One of the hardest things about the runDisney multiple race challenge weekends is battling the early wake-ups for multiple mornings. Momma K and I played it right though and made sure that we were all hydrating and refueling well each day and getting back to our rooms at a reasonable time so we could get a decent amount of sleep. While it is tempting to shut down the parks and run 13.1 miles after spending the entire day on your feet and with 3 hours of sleep, it was not in the plans for us - we will play after our business is done.
As I was eating dinner the night before I started analyzing my goals for the half marathon. A few weeks ago, I ended up having to walk a majority of a half marathon due to illness from extreme heat (mid-90s) and even on semi-hilly course in those conditions I was walking a 15 minute pace. If you are familiar with runDisney races, you know that you must keep a 16-minute pace which starts from the time the last runner crosses the start line. I was assigned corral E and Momma K was in H - should I go ahead and start in E for an extra buffer of about 15 minutes to finish or go with the original plan and stay with Momma K? I decided to go with Momma K - we were in this together and we will do this together.
Yes, I will admit that my goals for the day have now become (1) make it through the parks (about mile 4), (2) make it through Angels Stadium (mile 9.5ish), and (3) ultimately FINSIH! Most importantly, I wanted to still enjoy the morning and have 13.1 miles of memories.
I seriously couldn't believe it that we were about to finish! As I was in the final stretch of today's half marathon, I reflected on my previous 59 half marathons. Each race has a story and its own challenges and accomplishments along the way. Today's knee situation was just a part of the journey and something that I will remember for years to come. No, it wasn't easy, but if it was easy everyone would do it.