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

[dismagiclover]

Great race report so far

I'm so glad for you and all the racers that the weather was so much better this year. You are showing some great will power in choosing when to smell the roses!

One of the things I love about Disney is that you can do things that you may feel look dorky and no one blinks an eye You, of course, simply look like you're having a great time

Looking forward to more, I'm thinking there may be some tought stretches coming up so I hope you were well entertained.

I was so happy about the weather this year! Soooo much better than last year! There are definitely some tough stretches ahead, but Disney really did a great job of distracting us. (Maybe too good at times. You'll see I do a lot of stopping during the 2nd half.)

3:00 AM? Dang. My wake up was 2:00. I think at 3:00 I was sitting on the bus. No wonder I didn't see you.

Yes I was still snug in my bed. I can't believe you woke up at 2:00

I think most of us look like that before the start of a full marathon. Seriously, we must be insane to want to run 26.2 miles. Here's a link to my one of my favorite Garfield comic strips (Oct 18, 2010 strip if this link takes you to the current strip instead) http://www.garfield.com/comics/vault.html?yr=2010&addr=101018 I think most people feel that way about running in general and that we really are nuts to want to do 26 miles at once!

Love the comic strip This whole marathon thing is pretty nutty, but it just gets in your blood. (Kind of like Disney World)

So that's what the front looked like. I was in Corral B, right behind that front wave. I think I stepped off at 5:43.

You were way ahead of me!

I was in Corral B both last year and this year so last year I ran the Blue Start - which no longer exists as you just pointed out. I don't know if it was b/c last year was not only my first Disney marathon but my first marathon ever, but I prefer the Blue Start. I saw several "old timers" comment on how this year those of us in the upper corrals (minus the Elites) would finally get to run through the front of EPCOT and how much we'll love it. Me? Not so much. I really liked last year's experience better. You had to run around EPCOT more on the old Blue Start but you were in the World Showcase longer on the Blue Start and I loved running through the World Showcase in the dark with those torches lit.

I think that blue start would be cool as well. It is more time running through the park. Though I did like running underneath the Epcot ball.

Going in to a race I *think* like this but when in the race I just can't seem to make myself stop for a picture. So me, having run two WDW races now, = zero character pictures. Yup. Zero.

It sounds like we have opposite problems. All I want to do is take pictures There must be a happy medium somewhere.

I managed to avoid the port-a-potties this year! I stopped at the TTC and then again at DHS. Both bathrooms were deserted. It was so nice to be able fully wash my hands and feel clean. Were you so lucky?

I hit a couple of Port a Potties, but I used the real bathrooms a couple of times too. The Port a Potties have hand washing stations, but they aren't the same. The race takes me so long and I tend to overhydate so I have lots of potty stops

The weather was perfect. I was so worried going in that it would be too hot. At work there'd be low 70's temp days and someone would make a comment about how lovely the weather is and how I should go for a run that day. I'd try to explain to them that 70's is way too hot for distance. I don't know if a non-runner will ever understand that. I didn't until I started running distance.

I absolutely loved the weather!! No complaints there this year at all.

Can't wait to read more and see all of the awesome character photos that I never took.

There will be plenty of character photos ahead!

 

[DizGirl20]

That Garfield comic strip is too funny!

OK so since I am reading Carissa's report and yours at the same time, I have a silly question (remember new runner here!). Is the full marathon and the half on 2 different days? Or are they both on the same day but on different courses? I knew there were a lot of participants but when I saw your pictures of everyone at the start, I just had no idea how big of an event it is!!!

I can't believe how great you look - I hope I look that good after my upcoming 5K

 

[carissanboys]

OK so since I am reading Carissa's report and yours at the same time, I have a silly question (remember new runner here!). Is the full marathon and the half on 2 different days? Or are they both on the same day but on different courses? I knew there were a lot of participants but when I saw your pictures of everyone at the start, I just had no idea how big of an event it is!!!

The half was on Saturday morning and the full on Sunday. I believe they used to be on the same day, but now there are just too many people who register.

 

[carissanboys]

Love the picture of the otter! I totally forgot to mention that when we went over to World Wide of Sports, I saw my first armadillo on the side of the road! I was so excited!

 

[dismagiclover]

That Garfield comic strip is too funny!

OK so since I am reading Carissa's report and yours at the same time, I have a silly question (remember new runner here!). Is the full marathon and the half on 2 different days? Or are they both on the same day but on different courses? I knew there were a lot of participants but when I saw your pictures of everyone at the start, I just had no idea how big of an event it is!!!

I can't believe how great you look - I hope I look that good after my upcoming 5K

Carissa answered you, but yes the 2 races are on different day. It is a huge event and the half this year had 10,000 people more than the full. The Garfield trip is funny. If you think that is funny then you'll probably think this is hilarious!
I am a runner
I laugh hard every time I watch it

Love the picture of the otter! I totally forgot to mention that when we went over to World Wide of Sports, I saw my first armadillo on the side of the road! I was so excited!

