I can’t believe the time has finally arrived! Today I picked up my race bibs, shirts, and merchandise!
Our original dinner reservations were at a restaurant that had a small kitchen fire this week, so they were offering a limited to go menu. On the fly, I found an opening for Storybook Dining at Artist Point – a character dinner with Snow White, the Evil Queen, Grumpy, and DOPEY! The food was great, the characters were great, and I teared up out of sheer joy quite a few times. It was absolutely perfect.
I’m as ready as I’m going to be for the next four days of 2:30 AM alarms, 5:00 AM start times, and lots and lots of miles. I have a solid race strategy that I’m hoping to stick to.
Take it easy for the 5k with Dad. It’s not chip timed and there's no pacing requirement, so we’ll stop for any pictures and just enjoy the experience.
Run with a purpose for the 10k. Stop for selfies and quick character stops, but get in and get out!
Run with a little less urgency for the first half of the half marathon. Once I build up a large enough lead over the balloon ladies, walk to conserve energy. No need to run all out or get injured!
Keep at 15-minute pace for the first 20 miles of the full marathon. Assuming I start at least 4 minutes before the balloon ladies (which I absolutely will), I’ll have built a minimum of a 24-minute lead, meaning I could walk the last 6 miles and still finish!
I also have a solid recovery strategy once I return from the races that I’m hoping to stick to.
Lots of stretching
Epsom salt bath
Shower
Nap
Early dinner
Winding down by 7-730
Asleep between 8-830
For anyone that’s interested in tracking my races, the link to do so for the 10k, half marathon, and marathon is here: 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend There is no tracking for the 5k. My 10K race bib is 63599. My Goofy Challenge (half marathon and marathon) race bib number is 30796. You can track in real time on the website. It’ll display splits when I cross chip timing mats and give an estimation of where I am all other times.
To everyone that has supported me, encouraged me, and donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so far - thank you! "Hold on to your hats, and keep your hands and arms inside the ride vehicle, because away we go!" ~Goofy
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