Congratulations everyone! We did it! This was my first marathon and I
loved every (well, almost) minute of it. Thanks for all the good info I
received from the folks here on this list. I racewalked...not
officially, although one of the judges complimented me on my form!
Here's my report:
SHORT...6:15 clock time, but 6:06 chip time...Hurray!!
LONG:
Not much sleep for me for the 2-3 days leading up to the race. I just
hoped that the adrenaline that was surging through my body would somehow
stick around long enough for me to finish. I traveled to Orlando with
my fellow TNT mates and stayed at the Caribbean Beach Hotel with a
buddy. The husbands and kids came on Saturday and stayed at All-Star
Music...good idea, and one that I would recommend if you are thinking
about bringing the family with you. I couldn't very well go to WDW in
good conscience and leave my 4 y.o. at home! Early morning get-up and
no problems getting to the start on the busses provided. A lot of
nervous energy made me feel right at home. Throughout the week-end I
met lots of other first-time marathoners as well. It was cold...not
cold enough to wear tights. I was glad by the time we corralled at the
start that I wore shorts, singlet with a long sleeved throw away T-shirt
on top. Somewhat of a let-down at the start...THOSE were fireworks???
Waved to Donald and to Mickey and then...We're off! I estimated that I
crossed the start about 10 minutes behind (I was in corral G...but near
the front). First few miles were slow...no danger of starting out too
quickly as we navigated through all the runners/walkers. Almost got
tears in my eyes when I saw the big purple ball and sparkling lights at
Epcot. Got rid of the T-shirt by mile 3. Settled into my normal 13:34
pace for a pleasant walk on to the Magic Kingdom. Passed the coach for
the first time at around mile 11. There's the Contemporary...the
castle...hey where did the castle go? Seems like we walked awhile
before BOOM, there it was again,bigger than life! What a kick!
High-fived lots of characters...took some pictures. Long bathroom break
on the way out of Magic Kingdom then on the road toward the end of the
1/2 and to Animal Kingdom. THEN...the rain hit. It had sprinkled on us
a bit before, but now it just poured...horizontally! I dug out my
poncho and struggled to get it on until a friendly lady who was
running/walking helped me out. Stuck with her for awhile...she'd run
ahead, then I'd catch up to her on her walking breaks. On through boring
animal kingdom. Soaked and squishy but drying out quickly once the rain
stopped. Ditched the poncho by hanging it over one of the villain
signs...enough already! We got the point. Saw my own personal cheering
section between miles 18-19 by the McDonalds...quite a lift! Settled
back into the pace as we headed onward. Talked to people...just
marveled that I was actually here doing a MARATHON. What's up with the
boring out and back there at miles 20-21-22??? Stayed at a steady
pace...passing runners now! Talked to the coach who said she'd meet me
at the boardwalk to walk me in. I don't remember too much about any
ramps...they didn't seem too bad to me, I guess. Into MGM...where's the
boardwalk? Took some candy...spit it out! I didn't do candy in any of
my training...no water left in the camel back and entirely dependent on
water stops. I'd been drinking at every stop...usually one PowerAde and
one water...but no need to use the bathroom since mile 12. Where's that
&*%$#% boardwalk??? Still passing people, feeling strong but tired.
Coach told us to say "Pain is weakness leaving my body" when we felt
bad. I thought up some pithy comments to share with her when I found
her. Trying not to look too far ahead...didn't want to be disappointed
if I saw the big ball and it was still a long ways off. There's
coach...I'm the first walker from my team through. Chatted for a minute
but couldn't remember all those wisecracks that I thought were so
hilariously funny back at mile 21. She said, "You walk, I'll
talk"...GREAT idea. From the sidelines... "Just a 1/4 mile more" "Just
a 1/4 mile more" "Just 1/2 mile more" WHAT??!!! Am I going
backwards?? Kill that guy! Saw the wonderful runner with the Mickey
Medal cheering us on. Just a little further...still smiling and passing
people. There's the finish...passed by some runner from behind that
probably couldn't stand to be beaten by a walker...I DID IT!!!! Clock
time 6:15 but I prefer the chip time of 6:06...my very own PR!!! Got
medal...walked to victory tent for my 26.2 pin...walked back to finish
to watch my friends come in and cried BIG tears of joy when we all got
together. Tired and very stinky...but not too sore . After soaking in
Epsom salt bath for about 20 minutes I removed my blister block to find
that I had NO BLISTERS...just sore skin! Stretching and a short nap
before victory party. Feeling really pretty good....in fact, by the
next morning I was just a little stiff in the hamstrings, and my feet
were still sore but overall felt REALLY good. But one of the best
things: over $8.8 million raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society!
I am resting...before starting my role as team captain for our summer
training team. I'll probably go to either San Diego or Anchorage in
June...maybe do a half-marathon. I'm also thinking about doing the
Marine Corp Marathon, then the Disney 1/2, then maybe a marathon in
February in Scottsdale AZ. I'm hooked! I want to keep racewalking and
increase my speed. Set some new PR's.
Thanks again everyone! Sorry this is so long. But I know that EVERYONE
in the Disney-Deads can relate to the excitement of the WDW
marathon...and the first marathon experience, too.
Shel
