Running - Disney Style

In January, with only a few races under my belt, and never running a distance more than a 10K. (And even that had just recently happened!) I embarked on an 8 month journey towards my very first Half Marathon.

It was a journey filled with races, training, injury, and yes...even a few tears. It was a journey full of encouragement from my amazing running group and reflection on those long solo runs. A journey that would test my patience, my endurance and my follow through.

I ran races with friends and learned that I deserved more.

I got my kids involved; teaching them to value themselves and to be strong.

I joined running groups and gained more support than I ever dreamed possible. Moms Run This Town & Megs Miles Supporters!

 

I trained hard and made my miles count. I respected the run and the dedication that it took. I stuck with my training through sickness, vacation, injury and a busy life with 6 kids. I made it happen.

I ran more miles that I ever thought I would. I improvised when things didn't go according to plan.

Every day, every mile I ran led up to this day. The day when I would embark on a 13.1 mile journey. I had a goal of finishing my race in 2 hours, and my training runs set me up perfectly. Unfortunately shortly before my race I injured my left leg. After resting things felt sore, but I was still confident that I would be able to reach that goal.

The day was here - Disneyland Half Marathon. A Disney race isn't complete without a little costume. :)

Like so many runs before, I ran with my heart. When I reached mile 9 and realized I would not make my 2 hour goal I dug deep and remembered what a friend told me, "Every first race, no matter the distance should always be about fun, not about time." So that's what I did...I made a new goal to finish strong and with a smile on my face. And of course I had to throw a little time goal in there; to finish ahead of my 2:15 pacer. ;)

There is nothing quite like running in the dark through a Disney park and watching the sunrise.

Then it was on to Honda Center and also the Angels Stadium (Go Giants! HeeHee!) The spectators along the course were so supportive. So many "Stranger, I'm Proud of You" signs. Signs for "Free Hugs". High fives from cast members and strangers alike. There really is no better feeling than having complete strangers get up at the crack of dawn with you, just to line the streets with their classic cars and cheer you on.

And here it is. The moment I waited and worked so hard for. 13.1 miles - finished! 2:10:08

Training for and then completing a 13.1 mile race is no joke. It takes dedication, strength and a mind-set like no other. There aren't many things in my life that I've done solely for myself that I'm this proud of. While it was ME out on that course, I did not do this alone. Without the support of my husband - who stayed home with the kids, no questions asked for more runs that I can count. For my running group, where I have met the most supportive and wonderful friends. For my dear friend who has inspired and supported me through my journey.

I did it. I ran Disney. I crushed 13.1 miles before breakfast. And I truly loved every single mile of this journey.

Why do YOU Run?

I run almost every day. It makes me feel good. Keeps me healthy. Running lets me eat those treats that I just can't seem to resist.  ;)

But today is an even better running day. It's National Running Day!

It sort of made it perfect to reflect on why I run. So why do I run?

There's the obvious...

But there is also the not so obvious. In January a mom of 3 in Virginia was killed on her morning training run by a suspected drunk driver. Right before my first 10K race I came across the story and learned of Meg Menzies and #megsmiles and I ran those miles that day for her. Then there was Jaime Rowley - a mom with 2 daughters that was killed on her run. Then there are the runners with injuries. The runners that for whatever reason they can't run today, tomorrow or maybe ever. There's the causes that need a voice.

There are days that I set out to run and I might not feel like it. It might be too hot. It might be too cold. I might be too sore. I might be too tired. I might be too busy. But instead of putting my shoes away I lace them up and go. I run for #megsmiles and her family, #runforjaime and her girls and run for each and every person that can't. Some days my miles might not amount to much, other days they are beyond what I set out to do. But there isn't a day that I set out that I have an excuse that is good enough to not do it. I mean really - I have SIX kids and there's a set of baby twins in the mix! If anyone can make excuses it's me, but I don't. I lead by example. I practice what I preach.

Runners are a unique breed of people. We may not know each other or ever meet in real life - but we are all friends. Friends connected by the pounding of our feet on the pavement. And the drip of sweat from our brow. We know the pains and gains that come with running. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun. But it's always something we need to get done. Our days aren't complete until those miles are put in.

So take today and think about WHY you run. It might be as simple as I want to look good in a swim suit. It might be more profound or have a deeper meaning to you. It doesn't matter - find out why running makes you tick. Take the reason and use it. Use it to be a better runner. A better person. A better YOU.

See these people? This is why I run....