We were off, but definitely not at breakneck speed. This race has lots of walkers and we were in the last canal so there were many around us with a slower pace. We began weaving around people and trying to find a place to run a comfortable pace. We were looking for around an 11 minute mile, but didnt get close to that during this part of the race. Almost immediately we noticed quite a few people heading for the woods by the side of the course. For those of you that are non runners let me explain a little bit about a phenomenon that occurs on race day. Most racers are pretty paranoid about staying well hydrated leading up to race day so we drink plenty. Plus there are those pre race jitters. Plus in this race there was the cold. All these things together tend to cause full bladders. Running on full bladders is rather uncomfortable. Thus the race into the woods. Most of the woods racers are men. Were there any female woods racers? Well I know there were at least a couple.
Anyway, back to the business at hand. The race was on and we were moving. We passed Mile 1 and I was going to take a picture of the sign, but it had no race clock on it so I skipped it. We soldiered on to Mile 2 and here is our time.
Now remember we started 35 minutes after gun time so we arent as slow as it appears, but we also arent speeding bullets. (The winner crossed the finish line less than 4 minutes after we hit mile 2)
. We were still dodging people trying to get a steady pace. As we ran along World Drive we saw some of the super speedy runners coming back the other way. Hard to believe, but these runners were coming up on Mile 10 while we were still working on mile 3.
Craziness! We made it to Mile 3.
That was about a 12 minute mile. Somewhere along this stretch it began to really sleet. At one point Liz cried, Ouch. I looked over thinking she might have pulled a muscle or something and she says, Ice just flew into my eye! Yea, running through pelting ice is not a pleasant feeling for those of you that were wondering.
I dont think Id recommend it. We came upon the first landmark of the run.
Then shortly thereafter we ran by the Speedway and through the TTC parking area. There were a few spectators about cheering us on which was very appreciated. It was miserable weather for us runners, but Im sure it was worse for the spectators. At least we were moving. The Mile 4 sign soon appeared.
Were making OK time, but nowhere near our hoped for 11 minute pace. (Too much people dodging.) About this time we get our first castle spotting. It was exciting to think wed be running through it soon! At about 4 ½ miles we hit the much hyped Contemporary hill. Hills are interesting things when you are a runner. Normally people dont even notice hills, but as a runner youre pretty much always aware of an incline no matter how slight. Overall Disney is incredibly flat which makes for great running. (Especially compared to Maryland. If you dont like hills never go near the Baltimore races
. Trust me.) There are a few inclines at Disney though. Most of them involve overpasses, but the Contemporary hill is an underpass. It actually goes under a bridge of water connecting the 2 lakes. So I was interested to see if this hill was all it is hyped to be. I hate to say it, but it wasnt.
Like I said Im used to running in Maryland and there is a much bigger hill that I do on every run. So we made it up the big hill without incident. Right after the hill we ran by this lovely sight.
Notice the sun has come up. I mentioned to Liz that maybe we should just bag it and head inside to warm up. She laughed at my joke. I wasn't joking
. But we carried on despite my fantasies of warm showers and hot cocoa, motivated by what we knew was coming right up. We hit Mile 5.
Then what did we see?
Its Space Mountain!
Now thats what Im talking about! The sight inspired me to really take off!
Liz was feeling like she had the whole universe in her hands. (I know. Bad joke.
)
It was finally here. Time for the Magic Kingdom and that run down Main Street!