Disney Medal Envy

today while looking for a quote to post, I found this page in my inspiration notebook.

From 2008, with my Disney Marathon Logo. My ultimate goal.

Did I ever tell you the story of how I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon in 2010?

Well, we all remember why I became a runner right? To earn the Mickey Mouse medal. After visiting the park in 2006, beginning running shortly after, and eventually completing my first half marathon in June 2008, I decided I was ready. I managed to successfully convince a bunch of my "6 flags friends", all old co-workers from my college days, that running the Disney Half Marathon would be awesome. Most of them had never run a road race, let alone a half marathon. My brother jumped on board. So did my friend "A" (the same one that passed out at Disney Princess), she decided to go for the full. 

I will always remember the day I signed up. I was so excited that I was going to earn my Mickey medal!! I posted about signing up on facebook, and an old coworker, who had run Disney a few times messaged me. Thats when he broke the news to me...

"Um.... Steph, you know you get a Donald medal for finishing the half right?"

What the F***!!!

Seriously??? I have to run an ENTIRE Marathon to get the medal I was dreaming of??

After laughing at me while I practically cried at my misfortune, he told me, "Well, I guess that just means you'll have to go back and do it."

And going back I am. My 3rd Run Disney Event. My first full marathon. My Mickey Medal. I seriously cannot wait to earn that silly mouse!

266 days!

p.s. how ironic that as I was posting this, Run Disney sent an email reminding that race fees increase April 24th! So sign up if you're thinking about it!

Allied Steel Review & Giveaway!

I admit, I have been lusting over medal organization & display hardware

Enter.....

Allied Steel Fabricators

My medals had been sitting in a pile in my office, collecting dust. Over the years, I played with the idea of shadow boxes, but really wanted something special to show off my hard work! When I came across Allied Steel HERE, I was head over heels. I HAD to have one! So when I was kindly offered to review & giveaway one of these fabulous pieces, I was in heaven!

My medals have their first home!

I selected the female runner display and loved the clean cut design, the ease to hang up, and of course the fact that I now have a stylish place to display my medals! I hung it up in the hallway outside my bedroom so I can see it on my way to the gym in the morning as motivation. After it was hung up, I noticed that the only way I could put on more medals, was to take out a nail from the wall. When I looked at the website, I noticed that the pictures showed an opening in the middle to put race medals on more easily. I emailed Joel, and found out that they had recently changed the design. He sent me out the new design so I could compare the two.

Look at the size difference!

The first thing I noticed was the size difference! While the pricing hasn't changed, you now get much more medal space on the female runner display. I found it to now be about the same length as the dual runner display. It also felt more heavy duty. The lettering was a little thicker, and the new design of the female runner looks much better. She really looks ready to run right off the display. Best of all, I can now add my medals easier than before!

My medals' home on the new design!

Kevin hung it up for me (although I could have myself, I just needed the use of his drill). The new design has screws to hold it in place, as opposed to the thin nails on the previous design. I assume this will help keep it anchored, despite the weight of all the bling I add. I smile every time I walk by it. There are a ton of amazing designs to choose from on their website, or you can pick a custom piece that is unique to you! Want a hot gift idea for your dancer, cheerleader, or soccer player? They can accommodate it, to make an amazing display for your son/daughter, nephew/niece, etc!

I'm even more excited, because Allied Steel has given me the opportunity to spoil one of you, with your very own fabulous medal display! I picked this out for one of you...

How to enter

Please leave a separate comment for each entry

1. Mandatory - Be or become a follower 

2. Visit the Allied Steel website HERE and tell me what you LOVE 

3. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE

4. Like Allied Running Medal Hangars on facebook HERE (let them know I sent you!)

5. Post about this giveaway on your blog, on facebook or twitter (1 entry for each)

Contest will be open until 1/6! Good luck!