Because of Toys for Tots and other holiday related work commitments I had missed my last long run and most of my December workouts. While confident that I would finish, I was a bit of a realist and knew that I wouldn't be finishing in any sort of record time.

I had chosed this venue for my first marathon after seeing the finishing medals during the PF Chang Rock and Roll AZ expo last year.

My goals for the day were simple enough. Cross the finish line and have some fun along the way. To reinforce it I wore my Sport Kilt, Mickey Mouse ears, and brought a camera for pictures along the way.

The race started on time at 6am after the fireworks. At about 6:04 my wave finally crossed the start line and we were off. Plenty of other people doing the run/walk routine as well.

I went "solo" for this race, but with names and the race bibs, and everybody wanting to know what was under the kilt, there was still plenty of conversation and cheering.

The early morning scenery was great. In my part of the country I don't see much green or morning mist.

Epcot: This was my first time seeing this Park and would have like to have seen more, but there was plaenty of cast support cheering. The christmas decorations and music seemed a little out of place though.

Magic Kingdom: Probably my slowest leg of the course since I stopped for photos with Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, and other characters. Seeing the castle in the morning mist was too cool for words and the shotot I took didn't do it much justice either.

One thing about doing a race like this, you see some back and service areas that you normally don't see, and smell some smells you normally don't associate with "The Happiest Place on Earth" and I remember someone joking that he was surprised that Dinsney didn't "swear us to secrecy."

After leaving Magic Kingdom, it seemed like it was a long, steady climb. I sent continued text message progress reports to my wife and read the "sharpy" signs along the way. Anyone else notice that there was a lot of Beatles being played along the course?

Animal Kingdom: Stopped for a picture with a goat. Noticed more tourist traffic, the sun getting higher, the air warmer, I'm feeling hot spots on my feet and I know I'm not going to be looking forward to the blisters. Nice park, would like to see more.

Fuel and hydration seemed to be going fine. There were plenty of drink stops, I also had my fuel belt with Powerade, clif bars and gu.

Early in the course I remember seeing a shirt that said something like "After 26.2 miles something is going to hurt." I had a few aches, but in general felt pretty good, so I picked up the pace at mile 20. At about mile 22 I started feeling really hot, dizzy, and ready to puke, so I eased it up.

MGM Studios - Told myself I wasn't going to stop, but couldn't resist the photo op with Darth Vader.

Went back through Epcot and down to the finish. Tried to pick up the pace again to finish under 6 hrs. but didn't have it in me this time. The Mrs. was cheering and gave me a smooch through the fence. I'm officially a "marathoner".

Monitor walk/run ratios more closely.

Walk around, stretch, ice bath back at the hotel, lots of sleep.


Level of fitness, heat/humidity, travel stresses, Mickey Mouse Ears, photos with mickey.


I chose this venue for my first marathon because it seemed like it would be fun and memorable. I wasn't disappointed.