The Enchanted 10k

I wanted this race.  I had trained hard, hoping for a big PR.  The year before I had run the race in just under 47:00 and just missed placing.  This year I had training runs that suggested I could go sub 45:00.  I was flying high and hopeful.

I got on the second bus out of the resort.  I get really nervous about getting to the race on time, so I'm always down at the bus stop and in line pretty early.  Thus, my awful early alarm...

 

The Hubbie snapped a pic before I left.  First time I ever wore a sparkle skirt for a race.  This was my best attempt at a "costume".  I told him he did not have to go to the race and he happily went back to bed while I trekked across the resort to the bus stop. 

There's not much to do before a Disney race, so I stood in line and got some princess character pictures.  

I finally decided it was time to drop my stuff off at bag check and move to the corral.  My nerves were starting to kick in and I wanted to make sure I was somewhere near the front.  

Once we finally started running I felt pretty good.  I passed someone I knew and said hi, but even being close to the front, I still had to do a lot of zigzagging and weaving to find a spot were I could find my own pace and stride.  The first mile was a 7:31.

The second mile starts with a sharp turn and then a run up an overpass.  I took the hill moderately hard, passing people along the way, and then picked up speed down the other side.  I still felt pretty good, but new I wasn't on pace for a sub  45:00.  7:32 second mile.

Mike three is boring.  I hung on but was beginning to feel discouraged.  7:31.  Mile 4 is when you get to finally run into Epcot.  I love running around the world, though it's not completely flat so I find it hard to keep a consistent stride/pace.  Random hills of varying degrees pop up, annoyingly, just to mess with your legs.  7:37.

Going into the boardwalk area is where I really lost it.  I don't know if I just mentally gave up or what, but as I ran apart one of my favorite parts of the course I struggled to keep my pace up.  Once I saw the 7:56 flash on my Garmin I was heartbroken.  I tried to urge myself to go faster, but that's when I realized my goal was out of reach.  

Mile 6 is through some backstage stuff before you get to re-enter Epcot with a great finish past Spaceship Earth and out the the parking lot/finish line.  7:57

I still had something left in my legs and pushed through the last few tenths, finishing with a 6:33 pace as I finished in a 47:10.  I was very disappointed.  I'm not sure if I just peaked early, if the A1A Half I did the week before took more out of me than I thought, or if my vacation in FL tore me down, but I was way off my intended time.  I walked through the finishing area and tried not to be too cranky, but it was hard.  

I returned to my hotel room and at least got to look forward to an excellent buffet breakfast at Beach Club's Cale May.  What better way to recover and refuel for the next day's half than stuffing myself full of delicious food?

 Luckily I tend to have a strong stomach so I am able to enjoy some questionable prerace activities.  And Minnie loved my skirt!

Princess expo take 2

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We returned to the scene of the craziness again on Friday, missing the opening.  I really just wanted to go back so I could actually see the vendors as we left in a hurry on Thursday, frustrated by the chaos and the crowds.  (Sorry for the blurry pic, but barely any lines!)

The crowds were definitely much more manageable, especially in the RunDisney merchandise areas.  Most items were still in stock, including those pink jackets that caused so much drama.  

The vendors were there in full force

And I loved walking around and looking at them.  A few of my favs were Inspired Endurance, Sparkle Athletic, Sports Hooks, and the New Balance area.

Even the New Balance area was cleared out enough that I could wander in and look at, albeit not try on, shoes.  Definitely love the Minnie and Ariel shoes- but I'm so picky about my footwear that I'm afraid to take the plunge, so for now I'll just admire from afar.

As we were getting ready to leave we noticed Jeff Galloway speaking so we stopped and listened for a bit.  He's always fun to listen to! He gives out great advice and has a great personality that draws you in.

After his talk he said he'd be going back to his booth for pictures and stuff.  My husband and I tailed him back into the expo... A little stalkerish almost as we kept just far enough not to be obvious but close enough not to lose him.  MAN can he weave through a crowd quickly!  But we got there and I was excited to get my pic with an Olympian!  

After this we did leave, checking out the RunDisney medals as we went.  I snapped a pic of all the medals I'll have after Pixie Dust in May (yes, I'm a bling-aholic).  Can't wait until they are all mine! 

Conclusion:  if you don't mind missing out on a few of the most coveted items (this year the tervis and wine glass) then going early the second day is much less stressful than trying to survive the first.  There were great things to see, buy, and do that I enjoyed much more on Friday!