This was an amazing race. Not quite magical, but almost. At the start line with my dear friends Tony, Alva, and Stephanie I had a pounding headache and had to decide if I should stay with them taking pictures, or take off... Everytime someone said something to me though I winced, so I decided to test my abilities (for the first time in a long time) and see where I am. I haven't pushed myself this hard in over a year at a half marathon.

It was dark when we started, and ran the first two miles around Anaheim, and then into the park. It was eerie at first running in the dark in this Disney alley... they really should have had it lit for safety - I'm sure a few people ate it there! We saw where they store the small world boats, then we ran into the park, and through the secret paths of the land, up main street, and through the castle. The castle was at mile 3, and I told myself at mile 4 I'd take a walk break... we ran past pirates and then out to the streets again. I think when I hit mile 5 I took a one minute walk break.

Then I saw my friend Mae, and I tried to catch up to her. She was running a good constant pace, and after a few minutes I caught up to her and we chatted for a minute. Running next to her was like running on a treadmill - super constant pace! It made running easier. Next thing I know we're at mile 8! I was exhausted at mile 9 and wanted more than anything to take a walk break, but as Mae chugged on so did I. We walked through a water stop or two for a moment, and then kept running. We had a walk break around mile 10, again just for a minute, and at mile 12 I gave Mae a hug and started running at 100% of what I could give. I was trying not to burn out before the finish, and when I crossed the finish I had a hard time not getting sick, but I walked it off.

I was 6 minutes from a PR. After the race I was thinking "could I have walked less?" but I probably only walked about 4 minutes. I think I just have reached the point where I need to run more and run faster!

I really wanted to come home and tell my Fiance "what a waste of money to the mouse..." but I actually REALLY enjoyed it. I think if my mom came down to run with me I'd sign up again.

I'm at home now drinking alka seltzer because I still have a pounding headache and feel sick to my stomach. So worth it though. i think I got too much sun this weekend...

Overall Place 3627 / 9386
Division Place 597 / 1407
Age Grade 41.4%
5K Split 36:28
10K Split 1:12:48
15K Split 1:52:03