Fun at Walt Disney World Goofy’s Challenge

The second time is the charm! After succumbing to failure at mile 11 of the marathon last year due to stomache cramps and blisters, I managed to find the right combination to success this year! The weather was as extreme, but in the opposite direction. Last year was 29 chilly degrees at the start, this year hit temps into the 80s and extremely muggy conditions.

Disney World Endurance weekend usually comes in with mild, pleasant weather along with good running conditions, characters along the course and armies of cheerful volunteers and spectators. This year the heat was a definite challenge. The multi start makes this year makes it easier to see the startline festivities, even for the folks in the back corrals.

The 5 K was on Friday, and it filled up early so I wasn’t tempted to add it to my weekend. The half marathon on Saturday started just outside Epcot, then winds through Epcot and onto the road toward the Ticket & Transportation Center. After that we ran past Disney’s Contemporary resort and into the Magic Kingdom. For me, next comes the “high” of both races. We run through Cinderella’s castle and have our picture taken in front of the castle. Then it’s out through adventureland and out onto the road. Here we run past the Shade’s of Green golf resort on our way back to Epcot, through Epcot and out to the finish line just outside Epcot.

The full Marathon on Sunday starts near the same place as the half. Here we again wind through Epcot, over to the Magic Kingdom and the “high” of Cinderella’s castle and back out on the road in front of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. For me, this is where the hard work started, as the temperatures rose. We then wound our way through the Disney roads to Animal kingdom and out the front gates, The course no longer goes right up to the Sports Center, but it has an out and back that’s about a mile each way (give or take). Then off to MGM and through an open area near the Swan and Dolfin. We hit the boardwalk area behind Epcot and from there entered “the back way” and went through the World Showcase and out toward the front of the park. At this point we veer to the right to a rousing finish line.

Things I’ve learned:

1) BEFORE the race is not a good time to bring the family to Disney for vacation. Last year I spent too much rest time playing in the parks and eating the rich foods.

2) It really helps to bring a different pair of shoes for each race. It gives your feet something else to feel rather than more miles in the same hotspots.

3) Taping your feet is NOT a guarantee against blisters in hot humid weather. The tape stays intact, it’s smooth, but HUGE blisters can still develop under them.

4) Carry your own water/sports drink. It doesn’t matter how large/small or experienced a race is, they can STILL run out of water and/or cups. Keep your bottle filled. Carrying water is a small price to pay to avoid dehydration and perhaps risk your finish.

OH! And
5) It really really helps to have a local friend that can bring you a couple of bottles of frozen water about halfway through the run! Thanks Sharon!!!

Have fun, stop and smell the roses… Oh.. and I have pictures!

One restaurant recommendation: BOMA in Animal Kingdom Lodge. The wonderful array of African flavors tastes ESPECIALLY good after 39.3 miles. Feel free to email me if you are looking for more tips or have any questions!

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