Walt Disney World Marathon Story:

I recently ran the Walt Disney World Marathon as part of Team In Training. The YMCA in my hometown asked me to type up a quick piece on my training and the marathon itself. Below is the rough draft. Let me know what you think!

My Marathon Journey

Walt Disney World Marathon

    On April 24, 2010, I ran my first 5k race. It was my first “official” race of any sort. I was always an athlete (basketball, soccer, swimming, and surfing); yet, I never just ran. However, after that first 5k, I started running often and started to really enjoy how running made me feel. I never did more than 3-4 miles per run, but I could feel a connection growing.
    Then in August 2010, I decided to make a decision that will forever have an impact on my life. I decided to sign up for the Walt Disney World Marathon as part of the Team In Training program (which is part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). I even coaxed my friend, Nick Evangelista, into joining me on this journey. Together we developed our own training and fundraising plans and started running. We started running more than we ever had before.
    Our first week of training only amounted to a total of 18 miles of running. However, we slowly built our way up into the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and even hitting 60 miles a week a few times. We would have one longer run a week (12-20 miles) and then the rest of the week would be filled with four days of shorter runs (3-10 miles). My longest run before starting to train for the marathon was six miles. Sometimes the longer runs were a struggle; yet, overall my body responded well and I started to become a solid runner. I learned a lot about my body during training. I learned when I could push myself harder and when my body needed a break. I learned what foods work best and provide the best fuel for myself. It was amazing to develop such an understanding of how my body works best. Along with running, I also did muscle endurance training in the weight room three days a week and made sure to strengthen my core.
    While all this training was happening, I was raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This money went towards cancer research and to help pay for medical bills people could not afford. I did not think I had any real connections with leukemia or lymphoma; however, after signing up to be part of Team In Training, many friends and family members shared their stories of loved ones lost to blood cancers or currently fighting blood cancers. This made me realize how big of a cause I was running for. This further motivated me to complete my training and achieve my goals. When the coldest, harshest days arrived during training, I pushed through them because of the cause and the people I was running for.
    When race day arrived on January 9th, 2011, tons uncertainty swirled in my head. I had suffered a rough bout of food poisoning a few days prior and lost a good bit of weight. By race day I felt good enough to give it a shot; yet, knew my body was weaker than normal and had a little less energy. However, I knew I had to run. I knew many others currently battling blood cancers were in way worse condition than myself.
    The race itself turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Many past and present cancer patients lined the course and cheered for me and other Team In Training participants. I received countless high fives from kids currently fighting cancer, and many spectators cheered my name along the way. I even got to give my dad a high five at mile 10. That was pretty amazing! The route was very fun, as we weaved through all the Disney parks and all the characters cheered us on.
    In the end, I conquered the mental and physical fatigue and completed the 26.2 mile adventure. I also was able to raise over $3,100 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There were 1,200 (17,000 total runners) runners associated with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at the race. Together, we raised over $4,000,000!
    I recommend everyone try an endurance event at some point. It will push your life to a new level.