The Disney Princess Half Marathon, held at Walt Disney World, turned into an extraordinary and fun-filled experience for user remf193, who not only embraced the magic of the event but also managed to achieve an unexpected personal record (PR). The post shares an exciting race report detailing everything from the stunning views of the parks to the character photo opportunities that made the race memorable. Remf193’s energy and enthusiasm shine through as they reflect on the race goals, training, and the joys of running through Disney’s enchanting landscape.
Summary
- Despite aiming to take it easy, the excitement of the race led to a PR.
- Character stops along the course added a unique twist to the racing experience.
- Users discussed both the magical atmosphere and the advantages of starting in corral A.
- The celebration didn’t stop with the race; it continued at the theme parks afterward.
Race Goals and Achievements
In the race report, remf193 laid out their goals and how they fared against them. They had three primary targets: to take it easy, have fun, and finish under two hours. The first goal—taking it easy—was not achieved as they set out with an infectious energy. Instead, they ended up pushing their limits and surprising themselves with a new PR of 1:37:25, which is 43 seconds faster than their previous record. Many users echoed similar sentiments in the comments, expressing happiness for the runner’s unexpected achievement, with one user saying, “Sounds like you absolutely smashed it if you PR’d and also made that many stops along the way!” This excitement showcases the sense of community and support that permeates running events, especially those infused with the whimsical spirit of Disney.
Training Journey
Understanding the training journey that led to this race provides context for remf193’s success. They logged just shy of 100 miles in preparation and took a cautious approach due to some earlier hamstring and knee issues. Their light training regimen prior to the race, coupled with the need to take several days off, set a foundation that was not overly intense but maintained fitness. As remf193 put it, they aimed to keep their fitness “somewhat up” while anticipating future challenging races. Their commitment to finding balance is crucial, and it’s a reminder that every runner has unique paths to their results, which was acknowledged in the comments section where users shared insights from their own training experiences.
The Magic of Disney Racing
What’s special about races like the Disney Princess Half Marathon is the atmosphere, filled with character-driven fun and support. Remf193’s excitement was palpable as they described their time spent at character photo opportunities along the race route. They humorously lamented missing certain characters while highlighting the joy of spontaneous photo ops with others like Goofy, Moana, and even the Evil Queen. The user mentioned, “I missed the very first one… but character photo opportunities all along the course were a sight!” It paints a picture of not just racing but genuinely enjoying the experience of running in a magical setting, where memorable interactions muscled in on the raw speed elements of racing.
Post-Race Festivities
The post-race celebration was another highlight of remf193’s report. Instead of immediately hitting the post-race festivities, they hopped back on a bus and ventured to the Magic Kingdom with their wife to continue enjoying the parks—evidently keeping up the celebratory spirit. With their medal in hand, they proceeded to have a celebratory dinner at ‘Ohana, further encapsulating the joy achieved not just from racing but sharing delightful experiences at Disney post-race. Users in the comments chimed in with enthusiasm, reminiscing about their own experiences and how they cherished the memories made during such events. A user fondly remarked, “The run through the castle is always magical though. The memory of seeing it is one that will stick with me forever,” emphasizing the enchanting effect these races can have on participants, far beyond mere competition.
Remf193’s post beautifully illustrates how running can merge with delight, particularly when touched by the spirit of Disney. Their unexpected victory, paired with the joy of shared experiences in a whimsical environment, paints a vivid image of what the race represents—a blend of aspiration, celebration, and pure fun. The community support and shared victories expressed in the comments reveal just how transformative and uplifting such events can be for many runners, making them cherish the camaraderie and collective celebration beyond the individual pursuit of personal records. It’s clear that in spaces infused with joy, such as the Disney Princess Half Marathon, both the act of running and the whimsical setting contribute to experiences of a lifetime.