Hi Everyone! The hubby so kindly decided to write a guest post to talk about his experience training and running the Disney Princess Half Marathon (Thank you Jake! Love you!). Hopefully this will convince your male friends, family members, co-workers, husbands, significant others, etc. to join in the Princess fun! - Lisa
The Disney Princess Half Marathon - The Couple that Runs Together…
I have been active, and athletic, my whole life. I grew up playing every sport under the sun. Football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, and lacrosse just to name a few. However, despite being a decent runner, I have never been what you might call a “runner.” Even after eleven years in the Army, I have always been more of the “run just enough,” kind of guy. I much preferred an hour at the golf course to an hour on the road.
On the other hand, Lisa was a runner and, after the birth of our daughter, Lisa began running again regularly for the first time since her days as a middle distance runner in high school. When I returned from Iraq, Lisa began training in earnest for her first half-marathon, which I supported and admired. She, being the amazing woman she is, trained hard and completed the Rock and Roll Vegas half-marathon in December. However, I began to slide into more of a sedentary lifestyle. I knew it and I hated it, but it just kept getting worse. I was full of the classic excuses. I am too busy. I have too much work to do (I am currently in Graduate School). It is too hot. You get the idea.
Anyways, around the holidays, I decided (with a healthy dose of coaxing from Lisa) that it might be a good idea to train for a half marathon together. The one she was eyeing, of course, was the Disney Princess half Marathon. Me, the big strong Army man running a princess half marathon. OK sure. With a little prodding, I agreed in principle but did not sign up. I figured I would delay making a commitment, do a little training, see where that took me, and then decide at the last minute. Typical Jake move if you know me. All kidding aside, I was really looking for something Lisa and I could do together. All new parents understand the need to have an activity you can do together: something to give you a common purpose outside of being parents.
So, we started training or, rather, she kept running and I tried to keep up. It was ROUGH for me at the beginning, but I started improving quickly. After completing a 7 or 8 mile training run at the end of January, at a halfway decent pace (I think around 9:30 miles/min or something) I finally took the plunge and signed up for the race. In retrospect, I am so glad I did.
As a first race, it exceeded all of my expectations. If you are somebody who hates being bored when you run, this is the race for you. If you appreciate attention to detail, and great organization, this is the race for you. If you don’t appreciate fun entertainment, and attractions of all kinds along the course, and are more of a “down to business” type runner, then this race is still a wonderful race for you. I thought I was this kind of runner. Again, I was wrong. I loved all of it, from the fairy godmother starter to taking pictures with Snow White and Rapunzel after the completion of the race.
Lisa has recounted the details of the race very well, so I will skip the minutia, but I will say that I truly enjoyed the event. It has really turned me into a runner. I believed, completely, that the Disney Princess might be my one, and only, half marathon. However, within a week of running this race, I was signed up for my next one, and we are looking into doing two more Run Disney events over the next year.
From the moment the race kicked off, it was a sensory delight. I don’t run with headphones/music, and I was never bored. I particularly enjoyed seeing the park within the park. The world behind the set. From the old transportation cars, to the employee parking lots, I felt as though I appreciated the scale of Disney for the first time. From the music, to the characters, to the volunteers, and the post race recovery snacks and drinks, everything was first rate. Even though I couldn’t run in Lisa’s corral (men cannot start in one of the first two corrals) and I generally hate running without Lisa for motivation, it turned out to be a non factor. I attribute this completely to the quality of the event. I remained motivated and stimulated the whole way.
The experience was transformative for me. My personality is generally a bit taciturn, and I am often reticent in showing emotions but, when I finished the elation I felt when I reunited with Lisa is something I will cherish forever. Perhaps more than anything else, that moment, that sense of mutual accomplishment is what makes me want to continue running with Lisa.
So thank you Disney Princess for turning me into a “runner,” and for helping me connect with my wife in a new and profound way. The previous couple of years were challenging for Lisa and I. We became parents, I deployed to and returned from Iraq, we moved across the country, and we both started new phases of our professional lives. The running journey we took together, culminating in the Disney Princess Half Marathon, proved cathartic. Our lives remain challenging, but I have faith in our ability to persevere because I now believe the couple that runs together stays together.
Jake
Amazing event even for a spectator. I am in for next run as the top supporter of both you and Lisa
Yo are so sweet Jake! I loved the post! You and Lis are so cute.
I loved this post Jake! i sent the link to Todd so he could read about your experience too. I hope this will motivate us to find something active to enjoy together like you and Lisa
Thank you guys for the kind words! @Katie - I hope you and Todd are doing well! Jake said that he was sure Todd would get a laugh out of this since he knows how much he used to HATE running!
Awesome Jake! As a person who does not care for running at all, hearing about your journey leading to the marathon and the aftermath, has motivated me to start running. (As well as reading Lisa's blog). I so very much enjoyed reading your post and so glad you and Lisa found another way to connect through running. As a new parent myself I now know how important that is for a husband and wife.
Thanks Tanya! Keep me posted on your progress
If I can get Nik and Jake to run, I think I can get anyone to at least give it a whirl!
Jake, it's always great to see you when you come into town. I can tell, from all of my experience with children and their families, that you are a wonderful, dedicated father. I notice the way you do things for your family, such as, chase after Cora; attempt to fit yourself inside her toy car; and get that little Munchkin ready for her bath (after she has covered herself in dirt…most likely consuming a small amount in secret). I know you do these things because you truly care about the amazing ladies in your life.From personal experience, I know what graduate school can do to a person and I am SO glad you were coaxed out of that sedentary lifestyle (Lisa's good isn't she?!). From this entry, and upon seeing you last Thursday, it sounds and looks as though you and Lisa are both happy and healthy. Jake, I'm proud of you for taking up the “running” challenge and I wish you all the best in your training and future runs!
Jake, Paige turned me on to your artical and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading it. Continue to keep us updated on your running adventures.
I will definitely pass along these notes to Jake! Thanks again to everyone for your support! Hopefully this will keep Jake in the running spirit