Initial thoughts:
- It helped to have a race strategy.
- It really helped to have a race strategy that emphasized having as much fun as humanly possible.
- It really, REALLY helped that Becka is the funnest race partner ever.
- I'm glad that I'd done a marathon (or three) before, so I kind of know what to expect from the distance. I wouldn't have wanted this to be my first marathon.
- I think I've been spoiled by the smaller fields at Disneyland and Tinker Bell, because this felt out of control crowded.
- On Saturday, the Clif station was packed up and GONE when we got there. Yes, we were incredibly slow, but I just kind of expect better from runDisney events.
- On Sunday, the first Clif station was again out when we got there. And we were well ahead of the minimum pacing requirements.
- The aid stations both days were excellent. The volunteers are the best.
- We definitely got our money's worth out of those courses.
- I was still not feeling 100% when I got to Florida, and I was doubting that I would finish the Challenge at all by mile 3 on Satuday.
- I don't know if it's the banked roads at Disney, or what, but my right leg is pretty cranky, from the top down.
- I used 1 GU the entire weekend. And boatloads of delicious, delicious candy. This might be my new fuel of choice.
- There did not seem to be much going on from miles 7-10 of the Half course. I thought I remembered this stretch being funner during Princess, but a quick glance at my 2011 Princess recap says it wasn't, really. Huh.
- I am not a giant fan of the full course, and I'll explain why in my recap.
- I'm a little bummed that I feel sort of conflicted about how much I really liked the races - of course I had an excellent time, and the company was great - and to be fair, I don't know how much of it was related to my general malaise and unwellness, and the brutal heat/humidity.
- 2015 is the 10 year Goofy anniversary, so that is currently on my radar. I can't resist the magic.
And, the medals are fantastic, of course.
Recaps to come!
I can't wait for your recaps.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked at how happy my legs are because you are right, a lot of banked roads. Last year and this year at the half they had no gels. At Princess I know they were still out. Mile 20 spectacular not so spectacular, right? MY spectacular? All of my Dennis sightings! I can't help it, I think I love him.
Recaps Recaps Recaps! I was in Disney last year the day after race weekend, you could tell all the marathon runners by the way they were walking. Congrats!!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so awesome! Glad you had a great time!
ReplyDelete2015 is also on my radar! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm looking at 2015 too. Hoping I can convince DH on board by then :)
ReplyDeleteGummy bears and licorice are full of carbs, right? So glad you had a nice time.
ReplyDeleteglad you had a fun time! looking forward to seeing the pics!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are discussing the race.... I DID get gels at the half. But not last year.
ReplyDeleteOh my word, I've been digging the candy lately. Easier & cheaper than Gu or other fuel options!
ReplyDeleteOh my word, I've been digging the candy lately. Easier & cheaper than Gu or other fuel options!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a FANTASTIC experience. I'm *thinking* that if I ever do start running marathons, this would be a fun way to torture myself in 2015.
ReplyDelete