INSPIRATIONS ABOUND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD'S MARATHON WEEKEND

RunDisney, Steve and I had the opportunity to spend this weekend in Walt Disney World visiting with many of the Walt Disney World runners.  It is a privilege to hear many of their personal stories of the road that led them to participate in a Disney race.  The weekend begins with a 5K on Friday, a half-marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday.   it is a weekend where Disney is filled with three days of excitement.  All of the races are a major accomplishment.

Steve Cheering

Some are running as survivors of a disease that almost destroyed their lives and the lives of their loved ones.  They are running to raise awareness and to raise funds for a cure for their friends and fellow warriors back at the treatment center.  Some are still in the midst of their fight.  Others are running with thoughts of loved ones they have lost (or almost lost) to a horrible disease and are raising money for the cure.  You sometimes see the list of names  the runners are carrying in their hands, the names of those who have left us for the heavens,  the names of those who won the fight, and the names of those who are still in the fight.  They write the names on paper to carry in their hand, or they write them on their arms, legs, or heart, or they sew the names on their running clothes.  Or they quietly chant the names to themselves when every muscle aches,  to  remind themselves of the promises they made to themselves and to others, they push through the pain.

                                                                                (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

They may be running simply to inspire others to join them in conquering a challenge, any challenge.  To remind others that we accomplish our goals, one step at time. 

At least one, was swept in last year's 5K, then swept again in a half marathon, this year she finished the full marathon well ahead of the "sweepers".  For her, it was about proving to herself, she could do it. 

Others are simply running because they love it !... It feels good, and they feel good about themselves. 

Near the end of the races, I heard Steve make a casual comment to a friend, which struck me and I tweeted it.  He said "you know, our friends look different after running for 26 miles".   The responses to that tweet came from those who had finished a marathon.  Their reply,  "Yes, we feel different too, we feel great !!"

Below are a view of the videos that Disney posted of the runners stories: