I got swept last year at the Princess Half and it was a horrible experience, not because of how it was handled, but because of my own disappointment. My granddaughter and daughter were waiting to see me go past in Epcot and I never got there.
It was my second half, finished the year before, actually did all three races that year. I started in a closer corral last year so figured I'd be okay. Lots of snow, ice and bad weather slowed down my training but what really got me was an injury in September before the race. What I thought then was bursitis in my hips has turned out to be a herniated disc that I aggravated the week before the race when I stumbled over my dog.
I started the race in pain and my Garmin died almost immediately. Don't underestimate the importance of having some type of timing device-- without it, I was going slower than I really realized. I was swept just before the ramp going back into Epcot, around mile 10. I never saw the balloon ladies pass, I must have been slathering biofreeze on my hip at the time. By the time I heard the warning from the bike guys, I just couldn't make my legs move faster, and believe me, I tried. They pulled the vehicles across the path literally steps in front of me.
I wouldn't get on the bus at first. I was walking back and forth and crying and it took a few minutes to compose myself. I didn't see anyone else on the bus as upset as I was, but maybe they just hid it better! I didn't want the medal but I took it, figured my granddaughter might want it. I met two friends from Florida later that day and I'm sure I was a barrel of laughs to be around.
I'm signed up for just the 5k this year. My disc problem returned with a vengeance after Thanksgiving-- I couldn't walk without bending over for three days. With rest, it settles down. I'm still debating about whether to do this race or not-- it's a quickie trip for me, just three days, and the races always take up a large portion, between futzing around at the Expo and then going to bed so early the night before.
Having an MRI today, then hopefully I'll have a better idea of whether I can realistically do this next month. I'll have to walk it. I've gained 20 pounds this year with not exercising and it's a bummer all the way around. I'm 65 so I don't think I'll get another shot at the Half. Not even planning to wear anything special if I do the race this year. I signed up late because I was determined to have a good "finish" to my short-lived racing career. My leg is giving me so many problems, I think it might have to wait until next year, sigh. If they don't sweep for the 5k, I'll probably give it a try. Two years ago I saw a woman there with a toddler, maybe I can keep up lol.
