The Darling Family Takes on Marathon Weekend: Jan at the Boardwalk Villas

[Shannon84]

GREAT updates!! I am loving reading your report of the race...this is making me want to do my first ever full in Disney!!

That headband is too cute!! I couldnt help but stop to see some of the characters during the wine and dine half and I think you are pretty strong willed to pass over some of those rare characters - but hey at least you got a picture of them while you were passing And you are right it does take up a lot of time to stop with them - I run right around the same pace as you and I finished way behind during my half because I stopped so much

 

[Happy Elf]

I'm so excited to hear about your race. And I'm shocked you passed up the first characters. Good for you wanting to meet your goals. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[dismagiclover]

Loving this race recap!!! What an awesome experience!

Amanda

It was a great experience. One of the coolest things I have ever done!

I didn't know that you had started another TR. I love the Darling Family Trips and so glad I saw this. Going back to the beginning to start reading.

Welcome! I'm glad you found your way over! Happy reading!

Great update!! I can't believe how many characters were out!! How long do they give you to finish the race?

There were tons of characters out this year. I expected all of the characters around the parks, but it was a pleasant suprised that they had characters out between the parks as well. You have to finish the race in 7 hours. Technically you have to finish 7 hours after the last person crosses the start line. So if you are in the front corrals you have a bit longer. Those people don't need the extra time though.

Great update!

You didn't stop?!?!?!?

Good for you! Even though I liked seeing all your pics with the characters last year, I understand why you had to be a little more subjective this year. At least you got pics of them. Your time seems great so far!

I know. It is absolutely shocking that I did not stop. So out of character. Don't worry. My resolve doesn't last the whole race. There are plenty of pictures of me with characters.

Wow look at all those characters, Disney had them out to tempt all you racers, but you were very good in not stopping Can't wait to read about the MK part of the race

Disney does know how to entertain their runners. Though it can be tough for those of us with focus problems The MK was one of the highlights of the race.

I love all the characters out and about! Fun!

And don't apologize for the blurry pictures - you were running a marathon! I think that's a pretty good excuse!

The sad thing is I take blurry pictures sometimes even when I'm not running a marathon.

Yay! It's race day! Totally agree with you about the racing community. So supportive, welcoming, and nice!

Love your headband. Didn't realize you had it custom made.

The racing community is awesome! I came up with the idea of the headband a few weeks before the race. I had a cold weather outfit planned. (I think because of my experience last year I was a bit scarred.) However, I didn't have a warm weather outfit. I found the short sleeve red tech shirt on sale and they was my inspiration for the headband. Then all I had to do was find someone on Etsy to make it. If I was more crafty I could have done it myself. It turned out just as I envisioned.

 

[dismagiclover]

GREAT updates!! I am loving reading your report of the race...this is making me want to do my first ever full in Disney!!

That headband is too cute!! I couldnt help but stop to see some of the characters during the wine and dine half and I think you are pretty strong willed to pass over some of those rare characters - but hey at least you got a picture of them while you were passing And you are right it does take up a lot of time to stop with them - I run right around the same pace as you and I finished way behind during my half because I stopped so much

I'd dabbled in the idea of a full for a while. I knew that if I ever did one it had to be at Disney. It was such a great experience! I say go for it! As the race goes on I stop for plenty of characters. I was just trying to make sure I had a decent time cushion in those first few miles. When you see my finish time you'll agree that was a good decision. All that stopping really does slow you down. One of these years I think I'll try to run a half without all of my roses smelling and see what my time is. I'm a strange racer. I train faster than I actually race

I'm so excited to hear about your race. And I'm shocked you passed up the first characters. Good for you wanting to meet your goals. Can't wait to hear more.

Yes my older DIS friends like you who are familiar with my past racing strategy understand how shocking it is that I did not stop I guess it shows there are times in my life when I have some willpower.

 

[thegreggersmom]

I am officially inspired -- by you and by the, ahem, more "seasoned" man and woman you kept seeing. Maybe there's hope for this 41 year-old to do a marathon. Can't wait to read more!!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

That is so neat that they bring out characters that you wouldn't typically see. It looks like Disney puts on a great event. You are looking great after nine miles! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great shots during your run! I can't believe all the different and unique characters that I've never seen out and about...that is so cool!!!

 

[liznboys]

I'm loving your race report!!! That's cool you met Stromboli!

 

[schmass]

I love all the detail you put into your report! I can't wait to read more!

 

[Angies1274]

Great updates!!! I'm loving all your race pictures! I'm sure the characters being out were quite tempting. But, good plan to only stop for the ones you haven't met yet and only if the lines were short! I can't wait to hear about MK!

 

[norybell]

Wow, I was way behind!

I love your descriptions of the race! It's very inspirational to read...makes me feel like maybe it's something I could do someday! (Actually, I'd be happy to start running again at all, lately, knees aside...if only the ice would melt a little quicker!)

That is an incredible story, about your DH and your dad and the lightning. Just...wow. What a miracle.

 

[dismagiclover]

I am officially inspired -- by you and by the, ahem, more "seasoned" man and woman you kept seeing. Maybe there's hope for this 41 year-old to do a marathon. Can't wait to read more!!

There is definitely hope for you! If I can do it I'm sure you can too!

