We were on our way to being marathoners with a mere 10k left to go! I knew we still had Hollywood Studies, the Boardwalk, and Epcot to look forward to. It was all heart from here!
We stopped for so many character pictures, but I think I was most grateful for this one. I was hurting, and I think Whitney must have known somehow, because she was like "let's stop for a picture!" The line was short, but I used it to stretch my legs and catch my breath.
When we got to Hollywood Studios, we were running down the streets of "New York" when Whitney ran ahead of me and said, "Stop so I can take your picture!" I had no idea what was behind me or what would be in the picture, but when I stopped I heard someone across the course say "Hey, Anna and Elsa, we love your costumes!" (Or something along those lines) When I looked over, I immediately recognized them.....
...it was more of my #teamsparkle Insta friends!!!! (@find_your_happy_pace, @elisewallace, and @mylifepace) Of course I fangirled out again, and we ran over to take a picture!!!
Those last 3 miles were my favorite!! The whole way we were cheered on by spectators and park goers alike! Those were the most emotional for me because I was reveling in the fact that I had run 23 miles, and I was 3 miles away from being a marathoner!! The crowd support was amazing!!! We also made a few final character stops where "runners get priority!" We ran all the way to London, met Aurora in France, Aladdin sang to us in India(?), we found our strong at Spaceship Eartn, and praised Jesus with the gospel choir at mile 26!!!! This was the BEST way to end the race!!
Then there was one final photo we had to take before crossing the finish!! When I looked back at this picture, I thought "ew, what is wrong with my face?" Then I realized it was a mix between being so stupidly ecstatic that I was finishing my marathon and trying not to cry because, as Whitney said, "if you cry you'll ruin your makeup!" I'll take it!
Our fearless chEAR squad was there to capture our moment of triump!!! All the fears defeated, and all the doubts squashed!!! WE ARE MARATHONERS!!!!!!!!!!
I couldn't have asked for a better first marathon experience, and I can't imagine having run it with anyone else!!!
I take my role as Princess Marathoner very seriously!!! RunDisney was the best choice for our first 26.2 magical miles!!! I hope 26.2 non-Disney miles are equally as magical. We are signed up for our second marathon on Valentine's Day!! 😀😬😳