You're a runner?!

When I first tell people that I am a recreational runner, I usually get the stupefied goldfish look in return.

"You run?!"

Yes, I run. 

I know I don't have the traditional runner's physique. I'm not lean, or aerodynamic to say the least. I carry much more weight on my frame than is necessary. In short, I am fat.

That's where running comes in for me. I run in order to manage my weight and hopefully that will lead to sustained weight loss. It's working, too. It just takes a while. I don't mind, however, as gradual weight loss still counts.

But I digress.

I find it humorous to see the different expressions cross the faces of those folks who've discovered that the rare and oft undocumented creature known as "The Fat Runner" not only exists, but is now standing in front of them.

Runners come in all shapes and sizes. We come in all age varieties, racial make-ups, and socio-economic backgrounds. Yet on the track, or race course, we're all equal regardless of our pace.

Yes, I'm a runner.

Why aren't you?

The Happiest PACE on Earth

RunDisney.

If you're a runner, casual or competitive, just the mention of it gets you giddy. If you're not a runner, you may ask yourself, "What the heck is a RunDisney?" You may also ask yourself, "Why am I reading a blog about running?" 

RunDisney are a series of runs sponsored by Disney that take place at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. There's all kinds of distances to choose from... 5Ks (3.1 miles) all the way up to Marathons (26.2 miles). 

Each run is themed. Each earns you a medal (cooler medals for the Half and Full Marathons, of course!) And the best part, each allows you to run through the park. That's right, the park gets closed and you get to use it as your track.

As a newbie runner, the idea of one day participating blew my mind. That's what really got me into actually wanting to increase my mileage and complete a half marathon. I wanted to run through Disney and walk away with a cool medal and the memories.

The experienced runners whose collective minds I'd pick as I transformed myself from lump of mashed potatoes to a lump that runs, would tell me that a RunDisney event was beyond a regular race; that it was something to experience to understand it fully.

So I decided I'd do one. I'd do a baby run. I signed up for one if their Family 5Ks. The difference between the 5k run and its corresponding half marathon is pressure and, well distance obviously. The 5k is less formal and less strict in terms of pace requirements. I figured I could do that.

Now, keep this in mind as I regale you with the rest of my tale... 5Ks are generally viewed as lesser runs than a half marathon or above. I can understand to a certain point. There *is* the distance factor. It seems like most consider a 5k to be a stepping stone to the longer distance races. Even Disney categorizes the 5Ks as less, as their medals are not as fancy. To a beginner it can seem overwhelming having just conquered a 5k, to have a more experienced and fit runner or event organizer seem to degrade a distance you fought so hard to reach... But I digress.

I did the Jingle Jungle during the Wine & Dine weekend. It was a beautiful morning run through Animal Kingdom with a few hundred folks and my best friend, who I somehow conned into joining my new running lifestyle. 

It was the most fun I believe I've ever had on a run. The atmosphere was relaxed, yet hyper, and everyone just seemed incredibly happy to be there. 

I wore the medal all day as we park hopped and rode the rides, and every cast member congratulated us as if we had accomplished some great feat. We were treated as high and mighty as those running the half marathon. And *that* I think is the Disney difference no one could put their finger on when they tried to describe a RunDisney event.

It's the perfect storm of runners uniting at the happiest place on Earth, and being treated as rock stars.

We signed up immediately for another RunDisney event after that day. We did Everest Challenge... But that's a story for another post.