Creative Disney Inspiration...My Favorite Running Princess

Happy Birthday to ME!! My friend Didi is here, and I can't think of a more perfect birthday gift!!  I admire her as a blogger, mother, friend - but today it's all about her love of running, and the creative running attire she wears for all of her runDisney events.  Enough from me, here's Didi.

Me, creative??  I am always envious of my pals, like Donna, who are inspired, crafty and have an artful sensibility.

She MADE this for me- just because.   My patients love it!!

I have always preferred function over form- until runDisney, that is.  It only took one race, one race watching the fun and WOWaround me, for me to get my "costume on".  Mine is an evolutionary process, and where it will lead only the next great runDisney race can predict!  Mind you, at my age I need to consider the practical; I will not run without compression garments, as support and veinous return are key to survival. But a hint of fun and sparkle have become increasingly important to my Peter Pan self!
My plotting usually begins with a color scheme.  If I am running with a team, I work with the singlet colors.  Otherwise, I always look at the medal and ribbon color and start there.  Next, of course, is the race theme coordination.  Thankfully, runDisney makes this a no-brainer, even for me!

 Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon 

Running for Team Up! with Autism Speaks required wings and a tutu in a fairy-scape that matched my singlet.  I found both on Etsy, my absolute favorite place to shop pre-race.  Another option?  A matching cape, of course, complete with my son's photo attached.  (He is my superhero, and the very reason I run, after all.)  A simple Google search for capes will do the trick.

Inaugural Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run

In keeping with race personality, I chose my attire for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon with food in mind.  I headed back to Pinterest looking for aprons, and could not believe the princess selections!  Etsy supplied my "braids" (attached to an elastic hair fastener), and I was ready to run for my very first runDisney Coast to Coast Race Challenge Rapunzel-style.

Coffee, tea or runDisney??

Finally, I had the opportunity to run in my Team Sparkle skirt, and dressing it up to match my inner Cinderella was as easy as finding a soft black headband at the local CVS, and ordering CSS Custom Sport Sleeves .  (As a physical therapist, I can share that customizing your arm or leg sleeves to provide just the right compression makes a huge difference both during and after your race.)  If you are ever stuck for race costume ideas, search the Team Sparkle site for many, many disney-inspired outfits.

Disney Princess Half Marathon

Next up? An Alice in Wonderland skirt that will match my Team Special Olympics singlet.  (Sorry gals, it's not here yet...)  After that, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler is on the docket.  I'll be ready for those Disney Villains with my running garb.  It is a night race, so I believe some "glo" and neon will be in order.  I won't tell you what the finished "character" will be, but here's a sneak peak:

Any guesses Winnie the Pooh fans?  (Tail and tutu to follow...)

runDisney harnesses not only the inner warrior but the inner child; in absolutely anyone.  Come play dress up with me!

A special shout-out to the birthday girl, Donna Kay.  I am so honored to help mark her golden celebration.  I wish you much magic and many, many more years to come girlfriend.  XO

Thanks so much Didi!! I still want to be just like you, if I ever decide to grow up... Please stop by and say HI!! to Didi at DIStherapy, Facebook and Twitter and you will see why.

Hope you have enjoyed this 17th installment of Creative Disney Inspiration, as always if you make any of the projects please share them on the Disney Donna Kay Facebook page. I would love to see them!! 

Have a Magical Day!!
Donna Kay