Self Discipline.  It’s a universally respected quality. 

That’s what I think is coolest about marathon runners.  There is nothing “natural man” about running for 26+ miles.  It takes a lot of self discipline and mental stamina to push past the “why bother” and into excellence.

Besides the ability to push and test yourself, however, there’s the health aspects to being a runner.  Getting into shape, training, and then the intense (but healthy) pride would be, to me, a habit that would get me healthy and keep my healthy, as the pride in accomplishing a marathon run would probably keep me training and keep myself from getting out of shape again.  Especially if I continued to run races.

The last time I ran, I would run during lunch, running a 5k each day.  But this was on a treadmill, not exactly the same as running on a course.  But I could train for a half marathon!  It’s only 5-6 times the distance of a 5k.  If I start training now, I could run the Disneyland Half Marathon.

Yes, the Disneyland Half Marathon! 

Picture racing through Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Main Street USA!  How about running through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle!  Also running through Disney’s California Adventure.

The half marathon runs early on a Sunday morning in late August (actually Labor Day Weekend this year).  In Disney fashion, it starts with fireworks.  There are live bands, and characters like Mickey and Minnie chearing you on.  At the end you get a Disneyland Medal for finishing.

Talk about incentive and motivation to help back you up!

By registering and paying the $100 fee, you commit to yourself and your family that you’re going to run it.  This can only help as your body wimps out during training and you tell yourself you can’t give in.

I’d like to invite my sisters Stephanie and Shellie to run with me, and it could be a lot of fun to help each other, and a fun experience to share.

Register and read more about the Disneyland Half Marathon here.

And hey, if we run the Disneyland Half Marathon in August, maybe we’ll be up to the full marathon at Disney World during January 2009!