Minnie Marathon Weekend Race Reports!

[chimera]

Feel free to post your 1 mile, 5K or 15K race reports here!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486MinnieMarathon.jpg

[chimera]

Today I felt like an athlete. Everything finally came together to make this the best race I've run. Official time was 2:06:49...a 13:38 pace when I arrived this morning expecting a 14:30 pace. The temperature was perfect (okay...for me :teeth: ), I got to see old and new WISH friends, I felt calm and ready before this race, and first and foremost, my chip was on my shoe :thumbsup2

Had a chance to chat with Nancy and her DH who were leaving as I arrived for the Expo. Friday's expo was a little disappointing, not nearly as big or festive as the marathon, but maybe it will grow as this race weekend becomes more popular.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0001.JPG

Picked up my stuff and drove home. Put my chip on my shoe right away and made sure everything I needed was packed. Got up Sat, finished packing DD3, went to DD13's band concert (excellent!) and left for WDW around 4pm. Arrived at BCV and checked in. We were able to get a table at Cape May which was a first for us. I wasn't sure about a seafood buffet as a pre-race dinner, but it seemed to be fine. Got to hangout with Cam and Rhonda for a bit, then we all headed off to bed.

No one slept much that night, but I did sleep twice as much as the night before the half ;) . Got up at 4am to start getting ready, then got DD13 out of bed. We drove to EPCOT and parked. Options were to do that and be bussed to AK or drive to AK, then WDW would bus you from the finish at EPCOT to AK. Tiff and her family got on the bus right after we did. Our bus ride was a little scary...the bus driver literally had no idea where he was going. He asked those of us in the front to help him read the signs to get to AK :scared1:

Got there in plenty of time, did the first potty run, then started eating, stretching. The WISH team started accumulating...we got to meet some of the crew that we missed at EoS the night before. We hung out with Tiff and her family, Cam, Rhonda, Kamy, disneybelle and her daughter, Anne, Sara and her DH, Lynne (who am I missing?).

Started lining up about 15 minutes or so before the race start. Here's Minnie getting ready to send us off:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0006.JPG

DD13 and I started running together, but at the end of my first R3, she kept going. I started with R3/W2 and made that for the first 5 miles. I saw DD13 again briefly, then she took off on one of her intervals. Lynne passed me twice early on.
Here's sunrise somewhere around mile 2:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0008.JPG

The first 5.5 miles of the course are just road...running from AK parking lot to MGM. They did have frequent water stops, but only one or two potties available at each stop :confused3 There was more music, a DJ at each water stop, but the cheering crowds and groups in between were absent for this race. We did have fog, though...this is somewhere in mile 4, after the first part of the group turned around:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0009.JPG

There's a U-turn, then on our way to MGM. The blond on the right is one of the few guys that took on the Minnie:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0013.JPG.

Somewhere before MGM, I met a nice lady who recognized my shirt (Hi, Yvonne! :wave: ) She said she reads the boards but doesn't post, so I'm hoping she'll decide to join us!
I was getting tired by MGM so dropped down to W3/R2. Getting to the parks definitely helped with entertainment, though there were very few characters out. I saw Mrs. Incredible and Jessie. Here's a photo coming into New York Street:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0024.JPG

We left MGM and ran along the walkway to the Boardwalk where DD13 and I did our 6 mile LR last month. Crossed over the bridge near the Swan and Dolphin, then onto Y&BC where I was expecting to see my mom and the wild todd. Unfortunately the wild todd slept in this morning so they weren't out yet. There were definitely few fans about at that hour.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0029.JPG

And then onto EPCOT...almost there! We came in the back door and entered WS in the UK. IF you look to the left of the tree on the right, you can just see mile marker 8...no fancy signs or time clocks for this race.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0033.JPG

Ran around the world, waved to the folks in line for the Norway princess breakfast then realized it was almost over. Got a great preview of the flower and garden show!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0035.JPG

I came around walking from mile 7 on...just felt tired and lack of training caught up to me. If I'd realized my time was so good, I would've tried to get in under 2 hours. I did sprint for the end where I saw Lynne (wearing her medal), Kathy and Erin. DD13 had finished ahead of me in 1:56, 6th in her age group! I made it across and got my medal:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0038.JPG

Found DD13 then wandered around as they were posting preliminary results while we waited. Saw Anne, Cam and Rhonda finish! The really wild thing...I did my undergrad at UCF in Orlando and worked out in Apopka at a research station. I had a really good friend that I haven't seen in probably 15 years that I had lost touch with. Saw a woman that looked like her finish the race...rubbed my eyes and it still looked like her. I asked her name...sure enough...she's still working at the research center and I'm hoping we'll be able to reconnect!

