I had a lot of time to wait between when I parked my car and when the race started. It was almost 3 hours in total, but luckily I had met up with some friends so we sat around and talked and stretched together. I'm not going to lie, I was slightly jealous of the person who was able to fall asleep a few feet away from us...
The start was pretty typical of runDisney starts. There was the nice archway you ran under and plenty of fireworks. Actually, they had more fireworks than normal. I was in Corral C and we had fireworks going off next to us for the first corral! They also had high fireworks as well as the low ones around the start. It was a pretty cool start from the fireworks perspective.
I was impressed that there was a character just after the first mile of the race. When I got there, it was Goofy, but he soon left and was replaced by Chip and Dale. Totally didn't mind, especially since I saw Goofy on my way back.
The run through Animal Kingdom (miles 3.5-6ish) was really cool. They had a lot of animal based characters (Rafiki and Turk, Pluto, Fantasia Ostrich and Hippo...), but the coolest thing for me was seeing the Tree of Life lit up at night. Tried to get a picture in front of it, but it didn't work out too well.
Between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, I really started getting tired and sore. My calves started burning and my energy levels just plummeted. I should have had gu or something like that, but alas, I didn't. I've learned my lesson, trust me.
The course around and through Hollywood Studios was interesting conceptually. Realistically, it was a little boring. I knew what was coming up again (The Osbourne Lights) and that's what kept me going. You actually ran around the outside of the park on the main road leading to Magic Kingdom with cars speeding by. I saw a few runners get close to the car lane and got a bit nervouse, but luckily nothing happened (at least when I was there). You ran a lot backstage, but they did have Wreck-It-Ralph there to get pictures with! It's nice they brought out a new character!
The Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights is always on of my favorite holiday traditions. I actually went on Thursday with my roommate to see them get turned on on the first night. My suggestion, if you can get there at dusk and see them get turned on... that's where the magic is. The lights and the magic and memories connected with them helped push me through the rest of the studios.
To get from the studios to Epcot, you actually ran past the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club resorts, which, funny enough, is actually my vacation run. If it weren't for all the people crowding the sidewalk around me, I probably could have run it with my eyes closed.
The run in Epcot was pretty much a straight shot right to the finish. You came into the park near Journey into Your Imagination and then headed straight out where they have most of the finishes. I wish they had brought Figment out, but it was late and that area was crowded so I guess I understand...
It was great have the mass of spectators in the park though. The cheering and peer pressure (don't want to stop that close to the finish in front of everyone) helped me get to the end. Just after the 13 mile marker there was a laser show kind of making a roof for you to run through right before your turn into the finish line. It was really cool...
Chef Mickey and Minnie were at the finish cheering us on and giving high fives. I always wish I could take a picture with them, but I'm not selfish enough to steal them even for a second from the other runners who are finishing as well. Plus they were at the pre-race area and I just passed it up because it looked like a hour or more wait.
Overall, the run went well. The wall I hit at mile 6 and then again at mile 8 (which lasted me the rest of the run) was a pain, physically and emotionally. I tried to alternate between walking and running, but it really was a compromise between my calves and legs hurting or feeling like I was going to throw up... I deal with physical pain better than getting sick so that also helped me run for a while. That was my athlete's determination really coming into play... there was NO way I was going to pull out of the race and that's the mentality I kept.
What did I learn? Not to run 7 miles before a half, although I do have that marathon coming up which will be 2 halves pushed together. Also, bring food! Whether its a banana, cliff bar, gu, or whatever... this was the first time I really realized how important that extra nutrition and electrolytes really are.
Now it's 2 months and 2 days till the full... what have I gotten myself into????
I was a bIt surprised when you said you'd run 7miles that morning. Oh well, you still managed it :) Well done! You'll be fine with the marathon :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of fireworks starting a race! Very very cool...