I’m happy to see it’s the same 10-miler course as last year! It wound up being a great course and the kinda shaky theme was executed beyond what I could have imagined: they should be able to go all out with a Toy Story theme. Running through Batuu and Tory Storyland was a lot of fun.
I started in the back of whatever was the first corral without PoT required and had virtually no issues with course crowding. No clue if this year’s field will be the same size, but if it’s about the same, and they release runners similarly, crowding shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Here’s hoping!
As a back of the pack runner last year, I have some insight. We registered for the 10K and 10 mile races last year, but I was having some knee issues, so I knew I couldn’t complete both races.
During the 10K, I foolishly entered the corral sort of needing a bathroom, and by the time the race started, I was getting desperate. (I didn’t head to the trees …. I’ve seen those white behinds lit up by passing busses - no thanks!) I really couldn’t risk running, so by the time we FINALLY got to the 1st set of porta-potties, we were even with the balloon ladies. They saw me peel off and warned me about getting swept, but it could not wait. (Oh, and to the guy who yelled at me when I opened his porta-potty - sorry, dude, but you’re supposed to lock the door so people know it’s occupied.)
After some much needed relief, I exited the portapotty, and somehow didn’t get swept. I think they just weren’t expecting to sweep anyone yet? Not knowing where else to go, I ran the course and caught up to and then passed the balloon ladies, and caught up to my spouse. We never put on a lot of speed, so we were never that far from the balloon ladies. The field was super crowded, and everybody had to slow down to a walk in a few places. (Looking at you, super slippery boardwalk by the yacht club.). I heard the balloon ladies comment that they were behind pace, but there was really nothing to be done- there just wasn’t enough room.
The next day for the 10 mile they definitely allowed more time between the corrals being released, and I really think the balloon ladies said something ( at least one was the same from the 10K, because they recognized me.)
So, if someone took notes last year, or the balloon ladies are the same as last year and have input into corral releases, then it should be good.
I’m just hoping to make it as far as TOT this year (my knees are even worse). Last year I meant to save my knees for the 10m, but finished The 10K instead, and kept pushing myself on the 10m (get to a character, get to ToT, get to 5 mile mark…). I should have stopped last year at the med tent after TOT, because there was a ramp of doom shortly after the 5 mile point. That ramp is where the balloon ladies passed me. I hate those ramps, and since I know my knees don’t have 10 miles in them, I’m glad I know where to bail. I’d like to at least make it halfway, but the ramp is a no-go, and it’s probably a bad idea to do a u-turn at the 5 mile mark to head backwards!
Since I know I can’t finish, maybe I will stop for characters. Not sure if they can beat last year’s Donald in a top hat, though!