Baby's First Dopey

August 4, 2021

I did it! I successfully registered last Tuesday for the WDW Marathon weekend for the Dopey challenge. I’m currently in week 6 of the Galloway training, although I’m ahead of schedule since I like to train more aggressively than their schedule but I’m still making sure I’m putting in the time and mileage even if it’s more than the required times and distances set on the calendar. It’ll catch up to me later in the fall when the distances increase.

In the meantime, I’m thinking of backing off on the September marathon goal. For a few reasons. Honestly, I’m just not as excited about it as Disney ever since runDisney announced in person races were coming back so my training has slowed down. And honestly, as great as double training would be to give me experience, it would also be challenging as well as taxing on my body. I’m already going to do a number on them with the Dopey challenge so I might as well save all the training and mileage for the big one. My heart’s just not in it anymore to train for the September race if I’m being honest, and it is really hard to train in the summer with the weather and temps being as hot and humid as it is this year. I would prefer getting my long runs done in the fall when it’s much colder and more comfortable without the sun beating down on me and worrying about all the sunscreen I have to wear and long sleeves to avoid sun damage and my skin tanning and getting so damn dark. I also don't want to pay for two marathons. 😅 If I'm going to do it, I would like to spend it on the mouse because he does it better anyway.

I only set out on the September race because I was worried next year’s races weren’t happening and I just wanted to get a marathon over with already, but honestly, I don’t want my first marathon to be a non-Disney dinky one. The Disney races just hit different. The atmosphere is different, the audience is different, even the people cheering you on are different. I did a local 5k the winter before the pandemic happened and it was okay but it was nowhere near as fun and exciting as a Disney race. Crossing the finish line didn’t feel as good or spectacular as the roaring crowd at Disney. So as crazy as it is to have my first marathon also be my first Dopey, I think I’m finally ready to take this on. I think I can do it. And if I fail, I want to change my mindset to stop being afraid of failure. All it does is stop me from even trying things. I want to train myself into trying more things and using moments of setbacks into “what can I learn from this?” and “what can I do better next time?” I’m going to put in the time for the training and make sure I do the long runs but if I don’t make it through Dopey, instead of looking at it like DAMN I SUCKED, I want to look at it as “what do I need to improve on?” And at the same time, I need to stop thinking I’m going to fail and start looking at it the opposite way, cause honestly that’s probably more terrifying and what’s holding me back. Because seriously what happens if I complete this goal? What happens if I do great? What happens if I do make it?! The scary part is WHAT’S NEXT?!?! I say this because before I conquered my first half and then my first fairytale challenge, I kept saying to myself when I finished each race, that was it. I was only setting out for that goal to see if I could do it and then be done. But so far every time I conquered a goal, I continued on and looked for another mountain to climb. But a marathon itself is already hard with 26.2 miles. And in this case, my goal is set on a Dopey challenge, a whopping 48.6 miles. I really want to say once this is done, this is it. Cause come on, what is there beyond a Dopey that I would really want to do, when a Dopey is grueling enough. Dear body and ambitions, please stop here, lol.

I haven’t decided on race costumes just yet, but back in June, I was asked by Crowned Athletics to work on a project to photograph their new Mulan top. I love working with new companies, especially women-owned small businesses so I was really excited at the opportunity to connect with them and that they chose me to help represent their new Asian princess inspired top. Admittedly this style top is longer and more flowy than what I’m used to wearing for my workouts- I’m forever an IG hoe and prefer cropped and fitted looks, but I enjoyed styling it to look more me. And in doing so, I learned that their line of princess tops are great in that versatility factor; in the many ways you can style it to suit your own personal style. It’s funny because when I first started doing runDisney races years ago, I had to figure out how to put together my own looks for runDisney bounds, looking for various pieces from different brands and stores to bring a look together, trial and error, similar to how I had to do this when I first started cosplay. Now cosplay is so much easier, there are many people you can commission, as well as many ready-made costumes and made-to-order shops. Well, who knew that Disney race-bound costumes were expanding that same way as cosplay did in that nature? Now there’s a lot more Disney themed athleisure and casual cosplay pieces you can find on the internet. And they’re forever evolving and expanding their designs. I’m especially excited because after collaborating with Crowned Athletics on this project, I was asked recently to be a part of their next one! And I can’t wait because the new items coming are definitely something I can see myself racing in come next February for the runDisney Princess races. I’m shooting one of the new looks this weekend and I can’t wait for them all to be unveiled next week. And what’s more, the company is also working on designs for the WDW Marathon weekend so I can’t wait to see what those designs are since I have yet to even brainstorm what I’ll be wearing for the Dopey challenge races. There’s so much to do! And OMG! Only 154 days til it’s here. Sounds we better get a move on planning. Cheers to my double knee replacement!

