Official WDW Marathon Weekend 2013 Thread-Part 2

[NYUBwayBaby]

Congrats to all the finishers!
My little sister finished in just over 6 hours and my mom finished maybe a half hour after.
I got swept at mile 21, but considering I got some sort of sunscreen/sweat mixture in my eye around mile 7 and could hardly keep my eye open for about 4 miles, I'm okay with that. I told my mom to go ahead about mile 9 and that I'd stop at the next medical tent... Which ended up being soooooo far away. Thanks to everyone at that tent for being awesome, though! After getting my eye flushed out I decided to just keep going until I got swept, because I knew I lost my cushion and wouldn't be able to keep up the pace at the end. I'm quite proud of getting to mile 21.
Some people getting swept were just being nasty, though. One woman was swearing up a storm at the poor people on the bikes about how all the characters should be at the end because she waited in line for four hours taking pictures.
To anyone else who didn't finish- you went out there and did your best. It was incredibly hot and long and you still went out and did it. I know it can be really upsetting, but you went out and did more than most people can do! And you are awesome for that!

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I did my first ever full marathon AND went Goofy as well this weekend.

I had to stop at every medical stop yesterday for vaseline and biofreeze, and their porta potties seemed to be the least disgusting.

When I got to WWOS, I REALLY had to go to the bathroom. I was sick of the porta potties at that point (look, I realize they're already not the cleanest thing in the world, but some people are just disgusting when they use them) that I was excited to see REAL bathrooms there. Unfortunately, the women's bathroom had about 25 people waiting in line. Right across from it was the men's - I debated for all of 10 seconds, then whipped open the door and went in. Bunch of guys at the urinals and I said, "I KNOW I'M A GIRL, I JUST HAVE TO PEE, I'M SORRY!" They laughed and didn't care. That was the best bathroom experience because I was able to wash my hands!!!

After that, things started going downhill mentally. At 19.5 I had a group of friends there cheering me on - I stopped and hugged one of them, and sobbed into his neck about how I just couldn't do it. I couldn't go anymore, I was so hot, so tired, had horrible cramps (yay for being a girl - THAT had to start on Sat and was obviously not fun to deal with), and I felt like I couldn't take another step. I was seriously sobbing hardcore. He gave me a quick pep talk that helped me keep moving on.

Mile 22 is when I knew I was massively dehydrated. My fingers looked like sausages and my face felt like dough. I had been drinking water and powerade like crazy, but it wasn't enough. I walked mile 23-25, just couldn't pick up my feet anymore at that point.

At 25.5 I attempted to run again, but I was seeing gray fuzzies, so I stopped and walked again. I made myself run over the finish line and cried when I got my medal, but sobbed again when I got my Goofy. The poor woman told me that I should be happy, and I bawled, "I AMMMMMM!" with snot and drool pouring out of my face. Not my finest hour.

Looking at my pics from that point on, I am amazed at how swollen my arms, hands, and face were. It was BAD. It looked like I had suddenly gained 30 pounds.

I'm in quite a bit of pain today and have heat rash in weird areas and blisters in sizes I've never seen before. But I'm pretty proud of my accomplishment, and the fact that I maintained 12-13 minute miles until I hit mile 20, then was at 16 on the dot for the rest.

 

[Emmabean2000]

I would have to agree that the mile 20 thing was a great disappointment. Also, I did not like running on the gravel in the stadium. Just made me more nervous about turning an ankle! I had no idea that they were showing us on the scoreboard. That would have been nice to see, but I did not realize it until I was running out of the stadium. And, the run around the racetrack was a bit boring as well. The cars were nice, but I guess I expected more. What, I am not sure, but something.

My biggest gripe was no Mickey or Minnie at the finish! Where were they? Donald was there, but I was thinking I was in the wrong race. I finished at 3:40, and maybe they had Mickey getting ready for the award ceremony, but heck, it is his Marathon! He should be there, or at least Minnie. Yeah, a small thing, but I bypassed the photo ops with Mickey during the race cause I wanted to see him at the end

But all in all, loved the experience. Great support on the course, and I wish I would have used my sponge wiser and kept it with me during the race!

Had to put on ice packs on my calfs after the race. The gentleman helping me out notices a bunch of sand burrs on my compression socks. We could not figure out how they got there. Then it dawned on me...I had to run to the bathroom in the bushes 4 times before the race started!

 

[disney_runner]

Well I'm gonna buck the trend and make you all mad, but the heat didn't bother me except for a little heat rash on my torso. I followed Coach's advice to start hydrating 8 days ago and use more Powerade. It worked! Sorry to irritate some folks here, but it was a wonderful race for me. Sunny, warm, and a PR of 5:50 - with the Half the day before!! Fantastic day overall. So glad I did the Goofy and so glad it's over. Training was the hardest part. Congrats to everyone!

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

Congratulations Runners, to all of you who started, not just finished.
Amazing what you have done.

I can only W.I.S.H I can go Goofy one day.

 

[FFigawi]

How did others manage the heat and humidity?

