Disneyland Half Marathon Recap

After my Disney World experience in January, I kinda knew what to expect, but I had infinitely more fun this time around - there was no way I couldn't, as I actually had someone to hang out with and it was my first time ever in Disneyland (for someone who wanted to go to UCLA, that's really sad...) So anyway, let's go!

I did my research before I left and got reservations at a Disneyland "Good Neighbor" hotel (one thing about Disneyland that hit me right off the bat, it's a lot smaller than its Orlando counterpart), so that we could take the complimentary shuttle - and try to squeeze in a few more moments of precious slumber. We (my childhood friend Rose and myself) got up at 3am (I remember when I used to go to sleep at 3am...but I digress) and headed to the start area in the DL parking lot. Oh, side track here - went to the expo the day before (to pick up our race chips and bibs) and I got the distinct pleasure of standing in a 20 minute line to buy a t-shirt (the line was mostly due to the pins - damn pin collectors! But since I was there, I'll admit I got one too...). Ok, back to it. Again we had the DJ spinning the tunes to get everyone's blood rushing. We got to do a pre-race "Cha Cha Slide", which, in retrospect, could have proven quite beneficial! We also had plenty of time to watch the parade of colorful race attire. I opted for some Winnie the Pooh ears, but it sems this was the year of pirates. I saw a bunch of Jack Sparrow wannabes and, for the second time, a small Asian man in a Tinkerbell suit (nothing better than that!) Around 5:30, we headed for our corrals (the only time Disney ever acknoewledges that we're basically cattle.) Rose was in Corral B, the pokey princess (me) was in Corral D, but there was a Corral E, so I felt better that I have moved up in the world! Rose kindly started back with me, so we could cut up and such until the starting gun went off at 6. With Mickey and the gang looking on, away we went...

I forgot to mention that the weather was perfect for the race (a little chilly in the early AM, but I shed my garbage bag right before I actually crossed the start line - it only took about 15 minutes this time. The course wound its way through California Adventure and then into Disneyland itself. Very cool. Then the race went through downtown Anaheim (not much to see there.) The first few water stops were a bit troublesome, the volunteers looked overwhelmed. The course entertainment was great - there were a few high school bands, mariachis and (I think) Polynesian dancers of some sort. They also had some of your beloved Disney characters scattered throughout the park (Jack Sparrow, of course, was a crowd favorite. He was kinda cute, though...) I finally got a decent "through the castle" pic - I hope! Around mile 9/10 we went around the bases at Angels Stadium and got to see ourselves on the jumbotron, which was really cool. Around mile 11, my legs started to feel like lead. The same thing happened last time. At least we got to go throught California Adventure for the last mile or so (my tourist-like gawking distracted me from the pain and discomfort.) I crossed the line in a shade under 3 hours. Yay! All that with sub-par training! Rose (of course) beat me by 15 minutes or so. We got our medals and bagels and headed back to the hotel, sore but victorious!

Lots more happened in Cali, I'll tell those stories over at Sugar's Smacks.

Now begins the training for my last race - one more shot at Disney World in January. My last charity run. I am still way short on donations, so if you are feeling charitable, please click on the link to my Joints in Motion donation page and give what you can!