Walt Disney World Marathon - RunMarathon

This was my first marathon. Going into this race I had three goals (listed in increasing difficulty).....finish upright, finish without walking, and the dream was to finish under 4hrs. I was able to get in two 20 mile training runs during my plan, but the first of those I had to stop at 19.5 due to cramping. This really shook my confidence and made me start to question myself. The second 20 mile training run I was able to complete without stopping or walking so I felt pretty good. Lots of snow this winter, so the second 20miler was in 2-3inches of snow. Not sure if that was a bad decision to run in snow, but wanted to get it in. So I felt good about the training and was ready for the final test.

The start was just like the online videos....extravagant with fireworks and high energy music. Our start group was third behind the wheelchair athletes and corral A group. The start gate had flame torches on the structure that actually warmed the air as we ran through the gate....felt good, but the adrenaline was flowing anyway. Before we knew it we were running in the dark with spectators lining the left side of the road. Tried to keep an eye out for my Dad but there was no way was he going to recognize me in the group. It was really cool once we circled around and entered Epcot near mile 2 I think, there were so many people crammed into the monorail station. Through miles 1 and 2, I noticed that I had started at a slower pace than I really wanted. I figured that I would play it conservative and make the time back slowly. During my training, the only really tough runs for me were the ones that I started off at a quicker pace than I intended. So I intentionally started at a slower pace and was only really about 30sec off for the first 1.5 miles. Going past the Aztec pyramid in Epcot (Mexico), I took off my long sleeve shirt and "donated" it to the course. We finished running through Epcot and circled back to the start area around mile 4. I was into my rhythem now and was nailing my pace each mile.

I have to say that the volunteers for this race were exceptional. The water/aid stations were very well organized, with distribution on both right and left sides of the road. Also, the medical stations were not mixed in with the water/aid stations (this really opened things up a bit). Between mile 8 or 9 the sun was starting to rise, with blaze pink colors against the dark blue sky...this was just before entering the Magic Kingdom. We continued on past the Contemporary and down under the lake, then back up as this was the first slight incline of the course. Past the space mountain then on to Main Street....which surprised me with the number of spectators. I dont know what I looked like, but I felt like a little kid with a smile from ear to ear running through this section (high fiving strangers and all). I had to really back off the pace as I looked at the Garmin and noticed I was close to 8min pace. Then it was onto the castle .......they sounded the horns just as we ran underneath. The course wound back towards splash mountain then out the back service entrance of Magic Kingdom. Nearing the halfway point I noticed a hot air ballon in the median of the road. This was just at the 1/2 way point and feeling good still. A quick check of the pace and I was right on plan to break 4 hours - good mojo. The next section of the course between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom was rather dull, but the volunteers did a great job. We ran past the recycle center and water treatment and onto the Animal Kingdom. I have to say that I didnt anticipate the many turns in the course through this section and really had to concentrate to run the tangents. I remember seeing expedition Everest then it seemed as though we were out the back of the park.

I started to feel slight twinges in the quads as we ran across the bridge spanning World Drive as we made our way to the ESPN area. It was a fair incline and this was the first section I noticed several folks walking. I actually felt good, but to be safe took an additional eduralyte tablet. We hit the 180degree turn near ESPN and I noticed how stiff I was getting...this is about 20.5 into the race. I clearly remember thinking that every step past this point was going to be a distance PR, which was motivating. But I also realized that my goal of under 4hrs was not going to happen and was OK with that. I could feel my pace was starting to slow and mentally I was starting to get tired. Every aid station I was taking both water and Powerade. Finished up my last gel at mile 22 and knew it was going to be a fight to the end.

We entered the MGM park and this is where it hit me hard. For some reason, when we ran through the artists tunnel I started seeing large spots in my peripheral. I dont know why, other than it was really dark with my shades on in the tunnel, so I took them off to see if it would get better. This kind of scared me a bit....so I backed off a bit more. I was still jogging at this point and made it through the MGM back lot city and up through the main area of MGM park. It was good to have the support as I needed it badly....the wheels were starting to come off. At about mile 24, before we hit the Boardwalk, my quads decided it was enough and simultaneously cramped. I slowed to a walk for the first time, a bit disapointed and in pain. I was able to walk/run through Boardwalk and into Epcot, but it was not pretty. Once into Epcot I was able to power through the last 0.5miles running. I could hear the finish before I could see it, made the 90degree left turn and was glad to see the grandstands full of spectators. Crossed the finish and let it all soak in.....a huge smile and double fist pump.........goal accomplished........finished upright, had fun.

I believe adding at least one 22-23 mile training run would have allowed me to finish without walking, but I cant be sure. Ultimately I feel that I need more volume in my training to break 4hours. Also, the temp really started to warm up a bit near the end (53F), which was much warmer than I was used to during training.

The volunteer handed me a blanket and then I proceeded to have the coolest (and heaviest) medal hung around my neck. This thing is a work of art. Posed for a picture and grabbed a Powerade. I had to keep walking to work the cramps out of my legs.




Probably need to increase the training volume a bit at faster pace.
Longest run should be 22-23....did 2 20milers but need to go further.

I was hoping to have a dream race and break 4hrs, so there is enough disapointment to challenge for a rematch at this distance, but much more pride in finishing the 26.2 miles and having a great time doing it.


Great first Marathon. Disney knows how to organize an event and put on a great show. As for a summary..........runners, volunteers, staff and spectators all exceeded my expectations.