Where were we? Oh yes, relaxing day, good nutritional choices, took a nap. Why are we here again? Oh yes!! We’re running a half marathon!! For part one, go here.

Around 6pm I started getting ready. It takes me forever to get ready for a race, mostly because I think I’m a tad OCD. I have to check, double check, triple check EVERYTHING. I think I pinned and re-pinned my bib about 20 times. It was truly ridiculous. Shockingly, I have NEVER used a drop bag for a race but knew I would want some dry clothes and a jacket for the after party. I packed yoga pants, a jacket, an extra cliff bar and my race shirt. I wish I had packed baby wipes! More on why later.

Right at 7pm I headed down to the bus stop and the lobby was filled with runners, much like a morning race. What was NOT like a morning race were all the regular Disney visitors who looked at me like I was a nut because of my outfit.  I just kept moving forward and tried to ignore it. I mean, really, who can blame them? If you didn’t understand Disney running, a 43 year old woman in a sparkly skirt and a Mrs. Incredible tank top IS kind of odd;).

I sat next to Briana on the bus and we started chatting. She was awesome! She was nervous because it was her first half but I think I put her somewhat at ease. She and I immediately clicked and I knew I had made a new friend. Again, if you’re thinking of doing a Run Disney event but will be going it alone, don’t worry! You’ll make friends fast! Runners are friendly people!!

Me and Briana. The Run Disney photographers LOVED us for some reason! They wouldn’t stop taking our picture;)

When we arrived at the staging area we ran into Christine and Pam (http://www.werundisney.com/) who I stalk regularly at Disney events;). I don’t think they mind. They shared that the 5K had been amazing and that they couldn’t believe how many characters there were! They are the queens of Run Disney costuming and I always love what they’re wearing!!

Pam, Christine, Me, Briana

We immediately got in line for a pic with Goofy which was another first for me. There is quite a bit more time before you head to the corrals for an evening race so I didn’t feel rushed. We then gathered on the grass with all my Disney running crazy people. Some of whom may have celebrated food and wine a little more than expected (you know who you are;).

Michelle and David stopped by, good friends from our church, as well as Pete (whom you met in the first installment;). And then, on our way back from the porta-potties, I finally found Stephanie, my wonderful local running friend and blogger at Food And Fitness 4Real.

Me and Michelle!

Stephanie and Me!

It was so fun to run into everyone I knew that was there!!

Elisa, Lynn, Briana, Me, Deb, Selma, Alan

They started us toward the corrals I think around 9pm for our 10pm start time, so that left lots of time for us to hang out in our corral. And take a few pics. I might have been a little hyper;).

Left to right: Lynn, Deb, Kim (who ran the NYC Marathon just last weekend!) and me

They were trying to get a pic without me. Fat chance! This may or  may not have been right after I sang all of What Does The Fox Say

Superstar!! Yes, I have been told I look like Molly Shannon

 Before we knew it, it was time!! The corrals were much smaller than for my past Disney races and I loved it. I really do think it made for a less crowded course and we were off FAST. I think it was around 10:15 when we crossed the starting line and we were in Corral F. So yeah it went REALLY fast.

Thoughts on the course: basically, we did an out and back to Animal Kingdom (and ran through Animal Kingdom which was VERY COOL at night!) ran through Hollywood Studios including the costuming area complete with mirror balls and music, through some back stage areas at HS, down NY street where the Osbourne lights are, down the pathway that leads to the boardwalk along the water and into and out of Epcot to the finish.

I really, really, really liked the course. There was only one hill to speak of (and it was short), running at night was AMAZING (I never worried about the sun coming up and it getting hot like I usually do!) and they did an awesome job of having plenty to look at and listen to along the way.

I did miss running through the Magic Kingdom, but I’ll get to do that in January for the half and again in February for the Princess. Wow, spoiled much? Why yes! Yes I am!

I have to say, of all the halfs I’ve completed, I felt the best the entire time during this one. I’m going to say the Energy Bits plus my better pre-race nutrition and how much I rested on Saturday were huge contributors! I posed for quite a few pics so absolutely did not PR (I spent at least 10 minutes just in line! LOL!), but I count this race a total success! I was running for fun and had the time of my life!

Up next: The After Party at Wine and Dine and My Final Thoughts

Happy Running!