The gun went off and flames started to shoot out of the top of the start gate. Pretty cool! I wasted no time and got right on pace. It was really humid out (97% humidity) and I was already thirsty after the first couple of miles. It seemed like then only had 2 aid stations during the first 4 miles and it seemed like forever in between them to get some water.

Around mi 4 I found myself catching up to a small pack of women. A biker was riding with the front two and it turns out it was the lead women. I stayed a little behind them and everywhere they went the crowds would start roaring. It was awesome! The pace felt good, HR slightly high, but overall good.

I kept on pace and followed somewhat near them for the first 13 miles. They started to speed up shortly before Magic Kingdom and I stayed back and kept running my race. Split the 1/2 mark in 1:24...right on pace. Shortly after around mile 14-15 my HR took a jump so I slowed down a bit to let it recover. It was downhill from there. HR kept up high and I kept slowing down. I kept on, drinking what I could and keeping on with my nutrition. Stomach wasn't feeling so hot and just felt not right.

By mile 18 I was pretty much in damage control, walking some of the aid stations and "shuffling along" at a 7:30-8:00 m/m pace. I felt like junk, legs were toast and it just wasn't clicking anymore. What I thought was kinda weird was that from around mile 22 on nobody was really passing me, nobody in front was pulling away. I think a lot of people were hurting and it showed out on the course.

The last two miles I did what I could to push myself for a strong finish. I didn't get one of the fast finishes that I'm used to in training on my long runs, but I gave it what I had for the last couple. Finished up "strong" with a smile on my face to complete the marathon and Goofy's Challenge.

5 Gu, each 25 min apart. Alternated PowerAde and water (sometimes both) at the aid stations.

Maybe run the 1/2 on Sat a little easier. Bring a water bottle with me for the first couple of miles to drink off of. Bring salts.

Walked through the finishers chute, got my bling and some drink. Grabbed some food, found Amy and went back in for a massage. The whole time during the massage the opposite muscles to the ones that were being stretched would cramp up pretty tight. After I got done in there, I headed back out by Amy and stretched some more, while re-hydrating and taking in some food.


The humidity as well as lack of fluids the first 3-4 miles definitely played a role in my pitfall. Going from Wisconsin winters of 10F to Florida and 70F was quite a shock to the running system. I liked it, but I don't think the body did as much. This was the worst I ever felt on a marathon, yet still my second best time. Also, I'm sure that running the 1/2 on Sat for Goofy's Challenge foo-barred some stuff up.


Besides having a lack of fluids the first 4-5 miles, the run was set of very well. Incredible experience and good times on the course, despite having felt like junk out there. Still, I can't complain about my time and results with the race. Overall a very good experience and looking forward to getting back down here to do this again sometime in the future.