Race Reports/Encouragement/Kudos - 8 - 10 January

[Big Vic]

2010 WDW Marathon Weekend

Disney/Pixar UP & Away Family Fun Run 5K

bubba73 (Bryan), Jeanneg (Jeanne), jiggerj (Laura), JimB (Jim), Kirsty-Leigh (Kirsty), momof2minnies (Linda), sk8ingmom DS10 (Drew)

1/2 Marathon

ArelysAdriana (), bubba73 (Bryan), bunnyfoo (Vicky) and DF, december14disney (), DISNEYDUET (), disneyfan97 (Teresa), disneygirlinnj (Jenn), disney_mommy (Andrea), Dolce27 (), dsnyfan21 (Tracy), fluffernutter (), flyingcat2003 (Amy) , DH (Brian) and DS (Cade), frndshpcptn (), goofy57 (Stan), Honeibee (Judy), JimB (Jim) Bike Medic, Joanna71985 (), jodistar (), ksoehrlein's DH (Chuck), MaryJ (), latenitedrivethru (), lil mermaid (Laurel), liznboys (Liz), MaryJ's DH, momof2minnies (Linda), PrincessShea (), Ronda93 (Ronda), Roxy's DH, SamSam (Sharon), Sandy321 (), sk8ingmom (M.), Sunshine_girl (Laura), suzannews (Suzanne), tiggerifficheidi () and DH, TXBelle (Heather), UTGuitarist (Steve), Worfiedoodles (Maria) and DH (Dennis), VernRDH (Veronica), zalanksy ()

Full Marathon

airtime247 (Steve), amykab (Amy), blizzard (Carol), dkostel (Donna), Florida_Girl (Shannon), JimB (Jim), jmasgat (Maura), jship210 (Jack), KeenHo (Howard), Kira G. (Kira G.), Kirsty-Leigh (Kirsty), ksoehrlein (Kim), mickeyncldkd (), mla1977 (Megan), MomtoGKC (Amy), Pirate's Princess (Sam), plutosmyfav (Sunny), Sandy321's DIL, wmileyk8 (Kate), Tink06 (Stacey) & DH - GrumpyinNY (Jeff), tinkerbell of winter (), UGAHokies (Ben), wellesleyprincess (Jennifer), wtpclc (Carrie) and DH Scott

GOOFY

aladinnsgirl (Krista), cewait (), Chimera (Mel), Cindylou (Cindy), DianeL (Diane), escape (Susie), FFigawi (John), funwalker (Margie), geaux_half (Pat), goofyinohio (Chris), groovygirls (), Hey Mickey (Erica), Hockeychic (), hockeygirl (Laurie), ironz (Betsy), jbucci and DH, K80K (Katie), Kirsty-Leigh (Kirsty), Lexxiefern (Becky), lourodrigis (Lou), Maherae (Anne), MiaBanda (Michelle), MickeyHead (Chad), Mooshu (Marcia), MouseDogMom (Jackie) and DH, nucpharm29 (Stephanie) and DH (Scott), RebeccaDreamsDisney (Bec), Roxy, Sandy321's DH, Steffwalks (Connie), TEK224 (Terri), Texa (), tiberius (Richard), Tiger Lily 03 (Lily) and DS (Ken), timmac (), TnTsParty (Tricia), WDWFLgal (Angela), WithDisneySpirit (Lisa)

All Three (Dopey)

3DisneyKids (Erika) and DH Jeff, deekaypee (Debra) and DH DOOD, Duanerice (Duane), jbucci (), mkymsehi (Jeff), Sarah Rose (Sarah), sk8ingmom DH (Steve), syko () and DH, ultramickeymouse (Robert) and DW (Linda), WDWFAN9 (Pat), Wendy (getnthinr), Windwalker (Dave) and DW PandaPrincess (Erica)

Racing and Volunteering (Happy)

dsnyfan21 (Tracy), jims2cool (Jim)


GO! WISH Team GO!

