Remembering the Disney World Marathon

To get in marathon mood we thought today would be a good day to share our recap from the 20th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon.


Sunday January 13, 2013

Again, we are up earlier than we would like to be ( the day before we were up even earlier because we volunteered at the half marathon).  We grabbed a little breakfast and then headed to the bus stop. If you ever come for a Disney Race, make sure you take advantage of the discounted room rates and stay on Disney property!  This was you can take the transportation that is provided by Disney. I would not want to be responsible for getting myself to the race ( or even getting a cab). The traffic is horrible!  We finally arrived to the Epcot area and I walked the 15 minute walk over to the staging area with her.  By the time we got there it was like the paparazzi where everywhere!  There were so many cameras going off, both professional and amateur.  As soon as you walked through the gate, um Mickey Ears, there was someone there to take your picture, and then several more times while you are waiting to go into your coral.



 



I hung out with my sister until her coral was called to line up.  She was in coral A, so I didn’t have to stay very long.   I decided to not stay for the fireworks start.  As much as I wanted to see her at the starting line, I would much prefer watching her run through the Magic Kingdom.  Because this is a much larger race than the Princess half Marathon, I wasn’t quite sure how the logistics would play out so I just headed right to the monorail for the Magic Kingdom. I didn’t want to miss her.  I wanted to mention that while I was on the monorail, we stopped at the Contemporary Resort and a runner got on. Some other people who were spectators were commenting to her on how late she was going to be and they hoped that she wasn’t in coral A. The runner said that she WAS in coral A and that she always leaves at the last minute.  I was kind of worried for her because I know they were starting to call coral A when I left.  I hope she made it on time.


I’ll let my sister tell the rest of the story from her point of view!
 
The time had finally come, my first Marathon! All the hard training will finally pay off. I was lucky enough to have my sister come with me to be my cheer squad for the Marathon.
I woke up at 3am. and started getting around for my race. I always have everything layed out the night before, so I'm not frantic looking for things the morning of. Stepped outside, and it was already warm. Guess I didn't need to bring my throw away sweatshirt for the start. The outfit that I decided on was my compression capris and a tank top with a matching skirt that my sister had made for the occasion. Got to the starting line, and I must have tied my shoes 10 times. I don't know if it was a nervous thing or what. But it was better than feeling like I had to go to the bathroom. I kept saying to myself. It's just a normal run only with 20,000+ other people and going 26.2 miles today. I feel like I always have to give myself a little pep talk before I start my races, or I get really bad anxiety and have trouble breathing. Seeing that this was my first marathon, I was going to pace myself well, so I didn't hit that dreaded wall runners talk about. I know I can get through a half in less than two hours. So I thought double that, and add just a bit more and I should be able to complete this in 4 hours!
My next goal during the race was to make sure I was under two hours during the half way point. If I could do that and keep up with my pace, I should be able to finish in 4 hours. I got to 13.1 and I was at 1:59. I kept thinking to myself, I can do this! Of course to get the time I wanted there was no way of stopping to wait in line for pictures.

To be able to run in all four of the Disney Theme parks, practically by yourself (besides 20,000+ other runners) is just an amazing feeling. Since I had been going to Disney since I was a little girl, I was so happy to have this be my first Marathon. Another reason why I chose Disney to be my first Marathon was because this year it was there 20 year anniversary. They were changing the course a bit, having something spectacular going on at mile 20(so they said), and not to mention the half a pound medal you would receive after crossing the finish line.
 
Throughout the whole marathon I felt good, and there were many distraction to take my mind off of thinking about how far I have to continue to go. Some of my highlights of the run were definitely going through the castle at Magic Kingdom. When I was entering Magic Kingdom it was about mile 5. And the whole time since I started the race, I kept pulling my skirt down, because it was homemade and I did not try it on while my sister was making it for me, it didn't fit the way I was hoping. Earlier that morning we decided that space allowing, she was going to meet me at the entrance of Magic Kingdom. And  boy was I glad to see her! I was very much appreciative of her thoughtfulness in making the skirt, but it had to go! I threw it to her and kept running.  So here is a lesson for anyone that is going to wear a skirt or costume to run in: try it on and run a few laps BEFORE you get to Disney or whatever race you are going to.





Running through the castle


 


Another spot I thought was neat running through, was where they made costumes. We ran through this tunnel and were able to see sewing rooms through the glass windows. Then there was running around the speedway track. We ran through the Wide World Of Sports and inside the stadium, which was very neat. There was a band, that was close to that area, and I believe that was around mile 20. I'm assuming that was suppose to be the 20 mile spectacular. But after 20 miles, I don't think there would be anything spectacular that you would see to make you get any more pep in your step. I was proud to say that I finished my first Marathon in 4:00:36. My sis still teases me and says if I didn't stop to throw my skirt off at her, I could have got under 4 hours. Although, I kept thinking, had I not threw it at her, I would have been bothering me for another 3 and half hours, and I may not have made my 4 hour goal. I guess that will be my goal for my next marathon, to get under 4 hours.
 





As I crossed the finish line and made my way out of the chute, I was able to find my sister off to the side. She was actually able to present me with my very first marathon medal.  As I walked up to her, she placed it around my neck.  This is a beautiful half pound medal that I have to be proud of and it was even more special since she was there to share the experience and present it to me.





