Poor Unfortunate Soles: A 2013 Marathon Weekend (5K, Half and Full Marathon) Trip Report!

Another Marathon Weekend at Disney has come to a close. Let me tell you about it!

The cast includes me (Shannon, 28), my husband Will (27), my brother Craig (aka Princess Craiggy, 26), my mom, Kriss, my aunt Laurie, and my mom’s childhood best friend Barb. I got no photo of all 6 of us, and in fact have no photos at all of my mom, aunt or Barb (not my choice). Le sigh.

Anyhoo, as the title of this report suggests, this year I participated in the 5K, half marathon and full marathon (unofficially known as the Dopey Challenge) during Disney’s Marathon Weekend. Originally this trip was strictly for the Goofy Challenge (the half and full), but the idea of the 5K had been in the back of my mind for a while...eventually I pulled the trigger and signed up in August.

In my previous race reports (for the 2011 Princess Half and the 2012 WDW Full) I rambled on quite a bit about training. This time around I’m going to restrain myself. I actually did document my training on a different message board (not sure why I didn’t do it here…I guess I wanted it to be somewhere where I felt more “anonymous.” I’m weird), so if anyone is interested in reading about that, shoot me a PM and I’ll send you the link. Or if anyone wants the Cliff’s Notes version I can post that here too. I will say that I am extremely Type A and was very, very diligent when it came to preparing for these races. I should also warn you that you won’t find any speedy fast times here, but if you’re looking for a somewhat detailed play-by-play of all 3 races with lots of character pictures, you’ve come to the right place.

4 parks. 3 races. 42.4 miles. Let’s do this!

 

[Katherine]

I loved reading about you getting choked up. It happens to me all the time. I tend to hyperventilate at the end of races because 1)I tend to try to sprint in 2) I'm already tired 3) when I'm trying to stop from crying I try to take deep breaths which creates the perfect storm and it takes me a while to settle down and catch my breath. Surprisingly at the end of the WDW Marathon I was able to keep it together however there were many times during the race when I started hyperventilating because my emotions were getting the best of me.

 

[CinderMama]

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely check out the website. I really think it would be fun to run the Princess with my boys. Honestly, I can see them picking out their tutus already I know they will just ham it up!

I'm all caught up now and anxiously awaiting the big finish! Your race reports, and the others that are on these boards, really are so inspirational for those of us getting started. Thanks so much for sharing! And congrats again!

 

[diddy_mouse]

Ahh! You're almost near the end!

I can only imagine how emotional running a series of races like that would be. Shoot, I got teary when I saw the finish at my 5K. But it is such an amazing accomplishment for you and you can definitely wear that medal with pride.

 

[Ariel484]

I loved reading about you getting choked up. It happens to me all the time. I tend to hyperventilate at the end of races because 1)I tend to try to sprint in 2) I'm already tired 3) when I'm trying to stop from crying I try to take deep breaths which creates the perfect storm and it takes me a while to settle down and catch my breath. Surprisingly at the end of the WDW Marathon I was able to keep it together however there were many times during the race when I started hyperventilating because my emotions were getting the best of me.

I sort of get what you mean with the hyperventilating...I guess you could say I was sort of doing that too from the exertion of running, the emotions, etc. I normally NEVER cry or get emotional during races - just finishing the marathon last year and then a couple of times this year - so it's very weird for me. But I guess finishing a marathon IS a big deal...

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely check out the website. I really think it would be fun to run the Princess with my boys. Honestly, I can see them picking out their tutus already I know they will just ham it up!

I'm all caught up now and anxiously awaiting the big finish! Your race reports, and the others that are on these boards, really are so inspirational for those of us getting started. Thanks so much for sharing! And congrats again!

That would be hilarious if they wore tutus! I bet they would get a lot of cheers...same thing if they dress like princes. The website should also have a beginner training plan from Jeff Galloway, so you might want to look into that as well for when you want to start training.

