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RUNNING THE GOOFY'S RACE AND A HALF CHALLENGE! By Dale Midwinter

The Reason

Julie and Derek Bridge suggested I go with them to Disney World last year to compete in the Marathon but unfortunately my fear of flying stopped me from going. However once I saw the medals that Julie had achieved I was inspired and decided to put my fears behind me. With the loss of my best friend Martin in March I decided to run the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge to raise money for The Psoriasis Association in his memory. I contacted the charity and began collecting money from friends and customers who visited my shop. Martin was well known in the Five Alls pub on Bath Road and an ex employee of D.B. Builders.

I wish to thank all those have given so generously to The Psoriasis Association!

Training

Training for this big event proved difficult for me due to having a knee operation in July and needing time to recover. My passion for running kept me focused and determined and I was soon running 40 miles each week. I was really pleased with this accomplishment and my fitness began to improve. Things were going really well when suddenly two weeks before the big event I began having problems with my right knee and I was unable to run on it. I booked in for a number of physio sessions but could still feel some twinges of pain. It was too late now it was time to get packed ready for my trip.

The Journey

The journey getting there has to be the worst experience of my life. My flight from Gatwick was booked for 11.15am on the Wednesday and because of the heavy snow I had to leave home just before midnight on the Tuesday. I arrived in good time considering the weather but then my flight was cancelled which put me into panic. There were no hotel rooms available and I was desperate for some sleep as I had not slept since the Monday night. I was booked on the next available flight and I decided if this was cancelled that I would travel straight back home. I was stuck in Gatwick Airport for 36 hours, tired and cold. Luckily I met up with a young student who was also traveling to Orlando so this kept me just about sane. When I finally arrived in Orlando I could not believe it.

The Races

After a day's rest I was keen and ready to run the Half Marathon. I could not believe how cold it was. I had been told I would not need to take any warm clothes but how I wish I had. I ended up buying a track suit to wear. The first two miles my knee really played me up but as I continued the pain finally disappeared and I kept to a steady pace. I was really pleased with my time of 1:49 considering my injury.

The Marathon was a different story and I started off really comfortable and there were no twinges from my knee. I managed half way at a reasonable time of 1:42 but then after the 18th mile I could feel the blisters forming on my feet. I got to the 24th mile with my feet really hurting but I persevered and kept going. The final mile my legs became like lead weights and I pushed myself all the way to the finish line. I could not believe my time of 3:40 when I crossed the line. I felt so chuffed with myself and with the fact that I had finally achieved my dream.

Due to the cold weather and the water stations freezing I wish to call this event 'Disney on Ice!'