Sparkly Runner: 2019 WDW Marathon Weekend: Marathon Recap

Going into this yr's marathon, I felt fairly good. I might hit the vast majority of my coaching runs, had no main accidents, and did not get sick within the days earlier than the race. Woohoo! I used to be prepared.


Matthew and I obtained up early on marathon morning and obtained our luggage packed and prepared; mine with snacks, physique, glide and flip flops for after the race, Matthew's with snacks, cow bells, and sunscreen. The climate forecast had modified dramatically from the few days prior. It was scheduled to achieve 79 levels with 95% humidity by midday. runDisney had already despatched an e-mail with a warmth advisory. Yay.

The very best spectator ever.

We grabbed an early bus over to Epcot and went to fulfill up with our ohana. Matthew and I mentioned the place he'd see me: mile 4 on the TTC, mile 7 on the Grand Floridian, mile 14 in AK, after which mile 25 in Epcot, proper round France. With a stable race technique, we stated our goodbyes and I walked again to the corral with Coach.

I purchased that bathrobe from Goodwill to throw away, so rattling it, I used to be going to put on it to the beginning!

We glance cute for 4 am.

I had earned a spot in corral E with my time from the Capital Metropolis 10 Miler. Although I had tossed round beginning with the 6 hour pacer (my A objective), they had been all the way in which again in corral G. I felt like I might labored laborious to get to E so I made a decision at first that I might run my very own race and begin within the corral I might earned.

Solidly center of the pack for this one.

I've to be sincere, it was VERY bizarre being within the corral on my own. I've by no means run a runDisney race alone and it was kinda lonely. Matthew was sending me motivating textual content messages to move the time and I used to be simply attempting to chill out and get in the fitting mindset to run. Actually, I truly did a fast guided meditation (by way of the Perception Timer app) sitting within the corral!

One way or the other, in a see of 11,000 runners, I discovered Brittany! She was a buddy we met final yr on the Disney Dream in the course of the Castaway Cay Problem cruise. She was completely crushing her Dopey and it was such a lift to see her earlier than the race began. We chatted and made small speak as we labored our approach in direction of the beginning.

Congrats on the Dopey end, Brittany!

The race began at 5:30 am and our corral was off by 5:51 am, so we solely waited about 20 minutes till E corral was on its approach.

Carissa, Rudy, and Mickey counting us down!

Because the race began, I deliberate on sticking to my technique of 30:30 and protecting my early miles round 14-Quarter-hour per mile. My quickest marathon at Walt Disney World was a 6:32 and I used to be actually hoping to get a course PR in 2019. I knew it was unbelievable that I might get a PR; I hadn't skilled for one and actually, the marathon is such a beast, I am simply grateful to complete upright and smiling.

The primary few miles of the marathon course are all the time darkish and quiet. Whereas there's palpable pleasure on the beginning line, it is virtually like actuality units in as quickly as you embark on the 26.2 mile journey- everyone seems to be hushed and centered on their very own race.

I silently chipped away on the miles, wanting ahead to seeing Matthew at mile 3.9 on the TTC. My physique felt stiff and achy and it was already extremely humid. It often takes the primary few miles of a future for me to discover a rhythm.

Hellooooo Matthew!

He peeled me a child orange. ?

Seeing Matthew was simply the increase I wanted to energy me by means of to the Magic Kingdom. As I used to be leaving him, I noticed one of many girls I had been standing close to the day earlier than after I was cheering for Matthew. Seeing a well-known face on a marathon course, even when you do not know their identify, is simply the best factor!

Oh hey, woman! All the time making mates. ?

From the TTC, I made my approach in direction of the Magic Kingdom. Like final yr, we entered within the entrance gates of the park as a consequence of development. I completely love coming into the park this fashion and I hope runDisney retains it this fashion even when the development is full.

I've all the time wished to achieve the citadel at the hours of darkness, however I am not fairly that quick but. Nonetheless, it was completely beautiful to observe because the solar was developing simply earlier than we obtained to the citadel.

1 down, 3 to go.

There she is. ???

“Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow.”

Mid-race purple wall selfies.

Try these dawn colours.

