princess half marathon 2015- this one's with a boy

We did it!

Gonzo and Camilla the Chicken ran a race together, they stayed together, and Camilla was on her best behavior.  Like our costumes?

I knew this was going to be a slower race for me because Scot and I do not run at the same pace.  He was dead-set on sticking to his 10 min/mile and nothing was going to change that.  That's what he trained for, so that's what I was going to do with him.  He ran fast for me at that 10K in Apopka back in September (the one that I won, and btw, I STILL haven't gotten my trophy, even after sending emails.  It's a touchy subject.  Pout.)  and he got himself a respectable time, good enough to get him into Corral D.  I was in C and stepped back with him.  

We made it on to the bus just before 4am- it was chilly but not as bad as the day before!  We had our airplane/plant covering blankets and were quite cozy upon arrival at the staging area.  Our friend from Abbey Run Club, Jamie, was running with her mom and a few other friends so she and I  were sort of texting back and forth thinking maybe we'd laughingly try a meet-up somewhere among the 24,000 runners crammed into the Epcot lot that morning!  Scot and I made it through the gates and were inching along past the charity tents toward the stage when the crowds parted a little and I saw Jamie and her group standing right in front of us.  I had no idea she'd be there!  If we'd been 10 feet to the left or a minute later, we would have missed her!  Quick photo op, then we all started the 20 minute walk to corrals.  We parted ways at the intersection, made a bathroom pit stop, and then joined our new crew in Corral D.  Jamie and her mom headed back to O.

At 5:30, the countdown was on!  A dramatic burst of fireworks got Corral A going and we started moving up.  B went 2 minutes later, then C.  The announcers kept us all pumped up pretty good- I remembered to have my GPS watch ready and on this time!  They counted us down, the music started, and off we went.  I got my watch going- the plan was to run the first 5K or so and then switch to intervals if we were feeling the need to.  Since Scot and his long legs just kind of lumber along, he's not much of an interval guy unless he's trying to go fast.  We passed up the first character (never stop for the first character!  It's like stopping at the gas station right next to the airport- costs too much!)

There was a high school band playing with dancers and cheerleaders waving poms poms on the side of the road less than a half mile in- so great of them to wake up and be there for us all!  We could see the line of spectators in the dark off to the left side of the highway- everyone was cheering and screaming and blowing noisemakers and waving signs.  I kept an easy pace with Scot as we tried to weave around the mass of people on the road.  I wanted to gain a little ground, and since I'm a bit faster I kept pulling ahead, turning around, and looking for him.  This running together thing was going to take some getting used to!

Did I ever mention that we DO NOT run together?  Like, ever?

I realized I'd have to get my act together, relax, and try to dial down my Energizer bunny thing I usually have going on.  

We passed the pirate ship with jack Sparrow and Captain Barbosa on the left- Scot thought the line was too long and plus is was still really dark so we didn't stop there.  We also passed a massive line for a photo with the Disney Heros and Princes.  I kinda wanted that photo but there must have been 100 people waiting and I wasn't going to make Scot stand in a line that long.  And I really didn't want to, either.  We carried on toward the Magic Kingdom entrance where I had to stop us for an awkward selfie:

We passed through the sign ("Caution runners, speed bumps ahead!") and ran around the parking lot of the TTC.  Scot asked if we'd run around the Speedway track- I told him no, just the marathon does that.  Which reminded me that they're getting rid of the driving experience and I wondered out loud if the marathon course would change.  We passed some race cars all cranked up and surrounded by lights, fog, and music before happening upon Wreck-It-Ralph.  I looked at Scot- "Photo stop?"  "Sure!" he answered.  The line was short, 3 people, so we hopped in it.

We stood there just long enough for me to get the Fix It Fix It Felix song stuck in my head before moving along toward Mile 4.  The run through the TTC lot is always fun- there's tons of screaming people, cow bells, crazy posters waving around- all over good crowd support!  We saw up ahead the Disney Villains photo stop.  The line was long and I was hesitant (I hate standing still) but I asked him anyway if he wanted to get a picture and he was more than willing.  
We stood in that line for 12 minutes.  12 agonizing minutes!  I hopped from one foot to the other, trying not to be irritated because hello, this is Disney and I'm running a race with my wonderful boyfriend but man did it annoy me to just stand there for that long!  Scot noticed and tried to calm me down, telling me it was okay, we had plenty of time, let's just have fun.  So I made like Elsa and I 

Let. It. Go.

