You Can Fly

This guest post was contributed by Jonathan Mederos.

The year was 2008. The Phillies were on the verge of winning a World Series. Barack Obama had yet to be elected president. And I was about to sign up for my very first Disney race – the Tower of Terror 13K.

I remember that day quite vividly. MGM (later renamed Hollywood Studios) was no stranger to me but running through the park at night with my mom waiting at the finish line was like stepping into the twilight zone. Add to such novelty a recent break from training and there was every reason to be nervously excited. The experience turned into a memorable debut for breathing new wind into my sails, sparking another comeback, and introducing me to the world of Disney sports.

Running from Jafar on World Drive? Check. Encountering the dark side of the force near mile 10? Check. So how about something a little more enchanting? Perhaps even a taste for the romantic? The Princess Half-Marathon has you covered.

In 2009, a fairy-tale vacation with a past girlfriend turned into a chivalric gesture when I laced up in honor of my princess. Bless her heart, she probably endured great discomfort as a spectator that chilly morning while I received harassing catcalls from Cinderella’s mean stepsisters. But that’s one of the things which sets Disney apart – the family atmosphere and cheerleader support.

Speaking of the home, what brings families closer together than dining around the parks? You’d think that some of our fondest memories as children would be getting to ride on Space Mountain for the first time but how about the yearly tradition of having lunch at Toy Story’s Pizza Planet?

The inaugural Wine and Dine Half-marathon in 2010 allowed us runners and their guests to party in Epcot after-hours, splurging on exotic foods from around the world! Let’s just say it didn’t sit well with my stomach…LOL.

From food to football. Ever wonder what it’s like to run a 5K where Hollywood and sports meet?

At the 2011 ESPN the Weekend 5K (now extinct L), I was rewarded with more than just a dazzling finisher’s medal. How about a picture with Pro Bowl receiver Greg Jennings of the Green Bay Packers! So not only can you run like an all-star, celebrities routinely become part of these events. I was going to post a photo of Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams to prove that this was most certainly the case, but then realized your male readers would appreciate a cougar instead. That sheepish grin says it all.

Yeah, so occasionally running is an after-thought at Disney World, like the Expedition Everest Challenge where a 5K run, obstacle course, and scavenger hunt are rolled up into one event at Animal Kingdom. For someone who has run in many pressure-packed situations, let me say nothing comes close to the anxiety that builds up from the well-designed clue chase portion.

In 2011, I decided to do prepare in advance like a good boy scout and devise a strategy. If not for the volunteers, I would have slept in the lion’s den that night! Believe me folks, it’s a jungle out there and the law of the land is survival of the wittiest.

Which brings me to my next point. Can you imagine Donald Duck losing patience and subsequently throwing a fit under such conditions! Ha. I caught up with Donald and his two friends, Jose Carioca and Panchito at this year’s Caballeros 5K fun run. The morning got started with a test track-like tour (at least that’s what it felt like to me) of the world showcase, followed immediately thereafter by a special meet-and-greet with official runDisney coach Jeff Galloway.

I’m not sure what was more exhilarating…racing past Mexico Pavillion or Gallo-walking all of Hollywood Studios. Actually, it’s a landslide. Making new friends that are equally inspired and goal-driven is Buzz Lightyears ahead.

Shout out to Gene Zackerman, Jenn Lazzaro, and Lisa Fine, who personally reached out to me, among others.

So, is it over? Like Walt used to say, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Disney races will continue to evolve and the landscape of runners will grow from one generation to the next. I mean, is there anything sweeter than watching your children participate in the kids’ events and running a marathon PR the following day? I wouldn’t know, but wish upon a star, and your dreams can take you far.

Running can indeed lead you down many exhilarating trails. The Boston Marathon is known for its legacy of historic performances. New York City is a flash mob parade. And the Olympics is where running becomes art.

But Disney is a distinct, dare I say, superior breed because of its diversity. Some people run on a mission, against the clock, and they get to do so down memory lane. Others run to celebrate the joy of being healthy and alive, defying old age, physical disability or sickness. The inexperienced seek thrill and new adventure, and for them these races become milestone accomplishments.

And let’s be real, maybe you race for the bling, in which case your quest for a medal is in perfect alignment with the crusader Indiana Jones spirit. But either way, we all have to make it out on time, before the sweepers (or meteors) arrive, ala the Dinosaur ride in Animal Kingdom. And we all have a blast regardless of pace, not unlike passengers on a fast but soothing Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Honestly, I come to Disney to escape sometimes from a world that is being starved of imagination. Brer Rabbit is correct in saying “You can’t run away from your problems, there ain’t no place that far.” But here’s my little secret. Walter Elias Disney was in on it too when laying out the original plans for EPCOT in the 1950’s. We can restructure society to fit our version of utopia.

We can save the world one mile at a time, one community of runners at a time.

Hakuna Marathonata!

Jonathan is a 27 year-old runner from Miami, Florida currently pursuing a masters degree in sport management. He has completed 11 Disney races thus far with no end in sight. “What keeps me going,” he says, “is the thought that someday I’ll come around the bend and find what I’m looking for. Run with your heart near your ankles and love will see you through.”

Get tips, news and info by subscribing to the free Healthy Disney monthly newsletter.