This is part of my full trip report that I posted at Tourguidemike.com so it includes some references to people on those boards.  I decided to repost it here because I thought it would be helpful to new runners to read a detailed account of the marathon.

 

At promptly 2 am all of our alarms started to go off.  My mom got right up to take a shower.  When she was done she woke me up at 2:15 am.  I stepped outside to feel the temperature and it was great.

 

Mom and I in the room getting ready to go.  I was going to wear the ears, but I chickened out.

 

Right before I left I read the letter from my friend Angie, the one with MS.  Then I read the e-mail that her husband sent.  I have this all on video.  It was quite emotional.  It reminded me of why I was running.  We left the room at 3 am on the dot.  We drove my mom’s car over to the area near the marathon bus pickup.  There was a bus there waiting and we got on.  I’d say it was about half full, but I can’t really remember. 

 

We arrived at the start at 3:30 am.  I was very nervous the whole bus ride over.  When we got off the bus we could see the spotlights going at the family reunion area.  We headed over.  We stopped for a picture on the way.

 

 

It was really foggy that morning.  It almost felt like it was sprinkling.  Rob kept saying it was, which kept freaking me out.  My mom would then reassure me that it was just the fog that made it feel wet.

 

We got to the family reunion area and it wasn’t too crowded.  I looked around for Holly, but I didn’t really know what she looked like so I wasn’t too successful.  We also decided what tent to meet at post race.  We picked K for Krista.  We decided to find a spot to sit down.  I needed to use the restroom so we opted to sit by the port a potties.  There was a row of about 25 of them.  While we waited I used the restroom twice.  Something about getting ready to run a long race makes a person need to pee.  LOL. 

 

My mom made me a take a picture with every sign while we waited.

 

 

The family reunion area.

 

While we waited we talked about the fact that we didn’t really need to get there as early as we did.  We also talked about that we should have brought something to sit on.  A good TGMer would have had a towel.  After a while, Holly called me and said she was near the restrooms.  After some searching around, I found her. 

 

 

After I chatted with Holly for a little bit, we decided that she would call me when it was time to go to the corral and we’d go together.  Than I decided that I need to go to the bathroom.  Again.  By now the lines were sooooo long.  My mom has a picture of them, but again, it is on her memory card still.  Rob and I picked what appeared to be the shortest line.  45 minutes later, we finally reached the front.  Lesson from this, if you need to pee, try to go before the line is 80 miles long. 

While waiting in line, Jay, zippyelephan, sent me a few texts.  After some searching on his part, he found us.  We did a quick meet and greet and agreed to look for each other near the corral.  

 

After using the restroom it was about time for me to head to the corral.  I didn’t want to leave my mom and Rob.  They’d been with me every step of the way, and now it was time for me to go on alone.  After some last minute hugs and well wishes I went on my way.  To get to the corral, first you had to go through the bag check area.  I was glad that my mom and Rob were there to hold my stuff because the bag check lines were pretty long.

 

I have to leave.  I can do it!

 

When I got on the other side I looked around for Holly and then called her.  She was still in the bag check line.  I went to her and waited with her.  Then we headed down the long walk to the corrals.  We stopped and got a cup of water on our way.  It is about a half mile walk to the corrals from the family reunion area.  It’s a pretty quiet walk.  Well, except I kept blabbing to Holly and asking her 800 questions.  I probably got on her nerves.  On our way to the corral I discovered that I needed to go to the restroom.  AGAIN.  Now, the men were just going over to the trees on the side of the road and taking care of business.  Holly and I had to find the row of portapotties with a super long line.

 

While in line, we me Jay again. 

 

 

While waiting for the portapottie, they were interviewing Jeff Galloway on the big screen.  That is the training method I used, so I took a picture.

 

 

Also while in line we saw a lady who had on a shirt that said baby on board.  Crazy.  After we got through with the restroom we separated from Jay and went to our corral.  Luckily Holly and I were in the same corral so we got to be together at the beginning.  I was a bundle of nerves so it was really nice to have Holly there. 

 

While we waited they played music and interviewed people on the big screen.  We couldn’t see anything on the screen because we were so far back.  I did get a little excited when they played “Soulja Boy.”  I do hate that song, but my class absolutely loves it.  I don’t think a day goes by when they don’t sing at least a little bit of it or do the ridiculous dance.  I had to get a bit of it on video.

 

When it was getting close to race time, Holly and I decided to discard out jackets.  We were both wearing throwaway jackets.  Funny story about my throwaway.  I’d actually purchased a sweater from JC Penny with the intention of it being my throwaway.  Then I wore it a few times and started to like it.  So that’s why I was wearing this other ugly pink sweater in the picture.

 

 

As soon as a I threw down my jacket I started freaking out.  I didn’t check the pockets before I took it off.  I’d thrown it over a rope into the grass so I couldn’t get it back easily.  I took a quick inventory of my fanny pack and decided I had everything and tried to calm myself down. 

