A One-Time Only Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge Trip Report

Hey everyone! I am back from a trip to WDW to partake in Marathon Weekend and more specifically to take on the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge! This trip did not go entirely how I thought it would but it is over now and its time for a recap. My pictures especially for the races are a little lacking from my last marathon report. I just wasn't feeling it this trip. Cast of characters is just me (Kristy) and husband Dan.

Here is a link to my pre-trip report if you are interested in the backround - http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/goofy-challenge-pre-trip-report.857764/


The days leading up to this trip were very stressful. The Thursday before we left our gas furnace died. Luckily we have a fireplace and were able to keep warm with that and space heaters. We needed to get estimates and have it installed in less than a week. I didn't want my friend who was staying to take care of our animals to have to worry about keeping a fire going. Funds are stretched here already and a new furnace was not in the budget. Ugh. We had the new furnace installed on Wednesday and we left on Thursday morning. Talk about cutting it close! Along with having a furnace installed, my husband calls me on Wed while I am at work and tells me that our one horse is sick again. He had an issue in the past, which we thought had been dealt with and it resurfaced the day before we leave. STRESS, STRESS, STRESS! Call in to the vet but it is after hours by now. It is not a life-threatening issue but one that I don't want to be unattended to while we are gone. Needless to say, I was having second thoughts about this trip with all the problems we have been having.

We left our house around 3:45 am and arrived at our off-site airport parking about an hour later. We had a 6:30 flight out of Philly. We found a great parking service that will take you to the airport in your own car, drop you off and then pick you up in your own car when you come back. For an extra fee, at pickup, you can leave straight from the airport and they will get a ride back to the lot. Very convenient!

We finally arrived for the flight and there were a lot of other runners on this flight as well. We were all pretty quiet due to the early hour I think. In no time, we were boarding and then waiting to taxi.

I was still pretty stressed having not heard from the vet yet. I just didn't have the normal Disney excitement. I tried to sit back and enjoy the ride. We did have a beautiful sunrise!

Soon we were passing over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel system. Looks neat from the air.

Starting to descend into the Orlando area, I see the Port Canaveral area! Kind of need another cruise! (at least I think it might be Port Canaveral)

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Haha! Dude...we do! Maybe we will inspire you to run!

My hubby is a runner and he would love it if it did.

 

[Kristia]

My hubby is a runner and he would love it if it did.

I wouldn't have become a runner if it hadn't been for Disney. Its just the next step to pull you in further and separate you from more cash!

 

[Kristia]

Mile 22! We were approaching DHS!

We entered DHS near the back lot. They had Frozone and one of the other Incredibles out but I can't remember which one. We also passed this guy! Wreck-it Ralph had a pretty good size line so there was no stopping for us.

By this time, I think I had told Dan that I was kind of worried that we needed to pick up the pace to finish within the required time to get the Goofy medal. I think that freaked him out a little bit but he said he didn't think they would deny us the medal. We had seen quite a few Goofy runners behind and around us. He thought there might be an all out riot if they withheld the medals. I got a little PO'd when I heard a girl laughing because she was in the back with so many Goofy runners and they should be better than being in the back. Why can't people just keep their mouth shut? She didn't say it to me but was commenting to her friend. Maybe we are in the back because we RAN A HALF MARATHON YESTERDAY!! You never know other peoples circumstances, so just shut up if you can't say anything supportive!

We ran through the tunnel where costume design and the soundstages are. They were handing out mini-chocolate bars near here as well, but that is something that I didn't want now. I just needed water both on my head and to drink. Luckily the water stations still had plenty even if it was a bit warm now.

Mile 23! I remember last time, telling myself that I only had a 5k left. I can do that in my sleep. Just down to the river and back to our house (our regular 3 mile run). This time, I didn't bother. I knew that didn't work last time. Last time, the last 3 miles were killer!!

As we exited Studios, we ran by people that had candy and pretzels for runners. About a half mile later, I really wished I had taken them up on some Twizzlers. We headed toward Epcot via the walking path that goes by Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach. I was surprised that this late in the race, this path was really congested with people. Most were walking and it was nearly impossible to get around them. I was starting to go into panic mode about not finishing on time.

I think I really just wanted to be done because this is my last mile marker picture. Number 24 outside of the Boardwalk Resort area.

