Dear Fellow Deads,
Short Version:
Race too long. Training too short. Still lots of fun.
Long Version:
What a remarkable weekend! Ellen and I used this year's Disney Marathon as
an excuse to get away for a few days of relaxation in the sun without the
kids. (I know, what kind of evil person goes to Disney World and leaves the
kids behind?) We absolutely enjoyed the Dead encounters we attended on
Friday night at Dixie Landings and on Saturday at the APD. A special "shout
out" to Maggie, Bob Chapman's granddaughter, who entertained us during the
APD. And many, many thanks to Charlie Cangialosi for organizing the dinner,
Jakson and Craig for the great shirts, and Holly for allowing the Disney
Deads to be.
Oh yeah, the race.
Unlike most of the throng at the start, I did not mind the cold weather. In
fact, it was a bit warmer than we have seen up here in New England over the
past month. Even standing around in the holding pens was not uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, the cooler temperatures did not translate into a faster time
for me.
I was hoping to run under 4 hours. Having started too fast last year, I made
an effort to slow down in the first half, which I hit in about 2 hours and 2
minutes (watch time). Perfect. I felt great, and ready for a "negative
split" finish. So I picked up the pace as we headed toward the Animal
Kingdom.
Too fast, too soon. Hit 20 miles right on 3 hours and my hoped for sub 4 hour
pace. But I should have parceled my energy out more carefully. I hit the
wall hard. By mile 21 I was running out of steam and REALLY slowed down to
make sure I would finish, which I did (4:34:41). Much slower than last year.
But I had a lot more fun. I actually took the time to see all the great
sights and enjoy the music and characters more than last year. I managed to
pick Ellen out of the crowd just after the start (God bless all of those
hardy souls who stood around in the cold to wait and watch) and again at 9
miles (at the Transportation and Ticket Center).
Wearing my old Colorado State cap, I met a bunch of alumni and Rams fans
along the course. It helped that I wore the cap backward, so that they could
read it as they passed me.
Among my favorites this year were:
- Running around the World Showcase at the start, with the countries lit up
and the pathway eerily empty.
- Greeting the Red Course starters as we merged after Epcot. One comedian
from the Blue side yelled out, "They're Red! They're different! Let's kill
them!"
- The long stretch of World Drive heading toward the Magic Kingdom. Flat,
straight, fast and (this year) visible without the fog!
- High fiving Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland and hearing the "thunk" as you
slapped his plastic glove.
- The bears in Frontierland trying to run along beside the runners.
- Those fantastic drummers in the Animal Kingdom. I wish they could have
followed me around the entire course.
- Racing through the long stretch between Animal Kingdom and Wide World of
Sports. Last year it seemed to take forever. This year it just flew by!
- That terrific guy just before MGM who held up his finisher's medal and
inspired us all to keep going. First class all the way. Thank you.
- Disney's fantastic organization. I was through the finish and met my wife
in less than two minutes!
After I had returned to my hotel, showered and changed, I happened to
overhear a man in the gift shop saying he was going over to the finish line
to meet his wife as she completed the marathon. I thought he was joking! But
we went back to Epcot for lunch and watched as the runners and walkers
continued to stream through well after 1 o'clock. What dedication!
The good news is that my slow finish left me with very fresh legs. Ellen and
I went out and played nine holes of golf early Monday morning, walking the
course with no ill effects. (Of course, my golf game is still terrible, but
that's a post for another list.) And we were able to enjoy a few more days
of visiting the parks together.
This was probably my last marathon, at least for another 20 years or so.
Time to get back to more familiar territory in the 5K and 10K range. But we
have discussed coming back next January for the half marathon. If the timing
is right and the finances come through, we'll see you all again.
Congratulations to all the Disney Deads who ran, walked and watched. It is
truly a privilege to be counted among the Dead! I will proudly wear my new
Dead racing singlet and gladly explain to the curious who and what we are.
Until next time, thanks for the memories.
With two weeks to contemplate and reflect, here are a few more thoughts on
Disney Marathon 2001:
I know our warm blooded friends did not appreciate the chilly temperatures
at the start, but it really was almost perfect marathon weather. Very
comfortable for those of us who live north of the Mason-Dixon line. And it
did warm up as the race went on.
After all the stories and posts about potty breaks and bladder control, I
realized that I did not empty my bladder after leaving my hotel room until I
returned after the marathon. Not one drop. Not waiting for the start. Not
during the race. Not at the finish line. Now I think part of my problems
during the race might have been due to dehydration.
I missed the high school marching band and cheerleaders at the Wide World of
Sports turnaround hairpin. Hope they are back next year. (Not that I will
get to see them!)
Thought that the park visitors were more patient in waiting for us to pass
this year, and were more enthusiastic in their cheering. Last year I
witnessed a confrontation at the Animal Kingdom gates when an irate visitor
demanded that Cast Members stop the race so HE could enter the park! Nothing
like that this year.
Hated the "canned" cheering from the loudspeakers. I'd rather listen to some
inspirational music, or nothing at all. Of course, it could have been worse.
They might have recorded a laugh track for those of us bringing up the rear.
Can't say enough about that angel who ran back to mile 23 waving his Mickey
medal and soothing us with encouraging words. He represents all that is good
in our sport.
Last year my entire family trekked to Orlando to watch me run - wife, four
kids, mother and father. Never was able to pick that group of 7 people out
of the crowds along the way. This year it was just my wife, Ellen. I saw her
twice during the race. Go figure.
Talk up here in New England has already turned to the Boston Marathon. Local
newspapers are running articles on people and groups training for the race.
And the local running community is abuzz with group runs and training plans.
Personally, I think the Boston Marathon is the greatest road race in the
world. But, coming in April, it requires one to train all through the worst
of the winter to properly prepare. I'll pass.
Is it just me? Or do the Disney Deads seem to be the nicest, most decent and
pleasant people on the face of the earth? I realize the group only gets
together once a year (and only partially, at that) and may be on our best
behavior. But for the life of me I could not find one jerk in the bunch.
Let's hope it continues that way.
Bill McDonough
bill@scribendi.net