Thanks for reading...glad you like the report.

Ahh! You're almost near the end!

I can only imagine how emotional running a series of races like that would be. Shoot, I got teary when I saw the finish at my 5K. But it is such an amazing accomplishment for you and you can definitely wear that medal with pride.

Hi Erin! Running all 3 races really was an experience...there's nothing quite like it. I have the medals on my wall and I still can't really believe that I did it!

 

[Kristia]

I told Dan a couple times during the marathon that I would probably cry at the end and to be ready for it. While I didn't cry at the end, I did feel myself starting to get emotional in the last couple miles too. I guess I was thinking back at how hard the whole journey had been that day and how I didn't think I would be able to finish in the early miles. I was definitely teary eyed finishing my first marathon too! These were the only two races that I have been that emotional. My others, I am just happy and excited to see the finish. Wonder if this only happens at Disney marathons or if it will happen at others too!

 

[Ariel484]

I told Dan a couple times during the marathon that I would probably cry at the end and to be ready for it. While I didn't cry at the end, I did feel myself starting to get emotional in the last couple miles too. I guess I was thinking back at how hard the whole journey had been that day and how I didn't think I would be able to finish in the early miles. I was definitely teary eyed finishing my first marathon too! These were the only two races that I have been that emotional. My others, I am just happy and excited to see the finish. Wonder if this only happens at Disney marathons or if it will happen at others too!

You really can't beat the feeling of finishing the first marathon. I don't know about you but running it a second time was SO different. Although maybe you can't judge since you were feeling so crappy. By the way, I think I have that chest cold you have...just getting over it after almost 2 weeks. It sucks! No way I could have run a marathon with it...BIG props to you for pushing through!

 

[Ariel484]

The emotion I felt at Mile Marker 23 was gone almost as soon as it had hit me, and now it was back to work. I passed Mike and Sulley before leaving the Studios (again, pretty disappointing as far as the characters go) and found Mile Marker 24 by the Boardwalk.

I slowed down to walk for a bit and take my last batch of Gu chomps. They weren't going to give me some magical burst of energy to tackle the last 2.2 miles, but I was STARVING so I ate them anyway. I also texted a bit with Will, who was waiting for me by Yacht and Beach, and the bro, who was somewhere in Epcot. Fans!!

While eating my chomps I did a few calculations (as much as I could do with my brain being total mush at that point) and realized that if I kept up my current pace there was a small chance I could finish this thing in under 6 hours. Excitement!

I spy Spaceship Earth...

I headed over the bridge near the Swan and Dolphin and over the dock area. I kept my eyes peeled for Will...he told me he'd be under the ship/slide at Stormalong Bay.

And then I saw him!!!!! YAY!!!

He clapped and told me how great I was doing...I think he was surprised that 1. I was still running, and 2. I wanted to stop for a picture (I momentarily forgot about my time goal). He gave me a kiss and a few ladies around us ooh-ed and ahh-ed and said "How cute!" Aw, shucks.

After this picture a woman scurried over to us yelling, "Wait! Wait!" She grabbed the camera and took this for us. Thank you, ma'am! I told Will he didn't have to touch me because I was completely soaked in sweat (my shirt felt like it weighed about 10 pounds), but he did! That's love right there.

If he had to miss me at one area of the course - mile 7 in front of the Grand Floridian or here at mile 24.5 - I am SO glad it wasn't here. It was such a boost to see him so late in the race. I could not stop smiling. And I'm hoping that having been on the course will help to convince him to do a Disney race with me someday! I'm trying not to be too pushy, but I think I have him on board for an Expedition Everest Challenge at some point. Fingers crossed. (I know you're reading this, Will...I've called you out on the internet! So much for not being pushy...I'm such a jerk. Love you! )

Anyway, we made plans to meet once I was done and I took off toward Epcot. The course took us past the International Gateway and to a backstage area of the park that had the last water stop on the course. With my sub-6-hour goal in mind I ran past it and headed toward the UK Pavillion. Princess C had texted that he was near the red phone booths in the UK, but I was disappointed not to see him.
Lots of spectators here. We took a right and as I approached Rose & Crown I heard someone yell, "SHANNON...SHAN!"

