Medal Monday💚✨💜

It's still hard to believe I conquered the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World's Marathon Weekend 2025! This Medal Monday feels extra special, looking at all these beautiful runDisney medals. Finishing 48.6 miles across four days – the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon – was an epic feat, and honestly, seeing that final Dopey Challenge medal around my neck, alongside the Goofy's Race & a Half Challenge medal, made every single mile worth it. For anyone dreaming of tackling Dopey, let me tell you, it's a journey! My training involved a lot of back-to-back runs to get my legs used to the continuous effort. Hydration and nutrition were absolutely critical, especially with those early morning starts. I remember seeing so many inspiring runners in their runDisney hats and jackets, cheering each other on as we ran through Epcot and past iconic landmarks like Spaceship Earth. The energy at Disney races is truly magical, and it helps push you through those tougher moments, even when wearing a white plastic poncho during an unexpected shower! One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of comfortable gear and listening to your body. Don't be afraid to walk when you need to, and embrace the fun! Stop for character photos; those memories are just as precious as the medals. Seeing my race bib with number 22321 pinned to my shirt every morning was a constant reminder of the incredible goal I was working towards. Packing essentials like anti-chafing balm, extra socks, and pain relief was a lifesaver. Post-race, I made sure to stretch and get some good food into me to aid recovery for the next day's race. Now that I have this incredible collection of Dopey Challenge medals, I'm already thinking about the best way to display them. Some runners use elaborate medal hangers, others create shadow boxes with their race bibs and photos, perhaps even incorporating a runDisney headband or a purple bow like mine that proudly declared '48.6 MILES'. For me, these aren't just pieces of metal; they represent months of dedication, overcoming challenges, and the pure joy of running. Each one tells a story of perseverance, especially that 'I DID IT!' feeling after crossing the finish line of the full marathon. If you're on the fence about signing up for a runDisney event, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. The magic, the camaraderie, and the incredible sense of accomplishment are unlike anything else!