This is my favorite race to run. This year they developed a new challenge the Dumbo Double Dare (DDD). It was very popular and highly sought for because at the day they released the registration it filled upon 20 min. I was not able to register for that, but was very happy to get into the half.
We arrived in Disneyland on Saturday, so once we dropped off our bags at the hotel we went directly to the expo. Within minutes of stepping into the exhibitors area I hear “Chaddie!” which was my cousin Nanette. She got into the DDD so she was wearing her first medal, which was really nice! I definitely want to participate next year. I also saw Dave Mari and my cousins Dave (Dodong), Nanette’s husband Todd and their kids Taylor and Nathan. It was a fun expo and I got my commemorative vinylmation for the race. We met up for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and then went back to to hotel to rest before the race.
Woke up early to get ready, my cousin Debbie stayed at a nearby hotel so she met us an we went to meet up with the rest of our group. While we walked to the corrals my cousin Nanette found Vivian Cook who we’ve went to school with a long time ago. Once we got into our corral, the wait wasn’t too long and away we go!
I started running with Jean, once we got to California Adventure she went ahead and took pictures. I took a lot of pictures this year and found Snow White again! We ran through Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, Cars Land, Hollywood Land and Buena Vista Street…then off to the Magic Kingdom!
Once we entered the park we turned on to Main Street U.S.A. and got to see Sleeping Beauty’s castle. From there we ran through Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tommorowland and Mickey’s Toontown…then we were off to the streets of Anaheim.
I got reunited with Jean where the cars were and we ran the rest of the way through the parking lot of the Honda Stadium, the A’s Stadium and back to the Disneyland Resort.
The morning was hot and humid. I utilized the water stations to douse myself to keep myself cool. I finished the race in 3hrs. 1min. and 28sec. Not my best time, but I had a great time.
We waited for everyone to finish to take our finishers photo together. It was a great run, the first half for Debbie, Nanette’s 50th bday coming up, seeing the sights, it was just a fun experience.
Next year I will be going for my coast to coast medal. Starting with my first full marathon in January and this in sept!
The next day we spent the day at the parks where I sported my medal, I got to spend most of the day with Nanette and Taylor, took pictures with Mickey Mouse. This was a really fun weekend.
Till next year for this race!
Chad's Blog for Running, Disney & Movies 