Come Run With Me: My Road to the Disney Half Marathon

Five miles! I did it! And now everything hurts. I managed to get two midweek runs in, although one wasn’t quite the distance it was supposed to be. But you know what? I got out there and ran, and I’m counting that as a win. Not every run is going to go exactly according to plan.

And then came today’s long run. Five miles! I’m really happy I got the distance in, but my thighs are SCREAMING, and my knees aren’t exactly thrilled with me either.

Let’s Talk About Recovery (and Getting Influenced)

I’ve been taking creatine lately, and I do feel like it’s been helping. My husband has done quite a bit of research on it, and it’s one of those supplements that keeps coming up when people talk about muscle performance and recovery. And apparently, the athlete influencers have figured out exactly how to get my attention.

I’ve been seeing Create Creatine gummies all over social media, and when I spotted them at Target, they finally suckered me in. I grabbed a box to try. Now, this is definitely an early impression, and I’ll have a better review next week, but so far? The taste really isn’t bad at all. And I’m pretty picky, so take that as a pretty solid endorsement.

One packet provides over 4 grams of creatine, almost 5 grams, compared with the 2.5 grams I was getting from two of my previous pills. I’m hoping the gummies will make it easier to get a little more creatine into my routine. They’re definitely on the pricier side, especially since the version I purchased comes in individual packets. But honestly, I really like that convenience. I can throw a few packets in my work bag, and when I realize halfway through the day that I forgot to take my creatine after my morning run, I don’t have to worry about it.

Sometimes convenience is worth paying a little extra for. Of course, I’m not a medical professional, and supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Creatine has research supporting certain exercise benefits, particularly strength and high-intensity performance, but that doesn’t mean it will prevent soreness or work the same way for everyone. Talk with your healthcare professional before starting a supplement, particularly if you have medical conditions or take medications, and follow the product’s dosing instructions.

And even with the creatine, my thighs are currently reminding me that five miles is still five miles.

My Knees Have Opinions

I’m also still dealing with some knee discomfort as my mileage increases. I’ve been using KT Tape during my runs, and I’m considering leaving it on a little longer afterward next time. I may even tape both knees instead of just one. I’m still figuring out what works for me as I build up my distance. Apparently, running farther also means paying a lot more attention to recovery.

Strava and I Are Having Issues

Here’s a not-so-fun fact I learned this week. Apparently, when I start recording a run in Strava and then get prompted to send a text, I need to make sure I get all the way back to the actual recording screen. I didn’t do that. Twice. And both times, my timing got messed up. Today’s five-mile run was especially frustrating because I sent my husband a text with my location and didn’t return to the recording screen afterward. So now I have a five-mile accomplishment without an accurate Strava recording to go with it.

Wonderful. I did start the Samsung running app on my phone partway through today’s run, though, and I actually liked that it announced when I’d reached one mile, two miles, and so on. I may start running both apps going forward. I also need to spend some time exploring Strava to see whether it offers similar audio notifications.

But that’s a project for another day. Because right now? I’m exhausted.

Five Miles Down

Despite the soreness and the technology issues, I’m really happy with this week. Two midweek runs, even if one was shorter than planned, and a five-mile long run. That’s progress. My legs might disagree with me at the moment, but I’m proud of what I accomplished. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some recovering to do. Five miles down. Disney Half Marathon, I’m coming for you!

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This week reminded me of two things: good running shoes really do make a difference, and apparently my knees have opinions about this whole half-marathon training situation.

New Shoes, Same Old Me

I finally got to run in my new Brooks Ghost shoes, and oh my goodness. It felt like I was running on air. I’m reminded all over again why having a good pair of running shoes is so important. Although, for about five minutes, I was convinced I’d made a terrible mistake.

Picture me walking through the house at 5:45 in the morning, trying to get ready for my run, and my brand-new shoes are squeaking with every step. Fine. It’s probably just the floors. Except then I walked outside onto the driveway. Still squeaking. And now I’m standing there wondering why I decided to order shoes online instead of following my own advice and going to a running store to get properly fitted.

Mistakes may have been made. But then, hurricane debris to the rescue! I ran through some leftover leaves and dirt, and just like that, the squeaking stopped. Problem solved. Crisis averted. Happy runner again. And once I actually started running? I loved them.

