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It feels kinda strange- I just trained and successfully ran 26.2 miles. And not just that, I ran 26.2 miles the day after running 13.1 miles. And I ran it on day 4 of an event that required me to be up at 3:15 every morning out in the cold.
And I don't have a story.
What I mean is- I don't have a story of struggling, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, dealing with injury, or anything like that. I decided I was going to do this event, and I trained for it. I came away injury-free with what turned out to be a wonderful support team. I laid down for like 15 minutes in the hotel after the race was over, but then I hoofed it around the MK for the rest of the afternoon. I was a little sore the next day, but by Tuesday I was just fine. After 48.6 miles.
What I have is really all in my head. I don't know of anyone else in my family who's run a marathon. Of course, I never set out to run one when I decided I'd like to try to run the Princess Half Marathon last February. I just decided to do it. I live in a constant state of sore muscles, I get a massage once a month, I take joint pills and vitamin C. I never really had to convince myself I could run a marathon because I trusted the training. It's a shit-ton of miles, I'm not gonna lie! The training was a big undertaking- it required a lot of time, a lot of early mornings, a lot of peanut butter and powerade. But it wasn't impossible. It sure as hell got boring though! Long runs, staring at the same stuff as I made the 5th lap around the neighborhood or the trek up to the library, all the houses look the same, all the cars look the same. Ugh.
But I did it because the training schedule told me too. I trained with intervals. I practiced on my speed work. I got my half marathon time down from 9:45 min/mi in the Princess to 8:25 min/mi for the OUC. As much as I tried to take it easy, I couldn't get my half marathon time any slower than 2 hrs, 15 min (I wanted to stretch it out for the WDW half, thinking it would save my energy.)
This is my account of the WDW full marathon. Unremarkable by some standards, but I sure impressed the hell out of the only person that matters. Me.
I was on the bus (again) at 4am, headed towards Epcot (again) on Sunday morning. My stomach was in knots. I was telling myself over and over that I was ready for this. I trained. I was ready!
Deep breath! In. Out.
I hadn't eaten a whole lot- not too hungry, nerves, couldn't stand the sight of yet another banana. I had pretzels and a clif bar in my pouch just in case. Every time I pictured in my head the start line though, my stomach got the sinking feeling like I was standing on the edge of a 100 story building with no railing, looking straight down.
I made my way through the throngs of people, shivering a bit in that stupid plaid coat over my Ariel outfit. I didn't dawdle around, i just headed straight for my corral. Another 20 minute walk through the trees down to Epcot Center Dr took me to corral F again. I found a spot and let my brain continue to psych myself out as I waited. Eventually, the fireworks shot off, corral A were on their way, and we started to move forwards. I struck up a timid conversation with a girl dressed as Dopey next to me, and I told her how nervous I was. I was actually feeling borderline vomit or faint at this point but there was no purpose in sharing that bit of detail. She told me to just run like I trained and to have fun.
Good idea.
I thought about the 26.2 miles that lay ahead of my and my knees almost gave out.
starting fireworks!
someone get me a bag to breath in please?
Just run. That's all I had to do. I'll finish. Dammit, I'll finish still standing! With a smile!
Breathe. In. Out.
I took off the plaid coat, and the countdown for Corral F started. The announcers did a real good job of psyching everyone up- the entire corral group did our own countdown.
"THREE! TWO! ONE! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The fireworks shot off, the music started, I hit the run button on my watch, and I crossed the starting line. I had officially begun running a marathon.
My plan was to run the first 3-4 miles, just to find my pace and to get some space between me and the corral behind, set to start about 3 minutes after we did. The first 8 miles were going to be familiar- the same route as Princess and the WDW half from yesterday. The school bands were playing and cheering for the first few miles, and I settled into my intervals as I approached the entrance to MK and the TTC. The spectators at the TTC where my group was yesterday were nuts! So much cheering, so many noisemakers, so many hilarious and awesome signs and posters. I jogged along, smiling, waving, high-fiving. I was feeling comfortable and hit the 5 mile mark right about 50 minutes. Scot had sent me a text telling me where he and my parents were on Main Street so I was ready to look for them once I got into the Magic Kingdom. I saw the sign first, just my dad standing in front of the Emporium store across the street from the Confectionery. I stopped to say hi, yelled (because it was unbelievably loud) "Where's the rest???" It was dark, I was borderline delirious with the gravity of the event, and I didn't even notice my mom and Scot standing right in front of me! I came to, blinked, and then managed to grin big. I even had the wherewithal to take a photo.
When I was ready to continue on my way, everyone in their vicinity started screaming "Go Maggie! Yaaaaaaaaayyyyy!" I laughed, waved, and headed down Main Street, through Tomorrowland, the castle, the Marathonfoto paparazzi, and out of the park through Fontierland. There were a few characters in the MK for photos- there was even a line forming for Woody from Toy Story before he even showed up! I followed the route backstage past the parade float where there was that insanely long line for Sleeping Beauty was again. Floridian Way came under my feet once more and I headed toward the Speedway.
The WDW Speedway was just past mile 8. I sucked down a Gu packet and turned in to the parking lot. Everyone ran through the lot and on to the track- the entrance to the track...OMG. I had to stop and walk, literally holding on to the side of the walls so I didn't fall on my face. No lie, it must have been a 45 degree slope down. Baby steps! I gingerly crept down the hill underneath the track of course to only have to hike UP an equally steep slab of concrete to get into the center area. The track was about a mile in length from entrance to exit. I actually liked running around it once I got going. The Corvette Club of Orlando had all kinds of vehicles out there to look at. Someone had the "53" Herbie the Love Bug. It reminded me of the row of classic cars somewhere in Anaheim during the Disneyland Half.
Sunrise while running around the Speedway!
We didn't run on the curved part of the track that the cars drive on, but rather a flat inner portion. That was pretty easy- the actual car track looked insane! There were still a lot of spectators, which I always appreciate. It must be super boring to just sit around and watch a race, especially if no one is moving along that fast.
At the exit from the Speedway, we crossed over a little dirt path, crossed Floridian Way, and continued on to a new road I'd never been on- Bear Island Road. It was lovely! Trees lined this road and it was shady and comfortable. My feet were starting to hurt and I got to worrying a little bit. Just keep going. Deal with it if it becomes a problem.
I did stop for some charater photos on this road- I was on and off with my music, too. It drives me batty to not run with tunes while training but while running the race I was ok with leaving it off for a bit. Sometimes I struck up a conversation with my fellow runners, sometimes I just wanted to hear the words of encouragement from the water stop volunteers and spectators.
This was the longest line I waited in- probably 2-3 minutes, about 10 people ahead of me. A guy up ahead in line kept yelling "Everyone needs to stop for this photo! It's got SIX villains in it! That's 6 photos in one! What a deal!" The 6th, if you can't see him, is Scar in the upper right. I love this photo so much!
Here's some guys you don't see too much of! Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and Little John!
There was some on course entertainment along this road with music and the characters. Also, a banana stop! I went from thinking at 3 am if I never saw another banana it would be too soon to thinking that the banana is the most delicious food on the planet. I gobbled it up, got some water at the stop as well, and continued toward Animal Kingdom. Past the water treatment plant (which did not smell at all, unlike what I'd heard) and just before mile 12, I came upon volunteers from AK out with all sorts of petting zoo animals for us to see! Birds, goats, sheep and a... wait, what the hell? A mini donkey? Do I want my picture with it? Hell-to-the-yeah!
I shot this photo to Scot in a text- he and my parents were on their way to the WWOS to wait for me inside Champion Stadium. Mini donkey!
As we approached AK, I also stopped for a photo with a guy you don't see often in the parks- there was no line, I figured why not.
When you wish upon a star, ya'll!
We entered AK from the back, coming in past the WDW greenhouses filled with flowers and plants, and then all the cages that some of the animals sleep in at night. The route took us into Asia and past Expedition Everest. I looked up, expecting to see the roller coaster climbing up. Nothing. As I approached the entrance to the ride, I noticed that the doors were still shut and it was not yet operating.
I was too early.
Missed it!
Hm. Oh well. Le sigh!