All in all, for me a great race! I do have my very first running blister from a badly placed sock...can't believe it took this long for me to get a blister. I have a very swollen L ankle, but that's an old issue that should resolve on its own. My R foot's feeling fine and I feel great, just tired. It was really cool to see so many WISHers...looking forward to see many of you again in Janurary! Special thanks to all the race volunteers...what they do out there is fabulous!
Last photos...DD13 at home with her medal
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0040.JPG



And the bad news...I'm afraid you won't be seeing Tink at WDW anymore...looks like she followed us home
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/77486PICT0041.JPG

[sap1227]

Thanks for the great pictures, my camera is just too big to carry with me when I run (I soooo want one of those little thin cameras). Your time was great, you were around 7 mins ahead of me (and my friend Sara).

I was a bit disappointed by the Expo, too. It was so small (and quiet) compared to the marathon/halfmarathon Expo. Hopefully it will grow with the race!

I have a spot on my foot that really feels like a blister, but there is still nothing there???? I guess I will just keep watching it.

Christy

[perfectmatch300]

Guess I am not the only one with blisters! I have had blisters before, but never anything like this! And that was with my very best, most dependable sock/shoe combo! I think I will be able to get back into shoes again today. Haven't tried yet but I will soon because we are planning to head off to Epcot later on today.

MEL!! GREAT RACE TIME!!!! Great for your DD13, too!!!
Like I told you Fri, you have really come a long way since this time last year!

I will post more about the 5K later on when I have some time. Right now I have to get off and get a few things done before we head for Epcot, but I did post some on our Minnie thread yesterday.

[wtpclc]

Woo hoo Mel!! Great pics! You have now run the hardest part of the full! Pat yourself on the back!

Your dd's are both adorable. So cool that you and dd13 could run together!

Funny, dh and I were looking through tthe results last night. Over 1400 women and less than 100 men. Bunch of scardy cats! ;) So cool to see that a woman won! :woohoo:

Congrats to Christy too!

[xterratri]

Congrats to all the WISHers and their companions on a great job this weekend at the Minnie Weekend race!
Thanks to Carrie for the link to the results.

Okay the numbers first.
322 of 1489 finishers based on gun time
1:32:07 gun time, 1:27:55 chip time, 1:23:22 watch/Garmin time

Does anyone notice quite a range between the 3 times? This race report is hereby known as "The tale of the porta potties"

I had an exam Friday morning and then 4 hours of lecture Friday afternoon until 5 pm. Biked home, grabbed my stuff and headed for the airport in NH. Got there about 6:50 pm for a scheduled 7:55 pm flight. Got to the gate and discovered it was delayed- actually ended up leaving at almost 9 pm and arriving in Orlando around midnight. Magically expressed to All Star Sports where we(NYcpa/mom and I) were staying on an AP rate. Checked in, went to the room- wait a minute this is a smoking room. Back to the desk, no non smoking rooms available at that time which was about 1:30 Sat morning. Went to bed about 1:45 am and went to the front desk again to get moved to a non-smoking room later that same morning. They told us to leave our bags and we would be moved that day. They did and the 'new' room was much better.

Met sister(Stitch_lover_Sith) at Rose and Crown for lunch at 1:30 pm. She had worked Grad night at Magic Kingdom and had gotten out of work at 5:15 that morning so it was her breakfast. I had a birthday pin so the Cast Members at Rose and Crown sang and gave me a card.(Yes, it really was my B-day: the trip was my present to myself) We then went to DTD to meet at EOS. Nancy and Barry(PerfectMatch300 and DH) were the first ones we spotted. Hung out w/ the WISHers for a while- great getting to see people we had met in January and getting to meet new people in real life.

Got up about 5:15 am race morning and sis picked us up at ASSp about 5:35. Sis and Mom dropped me off at Animal Kingdom parking lot and then headed to Epcot. I walked around the start area and marvelled over the porta pottie lines. Decided to forego getting in line at that point- mistake!!!! Instead found Mel/Chimera by the WISH shirt and stood around talking w/ the other WISHers.