Sound off below in the comments if you’re a runDisney addict, or even if you're new, let me know if you’ll be running any of the races in January or February or even if you’re running virtually. If you’re going to be there in person, hit me up! I’d love to meet other runners and grab pictures together! I met a fellow runner there last year and it was fun connecting and now we're always keeping tabs on each other, cheering each other on in both our professional lives since we're both in healthcare, as well as cheering each other on in our active lives through workouts, runs, and Blogilates. I met another family earlier this spring too and it's been really encouraging to have a group of cheerleaders rooting you on in your training. I'm so excited to shoot with them next year in January post races since they're also photographers! It’s really something connecting with friends in the RunDisney community. I'm hoping to finally meet a few more next year that I've been keeping in touch with throughout the pandemic. You guys keep me literally running, hahaha!

The Return of WDW Marathon Races!

July 1, 2021

RunDisney finally announced the return of in person races this morning! They are returning this fall with the annual Wine & Dine races, along with the January Marathon Weekend and the Princess Half in February. All dates, registration dates and information were all released as well.

I decided I’m going to do it. I’m finally going to bite the bullet and do the Dopey Challenge. It’s now or never. And then continue on with my February tradition of Princess races with Kerri. I am so excited to have these events back that I don’t even care how expensive next year is going to be. I’m in a YOLO mood and want to take every opportunity given to me to complete these goals! It’s crazy because a few years ago I would have never had the courage to take on a full marathon, let alone the Dopey challenge.

A Dopey challenge is a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a full marathon back to back over 4 days for a total of 48.6 miles. It’s Disney’s ultimate race challenge because well, you’d have to be Dopey to do it! I used to think this was insane and that those who wanted to do it and willingly signed up for these things were insane. What are you trying to prove to people? Why would you want to run that much? Do you want to die? What is WRONG with you?

And well, it’s 2021 and here I am. SIGN. ME. UP.

I can’t explain it. Running is something I hate and have grown to absolutely love and enjoy at the same time. I complain about it every time before I have to go out there and do the deed but I come back every time feeling accomplished. And a Disney race is truly like no other. Nothing compares to these in person races. Running through my neighborhood is just not the same and I learned this past year virtuals are NOT my thing. ALTHOUGH! For those interested in obtaining the medals without the extra cost of a Disney vacation, this is the first time they are also allowing a virtual option along with the in person races! I don’t know if this will continue in the years after so I would take advantage of it if you’re really interested. But back to my main point. I can’t wait to run through the parks, feel the energy all around me, hear the roar of the crowd cheering everyone on, and cross that finish line once more for the highest high I’ve ever felt in my life. The minute you run across it, can not be replicated by anything else. And no one can take it away from you. I can’t wait to crush another goal. I’ll be honest, I’m absolutely terrified of how hard this is going to be, but I know with everything I take on, I ultimately buckle down and give it my all to meet that goal.

I mean, once upon a time, I used to be terrified of the Princess Fairy Tale Challenge but I did it and here I am taking it on again, this time more confident than ever! And EXCUSE ME, did I mention this year they have a new event for the Princess weekend?!?! Sunrise yoga in front of the castle! EXCUSE THE HELL OUT OF ME, SIGN ME UP PLEASE. I went from barely being able to run one block in my neighborhood, barely being able to lift weights to gym rat and obsessed runner. It’s crazy. I always say 2018 me does not know this version of me, lol. It’s crazy how much I’ve changed and grown in the course of a few years.

