A few thoughts: Less than 10 minutes to walk and stretch after crossing the 2-mile race finish line and passing over the 10K start line, I felt both excited and uncertain.
I smile when I run; I look out for the other runs but will dart (respectfully) around anyone in my way; I look to the finish line; I fully embrace the celebration!
Finishing both races earned me an additional “Distance Dare” medal. The running equivalent to sprinkles on an ice cream sundae; and I love sprinkles.
A few thoughts: A little nervous for the morning ahead. 8 miles in a single morning is the most running in a day I’ve done since the half marathon, and I wasn’t specifically training for this event over the last couple weeks. A quick prayer and little motivational speech ending with “Let’s Go Body – We got this!!” and I crossed the start line.
A few thoughts: A little déjà vu as it was the same route and same race production company as yesterday’s race. I also wasn’t prepared for the cooler temperatures and windier conditions, so the hoodie I usually wear before and after races, became race gear!
The feel of this race was fun as there was an additional medal category for people who finished right in the middle of the race/age group…a celebration of “average.” Which is nice, not everyone is going to finish first or last, the important thing (I think) is to run one’s own race and do one’s best. The only voice that matters is the one inside you.
A few thoughts: Similar route to the Trefoil Cookie Chase in January but not quite as windy or cold – thank goodness! And who doesn’t love a little 80’s fab neon?!?
A few thoughts: Third race in a single weekend! Whoa – this is getting exciting. I briefly considered having Lucky Charms for breakfast after this race – I love a theme – but went for healthy snacks until it was time for a friend’s birthday brunch a few hours later.
A few thoughts: There was a part of me that hesitated to get back out on the road for a virtual 1 mile race after completing a 5K. Unlike other I’m also not sure this was race was meant to include adults, but I did it and I’m going to count it! One more finish line crossed. Sometimes progress comes in shorter bits anyway!
A few thoughts: Well – here it is! I made it. I trained and did my best day after day. I woke up very early (2:30am). My husband (not a morning guy) woke up very early (2:30am). And I made it to the start line…me and 15,000 other crazy Disney running fans!
Crossing the start line at 5:25am, the 13.1 miles ahead stretched out in my mind like an exciting adventure.
Crossing the finish line at 7:55am, the 13.1 miles behind me whispered memories of difficult moments that I overcame and high points of surprise and joy.The moments my ears picked up the cheers from husband along the route and at the finish line; running up Main Street USA knowing that this was the last race in which the castle would be lit for the Magic Kingdom’s 50th celebration; the mile 9 stretch which proved mentally challenging due to the combination of a shortened version of “Reflections” from Mulan (playing on repeat) filled the air for over a half mile and the drop in exciting external stimuli after running through the Magic Kingdom and past the Grand Floridian; the hills (oh those darn hills) leading back onto Epcot property; the unending streams of Disney cast members in and around Epcot cheering us on (maybe not a bad way to spend part of one’s shift); and then, finally rounding the final corner to see the finish line waiting for my arrival just ahead; finally, the multiple “if they can do this, so can I moments” as I passed or was passed by runners wearing yellow “AWD” (athlete with disability) bibs on their backs sometimes using mobility aids such as walking sticks or holding the hand or arms of someone next to them. One gentleman was pushing a wheelchair in which an elderly women sat beaming ahead with wide eyes and a big smile on her face.
Forty Five Finish Lines 