Run Oregon reader Susan Cooke and her awesome Tinker Bell Half medal!
This recap was submitted by Run Oregon reader Susan Cooke. Feel free to Submit a Guest Post in the “Contact Us” tab if you are wanting to recap your experiences as well!
As I packed my gear for my first official timed event, I was filled with excitement, but also nervous as I did not know what to expect. A half marathon was a huge goal for me and all through my training I had doubts that I could do it, but with lots of encouragement from my fitness trainer Teresa Wymetalek (admin note: Teresa is one of our bloggers!), friends and family, I pushed through the injury and illness setbacks and arrived in Anaheim ready to go!
Race day arrived and as I lined up in my coral (the very last one since I had not established a time) I was nervous but anxious to get started. As we made our way to the start line the party was in full swing, with Disney characters, music and lots of cheering people.
Running through Disney seems like the best thing ever!
– Photo by Susan Cooke
We ran through Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and out onto the streets of Anaheim. The atmosphere was so great and I can’t express enough how much I (and I’m sure all the other runners) appreciated the huge crowds of people cheering us on. At several spots along the route, all the local high school bands and cheer squads greeted us with music and cheers. All the signs and happy faces really helped push me through. The water stations were plentiful and seemed to be in all the right places. I was impressed with all the volunteers too!
Sleeping Beauty Castle was one milestone at the Tinker Bell Half.
– Photo by Susan Cook
As I finally approached that last mile, legs and feet aching like I never knew possible, I was struck with the realization that I did it! Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy waited for us with high fives and lots of hugs. We ere presented with our medals right away, handed a foil blanket and then off to grab a banana and a box of protein and water.
All in all it was a really fun way to experience my first big race. I will definitely be doing another half this year, and for sure going back to Disneyland next year to do the Tinker Bell half again….perhaps a little faster nest time!