That is so neat that they bring out characters that you wouldn't typically see. It looks like Disney puts on a great event. You are looking great after nine miles! Can't wait to hear more!

They really did bring out some rare characters this year! It's really fun to see!

Great shots during your run! I can't believe all the different and unique characters that I've never seen out and about...that is so cool!!!

They must intentionally dig out a few oldies for the marathon. There are plenty of the regulars around too. They are coming soon.

I'm loving your race report!!! That's cool you met Stromboli!

I didn't even know his name until I looked it up later. Just knew he was the bad guy from Pinocchio. (And I only knew that because of who he was with).

I love all the detail you put into your report! I can't wait to read more!

Thanks! I definitely am not short on words or details

Great updates!!! I'm loving all your race pictures! I'm sure the characters being out were quite tempting. But, good plan to only stop for the ones you haven't met yet and only if the lines were short! I can't wait to hear about MK!

You'll see as the race goes on my resolve wanes and I stop lots more often. Hopefully I'll get the MK update soon!

Wow, I was way behind!

I love your descriptions of the race! It's very inspirational to read...makes me feel like maybe it's something I could do someday! (Actually, I'd be happy to start running again at all, lately, knees aside...if only the ice would melt a little quicker!)

That is an incredible story, about your DH and your dad and the lightning. Just...wow. What a miracle.

I know what you mean about the ice. Hate the winter weather! It's just so much harder for me to get motivated to run on the treadmill! Spring needs to hurry up and get here!

 

[dismagiclover]

I’d just left the TTC and was on my way to the Magic Kingdom. Right before I hit Mile 10 I saw this lovely site.

This reminded me of the previous January when Liz and I stayed here. Last year when we ran by during the half it was cold and sleeting. I remember thinking, “Let’s just bag this thing and head up to our room.” I’m grateful the weather was much better this year. In fact it was pretty much perfect marathon weather. I’d say it was in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s throughout most of the race. That may sound chilly, but when you are running that is about perfect. Right after BLT I hit mile 10.

The clock wasn’t working here, but my watch said 2:19. I wanted to be at mile 10 by 2:30 so I was ahead of schedule. That meant I could be more relaxed about picture taking in the Magic Kingdom. I would have liked something more like a 20 minute cushion, but I’d take the 11 minute one. We headed backstage and then popped out in the Magic Kingdom. This is what I saw.

I love that the Christmas tree is there to greet the runners. I think they keep it up through Marathon weekend just for us. I made the turn and headed up Main Street. It is hard to describe the experience of running up Main Street USA. This is my favorite place in the world. It is truly my Happy Place. The sun was shining and the crowds were cheering. There I was actually doing something that at one time I viewed as absolutely impossible. Now it was not only possible, but I was achieving it. This was my moment. Of course I had to stop for a picture.

I loved this run up Main Street. I loved it even more than last year’s run up Main Street. First of all it was way less crowded. Secondly, last year I had already completed a couple of halfs. It was fun, but it wasn’t a new accomplishment. Completing the half is still an awesome achievement and I applaud everyone that does one. But that wasn’t the 1st time I’d done it. That first race at any distance is unforgettable. The half that will always mean the most to me is the Disneyland 2007 half because that was my first. On this day though, this was the first time I was completing the whole marathon! And I was lucky enough that part of that experience was in my favorite place. The castle came into view.

Of course I had to get a picture of the moment.

We ran through the hub and made the turn into Tomorrowland.

Buzz was out, but look at that long line!

Stitch was right next to him though with no line at all. So even though I’d met Stitch before I made a stop here just for John (who is a Stitch lover.)

Then we ran by Stinky Cars. (I think some people call this ride Tomorrowland Speedway.)

We then made the turn into Fantasyland. The Mad Hatter was out, but I’d met him before so I just snapped a very blurry picture.

Then who did I see?

It was Rapunzel and Flynn. I’d never had the pleasure of meeting either one so I stopped. A little further along came this motley crew.

I’m always a sucker for a prince. The stepsisters weren’t thrilled though. I think they were trying to catch the male runners. Next came the Fairy Godmother.

I didn’t stop because I was excited about what was next!

Coming up: The run through the castle!

 

[MagicShell]

Thanks for sending me a message that you were writing this report. I am really enjoying reading about your marathon. It is amazing to me! I can't wait to hear about the rest of it. I am glad that your husband is doing so well. It sounds like a great family adventure.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Yay! Another race update!! It looks like you're doing great so far!!! I still can't believe how many characters they had out!!! Did you see that most people were running or were a lot walking? That's a lot of miles. I'm sure you walk that a ton when you're at WDW without knowing it but it looks like you going along just fine!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Very proud of you! Congrats and loving the updates! I can't wait for the run through the castle!!! Keep em coming!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great update!!

Can't believe you saw Rapunzel and Flynn....I've never seen them!! So exciting. Great pictures all around....and great job on the marathon!!!

 

[mermaid764]

Great race pictures!!

I'm so jealous that you got to meet Rapunzel and Flynn, too cool!!!

Can't wait to hear how the rest of the race went

 

[carissanboys]

Sounds like you were doing great! Glad the weather was a bit cooler for you guys than it was during the half.

 

[DrMomof3]

Awesome pics!!! They definitely have more characters for the full...

Amanda