14 | November | 2012

My crazy friends and I planned a trip down to Orlando for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon on November 10th.

We went all out and rented the Camaro convertible!

We began Saturday picking up our race packets from the ESPN center and taking pictures with cardboard cutouts of Ariel and Gaston before heading over to the runner’s expo. Breezing through stand upon stand of sequin sports bras, Disney runner t-shirts with clever sayings, therapeutic tools and technology, we picked up some essentials, Gu (gross!) and a muscle roller.

Off to Downtown Disney where we stumbled upon an art fair with champagne and fancy people. Who says Disney is just for kids? Feeling creative, we joined in on a Michael’s Crafts sponsored color your own frame party before heading over to Fulton’s Crab House for a delicious lunch feast.

Portobello Mushroom Fries with Spicy Mustard Sauce

Cajun Fish Tacos

More Downtown Disney:

The race began at 10pm with a burst of fireworks and cheer. For having done no training, warming up or preparation, and completely winging it, Nicole and I did quite well. Ashley ran off with corral A, (Superstar!!) as we followed a few corrals behind in D. With the strategy of running a mile and walking half a mile, we made it about 9 miles before I needed a pee break. Stopping for that brief moment allowed the distance and effort to creep up on us and pain shot through our joints. The remaining 4 miles became a bit of a challenge. We managed to jog on and off for another mile or so before succumbing to walking. Once we reached Epcot and the crowds of supporters and photographers (about 0.5 miles from the finish) we gave our last bit of energy and ran.

After hobbling over to collect our bags, we met up with Ashley and made our way over to the after party in Epcot only to change our minds halfway there, exhausted. We made it back to the hotel around 4AM fully prepared for a 7AM wake up call to eat and drink our way around the world at Epcot.

The food was amazing! We ate until we we so full we could barely walk. The food coupled with the soreness made for a very slow pace and lots of resting.I have learned my lesson on long distance running. A few lessons actually… Be sure to actually train, do not drink Powerade or Gatorade during the race because it will make you sick, do not run 13 miles on pavement in Vibram Five Fingers which lack any form of support, don’t stop to pee, steer clear of Gu as it is gross and will make you gag, pass go and collect $200 or in this case a gorgeous medal.