By having the 5k and 10k events under the belt, we focus our energy on the half; we are now in serious endurance distance events. Especially for Bianca and Calvin, who, although they have tackled close to similar distances during training and some back-to-back training, this time, it is going to be the full distance. Do not get me wrong; it is not that 3.1 and 6.2 miles are not serious distances; they are and do offer their own set of challenges, but with the half, you start adding and playing with different sets of variables like the need to pay attention more to fueling during the event, the increased importance of hydration, also the longer time on your feet the chances that something needs to be adjusted and many others variables that could affect the way you are going to perform.

We also knew we had to keep in mind that the Full was still ahead of us the next day. Taking it super easy was a must, regardless of how well we were feeling during the run. Plus, we have already been at the expo for the past couple of days and perhaps not much walking if we decided to go there again. So there was not really much to do today or plan, no real reason to finish too early, and no reason to jeopardize the challenge by doing something too crazy or unnecessary during the half. Basically, take our time with picture opportunities and have tons of fun.

The Pre-Event:

We started the day as planned. I woke up around 2:45 in the morning, changed into running clothes, prepared the hydration/fuel belt, and had my oatmeal, coffee, and banana. I am ready to head out by 3:15. Traffic was significantly more on the way in, as well as the number of runners tackling this event. This morning there was some rain forecasted for the early portion of the event. Driving in and while waiting there was already some light and mist rain. We met with Sydney and her dad at one of the tent, to wait until the last minute to go to the corral area.

Many runners again dressed up and wearing different costumes and different levels and details. All shapes and all sizes, It is great to see so many people excited to be able to participate. Some of them are doing just the half, some doing the Goofy Challenge, and, of course, the insane cases (Like us) are doing the Dopey Challenge. I once again checked my sugars prior to moving to the corrals and they were good to go, no adjustment.

The Event:

The corral setup was similar to the 5k and 10k event setup but different from when I did the challenge 11 years ago, where the start location was not in the parking lot of Epcot. Again, the music, show, jokes, and comedy, as usual, will entertain you while waiting to make the time pass by really fast; the only way Disney can do it. We were assigned to corral D instead of C, for today and tomorrow’s events. So three corrals in front of us in addition to the elite corral that was for runners that most likely were contenders for money awards finishes.

 Once again, loud music and fireworks!!!! with the departure of each corral. Corral A, Corral B, Corral C,…(about 15 minutes between each corral, since there are about three waves per corral), and off we go.

The first few miles of the route for the Half take us to the main road and a little bit of Epcot before we head out towards the Magic Kingdom. While on the roads, the route took us to the left side to where the race track used to be. While at one of the overpasses, there was some uneven surface where the asphalt and the side there was a noticeable difference. This is when Bianca almost rolled her ankle. It woke us up and after slowing down a bit to check if she was ok, we continued. Soon after that, another runner on the other side of the road tripped and fell down. The runner was ok and stood up quite fast, more embarrassed than hurt but ok. That again gave us another reminder to pay attention, even with all the distractions that we had along the way on the course.

It was a different route from previous years, as this time it took us very close to the Polynesian, Wedding Pavilion, and Grand Floridian resort and areas. Here we were running along a female runner dressed as Kermit the Frog and her companion, a male runner on the heavy side wearing a Miss Piggy costume. Even the crowd was encouraging them, yelling, “Go, Kermit!!!, Go, Miss Piggy!!!” as we were running by.

There was a greenway area that took us over the lagoon, and there was the display in the action of the electric floating parade, which was very neat to see. After that, we got to the side entrance to the main street in the Magic Kingdom. After getting into the park, you can feel the excitement in the air. Spectators are on the side of the road at the entrance and in the park, cheering, clapping, and encouraging runners. As we ran in Main Street, you could see the castle and the sea of runners and spectators. We turned left at the center garden area from which you can get to the other areas of the park, toward Frontierland. Along the way so far we have seen lots of picture opportunities. Since we already got some from the 5k and 10k and still have one more event tomorrow, we were very selective as to which one we were going to stop and make the line, if it was a key character like Mickey, Goofy, Pooh Bear or Jack Sparrow or if the line was super short.

We went through the castle, making sure to stop to take a picture of this iconic race with the castle in the background. On our way back, we passed a few of the attractions in Tomorrowland, where more picture moments awaited, as well as a short view backstage of the Magic Kingdom. Many runners wearing costumes and signs are very creative, and definitely, it does make you enjoy the distance better. A few spectators along the road near the Contemporary resort area were cheering for the runners as we passed by.

After getting out of the service road, then head out toward Epcot for the usual Epcot route around the main park area. During the course of the half, I checked my CGMS a few times, especially while grabbing Powerade and water at the water stations. Sugars remained steady and within running range for the remainder of the event. We had plenty of energy at the end of the event so we increased the pace well under the 10:00 pace, finishing a very strong last mile with plenty of energy in the tank and with a smile on our faces.

After Event:

We grabbed our medals and walked again towards the Goofy and Dopey Challenge picture area to make sure we had pictures ready for us with Dopey. We took it easy as we did not want it to take any chances to be able to tackle the Marathon event. I quickly checked my sugars and was a bit on the high side, so I did a bolus adjustment, given the amount of fuel I consumed during the event.

Tons of picture moments, music, and shows. Once again, we took it very easy. I was more tired from being awake so early three nights in a row,  not because of my legs but because I was still fresh and had leg energy at the end of the event. Bianca and Calvin were feeling great and fresh. I believe we are going to have a great event tomorrow. We finished taking about twice the time we normally take to finish a Half-Marathon with a time of 3:14:40, but hey, with lots of walking and lots of waiting in line for picture opportunities. It was worth it. We are ready for the Marathon.

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Month/Year	Event	Location	Type	Time
Jan-25	Disney Half Marathon	FL	Half	3:14:40

Course: Over 30,000 runners. This is a street course. Mostly flat, with some rolling hills and one gigantic loop. It is extremely scenic, going through both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. And if that is not all, don’t forget you get to also run across the castle. The water and aid stations are well-manned and awesome. They offer energy beans instead of gels. Awesome spectators cheering you along the way. Several school bands provide their music and support, and plenty of different characters along the way for you to take pictures. Due to the amount of runners and the picture opportunities I will not consider this event an event to PR for time. But if this is your first half and you just want to finish, I recommend this one 100%.

Expo: The Expo similar to last year one of the best one I have ever attended. Lots of products, talks and information.

Weather: Some initial rain and cloud coverage, 40sº with high humidity.

T1D: Sugars with in running range at start. Slightly higher at the later part of the race.

Fueling: Pre-Race: 1 serving Hot Cereal, banana and Latte.

Race: Water and Powerade at all stations. Two energy gels during the event.

Post: Banana, water and snack. Medium lunch after.

Learning Points:

• Running a huge event has the disadvantage of lots of walkers.
• Running at Disney Park is an experience in itself.
• Running for fun will yield a good adventure experience and pictures