Disney,  Fitness,  Races

I’m Only Half Joking

July 13, 2019 / 29 Comments

Actually, I am not half-joking AT ALL.  This is not a joke.  I repeat.  THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!

I’ve signed up for the 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon.  This is the truth.  The whole truth.  So help me, Bod.

Believe me when I say that I thought I had retired my half marathon shoes. But over the past couple of months,  I started to get the itch for a race with mileage that could lead to laughing and crying as I crossed the finish line (something I have managed to do upon completion of minimally three 13.1 mile races.)

The inspiration didn’t come to me out of nowhere or entirely on a whim.  Jared is my half marathon muse.  I’ve watched Jared transform himself over the past year-and-a-half from an unhealthy (yet dashingly charming) gent to an uber-fit cyclist that tackles anywhere from 30 to a 100 miles of blazing hot Florida road a day.  In the process, he has dropped over 60 pounds, gained a six-pack, and wears…well…you can see it in the photo below.

Inspiration

Back in January, I managed to finish the Disney Marathon Weekend 10k mostly due in part to Jared.  He got up stupid early in the morning to drive me over to EPCOT and then hung out in his car for HOURS waiting for me to finish.  And how supportive is he about the upcoming Disney Princess Half Marathon?

SO SUPPORTIVE THAT HE’S DOING IT WITH ME!

The race is still well over seven months away, but my planning and training wheels are in motion.  I’m excited and, yes, even a little scared of all the time, energy, and chafing that is to come.  But I am mostly thrilled with the idea of the process – from the first step of training to my last step over the finish line.

Here are a few items on my 13.1 track mind…

If the Shoe Fits…

I’m borderline giddy about getting fit for new running shoes at Track Shack.  My beloved Brooks sneakers bit the dust in 2018.  I’m curious to see what the fitting gurus at the store recommend for me this time around…

Brooks Running Shoes
R.I.P. Brooks Running Shoes.  You did your job.  May your stinky soles be found in shoe heaven.

What am I Going to Wear?

Laurie: “Jared?  Would you consider wearing a costume for the Princess Half?”

Jared: “Heck yeah!!!  Especially if I get to show off my gams!!!”

I’ve worn more subdued outfits during previous races but may get a bit more “Princess-ified” this time around.  We are open to any and all suggestions for running costumes/outfits.  What would you wear if you were running a race through the Disney parks?

Half Marathon Outfit
The Wine & Dine Half Marathon Outfit.  On the dirty, dirty ground,.

I’ve Got to Move it, Move it

Oh man…I am mentally preparing myself for ALL THE MILES.  My pace – even at my fittest – aligns with that of a snail with my goal being to finish without the aid of a medic.  I’ve been using the Aaptiv app for workouts over the past five months.  They do have a half marathon training program that I might use.  Maybe I will go from snail to tortoise?  Is a tortoise faster than a snail?  #AskingForAFriend

Aaptiv Celebration
You can’t hide your tired eyes with fake confetti as evidenced in this photo.

The Finish Line

I’m going to say it.  I like freaking participation trophies.  I’ve kept every single medal I have ever received whether it be from a 5k or a half marathon.  I earned that sh#t, and I’m keeping it.

Do I sound a little surly?    In all seriousness, Disney race medals are the BEST.

Half Marathon Celebration
Two Princesses and their race bling.

Tea for Two and Two for Tea

What else do I plan on having post-Princess run?  The lovely tea service at the Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian.  The half is taking place during the month of my 45th birthday, and I want to celebrate both milestones with one (or both) of my pinkies up!

Grand Floridian Tea
The Tea Service at the Grand Floridian is divine.  Simply divine.

It’s about that time to hop off (which means doing some editing before hitting “publish.”)  I’ve missed this blog and have been non-stop smiling while my fingers were tapping away at the keyboard.  My 9-to-5 life took priority in the first six months of the year, and now I have a bit more breathing room for running and blogging.  I’m gosh darn giddy about it.

