Disney World 1/2 Marathon - Rain, Sleet & Snow, Oh My!

In the weeks leading up to my trip to Disney World, the weather reports were not looking good. Every day the forecast seemed to be colder &, no matter what the numbers said, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. 50’s, 40’s, 30’s?!!!Possible snow flurries? Could this be possible? It was. I tried to plan out what I would wear but kept changing my mind. They say never wear anything in a race you haven’t trained in, but we don’t have conditions like this.

The “UP!” themed 5K on Friday, January 8th at Epcot was cold enough. I wore 2 shirts & a jacket & was still cold, especially waiting at the start. I couldn’t find any my “Running Of The Ears” friends (ROTErs) so I just huddled with strangers (they didn’t know it. :-) ) There was a gorgeous sunrise (pic) & once the sun was out, it did help a little. I was thrilled to see Margaret & a few others at the finish line!

After the 5K I went back to the expo since I had very little time there the night before. The bus transfers from my hotel were a pain sometimes. Had to go to Hollywood Studios 1st to get to the expo, so on the way back from the expo I decided to visit the Studios for a bit. It was raining & I didn’t have much time, but at least I got to see some of it. Then over to Downtown Disney to see some ROTErs. I was really late so there was only a remnant left. I got to see Erica, Peggy, Chris & meet Mustapha, Jen H. & a few others.

One thing I found really odd. Several places were really HOT…inside! The expo building was heated to what must’ve been 85 (It was difficult to shop & that is tragic!) & the bus that picked us up for the 5K was about 90! It’s as if it gets below 50 in Florida & they crank the heat up!

Watching the news during 24 hours prior to the ½ was putting knots in my stomach. They were now predicting temps at the start around 33-35 with wind chill (“feels like”) of 24 with snow flurries! Again, I changed my planned outfit, then finally settled… Lightweight tech top + heavyweight ¾ zip top + fleece/tech jacket + heavy hoodie + plastic poncho for wind/rain/possible snow. On the bottom I wore running tights under a skirt with pants (“Tough Girl” for my skirt friends). Then a lightweight & heavyweight ear headband, hat, 2 pairs of gloves. My plan was to toss the hoodie & possibly shed the jacket but keep “just in case”.

Up at 2:50 a.m., ate a bagel & brought an energy bar to eat on the way, on the bus about 3:45, arrived & checked in my after-race bag (warm/dry hoodie) & headed to the “H” tent to see my ROTE friends. We huddled to keep warm. Sometime before 5:00 the snow flurries started! The forecast predicted it, but it was still a bit of a shock! Even with the layers I started getting really cold, & my hands started to feel like I had nothing on them. Erica saved the day with hand warmers! God bless her! Headed over the start area around 5:00 & made my way to my corral, the last one. There was no sound back where we were which was a little discouraging. It felt like we weren’t even a part of anything…discards in the back. Finally the speakers came on & we heard the start of the front corrals/waves, & eventually we were on our way.

It felt better to be moving, but not much. The sleet had started & was pelting our faces. Somewhere around Mile 5 I tossed my hoodie, 1 pair of gloves, & the hand warmers. Should’ve kept the hand warmers. Rookie (insert “Cali Girl”) mistake. Around this time we got to the Magic Kingdom! I CANNOT underestimate the importance of spectators! It is such a boost! At the end of Main St. was a group of hearty ROTErs to cheer us on. They had it much harder in this weather because at least we were moving!

A lot of people commented later that there were very few characters on the open course (before MK). Honestly I didn’t notice because I was so cold & didn’t want to stop for long lines. Once we got in to MK, I did take some characters pics, & made my 1st bathroom stop. I had decided if I had to strip in this weather, it had better be inside. Indoor plumbing! But I took way too long. All those stupid, wet, layers! Then I panicked when I looked at my time & where I was…behind the 16 minute max. per mile pace. No more stops! Well, one. Poor Mary Poppins & Bert were out there freezing with no coats!!!

Around Mile 11, still worried about the sweeper, I was up on an overpass & looked at the course below/behind me. I could see the sweeper vehicle still quite a distance away, but the distance was only slight comfort. I tried to run a bit around mile 12 on a little uphill, but my muscles seemed frozen. Very difficult to transition from 1 motion to another. I heard runners say later that it was hard for them to NOT run for the same reason. I guess your muscles get used to one motion & freeze there!

Finally we entered Epcot. I knew the Gospel choir was ahead & was SO looking forward to them, but I couldn't remember exactly where. My brain was frozen too. I had pretty much decided I wasn't going to see them. Either they weren't doing this race, or I had been out there so long that they had quit because of the cold. Sad. Then I came around another corner & there they were! It was so uplifting!

I saw Erica, & Colleen & a few others ahead of me at the turnaround point. Finally crossed the finish line. Second slowest time ever: 3:27:44, but I did it! I looked over at the “H” tent but no ROTErs. Too cold. By this time everyone just wanted to leave. I started for the buses…oh no…the line for my hotel bus snakes back & forth several times. We waited for about 45 minutes, shivering uncontrollably. I had to force myself to take deep breaths to calm myself down & stop shaking. I covered my lips because they felt frozen, could still see my breath, couldn’t feel my feet or hands at all. Numb stubs. I saw several people getting medical attention. I had picked up my dry hoodie at the bag check, but didn’t want to think about taking anything off to change. And it was still raining. Temps hadn’t come up much if at all. I had the mylar blanket they gave me wrapped around my hips. Tried to rub my hips but couldn’t feel them either. I thought, “I guess this is what it feels like when hypothermia is starting to set in.” I think the bus back-up was just because usually people hang out afterwards & trickle out, but EVERYONE wanted to get out of the cold.

Got back to my hotel, hot shower, tried to find a good meal (that was an ordeal, & I finally had to get dressed & walk to the food court), took a 30 mins. nap, then headed over to the ROTE dinner.

On Sunday, I slept in a little, went over to the Contemporary Hotel’s business center because I forgot to print my return flight confirmation (argh), then over to Magic Kingdom for a few of my favorite attractions. After that I headed over to Epcot to see some of my ROTE friends finish their marathon & took several pics at the finish line. The sun was out, but it was still COLD. They said the water stops had partially frozen water & Gatorade slushies! And it was really dangerous at the water stops because the water that had spilled then iced over. Sunday afternoon I went to Epcot for lunch in China, on Mission Space, & a few character pics. Then back to Magic Kingdom until after the fireworks.

Monday morning I packed up & let Disney take care of my luggage, then went over to Animal Kingdom for a couple hours before I had to catch the Magical Express to the airport. Didn’t have time for a lot but I saw a few characters & mostly enjoyed walking around on a SUNNY day. Yeah, it was sunny now that I was leaving.

I had a great time, but I was so tired and ready to be home in my own bed and see my fur-child. When I got to CA & stepped outside the terminal I couldn’t believe it. It was almost midnight and 63 degrees! Home. :-)