Crowning a New Chapter: From 10k to Disney Half Marathon Training 👸🏼
Blending Inner Child Healing, Disney Magic, and Balanced Training for My Biggest Race Yet
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By Jess | The Bloom Collective
From Colorado Trails to Disney Castles: My Half Marathon Journey 🏰
Sometimes the universe throws you a curveball that ends up being the best opportunity. We originally planned to run the Disney Princess 10K during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend, but by the time we were ready to register, it was already booked up, so in true why not? fashion, we pivoted and signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon instead.
As I write this, I am listening to “Sunset Chill Deep House” by Solfeggio Healing Frequencies Relaxation, which feels so calming and grounding while planning out this next adventure. This half marathon feels like reconnecting with the part of me that has loved movement throughout my entire life, playing sports and later competing in collegiate field hockey. It brings back that same game day energy, the adrenaline, the community, and the sense of purpose. In sports, people always talked about energy, and it shaped me so much as an athlete. I can still hear the crisp sound of the field hockey ball hitting the backboard, feel the excitement of the crowd, and remember those moments of quality time in the locker room with my teammates, doing our little rituals and superstitions to have the best outcome. Some of us had the funniest ones, like wearing our socks inside out, rocking a specific pair of underwear with little boats on it, always putting a streak of color in your hair (that was mine for a while), or getting your braid done a certain way. If you played field hockey, you already know all about the braids and that look good, feel good confidence that came with them. Training for this race feels a lot like that, powerful, focused, and surrounded by the best kind of energy.
This time around I’ll be running with Josh and Kaitlin, one of my best friends from New York, which makes it even more fun. Kaitlin is actually planning a cross-country road trip to come stay with us for a couple weeks, so I think it will be so fun to get in some training together here before we head to Florida. We’re also planning to meet up with friends once we’re down in Disney since I have my dad nearby, one of my best friends in Miami, and some college friends who might come join us. It feels like the perfect excuse to gather everyone and turn the race weekend into a mini reunion.
And of course, you guys know I cannot resist a theme. I love Ariel 🧜♀️ , but I also think Rapunzel’s free-spirited energy is the perfect vibe for this year, since the 2026 Princess Half Marathon is officially Rapunzel-themed! TBH I’m already brainstorming a cute running fit inspired by both princess styles and will definitely test it on a long run so I don’t end up with sequins chafing halfway through (lol). It honestly reminds me of that look good, feel good mindset from field hockey, where putting on your braid just right or adding a pop of color made you feel unstoppable. Kaitlin and I also love coming up with fun outfits together, so I am sure we’ll come up with something extra creative for race day.
Why Disney? ✨
Running a Disney race has been a quiet bucket list dream of mine for a long time. With all the inner child healing, self-love, and joyful practices I have been leaning into lately, the Disney magic feels like the perfect place to celebrate that. It brings back the energy of feeling like a kid again and stepping into something playful and fun.
The last time I went to Disney, I was actually too short to ride most of the big rides, so coming back now as an adult and running through the parks feels like a full-circle moment!
My intention for this race is to truly have fun and celebrate moving my body with the people I love. I want to cross the finish line feeling proud, not depleted, and soak up every bit of that Disney magic 👑.
My Training Game Plan
Since the half wasn’t our original plan, I’ve been looking into how to build a strong, sustainable foundation. I am strongly considering following Jeff Galloway’s official runDisney Half Marathon Training Program, which uses a gradual run-walk method with planned recovery days. At the moment, it feels like a great match for my overall wellness mindset. I will probably adapt it to include my Pilates routine and some yoga for balance and active recovery.
Here’s what I’m currently prioritizing:
👑 Gradual mileage progression to avoid injury
👑 Cross-training with Pilates, strength, and active recovery
👑 Scheduled walk breaks (likely will end up at the dog park with Bagel)
👑 Mobility and recovery with foam rolling and stretching
👑 Mindful fueling with simple, whole foods plus enough carbs and protein
👑 Prioritizing sleep and solid rest
Wellness & Supplements
I have burned out in past training cycles and in sports, where the training always looked different and was often focused on other goals. This time around, being intentional and really listening to my body is the priority.
Here’s what I’m doing to support that:
Nervous system support with breathwork and grounding
Hydration with plenty of water, celery juice, and electrolytes
Supplements, including magnesium glycinate before bed, cod oil during the day, and a multivitamin
Listening to my body, respecting my cycle, and checking in on energy levels
Keeping up with Pilates to support core strength and injury prevention
Training here in Colorado will be interesting because the altitude is about 30 percent harder on the lungs and legs due to thinner air, which helps build efficiency and endurance. My hope is that this altitude training will feel like a boost once I’m racing at sea level in Florida.
Of course, Florida has its own challenges, especially with the humidity, which can make it harder for the body to cool down and recover. I’m planning to include some heat acclimation strategies before the race, like doing easy treadmill runs without a fan or layering up so my body is not completely shocked when I get there.
Balancing all of this with travel plans and friend meetups will definitely be part of the adventure, but I’m excited to see how my Colorado training translates to a humid, sea-level race!
Disney-Specific Tips 🩵
If you are planning a runDisney race too, here are some tips I’m keeping in mind and a few things my friends who have done Disney races have shared:
Expect a very early wake-up time, sometimes as early as 2 or 3 a.m., so plan your sleep
Bring throwaway layers for the start since it can be chilly waiting in the corrals
There are fun character photo stops on the course
Know where your friends or family can watch and cheer
Be patient at crowded water stops
Train in humidity or heat if you can
Register early because spots sell out fast
Plan your park days around recovery so you do not overdo it
Bring your own fuel and hydration if you are picky
Pack recovery tools like a mini foam roller or compression socks
Half Marathon at Disney Checklist
Register early to secure your bib
Book park tickets and hotel in advance
Test your costume on a long run
Practice running in heat or humidity
Choose a fueling plan and test it
Schedule a rest day after the race
Pack recovery tools like compression socks, foam roller, Epsom salt
Hydrate before, during, and after
Build in time for character photo
Plan where your cheer squad can meet you
Confirm your transportation to the start line
Set alarms for an early race morning
Learning From Other Runners 🏃♀️
I have also been loving reading other runners’ stories lately, especially The PHD Runner. Emma is a 45-year-old runner from the UK who shares honest, relatable updates about half marathon training, medal collecting, and the mental side of showing up. Her Couch to Half Marathon series reminds me that wisdom from real runners is priceless. Celebrating small wins, listening to your body, and staying honest about the challenges are all lessons I want to carry forward in my own training.
Race Day Dreams
I can already picture us crossing that finish line, proud, smiling, and surrounded by the people we love cheering us on. I just want to soakkkkk up that moment and celebrate how far I have come, without burning out or overthinking it.
Let’s Connect
I am feeling excited, a little nervous, and so inspired for this challenge. I might share more check-ins or reflections along the way, so keep an eye out in case I turn this into a series. If you have ever done a Disney race or have shoe recommendations, please leave a comment or send me a note — I would love to hear from you!
I’ll be sharing updates over on Instagram and TikTok at @vibrationalbloom, so feel free to follow along if you want to see how the adventure unfolds.
✨ Here’s to second chances, mermaid dreams, and princess-worthy possibilities ✨
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— Jess 🌿
Energy Healer, Akashic Records Guide, and Founder of Vibrational Bloom
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