I Can Go the Distance (I hope.)

Running, Travel

July 12, 2016

Holy Cannoli. I can barely gather myself right now. I just made one of the biggest, most daring steps of my life.

I officially registered for the DISNEY PRINCESS HALF MARATHON!

WHAT?! Who am I?!

Registrant R-0LZH9W6D, that’s who!

This is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, and I still don’t have a clue if I can do it. Currently channeling my inner Hercules right now:

I have often dreamed of a far off place
Where a hero’s welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I’m meant to be

I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to ~~you~~ the finish line
And a thousand years would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime but somehow I’ll see it through

And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope
But I won’t loose hope, ’till I go the distance
And my journey is complete, oh yeah

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart, oh

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance
‘Till I find my hero’s welcome waiting ~~in your arms~~ at the finish line

I will search the world, I will face its harms
‘Till I find my hero’s welcome waiting in your arms at the finish line

My happy fingers are losing it. Really, it’s insane.

Never, in the history of Jennifer, have I ever been athletic. In fact, I’ve never actually been “in shape.” Coordinated? Definitely not. And I want to change that. I’ve got a long way to go to consistently run the 13.1 miles through the most magical place on Earth, where dreams come true.

Photo credit: Tom Bricker of Disney Tourist Blog

Interestingly enough, this will a be race where I’ll WANT to stop, because characters will line the route and be available for pictures. In order to have enough time to stop along the way, I’ll have to keep a decently fast pace while I am running so as not to be picked up and disqualified. Training. Training. Training. Again, I’ve got a long way to go.

In order for me to get my feel for a half, I’ll initially be training for the Log Jammer Half Marathon here in Shreveport on November 6th. My goal for this race is to finish in less than 3:10:00, which means I’ll be shooting for a 14:30 pace. Considering my fitness level, I think this is a lofty, but achievable goal, but I’m still scared to death.

Also on the agenda, COSTUME PREPPING! What princess shall I be? I’ve thrown around some different ideas, but still am not certain. Cinderella, Belle, Mulan, Ariel.. all favorites. Good think I have over 200 days to figure it out. I think the determining factor will be comfort level. As a newbie to the sport, it will be imperative that I be able to focus on running and not be tugging at an uncomfortable costume.

Regardless of my costume or my time, this race will be all about FUN! Bestie Meghan will be joining me in Orlando, and it’s sure to be a MAGICAL weekend!

Now, I’ve just got to contend with this…

And to top off this Disney inspired terrific Tuesday, 6 years ago today, I was just returning from a short WDW trip and posting pics. Hopefully, I look this good (OR BETTER!) when I return in February.