I followed everyone into DinoLand USA then out into the side of the parking lot. There was a great crowd here! Wow! I'd just passed the 13.1 marker, halfway there! The next mile was full-on spectator frenzy! So many posters, so much cheering! I held my breath, trying to keep it together. My throat got thick and I tried not to cry like an idiot. I blinked hard. I ran my finger under my eyes to stop any wayward tears. I smiled. My heart pounded with every step. Halfway there!
I managed to pull myself together after I left the roaring crowds behind. Mile 14 passed as I got on to Osceola Parkway on the way to WWOS. Scot sent me a text telling me where they were sitting waiting for me. Some people I've heard say that the road to WWOS is one of the worst parts of the race. It's a long road without much to look at. I used my music here and it honestly was not too bad. There was a DJ that you could hear from a half mile away at least and I stopped to take a photo of my girl Ariel on the Mile 15 sign.
There were some wonderful spectators along this way giving out pretzels and animal crackers, and with a handful of pretzels I managed to continue the trek to WWOS. There was another Clif Shot stop, so I took another Gu out of my belt and sucked it down again. At about 16.5 miles, we turned onto Victory Way, against opposite direction runners on the other side of the road. It was mile 20.5 for them, closing in on 21. I was excited to get to the stadium at 19.3 to see Scot and my parents.
I've also heard plenty of hate from runners about WWOS. It was okay, I guess. I can understand how people think it's boring with no characters and I can see how the short twists and turns can be bothersome. I just ran. I didn't let it bother me- it wasn't my favorite part of the course but I didn't hate it either. Volunteers were handing out ice cold wet towels at mile 19.4- I grabbed one and ran it over my arms and neck. It wasn't warm out at all but it felt amazing and I came from it really refreshed. Entering the springy rubber race track after hours of pounding concrete was like Christmas! All too soon, it was back on to the sidewalk, though the practice fields. I kept catching a glimpse of the Stadium- it always looked so close but then we'd take a turn in another direction and it would disappear! Past the soccer fields, around more baseball fields.... good god this place is huge! More bananas! I ate half of one this time. Finally, mile 19! There were some kids kicking a ball around outside the stadium. Volunteers clapping and cheering. I entered the stadium and there they were! Front row, immediately on my left!
marathon selfie!
Scot handed me a coke. Blessed angels singing! I chugged down half of it, didn't care if it was kind of warm (he'd been hanging on to it since 4am, jesus). Snapped this photo, talked for a minute- my mom wanted to know how I was feeling. Surprisingly good! I was ready to meet them at the finish! As I continued along the stadium bases, the announcer even managed to call out my name among everyone else crossing the pad! The camera caught me and I waved- it was fun seeing myself up on the big screen. As I rounded the stadium, I looked back and saw my group standing to leave. I waved, they waved back, and I sailed out of the stadium with a little more energy.
And a shameless huge burp from the coke.
Oh yeah.
It was a most excellent feeling to be on the opposite side of the traffic this time! Tons of people still inbound to WWOS, and here I was, just past mile 20 and fixing to turn toward Hollywood Studios! There was another giant tv screen and video cameras set up at the intersection of Victory Way and Osceola Parkway. I hit a walk interval, but kept my run going for a few more seconds in front of the camera. I stopped for the bathroom again (made about 3 stops overall throughout the race, I think) and when the girl ahead came out of the single porto-potty she shook her head and warned me not to go in unless I was about to wet myself. It was gross. I stuck my head in, just about threw up in my mouth, and turned around knowing I could hold it until the next stop. Lordhavemercy on whoever's colon was pretty much laying inside there.
Fortunately there was a bathroom at the next medical tent so I stopped there. At least it was clean. We made the turn onto the on ramp for Hollywood Studios and as the back entrance came in to view I came upon a wonderful thing.
CHOCOLATE STOP!!!!!
I swear, I totally forgot about the chocolate stop! I took a Krakle and a Mr Goodbar from the bucket held my a volunteer and they were the most delicious things ever. I got some water and carried on, I even saw Mr. Incredible so I stopped for a photo.