 

If you’re claustrophobic the beginning of the marathon wouldn’t be too fun.  It’s a bit crowded.

 

Finally, it was time to start.  I took some really high quality video with my digital camera.  Here you go!

 

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Here’s where Rob and my mom were stationed for the first time they’d see me.  It was about 2 miles from the start I think.

 

Their view of the fireworks at the starting line.

 

I can’t remember how long exactly, but I want to say it took Holly and I around 6 minutes to actually get to the start line.  The walk from our corral to the start line was very crowded.  I knew there were characters to the left and I tried to get a picture, but since it was wall to wall people I just got a picture of somebody’s shoulder.

 

 

Finally we crossed the start line.

 

After crossing the start line it started to clear up.  A minute or so after we crossed I realized I hadn’t started my stopwatch.  I started it and told Holly, I’d catch her later because I was going to start running.  My first four minutes of six solid hours of running.  I have to say it was amazing.  Who would of thought that I would run with a smile on my face for most of the marathon?  I did. 

 

It was really dark of course since it was 6 am. 

 

The course was still a little crowded so I would sometimes run in the grass to pass people.  I really tried to stay out of people’s way when I took my walk breaks as well.  I always tried to go over to the side when a walk break was approaching.  Some people would just come to a dead stop right in front of you.  It was kind of frustrating. 

 

Not too far from the start line was the first marching band!  I was so excited!  I was used to running all alone on the track at the Y for hours and hours.  Having entertainment was great!

 

Soon I came to Mile Marker 1!!!!  You’ll notice it says 18 minutes which means it took me about 6 minutes to pass the start line and the clocks are going to be 6 minutes off.  By my watch I was right on my 12 minute mile pace.

 

I didn’t have anyone around to take my picture at the mile markers so I would just take a picture of the sign.  Usually there was another person in front of it, but I didn’t mind.

 

I knew my mom and Rob should be coming up soon.  They were going to be around mile 2.  Not long after mile 1, my cell phone rang.  Yes, I managed to run the entire race with a camera in one hand and answer my cell phone about 25 times.  It was Rob on the phone.  He told me they were on the opposite side of the road by the elite runners.  The elite runners had a different path around Epcot.  I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to be able to see them, but I told him to look for me when we came back by on the same road.

 

At this point I was running alone, but it wasn’t bothering me at all.  There were people running with groups and partners and I would listen to little snippets of their conversations and keep on trucking.  I hadn’t felt the need to put on my iPod yet, so I decided to wait.

 

I passed the Epcot parking rate sign and it reminded me once again, that I was running on the highway in Walt Disney World!!!  CRAZY!!! 

 

Soon we were nearing the Epcot entrance.

 

Then I passed Mile Marker 2!!!

 

Then I came upon the first water stop.  I laughed out loud at all the little cups littering the street!

 

After this the crowds starting getting a little bigger.  This was really exciting because it was the first time I had gotten to see any spectators!  It was great hearing them cheer. 

 

Finally we were entering Epcot!  There is Spaceship Earth!!  Awesome!!!

 

I didn’t know it at the time, but right around here I passed Mile Marker 3.  I found out as I was going through Mexico and I asked a girl if we were approaching Mile 3 and she said we’d passed it.  I guess I was too much in awe of seeing the World Showcase all lit up in the fog.

 

When we came up to the World Showcase we turned left into Mexico.

In Mexico was where I saw the first character meet and greet!  Apparently I wasn’t the only one who noticed because there was quite the line.  I decided to skip this one.

 

Not too much later I came upon Snow White with a short line and decided to go for it!

 

After Norway we turned left and went out through a CM entrance.  We ran by the part on TT where the car is outside on the loop.  Soon we are on a familiar road.  It’s the road where Holly and I walked to the start line that morning.  I saw the same portapotty row from earlier and decided to take a quick restroom break since the line wasn’t too long.

 

Not too far after my RR break is Mile Marker 4!

 

Followed by another water stop where I see this lady.  I could maybe do a half marathon in costume, but I couldn’t believe the people that were doing the full in costume!

 

The spectator crowds are starting to grow in this area.  Since it was getting a bit lighter people would sometimes read your name off your number.  Sounds of “Way to go Krista! or “Keep going Krista!” literally made my eyes water.  I just felt so proud in those moments.  The strangers who read my name off my bib during the marathon have no idea how much it meant to me.

 

 

Somewhere around here I got to see my mom and Rob. 

 

Rob took some video.  I was a little paranoid at the time because I was behind pace.  When Rob asked me about splits I was like, WTH.  Like I know what that means, let alone have time to calculate it while I’m running a marathon.  What does he think I am, a real runner?

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After that quick stop I continued on.  Pretty soon I was passing Mile Marker 5!!!!