I wasn't running this race for the time.  I wanted to have fun, get good photos, and be there with my man when he crossed the finish line of his first big race.  Did I break away from this photo when it was done and haul ass?  Yep.

Dawn was starting to break a little bit at this time- I thought about last year when I was a mile farther down the road and it was still dark, even though I was 2 corrals farther back.  But then, I was just focused on seeing the sights and finishing the race so I didn't let the clock get to me.  We hit Mile 5 just before entering Main Street into the Magic Kingdom, then we burst through the gate and onstage.

I peeked over at Scot as we ran down Main Street.  He was smiling and had his hand out for some high 5s along the way.  He's pretty understated when it comes to really exciting stuff so to see him actually having fun and not thinking about running was the best.  I briefly glanced around to see if our friend Joe was there in the crowds (he was, but I didn't see him), and then we turned toward Tomorrowland.  We stopped and the unofficial secret photo stop (no photographer here, just whoever is behind you in line takes it) and I think it came out great- I was actually glad to have some bits of daylight for this one!

We got Woody (another quick line, maybe 3 people) in Frontierland, then we hit Mile 6 and ran backstage into the area we'd toured at the end of January.  We saw the big parade float and Snow White but passed- the line for that was too ridiculous and Scot wanted to keep going.  After that, it was on to Floridian Way, past the Grand Floridian Resort, the Poly, and the golf courses.  This part of the course got a little crowded.  We were noticing G corral bibs and some I corral bibs so I knew we were in the thick of things.  We hopped off into the grass at times and scooted along.  The line for Mary Poppins was short, as was Golfing Genie, so we stopped a couple more times.  Scot excitedly said Mary Poppins told him she loved his costume!  

As we were in the Mary Poppins line, I saw the 2:30 pacer go by.  I whimpered a little bit, Scot put his arm on mine and told me not to worry about it.  I wasn't worried about not finishing by any means, I think I just don't like being out running any longer than I have to be.  I hate delays of all sorts- flight delays, traffic, red lights, do not walk signs- I like to get where I need to go quickly.  I took a deep breath, and smiled for the camera.  I know the time I can finish a half marathon in and it was bugging me that I wouldn't be even close to my usual time.  Even though I wanted photos.  Which totally does not make any sense at all, I know, I know.  Energizer bunny, remember?

We hit the Clif Shot stop and took our own Gu packets around Mile 8.  As we got around Mile 9, I saw- the Heroes and Princes!  In the daylight!  With a line 4 people deep!  4!  This put a big grin on my face and we pulled over for the photo.  Scot may have held my waist significantly tighter than in previous photo opportunities.  

 Aladdin, Prince Eric, Flynn Rider, Phoebus, Herc, and John Smith.  And Gonzo!

Right after that, we saw the pirate ship!  Again, with a short line!  How clever of us to not stop in the dark early in the morning and to wait it out!  Can you tell I have the biggest grin on my face here?  

We moved along toward Mile 10 at this point and I told Scot the Green Army Man was coming up.  And some hills!  We passed Mile 10 and started up the curving ramp towards Epcot again.  We heard him shouting out to the masses of runners ahead of us- "Keep going- this is a race!  No walking!"  We stopped, there were 4 people ahead of us.  I told Scot I was gonna do some push-ups with Green Army Man, and did he want to do some with me?  Well, he politely declined, go figure.... until the 2 girls in line ahead of us dropped down while GAM counted out 5 push-ups.  "Well, I guess maybe I can do some" Scot mumbled.  I laughed out loud and handed my camera to the cast member before I dropped down on the grass next to him.

"ONE!  TWO!  THREE!  FOUR!  FIVE!"

Jesus christ, Green Army Man counted slow!  I had dirt and wet grass on my hands but I didn't care.  We stood for a regular picture and then hurried off.  After that adventure came a large hill!  We made a turn around up the overpass, this was a good time for a walk break!  There was a u-turn in there and then we were onward into Epcot!  Along the way, we'd passed and then been passed by several times a guy dressed like the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.  We zoned in on him, determined not to let him pass us again.  Gotta have goals, you know?