Apparently My Hamstrings Have Opinions, Too

I’ve also added a new stretch to my routine. I started noticing pain behind my knees, and after doing a little Googling, I wondered whether tight hamstrings might be contributing. So I’ve started incorporating some lunge-style stretches before and after my runs, along with foam rolling my calves and hamstrings.

And what a difference! I’m still figuring out what works best for my body as the runs get longer, but this has been one of the more helpful changes I’ve made recently. My knees, however, have decided they’re not entirely thrilled with the longer distances and more frequent runs. Which brings me back to an old friend.

KT Tape Is Back

I’ve started taping my knee again with KT Tape, and it’s made a noticeable difference in how my knee feels during my runs. If you’re going to try it, I highly recommend finding a good instructional video that shows you how to apply it for the specific area that’s bothering you. Placement matters, and there are different techniques depending on what you’re trying to support.

My knee felt great during the runs when I wore it. I’m thinking I might need to leave the tape on a little longer afterward, too, rather than taking it off as soon as I’m finished. We’ll see how that goes.

A Change of Scenery, Fewer Hills, and a Little Experiment

For my long run this weekend, I decided to change things up and head downtown. Why? Because last week I came to the conclusion that there are entirely too many hills in my neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong. A couple of hills? Great for training. Build that endurance. Make those legs work. But four-plus miles of running up and down the same hills over and over again?

Not exactly doing wonders for my confidence that I can actually finish these longer runs. I’m already asking my body to do more than it’s used to. I don’t need every long run to feel like I’m trying to conquer a mountain. Or five. So downtown it was! And honestly, I highly recommend changing up your running route if you’re starting to dread the same scenery or terrain every week.

I got to run along the water, enjoy a different view, and focus a little more on the actual running instead of wondering how many hills I had left to survive. I also decided to experiment with my intervals. Instead of starting with my usual run/walk pattern, I wanted to see how far I could go before needing to switch.

And I made it over a mile! About 19 minutes of continuous running. Which I was pretty happy about. But here’s where things got interesting.

After that first stretch, I went into my usual 5-minute running and 2.5-minute walking intervals. And they were rough. Apparently, using up that much energy at the beginning meant I didn’t have quite as much left for the rest of the run. So for the last two or three intervals, I changed things up again.

Instead of running five minutes and walking two and a half, I switched to 2.5 minutes running and 2.5 minutes walking. And that worked so much better. I even managed to run two intervals back-to-back toward the end. Which meant I finished my long run on a high note instead of feeling completely defeated. And I’ll take that as a win!

And Apparently, a New Personal Best!

Because I love looking back at my Strava results, I’m including a screenshot from this run. 4.11 miles. A 13:15 average pace. And apparently, my fastest 5K ever! By 34 seconds, but who’s counting? Me. I’m absolutely counting.

And can we talk about the elevation gain? Just 16 feet. Compare that to the hills I’ve been running in my neighborhood, and I’m feeling pretty good about my decision to head downtown. I still want to build endurance and get better at handling hills, but I also want to finish my long runs feeling like I can actually do this half-marathon thing.

And this week, even with changing my intervals halfway through, that’s exactly how I felt.

What I’m Learning This Week

I’m realizing that training for a half marathon isn’t just about getting faster or going farther. It’s also about learning when to push myself and when to adjust. Sometimes that means changing my intervals halfway through a run. Sometimes it means adding stretches, pulling out the KT Tape, or finding a new route so I don’t get bored out of my mind.

And sometimes it means running through hurricane debris to fix squeaky shoes. Whatever works, right? I’m still figuring all of this out as I go, but I’m making progress. One run at a time.

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This Week’s Training

Another week of half marathon training is done! I’m still adjusting to Hal Higdon’s schedule, especially since I apparently forgot there were multiple weekday runs. Minor detail, right?

I managed to get both my three-mile and two-mile runs in, even if they weren’t quite when I’d planned.

Saturday’s long run got pushed to Sunday thanks to a sleepless night, soccer, errands, and life. So Saturday became cross-training day, which conveniently meant hauling storm debris for the third time after my husband had been cutting and pruning trees.

Debris moving, day three, for the win! At least the yard looks better.

Sunday’s Four Miles

My plan was eight intervals of running five minutes and walking two and a half minutes.

After the first running interval, I was already questioning whether I’d make it through the other seven. And I pretty much continued questioning that for the entire run.

I’d forgotten to stretch properly, despite remembering to foam roll, and I’d made the brilliant decision to run on a full stomach. Apparently, I was determined to make this harder than necessary.

