What in the world does this have to do with my RunDisney goals? Well, I'm going to tell you...
Whenever I tell people that I enjoy running marathons, the common responses are:
1) "I could never do that!" (actually, you probably could, but you'd have to read Take the Stairs and Quitter 1st)
2) "Are you Insane?" (Nope)
3) "Aren't you a little bit big to be a runner?" - Actually, I only got that response once from a male nurse who doesn't think he's a nurse {If you have RN behind your name, you're a nurse} on Valentine's day right after he had admitted that he didn't plan anything for his wife and wasn't going to... I was so taken aback by the comment, I, did and still do, think it's really funny
Long distance running, while quickly gaining popularity, is not enjoyed by very many people. I personally find the greatest peace in my longest runs. Yes, they are hard, but out of pushing myself and forcing myself to go a little further, I find enormous amounts of peace and calmness. It's really cheap therapy. I'm able to calm my mind, sort out my thoughts and find peace within being who I am.
So far, there are only 2 people who really understand this about me.
My husband, Nathaniel AND
My sister, Shirstie.
Nathaniel is not a runner. His knees have the beginnings of arthritis and he's 29 years old. Since we'd like to put off knee replacements for a couple of decades, he's not going to be pounding on them for 26 miles at a time, ya know. But, he's seen how a run will take a terrible day where I am miserable and cranky will calm and soothe my racing thoughts. He is my number 1 supporter and even while he is going to school and our income has been cut, he has been the one pushing me to run and telling me that even though it's expensive and will require sacrifice, we will find a way to pay for my RunDisney year.
Shirstie on the other hand is a runner. She and I have always been competitive in running and endurance races. She knows the Runner's High 1st hand and the amazing feeling of crossing the finish line. She's the one I can talk to about Sports Bras, Garmen Watches and the miracle that is Body Glide (I wish there was a way I could bathe in that stuff).
Shirstie (she's the skinny chick in the picture) works for Story Trek.
She revealed to me a few weeks ago that if Story Trek is picked up for another season, she wants to run the Walt Disney World 1/2 Marathon.
I DESPERATELY WANT THIS TO HAPPEN!!
What a great kick-off to my RunDisney year to have my sister with me. I've been wanting her to go to a Disney theme park with me FOREVER. We never went as children. Our family was a bit below the middle class line and usually dinner was a bigger priority than saving for a Disney vacation. Since I've been married, I've gotten to go 4 times, but Shirstie hasn't been yet. I need to go to DisneyWorld with Shirstie:
1) Because I live in a family of all boys and I don't get to do anything Princess-like when we go to DisneyLand or DisneyWorld. I need some Princess time (nothing against pirates, but a girl needs to be a princess once in awhile).
2) Because she'll be there to hug me when I cross the finish line - did I mention that when we competed in endurance races, she always won. This means that she'll likely cross the 1/2 marathon finish line before me. Her husband will be there to hug her and she'll be there to hug me. It's PERFECT!
3) Because I know it's something she really wants and because we're close, I can feel her want in me. I want it for her.
So...Here's what we need to do. We all need to watch Story Trek so that this AWESOME show will be picked up for another season. It's on BYUtv every Monday. You can also watch it online by clicking on anyplace I have written Story Trek.
I am praying for this show to get picked up for another season. Not just so Shirstie can run with me but because it really is an awesome show. They show how our "everyday" stories are really extraordinary and they link people from across the country together because likely you have a similar story and you can identify with these folks. This show will change the way you look at your neighbors, colleagues and strangers. It's awesome!
Plus... She doesn't know this, but I've already signed her up for the Walt Disney World 1/2 marathon!
