If you’re like most runners, you know how good running makes you feel and you probably wish that you could get more people to run so that they could experience it too. But, just like me, you probably have a ton of family members and friends that just don’t get it.

“You run that far on purpose?”

“I don’t want to punish my knees.”

“I don’t see the point, unless someone is chasing you.”

These are the comments I get from most of my extended family. I’m sure you’ve heard similar ones from yours.

The last quote in particular is something that a cousin of mine would say. Now don’t get me wrong — he’s no couch potato. He does all sorts of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, and paragliding. He just doesn’t run.

Until now.

His brother is a runner. He’s been trying for years to get his brother to run, and kept hearing the same response — “I don’t understand the point of running, unless someone is chasing you.” So he challenged his brother with the Run For Your Lives.

In this race you get to negotiate 12 obstacles along a 5K running course — while being chased by zombies! My formerly non-running cousin is now inspired to evade the zombies, defeat the obstacles, and while he’s at it also run 5K. So now he’s pulled together a training plan, laced up his shoes, and has become a runner!

Now this type of event may not appeal to running purists, is not RRCA certified, and will most definitely NOT land you a 5K PR. But it is a heck of a lot of fun, very unique, and attracts people to running who may not otherwise have ever given running a try.

As more and more people flock to running as a way to stay healthy, they are finding more and more ways to make running enjoyable. Whether you’re a Tough Mudder, a Princess, a Warrior, a Fairy, or a Perp, chances are there’s a unique race out there just for you or someone you know.

So find a unique event near you that would inspire someone else in your family to run, and then invite them to join you!

Because at its heart, running is not about PR’s and intervals and VO2MAX — running is about staying healthy while having fun. Enjoy!

Along with planning beautiful themed resorts and wonderfully manicured landscaping, the Disney Imagineers have also included a network of walking/jogging trails around the resorts that you can run on. My favorite area is the Epcot Resorts area, home to the Disney Beach Club, Disney Yacht Club, Disney Boardwalk, Disney Swan, and Disney Dolphin resorts. These resorts are beautifully set around a lake, tucked away behind Epcot’s World Showcase, with canals that connect both to Epcot and to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Lots of people are out running every morning, so you’ll have plenty of company (or competition) to keep you motivated. I ran in the afternoon while the kids played at the Beach Club pool. There were less runners out then, and more casual strollers to look out for and avoid — especially on the boardwalk.

There are three sections of running trails in this area. One runs along the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then back on the other side (after crossing on an overpass) to the Swan and Dolphin resorts. (photo 1) If you’re lucky, you’ll get to race one of the Friendship boats down the canal (I won).

The largest section is a running/walking path along Epcot Resorts Boulevard, which circles around all of the resorts. (photo 2) You have to watch out for one tricky part where the path stops as the road goes under the canal, but the length of this path makes it easier to get some distance in.

Of course the most popular is running around the lake. (photos 3 & 4) This stretch includes a section on the Disney Boardwalk, and you can find runners here at almost any time of the day.

If you want to plan your course before you run you can do so on MapMyRun. Or you can use RunKeeper to track your time, pace, and distance on the fly.

So along with your Mickey Mouse ears, don’t forget to pack your running shoes, and have a magical run!