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Through Heather's Looking Glass

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My Running Story

I want to take a trip down memory lane and tell the story of how the WDW marathon weekend will forever hold a special place in my heart, because that’s where my running journey began.

Let’s rewind to January of 2009, shall we?

I had been a part of a message board for Disney brides and honeymooners for a few years. Several of us had gotten very close, and decided to have a “meet up” in WDW. A couple of the girls were running the marathon, so we thought it would be a great weekend to go. Karen and I had never met, but our plan was for her to drive to my parents house, fly to WDW with me, share a room with me, hang out for the weekend, then fly home. I must say, I was a bit nervous having never actually met the girl!

Our first picture together. Oh how there would be many, many more in the following years!

This was also the first weekend I met Jen and Crystal, both also a part of the message board. How could I have known some awesome lasting friendships would come of this?

One of the most fun weekends of my life. These people are a blast.

The morning of the actual marathon, Karen and I staked out a spot in front of Hollywood studios to watch the race…no particular reason for this spot. Keep in mind I was NOT a runner at this point! We waited for our friends to pass. The place we were standing was around mile 24. We somehow missed Jen and Jeff, but managed to catch Crystal! As all of the people passed by, and as I watched everyone cheering them on, all of the sudden I got really really emotional. I thought of the hard work and dedication these people had put into their training for this race. I didn’t know them, but I was so proud of them as they all passed me by. I cheered my little heart out, and decided I COULD do this, I HAD to do this! Fortunately, Karen had the same thought as me, and we vowed we would be back to run.

Fast forward to January 2010.

Bobby, myself, my mom, and sister drove to WDW for marathon weekend. 

Jen, Bobby, me, and my sister outside the race expo

Dinner at Narcoossees

We had trained for this race, our very first half. Our goal was to finish in one piece and to have fun. If you are familiar with marathon weekend, you know this was the year of the freeze and the sleet. Yes. It sleeting during the half, and neither Bobby or I had the proper cold weather gear. Thankfully Jen had a bit to spare for me!

We did make it in one piece, and it felt so good to cross that finish line! We did it, we were officially half marathoners!

But we had not yet reached our goal. What? That’s right. My goal was the Disney full marathon.

Fast Forward to January 2011.

It was a tough training cycle. I was struggling with an IT band injury, and Bobby and I were not even living together (he took a new job and I lived with my parents while our house was being built, and he lived in our new town with his employer.) It was tough training basically on my own, I was under a lot of emotional stress. But, we made it to Disney! Karen ran the full with Bobby and I, and it will forever be one of the best memories of my life. We had SO MUCH FUN with the race, stopping and taking pictures with every character, goofing off and enjoying the race.

I remember very distinctly when Karen and I ran by our inspiration curve outside of Hollywood studios. I got really choked up remembering where it all began two years prior. I could not believe I was about to accomplish my goal, and finish the race.

“inspiration curve”

Crossing the finish line was amazing, we finally did it. Two years later, we accomplished what we had set out to do, and it felt wonderful.

Fast forward to January 2012.

Yup. sitting on my couch.  I didn’t make it to marathon weekend this year, because Karen, myself, and my mom ran the Princess half in February! Oh, and I have my sights set on just ooonnneee more teeny tiny Disney goal.

Goofy 2013, I’m coming for you!*

*DONE! We ran Goofy’s race and a half challenge, and finished, with a marathon PR to boot!

In case this wasn’t enough fun for you and you want MORE, you can read the individual race recaps for the Disney half and full marathons that I ran, as well as this year’s Disney Wine and Dine race and Halloween 5k:

Disney Half Marathon 2010

Disney marathon weekend expo 2010

Disney Full Marathon 2011 part one and part two

Disney Halloween 5k 2011

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon


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I am Heather Montgomery, a 37-year-old southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband, 8-year-old daughter, and our goldendoodle Dolly. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

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For the 3rd year in a row we took Emma Kate to @do For the 3rd year in a row we took Emma Kate to @dollywood on her birthday. The weather was gorgeous and we had a great time! 🎉 

It was the first weekend of the Harvest festival and great pumpkin Luminights, and gosh I love those pumpkins! we are actually going back this weekend since we didn’t get to see everything all lit up at night. 🎃 

The festival runs through October, and on top of beautiful decorations, you can enjoy watching skilled craftsmen, create things, eat festival, food from the food booths, and of course, ride all the rides and see all the shows ! 

