Meet the Family: Bill

Hey there!  My name is Bill Stater, a 34 year old Educational Consultant from Las Vegas (but originally from the central valley of California).  Having a job that requires me to be away from home a lot definitely presents some unique challenges when it comes to exercising, particularly running long distances.  On the other hand, this also enables us to rack up frequent-flier miles and hotel rewards, making it much easier to travel to places like Disneyland and Walt Disney World and participate in these Disney races which I have grown to love.  Good times!

Races Completed:

2010, 2011, 2012 Disneyland Half Marathon

2012 Walt Disney World Marathon

2013 Walt Disney World Half Marathon

2013 The Giant Race Half Marathon

2013 Dumbo Double Dare (10k and Half Marathon)

2013 Wine & Dine Half Marathon

2014 Walt Disney World 10k

Inspiration for Running:

Oddly enough, my running journey began as the result of a bet that I lost.  Each year during March Madness, my wife Aly and I make a bet to see whose bracket does better.  A few years ago, our bet was that if I won, we would fly to Denver to watch my Giants play the Rockies.  If Aly won, I had to run a half-marathon with her.  Well, you can probably figure out who won that year!  Ten races later, I have to admit that this has been the best bet that I have ever lost.  Don’t get me wrong, I have always enjoyed being active through sports, but just running never really appealed to me.  However, I now understand what people are talking about when they mention ‘runner’s high’.

     

Favorite Disney Character: 

I don’t know if I can say that I have a favorite character.  I know I have favorite Disney films, such as The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  But to pick a specific character, that’s really tough.  I guess I would say that when I was younger, it was Donald Duck.  In fact, I used to be able to imitate his voice pretty well.  Today, though, I would have to go with Eeyore.  Perhaps it is because I always like to root for the underdog (hmm…maybe THAT is why I lost the bet), and let’s be honest, that guy needs some cheering up.  I also am a fan of Gaston.  That guy cracks me up!

Why I Love Running Disney:

I love running Disney for three reasons.  First, because they are so well run.  I have heard so many horror stories of other races where they have run out of snacks, served contaminated water, and generally been disorganized.  Second, there are generally quite of few spectators to cheer you on.  It really does make a difference when you are running.  And third, it gives me and excuse to take a vacation to Disney for a few days!  Need I say more?

Advice for Training:

If it’s your first time, my advice for training is to focus on logging the miles and not worrying about your pace.  If you have logged the miles while training, you should feel confident that you will finish.  Keep in mind that once you get to the starting line, your adrenaline should kick in and cause you to pick up your pace slightly.  Don’t overdo it on the training and hurt yourself.  Then you’ll be disappointed because you won’t even make it to the starting line.  Remember that there will be good runs and bad runs.  Tomorrow is another opportunity, so don’t be too hard on yourself.