Princess Half Marathon Weekend Is Finally Here!

I began running in high school when, 60 pounds overweight, I decided to join the track team. Not such a smart move on my part! Maybe it was empathy, maybe he saw something in me, but the track coach told me I should look into joining the weight team, ya know, the people that do the field events. Every day we did lifting and running and it was during this time that my appreciation for running took it's hold. I lost 60 pounds and found an athletic side of myself I never knew existed.

Running has been a part of my life ever since. I'm by no means a "runner" but if given the choice, I like to lace up and head outside. In 2007 I ran my first 5k and have loved being a part of races ever since. During that time I've had this crazy dream of signing up for an out of state race and running my first half marathon. I never thought that I'd actually run a half marathon, but it was fun to dream. Fast forward to this past June. I turned to Dave and sheepishly asked if I should sign up for the Princess Half. The farthest I've ever run was six miles, so I really didn't know if it would be such a good idea. Plus, I JUST had a baby and had not run in nine months. Much to my surprise, Dave immediately said YES, and he's been my biggest cheerleader ever since! The race lands on my 30th birthday this year and I couldn't think of a better way to ring in such a milestone than with my husband, my baby (and 26,000 other runners;)) by my side!

Training has had it's ups and downs over these last seven months. As wedding photographers know, it can be near impossible to work out, especially during the wedding season. Add in a growing baby, moving, and getting the flu twice in a month, and at times my training took a bit of a hit. But despite each set back, I've pushed on and have continued to run longer distances than I ever have before.

We leave this weekend for our mini family vacation and for my first half marathon. There will be no blog posts, no emails, no computer, as I plan to take a REAL non working vacation! If you'd like to follow along during the weekend and during the race, I'll be posting lots over on Facebook and Instagram (#debbierunsdisney).

I cannot believe that this weekend is here, after months and months of planning, dreaming and training. I'm nervous, but equally as excited to cross that start line and let all these past months melt away over the next 13 miles! Oh, and I promise to try and bring back some sunshine with me;)!