On Saturday Jennifer (one of my best friends) and I woke up at 2:45AM. Yes, you heard right, 2:45 am. The race started at 5:30, but we had to take a bus to the starting line at EPCOT before 4:00am. We woke up changed into our clothes and headed to the race. We got there a little before 4:00. From the drop off to the actual start we had to walk at least 1/2 mile and go through Disney security. Once inside the racing area they had tons of things to do. From meeting areas, to port-a-potties, food and a DJ. The Dj was really energetic, which really helped people stay awake and not bored. He made us do several dances like: The Cupid Shuffle, The Fox Dance, etc. I was exactly what 5,000 + people needed at 5:00 am. A little after 5:00 am they called people to go into their corrals, which got me ubber excited and it became real to me. I bid my goodbye to Jen and I told her I would text her when I was close to the finish line so we could meet up!
I was on Corral B for the Enchanted 10k so that wasn't that bad. I knew I was going to walk it, so I was a little hesitant about it, because although I like to walk, I really like running races. Soon enough it was time for us to go and as I crossed the start line well of course I started running and continued to do so for the first 1/4 mile. The first 3 miles were ok. We ran through the entrace of EPCOT, where we saw Elsa, the Princess from Frozen, wiching us luck on our race, and through EPCOT Center Drive towards EPCOT's backstage. Once we reached the 5k mark we were entering the backstage area of EPCOT near Test Track. We entered EPCOT between Norway and China. At that point I started to get more and more excited and I started to remember the good times I've have for the last 14 yeard of my life, mostly as a Cast Member at Disney. As we walked through Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morocco and France, I was completely happy about walking this race. I decided to take it all in and enjoy this little gift I was given and take pictures and reminiscient all the woderful memories I've created in years past. Once we past France we turned left to go around the Boardwalk and Yacht and Beach Club. My emotions were taking the best of me since I was going to be running through my old stomping ground (Bayside Marina and Stormalong Bay). When I saw that little building near the Yacht Club lobby, my face was beaming and I got more and more excited. I forgot that I was walking and that it was hot and humid. As I was walking by the Yacht Club I saw two familiar faces rooting for all of us, two of my old Coordinators, I ran up to them, told them I missed them and gave them a hug. After that we only had about 1 mile to go and I got my game face on. We went back into EPCOT again, through Nemo and Friends, and then on to Spaceship Earth. I texted Jen and told her I was almost there and once I passed the "Ball" I decided to run all the way to the finish line. On my way to the finish line there were several people that looked defeated and tired so I started to cheer people on and tell them that the finish line was close to not give up. Usually this is my husband's job, so since he was not there to do it, I decided to do it myself.
I crossed the finish line at exactly 1:30 minutes, which was faster that I anticipated. I got my lovely medal, The finisher wrist band and proceded to meet Jen so we could go back to the hotel where Caro, my best friend, was going to meet us to enjoy the rest of the day.
10k's have become my new favorite distance to race. The Enchanted 10k was a great experience and I hope to do other Disney 10k's in the future. If you are thinking about doing a Disney run condider the 10k's.
Here are some pictures from the 10k:
Stay tuned for the 1/2 marathon Recap,
Nats
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