So this is what the other side of 50 looks like. After spending the first half of life as a buttoned up professional, I have more recently been spending my time searching Etsy for “tutus” and googling “fairy makeup tricks”. Perhaps I can blame this phenomenon on a mid-life crisis, but I prefer to blame it on runDisney- and my son. He is the reason I am this way! When Kyle came to me over a year ago, asking to go to Walt Disney World, it came with a new twist. Could we run around Epcot before it opened? Could we train all fall, mother and son, together? A 5K at his most happy place might give him the goal he would need to get over a serious personal struggle. No self-respecting mom would say no to that request, except I had spent the past 30 years telling friends, family and patients that running was not “the exercise of choice” for me. It would exacerbate my ACL injury. And now? Throwing reason and best practice aside, I bought my first pair of running shoes and off we went. Slowly. Run, walk, run. I told myself I was doing it for him, but as happens more often than not, I got more than I gave. As my two teen boys grow older, we have something new to bond us together. Disney first, running second. A fan for 47 years, I’ve discovered my new “season of Disney”. I’m in better shape than I’ve been in decades, and I LOVE RUNNING! Who knew?
In 17 days I will run my first full Half Marathon in Disneyland with Team Up! Autism Speaks. As I spray my (graying) hair with pixie dust, don my tulle wings, and tape (neon green) my dysfunctional joints, the paradox continues. It took me 53 years to act like a child. Once again, I’m betting that what I donate to one of my favorite charities will be insignificant compared to what I will come home with. Thank you, my son. I’m trading in my lab coat for a magic wand, and off I fly. As we soar, I hope this proves to be a magical year for us both.
You look adorable! I'm so proud of you!
tears. that's a beautiful story! thanks for sharing. I'll be cheering you on!!
Thanks Heidi- SO glad you stopped by. I'm proud of you too. XO
Thank you Beth- so hope I don't blow a gasket! 😀
Hooray for you, Didi! Wish I could be there on the sidelines, but I'll be cheering for you in spirit!
Thanks Kathy-I figure this get-up will make up for a lack of costume at the MNSSHP! Maybe we can do a walk for Autism Speaks together one day…
That's great!
Thank you P.T.!
Awesome, awesome!! Love it!!
Thanks so much Melissa!
I love this, and of course, you look great! I hope one day to fun a Disney race with my kids by my side! I can't wait to hear all about it!
D-you inspire me so much!! If I looked that good in a tutu, I would wear one all the time. I love this story, and I cannot wait to hear all about your run with your son!!
Thanks Donna- trying to keep a recent injury at bay. I'll enjoy the journey no matter what!
Thanks Beth, It sounds as though you are well on your way!
Your story has inspired me, Your enthusiasm is awesome and I have never ran 1 marathon and really want to. You pic looks great tooo and here's toasting to 2012.
Thanks so much Diane. (I especially like the "toasting" part!!!) 😀
I don't know how I missed this post. But 1. You look amazing. 2. You are awesome. 3. Thank you for being an inspiration. 🙂
Melissa, I know of no other more positive, more inspiring force in our Disney community than YOU. That is all-
What aa touching post! I bet your boys re so proud of you! Although my sister had been a runner before, I owe my love of running to Run Disney too!
Well, they are amazed that, like Forest, I'm still running! And running WITH them is sheer heaven; a bonus I wasn't counting on. (You running sisters can understand, I know!)
That is awesome! How cool of you to do that for your son! I love that you have put your whole heart into it even if it wasn't something you wanted to do at first 🙂
Thank you! Another (late) life lesson for me. Never say never!!
Wow everyone is a Disney runner-I need to do a race there!
Confessions of A Mother Runner!
Yes you do Deborah! Well, I've only done one non-runDisney race, and a 10K at that, so I may not be totally objective… But it is a stellar experience!!!
I love everything about this post! I'm 40 and proud to dress up and run around Disney! You're only as old/young as you feel, right? Thanks for linking up with us today and you look awesome!
Ain't it the truth April? Running keeps me moving forward. Keep on keepin' on!!