Again, a disclaimer. If you didn’t read part one and part two, you really should go do that first. Because you’d hate to miss out on the Expo and the 10K right? Of course, right.;)

It’s Time!! The Big Morning! The Disneyland Half Marathon!!

 I’d laid out my “flat runner” the night before and made sure absolutely everything was there and accounted for. Not only because I didn’t want to wake up Sleeping Beauty Tonja (who, btw, has a four month old so needed to rest up all she could!!) but also because I tend to not be able to think clearly on race morning. Seriously can’t make a decision to save my life. Not that the 10K wasn’t a race, but it just didn’t seem as serious to only be running for an hour and I didn’t need all my normal race “stuff”.

I had my coffee, my banana and yogurt (purchased at the hotel the night before) and half a cliff bar but I was pretty anxious so didn’t finish it. Oh, and I took my Immodium. I always take two on the morning of a half. I’m sure doctors out there are shocked but it works like a charm for me. Maybe just because I “think” it’s going to, but who cares. If you’ve ever had GI issues during a race, you’ll do anything to keep it from happening again!

The night before, Reliable Selma and I (do you like how all the peeps are getting fun names this time?) had the following text interaction:

me: I’m thinking of leaving the room at 4:30. Do you think that’s OK?
Selma: No, you can leave at 4:35

LOL! OK, now THAT’S specific! I told Tonja I guess if I’m ready at 4:32 I’ll just stand in the hallway for 3 minutes. I did, in fact, split the difference and leave the room at 4:33. These are just thrilling details, yes? Maybe not.

Things felt MUCH more orderly this morning and we were quickly able to find a few peeps but not many because they were REALLY hurrying people up to the corrals. Ended up being way too early as we had to wait forever once we got there. Oh well. Better early than late! Here’s the pic we got with the handful of peeps that were there before we left.

The Corral C folks headed off to our places, blowing kisses and wishing our friends well! Note Suzanne’s hat in this picture – that would be important later when I was trying to find her along the trail. We did have a fun moment after the National Anthem (sung INCREDIBLY by the way) when all of us spontaneously broke into “Oh Canada” for Tim. Problem is, we only knew the first two words so it was short. Oh well. I think he felt the love.

I didn’t take many pictures at all along the course as I was really concentrating. I didn’t stop for pics with characters or anything. It was crowded in spots and that slowed me down but I was determined! I was after a PR! But the things was . . .it was hard. I was having fun and felt strong, but every time I checked my time I was unhappy. I wasn’t where I needed to be. Not even close. I’m really affected speed wise by heat and humidity and it was showing. I found Suzanne (because of her hat!) and we ran “together” much as we had for the Las Colinas half in April and she was, as always, a reassuring and friendly presence!! Did I mention it was warm?? I poured water on my head at 3 different water stops and that helped tremendously.

This was pretty early on and I love this pic but I am, shall we say, a sweaty mess!!

And when I realized at about mile 8 that there was no way I could make up the lost time, I just settled down and relaxed.

I sang some Miley Cyrus to Suzanne once around mile 10 I think and I’m sure she loved it. Because everyone loves when they can’t hear the music in your iphone and you sing to them;). I screamed something about how we should all remember Miley in those days – you know, the wholesome party in the USA days? And again, I’m sure it was appreciated by all. I’m such a giver.

I took this as we were coming into Angel Stadium. I will say that part of the course makes me very happy. It really is exciting!! I especially love all the high fives from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. We so appreciated you guys!!

You run through the streets of Anaheim quite a lot on this course and I love all the local entertainment. The Polynesian Dancers are my favorite! Also loved the classic car clubs and local marching bands. It’s like everything I love about a Disney race and everything I love about a local race wrapped up together!! I don’t love the gravel portion that goes along the river bed but it’s short enough so not too annoying.

Every race since we lost my dad, I cry at least once missing him. You see, he was the one who taught me to love running but he died before I did my first race. I thought I was going to escape this time, but then a song came on from Princess and the Frog. The lyric goes like this “You your daddy’s daughter. What he had in him, you have in you.” And yes, I promptly burst into tears. I hope you were somehow able to see me run, Daddy. Miss you everyday.

It was not long after this that I started to get a little down about my poor performance. Things were not turning out as I had planned and I was getting kind of cranky. All those track workouts and extra running and no PR?? No fair!!

And then we rounded a corner close to the end (maybe mile 11) and there was a woman on the ground being worked on by a medic. Her eyes were glassy and her friend was trying to get her to respond. I don’t know how serious it was but I immediately gave myself a swift kick in the mental pants! I am healthy! I am strong! I’m 7/8 of the way into a 13.1 mile race and I don’t even have so much as a sore foot to deal with! My body was responding beautifully (just as I had trained it) and God had blessed me with a great (if warm) day, working limbs and a strong heart. I spent the last few miles practicing gratitude – thanking God for everything from each one of my kids to my husband, my job, my friends and just like that, pity party officially over. I ran across the finish line with a huge smile on my face!! Thank you, Lord, for another amazing race!

 It’s amazing how many different emotions you can have in the span of 13.1 miles. It really is an emotional journey for every one of us! As I re-read what I just wrote it sounds like I have a personality disorder, but the truth is that’s part of the fun of a race. You could have the best and the worst race in the same distance! It’s a crazy weird sport.:)

I quickly collected all my medals and headed straight back to the hotel to shower and change. Because both races are done, Dumbo Double Dare Challenge complete and it’s TIME TO PLAY WITH MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!

Up Next: Playing hard at Disneyland after the Half and Final Thoughts!! (little preview shot here. I really did have a grand day at the Happiest Place on Earth!!)