The Glass Slipper

This past weekend I went to Disney World and competed in the Glass Slipper Challenge, which was a 10k on Saturday and a Half Marathon on Sunday. Well, not competed, as I wouldn't have a chance on this planet of ever winning a running race. Rather, I participated and earned my three glorious medals. It was only half as bad (naturally) as doing the Goofy two years ago (Half Marathon Saturday and full Marathon on Sunday).

Every woman, and more men than I expected, donned themselves in tutus, princess dresses and wigs to take part in the girly extravaganza. Look! There are Elsa and Anna telling me to "Let it Go" and keep up the good work, as I run through the castle! Let go of the muscle pain? The plantar fasciitis that had reared its ugly head in my feet again? Hey, Elsa, why don't you use your power for good and give me a little ice for my feet, huh? I would have said these things, if I wasn't smiling and waving frantically at them, like a star-struck 6-year-old. 

I learned a few things about myself:

1) I am in better shape than I thought. The event wasn't too bad to handle. This is all very positive since I am currently enjoying the last year of my 30's.

2) However, I am WAY too old to function well with a 3:00 a.m. wake-up call for three days in a row, to run a race, then walk around Disney parks all day. I almost fell asleep standing up in line for The Tower of Terror. Plus it takes a lot of energy to scream the way I do on a drop ride like that. I'm still exhausted.

3) I do not think running in a wig and heavy costume is okay in the heat. Sure, it was chilly in the coral in the morning, but on the sunny course, I noticed far too many Ariels, Meridas, and Jasmines needing to visit the medical tent and sit for a spell. Take the WIGS OFF! That will help.

4) I respond well to praise. When people start cheering for me, I come alive and want to do my best to make them keep cheering. In this case, that meant removing the pain grimace from my face, plastering on a grateful smile, and trying to run faster.

5) I appreciate Disney. They do know how to do things well. With water stops and medical tents everywhere, I never feel at risk of passing out anonymously and being left for dead. That's a great feeling.