 
After I got my medal, I picked up some drinks and a snack box and then headed right to the massage tent. They were offering massages for one dollar per minute, so I couldn’t pass up that deal.   





We then went to the merchandise tent to see if there was anything different than what was at the expo the previous days.  There wasn’t.  We were a little disappointed in the merchandise for this race. There was a ton of stuff that had the Disney Half Marathon on it and some Goofy Challenge merchandise, but not as much for the Full Marathon. In fact, at the merchandise tent after the race I don’t think there was anything (clothing wise) from the Full Marathon.
 
After our unsuccessful shopping in the merchandise tent, we headed to the bus stop and waited for the Polynesian bus.  We decided that we would have breakfast at the Kona Café.  This was our first time at the Kona Café and I highly recommend it.  We both got “The Big Kahuna” breakfast which consisted of pancakes with macadamia nut butter, potatoes, 2 eggs, bacon, ham, and sausage.  Definitely a bargain for all the food you get! 
 
 
 
The next day was a day to relax at the park.  We decided to spend the day at Magic Kingdom. It was a fun day but a lot of walking after running a marathon. I was a trooper, but so was my sister, in listening to me say how sore I was and walking very slowing, and doing no steps. Not to mention stopping at every water stop and bathroom I saw. Overall, the weekend was great and I couldn't have asked for better company. Thanks for all you do for me sis!
 
Lacey
 
                                                                      The Medal
If you would like to read about our crazy volunteering adventure the day before at the Walt Disney World half marathon, you can find that HERE.
 
 
 
Since one of our goals is to complete the 2015 Disney World marathon, we are linking up with TOTR.
 

38 comments:

  1. What a great first marathon medal to have!

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    1. I know it was really special! Especially since it was the 20th anniversary. So excited to be heading back this wkend for my 10th marathon. And the 10th anniversary of the Goofy.

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  2. If there would be anything better than running a marathon, it would have to be running a marathon through Disney World. Incredible on both counts!

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  3. What a great recap of your race. My last Disney marathon was in 2013 as well. I can't wait to race this weekend again!!

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    1. I know! I can't wait either. Should be a great wkend. Looking forward to it.

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  4. how fun!!! This was a great recap! I would think for the cost of the Disney races though, the massages would be included. I've run small $30 5K's that included massages..

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    1. I know! You would think. But after all it is Disney so they know people will end up paying anyways.

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  5. I so love she was able to give you your medal... that is special!!!

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    1. I know! It was great. I think volunteering the day before helped w that.

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  6. That is super cool that your sister could give you the actual medal! I am signed up to volunteer at the Princess expo- so now i need to read the other one and see what you said about the volunteer experience :)

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    1. It was so special to receive the medal from my sister. Volunteering is so much fun. You get a great view of the race, awesome swag, and don't forget the free park ticket.

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  7. The 2013 Mickey Marathon was my first too, but I did it as part of the Goofy Challenge (nuts right?) I had a blast and think so fondly back on that day and the medal is probably the fanciest one in my collection too!

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    1. I agree. The medal is the best one in my collection as well. I couldn't imagine doing the Goofy Challenge as my first, but then again my sister is doing it too.

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  8. That was my first marathon! Great recap! Watching everyone get excited for WDW marathon weekend is making me wish I was going.

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    1. It such a great firdt marathon. I would recommend it to everyone. I am so happy to be running it w my sister for her first time this wkend.

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  9. Wish I was going to be there this year! But I'll be there for Princess weekend! Have a great weekend!!!

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    1. Thanks. We will be there Princess wkend as well. Maybe we could meet up.

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  10. It sounds like it was such a memorable and special experience to be running in a place you love for your first full marathon. I think it would be awesome to see all the sights to take your mind off the distance. I am so excited for you both for the 2015 race!!!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer. It really is a great race and plenty of distractions to keep your mind off of all those miles that are ahead of you.

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  11. I love that they let Meranda present you with the medal! So special!

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    1. Yes it was so nice. I am glad we volunteered the day before.

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  12. Awesome first marathon experience.

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    1. Thanks Abby! I can't believe this will be my 10th this wkend.

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  13. Funny about the skirt! I used to get really nervous before races, but now I'm probably about average on the nervous scale. Experience will help!

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    1. Yes experience definitely helps. I don't seem to get nervous anymore before races since I've done several.

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  14. Oh, what an awesome story! My first two half marathons were at Disney World. Nothing else has quite measured up since. ;) I hope to do the marathon one day.

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    1. Thanks. The marathon is a great race to do at Disney. Running through all four theme parks is so cool.

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  15. Such a wonderful recap! I'm hoping to MAYBE do my first full at WDW this time next year. Thanks for linking up with us today.

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    1. Thanks! I hope you do! It's a great first marathon to do.

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  16. Very fun recap!
    I don't do many Disney races, but I have ran this one. You brought back a few good memories and a smile to my day:) So fun!

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  17. What a fun first marathon! And so awesome that your sister got to present you with your medal - that makes it even more special. :)

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    1. So glad to have chosen this as my first marathon. Yes, it was very special that she did.

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  18. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I would love to run the WDW Marathon someday. I live closer to Disneyland, though--maybe runDisney will add a marathon out West?

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  19. Aw, I just got so excited reading this! As nervous as I am for Sunday, I also can't wait!

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  20. Awesome first marathon to run! Love it!

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.