Sorry for the delay in posting this race update. I had a busy week returning from Orlando, getting back to work and recovering from the Disney World Marathon!
Disney World Marathon 2011.
Here’s an excerpt of the column I wrote for The News & Advance.
Link to full story.
Under dawn’s rosy glow, I ran toward the Magic Kingdom, fueled by adrenaline and a giddy joy comparable to that of a 5-year-old on Christmas morning.
Oh, the celebrities I would meet during the Disney World Marathon.
Mickey Mouse. Donald Duck. Maybe even Buzz Lightyear, in all his space ranger glory!
A sharp wind disrupted my reverie. The gale cut across the road, whipping my fairy wings akimbo.
“Darn these wings!” I muttered, thrusting them back into position.
It was my first marathon, and I was determined to run all 26.2 miles in full Tinkerbell costume.
My sequined green skirt fluttered gracefully as I ran, and a dusting of glitter gave my cheeks a sprightly glow. The centerpiece of my ensemble was 4-foot-wide fairy wings, which I bought for a staggering $25 at a Disney World gift shop.
I knew the fairy wings were a risk. I had heard the marathon horror stories of chafed armpits and unbearable blisters.
But Tink cannot fly without her wings. I was determined to forge ahead.
Click here to read the rest of the story…
Running through the Magic Kingdom at sunrise. They start the race at 5:30 a.m. to get the runners through the parks before they open to the general public.
I was on a mission to take photos with as many characters as possible. I posed with 15 by the end of the race.
I ran the entire 26.2 miles in fairy wings! It was a fun race and I fully milked the Tinkerbell celebrity. (Read story for a full account.)
The aftermath:
After 26.2 miles pounding the pavement, I could barely walk the next day. I am not exaggerating. Walking has never been so difficult in my life. Even getting up from a seated position was a arduous task. Within 2-3 days, my legs were mostly recovered, though I’m taking it easy and focusing on recovery.
I’m still healing from a foot injury that cropped up when I was running a lot of road miles in December. However, I am on track from my next race: Holiday Lake 50k. My goal for 2011 is to focus on recovery, cross training and injury prevention. I had a several injuries this past year, and it was very frustrating. I’m really looking forward to staying healthy in 2011.
Cheers!
Tags: disney marathon
January 18, 2011 at 7:09 am |
Despite you getting pounded to death by the pavement, it certianly looks like you enjoyed yourself. Rest up, Holiday Lake will soon be upon you. See you there.
January 18, 2011 at 10:34 am |
i can’t wait for Holiday lake! How was the Bigfoot run in West Va?
January 18, 2011 at 2:30 pm |
Opposite end of things than the harsh conditions you dealt with at Disney. Low 20′s with windchills in the mid teens, plus 4 inches of snow. Not as cold as last year, but more snow to contend with. Overall, a good solild run for myself. I ran both this past Saturday and Monday in the snow, so I am praying for no snow this year at Holiday Lake. I would love to just run on some dirt. If we have dirt, be sure your legs are ready for a fast run!
February 11, 2011 at 5:44 pm |
“Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning. ”
— J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”
— J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)