If anyone is wondering about how to train for a race, I cannot recommend enough contacting
@DopeyBadger to help you prepare. I worried too much about the high mileage runs not being anywhere near what I expected for a marathon, but when he explained the higher volume I had been running in comparison to the Galloway Dopey plan, I knew that my preparation should be sufficient. When I was finishing up the half marathon on Saturday and knew that I was not even close to spent like I usually am during a half marathon, my confidence soared again. As he says, training is difficult. You have to commit to it and stay that way. But it works. I ran Dopey and my confidence up to the half was based on trusting my training and knowing I had a plan. When I finished the half marathon substantially stronger than ever before, I knew that I had a whole lot left in the tank. While I did not know yet what would unfold during the marathon, I knew at that moment I was as prepared as I could be without having run the race.
I'm so happy you were able to finish. When I was debating about whether or not I actually wanted to register for the marathon, you shared with me about how your first marathon attempt that ended in a sweep was still a good experience, that helped me feel better about how I might feel if I didn't finish. So I'm very excited that you experienced the thrill of finishing!
Funny how that works. Sometimes we think we hate running and then it suddenly gets better.
I wound up catching a cold on January 2nd. It quickly morphed from not too bad into really bad, and the only reason I wasn't completely afraid it would ruin my Dopey marathon dream is because the worst day was 4 days before I left for Disney World. Between focusing on rest and recovery and dealing with the work chaos of being out one day and having to leave for a week long vacation, staying caught up with this thread went on the back burner.
First off, I'm glad that those who were not able to finish out there are doing better. The heat and humidity during the marathon were difficult and I heard so many horror stories about serious medical issues on the course.
Second off, a huge congratulations to everyone who finished their race(s), whatever distance(s) they chose to run. No matter what distance you choose, this is not easy. I had so many CMs say they could never run and I always replied with "I used to think that too." My first half marathon was really difficult, probably one of my two most difficult races ever. I never even dreamed that I would not only someday register for a marathon, but actually finish it and enjoy the experience. So many of you inspired me whether it be through your encouragement to me personally or just sharing the highs and lows of training.
SAFD: Highlights of Marathon Weekend in no particular order.
1. The CMs efforts in making me feel even happier than I already did about finishing the marathon and Dopey. The characters were tremendous. I'll never forget Mickey applauding me when I got a picture taken with him and all of my medals in Epcot the day of the marathon. So many CMs and characters made the moment extra magical for me. Since I was in the parks by myself, I appreciated feeling like I wasn't alone. I also really enjoyed the knowing smiles from fellow runners.
2. A special shout out to anyone who took the time out of their vacation to cheer for the runners. Whether you were there for a friend or family member, or just embraced the moment when we went by you in the parks and made it take a bit longer before you got to where you wanted to go, your cheers provided an extra boost of energy at times when it was so needed. After mile 21 became a real struggle for me, but it all seemed to turn once I got into Hollywood Studios where cheering crowds for the rest of the race really helped me finish with a smile on my face. On the bus ride from POFQ to Epcot after the marathon, the bus driver congratulated all the runners and we applauded each other and those who had cheered during the races.
3. The volunteers. They were always cheerful and ready with extra powerade or water. I poured a lot of water on my head over the last 6 miles or so.
4. The tropical fruit smoothie from the Morocco pavilion in Epcot. It possessed the tremendous virtue of being icy cold and not tasting anything like powerade and water. I think it's why I began to sing when Let's Go Fly a Kite played over the speakers a few minutes later. I truly felt like I was flying. Either a runners high or hallucination. I'm not sure which one.
I didn't get to meet anyone here to my disappointment. The timing didn't work before the races. Suffice it to say, I truly appreciate all that I've learned from this community. I never would have seriously entertained the idea of actually running a marathon if so many people here hadn't written up their experiences about it. That helped me see beyond the idea of running 26.2 miles continuously. When I finished the half on Saturday, I said "this was so much fun that I'm going to do it again tomorrow. Twice." I was terrified before my first half marathon. Before my first marathon I had a strange sense of peace. I truly felt prepared.
I'd love to run marathon weekend again, but timing in January is tricky and this may well turn out to be my only shot at it. But if so, I'm glad I had the opportunity.
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