With that focus, we ran in to Epcot to the welcoming shouts of some backstage cast members before coming alongside Spaceship Earth, past the fountain, down the garden area toward World Showcase, and back around toward the big ball again.  The Marathonphoto paparazzi were out in force!  I took Scot's hand and we ran under the monorail track, around the flower beds where the Christmas tree usually is, and back toward the finish line.  I had energy to spare and tend to gun it a bit toward the finish but he pulled my hand back and kept me slow.  Didn't want to hurt anything, he said.  I get that.  I was really sore after my first big race and I didn't want him hurting either so I slowed down and we jogged easily toward the finish.  Quick!  One last photo stop!

Scot's looking a little whupped in this photo.  Same kind of face in the official Marathonphoto shots too but he kept going.  We passed the choir singing praises at Mile 13, then ran down the finisher's chute, past the screaming crowds, and I heard the announcer call out my name.  We crossed the confetti-littered finish line hand in hand.  I was a lot less emotional about it than I was last year of course (it's still a big moment, and a welcome relief!) so I was able to keep Scot focused and steer him toward the medals, photos, water, Powerade, bananas, and snack boxes.  

It was warm!  And sunny!  I was glad I'd gone with the visors when I made our costumes.  I picked up my glass slipper medal and then we wandered around the reunion area for a bit. We then stumbled into the half marathon awards ceremony!  We watched for a little bit, stretched out our legs, and clapped for the insanely fast women who won the race. 

As we were walking back to the buses, I heard a girl shout out "Oh look- that's them right there!  Gonzo and Camilla!"  I turned to her, quizzically smiling.  "I was just telling my friend about your costumes!" she said from her seated position in the parking lot.  "Ya'll passed me along the way and I just thought you had the best outfits!  I love the Muppets!"  She turned to her girlfriend next to her.  "That's them!  Aren't they great?"

I gave a big smile and thanked her and told her I appreciated her noticing. 

That?  That that just happened right there?  Is what made my day.

 We were almost back to the hotel when I got a text from Jamie- she was checking in near Mile 10, unfortunately her mom had gotten swept just prior to entering the Magic Kingdom.  I sent an encouraging response to her- we'd see her the next day at Run Club to catch up.

We got back to the room showered up, stretched, then headed back to Epcot for lunch.  We managed to get a walk-up table at Via Napoli in Italy with a 5 minute wait!  Ordered and ate an entire large pizza in 12 minutes.  Yes, we timed it!  

After lunch we got on the road again to get back to the house.  We had to clean up and then attend an Oscar viewing party in fancy dress that night!  I had to make an appetizer to bring so even after we got home, it was no rest for the weary.  But I think we clean up good, yeah?  This?  This was a 22-hour day.

And sure, let's celebrate with a glass or 3 of champagne!

Our times were pretty much the same since we crossed the finish together:

Scot was 653rd/1,717 male finishers

I was 5,219th/18,489 of the female finishers

Our net time: 2:39:12 

My longest half time by far but Scot told me he was okay with it because it would be an easy record to beat if he runs one again!  Good point.  

2015 princess half marathon weekend- enchanted 10k, round 2!

Here we go again!  It's Princess Half Marathon time!

Disney race weekends are so much fun!  I'm finally a fan of the Expo experience, I'm comfortable with wandering around all the vendors (I actually go with a shopping list, now!), and I've even made time to see some of the speakers.  Remember, my first trip to a RunDisney expo where I felt surrounded by strange people, unrecognizable products, and crazy runner stuff?  And I wanted to go hide in the bathroom?  Well, I've drank the kool-aid and I'm one of them now.

Scot and I were both running the half marathon this time around- I'd worked on our costumes for a while.  I'd gotten so carried away with our couples Gonzo & Camilla outfits that I completely forgot to make myself something for the 10K!  I found my leftover crown and collar that I made for Sleeping Beauty In Blue from the WDW Half in January (a costume of which I'd re-purposed my Cinderella outfit from PHM 2014!) so I used the pink tutu from the Lady Track Shack 5K and a pink shirt to fashion Sleeping Beauty In Pink.  Ta da!

I got down to the expo after work on Friday, got my stuff, bought another SparkleSkirt (I needed it!) then headed over to All Star Music for some dinner and an early bed time.

 Expo madness!

 We were in the Country Music section of ASM.  It was in the back of the resort, facing the trees, and like a 12 minute walk to the front lobby area!  Never again.  Not my favorite by any means.  The food court sucked, too.

