I started my Coast to Coast Challenge in February when I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon Glass Slipper Challenge with my amazing sister-in-law. We had more fun than should be allowed running 13.1 miles, but it was Disney World after all.
I complete the CC Challenge by running the Disneyland Half Marathon solo over Labor Day weekend. I chose this race because:
1. It was on a holiday weekend, so I got an extra day and only had to take one personal day off.
2. Having never been to California or Disneyland, I took full advantage of the extra time to visit the parks.
3. It was the 10th anniversary of this race, and the 60th diamond anniversary of Disneyland park, so everything would be extra special.
The race expo was at Disneyland Hotel convention center, where we were staying, so after being shuttled to our resort, we checked into our room and headed over to packet pickup.
We came in from the back of the hotel, and had some trouble navigating the arrows pointing down the blue carpet. Once we finally figured out where to go, packet pick up was a breeze. The lines for the official merchandise that people were complaining about the day before were non existent on Friday. Of course there were no race cups, mugs, or wine glasses left, so I was unable to add to my cup obsession collection...
I stopped and said "hello" to Jeff and Barb, of course, before we left! Barb had a super cute shirt that Raw Threads had created just for the Galloways. I'm excited to run the Galloway 13.1 in Atlanta again in December!
Saturday we woke up early, took advantage of our magic hour, and spent the day exploring Disneyland!!! It was a magical experience, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to visit Walt's original theme park! "To think it all started with a mouse."
My favorite part of running at Disneyland was being able to walk to the start line! In contrast to Disneyworld, I had a 3:30 wake up call as opposed to a 3:30 leave time. I am NOT a morning person, and the earlier I arrive at a race the more likely I will need to use the ports potties (NOT my favorite).
I hugged mom and dad goodbye, and got in my corral by 5:20. I was in corral C, but the corrals only went to G. There were fireworks during the singing of the National Anthem, but I was surprised that there were no more fireworks for the start of the corrals.
Another big difference with running Disneyland is that we run through the parks early in the race. We do run through both Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland for a couple of miles each, which is always fun.
I was especially excited to run through DCA since we didn't have time to visit that park this trip. It was cool to see Cars Land and the Mickey Wheel. They had the lights and fountains on for us, which was beautiful!
Only people who purchased chEar squad packages were allowed inside Disneyland Main Street, but Mom and Dad were lining the run-way between DCA and Disneyland to cheer me on!! I am so thankful for my personal chEarleaders who wake up early without complaining and stand in big crowds for countless hours just to cheer me on. Runners appreciate spectators, especially spectators who love and support you! 😊
It was so much fun taking pictures with the original castle and running through Disneyland. I was really missing Whitney on this run. Having a BRF (best running friend) with you makes racing a hundred times better!
I got SUPER lucky and ran into my evil stepmother and another Cinderella inside Disneyland, so of course I stopped for a picture! As I was waiting, a cast member warned us that Mulan was about to replace Cinderella, so I was so happy to get this picture! My stepmother told me "I hope you win" with much disdain.
After we exited the parks, we spent a LOT of time running on the roads. We were running towards the sun for most of it, but I had read about this in advance, so I was prepared with sunscreen.
I loved running in California, because even though it was hot and the au was shining on us, it was not humid or muggy. Such welcome relieve from Georgia running, and even Florida running.
I had seen on Instagram that Sparkle Athletic had a cheer zone outside of their headquarters about mile 7.5, so I was looking forward to seeing them! I stopped for "Sparkle Power" and ate the last donut hole in their box! 😀
Leading up to the Honda Center, there were rows and rows of cars. Fancy cars, old cars, new cars. Every car had at least one owner cheering us on. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging, and several of them commented on my smile. Of course I'm smiling, runners love spectators!! 💜
We ran on an interesting "trail" leading up to Angels Stadium. I ran carefully so as not to get any gravel in my shoes. At this point I was realizing I had some chaffing hotspots and 5 miles left, so I was treading lightly...
The stadium was full of spectators in the stands cheering us on! It was so cool to run through the stadium.
I was thankful for a lot of things at this point:
1. The lady with the tent of Vaseline outside of the stadium.
2. 3.1 miles left to go.
3. A kind runner who offered to take my picture.
I had to wait in the runner zone for a while for Mom and Dad to make their way around the finish zone, across the course, through Downtown Disney, and finally over to the reunion area. My phone was not cooperating, as it does in large crowds where most people are on their phones to find their people. They finally made it, and I was so happy to see them and share my accomplishment!
All in all, it was a wonderful race!! I am partial to races at Disneyworld, but I am extremely thankful for taking the opportunity to complete my West Coast leg of the Coast to Coast Challenge.
Next up in my race schedule are Atlanta runs, and the Disneyworld MARATHON!!! Time to focus on the big daddy of races!