Since I fell asleep Saturday afternoon, I woke up around 8:30, hungry. I knew that I needed to keep my fluid intake up, and food is always a good idea before a race! I ordered room service, watched a movie, and got my clothes ready to go. I was scheduled to take the 3:30 am bus (you did read that right, 3:30 AM) so by the time I finally did get back to sleep, I would end up getting an extra 4 hours.
Woke up, showered, and headed to the lobby. Funny how runners look when they are half asleep! It was pretty quiet in the bus on the way to the run site – the occasional “full or half” would be asked, but mostly grunts and sighs were heard.
We arrived at the “holding pen” around 4:10 – less than 2 hours before the race. I walked around and found a few of the Ottawa runners in the makeshift liturgy tent. It was much warmer there than in the open space! At 4:50, there was a brief celebration and prayer, and everyone started to walk towards the start line.
I met up with Kim and Sharon, and less than 20 minutes later, we stood in Section “F” of the marathon start line. Even though I was told I could do the half (as documented and planned) I needed to start at the marathon line.
There were runners/walkers/joggers as far as the eyes could see! The countdown approached, and Donald and Mickey made their appearances. The wheelchair racers left first, then the gun went off for the half and full marathoners. Half and full would take different roads until we converged at mile 3. After 9 minutes, we finally crossed the start line – I am so thankful for the “Championchip” system (starts your own time only when you cross the start line). Keeping up my set pace with the help of my training music, I soon got into a rhythm. As we approached EPCOT, my eyes got bigger, and it finally really dawned on me that I was in Disneyworld ! The weather was fine, bodies do warm up extensively once they get moving… I had decided to keep my heavy sweatshirt since I had Amanda’s name on it – so I tied it around my waist. EPCOT was short, and sweet. Since everything was closed, the only people there were supporters. We headed out to the highway, and it seemed that is where most of the run really happens.
I took the time to speak to other participants as I trekked along with them. I discovered that everyone has a story to tell – and it sure makes the time go by quickly.
When we finally spotted Magic Kingdom, I knew it was going to be a treat. Now, they do stress the fact that we run THROUGH the parks, which we do, but the percentage of visitor allowed park terrain is not as much as I expected. In fact, much of the Magic Kingdom route was behind the buildings, behind the scene. I almost felt as if I was peeping into places I shouldn’t have seen - - bits and parts of rides stacked one on top of the other, partial Christmas displays, characters from rides (a few from “it’s a small world”)… looked a bit like the Disney cemetery, or Disney retirement home for rides…
However, nothing can describe coming onto Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Having been there before I knew what was soon coming up! The Castle! Small crowds lines the road, and although they were dressed pretty warm, they sure had a lot of enthusiasm. I took the time to take pictures with some characters – after all, why not have fun! The running through the castle was quite a thrill.
. Just as we exited the park, torrential rains came down. I’m talking the type of rain that makes you stop while you drive because your windshield wipers can’t keep up. In less than 3 minutes, I was totally soaked. In fact, I continued to move ahead, when someone tapped me on the shoulder to let me know I was “loosing my tights”… turns out the weight of the thick sweatshirt around my waist was dragging down my tights… ouff – he told me in time for me to avoid giving the ones behind me a traditional “cable guy” view of untanned flesh! I arrived at the finish line, wet, sloshy feet, and very happy to be done, and very proud of myself too! I managed to cut some time off my Honolulu split, and my Ottawa split, so I was doing better than the previous years.
Once I had my Donald Duck medal, my thermal cover, my bananas, Gatoraid and had checked in with the Arthritis group, I took the monorail to head to the marathon finish line to wait for the marathoners in our group.
I was so cold, I decided to head to the massage tent. As the therapist was stretching my muscles, he noticed my lips were tinged with blue… A sure sign it was time for me to get into dry clothes. As I headed out from the tent, rain started to come down again, and I knew I had to head back to my hotel.
I wished I had seen my friends come in from their marathon, but at least my thoughts were with them all. Everyone of the Ottawa participants completed their race – and coming back the next day, we had a chance to talk about our experience while waiting for our flight.
I would recommend this marathon to anyone thinking about it. It’s a flat course, and there are few supporters during the highway stretches, but a fair amount in the parks, and of course, at the finish lines. I look back now on this project, and know that I will have fond memories of this experience.
Onwards to the next half marathon!
Warm greetings at the Ottawa airport
Photo courtesy of the Ottawa Sun, photo by Suzanne Bird, Ottawa Sun Photographer.
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