Before I even start my race report I have to mention that just 5 weeks ago I was running with so much pain in my foot that I thought I was going to have to back out of this race. My podiatrist recommended surgery, and I was ready to jump right in for a quick fix, but I saw an Orthopedic surgeon who recommended orthotics. I've only had the orthotics for 1 1/2 weeks, and haven't adjusted to them enough yet to use them during this race, but I was able to run the whole race PAIN FREE!! So this is a reminder to always get a second opinion!!!
We had a great time at the race! But boy was it humid or what??!
First off, packet pick-up went pretty smoothly for us. It was definitely not as organized as marathon weekend, but my husband was stuck in a Disney transportation nightmare (self-induced by trying to squeeze in one more Everest ride before ADRs at DTD!) so luckily I was able to pick up his packet - the volunteer just told me to sign his name on the waiver.
On Saturday we spent the day at the Studios, had dinner at 4:45 at Hollywood and Vine, and we were planning to watch Fantasmic with the family - but there were periods of downpouring rain, and the kids all wanted to go back to the resort to go in the arcade (cha-ching!). Now my sister, husband and I had 2 hours to kill in the park, we were over-stuffed from dinner - even though we tried to control ourselves -(those bite-sized desserts just look so small!!) We thought about walking to the Boardwalk to waste time, but instead we hung around, got some coffee and went to Fantasmic. Then we got our stuff out of the lockers and changed. My sister did not have her wristband in the packet, so we went into panic mode! We saw a volunteer right near the exit of the park at "Crossroads" and asked him if he could point us toward the starting line - but he couldn't - he told us he just got there, and it was too confusing to try to explain from that point (okay - THAT made us nervous! - although the actual answer was through the gates and to the right!! - not so confusing after all!) She found someone to give her a new wristband - apparently volunteers were supposed to be putting them on the wrists at packet pick-up, but then they started putting them in the envelopes, or chip envelopes - either way, she was not the only one with this problem, but I didn't really see anyone checking for wristbands throughout the night anyway.
It was a bummer that the race started 20 minutes late. I thought it was because there was lightning in the area so I was relieved that they said the event would take place. Now I'm thankful that I wasn't in the traffic nightmare! I thought the atmosphere at the start line was really light and fun (although seriously, what is it with guys in underwear and capes?? what makes them think that is a good look??) The mood was definitely a lighter "party" mood - not like the nervous tension of marathon morning. There were also lots of great costumes - my favorite was the group of ladies dressed up in tombstone T-shirts, each with their own "here lies..." epitaph.
I did recognize Robert in the crowd because of those funky things he wears on his ankles - I remember seeing them in a post. Sorry I couldn't stop and chat longer, but it was in the first 1/2 mile, and that's when I reach my top speed :wink:
I also really like the race course. I thought running through WWoS was fantastic, and I loved being on the big screen near the lights, motor action! show. I really wish I had a better concept of the mile markers though, because right at the end when we ran down that main street and took a left toward Fantasmic I still thought we had to loop around and run back up toward the Sorcerer's Hat (didn't realize I'd already done that!) So it wasn't until just before mile 8 that I realized I was almost finished!!
I didn't have any problems with 6.5K walkers - as a matter of fact, I was trying to figure out where the two courses met up again! But I can see how it would be a problem for the faster runners.
I love the medal - and I love the T-shirt! I'm glad that it's not a tech shirt because I will wear this one much more. But I do wish that both the medal and t-shirt said "inaugural" and had a date.
We didn't stay for the afterparty because we wanted to get back to the resort to see the end of the Red Sox game. We were pleasantly surprised to find busses running, and even though we had to make a few stops before we got to our resort it only took us about 25 minutes.
There was no rest the next day as our family vacation continued with a full day in the park and the Halloween party - nothing like working out those muscles by walking for hours and hours!! Really, I love my family, but I'm looking forward to marathon weekend, when I just have to worry about myself!
I hope that this does become an annual event, but I don't think we'll be back again...at least for a few years.
