Every race has its own story—but this Springtime Surprise 10K really tested my nerves from the jump. Let’s just say the morning didn’t exactly start off like a Disney fairytale.
Our bus driver, bless his heart, took a very wrong
turn. We ended up doing a nerve-wracking U-turn and clipped the curb so hard I
genuinely thought we might go over the side of the road. Cue the pre-race
stress. When we finally arrived at Epcot, the idea of snapping a pic with
Mickey or catching the pre-race entertainment went right out the window. I made
a beeline for my corral, trying not to panic about missing the start.
Whether it was the lingering anxiety from the bus ride, the
thick Florida humidity, or the heat settling in before sunrise, I felt off from
the first step. This race was a slog—not just for me, but it seemed like most
runners were pacing themselves a little slower than usual.
The course started in the Epcot parking lot, same as
yesterday’s 5K, and the first few miles were out on the roads, which can feel a
little long when you’re waiting for the magic to kick in. Around mile 3, we
entered Epcot ever so briefly before heading out again toward the Beach and
Yacht Club. At that early hour, we were asked to keep our voices down to avoid
waking the guests—nothing like trying to run through molasses while tiptoeing
in running shoes.
The Boardwalk section is always a bit tricky for me—I’m
super cautious there because those wooden planks can be sneaky-slippery. But
then we entered back through the International Gateway and finally hit that
sweet spot: World Showcase.
And just when I needed it most, the Muses were there, belting out “Zero to Hero.” Talk about a morale boost. Honestly, they should be stationed at every race.
Not surprisingly, he character line for Meg was the longest I’ve ever seen. I didn’t stop, but clearly a lot of people were willing to wait for her sass and a selfie.
By the time I hit the choir at Mile 6, I knew the finish
line was right around the corner. Everyone around me seemed to be feeling the
same exhaustion.
Despite the tough start, Disney did what they always
do—brought out the characters, the bands, and the energy. And as always, it was
all worth it when I crossed the finish line and received that gorgeous
Hercules-themed medal. They don’t put them around your neck anymore (probably
smart—less chance of chipping), but holding it in my hands felt just as
triumphant.
Was it my strongest 10K? Not even close. But was it memorable? Absolutely. Sometimes, the messiest starts lead to the most satisfying finishes. And I’d say earning that Hercules medal after a chaotic, sweaty, stress-filled morning made me feel just a little bit like a hero myself.
Want to see the magic (and mayhem) unfold? You can watch my full
race day experience on my YouTube channel, Click here to come along for the
ride, the sights, the characters, and all the sweaty, sparkly fun!
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