Marvin V. Acuna

Time flies when you are having a blast.

I ran that Disney ½ Marathon, what a blast. A challenge, but a blast!

Here’s a recap:

Starting Line:

Mickey and Minnie sent us off with a huge firework display.

The 13.1mile maze begins:

Mile 1 thru 5 led us through the Disney and California Adventure Theme Parks.  Every Disney character conceived greeted and cheered us on!

Mile 6 thru 9 led us through the city streets of Anaheim. High school bands and cheerleading squads roared at every mile marker.

Mile 10 led us through Angel Stadium. Our mugs were splashed across the monster screen as the announcer’s booth called out random names and runner numbers.

Mile 11 thru 12 led us to the main entrance of the Disney gates. It felt as if a parade was in full swing. It truly felt like thousands of people were lined up like at the Thanks Giving parades simply calling out runner names and cheering us on.

Mile 13.1  led us through Disney’s downtown Disney and finally to what felt like a red carpet premiere. Cameras and news crews flashing everywhere.

At times it felt as if I was running on the actual Sun and I was a tad sore starting at mile 10  I remained sore the remainder of the day and the next day. But, I rec’d a very cool, I say very cool medal and a lifetime of memories.

Life Lesson: No matter what keep moving forward!

Week Number 20-24: 95 logged. 36 miles during the week(s), 13.1 Half Marathon, and 29 miles on Saturday(s).

Total Running Mileage: 425.8 J

Thanks again to all of you.

It’s been 4 weeks since I have written to all you kind, generous, and supportive friends. And what an amazing 4 weeks. First off, I have now logged 12 miles in one training session.

A magical moment in that training session happened when my running mates and I all applauded, cheered, hoot and hollered as we crossed the 10 mile marker and headed to 12 miles. It was very moving for me.  

It was moving because everyone took a moment to acknowledge the accomplishment…we were all present, in the moment and happy. This coming Saturday we will log 14 miles.

Next, I’d like to share a few other fun things that I am doing that I believe are a direct result of the inspiration and abundant energy that has manifested from the running.

1.       I produced, wrote, and directed a spec commercial. When it’s complete I’ll shoot it over. Fun!

2.       I have partnered with a very dear friend and we are writing a book entitled –

The Buddy System – Invoking The Power of Accountability.

3.       I am now on the Board of my Toastmasters group. Woo Hoo!

4.       I am partnered with a very inspiring fellow Toastmaster and have committed to the goal of becoming a Nationally Accredited Public Speaker. There are roughly 60 or so in the US. It’s party time!

5.       I have been taking hypnosis classes. Insanely cool. I’m learning so much about the brain.

6.       I have started taking cooking classes. I love food…yummy

7.       I have incorporated swimming into my cross training twice a week. Cool, refreshing, yeah.

Thanks again for all your support. Touch base with you in 4 weeks.

Life Lesson:  Live life by design. This is not a dress rehearsal! J

Week Number 12 – 16: 85 logged. 48 miles during the week and 37 miles on Saturday.

Total Running Mileage: 252.7 J