 

[FireDancer]

Good luck everyone. I WISH I was there but don't let the cool temperatures (or my absence) keep you all from having a good time and a great race.

 

[mkymsehi]

2:01 and change for the half. I planned on going slower, but at mile 10 I just needed to get back to the finish to get into my extra layers of clothes.

 

[Sandy321]

Whats the saying around here?

Seriously?

Dead Last Finish.....

oh wait. That was me!! I'm trying not to be embarrassed by that - it helps when I got a call from Aldisneygrl that she got a report of my time -

SANDY @ Finish in 03:53:07!!!

surprisingly I felt pretty good - just embarrassed I couldnt keep up with the pack, and I was making all those nice volunteer bike medics, sweepers stay out on the course - it was COLD - but the freezing ice hitting your face was the worst (for me I think it was Mile 4!) But I truly than them all!!

and I thank all the WISH Scream Teamers that braved the cold and cheered me on! Carrie and Scott were in the MK (along with 2 others) then outside the long straitaway I saw one more Cheering me on!! Duane came out in a Goofy Hat and waved me on (after mile 10 he stood on the overpass - it took me a bit too long to make it up that pass!) Carrie and Scott made it to Mile 12... that part is so overwhelming for me - thank you for standing outside for so long to cheer!! After I made it out thru the tent the line for the busses? What nonsense! and so many shivering - since DH waited for me - he finished at around 2:12 I think he said - he said Chris did great and he enjoyed the opportunity to get Chris thru the dark, and Chris is fast! DH had to wait another 2 hours, and he was shivering pretty hard - I on the other hand was HOT!! I had too many layers on!! (silk long sleeve shirt, cotton blend long sleeved shirt, tech long sleeve, my polar tech Land's End fleece - which is water resistant and wind proof, and then my WISH shirt over that!! I ditched my hat and gloves - and the hand warmers kept my power blocs chewy... I just wore compression shorts and loose running pants (not sweats) that was perfect!

Again HUGE THANKS to all the volunteers, and those WISHers that were willing to cheer me on!!



I had 15 min miles for the first 5K - but kept getting slower... considering my hip wasnt working until 2 weeks ago I should be happier!!

 

[Duanerice]

Unlike Jeff I did take it easy. 2:05. Haven't checked for official time.

Sandy, you made it. You need to be proud. Many didn't make it in these conditions.

Can't wait for the 29 degree start tomorrow

Duane

 

[cewait]

Hello from Sunny Florida
Wow what a race. By far it was not the toughest race I have ever done nor the coldest nor the wettest. But it ranks up there as a doosy with everything combined.

I got out to the race earlier than expected. I had no idea that a monorail would be waiting for my beck and call once I hit the lobby. All I had in my check bag was post race warm stuff so it was checked early. I did go out to the parking lot and milled around a bit looking for some warmth. I found that waiting on the leeward side of the tents was not cutting it. I met Wendy I the parking lot and said high. I hope she had a better race this weekend.

I did catch Jon before the crowds thickened and told him that so far the weekend was going better than I could have hoped for. I asked if he could do something about the wind and we both chuckled. As he was getting into his cart I said he was lucky since it was dry. Almost apologetically he said that his cell phone had radar and that he was really hoping to get us in before the rain hit. I guess that really did not quite happen.

I met up with the Disney Deads this morning and we chatted and took a few photos then I headed off to the corral. It felt warm in the corral once loaded in. I started in C and was dressed lightly enough to not over heat but wind proof enough to get through the wind. On top I had an Under Armor compression shirt with a no sleeved tech shirt over it. Then a throw down cotton Tee and a Tyvek jacket for any rain pre-race. On bottom it was my CW-x ventilator tights. Crud, I thought I had packed the heavier pair. These tights are great in the 60 F range. I am guessing we did not get to 40 today. On top of them I had a pair of flannel warm ups that have made the trip to Disney since 2001 but were never needed. Of course gloves a billed hat and ear protection topped it off.

