Disney's Half Marathon 01/12/08

Saturday morning we were up at 3:15, dressed with food in hand at the Disney bus stop by 3:30. Got to the start area by 3:50 am. There we sat with thousands of others while a live band played. Around 5 ish, we stood in line for 30 minutes for the porta-pots and made our way to the corrals/start line. There were 19,000 runners doing the 1/2. We were in the last corral and last wave to go. The start officially was at 6am, we started at 6:25. Hanging with hubby, my sister and husband was fun and we have good memories of all that...joking on WHY exactly did we do this?

I wish I could put my finger on exactly what was wrong...getting up at 3:15, different foods, not 100% since the stomach flu, flying (dizzies)...but I was nauseated from the start and had to pee again by mile 1. The roadways were so crowded that it was hard to keep a good pace but we tried our best to mile 2 which was mostly roads blocked 1/2 off for us behind Epcot. We ran off the sidewalks into the wet grassy areas for much of it in the beginning and dodged walkers sometimes going 5 accrossed for some of it too. It was humid (for me at least) and I was getting more and more agitated with my nagging problems of nausea and having to pee! Even my shirt neck was choking me. I wanted to stop and go, but the porta pots had lines and I hadnt given up on my goal of 2:10 at this point.

By mile 6 I was ready to stop, but knowing that my poor parents had gotten up at 5:45 to go to the grandstand to see me, and were expecting me by 8:35 kept me going...I pictured them with my brother and his wife ready to cheer us on. By the time we reached The Magic Kingdom, we found a park bathroom and I felt a little better - and I ate a few Shot blocks to get some energy (I hoped) I was soaked thru with sweat. Hubby and I posed for a few pix hand in hand. Much of the run was a blur, but running thru Cinderellas castle was a highlight and down Main st. USA. People cheering, bands playing, signs being held up and in the back of my mind...my parents are waiting. One water stop, someone thru their water down right on my sneeker. (thanks) then further down the road, someone spit in my direction and I dodged that! ha ha. There were a few hills that were unexpected . Probably the last 3 miles Hubbys mantra to me was "you can do this, you've done this before, you're doing great - keep it going , your parents are going to be so proud....I'm proud of you..." all the while his knees are hurting and he's still running after NEVER going more than 8 miles before.

I was kicking myself for being so WUSSY. Once I realized that I wasnt going to make the time, I tried to relax and forget the whole TIME thing and just enjoy the experience and tried to zone out from all the problems I felt. So the last 2 miles, was walk running with grimacing pains...Hubby said to save the last in me for the grandstand so I'd look strong for the finish....again - with the self talk and pats on the back...what a guy. I could see the finish and I had to hold back the tears, the last 1/4 mile I found and energy in me that I had no clue I had and took off knowing my parents were cheering us on and Hubby took off after me completely blown away that I had it in me too! ha ha. Funny thing is, my parents NEVER saw us finish. Long story there, they didnt get into the grandstand, they were standing for 3 hours and with so many people finishing, they just didnt see us! NOOOOOOOOO. We limped towards the awards, got our gold Donalds! (so cool) and food and collapsed on the bus back to our resort! We met up with everyone soon after. So proud of my sister, what a huge accomplishment and Hubby too. He was/is my rock!! thanks for all your support!