Disney was my first marathon and I did it with the Team in Training organization. The support from my training staff was fantastic and I raised over $5,000.00 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The marathon was wonderful expierence overall but being from Michigan, I was not used to traing in the heat.
My long runs up to this point had all been completed in 30 to 40 degree temps. Started out with the 4:15 pace group and ran well up to the half way point. After leaving Magic Kingdom, My legs began to tighten up and by the 18 mile mark I was cramping badly. Rather than chance not finishing at all I was forced to abandon my hope of a 4;15 marathon and begin a run/walk stratagie. Next few miles were slow and at times painful but everyone was very supportive. Began to feel better at about
24 miles and was able to pick my pace back up a bit. I crossed the line at 5:13. Not what I was hoping for but I finished.
My first marathon (although slower than I was hoping) was a wonderful expierance. I have already signed up for another one in April and am planning to return to Disney for 2008. See you all there.
