Runner’s love of Star Wars turns into a force of good
On the day that arguably the most iconic movie franchise premiered in theaters in 1977, Carrie Nugent cried.
It didn’t take much for Nugent to cry then. That’s what babies on their fifth day on Earth do.
In good time, Nugent developed a true emotional attachment to Star Wars, one that is real, deep and long-lasting. The Winter Park resident is entered in three races during Disney’s third annual Star Wars Half Marathon — The Dark Side weekend, including the 13.1-mile showcase Sunday that is expected to attract about 17,000 runners.
“Star Wars itself is this big space opera, but from its inception, it’s really about nice, moral stories, good vs. evil,” Nugent said.
Nugent belongs to two Star Wars costuming groups — the 501st Legion and the Mandalorian Mercs — that volunteer at nonprofit organizations such as MakeA-Wish. She makes costumes that must be “screen accurate,” creating a sparkle in sick children’s eyes as bright as some of her designs.
Those costumes work not only on the kids. Sometimes when Nugent visits a hospital, she will peer at other members of a captive audience.
“You see these parents that have sacrificed so much,” Nugent said. “They’re so incredibly stressed, and you see them smile in a way they probably haven’t had the opportunity to smile, partially because their child is so happy.”
Nugent, 40, is concentrating on three aspects of her life this year.
For the mind, Nugent is learning Korean and German. Regarding the body, she is continuing a weight-loss journey that has seen her lose 125 pounds. As for the spirit, she volunteers at least once a month.
Nugent is self-employed in the fields of information technology and marketing, so she knows how to connect people.
“Everyone who meets her is instantly her friend,” said her sister, Kim Nugent. “[She’s] very trusting out of the gate and just inherently a helpful person.”
Star Wars can icebreaker.
Nugent became a fan, first of the movies, then the books. Darth Vader is her favorite character, and she ranks “The Empire Strikes Back” at the top of the nine Star be an effective Wars movies released so far.
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” is scheduled to be in theaters next month.
Nugent is such a big fan of George Lucas’ alternate universe that she camped out at the Orange County Convention Center on consecutive nights last year for a Star Wars convention. She bought a white Jeep because it reminded her of a stormtrooper.
As for the costumes ...
“She stays in character,” Tito Miranda of the Mandalorian Mercs said. “If she is playing the good guy, she’s the hero. If she’s the bad guy, depending on the situation, she’ll act the role.”
Jodi Brown met Nugent through running and has seen her dressed up for races.
“She’s been known to put everything together pretty last-minute and execute what she said she was going to do perfectly,” Brown said. “She likes to mash up characters.”
Nugent did exactly that Friday. Nugent dressed as a Mandalorianinspired version of Princess Merida from the Disney movie “Brave,” complete with a red wig, for the five-kilometer race at Epcot.
“[Costuming] alive, and it kept said.
Nugent said her favorite Star Wars creation — a chrome-looking combination of Captain Phasma and a Mandalorian that she calls Phasmando — took her five months to make. The time involved with the design process fluctuates, depending on the materials and the level of intricate detail required, but Nugent doesn’t mind. It’s a joy, just like volunteering. “I can’t really imagine going through a month and having everything centered on me,” Nugent said. “It’s better to put the attention where it’s needed.”
Star Wars allows her to do that while, at the same time, engaging in some really rewarding play time. kept the story it tangible,” Nugent