Here is what I wrote last year... still happily sticking by my once-and-done promise as I train for just the full this coming year!
2011...
I may be one of the few Goofy veterans out there who "swore they would never do it again" and am (thus far) sticking to that promise. Don't get me wrong, Goofy is AMAZING. It is a major accomplishment, and you can bask in the glow of that for months. Not just the race, but knowing all of the work that went into training for it. Not training for Goofy this year, and only training for the relay, feels like a vacation.
I planned for the running part of the Goofy - trained back-to-backs, brought two complete outfits, two pairs of shoes, carried sunglasses, an ipod, and some Cliff Blocks. What I DIDN'T prepare for was the mental exhaustion. Finishing the half on Saturday was fine, but I hadn't bargained for the overwhelming dread that cropped up at Mile 12 when I was feeling tired and knew I still had a full looming before me the next day. That kind of took away from the magic of the half. Physically, it was no different than my training runs, but getting up early and adrenalin of race day certainly takes its toll. I spent the rest of the day eating, resting, walking and recovering physically, but the emotional facet of the entire thing was draining.
Having run 6 marathons before, and Disney four times, I knew exactly what to expect on Sunday. But my mind was a mess. I felt myself panicking from the start with slightly stiff legs and a grumbly stomach. But, I got off to a decent start and ended up forgiving myself quickly for a slightly slow pace (about 40 seconds slower than my trained race pace).
Coach Charles is right, you hit the same marathon wall, just sooner. By the time I hit the sponge station outside of Animal Kingdom I was mentally (and physically) pooped. Walked an entire mile before I could summon the strength and courage for a final push.
Needless to say, the finish was worth it. My sister and I have always hated that last mile around the World Showcase lagoon at Epcot, and this time I was weeping for joy the entire loop becuase I knew I was almost done.
It IS magical. It IS amazing. But you must remember to train mentally, and be prepared to forgive yourself and to adjust as needed. I remember thinking somewhere in the middle, "if I can do this, I can do anything." Looking forward to the relay this year, and probably sporting last year's Goofy shirt for one last bask in the glory.
ps> That Goofy shirt is still in regular rotation... it will NEVER get old!