Aside from sweating so much that my band-aids fell off and then my BodyGlide wore off (but thankfully no blood on the shirt), I managed it pretty well. In all seriousness, I had a salt tab every hour and took water or Powerade at every stop for the first two hours. I hit every other one after that. Still think I lost 4-5 pounds.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

I wanted to show you just how swollen I was from dehydration at the end - I didn't know that was what happened to you. My hands were so big, I couldn't type on my phone or open my bottle of water.

Left is right before race start. Right is at finish. I look like I gained 30 pounds in 7 hours.

 

[Terapin]

Wow!

 

[Danhockey04]

Overall, I thought it was a good race. I got to mile 15 before the sun was cresting the horizon, kept a 8mm till then, then the sun hit and fell to a 9:43mm to finish. I finished with a 4:13, which was good, but a more cooperating weather would have allowed my finish of 3:40 I wanted. I cramped too much, liquids wasn't enough and not enough salt on me to last the whole race. But still, was better time than last year's marathon, but tougher in my opinion. Definitely the toughest marathon of the four I've done.

 

[Cruz91]

What country is the DATW crew in now? I arrived a little later than expected, but would love to grab a beer with you in celebration...

 

[mickeysgal]

We ran the half (myself, DD, and DH). We all ran and hit new PRs. Shaved approx 10 minutes off my best prior time. I was estatic - I had had surgery in late Oct (all is well now thankfully) and couldn't run the Wine and Dine. Had a quickly ramp up training when released by the doctor. I was thrilled to be back running. About mile 11 my calf started to cramp up - charley horse style. Stopped at Medical and slapped on biofreeze. Had to get an ice bag at the end for my lower calf. Still sore, but improving already.

I loved the weather. Didn't bother me much at all - except running in the sunlight at miles 8-10. Yes, it was humid, but I tend to be cold-blooded to begin with. I actually had a throw down sweatshirt at the beginning of the race. Crowded, crowded, crowded! Had runners jumping sideways and cutting me off to move away from the crowds. On more than one occasion had to abruptly slam to a dead stop because of being cut off. Have to wonder if that added to my calf problem. I really wish people wouldn't do that.

Don't know how you marathoners do it. I really don't. As of 6:30am the next morning after the half when I couldn't get out of bed and felt like I was far older than my 50 years, I swore I wasn't doing anymore. Today...looking forward to the Princess, the Dumbo Double Dare, and perhaps signing up for the Flying Pig. Oh how we forget the aches and pains.

I am so proud of all of you. For the long road of training, for pushing through the hurts, for sticking with it and showing up and giving it your all regardless of whether you finished or got swept, you have my admiration. Hopefully one of these days maybe I'll join you....

Thank you all for your encouragement along the way. Many times I was just lurking but soaking it all in.

 

[CaptHomer]

I am looking as well. I have Homer hat and yellow half shirt on

 

[CaptHomer]

Heading to France now. Found everyone.

 

[hauntedcity]

What a great weekend! My wife and I ran our 2nd WDW Half (and our 3rd overall), and had a wonderful time.

Did anyone else have trouble with the warmer temperatures and humidity on Saturday? The weather was actually quite similar to the Indianapolis Mini Marathon back in May, but that race added several water stops the day before. By Mile 12, I was wishing I had some extra hydration. I made it to the end, though! My wife pulled me through, and we beat last year's time by 5 minutes, even after stopping for a couple photographs. It was a thrill to finally meet Jack Skellington and Sally in person!

Once again, we were so impressed with all the volunteers along the course. I wish I could thank each and every spectator, water hander-outer, medical tent person, and character along the course. Everything else went smoothly, too. Great bus transportation for Expo and race at OKW. My wife and I even got to visit the Wedding Pavilion again, where we were married 12 years ago!

Now to start planning for next year! (Unless of course, someone wants to pay my airfare to the Disneyland Half I've got my eye on that coast-to-coast medal...)

 

[CaptHomer]

French bakery now, for anyone looking for group.

 

[joan4mickey]

Home now...
Great to hear everyones thought good and bad...remember we are all on a journey and each of us has our own path to walk so no need to feel defeated or to compare to another's. My goal is find some joy in all, some times it can be hard, but if I look very closely there is always something positive I can come away with.

