Most Memorable Moments from the Marathon:
I would say the whole thing! But here goes...
The Start:
This was the first marathon I've run where we had fireworks at the start! What a great way to get pumped up to run 26.2 miles. It was a little chilly waiting for the start (although nothing compared to our VT winter weather), but the fireworks and music helped to get everyone ready to hit the start line.
Mile 9-10:
We entered the Magic Kingdom! What a way to relive childhood memories of visiting Walt Disney World. We came around the corner on Main Street to see an enormous Christmas Tree, and the streets still lined with decorations. Crowds of spectators were along the street, and it was then that I realized I needed to let go of worrying about my time, and just have fun. I pulled out my camera for the first time ever in a marathon and started snapping pictures. I was a little distracted by seeing characters and rides that I hadn't seen in years, and I twisted my ankle on the tracks for the parade cars (I saw the parade later in the day). It briefly sent me into a panic, but it wasn't bad and I was able to continue without much of a change in stride (and without too many people noticing, at least I was hoping not too many people noticed!).
Mile 16-17:
This was where we headed into Animal Kingdom. We came around one corner and there were a number of folks walking animals, and among them was an adorable pig, which I would have stopped to say hello to if I had seen him/her with time to get to the other side of the road. We were getting closer to mile 20 and I was feeling pretty good. It's amazing how running through the parks takes your mind off of the fact that you are running 26.2 miles!
Mile 22 - Finish:
Here we were running through the Hollywood Studios park and it was great! At mile 22 I saw some familiar faces from the American Stroke Association and it was a great motivation to get to the finish line. We came out of the park and along the boardwalk, and finished back in Epcot. What a great run - I felt great after finishing my 5th state for this cause!!
And of course, that evening I couldn't help but end the day with a trip back to the Magic Kingdom to enjoy the park, the rides, and the fireworks!
Race Highlights:
I think the name of the marathon speaks for itself - if you love all things Disney, you will love this marathon!
Everything was very well organized from the expo to the race itself.
Disney characters and entertainment all along the way. Even in the quieter stretches between parks, there were lots of characters that you could stop to have your picture taken with.
The early start is a little rough, but it's worth it!
What better way to spend 26.2 miles than running through Walt Disney World.
The weather was absolutely wonderful, especially for a Vermonter in January (started in the 50s at 5:30 and finished in the 70s - the end was a little warm for those of us who are on the slower side, but not bad).
I would definitely run this marathon again - next time I'll go for the Goofy Challenge!
#1 Song that got me through a tough patch:
I don't think I really had a tough patch in this race, so it wasn't so much a song as it was the music and Disney sights and characters along the way... and of course seeing my friends from the American Stroke Association!
