So about a month ago, I was invited to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. It sounded incredible, complete VIP treatment from start to finish. As I continued to hear what these few days would include, it sounded like a dream come true (but then again, it’s Disney, right?) But there was a catch. I was invited to be a part of this exciting opportunity if…I ran the Disney Princess Half Marathon!

Up to this point, I’d never run more than 7 miles. How was I going to go from 7 miles to 13.1 miles in less than 6 weeks? As my head started spinning with ways to politely say “no thanks”, I did what I always do…I said yes before I could successfully talk myself out it!

I’ve come to learn that opportunities present themselves to us constantly and within those opportunities lies the capacity for us to learn, grow and become stronger, better and wiser. They also require us to burst right past our warm, safe and cushy comfort zones but I’ve also learned that right past our comfort zone is where all the great stuff is. So, trusting my instinct that this too will be an exciting adventure leading to who knows what, I made the decision to let the training begin.

First I ran a solid 7 miles, just to make sure I felt strong and secure with a solid place for my training to start. Sweaty, tired but confident, I challenged myself to run 8 miles and loaded up my ipod with songs to power me through.

Success! Ok, so I stopped a few times but I still did it.

Now I’m really starting to get into the whole running thing so I did what I always do when I want to learn something new-I went to the pros. I went to a specialty running store nearby and loaded up on new running shoes, some other fun running gear and even spoke to one of the salespeople who was a track coach. He generously mapped out a training schedule for me which seemed challenging but realistic. Armed and ready with my new gear I felt completely equipped to take my training to the next level.

I don’t know if it was the new running shoes or new mindset but I ran 10 miles on my next run. Woo hoo! I think I may have been doing a geeky victory dance because all 4 kids gave me that look like “wow, mom’s really lost it now.”

So now I’m thinking that 13.1 miles will be a breeze until…it wasn’t. I was having trouble getting past the 10 mile mark so I decided to hire the toughest, meanest and most demanding personal trainer/coach I could find…me. I mean, my clients said I was brutal at times so I hired myself based on their recommendation.

On the next run, I set a goal of running 11 miles and promised myself a manicure/pedicure as a reward for reaching my goal. Success! Off to the nail salon I went.

Now, new running shoes, new gear, new mindset, pretty hands and feet, it was time to run my first 13.1 miles. Success! I’m not saying it was easy, but I did it.

With a new record of 13.1 under my running belt, I’ve run 13.1 miles 3 more times. Every run has been different. Some where I thought I wouldn’t finish, others where I was completely distracted and one where I was completely “in the zone” and didn’t know how the time went by so fast! It was just after that run that I had a quick flash of what it must be like to run the New York City Marathon (26.2 miles). Knowing that runners are selected by lottery and aren’t immediately accepted just by registering, I registered and decided that if I’m randomly chosen in the lottery, then I’ll train for that too! (is that bad that I’m secretly hoping I’m not picked?!)

So here’s my latest challenge. Every run I’ve done has only been on a treadmill. I’m in New York and honestly, the thought of running in 30 degree temperature just isn’t that appealing. But it’s time to take it outside and see if I can run anywhere close to that amount on the streets. I’m sure once I do I’ll be celebrating again. If you can’t celebrate your accomplishments, what fun is that?!

Here’s what this training has taught me:

• Opportunities are everywhere and you don’t know where they lead. Look for them and say “yes” before your fear can stop you.
• Of course challenges are hard and that’s why the success is so sweet! Take them on and appreciate whatever results emerge as a result of them.
• Get the support you need-get the right gear, get help from people who’ve been there, learn from everyone you can. People feel great when they can help you-don’t let your pride deprive them of giving you their gift!
• While conditioning is important, mindset is crucial. Negative thoughts, feelings and distractions feel like you’ve added 100 pounds to your legs when you’re trying to run. Get your head in the right place and the body will follow.
• Don’t be hard on yourself, judge yourself and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Speak and treat yourself how you’d speak or treat your best friend-with compassion, love and kindness.
• Celebrate any and all success! Whether you’re giving yourself a pat on the back, a gold star, a new song for your ipod or a mani/pedi, rewarding yourself for a job well done (or even done ok under the circumstances!) deserves a reward. It also motivates you to continue.
• Have fun! Stop taking yourself so seriously. That stress alone can cause physical, mental and emotional wear and tear. Think, act and behave like a kid-why should kids have all the fun?!
• Parents-your kids are watching you. The qualities for success in fitness are the same qualities for success in life. Patience, determination, perseverance, courage, commitment, vision and consistency among others. Your kids are learning so much by watching how you react and respond to challenges you take on and achieve so be the role model you’d want them to have. And, it’s ok to do a geeky victory dance. It gives your kids another reason to strive to be different…and much cooler than you!