The last two intervals were especially rough. I felt like I was hitting a wall, and my pace was slowing down, but I finished!

4 miles | 52:34 | 13:07 average pace

I’m happy with that pace, especially considering how much I struggled.

And apparently, according to Strava, I ran my fastest 5K ever!*

*Before we get too excited, I’ve only recorded a couple of 5Ks on Strava. The first was an actual race, except I forgot to stop the app and recorded about two days of traveling afterward. Oops. Since then, I’ve only run three miles once, which isn’t technically a 5K. Sooooo, this is basically my first legitimate 5K on the app.

But hey, I’ll take the little trophy anyway!

Some Thoughts During This Week’s Training

New shoes! I finally ordered another pair of Brooks Ghosts, my third pair. After completing my first 5K in about six years and sticking with training, I figured I could justify $150 running shoes. Then I found two gift cards totaling $150. MY SHOES ARE BASICALLY FREE! Unfortunately, they didn’t arrive in time for Sunday’s run.

A little shoe advice. I’ve been running in TJ Maxx walking shoes I bought after having my child, back when my goal was just getting outside and walking the track. Pregnancy made my feet grow about a size and a half, although they’re back to my usual 7–7.5 now. I’ve had professional fittings in the past and know Brooks Ghosts work for me, but I absolutely recommend getting fitted if you’re new to running. Feet swell, and getting the right fit matters. Trust me, I’ve lost enough toenails to know!

Apparently, I have a sock strategy now. Thick socks were making my toes feel cramped, so switching to thinner Target socks helped. I still love Balega socks, especially the arch support. Once I confirm my new shoe size, I’m planning to get more Balegas for long runs and save the Target socks for shorter ones. Who knew I’d have this many opinions about socks?

Foam rolling isn’t stretching. I started using a foam roller years ago after a running-club trainer recommended it for my shin splints. I’ve found it helpful for my calves and occasionally my hips, even if it isn’t always comfortable. But this week I apparently decided foam rolling meant I could skip stretching. My first running interval quickly reminded me otherwise.

A little trick for side stitches. Something I’ve tried over the years is timing my exhale with the foot landing on the same side as the stitch. I can’t promise it works for everyone, but it’s one of those little things I’ve picked up along the way.

Testing Strava for Disney. I’m trying out Strava’s live-location sharing so my husband and child might be able to follow my progress during the Disney Half Marathon in January. So far, I like it! I did learn that battery saver can interfere with GPS accuracy, though. I’ll need to test the sharing feature properly before race day. I’d rather not have my family thinking I’m running through the EPCOT parking lot when I’m actually somewhere else entirely.

Until Next Week

Two weekday runs, a four-mile long run, and three days of moving storm debris. Not exactly a glamorous training week, but it got done!

I’ve got new shoes coming, a reminder to stretch properly, and another four miles behind me.

On to next week!

I’m a little behind on my Hal Higdon training schedule. But I’m doing it! I managed two miles during the week and three miles on my “long run” day. Yes, I’m putting long run in quotation marks because three miles doesn’t exactly sound impressive when you’re training to run 13.1. But that’s where we are. I’ll have to bump up the mileage a little more each week, and we’ll get there.

At least that’s what I’m telling myself. I’ve also hit a bit of a mental wall lately. Not the kind runners talk about at mile 10, but the kind where you’ve taken just enough time off that convincing yourself to put your running shoes back on becomes an Olympic event of its own. Luckily, a cold front moved through Florida, which made getting back outside considerably easier. There is nothing quite like running in sweltering Florida heat to make you question every decision that led you to this moment.

Apparently, I’m a Morning Runner Now

I’ve been trying to move my runs from the evening to the morning. The Disney Half Marathon starts ridiculously early, so I figured I might as well start getting my mind and body used to running in the morning. Granted, my morning runs aren’t happening nearly as early as race day, but it’s a start. And I’ve discovered something.

Morning runs hit differently. At least for me. When I run in the evening, I’ve already been up and moving all day. My muscles are awake, my joints have loosened up, and I can usually get going without too much trouble. In the morning? Not so much. My muscles apparently need a formal invitation, a lengthy stretching session, and a little negotiation before they’re willing to participate.

But if I’m going to be running 13.1 miles before most people have finished their first cup of coffee, I might as well get used to it now.

