Walt Disney World Half Marathon 2011

I DID IT! Last Saturday I ran the Walt Disney World Half Marathon!

After 5 months of training, some injury setbacks (hello hip and posterior tib!), and uncounted hours of obsessing, I didn’t just finish this race, I found my inner strength and ROCKED IT!

I was a big ball of nerves by the time we headed to Walt Disney World last Thurday morning. I kept trying to calm myself down by reminding myself that I was going to my happy place, but it wasn’t working. Our flight to Orlando was full of runners for the race, and they gave me a taste of the community support that makes Disney races so special. Everyone I talked to was so encouraging, they really helped to calm me down!

That enouragement continued from everyone at the hotel and really set in at the expo, where everyone was SUPER positive and supportive. They encouraged me so much, I went ahead and bought a finisher shirt and it really started to hit me–I was running a half marathon in 18 hours!

I made it into bed early Friday night (7.30pm!) and got a solid six or so hours of sleep before my 2.30am wake up call. One of the things I was most worried about with the Disney race was the SUPER EARLY wake up call–Disney races start at 5.30am, but you are required to leave your hotel no later than 4am to make it to the starting area by 5–but amazingly, once I was up the adrenaline kicked in and I didn’t feel tired at all! I quickly dressed, ate as much oatmeal as I could stomach, posed for a quick picture, then headed off to the bus!

It was interesting to arrive at the EPCOT parking lot, which is the start and finish area of the races for WDW Marathon Weekend. There was a sea of half awake people heading to an area brightly lit up and pumped full of music from a DJ. I went and found the meetup area for my team of fellow Disney fanatics (Go Peacocks!) and waited for everyone. The team was a great support throughout my training, and they didn’t let me down on race morning when they were all super friendly and reassuring. Our chatter kept me from freaking out as we waited to go down to the start area.

Once we headed to the start and I went into my Corral C holding area by myself, i started to get a bit nervous. But I felt good, and the start line entertainment kept me distracted. Before I knew it there were fireworks going off and we were moving towards the starting line for our wave start! And then, we were off! Minnie and Mickey cheered us on as we moved into the darkness.

The first 5 miles literally flew by. We were running in the dark, and I think I just zoned out, which honestly is something I do a lot of during long runs. I started to get really excited when we got close to the Contemporary, which is my Disney Home (we own Disney Vacation Club there!), since I knew it would bring us in to the Magic Kingdom. Before I knew it, we were rounding the corner onto Main Street USA. A crowd of people lined the street, cheering us all on. It was the most incredible feeling I’ve ever experienced during a race. From both a Disney fan perspective and a runner perspective, it was amazing.

The rest of the Magic Kingdom went so quickly, but I did manage to snap a few (blurry) pictures.

After we left the Kingdom, I was starting to really hit my stride. We were past the 10K point and I felt AWESOME and I picked up the pace. I’m really proud of the fact that I ran the second half of the race faster than the first half! I was right with the 2.15 pacer, and she helped to kick my butt up the dreaded cloverleaf (hands down the worst part of the entire race). When I reached the mile 12 marker–which was a full 3 miles further than my longest training run–I was so happy and it hit me I WAS GOING TO FINISH THIS THING!!

Most of the last 1.1 miles were in EPCOT, which is always one of my favorite parks. I love the big Christmas tree that marked the turnaround in the park, and as I neared it, I started to get choked up thinking about all of the people that had supported me on this journey. Which includes all of you! But the feeling soon passed and I focused on my objective–the FINISH LINE!

As I neared the line, there were tons of EPCOT cast members saying “almost there” which kept me going. I could hear the crowd at the line before I could see it, but as soon as I rounded the corner and saw the end, I kicked to finish fast! About 10 meters from the end I heard Noel call my name and I threw my arms up, to be triumphant at the end!

I finished strong and feeling good in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 20 seconds. I definitely didn’t feel like I couldn’t go another step, which means I need to push it more next time! Oh yeah, there’s going to be a next time! In fact, I’ve already signed up for the Rock n’ Roll Philly Half in September!

As for the Disney race experience, I truly think it was everything I hoped for and more for my first magical half. Yes, the race is expensive, but I think I got what I paid for. The on course support is fantastic with water every mile, bands, DJs, and of course characters! And for a running Disney fan like me, running through the Magic Kingdom in the early morning light was truly magical. I can’t wait to race through the World again next year! If only I can get up the courage to do the Full, or even the Goofy Challenge!

Representing on Sunday during the Ravens game–a medal, a Ravens Jersey, and a Dogfish!

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