Day 5: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend #WDWMarathon Recap

The morning of the long awaited Walt Disney World Marathon was finally here.  Somehow I flew out of bed. I'm not saying that I loved getting up, but I was really looking forward to the event. 

credit: Five Star Photos

 I'm sorry this post didn't make it up on the day of the event itself. As you can imagine, I was pretty spent once I made it back to the resort. 

 DisneyBride and I arrived for the race a little earlier than we had for the half marathon. I didn't want to be rushed during the long walk to the corrals. I think that this was a huge help for the full. Getting into the corral early allowed me to take a seat for about an hour. A great help for the legs. 

Jeff Galloway gets the honor of the first DisneyGroom selfie of the day.  Since it was his advice and coaching that got me here - this is only fitting.

The sendoff was fantastic. Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Dopey (if there we others it's slipping my mind: a lack of sleep will do that) participated in the festivities. Mickey did the countdown and the fireworks were perfect. They even had fireworks near the back of the corrals. 

 The atmosphere was amazing, even for a runDisney event. It seemed like there were wall to wall spectators almost the entire course. People really brought their "A" game. 

 I did get to see my favorite spectator a couple of times: 

First at the Ticket and Transportation Center(about Mile 4)

Then at the Polynesian with super cheerleader Peggy Sue (about mile 7)

 and at the finish line. The beginning of the course seemed to be identical to the half marathon the day before. 

 A couple of bands on the way into the Magic Kingdom really added some energy to the event. 

 Arriving on Main Street, there were even more people than the day before. The cheering was loud enough to hurt your ears. I also managed to hold onto my phone this time. (I lost it running the half the day before - but thankfully a wonderful spectator found it and returned it to me. Miraculously it was fine.)

My next stop should come as no surprise. 

Then I moved quickly through the Castle area - a notorious bottleneck in the course.

BACK of  Castle

FRONT of Castle

I don't usually stop for this guy, but the line for Woody was only a couple of people deep.  

Again, the course from the Magic Kingdom to the Walt Disney Speedway was almost identical to the half the day before.  And again, the spectators were out in full force.  It might have been my imagination, but it really appeared that the number of people cheering us on may have actually outnumbered the runners.  

The speedway was pretty neat.  You get to run a lap around the track that is surrounded almost entirely with classic and custom automobiles.  The track was also the location of the only bad congestion of the day.  The entrance is only wide enough for about a truck, so you can imagine how it might back up.  It wasn't terrible, just noticeable.  

a #DGSELFIE!

Look who I ran into!  Running blogger, marathoner, and all around awesome individual, Kimberly Markey of Maker Mother Marathon Runner blog.

I had heard horror stories about the section of the course from the Speedway to Animal Kingdom.  Some came true, others didn't.  This section of the course features such great items as, the garbage transfer station, the recyclables transfer station, a water treatment facility, and the bus depot.

Only occasionally did an unpleasant smell rear its ugly head.  However, Disney seemed to provide plenty of distractions in the area.  My favorite was the traveling couple near their RV offering runners pickled herring.  

Arriving backstage at the Animal Kingdom, the staff had a few animals out for us.  The first accompanied a pretty funny sign.  The second made me really hungry.  

Bacon!

Side note, in all the backstage park areas, the staff was pretty amazing. They went all out with spectator signs, in addition to making themselves hoarse cheering for us.

Entering the park led to one of my favorite moments of the day.  The course runs right past Expedition Everest.  Staff and park guests move runners to the front of the Fastpass lane.  How many people get to ride a roller coaster in the middle of a marathon? This guy did!

Exiting the park, you finally hit the half way point.  You also start making your way to the Wide World of Sports.  This may have been the part of the course I felt needed some more entertainment.  The infamous Grave Diggers were on this section of the course, but their line was super long.  

The course through the Wide World of Sports is entertaining.  After arriving at the Wide World of Sports, you head to the track.  This was a little cruel.  Thanks for reminding us that there are running events shorter than 26.2 miles.  After weaving all over the complex, you end  with a run around the baseball field.  While there is not a lot of entertainment, the scenery changes constantly. 

Just outside the Wide World of Sports you finally hit the 20 mile mark.  Just beyond the 20 mile mark, some spectators were poking fun at last year's 'Mile 20 Spectacular'.  They had some of the most hilarious signs of the day.  Unfortunately, I didn't stop and take any pictures.   

Right before entering Hollywood Studios, you are provided with chocolate and/or gummy bears.  Before the race, I thought this was a terrible idea.  Arriving at the table, it was genius.  So tasty!

Just after the chocolate, I made another character stop.  Wreck It Ralph took it pretty easy on everyone.  He allowed us all to pass without destroying the road. 

