What a weekend!
I returned to icy New England on Monday night after a fabulous weekend
at WDW. Unfortunately, that darn heat and humidity (and air
conditioning) have given me a whopper of a cold! I still haven't
recovered despite staying in bed for two days. Thank GOD it didn't
happen until after the half marathon!
Here were a few of the highlights for me:
· The encounter at DxLandings hosted by Bill and Ellen McDonough.
It was nice to reconnect with those I haven't seen in years, and to meet
new faces! And the Belgian chocolate was to die for. Also, meeting the
Frasers from OK was cool too.
· The Saturday morning run was a bit under-attended (lol) as it
was just Bart, Mike Lozano and myself. Do you know Bart runs like an
antelope when trying to cross the street near the McDonald's? I have
never seen someone so light on his feet!
· Dinner with former Disney Dead, Beth Dunham on Saturday night.
· Finally meeting Tom Laux in person at the walk on Monday
morning. Nathan is quite the character! Also, put a name with a face to
Adam, Kevin Z, Eileen and Julie.
· I had a really good race in the half marathon, my best time at
that distance in 4 years. But I sure was glad to be turning off at the
half marathon point though. There was no way I could have run a marathon
in that heat.
· I spent about 2 hours (10 am * 12noon) at about Mile 24.5,
cheering and trying to encourage runners! If I could read their names on
their bids I shouted for them and all seemed very appreciative. I even
got to see Blaine and Mary Beth go by and shouted encouragement to them.
I saw Bob Fraser and his family after his finish and he said , "You guys
are meeting at BW tomorrow at 7:30 , right?" and I said "Yup".. and he
says "I won't be there!" lol
· Meeting up with Jerry at EPCOT after my cheering was done and
having lunch with him at Tangerine Café in Morroco. Of course, then we
had to have dessert too so we strolled over to Norway for some wonderful
desserts. J
Now for the race*..
Though I loathe to train at 6am, I actually awoke at 2:26am on Sunday. I
had set my watch, my clock radio AND had a wake up call but needed none
of it as I just "woke up". I actually even felt quite alive and ready to
go*well after a large coffee and bagel. ;-) Headed to the All Star bus
area at 3:45 and was SHOCKED at the sheer numbers of runners there.
There had to be several hundred at least but Disney was ready and there
were 4 busses arriving and departing at all times. Got on a bus and Bart
and Isabel were right behind me. Nice to see a friendly face that early.
Arrived at the "D" tent and hung there with Bart, Isabel, Chris Haynes,
and Beth Dunham before walking to the start. (I actually think I saw
Chris again on Monday at EPCOT as he was sending one of those postcards
at Innoventions! Was that you Chris?)
I was in Corral J I think it was and was feeling good. I knew the heat
was going to be an issue so my plan was to get as far as I could, before
the sun made it over the tree line. That plan worked well as I got to
Mile 9 or so before I saw my splits start to fall back. I was only 2 min
off the gun but was all messed up as to where we entered EPCOT and even
sort of where we left it. Lol But I did enjoy going through the park
even though I swear Disney sent us by every single waste treatment area
they could find. We ran more in the back of EPCOT than actually in the
park I think.
Back on the road it was nice to have the Hula Guys cheering us on, and
then the bands which were very welcomed. I think the water stops were
great and very evenly distributed.
Long story short, I finished in 2:14:53 and I was very happy. I had one
short potty break but for the first time ever, ran all the rest of the
course. I have never been able to run that far so I knew I was well
trained. Previously I have done the Galloway walk/run thing, but there
was no need for that this time. I had no desire or need to walk this
time and I was happy about that
, for me. On Monday my legs were
absolutely fine and if not for this cold/sinus thing, I could have
easily run again.
All in all, a great time at WDW. The best part was meeting new people
and for those of you who might have been reluctant to meet up with
"internet runners" you missed out on a great time. This group is one
of the nicest and kindest I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
As far as next year*.we'll see**J Next up*probably the New Bedford half
marathon in March.
Kris
