A little over a week ago I purchased a Red Robin gift card which came with it a "free" ticket for the recently released Thor: Ragnarok movie. The fine print stated that the ticket was only good for up to $10. Unfortunately the ticket with AP discount was $16.69 to see it in 3D. I rolled into Downtown Disney right after work to watch this movie as well as to pick up my race packet at the expo. It was the perfect way to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
The race expo was the usual standard setup. I went down the ramp to the underground floor to pick up my race bib and get my photo taken for the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge. I picked up a towel for the AP gift before heading up the ramp to the vendor floor. I then picked up my race shirts before going through the vendor booths for a quick once over.
10k shirt
Half marathon shirt
Infinity Gauntlet Challenge shirt
AP gift at packet pick-up
After I was done with the expo, I went over to the AMC movie theater to check the movie times. The next available time for the 3D version was at 5:45 pm. After buying my movie ticket, I went next door to Earl of Sandwich to eat a quick dinner. I got their Original sandwich and wolfed it down before going into the movie theater.
The Original
Thor: Ragnarok 3D
After that incredibly entertaining and hilarious movie, I headed back towards the Disneyland Transportation Center. I decided to make a really quick stop inside Disneyland. I rode my two favorite rides, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and Star Tours before heading home.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Friday 11/10
I was feeling pretty lousy and under-the-weather while I was at work. It looked like I had succumbed to all of the traveling and had picked up a bug somewhere. When I got home, I was so tired that I really didn't want to think about running any races this weekend let alone picking out what to wear. However since this was the last Disneyland race before they go on hiatus, I decided to go out with a bang... or a loud clap of thunder! I assembled all of my Thor gear including the Mjölnir. After all, it was called the Thor 10k.
10k flat runner
Saturday 11/11
Per the normal routine, I got ready and arrived at the Mickey & Friends parking structure at about 3:30 am. Thankfully the weather wasn't warm and there was actually a little bit of chill in the air. I wore my jacket and took all of my Thor gear to the staging area. After using one of the portapotties near gear check, I put on my Thor stuff and checked my bag before heading to the corrals. This was my first time wearing this longer red cape. It served well as a good alternative to a mylar blanket for providing some retention of body heat.
10k start
Since the course started with us heading south on Disneyland Dr, it was a quicker downhill first mile (7:38). I eased off on the pace a bit after that first mile as I knew that I just wanted to average about 8 minutes per mile. I got a lot of love from everyone working the race. It was quite fun running through both parks as Thor.
During that last mile while running along Disney Way, it was pretty cool to see so many people out on the course that had just started their race. Even though it was only a partial headgear, my face was quickly getting sweaty with that thing on! One of the cool thing was that the finish line announcer saw that I was running as Thor, so he played the thunder sound effect when I crossed the finish line!
Thor, strongest Avenger! I tied with the Hulk in this pic.
10k finish
10k finish: 49:03
Click here for my Garmin data.
Even though the hammer wasn't heavy, it did start to feel heavy near the end. It was about the same weight as a full water bottle except unlike a water bottle, it didn't get lighter as the race went on. I think it would've been quite cumbersome if I had to hold that for a half marathon. It definitely was a lot easier to break 50 minutes with cooler temps (54.0°F).
After getting my finisher medal, I picked up my post race drinks, banana, and snack box. As for the finisher photos, they tried something new this time. They went with a single line queue for the photo stations. Once a station opened up, the cast member there would direct you to the open station.
10k medal
10k medal, Loki
10k medal, Mjölnir
Post race snack box and drinks
After my finisher photo, I got my gear bag and waited for my friends near the finisher exit. Before heading back to our cars, we got a photo in front of the large Super Heroes backdrop.
Latino Heat
Sunday 11/12
I was seriously dragging this morning. I hate the lethargic feeling that comes with getting sick. I didn't lay out my flat runner last night because I didn't know how I was going to feel this morning. I felt much better after taking a shower, so I decided to go ahead and get into my spandex Spider-man suit. It still fits, but I had put on a few pounds since the last time that I wore this suit.
I rolled into the Mickey & Friends parking structure about 15 minutes later than yesterday. That was fine since I didn't have a bag to check today. I grabbed my stuff and started heading to the starting area. I bumped into my friend Andre along the way. He was going to be spectating at a couple of spots along the course. It's always cool to have someone you know out cheering along the course. It gave me something to look forward to during the race.
Andre!
Half marathon start
Per my usual racing habits, the first mile was my fastest mile. Once I got into the parks, I ran at a cruising pace that I planned to hold through the first 10k. Before leaving the parks, I stopped only for photos with Spider-man and Thor. The ankle was uncomfortably sore which forced me to slow down a bit as I ran near the Honda Center and approached Angel Stadium. The run on the warning track was pretty much the last stretch before the wheels really fell off.
Spidey!
Thor!
Angel Stadium warning track
The last couple of miles from crossing over the Gene Autry Way freeway overpass and the jog around the Toy Story lot was pretty darn uncomfortable. My left ankle was really sore, my groin region was chafed, and there were blisters on my feet. I didn't have much left as I approached the finish line, but I was happy that I finished under 2 hrs.
Finish
Half marathon finish: 1:57:09
Click here for my Garmin data.
I found it pretty fun while screwing around and running in a Spider-man spandex suit. I got a few blisters since I wasn't wearing my usual Injinji socks. Also there was some chafing going on in the groin region. I don't remember it chafing there when I last wore it for the New York City Marathon. This was one of the few times that I've run a race without my visor. Thankfully there was overcast as it would've gotten quite hot in that suit if it had been sunny!
I was also happy that my friend came down from her finish line announcing stage to say hi and take a quick photo. That was cool since it might be a while before we get to run another race again at Disneyland.
Half marathon finish
Andrea!
I then proceeded down the finisher chute to collect my medal. Then I went to the line to pick up my Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal. They first checked to make sure that I was the same person to have picked up my bib at the expo before giving me the challenge medal. This year was the reality stone, the third stone in the Infinity Gauntlet Challenge. Looks like Thanos will have to wait a while for the other 3 infinity stones.
Half marathon medal
Half marathon medal
Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal
Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal
Infinity Gauntlet Challenge medal, reality stone
After picking up a mylar blanket, some drinks, a banana, and a snack box, I got in line for the post race photo. After the photo, I stuck around and waited for a couple of my friends to finish. We then walked back to our cars at the Mickey & Friends parking structure wondering when the races will return to Disneyland, if ever.
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