 You are only in Hollywood Studios for a short period of time.  I made it to the front gate before remembering Toy Story's Midway Mania.  I was pretty tired and not thinking straight.  Not wanting to go back, I just kept running.  Next time-I will ride it.  (Yes, I think I just said - NEXT time...)

Leaving Hollywood Studios you quickly get to the part of the course with the most vocal spectators.  The Yacht and Beach Club is packed from end to end with people cheering themselves hoarse.  

Before entering EPCOT, I finally got the picture I waited for all weekend.  Dopey greeted runners just outside the International Gateway, and the line was short.  I think people just wanted to be done with the run and weren't stopping for anything. 

EPCOT was a lot of fun.  In Germany, I stopped for a beer.  A kind person at the front of the line turned and asked me how the marathon was- I responded that I would be happy to let him know in a few minutes.  Amazed that I wanted to stop for a beer to enjoy as I finished the race, he bought it for me and wished me a great race.  Thank you stranger.  FYI- The beer was amazing, cool, and refreshing.    

The Finish Line is NEAR!

Just before finishing, I came across a group of ladies that were crossing the finish line with margaritas.

Finally crossing the finish line was a great feeling.  It is quite a feat to complete the Dopey Challenge.  To all my fellow finishers- Congratulations! 

Quickly I worked my way to the medal volunteers to receive my marathon medal.  With the marathon medal around my neck, I was off to get my Dopey and Goofy medals.  

Since runDisney hasn't taken my suggestion to provide post race Tonga Toast, DisneyBride was kind enough to bring it to me.  There was even BACON! Much better than the box they gave us containing a tiny bag of chips and cheese dip.  

Finally, back at my resort, I had my own Pam Anderson "post-Marathon" moment.  Unlike Pam, I wasn't in any actual pain, except perhaps from reading her book! 

I rested for a few hours - took a little swim - and felt better than I expected.

We went to the Downtown Disney cool-down celebration for the runners for a little while - then went to Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner. Now that I could finally eat (after a week of peanut butter sandwiches), it tasted like the best dinner I've had in months!

Takeaways

• The weather was a huge help.  I imagine that favorable weather helped many cross the finish line.  Had it been hot and humid, I think that it would have been far more challenging.
• I think that following my training plan was the key to success.  I adapted a few Galloway plans to suit my desire to run Space Coast and the Running for the Bay Marathons.
• Having a spouse who supports your desire to be Dopey can't be underestimated. It is quite a time commitment.  Not only the training, but I was a complete bore at Disney during Marathon Weekend.
• Taking it easy and enjoying the event allowed me to finish feeling great.  No pain, no soreness, no blisters.  My times were not impressive, but it was the best race experience I have ever had.  

Did you go to Marathon Weekend?  What was your favorite part?

If you did Dopey, would you do it again?

If you didn't do Dopey, can you see yourself doing a similar multi-day race event? (I'm thinking Gasparilla in 2015!)

See ya soon!
~DisneyGroom


My 2014 Walt Disney World Weekend Recaps:
Day 5: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Marathon
Day 4: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Half Marathon
Day 3: DisneyGroom’s #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Inaugural 10K
Day 2: DisneyGroom’s #Dopey Challenge Weekend: The Family Fun Run 5K
Day 1: DisneyGroom's #DopeyChallenge Weekend: Expo

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DisneyGroom’s Year in Review and a Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America)

I know my last post did not include my usual humorous tone. So buckle-up and enjoy. Every blogger on the internet is doing a Year in Review, so you certainly don't want to read another one.  Instead, I’ll include some predictions for next year and a couple of suggestions for new runDisney products. 
 
Prepare yourself- this will be my last post for 2013. No need to be sad. You will just have to wait until next year for more of my wit and insight.

Mark 2013 as the year DisneyBride created a monster.

During 2012, DisneyBride and I had only done a couple of 5Ks.  Then in 2013, the monster appeared. Somehow I managed to complete eleven 5Ks, one 8K, one 20K, one half marathon, and two marathons.  Now I am looking forward to my first endurance series (Dopey Challenge). It is quite amazing what can be accomplished when you are married to the ultimate enabler. 

More important than just completing the races, (and I never in a million year thought I would say this) I now enjoy running. It takes about 7ish miles for me to hit my stride, but when I do, don’t step in front of me. Even more impressive, I have managed to get DisneyBride to a place where she enjoys trails. (I probably have nothing to do with this change, but as much as she resisted hiking while we were dating, I am going to call this a victory for me). 


Looking Forward

runDisney challenges
Dopey, Glass Slipper, Dumbo Double Dare, Coast to Coast. BRING IT!  I'm taking it all!

