COMMITMENT

I can't say that I am a pro at running but I can say I have learned a thing or two over the years.  I figured why not help others who are beginners or want to learn more about the running world.  When I started I was clueless on what to eat, drink and didn't even know what chaffing was.  Each week I will give pointers, stories and exercises that have helped me become a better runner. 

I have made many mistakes through the years leading me to burnout, over training and injuries.  Those mistakes were lessons that I am grateful for because they made me realize that rest is very important.  Those lessons and mistakes are valuable to me but they will be extra valuable to you.  Hopefully, my mistakes will allow you to never reach those injuries and that burnout feeling.  I hope you follow along with me on this journal to get you that happy place and to reach the finish line healthy. 

~Coach Morgan

Make the COMMITMENT
The word commitment can be a scary one but it's one thing you have to make if you want to cross a finish line.  You have to be committed to your training by getting enough sleep, eating healthy and doing weekly runs.  Maybe you have a training partner? That certainly will help you commit to those long runs because someone is counting on you to show up. 

When I talk about commitment I am talking about committing to the journey.  First, You NEED to find a race that you will make that commitment too.  Look ahead for a 5k, 10, half or maybe even a full marathon.  Pick your speed and run with it :) Once, you find that race sign up but first think about it for a day or two.  Make sure this is something you want to do...make sure it is your dream.

Once you have signed up for the race you need to commit to the journey by telling as many people as possible.  Why is this important? This will hold you accountable for many reasons.  1.  You will want cheerleaders/support system along the way.  2.  If you are like me you don't want to tell people you quit training because you felt you couldn't do it....this would be harder than running the race for many.  Not many people like to say they quit because it got hard. 3.  Telling people will get you excited about the days ahead.  Maybe you can even motivate co-workers and friends to join you on your new adventure.  THIS IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT....so commit to telling people!

Like the races like page on facebook, instagram or twitter.  Normally, those like pages has tons of information about the race, training and motivation that you will need along the way.  Plus, you might be able to follow some runners that are just like you. I have many friends on instagram because of doing this very thing.  Maybe take pictures and post them with the race hashtag.... talk about motivation!

Lastly, make the commitment to yourself that no matter how hard it may get you will finish this race.  Training can be tough but you have to keep a positive mindset during the whole process. Negative thoughts will damage runs I PROMISE you that! So try to fill your life with positive things, people and thoughts. 

Commitment can be tough but once you seriously take that first step to signing up and telling people about your plans the rest will just fall into place.  Remember, that the journey is so worth it, you are worth it! Now go commit to a race!!!!!!

What are some things you worry about when committing to a program or a race?

Disney's Donald Duck 1/2 Marathon

The Donald Duck 1/2 Marathon was probably my favorite race during the Dopey Challenge.  We decided to take our time, have fun and take as many pictures as possible.  I almost had a heart attack race morning because my alarm never went off.  I was so tired the night before that I never once set my alarm clock.  Thank GOD I use my internal alarm clock all the time! I woke up 5 minutes after we were suppose too :)

The starting line was set up at a different location than the 5k/10k.  We knew that we would have to walk a good mile to even get to the starting line.  Corrals went from A all the way to P...that is certainly A LOT of people.  Each corral had it's own little party with fireworks with Donald Duck counting each corral down.  We saw a lot of fireworks.. which I LOVED.

The beginning of the race is a little blurry to me.  I think I was either still asleep or just in my zone.  I do remember it being hot and thinking this could be a terrible day.  Thankfully, the sun stayed away until we got close to the finish line.

My favorite moment of Disney weekend is running into Magical Kingdom.  I can't help but think of my childhood, my parents and my love for running.  There is this magic moment in the race where you make a sudden turn onto main street.  After that turn the magic starts pouring into your heart because the Castle is looking right at you.  I still get chills thinking about that moment...I almost felt like a little girl looking at it for the very first time.  The joy around you is something I can't even explain...AMAZING. 

Yep.. This is now my famous pose on main street! I plan on having many more like this in the future!

This is the very moment we stopped racing and starting playing :) I told Corinne I wanted to get as many pictures as possible! I mean heck why not take our time and enjoy this amazing experiences.  As we ran into Tomorrow land we made our first of many stops with Buzz Light year. 

