I hate running. It’s true. Well let me backtrack slightly. I always despise the getting-out-the-door or hopping-on-the-treadmill part. And honestly that first mile almost always makes me wince with dread. But after conquering those initial roadblocks running becomes, well, transcendent. How it’s meditative & tranquil while exuberant & triumphant all at once boggles reason and yet, running is all that and more. I guess that’s why it draws so many people in and short of injury usually doesn’t let them go.

I ran track in high school. Sprints. 100m was my jam and I loved being the one in the starting blocks for the 4x100m relay. That baton pass is a nerve-wracking, well-choreographed dance requiring concentration, finesse and practice. LOTS of practice. With sprints the longest I’d ever run was 3 miles and that was torture. Truly! So when friends went on and on about how awesome long-distance running was, how much they wanted me to experience firsthand the joy and accomplishment of it all I just politely nodded. Maybe some eye-rolling . . . I’ll never tell! I just didn’t get it.

I couldn’t believe it! Races in the parks? Castle photo opps? Amazing medals? Character meet & greets? Running in costume? A chance to connect with my inner princess AND work on my fitness in the process? I couldn’t sign up fast enough!

Of course the race was already long sold out. Sigh. I quickly learned about logging on first thing to get that hotly coveted race bib. I told my hubby this was happening and training began.

Having that race on my calendar was a huge motivator. And with each training run my times improved, the miles evaporated faster and pretty soon 6 miles was a short run. Funny how perspectives change. I ran local races and was surprised to start placing in my age group. That put a big pep in my step for sure!

As Princess race weekend neared I was super excited AND super nervous. Life lesson here - if something matters to you nerves are a natural response, so embrace the butterflies! That means you really care and they’ll help you muster up the muscle to complete the task at hand. Now whenever it happens I try to welcome the queasiness because I know I’m doing something that feeds my spirit. So for this first runDisney event I was prepped and ready physically but mentally I had ZERO clue of the actual spectacle of a runDisney event.

Prior to race morning my longest run was 9 miles. I’m not sure now why my self-made training plan didn’t call for more but the phrase “run 9 and you’re fine” sticks in my mind. In the end I was fine but those last few miles were TOUGH. However, much like giving birth you quickly forget the rough stuff and only remember the joy, satisfaction and accomplishment that accompany crossing that elusive finish line. I signed up for my next runDisney event before that race weekend wrapped.

Let’s say I’m hooked! Even in 25+ times since that first finish where Minnie awaits with a high-five, it’s more rewarding every time. What a feeling! Like no other. Especially because it’s so hard. 13.1 is no joke. Neither is any distance. When you run you’re putting yourself on the line. You’re believing in yourself and what you can do.

Being surrounded by Disney, hearing familiar melodies with those inspiring lyrics as you “just keep swimming” makes the miles a little easier and a whole lot more fun. Seeing the characters along the course is hugely motivating, and the fireworks at the beginning make you feel part of a huge team even though running really is a solo endeavor.

And if you’re lucky enough to runDisney with friends then all the fun is amped up a notch. Speaking of friends, our team at Pixie & Pan is running Princess 2021, and we’re so excited! Maybe we’ll see you there? Let us know! With Wine & Dine now a virtual event, all eyes are on 2021 to welcome runners back to the sport we love. Here’s hoping!

No matter how long it takes to get that medal placed around your neck, just the fact that you’re out there working is a big deal. When you didn’t think you could but you did it anyway. That’s the real magic.

I’ve run Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and even Disneyland Paris. Oui oui! *(That castle is my favorite but that’s another blog post)*.

Each race weekend has its own special flair (again, another blog post for the nitty gritty on my personal favorite)

Race Weekend Rundown Here

No matter which you choose, one thing carries across every race, every distance, every venue: Running at Disney is magic. It brings the power of story and the purpose of sport together. Those beloved tales then become part of YOUR story.

RunDisney just once and I dare you to not run another. And then another. And so on.
Plus you get some incredible bling. And who doesn’t love that?
*~Becky*

Travel is more than just time away, we believe in the adventure and the magic of travel. Click here to start your adventure today!

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