Running CAN have Disney Magic!

Alright!  Let's get serious.  Serious about 2 of my loves............Disney & Running.  Disney has been a hobby for my entire life.  Running on the other hand was a hobby from 2011-2013.  I am rekindling my love of running in the new year, and only because my doctor thinks it "might be a good idea".  So, here I am forcing my love on you and suggesting that you let a little love in your heart for what is called RunDisney.  No, I did not make this up.  RunDisney is a real life thing, and if you need something (like I do) to motivate you to run, it's going to be Disney.

Back in 2011 my Cousin taught me that my happy place could help make me healthy!  I'm not talking "healthy" because of all the calories you burn while walking from ride to ride.  I'm talking about a real life way to get healthy, stay healthy, and visit the Happiest Place on Earth.  Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris all offer Run Disney events.  At the end of 2017 Disneyland announced that they were taking a hiatus from the RunDisney circuit because of the new hotel and Downtown Disney remodel that will take place over the next 2 years(I will be blogging about this is the future).  But, I am hopeful that it will return.  

RunDisney has been around for over 25 years.  How do I know?  Well, they just celebrated their 25th Anniversary in Florida during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  But let's get down to it....
Why take up RunDisney running?

1.  You get access to Disney parks without having to pay for admission.  Sure you are in the park before it opens usually, and rides are closed, but, there are tons of other perks.  The park is empty(except the runners).  There is seriously nothing more magical than running through the castle from Fantasyland to Main Street.  Looking out and seeing main street is simply magical.  Disney World also allows you to ride Expedition Everest WHILE you race.  Sometimes you DO get to run during business hours.  The Disney World marathon usually lasts into the opening hours of the park.  All of the other guests weave around you, but they are always so encouraging.  As crazy at it may be, racing for cheers from strangers is very motivating(especially in those last 6 miles).  

2.  You get to see "backstage".  Hello, true Disney fans love being able to go behind the scenes of any Disney property.  My favorite has been running under the bridge from Disneyland to California Adventure.  It's magical to know you've crossed over in the non-traditional way.  They also pull out parade floats, and characters backstage.  To be honest though, my favorite are the maintenance, and backstage employees that stand outside cheering you on.  They wear their giant Mickey Mouse hands and clap for every single racer, smiling the whole time.  I always tear up at them "living the dream" working for Disney while I "live the dream" of running through Disney.  I admire them so much.  

3.  Photo-Ops!  You get exclusive access to characters, and performers along the race route.  This is one of the coolest perks of a RunDisney race.  As long as you can maintain the 16 minute mile you can stop for photos with some of your favorite characters.  There is usually AT LEAST one character per 2 miles.  Plus MOST of the photos are available with any Disney PhotoPass package you've already purchased for the park(this has only happened in the last year).  There is at least one entertainment option per mile, so it really helps keep you motivated.  As the miles get more challenging it seems that they up the entertainment just to keep you motivated.     \

4.  Dance Party all race long.  RunDisney races require a 16 min. mile average, which means you can practically dance the entire duration of the race.  They also have amazing music playing all race long.  It's usally at the half mile marks, so its always motivating when you hear that bass every half mile"ish".  They also supply the punch for the dance party.  All along the race route are Powerade and Water stations.  The volunteers at those stations are the best and such great motivators.

5.  THE BEST finisher medals in the world.  These things are so blingy, and heavy, and truly the best things ever.  It's even better when you complete an additional "challenge" and earn extra medals.  Disneyland offered dual medals for finishing a 10k & half marathon.  Disney World & Disneyland Paris also have these medals in addition to several more.  Paris offers a special medal if you complete the Paris half, and then another half in Florida or California(Castle to Chateau).  Disney World offers the most medals by far.  In addition to the 10k and half medal, they also have a medal for completing the half & full marathon(Goofy Challenge).  I completed my Goofy Challenge in 2013, and have no desire to do it again.  The most coveted Disney World medal by far is the Dopey Challenge medal.  You get this gem by completing the Goofy Challenge(half & full marathons), as well as the 5k and 10k.  Seriously!!!  It's 48.6 miles over four days.  My husband was a beast and completed his Dopey Challenge in 2016.  It was amazing!  The final medal  you can earn is actually not currently available since Disneyland is on hiatus.  It is called the Coast to Coast Challenge.  You get this medal by completing at least a half martahon in both Disneyland and Disney World within the same calendar year.  I've earned  this gem twice.  You feel so special(and slightly crazy) for earning this one.

There are a few cons to RunDisney but I have NEVER let those get in the way, so I won't waste too much space here.  The cons are cost, the amount of people, and the sad reality that your registration does not include park tickets.  BUT.....

RunDisney is an amazing experience.  It's such a motivator for being healthy at home.  I think about how much I want to do well at a RunDisney race and I work harder.  I've done several other races and nothing keeps me motivated or happier than a RunDisney race.  It's worth every bit of sweat and money to complete a RunDisney race.  I fully recommend it.