The FL wildlife is so fun! I guess cause it's a bit different than what we have around here.

 

[dismagiclover]

Shortly after leaving the Magic Kingdom I came to Mile 12.

Right past the mile marker sign was this lovely trio.

Now I’ve met Mary Poppins many times, but I’d never had the privilege of meeting Burt! So of course I stopped. I then continued on my way. During this part of the course they had amusing signs to read so we didn’t get too bored. We passed by the Grand Floridian entrance and then the golf course was on our right. Who was out enjoying a game?

The line here was super long. Plus I took a picture here at last year’s race. Here is the flashback shot.

It was Goofy this year instead of Mickey, but I actually think Mickey is cuter. There was great fan support along this stretch of the race. Lots of people lining the road and cheering. That is always a great boost. After we passed the Polynesian we made a turn to our right and ran along a back road where we hit mile 13.

The halfway mark! That was very exciting because I was halfway done. On the other hand, I’d been at this for over 3 hours and I was only halfway done! I tried not to think too much about that. Anyway many people talk about how this is one of the toughest stretches of the race. You’ve just passed Magic Kingdom which is obviously a major highlight and you still have a ways to go before you hit Animal Kingdom. There is virtually no fan support during this stretch. So I decided it was time to pull out the big guns to keep me motivated. That is right. It’s time for Rocky music! Even if I’m super tired I can still manage to run to Rocky music. Very motivating. I felt lucky I hadn’t needed to break out the tunes until this point in the race, but I figured it was time.

In the burning Heart
Just about to burst
There's a quest for answers
An unquenchable thirst
In the darkest night
Rising like a spire
In the burning heart
The unmistakable fire

In the warriors code
There's no surrender
Though his body says stop
His spirit cries - never!
Deep in our soul
A quiet ember
Knows it's you against you
It's the paradox
That drives us on
It's a battle of wills
In the heat of attack
It's the passion that kills
The victory is yours alone

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that sometimes during my training I would listen to this and it was the only thing that kept me going. It was good to listen to it during the race and remember those tough times and know here I was fighting the battle and really close to winning it.
While I was being motivated by Rocky, Disney was also doing its part to entertain along this stretch. Of course there were some characters to meet.

I didn’t stop here. Partly because I’ve met Thumper before, but more because Rocky was motivating me. Notice all the women dressed in Minnie skirts in that line? They were another group that I saw throughout the race. I’d pass them. Then they would pass me. I think they passed me for the last time in Animal Kingdom. Anyway Mile 14 was quickly upon me (or not so quickly if you are paying attention to my pace.)

There were a few performers on the route. There were a couple of women dressed like tourists arguing with each other and yelling about the bears that were just ahead.

If you are familiar with Deevy See you’ll know what these ladies were like. Then there were some Country Bears to meet.

I’m pretty sure these were the bears the crazy ladies were warning us about. Somewhere around here I passed Mile 15, but I didn’t take a picture of the sign. That Rocky music was really working! You’ll know it was working when you see who I ran on by next.

Can you believe it? Wendy, Peter, Hook and Smee all together! And I didn’t stop! Believe me I considered it, but the line was very long and they were all characters I’d met before. But I’d never met them all at the same time! In hindsight, I wish I would have stopped for the photo. Biggest regret of the race. (Which is actually pretty good if this is my biggest regret.) Maybe I shouldn’t have turned that Rocky music on. I passed Mile 16.

I was still doing OK on time. My 15 mile goal was 3:45 and I was at 16 miles at about 3:53. (Remember I get to take 22 minutes off of clock time). I was starting to feel tired and didn’t want to think about the fact that I still had 10 miles to go. At this point I decided to take it a mile at a time. Shortly after mile 16 we entered the backstage area of Animal Kingdom. There were a bunch of animal trainers out. It was a nice little diversion.

I even stopped to pet the goat.

There were more CMs out in the backstage area cheering us on.

We were getting close to entering the park itself. I was excited. This was a park I’d never run through. Plus there were some special people I’d see in this park. Stay tuned.

 

[mickeystoontown]

What? You passed up the Peter Pan characters? Man, that Rocky music really must have been motivating!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Wow great update! I figured you were headed to AK when you said it would be a long stretch!!

Can't wait to see how you liked it or didn't like it lol

 

[DizGirl20]

So I am enjoying your pictures but inquiring minds want to know... how do you have time to stop and take them?!? Is there a long line for pictures? Does stopping to snap a photo "refresh" you or does it make it harder to start up again? I think if I stopped, I wouldn't have the energy to start back up again! BTW you look like you aren't even breaking a sweat!

 

[MagicShell]

It is so impressing to read about your running. I have never even considered running a marathon, but if I did I would definitely want to run it at WDW. It looks like you were having a great time.

 

[dvc4life]

 

[Angies1274]

Love all your pictures running through MK!!

