You've Got a Friend in Me

?You?ve Got a Friend in Me? is the well known buddy song from Disney?s ? Toy Story , as well as the theme from this past weekend?s running of the Walt Disney World marathon for friends Patti Reive, Jane Clement, Beth Hills and myself. The four of us set out on a pilgrimage to Orlando for the weekend of sun, fun and to run, the 12th edition of the happiest 26.2 miles on earth. While the promise of constant entertainment while running through the five parks brought us here, the buddy system kept us going.
Running a marathon is a completely personal experience although it is done on a very public stage. No one can anticipate how they will feel and react as they stand at the start line, ready after weeks and months of preparation to take their final exam. Nerves, glee, anticipation, tears and yes even fear. At the finish line exhaustion, elation, more tears and acceptance are commonplace but it?s what you sandwich in between that makes or breaks the race.
While Beth was new to the distance, every marathon is a different experience, with the outcome depending not only on preparation but rest, recovery, nutrition and mental preparedness. On this day Patti and I would each act as tour guide, mentor, leaning post and cattle prod to our individual charges as we both have run this race and know the course. Early miles are full of smiles and chuckles, wide eyed wonder and engaging conversation, but as the markers tick off one progressively longer mile then the last, it eventually becomes a one sided conversation with glaring, uncaring eyes in response. The scene is somewhat reminiscent of a labour and delivery room with screams of ?I hate you? and ?why did you do this to me? mixed with ?I couldn?t have done this without you? and ?you?re wonderful?.
Eventually, with less concern for the remaining attractions then running past well meaning spectators who call out absurdities like ?looking good? and ?you?re doing great?, we reconnect with our friendship as we glance knowingly at each other with the common thought of forcing the body that belongs to the statement ?it?s just around the corner? to travel the distance with us. At this very emotionally trying moment when we would prefer to blend into the sea of death marchers, spectators highlight us from the crowd by calling us by the names printed on our bibs. In an instant our trek is done, we have crossed the line. Technically it is called the ?Finish Line?, but truthfully nothing has finished for us as we will continue with our running, our pilgrimages and most importantly our friendships.

This year?s race recorded the warmest start in 12 years at 60F and the second warmest finish temperature of 82F. There were 24000 people registered for the three races which included the marathon, half marathon and 5k family fun run. Registration for next year?s race is available online so sign up soon, as this most magical race weekend fills quickly.