• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

runDisney Princess Half Recap 2016

March 7, 2016 | Disney, fitness, Race Recaps, runDisney, running

A couple of weeks ago, I participated in the runDisney Glass Slipper Challenge, and the second part of that challenge was to run the Princess Half.

runDisney princess half race recap

My friend Jen and I wanted to wear matching costumes again (last year we were the evil stepsisters), and since neither of us are crafty or creative, we enlisted her mom to create our adorable hats for the race.

On Sunday morning, we got up and had breakfast at our hotel, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. We were cheered on by cheerleaders who even waited on us to go outside to our car after the buses had left so they could give us a proper sendoff. It was so sweet!

fa54dac1-0afc-4899-bad0-8fc4872ca9f0

1ce809c8-12cd-4225-b6d5-ab65ac6f7059

I am a dork and didn’t think to start taking pictures until after the race had started. It was kind of an eventful start too! We got stuck in some serious traffic and were lucky enough to get to park on the far end of the last row of the parking lot at EPCOT. We booked it to the family reunion area and then to the start line, and literally walked into our corral about one minute before we started moving! It worked out great but we couldn’t have timed it better if we had tried!

Our plan was to just have fun, nothing fancy. Oh, and we wanted to beat last years time of 3:00:00. Last year Jen had been in the hospital the day before and I was just coming back after having Emma Kate, so we took it SUPER slow. This year we wanted to have fun but still actually do some running.

8c474373-48a0-4d0a-a9df-f07d6eecfef5

We made it through the Magic Kingdom gates and I apparently had way too much water and coffee before the race because I had to find a bathroom. They had the ones at the TTC ROPED OFF and I knew I wouldn’t make it to the ones in the Magic Kingdom. I stopped off at some portable ones around mile 4.5, and felt SO much better. We made it to the Magic Kingdom and Jen needed to go and we both wanted to wash our hands, so we planned to stop again, but not before getting a castle shot!

IMG_2491 (2)

IMG_2498 (2)

We made it to Tomorrowland and just as I have done in pervious years, we went into the men’s room (along with a ton of other women) and were promptly shooed out by a cast member. The men didn’t care and said it was our race and that we should get to use their bathroom, but the cast member was having none of it. So, we made it through the other side of the castle and stopped in Frontierland. I took a picture with my favorite cowboy while I waited for Jen.

8cd3e98a-7402-4c95-b902-175e4c88b0a2

We had made it to mile 6, and my hip started to slightly hurt. At this point, I was wishing the race was a 10k like the day before!

c04fef26-3c66-4a82-af63-b33ba0292250

We went out the back way of the Magic Kingdom and there was a gust of wind and it got COLD! it was crazy how we weren’t cold before. I call that the magic of Disney. I swear they control the weather. Anyway, we made it to the halfway mark and to the Grand Floridian where we snapped a picture with Bert and the penguins.

bc0d3257-d31d-41c4-b519-436d1bb15cd6

At this point we started taking walk breaks every few minutes because my hip was getting worse. I stopped and got some Tylenol at a med tent, too. We took some gels at the stop around mile nine, and were soon going around the overpass curve of death (to my IT band and hip), where the solider told us to MOVE MOVE MOVE towards EPCOT. Ah, what a beautiful site. I also started getting really warm about mile 11 and I felt bad for the people in the later corrals that would be running when the sun was up higher.

1c5f01d9-857a-47f4-a74c-909d11d4cc56

We made it into the park and I loved that the coach was here this year!

IMG_2505 (2)

We looped around towards world showcase and towards the finish line. I Now have a love/hate relationship with this section of EPCOT thanks to runDisney races.

f2ec072f-0e9b-4911-af04-3baf97578777

We passed the gospel choir, and headed towards the finish line. I am happy to say we stomped our goal and finish in 2:33, which isn’t too shabby for several stops for characters and bathrooms and med tents!

IMG_2511 (2)

b8baea16-899d-4a42-a4fa-07ada84840f0

We got so many compliments on our costumes, they are definitely one of my favorites I have worn. We collected our two new medals before heading back to the hotel.

bf9a54a3-56cb-4ccf-a8b2-94ab3a348f7e

639949f9-31a0-40ee-851a-8bd6fa16200c

Another successful runDisney race, and I am so happy that we both were able to get our Glass Slipper medals this year with no illnesses or mishaps! The volunteers were great, the weather was great, and the spectators were encouraging, and a good time was had by all. Thanks runDisney!

QOTD Have you ever dressed up for a race?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen :0) says

    March 7, 2016 at 7:40 am

    Looks and sounds like a fun time! Odd that the TTC restrooms were roped off! Congrats!

