On Friday my family and I went to Walt Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We were there because I promised my 4 year old son Landon that I would take him to ride Star Tours. He finally mustered up the courage… The Force within… to ride it. After riding it 4 times, I think it’s safe to say that he had a good time!
Here’s what I couldn’t stop noticing… As we were walking throughout the park and then heading back toward the Disney Boardwalk, there were a ton of folks wearing highly fluorescent, flamboyant colors. Bright shoes. Bright clothes. And, tons of spandex. There were even families sporting their Family 5K medals. There was an energy and excitement about those who just completed their race and those who were preparing for it. I kept thinking to myself, “I want that!” I hate to run but I love to race and, most importantly, I love Disney. I think it is a win, win.
So, I have decided to work toward running the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon next year. I now have 52 weeks to prepare. Here’s how I plan on accomplishing this endeavor:
1. I have turned to some well known running coaches for advice. With the help of the Orange County Library, I was able to recruit the help of Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway. Today I picked up Hal Higdon’s “Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide” and ordered Jeff Galloway’s “Galloway’s Book on Running” to arrive at my front door. (I love the Orange County Library system!) I plan on reading and receiving all the advice and tips that I can from experienced runners like these guys and others that I know.
2. If you read my first blog post (2013’s Goals & Resolutions) then you know I plan on running a 10K on the regular. For these next 8 weeks I created a plan that will help me get there. It was based off of Hal Higdon’s Novice 10K Training Program. He has several different plans you can work with depending on your running level and distance goal. Click here to see the plan I worked off of. Below is the plan that I created and will use:
3. After I complete this plan, I will move on to another to work towards building up to 1/2 Marathon distance. Which will complete another 2013 Goal of mine. I am still looking to pursue November’s Tough Mudder as well.
I have a feeling that this year is going to be a fun, yet challenging one. I am planning for year filled with some of my greatest accomplishments and moments. However, I am willing to share! If you would like to team up and become a running buddy. Feel free to let me know! I could use the accountability and partnership!
Matt Sanders 
I will live vicariously through you in this endeavor! As, for me, I will be running my 1/2 marathon of toting the children to school and back, to docs and back, to therapy and back, to the tub and back, to the sandman and back, to the store and back, to the playground and back, to Christianity (‘no and back’) for all the days of my life….that I have left! 😉 Best to You, Matt! I know you will be successful!
I think that’s why they say, “Run like a mother…”