As some may know, I have been training for the Disneyland Half Marathon since January. Though I wouldn't pick running as my favorite sport, because, let's be honest, my stubby legs and wide-set hips aren't exactly the optimum equipment to be "quick on my feet", I like to challenge myself. As a kid, and teenager, I spent most of my days being active, and participating in sports like, downhill skiing, ice hockey, and lacrosse, but when I got to college, my focus turned to music, rather than athletics. Being that I needed a place to channel my athletic fix, though it seemed like a chore, I began to hit the gym regularly with a concentration on cardio. To this day, I still don't exactly enjoy the gym, and I still find myself avoiding my regiment, but I thrive for the sense of challenge and accomplishment.
In 2012, I completed my first half-marathon, at Disneyland, and I have to say, it was one of the most difficult things, physically and emotionally, that I have ever done...but I did it! And because I did it, it inspired more goals, more races. Yes, the race is expensive, and hard to claim your spot, but, that gold shiny metal, and that high five from Mickey Mouse makes it all worth it.
This weekend, though I didn't set a PR, I faced so many challenges. I started strong for the first two miles, with my dad at my side for support, but getting to three was a challenge. The journey begins in the parks, California Adventure, then Disneyland. I was more focused on those passing me, and not myself, which I now realize was silly. Once my dad and I parted at the 4 mile mark, I got a second wind. I sped through mile four, five, and six, seven was fine, and then there was eight. My feet began to ache, the sun was rising and shining so hot on my shoulders, and the worries returned. I was half-way finished and I convinced myself that it would be silly to stop. Mile nine through Angles Stadium, though the stands were full of encouraging, cheering fans, seemed impossible. Through this, my iPhone arm band kept buzzing with my mom's helpful texts of encouragement. With her help, I kept my head high.
Mile ten... the sun was so hot on the wide open streets of Anaheim, and my nerves were ignited. I couldn't help but tell myself that it just wanted to stop, but my feet kept moving. Half way through the 3rd to last mile, the dreaded pacer girls came trudging by with their signs basically saying that I'm going too slow. Let's just say I had a tiny personal breakdown, the tears came, yada yada.
But, nothing was better than seeing that finish line. Sure I was glad to have finished and accomplish my goal, but I was more happy that I could finally stop moving my feet. I wish I would have had the courage to just sit criss cross apple sauce in the middle of the finish line and requested the ALS ice bucket challenge to be caught on tape right then and there. But, instead I got a hug from my dad, a wet cloth to mop up my every dripping sweat, and the heaviest shiny gold metal placed over my shoulders, and a picture to prove it!
I did it. Not fast, but I did it.
The real reason I wanted to write this is not because I did it, it's because anyone can do it. I don't strive in running, I don't set world records, I don't come first in my age group, I'm a regular young woman with a goal in mind, and it was hard, but I still did it...and any one of you can too.
I took a lot from a speech I heard a the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo before the race from Sean Astin (Yes the same Sean Astin who starred in the EPIC film "The Goonies" as Mikey, and oh yea...Lord of the Rings). He is an avid runner, who like me, runs for self accomplishment. He explained that many runners run for a cause, and yes, that's important, but its most important to run for yourself.
My favorite quote of his:
""I run 1st for myself, 2nd I run for my family, I #run3rd for YOU."
Check out more on the #run3rd campaign here.
Sean Astin
Leslie Kay also gave a short and sweet presentation. She's a blogger who creates fashion inspired by Disney characters. She made some fun Disney-inspired running outfits to spark inspiration for the weekends race participants. Check her Tumblr out: here
I planned my outfit for months! I purchased the ribbon from an Etsy store called Cheerbowsforsale, the skirt from another Etsy store called SueStevePat and I purchased the running top and headband from Raw Threads, a vendor at the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo (love!!!!). 
Pre-Race Photos
Mile 2
Mile 9 through Angel's Stadium