  2. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    March 7, 2016 at 7:44 am

    Looks like it was a beautiful day for a race. Reading your recap makes me that much more excited for Wine and Dine!

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      I’m hoping to do that one, too!

  3. Jess says

    March 7, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Great job!!!

    Yes, I was a little perturbed by the TTC restrooms being roped off. I *REALLY* needed to go at that point and was irritated that I had to pass indoor plumbing to go use porta-potties.

    And, YES, the sun was fierce. It definitely made the last few miles rough.

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:06 pm

      I KNOW! I ended up using the potties at the next water stop b/c I couldn’t wait for MK!

  4. Lindsay says

    March 7, 2016 at 10:53 am

    The “curve of death”! Lol! I ran the Princess this year, too, and was dealing with some serious tendinitis in my foot and your naming of this particular part of the course is SPOT ON! It killed me! The Princess is always a blast, though. I’ll be there next year!

    • Heather says

      March 7, 2016 at 3:48 pm

      I hope I will be too!

  5. Mindy (Road Runner Girl) says

    March 7, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Looks like you had a great race! Princess is always so much fun! I LOVE the hats!!! So cute!!!

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Thanks, I’m glad Jen’s mom is crafty!

  6. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    March 7, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Looks like so much fun! I ran the WDW half about 5 years ago–there wasn’t as much costuming and stuff as I see now. I may have to go back…

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      YES!

  7. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    March 7, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    Oh I feel the same way about those curves! I thought it just bothered me the very first time I ran it cus I had IT band syndrome, but nope, I hate it each and every time!
    I like the race though and look forward to going back. Cute costume idea!

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      Thanks! We wanted something fun but simple!

  8. Kristen says

    March 8, 2016 at 1:18 am

    Great job! Your costumes were super cute! I dressed up like Ariel 2 years ago and could have really used some running buddies dressed like you two! 🙂

    • Heather says

      March 8, 2016 at 3:02 pm

      There were a ton of ariels! I took pics with a couple of them!

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom
  • Protecting Your Kids’ Eyes In the Digital Age
  • Late Spring Events Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
  • 6 Ways to Make Mother’s Day Special This Year
  • Exciting News: Allegiant Air Launches New Knoxville to Gulf Shores Nonstop Flight

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
If people who believe these are at my table, it’ If people who believe these are at my table, it’s time for me to find a new one.
 (And you are always welcome at mine!) 🩷

#propaganda #momliferocks #momtruths #summer2025
Tucked away just outside of Gatlinburg, Alpine Hav Tucked away just outside of Gatlinburg, Alpine Haven was everything we wanted in a mountain getaway—and then some. ⛰️ 

This luxury cabin has 4 spacious bedrooms (including one with built-in bunks that my daughter loved) and 4 full bathrooms, making it perfect for a family trip or group vacation.

We spent our days soaking in the hot tub with mountain views, lounging on the deck by the fireplace with coffee in hand, and playing pool in the game room. 

The cabin even has its own private sauna and steam room—YES, really! It felt like a full-on spa experience right in the woods. ✨ 

And one of the best surprises? It has its own playground, which was a total hit with with daughter and such a bonus for keeping little ones entertained.

We were just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, but honestly, we barely wanted to leave. If you’re planning a Smoky Mountains trip, Alpine Haven is that perfect mix of cozy, modern, and wow-worthy. 💫

🚨 Use code Heather10 at the 🔗 in my bio to save 10% on your stay at one of their 3 cabins! 
@alpine_haven_cabin_spa 

#AlpineHavenCabinpartner #alpinehavencabin #GatlinburgCabin #TennesseeCabin #LuxuryCabinRental #SmokyMountainGetaway #FamilyTravel #CabinGoals #luxurycabin
Looking to sneak away without the kids and reconne Looking to sneak away without the kids and reconnect as a couple? #For21+ #Sponsored ✨ 

Hendersonville, NC is open and ready to welcome you with small-town charm, sweeping vineyard views, and incredible local flavor along the Cheers! Trail! 🍷🍻

We spent two amazing days exploring everything from cozy coffee shops to vibrant wineries — and you can steal our exact itinerary for your next getaway! 🧳💑