After some nasty-ass pasta (hey, I got spoiled staying in the downstairs, front room Nemo suite at AOA), I trekked back to the room and turned in around 10pm.  My alarm went off at 3:15 and I was up, dressed, and headed down to the bus at 4 and OH HOLY MOTHER OF GOD was it cold!  The Frozen-themed 5K was the day before and that had certainly lived up to it's name.  The weather today was about the same as the WDW 10K from Dopey Weekend.  I ran from the room to the bus stop- seriously, it had to be like a third of a mile- to try to stay warm.  Past 2 pools steaming in the frigid temps.  I didn't see many crazy costumes- I think the weather changed people's plans to pants and tutus.  I was wrapped in one of the airplane blankets Scot had brought home (we use them to cover the plants in the yard when it gets cold).  I found a girl on the bus to talk to- we commiserated together on the chill in the air and navigated the crowds in the Explore Lot at Epcot.  She was in minimal costume- something cute from Raw Threads.  We departed the bus, got through the no-bag-bag-check, and headed straight for the coffee vendors!  Because I got to the staging area so much later this time around (honestly, I was ok with that because it was freezing-ass cold) we didn't have much time to dance and goof around.  We chatted for a few minutes while watching the crowd before being herded like the usual perpetual cattle into the corral area.  My new friend was in D, we bid our good-lucks and goodbyes, and I stepped into corral A.  This was my 3rd time in an A corral- Expedition Everest, Disneyland 10K, and now here.  I was hoping to feel more at home this time- the Disneyland A group had left me in the dust.  You can read about that back in September!  

  

As 5:30 approached, my group was led up to the start line- we passed in front of the other corrals along the way so everyone was waving and cheering back and forth.  We did our best to pump everyone up!  I was so glad to not have to wait the 10 minutes between corrals like Sparkles and I did last year in D.  The countdown was quick, there was a POP of pink fireworks over the banner, and off we went!  I felt good, but I was frozen cold!  I kept my blanket and sort of wore it like a cape for the first mile and a half!  Right away, we ran under the overpass where Anna an Elsa were waving from above.  I had to stop for a photo!  

I passed the first photo stop- Tinkerbell and somebody else.  Never stop for the first photo!  Always such a long line!  I saw the Mile 1 marker ahead and vaguely thought that I hadn't felt my interval timer on my watch vibrate yet- SHIT I forgot to start my watch!  I hit the buttons, got a signal, and when I hit Mile 1, it started tracking.  I took the hairpin turn easily, and moved up and over the bridge toward the Epcot backstage area.  There weren't any characters for a while- not until we got to Epcot at least.  I was looking forward to seeing some princesses- the lines were too long last year and I was ready to finally get some good photos around World Showcase.  The crowds were thin enough for me to be comfortable and I was moving along at about 9m/m.  I trotted under the Test Track loop past some very tall characters on stilts at about 3.5 miles, then into the World Showcase between Norway and China.

Okay, it was a lot darker than last year!

I was about 30-40 minutes ahead of where I was in 2014 and I'd forgotten that the sun wouldn't be up for a while!  I circled around the lake, looking for princesses.  

There weren't any.

Like, none.

I saw Jimminy Cricket in Italy.  I saw Marie in France.

 Where was Sleeping Beauty?  Tiana?  Snow White?  Rapunzel?  Belle?  I swear I saw them last year!  I crossed over the bridge into the United Kingdom...still nothing.  I turned and headed toward the Boardwalk, up another hill, and over the bridge.  I could see the front-runners to my right just leaving the Boardwalk area.  Holy crap, they're fast!  I jogged along and as I approached the ESPN restaurant, I saw Donald Duck walking out from backstage with a handler.  Before I could think, I veered over and stopped for a picture.  I was the first one there and a long line formed immediately behind me.

I guess Baseball Donald is better than nothing!  I started wondering though, since I caught him as he was JUST coming out, were there other characters that I missed being in corral A?  Ones that didn't show up til later?  

I made it around the Boardwalk- I still love the cheering crowds, the signs, I even saw one sign a woman was holding that said "Maggie Run Your Ears Off!"  (I know it wasn't for me, obvs) but I still paused and said "Hey, thanks, MY name's Maggie!" and this woman looked at me like I'd dropped down from outer space.  Like, how dare I have the same name as whoever she knew!  Well, I let that bother me for about 20 seconds before I found other attention diverters.  Mile 5.5 brought us back toward Epcot and I saw Minnie Mouse!  Finally, a princess!  Sort of!

