Goal Accomplished

In a previous post, I mentioned that one of my goals this year would be to run my first 5K. I'm proud to say that this mission has been accomplished.

After 2 months of training, I ventured down to Orlando, FL for ESPN The Weekend, my favorite event at the Walt Disney World Resort. This year in addition to stalking sports celebrities for autographs and photos, I participated in the ESPN The Weekend 5K with my friend Brittany. It was the first 5K for both of us and it was amazing!

Mickey and Minnie cheerfully greeted us in their cheerleading costumes as we lined up at the start line. On stage, Trey Wingo with Dana Jacobson from ESPN kicked off the ceremonies with DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers Running Back) and Greg Jennings (Super Bowl Winning Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver) The Harlem Globetrotters and some Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders! In true Disney style, after the fireworks were set off, we started running!

Along the course Cast Member lined the course cheering for us, while the band Mulch, Sweat and Shears from Disney's Hollywood Studios kept the jams playing! It was great to run though the park with no guests, and even better to pass the guests who were lined up waiting to get in the park.

I crossed the finish line at 38:17 which is 2 minutes better than my training average, earning my first running medal! Minnie, Mickey and Goofy were there to help us celebrate our finish with photo opportunities. We also had our photo taken red-carpet style, and then with DeAngelo Williams, Greg Jennings and The Globetrotters.

After the race, we entered the park for some more photos in our running gear, including one with the Sorcerer's Hat and the ESPN stage in the background, and one in front of the ESPN the weekend sign.

We proudly wore our medals all day, and got "Magical Truimph" buttons to wear on our shirts. Cast Members congratulated us all day. We ended the evening by getting our medals Pixie Dusted at the Bibbity Boppity Boutique at the Magic Kingdom and watched "Wishes".

Next year, Brittany and I plan to tackle the Disney World Princess 1/2 Marathon, and of course the ESPN Weekend 5K, cuz we're just awesome!

Places To Visit Again Before I Die

I decided to make this post a two-parter! Based on the previous post, one would think I never went anywhere cool because there are so many places I'd like to visit, rather than places I have actually visited. This couldn't be further than the truth, I have traveled to numerous places and many of them were awesome enough for me to want to go back. Here's the current list:

1.) France. Mostly Paris & La Cote D'Azur. Amazing.
2.) London. I was only in London for 2 days, and I did get to see many sights including Buckingham Palace, The Crown Jewels and Big Ben. Overall however I thought the tone of the city was pretty snobby, and i'd like to go again and see if it is really like that, or if it was just my experience.
3.) Disney World. I love Disney World. I went twice as a child, and interned there during college. I lived there for 6 months, and have visited countless times since; needless to say, I'll be going back for years to come. My goal is to stay at all 26 resorts after all!
4.) Key West. One day here was simply not enough!
5.) Chicago. I only spent the weekend here, but it was so fun. If you only visit one big city, I would recommend Chicago hands down.
6.) Clearwater Beach. A third Sunshine State Destination. Clearwater Beach is awesome, blue water, sandy beaches, wonderful seafood, fun shops, and the most awesome Pirate Ship around.
7.) Mackinac Island. A very cool place in my home state! I've walked the 5 Mile Mighty Mackinaw Bridge 3 times, and would love to do it again. Besides, who can resist carriage rides, delicious fudge and more?
8.) NYC. I know I mentioned this in the previous post, but I simply didn't see enough of the city! I have to go back.