Before Disney races were announced, if you read my last post, I WAS working on training for the September 19 marathon I had put as a goal for myself. I’m still on the fence as to whether I want to go through with it now that Disney races are back on and had til June 30th to sign up for the Sept 19 race before prices went up. Unfortunately I forgot to sign up today before the cutoff point. Good and bad, this next registration period’s cutoff date is Sept 15th. So I can continue to train with regards to how the summer temps will play out and decide closer to the date if I still want to go through with this or forgo this goal and make Disney the ultimate first marathon along with the challenge. A few runner friends have encouraged I continue with the Sept 19 race to help have a base to build upon for Dopey and honestly it’s a good idea. I just don’t know if the summer will be too hot to train in and if I’m willing to put in that work. But so far for the month of June, I did a long run every Friday and went from 13 miles the first week and added a mile every week for a current progress of 16 miles ran last Friday. It was definitely difficult, I’m not going to lie. But I woke up every Friday morning determined to get it done, no matter how many breaks it took, how many loops around the neighborhood for a water break, and the mental gymnastics to continue on when it felt really hard. The Sept 19 deadline is definitely an aggressive training schedule compared to the Jeff Galloway training schedule which just started this week and is a lot less grueling and much more doable. And this week has been harder than the past month for training because we’re going through a heat wave. I haven’t been able to train properly on schedule this week like the past few weeks so it’s been challenging to say the least. But then again, life is about challenging ourselves sometimes and seeing what we can do, right? So let’s see what the summer will bring and give it a fair shot.

I know I’m mostly afraid because it’s simply something I haven’t done before so my fear is just fear of failure. It’s also because running outside of 13.1 miles is pushing myself out of my current comfort zone. But these few weeks, going from 13.1 to 14, to 15, to 16 miles, I found every week to be excruciatingly hard but also ultimately doable as I pushed myself each week to go beyond the last week and be better than who I was yesterday, yesterweek, yestermonth, yesteryear. But I’m also learning to accept that failure is not the end. Whether or not I finish these challenges - which I really do hope I do and I really plan to work hard to ultimately crush these challenge- I know it’s about the journey more than the end goal. It’s about the experience, the training, the pushing the mental part of my brain to work harder than ever to KNOW I can do this. And even if I do fail, it’s not going to stop me from ultimately trying again until the deed is done. I mean, that’s what life is, right? Trial and error until we get it right.

SO. The race is on. I already have some new ideas for race bounds and park bounds. Let’s go earn these medals in style, bitches!

I have both the Jan and Feb trips for next year booked, thanks to my travel agent Jill of Never Grow Up Vacations. I know I’ve recommended her several times on my blog but I can not recommend her enough. Every one of my friends and family members who have booked their trip through her has never went back to booking their own trips ever again because of how well she handles everything and literally takes care of every little thing you need, and all services are free of charge!

RunDisney 2021 Gone Virtual

September 23, 2020

RunDisney announced today that the January WDW races and the February Princess races for 2021 are going virtual. They will no longer be held in person, and all registrants will have the option of either a refund or converting their registration to a virtual run. They will also re-open up registration this Thursday for anyone interested in signing up for the virtual races if they weren’t able to snag a spot earlier this year when they first went on sale.

What does this mean for me?

I was signed up to do the marathon in January, my first ever full marathon, and all 3 of the Februrary princess races - the 5k, 10k and the half. I just entered week 13 of my marathon training too, and was set to run 15 miles next week for my training. I’m glad they announced this sooner than later before I unnecessarily added on mileage next week for naught. I’ve never gone beyond 13.1 miles before in a run and I was really anxious about the crossover into uncharted waters. Not that I don’t want to do it, but it’s definitely a daunting thing to run that much in a long run. I would have been pretty mad had they announced this 2 weeks later, so right at the break even point of my training, was perfect to avoid unnecessary strain on my legs and avoid risking injury.

I have til October 7th to make my decision but ultimately I think I’m going to withdraw from the now virtual marathon. Why? Honestly, it’s a lot to take on. 26.2 miles to run laps around your neighborhood is brutal. After a certain point, you really do hate yourself running circles around the same route. And a virtual race is simply not the same as an in-person race. Not that I don’t feel accomplished every time I complete a half marathon around my neighborhood, but nothing is ever going to compare to a real race.

