10k and 1/2 of a 1/2 Marathon, or something like that

Wait what? 1/2 of a 1/2 Marathon? Wow, how’s that possible?! Well Disney is amazing and they saw weather coming in the night before the race and it had the potential to put a lot of racers, volunteers and entertainment at risk so they redesigned the course overnight! And they fit 7.1 miles in before the storm rolled in. 

The course was tight, and a sense of urgency was definitely palpable and I ran my fastest 10k split ever recorded. Which blew my mind. I really didn’t stop for much, but I had to stop for power-line

Max.

I was fortunate enough to finish the preplanned course before it was cut, not once but twice! 

Random peps with cool character

I wanted to stop, but the humidity was building and storm was going to come in

Merlins beard

All the characters I didn’t get to stop for

I did get some great shots

He went inside as I passed…

This one meant a lot to me!

100th Anniversary D&D

I didn’t end up using my timer, I ran my fastest 10k

I mean how rare!

The end of the race wound through Epcot world showcase and the front of the park as well and this race was quite magical. I ended up finishing just as rhe rain started to rwally come down.

Great running shot!

Humid before the rain

Weird to wear 13.1 having done only 11.1 at the time.

I quickly popped my poncho on and hightailed it to the bus line. I really wanted ro finish this race to honor the 48.6 miles rhat is the Dopey challenge. 

Happy Bignet to celebrate a 1/2 marathon!

Some felt they ran what Disney offered, & others wanted to legit do 48.6 not 42.6 so many, like me, were doing laps in the staging area and corrals. and i was able to clock 4 miles pre-race by walking quickly. (Remember I’m a run-walk-runner and I stratagized to save my legs for the marathon the followong morning). But running my fastest 10k during the race had me worried. So I decided ro take a small break then walk 2 miles to finish. With the intent to do all 13.1 as closely together as possible. And in a down pour I put my ego on and finished, to the detriment of blisters. My biggest fear! And it was self-induced. Darn ego! 

Restructured course

Trails at Port Orleans

Finished 13.1 total miles: soaked w/ fresh blisters.

Training kicked in and I prepared for Marathon day with renewed vigor. I preplaced my blister KT tape around my pinky and ring toes (they already are prone to blisters) and my arches. Packed dry socks and extra Squirrel Nut Butter & prayed that would hold! Read about how they held up during my first Marathon here!

Checked into the Port Orleans French Quarter after our day at Hollywood Studios and the 10k….Want to hear more about that, keep scrolling!

So, what about the 10k? Well, it was frigid! I was numb when I finished the race and I wore my velvet Tower of Terror Bellhop outfit (warmest I had), but what a course! All road at first and then….All Epcot! IT was a fun course, full (thought not as packed as the 1/2-1/2) with Characters and entertainment! I loved the bands playing in the world showcase and around the closing stretch the gospel chior brought me to tears! A magical course, and I loved every moment. I had way too much fun posing as if I was on the ToT ride.

And I really loved finishing with a goofy pose. 

This is the race that hooked me into the desire to run at Disneyland. Ive heard tou run through the parks for the majority of the races! All of the 5k and most of the 10K and again 1/2 of the 1/2….sooo, the adventure continues!

Having a blast!

Why Hello Jogging Jack Sparrow

I love a Mad Hatter

Clueless of the Photopass

Iconic

Found the Puppet Runners

Who dis?

Thumper! That one is for Dad

Beautiful lit up Boardwalk

Does anyone still ride this?

DisneyLand Inaugural Halloween Races 2024 are happening and I was even fortunate enough to score a place on the A-T cure team!!!! Support A-T Cure Team In case you’re wondering…A-T stands for ataxia-telangiectasia which is a a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous, immune, and other systems of the body. Children eventually will lose muscle control and balance and develop other diseases such as cancer, and lung disease, which shortens their life. Most end up in a wheelchair by age 10. A-T CureTeam uses funds to provide research for these children who suffer from A-T. This foundation simultaneously conducts research for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease- both of which has impacted people near and dear to me in my life. Racing with the A-T CureTeam caught my attention because it is a full spectrum awareness and fundraising effort. My goal is to raise $400 and bring awareness and education to others about this condition. 

I’d love to run in your name in September! Anything helps us hit our goal and all proceeds go directly to the A-T Foundation! I paid my way into the race, so this one is 100% for the kids, the research and its implications on Leukemia, Alzheimers & Multiple Sclerosis Research really important for many family and friends in my life. More on why that is super personal coming soon…  

Kristen’s Recovery Secret! It’s how I did Parks & Dopey w/o further injury.