 

I was really enjoying myself.  It was awesome to be past 5 miles and feeling great.  On a normal day at home a 5 miler is so depressing.  1 hour of running alone on the track.  Blech.  Not at WDW.  It’s great!  You have people like this to see!

The Flamingos

 

Batgirl (Supergirl was with her, but not in this picture)

 

After mile 5 I reach the first incline of the course.  An overpass.  I was feeling good so I continue with my run/walk ratio and didn’t worry about if I was running uphill.  I knew that later I might have to adjust.

 

You can sort of see the incline in this picture.  It wasn’t too bad.

 

After I made it to the top, I took a picture of all the people behind me.  There were sooo many people!

 

While on the overpass they had some music playing.  I thought it was awesome!  Can you tell yet what a great time I had during this race?  I’m not kidding when I say that I was smiling a lot.  People probably thought I was a spazz, running all alone, cheesing the whole time.  It was just so amazing to be there!

 

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Just as soon as you get over the first overpass, you come to another one.  This one is pretty cool though.  If you look over the side you can see all the runners that are ahead of you.  They have gone down the overpass, around the corner and are headed to the Magic Kingdom.

 

 

Pretty soon I was passing Mile 6!!!

 

There guys did a great job cheering us on!

 

It wasn’t too long before I could see the overpass I had just conquered.  There were still many people coming over it.

 

I knew it wasn’t too much longer of running on highway and I would be seeing the castle!  All my hard work would pay off.

 

Speaking of hard work, I thought I was working hard by running a marathon.  Then I saw this guy!  Simply amazing!  Running a marathon while pushing a wheelchair!  Too cool!

 

Another marching band

 

Then I passed Mile 7!!!  I really would have like a picture of myself in front of this one.  We love Vegas and especially craps! 

 

I’ve been running alone for 7 miles and haven’t even though of putting on my iPod.  I couldn’t believe it.  At home I couldn’t run 20 minutes without my iPod.  There was just so much to take in during the marathon.  The people cheering, other runners chatting, marching bands, music, and lets not forget, Cheerleaders!

 

 

Not too far past Mile 7, there were two cheerleading squads.  I thought it was pretty cool!  Then the Sharpie signs started.  These continued on and off for the rest of the course.  They were pretty interesting to read.

 

 

Then I saw it!  The parking booths for the Magic Kingdom parking lot!  I’m almost to the castle!!!

 

Now, I did stop and take a self portrait here.  You know the type, hold out your arm and take a picture, give yourself a double chin and a shot of your nostrils.  I’ve decided it’s just too ugly for posting on the internet.

 

We took a bend to the left and ran past the Alamo Car Care Center.  I thought of our anniversary trip we rented our convertible from there!  Good times!

 

Along here we saw another band.

 

Then I reach Mile 8!!!  (I told you Batgirl had Supergirl with her!)

 

Past here I can see the elite runners going the other direction.  They’ve already been through the MK and are headed towards AK!!!  Wow!

 

Guess what?  Another band!

 

As I reach the MK parking lot I’m challenged with a perplexing question.  Country Music or 80’s Music?

 

It’s the choose your groove section!  I was stopped to take a picture and a guy hollers, come on, go down the 80’s.  So I did!  It was fun to hear some music.

 

When I got through the parking lot area and reached the tree line again, I was greeted with a familiar sight.  Apparently men just get to pee anywhere.  No worrying about finding the next portapotty and if there will be a line for them!

 

 

There was a water stop around here somewhere.  I took another gu around here.  I knew I would be seeing my mom and Rob soon and get a good drink of water.  I get thirsty about 5 minutes post gu.

 

Another sign that I’m approaching the MK!

 

I run down the hill and there is suddenly a huge crowd!  Tons of cheering!  We are at the TTC, I start to keep an eye out for my mom and Rob.  Obviously not a very good eye because I ran right past them!  Beware, I’m a little rude in all my videos.  I feel so bad about it now!  I was in the zone.

 

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That video reminded me of a few things.  One thing is that I hadn’t eaten anything other than gu since before the race.  That’s a long time for two granola bars to tide you over.  I was having some stomach issues though so I wanted to wait until the next time I saw them to eat a granola bar.  Also my knee had started hurting me a few miles back.  I apparently had called Rob to tell him and that was why my mom was asking.  Plus this was the first appearance of the horrific blisters I had during the race.  I’m talking horrible. 

 

I was once again feeling pretty rushed when I stopped to see them.  I feel bad that Rob kept asking me things and I wasn’t answering.  I was in the zone.  Surely he understands that right?!!?

 

I did get the picture for my kids taken.  Looking back I was more like 1/3 done. 

 

After leaving them I continued through the very exciting TTC area.  There were so many people there cheering.  I took some video of it.

 

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Soon the Contemporary was in sight.  Seeing the Contemporary means I’m almost to the Castle!  Cool!

 

We ran underneath the 7 Seas Lagoon.

