Disney Kids Race Recap

I’ll get to my recap of the Dopey Challenge Full Marathon soon, but I didn’t want to move on without writing about something else we took part in during the Disney Marathon Weekend.  In addition to the 5k, 10k, 13.1, and 26.2, they also had kids races.  And our just turned 5 year old participated.

His heel kick left the back of his shirt dirty!

It was his 3rd time doing the runDisney Kids race.  Last year he even won his heat of the 100 meter race!  But this year he’s in a new age group.  And the distance doubled to 200 meters.

Last year’s race. I wish I had that form!

I learned form years past to let the pushy over-eager parents take their kids in the first couple heats.  I planned to do the same this year.  The emcees said there would be 4 heats.  I decided we’d wait till the last one.  But after the first 2, they decided to lump everyone still waiting into just one giant (3rd) heat.  This was not a welcome last minute change.  Because of this, we were several people back from the starting line.  It was a mob scene.  And yes, the parents run with the kids, so it was doubly crowded.

Fighting through the crowds (and his oversized sweatpants).

So he was pretty boxed in at the start.  Bummer.  But once he found an opening…he.was.GONE!  You can see it unfold in the video I took:

I was boxed in behind him, so the only way to catch him was to cut through the infield.  It’s shaky, but I think it’s kind of funny.  I caught up to him right as he high-fived Mickey at the finish line!

High Five Mickey!

Oh, and BTW, if he looks sleepy, it’s because he WAS.  He was ready for a nap.  And he had gotten something in his eye, so he kept rubbing it, which made them kind of puffy.  But he’s a trooper.

Post high five.

In the end, he had a good time, and added another medal to his young collection!

Bringin home the hardware (or software, as it is rubber).

And I was happy that he got to be part of this weekend of family running!  Hopefully he’ll continue to race as he keeps reaching new age groups!

Post race with the boy!

And get this, for Christmas he was given a Disney gift card.  And he decided to use it at the Expo to buy a running Mickey doll (with it’s own medal of course).

Medals for everyone!

What do you think about kids races – ever been to one?  Should I add the distance of this race to my 48.6 Dopey total? 

Hot Runs: Track Work, Social Run, Weekend Fun

So it’s hot outside.  Like, devil fart hot.  That makes for tough times running.  I’m getting somewhat acclimatized, but there’s only so much you can adjust to.  I tried to get up early and run before work hoping the small clock hour would mean cooler temps.  Didn’t help much – sure the sun wasn’t baking, but for some reason the dawn hours around here are extremely humid.  I did my run, sweated, took a shower, kept sweating, drove to work, sweated at my desk – I’m quite sure my co-workers think I’m up to something.  “Why’s that guy sweating? What’s he looking at on his computer?”

But then on Wed, I met some peeps for a track workout…at 5.  PM!  Holy horse it was blazing.  Trying to sprint 400’s when it’s 102, no clouds, and heat radiating off the black track ain’t easy.  But I got through it (mostly).

Then comes the Thursday social run.  What’s this?  Rain clouds?  Sure it was just a quick downpour that sopped, but at least the clouds will provide relief from the sun that seems to normally be leaning against my face.  Not so much.  The sun that was shining through cooked the wet ground and turned it into rather thick humidity.  But I got through it again.  It helps when there’s 50 other people running with you.  One of which was a Boston Marathon qualifier for this coming year (She told me she qualified with a 3:30’s marathon!).  She kept my pace up by nipping at my heels the whole 2nd half of the run.  We ended up doing a rather decent 7:30 pace – pretty good for a hot casual social run!  And she had a great point – if you can get through these crazy hot runs, as soon as the temps drop, it’s going to feel like you were let out of a cage.  ‘Tis true.  I’ve gone through it before. Running Texas summers = easier fall/winter runs.

Anyhow, we were able to cool off on the fantastic patio at the Katy Trail Icehouse Outpost in Plano.

Only part of our group that was there. We like the mister fans!

I’m not making duck lips, they always look like that.

Anyway, we got no choice.  Gotta train through it.  This weekend will bring more.  I’m thinking long run again on Saturday, possibly followed by yoga.  Then another trail run Sunday, followed by a secret run group meeting.  Stay tuned for info on that last part.

Gotta keep at it!  179 days till the Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Dopey Challenge (3.1, 6.2, 13.1, &26.2)!!!

Peace out internet!