Things That Go Bump in the Dark

Here’s the thing about running in the morning or evening this time of year.

It’s dark. Like, really dark.

Because of that, I don’t run with headphones. No music, no audiobooks, no podcasts. Nothing. I want to be able to hear a car coming, footsteps behind me, or an animal rustling nearby. I try to stay aware of my surroundings, especially when visibility isn’t great.

So my running soundtrack consists of my breathing, my feet hitting the pavement, and the occasional creaking of my 40-plus-year-old knee. Keeps me humble. And since I’m running after a hurricane, there’s a whole new obstacle to consider: storm debris. People are still cleaning up their yards, which means there are piles of branches, leaves, and who knows what else along the roads. I’ve been giving those piles a wide berth because all I can imagine is some little critter tucked inside trying to stay warm.

There it is, minding its own business, when my creaking knee comes jogging by. I scare it. It scares me. Neither of us needed that kind of excitement before sunrise. So I give the debris plenty of room while keeping an eye out for traffic. It’s probably better for both of us.

These are the kinds of thoughts you have when you run without headphones.

They Said the Course Was Flat. I Have Questions.

Something I’ve been thinking about during training is hills. Even if your race advertises a nice, flat course, I recommend working some kind of incline into your training. Because I don’t believe in flat courses anymore. My last race was supposed to be flat, too. And technically, I suppose it was. Except for those little inclines that apparently don’t count as hills.

I don’t know how you run any distance without encountering some kind of incline unless you’re running laps around a track. And here’s the thing: a tiny incline probably wouldn’t even register on most people’s radar. But when you’re at mile nine, your legs are tired, and you’re getting dangerously close to hitting that wall?

That little incline suddenly feels like you’re climbing a mountain. I’ve also found that hills help me build endurance, so they’re something I want to keep incorporating into my training. Even if I complain about them the entire time.

I Run. I’m Not a Runner.

I’d love to run the entire 13.1 miles like I did seven years ago. But there’s a pretty big difference between then and now. When I ran my first half marathon, I’d been running off and on for about three years. This time, I picked running back up after a six-year break.

So I’m trying to be realistic about where I am and what my body can handle. Right now, my plan is to use run/walk intervals. I’m currently running for five minutes and walking for three. Hopefully, as training progresses, I’ll be able to stretch those running intervals and improve my overall pace.

But I’m taking it one training day at a time. Something interesting happened during my most recent “long run,” though. Around mile two, I finally hit a really good stride. You know those moments when everything starts feeling comfortable and you’re not counting down every second until you get to walk again? My timer went off, telling me it was time for my walking interval.

And I just kept running.

I ended up running for 13 minutes straight. Was that wise? I have absolutely no idea. Time will tell. But I felt good, and after struggling to get myself back into training, it was nice to have a moment where running actually felt good again. One thing I’ve noticed is that sometimes taking a walking break helps me recover, and other times it makes getting started again feel harder. It’s something I’m still figuring out.

Remember, I run. I’m not a runner. I’m not handing out professional training advice here. I’m just sharing what I’ve learned about myself and what seems to be working this time around.

And Then There Are the Balloon Ladies

Now, let’s talk about something I didn’t give nearly enough thought to when I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon.

The Balloon Ladies.

If you’ve ever participated in a big race, you probably know that most have some kind of time limit. They have roads to reopen, traffic to restore, and an entire operation to wrap up once the runners come through. Some races have pace groups with runners carrying signs showing their expected finish times. Disney has pace groups, too.

But Disney also has something with a much more intimidating reputation. Women carrying Mickey-shaped balloons. They’re affectionately known as the Balloon Ladies, and they’re essentially the people you don’t want to see catching up to you. Disney’s published minimum pace requirement is 16 minutes per mile, and the Balloon Ladies traditionally maintain that pace from the back of the starting field. If you fall behind the required pace, you risk being swept from the course.

Which sounds simple enough. Sixteen minutes per mile? I can do that. Except this is Disney. And Disney makes everything extra. There are characters along the course. Not just the usual characters you can meet in the parks, either. Marathon Weekend is known for bringing out some pretty fun and sometimes rare characters.

Which means there are photo opportunities. And lines. And bathroom stops. And suddenly, that comfortable pace you thought you had starts disappearing while you’re standing in line to meet a fictional character. I recently saw a Reel about the Balloon Ladies, and apparently other runners are pretty good about calling out where they are so everyone knows how much time they have.