That's so cool that you got to meet Tiana and Louis!! Aww...I love that movie.

I'm glad the Rocky music kept you motivated. Your report is really inspiring me to start running! To be able to run at Disney one day would be amazing!

I can't wait to hear about AK!

 

[norybell]

I honestly cannot remotely imagine what it must feel like to be halfway through a marathon! Reading this is really quite exciting....it must be so cool to run through the parks!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I honestly cannot remotely imagine what it must feel like to be halfway through a marathon! Reading this is really quite exciting....it must be so cool to run through the parks!

I cannot either and I'm training for a half! When you got to 13, for a second I thought "shew! last mile!" and then I remember you ran a FULL!!!!!!!! Truly inspiring for me!

 

[carissanboys]

Very smart of you to have a plan for when the going got tough. Glad the Rocky music got you through. I can't wait for the next update!

 

[dismagiclover]

What? You passed up the Peter Pan characters? Man, that Rocky music really must have been motivating!

I know! Crazy! I really can't believe I didn't stop, but the line was pretty long.

Wow great update! I figured you were headed to AK when you said it would be a long stretch!!

Can't wait to see how you liked it or didn't like it lol

That is quite a run from MK to AK. And don't worry. I liked running through AK! (What don't I like at Disney?)

So I am enjoying your pictures but inquiring minds want to know... how do you have time to stop and take them?!? Is there a long line for pictures? Does stopping to snap a photo "refresh" you or does it make it harder to start up again? I think if I stopped, I wouldn't have the energy to start back up again! BTW you look like you aren't even breaking a sweat!

You'll notice how slow my times are. A lot of that is because I stop so much. Some of the lines are quick. Maybe only 20 seconds. Some take longer (like a minute or two). My normal jogging time is around a 12 minute mile. Lots of these miles take me 15 minutes of more. I like to think I can take an hour off of my finish time because of all the picture taking It really isn't hard for me to start back up after I stop. In my training I take walking breaks pretty regularly so my body is used to it. It is cool enough that I didn't sweat all that much. Now if it had been in the 70's I would look much different!

It is so impressing to read about your running. I have never even considered running a marathon, but if I did I would definitely want to run it at WDW. It looks like you were having a great time.

I knew that the only way I could ever be motivated to finish a marathon was if I did it at Disney. It was an amazing experience!

There is still plenty more to come!

 

[dismagiclover]

Love all your pictures running through MK!!

That's so cool that you got to meet Tiana and Louis!! Aww...I love that movie.

I'm glad the Rocky music kept you motivated. Your report is really inspiring me to start running! To be able to run at Disney one day would be amazing!

I can't wait to hear about AK!

There were so many great characters out for this race! I loved it! You should give running a try. It is great for me and a lot cheaper than therapy. (It really does help to keep me sane.) Disney puts on lots of fun races. You could train for a half within a year if you wanted to.

I honestly cannot remotely imagine what it must feel like to be halfway through a marathon! Reading this is really quite exciting....it must be so cool to run through the parks!

I couldn't remotely imagine what it would feel like to be halfway through a marathon until I did one. I have to tell you it is a pretty empowering feeling! It is so awesome to run through the parks, but even the back roads are fun.

I cannot either and I'm training for a half! When you got to 13, for a second I thought "shew! last mile!" and then I remember you ran a FULL!!!!!!!! Truly inspiring for me!

It is still even pretty hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I went 26 miles. That is a very long way! Sometimes you just take it a mile at a time. (Kind of like life.)

Very smart of you to have a plan for when the going got tough. Glad the Rocky music got you through. I can't wait for the next update!

I knew this race would be a journey so I really did try to prepare for it ahead of time. That is why I had the periodic time goals too.

 

[torsie24]

Wow Jenny!!

I jsut spent my lunch hour reading your report!!!

How wonderful! I can't wait to read more about the race!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Ugh, I was several updates behind (I had a good excuse, I was at Disney!) so I just caught up.

First off, the story about your husband made me emotional. I had no idea he'd gone through something so tragic! What an accomplishment to have done the race! Amazing story! Talk about motivation! I'm so glad he's doing well now.

And your race, wow just wow! I didn't really understand how the marathon works at Disney and your TR has given me a very nice tutorial! It looks fun yet arduous! How ever did you manage to complete it?? I'm amazed, really and truly! You must have had the most wonderful feeling knowing you were completing something so difficult. And I love all the pics along the way. I had no idea you could stop for the characters. See how uninformed I am!

I'm really looking forward to the rest of your TR!

 

[jmskinner]

I thought I had subscribed to this TR, but just saw it and guess I wasn't. So far I have made it to the night before the half-marathon.

Love the pics and details about the kids marathon. Poor Michael, glad he was ok. My son does the same thing.

And I love that marathon shirt you purchased yourself.

Ok, need to do some housework, so I will have to catch up later.