Walt Disney Mickey Mouse Marathon

I should have completed this blog a week ago but life got in the way.  I been busy working out, working on school stuff and just being lazy.  Luckily, I had time today to get a quick blog in for anyone that follows me.  Enjoy :)

Day four of Dopey was a tiring one for sure.  We went in thinking we would just take our time, enjoy the experience and take pictures if we wanted.  I was excited that this was Marathon day as the Marathon has become a big love of mine lately.  I love the distance, the challenge, the people... basically I love every single part of the marathon even the time when I feel like I could die. 

Basically, the first half the marathon was just like the half marathon.  We ran down the amazing main street in the Magic Kingdom again.  We stopped to take some pictures but didn't goof off like the day before.  Corinne had to stop to use the bathroom so I got a chance to get in line with Mr. Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.  Everyone laughed at my pose but come on you don't want to be late!

 I been following Doctor Dribble on instagram so I was very excited to pose a picture with him.  This guy runs races dribbling not one but TWO basketballs.  Freaking BEAST...a good looking one as well.  

I told Corinne that if Mickey and Minnie were at the Castle that I wanted to wait for a picture.  The line was long but it moved along faster than we both thought.  I love this silly Mouse...he sure is cute!

 After we took pictures with the King and Queen of Disney we got serious about our running.  We passed many picture stops but new that if we didn't keep running we would be in a world of trouble.  We wanted to beat the heat and of course beat the sweep.  After the Magic Kingdom we ran on the race track.  Last year there was a ton of cars, this year it was sort of boring...Not a lot of cars and where the heck was the Cars from the movie Cars? Booooo! 

Up next was Animal Kingdom.  We stopped for some silly pictures heading in which lead to Corinne hurting her big toe by a big PIG...SERIOUSLY he stepped on her foot.  I decided to take a quick picture with this awesome crew! 

 

I honestly can't remember what mile the roller coaster was but we knew this would be part of our Marathon journey again this year.  How cool is it to say hey we ran a marathon but we also road a roller coaster.  I believe it took a total of 15 minutes to get on and off the coaster.  It was a great pick me up, break or whatever you want to call it.  After we got off the coaster we were back running.

Corinne and I both got into our zone! We didn't talk much but just focused on getting the miles in.  I honestly can't say what happened between this picture and mile 20.  I do remember seeing a giant snake that was climbing a fence.. totally freaked me out.  Other than that I can't remember a dang thing.  I guess you can say I was focused big time. 

I did remember the ball park because the grass was soft heading into it.  Felt like pure heaven on my feet.  We also got a towel from Disney that was wet to cool off.  Another thing I LOVE about Disney is the little things they think about.  That towel was amazing, cold and something I carried with me till probably around mile 24.  

 

The road from the ballpark to Hollywood Studios was LONG, HOT and BORING.  I ran ahead of Corinne to keep a good pace and stopped to talk during our walk breaks.  We both were struggling a little but keep moving forward.  

 

They gave us some amazing chocolate when we entered Hollywood Studios. Corinne passed up the good stuff but not me! I took as many chocolate bars they would give me. I would say I had 4 little bars but they were freaking amazing. 

Next up was the bacon!  This is honestly all we focused on after the roller coaster.  Just get to the bacon stop.  We stopped to eat our bacon at mile 24.  Eating three pieces of bacon would get us another awesome medal called the three little pigs.  I haven't gotten the medal yet but the bacon was tasty indeed.  What a GREAT idea!!!!

You would think the last 2 miles would be a walk in the park after all we have done but it was HARD.  Corinne was worried about stopping to take anymore pictures but I really wanted to take a picture with Dopey.  She did stop to get a picture which I knew she was happy with.  After all we never saw Dopey at the finish line so I was so happy we stopped. I gave the cute guy a KISS!! 

As we headed to the finish line I had my moment.  I couldn't believe what I was about to accomplish.  I literally got ready for this race in 62 days after being off for 5 weeks from a hernia surgery.  I have never once cried during a race or even after one but this race had a lot of meaning to me.  This race meant that I was strong, a fighter and someone who will not stop till I reach my goal.  I ran for my family, my friends and even my sweet dog....this race wasn't just for me it was for all of those who has held me up along the way. 
I have to say I am so blessed to be able to use my legs to get me from point A to point B.  I would NEVER trade my love for running for anything in the world.  I will continue to do it and explore new roads along the way but this race will always be the race I am most proud of. 

 Getting my Marathon Medal.  I was tired but the happiest I have been in my life.  Never doubt your goals or the person you want to become!

 BLING. BLING. BLING.  We got the Marathon Medal, Goofy Medal and the Dopey Medal!!! We also got a ice cold BEER!

I told myself that I would NEVER do another Dopey race or Goofy race after we finished.  I can't help but think about this amazing experience and want more of it.  I don't know if I will sign up for the Dopey next year but you can count on it that I will do it again some day.  Thankfully, I am heading to DisneyLand for the Dumbo Double Dare in August.  That is right I will be getting my Coast-to-Coast medal along with 3 other beauties!

Thank you Corinne Crabtree for being the BEST running partner out there.  I can't wait to see where our feet will take us next!