Back

My Goofy Challenge by Tina O'Brien

The Idea

Arthur (AKA Grumpy) is to Blame. I met him at the Cani X meeting in May last year and he was telling me about his Goofy experience. His enthusiasm was electrifying and he made me feel that completing the "Goofy" Half and full marathon was something which would be "Enjoyable" and achievable.  I went straight home and entered this years Goofy Challenge and also entered my husband John so no turning back. I told him afterwards that he was also entered.

The Build Up

Now the training was a different matter. As you all know, I am the "plodder" and just keep going but for this challenge things had to be different. More miles and even a slower pace which is quite difficult for me because any slower, I would be going backwards.  The usual 12 milers at the weekend started and for some reason I found it quite challenging to get into the stride.  Anyway come November I started to step up the miles averaging 11 ¼ minute miles and the day of my final long consecutive runs, the snow came.  On the Sunday I ran 12 miles in the Snow, and then on the Monday 20 miles in the snow. At mile 20 I got the pre Marathon knee twinge.  Not a medical term I know but you know what I mean.  I seemed to have pain in my Quad, my hamstring was tight, my calf was hurting and even my ankle.  I ignored it.  A week to go.  The usual Germaphobia set in.  Why is it that a week to go before any race everyone around you is coughing or sneezing.  But I escaped all the germs.

The Journey

It took me 7 hours to get to Gatwick to find out the flight had been cancelled.  We managed to get a flight the following day via Heathrow.  The flight was going Via Chicago rather than direct to Orlando.  It was then delayed from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.  We boarded the flight.  Sat on the runway UNTIL 8.00pm. We then got a message to say they had to cancel the flight as the cabin Crew will exceed their legal hours of work.  They then found another Cabin Crew and we finally left on the same plane at 1.00am.  having sat on the runway for 6 ½ hours.  So we missed the connection in Chicago.  When we arrived in Chicago we managed to get a flight the following day at 09.50am with an hour's delay we arrived at the Expo to pick up the number at 6.00pm with only 2 hours to spare.

The Races

Something at last started to go our way.  No jet lag.  We woke up at 3.30am bright as little buttons.  The weather was -6 so home from home.  We just had a 15 minute journey to the race, no traffic, no queues.  I love America for that  When we finally got to the start line and at 05.40am on Saturday morning, the fireworks indicated we were starting. I was ready, feeling very emotional but ready.  I thoroughly enjoyed the half taking it easy so 2.27 is reasonable. John was with me all the way and we held hands over the finish line, just giving him the edge to allow for the Testosterone.   Following this first hurdle, my leg was tightening up and I was worried that it would not last the full 26 the following day.

The Marathon, Same 3.30am wake up and still on UK zone and I felt great. John decided not to do the marathon so I was on my own, but I was OK with that.  I believe it was colder than the Saturday but It just worked well for me, averaging 10.56 miles throughout and I believe I was 13 seconds faster on the second half.  My leg was getting quite bad at 17 but that is when the numbness sets in anyway.  It was very busy and often I felt quite trapped with people but this is part of any race. The drinking water had frozen as it was so cold and the roads were iced especially at the water and power aid stations. We ran through 4 kingdoms and at 8 miles the Magical Kingdom was "Magical" running up Main street to the famous castle was just amazing.  Disney Characters were out, music playing and it was getting light, I almost felt I was floating.  We then visited the World of sports, and We knew when we were getting to the Animal Kingdom because the smell preceded it, Finally the Epcot was in sight. My expectation was 5 ½ hours having already run the half, but I felt OK through the race apart from my leg, but it held out for the 26 miles and I had true consistency with no slowing down at the dreaded final six.  Not a PB on the Marathon but only 9 minutes off, So yes I am so chuffed with the result.  To do under 5 hours (4.48) was such a bonus for me.

Post race

Surprisingly I couldn't walk the next day.  I felt great but my leg didn't, so I am officially injured and to top it all I have a cold and chest infection.  Wouldn't be right if I didn't.  Doing the Goofy challenge is not a stroll in the park.  The training is different from training for a marathon.  Consecutive long runs are important, Speed is not important.  As Graham says "Miles in the tank"

The other thing that makes it all worthwhile is that I was in the top half of the race overall, the top third for my Gender and even better for my age group 210/902.  This is because there are all types of runners and not just Athletes, but it still makes you feel good.  A race worth doing!!!