FROM: Running with the Mouse Published As Needed

First Steps to a Disney Run

The easy part is deciding to run in the next Disney marathon. The hard part is everything else. Especially hard is how to prepare yourself for what might be the most difficult physical challenge of your life. Jennifer Lazzaro points out some possibilities.

- by Jennifer Lazzaro, May 10, 2011

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So you want to start running?

Taking the first step is always intimidating. Many people don't start because they don't know where to begin. Be reassured that everyone had to start somewhere, and we've all been overwhelmed trying to figure it out.

Unfortunately, when I decided to start running, I didn't have a training plan. I had friends who ran, and their advice was to ease into it, take my time, and build my mileage and training slowly. As for the rest: trial and error.

After doing some research, and watching how other friends started running, I wish I had followed in their footsteps.

Training Plans

The most important lesson to learn is that you don't have to run fast. In fact, you don't have to run at all, or at least not all of the time. Walk! You don't have to keep up with those guys at the front of the pack until you're ready.

One of the most famous beginner running plans is Couch to 5k (C25K). Its goal is to enable anyone to complete 3.1 miles (a 5k!) in just 9 weeks. I've heard such great things about Couch to 5k that I recommend it to everyone.

Another program I highly recommend is Jeff Galloway's Run-Walk Program. As the official runDisney Training Consultant, Jeff Galloway knows his stuff. He has also completed every single Disney full marathon since Disney began offering them.

I was fortunate enough to meet and run with Jeff during Wine & Dine weekend last October, and he had some fabulous words of wisdom.

click an image to expand:

Jeff Galloway: runDisney Training Consultant

Course Map for the ESPN 5k Race

Jeff, a former Olympic runner, was on a quest to create an injury-free marathon training program. By combining running as well as walking throughout both the training and the actual race itself, Jeff has helped hundreds of thousands of runners attain their goals. For my full marathon training, I used a modified version of his program, and it definitely helped me get to that finish line!

Upcoming 5k Events at Disney

After you've put a few training miles under your belt, what better way to test out your new-found endurance than to run in an official 5k? And, of course, to run it with the Mouse!

For beginners, the runDisney races can't be beat. The atmosphere is contagious, you get to run through the parks, and every single person there is just out to have a great time. Of course, you'll 'run into' plenty of elite runners, but even they know that Disney events are meant to be fun. You'll see lots of people running with their cameras, taking photos with characters, and laughing and smiling more than hard-core running.

Each half marathon/marathon weekend in this list includes a 5k, and the themes change each time so keep an eye out for a race that tickles your fancy, then jump on in!!

• Disneyland Family Fun Run 5k - 9/3/11
• Wine & Dine Halloween Family Fun Run 5k - 10/1/11
• Marathon Weekend Family Fun Run 5k - 1/6/12
• Never Land Family Fun Run 5k - 1/27/12
• Princess Weekend Family Fun Run 5k - 2/25/12
• ESPN Champion 5k - 3/3/12

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