The below article is our interview after crossing the finish line. Disney made a big hoop-la for the last place finishers, which just happened to be us! We had no idea this was going to happen. It was so magical and made crossing that finish line even sweeter. It was pretty embarrassing being last, but at least we felt like first place winners!
http://disneyparks.disney.go.
Now, here's the story of our running adventure!As you know from my previous posts, I was recovering from a sprain. I was cleared my the doctor to participate in the half marathon, but to walk more than run. So I made sure I could keep the required minimum time doing a run/walk routine. Christine and I started in the very last corral, corral D about half way in the middle. As soon as we crossed the start line, I started my runkeeper app to make sure we were keeping the required pace. We were ahead of our time entering in to Disneyland, which was about two miles in or so. We took pictures as we ran/walked and didn't stop for character pictures. No bathroom stops either for fear we would fall behind. As we passed the 5K mark, I realized I had never ran a 5K before and it was pretty exciting seeing that sign! After exciting Disneyland, I decided to try one of the energy candies I had stored in my pocket. The biggest problem here was that I had never had one before. That's a big running no-no that I didn't know. A mile later, it was making me feel nauseous, which slowed me down. I even thought about quitting because I wanted nothing more than to throw up in a port-a-john. Christine kept me going and suggested I get some water and Gatorade at our next mile mark. The liquids definitely helped and I was able to continue. We lost our "gain" during those frantic miles. Soon we were seeing the warning bikes and sweepers that indicated we were behind the allotted time. It was very confusing because we thought we were right on track. It made us fearful and stressed! We had come so far and we didn't want to get swept or picked up, we wanted to finish the race!
As we passed each mile, we were encouraged to pick up our pace because as soon as we entered DCA (Disney's California Adventure), we would be safe. Nothing was more rewarding than making it into the Disney park! I knew in that moment that we would be crossing the finish line! I was so relieved and even emotional at first.... and then just SO HAPPY that we had done it! 
We slowed down our pace and tried to enjoy the moment. My ankle had been hurting since mile 4 or 5 but I didn't want to take the time to take off my ankle brace and check it out for fear of falling behind. Now that we were safe, I thought about taking it off but was worried it might effect my remaining miles. We decided to start running somewhere near Bugsland and it was then that I ended up hurting my ankle. I felt a pop and thought for sure my race was over. I'm so glad I left the brace on because I might have permanently damaged my ankle had it not been on. The firstaid carts and bicyclists followed us as I limped along and I took comfort knowing they were there if it got too bad. But I managed to limp the last mile and cross the finish line! The adrenaline of the race kept me going! And that is why we were last! Christine could have easily finished way before me, but she stuck with me until the end, even in the threat of being picked up and not finishing. True friend!!! As soon as we crossed the finish line, we were interview, photographed, and given our medals. I immediately went over to first aid and got some ice. It's then that I realized everything was packed up- my husband ran over and grabbed us some Gatorade and water before those were gone too! But we had reservations at Goofy's Kitchen to get to, so I wasn't sad about missing the after-race festivities. We must have been really really far behind! I took my iced ankle and hobbled across the parking lot to the Disneyland Hotel with the help of my husband to enjoy a victory meal with fantastic friends!!!!!!!!!!
The race itself was hard. I know now how important it is to train and practice with smaller races first (5K, 10K, etc). I had no idea how far 13.1 miles really was. I'm pretty sure at some point during the run, I told Christine in a surprised voice "This is really hard!". It also helps if you don't get injured weeks before a race =pThe miles were definitely not boring! We were entertained at each mile! From secret backstage running areas, to parade floats on display... characters, the castle, cheerleaders dancing, high-fiving onlookers..... It was fantastic! There were even runners who were like coaches that would motivate you as they ran by!
I'm so glad Christine and I made it! We are a good team! Maybe someday when my ankle is stronger, we will run in another Disney race together! Until then, I'm enjoying showing of my Tinker Bell medal =)
