I was staying on Disney property at the Caribbean Beach Resort. This resort had bus service to the Expo and to the race on Sunday. I wanted things as low stress as possible. I did not want to fight traffic into Epcot on race day. On the bus rides to the Expo, and at the Expo itself, I met many women from all over. We discussed running - mostly talking about group running and how much we enjoyed it. And, about how nervous we had been when we first joined a running club. This feeling seemed to be universal. Some women with very fast times didn't feel they were "good enough" to join a running club! It was comforting to discover that we all, as women runners, had many of the same concerns.
The Caribbean Beach Resort
The 1/2 Marathon - Sunday Morning
Time change this morning! Uggh. That meant getting up early, REALLY early. The buses to the race were running from 4 - 5 AM. I set every alarm I could to get up at 2AM (which was really 1AM by my body). So after a restless night, I was up, dressed, and on the 1st bus at 4AM.
My friend, TJ and I had signed up for the "Race Retreat" package which promised us a temperature controlled tent to wait in, a breakfast buffet, private bathrooms, and a changing area. The Race Retreat lived up to its promises and more! We were greeted by Snow White and Prince Charming, and had photos taken with them. Then Goofy showed up dressed as a royal jester, of course.
TJ and I before the run in the Race Retreat
The buffet was nice, and since it was soooo early, I opted for a cup of coffee. I never drink coffee before a race - another first.
At 4:30AM, Prince Charles (no, not THE prince Charles) started a stretching/light aerobic session. TJ and I skipped it, and had a bagel instead.
Inside the Race Retreat - before the run
At 6AM, Prince Charles told us we all had to leave the Race Retreat and head to the start line. Another big first for me, I did not bring my iPod. I have always worn it while running. But, lately I have not even been turning it on.
We made our way over to the Start line and to our assigned corrals. It was cold out at 55 degrees with 87% humidity. But, I know Orlando, and I knew that once the sun got up, it would warm up very quickly. A few women from Northern states were saying how glad they were they were wearing their running tights. I was thinking they would not be so happy about that in about an hour.
The race started and we slowly moved towards the Start Line. There were 8000 women running the half marathon this morning. I was in the middle corral, and it took me a full 5 min after the start to reach the timing mats. I had already decided to run for as long as I could. I am a slow runner; but, I am a really slow walker and I was afraid I would not make the 16 min/mile minimum speed if I walked the whole thing.
So, the running today was good. Really good. Disney had many diversions planned to entertain us all along the way. There were quiz questions on the route, and many characters to be photographed with. We ran from Epcot into the Magic Kingdom and through Cinderella's Castle. It was soooo much fun!!!
Once the sun came up, the temperature soared up into the 80s. I stayed well hydrated. I was on pace between 13:30 -13:45 for the first 9 miles, and was looking at a finish in under 3 hours. I was not in any pain, and could have kept going ... if it weren't for being so well hydrated and having to make a Port-a-potty stop. There were huge lines at all the potties, so it took awhile.
After that, when I started running again I had a cramp in my right quad (the inner most one). This was really strange. I have NEVER had quad trouble even when I take the downside of bridges too fast. I slowed down to walk it out; but, my quad was not having it. So I had to fully stop and stretch and massage it. It loosened up a bit, and I could walk on it. So mile 9-10 was around 20 min (yikes!). I did some run/walking for the next mile.
Mile 11 started up a hill - an interstate overpass, actually. I came up on a young woman (early 20s) who was crying and talking to herself saying, "Come on. You have to keep going". I stopped and walked next to her and asked if she was OK. All she could say was, "the hill .. I can't". So I told her she could, and I would walk it with her. So I stayed with her up the hill and down the other side until mile 12. By then, I didn't care about time anymore. I knew I would finish, so no big deal.
At mile 12, the course flattened out again, and we were back in Epcot! Before I knew it, I was crossing the finish line. As soon as I did, I was ushered to a recovery area where a Disney medical person removed my knee brace, and wrapped an ice pack around my knee. That was very nice.
After I exited the area and received my medal, I went back to the Race Retreat for an after race brunch. There was plenty to eat and drink, and a nice place to rest for a bit.
What about all the "firsts" on a race day? For the most part, they worked out fine. No iPod was great. I was able to hear and talk to many runners on the way. I think my iPod running days are over.
New clothes on race day? Running in a tiara was no problem. It will be a standard for me for all races from now on. The shirt was also fine. The skirt was a little loose, and slipped down as I ran. So, no, I won't wear new clothing for a race again. Being at a race without my family? I missed them. I hope they will come next year.
MY thoughts on the run, itself --- I am not a fast runner. I probably never will be. Sure, I'd like to improve my time. Possibly I could have done that today.
But, I realized something else today. For me, it's really not about the finish line. It's about the road there. And, this weekend the road was excellent!
:-) 
