The Disney Marathon weekend had been on marked on my running calendar for a long time.  I had completed the Honolulu Marathon at the beginning of Dec. as part of my Goofy training plan.  After Hawaii I got a little bug and did not complete all of my planned runs so I was more concerned with just completing the 42 miles. 

     Thursday my wife Tracy and I headed over to the Wide World of Sports.  The crowds were not bad.  With almost no wait, we only picked up my packet, wristband and goodie bag and headed out since my sister in laws were arriving on Friday.  On Friday afternoon the lines were getting longer and there was a line out the door of the field house. 

     After heading off to bed early Friday the alarm went off at 3:30.  Having prepped all my gear the night before made a quick get away after grabbing a bite.  The drive over to the start was much quicker than past years.  Even adding 3,000 people to the half didn't impact traffic like taking away 12,000 marathoners.  Since it was pretty cool, especially compared to last year, Tracy wouldn't let her "little Chihuahua" out of the car.  At 5:10 got out of the car,  a jog and little stretching and off to the corral.  Ducked into the A corral just as the ropes dropped.  Fireworks and we're off.  I was quite surprised that the beginning was so tight.  The "sharp turn ahead" was a little surprising also.  Once on World drive things were moving pretty well.  The miles went by pretty easily and before I knew it I was through the castle and headed back to Epcot.  My hands got pretty cold the last few miles but the rest of me was fine.  Crossed the finish in 1:43.  This was slower than the 1:25 planned 2 months ago but faster then the 2 hours I figured was realistic 2 days ago.  Changed wristbands, got the Donald, grabbed a snack and hopped on a bus back to the Boardwalk to collect the girls for the 5K. 

     Got a quick nap in and headed back to Epcot.  The traffic was worse and if the start wasn't delayed we would have missed the run.  Off around the world showcase walking with Tracy while the others in our group were jogging ahead.  I enjoyed a coffee as the countrys went by but missed out on the reported beers that some in the race happened to purchase.  Crossed the finish line for the second time that day.  This time holding my spouses hand.  Got the Chicken and another snack.  Ran into Bart from Belgium and met the Druckenmiller family before heading back to the hotel. 

     Another early night and morning and my sister in law and I were walking to the Swan to meet some friends to head to the marathon start.  Again another relatively light traffic day.  We all stayed in the car a little longer to keep warm.  I started on the familiar old marathon course.  Enjoyed a nice easy start chatting with some fellow runners.  Shedded hat and long sleeve t by World drive.  Kept a nice pace with a little walking at every other water stop.  The crowds appeared lighter than past years but a little more spread out (was this cast members pulled out to the side of the road?)  Main Street passed by and I was excited to see the castle this morning.  Just after the castle gave Goofy a high five and was energized for the the rest of the challenge.  More chatting along Floridian way. Saw the coffee and donuts just past the half mark but was already past and didn't feel like backtracking.  I got bored again at the backstage to AK and used the cell to call Tracy.  She was tracking on line and updated me on everyones progress.  Continued down the Osceola parkway and for once didn't miss the RED CUPS.  Got a little hamstring cramp just before MGM that worried me but never came back.  Was disappointed that they didn't have crunch bars in MGM but the kisses helped.  Heading through the Boardwalk I focused in thinking that a sub four hour marathon might achievable.  Made it back into Epcot and headed around world showcase.  Heard the song  "Stop the Rock" at the fountain and got another burst of energy to make it to the choir.  Made it to the finish chip time 4:00:57.  Got the Mickey and headed off to the Goofy tent and THEY MOVED IT!.  Found Tracy and gathered the group to head back.  Was happy to finish the first Goofy and head off to pleasure island that night.  

     Seven parks, three finish lines, 42.4 miles = four medals.  Thanks to all who were out there cheering and most of all to the Volunteer's.    

 

Thanks,

Scott King