Eventually decided to get in the porta pottie line. 15 minutes to the start, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes, 90 secs- still in the line. Figured no big deal- it's chip timed so I was still in line when the race started. After about 2 minutes or so they started announcing that they were shutting the start line down and emphasizing that there were porta potties on the course so I went and started and that's why there is about 4 minutes between my gun time and chip time. So I started behind almost everyone else and by the Garmin was through the first mile in around 8:30. Needless to say I was seriously bobbing and weaving through people. There was a line at the first pp so I ran on, got to the second and there was a line but I really needed it at that point. After that stop, I was almost 9 minutes off the gun time.

So the benefit of starting at the end but finishing in the top 1/4 of the field is that this was the first running race I ever spent doing nothing but passing people. I don't think I got passed at all:) Run segment pace per mile was 8:36 and overall pace per mile was 8:56. I liked the DJs playing music before entering the parks and thought that there were ample aid stations. I did miss the amount of spectators that there were for the marathon. Other miscellaneous notes- I much preferred the volunteer shirt to the race shirt. The race singlet is okay but I would have gotten alot more wear out of a more normal T shirt. And they weren't even available for sale. All I got at the expo was the pin.

Another first for me was I spent the time after I finished to the last person/people(it was 2 ladies wearing matching shirts) came through cheering. Mom and sis had parked themselves just outside Epcot, right before the last turn to the finish. After I collected my bling and a powerade, I walked back to them. We then cheered the rest of the time and I think we saw most of the WISHers. In summary, I would do this race again and I was happy w/ my actual run time. I would have placed around 157 of 1489 if that had been my official time. I studied for my pharm exam Sunday afternoon at the resort and then on the trip back north and I did pass it so it was worth going.

[Tiger Lily 03]

I love reading the reports. I am so glad that things went well overall. Definitely, I was there in spirit (and envy) with all of you. I look forward to reading more.

[msblrobs]

DH and I flew down to MCO after work on Friday and checked into the Peabody around 11:00 p.m. Gorgeous digs!! Up early and out the door to Le Peep on Kirkman Rd. for breakfast. Headed over to the expo to pick up race packets and listen to a few speakers. Definitely disappointed in the lack of vendors at the expo. DH was able to score a pair of comp tickets from WDW due to his job, so we had to go pick them up at guest relations. Off to AK, which was packed, so we ended up going to DTD to pick up the tickets. DH needed a running hat and sunglasses for the race, so off we went outlet shopping for the afternoon. Missed the EOS meet :-( Back to the Peabody because we were wiped out from traveling and were hoping to relax a bit before the race. Enjoyed a leisurely dinner at the hotel.
Up at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, pre-race soaking and stretching. Bagel and a banana from Winn-Dixie. Drove with my headlights off 1/2 way to Epcot...perhaps I was a little pre-occupied. Arrived safe and sound and immediately got in the potty line where TiifJ was right infront of me. Talk about a small world!! (Tiff, thank you for introducing yourself!!) We were able to chat for a while with several WISH'ers and then headed to the back of the pack for the start.
We both had a great race, running the entire time together, averaging 12:00:01 MPM pace. DH really did awesome and only took minimal walking breaks through the water stops. Our chip time was 1:51:53 (I think)! Received our medals and had our pics taken. Back to the hotel for another soak, stretching and a nice lunch. Off to AK to ride Everest. Awesome!! Over to Epcot to F&G, but we're wiped out and it is HOT!! Off to DTD for an early dinner at RFC and to do some obligatory shopping for the kids. In bed early, as we have to fly out of MCO at 7:00 a.m. Uneventful flight home, but off to work :confused3 for the afternoon. No real residual soreness for me, but DH is hurting a little. He is so proud of his performance :love:
Definitely a wonderful weekend away and we're now looking forward to beginning our DL 1/2 training in another couple of weeks.
To all the WISH'ers that we were able to connect with - thanks for the delightful conversation. To those that we weren't able to see, we hope your race experiences were all you hoped they would be. Congrats!!

