happybloghere: WDW Marathon Race Report Part 2 -- The Race

After a restless sleep (not much), the 2 am wake up call got me out of bed and I put on my race gear. I lubed, sun-screened, checked, and double-checked before I made the walk at 2:30 am. I needed to meet the bus at 3am about a five minute walk from my room and I certainly did not want to be late! I set multiple alarms as the race instructions were clear, if you don't start on time, you don't start. I was not going to work this hard to be derailed by something like sleeping in.

Race Retreat

I was the first to arrive in the lobby. Shortly after I sat down, hoping for a few quiet minutes to take it all in, the other members started to arrive and just as quickly the bus showed up. We filed onto the bus with nervous energy abound and left promptly at 3 for the start line. The bus driver did a terrific job guiding us to the start and followed his own plan to the front, dropping us off at the race tent. Here lies another perk of the challenge . . . the race retreat tent.

Runner's World Challenge Retreat

This large, air conditioned tent was a nice way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the race, hence the name "race retreat". Even better? The area set aside for the challenge, with private bag check and tables reserved for us. They had a nice spread of bananas, bagels, peanut butter, and assorted beverages. The best part? Private portapotties with nearly no line. Heaven before a race!

Breakfast

After about an hour of burning nervous energy, using the facilities twice, and consuming my prerace bagel with peanut butter and a banana, I was ready for the race. About 30 minutes prior to the race we were led by a race official to our starting corral. I was assigned corral B, yet another perk of the challenge. In fact, it was strange seeing the start line so close. At most races, I always assume the start line is somewhere ahead of the crowd and take my pace towards the back. In this case, I was has happy to be near the front!

Let's Get This Party Started!

After some racing legends spoke and some music to pump the crowd the countdown began and fireworks launched into the sky as the first corral, A, took off into the darkness. Those of us in corral B shuffled to the front and readied ourselves for our race to start. Here is another example of the Disney magic. After a 5 minute break between corral starts, the countdown began and fireworks shot off. Everyone, from the front to the back, got to enjoy the same send off. Classy.

When our fireworks went off we started to shuffle then run. I was surrounded by folks the entire race and yet I very rarely felt crowded and was able to settle into my pace quickly. I had decided before the race that I would start out slow (11 min miles with walk breaks every mile) and see what I had left by mile 20. The heat at the beginning was 65 with 100% humidity (not sure how it wasn't raining) and everyone was nearly soaked and dripping by the end of the first mile.

The first six miles ticked off uneventfully as we ran down a highway towards the magic kingdom. We saw a few characters along the way, but I was settling into a nice (albeit warm) pace and wanted to keep going. Running down main street USA, through the castle, and out the other side of the Magic Kingdom was certainly a thrill, especially with the crowds cheering us on. The sun started to rise as I exited the Magic Kingdom and as the sun rose so did the heat.

Then came the long miles down roadways and around the Richard Petty Speedway. The speedway was lined with new and classic cars which was cool, but it was also at this time that I noticed the heat starting to take its toll on me. I was consuming water or sports drink at every stop and fueling every 30 minutes or so as in training. I thought that plan would keep me ahead of the heat, but alas it did not.

By the time Animal Kingdom came and went my energy started to fail. On the highway towards the Wide World of Sports and I was walking more and running less. I still maintained my 11/mi pace during this stretch, although in retrospect I should have started backing off then.

Mickey Hot Air Balloon Mile 18

As we turned into the Wide World of Sports the exiting runners on the other side of the road had an announcer who said something like "your past mile 20, all downhill from here!". I looked at my watch and I was only reading 17.5 . . . talk about demoralizing! I briefly entertained the idea of jumping over the median and heading back the other way. I soon banished those thoughts and continued to slog forward. By this time I was running 4 minutes and walking 1. The heat seemed oppressive and I kept repeating "relentlessly forward".

Finally passing mile 20 and exiting the Wide World of Sports Complex I started to regain my mojo and pick up the pace again. I smiled and thought "I got this and a bag of chips!". My strength returned and I was ready to resume my 1 mile run and 1 minute walk to the finish. Then my calf said "hold on there mister!"

Just past mile 21 my left calf cramped. No pain. Just a cramp that nearly took me down. Let me repeat, my LEFT calf. After all of the quad, hamstring, and IT problems with my right leg during the training, my left leg saved this moment to make its presence known. After cursing the heat and reviewing my hydration strategy, I came to the conclusion that I was going to finish the race and would do my best to keep running off an on. So, I would pick a sign and run to it. Then after another walk I would try to run two road signs. So far, so good, why not try three signs? The calf would twitch right after three signs and remind me that finishing was better then three signs.

The run through Hollywood Studios, along a path near our resort, and then through Epcot was slow going, nearly double my previous splits. The crowds were amazing which made the time that much more enjoyable. Then came the finish line.

I have always done my best to sprint (or my version of sprint) down the finishing chute to the line because that is what I thought I should do. This time, I considered saving my energy and making that my goal. Then I reconsidered. I knew as I neared the finish that I would set a PR. I was not going to set my optimistic time goal of under 5 hours but I would beat my previous marathon time. This also would be the first time my kids have ever seen me finish a race. So, I decided I would run, but in a controlled manner and enjoy the moment . . . which I most certainly did.

Me and that Finisher Medal

I could see Zack, Zoe, and Angela in the bleachers waving a sign as I crossed the finish line. At that point I could not wait to get my medal and then reunite with them. After a few formalities and a picture, I rejoined them in the race retreat tent and relived the race with them. Certainly on of the highlights of the weekend.

Amazingly enough, at the same time I decided that I wanted to go Goofy next year (more on that later). I could write so much more, and maybe will at another time, but suffice to say I enjoyed this race and look forward to taking on the challenge again in the future.

Happy Running my friends . . .