“Divide the marathon into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart.” -Mike Fanelli
Whenever I run a marathon I begin to think of all the motivational quotes that have inspired me.
“There will be days you don’t think you can run a marathon. There will be a lifetime of knowing you have.”
Beer Run•ner (noun): 1. Someone equally devoted to fine beer appreciation and an active, healthy lifestyle.
After psyching myself up a bit I’m ready.
I always set up my marathon gear the night before and for Disney races this time is especially important since once you leave your resort the possibility of getting back should you forget something is nearly impossible.
Getting to see and run with friends is one of the best parts of Disney Marathon Weekend.
The marathon was a mental battle. The lessened training due to illness along with the half marathon the day before made this race one of the toughest (read painful) races that I have ever run. In addition to being one of the most painful races I have ever run it was also one of the most fun and exciting races that I have ever run. I pushed myself to the mental edge and persevered. Now, with that being said let me show you how much fun the race really was!
The best part about the race as you might imagine is running through all of the parks!
The only hill besides the on and off ramps is “Contemporary Hill”. Chances are unless you’ve stayed at the Contemporary Resort or ran a Disney World race you don’t know about this “little hill” which brings many runners to a walking pace. The picture may not do it justice but the grade is significant.
The next best thing to running through the parks is all of the characters you see along the way!
I was surprised at how fact the first 11 miles went by!
The new course for the marathon allowed us to run around the Disney World Motor Speedway. This was the first time I had seen the inside of the track!
And the Cars characters were out in force!
Running through Animal Kingdom is always awesome!
Again this year I did NOT have time to ride Everest, BUT this is on my to do list for a future Disney Marathon
Another change in the marathon course this year was getting to run through the Wide World of Sports including where the Braves conduct spring training!
The stadium was fun to run through and soon enough we had rounded the bases and were off! This whole running the infield made me want a hotdog from Casey’s!
I don’t have any pictures from the Disney Hollywood studios as I was in a lot of pain by this time in the race. The next thing I knew we were entering EPCOT where we had phoned in our order to the Rose & Crown for some adult libations!
Guinness never tasted so good! Notice all the people behind me who REALLY want my beer! See if you can find all three!
A short mile later we were approaching the finish line!
Then finally, the 20th anniversary Disney marathon medal was mine!
Added this to my collection!
Not my fastest time, but great training for my upcoming ultra marathon in June!
Thanks to eBay I did find myself an UNofficial Goofy medal. It’s unofficial because Disney didn’t get their extra registration fee, but I’m sure the running community at large would be okay with it since it’s the 39.3 miles, not the $300+ registration fee that make a runner Goofy. I did the miles (painfully so) so I earned the bling! All my fellow running friends agree with me!
I can’t wait until next year!
Happy Training!
Brian
Remember, you can follow me @TheRunningMan23 on Twitter!
Running Down a Dream 23's Blog 
What a great recap!! We had so much fun that I started laughing all over again while reading these. Thanks for being there for me every step of the way! Goofy 2015!!!
WOO! 2015!
Too funny with the beer! I don’t think I could run without spilling it (I also struggle with water stops lol)
The key is to start slow and taper from there.
Hi Brian,
Great job running. I read you blog and you should be very proud of your accomplishment.
I am months from being 50 and this was my first 1/2 and full marathon I ever ran. When I started training I could not even jog two house lots. 🙂 I to like you have similar background. Lost weight, worked through multiple chiropractic visits for the back, Got sick during training (missed weeks), and overcame knee injuries. With the help of Jeff Galloway’s training program I too was able to complete the Goofy and I also did the 5k that weekend (42.5 miles). So I understand the training, mental, and physical aspects you went through. A sincerest congratulations!!
The only thing I don’t agree with is you earning the Goofy.
You did earn the Donald and the Mickey by finishing the races but the coveted Goofy is only earned by finishing within the 7 hour time period. So unfortunately you did not earn the Goofy (despite what your friends say). You did the miles and EARNED the Donald and Mickey. I say this not to be mean but to put in your mind to earn the achievement by the rules. There is no greater feeling.
The beer looked GREAT and I was probably one of the jealous ones. I finished at 6 hours. I will be there next year also. I challenge you to finish under the 7 hours next year or in 2015.