This is about when Dan really started hitting the wall. He was cramping up and had to walk more than I did. We always run on opposites it seems! We hit our final water stop outside of Yacht Club. This had to carry us through to the finish! Up next THE END!

 

[Tidbit]

I have to stop to take the pictures. If I don't, they are all blurry especially in the dark!

This is why I am starting my training so early, so I can make sure I can keep my 16mil pace because I KNOW I am going to stop for PICS!!!! lol!!

 

[fmingo36]

Mile 22! We were approaching DHS!

We entered DHS near the back lot. They had Frozone and one of the other Incredibles out but I can't remember which one. We also passed this guy! Wreck-it Ralph had a pretty good size line so there was no stopping for us.

By this time, I think I had told Dan that I was kind of worried that we needed to pick up the pace to finish within the required time to get the Goofy medal. I think that freaked him out a little bit but he said he didn't think they would deny us the medal. We had seen quite a few Goofy runners behind and around us. He thought there might be an all out riot if they withheld the medals. I got a little PO'd when I heard a girl laughing because she was in the back with so many Goofy runners and they should be better than being in the back. Why can't people just keep their mouth shut? She didn't say it to me but was commenting to her friend. Maybe we are in the back because we RAN A HALF MARATHON YESTERDAY!! You never know other peoples circumstances, so just shut up if you can't say anything supportive!

We ran through the tunnel where costume design and the soundstages are. They were handing out mini-chocolate bars near here as well, but that is something that I didn't want now. I just needed water both on my head and to drink. Luckily the water stations still had plenty even if it was a bit warm now.

Mile 23! I remember last time, telling myself that I only had a 5k left. I can do that in my sleep. Just down to the river and back to our house (our regular 3 mile run). This time, I didn't bother. I knew that didn't work last time. Last time, the last 3 miles were killer!!

As we exited Studios, we ran by people that had candy and pretzels for runners. About a half mile later, I really wished I had taken them up on some Twizzlers. We headed toward Epcot via the walking path that goes by Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach. I was surprised that this late in the race, this path was really congested with people. Most were walking and it was nearly impossible to get around them. I was starting to go into panic mode about not finishing on time.

I think I really just wanted to be done because this is my last mile marker picture. Number 24 outside of the Boardwalk Resort area.

This is about when Dan really started hitting the wall. He was cramping up and had to walk more than I did. We always run on opposites it seems! We hit our final water stop outside of Yacht Club. This had to carry us through to the finish! Up next THE END!

You're right Kristy--they need to keep their negative thoughts to themselves and shut the "f" up! Some people never finish a 1/2 marathon in their lifetime never mind a half and then a full back-to-back. The nerve of some people!

So cool to see Ralph out for the race. (Is he doing M&Gs in the park?)

Didn't realized Dan hit the wall. So glad that both of you finished and got your medals!

 

[Kristia]

You're right Kristy--they need to keep their negative thoughts to themselves and shut the "f" up! Some people never finish a 1/2 marathon in their lifetime never mind a half and then a full back-to-back. The nerve of some people!

So cool to see Ralph out for the race. (Is he doing M&Gs in the park?)

Did realized Dan hit the wall. So glad that both of you finished and got your medals!

I didn't see Ralph in the parks but that doesn't mean he wasn't there. I usually don't seek out the characters in the parks so I don't take a lot of notice unless I practically walk into them!

Yup, Dan had trouble the last 3 miles and stopped me more than once to take an extra walk break. I was happy to oblige him since he stuck with me for those rough morning miles!

 

[LindsayLoves]

Mile 22!
I got a little PO'd when I heard a girl laughing because she was in the back with so many Goofy runners and they should be better than being in the back. Why can't people just keep their mouth shut? She didn't say it to me but was commenting to her friend. Maybe we are in the back because we RAN A HALF MARATHON YESTERDAY!! You never know other peoples circumstances, so just shut up if you can't say anything supportive!

Ugh that is so rude! Also it makes no sense because you guys RAN A HALF MARATHON THE DAY BEFORE. She probably sat on a chair by her hotel pool and relaxed the day before.

Mile 23! I remember last time, telling myself that I only had a 5k left. I can do that in my sleep. Just down to the river and back to our house (our regular 3 mile run). This time, I didn't bother. I knew that didn't work last time. Last time, the last 3 miles were killer!!