 

My walk break timed in perfectly with walking up this hill.  There were some CM’s at the hill encouraging us to keep on going.  “You’re almost to the MK!  You can do it Krista!”  As usual teary eyedness ensues because they used my name.

 

As I run by the Contemporary I thought about CRV and hoped I could use my points to stay there some day!

 

Not much farther and I was at mile 10!!!

 

Holy cow!  I couldn’t believe I’d ran 10 miles and wasn’t even feeling tired yet.  I was feeling blisters, but tired, no.  If only the training runs were this much fun.  Even though they totally suck, the reward of running the marathon totally outweighs it!!!!

 

After mile 10 we took a turn backstage.  Suddenly we were behind the MK!  Just through that gate and I’ll get to see the castle!  I’ve been dreaming of this since last January when I read Holly and Carrie’s marathon reports.  I can’t believe it’s almost here.

 

Suddenly, I was there.  Main Street USA!  The part of the marathon I’d been dreaming about for months.  I finally saw the castle.

 

 

There were tons of spectators.  All I could hear was screaming.  I wanted to slow down and take it all in.  So I slowed down a bit and took some video.

 

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Each step down Main Street was a step closer to the castle.  Right before I turned on to the Tomorrowland Bridge, I saw a couple of CM’s.  I asked them to take a picture of me in front of the castle.

 

 

Then I turned and headed towards Tomorrowland.

 

I was running down the familiar path where Rob ran on our honeymoon so we could be first in line at Space Mountain.  Then I saw Chip and Dale!  My favorites!  They were dressed in their space outfits.  Unfortunately, they were leaving as I arrived.  I was disappointed that I would miss the first characters in the MK.

 

 

As I ran through Tomorrowland, this band was playing.

 

 

Soon, I was approaching Fantasyland.  And another band!

 

There’s Alice and the Tweedles.  And a very long line.  Another skipped character.

 

Next I saw Piglet.  How can I pass Piglet when he matches so great with my outfit?  I can’t!  I knew the line would hold me up, but wasn’t I here to take pictures with characters during my first marathon?  Yes I was, so I decided to stop skipping characters at that point.  Who cares about my time!

 

 

Another left turn, and there it was.  The Castle!  Greeting us from up above was the Fairy Godmother, Ariel and Eric, and two trumpeters.

 

 

To the right of the castle was another great photo opportunity.  Cinderella’s wicked family!  I’d never seen them before, and I was super excited!!!!

 

 

Then it was time to run through the castle.  This moment had kept me going on long runs at the YMCA.  Running through the corridor with the mosaics on the wall was surreal.  I remember it being quiet.  It was a great moment in the race for me.  As I exited the castle there was an official photographer taking posed pictures outside of the castle.  I got in line and got my picture taken.  Then I made sure to smile the rest of the way down the ramp of the castle because there were several photographers.  Unfortunately, I’m only in the background of someone else’s shot.  I wish I would have gotten a better picture here.

 

After exiting the castle ramp we ran to Liberty Square. 

 

 

And then on towards Frontierland.  It was here that I saw several characters.  First, a few from the HDDR!

 

 

A couple from the CBJ!

 

While waiting for Woody and the gang, I took my picture with this cowboy.  I was reminded of the Zag’n’Meet in October.  Kim, Jen, and Heather probably remember what I hollered out at a cowboy during the Boo to You parade. 

 

 

Woody and the gang!

 

Then I was at Mile 11. 

 

My run through the MK is coming to a close.  I approach Splash and realize that we are going to go through the CM area that we went through on the KTTK tour.

 

I see a few more characters as I go.

 

Rob calls me as I’m approaching backstage.  I’m sure he was thinking I was taking a long time.  I’d stopped for a lot of pictures.  I was telling him about all the things I’d seen in the MK when I practically dropped the phone.  I had spotted Captain Jack Sparrow!!!!!  AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!  I told Rob I had to go.  I sprinted down to get in line.  I couldn’t believe I was going to get a picture with the hottie Captain!  When I got up there I decided to propose to him.

 

 

As I ran off, I professed my love.  Literally, I was yelling, I love you Jack!!!  It was so fun!!!  I never thought I’d get to meet the Captain since I can’t go to a P&PP.  It was a dream come true!  After meeting Jack I thought about calling Cee.  I figured it was a little early on a Sunday though, so I didn’t.  Later on, she told me I should have called.

 

One more note about my favorite pirate.  It’s too bad the CM didn’t get a better picture.  The boat was the one from the parade and was really neat.  There were lots of pirates on it.

 

The last thing I saw before leaving the MK was this Splash Mountain log.  It was funny seeing it just sitting there.

 

Then I’m out of the MK.  It’s back to just being the pitter patter of the runners feet.  No more characters or crowds to cheer us on.  Some people experience a low here.  Not me.  I whipped out my camera and relived the experience of meeting Jack!  I knew I’d be seeing my Mom and Rob soon on Floridian Way.  I just kept on trucking.

