Did you hear any grunts of pain earlier today? That was from my credit card, after yet another heavy workout it has been through this year from registering for the WDW Dopey Challenge, the Disneyland Double Dare and 5k last week. So when an email from runDisney had arrived with a pre-registration link 2017 participants … my credit card cringed. I cringed. We both cringed.
[Sidebar: By the way, I absolutely LOVE this new policy! It’s a nice way to reward loyal runDisney fans, aka, addicts, plus it will cut down registration day stress that always makes me feel like this:]
Still. Cringe.
But there’s no way I can miss a Princess Half Marathon. While it might not be my favorite race weekend, (that top billing goes to WDW Marathon Weekend with Disneyland a close second,) it’s the weekend I would pick if I could only do one a year. There’s too big of an emotional connection for me to ever skip, seeing as how training for and participating in 2013’s races, my very first, pulled me out of a dark time in my life.
Back then, I would even use cute pink journals to write down my goals every year, as though the events were my New Year’s, and then I’d document my progress. I did have blog posts about those goals posted on my previous, solo running blog, but that has since been deleted and the content lost, something I deeply regret. I still have the journals for 2013, 2014, and 2015, though, that are each swelled from many clippings and pictures.
So yes. Missing the 2018 Princess Half Marathon simply is not an option. So my apologies, credit card. I just had to register for both the Fairy Tale Challenge and Princess 5k.
[Sidebar: I was very hesitant about runDisney changing the Glass Slipper Challenge to Fairy Tale Challenge, but it will give more flexibility with future themes, and you know what come with great themes, right? Awesome medals.]
And if it weren’t for the fact that I already have enough journal/planner action going on between my two Happy Planners, (one for blog/YouTube/content planning and the other for personal planning,) plus a bullet journal …
I might even start a new 2018 Pink PHM journal. I mean, it’s not like I don’t have plenty of extras…
Yeah. Somebody might have hit a sale at Staples.
Maybe I’ll even make a new list of goals to complete before next year’s Princess.
Topping that list would be to heal and recover from my partial plantar plate tear so I can RUN next time, although that is something out of my control.
I also will self-publish two books – one a women’s fiction novel that I’m previewing here for kicks and giggles, (Sidney Brooks is me,) plus a non-fiction novel that is a quarter of the way written. And I also want to grow Joyful Miles by writing amazing content, producing informative videos at the YouTube channel, and better connecting with readers and viewers.
It’s going to be a great year.
Even my credit card agrees.
QOTD: Are you registered for Disney’s 2018 Princess Half Marathon? If so, do you want to make any goals with me? There’s accountability in numbers.
Happy running and have a joyful day!
I’m registring for my first ever princess half marathon. My goal is to do the 5K and the fairy tale challenge. Any advice for a first timer?
Hi Sarah, so great that you’re registering for your first PHM! It’s such a wonderful race weekend for first-timers. And oh yeah, I’ll have plenty of advice to share in the upcoming months! (I have a huge 100 tips post drafted.) But for now, make sure to book your resort with race convenience in mind. Staying off property can save money, but Disney transportation can be less stressful. Select a solid training plan – I’m a big fan of Hal Higdon’s, but Jeff Galloway’s is also amazing and can be printed from the runDisney website. Incorporate strength training and other cross training such as yoga and pilates to keep you stronger and ward off injury. You not only want to be conditioned for the race, but also for walking around the parks afterwards with your gorgeous bling!
Thanks for stopping by and good luck registering! 🙂
~Laura
Hey Laura! I just registered for the Disney Princess 1/2 as well. In complete transparency, I am completely terrified of this run as it will be my first 1/2. However, I was searching around on youtube yesterday and found your videos. You made me much more comfortable with it. Seeing the happiness and joy that surrounds the entire event (paired with your humor and wit) gave me the courage to hit the submit button. Thanks for doing you (and by proxy) inspiring me to face my fears and do this event! Can’t wait. Keep being awesome.
I am so excited! I registered for the 5k and can’t wait! I have a few practice 5k’s scheduled this year but I am a new runner (using couch to 5k to train). Your posts are so great and have given me a lot of answers about the race and what to expect. You are a true ray of Disney running sunshine 🙂
👋🏼 sorry if this post duplicates
I’m not sure my last message sent
Loved looking through your blog and I’ve now subscribed
I’ve done just what was in one of your posts and I’ve started blogging about my Run disney journey. I have just signed up for the DLP 2018 weekend. 36k total 😰 but I can’t wait
The princess weekend is something I have my sight set on for the future
Have they revealed the medals for 2018 princess half weekend yet? 🙂
Ohh that’s what I wanted to ask. Where is the pink Minnie journals from? I want to see if I can get it in the Uk 🙂