Disneyland Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Mickey and Minnie came out and got us started. By this time I was completed cooled off and had about an hour to keep fighting off my self doubt. The gun went off and I hoped for the best. The weather was nice and cool but it was dark at the start. I promised myself not to look at my watch for the first mile until I found my rhythm. I knew I would be a little fast but not too bad. After the first mile we turn into California Adventure. Now the fun begins! We run around the Paradise Pier where the World of Color water show is played. I wasn't doing too much sight seeing at the time but have spent many hours enjoying the area. I waved to our room as I passed the Grand Californian Hotel. I said hi to my mom and brother in between there and the entrance of Disneyland. We headed down Main Street and turned into Frontierland. This is a change from previous years but that's ok. We looped around Big Thunder Railroad towards King Arthur's Carousel. This was the 5K split and I saw it roll to 20 minutes! Faster than expected and I hoped I wouldn't pay for it later. Now it was time for the castle; we were greeted by Cruella. Still feeling good as I see Space Mountain as we go to the left of the Matterhorn. Coming up towards Small World and then to the back lot. I'm starting to feel like the race is about to begin because I know Anaheim is ahead and we are leaving Disney. Now there is nothing left to do but focus on pace. Every 30 seconds or so I check pace and try to keep it under 6:50. I carried a water bottle so I could hydrate and cool myself when I wanted to. It worked out well. I also ate two shot blocks. I thanked as many volunteers as I could and was just looking forward to the stadiums. As we reach the Honda Center I was looking forward to the Duck's cheerleaders since I saw them the last time but they weren't there. I think that cost me 10 seconds of disappointment. Now off to Angel Stadium. How cool to run the outfield and see people in the seats cheering. I wave to the camera man and see myself on the jumbotron. It's not a pretty sight but it does encourage me since there is only 5k left. I chat with a fellow runner about how great the weather is since the sun still hasn't come out. We leap frog for the next mile and now I start speeding up to give the course whatever I have left. I toss my water bottle knowing that I made my goal and enjoy the final stretch. I high five Donald Duck and cross the finish line.

Met my family and wondered around a little. I was still out of it a bit when Tom (Fitzy) stopped me and said hi. I was starting to get cold so we walked to Downtown Disney for Beignets. Oh yummy! I took a shower and went back to see Kim and Ashley cross the finish line.