Best wishes
Newbie Runner
Hey There Newbie! Thank you for the comments. I always appreciate them. I earned the Goofy medal (Dopey actually) two years ago in 2012 (in 6:43:24). See my previous blog posts from 2012 if you haven’t already read them. As you can tell from reading my recap blog, I was escorting a friend on her first Goofy challenge a few weeks ago. I did this as a coach, a friend, and a fellow runner since the running community is so very supportive.
Basically, I disagree with you. There were several hundred people behind both of us many of whom were pulled from the course because they fell below the cutoff regardless of the actual finish time. We made the cut off. She completed the challenge. Now if we would have been pulled from the course then I see your point. However, if a runner is not pulled from the course or didn’t quit voluntarily then that runner has completed the challenge when they cross that finish line. But, you are entitled to your opinion.
My friend went 42.4 miles (3.1+13.1+26.2) and she has earned a right to say she’s Goofy. runDisney even sent her a certificate stating this fact so the governing body of the race has spoken and is in agreement with me.
I have to say that I am a disappointed that you would take the time to pour water on someone’s parade as the first time you interact with someone on a blog. As I already stated, in the past 3+ years I have found the running community to be very supportive. You will learn this in time and a lot more miles as you drop the newbie moniker.
Good luck in your future miles. I’ll be back down at WDW for the half in 2014 and the Dopey Challenge in 2015 since it’s the 10 year anniversary.
Happy Training,
Brian
Brian,
Congrats on the Goofy two years ago. Congrats on being a coach.
Congrats to your friend who earned her Goofy.
You have to understand something. I admired your blog and what you have accomplished. I thank you for that. You have worked so hard and accomplished so much. My issue is with you buying a medal on eBay and stating you deserve it. I was completely disappointed in this.
I won’t continue this because it is not worth the time. If you made the cutoff time and were given your Goofy medal at the marathon I apologize. If you BOUGHT your Goofy on eBay and you stated you deserve it and all your friends agree then it is a farce. As a coach and marathoner you should be the example to us Newbie’s. As a coach you would never buy a medal to massage your own ego and then blame / say others poured water on your parade. Be happy with what you earned. Be proud that you got the Donald and Mickey. I had more respect for you doing that. Buying a Medal just didn’t seem to be your style.
I wish you the best and enjoy your medals. Best wishes in your training.
I apologize if this hurt your feelings in any way. It was not my intention.
Happy Training to you as well.
Dear Newbie,
In reply to your second comment on my blog I’m afraid I’m going to have to disagree with you again and have the final word. Also, before you reply again you should note that my blog specifically says that the medal is “UNofficial”. The medal is for fun as all medals are just for fun.
As a coach and a runner it’s the miles not the registration fees (medals) that make us who we are when we lace up and run out the door at 3am in freezing temperatures. I and my fellow runner & friend went the same distance as you across two days. Heck, I wasn’t even planning on running the half when an extra bib became available from an injured running teammate. So I’m unofficial twice over. Regardless, I hit 39.3 miles the same as you just without the training. You would know that part of my story if you read Part 1, which from your comments it is obvious that you haven’t.
You said in your original post that your issue was that we finished in over 7 hours so trying to back track your statements now just lessens your argument. But don’t take my word for it, here’s your quote:
Newbie Runner wrote:
“The only thing I don’t agree with is you earning the Goofy.
You did earn the Donald and the Mickey by finishing the races but the coveted Goofy is only earned by finishing within the 7 hour time period. So unfortunately you did not earn the Goofy (despite what your friends say). You did the miles and EARNED the Donald and Mickey. I say this not to be mean but to put in your mind to earn the achievement by the rules. There is no greater feeling.” –end quote–
You have an opinion so stand by it.
As I said, I respect your original opinion in that first post, but don’t agree with it just as a lot of other people in the running community don’t agree with it. I’m also sure there are some few elitists who stand with you as well. I have to say that if you continue to measure yourself solely by the medal at the finish line then I imagine the bling will lose it’s luster quickly as will your resolve to keep running over the next few decades. It takes more than a shiny object to measure a runner. Again, don’t take my word for it, just ask a runner and they will tell you.
Again, once you have a few more miles under your belt and come down off that shoe box you’re standing on you might start to understand what I’m saying.
As I say in all of my posts when I sign off,
Happy Training
Brian