It's Princess C! Should have known he'd be at the pub.

He pulled out his phone and recorded a short "interview" with me, which I forgot to upload. From what I can remember it went something like this:

Princess C: So how does it feel to be running the marathon?
Me: It hurts!

Yes, I'm quite the wordsmith.

We said good-bye and I continued on with my longest-ever trek around the World Showcase...

 

[Ariel484]

The course took us over the bridge to France (cruel!), home of Mile Marker 25.

I took my picture, waddled for a bit, and continued on. During the last mile of the 2012 marathon I was fighting through some pretty intense piriformis (i.e. butt) pain that started in Morocco and stayed with me until the finish, and I remember thinking that there was no way that the pain wasn't going to come back this year now that I was almost done. I kept running...and waiting...but it never came. All pain in my body just seemed to be concentrated in my feet and quads (woohoo! I guess? ) and somehow I was succeeding at mostly blocking that out.

I made it through the World Showcase as fast as I possibly could, still marveling at the fact that I was keeping up a decent pace. Park guests were cheering on the runners and I didn't stop for any characters (no one rare out, just the same ones you'd see in the park on any given day - which I guess makes sense because day guests would mob any rare characters). I was back to feeling like I wanted to be DONE, but this time I knew being DONE meant successfully completing the race.

The gospel choir was out again...

...and after first seeing it from the monorail that morning 8 hours earlier (!), there was Mile Marker 26.

A few twists and turns later, it was finally over.

Eh, no it wasn't. Do you see who I see in the above picture? Time goal be darned, I'm not gonna pass up an opportunity to get a picture with my girl in her track suit.


ETA: 2/11/2013 - OH MAN. I just noticed Goofy is in the above picture as well! CRAAAAAP I so would have gotten a picture with both if I'd noticed, especially since I was about to complete the Goofy Challenge! Arg. Oh well, I am thrilled with the picture I DID get.

Just like the previous day, I took my picture, turned around and stepped over the finish line. I'd done it...NOW it was really over.

Final time: 26.2 miles in 5:59:30 (just squeaked in there!), average pace of 13:43/mile. Finished at 11:50AM, 21 minutes faster than the 2012 marathon.

I actually don't remember feeling very emotional here. I just kind of walked through the chute like it was the most normal thing in the world and went straight to a volunteer. One amazingly awesome finisher medal, please!

From later:
"I Only Hope That We Don't Lost Sight Of One Thing...It Was All Started By A Mouse."

"All Our Dreams Can Come True, If We Have The Courage To Pursue Them."

Double-spinner action:

In case the fact that I have 5 pictures of this medal doesn't tip you off, the marathon medal is BY FAR my favorite medal from the weekend, and my favorite one that I own. It's fantastic...and heavy (it weighs half a pound!)!

 

[Ariel484]

After receiving that awesome piece of hardware, I continued on through the chute and grabbed one bottle of water and one bottle of red Powerade. I opened the Powerade and immediately started guzzling. A woman wearing a Celebration Hospital t-shirt (official medical provider of the race weekend) was shouting that no one could pass her without an open bottle in their hand and that we all needed to start re-hydrating immediately. If people didn't have open bottles she'd open the bottles for them or hand them something to drink. This heat advisory was serious business.

I had one last stop I needed to make before heading back to the room. I hobbled toward the Goofy tent and locked eyes with a volunteer holding a medal...MY medal. It was like something out of a movie: we walked toward one other in slow motion (well, I walked in slow motion - I'm sure he was walking at a more normal speed ) and I felt myself get choked up again. I'd done it. I'd actually done it.

Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge medal:

Back of the medal (I didn't notice this until about a week after the trip when Will pointed it out to me): "1 marathon, 1 half marathon, 2 days, 4 theme parks, 39.3 miles!" AWESOME.

Will is kind enough to let me display my race medals on a wall at home, and I seriously cannot comprehend that I have one of these. Sometimes I just stare at it, like..."Where did THAT come from??" I was all-business through most of the marathon and only let my emotions get to me a few times, but now that it's done...I can't believe I did it.

The haul from the weekend...Officially Dopey.

 

[Ariel484]

2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Final Thoughts

I have to admit that I have some really conflicted thoughts about this race...

1. The starting/staging area was fine. Much more organized than it was the morning of the half...so really about the same as it's been at other Disney races I've done. Love the piece of mind I got from the monorail transportation.

2. In comparing the new course to the old one, I have to say that the old one wins for me. I hate to say this for anyone reading that hasn't run a marathon at WDW before, but I couldn't help but compare the two. I appreciated that some of the back roads were cut out, and I know there are other runners that loved the new additions of the Speedway and the WWoS. My two biggest issues were that I really missed the first few miles going through Epcot, and I HATED having Animal Kingdom at the halfway point of the race instead of at miles 16-18. The Speedway was okay - just long and out in the sun - but the WWoS portion went on FOREVER.

3. The course gripes are really the only issues I had with the marathon. Just like the half, despite a complaint or two this was a great race. The organizers definitely had a big challenge with the weather and I think they did a great job. The water stops were excellent - LOVED that they re-filled runners' bottles and poured water over our heads - and as usual the volunteers were incredible. The course was nowhere near as crowded as the half course was and runner etiquette seemed better...so thumbs up there! Great entertainment and character stops (Darkwing Duck, the Christmas characters, Royal Mickey & Minnie, etc.) and wonderful spectator support. Such a great environment.

4. And speaking of spectators...if someone is coming to watch you race, maybe I suggest having them try to catch you in the latter miles? SUCH a boost to see Will and Craig out on the course. Definitely my favorite memories from the weekend.

5. This was kind of a weird race for me. I remember feeling conflicted because I just didn't feel as much pure...I don't know...JOY while out on the course compared to the other races I've run at Disney. Not that I didn't have an amazing time, because I did.

I'm not sure what the cause of that was - certainly the pain I felt in the latter miles was a factor, but I think it was also because I was running the race by myself. Rather than have someone else to share everything with I was able to just zone out and almost be on auto-pilot the entire time...and while I'm glad to know I can complete a marathon on my own I'm kind of sad that I came away from the race not really feeling like I soaked in the experience as much as I should have. I hope the bro will return to WDW to run more races with me...I missed sharing that with him (I think there's a good chance he will...he was REALLY disappointed at not being able to run the marathon).

6. Related to #5 above, running a marathon for the second time is SO much different than running the first one. It certainly helped with training - knowing I'd done it before and could do it again - but I think this is part of what helped me to go into auto-pilot. I knew I could finish, so I just zoned out and did my thing.

I'm not sure if any of this makes sense...I feel like I'm still processing the weekend as a whole, and the marathon itself in particular. Plus, I haven't really had coffee yet. Excuse the rambling. I'll post thoughts on going Goofy - and Dopey - at some point here too. Still trying to process that as well.

 

[Katherine]

Back of the medal (I didn't notice this until about a week after the trip when Will pointed it out to me): "1 marathon, 1 half marathon, 2 days, 4 theme parks, 39.3 miles!" AWESOME.

HOW DID I NOT SEE THIS? Immediately after I saw this, I went and checked my own medal. That's such a cool touch and I totally didn't know about it until now.

Congrats! Got chocked up reading you ending, it was similar to mine, I was exhausted and so it didn't hit me until I got the Goofy medal (even though I marveled at the awesomeness of that spinner beauty) that it was over and I had done it. Awesome job!

And I agree about the course. I think if I could choose, I'd put the first Epcot loop back in and keep the Speedway loop to break up the long haul from MK to DAK but drop the WWoS all that turning was really annoying.

