purchased our Tokyo Disneyland resort four day pass. As it turns out the printing process would prefer us to use "A4" paper. Using our standard size, a small portion would print on a second page. The point of why this is an issue is this: The resort wants the barcode on the ticket to be read properly by fast pass machines. Unlike the US parks, they don't exchange your e-ticket for an actual ticket stub. It being the USA, we don't use "A4" paper here. My friend in England was astounded that i'd never heard of it. What can I say? I'm a pompous American! Luckily they had examples on their site as to the preferred image and sizing of the bar code, so we'll be fine. Here's a screen grab from YouTube of some lady's ticket. Thanks for the image lady. 

Something to keep in mind if you plan a trip to Japan is the Japan Rail Pass. It is only sold outside of Japan. Many people give rave reviews regarding this, but you have to make sure it works for you. Eric and I have read that it is worth it even if you only use the bullet train for one round trip. It can also be used within Tokyo, but only used on assigned trains/rails. One negative for us is that although it's active for seven days, we won't actually need it until we have less than seven days left on our trip. There isn't a "JR Pass Activation" office near our first apartment in Edogawa and we won't have a need for it until we leave to Shibuya. 

We also have the option to pay as we ride by purchasing a train card (Suica or Pasmo). A traveller can load up those cards with money and it gets deducted with each use. There is also the option to buy a ticket each time. Of course, the cost will change depending on the distance travelled. The JR Pass seems like the best value. But, it still bothers me that even though we'll pay for that unused time, we won't activate it or have use for it until Saturday. 

It should be mentioned that there are a few tour sites, such as Japanican.com and sunrisetours.com , that have ways for travelers to get outside of Tokyo. We even used Japanican to buy the Robot Dinner Show tickets at a discount. I'd say the most confusing part of this trip planning has been all the options available to you. 

We have found some help on YouTube. I'm glad that's been around because there isn't a lot to read online. What I have found online (Blogs) are mere recounts of trips, which is fine, but I want content with real tips/issues. I hope this helps possible "trip planners" to Japan avoid some problems or with decision making. I couldn't find anyone with Tokyo Disney ticket experience either. I only found one video that showed a lady fold her e-ticket for fast pass use. Eric and I still have more plans to solidify and I look forward to getting that done. Although it sounds confusing at times, it's been fun so far. 

All We Needed Was Sand

Compared to my Roaring 1920s party, for my 33rd birthday, this year was very last minute. With Tokyo coming up (have I mentioned we are going?), I wasn't planning on spending extra funds on a party. But, as the date crept closer I felt we should put together something small. A little more than week before my birthday I decided to have a Retro Beach themed birthday party. To be honest I was "phoning" this year's party in by choosing an easy theme. One might say I did the same last year with a 1920s theme, but with that party I mimicked a specific scene from The Great Gatsby film. This year I went ahead and raided the tiki/beach sections for decorations. I think the decor, along with the retro music, conveyed a happy atmosphere. 

I was taking a few test shots with the camera. I didn't want to wash all the photos out with a flash, so I had Rey and Brandi sit for a few silly poses. Work it you two!

Rey and Brandi look great here, but maybe I should've repositioned her straw? Meanwhile, in the background, I don't think that tiki idol was enjoying her photo being taken. Fashionably speaking, Rey looks like a greaser from the 50s while Brandi has that Biker's chick look. We all loved her hair!

Soon after we had the music going. The playlist was simple, full of Annette Funnicello, The Ventures (surf guitar), and The Beach Boys. The loop only lasted about 2 hours, but we just kept repeating it. Sure the music was a little on the corny side, but it was upbeat. 

As we shopped around the stores, Eric was very determined to grab some cocktail umbrellas. I'm sure glad he did because they added that extra touch to the cupcakes and the drinks. The cupcakes were store bought, but now they blended in with their surroundings. As my UK pals Mikey and Jonny would quote me saying, "It's in the details!"

Whether she cared for it, or not, Daphne got in on the beach action. Eric and I thought she looked great in her outfit. We aren't those "dress up your dog" type people, but this definitely called for an exception. 

Soon guests arrived and they were either mingling, or apparently on their iPhones ;-)

I can see here that Rey was about to enjoy more of his Fruit Punch/Coconut Rum concoction. 

Our gal pal Kelly joined us from Newport Beach in what I think was reminiscint of the 1960s character Gidget. I don't know if that was her direct intention, but she sure did a nice job!

The rest of us guys took the easy way out. Beach attire for that era is as easy as a camp shirt and the shortest swim wear you can find. However; Eric did personify a fashionista/trend setter of the early 1960s. All that was needed here was was a nice bonfire, but of course that would've taken down the place. 

We should've had a prize for who travelled the farthest. First we have Ricky and Greg that drove down from the Hollywood area. Then there was Jeff and Lance (pictured directly above) that joined us from Riverside! But, I think the invisible trophy goes to Angie (below w/red headband). She drove down from San Luis Obispo! I can't take all the credit. Angie was also on her way home to San Diego county. No matter from where they drove, I was very lucky to have our group come together to celebrate.

As with any gathering we have, this couldn't have happened with Eric! Who knows, maybe from now on Eric will be the bar keep. He was having a fun time mixing up some drinks for our guests. He kept that blender spinning! I thought he was going to try to chop up our fake pineapples for garnish! 

