I'm A Marathoner!

After 8 months of planning and training, I am officially a marathoner!  It started off as a rough weekend.  I debated running the next morning, but everyone I talked to said my dad would have wanted me to run.  He was planning to come to Walt Disney World to cheer me on before he started chemo again, so I know my family was right.  I decided to run it for him!  Check out my favorite highlights from my first marathon - the 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon!

Outfit and Accessories

I usually dress up in costume for runDisney races, but I decided to keep it simple for my first marathon.  I rocked an "I Heart 26.2" t-shirt that I got at the Expo on Saturday and Zohba leggings.  I also bought a hot pink Armpocket for my iPhone 5.  I didn't know how well it would hold up (literally!), but it did really well.  The best part is that I just tossed it into the washing machine to clean it post-race.

Solo Race

A lot of friends and family participate in the runDisney races together.  It is definitely more fun as part of a group.  Unfortunately, my bestie Donna was having some knee pain, and decided not to run this race last minute.  I've done solo races before, so I wasn't sweating it too much.  But, I must admit they are more fun with a buddy.   Thankfully, I had hot chocolate and Fairy Godmother to keep me company during the most boring part of the race - The Wait.

"The Wall"

During my months of marathon preparation, many marathoners warned me about "The Wall".  "The Wall" has been described as a point a runner hits around miles 18-20 where one's body just shuts down.  Many runners have told me that when they reached "The Wall" during a race they had to actually think about placing one foot in front of the other.  I was terrified.  Thankfully, I don't think I ever fully hit the wall.  While starting to run again after stopping to take a photo was really difficult after mile 19, I never really struggled.  As you can see in the photo above, I was still smiling at mile 24!

The Course

Magic Kingdom!

Walt Disney World Speedway!

Animal Kingdom!

ESPN Wide World of Sports!

Hollywood Studios!

EPCOT!

Signage

Race signs make my day!  Whether they are inspirational or hysterical, I love reading them along the course.  How cool is it that random strangers have the ability to give runners a little motivation and entertainment during a race?  I definitely would have struggled more without people cheering me on along the course.

 

Will Run For Chocolate

Water and Powerade stations are nothing new to this runner, but I was so excited to find that there was a chocolate station.  Yes, I want free chocolate!  I would have run a marathoner sooner if I'd known about this perk.

 

Mickey and Minnie

 

 

Mickey, Minnie and the gang were everywhere!

 

The Medal

bling bling!

 

Marathoner Status

Oh you know...just hanging out with The Mouse at the Finish line.  No big deal.

 

ChEAR Squad

This race is one of my favorites because I had an entourage.  I got to see my ChEAR Squad multiple times throughout the course which was really fun!  I hope they enjoyed the runDisney race weekend experience!

 

Hoola-Hooping

Even though I was exhausted and my legs were not cooperating with me, there is always energy to hoola-hoop!  It's my favorite!

 

Overall, I'm really proud of myself for rocking this race. Plus, I completed my three marathon race goals - I finished in under 7 hours (5:36 to be exact), no toenails were lost in the process, and I had a ton of fun during the 26.2 mile trek to the finish! Now what should my next fitness goal be?! I'm taking suggestions in the comments below!

 

Next up on my list of races is my 4th Princess Half Marathon in 32 days!  I plan to live it up at the parks since we didn't have time for them this trip. This girl has had reservations at the Be Our Guest restaurant since the fall! I'm also looking forward to not having to train as hard for the half as I did for the full.  It was time consuming but needed.  Surprisingly, my recovery from the marathon was easy. I took two SoulCycle classes two days after the race which oddly helped my soreness.   Now I'm good to go!  On to the next...

 

Stay fit and fabulous,

 

A

 

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