If you read part 1 of my Goofy Challenge experience, this is a continuation of the 2020 runDisney marathon weekend. I was running the half marathon and the full marathon as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
During the race weekend, I arrived a little earlier to give myself some time to go to the expo, attend a Cigna media event and to attend a few meet ups before the races began.
Cigna Media Event
Know Your Numbers
Every year for the runDisney Marathon weekend, Cigna, the presenting sponsor of the runDisney marathon weekend, has a meetup and event for bloggers and the media to attend. Their goal is to share the news to runners and spectators visiting the runDisney expo, that they can get free health screenings with the Cigna Health Improvement Tour.
Cigna’s Health Improvement Tour is a mobile clinic that travels around the country offering free health screening and coaching. They offer screening for four health numbers:
- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- blood sugar
- BMI
While this isn’t a replacement to your visit to your doctor, it does give you a snapshot of your current health numbers. It’s important to know your numbers so you can take measures to improve them; or continue to do what you are doing to keep them within the normal range.
What I Learned From The Pros
Cigna invited Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and former NFL running back and philanthropist Warrick Dunn to share their approach to well-being and reaching health goals. Jackie and Warrick were also participants and guides during some of the races.
I got a lot of helpful information from what they shared with the audience regarding their challenges in sports and every day life. Just because they are professional athletes, they aren’t immune to the same challenges that we face, both mentally and physically.
Here are a few of the golden nuggets of advice that I took away from what they shared:
- Surround yourself with mentors
- Tell yourself you deserve to be here
- Don’t worry about the things you cannot control
- Give back – be a part of the solution
- FOCUS – Focus on the goals you set for yourself
- Know your body. What happens when there is a day where you don’t feel it? Sometimes you have to take a day off to address what is going on; otherwise, you may end up missing more than a day if you push too hard and hurt yourself.
I was feeling concerned about the warm weather that was in the forecast for both the half marathon and marathon days. But as Joyce said, you can’t worry about the things you cannot control; but I can take control and make sure to hydrate the days prior to the races.
After their presentation, Cigna had a nice lunch for us, and then we had an opportunity for photos with Jackie and Warrick. I visited with a few runner friends and then took a stroll over to the Floridian for a refreshing beverage from the new Enchanted Rose Lounge.
I had been there in December during my agency training, but I really wanted to sit and enjoy the atmosphere while I was there. I also ordered the perfect drink to help keep me hydrated, the
B&B – Fresh Brewed Twinings of London® Iced Tea, Lemon, Blueberry, and Basil.
runDisney Race Expo
After enjoying my delicious drink and the view at the Floridian, I did a little shopping at Basin and then I drove over to the race expo to see the runDisney merchandise. When I went to pick up my bib the night before, it was close to closing time, so I didn’t have enough time to check out the merchandise.
This year runDisney had cute spirit jerseys. I had to choose between the navy blue and the purple jersey. Since purple is one of my favorite colors I went with that. I also picked up my traditional wine glass, magnet, key chain, and an “I Did It” shirt.
I had just enough time to grab a picture with Goofy before I went back to my hotel to change for dinner.
Pre-Race Dinner
I met up with my friend Nick for dinner with several others from his running group, some of whom I already knew. We had a nice dinner at Trattoria al Forno on the Boardwalk.
I was pleasantly surprised that the pasta with bolognese sauce was very delicious for being a gluten-free pasta. That’s been a challenge for me to find back home. It was a very delicious meal, and even the gluten-free bread with butter was tasty.
After dinner, I dropped Nick, Justin, and Tom off at the new Gran Destino Tower. It was my goal to be in bed by 9:00, but I had missed it by a little bit. I laid out my clothes for the race, talked to the family via FaceTime, and then got to sleep for my 2:30 wake-up.
Follow along for Part 3 – the half marathon of my 2020 runDisney Goofy Challenge races, coming soon!