In January I ran the Goofy Challenge to become eligible for the runDisney Coast-2-Coast medal should I decide to venture out to Disneyland for a half marathon in the same year.  Over Labor Day weekend I took the pilgrimage to Walt’s original playground to bring home double bling.

Kate and I arrived on Saturday, grabbed a rental car at LAX and drove straight to Disneyland for the Expo and to get my bib. The Disneyland Half Marathon being a smaller race than its East coast big brother has the bib numbers spread across the available corrals A – G with seeded runners in each corral.

Before the race I met up with some of my fellow WDW Radio Running Team members! I’m in the back with the blue headband.

I started in corral A and since I hadn’t done any speed work for a couple weeks decided to hang with the 1:40 pacer until I got to the first photo opp.  Know that I am not that speedy so it was an intense first couple miles!

Over the next 13.1 miles I took a lot of pictures, chatted with other runners and even ran a few miles with Jeff Galloway and his wife Barbara who were just coming off a race out in Alaska so they were taking it easy.

Now most people know to not go out too fast for a race…..but since I really just wanted to run 13.1 miles, take a bunch of pictures, have a lot of fun, and grab double bling…and not take TOO long to start my vacation…I took off like Scrooge McDuck chasing a penny rolling down the street!  After all, the ESPN zone awaited with beer and food.

So after a 2+ mile sprint I started taking my time to meet some of the Disneyland ladies! Don’t worry, my wife doesn’t mind as long as I get good pictures!

First I met Ariel and we had a blast! I didn’t check for flippers.

Next I met this chic. She had to lean on me a bit since she only had one shoe!

Not too far down the road was this lovely lady. She kept talking about her seven roommates…weird.

Then I ran into this beauty, but she kept falling asleep on me!  My fellow runners will tell you that I’m not THAT boring so I assume mild narcolepsy. I think the camera guy even nodded off hence the fuzzy pic.

Finally I found these two hanging around outside the Acorn Club.

Past the pleasant company of royalty and club dancers I ran into some rough looking characters. I was afraid they’d send me to Detention Block AA-23 so I moved along quickly.

Once outside the Disneyland parks I was left to my own thoughts for several miles as I ran through Anaheim making my way to Angels stadium. Before I reached the stadium I ran into Jeff Galloway and his wife Barbara.

The team was not at home so we were able to run on clay dirt around the edge of the field. It was a great experience to be in the major league stadium. The seats were filled with screaming fans which made it all the more memorable!

After Angel’s stadium (I have a great video on my timeline if we are Facebook friends!) I was in the home stretch and ready for some treats at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney!

Before I knew it I was thinking of the Finish Line and my double bling!

And then it was all over and I was headed to find my wife! But before I found my Kate I had a couple things to pick up.

Then a short walk to the right and I could see what I’d been hoping to earn for months, The Coast-to-Coast Challenge Medal!!

Next I met a few WDW Radio Running Team members at the ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney, had lunch and started having fun in DCA shortly after!  That night we had another meet-up at the Wine and Country Trattoria with special seating to see the World of Color show that night!  Overall, this was a fantastic experience!

My next challenge is November 3rd when I’ll be running my first 50 mile ultra marathon! Wish me luck!

Happy Training!

Brian