crazy

who’s the crazy girl that signed up to run 13.1 miles?

Hi. My name is Kim, and I’m a horrible runner. Wait, let me clarify that statement. I’m not any sort of runner. But because I have moments of euphoria and enjoy random goal-setting activities, I signed up to do the following:

 

 

The inaugural Tinker Bell 1/2 Marathon at Disneyland in 2012!

I’m really not joking here about my inability to run either. It’s a long-standing joke between Mr. M and I that I would die running around the block. I can run on a treadmill… and do cardio exercises with no problem… but I’ve always sucked at running if it didn’t involve following a basketball up and down a court.

There’s no reason or logic behind why I signed up, other than my nickname-sake is sponsoring this extravaganza, and I was up for adding a bit more randomness to my life this past Wednesday.

And people think I’m joking when I call myself crazy? :)

But I know I’m not the only person who has done something very similar to this and I’m hoping some of those people will come out and share their best advice for starting this journey now. Shoes? Distances? Music?  Thank goodness for my BFF starting a running blog… that must have had some part in convincing me this was possible. She’ll be my running coach from afar, and then she’ll finish the race and have to wait like 2 hours for me to follow behind.

Seriously friends… I need all the help I can get to make it to the finish line on January 29th!

p.s. if you want to personally witness this insanity, you can sign up for the event here!

17 Comments

  • Cathleya

    WHATTT!!! So proud of you! I am too chicken to run any distance, but I know you can do it! You and Auds will have a blast and I can’t wait to hear all about it! Would love to be there to cheer you on at the finish line, and what a PERFECT 1/2 marathon just for you, Tink!

  • talda

    ooooh. i’m almost tempted to crazily sign up too! i’ve been running about a year now and i love it! this from a self-professed running hater [i used to say i only ran after the ice cream truck]. but you can do it! i’m working towards my first 10k in august so it makes me wonder if i can pull off a 1/2 marathon. things that make you go hmm…

    as far as advice, get thee to a running shop now and have them analyze your gait so they can recommend the right shoes. i haven’t done this yet [odd] but i’ve been fine with my nike pluses so far. i started with the couch to 5k program so that might be a good way to get you on your way. also, for music i have a bunch of random fast paced songs, including lots and lots of daft punk. i love daft punk.

  • megan marie

    hmmm now I kinda want to sign up for it! I am running my first 5k in June and my first 10k in August… the word marathon scares me though, even though half comes before it. looks like a really fun event though!

  • StefanieK

    YAY! That is SO AWESOME! My co-worker has a lot of Tinker-love too, and she recently sent me a link about it hoping to get some encouragement. She’s considering it. You can SO SO do it!! I used to think I 1) hated running, and 2) was really bad at running…but I set a goal to run a half (nervously) and was able to run TWO within 6 weeks of each other after only about 6 months. It was such an amazing feeling of accomplishment, I’m so excited for you! Keep us all updated on your running progress! So exciting! Congrats and good luck!

  • Jen

    I’m seriously considering signing up. I really want to get into running-shape and this seems like a good incentive! I love Disney, but I’m kind of crappy at running, too. Go Kim!

  • Aubrey @ My Simple Everyday

    I saw that email and was considering it, too — but it’s been years since I was doing any distance running + Baby #1 is due in July and I’m scared I won’t have time to train.

    I’m so excited for you!!!! I’m sure you’ll do great!!!! I may do the family 5k since I think it’s awesome that it’ll be an evening event through the park!

  • Laura

    Yeah!!!
    Some advice:
    1. Go to fleet feet and let them help you find the right shoes for your feet and the way you run. your feet, knees and hips will thank you!
    2. Consider signing up for a training group through FF. I trained for my 1st half by myself, but with FF for the 2nd (and 3rd) and its so much more fun with other people. They don’t have a half training that ends in Jan, but there is one that ends in Oct. Otherwise, find a running buddy (I volunteer myself! we can run at lunch OR after picking up our kidlets)
    3. Jogging stroller.
    4. Find some other races between then and now in shorter distance, maybe a 5k or 2 between now and the fall and a 10k on Thanksgiving or thereabouts, just to give yourself some experience in a race atmosphere.

  • alycia

    I *hate* running, but my love of disney might make me get off the couch. congrats to you! the good news is you have plenty of time to train.

    As someone who does ZERO running, I’d suggest trying the coach to 5k program. I’ve heard its really beneficial for jump starting physical fitness.

    And I always love good ol rock and roll when I work out [ie: Boston, Journey, AC/DC]- the guitar solos push me harder than any pop song ever could.

    Good luck!

  • ep

    I got an email for this and was tempted. But I only do 4-5 miles, not 13. Hope your training goes well! :D

  • Michelle

    This is awesome!! I know you can do it and once you cross that finish line, you will feel so accomplished and proud. Be consistent in your training and I agree with Laura, get fitted for some new running shoes. It will make a HUGE difference! Oh and also about running a few 5K’s or a 10K once you build to that distance. You want to get race day nervousness out of your system prior to the HM. Good luck!!!