Disney

Walt Disney World hosted a half marathon on Saturday & a full on Sunday as part of their endurance series. I completed what I call the Pluto challenge. More on that later.

Saturday agenda- WDW half marathon

I had not planned on running this this year, but good friend Felipe said he had an extra bib. Ya'll know I'm always up for a challenge, so I accepted. Since I won't actually get credit for my performance (I wasn't signed up under my name), I did not plan on running hard. In fact, I wanted to run with my Ipod. However, once I agreed, my game plan was to be a rabbit for him for 3 miles, then cut back drastically, in preparation for the next day. While the pacing (6:30) went off as planned, I finished a lot faster than expected. That's both good & bad. In any case, I collected the coveted Donald duck medal.

Sunday agenda-WDW marathon

This was the main event! I officially registered for this one because it was an anniversary (15th) event. WDW created such a hoopla over it, declaring the finisher's medal as a top secret design. In the half, I used just the Ipod, but in this one, I wanted to incorporate the Nike plus system; big mistake. At about mile 2, as I was getting passed by teammate Caroline, the sensor stop registering, forcing me to scrap that plan & stick it out as in years past. I also decided to utilize only Chi running. While it was effective in energy conservation, the pace was just too slow. I barely made my self imposed time limit but did accomplish something never before done- I ran (jog speed) consistently without stopping or walking! I was reminded why I take off fast then hang on for dear life. I started off slow & got slower. Remarkably, my time was sufficient for a top 10 percent finish & I was the sixth Dade county resident to come in. Just like all those before me, I got the top secret Mickey mouse medal. Although the ribbon was bland (red only), the new design with the years (1994 till now) was nice.

Both events had plenty of refreshments. 1 added perk was the champion booth, where you display your finisher's medal to get a commemorative medal from that company plus a back pack, while supplies lasted. I did the first 2 goofy challenges (half on Sat & full on Sun) & did not like the treatment I received so I did not sign up this year. Well, finally they woke up. The finally gave a tech shirt for signing up for the challenge, in addition to the shirts for the 2 events and redesigned the medal with a recognizable image of the character rather than just a goofy hat. Oh, what's the Pluto challenge? It is similar to the goofy challenge (same distance),but without the amenities (no shirt, no medal).

Honorable mention

* My dad finished the marathon & beat about 2k people.
* Teammate Caroline was the top Dade finisher (3:23) with her PR & qualified again for Boston.
* Teammate Gene did his 1st Disney half.
* Co-worker Christy completed the Goofy, despite injury.
* Felipe finished his 1st Disney half, almost placing.
* Felipe's dad finished his 1st Disney half, almost placing.