1. My first race. November 2010. This was where the race obsession began, though it was quite small at the time. Running started as a way to exercise and stay fit before my wedding. Then it became something I enjoyed doing, so I thought a race could be fun. It wasn't anything fancy, just a local 5k. I don't think I did much 'training', or even know anything about making a training plan, but it was fun, and I realized that having signed up for a race is a great motivator.
2. My first half marathon. May 2012. Even though this race didn't go as well as my training runs (I got sick at the halfway point, and was much slower than I was intending to be), the accomplishment of crossing that finish line and receiving my first race medal was amazing. I was so proud of myself for sticking it out and finishing, which has given me a lot of confidence during other races where I might be hurting or feeling ill – I've finished feeling that way before, and I'll continue to do so! haha. Of course I can't find any pictures, though I'm sure I bought a few haha.
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| My first runDisney race :) |
3. My first runDisney race. Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2012 was my first runDisney event. Of course I became obsessed after that race, because it is just so much FUN running through the parks, especially at night. I'm more of a night runner anyway, so this was right up my alley. Plus, all of the entertainment on the course, and all of the fun things to look at really made the miles fly by. Plus, you just can't go wrong with anything that is focused around running, wine, and food ;) Wine and Dine will always hold a special place in my heart, as far as runDisney events go.
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| Running through Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Magical! |
4. My first runDisney race at Disneyland. Tinkerbell Half Marathon 2014 was another great memory. Not only was it my first race at Disneyland, it was also my first time AT Disneyland! I had a great time running with my mom and going on the rides at the parks with her. I'm hoping if we go back, I'll have the guts to hit up some of the crazier rides (California Screamin' or Matterhorn Bobsleds—Soarin' and Goofy's Sky School was as brave as I could get haha. Once on Soarin', I realized it wasn't much of a thrill ride, but I had no idea what to expect when going in, and I'm a scaredy cat).
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| She is just pure awesome! |
5. My first time meeting Shalane Flanagan. Granted, it was the only time, but meeting Shalane was so crazy exciting! She was just too sweet and adorable. I might have been jumping up and down for hours after the meeting, excited to have gotten her autograph on the ribbon of my medal AND a photo with her :) Score!
How about you — any fun, crazy, standout moments from a race? Tell me one of your race memories — good, bad, or ugly :)
