I got up at 3:15 am to be at the race by 4:30 (when they closed the roads.) The Race was at Walt Disney World here in Florida and the forecast....unseasonably warm. Highs were in the mid 80's.
To prep I made sure that I had everything that could rub (clothing thighs etc.)vaselined to prevent chaffing and my Ironman sunblock SPF44. This sunblock is made for people doing triathalons so it is sweatproof and waterproof for up to 8 hours. I found my boss who was running also an hour before the 6am start. It was a half-mile walk to the start line from where we were, so we headed that way. We were starting in completely different areas so I wouldn't see her again until Monday.
The start temperature was already in the 60's and it was foggy. Great, just add humidity to it all.
Once the race started, it took me 2 minutes to get to the actual starting line. Running by yourself is totally different than running with thousands of people. You couldn't really run fast either because of the sheer amount of people in such a large area. We started off at Epcot Center and by mile 5 were on our way to the Magic Kingdom. They had opened the park early. There so many people there cheering you on, I swear I was flying through there. Even better, here as through most of the race, I saw people I knew that worked there. That was a great boost as I had no one there watching me. sad
There was also lots of entertainment along the way even as we exited the Magic Kingdom and headed over to Animal Kingdom. Signs reading 'run like you stole something' made me laugh along the way. I hit the Half at 2:27...right on target for a 5 hour marathon. By now the sun is up, the fog burned off, and the heat setting in. By the time I got to Animal Kingdom (mile 18 ) not only had I surpassed the furthest I'd ever run, the 5 hour pacer passed me. . My toe had started hurting a few miles back and I realised at that point I was probably going to lose a toenail. gonk
Running through Animal Kingdom was quick as I tried to keep up with the 5 hour pacer. I did good for a while but by the time I was on my way to MGM Studios, I had to slow down a bit. From here on out, it was a battle with the heat, my toe, and the intense desire to try for the 5 hour as close as I could. The hardest part of the course was here.. miles 19-21 just straight road and absolutely no shade. Mile 20-21 took me 15 minutes to run.
By this point, I am alternating running and walking. The pain in my foot is intense. There are people passing out on the side of the road. Some stations are out of water. I don't get my finisher's medal unless I cross that finish line under my own power. Now I just want to make sure I finish.
We exit the Studios heading back to EPCOT. Almost there! Just a lap around World Showcase and I'm there! I walk a lot of the showcase because of my foot, but when I was back in the front of the park, I hauled butt in. I know where that finish line is and I'm going in strong. I even passed people as I come in. I get my medal and some water and gatorade at the finish. I also take a little visit to the medical tent. I am luckier than most because all I have is a HUGE blister under my toenail which they take care of. Lots of people were having chills and worse. A toenail was not so bad.
I was not feeling well the day after the race but neither was my boss. I think it was due to the heat. I finished in 5 hours, 22 minutes and 13 seconds. Slower than I wanted, but I think I did good! My losses will be 2 toenails probably. One on each foot. But I feel I've gained to much more. They will grow back after all. biggrin
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ChyaneLlree's Random Thoughts
Just as it says... random thoughts
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Gimme Brains, or cans
All for one and brains for all!
All for one and brains for all!
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