🍽️ Stayed at: The Charleston Inn @thecharlestoninn

🍕 Lunch: West First Wood-Fired @westfirstwf

🍇 Wine tasting: Marked Tree Vineyard @markedtreevineyard

🌮 Dinner: Tipsy Taco @tipsytacoofficial

☕ Next day coffee: Arabella’s @arabellahvl

🍳 Breakfast: Mike’s on Main @mikesonmainstreet

🛍️ Shopping: Downtown (McFarlan Bakery = must-visit!) @mcfarlanbakery 

🍷 Lunch + Tasting: Burntshirt Vineyards at The Vintner’s Table @burntshirt.vineyards 

Want to sip and explore like we did? Download the NEW Digital Cheers! Pass from Visit Hendersonville — your gateway to a flavorful adventure! 🍻

This free digital pass unlocks exclusive tasting experiences at Hendersonville’s best breweries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies. Whether you love bold IPAs, crisp ciders, or smooth reds, there’s something for every artisanal beverage lover. Check in as you go to earn points and redeem them for exclusive Cheers! Trail merchandise — all while supporting local makers.

After Hurricane Helene, they are so happy to welcome visitors back to @visithendersonvillenc! Their wineries, breweries, cideries, and more are ready to pour, and their charming downtown is eager for you to wander. Local businesses are so welcoming and ready to invite you to experience the southern hospitality of the area—come rediscover what makes it so special. 

Plan your trip to Hendersonville today — your next romantic adventure is just a sip away.

#VisitHendersonville #CheersTrail #HendersonvilleNC #CouplesGetaway #SipStayRepeat
🏰 We have been planning this for months. I th 🏰 We have been planning this for months. 

I thought about the right time to surprise her, and after then lost the state AAU tournament in the championship game, AND she was sick (crazy cough at the end of the video haha!) 

I knew this would be the perfect time to cheer her up. I think it worked. 😜

Check out my story highlight on my profile called “Disneyland70” if you missed all the fun! 

#disneyland70 #disneyland70th #surprisedisneytrip #disneycreators #disneylandpark #disneylandsurprise #disneyland70thanniversary
GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 I feel so blessed to be at openi GIFT-AWAY! 🎉 

I feel so blessed to be at opening weekend of @disneyland’s 70th celebration, that I wanted to give something back to one of YOU! 

I picked up the light up balloon 70th popcorn bucket AND a travel wine tumbler that I am gifting to one of my followers just for following along and being here. 💙 (I really want to keep them both but I’d rather spoil one of yall!) 

See below for entry!

1.) Follow @heatherslg 
2.) ❤️ this post 
3.) tag at least 2 friends in separate comments (can tag more, each tag is one entry!)
4.) Tell me your favorite Disney movie 

BONUS!
Share this post to your stories and TAG ME! Counts for 5 entries ONLY from this account! 

BONUS 2: F0llow @bobbymontg  for 3 extra entries! 

Not associated with IG. Must be 18 to enter. US only (sorry to my international friends!) ends May 25th, I will announce in stories! 

#disneyland70th #disneyland70 #popcornbucket #disneymerchandise #disneylandmerchandise #disneyland #disneygiveaway
We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Fo We spent the evening at Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and it was one of those simple, sweet evenings that just felt good. 

Located right in the heart of Pigeon Forge, @mountainmilepf is an open-air shopping and entertainment area with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains (seriously—those views 😍). It’s super family-friendly, easy to walk around, and there’s so much to do without feeling overwhelming.

We wandered through cute boutiques and shops, played yard games, and just enjoyed being outside in such a pretty setting. There are over 40 shops and restaurants here—plus thrill rides if that’s your thing (we skipped them this time, but they looked fun!).

It’s one of those places where you can go slow, let the kids run around a little, sit and relax with a coffee, or get your shopping fix—all in one spot. And the giant lawn area with yard games? Perfect for kids (or tired parents 😅).

If you’re visiting the Smokies and want something fun and low-stress that everyone can enjoy, I definitely recommend adding Mountain Mile to your list.

🎯 Free parking
📍Central location in Pigeon Forge
👟 Easy to walk + stroller friendly
🍽️ Restaurants, snacks, coffee, and more (Azul was delicious!)
🛍️ Shops from boutique to big brand
🎡 Rides + a massive lawn space for kids to play

Let me know if you’ve been or are planning to go—I’d love to hear your favorite spots there! #mountainmilepartner

#PigeonForge #MountainMile #FamilyTravel #ThingsToDoInPigeonForge #TennesseeTrip #TravelWithKids #SmokyMountainViews #FlourishAndGlowTravels #OutdoorFun #TravelWithFamily #FamilyAdventure #TravelTip
He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️ #instagr He did it for the gram 💁🏻‍♀️

#instagramhusband #blooper #instagramfunny #funnyfails #funnyfalls #doorbellcamera

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d