 

I was still on a high from all the characters I’d seen, especially Jack Sparrow.  I headed down Floridian Way now.  I knew I’d see my mom and Rob soon.  It was the last time I’d see them before the end of the race.  That made me a little nervous.

 

Along Floridian Way, Disney had more sharpie signs to entertain the runners.

 

 

Soon I’m at mile 12.

 

 

I think to myself that I’ve almost ran a half marathon.  Soon after that I see Mary Poppins and Bert.  That was exciting, as I’d never seen them before!

 

 

I call Rob as I start to see crowds.  I want him to videotape me running towards him.  I see them and he isn’t taping.  Goober.  I tell him to turn on the camera, I run back and do a fake run towards them.  Yes, I was that concerned with getting some footage.  I backtracked and ran some more.  Not something I would have ever done on a training run.  I didn’t even like to take one extra step during the training.

 

Here I am approaching on the fake run.

 

 

The video

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I took a picture with the sign I made for my class and Mike Wazowski.

 

 

My mom wants me to take 800 pictures with every sign they made.

 

 

I had to get a drink of course.  I think I took some advil too maybe.

 

 

I was over with my mom and Rob, Holly ran by.  I told her I’d catch up with her and chat soon.  I hadn’t seen her since the starting line.  She had warned me that the time between the MK and the AK can be boring so I wanted a running buddy.

 

Soon it’s off I go again.

 

 

These guys were at several different spots on the course cheering.  They were fun.  They always had fun music.  I tried to dance along with them a little bit.

 

 

This gal in the wheelchair seemed to be near me for miles on the race.  I’d pass her, then she’d pass me.  Then repeat the process.  I cheered her on everytime she was nearby. 

 

 

I kind of wanted to talk to her, but I never did.  I never struck up a conversation with anyone the whole race.  I had read in Galloway’s book that people will chat during the marathon.  The only person that chatted with me was Holly.  And one guy around mile 20 for a little bit.  There were a few times where I’d think, someone please talk to me!!!!  But for the most part, I was just fine with running along listening to everyone and soaking it all in.

 

Somewhere around here I catch up with Holly and her teammate.  I change my pace to match hers and stick with her for a long time.  Thank God too.  This part was really boring.  No crowds, no characters, just some sharpie signs and the road.  Holly entertained me with behind the scenes TGM gossip.  It was a great time! 

 

Time flew while I was with Holly and we passed Mile 13, 14, and 15.

 

 

I had to get a picture of this sharpie sign to show my class.  It better not be true!!

 

 

We ran past a sewage treatment plant along the way somewhere.  Then we were at Mile 16 and were approaching the Animal Kingdom!!!

 

 

I saw a CM holding an animal and bid Holly adieu.  She wasn’t much for picture taking.  I stopped off and got my picture with a teeny little owl.

 

 

Next up, Daisy and Donald!  Something about characters gives me the strength to sprint to the line.  I tried to beat other picture takers, especially if there wasn’t a line.  I would sprint right past them.

 

 

I’ve met Rafiki so many times, I skipped him.  The line was a little long for me.

 

I couldn’t imagine running in these costumes.  Especially by now, it was getting warmer.  They had to be dying in those furry outfits!

 

 

Another character picture!

 

 

I can’t really explain where we came in the AK at, but I know we ran by the Conservation Station.  I saw a photopass photographer, but he was on the other side of some cones.  I didn’t want to get in trouble for crossing the cones, so I didn’t get a picture, though I would have liked to.  Here is a photo of the cones on the sides to keep the park guests out of the way.

 

 

We go around the park and we approach EE.  There is a spectator area over here and I asked someone to take my picture since we love that ride.

 

 

We then run back out of the park as we approach Mile 17.  I decided on a lovely self portrait for this momentous occasion.  This meant less than 10 miles to go.

 

 

On the way out I saw a truck from Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade.

 

 

And I saw the funny flamingo guys.  I’d been near them for most of the race.

 

 

On our way out of AK we were on some type of road that they blocked off with cones in the middle so we could only run on half.  It was pretty crowded and quite miserable during this time.  The sun was starting to peek out of the clouds and it just wasn’t pretty.  I can’t remember where exactly this was, but I know it was by AK.  I don’t know if it was before we exited or after.  I do know they gave out sponges along here somewhere.  I didn’t take one.  The 65 year old lady speedwalking past me did.  She took it and shoved it right into the back of her pants on to her butt!!!  I started to giggle.  Then the sun came out full force and I wished I had a sponge squeeze over my head.

 

We exit somewhere near the front of the park and then run on a sidewalk towards the entrance plaza.  There were guests trying to get through to the park, but were blocked by all the runners.  There were workers that would direct people through when nobody was coming.  I have to admit that the guests were looking at us like we were nuts! 