More to come regarding some of my training triumphs and foibles.  More Disney.  More wine.  More other stuff.  Is there anything you would like to see and read?  Let me know in the Comments Section below.

Work Hard.  Play Hard.  Drink Chard.

Laurie

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29 Comments

  • Momica

    July 13, 2019 at 5:26 pm Reply

    I’m trying to respond but I can’t stop laughing. I love how you don’t take life too seriously and share the fun with us. Favorite line from this blog: “#AskingForAFriend.” We’ve all been there.

    Ps: can’t wait to see your costumes.

    • lauriegannon1

      July 13, 2019 at 5:28 pm Reply

      I love making you laugh, Momica!! I can’t wait to see Jared’s outfit. I’m sure he will do something stellar!!

  • Cris F

    July 14, 2019 at 1:52 pm Reply

    I have a friend who does all the Princess races every year, including the full marathon. They look like so much fun! Have a great time!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 14, 2019 at 2:41 pm Reply

      Thanks! A full marathon is such an accomplishment! I wish I had the mental and physical fortitude to train and complete one!

  • Agnes Dela Cruz

    July 14, 2019 at 8:40 pm Reply

    Good luck on your 2020 Disney Marathon, for sure you will have a great time and finish the race. I got excited about the costumes!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 15, 2019 at 11:18 am Reply

      Thanks!!! Hopefully, we will find a costume that puts the “fun” in “functional”. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable!!!

  • blanca

    July 15, 2019 at 11:12 am Reply

    Sooooo….I have just started to become a runner (a slow one, but still a runner). I can now do 10k without stopping, and I’m kinda feeling I’d like to make a marathon my goal. Any tips? Particularly on how not to get sum damage? I wear spf 50 and wear hats, but I’m seeing freckles.

    • lauriegannon1

      July 15, 2019 at 11:17 am Reply

      Wow!! I wish I could run a 10k without running! I always want and need walk breaks.

      As far as a goal, why not make a half marathon one and follow a training plan to help you achieve that distance? I use the Jeff Galloway training method – http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/

      As far as the sun, maybe try increasing your SPF for your face or anywhere that you are seeing freckles. I’ve been using the Neutrogena Sport Face sunscreen with SPF 70. It has helped me and the product doesn’t run into my eyes which makes me very, very happy!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 15, 2019 at 12:33 pm Reply

      Thanks! I’ve done a few over the past decade or so. They aren’t easy but I am looking forward to getting my mind and body to work together to complete 13.1 miles!

  • Meagan Badore

    July 15, 2019 at 9:28 pm Reply

    I am in complete awe that you are doing the princess half marathon! One year I would LOVE to be able to do this but first I need to get myself in shape. Good luck!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 16, 2019 at 1:45 pm Reply

      Thank you, Meagan! I’m not in shape at the moment but will do my best to get there over the next seven months! Eek!!!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 16, 2019 at 1:44 pm Reply

      Hi!!! Thank you for the luck! I’m not ready but I will be over the next six months or so! I appreciate the kind words and thoughts. Thank you, Nursery Rhymes Girl!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 16, 2019 at 1:43 pm Reply

      Thanks! It’s a pretty special event. I have completed it a couple of times but it has been YEARS!!!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 18, 2019 at 9:00 am Reply

      Thank you! One of my favorite parts of the Disney Princess Half is running through Cinderella’s Castle. It’s quite something!

    • lauriegannon1

      July 18, 2019 at 9:00 am Reply

      I’m hoping that some of the training will help me lose my spare plus an additional spare tire. I’m hopeful that I will become a little fast as my weight goes down. If my weight goes down… 🙂

    • lauriegannon1

      July 24, 2019 at 4:13 pm Reply

      Wow!!!! That’s amazing!! I love Brooks! And to come in under three hours with zero training is remarkable!!! 🤗

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