[msblrobs]

Today I felt like an athlete. Everything finally came together to make this the best race I've run. Official time was 2:06:49...a 13:38 pace when I arrived this morning expecting a 14:30 pace. The temperature was perfect (okay...for me :teeth: ), I got to see old and new WISH friends, I felt calm and ready before this race, and first and foremost, my chip was on my shoe :thumbsup2 Congrats Mel - isn't that just the greatest feeling?!! :cool1: You looked AWESOME up on Osceola Pkwy. Glad you had such a positive experience. Thanks so much for the pics, as DH and I didn't take any this time around.

[jodistar]

Mel - I love the pictures, thank you for sharing :thumbsup2

[Kristi1357]

Yes, this race was definately the "tale of the porta potties!"
(I should have known Disney would be this unorganized from the kids races after the Marathon this year :rolleyes: )

My Mom, Sam, Linda & I flew to Orlando from Manchester Thursday evening. We got to our gate and there were 70+ high school seniors on our flight!!! We thought we'd die. BUT, I do have to say, they were pretty well-behaved. We were pleasantly surprised. One crisis averted.

We land and head to Alamo. Line wasn't too long, then we head upstairs to get our minivan rental. Well, my mother decided that she *needs* the vans with capt. chairs in the middle row (rather than the bench). So, we find a van with capt. chairs and start loading luggage. We then notice that one capt. chair is not locked in place. So, we go to the only other van with capt. chairs, load our bags, then notice one tire is really low. We ask someone from Alamo to pump it up, and they tell us to pick another van. So, back to the first one - we try to lock seat in. We get 2 men from Alamo to try to lock seat in. My mom is laying on the floor of the van, then kneeling with her butt sticking out the doorway - trying to help these guys install the darn seat! :rotfl2: Finally, I think the guys are sick of us stubborn ladies who do not want any of the Caravans, and one of them brings over a van from the National side for us. We load up and off we go. After we pass the Alamo kiosk and we are heading down the very beginning of the ramp, I notice that one of the doors is ajar. So, I pull all the way to the right, turn on blinkers and start to figure out which door is the problem. People are behind be beeping and swearing! Um, hello?! I have my blinkers on (obviously there is a problem) and there is room for 2 cars to pass on my left if they were side by side! Finally, my Mom jumps out of the back and starts yelling at the buttheads to simply go around. Oy vey! Turns out the rear sliding door motor was shot. We get door closed and carry on. As we are heading to the south exit, the engine light comes on. At this point, I do not care! I am tired and need a bed. Drama follows me everywhere!

We get to our room at Pop. Sam is using the bathroom and discovers there is not a shred of toilet paper in there! I steal some from Mom's room. And our carpet near the sink is mysteriously damp. Weird. But we don't care - we are beat!

Speaking of tired - since when do the Mousekeepers come at 8am?! :rolleyes:

Friday we take it easy and meet my grandparents at noon. We went over to Fort Wilderness and ate at the Trails End Buffeteria & walked around a bit. After my grandparents leave, we head to Epcot, then MGM later on.

Saturday is Magic Kingdom and dinner at Tony's for pasta. We all are in bed by 9pm.

Sunday we get up at 5am and are out of the room by 5:30. I drink my powerade & eat 2 cereal bars and yogurt in the car. We park at Epcot and we all bus to AK. Linda & Sam go to stake out a spot to watch the start. Mom & I get in the incredibly long potty lines. Long story short about the potties. We got to look back & watch the start from about 20 people back. At about 10 people back, they started yelling at us to start and there would be "porta potties" at, or after the first mile. Then they start counting down to when they are going to close the start! I was beyond aggravated that they'd even threaten that! I mean, I had to go. I did not wait until the last minute to get in line. So, I dove into a porta potty 40 secs. from them closing the start. ARGH!!! I peed as fast as humanly possible and ran out of the potty and across the start very mad. :furious: I mean, this was my first race ever - I wanted to savor the start a little bit, you know?

I saw our friends right after the start line and asked where my mom was. She was actually coming up behind me. While she was beside me for a few mins., I remembered to take my albuterol. I wasn't having an asthma attack, but I wanted to take it preventatively. So, here I am running and trying to suck on my inhaler. Oy! My Mom runs, while I mostly walk, so she went ahead of me relatively quickly.

It was weird in the first mile. I looked back a couple of times and either saw no one, or maybe a person or two, behind me. I managed to pass quite a few people doing my walk 4 mins. / run 1 min. plan.