 

[LindsayLoves]

I had one last stop I needed to make before heading back to the room. I hobbled toward the Goofy tent and locked eyes with a volunteer holding a medal...MY medal. It was like something out of a movie: we walked toward one other in slow motion (well, I walked in slow motion - I'm sure he was walking at a more normal speed ) and I felt myself get choked up again. I'd done it. I'd actually done it.

Awwww, I *love* how it played out in slow motion. I got pretty choked up 2-3 times during the race because I was doing it and forget the photos at the end with SSE in the background, my holding back tears face is not cute.

Hi five for the under 6 hours! 21 minutes better than your last WDW marathon is also quite impressive! That's a great improvement especially because of the fact that you ran a half the day before.

I adore the stuff on the back of the Goofy medal. One more reason for me to add that to the running goal list. Not that I needed anymore reasons...

 

[Ariel484]

HOW DID I NOT SEE THIS? Immediately after I saw this, I went and checked my own medal. That's such a cool touch and I totally didn't know about it until now.

Congrats! Got chocked up reading you ending, it was similar to mine, I was exhausted and so it didn't hit me until I got the Goofy medal (even though I marveled at the awesomeness of that spinner beauty) that it was over and I had done it. Awesome job!

And I agree about the course. I think if I could choose, I'd put the first Epcot loop back in and keep the Speedway loop to break up the long haul from MK to DAK but drop the WWoS all that turning was really annoying.

I KNOW, RIGHT?? Will pointed that out to me and I was just like, "WHAAA???" Haha!

Thanks for the congrats, and congrats to you too!

I just loved that Epcot loop...I thought it was such a special touch that only the marathon started out that way and it really made me sad when I saw that it was gone. I like your idea of keeping the Speedway and dropping the WWoS portion...we'll see what they do in the future.

 

[Ariel484]

Awwww, I *love* how it played out in slow motion. I got pretty choked up 2-3 times during the race because I was doing it and forget the photos at the end with SSE in the background, my holding back tears face is not cute.

Hi five for the under 6 hours! 21 minutes better than your last WDW marathon is also quite impressive! That's a great improvement especially because of the fact that you ran a half the day before.

I adore the stuff on the back of the Goofy medal. One more reason for me to add that to the running goal list. Not that I needed anymore reasons...

Oh yeah, I totally cried when I was finishing last year too. It's such an overwhelming, emotional experience!

Yeah, under 6! Woohoo! A new Disney PR! I'm signed up for my first non-Disney marathon (in May) and I'm hoping to definitely go under 5 hours, maybe under 4:45 if I'm having a really good day. It'll be an interesting experiment to see what happens when I don't stop to wait in giant lines for character photos.

Yes, you must get yourself a Goofy medal...see you there in 2015??

 

[LindsayLoves]

Oh yeah, I totally cried when I was finishing last year too. It's such an overwhelming, emotional experience!

Yeah, under 6! Woohoo! A new Disney PR! I'm signed up for my first non-Disney marathon (in May) and I'm hoping to definitely go under 5 hours, maybe under 4:45 if I'm having a really good day. It'll be an interesting experiment to see what happens when I don't stop to wait in giant lines for character photos.

Yes, you must get yourself a Goofy medal...see you there in 2015??

Running a non-Disney marathon will be interesting without having all those built in breaks with character photos. (BTW I am totally stealing your method of fueling while waiting in character lines, so much easier than pulling stuff out and consuming while running). Are you planning on doing your May race solo?

I haven't signed up for a marathon yet but I know I will be doing at least one this year. I am thinking the Philly marathon because its cheap, close, and on my stinking birthday!

As for the 2015 Goofy, you might see me there....

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Princess C: So how does it feel to be running the marathon?
Me: It hurts!

LOL!! Love it!

All I can say is WOW! Thanks for sharing. Y'all are so cool.