After a fast pit cease on the least-crowded rest room on the entire course (close to Pinocchio's Pizza!), I took a stroll by means of the citadel and continued working by means of all of the lands of Magic Kingdom. Operating by means of the citadel this yr was the least crowded it has ever been- and I've achieved this eight occasions in six years. In contrast with 20,000+ runners within the marathon final yr, for 2019, solely 11,000 runners accomplished the course so it felt considerably much less crowded this yr.

That smile is so real. I used to be having a blast in MK!

Castles = Jazz Arms.

?

After having the time of my life in MK (severely), I headed out of the park in direction of the Grand Floridian and Matthew. I used to be feeling fairly good and was truly working approach too fast- round 12 minute miles within the park.

Extra child oranges!

My hero.

By the point I made it to Matthew I used to be in some severe ache. My legs had been positive, my ft had been positive, however my abdomen was tore the hell up. I've been having recurrent digestive points (primarily indigestion and trapped fuel) for months now and naturally, it flared up round mile 6 of the marathon. I imply, actually?! Of all occasions?! UGH.

Anyway, I took some fuel reduction drugs (that I might packed in my skirt for simply this purpose) and soldiered on in direction of Animal Kingdom. The miles throughout this stretch aren't probably the most fun- particularly the out and again simply earlier than AK. And naturally, this was simply because the solar was actually beginning to shine immediately on us. It was actually beginning to warmth up at this level and I used to be simply attempting to remain centered on the mile I used to be in and get to the subsequent park.

Anybody know what/who these are?

The Adventurers Membership!

Oh, hello Florida solar. So glad you could possibly be part of us. ?

2 down, 2 to go.

Timon!

Shortly after I entered AK, I crossed the 13.1 mile mat. I used to be truly feeling fairly crappy and was not wanting ahead to a different half marathon. However then I noticed the doorway for Expedition Everest. It was a couple of minutes after 9 am- the park had simply opened. It is lengthy been a dream of mine to journey Everest in the course of the marathon- I imply, what different marathon provides you the chance to journey a curler coaster in the course of it?! And in my thoughts, since I used to be already pondering this may be my final marathon (as a result of I used to be feeling like absolute crap), I made the break up second determination to get on the journey.

So excited!

In all probability the best factor I've ever skilled in a marathon.

Whereas it took about 13 minutes off my time, I completely do not remorse getting on Everest for a second. I obtained off the race feeling superior and ran to seek out Matthew at mile 14. He gave me extra physique glide, helped me reapply sunscreen, and obtained extra oranges prepared for me. It was a miracle that he had even made it to the park. Buses weren't working to AK when he was attempting to get there from Grand Floridian and he was anxious by the point he obtained a bus, he would miss me at mile 14. Fortunate for Matthew, he bumped into Doug, a Minnie Van driver, who gave him a complementary journey to AK! Discuss Disney magic!

Thanks, Doug!

So excited to see my boo!

After getting all fueled and glided up, I headed again out on the course to embrace the subsequent 11 miles till I noticed Matthew once more. These sections of the course are a few of the most boring- plenty of freeway miles after which what appears like unending miles by means of Disney's Vast World of Sports activities Advanced.

However, I pushed on. My abdomen cramps had returned, it was silly sizzling, and I used to be severely questioning my life selections by this level. I used to be not having a really magical race in any respect.

Single digits left.

Headed into WWOS. These people on the left are at mile 21, we're at 17. Discuss a psychological sport. ?

Strolling by means of Champion Stadium round mile 20.

I powered by means of WWOS and began on the 2 mile trek to Hollywood Studios. At this level, I used to be crying and actually feeling terrible and so rattling sizzling. I began to debate if I wished to give up now- however I saved pondering, “who quits a marathon at mile 22?!” They gave us chilly sponges someplace in WWOS and at each water station, I dipped it in water after which tucked it behind my sports activities bra- it was superior and helped relieve a few of the warmth.

Lastly, I made it to Hollywood Studios and climbed up this horrible (however quick) hill at mile 23. On the high of the hill, there are bogs on the fitting and volunteers with chocolate on the left. I ended to make use of the lavatory and texted the next to Matthew:

Each my language and my angle are foul at mile 23. ?

One way or the other, I managed to maintain transferring down Sundown Boulevard and out by means of the entrance of the park. There was plenty of Gondola development so we ran a bizarre little route in direction of the boardwalk and Epcot. This yr, we entered the boardwalk and turned proper as a substitute of left which was a welcome shock.