I was so glad I didn't do as the crazy Disney sports people suggested and wait for the first potty stop - there was only 1 porta potty! This is a women's race, people! I know runners often go in the woods, even women. But I think the number of women willing to go in the bushes is less than the number of men. So, being a women's race, they really should have known better, imo.

I forget what mile it was, but before MGM where the race doubles back (near WWOS?), I saw Mom on the other side. I yelled to her and she saw me - very cool.

Around that time, I saw a WISHer with the Minnie T-shirt on that another DISer designed. I talked to her for a bit. Then another WISHer joined us for awhile. Please forgive me since I can't remember your names!!! It was fun talking to people I 'knew' online and I kept forgetting to do my 1 min. of running every 5 mins. Oops! Once I noticed this, I decided that as long as I was simply ahead of the sweepers, I would enjoy myself! So I did. :teeth:

I did stop at another potty stop before MGM - that one had a 2 potties -yay! The only weird thing was that they were on a hill leaning backward. This lead to an interesting potty experience trying to hold myself upright in there! :)

Off to MGM - had a pic taken with Jessie & Mrs. Incredible.

On the pathway to the Boardwalk I met up with one of the WISHers I previously was talking to. After awhile, I remembered to run a bit again and did so. She pointed out who Cam was up ahead, so I talked to her for a bit too. :wave2:

Entered Epcot and had pic taken with Pocahontas, Cindy & Belle. Coming around the loop after Mexico & entering into Future World, I noticed runners/walkers were being re-routed the short way around the World since they were below the 15 min. mile requirement. From what little I heard them say, they were not happy campers!

One thing I kept thinking since MGM and through Epcot was "this is almost over ALREADY? Gosh, I can do a Half, I'm not really tired!" Granted, I was at the back of the pack and not speedy at all. I really just didn't want it to be over yet.

I made my way out of Epcot and FINISHED! The goal was to simply finish and not be swept - so I succeeded in that. I got my first medal ever and had my picture taken. I grabbed a bagel and we all headed to Pop Century to get showered. After all, I had to get back to AK and ride Expedition Everest, right?

Sam & I pit stopped at France for lunch then headed to AK. My Mom took a 3 hour nap. Now, she does know better than to stop moving, but she was wiped out. She was pretty sore Sunday and Monday.

We all hit Jellyrolls Sunday night and had a great time. Sam & I stayed until 1 am and still did not want to leave. I love that place!

We flew home Monday - uneventfully thank goodness!

I will try to post pics once I get my disposable camera developed. Hopefully, they came out ok.

Now, I have to find another race, another goal. I know me & I won't keep exercising in any form if I have nothing to push me. DH Chad is running the DL 1/2 in Sept. and I was too afraid to sign up. Now that is closed. So, I signed up yesterday for the 5k. I am thinking I'll train as though I was doing the 1/2 with him.

ETA:
Place: 1332
Official Time: 2:18:30
Chip Time: 2:14:16
Pace: 14:24.3

(sorry so long guys! :blush: )

[jodistar]

Finally got to read everyone's report -- I really can't wait to go there for the marathon :goodvibes . Sounds like you all had a good time, with the exception of the porta pottie thing......hopefully the feedback that you provided will fix things for other upcoming events :thumbsup2

[crzy4pooh]

I finally got my pictures downloaded - yea!!! I took 63 pics along the way, so if anyone is looking for a picture of something specific, I probably have it! :blush:

Saturday evening we headed to Downtown Disney via the boat from POR to see any Wishers still at EoS. We didn't get there until 6:30, so I missed meeting everyone. :sad1: We walked around for a bit, then headed back to the hotel. Apparently some bugs decided to have feast on my legs on the trip back, because I ended up with four very painful welts - not good when you are about to run/walk 9 miles the next day...

Sunday morning we got up at 4:30am to drive to EPCOT and catch the bus to Animal Kingdom. Everything went smoothly, and I met a few people while waiting for the race to start. I never found any wishers, though.

Race start...
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K004.jpg

I ran a bit more during the first few intervals than I had planned, but I felt good. Chimera came up behind me and we chatted a bit, but she quickly passed me. (Great job on your time!!!) I saw several other green shirts, but couldn't tell if they were wishers. I did meet up with Kamy going up the hill (I think to mile 2) - Yea!!! She pointed out a few others ahead of us, but I never got a chance to chat with them.