Know what sucks about Corral A?  All your photos are taken in the dark!  Lord help me, my eyes make me look like I'm on a mission to kill poor Minnie Mouse. 

Next stop along the way coming in from backstage was Goofy!  Astronaut Goofy in Future World in Epcot again.  As I rounded the corner coming out of the Land Pavilion area, I only briefly thought about the last time I was on the course just over a month ago.

And guess what?  The camera guy here actually called me "Aurora!"  Not Sleeping Beauty.  Not...just nothing.  He used her real name, and that made me very happy!

I crossed behind Space Ship Earth, hit Mile 6, then breezed across the finish less than 2 minuted later.  Woot!  Now to find a blanket!  I got my medal and then saw the most beautiful sight ahead-

OMG they were giving out space blankets!  I guess Disney learned a very hard lesson from the Marathon weekend and the freezing temps then- people were absolutely up in arms that there weren't any foil blankets after the races with temperatures in the low 40s.  I remember, I was a little blonde popsicle too!  I wrapped myself in a space blanket, collected my banana, snack box, and powerade, then headed directly for the buses.  

Know what I learned too late?

Princesses were there, AFTER the race.  Like, where I found Dopey after the 10K before.  You had to go stand in line, and they were up by the front stage.  

Shit.

Maybe next year I'll get it right.

I was on the first bus to leave the parking area, and after I got on, we just sat there for almost a half hour.  We eventually found out that was because some of the roads were still closed for the later corrals.  Brrrr.  I was still cold.  The bus dropped me off at ASM and I skittered back to my room 2 football fields away and into a hot shower.  

I had to go to work after that, so I stretched, used my foam roller, then headed back north towards Orlando.  It was going to be a short day- I had a spa appointment scheduled for that evening!

Hell yeah.

My results:

Enchanted 10K

Place: 648/10,989 finishers (top 5%)

Age group place: 103/1,656 (top 6%)

Gender place: 494/9,740 (top 5%)

Chip time: 57:07

About average for a 10K for me.  I'm happy with it, especially since I stopped for some photos!

vegas and a damn race

So Scot had to go to Las Vegas for work for like 3 weeks this month.  He gets back in the nick of time for the Princess Half, and good for him he's been able to do some running out there!  I went to visit for a few days (call it an early Valentine present) so we spent zero dollars in the casinos (they're yucky and smokey and kinda sad) and instead went to see "Jersey Boys"- which was fantastic- and did a LOT of walking around the Strip.  Like, 22,000+ steps a day.  That's like 14 miles.  A day.  And guess what?  While we were wandering around the atrium in the Bellagio, I saw a woman wearing the orange Goofy Challenge shirt and carrying the Marathon Weekend Dooney bag!  I had to stop her and chat- runners are such randomly friendly people!

Anyway, we also went to the Valley Of Fire state park for sunrise and got some awesome photos!  More walking.  Hiking.  Scrambling up and down rocks.  It was great!  

 Arch Rock

Scot hiking up the White Domes

 Petroglyphs, aka ancient Indian rock carvings

 This is the perch we watched the sun rise on

 Pretty incredible views!

Balanced Rock 

 Elephant Rock

Best-looking couple in the park that day, right here!  (Uh, also the only people in the park that day.  We were there by 5:45 am after over an hour drive and we were done and leaving by 10:30 am)

I'd signed up for a virtual Track Shack run last month- the Lady Track Shack 5K.  It has an awesome finisher's medal AND you got a tutu!  I brought these items plus the race shirt to Las Vegas to get my race in.  Scot and I did a 7 mile run around the hotel area, and I for sure earned that medal!  
Did not give a crap that I was running around Las Vegas in a tutu.  Probably not the weirdest sight people there have ever seen. 

The altitude didn't really bother me!  I drank a ton of water though, it's so dry out there!

 View from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel & Casino

Bellagio fountains

A pretty cool thing we also did was go up in the Stratosphere tower.  Apparently, it's ridiculously expensive to go up to the observation deck (where they have rides that swing you out over the edge and a zip line so you can jump OFF THE TOWER.  So many nopes!)  We took a different elevator to the cocktail lounge on the 107th floor, had some half price drinks and appetizers, then went up to the observation deck at no charge.  All that for less than 2 tickets to just go up and look.  And check out this view!  I played with the color a little bit but this was pretty much what we got to look at:

Sunset.