There’s running and there’s running in Disney. And it’s really the running in Disney that I really like. Crossing that finish line is the absolute BEST in person. When I run at home, I simply get back to my house when I complete my run, shower, get something to eat and go about the rest of my day. There’s nothing really special about it. But at Disney, there’s absolute magic in the air. I always want to cry every time I cross that damn line. I wish I could describe it and put it into words what it is, that je ne sais quoi, but it simply cannot be replicated with a virtual. Simply put, it just feels amazing. You’re on top of the world. Nothing can stop you. Nothing can take that accomplishment away from you. All the people cheering you on through the entirety of the race from beginning to end, the posters, the high fives, the encouragement, the water/Powerade/food stops, the bands, the fireworks, the character stops, running down Main street, through the CASTLE, oh my god, the castle!

I still remember my first runDisney event. The excitement, the energy, the anticipation, the unknown! It was the most amazing experience and that’s why I keep coming back every year, setting bigger goals each time. This was supposed to be my first full marathon. For some, it would have been their first Disney run, first Dopey, first Goofey, first marathon, first whatever, and I really feel for you. We all know “there will be other events,” but that still doesn’t help much with the disappointment. I can’t offer much consolation. Let me just say this came as no surprise with the state of the world right now, but it’s still heartbreaking to say the least. I understand the decision made to go virtual but I’m still sad about missing out on my first marathon.

BUT! I will say, your training has not been entirely wasted. For some of us, we’ve done things we’ve never done before! We reached new distances, set new PRs, found new running trails, ran more than we’ve ever ran before, learned to run in hard conditions like extreme cold or sweltering heat and even buckets of rain. Last year when I did my first half marathon, I had only done my training runs and the actual race. This year, after I returned from Princess weekend, I continued on with my running and kept up with long runs even through quarantine. I’ve done 6 half marathon runs this year in my neighborhood just because. In the past I would never think to do that because doing one is daunting enough. But I’ve been working towards building my cardio and endurance. Once upon a time a run from my house to the end of the block seemed like forever. And then one day a 5k became my warm-up. And then a 10k. One day, a half marathon will be my warm-up. And that’s how I’ll conquer the Dopey Challenge one day. Step by step, one foot in front of the other.

As for the Princess races, I was thinking about forgoing them as well but then I saw the damn medals and damnit, now I want them. But at least with the Princess races, I know I can do them because I already completed the challenge when I set this as my goal earlier this year. I’ve done it once so I know I can do it again just fine. So I’m staying on to do the Princess virtuals to add those medals to my collection. I figured why not since I started collecting them since 2018, might as well keep with the continuity so I can keep building my wall of medals. That Rapunzel medal has my heart anyway, let’s be real.

But for the marathon, I don’t want a virtual to be my first. It feels like cheating to just receive a medal in the mail without proof that you earned it, since everyone signing up is going to get one in the mail without needing to really run for it. I don’t want to run it on the honor system, I want to run a real, live, officially timed race and I want it on paper that me, myself, and I did this honestly, to the fullest of what I have to give. I want my first full 26.2 miles to be in person, with those crowds pushing me through and motivate me through every mile and I want to feel it in my heart as I cross that finish line. No virtual is going to do that and I’m not going to miss out on that experience for my first time. So for now, we’re going to pivot and put the goal on hold. I’m hoping I can find maybe a local race that will still be taking place next year like the NYC marathon or something, so I can have that under my belt to know that a marathon is doable for me, and then possibly take on the Dopey Challenge in 2022. If not, then we’ll reset the first marathon to be 2022, and the Dopey in 2023. I’d rather not keep rescheduling my dreams and goals, but hey, there’s a time and place for everything. Right now, the universe is telling me to continue slowing down. So for now, I’ll continue with my running as part of my regular workout routine, but I’m going to put a pause on my marathon training. Since it looks like 2021 might still be some time before we go back to somewhat normal and are able to travel again, I'm going to make 2021 the year I save up my money to do ALL those runs hopefully in 2022. The year we break my legs, hahaha! Just because 2021 is being rained on doesn't mean we quit. We must continue on, but now we're going to make even bigger goals and climb even more mountains. One day we’ll conquer the Dopey Challenge, the Castaway Challenge, and the Castle to Chateau Challenge though, I promise you! It's going to be epic.