With that being said, it’s time to meet a member of #teamsparkle. Up next is Bri, aka @queen0fhearts4 (as she is known on social media)!
Tell us about your past race/running experience:
Bri: I ran sporadically throughout college, but I never did any races. I honestly didn’t really know much about races or anything like that. I just liked running because it gave me a chance to relax, get lost in my own thoughts, work off stress, and not have to answer my phone. In 2011, I heard that there was a half marathon at Disneyland. I’m a Disney fanatic and I thought it would be so awesome to run through the Parks! So my best friend and I signed up for our first half marathon – the 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon! Since then I’ve completed 23 half marathons and numerous 10Ks and 5Ks. My most current race was the 2016 Dumbo Double Dare when I was 30 weeks pregnant.
We are so glad you are a part of #teamsparkle. When did you first join and what color was your first skirt?
B: While I was doing research on the 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon, I saw that people ran in costume. I googled “runDisney costumes” and the #teamsparkle website came up. I was instantly hooked. My first skirt was the pale blue sparkle skirt and I ran my first half marathon as Cinderella wearing it.
What/Who inspires you to continue running?
B: I want to be healthy and strong for my sons. They inspire me to take on new challenges while running. I’m trying to work up the courage to run a full marathon because I want to be able to show my children that anything is possible through hard work and determination (and a little pixie dust of course). I want to inspire them to set goals and then work to achieve them.
We all know how much #teamsparkle loves their treats as much as they love running… What’s your favorite indulgence?
B: For some reason, I always crave a hamburger after races! I usually go for a delicious In-N-Out hamburger or a McDonalds Happy Meal. However, when I’m in Disneyland, then my favorite treat hands down is a churro!
Which Sparkle Athletic product is your favorite “go to”?
B: I have never done a race without a Sparkle Athletic skirt! I absolutely love the skirts and I have been known to wear them around Disneyland, for Halloween, or even just around the neighborhood on training runs in addition to wearing them for every one of my races.
What is one of your favorite parts of racing in a Sparkle Athletic skirt?
B: My favorite part of racing in a Sparkle Athletic skirt is knowing that I’m not alone out there on the course. One any given race day, many other members of #teamsparkle are lacing up their shoes and although we aren’t all running the same race in the same place, we are all giving it our best!
Thank YOU so very much for “joining the team.” Individually each & every one of you is amazing but as a “team” we ROCK.
Everyone has a story, and we want to hear YOURS! The #teamsparkle community is such a loving and inclusive group, but often times we are tackling our runs solo. Knowing your teammates can help you to feel more a part of the running community.
If you would like to share your story, whether it is about how you got started running, what motivates your running, why you love running, or how running has changed your life, please let us know! We would love to feature you on an upcoming “Meet The Team“ post – so email us at meettheteam@sparkleathletic.com!