GOING LONG:
I hope to run a 50K towards the end of 2014. I have a few options for races in my area, so we will have to see what level of crazy I want to achieve. Further, I hope to run a marathon with DisneyBride. (I can hear her laughing across town.) This may be the most ambitious goal for the year, she has been pretty adamant that she has no desire to run anything longer than a half.

BACON:
If you are a potential sponsor: take note! I am still hoping to be endorsed by a bacon company. I maintain that bacon is the perfect mid-race fuel and that I should be the face that promotes the idea.



#BACON at Mile 18 #SPACECOASTMARATHON

MARATHON TRAVEL

I want to run a marathon in another state. I am open to suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comments section.

And now... my ideas for new products fellow Disney Runners would enjoy.

Proposed runDisney Merchandise for 2014

2013 seems to be the year that runDisney has presented us with a a number of (what I believe are) pretty absurd products. Not the least of which are commemorative race-specific shoe sole inserts. "Hey DisneyBride, I am going to hang my sweaty shoe insoles on the wall, right next to our medals." With each nostril insulting whiff, you will remember why we keep the running shoes in the garage. So in the interest of more crazy ideas, here are a few of mine. If you are reading this runDisney, I better get my cut.

Mickey Nipple Guards

Nipple chafing is serious. And crossing the finish line with bloody nipples is not very Disney. Mickey nipple guards serve the dual purpose in shielding younger spectators from a bloody running spectacle, and in bringing "Hidden Mickey" hunting to an entirely new level.

Jabba the Hut Anti-Chafing Gel 

No one knows chafing better than Jabba the Hut.  With everyone starved for Star Wars merchandise and/or a Star Wars themed race, the gentle giant is a marketer's dream. 

MuShu Alarm Clock (porridge sold separately)

Getting up for early races is the worst. I am glad Disney Bride wakes up easily for races (yet not any other time of the year). A small annoying dragon throwing insults is the perfect way to wake up and get you motivated - be it for race day or a training run. 





I had two other ideas, however, I don’t think a runDisney Bobcat Goldthwaite alarm clock would be approved for licensing. And the Sam Eagle “A Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America)” themed alarm clock complete with fireworks display may present a fire hazard.  But it really is so spectacular, I'm showing it here for your enjoyment.

 

If you ever see me write about how I love to get up early, rest assured I have become a zombie or have been replaced by an alien or robot. You will know what to do.

Grey Stuff Goo (energy gels)

Sugary, delicious, and portable fuel for running. This needs no further explanation. 

 

 

Finish Line Food: Tonga Toast with Pineapple DoleWhip topping

This combines two of my favorite Disney treats - in a cool, rush of sugary heaven. Perfect #Recovery food. Not merchandise per se, but this is what I want, so I assume everyone else wants it too. 

We just ran 26.2 miles and paid a lot of money to do so.  With an army of the finest chefs at their disposal, I think Disney can do better than three stale crackers and warm hummus.

So these are my top picks.

What products would you like to see runDisney offer?

-Disney Groom

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Space Coast Marathon recap: To the Finish Line and Beyond

Thanksgiving weekend was a whirlwind for DisneyBride and I.  We literally criss-crossed the state. First, Thanksgiving Day with my family in Cape Coral, Florida. Then, Black Friday with DB’s family in Tampa. Then, Saturday through Sunday, Cocoa Beach for the Space Coast Marathon.  Finally, back to 'the scene of the crime', Walt Disney World, for our anniversary.  

I won’t review Thanksgiving, other than to mention we organized a color run for our nieces.  It was enjoyed by (almost) everyone.   Now to the race.

After driving clear across the state on Saturday we arrived at the Kennedy Space Center.   I dropped off DB and headed to find a parking space.  The location for packet pick-up makes perfect sense for the world's only space themed marathon.  Some signage would have been helpful to let the runners know to pick up limited access tickets before waiting in the security line.  I saw the table by luck, however, DB and many other runners were surprised to find out after waiting in  the security line that they needed the tickets to enter.  

Once in the convention center, the pick-up location for bib and bag check bag are right up front.  I didn’t see the volunteers out front giving out your bib number.  Thankfully, the volunteer took a few seconds to look us up.  

With my bib in hand, we headed for our shirts and moon pies.  Yep, moon pie.  Ok, I grabbed a couple.  They are delicious.  

The expo was much smaller than I had expected.  I realize that this has historically been a local race.  But, they have been advertising this race across the country so I had expected more in the way of retailers.  There were a few representatives from other Florida races.  I was lucky enough to win the giveaway for a free race entry to a new race: Excalibur 10 miler.  And I got a look at the big display case with the entire Big Bang Series medals.

