I Ran a Race with Disney and Here's How It Went

On a random Wednesday in March I found myself sitting at my desk in my home office. Alex had just brought me lunch- chicken salad sandwich, my fave- and was now outside working on building our chicken coop with the boys.

I was in the thick of writing and working on a blog post for my website- it was about our family trip to Disney and it's actually one of my favorite blog posts to date. If you know me, you know that I love Disney. We went with our kids for the first time in January of 2024 and it sparked a magical passion inside of me that I didn't know existed. I often joke around and say that if I had margin, I would become a Disney travel agent- who knows!

Anyways, I was writing this blog post and linking a few different things through Disney when I saw a tab for "RunDisney." RunDisney is the program in which Disney hosts a series of different types of runs- in person and virtual.

Wait, did you just say virtual Disney runs? Yep! You bet I did and I'll be so honest in saying that I didn't know it was a thing either. So I clicked the button and low and behold, they were in the middle of one of their virtual run series- "Love on the Run." It was a virtual 14 mile run in honor of Valentine's Day. I had a little over a month to complete the run and I as I looked over the details and explanation of the run, I decided right then and there that I was going to do it.

Here's the kicker: at that point, I hadn't been on a run in over 6 months. I used to be an avid runner before I had kids, but then running took a backseat as I entered the threshold of motherhood. I've definitely missed it though and seeing this virtual run sparked something inside of me that I hadn't felt in a long time. So I committed myself to the 14 mile run and knew that it was time to get my butt back in gear.

The "Love on the Run" challenge that I signed up for was a race that was broken into three parts: a 2 mile run, 5 mile run, and 7 mile run. When you participate in a virtual run, they email you your running bibs so you can print them out and pin them to your shirt while you run (if you wish), give you a place where you can record your run and racetime, and encourage you to complete the run on whatever path/route you feel is best. Once the race is complete, they send you a box with your medals and other fun items to celebrate your big finish!

I knew I wanted to give myself plenty of time to complete each race so I immediately started the next day. I started with my 2 mile run and I'm gonna give it to you straight- I don't have a fancy running watch and I don't wear fancy or expensive workout clothes when I run. I'm a leggings and whatever tee shirt I can find kind of girl, it works for me. Obviously, this isn't a crack on you if you do enjoy wearing specific workout or running clothes- that's great! I'm just saying, don't let your clothes and gear or lack thereof be a hindrance. I wanted to keep my run local and easy so I did what any seasoned runner would do- I drove around and mapped out a two mile route with my car. So official, I know.

I laced up my shoes that probably need to be retired and set out for the first run on a chilly afternoon- peep the gloves hanging out of the pocket of my leggings. Overall, it was a really good run and I think it took me about 20-25 minutes to complete the run. At first, I felt a little discouraged by my runtime and by having to stop for a few walk breaks but then I remembered- I literally haven't been running and now I'm jumping back in. You have to start somewhere and at the end of the day, what is the overall goal here? Is it to be fast or is it to challenge myself and try something new? But let me tell you, it felt SO GOOD to knock out those two miles and I felt so much joy as I ended my first run of the series. Alex was working in the backyard when I got done so I asked him to take a celebratory picture of me in the driveway because I knew I would want to document it in some way.

The next run was the 5 mile run and let me just be fully transparent with you- your girl was NERVOUS! My body was feeling good, but tired. It was a beautiful day and I had childcare so I knew I needed to do it. I threw on my shoes, popped in my headphones, and got it done. I remember posting this picture to my stories and sharing the reality of it on the next few slides because this run took a lot longer. I think my overall time was an hour (almost three times as longer as my 2 mile run) and I felt so good, but exhausted once it was over.

This run took a lot from me and my body requested many walk breaks along the way. Yet, every pause along the way I reminded myself of the goal. It's not to be fast, it's to be challenged.

I wanted to keep consistent with the celebratory photo afterwards and I'm so glad that I did. I look at this photo and I feel so proud of this girl. She got it done, even when it was really hard. Alex set it up so he and the boys could be there to cheer me on at the end of the run and I'll tell you right now, there is nothing sweeter than running across that virtual finish line and hugging your babies as they say, "you did it mommy!"

My last and final run of the series was the 7 mile run and I was feeling so anxious in the days leading up to this run. Obviously, I was excited and eager to get it done, but I was so in my head about how this would be the longest run I'd done in YEARS. I knew I would have to have a lot of grace for myself and allow as many walk breaks as I needed in order to complete it. I wanted to push myself, but I was not going to focus on the racetime and attempt a PR (personal record)- like come on, be serious girl.

I took this run first thing in the morning before my brain could fully wake up and realize what was happening or before I could talk myself out of it. This run was SO good though and I finally achieved that "runner's high" that I used to have back in my running days. It was still challenging at times and I took many running breaks, but I was so proud of myself when I was finished. This run took me about an hour (almost as long as my 5 mile run) and when I crossed that virtual finish line, I bent over and started to sob. I felt so incredibly proud of myself for not only signing up for this race, but for hitting it full force and doing it even when it felt scary or hard. Alex wasn't available when I finished this race, but I knew I wanted to stay consistent with my finisher picture so I used my tripod and set it up to celebrate!

It wasn't long after I finished my 7 mile run that my race box from Disney showed up on my doorstep. I wish I had a picture of it, but I was SO giddy that I totally forgot and had to open it immediately! Inside my box was a letter of congratulations, an embroidered fuzzy blanket from the race, a magnet, and all four of my race medals (2 mile, 5 mile, 7 mile, and challenger).

What's a Disney race with out full Disney attire, am I right? So I put on my favorite Disney jersey shirt and my Minnie ears and took my final photo from this race- she's did it!

The medals are stunning and so sentimental. I still look at them often and just become so overwhelmed with excitement and joy whenever I see them. I posted an unboxing video on my Instagram page and I encourage you to go check it out! Seeing these medals moved me to tears all over again and I just can't even begin to describe to you how it feels to accomplish something like this.

On that random Wednesday, I thought that I was just spontaneously signing up for a race, but in reality- I was taking a step to challenge myself and ignite the spark of something I hadn't felt in a long time. Running brings me so much joy and it feels so good to do something for just ME. Motherhood and marriage both ask a lot of you. I pour so much of myself into marriage and motherhood- which I don't regret or resent for a single second- but having a special thing you do for just yourself is also really impactful, too.

I wanted to share this today because to some people, it may just be a race. But it was so much more for me. This was a spontaneous little leap that led to big changes in my life. Physically, I started to prioritize my workouts, food, and water intake. Emotionally, I began to lighter, calmer, and less stressed. Spiritually, I found time to live in God's creation and praise Him for the opportunity to move my body.

It just goes to show that sometimes those little leaps of faith can be the ones with the biggest impact.

So I just want to encourage you today to take that little leap of faith, whatever it looks like for you. Don't worry if you feel unprepared, scared, or like you don't have all of the gear- just start where you are and see what happens.

As for me, I've already signed up for my next race! RunDisney has another race series coming up this summer and it looks really cool. It's a series of three 5k races and the medals are inspired by some of their big rides- Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The challenger medal is Happily Every After with the castle that actually lights up- say less. Registration is open and kick off is June 1st! If you want to do this with me, be sure to sign up here.

As always, thank you for being here and thank you for your constant support. We're in this together and I'm cheering you on from afar.

Now it's your turn- go shine your light and take that leap!

SB