This is the second year for Disneyland's Tinkerbell Half Marathon, also the second year for me participating. (2012 Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon) Although this year was extra special because my best friend Amy was joining me!
The weekend prior to this race was my Disney World Marathon, so I was going for my Coast to Coast Medal. That's right--> 2,462 miles from Castle to Castle!
But what a better way to end my magical marathons than with my best friend. This was her first major race!
One of the best parts of having your best friend there is sharing all the moments together. We saw things, people, posters, and were able to undergo the race together. This will be something we will be able to talk about for years to come. One of my most memorable races ever!
Amy was the only runner with her very own photographer...the entire race!! We counted guys in skirts (think we got up to 15) and complimented others on there great costumes.
But let's face it...we were the cutest!! *I get asked constantly if she is my sister. She isn't a blood sister but a sister by choice.
In the words of Amy herself:
"I was so happy to be doing this race with my best friend Amanda. Didn't sign up for the hills, but what kept me going was a sign that read "Mind over Muscles" especially when I was hurting...I can do this, I am not giving up, I got this far. I was so happy when the race was over. I DID THIS!! then I AM CRAZY FOR DOING THIS!
Anything is Possible is a tattoo I have on my wrist, I kept looking at it during the race. If it was not for Amanda, I could not do this!! She kept me going the whole way."
Highlights from the Race:
*We dressed as Minnie Mouse
*My Best Sign Choice: "This sounded good four months ago"
*13,065 total runners
*The temperature was a wonderful 65*, perfect weather for a race. Exact opposite from my marathon.
*Completing a half-marathon with my best friend. To infinity...and beyond!
We finished the race at 3:38:10. I couldn't have been more proud of Amy. It was so great to see her get her first medal and be a part of her excitement in finishing.
Because there isn't a moment that is more memorable than receiving your first finishing medal and I was just honored to be there for hers. Love you Amy!
When it comes to running, I am my own worse critic. Running isn't just a hobby for me, it is a huge part of my life. Sometimes I get so caught up in training, my finish times, how to improve time,etc. that I forget what it is about and the real basis of why I run. That all changed after this race. As we came to mile 10, it was exactly like my mile 20 the week before. The athletes around me may have been walking but they were giving it there all to finish those last three miles. And that is when it hit me...
"What is excellence for me has nothing to do with what is excellence for someone else."-John Bingham
Because once you cross that finish line, no matter how fast you got there *it's the same distance if you are running or walking*...you've accomplished something that some people only dream about.
With that being said,
I have ran a marathon in Disney World,
THEN walked beside my best friend as she finished her first half-marathon in Disney Land,
all within 7 days.
Couldn't be happier right now...
all of which is priceless.
~Amanda
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