The 2014 Disney half marathon was my very first RunDisney event. My husband and I were running the half marathon and my son who is 2 was doing the Kids races (more on that race later). Will it be my last or would I do it again? We will see. Some people dream of running in any runDisney race. Me, I never dreamed or wish of running let alone in Walt Disney World. That is until 2009 when the thought crossed my mind that it would be cool but that was the extent of my dreaming. I wasn’t a runner so I thought that was the end of that short dream until 2013. Well it is now 2014 and after lots of motivation from some runDisney friends over the years I did it! There is such a great sense of community that is focused around the runDisney events its so easy to get caught up in it all.
We arrived a few days early to get to the Expo hoping to get some goodies and pick up our race packets. I didn’t know what I wanted to get but I knew I needed something there to commemorate this historic event of me running in a race. I was hoping for the new runDisney New Balance shoes. The first day I lost my chance but when we returned during the kids races I put my name in and by the time we were done at the Kids Races I got my text that I could go by my shoes. Yay! There were so many vendors and some fun picture opportunities. I wish we had more time there, we had to rush through. Next time I know to put aside more time to explore the Expo although my wallet would pay for it.
We stayed in the fabulous Grand Floridian Villas for Race weekend which is amazing! Out post race dinner was at Gasparilla Grill. We didn’t want to eat heavy so I got a race menu pasta dish which was perfect. Back at the room we laid out our race gear and headed to bed by 9pm to get up at 2:30am.Yikes! I always thought everyone was crazy who ran these early races and now here I was too! I felt like the newbie and was so nervous about everything happening the next day. We got ready and headed out the door, costumes, my Sparkeskirt (Love!) and all.
It was nice to be able to take the monorail and not have to get on a bus. 3:30am we hopped on the monorail to arrive at the staging area. What a happening place with live music and the excitement of all the people. I think I went to the port a potty 2 times out of nerves. We finally sat on the ground waiting for our coral to be called. We were in coral O. At least it wasn’t the last coral P right? Maybe
I got to meet up with my Disney bride friend Divya and appreciated her words of encouragement for a first timer like me. I was hoping to run into my friend Heather ( throughheatherslookingglass ) and Tabetha but never did before the race. After all these are some of the friends who got me to this place this early morning. I got to meet up with Heather quick as she ran the full the next day.
We finally headed with our corral. Wow it was a long walk. I felt the need to use the potty again but hesitated because of the lines so we kept going. Finally we saw the big balloon for our coral, to the left were more potties. Should I go or not? Yes, I had to try. I stood and stood and finally said forget it as the race started. Finally we were at a halt again so I ran to a potty with no line, when I got back the corals moved up and we were now stuck in P. The last one! Bummer, I was hoping to have a little lead even if it was only 5 minutes.
I loved seeing the fireworks and Donald at the start of the race. We finally took off and saw the marching bands and everyone run with excitement. It was a very hot and humid morning which I found to take a bit of a toll on me. Our plan was to run together but unfortunately I was a big slower than my husband but out of kindness he stayed with me. I know it was killing him but I appreciate what he did. Our must do was to get our picture with the Jack Sparrow and the pirate ship. Luckily was the first stop around mile marker 2. That would be the only character stop we do in the race.
I was too worried about the infamous balloon ladies and sweepers so we didn’t stop again. It was ok, it was a blast seeing all the entertainment and spectators. We got a lot of shout outs since we had our names on our shirts. When we reached mile 5 my legs really starting to cramp up like never before. I wasn’t sure why this was happening and so soon. I got some Biofreeze at the first aide station which helped a lot.
We entered through a back entrance into the Magic Kingdom Tony’s Town Square. Right ahead was my mom and son waiting for us. She was suppose to be in the Chear Squad section but never made it there. Running down main street USA and through the castle was amazing. Of course we did stop for a picture there.
I was hot, it was hard to breath because of the humidity but we kept going and I knew when we got to mile marker 10 I had this.
Around mile 12 I finally told my husband to just go, he stayed back enough for me and I new he wanted to take off so he did. So there I was alone but I found this amazing girl, I don’t know who she was but she was helping some runners friends of hers finish this race. She was amazing and I wish I new who she was to thank her for keeping me going. She was even taping video motivational messages for other runners who where running in future races. I knew if I stuck by her I would keep going and finish.
As we entered Epcot there were the balloon ladies ( white balloon below), I was right next to them! Oh no. I new it was ok since there were still hundred of people behind me and I was inside Epcot at this point. So no more worries.
I was approaching the finish line and saw my friend Heather ( Throughheatherslookingglass) and her husband cheering me on. Thank goodness she took a pictures of me because my mom wasn’t in the stands like she was suppose to be in the Chear Squad section again.
I crossed the finish line and got my medal.
I can’t believe I did it! It was an amazing experience and now I am the proud owner of this beautiful piece of bling! I was sure to wear it everywhere during our stay!
So would I do it again? At the time I said to myself I don’t know if I would do it again but after looking back I totally would do it again. Anyone with the proper training can do this fun race, no matter what size or shape you are, young or old, new or experienced runner , you can do it. What I got out of this experience is that fact that I AM A RUNNER. It doesn’t matter how many races I have run,how fast or how long I run.