I was being a cheerleader at that point trying to motivate everyone around me with the "its just a 5k, how many 5ks have we all done, we can do this" so on and so forth. But lots of people were just d-o-n-e at that point so I don't think my motivational phrases helped anyone but maybe myself. It was very crowded on that path from DHS towards the international gateway at the time I ran through as well, people walking two abreast were basically taking up the entire pathway.

 

[Katherine]

Sorry about the party pooper around mile 22... no fun. You should've turned to her and asked her "Your ONLY doing a marathon, why are you running so slow?" not that a mean comment ever deserves one back but this is what I would've been thinking about the rest of the run, and then I would've been motivated to beat her to the finish. Some of my best runs happen when I'm ticked off... haha...

Loving all your pics! I wish I had gotten Ralph but at that point I just wanted to be done. Can't wait to har about your finish line and medals experience!

 

[Ariel484]

I got a little PO'd when I heard a girl laughing because she was in the back with so many Goofy runners and they should be better than being in the back. Why can't people just keep their mouth shut? She didn't say it to me but was commenting to her friend. Maybe we are in the back because we RAN A HALF MARATHON YESTERDAY!! You never know other peoples circumstances, so just shut up if you can't say anything supportive!

Wow...I just can't with this. What a friggin idiot. I don't think I would have been able to hold my tongue if I'd been there to hear that. She does realize that she and her friend don't exist in some kind of super-special universe where people RIGHT NEXT TO THEM can't hear them, right?

I was being a cheerleader at that point trying to motivate everyone around me with the "its just a 5k, how many 5ks have we all done, we can do this" so on and so forth. But lots of people were just d-o-n-e at that point so I don't think my motivational phrases helped anyone but maybe myself. It was very crowded on that path from DHS towards the international gateway at the time I ran through as well, people walking two abreast were basically taking up the entire pathway.

I had the "just a 5K" thought too...but man, longest 5K ever!

Sorry about the party pooper around mile 22... no fun. You should've turned to her and asked her "Your ONLY doing a marathon, why are you running so slow?" not that a mean comment ever deserves one back but this is what I would've been thinking about the rest of the run, and then I would've been motivated to beat her to the finish. Some of my best runs happen when I'm ticked off... haha...

I think I would have just shouted "REALLY???" I mean...man, think before you speak, dummy!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I think I'm with Katherine. Not that a rude comment should get you to utter one, too, but I'd have said like to Dan but really loud (so Miss Loose Lips could hear), "You'd think all these people who ONLY ran a marathon today could keep a better pace than this...." I'm a "b" like that though. I'm so worrying right along with you!!! I'm dying to know how you ended up!!!!!! This is why I try not to start reading TRs until they're waaaaay further along or finished. I get so into the story I just gotta know what happened next! I guess that's why I don't read books so much anymore...I'll read around the clock until I've gone from start to finish...LOL!

 

[disneysince71]

love the pictures! Thank you for posting!

 

[Kristia]

Ugh that is so rude! Also it makes no sense because you guys RAN A HALF MARATHON THE DAY BEFORE. She probably sat on a chair by her hotel pool and relaxed the day before.



I was being a cheerleader at that point trying to motivate everyone around me with the "its just a 5k, how many 5ks have we all done, we can do this" so on and so forth. But lots of people were just d-o-n-e at that point so I don't think my motivational phrases helped anyone but maybe myself. It was very crowded on that path from DHS towards the international gateway at the time I ran through as well, people walking two abreast were basically taking up the entire pathway.

There's always at least one in the crowd that says something stupid. The first time I did the marathon, it was someone commenting about people taking pics of the Mile Markers. They said something like "Geez, its just a mile marker. You don't need a picture of it." People just can't mind their own beeswax! Just concentrate on your own race! Yeah....just a 5k my @$$! Hee hee!

Wow...I just can't with this. What a friggin idiot. I don't think I would have been able to hold my tongue if I'd been there to hear that. She does realize that she and her friend don't exist in some kind of super-special universe where people RIGHT NEXT TO THEM can't hear them, right?

I had the "just a 5K" thought too...but man, longest 5K ever!

I think I would have just shouted "REALLY???" I mean...man, think before you speak, dummy!

Normally, I may have said something but I don't think I processed it until she was out of earshot. Things just seem to take longer to work through the brain at Mile 21 or so.