When I got back to Orlando, I did a little more work on our Magic Bands, getting them all prettied up for the race next weekend:

Tonight I stopped by my local Fleet Feet after work for the kickoff party for the Best Damn Race Orlando in a couple weeks.  Turns out, (unbeknownst to me!) I'd won a Facebook comment contest from their page back in October, and I finally connected with the right person to redeem my $25 gift card!  So I bought socks.  If you run, you can understand my joy over 2 new pairs of Balegas.  They had a 5 mile group run tonight and although I didn't know anyone there I was able to immediately strike up conversations with the runners in RunDisney shirts!  We can find each other anywhere!  I was in my Goofy Challenge shirt, there was a woman in a Dopey shirt and a man in a 1/2 Marathon shirt.  I also saw a girl with a Marathon Weekend Dooney bag that was a great conversation starter.  Love my Disney peeps!

By the way, I kicked ass on my run: 5 miles, 43 minutes!  AND I was able to hold a conversation with one of the girls in the group for the last 2 miles.  Definitely getting there :)

my 2015 race schedule

Well, I'm recovered from Marathon Weekend!  I've done some good runs  the past couple weeks- longest was 10 miles and I felt alright.  I actually did 3 miles in 25 minutes flat at run club in Deland last night so I'm feeling pretty awesome about that!  Princess is just a few weeks away, I've got our bib numbers- corrals haven't been posted yet but judging from last year's numbers, I should be in C and Scot should be in D.  It'll be no big deal for me to drop back, and I'm glad I don't have to go far!  We got some costume supplies the other day and I'm just on the hunt for the perfect textured fabric to make my skirt.  He's going to work in Las Vegas for the next 3 weeks so that means I'll actually be able to get some things done with no distractions!

I made my list of races I'm signed up for and/or need to sign up for.  There's others on my bucket list but that'll be something to start planning for next year!

Feb whatever, during Run Club: Lady Track Shack 5K virtual race (tutu AND a medal?  Yes!)

Feb 21-22: Princess Half Marathon/Glass Slipper Challenge

Feb 28: Best Damn Race Orlando Half Marathon

Mar 14: Winter Park Road Race Double Dare- 2 mile and 10K (extra medal, why not?)

Mar 29: Tomoka Half marathon (haven't signed up for this one yet.  The route looks boring as hell but Stephanie and I are thinking about it as a training run for New York.  Tomoka offers a full marathon but there's almost zero direction changes and and I think I'd go crazy running in a straight line for that long)

Apr 4: Run For The Angels Airport 5K (this is a fun one- no medal but it's pretty cool to run up and down the runways and taxiways at my airport)

May 3: Long Island Marathon

And then I have Summer Break!!!!!

The 2 fall races I'm focusing on right now are Wine & Dine Half at Disney again (since last year was rainy and shitty) and the Space Coast Half Marathon.  I haven't committed yet, but I'm thinking I'll do the Goofy Challenge next year.  I completed the Dopey but since it's not an anniversary year for any of the runs the medals will all be the same.  Plus 4 days of early mornings was tough!  And expensive!   

Oh!  And since Scot is going to Vegas to work, I'm going to get to go out there to visit (depending on the schedules, of course) so maybe I'll get in a run out there.  Early morning on the strip?  Sunrise out in nature?  We shall see!

dopey challenge day 4: the marathon

Well, I ran a marathon.

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.

Again, no line for the photos!  Crazy!  I was looking at my time, my run intervals were ranging between 8:30 and 9:30 min/miles, and my walk intervals were about a 13 min/mi.  Things were averaging out to around a 10:30 min/mile.  It was well withing the pacing I was trying to keep.  My original goal was that I wanted to finish in less than 5 hours, I had begun to wonder in the last week or so if I could finish in maybe 4:40.  Double the half marathon time, add a few minutes for being a little more tired?  We'll see!  I ran though the Studios, out past the bus stops, and followed the same route from Wine & Dine along the canal.  There were lots of people watching along the waterfront- lots of cheering, some more great signs- some groups even had tents set up like they were practically tailgating!  Once I hit the 24 mile marker passing under Buena Vista Drive, everything after that was new territory.  My longest training run had been 24 miles.  Every step longer than that was a new personal record.  

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!