Here is a picture of the fog and someone in green - anyone we know???
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K010.jpg

Between miles 3 and 4, we had a turn around, and I saw Mel once again. Can you spot the green shirt? ;)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K015.jpg

Once we got into MGM, I really started having fun. There was so much to see and the miles went by so much faster! Here is a picture I turned around to take of the hat. I didn't notice until today, but I think that is a wisher in front of it.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K037.jpg

Heading out of MGM and across the boardwalk, I started to feel tired and my buggy bites were really bothering me. As soon as we got into EPCOT, though, it was awesome!!!! I kept taking pictures of the ball as it got closer... I knew as soon as I passed the ball I was getting that medal! :teeth:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K054.jpg

Coming out of EPCOT, I was greeted by four wishers - Lynne, Erin, and their mom, and I think one other person. Thanks for cheering us on - that meant so much!!! :goodvibes After I passed them, I saw DH and DS, so I stopped to take a couple pics of them. Of course, DH was yelling "Keep going - Finish!!!" :rotfl:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K062.jpg

I was seriously cramping in both legs by the end due to the heat and bites, and I certainly didn't have a wonderful pace, but I had a blast! I would definitely take a camera again and enjoy the race! There are other local races where I can work on my time, but Disney is such an incredible atmosphere to run in!

Final time was 2:16 something... 14:40 pace (faster than the sweepers!!! :thumbsup2 )

Thanks again to all the Wish team - you all are awesome!!!

--Lynnda

[Maherae]

Hellloooo, Everyone! :wave:
OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! Meeting other WISHers and doing the Minnie was absolutely fabulous!! This is just the greatest group of people!! :grouphug:

DH and I drove 7 hours :car: and arrived at WDW around 5 on Friday. We had to pick up our AP's (birthday presents) so went to AK first. Of course, everyone was coming OUT of AK as it was closing (forgot about the time change!!), but fortunately Guest Relations was still open and we were able to get the passes. Back down the road to Wide World of Sports http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_Wide_World_of_Sports-thumb.jpg and the Expo! http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_Expo_1.jpg

I agree with eveyone else, that the Expo was small, but hopefully that was because it was the first year. The signs directing you to the Registration were ok, but the signs to the goody bags were confusing!! Oh, the goody bags were really nice. Everything was packed into a black bag with the Lady FootLocker logo, but the bag could be used as a backpack. Inside were: 1 Rainforest Cafe TALL plastic cup that you could take there to get a smoothie, a pair of coolmax type socks (even fit my size 11's!!), thick notepad, sports magazine, lots of coupons, a sample energy bar (and I do mean sample! It was maybe 1/2 inch by 2 inches!), a Red Dress pin and our Minnie Marathon shirt. I agree with Mel. I would trade mine for the volunteer shirt. Did get a picture of all of the medals (Except now they are offering a finisher's medal for Race for the Taste!):
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_The_Medals_A1.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_The_Medals_B.jpg

Checked into Animal Kingdom Lodge..beautiful! Two giraffe were having dinner outside our window when we opened the drapes. Sigghhhhh. Non Minnie Trip Report will follow!

Saturday we walked around Epcot waaaayyyyy too much. I was keeping an eye out for inclines! We got over to EoS to check for WISHers by 4:20. Hmmmmm...no signs, no green shirts...waiting, waiting...Finally, I see someone with a Triathlon shirt on and decide to say, "Hi!"...it was Xterratri, Lynne!!! and, oh, my goodness..I had been sitting across from perfectmatch300, Nancy and her husband the whole time! They were wearing shirts with her perfectmatch300 signature on them!! So cute!! Of course, Stitch_lover_Sith and Nycpa were there, as well as MouseDogMom, disneyfanz04, Sap1227, Kamgen, keenercam, and akasleepingbeauty..Did I get everyone?? :)
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_WISHers.jpg I just cannot express how wonderful it was to meet people who had been sharing their training tips, ups and downs, words of encouragement and lives with me over the past four months. Those who didn't make it to the meet were really missed..but we hoped we'd find you at the race at least!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578001D_The_start1.jpg
Sunday was up at 4:30 a.m., thinking about Krista getting ready for her Pig..and we were out the door and at the start by 5:30. It was a lonely looking place! But past the lights were people sitting, stretching, lining up for the potties...which I got in line for after I said "hi!" to the group. Oh, there was Tiffj!! and Chimera!! I felt like I was meeting celebrities!!