Once we started it only took a mile to have the Tyvek unzipped. I kept it on until we were all the way onto World Drive just to make sure the wind was not going to cut too much. I yanked it just after the water stop on World and tossed the top. I thought my pace was not too far off my goal; only 45-50 seconds faster than planned coming into the race. The streets were not all that slick but it was clear that the MK area had seen a little more rain than we had at Epcot. Once into the MK parking I did note that the feet were feeling a little wet. Noting too bad but something just to monitor was we worked our way through the race. As we neared the TTC I tossed the harm warmer packs from my gloves my hands were hot and these felt like they were beginning to pull the gloves down. At mile 5 I caught a glimpse on Mary She was on the opposite side of the course from where I expected to find her. I noted that I was still ahead of my planned pace as we passed 5.

Once in MK I ditched the throw down shirt in a trash can. THEN it happened. I for the life of my never thought I would have occasion to speak in sailor speak to anyone in MK. But some lady with her head up her bottom decided it was a great idea to grab a photo with a minor character. But she saw this character then decided for the photo running from course right to course left IN THE DARK. She caused a runner ahead and right of me to stumble and before I figured out what was happening she was just in front of me. I reacted rather than thought and shoved her in self preservation. I am not sure if she fell but I don’t think so. From my side the little injury issue that I have been babying for the last few weeks went pop. I did not stop as I am sure that I would have not made friends at that time and I wanted to keep moving to see what had happened. As it turns out it felt ok as we finished up the race but as I sit here now it was the ‘I am injured’ throb. Obviously with a marathon between me and my 5th Goofy, it will have to be really bad to stop me.
The remainder of the race was uneventful. I met up with a few other ‘perfectly goofy’ friends on course and we trotted in until the hills. I backed off at the hills to keep from stressing the injury.

Finish time was a 2:23. On my white board at work I have a 2:32 posted so I now have 9 extra minutes to work with tomorrow.

I hope everyone survived today. It was not an easy first half marathon nor was it an easy 20 something long race for me. I was fine with the weather and was enjoying the run with the wind. Then post race I got chilled in the parking lot heading for the monorail. I was not going to put my warm clothing on but the chill forced me to stop and change shirts and pull up the warm up pants before heading to the train. I did see the end of the race as we cruised home. I can see it was a super struggle for many and it looked like fun was nowhere to be found. I am hopeful that everyone was able to make it to Epcot and celebrate a finish.

At the mile 9 water stop a poor young lady was shivering beyond all believe. Two busses were sitting off in the brush with their engine running. I asked her if she was ok as i passed. She said she was fine; but her teeth were chattering too much to really understand her. There was a suprervisor type person hand water put at the very end of the stop. I grabbed him and pointed the young lady out and said she needed on a bus now. He literally dropped the water cup he had in hand and headed up the stop. I hope she listened to him.

Oh, I did see Tracy on course, if think.

I am working on recovery and am trying to figure out where to walk that is warm so i can loosen up again this afternoon.

 

[Sandy321]

Unlike Jeff I did take it easy. 2:05. Haven't checked for official time.

Sandy, you made it. You need to be proud. Many didn't make it in these conditions.

Can't wait for the 29 degree start tomorrow

Duane

Thanks Duane, I appreciate you cheering me on (and even remembering me!!)


I hear it may be sunny - maybe pack some sunglasses??? NO precipitation for all you Marathoners, Goofy and Perfectly Goofy folks!!

 

[TooncesTDC]

First half-marathon ever, and I finished in 2:06! I started training a year ago, when I was in town for the half-marathon. This was an amazing experience.