The sky was starting to look a little gray by this point. I was comfortable but everyone watching along the route was bundled up in sweaters. A light mist started as I turned to follow the Boardwalk. The decking was slippery- the volunteers were warning everyone to be very careful. I'd run this route already in the 10K, but this time we were going to go the opposite direction around the World Showcase. The running crowd was thinning out a bit- it was like that on and off. It of course would be really packed along a single-lane road, then eerily empty on wider stretches. I just kept going! I entered Epcot through the back gate off the Boardwalk and turned toward France. The Marathonfoto papparazzi were out in force! I went over the bridge and started around the World Showcase Lagoon. France. Morocco. The mist turned into a light rain. It was heavenly! As I passed Morocco, I saw Aladdin and a cast member standing under an umbrella. There was no line for Aladdin but I didn't stop. As I passed, I waved and he yelled "Go Ariel! Remember, legs are for running and dancing!" I hopped a little, did a little twirl with a stupid grin on my face, and kept going. Japan. America. Halfway there! There were no people around, the World Showcase portion of Epcot doesn't open until 11am. There were cast members cheering and photographers doing there thing every 10 feet practically. Italy. Germany. Over the bridge of the Africa area. China. Hey, it's Mulan! I figured since I got a photo with Mushu during the 10K, I could spare a second with everyone's favorite Hun-fighting gal.
"I am at Mile 25.5" she whispered to me. "Keep going, Princess, you're almost there!"
I thanked her and hurried off. Norway. Mexico. Of course the margarita stand wasn't open yet. Bummer. I wound around the nearly-empty path and turned toward Spaceship Earth. There were tons of people cheering in this area- it was really getting loud now! I heard the gospel choir as I rounded the corner to the right, they were singing and clapping and I started to choke on my own tears. I didn't even try to wipe them away this time (well, just enough so I could see!). I turned down the chute, saw the finish line ahead, and- almost like I was in a dream- headed towards it. I caught a glance at the "Go Maggie!" sign my dad had up high. I crossed the finish line barely able to see through my welled-up eyes and burst into full-on crying as I high-fived Minnie Mouse. I braced my hands on my knees after I hit the last pad and a medical guy actually lunged at me as if I were about to fall over. I smiled, gave him a thumbs-up and he backed off smiling back. I walked through, got my medal, drinks, snack box (I skipped the bananas and went straight for the applesauce), then stopped for photos. After that, I went into the Dopey Challenge tent, a volunteer verified my bib and time on a computer and told me I was good to go. I stepped over to a girl holding medals and she hung both a Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge medal around my neck.
They clanged together nicely when I walked.
I knew Anita from my Women In Aviation group was volunteering the race, but I hadn't seen her and had no idea where to even look for her. There had been 19 water stops and I didn't even try to get a look at everyone working those. I figured I'd catch up via Facebook after the weekend was over so I cut through the nearest bag check to exit and meet my parents.
She was there.
She called my name first. I shrieked in surprise. OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! Out of the thousands of volunteers, I ran in to her on accident at the very last second!
She snapped a photo of us, I was too delirious to think about that so I took the screenshot she posted.
I found Scot and my parents and burst into tears again. Scot had even brought me a dozen roses! (and because he plans ahead, he even brought a vase from the house to put them in. He'd bought them with my dad while my mom and I were at the Spa and kept them in water in his car.) He packed my bottles and snack box into the mesh bag he'd brought and I sat down to stretch while we all chatted for a bit. We got some good photos, too.
I managed to make it back to the hotel alright. My feet were sore and all I wanted was a shower. After I cleaned up and was dressed and in my Oofos sandals, we hit the Magic Kingdom for the afternoon. I was tired but excited so we only stayed about 5 or 6 hours before heading back up to the house.
so pretty and shiny!
had this ornament made at the MK
What an experience! I had the absolute best time running this marathon! I'm so glad I stopped for photos, too. Thing is, I never did hit the proverbial "wall" that distance runners often talk about. I was too curious to see what was coming up ahead to feel like I just couldn't continue. That's the way Disney races are, though. I have my second marathon scheduled in May so we'll see what happens then. I'm curious to see how my time does when I actually run it rested!
Here's my stats!
4,310th/19,970 finishers (top 21%)
Age group place: 267/1,706 (top 15%)
Gender place: 1,443/10,285 (top 14%)
Net time: 4:37:04
3 minutes under my modified goal time.
Oh yeah!
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