I got up at 3:30, to head out at 4. I had a wing malfunction but was able to be out quick from the room. I met up with Joanne before dropping my stuff off and heading to the corrals around 4:30. It was so uncrowded and I was able to get right up to the front and chat with people around me. I ate my breakfast and tried to relax. Everything started on time and they moved us up and let us go 6 minutes behind corral B. One thing I don't like is that no men can be in A so we are with people that are our speed as well any man that is faster than sub 2:03 half pace. The start was a bit fast but I was able to go out and not have any crowding which was great: my plan worked! We did the 3 hills and headed backstage!
I was keeping a fast pace (sub 10 which is crazy for me in a Disney race) so I tried to pull back. I wanted to get through the park and get to Tinkerbell as fast as possible. We popped onto Main St before heading backstage and into Tomorrowland. We then turned on main St towards Matterhorn and Tink was there with Iridessa! I only had to wait about 5 minutes! Then I used the restroom and continued on.
One thing I love about this course is it is all party in the front and business in the back! The streets of Anaheim we go on are flat and wide open so you can really settle in and find your speed. As we headed towards City Hall, I was able to keep the pace I wanted.
10k split: 1:24:54
Running miles: 11:00/10:45/10:35
The red hat ladies were right by city hall and were a welcome sight! I realized I was going to be able to PR if I could keep my rhythm. I got a Clif shot but didn't take it. I had taken a lot of UCan in the morning and felt full and that I could stay strong. I decided to try and see how I would feel if I ran the race without any additional fuel but water and powerade.
15k split: 1:57:04
Running miles: 10:08/10:08/10:23
Two tips: watch where you are going very carefully as the reflectors on the road tripped up a lot of people. And pay attention to the cones! Often times there were 3 lanes to the left no one was using so I was able to really push my speed.
I knew I could PR as we headed back to DLR but I was worried about the crowding backstage. It really wasn't a problem.
I started to get tired towards the end so I slowed my running pace and shortened my intervals and felt great. My garmin was off so I knew if I crossed when the clock said 2:40, I would have a new Disney PR
Finish time:2:32:56
Running miles: 9:40/9:45/9:13/9:30/7:40
Overall I would say this weekend was a success and it proves why I love it so much with the awesome courses and park time! It was a great way to celebrate the end of another school year! as a legacy, I will definitely be back next year. Even better-it's the same weekend as my graduation so it'll be my first race weekend as a Doctor!! Talk about craziness.
Did you run the Tinkerbell half marathon? Are you a legacy for any race?