Quick thoughts..
1. I wasn't going to run another marathon after last year, but in Aug. DS (19 yo) really wanted to do this so I caved. I would like to say never again, but DD (21yo) wants to do it sometime.
2. I really didn't think it was warmer than last year. Thanks to Coach I kept my sponge. It tucked nicely in the back of my racerback top and I would grab a water..take a sip and resoak sponge. I also carry a handheld that I can refill. I had been hydrating well for the week before.
3. Mile 20...too many turns, but not sure it was any worse for me than the dark, crowded Epoct loop.
4. I was more relaxed this year..not really carrying about time. Last year I hoped to run...did some walking and this year I trained with the walk/run. Stopped for lots of pix, talked to some cast members, took a photo for some one in the AK and still finished 4 min. faster. Crazy.
5. The Wish people at AK and HS were great. Both recognized me and I didn't make it to the meet. DS said they were encouraging everyone, he knows you wear green and that I'm on the "boards" with you all. And not just the Wish people, but all the spectators, volunteers and cast members all seemed really into it and cheering.
6. I wish I could remember all the signs..there was some really good one.
And how about that firefighter in full uniform with the oxygen tank on his back, so impressive. Not so impressive, the guy wearing his briefs. Yuck!
7. Disney magic...went to runner relations with a 52 min. 10k time and she put an A corral sticker on my bib. I look at her with question in my eyes and she just smiled and said it was a slow race with lots of pictures. DS was in A so we got to start together and run a couple of miles together...I did start at the very back of the corral. I was the old lady minnie with the tall slim mickey!

*Forgot my marathon was 26.6 according to my GPS

 

[MightyDuck001]

Are we as awesome as I think we are? Yeah, we're pretty freaking awesome...

By 5:00pm I was walking to dinner in EPCOT and planning out my next marathon.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Congrats to everyone and thank you to the WISHers whom came out to cheer today. It was fabulous to see you. In had a wonderful time cheering for the half at GF. I lost my voice for the rest of the day yesterday!

The race was great! I felt awesome and crappy at the same time. After mile 20 I lost a toenail and had to take my shoe off the rip the rest off. That took off a long time but I needed the little rest! It killed for the rest of the way but I kept telling myself that I was hardcore now

Love the medal. Love it around my neck!!

You are hard core Nancy!!!

Thanks for doing that! I passed there around 1. It was nice to see people cheering on those of us that were still out there. I was set for a better time, but the heat got the best of me. I was just happy to finish at that point. And there was a random stranger in Epcot that I nearly knocked out.... He said 'oh are you guys starting the cool down walk already'? Many people were struggling then...not what we needed to hear. I kept seeing people on the side of the road that needed medical, etc. true althetes to keep going despite the sun and length of time out there!

I cheered the end of the group of marathoners last year. It brought tears to my eyes to see their determination to stay ahead of sweepers. Hence, me signing up this year.

Again, thank you. It was my first (maybe last) full.

I'd have smacked him. And been yelling at least I lapping you, you lazy butt!!

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I am at Epcot. Nauseaous but I think that I have sun poisoning. I have blisters on my heels too. Heading back to the room soon to pack and go to bed. I only cried for an hour about it. I'm still teary that I failed. Not sure what to do with my medal.

At this point I'm sad that I didn't finish but I'm not sure I EVER want to try again. I swear I was deleterious at one point. I fought the heat and the heat won.

I understand your disappointment with not finishing the race but you in no way failed. You attempted something that only a small percentage of people ever attempt and got quite far in the race. Everyone that crosses the starting line should give themselves a pat on the back immediately because crossing the starting line already shows you have come very far.

Reading posts so far and talking with other runners, this WAS a brutal year for the race. If you decide to attempt again, I'm sure you will have learned a lot from your experience this year and will have a better race the next time.

 

[buckeyecinderella]

I am quite surprised by how much fluids, electrolytes and gels I needed to keep going in the heat yesterday.

I brought a hydration pack with 1.5L of e-Load. Drained it all by mile 22. I took 2 cups of powerade at each station. I took 2 salt tablets every hour, and 2 extra in the last hour as my fingers were all sausage-y (16 caps in total). I took a gel every 45 minutes, and ate the bananas on the course. I was able to void twice on the course, and it wasn't too dark, and back in the room I was able to void again a small amount as soon as we returned. Even with all the fluid I was not over-hydrated, but nor was I much dehydrated.

I kept the wet sponge and rewetted it and used it on my face and arms on walk breaks, and then stuck it in the top of my shirt to cool by evaporation (it worked and was nice and cool on the outside-side). I used the water at some stations to pour over my head.

I just posted this to say that it was super hard work to stay on top of the miserable heat and humidity. I finished in 7:08:13 - more than an hour slower than my training pace. My feet felt swollen, acutely painful and hobbling at the end. However, I felt great metabolically. I got my medals, pics, my food and drink and headed straight for the bus - it was the best seat around!!! I was back in our room within 45 minutes of race end. I couldn't wait to be out of the heat.

How did others manage the heat and humidity?

I managed heat by poring water on my head starting somewhere after animal kingdom. At nearly every water stop! This was prior to the volunteers offering to pour bottles of Dasani over runners heads! (Thanks, Amanda, for the tip.)

I think I started this around mile 15. Because I was feeling a little "not quite right" at that time. Was I over hydrating? Was I dehydrated? Was I just plain hot and having trouble with the heat? Tension ? Not sure but I slowed down to walking only and eventually felt better and could go back to my run walking for a while.

I also kept the sponge for the remainder of the race, I think until I got into Epcot. I would pour water over it as well at the water stops. Or I would have a volunteer poor water over it for me. (Thank you Coach Charles for that tip. I think it was you who suggested it? )