Are You Dopey?

Editor’s Note:  Today’s blog is from our running friend, Todd Carrier.  Todd will be doing a series of blogs for us as he prepares for several races in the next 9 months.  Thanks Todd!

RunDisney recently announced their new ultimate race event, The Dopey Challenge.  This will consist of four races (totaling a staggering 48.6 miles) and if you complete them all within the required time limits will net you six medals.  Why would someone want to get up well before the rooster crows for four consecutive days while on vacation at Walt Disney World to run nearly fifty miles?  I certainly cannot speak for everyone, but I can give you my reasons.

1. I never thought I would say it, but I like to run.  It’s cathartic.  I know folks who golf to relieve stress or use scream therapy to feel more balanced.  For me, I take to the road.  It’s just me and my shoes and Mother Nature.  Running relaxes me, I feel better after doing it and sleep through the night after a run.
2. Doing an event with runDisney is pretty spectacular for a Disney fan.  Most distance events take you through at least one of the theme parks.  While you are passing through, you are one of very few people in the park.  And the on course entertainment is pretty hard to beat.
3. I like medals. RunDisney has some high quality ones, too.  The Dopey Challenge will produce six medals for racers who successfully complete the challenge.  A medallion for the Family 5K Fun Run, a medal each for the Minnie 10K, Donald Half and Mickey Full Marathons, a medal for doing the Goofy (Donald & Mickey) and a Dopey medal for completing the series.

So what will it take to reach this lofty goal of runDisney’s Dopey Challenge?

• Training.  Physical preparation is obvious, but mental is required, too.
• Perseverance.  When it’s chilly and rainy out or hot and humid miles need to be logged.
•  Time.  Running a long distance endurance event doesn’t happen overnight.
• Dedication.  Often people compare training for a marathon to be the equivalent to a part time job.  Being prepared will take more than the occasional jog around the block and exercise routine.

I look forward to sharing my journey and some insight with you over the next nine or so months until Marathon Weekend 2014 (January 8-12, 2014) when I take on the Dopey Challenge.

Registration opens on Tuesday, April 9^th at noon EST at rundisney.com.

Marathon Weekend 2014 will consist of five days of race centered events. Here is a look at some of the events for Marathon Weekend:

I would expect the Minnie 10K to sell out quickly along with the Dopey Challenge, as new events have had a recent track record of doing just that with runDisney.