 

Somewhere along here I look back and see EE.  It looked eerie with the clouds around it.

 

 

There was some more crowd support around here somewhere.  Some man said, Keep going Krista and once again, the tears tried to flow.  I blinked them back and kept going.  Boy, those strangers have no idea what it means to hear them say your name.

 

Next, I saw Minnie Mouse.

 

 

Then I passed mile 18.

 

 

After that, I saw the main man himself.  Mickey!

 

 

After seeing Mickey we had to make a curved turn by an overpass I think.  I remember this because I called my friend Angie.  The one who I was running for, the one with MS.  I knew she would be at church, but I left a voicemail and told her I was at mile 18 and that I was feeling good.  I told her I was thinking of her. 

 

Next up, Pocahontas, Meeko and John Smith.

 

 

For the next few miles here we run along a road that is coned off.  There are cars going by us in the right lane, albeit slowly.  A marathon causes a bit of a traffic jam I suppose.  I was getting hot from the sun and it was wearing me out.  So to liven it up, I started to give the hitchhiking symbol to cars going by.  It would get a few laughs from nearby people and from the people in the car.  It entertained me.  Fun times.

 

Just short of Mile 19 I saw this guy.  He was out providing some jams.

 

 

Then I passed Mile 19.

 

 

Whew, after Mile 19 there is a hill.  Not fun.  I tried to keep my pace and do my runs still, but my legs weren’t happy.  Luckily I could see characters at the top of the hill.  That is enough to light a fire under my butt.

 

My reward for going up the hill was Captain Hook.

 

 

I thought these ladies signs were really cute!

 

 

They were giving out bananas up on that hill as well.  I took a picture so I could remember the kind volunteers.

 

 

Another good sign.

 

 

Tarzan, Terk, and Jane!  Cool!

 

 

Another good sign.

 

 

This guy not only ran a marathon, he did it while holding a big American flag.  Wow!

 

 

Did we cause that traffic jam?  Whoops!

 

 

Then, I’m there!  Mile 20.  This is as far as I’ve ever run before.  Can I do 6 more miles?  Will I finish the race?

 

 

After passing Mile Marker 20 there was a guy set up playing music.  I took a little video, including a lovely video of myself.  Note to self…do not videotape yourself or you will have a double chin.

 

[url=http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e122/robnkris/?action=view&current=Mile20-21.flv]

 

Then it was time for what is a dreaded part of the race for many people.  The out & back.  We have to run to the end of a road and then turn and run back on the other side.  It is separated by cones.  I briefly think about running across and cutting out part of the race.  JUST KIDDING!!!

 

Seriously though, my blisters were KILLING me by now.  I decided to stop when I saw a med tent along here.  I asked if they could do anything for blisters and they had me sit down.  By now I’d been running on the blisters for like 13 miles or so.  When the medic took off my shoe it was pretty nasty.  I tried to make small talk with her about how she probably had to touch a lot of gross feet.  Not a job I’d want.  They put some second skin on the blisters and then wrapped it with gauze or something.  Then I put my shoes back on and was on my way.

 

Or so I thought.  I started to run and the way she wrapped my blister had only made it worse.  Great.  Now there was gauze pinching the blister.  I had already taken several minutes to stop there, I wasn’t stopping again.  I tried to just ignore it and move on.  The blisters basically hurt terribly the rest of the race.

 

Luckily there was a band to take my mind off of them!

 

 

And the beloved Sharpie signs.

 

 

When I approached the end of the road where you turn around and run back the opposite direction there was a crowd cheering us on.  One guy had this sign which I thought was hilarious!

 

 

Running back the other direction was great because you could see all the people that were still going the first direction.  It always made me feel better when I saw people behind me.  It made me think I was doing pretty well.  I think it was on this portion of the out & back that I started dumping cups of water on my head at every water stop.  I’d usually drink half a cup and dump a cup and half on me.  The rest of my pictures, my shirt is soaked. 

 

Pretty soon I was at Mile Marker 21!

 

 

Then we made a right turn on to the highway towards MGM.  I remember my blisters killing me on the ramp to get on this highway.  I thought about taking off the wrap they put on, but I figured if I sat down to do it, I wouldn’t get back up.

 

 

While running down this road, there was traffic going by us.  I entertained myself again by putting my thumb out to hitchhike and waving at kids in the cars.  For awhile I was behind this lady.  I kind of want to dress up next year.

 

 

I got lucky because there were some people watching the race at Mile 22.  I had them take my picture.

 

 

On the approach to MGM I saw this guy.  I had to take a picture.

 

 

We entered MGM through a back entrance somewhere.  I saw Holly not too far ahead of me.  Look at her running.  She is awesome!

 

 

Then I saw these guys.  They sprayed us with some mist, which felt great!

