Princess Half-Marathon: The Recap

Once again, I have so much to write about, so I’ll have to split this into multiple posts.  I’ll focus on the race for this post, since that’s what is the most interesting…

As you all know, my training was derailed a bit.  I didn’t train as much as I’d wanted to, but I did feel pretty ready.  Although I do have to admit that next time (yes, I said it) I will train a little more.  I think next time I’ll do a 13.1 before the actual race day.

So, the day started with a 3am wake up time.  Diane and I got up, put on our layers of running clothes and met up with Jen and Whitney.  We headed to the lobby, where we met up with the Disney Sports Media* group, grabbed a snack pack, and then waited in line for the bus.  After we got off the bus, we waited in a LONG port-a-potty line, shared some pretty funny moments with the others waiting in line (I’ll spare you the details).

The race started at 6am, and although Whitney and I were assigned Corral C, we decided to join Diane and Jen in Corral D.  I was dressed in my “throwaway” clothes, including an old sweatshirt and some flannel pajama pants.  While I thought I’d ditch those extra clothes before running, I didn’t toss them until something like mile 5.  It was COLD!

When our group took off around 6:15 or so, the start was pretty slow.  There were a LOT of walkers.  Diane reminded us all to follow our plan (i.e, run 10, walk 1 for me) rather than get hyped up in overexerting ourselves at the beginning, which was great advice.  And, quite honestly, while I was pumped up and really excited to run, my muscles were pretty stiff from the cold and standing around.

I felt great miles 1-5, which took us to the Magic Kingdom.  Miles 6 & 7 felt wonderful because there was so much going on, and running through Main Street, Fantasyland, Cinderella Castle, Liberty Square and Frontierland felt great.  I didn’t really feel pain until mile 9 & 10.  I think I walked much of mile 11 because I was starting to fade.  And miles 12-13.1 were completed with my mind, not my body.  But I did it!  I finished.  My official time?  3:00:27.  I wish it was more like 2:45:00 but I’m happy.  I did it!  And, remember where I came from?  Wow!

I’m not sure what my next step is.  No, it’s not a marathon.  Probably a few 5ks & 10ks, then another half.

Disclosure: Oh my.  This is the most convoluted disclosure ever.  I decided to go on this trip myself, and paid for my flight and race registration.  Then, I was invited as part of the Disney Sports Media event.  So they paid for my meals and hotel stay.

Tagged as: running princess half-marathon