
I’m Only Half Joking
Actually, I am not half-joking AT ALL.ย This is not a joke.ย I repeat.ย THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!
I’ve signed up for the 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon.ย This is the truth.ย The whole truth.ย 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,ย 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.ย Jared is my half marathon muse.ย 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.ย In the process, he has dropped over 60 pounds, gained a six-pack, and wears…well…you can see it in the photo below.
Back in January, I managed to finish the Disney Marathon Weekend 10k mostly due in part to Jared.ย 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.ย 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.ย I’m excited and, yes, even a little scared of all the time, energy, and chafing that is to come.ย 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 atย Track Shack.ย My beloved Brooks sneakers bit the dust in 2018.ย I’m curious to see what the fitting gurus at the store recommend for me this time around…

What am I Going to Wear?
Laurie: “Jared?ย Would you consider wearing a costume for the Princess Half?”
Jared: “Heck yeah!!!ย 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.ย We are open to any and all suggestions for running costumes/outfits.ย What would you wear if you were running a race through the Disney parks?

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

The Finish Line
I’m going to say it.ย I like freaking participation trophies.ย I’ve kept every single medal I have ever received whether it be from a 5k or a half marathon.ย I earned that sh#t, and I’m keeping it.
Do I sound a little surly?ย ย In all seriousness, Disney race medals are the BEST.

Tea for Two and Two for Tea
What else do I plan on having post-Princess run?ย The lovely tea service at the Garden View Tea Room at theย Grand Floridian.ย 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!

It’s about that time to hop off (which means doing some editing before hitting “publish.”)ย I’ve missed this blog and have been non-stop smiling while my fingers were tapping away at the keyboard.ย 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.ย I’m gosh darn giddy about it.
More to come regarding some of my training triumphs and foibles.ย More Disney.ย More wine.ย More other stuff.ย Is there anything you would like to see and read?ย Let me know in the Comments Section below.
Work Hard.ย Play Hard.ย Drink Chard.
Laurie

30 Comments
Kelly
My post-race plan would be a stretcher and a hot tub. Go, Laurie! (And Jared!)
lauriegannon1
Thanks, Kel-Bel!! I may need a stretcher. But more likely a vat of BioFreeze. ๐ฌ
Dr. Nic
and a bottle of ibuprofen!
Steph Social
Omg congrats! The Disney 10 k sounds like a fun marathon! Love Disney! And you deserve the Chardonnay after that!
lauriegannon1
Hahahah! Thanks! There may be a bit of Chardonnay after the race (and before it). ๐ค
Momica
Iโm trying to respond but I canโt stop laughing. I love how you donโt take life too seriously and share the fun with us. Favorite line from this blog: โ#AskingForAFriend.โ Weโve all been there.
Ps: canโt wait to see your costumes.
lauriegannon1
I love making you laugh, Momica!! I canโt wait to see Jaredโs outfit. Iโm sure he will do something stellar!!
Cris F
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
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
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
Thanks!!! Hopefully, we will find a costume that puts the “fun” in “functional”. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable!!!
blanca
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
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!
deedee
I totally could not do this! I commend you!
lauriegannon1
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!
Lili Mila
Wow sounds like fun. I have ran in a while. Maybe I need to do some type of marathon to stay in shape. Have fun.
lauriegannon1
Hi!! It’s a fun AND tiring event! I can’t wait to truly start my 13.1 mile journey!
Meagan Badore
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
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!!!
Nursery rhymes girl
Hey lauriegannon,
Good luck!!! ๐ So you’re ready right? ๐ You can make it!!!!!!!!!
Hope to hear from you soon about your experience ๐
lauriegannon1
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!
Terri Beavers
Wow, this sounds like a great event and I admire you for starting early to get ready for it. I wish I had the drive to do something amazing like this myself.
lauriegannon1
Thanks! It’s a pretty special event. I have completed it a couple of times but it has been YEARS!!!
Mr. MFC @ Morning Fresh Cent
Participating in races are a great motivator and opportunity to visit different places for a good cause. Good luck on the race and have a great time!
Mr. MFC @ Morning Fresh Cent recently posted…Top Family Travel Destinations: Start Your Dream Vacation
lauriegannon1
Thank you! One of my favorite parts of the Disney Princess Half is running through Cinderella’s Castle. It’s quite something!
David Elliott
I know friends who have done those half marathons. They look like a lot of fun. Not sure I could make it. Would have to lose quite a bit more weight. But I know my daughter and I would have fun with it.
David Elliott recently posted…One Amazing Summer: A Knottโs Summertime Giveaway
lauriegannon1
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… ๐
Rachel
THIS IS SO AWESOME! I kinda vowed to not run another one too. Then Brooks came along and offered to cover my entry into Pittsburgh half. And I zero trained, but I finished under 3! ๐ Races are just so addictive, right!?
Rachel recently posted…The Kimpton Schofield Hotel Cleveland + Jeniโs Ice Cream // A Match Made In Staycation Heaven
lauriegannon1
Wow!!!! Thatโs amazing!! I love Brooks! And to come in under three hours with zero training is remarkable!!! ๐ค
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