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If going to Disney is wrong, I don’t wanna be ri If going to Disney is wrong, I don’t wanna be right. 🏰 

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⭐️ Going to Disney next month like we are? I’ve got some tips for you to help make your trip more enjoyable! Check them out below:

1.) Dress for heat: I know in most places around the country, October and pumpkins and falling leaves means cooler temperatures… But not in Orlando. It will still be plenty warm enough to swim, and miserably hot by 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Plan accordingly by hitting the parks in the mornings and in the evenings taking a break mid day to go to the pool or rest in the air condition. 🥵 

2.) Bring some fun fall/ Halloween outfits. The parks are decked out, especially Magic Kingdom, so it’s a great time to get some cute fall themed family photos. I know it’s hot, but just embrace it. 🎃 

3.) Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party will be going on several nights of the week. It is a separate ticket event, and sold out for the season I believe. It’s a super fun event, but tickets are really expensive. A lot of people decide to not do a park that day, and just do the party that night. And people not going to the party choose not to go to the Magic Kingdom, since they can’t stay there all day, and will be kicked out at seven. For me, this is perfect, and we actually choose to go to the Magic Kingdom on these party days for the lower crowds. If we want to go somewhere in the evening, we just Park hop, so make sure you have park hopper tickets if that something you want to do. 🏰 

4.) The Food & Wine Festival is also going on at Epcot in October, and it’s a lot of fun. However, a lot of people choose to go on the weekends, especially in the evenings to eat around the world. I recommend going to Epcot during the week if you can for lower crowds in the World Showcase. 🥘 

Have a great time! If you are there the second week of October, maybe we will see each other! ♥️

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Last night as I told Emma Kate good night for the Last night as I told Emma Kate good night for the last time as an 8 year old, I told her how fast it was all going. She said “mom, everyone has to grow up.” 😭

But I’m just not ready. We are in such a fun stage, and I love that she still wants to dress like me. Hold my hand. Snuggle with me at night. I know it won’t last and it kills me.

I remember 9 years ago tonight. I was so nervous I didn’t sleep. I was being induced the next morning and I knew my whole life was about to change. How can you sleep knowing you were about to meet a little person that you would be in charge of for 18 years? 

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It’s hard to imagine a future when you are doing something brand new. It has been way harder than I ever anticipated, but also so much more rewarding. I wish I could go back and tell 9 years ago Heather that it was all going to be ok.

That we would go through some really hard stuff, but we would do it together. Our little unit of 3 would make it, even if we had to learn on the fly, and even if we made some mistakes. With a lot of prayer and help from family and friends, we could do it. 

So happy birthday bug. We love you bigger than the sky, and are loving celebrating you all weekend. When you are running the world one day, don’t forget about mom and dad. ❤️

***The AMAZING cake for EK’s party was make by the oh so talented @sweets_by_maya6 in the Knoxville area. She is a true artist and everyone raved over this delicious cake! Go to her page and check out some of her amazing creations! 

#birthdaygirl #thisis8 #birthdayparty #stopgrowingup #rollerskate #rollerskating #skatingparty #birthdaycake #happybirthdaybabygirl #bigbows #skatingrink #maryvilletn #rollerarena #birthdaypartydecoration #birthdaydecor #skates #knoxvillelife #theprincessek #skatingparty #shefellalot #hawaiianparty #luauparty #weddingcakeflavor
#ad Did you know that adults are supposed to get b #ad Did you know that adults are supposed to get between 25 and 38 grams of fiber a day? I have some work to do to reach that number, but I’m thankful @benefiber makes it a little easier!✨ 

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 #benefiber #GutHealthRevolution #BenefiberGummies #PrebioticPower #HealthyFromTheInside #DeliciousWellness #healthy #healthymom #healthyfamily #prebiotics #healthhack
🏰 What is your countdown? 🏰 We are pumped 🏰 What is your countdown? 🏰 

We are pumped to be going during fall break in October! Stay tuned for all the details. Can’t wait to take you along for the adventure! 💃🏻 

Tag a friend you want to go to WDW with, or share your countdown in the comments! 

#peoplemover #disneycastle #disneycountdown #disneycreators #disneycreator #disneytravel #disneymom #disneyfamily #disneymomblogger #disneyinfluencer #disneyattractions #disneyfall #disneyhalloween #bootoyou #letsboothis #mnsshp #cinderellacastle #disneyroadtrip #disney2023 #disneyaddict #disneygrammer #disneyparks

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