My love of bacon is no secret.  So, it should be no surprise that I participated in the Endurance Sports Connection Three Little Pigs Challenge.  DB and I went to the meetup to pick up my swag and to get a better idea of where the tent would be on race day.  Why yes, that is a Bacon Suit shirt. Thanks for asking.

I must say that I am a little bummed the 3 Little Pigs medals will be mailed out late December and were not available race day. (We were told this ahead of time; it was not a surprise).  

Waking up early on race mornings is never fun.  Fortunately, we had the room packed up and our race clothes laid out the night before.  DB does this whole Flat Monica and Flat Walt thing to figure out if we are missing anything.

So in a few short minutes, we were dressed, packed, and on our way to the race.  We stayed at Cocoa Inn, one of the host motels for the race. They had prepared a bagged breakfast for all the runners since we would be leaving before the kitchen opened.  It was a nice touch.  

The starting area had as much enthusiasm as any race I have participated in.  Tons of volunteers, tons of spectators, and about 5,000 runners.  They split the start times and at 6:00 am DB was off with the half marathon runners.  After sending DB off, I set out to find a Galloway pace group.  After talking with a few of the leaders, I settled on the 5:15 group.  Later, I would find this to be a mistake.  

The race started with the singing of the national anthem and a big flat screen showing a shuttle launch countdown and blast-off.  This was a very nice touch.  As I followed the pace group, I felt like we were running too fast and walking too slow.  I managed to keep up with the group until about mile 11.  I was burnt out.  I looked at my half split time and I still managed to walk about 2 miles and come across the line several minutes ahead of schedule.  I may eventually try to track down a bib of a runner from the pace group and see if it was just my perception.  From this point, I just didn’t feel like this was my race.  I just finished out the race at my own pace.  

The course was an out and back, with the second half of the Marathon course being the entire Half Marathon course. I found DisneyBride heading back on the last leg of her Half, as I was in my second half of the course. It was great seeing her on the course, even though it was just a few seconds. We both look pretty tired at this point.

The beautifully flat course was full of spectators.  People set up chairs outside their homes and cheered us all on.  Several clubs set up tents and/or chairs for runners.  Providing everything from beer and margaritas, to oranges and pretzels.  And, lets not forget the amazing bacon tent.  

The numerous water stops (approximately every mile) were manned by extremely enthusiastic volunteers.   Many of whom had dressed for the occasion.  My favorite was the water stop in the 2nd half of the race that had several fellow Space Rangers. Even for a back of the pack runner, the stops were well supplied with drinks and Gu.

I had a great time on the course chatting with other runners and bumping into several friends we have made through runDisney events.  

Despite my super awesome jet pack with wings... I crossed the finish line without a new PR.  I guess that will have to wait for a future race.

Once across the finish, I received my finishers medal (This thing is huge!), my race towel, and walked over for a post race picture and my breakfast.  

I only have one complaint about the race.  It did not appear to have adequate medical support on course or the finish line.   I watched several runners get medical attention from spectators or fellow runners.  Apparently, there were several medical tents on the course; I only saw one.  At the finish line I watched several runners tending to broken toes and perhaps other broken bones in their feet (one runners feet looked like they had frost bite- really gross).  

One really cool moment, DB had post-race.  She found Jeff Galloway shortly after he crossed the finish line.  He had attempted to qualify for the Boston Marathon - and he had just gotten his Boston Qualifying time.  He told her: by six seconds.  That's awesome and we are really happy for Jeff, as we know this was a goal of his this year.

DB wanted to mention that there was a really inspirational runner at this event. Blind runner Candice Jordan, bib # 2356 walked the Half assisted by her guide dog, and led by Peterann Siehl bib #1583.  Lots of amazing runners out there - but this one was particularly noteworthy.  Candice and her trusty guidedog got a lot of well-earned cheers that day.

I look forward to doing this race again.  The race was obviously experiencing some growing pains with the big increase in registrations this year. Most likely due to the Big Bang Series medals.  I hope the race organizers learned from the experience and make this great race even better.   I can’t wait to see everyone again on November 30, 2014!

I mentioned that after my Marathon, we headed to Walt Disney World for our Anniversary. DB will be recapping that leg of the trip. There was no running involved - just recovery. But hey, that's part of the training process too.

So finally, a pic for my buddy, Larry.  He and his wife were registered for the Full and Half respectively, but didn't make it.  

Larry, I just wanted to let you know that a moon pie tastes even more delicious when one is wearing an awesome race shirt, wrapped in an amazing towel, and adorned in what is perhaps the coolest finisher medal ever. Hopefully you two can make it to Space Coast next year.

Here I am hanging out at home - enjoying my Space Swag

-DG

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