I woke up at 3:15 and didn't leave the Buena Vista Palace until just before 4:00. I thought I could take Epcot Drive, but the ramp was closed, so I had to take the route past Hollywood Studios. The traffic was worst merging into 1 lane from Buena Vista to World Drive ramp. I got into the parking lot at 4:40, and met my friends who were holed up in the merchandise tent at 5:00. At 5:10, I realized that I was going to need to use the bathroom, but didn't realize I had a couple more choices other that the ones closest to the parking lot. The line was 15-people deep, and I didn't get going until almost 5:30. My start for Corral B (my proof of time from a 10K implied a 1:55 race, but I didn't believe it) was at 5:40, and I knew that I was at risk of missing the 5:40 start. Sure enough, when I arrived at Corral B at 5:46, the corral was virtually empty, except for a couple others like me. So, I ran through the corral and jogged to the start line, as they started to open Corral C behind me. But then I noticed that there was stopped traffic at the start line. I soon realized that they were holding up runners for the start of Wave 2 at 5:50. So, as luck would have it, I found myself in the first 20-30 people at the start of Wave 2, and never had the problem of running in a heavy pack. So, anyway, I guess that's a nice trick for avoiding traffic.

I started with a poncho, promotional knit cap, another thin skullcap, an extra neck warmer, a long-sleeve wicking shirt, a sweatshirt, a pullover jacket, tights from my ski regimine and shorts over that. I also had an iPphone strapped to my arm under the poncho. I kept the poncho on until the first water stop then dropped it. But that exposed my iphone to the precipitation. At mile three, I unstrapped my iphone, put it in my pocket, took off the jacket, took off the sweatshirt and tossed it, strapped the iphone to my arm, then put the jacket back on. this protected the iphone, but i couldn't change programs. At mile 5, my podcast ended and i had to slip it down my arm to chancge programs. Both of these slowed me down quite a bit. At mile 10.5, my 2nd podcast ended and I just gave up on the iphone.

I found my family cheering for me at the TTC. But the didn't make it to main street in time, but they waited for me for 30 minutes. Then, my wife got a text saying that I was at the 15K point, and they rushed back to Epcot, but didn't make it for the finish.

The coolest part of the race for me was hitting the 10 mile mark in pretty good shape. 10 miles was the most I ran during training (according to Hal Higdon), and while I had run it once before, I couldn't do it last Saturday, so I shortened my run to 4.5 miles. But today, I felt really strong and know that I could make it to the finish. So my final 3 miles was over 20 seconds/mile faster then the 2nd and 3rd splits. THe last half mile through Epcot had great inspirational music (even though I was hoping for the Amazing Race music), and I was able to push it the the last 0.4 miles.

What an experience, and I am in awe of all the people that came out both to run and to encourage the runners!

 

[Duanerice]

Thanks Duane, I appreciate you cheering me on (and even remembering me!!)


I hear it may be sunny - maybe pack some sunglasses??? NO precipitation for all you Marathoners, Goofy and Perfectly Goofy folks!!

Sandy
i can't take credit. Matt was on the overpass with hi Mickey sorcerer hat on.
Duane

 

[gsu1988]

Like Charles this was not the wettest or the coldest race I have ever run but never have I raced in such a combined mess. During the run it was not that bad. It was the before and after that like to killed me.

I ran the first half of the race with my mom at about a 11:30 pace. She was not having the best of days and asked me to go on ahead. After i left her I dropped my pace to @9:30. I ended up finishing in 2:22. A nice negative split. Unfortunately, after leaving her I got a little carried away and hope I don't pay for it on the marathon tomorrow.

I am not looking forward to getting back out there in even colder temps tomorrow but at least it should be dry.

See all you Goofy WISHERS tomorrow!!!

 

[FFigawi]

What a great race! I ended up running with two young women I met around mile 2.5, one of whom was doing her first half, and we finished in a nice and steady 2:20. I walked to the start with tights, long sleeve shirt, jacket, and throwaway sweats, ditched the sweats before the start, and took the jacket on and off along the way depending on if we were getting sleet (off) or rain (on). Standing in line for food and the buses back to the resort, I was freezing! Wet gloves and evaporated sweat do not make for a warm combination. I skipped the 200+ person line back to All Star. I took the bus with the shortest line (Key West) and called my wife and asked her to come and get me.

