For most of my life, I’ve enjoyed drifting out of reality and exploring other universes and multiverses. There is something so wonderful about the what if and what could be and I find it’s easier and easier to ignore everything around me the longer I stay in the fantasy. So I try to strike a good balance. Enjoy everything out there, but stay grounded in reality. Right now, the universe I most want to be part of is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
I don’t know why, at this time in my life, these films and characters are so interesting to me, but I welcome every invitation to escape to their worlds. When runDisney announced a Super Heroes Half Marathon to their race line up, it was my husband who suggested we sign up. I was surprised that he wanted to do it, but I was totally on board. We decided that the Super Heroes Half would be our “legacy race” (if you participate every year for at least five years, they hold a spot for you even if the events sell out). The idea of being a part of the MCU even if just for a few hours was too good to pass up. It was exciting to run the course and see our favorite characters (Captain America anyone?) inside Disneyland and pass the grand line up of cosplayers dressed as every imaginable Marvel character. We dressed up too!
After the first year, runDisney added a 10k event and the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge. The Infinity Gauntlet Challenge was to run the 10k and half marathon. Kyle wanted the Gauntlet medal, so we signed up for both races! We’d been faithfully running these events for four years, one away from legacy, when it was announced that the California runDisney races would be suspended indefinitely. Boo! We had improved our pacing and finishing time every year, and were thrilled to finish in under three hours in 2016. Since this year was most likely our last race, it had to count. I set a ridiculous finishing time for myself, but wasn’t sure I wanted to leave Kyle to run the course on his own.
Ultimately, I ditched him and finished the half marathon in 2:36:12 — eleven minutes slower than my goal, but ahead of the 2:45 pacer I passed! Kyle finished in 2:44:51, which was ahead of his goal too, so it was a successful race for both of us. Now, I’m anxiously and foolishly hopeful that something will change and the race will be back or a new one announced. Maybe, I do live in a fantasy…
And speaking of living in a fantasy, my excitement for Avengers: Infinity War could not be topped. I was so anxious for the arrival of this film and I’ll say, Marvel delivered on all they’ve built up to. I have not been disappointed with a single installment of Phase 3.
As part of my new job, I sometimes review books, tv shows, and movies. In case you’re interested, you can read my review of Avengers: Infinity War on Laughingplace.com.
What universes would you like to live in? Are you runner? What’s the longest distance you’ve run?