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.

I Run For Me - My Running Story... So Far...

This post isn't about my kids, crafts or any of that jazz. It's actually all about me. Yea, self-absorbed much. ;) But stay with me. This is my running story. My story of how far I've come in a very short period of time. How even me..a mom with SIX kids...5 of them 8 & under...can find the time to be fit. 

It's my story to tell you that even if you don't think you can, don't think you have time. You can do it. Do it for you. Do it because it's for you. Do it because it makes you better. And a better you means a better person. And not only that, but you'll be setting a fantastic example for your kids. Being healthy isn't a fad, it's a lifestyle. Be the lifestyle.

I've always run. Not fast. Not often. But over the years I have run as part of my exercise routine. I can honestly say that I never really loved it. Didn't even really like it. But I tolerated it as a necessary evil.

Then I met a friend. She runs. She runs a lot. She runs fast. She seems to love it.

Then I had twins and ended up with 3 kids 2 & under. Then I ended up having 10 lbs of "I was pregnant with twins, and I'm am still nursing them" weight hanging on. So when the twins were just about 9 months old I made a decision to drop those extra pounds and get fit again. After two back to back pregnancies and twins that were still nursing I knew I would have to be smart about it and do it right. And I also had to find something to do that I could drag 3 little kiddies with me.

Enter...Running...

So I asked for a new double jogger and because my husband is pretty great, I had one by the end of the week. I started loading up the 3 littlest kids and hitting the pavement.

And this is what my training group typically looks like. That's a lot of kids! And a lot of weight to push on a stroller!

 (This time is recent - I was not running 9:43's at the beginning of my running journey.)

I wasn't very fast. I didn't go terribly far. But as time went on I went faster and went farther. I started to realize that I really did not only like running, but I loved it.  For the first time in my life I loved running. Who knew?!?

So back to my friend...She runs...a lot...and she races... She inspired me.

So I signed up for my first 5K for October in 2013, actually I signed up for 2. I had a goal of finishing them in 30 minutes or less. And guess what, I did!

Then I signed up for another 5K in December with a goal to do better than the before. And guess what, I did!

Then I did the Tink 10K in Disneyland this January. That would my true test. My goal was to complete the 6.2 miles in an hour or better - guess what?!? I did it and beat my goal with a time of 58:02!

 I started to realize that I'm pretty good at this running thing. I started training to be faster. To challenge myself I decided to sign up for a 5K or 10K for every month. And with those races I knew I needed a goal to challenge myself.

February challenge: Run the 5K with sub 9:00's. That would be first race to run that fast. And guess what, I did it!

The next challenge was to run my 8K in 45 minutes or better. But to make it even more intimidating...Remember my friend? The one that runs..a lot...and fast? She was running "with" me. I already made sure to tell her to NOT wait for me if I fell behind. But I have to say I hung in there pretty good for about 3 miles, then had to slow up a little. And I met my goal. In fact, I beat it!

Here are my stats - 408K style.

Age Place 53 out of 613 :

Time of 43:10.72 : Average Pace:

8:41/M

And my kid are even getting into it. They are participating the Kid Fun Runs at the races that have them. We're doing it as a family and that makes me happy.

My next race is in a week - another 10K. I have a goal to beat my Tink 10K time of 58:02. I'm still debating about what is logical, but I'm thinking of trying for sub 9:00's again. I did it for 5, I think I can add another mile. :) And I also signed up for 2 half marathons (summer and fall), always have to have a challenge, right?

People that ask about my running journey say "I'll never run that fast". Honestly I didnt' think I'd ever run 8:30's ever. Ever. Ever. Ever. But guess what, I can! I stuck with it, set goals and worked for it. It's an amazing feeling accomplishing goals. So set them and achieve them. You'll feel amazing too.

But it doesn't matter how fast you are. If you're out there, you're still faster and going farther than the person sitting on the couch.

So get out there and run or walk or ride a bike. Do what you want. Just do it. Take your kids. 

Do it for you. Do it because it's for you. Do it because it makes you better. And a better you means a better person. Just Run.