Am I Totally Crazy or Just Dopey?!

“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now.  Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.”—Pricilla Welch. 

 It’s said that the thing most people regret on their death beds is not the things they did but rather the things they didn’t do.  Didn’t have the courage to go after their dream.  Didn’t have the courage to go after the big things.  I guess that’s part of the reason why bucket lists are popular.  A simple list that is full of hopes, dreams, and sometimes scary desires that one is hoping to accomplish before our time is up.  The sad thing is, some people don’t get to cross off many items on that list.  Sometimes not even one.

  Well, I refuse to be one of those people and to top it off I’m going after two of the scariest ones for myself before I turn the big 4-0.  I want to cross the finish line on January 12, 2020 at Epcot in Disney World and receive my 6^th medal—a Dopey Medal for completing a 5k, 10k, Half marathon, and Marathon in 4 days.   

Yea, crazy right?!  Well, it’s actually a pretty big deal in the running world especially for those like me who are big runDisney fans.  Disney weekend offers a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon option separately as well.  But why do just one when you can do em all?!  Everyone has their own reason for doing it.  Some people just like the challenge.  Some people like the idea of extra bling you earn—6 medals!  Some, like me, realize they’ll never qualify for Boston and this is the next best thing to challenge themselves.   Whatever the reason it’s a race that’s gained popularity since it’s official inaugural race in 2014.  Disney Marathon weekend also offers another challenge called Goofy which is when you complete both the half and full marathon.  I’m proud to say that I did step up to that challenge and checked that one off my running list a few years ago!   But here we are at the beginning of another challenge.  One that is a much bigger mountain to climb and will take me through 28 weeks of training.   Oh yea, that’s in addition to training for my first Sprint Triathlon!! 

So, what’s my reason for doing it?!  Well it all started when I was in elementary school and almost died from viral pneumonia and collapsed lung.  Doctors weren’t sure if I’d survive initially but I did.  Unfortunately, it was with a cost.  For several years I was always out of school with another bout of pneumonia or bronchitis.  It was determined I needed to do something to strengthen my lungs if I was ever to break out of this cycle. I was always trying to get out gym class because it was too difficult, so my mom got me to join band and play the oboe.  It definitely served it’s job and got me out of the chronic lung issue cycle, but I was still left with scar tissue and breathing issues with exercise. I did try various sports and even running but was never successful or able to stick with it.  I couldn’t understand why my mother was able to become a runner yet I couldn’t.  So I quit.  I still worked out and learned to listen to my body and not push into that scary zone.    

Fast forward to 2012 when I went through one of the hardest summers of my life.  I lost my dog, Muffin, unexpectedly to a brain tumor and then another piece of my heart to canine cancer.  Loosing both of my “babies” so close together threw me into a deep depression.  Especially as unresolved grief over the loss of my grandmother just a short term prior surfaced.  I knew I had to do something or I’d only continue to spiral or worse.  I had heard about Galloway and the Galloway program involving run/walk intervals and thought I’d give it a try.  Muffin loved her walks and I thought this was a way to honor her and challenge myself somehow.  But could I do it?  Would the breathing issues surface and stop me yet again? 

Guess what?!  I did it!  I found myself not only accumulating the miles but LOVING it!  I still had to pace myself appropriately, but I was doing it.  I was becoming a RUNNER!!!  I decided to sign up for races and a 5 k became a 10 k which became a half and eventually a full marathon and even GOOFY!!!  Now not only am I a runner but I’m also helping train other people getting ready for their first taste of long distance running and to cross their first finish line of a half or even full marathon. 

So why Dopey you ask?  I’m doing it because I honor my body and the journey I’ve been through.  I’ve been too close to death’s door not to celebrate the life I’ve been given.  Yes, I still have scar tissue and maybe I’m not the fastest runner, but I AM a runner!  Bottom line is, I love the idea of a challenge and the opportunity to prove to myself that I am truly strong, and no longer that weak kid struggling to breathe. 

I invite you along the journey towards the finish line and hope to get you thinking of your bucket list or challenges for yourself.  Let’s celebrate the success together.  Please comment below what you are getting ready to set sail on or hoping to get started with?

What are you waiting for?!