See below.....What did I tell you all? There's Eric making another drink for Ricky! And that reminds me of something. Everyone came with either a snack or alcohol to contribute. It really does say something about the friends we invited. I didn't ask them to bring anything, only themselves. Sure we did have a few ask what they could help with, and we welcomed that help. Others surprised us with items. I was even given some fabulous and again unexpected gifts. My point is that we had some great people over that night, special people. I hope they know I'm grateful for all of them and I look forward to more times together. 

Practicing for Japan!

Recently Eric and I purchased a Nikon D3200. We've always loved photography, but hadn't put down money on a higher end camera. I know there are more advanced models out there, but this was highly recommended for beginners. 

To get used to settings and learning from "trial and error", we decided to head to the local Disney parks. We arrived in mid-afternoon because our goal was to also try out night shots. 

I can't post this and pretend to give photo advice. I really just wanted to share what we attempted with the new camera. There are some nicely hidden corners in both Disneyland and CA Adventure. We also like the details in architecture and the color choices. But, that's not new right? I would think most people recognize at least those two traits. I'd add that if people don't pay attention to that, it's through no fault of their own. The parks really immerse the visitor in a time or place. The details can then become an after thought. 

One slight issue Eric and I may have in Japan is deciding who gets the camera. I found myself getting into Instagramming and almost forgetting about the new camera. I think I did this because it's obviously easier to get the iPhone into hard to reach places. I found the strap and having a certain grip on the Nikon slightly tedious. That's pretty much where the differences stop. I feel the photos the Nikon produce are beautiful, pending the setting. We took a few with the wrong setting, and the result wasn't ideal. But, sometimes the incorrect setting can make a photo interesting. Take the next....

Ursula is either being sucked away by a Dementor or Winifred Sanderson of the film Hocus Pocus! We were like "Whoa! She's being swept away!" It would be much better if at least her face was in focus. We are trying to perfect "dark ride" photography. The tips we have read haven't worked, but we will keep trying to learn. I'm glad we are messing up now and not in Tokyo Disneyland. 

I really liked that although the photo is straight at the sun, the sculpture of Grizzly Peak is still visible. 

I'm not claiming to find a hidden gem, but I had forgotten about this painted wall. It's an out of the way, dead-end, sitting area that I never think to visit.

We attempted to ride Radiator Springs Racers, but the ride shutdown while we rode. Our vehicle made it to the tractor tipping scene and came to a halt! Eric and I only waited about twenty minutes in the Single Rider queue so it wasn't a huge loss. In fact, we were given passes to return later. It worked out nicely. 

Walking through the wharf Eric got an appetite for the sourdough bread. It wasn't quite dinner time, but we went through the tour to grab a sample. I know most people grab the slice and run away. Eric and I aren't in a hurry, so we went through the Rosie O'Donnell narrated tour. The bakers seemed to be a little happy to see visitors pass through as they waved to us both. 

Our part of the world was starting to make its move away from the sun at a quick rate. We hoped to get a few sunset type shots. But, Eric and I also realized we were getting hungry. It was about 7:15 PM and we would be heading to Disneyland soon. 

It felt as though it had been too long since we ate at Paradise Garden Grill. I most likely mentioned it's our favorite place to eat at DCA. I haven't tried any other sauces on my tofu/veggie skewer, but next time should. Here I ordered it with the tzatziki sauce. I can't gush enough about the cucumber salad. The flavor for the salad has a slight tang and compliments the rest of the dish well. 

Heading out toward Disneyland you can see we have yet to perfect the "selfie" with this camera. It is a little awkward to hold. Eric wants to buy a small tripod and remote. We definitely don't want to forget to include ourselves in photos of Japan or the Disney Parks. 

Eric thinks he looks drunk here. He really wasn't. 

I saw these cans tipping and had to hold them up. 

And as I mentioned we were heading to Disneyland, but remembered that we had our fast pass for Racers. We couldn't pass that up. This time we rode without interruption and Eric attempted a few shots as we rode, no flash of course. 

They are still a little blurry. Luckily we still have time to get better at these sort of shots. In a big you'll see how the Southern CA weather really affects night photos. Once at Disneyland the clouds had rolled into the area and really added an awful backdrop to the scenery. 

I had attempted firework photos, but I hated them all. I always forget people feel the need to stick their arms up while holding cameras. A women in front of us filmed the entire show. And, I guess I don't blame her. Maybe this was her one trip here for her life? 

Both Eric and I worked "it's a small world" for quite a while in our earlier Disney career. It's actually where we met. Anyway, the lighting on the facade is very interesting these days. Even as the train passes, the colors change as it moves across the front of the facade. I was a total nerd, all giddy. 

I did my best to not breath during this one. 

Have you been noticing the sky in these night shots? I blame the desert for drawing in all this upper moisture.

Clearly I am getting carried away with this post! Eric and I have a lot to work on, but I am pleased with some of other shots. Our worst ones will hopefully improve. 

People might think it odd we are so worried about how well our photos will turn out, and to enjoy the moment. I'm sure many can agree that it's very enjoyable to takes pictures and get the best you can. Even though Japan is 3.5 months away, we are having some nice bonding time as we practice.