Simply pondering end line ideas.

3 down, 1 to go.

As soon as I obtained into Epcot, I threw my arms up and thanked God that I might made it to the top, which is bizarre as a result of I'm under no circumstances non secular. Marathons are bizarre, man. Matthew was ready for me simply earlier than France with a chilly Schofferhofer (from the Germany pavilion) and a bit of schoolbread (from the Norway pavilion). He's actually the finest spectator on earth.

I grabbed the meals and the beer and Matthew began strolling with me across the World. We noticed our mates Matt and Kim and grabbed sweaty hugs and selfies earlier than heading on in direction of the end.

Operating in direction of my two loves, Matthew and beer.

Matt and Kim!

Try that beer holding approach. ?

Matthew stayed on the course with me as I made my approach round the remainder of the World Showcase. I swear, that final mile feels prefer it takes ceaselessly. I grabbed a bunch of foolish footage, sang horribly and loudly to “Go the Distance,” (which you'll be able to hear within the video under) after which stated goodbye to Matthew as I turned the final nook to go to the end line.

“Making my approach downtown, strolling quick, place is packed and I am residence sure..”

Morocco!

Dancing in direction of Japan.

Germany!

Nearly there.

4 down, 0 to go!

So shut I can style it!

I ran previous the gospel choir, grabbed a excessive 5 from Rudy, after which completed my fifth marathon. 5. Freaking. Marathons.

Crossing with a beer in hand and a course PR.

I completed my fifth marathon (and fourth Disney marathon) in 6:18:51- a brand new course PR and my second-fastest marathon ever.

Whereas I did not come near my A objective (6:00 or beneath), I did cross two issues off my bucket checklist that I might all the time wished to do throughout a Disney marathon: journey Everest and cross the end line with a beer in my hand. Verify and examine.

I met up with Matthew and Nathan within the household reunion space. Nathan had already completed his marathon, went again to his resort to bathe, and made it again in time to see me finish- he is depraved quick! And a stable friend- thanks for coming again to cheer me on, Nathan!

I am so out of it, my skirt is tucked into my shorts pocket.

Completely Dopey Nathan.

My man. ?

Quantity 5 within the books.

After resting for a bit, I obtained cleaned up as finest you may in an Epcot rest room, and Matthew, Nathan, and I did a couple of laps round World Showcase to stretch out the legs. A number of beers and snacks later, we headed again to the resort for an actual bathe. Later that evening we ate at Skipper Canteen (which was unbelievable!) in MK, walked round Disney Springs, after which lastly went to mattress round 11 pm. Fairly certain I put at the least 30 miles on my ft that day. ?

How else do you have a good time a marathon?

Simply goofin round in Germany.

Completed.

“While you want upon a star…”

Whereas there have been so many superior mates I noticed on the course, and so many wonderful volunteers, I've to avoid wasting the largest thanks for Matthew. This was a horrible race for me. 80% of the time, I had horrific abdomen cramps and it was so stinking sizzling. I wished to give up so many occasions. However Matthew saved me centered, saved me laughing, and saved me within the race.

Thanks, Matthew, for being my greatest cheerleader and for believing in me after I cannot discover the power to take action. I'm so, so, so grateful I get to do life with you. Thanks.

This man.

Will I do the Disney marathon once more? Hell, will I do any marathon once more?

In case you would have requested me proper after I completed this one, the reply would have been a powerful HELL NO. Nonetheless, now that I've had time to get well, I am unable to say for certain that this one was my final. I nonetheless have the will to run lengthy distances and perhaps even an extremely. Time will inform to see what my future race calendar holds.

Will we be again to Disney for the 2020 WDW Marathon Weekend?

Completely! So lots of the points we have had over time (crowded expo, crowded race programs) had been in no way an issue this yr. The entire weekend was so enjoyable- we will probably be again in 2020 for certain. Which races we'll be working, that is nonetheless a thriller at this level. Although I am certain I will submit about it right here as soon as we determine. ?

P.S.- if you wish to see what the route seems to be like with a curler coaster thrown in there, take a look at my relive under!

Have you ever ever run any of the races throughout WDW Marathon Weekend? Which is your favourite?