Linda--Thanks for stopping by! My first piece of advice is this: if it is your first marathon...don't set any time goal for yourself...your goal should be to finish the race! Have fun, take it all in, stop and get pictures with the characters, and don't worry about the time. Your pace right now is fast enough that you will have no problem with the sweepers, even if you walk some. This year, I put no time in my head that I wanted to finish under, I got some great pictures along the way, and most of all I had so much fun out there. I never thought I would say that about running 26.2 miles, but it is the truth, I was so sad when it was over!
As for training, find a plan that works for you. I used the Hal Higdon plan and I felt that I was well trained for the race. I would also suggest running a half marathon sometime this year, if WDW 09 is going to be your first full. I ran a half marathon last April, and that was a good starting point for me. I wish I would have run one in say Aug/Sept, as I think I would kept more on my training in the summer, when I kind of slacked off a little last year. Even if you don't sign up for halfs, at least do some races during the year, to get a feel of what race day is like.
If you are running 10 min. miles you will be fine. I was running 10 min pace early on in my training, as I got to the higher distances I did not go that fast. In the race, I jogged the whole first 14 miles between 11-12 min pace. I had maybe one or two miles under 11....then from 14-end, I walked a lot and my miles were in the 12-13 range. And I ended up with a 5:28 time. So, if you can keep up that pace that you are running, you will be way under my time!
I will have to check out your journal and follow your year...just remember...HAVE FUN! It will be an experience, I am sure you will never forget!!!