A hundred or so years ago, I was on a track team. It was 8th grade, and I was on the “team” of kids that ran the 400. Looking back, it seems like the track team was huuuuuge; most likely a “whomever wants to be on it can participate,” because I was/am a turtle runner. I won a race once in my year-long participation period, with a time that I don’t think I’ll ever beat.
A Lyme Disease diagnosis and almost 18 years later, Chase started running a little bit. I was convinced that my slow state, my somewhat problematic arthritis and my general un-athleticness would NOT let me do anything like that. I signed up for a 5k on Red’s first birthday anyway – I figured 3 miles wasn’t that far and I could walk the whole thing if I needed to. (And I walked most of it!)
A LOT of 5ks, a few 10ks, a freeeeeezing cold 15k and TWO half marathons later (one and two), I’ve surprised myself. I learned how to run badly, how to buy running shoes, to ALWAYS apply runGuard and how to train properly. It’s amazing. I weirdly started looking forward to some of my longer runs, JUST because I knew I was going to be running at Disney.
And I finished my second half marathon feeling stronger and more accomplished than ever. I learned how to run properly, trained (a little bit less than I should have!) well, and am chomping at the bit for my next race. I even hung up my bib and medals holder in my office. I must say, Chase’s side is looking a little slack… 😉 (Just kidding… the man is prepping to run his second Tough Mudder, which is SERIOUS business!!) I’m already musing over my next Disney medal and how to snag that coast to coast medal without totally abandoning the family for several weeks a year! 🙂
To commemorate my awesome personal gain (#demgains is about the dumbest tag I’ve ever seen on Instagram) I slyly picked up the 2016 runDisney NewBalance Ariel shoes. I thought it was going to be impossible to get a pair, but I walked up to the queue on the last Expo day and before I knew it, threw (too much!) cash down for these bad boys – they are gorgeous, and even have Ariel’s “signature” inside the tongue. I’ll treasure them forever!
To top off this entire saga, Chase was telling me how proud he was of my commitment to the thing I hate (but less than meatloaf) and how glad he was to see me happy and training all year-long for this huge event. And it’s true; I train harder, longer, and properly when I have a race coming up, and even more so when it’s a runDisney race. THEN, he made a statement that shocked me: If you want to do a runDisney race once a year, I think that’s a great thing for you to do and if it helps keep up your training, then that’s awesome.
SAY WHAT!?!?! I got the all-clear without asking to go and run at Disney once a year?! Someone pinch me. Seriously. This is incredible news. Mind-blowing awesomeness. I am so excited. Next up, we have the inaugural runDisney Dark Side Star Wars races that I’m attending with my brother and Chase. I didn’t think I would be able to do two halfs in the same year (which I now know is not true) so I’m just doing the 5k and 10k, but am excited anyway!
What runDisney race would you choose next?
Don’t worry, I’ve started squirreling money away to afford your extravagant races – so proud of you!!!
That’s great! I am still in the “I hate running” category, so I admire your efforts and success! Enjoy. And congrats again, Mama! 🙂
That’s awesome, go you!! I am still struggling to run around the block a few times!
I’m in the I hate running category, too, but the classes I’ve been going to have helped. Of course, it’s never been more than 2 miles.
Glass slipper? I have no idea which to tell you to run next, but congrats.
And, yes your shoes are very spiffy!
It sounds like you’re working hard and having fun! Those running shoes are FANTASTIC btw!