We just returned from a very magical weekend at Walt Disney World in Florida! After watching the Wonderful World of Disney every Sunday night as a kid, Mickey, Minnie and the crew became a part of my life. A trip to Disney World in 1974 was my only visit there...until now. I can honestly say I never listed Disney as a destination on my vacation wish list. Our good friends Mike and Cindy were going down for the 20th Anniversary races and after talking with them, I quickly signed on. Cindy was going there to run her first half marathon and Mike was doing the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge-the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday. Melissa decided to run the 5k on Friday and I signed up for the Goofy. Melissa was kind enough to invite me to do the 5k with her and we had a ball running through Epcot. We loved the sights and the many photo opportunities!
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Each race started well before dawn and each and every corral was treated to fireworks as the gun went off!
Cindy was very well prepared for her half marathon and cruised through the Magic Kingdom and back to Epcot for the finish. I really enjoyed running with her and taking in the sights. Mike finished well before us placing 21st out of 657 in his AG with a time of 1:47. Cindy and I finished 264 and 265 out of 684 in our AG with a time of 2:55. There were several spots along the course that were narrow and tight with walkers, but for the most part, the course was great!
Then came marathon morning. Traffic was much heavier as we made our way to the start. They were calling for temps near 80, so we were thankful for the early start - 5:30am. The course didn't seem quite as crowded to me as the day before. I got to see Melissa on the Main Street of the Magic Kingdom which always makes me smile! She was also a member of the Cheer Squad for the weekend!
It did get pretty warm as the morning went on, but there was so much to see along the way, that it didn't seem to matter. After leaving the Magic Kingdom, we were treated to a lap around the Walt Disney World Speedway. The track was lined with race cars, hot rods and several CARS stars. From there we headed to Disney's Animal Kingdom complete with several live critters to greet us!! Next was the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex where we ran along several practice fields and then along the baselines of Champion Stadium-winter home of the Atlanta Braves. It was fun to watch ourselves in a live feed on the big screen at the stadium, but I found this to be the hottest spot on the race course. It just seemed like there wasn't much airflow in there. Then on to mile 20 where we saw Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy to help in the 20th Anniversary Celebration. A mile or so past there I was feeling a little tired. I walked a short incline, took an "S Cap" and some fluids and felt fine from there on in. Next up was Disney's Hollywood Studio. It was a very welcome sight with lots of cheering people and an extra special treat as we ran straight through the middle of the Wardrobe Department building!! Leaving there we cruised along the Boardwalk area, into Epcot and on to the finish line. Mike qualified for Boston again with a blazing 3:35 placing 12th out of 582 in his AG!! I finished in 5:28 for a 91 out of 419 in my AG. I was very happy with all of my runs, especially since I followed a 3 day a week training plan with only one 20 miler and a few 18's, along with being about 10 lbs over my racing weight!! 42.4 miles in 3 days! Cindy tells me they call that the "Dopey" race!!!
The one thing I am certain of is that Disney certainly knows how to entertain you!!! From the expo, to the race starts, to the entertainment along the roads between resorts, the resorts themselves and the Disney Characters all along the race courses, it was a joy to be there!! And they certainly know how to move people whether on foot, by bus, by boat or by monorail.
On our flight there, we met a young Mom on the plane who was going there to run her first half marathon. She was a delight to talk with and the magic of Disney shone through her as she told us of her childhood Disney experiences and those as an adult. She told us "the place is magical" and she was right. We said our goodbyes as we landed and I didn't think I would ever see her again. Then on race morning of the half marathon, in the midst of 25,000 runners, someone in my corral asked if I could take a picture for them. It was the woman from the plane and her daughter!! Can you believe it?? It was magic!!!
Race Nutrition:
Half marathon, marathon-"S Caps", PowerBar Double Latte gels, PowerBar Vanilla gels, on course drink PowerAde and water.
Massage after both races at finish area massage tent.
Post Race Weekend Breakfast at Chef Mickey's-the waffles were the best!
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