6

These Brown Legs Walked/Ran 19.3 Miles

I am a fan of most things Disney.  This includes merchandise, television shows, and of course runDisney.  For some strange reason I decided I wanted to do a half marathon at Walt Disney World in 2007.  I believe I got caught up in the magic of Disney when that thought popped into my head.  My sis (@jhgive ) joined me and then passed me on the course.  It was fine.  I crossed the finish line with my parents watching.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

Now let’s fast forward to 2013, runDisney announces a new 10K event to be held during 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  My friends and I decided we would sign up for the inaugural race.  The race was named after Minnie. Yes…..I would have to endure wearing Minnie around my neck.  However, it is race bling.  I am drawn to the bling and would just have to suck it up.

On January 10th, 5 of us made our way to the starting corrals. This was the first runDisney event for Stacie (@staciechiz) and Shaene (@Shaene_o_mite ).  We were all in different corrals except for Sara (@DisneySara) and me.  You could feel the excitement and nervousness (me) in the air.  It was excitement, not the music.  The DJ for this event was not the best in my opinion.  Anyway, yes I still get nervous before each race. I am still not sure why.  I worry about speed and getting swept.  It has never happened and I hope it never does.  Sara and I walked and ran the course while talking and laughing.  I think it made the time and miles fly by when you have a buddy doing the event with you.

Epcot before sunrise Photo Credit: EH

Epcot before sunrise
Photo Credit: EH

I completed the race in 1:34:54.  I was pleased due to the limited amount of training done.  With 6.2 miles under my belt and the medal around my neck, it was time to relax for the half marathon the next morning.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

I registered for the 2014 Walt Disney World Half Marathon to make me a contender for the Coast to Coast Race Challenge this year. I would sign up for the Disneyland Half and be done with runDisney events for 2014.  I had no plans on registering for the 2014 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (February 20-23).  Well in good ole’ Disney fashion, they introduced an inaugural 10K.  To make it even more exciting and temping to register, the Glass Slipper Challenge was also introduced.  This challenge consisted of the 10K and half marathon.  Oh and you get a third medal if you complete both races.  I blame Sara for me signing up. You will hear more about this runDisney adventure in February thru the eyes of the Brown Sugar Princesses.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

I would be doing the Walt Disney World Half Marathon alone, meaning no friends.  They would be my cheerleaders.  I had been on this race course before. I think the highlights for me are running down Main Street U.S.A. and running through Cinderella’s Castle.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

I stopped on Main Street U.S.A. to take a picture by the Starbucks sign.  I really wished they would have been open.  I guess they did not know I was coming.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

I completed the 13.1 miles in 3:22:21.  That is about average for me.  The goal for the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon is to finish in less than 3 hours.  So that may mean limited texting, tweeting, Facebooking, and taking pictures.  Yes, I multi-task on the race course.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

What would I have done differently?  Trained better. I let life get in the way and made excuses to not workout.  I got back on the track a week after the half and it felt good.

I am not a fast as most nor am I a top athlete.  I am a woman from Georgia who loves Disney and decided to step out of the box (well lightly jog out of the box) to do something I never thought I would do.  I encourage everyone to participate in at least one runDisney event.  There are 5K events geared towards the family participating in them together.  You can walk, jog, run, etc.  You can dress up and take pictures with characters on the race course.  It is all about having fun while accomplish a goal you have set for yourself.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

My brown legs completed 19.3 miles and will do it again in February.  Stay tuned!!

Elantrice H.

6 Comments

  1. Great read! I followed along on social media and it really inspired me to do a race. Keep up the good work.

  2. Way to go! I got to do the “inaugural” Tink 10K this weekend and Marathon weekend is on my bucket list. Next year?

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