Thanks to Matt for cheering along the way. Saw him off to the side in the first few miles and then again on the overpass. I only saw a few other WISHers, probably because most had their shirts covered by all their layers.

Good luck to all my fellow marathoners and Goofiers tomorrow. It's going to be cold for the start but a beautiful day for running once we warm up.

 

[Lynn G]

I did not see many folks, I was way at the back - I did finish at 3:48:52, and I was with the sweepers from mile 8 on, they kept on threatening to sweep us, (meaning those I was near), and by mile 10 I was ready for that bus, I even saw several busses and vans along side the road, but no one ever said "get in the bus/van" so I ended up finishing the race. Because of the cold, my knee hurt more than normal, but my frozen toes hurt even more! We got "home" and got into the hot tub for about an hour before we thawed!

Tomorrow I will be volunteering at the water stop near mile 13, so maybe I will see all of you who are racing tomorrow!

 

[MJonesMBA2001]

Wow!! What a race!! I enjoyed reading the comments all of you had, and I'll add some of mine.

To me there were several things that made for the miserable conditions this morning:
1) at about 6:05 or so when the sleet or whatever that was started, and the ice chunks would hit you in the face. That really stung!
2) how it felt like it warmed up for a little bit, then drizzled a little bit more, making us wet and cold for the last bit of the race
3) stepping in cold puddles that got your socks all cold and wet
4) the setup at the end. Man, was that a logjam!! I did the full a few years back, and it didn't take me near as long to get my gear and get on a bus. Add to that how cold and wet people were, and that makes things tough. I saw several people who I would consider to have borderline hypothermia because of the standing around still at the end

Having said all that, this will definitely be a memorable half for me. I ran in Corral F, and it took a good while just to start. For the first 5-6 miles it was tough dodging people and just avoiding being knocked down or running into somebody else. It's ok though, parts of this course are pretty narrow, and there's not a whole lot you can do about that.

I am SO thankful that one of my running mentors told me to put dry gloves and socks in the sack you check in the tent in addition to a dry shirt. It was wonderful being able to put on all that dry stuff, because all my shirt layers ended up getting soaked from mile 9 or so and beyond.

I LOVED the choral group at EPCOT - that was probably the highlight of the race for me.

All in all, those of us who braved the elements can be proud of this memorable experience. My watch time was 2:37, which was about 11 minutes faster than the chip time, I think. I don't care - I finished!

 

[Duanerice]

Another Goofy in the books. Even though it didn't rain, it didn't matter as I was cold the whole way. Once I got wet from sweating by mile 2, I stayed chilled all the way to the end.

Saw a few people along the way and ran with them for a few minutes. Bumped into Jeff in Magic Kingdom but even though he tried to stay with me, he pulled away .

I paced a friend the first few miles. He wanted to come in under 5 hours but faded after mile 6 and told me to go ahead. I ended up finishing in 4:55.

Disney kills my IT bands. I never have any problem except here. It is running on the side of the hills (roads) for 20 of the 26 miles. I woke up last night at 1:30 and had to put ice on my knee. When I walked through the water stops it was hard getting my knee to get going again.

More later. Thanks again to all the volunteers, you are wonderful!

Duane

 

[Sandy321]

Sandy
i can't take credit. Matt was on the overpass with hi Mickey sorcerer hat on.
Duane

oops sorry Duane - and sorry Matt!!

I really appreciate your cheering me on Matt! It obviously helped get me up and around and through to the end!!

 

[thndrmatt]

4:37 for me for the marathon after scream teaming the half, and more importantly back to Pensacola safe at 5am CST this morning ready to nap for my 9am brief/flight.

We all know I do a million races, so I like to let others spam their long winded race reports instead of me for this one for me to enjoy.

 

[windwalker]

I didn't train well this year and it showed. I did finish both races but it wasn't pretty.

