Sorry about getting this in late - just got back from Orlando this evening.
Wow - what an experience I had at my first Disney Marathon.
Short version - I finished the race and had an absolute blast.
Long version. 100 yards into the race (literally), a person in front of me
in the pack tried to cut across several people (she was trying to throw a
jacket), tripping several of them. One of them ended up rolling into my left
leg, turning my ankle. I got back up and kept running, maintaining my
projected pace even though the ankle was starting to get a little stiff. At
first, I didn't think it would be any big deal, but by mile 5 realized I was
in some trouble. The more I tried to stretch it and keep running, the more
stiff and painful it became.
I was mad for a couple of miles, but then decided I was there, it was my
first Disney, and I should still have a good time. So, I took out my
disposable camera, stopped and took pictures with all the characters, talked
with people around me, etc. Despite the ankle, it was actually pretty fun.
As long as I kept moving, the pain and stiffness was not all that bad. I was
ready for it to be done when the rain came and was quite happy to see the
finish line at 5:12 into the race. Not even close to my projected finish
time of 4:00, but I am still glad that I stuck with it and completed the
course. I figure I now know the course layout and will be that much more
prepared for Disney 2003! After stopping to get my medal, pictures, food,
drink, etc., the ankle had the opportunity to swell and get painful, so I
headed back to the hotel pretty quickly. Since I was so late, my family had
assumed they had missed me at the finish and had already departed for the
hotel.
After a couple of hours at Celebration Health (great staff and a great
hospital by the way) that evening, I emerged with a soft cast and crutches
with instructions for some forced rest over the next few weeks to take care
of a bad sprain and a small hairline fracture. The swelling is finally going
away, the bruising doesn't look as grotesque as it did earlier in the week,
and I am a wiz on crutches now - it's not all bad!
Side note - my wife was extremely successful in her first 1/2 marathon ever,
maintaining her 12 minute/mile goal, finishing in 2:37 - I am so proud of
her!
I am looking forward to getting this thing back in shape so I can get up and
running again. Congrats to all who participated this weekend and keep those
race reports coming!
Kevin