I think I'm with Katherine. Not that a rude comment should get you to utter one, too, but I'd have said like to Dan but really loud (so Miss Loose Lips could hear), "You'd think all these people who ONLY ran a marathon today could keep a better pace than this...." I'm a "b" like that though. I'm so worrying right along with you!!! I'm dying to know how you ended up!!!!!! This is why I try not to start reading TRs until they're waaaaay further along or finished. I get so into the story I just gotta know what happened next! I guess that's why I don't read books so much anymore...I'll read around the clock until I've gone from start to finish...LOL!

I will definitely be done the exciting race part of the report tonight! Then for the relaxing portion! Glad you are enjoying! There are just too many good reports that I can't keep up. After I am done writing, I hope to catch up on some.

love the pictures! Thank you for posting!

Thank you! And thank you for reading!!

 

[Kristia]

So for the last portion of my race report, I don't have too many pictures. I wasn't feeling too bad, just had some very sore feet and was just plain tired. We passed by the Yacht and Beach Clubs and I was happy to see the sweet elderly lady on the scooter holding the sign that said "Hey Stranger! I am proud of you!" After we passed Beach Club, we went up and over the little hill (doesn't feel so little after 24+ miles) and entered into Epcot via the International Gateway. We went through a castmember only area and entered the WS near England. Just outside France was Mile 25. In 2011 we had our picture taken at Mile 25. This year, I didn't even stop. We just kept going.

Dan said that he was going to need to walk soon so he set his sights on Norway and said that when we got to Norway he needed to take a break. It is really not like him to ask for a walk break, so I could tell he was hurting. He totally forgot how far Norway is from France! Finally we arrived at Norway and took a walk break. He said he wasn't sure if he could run anymore and thought we would walk it in. I talked him into running when we hit the 26 mile marker.

We finally saw Spaceship Earth! It's funny how you don't see things when you take pictures but notice alot when you look at them later. Look at the sweet couple in front of us. Come on everyone! Not far to go now!

I noticed that we didn't have a whole lot of time to get to the finish to make the 7 hour cut off. I asked Dan if he thought he could run and he mustered up the strength and rallied. We ran past Mile Marker 26 (maybe it was a slow jog ) and soon saw the choir! I did manage to snap a quick pic of them.

I was a little disappointed that they weren't singing Hallelujah because that was how I felt! They still sounded great though!

I really wish I had taken a pic of the finish line, but once I saw, I couldn't get there fast enough! I did see Mickey and Goofy at the end and managed to high five them! Back in 2011, I left Donald hangin' because I didn't seem him holding up his hand when I ran by. I get tunnel vision with that finish line ahead!

We finished the marathon hand in hand just like we finished our first one in 2011! Our finish time : 6:57:40 - pace 15:56. Finished before the 7 hour cut-off by the skin of our teeth! We hobbled through the line to get our Mickey medals first. We picked up some much needed water and then headed to the Goofy Tent. We really had no need to worry about the cut off. If you had a Goofy bib, they were giving you a medal. They didn't check times and didn't check to make sure you finished the half. I don't know if that is normal procedure or if they made allowances because of the heat. I didn't really care at that moment. I had my bling!! Next we made our way to the Goofy banners to have our pics taken with our medals. Marathonfoto was taking the finisher pics. I wish they had done a better job. In our pic, you can't even see the Goofy Challenge logo as it was cut off. They got more of our legs with the steel frame than the actual logo area. Not centered at all.

The last line we went through was for our RunDisney snack boxes. It contained some small clif bars, candy, spreadable cheese, crackers and a couple other small things. We also got some Brave themed gummies and bananas. We skipped bag check pickup since we didn't check one that morning. After exiting, on a whim, I decided to see if my friend from the morning was still around. We hadn't made any specific plans to meet so I went towards the tent with the letter of her last name. Sure enough, she was there with her parents! Her dad took a pic of us with our medals!

Yay! We all did it!

Close up of the bling which I took much later.

That is the end of the race portion of my trip! I know it is a big accomplishment to finish this challenge when not feeling 100% but I am still bummed that we were so slow on marathon day. Our training had been going so well and I was thinking we would finish in under 6 hours, have time for characters and it went nothing like how I planned. Sooooooooooo, now that I have had time to reflect upon it and I know my report title is called " My One Time Only Goofy Challenge ", I have decided that this won't be a one time only thing. I WILL be back and I will have a better run!! It probably won't be till 2016 but it will be done! In the meantime, I am thinking of trying to redeem myself in at the Philadelphia Marathon in the fall and maybe the Mount Desert Island Marathon in 2014. The one place I love almost as much as Disney(if not more) is Mount Desert Island in Maine.

