My Marathon Experience
3:30am.the alarm clock went off, and my feet hit the floor for the first
time of many that day. Within a couple of minutes, I had managed to
throw on my running gear and get my running bag packed. Rob was slowly
coming around as I went out to the Old Key West kitchen to eat my
pre-race breakfast (A bagel, an Aleve, a Power Bar, and plenty of
fluids) Christy was there waiting already and by 4am, we were out the
door and into the car and the cold. The car's temperature read that it
was a balmy 38 degrees outside. My body was telling me it felt a lot
colder. Actually, it was my nerves. I was so nervous that I probably
looked like I was having seizures.
The announcer guy announced that it was time for all runners to enter
the 'holding area' which was for runners only.so I said good-bye to Rob
and Christy, took my bag to the baggage check, and stripped down to
shorts, a t-shirt, a cool-max shirt, a pair of socks to serve as gloves
and a trash bag for a 'cover'. I had a couple more cups of water and
took my last Power Gel.and waited.and waited.and used the
port-o-lets.and waited.and used about 6 more port-o-lets. Nerves and
cold weather are great together. We finally got the 'go ahead' to move
out to the starting line about 10 minutes later than scheduled. That was
quite a relief. On the way out there (about a .6 mile walk) there were a
couple port-o-lets, but I decided to just use a bush like the other
heathens around. Runners, yeah, we're different. I made it into my
'corral' with my fellow runners, and we all bonded because we all were
out of our frickin' minds.
Shortly thereafter, the theme from 2001: A space odyssey, was being
played and a couple fireworks went off. Then, the bridge that crosses
EPCOT Dr. was ablaze with fireworks, and our pal Mickey was up there in
a huge lift, ready to start the race. And sure enough, we were off.
(Mile splits are approximate)
Mile 1
Pace yourself.don't go out too fast. You've got 26 other miles to get to
today. Pace yourself. That was my mantra as I pounded some pavement.
Traffic was flowing pretty well, as the group I was in seemed pretty
comfortable to run just about the same pace. I went through the first
mile marker at 9:42, which when you factor in the approximate 40 seconds
it took me to get to the start line.I was right where I wanted to be.
Mile 2
This was a slight downhill as we took the EPCOT exit ramp off of the
highway and through the toll plaza (And no, I didn't have to pay $6) We
ran along the tram path on our way to the park, and there were
spectators lining both sides. An older gentleman that was running next
to me would every so often yell 'Let's hear it!' or 'Make some noise!' I
guess if you're going to be out there at 6am, you might as well make the
most of it. Mile Split 8:45, or thereabouts.
Mile 3
I had entered EPCOT, and my spirits rose with the sounds of music from
Illuminations. Running underneath Spaceship Earth, past Ice Station
Cool, and back around World Showcase passing Mexico. I could see ahead
the runners on the Blue course. I missed the actual mile marker, so I
have no idea what my split was.
Mile 4
Exiting EPCOT, and now in a larger, longer line of runners, we ran down
the pathway we walked to the start line.and people were running off the
road in droves to stop and take a pee break. I however, didn't need to
stop. We ran past the starting line area, and the throngs of people just
screaming their heads off, waving signs, ringing bells and making noise.
It was a glorious site. Mile spilt 8:40
Mile 5
We passed the 'DJ' again.I think he was around mile 2.and as usual, he
was playing 'Mambo #5' In Florida, there really aren't too many 'hills'
so to speak, but those bridges and exit ramps have more slope to them
when you get out and run on them. But for every up, there's more than
likely a down.in this case, thankfully there was! Mile split 8:30
Mile 6
This mile included the big turn for the Magic Kingdom, and the sun
really starting to come out from the clouds. This was also a quick mile
since the ramp was downhill. Gotta love that! Mile split 8:20
Mile 7
I hit the mile marker right at 1 hour....by Disney's clock. My
'unofficial' time said 59:20, but who cares? This also was the Snow
White water stop...and by now, I was wondering what the hell I was
really doing. And why did those two guys carrying boxes of Krispy Kreme
doughnuts seem so evil? Mile split 8:10
Mile 8
The run around the Speedway, and before the turn before the water stop,
you could see the elite runners taking off down past 13 miles. It really
didn't seem fair, but at this point, I was cruising...and at a nice pace
through the TTC. Mile split 8:15
Mile 9
The biggest hill on the course, I think...that dip in front of the
Contemporary Resort....going down is GREAT...coming up, not-so-great.
But you can see the castle from there, and it keeps you going. Almost to
the first promised land! Mile split 8:00
Mile 10
Magic Kingdom. Awesome. Coming from backstage next to Tony's and right
out onto Main Street, where the streets are FULL of people...cheering
for you. It's better than any parade crowd...these people are excited
for you, and you're excited for them! Chip and Dale and Pluto, plus a
couple of excited fans got high-fives/fours/whatevers. A quick turn into
Tomorrowland, a high-five to Buzz, then into Fantasyland past the Queen
of Hearts, and though through the castle. It's quite a rush! Back
through Frontierland and past some Country Bears and out the back side.
