Congrats to all you Princesses!

[disneygirlRN]

Well...this little 5k'er watched most of you finish on Sunday and I was amazed! I was in awe of all of you finishing so strong, of doing something so amazing, of reaching your goals and dreams. Some of you might remember me, but I had begun training for the Princess Half and then was told I shouldn't be doing that much running due to my congenital hip dysplasia. I knew at my current pace, I couldn't keep the 16min/mile requirement. Needless to say, I changed my goals and did the Royal Family 5k instead. I finished 13min faster than the Turkey Trot I had done on Thanksgiving. This was my small victory, in comparison to your huge accomplishment! I stood there at your finish line, cheering for whoever, wishing I was out there with you. At the end I cried when a couple ran across the finish line...a couple who's family members kept talking about how they would probably be swept, how their pace wasn't quick enough, how this was their first and they didn't know if they could do it. When I saw them and how amazed their family was I couldn't stop the tears. You were and ARE all rockstars! To start, to endure, to finish! My trainer went with me this last weekend and picked out my birthday present at the expo. A necklace with two circles. One that says "Courage to Start" and the other that says "13.1" As of this week, I will now start the year long journey to *mostly* walking the Disney Princess Half Marathon 2012. With the "slow bus" looming in the back of my mind, I believe I can get faster and faster, and actually accomplish what you ladies (and gentlemen) just did. The support on this board is amazing. To not even know eachother, but have so much compassion and encouragement for one another astounds me. So sorry for the long post, but I just had to share my heart a little I will definitely be keeping you all posted, and I hope and PRAY to see you all at the finishline in 11 months and 22 days Again, awesome job!!
Jess

 

[saysay]

Jess THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I was moved to tears by the spectators on the side at the end. I finished in a time much slower than I wanted due to my PF, but I can't tell you how amazing the support was for me. I appreciate you coming out to cheer on the runners. You will do great next year, plenty of time to train. Good luck! THANK YOU AGAIN!

Julie

 

[Disfan11]

I too really appreciate all the fan support while running.
It brought me to tears several times during the race!

This board is a great community of wonderful friends!

Can't wait to see those of you who will be doing the Disneyland 1/2.
And I'm going to do the 2012 Princess 1/2 too! How could I not do it.
It was so much fun!

 

[chimera]

Nothing little about a 5K, Jess...that's 3.1 miles more than most people did that morning.

Hang in there with your training and make sure you listen to your body. Standard training plans may not work for you...you may find you need more rest days or need to increase your mileage more slowly.

You can do this! We'll look forward to seeing you in the start corrals next year!

 

[ban26ana]

I agree with Mel, a 5K is nothing to sneer at!

I was amazed at how much the support and cheering helped me. I guess I didn't really know what to expect, since this was my first race. But I seriously got an adrenaline rush to see and hear so many people cheering for us! I think I clapped everyone's hand who had it out. The cast members were genuinely happy for us as they cheered us on. What an awesome feeling. I wish I was running it again right now!

 

[disneygirlRN]

Thank you guys for your support I can't wait to see you all next year! I just have to remember that I'm not going to get there over night. I was on the treadmill last night, mad at myself for not making a 16 minute mile. I have to remember that I have a year to train...TRAIN, not just wake up and be doing what I think I should do! Worry isn't going to get me anywhere...but my feet will slowly and surely I have a St. Patrick's Day 5k coming up next Saturday, and a 5 mile race for Cinco De Mayo! What I love about that one is that there is a 16min/mile pace requirement, but it's on a bike path, so there won't be any sweeping! While running the 5k I saw a shirt that has become my new mantra..."Run Some, Walk Some, Finish Them" I need to take it slow and steady and not hurt myself. Thanks again ladies. Can't wait to hear about all the great things you guys will be doing in the next year!
Jess