Going Goofy, 2009

Among the many lessons learned this weekend was that a 5:45 am flight out of Tri-Cities leaves VERY early in the morning! Annette and I were up and out of the house by 4:30 on a cold and windy Friday, Jan. 11th. But after a couple of small flight delays (I'll always be happy to wait while they de-ice the plane), we touched down in sunny, 75 degree Orlando. Transportation to the Wilderness Lodge was smooth and uneventful... If there's one thing Disney does well, it's move people around.

After dropping our carry-on's on the room, we were off to the expo at Wide World of Sports. Packet and t-shirt pickup was fairly smooth. The only hiccup was waiting for Kristin to arrive, since her flight was a solid hour late getting in. Add to that some confusion and delay getting to the expo, and we were all glad to finally connect and officially start the weekend.

One brush with the famous... While at the expo, Jeff Galloway (former Olympian and current author/running coach/expo circuit speaker) was presenting, then doing a promo appearance for a shoe company. Annette had signed up to attend his running school in Indianapolis the following weekend, so she took the opportunity to introduce herself and talk about the race, as well as her upcoming trip. He couldn't have been more gracious, sharing tips and taking an interest in our upcoming races. It was another one of the little things that made the weekend so much fun.

After an enjoyable dinner with an old college friend now living in the Orlando area, it was back to the Wilderness Lodge to go through the night before pre-race ritual... pinning on the race bib, making sure it's straight, putting on the timing chip, and laying out the race day attire.

HALF RACE MORNING
The alarm went off at 2:10am, and it was time to get ready for the half. After throwing on some sweats, it was down to the lobby for bananas and coffee. It was a nice way to slowly ease into the day. Kristin and I were in the Disney bus by 3:30, which got us to the start area smoothly. We hung out for a couple of hours (long porta-potty lines!) before heading to the start. After the fireworks, it was off to a crowded, but energetic start. The highlights of the run had to be running down Main Street and through Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom, then returning through Epcot at the finish. Kristin did a great job pushing through her first half marathon, and running with her through the finish was a really great experience.

The rest of Half Day was spent lounging by the pool and roaming around the Disney property. After finding dinner at Port Orleans Riverside, it was back to the room to repeat the pre-race procedures. Then early to bed, and time to hit...

MARATHON RACE MORNING
Repeat the Saturday 2:10 wakeup and breakfast, and Annette and I were on the 3:30 bus to the start. It was fun spending a couple of hours getting ready and talking with many orange-clad disneyrunning.com folks. What a great running community, and super nice folks. It was surprising to see so much orange before the race, as well as out on the course.

The start hit at 5:50 am, and Annette and I were on our way. We were "red" course starters, which sent us through Epcot during the first three miles. Really neat to see the park lit up and empty before opening. Then it was up to Magic Kingdom, down Main Street, and thorugh Cinderella's Castle. Side note... we actually got a couple of really good ASI photos running in front of the castle. They turned out great!

After Magic Kingdom, it was down to Animal Kingdom, where the crowds really picked up, as the park had opened by the time we got there. Then it was through to Hollywood Studio, around the boardwalk, and through the World Showcase. And in just over six hours, Annette and I crossed the finish, her first marathon finish after two prior frustrating experiences. She will always be a marathoner!

We celebrated the best way we knew how... a fabulously expensive and yummy surf-n-turf at Narcoossees, then a relaxing Monday in the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to relive old memories, as well as watch Kristin remember back to her childhood. Seeing her remember back to the Peter Pan ride was priceless.

This was a different type of race weekend for me. Instead of just focusing on my races, it was all about being with Kristin and Annette, helping them experience a first finishing line. What a gratifying way to experience my first Disney! And while I may not Goofy again, I can vary easily see us all back down at Disney for marathon weekend 2010.