The Veredict Has Been Reached

As if I needed any more confirmation that the running community is the most awesome and supportive bunch of people that you could ever hope for. Thanks to all that sent out advice regarding the Goofy Challenge. It was feedback that was much needed.

Just for the record, this was never a "Do one or the other" kind of deal. My family wants to go on a Disney cruise and I want to go as well. That trip was never in question. Family comes first above all and it's not like you need to twist my arm to go take a Disney cruise. I mean, it's a DISNEY CRUISE.

I just needed some reassurance that I was not crazy to want to still do the Goofy Challenge even if it meant forgoing the collateral "Disney fun" that usually accompanies a trip to The World. I needed that in part because the first people I consulted this issue with, being non-runners didn't understand why you would go to a Disney race and not do the "Disney Thing". It's a valid argument. There's no question about that. But they are not runners and if you look at it from a runner's perspective, especially from a runner that has set a goal to do something as challenging (at least to me) as the Goofy Challenge, you see things a bit differently.

That was clearly evident by the feedback I received here. Disney World is one of the most awesome places ever. That is why people love to run there, but setting a goal like this goes beyond the tourist stuff. That is why I traveled to Philadelphia last November and crushed my Half Marathon PR. Technically, I was in no way obligated to go there. But, a part of me felt I had to it. That part that drives you. That wants you to improve. I didn't have to do it, but I had to do it. I'm sure you understand.

Which is why the Goofy Challenge is a total go for 2016. On the cheap.

Two things I want to clear up though: When I told my wife about the post explaining her and the girl's reaction, she got a little bit defensive. She was like: "I told you that you should do the race from the beginning." Which is true. I'm sure none of you took it that way but for the sake clarity (and marital bliss LOL) let me make sure you all understand that she has always supported me through all my crazy ideas and goals and when I first thought of the "Goofy on the cheap" concept she was totally on board. It was me who had second thoughts. In fact, when I bought The Machine, she was the one that literally pushed me out the door, put the car keys in my hand and said: "Go buy it already!" That is one of the many reasons why I love her so much.

The other thing is, we totally need to come up with a term for non-running folk. Like in Harry Potter, non-magic folk are called muggles. We need a term like that for people who don't run. Non-runner sounds weird. Judgemental. Like it's wrong to not run. We need a happier term. Like muggle.