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With a group that's been around as long as this one there are a ton of good stories to be told. You'll find everything from race reports to the history of some members nicknames in this section. |
Top Ten Favorite Spots in the Disney Marathon Bill McDonough |
Dear Deads, I am green with envy (which goes well with my "blue with cold") that all of you are off to Orlando for the marathon. I want to wish you all safe travels and good luck in your race or races. Those of us left behind will be with you in spirit. That said, I have been reminiscing about Disney marathons past and have come up with my Top Ten favorites spots along the course. You may have your own favorites - let's hear about them. (in chronological order) 1. The walk to the starting corrals. I know it is not technically part of the race, but I do enjoy the mass movement from the holding area over to the start. There is a definite feeling of nervous energy in the air, a mixture of bravado, fear and excitement. Intoxicating. 2. Running under Spaceship Earth at Epcot. The iconic "golf ball" is cool enough during daylight hours. Striding underneath in the dark with the arc lights reflecting off the silver ball is otherworldly. Plus, when you come back in a few hours and run under the other side, the race is just about over. 3. The "merge" of the red and blue starts. Not sure if they are doing that again this year, with the half marathon on Saturday. But I always liked getting back together with the other half of the race out behind the Epcot pavilions. Almost like seeing your long lost cousins again. 4. Running up World Drive. I know, it is a long, flat boring stretch of roadway. But by the time I get there the sun is coming up, my running is getting into a rhythm and my brain is finally awake. Along World Drive you also start to see signs of civilization, like early morning traffic on the other side of the roadway. And it is cool to see the monorail gliding along, too. 5. Transportation and Ticket Center. Is it just me, or do the spectators at the TTC (right at mile 9) seem to be the most vocal and enthusiastic? Maybe it is just the anticipation of being at the Magic Kingdom in another mile. 6. Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Screaming fans, waving characters and a castle looming up ahead. This short stretch of the race makes the expensive entry fee worth every penny. 7. Bear Island Road. Just after the half marathon mark the race takes a sharp right turn onto this meandering service road. No more crowds of spectators, just runners and the road. It is a signal that now it is time to hunker down and get serious about running the race. 8. The African drummers in Animal Kingdom. At a time when major body parts are starting to shut down, I just love the pounding beat these guys provide. A real pick me up to send us on our way. 9. The pathway from Disney Studios to the Boardwalk area. Another quiet stretch that allows runners to gather themselves and prepare to grind it out to the finish. A good time to reflect and relax when you need it the most. 10. The short stretch of "backstage" road just before the finish. Right after you pass Spaceship Earth again but before you turn into the Epcot parking lot is a quiet stretch of just 100 meters or so. This is where I start to celebrate the finish, before the cheering crowds of the finish line area. Just my two cents. Have a great trip, everybody! Bill McDonough |