Wow, this was an unexpected and great day! PR by 10 minutes, after having run the 5k, 10k and half on previous days. As the race progressed I just kept feeling better. I was elated throughout the whole thing as I compared how great I felt to how awful I felt the previous year running this same event. I started off slow and just focused on keeping a steady, even pace with walk breaks at the aid stations. I also focused on proper nutrition and actually ate 4-5 gels plus two bananas then powerade every mile. I just love it when racing smart pays off, and it did for me today! I kept to myself for the most part on the race course, listened to my own music (Pandora Phish station) and took my headphones out every now and then to listen to the local high school marching bands. After I got to the half, I started doing the math and thinking along the lines of, "what do I have to do to come in under 5 hours". Well, that was a 2:40 second half which was entirely possible if I hit a wall anytime soon. I continued to run conservatively for the next 4-5 miles and starting hitting up the medical tents for some biofreeze on my quads and knees. By the time I got into ESPN at mile 17, I was feeling stronger and stronger and started dropping the hammer and walking less. Last year at this time I was a mess, walking 75% and running 25% with severe pain. I cruised out of ESPN and started to run faster, dropping into 9 minute mile territory. My only slow miles were when I stopped to apply biofreeze about every 3 miles. I ran past mile 20 with a laugh at the "wall", then cruised up a brutal, steep onramp at mile 21, the one with the army drill instructor yelling at everyone for walking. I was the only one I could see running, and it gave me even more strength. At this point I realized a PR was easily in the bag if I could keep it under 11/mile. I cruised through Hollywood Studios, made my way around the Boardwalk and the wheels finally came off a bit around mile 24.5. I started having some knee pain and I then worked out that I'd have to run 9min/miles all the way to the finish to come in under 4:40, so I took it easy. Still, coming out of Epcot at mile 26 with the giant Gospel Choir for the first time in 3 Disney marathons was amazing and I loved it. I pumped my fists along with the beat and ran it in to the finish from there feeling great.

Not alot to do differently in this race, I'm thrilled with a great race execution.

Stopped into medical for some ice, met up with my wife and started taking in fluids and food. I was starving and just wanted to eat! Walked to car, then walked around the parking lot trying to find the car.


Three prior days of racing.


This is a really well run, destination event. A bit pricey and crowded, but it is what it is and you just have to go into it understanding that.