Oh, and I went to Ebay for grins and giggles. Man, some of the runDisney Dooneys are posted.

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

Congrats on finishing all of those races!! And congratulations on finishing the marathon under 6 hours! Very impressive! That marathon medal is gorgeous! I love that you have all the medals displayed in the house. They really are great accomplishments and you should show them off!

 

[Tiggerish]

For some reason, I stopped getting alerts that this thread was updated, so I fell pretty far behind.

I felt so bad reading that your feet hurt so much--I simply don't know how you continued for such a distance with pain in your feet, wow, you are like Iron woMan! I've been on the edge of my seat for the last three pages!!

Congrats on meeting your goal of sub-6:00 (who cares how close it was, you did it!!!). Love all the photos, especially you & Tracksuit Minnie, what a perfect finish. And what a collection of medals!

 

[Ariel484]

Running a non-Disney marathon will be interesting without having all those built in breaks with character photos. (BTW I am totally stealing your method of fueling while waiting in character lines, so much easier than pulling stuff out and consuming while running). Are you planning on doing your May race solo?

I haven't signed up for a marathon yet but I know I will be doing at least one this year. I am thinking the Philly marathon because its cheap, close, and on my stinking birthday!

As for the 2015 Goofy, you might see me there....

Yep, the May race (Cleveland Marathon) is a solo one. I do all of my training runs alone so hopefully I won't feel quite so lonely for this race, because it will be more like my training runs compared to the Disney races...if that makes any sense. I'm pretty nervous for it because I feel like since this is the first non-Disney one I actually should try harder during the race and get a decent time...plus I just had a chest cold for the past 2 weeks (zero running for 10 days...!!!) so my training is already a bit messed up. Good thing it's only February! I've run the half twice and really like it...the half course is the first half of the marathon course and I have heard the second half of the marathon course is not-so-great, so we'll see.

I've heard Philly is a good one. The course sounds really cool...lots of historical sites.

Goofy 2015!! WOOHOO! I bet that one will fill up quickly...

LOL!! Love it!

All I can say is WOW! Thanks for sharing. Y'all are so cool.

Oh, and I went to Ebay for grins and giggles. Man, some of the runDisney Dooneys are posted.

Thanks!

Yikes, I just look at some runDisney stuff on eBay...crazy prices. And people selling the medal. Ugh.

Congrats on finishing all of those races!! And congratulations on finishing the marathon under 6 hours! Very impressive! That marathon medal is gorgeous! I love that you have all the medals displayed in the house. They really are great accomplishments and you should show them off!

Thanks Ashley! I love the marathon medal...it's the current background on my phone. It's sooooo pretty. Will is very kind to let me take up 2 walls with my medals! I'll have to post a picture later...

For some reason, I stopped getting alerts that this thread was updated, so I fell pretty far behind.

I felt so bad reading that your feet hurt so much--I simply don't know how you continued for such a distance with pain in your feet, wow, you are like Iron woMan! I've been on the edge of my seat for the last three pages!!

Congrats on meeting your goal of sub-6:00 (who cares how close it was, you did it!!!). Love all the photos, especially you & Tracksuit Minnie, what a perfect finish. And what a collection of medals!

I'm glad you found your way back!

The foot pain was so weird...definitely something I need to look in to. I've never had it like that before. I'm sure some of the suggestions I've gotten here - specifically the low sodium/potassium theories - contributed, because both are things I've never paid any attention to before.

Tracksuit Minnie was on my "wish list!" I was really glad to get that one...she's just so darn adorable!

 

[MKCP 1985]

Congrats on becoming Goofy . . . and I tip my cap at you becoming Dopey, too!

The Goofy medal is really priceless. It is something you either do yourself or it doesn't get done, period, and regardless of the finish time - first or last - is something you should count among your lifetime achievements. Mine holds so many positive memories.

Thanks for the report, Shannon. It was really great taking that trip with you, without the leg and foot pain.