After visiting and commiserating about our agony filled day, we said goodbye to my friend and made our way to our bus. Luckily there was one waiting for us with plenty of seats. Unfortunately we were also almost the last stop. First we had to go to Swan, then Dolphin, then Yacht. This gave our legs plenty of time to seize up and not want to bend when we finally got to our stop. We hobbled from our seats and gingerly made our way down the steps of the bus. Somehow we made it to our room. I got as cool a shower as I could and felt much better afterwards except for my feet! They cramped up something fierce! I had made reservation for a late celebratory lunch at Le Cellier. I wasn't sure how we were going to manage the walk there and I knew we were going to have to leave in about an hour. Up next...are we able to walk all the way to Epcot?

 

[Ariel484]

Yay! Congrats to you and Dan!!

That couple in your picture is so adorable! Awwww.

Kind of nuts that you can just go up to the Goofy tent and not have to show any proof that you did both races...if my brother had done the marathon instead of the half I guess he could have gotten a Goofy medal.

The bus sharing at the Epcot resorts is crazy. Last year when I stayed at BCV I decided ahead of time that I was just going to get off at the first stop no matter what and walk back so my knees wouldn't tighten up. I ended up walking from the Boardwalk to BCV...it was a slow hobble but I think it was the right move. They really shouldn't have 5 resorts sharing a bus, especially with what people pay to stay at those deluxes...

But YAY you guys are Goofy!!

 

[Katherine]

Congrats! Glad you made it to the finish still up right and got your bling!!!

 

[Kristia]

Yay! Congrats to you and Dan!!

That couple in your picture is so adorable! Awwww.

Kind of nuts that you can just go up to the Goofy tent and not have to show any proof that you did both races...if my brother had done the marathon instead of the half I guess he could have gotten a Goofy medal.

The bus sharing at the Epcot resorts is crazy. Last year when I stayed at BCV I decided ahead of time that I was just going to get off at the first stop no matter what and walk back so my knees wouldn't tighten up. I ended up walking from the Boardwalk to BCV...it was a slow hobble but I think it was the right move. They really shouldn't have 5 resorts sharing a bus, especially with what people pay to stay at those deluxes...

But YAY you guys are Goofy!!

It is nuts about the Goofy medal give out. I thought I heard that they did check but apparently not the day we did it huh? I never even thought about getting off the first stop. Duh! We should have done that. Thanks, we are Goofy aren't we! Right back at ya!

 

[Kristia]

Congrats! Glad you made it to the finish still up right and got your bling!!!

Thank you! Yes we did! Barely lol!

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Sooooooooooo, now that I have had time to reflect upon it and I know my report title is called " My One Time Only Goofy Challenge ", I have decided that this won't be a one time only thing. I WILL be back and I will have a better run!! It probably won't be till 2016 but it will be done! In the meantime, I am thinking of trying to redeem myself in at the Philadelphia Marathon in the fall and maybe the Mount Desert Island Marathon in 2014. The one place I love almost as much as Disney(if not more) is Mount Desert Island in Maine.

Up next...are we able to walk all the way to Epcot?

A GRAND finish!! Way to go you two!! Awesome medals! And I'm excited for your next attempt to go Goofy. I have decided that I want to go Goofy in 2015 (15th anniversary?) I will run my first marathon this year along with some halfs hopefully. Somewhere in there I finish nursing school, we move then I can train to go Goofy!!

I can't wait to read if you made it to Le Cellier!

 

[LindsayLoves]

So proud you were both able to push yourself for the under 7 hour finish! We all know you really deserve and earned that Goofy medal.

Are you thinking of doing the Philly marathon this year? I was seriously just checking it out yesterday because its pretty reasonably priced AND its on my birthday. I have sadly come to the point in my life that I would want to celebrate my birthday by running 26.2.

 

[TakeMeThere81]

Are you thinking of doing the Philly marathon this year? I was seriously just checking it out yesterday because its pretty reasonably priced AND its on my birthday. I have sadly come to the point in my life that I would want to celebrate my birthday by running 26.2.

That's what my marathon is this year...it will be a week late, but it will be my request for what I want to do for my birthday!