I learned that I need to spend some money on better cold/wet weather racing gear. I was as close to hypothermia after the half as I've ever been. I finished, soaked to the skin and made the 2 mile walk back to the Boardwalk. My hands in wet gloves were so numb I couldn't work the pass into the slot to get into Epcot, the cast member had to assit me.

Everyone who braved the cold and rain and distance, you are indeed winners, to our volunteers wheo stood out there to cheer for us, thank you is just not enough. But it's from the heart, "Thank YOU".

Dave

 

[jmasgat]

Well, my first marathon is in the books, and it was definitely an experience....But is it one to be repeated?! Here's a short recap (Being a terse writer, I will let others regale you with their experiences)

Me: 51 year old first time marathoner...likes to run alone...no music...aiming for 4:15 finish and---if stars aligned, a 4:00 BQ time (but no pressure, really!) Likes running in cold...but developed pre-race amnesia on how to dress.

Pre-race: Never sleep...up early...Ususal light breakfast (oatmeal...just a few bites) since I'm always nervous and don't like running with much on my stomach. Changed my mind on race morning on what to wear and went with my tried-and-true...LS shirt/tights/headband/gloves. Piled on some pre-race clothing and left.

Met up with Kira G getting off the bus. Thanks, Kira, it helped the pre-race jitters to be able to walk/talk with you. Since we were both "G", we checked our bags and headed out back, where there were a few WISH'ers waiting. Felt a little hungry then (a sign?), used the (empty!) porta-potty and headed to my corral. Chatted up a couple of people--one a first time marathoner who had just started running in the fall and had never done more than 13 miles in training...ah, to be young and optimistic!

The Race--in random thoughts: Never felt really strong--certainly not as good as my better training runs. Watched the 4:00 pace group take off and just didn't feel like I could go get them. Felt like I spent a lot of mental energy dodging people (more so than at the half last year) and trying not to slip at water stops (did anyway). My in-race goal: make it to my next fuel stop, which I had planned for every 4 miles. So I ran....and ran....and ran... Thank you Sharpie signs (or at least the first dozen or so) for distracting me just after MK. After mile 16, the wheels on the bus wobbled. I developed a blister, which mercifully popped on its own. My calves tightened--hey, that's a new one!--but at least did not cramp. I knew I was slowing down and decided to nurse myself along. So the 4-mile fuel stop became 3-mile and I made sure to do extra Powerade. In fact, I drank more than ever have on a run and still ended up slightly dehydrated from my reckoning.

As for the weather.....I liked the cold for running, but didn't like the frozen water/Powerade or slippery spots. After 2 miles I had ditched the gloves and eventually the headband.

Saw no WISH'ers, heard no WISH'ers. I looked, but just didn't connect--had already thought I would stop when I saw them in the latter parts for the Twizzlers and oranges, but it didn't happen. Oh well, I really didn't want to eat anything else anyway. I actually threw away the chocolate they handed out (for me, that is huge!)

After mile 24 water stop, I felt like I was going to make it, and just took it slow and steady (I believe---I haven't bothered to look at the splits I took. They're probably flaky anyway)

Finish: Finished with a smile on my face-I was happy to be done! My time was 4:09:17. So I made my main goal time. I can't complain. I truly believe I have a better marathon in me, the question is whether I'll go do it!

Post-race Got my medal (Really, this is why I do this.) Wasn't interested in food. Didn't see any Mickey Photo Ops. Picked up my bag abd left..... Sorry, WISH'ers. Between my screaming calves and screaming blisters and getting cold, I bagged my original plan to walk back to BCV through Epcot and cheer people on. I hopped on a bus, which amazingly came just a few mintes after I got to the stop (not at all like last year). I couldn't even walk out to Boardwalk once I got back. I feel bad/selfish about that.....Clearly, I am no Matt!