Can you imagine? You’re standing in line for a picture, and someone yells that the Balloon Ladies are getting closer. Do you abandon the photo? Do you gamble that the line will move quickly? Do you suddenly discover a speed you didn’t know you possessed?

These are decisions I didn’t anticipate having to make when I registered for a half marathon. Right now, my plan is simple. Run the race. Skip the pictures. But I also know myself. I’ve seen past race character appearances featuring Woody and Bo Peep, and I’m a Toy Story kid. If I came around a corner and saw them standing there with practically no line?

I can’t promise I wouldn’t stop. And don’t even get me started on Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Those are characters you don’t typically get to meet outside special Halloween events. I’d have to at least consider it.

So we’ll see what Disney has waiting for us in January. And hopefully, whatever it is, I’ll be far enough ahead of the Balloon Ladies to enjoy it.

One Run at a Time

So that’s where training stands this week. Two miles during the week. Three miles on Saturday. A 13-minute stretch of running that felt surprisingly good. A new appreciation for cooler weather. And an ongoing internal debate about whether I could sacrifice a few minutes for a picture with Woody.

I’m behind schedule, but I’m moving. I’m learning that morning runs require a little more preparation, that my knee apparently has its own sound effects department, and that a Disney race involves more strategy than simply getting from the start line to the finish line. There are still miles to build, intervals to figure out, and plenty of early mornings ahead. But for now, I’m showing up.

And sometimes that’s the hardest part.

Come run with me. We’re getting there.

Well, my half marathon training has taken a few unexpected turns. First, I took a week off. Not because anything was wrong, but because I needed a minute to breathe, rest and reset. Then my husband was out of town for a week, and morning runs with a little one at home? Not exactly an option.

But FINALLY, I was ready to get back at it. Running clothes on. Stretched. Shoes tied. Literally walking out the door at 6 a.m. And here comes Hurricane Isaias. I knew we were expecting rain from the outer bands, but I thought I had a few more hours. Apparently the hurricane didn’t get the memo about my training schedule.

So much for that run. Instead, I ended up with a different kind of workout.

Hurricane cleanup.

If you’ve ever seen the slope from our backyard up to the road, you’d understand why I consider this strength training. I’m fairly certain it’s an 80-degree incline. And hauling limb after limb up that hill? I’m counting it. Arms, legs, core. Probably a few muscles I didn’t know existed.

Of course, all joking aside, I know we were fortunate. So many families are dealing with devastating damage, destroyed homes and power outages. My interrupted running schedule is nothing compared to what others are facing, and my thoughts are with everyone working through the aftermath. But sometimes making the best of a situation means adjusting the plan.

This week, the running shoes didn’t get the miles I intended. They did, however, get one heck of a strength-training day. And I’m pretty sure my backyard owes me a recovery run.

Several years ago, before I had my son, I ran a half marathon, a 15K and more 5Ks than I can remember. Then life changed. I’ve wanted to get back into running for a while now. Part of it is wanting to do something that’s just for me, and honestly, part of it is wanting to find a little bit of the person I was before becoming a mom.

I just couldn’t seem to find the motivation to actually start. And then Disney basically said, here you go.

Apparently I’m Running a Disney Half Marathon

The runDisney races are notoriously hard to get into. Registration is a whole process, races can sell out incredibly quickly, and this wasn’t something I thought I’d just casually decide to do one day. But I happened to find out registration for the Disney Half Marathon was coming up with enough time to set my alerts, prepare for registration day and actually get registered.

This race has been on my bucket list for years. Finding out about registration at exactly the right time felt a little like a sign.

Okay. Now’s the time. Let’s do this.

So I’m officially training for the Disney Half Marathon in January. And I am equal parts excited and terrified.

Starting All the Way Back at the Beginning

Having completed a half marathon before does NOT mean I picked up where I left off.

Not even close.

I’m starting from the beginning. Like Couch to 5K beginning. That’s what I’m working through right now. Once I finish my 5K training, I’ll transition into a Hal Higdon half-marathon training plan—the same training method I used for my first half.

I’ve got about two more weeks of Couch to 5K left, and then the half-marathon training really begins. Which sounds slightly terrifying when I type it out.

My First Race Post-Baby: Done!

I signed up for a 5K as a checkpoint along the way. It was my first race since having my son, and considering I’m only on Week 5 of Couch to 5K, I’m calling the whole thing a win. First, if you’re ever thinking about signing up for a race in Florida, here’s my advice:

Do it after August.

