The Big Day (Part Two)

 I knew my family was set up around mile 4 but as the race was set up, they could also see me during the first mile. I heard my sister in law yell my name as I went by and I waved  and could not wait to get back to them in a few miles. As crowded as the race was, it spread out pretty quickly. There were parts along the way where you had to bob and weave to get around people, but I don't think too much time was wasted compared to other races I've done.

The first few miles were awesome. I did not start off too fast or too slow and was very comfortable. We entered Epcot and ran around the big silver ball (sorry but I don't remember the technical name of that thing). I was already feeling a little warm so I took off my long sleeve shirt and gloves and tossed the gloves. I knew I would see the family soon and would throw my shirt to them. I know this is a silly detail, but after a while, I was feeling cold again and was wishing I had my clothes. As I left Epcot and rounded the corner near mile 4, I started looking for them. Michael was wearing a red jacket which helped me find him easliy. He handed me a gu since I had already used one of my planned ones and I threw him my shirt. I gave them some high fives and thumbs up to let them know I was doing well. Michael ran along the fence with me for a few seconds and I told him that I was happy with my time at that point but needed to make up a little bit for the crowded areas.

So the first hour of the race was great! I loved the feeling of being there, running through Epcot, and seeing characters along the way. It is an exciting place to run for the most part. Unusual problems started for me around mile 6. I started to feel cold and my arms had goosebumps on them. My hands started to swell and become somewhat numb. At the worst part I was using my teeth to open my gu. I still do not know exactly what the problem was, but I plan on talking to a doctor soon to get some ideas. During the race, I decided to try to run through it since my legs were fine. I didn't want to stop at a medical tent in fear that they would make me stop or at least for the fact that it would severly affect my time. I know, I know, this could have been a stupid decision, but I knew if any other problems arose, like nausea, or numbness in my legs, that I would stop at a tent.

The next ten miles were good except for the weird feelings in my arms and hands. My pace was still o.k. considering, and I finished the first half in 2:18 which is the same time as the half marathon I ran last spring. I do think I lost a lot of time because of my arms. I kept walking to try to shake them out and drank at every water stop, which I wouldn't have done otherwise, in case it was a hydration problem. Around mile 10 we were running through the Magic Kingdom. Except for finishing, this was my favorite part. Fans were allowed to come inside the park, so I got to see my family again and they got to take some pictures. It was amazing to run through the castle, but because I could not get my mind off of my hands, I did not fully get to enjoy that moment.

By the time my hands were recovering and feeling warm again my legs were getting sore and I was mentally drained. I figured the course would be pretty flat but the little hills inside the parks and the exits on all the highways were hard to get up and down by the end. I walked far more than I had planned during the race, and I blame that on my arms. Strange, I know, because you run with your legs, but I walked more during the first 16 than I needed to for my legs sake. Then for the last 10, I could not mentally push myself as I would have liked. I had not been able to let my mind wander as I usually do on a long run which I think affected my mental stamina towards the end. The miles seemed to get longer and longer as I reached 18, 19, 20 and beyond.  By mile 21, I was a little worried about my time, and was trying to convince myself that I would be happy no matter what. During miles 22-26.2, I could muster up shorts bursts of energy where I was surprised how well my legs were moving, but they were hurting in a way that they have never felt before!! I don't remember much about the next few miles, but I know at some point I ran through animal kingdom (don't remember seeing many animals) and Universal Studios (have no clue what was there except for that mirage of tall buildings). All I was thinking was that once I got out of Universal I was almost done. Those were the longest couple of miles ever! At mile 26 there was a gospel choir singing. Although I don't remember what they were singing, that was an inspring moment that helped push me to pick up the pace for the last stretch. No matter how painful, I was going to give everything I had to cross that finish line. I knew I had not gone as fast as I wanted to, but that moment was about finishing and finishing strong. As I rounded that corner, the fans were screaming and I heard Gene yell my name. I threw my arms in the air and took the last few strides to cross the finish line giving fives to Goofy and Donald along the way. I was thinking, "Thank the Lord I am finally done!" Soon I could see my husband but had to wait a little while to start giving hugs. I got my medal, got a picture taken, and got some post race food which I was looking forward to eating!

Finally I got to go see my family. I gave Michael a huge hug and then the rest of the group. We stood around for a little while because my legs were in so much pain. I had not hurt myself, but my legs were sore and stiff and just HURT. I did not want to walk to the car. I would have preferred for someone to carry me!! I told my family a little bit of how my race went and told them that I would never do this again (it only took a couple of hours to change my mind lol!).