Oh how college has gone by. Everything seems to be so quick now. I remember moving in as a freshman and spending my first true days of absolute independence from my parents, and now I am a senior determining God's purpose for my life. Throughout this chaotic, exciting time in my life many things have changed, friends, relationships, habits! But there are some things that have stayed the same, some things that time itself cannot change. That is my love for running and my obsession with anything Disney.
My family has always been a Disney family, this can be proven by my 40+ ventures to Disneyworld and multiple ventures to Disneyland (Yes, there is a difference). We have gone since I was a baby and have watched, done, and been to anything Disney related (I know I am a little weird, but hey who isn't). But my interest in running didn't start young, but really took off while I was in college (my attempt at trying to fend off the freshman 15). I began to run as exercise, but realized I loved to put in my headphones and just begin to run for miles. Many times I will zone out (which I realize isn't safe) and go and keep going until my legs are worn out. So like any normal person would do I combined the two, Disney with running and running with Disney, with the help of my always down for anything Disney family. For those who don't know Disney has multiple races each year at different location around the country. And my family has done some of them for two years now. In fact, I will be going to Disneyland in California over Labor Day weekend to run in a 10k and half-marathon. Through these Disney races I have done some grueling and cruel things to my body. In my first attempt at a half-marathon and marathon, I decided to do them together to complete the goofy challenge. So during January, two years ago, I completed both, in back to back days. What an idiot? I can still feel the pain of my legs on the flight back the next days. Let's just say I will never be doing that again, but hey I got some cool medals out of it.
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| (Some of my families medals) |
My advice to anyone though who has multiple things that they love and can't get enough of, figure out a way to do them both at the same time!
This combination of Disney and grueling pain is new to me, John: a marathon AND a half-marathon back to back...? That is something worthy of a mythological hero. Wow!
ReplyDeleteAnd about Disneyworld and Disneyland: my parents took me to the original Disneyland in Anaheim back in what must have been 1970 or maybe 1971. My favorite ride was the submarine (because I loved the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea)... but when I realized that we did NOT go down deep, and that they just fooled us by blowing bubbles up past the portholes, oh, I was so disillusioned. I don't think I have ever felt quite the same about Disney since...
Anyway, Disney has made a huge success out of working with traditional stories and turning them into something new, so now you will get a chance to do some of that yourself in this class. And I promise it will not be grueling as a marathon, or even a half-marathon. More a stroll in the mythological park. I hope you will have fun with it! :-)
I love Disney! (But who doesn't?) I still love watching Disney movies- they take me back to a simpler time where I could watch movies all day and not worry about the mountain of homework that was piling behind me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the marathons- I admire you so much! I have always wanted to be a runner but I never find the motivation to give it a real attempt.
Great to 'meet' you!
Wow, you must be a phenomenal athlete! And 40+ times going to Disneyworld is definitely an achievement worthy of a medal in and of itself. Having never been to Disneyworld, I can't really identify with the allure as a tourist destination, but it's really great to see that you and your family have such a passion for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Wow, you must be a phenomenal athlete! And 40+ times going to Disneyworld is definitely an achievement worthy of a medal in and of itself. Having never been to Disneyworld, I can't really identify with the allure as a tourist destination, but it's really great to see that you and your family have such a passion for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Oh wow! That’s so cool that you’ve been able to see Disneyland and Disneyworld so many times, and that you’ve run in so many of their marathons! (I had no idea that they had races in different places each year, so I learned something new)
ReplyDeleteI can’t say that running is something I enjoy, (even though I have thought about getting into it one day) but I do like Disney quite a bit. Lion King has always been my favorite Disney movie, and I also loved Zootopia! I have been to Disneyland once, a long time ago, and it was a great experience. You’d be a great person to ask if I had questions about either of the parks!
Those medals are great too, and pretty unique!
Hey John!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I just want to say that I think you're really good writer and I really enjoyed reading your introduction. Also I LOVE Disney too! I love watching disney movies, going to Disney World and Disney Land, and listening to the disney soundtracks. I also think its awesome how you combined running and disney and created a unique fun way to do both!