And BTW...when my DH was driving me home from the airport earlier tonight, he told me something which I was glad not to know before now....the BQ time for is 4:05. So I missed qualifying for Boston by 3 minutes and 18 seconds (they allow for up to 4:05:59). But I'm okay with that. It was a stretch goal and on race day, you never know what it will be like or how you'll feel.

So much for a short report!

Maura

 

[cewait]

Wow what a run for the books. I am happy the full is over. It was cold and it was windy. I had my 2001 vintage Wal-Mart special warm-ups on that I have carried to every race and never used. I was just hoping they would hold up to the start. Under that a nice throw down shirt and then a short and long sleeved tech shirt. I had running tights on the legs and gloves and ear warmers.

I tossed the flannel bottoms at the start. I was in the C corral with the 4:15 pace group. The pacer was in so many layers that I am not sure how he or she ever shed the clothing. My intent was to not run a 4:15 pace but a slower 5:15 pace or 12 minute miles. I had told friends to expect a slow 5:55 race due to a light and poor training season this fall. We started off and I held a 10:15 pace for the first three miles then forced myself to slow up once we merged with the other side of the race. The sweatshirt was getting warm so I tossed it just after the mile 4 ice rink. I was going to keep it for World Drive or mile 6 but I was sweating way too much. The trip up to MK and through MK was uneventful. I saw Mary at mile 10. She seemed so cold. I am glad she was able to go back to the villa for a while after I passed. After the first three miles I was able to pull the average pace down to a comfortable 11:40 ish pace for the middle miles. Just before MK I tossed the cotton throw down shirt. I found the miles along Floridian (GF resort through the turn on Bear) to be uneventful. I was just able to zone out and stick with the pack focusing on the elastic band of the runner in front. It kept the brain free of the useless trash.

I have been fighting a pain under the ball of my left foot’s second toe for a few months. This pain was starting up after mile 10 but not to the point of affecting the race. Then at mile 14.5 ish the painful point went squish. It was a blister in the gap between the toe and foot. The pain subsided and I never thought of the blister again. As I approached AK I had a couple slower miles but not enough to push the average pace up to 12. I found Osceola to not be all that bad. The wind was at our backs so I tossed my gloves before mile 19 thinking it was warming. I made the out and back with a slight degradation of pace on a couple of the miles.

Then mile 21 hit as we turned the corner and went over the south entrance into DHS. The wind zapped me for a moment or two. I had my first mile where pacing was an issue. But once out of the wind at mile 22 I was back. From DHS through England my pace suffered. It was a combination of wind chill and the crowd. I could not find any running room at all; or what was available was so limited that I had to zig and zag worse than the start. I also caught a chill that I could not shake. I guess I really should have kept a few clothes for stretches like this. I met Mary in England and she handed me a backpack with my 4 goofy medals. I had fallen below a 12 minute average pace by a minute at mile 25 so I knew I needed to hustle. As I ran around the World Showcase I pulled the medals out of the fanny pack and had them arranged in my left hand by Mexico. I was jiggling with every step as I picked up the pace with what energy I had in the frozen legs. I hit the finish chute and raise both hands. The left with the Goofies and the right with all five fingers extended (I think or hope). The announcer called my name as a Perfectly Goofy Runner and I hit the line with a 5:14:10 or an 11:59 pace.

I came into the weekend expecting a poor race. I was not going to come back for another Goofy as I lost the drive to improve. The weather forecasts, while I was not showing any public panic, I was a lot more panicked than I let on. However, I knew that I would finish barring an acute race injury. As it turns out this was the second fasted Goofy I have run. I come out of the weekend energized and wanting to prove that this was just a bad year. I am not happy about my training and want to finish this streak up on a positive note WHEN THAT TIME COMES. Now is not the time.

 

[MJonesMBA2001]

Supplementing my race report, I'd like to add that I decided to go to Hollywood Studios Sunday before I drove home, and cheer on the full participants. I am SO glad I did it!! I probably stood there yelling and smiling and high-fiveing for two hours, but I had SUCH a good time!!