Disney is awesome. The Vibe, The Race, The Medal. I finished the race 35 minutes faster than I did last time.
Armed with a new training regiment and better legs, I was ready for the race. I was relaxed, confident and looking forward to enjoying the race and camaraderie of 20,000 people running together.
Training:
My training for the race was vastly different from the first one. I trained with less miles, but with more intensity and simplicity. My training consisted of yoga 4-6 times a week for 45-60 minutes, then running 3 times a week. 2 days of 4-6 mile runs with higher intensity, and then a long 8-14 mile run on the weekend for distance. I knew that if I could run 1/2 a marathon, the full 26.2 miles is just a matter of mental willpower. It worked.
The Race:
The first 15 miles were on cruise control. Easy and steady at an 11:30 pace. At 5 mile intervals, I would refill with a 1/4 of a peanut butter sandwich and a chunk of a banana. Over the past year of training I learned that my body responds better to “natural” foods instead of the energy gels. For me the energy gels were just a bunch of sugar. For long distances, a good old fashion peanut butter sandwich did the trick. After mile 15, I paced my self with a 1/4 mile walk every mile up to mile 19. Mile 19 is where I hit the wall and walked the entire mile. I wasn’t dead, just had to push through the wall. I got to mile 22 and the hips and quads seems to smooth out. The muscles knew that there was an end in site. Just like last time, there were lots of people cheering us on. The cheer leaders really mean a lot to the motivation to finish. The best sign some made up said “You can do it random person”
I got in site of the finish line and heard someone scream my last name. I looked left and saw my wonderful wife and two daughters at the finish line. It meant the world to me. They really support me going out and doing these crazy things. It makes a father proud seeing them cheer me on.
Whats next:
Training for the Half Ironman in Haines City.
Pictures:
Pre-race with my fluorescent green running gear. I will be seen. 
Tebowing
Somewhere near the end.
The medal. Awesome.
