Walt Disney Marathon 2010: sub-zero temp, sub-5 finish

Bottom line: The good news is that I completed the race in spite of the frightful cold weather. The bad news is that I cramped (again!).

The race report. Three things stood out at the WDW marathon 2010. First, the harsh weather. It was sub-zero when we gathered for the start. The organizers arranged it such that we had to catch the coach by 4 am for the 6 am start. I had two bottoms and six tops. Found a nice cosy spot by the information tent where a number of more experienced runners were huddling. The tent blocked the wind, and as more runners joined the huddle (it was 8 deep at one point), it was bearable. Until I got out to walk to the corrals. The cold wind blasted me and I was shivering even as I walked 20 minutes to the starting point.

Second, the goofy challenge. This involved running the half marathon on Sat and then the full marathon on Sunday. Goofy participants were easily identified by their goofy hats. One even dressed up in a goofy costume. Finishers get an additional medal - the goofy medal.

Third, finishers proudly wear their medals long after the race at lunch and the theme parks. And they congratulated each other for completing the race.

Back to the race. The race flagged off with fireworks atop the overhead flyover near Epcot. Spirits were high even with the cold. It was good to start running. Anything but stand around and shiver! The route took us into Epcot. Even so early in the morning, many supporters were out cheering. At the 5km mark, I shed the disposable jacket and vest. Next up was the Magic Kingdom, (20km) where we were greeted with the disney castle (with photographers happy to oblige). Disney characters were present at the theme parks to cheer and offer photo opportunities for runners.

The road leading to the Animal Kingdom was rather long and narrow. There was a soldier carrying a full packpack and small US flags for anyone who would want them. He was walking by the time I passed him. Couldn't blame him. Patriotism at its best. By then, I felt a little tired and slowed a little. Legs felt a little crampy. But my overall pace was quite good, about 7 for the first 10km and under 7 for the next 20. HR about 140 to 150 for the first 20.

By the time we left the Animal Kingdom, we'd clocked 30 km. It was sunny by then, and I took off the wind jacket as I didn't want to overheat. HR had gone up above 150 by then. Hovering between 150 and 160. The next 5 km or so along the freeway was not very interesting, but the DJ kept us going.

A number of ramps to climb to get into Hollywood Studios. With about 6 more km to go, I kicked it up a notch, aided by raisins and familiar sights (I took a tour to Hollywood Studios two days ago). Passed some very luxurious resort and yatch club. Many spectators were now cheering and supporting. It was interesting watching spectators crossing at the crossovers. They would wait for a gap between runners and the marshall would say go! And they would dashed across.

Heading back into Epcot, at 39km mark, I felt my right thigh cramping up. Immediately went one side to stretch. Hobbled some, then ran. Had to stop a couple more times to stretch. I had been taking the S-caps faithfully every 7 km. It worked pretty well, but by 39km, it was just grinding it out time.

I was hoping to see signs indicating how far more to go, but there weren't any. Happy to hear the marshalls yell two more miles, one more mile, half mile more to go. Then there it was, the finish line.

Time check: 4:58:46. Yes, it's a sub-5 PB. :)

View in garmin connect.

Some observations: The Americans are rather expressive and loud (not in a negative sense). A lot of chatter and conversation. A high number of elderly participants. 16,883 finishers.

Lessons learnt:

• How to dress for cold weather runs - layers, technology and mylar blankets.
• How to stay warm before (huddle) and while running (run in middle of pack or behind someone)
• I also learnt another trick from a goofy participant on the coach ride back - place thermal packs in the gloves, thighs and calves. Cheap and effective way to keep warm.
• Better nutrition - one gel every 8 km (one hour) and one S-cap every 7 km (may have to increase frequency in later part of run).

Overall, it was a good experience.

Honor roll: Triumph 6, Skins tights, Brooks top