Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker: October 2009

Tower of Terror 13K
Disney World, Florida
Saturday, October 24, 2009

I race walked the Tower of Terror 13K in Disney World, Florida on October 24, 2009. The event began at 10:30 PM in the parking lot of Hollywood Studios, took a tour around the Wide World of Sports Complex, returned to the Hollywood Studios for the last two miles, and finished near the Tower of Terror Ride. The course was almost flat with water stations located every 1.5 miles. The temperature was around 72 degrees with almost no wind. As usual at a Disney race every thing was extremely well organized and geared to everyone having a good time. As a result the major rides at Hollywood Studios remained opened until 2 AM so the competitors could ride after they finished the race. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I even rode the Tower of Terror twice.

Glouster, Massachusetts #16

Glouster, Massachusetts #15

Glouster, Massachusetts #14

Glouster, Massachusetts #13

Glouster, Massachusetts #12

Glouster, Massachusetts #11

Glouster, Massachusetts #10

Glouster, Massachusetts #9

Glouster, Massachusetts #8

Glouster, Massachusetts #7

Glouster, Massachusetts #6

Glouster, Massachusetts #5

Glouster, Massachusetts #4

Glouster, Massachusetts #3

Glouster, Massachusetts #2

Glouster, Massachusetts #1

Lexington, Massachusetts #7

Lexington, Massachusetts #6

Lexington, Massachusetts #5

Lexington, Massachusetts #4

Lexington, Massachusetts #3

Lexington, Massachusetts #2

Lexington, Massachusetts #1

Lowell, Massachusetts #6

Lowell, Massachusetts #5

Lowell, Massachusetts #4

Lowell, Massachusetts #3

Lowell, Massachusetts #2

Lowell, Massachusetts #1

Baystate Half Marathon
Lowell, Massachusetts
Sunday, October 18, 2009

I race walked the Baystate Half Marathon on Sunday, October 18, 2009 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The temperature was 40 degrees. The wind was blowing. A steady combination of light rain and sheet continued the whole race. In other words it was a miserable day for a half marathon. The 1700 participants in the half marathon for the most part did a two lap course along both sides the Merrimac River utilizing two bridges making the course mostly flat. For the first 3.5 miles, the course was closed to traffic, and then it had the participants use the side of the road that contained much traffic. Thus, passing opponents or dodging puddles often required using the road and watching out for traffic approaching from behind. I was not very happy with that. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 2 to 3 miles and were manned by plenty of volunteers who braved the terrible weather. Many police officers were along the course at intersections and store entrances as well as patrolling by motorcycle. It was a well organized event.

For my wife, Gerda, finishing the half marathon meant that she has now completed a half marathon in 49 of the 50 states. The fiftieth state will be New Hampshire on November 1, 2009.