 

Next the Queen of Hearts

My favorite moment of all was when we stopped for Tiger.  The line was super short so we had to stop.  I didn't really understand what Tiger wanted me to do.  I have a million pictures of me trying to figure it out.  At first I was thinking he wanted me to act like a Dog....As I was walking away I realized he wanted me to be a puppet.  DUH! I was Pinocchio... This is one of my favorite pictures!

 

 Then I stopped for a quick picture with this tall Dude!

Next up was the dead part of the half marathon....boring ville. 

Could be a Xmas card

After the dancing reindeer we ran into the beautiful golf course.  There was a line that was a little longer than the others so I knew it would be a good stop.  It took probably around 15 minutes to get this picture but it was WORTH it.

Mickey is so cute :) Don't you think.  We got serious after this picture and decided that we should head to the finish line.  After all our half marathon time wasn't looking so awesome.. PLUS, we really needed to get off our feet.  As we ran into Epcot I couldn't help but think how awesome this day really was.  Running to me is always my happy place! Disney plus running equals a little slice of heaven...I wish every run was like my Disney runs because they all seem to have a little bit of magic in them.

This is when we started to lose our minds :) I don't know how I got my leg up so high after running so many miles. Those cheerleaders thought we were awesome.

I have no idea what is going on here. 

I loved the finish line pictures since these guys are some of my favorite Disney friends.  Not many people stop before they get to the finish line... I figured what the heck!

Overall, this was my favorite half marathon of my life! I didn't worry about time or anything for that matter.  All I wanted to do was not focus on the stress and life I left back in Ohio.  I wanted my life to feel like a child even if it was just for a few hours.  I think this is why I love this race because it allows me to remember what it feels like to be carefree.

We also saw Chris HOTTIE Powell :) We spoke to his wife Heidi for a quick second.

Up next...
The Marathon

Disney Inaugural 10K

The Disney 10K marked the second day of running out of four for the Dopey Challengers.  The excitement was in full swing as this was the first 10K race during Disney World Marathon weekend.  Just like the 5k there were a lot of families but there certainly was a lot of Dopey runners.. 7,000 to be exact.

 The weather for the 10k was HOT and Humid....I was so thankful this wasn't Marathon morning.  Many runners were doing the run/walk method that Jeff Galloway provides for Dinsey.  I believe it was the smartest thing for all Dopey runners to take part in.  No rushing, as we needed to save our legs for the half and the full marathon.

I was able to take some pictures with characters during the 10K.  Some pictures didn't turn out but thankfully runDisney captured them.  I took pictures with Peter Pan and Captain Hook while Corinne waited for the bathroom.

The course was the perfect distance for a beginner because it was flat and pretty exciting.  We winded around Epcot's world showcase and around the Giant Ball.  Of course, I had to stop and take a fun picture with it.  I swear Corinne and I snapped a million pictures ... clearly, we didn't care about time at all.

We had to take our famous pose picture! I think the guys behind us were like what the heck! It was brilliant idea :) 

I liked the course a lot! I really liked how they changed the 5k and the 10k course up.  I was thinking we would be running a very similar path but that wasn't the case.  The water stops were awesome and so were the volunteers.  I really LOVE race shirt and the medal (sorry I don't have a picture on this blog with medal).  The shirt is long sleeve and a tech gear.  I of course got the wrong size shirts but Disney allowed me to trade them in for a new size.. THANK GOD!!!!!

We finished this race in 1:45 not bad considering we stopped for pictures and walked a lot trying to save our legs. 

Interesting people along the course

Dude ran in just his swimsuit.. OUCH! I know I could never do such a think but hello he had a nice body.

She was such an inspiration! She wore full gear during the WHOLE Dopey Challenge.  I know she finished the 5k, 10k and the half.  I pray she finished the full!!! She walked the whole race in honor of a fallen firefighter.  If she can do it, YOU CAN DO IT!

Overall, it was a really fun day.  I would suggest this race for beginners and families looking to do something unique and different!  I just loved watching families cross the finish line together :) There is something to be said about a fit family!

Up Next.. The Three Little Pigs Challenge

Wordless Wednesday

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Disney 5K Family Fun Run

Mission I'mPOSSIBLE: Disney 5K Family Fun Run: Thursday started the Dopey challenge with the 5K Family Fun Run.  The race started at 6:15 at Epcot Center, which meant we needed to be...