 

 

A little beyond here they gave out candy.  The only thing left was butterfingers I think.  I don’t love butterfingers, but chocolate sounded good so I ate one.  Then I died of thirst until the next water stop.  I also caught up with Holly around here somewhere.  We ran together for a tiny bit, but we separated when I started seeing characters again.

 

First up, Toy Story!

 

 

Then Mater!  I think it’s funny that I had the energy to pose differently with each character.  I was still having the time of my life despite the blisters!

 

 

We ran onto the Backlot Tour area.  I saw the Earful Tower.

 

 

Then we went through the little tunnel that the tram drives through.  I walked through here because I wanted to see everything up close that I never get to see on the ride.

 

 

Of course I had to take pictures of the HSM outfits for my students.  They are sooo in love with HSM, it’s crazy!

 

 

And some Enchanted outfits as well.  I loved that movie!

 

 

After coming out of the tunnel I saw the Power Rangers.

 

 

Suddenly, I was at mile 23.  Holy cow!  I’m almost done!  3.2 miles left.  That’s like running my nightly run at the beginning of my training.  I’m actually going to finish this thing!

 

 

Next we turned down the Streets of America, isn’t that what it’s called?  The street was split in half by cones.  One side for runners, one side for park guests.  On the park guest side, I spied a photopass photographer.  I asked if he’d take my picture.  He looked shocked that I’d want a picture, but said he would.  Of course I want a picture, I’m the photopass queen.  I always have at least 100 photopass pictures, no matter how long the trip is.  On our Anniversary Trip we had over 700 once they were all edited.

 

 

 

When I got down the streets of America I saw Kermit.  I’d definitely never seen him.  They were letting park guests take pictures as well.  I thought I’d have to wait a while, but when I got up there, they made the guests move so I could get my picture and continue on.  Bonus!

 

 

Next up was Maureen’s favorite!  Mike W and his pal Sully!  I wished I had little Mike so they could meet!

 

 

Over by the hat there was a character paradise!!!  I got a couple of pics there.

 

 

Then I stopped at the next photopass photographer and got a few more pictures.

 

 

On the way towards the park entrance (our exit), I saw some streetmosphere characters.  Of course, I needed pictures.  They were so fun!  I can’t remember what they said, but they each had me cracking up!

 

 

One last character picture before I left MGM. 

 

 

Then it was out of MGM and on to the home stretch.

 

I left MGM through the entrance and I was feeling good.  I was almost done.  Only a few miles left.  It was always a high after seeing all the characters.  I looked back on MGM as I ran along the river (does it have a name?).

 

 

I saw a boat approach.  I remembered our anniversary trip when I told Rob that it would be a great shortcut to take the boat from MGM to Epcot.  That was the biggest mistake ever.  I had fun waving at the people on the boat.

 

 

Next, I came to Mile 24.  I felt a little disappointed in my time because I was shooting to finish in 5.5 hours and I had failed that.  I knew that my character pics had cost a lot of time though.  They were totally worth it!

 

 

There were some people scattered along this path cheering.  There were a couple ladies handing out twizzlers which was awesome.  I gladly took one.  We went by the Boardwalk.

 

 

I could see the Swan in the distance.

 

 

Then we turned onto the boardwalk near the Beach Club.  This was a very difficult part of the race for me.  It was so hot at this point.  I was dying.  Something about running on those boards made it seem hotter and harder.

 

 

Maybe it was also the fact that I kept seeing all these rich little vacationers walking around in their Beach Club clothes looking so rested.  I was soaking wet from dumping water on my head, I felt like I was covered in an inch of dirt, and I was HOT.  I just wanted to be done.

 

I don’t remember quite when I ran into Holly, but I believe it was near the entrance to Epcot I caught up with her again.  When we got into Epcot I wanted to turn left and take the short route, but of course we had to go clear around the lagoon.  We turned right and kept going.

 

Next I came upon Mile 25.  Holy moly, I’m almost there!

 

 

If Holly were to chime in here, she would say I was a big wimpy baby in Epcot.  I was whiny and my blisters hurt.  My knee hurt.  Everything hurt.  Holly was hurting too.  It was a bad time and it was hilly.  Boy you could feel those hills after running 25 miles.  They were like mountains.  A character would have come in handy to take mind off the pain.  The most interesting thing I saw was this store near Morrocco.

 

 

This is the last picture I have of the race course. 

 

 

Holly and I struggled, but made it to the end of the WS.  She was probably ready to get rid of me because I kept saying we should skip the running portion of our run/walk ratio.  I wanted to just keep walking  Holly’s family was at the end of WS that meets with Future World.  Then we head towards the fountain in the middle of Epcot.  I think around this point both my Dad and Rob call.  I tell them I’m almost done and I tell Rob to get the video camera ready and start filming now.  Then  I tell Holly that I must sprint now.  I thought we were at the end of the race.  Somehow I gotten it in my mind that we would exit through the entrance and the finish line would be right there. 