Mile split 8:15
Mile 11
The villains took over this portion of the course. A couple of blow up
floats were on display and a sign 'Caution Evil Ahead'. They weren't
kidding. I've been going for a long time now, and starting to feel the
effects of 11 previous miles. Plus, we're in the shade, which isn't
helping. Mile split 8:30
Mile 12
The end was almost near for the half-marathoners, and you could tell who
they were at this point; they were smiling. I was too, because I was
still running, and having the time of my life. Cruised past the Grand
Floridian in style, with out a care in the world. Mile split 8:40
Mile 13
The big turn off...where men are made, and where dreams can take flight,
or die quickly. Staying to the right, as the voice commanded, I bid the
half-marathoners farewell, checked the clock at near 1 hour 50 minutes,
said a quick prayer, and kept on trucking. I was in unfamiliar territory
from here on out. Mile split 8:45
Mile 14
Food stop! Power gel, my second...I had taken the first one exiting MK.
Another Strawberry-Banana. Yum. The stuff isn't that bad, honestly...and
it's full of carbs, which keep you going. I high-fived a shocked-looking
Cruella somewhere around here and there was Pocahontas too.. Mile split
9:00
Mile 15
Running isn't for the faint of heart, or people who can't deal with
boredom, or loneliness. All I had for the next mile and a half, were
trees, and competitors. Got in a couple quick conversations with first
time marathoners, and it helped take my mind off of things. Still shady
and cool though here. Passed the Lion King water station here. Mile
split 9:00
Mile 16
Tarzan time...and the world's ugliest excuse for a Jane. Hey, even after
this long, I can still pass judgment pretty well!! This was a major
milestone I had set....10 miles to go. Single digits to go from now on.
And into Animal Kingdom! The course was full of turns, some of them kind
of tight, and I noticed they'd put up padding in Dinoland U.S.A. around
the bridge! I high fived Baloo and King Louie, and passed a rockin'
African steel drum band. It's the little things like that, that keep you
going. Mile split 9:00
Mile 17
Animal Kingdom turnstiles...I had made it this far...what the hell? I
knew I had support somewhere around here, I just wasn't sure where. But
there they were...Christy, Rob, Patti and Sue...I caught them a little
off guard, but as soon as the saw me, they cheered like nobody else! Any
pain that I was feeling at this point was gone...I had something else on
my mind now....finishing strong, and to make their getting out of bed
worth their while. I finally tossed the socks off my hands at the last
AK trashcan. Starting to warm up now. Mile split 8:50
Mile 18
More boring scenery....just you and the road stretching towards Wide
World of Sports. The newest promised land that I had to make. I was
starting to cramp up a little bit here, and soon would find out what it
felt like to hurt. Mile split 9:45
Mile 19
I made it to the food stop, and had to take my first walk break. I was
still immensely proud of myself for being able to make it about 18 miles
without stopping for a break. Plus, I was able to get more of the Power
Gel in my mouth than in previous cases. I speed walked as best as
possible, trying to rub out some tired muscles. It worked, kinda. Mile
split 10:00
Mile 20
Pee break! Right there at the corner of Osceola Parkway and Victory
Way....just pulled 'em down, whipped it out and went. No shame, no care,
just be quick about it. Starting up after actually physically stopping
proved to be easier than thought. I got back into a slow rhythm as I ran
away from Michael Bolton's 'Go The Distance' Mile spilt 11:00
Mile 21
Ow. That's about it folks. Ow. Mile split 10:30
Mile 22
MGM Studios was in sight, which meant this race was almost over. Up the
last of the exit ramps, and turned towards the Studios. I wasn't about
to quit now, no way in hell. Mile spilt 10:00
Mile 23
Candy break! Green Army Men! And the shortest park run we'd have. We
entered backstage near Rock n' Rollercoaster, and ran down Sunset Blvd
and made a quick left, deftly dodging tourists, and out the gate past
Doug, Mushu and Ratcliffe. This is where I teamed up with my black
friend, and together, we were going to make it under 4 hours by not
walking anymore, and pacing as best as we could. Mile spilt 10:00
Mile 24
Boardwalk! EPCOT was in sight! The dream was close to coming true for
me, but alas, my friend, whose name I didn't get, fell off our pace, and
I was forced to drop him by Jellyrolls. Up the hill and backstage into
EPCOT, last water stop. Gut check time. Mile split 10:30
Mile 25
Welcome back to EPCOT, the Cast Member said. "It feels good to be back."
I replied. I was almost in tears running around the World Showcase
lagoon...tears of joy, tears of accomplishment, and tears that my
journey was almost over. The clock was ticking closer and closer. I had
to move quickly. Mile split 10:00
Mile 26, and beyond
Could it be true? Ducking around Spaceship Earth, and rounding the
kennel, the Disney clock with the Mickey Head reading 'Mile 26' loomed
back at me 3:57:12...it was beyond gut check time, it was go time. I
pulled out whatever I had in reserve, and headed towards the thousands
of screaming people, and the big purple arch with the promised word:
'Finish'. Right above it, was the clock, ever ticking...coming ever
closer... 3:59:40,41,42,45....and I did it. I finished with shock,
amazement, pride, pain, and every emotion one person could have. I may
have finished close to 1500th, but I came in 1st place as far as I was
concerned. 3:59:56
The damage
Some soreness, and a blister...oh, and this cold that I haven't shaken
yet...but the pain is temporary, the pride is forever!
Name Place Official Time Net Time Half Split Pace
KURT JENNINGS 1496 3:59:56 3:59:06 1:50:19 9:09.4
