We all meet up at 4:20 by the stage and got some pics before doing one final potty break and off to the corrals. We had about half an hour there before we all got started.
So they have started this thing of letting 2 corrals go at once and I'm not a fan of it. The beginning is pretty crowded. I wish they would do what WDW does and release them 2-3 min apart. I'm still amazed at wine and dine there was not any crowding.
I moved back to E to be with Ralph and off we went. Ralph wanted to go much faster but I knew we needed to start slow because he would crash and burn and so would I with my leg.
I stopped for a pic with the Green Army Man (never gotten one before!) and continued on. The wind was picking up and somewhere between here and entering Disneyland I lost my brand new glasses! I've literally worn them 4 times and they are so lightweight they must have blown off in the a wind gust.
A pause here about the weather: it was breezy in the corrals and the park was fine. Once we left, it was out of control. From looking at the weather after, it looks like the wind was 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH! I'm surprised more people didn't fall but it definitely messed with footing. Without my glasses to protect me from the leaves and dirt, I had to use my shield. Luckily it worked well!
As expected, all of the Avenger lines were crazy long. Looking back, I probably should have stopped for one but my leg felt good and I didn't want to risk it messing up.
After we left, we were on Harbor Blvd and Katella and the wind was just CRAY! I did get a pic with this truck and kept on going.
Before reaching the Crystal Cathedral, was the worst of the wind. The gusts were so bad we were forced to walk. Right after we got to my favorite part of the course with Cosplayers! Their costumes were epic and it was a great pick me up.
We kept on and eventually made it to Angels stadium, where the parking lot was covered with dirt and leaves and our water even had dirt in it. Those poor volunteers getting blown around!
After that, we had a Clif station with another water stop and WW reenactors (and probably a few actual vets) by the medical tent that was so great.
After that, it was just doing our best until the end. We picked up the pace and my leg was getting a bit uneasy, but I knew if I held this pace, I would get a new Disney PR which would be pretty amazing since I struggled so much the week before.
One other thing of note: the mile markers did not last. The clocks were a mess and I was going off my Garmin for pace and time.
Before we knew it, we were on the back of property and almost done. We did one last walk break and made it through!
Right before we were going to cross, I saw all the avengers stationed so I went over and got high fives!
Afterwards, they were clearing us out of the Reunion Area fast because of the wind danger.
Headed back to the hotel to shower and relax before doing breakfast at Goofys kitchen! Afterwards we went to get pics in the park, rode Indy and Haunted and headed out.
Overall, it was a great weekend! Ralph enjoyed his first race and said he would be willing to run with me again! He said he really enjoyed the experience and had a good time, even though "I slowed him down". But he does admit I paced him well and kept him from hitting the wall and helped him finish strong.
As always, my marathon foto pics turned out horrible. I think the wind made it worse than usual.
Would I do it again? OF COURSE! So much fun!! I have already decided I will run as Thor next year because I want the helmet. It looks like they're adding a 10k but I will probably only run it if it is part of a Challenge. We will see!
What did you think of the Avengers race weekend? Would you want to run it?