Disney 5K Family Fun Run

Thursday started the Dopey challenge with the 5K Family Fun Run.  The race started at 6:15 at Epcot Center, which meant we needed to be on the bus no later than 5:30.  Corinne and I both decided to leave the room no later than 5:15.  We knew we needed as much sleep as possible since the next 3 days would be super early.

Thankfully, we didn't have to walk very far to get to the corral.  Corinne was assigned L and I was assigned J, we tried to slip into the J corral but they were checking each bib.  I knew I didn't want to run alone so I dropped down to Corinne's corral. 

The excitement was on all of the runners/walkers faces, some runners danced and a lot of runners were flashing pre-race photos.  Each Corral has it's very own starting line with a countdown and fireworks! Before I knew it we were off running starting our Dopey Challenge.

The 5K went super fast! We traveled around the world (Epcot) which made up our 3 miles of fun.  We didn't stop for the character stops because we knew we had 3 more days to do so.  Dopey was on the course but the line looked like it may have been 20 minutes long.  I was a little sad but I knew we would see that silly guy again.  We did stop a few times to take random pictures with the Golf Ball behind us.

If you can't tell by now I had to dress up! I was Jessi from Toy Story :) I made most of my costume except my skirt and the glitter cowgirl hat.  This is probably one of my favorite things about runDisney is running in costumes. If you ever do a Disney race you need to dress up!!!!

Overall, the 5k was a great run.  Basically it was an easy warm up for the rest of the week.  We got this super cute medal of Pluto!!! It wasn't the nicest medal we got but it is a sweet magnet :) Super cute twist!  The race shirt was a bright green t-shirt with Pluto on it.  The shirt is a little larger than I like but I will still wear it to school.

After the race we went home for breakfast and a morning nap.  We headed to the Expo which was at ESPN Sports so I could see all the goods that runDisney had... I didn't make it on time Wednesday because of work.  The rest of the day we laid around, ate and went to bed early.

Up next the 10K :)

I love the racing community

I sit here in the Orlando Airport with tight calves and tired eyes.  Who knew that even after all those miles, heat and lack of sleep I could be so excited about my next adventure.  It completely amazes me how the finish line of a race is a whole new beginning to a brand new race.

After this weekend I am sure that I am a better person today than I was when I arrived Wednesday evening.  People that do these events make me want to be better, to do more and push myself beyond my limits.  I ran along side people all ages, all races, sizes and people from all over the world this weekend.  Just for one moment we shut down all the hate in the world to become instant friends... A team. We all had the same language, same goal and same joy in our hearts. 

Runners/walkers are one of the main reasons I LOVE running! Let me tell you about a few people..

I met a lady from Canada who was walking the whole Dopey.  She never stopped smiling.  Every time I talked to her I knew I needed to start enjoying the little things in life because she sure did enjoy everything life had to give her.  She thanked every single person out on that course, she cheered on runners/walker and she never once doubted herself.

Instagram friend Michael.  He was having major knee issues on Saturday after the half but he told me he would try his best to finish the marathon.  I found out he did finish but I am sure it was a struggle every single step of the way.  He made me realize that goals are reachable if you keep pushing forward....even when in pain.

Doctor Dribble.  This crazy man dribbles two basketballs while running! He combined running and his love for basketball to raise money for children.  He is using his talent to help others!  Just taking a picture with him made me realize I need to give more to those who are struggling with life.  I need to do more for others.

Santa. That is right Santa even ran the race or should I say a guy that looked just like him.  He carried coins in his pocket and handed them out to children along the course. I have no idea what the coins had on them but it touch my heart watching him do this simple task.  I am sure those children were so excited to see Santa but to get a coin from him..WOW.  That guy didn't have to do that but he had a heart that wanted to fill other hearts with joy and love. 

Others.  Then there was those people that didn't have a basketball or looked like Santa.  Those people that to me looked normal but those people all had there own stories.  Each of them was doing this race for a different reason....maybe to reach a dream that they felt was unreachable, maybe to raise money for others or maybe to run because they lost a love one.  What ever the reason is... they are the reason I do this!  They give me the fuel to keep moving forward.. those silent stories get me excited about my next race. 

Racing to me is not about a time but the people I see and meet on the course.  For once in my life I have realized the runners/walkers, volunteers and the fans keep bringing me back to the starting line.  I challenge you to go to a race to watch these amazing people and watch their stories unfold in front of your eyes. 

YOLO...You only live once people.

Blog's coming up about the races soon!