Hi John! It is so nice to meet another disney fanatic! I worked at Disney Worlds Art of Animation Resort for 6 months for my DCP (Disney College Program). And I loved it! I'm actually going back for a weekend in October to do Mickey's not so scary halloween party! So I understand your love for disney! It's like my second home! Have you ever tried to complete the dopey? they call it 48.6 miles of fun. You do a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a marathon. It's pretty intense. Well I hope you do well on your race this weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi John, I was just thinking the same thing the other day. I am graduating in December and I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by! I, too, am a Disney fanatic but have only been to Disney World two times. I have never been a great runner but have recently been trying to build up my stamina. Anyways, I’m glad I got to read a little bit about you and I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!
ReplyDeleteHello John, it is very nice to meet you. Your story of combing your love of Disney and running together is really inspirational. I applaud you for putting such dedication into running. I can only run two miles before I feel like my legs are going to give up. I think I own ever Disney movie ever made, so I can appreciate your Disney enthusiasm. I am a Senior/Political Science major. It does feel like college has gone by quickly now that I am so close to graduating, although I plan to continue my education after earning my bachelors degree. I am looking forward to reading some of your writing.
ReplyDeleteIsn’t it sad being at the end of our college experience? If only we could go back! Wow. 40 plus? I’ve been twice to Disneyworld and I feel like that is a lot! I tried to get into running but I just haven’t been consistent. I really like to listen to podcasts when I run though. You should try it out! That is so cool that you are so passionate about two things and found a way to merge them. I’m working on my time management and trying to figure out what I want to prioritize. I’ve come a long way but I know I still have a ways to go. I hope you continue your passions and are able to do what you love!
ReplyDeleteHey John, it is nice to meet you. I think that college has flew by so fast as well. I'm sitting now here as a senior and wishing everything would just slow down. I think it is super cool you are a disney fan. I was actually able to go back to walt disney world this past new years and it was absolutely fantastic. The Christmas decorations were still up and it was truly magical. Good luck in your final year.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I completely relate to your opening paragraph. I showed up to college excited for the next four years, which were pretty predictable, but now I am trusting that God will lead me to where I supposed to be and that He has prepared me to face the world. As for running, I can't relate. But Disney, I can totally relate. I think I cry every time I watch Disney World open for the day. The Rockin Roller Coaster is my absolute favorite and honestly spurred my love of Aerosmith. I think that's really cool that you were able to combine your love of running and Disney and I hope you get to go back soon!
ReplyDeleteHi John! I love, love, love Disney! I have to admit that I am super jealous of all your ventures to Disneyworld and Disneyland. I have sadly never been. I like that you added that there was a difference between the two because that is what I have heard from many people, my mom included. I have to commend you on your love for running and mixing that passion with your love of Disney. I personally hate running, always have, unless it is involved in some other sport (not track). Anyways…. It was great to get to know you a bit! Hope you enjoy your senior year and good luck in your future!
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteI don't understand distance runners. I start to fade pretty quickly after a mile and a half. I also don't understand why people go to theme parks, there is far too many people packed into a hot space for me to enjoy them.
Thanks so much for sharing. I wish you good luck with finishing this rest of this semester and with graduation.
Andrew Wright
I have never been to Disney Land or Disney World, but it all sound so fairytale-ish and I’m sure I would faint at seeing some of my favorite Disney characters. I love running! It’s the most euphoric exercise in the world and you feel so much better afterword’s. I have been wanting to take up running again for years now. I used to run every day, but I had a bad wreck a few years back that screwed up a nerve. I have done a fast-paced walk to see if I could handle it and I can! So exciting, I’m just searching for the best, but not expensive running shoes. As much as I love running, I don’t think I will ever be mentally or physically prepared for a marathon (even a small one) so I applaud you for that.
ReplyDeleteJohn, That is so cool that you love Disney because my older sister actually works at Disney World as a dancer in the musical they just started called Beauty and the Beast. Over spring break I'm going to visit here since I haven't been there in probably 5 years. I also love running and totally zone out when I go for long runs. Right now, I run about 5 miles every morning because I'm trying to train for the OKC Memorial marathon in April. It's the day right after my birthday so I figured it would be fun accomplishment to start off my 22 year of life. It was cool to read all about you and I'm looking forward to reading your stories!
ReplyDeleteHey John,
ReplyDeleteWow! You're actually insane. To me, running even a marathon seems like a huge deal, but to run it right after a half-marathon is just crazy. Major props to you, because that feat seems very impressive to me. Also, it's cool that you seem to know your passions and chase them so fervently! It's always so heart-warming to see that.
Have a great end of the semester!