This morning was actually lovely. It wasn’t unbearably hot, and I didn’t immediately start sweating and become irritated with the entire state of Florida the second I walked outside. If you live here, you know. Having decent weather made SUCH a difference and definitely helped me keep moving.

I ran at least the first half of the 5K and then switched to run/walk intervals for the second half. And I finished in under 45 minutes. Do I know my exact pace? No. Because I forgot to turn off Strava—the app I was using so my husband could track me—and it just kept going after I crossed the finish line.

Actually, now that I’m thinking about it… I’m pretty sure it’s still going. So we’re going to wait for the official race results before we start discussing pace. But I finished. I felt good. And I got to cross an actual finish line again. That’s a win.

Apparently We Have Another Runner in the Family

My 6-year-old also got to do the kids’ mile race. Before it started, I asked if he wanted me to run with him. Nope. He didn’t need me. Okay then. The race started and he SHOT out of the gate. I still ran the mile, but I literally did not see him again until I finished and found him sitting on the curb with my husband, essentially wondering what had taken me so long.

This is the same child who went on a one-mile run with me before and spent the entire time telling me how long it was and how bored he was. Apparently all he needed was a race bib and a little competition. Clearly the race-day endorphins kicked in for him too. So my first race back is officially done.

I wasn’t trying to win anything. I didn’t run the entire thing. I don’t even know my official pace yet. But I showed up in Week 5 of Couch to 5K, ran what I could, walked when I needed to and finished in under 45 minutes. Overall? Big win.

Why Disney?

I’m excited about the half marathon itself, obviously, but I’m REALLY excited about where I’m getting to run it. The race starts ridiculously early in the morning, while Walt Disney World is still closed to regular guests. The thought of getting to run through Disney before the parks are filled with people—and then out onto the roads between the parks—is just incredibly cool to me.

There are apparently characters along the course too. Will I stop for pictures? We’ll see. I’m currently running around a 14-minute mile, so I don’t exactly have unlimited character-meet-and-greet time built into the schedule. But if I see a short line?

I’m taking the picture. There are some things worth sacrificing a minute for.

“Oh, So You’re a Runner?”

Whenever I tell someone I’ve run races, I inevitably get: “Oh, you’re a runner!” And I’m always very quick to correct them.

I’m not a runner. I run.

I’m not out there chasing a sub-10-minute mile. I’m not trying to win my age group. I am definitely not concerned about being anywhere near the front of the pack. I’m trying to make it through the miles, enjoy the experience and get those endorphins waiting for me on the other side.

That’s it. And if that’s what you’re doing too, you can come run with me.

Some Runs Are Just…Bad

Getting back into running has also reminded me how wildly different one run can feel from the next. Some days you can’t make it a mile without feeling like you’ve hit a brick wall. Other days you suddenly breeze through mile five and wonder where THAT person has been hiding. Someone once told me: The first three miles are the hardest no matter how far you’re running that day.

I held onto that during training for my first half marathon. When I got into those longer distances and those first few miles felt awful, I’d tell myself: Just get through the first three. It will get better. And nine times out of ten?

It did. So I’m reminding myself of that again now. Except at the moment, sometimes the entire workout is three miles.

We’ll get there.

What I’m Trying Along the Way

I’m also using this training cycle as an excuse to try some new things. Running clothes. Gear. Shoes. Whatever might make getting through these miles a little easier or more comfortable. Although after experimenting with shoes, there’s a very good chance I’m going right back to my tried-and-true Brooks Ghosts.

Sometimes you find something that just works for you. And maybe that’s the sign to stop looking and stick with what’s meant to be. I’ll share what I’m trying, what actually works for me, what absolutely doesn’t, and the things I’m considering buying as I work my way toward January. I’m definitely not approaching this as someone who has running all figured out. I’m figuring it out while I’m doing it.

Come Run With Me

So that’s where I am. Five weeks into Couch to 5K. My first race after becoming a mom officially checked off the list. A couple more weeks of 5K training.

Then half-marathon training. And eventually, 13.1 miles through Disney. If you’re starting—or starting over—too, know that you’re not the only person out there wondering why mile one feels like mile 47 some days. We’re just going to keep moving.

One mile at a time.

Next stop: half-marathon training.

Race Day · Disney Half Marathon · January 9, 2027