 

Oh no no no no.  I was wrong.  But sprint I did.  I knew Rob would expect me to finish strong.  I was going to sprint across that finish line like he’d always told me on my training runs.  He’d be ahead of me because I run slow, and he would yell, sprint it out.  Finish strong!  Sprint across the finish!!!  I had to sprint now, for him.  So I did. 

 

I sprinted past the fountain up to Spaceship Earth.  There were crowds gathered here and I remember a lady saying, “Nice kick, you go girl!”  It felt good to have somebody think I was kicking it in to high gear.  I’m sprinting along and the course veers right and goes backstage.  I think there was a choir or something, it’s all a blur now.  The Mile Marker for 26 was there, but I wasn’t slowing down for a picture.  I was almost there. 

 

I came out of the backstage area and I couldn’t see the finish.  Letdown.  Big time.  All that sprinting and I wasn’t there.  I decided to walk for a minute. 

 

Suddenly, I could hear the announcer.  I turn a corner, and there it is!  The crowds, the finish line!!!!  I took off in a sprint!  I was running with all my heart.  Sprinting it to make Rob proud, finishing it to prove all the doubters wrong, running it for Angie who would have loved to do it.  I didn’t even slow down to see the characters near the finish.  I put my arms in the air with my last bit of strength and sprinted across the finish line.

 

I did it!!!!!

 

Finish Line Video:

[url=http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e122/robnkris/?action=view&current=MarathonFinish_0001.flv]

Post Marathon:

After I finished I felt like I could collapse.  My blisters were killing me.  The sprint to the end had really done me in, but it made Rob proud so it was worth it.

 

Don’t I look half dead?

 

 

Exhausted!

 

I went over to the seating area and my mom gave me my crocs.  I was so glad to get out of my tennis shoes. 

 

Give me my crocs!!!!

 

Rob later told me he was disappointed because I wasn’t celebrating at all.  I was too exhausted.  I told them to meet me at the K tent and went to get my medal.  Then I realized I’d left my chip on my shoe.  That is a $50 charge or something like that, so I went back and got it.  When I hollered at my mom to give me the shoe with the chip on it, another girl in the audience frantically asked me to take her chip.  She’d forgotten! 

 

I walked on over to the area where they gave you your medal and found Holly.  She offered to take a picture of me getting my medal.

 

 

So lovely!

 

Then we walked around to the finish area.  On the walk over they were giving out cans of pop and powerades.  I took a sprite and a powerade.  I didn’t really want the pop, I just took it because it was free.  I’m so thrifty.  When we got to the area by the tents where we cam through to start the marathon there was food.  I think it was bananas again!!!  There was also some little mini loafs of bread.  I took one of those.  By then I was carrying a shoe, a can of pop, a Gatorade, a mini loaf of bread, and one of those things that they wrap around you after a marathon so you won’t get cold.  I needed a grocery cart.

 

There was a place where you could get your picture taken in front of a backdrop with your medal.  The line was pretty long, but Holly and I decided to wait.  We took separate pictures and then one together. 

 

You can see that picture and all my other “professional” pictures at this link…

 

http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=25142&BIB=11678&S=230&PWD=

 

After we got our picture taken, Holly and I parted ways.  She went to get her bag from the bag check and I went to the K tent to find Rob and my mom.  When I got there, they weren’t there!!!!  AAARGH!  I was so tired, I just wanted them to hold my stuff.  I decided to go over to the tent where you could get a free medal for your family.  It said, You’re my champion.  I got one for Rob and figured I’d swing by later and get one for my mom.

 

By then, they called me to find out why I wasn’t at the K tent.  I headed over and then we took pictures with together with my new bling.

 

 

Then I went back to the Champion medals and got one for my mom.

 

 

The sky was starting to look pretty bad at this point and Rob thought we should leave, but there was no way I was leaving without a picture with Mickey and Minnie.  My mom and I waited in the super long line while he sat with our stuff.

 

 

Then we got a picture with Figment since there was no line.

 

 

It was time to get going by then.  I was exhausted so Rob came and carried me to the bus.

 

 

While on the bus I about sweat to death under that mylar thingy.

 

 

I about exploded on my mom when we got off the bus and my mom wanted me to pose in front of the fountain at SSR.  Hello, I want to go take a shower.  Oh well, anything for my mom.

 

 

Rob carried me from the bus to the front of our villas.  By then, he was ready to collapse.

 

 

I’d read online that you should take an ice bath after a marathon.  That didn’t sound too pleasant to me.  I opted for a cool shower.  Then we relaxed in the room for a little bit.  I started getting really grouchy and realized I hadn’t eaten anything but granola bars, a banana, and gu.  My mom gave me her leftover Chipotle from the night before.  While I ate, I rearranged our ADR so we could go later.  We successfully got an ADR for CP for that evening. 

 

We waited out a storm that hit and then we headed out to the MK for EMH.