Walt Disney World Marathon - RunMarathon

I think this was the best race I have seen or participated in. The scenery and areas you get to run through are really incredible and the Disney staff and spectators really seem to get in to the race. It was such a blast to see the monorail stop so everyone could watch and wave at us and to have Disney staff all along the course cheering and high-fiveing us. And other than one aid station being out of power-aid and one being totally out of everything, I was very impressed with how many aid stations there were and the amount of supplies they provided. There was lots of water and power-aid as well as BioFreeze, bananas, oranges, sporadic candy and gels.

This was such a hard day, despite the beautiful surroundings. I went on this trip with Disney on the brain thinking about only the fun aspect of being at Disney. I guess that was a good thing as ignorance can be bliss. Had I realized the physical and mental challenge these two days would present I don't know that I would have looked forward to the trip as much. I honestly think this experience was as difficult to get through as Ironman. And I am just as sore in the days following this race as I was after IMFL. Before the race Rob told me something he had read on the flight up in Runner's Magazine. It was the article about Lance doing the NY Marathon and about how he had so much pain in his shins he wanted to quit and that his pacers had to keep motivating him to keep going. Later in the day, that story would stick with me and help keep me going. It reminded me that everyone has pain and wants to quit at some point - even the great Lance Armstrong.

Starting this run I had to keep pushing negative thoughts out of my head. I knew it was going to be rough based on the pain in my ankles, shins, knees, and soreness in my quads. But I figured if I could get through IM I could do this, too. And I thought back to the Lance story. He didn't win NY. But he didn't quit. And that was his victory.

And so we got started. With a kiss and a smile - just like we start every race. After mile 2 I was still hurting a bit but managing the pain by going at a reasonable pace and walking about 2 minutes after each aid station. The miles seemed to tick off quickly and that was good. Before I knew it we were at mile 5. When we got to about mile 9 I was hurting pretty bad. My right ankle hurt so bad the day prior we had to go to a drugstore and get an ankle wrap. Thank goodness we did that, as I don't think I would have made it through the marathon without it.

I had started the run as with the half - using my hand held water bottle with 1 scoop heed and 1 endurolyte serving. After that was gone, I refilled with water at the aid stations and was taking in about the full bottle per hour (maybe 18 oz). I also took in power-aid about once an hour as well as an endurolyte pill until they ran out after about 4 hours. I tried to take a gel every hour and did so up until about 5 1/2 hours when I couldn't stomach anymore.

From mile 9 on I had to work very hard to stay positive due to discomfort in my legs. At some point we discovered the miracle of Bio Freeze and starting slathering it on like there was no tomorrow. That stuff is amazing. Rob was also hurting a bit - his ankle was sore and his hip was hurting as well. So we were quite a pair! But we did a good job of motivating each other and making each other laugh from time to time. We are so lucky to have each other to train and race with. I cannot imagine getting through the pain of this day alone without his support and encouragement.

At mile 18 or so I knew at some point I probably would not be able to run anymore. I hoped and prayed that time would come at some point after mile 20. Thankfully it did. But miles 18 on were so rough I really think they rank up there with Ironman. I just had to concentrate on one mile at a time and keep telling myself pain is temporary and the Goofy Medal is forever!

When we got to mile 23 we knew we were going to make the finish in less than the 7 hour cutoff to get the Goofy medal even if we walked the last 3.2 miles. But I wanted to keep running to make sure we would finish in time. We ran until mile 24 and then walked a good bit of the next mile and the last one. We ran the last 2/10 of a mile or so because we were so happy to be finished but I'm sure it was not a pretty sight. I probably looked like a drunkard or something staggering across the finish line. But I did manage to raise my arms and put a big smile on my face. What a great feeling to be finished.

Longer run training and lose weight.

Got our Mickey and Goofy medals (YEAH!) and bought some Goofy merchandise with pride. Walked way out of the way to catch the hotel shuttle and then back to the correct spot on feet that felt like they were going to explode. Took a very short ice bath at the hotel and threw down some ibuprofen. Gazed in awe at three of the most beautiful finisher's medals I have ever seen. Smooched Rob and told him how proud I was of him for finishing.


Doing a half marathon the day before, lack of long distance run training, running out of endurolytes too early, and needing to lose about 15 pounds.


I would recommend this race to anyone, especially a first time marathoner. The miles go by a lot faster when there are lots of things to see around you.