We had wondered how they were going to line us up. The announcer called out that we were to "self seed ourselves" What a hoot!! There were only about 2,000 participants this year, so that was doable..but in the future??!!
Those who wanted "pace cushion" got up near the front. They played the "Star Spangled Banner," and then Minnie counted down...and we were off!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578006D_Go_.jpg

The first mile curved around the Animal Kingdom parking lot, so me being near the end, got to see this 3/4 mile long line of runners..it was really neat! Some of the women dressed up as Minnie Mouse..wearing red shorts or skirts with white dots and Minnie ears..there were quite a few with Minnie ears...these ladies, however, were really special with their tails! I wonder if the tails lasted the 9.3 miles?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578007D_Minnie_Tails_2.jpg

DH left me, but there were lots of people willing to talk! At every mile there was a volunteer who called out the elapsed time from the "gun" time. I was pleased and surprised to make it under 15 minutes each time, barely..but UNDER! And, as I kept telling myself, I did not cross the start until at least 2 minutes AFTER the gun! After the turn around (mile 4), I actually saw the dreaded SWEEPER bus!! So, there really was one..but I was ahead of it! The slight inclines over the bridges at mile 2 and 3 were hardly noticeable. The one I heard some people groaning about was the one after mile 4 turning us towards MGM. At mile 5 there was a guy with a bucket of Biofreeze! He had a ladle and was passing handfuls out to whomever! Turned right and then right again into MGM!! Through Costuming http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578012D_MGM_costuming_mile_6.jpg past the stunt show, around a corner to the New York skyline, around another corner and there was Jessie and Mrs. Incredible! Our first characters! Through MGM there was an older couple running in front of me. When they saw a photographer, they grabbed hands. How cute is that?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578015D_Jessie_and_Mrs_Incredible.jpg Out of MGM and down alongside a lake (?) near Swan and Dolphin. Bless you Kristi for talking to me! My stomach was getting queasy and just talking really helped! Onto the Boardwalk where the people were starting to move about. Some guests were out jogging..and I saw one CM chasing them down to tell them if they weren't in the race to get to the left of the cones! They were running the opposite direction, too!!

Over the International bridge which was a slight incline and into WS where I dreaded the bridge at UK. But, wait!! We're on the opposite side of the bridge..we're going DOWN..oh, I can do this...yippeee!!

Our second set of characters, Pocahontas, Cinderella and Belle captured keenercam and akasleepingbeauty for a picture. Here are some of the flowers we passed.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_RWB_Star.jpg http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_Italy_Flowers.jpg

and just for our littlegreydonkey/helen
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/80578D_Eeyore_and_Piglet.jpg

Wow! we were almost there!! Over the little bridge at Mexico, around the corner...and there was the sphere!! Straight down, slight turn to the right (all I want to do is throw up!!) and there was Xterratri, Stitch_lover-Sith, and Nycpa!!! You guys were just the best sight!! Lynne's grinning and holding her medal up and shouting,"Look what's waiting for you!!" I really wished that I had taken a picture of you all!!

One more turn and there was the Finish Line!! As we get closer, the announcer calls out our name and city.."and here comes.......from....." That was just tooo cool!. DH was waiting at the finish. He had crossed, but waited to get his medal until I got there. How sweet was that? Another thing I wish I had a picture of. Headed straight for the lady holding bottles of water. "Are you having your picture taken?" When we said no..she pointed us to the cups of water. The bottles were for those standing in line! Ah, yes...there was the table with the bananas and bagels that I had heard about. Grabbed a banana and wanted the bus. Where was the bus to take us back to the start? Bus? No signs..so we just started walking toward the back of the parking lot, following some other people. Still no signs. Had to ask the driver. YES! He was our ride. Climbed into an air conditioned bus and got to stretch our legs across the seats. We DID IT!!

When we got to AKL and walked up to the entrance, the CM's that were standing there high fived us and congratulated us. That was great. Down the halls to our room and Mousekeepers did the same. How nice. We heard guests saying, "There was a race today?"

Yes, there was.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL...1 mile, 5K or 15K!!!!

[TiffJ]

Ann-it was so great seeing you at the start. You had such great energy & excitement!

Lynnda-that lady in green on the left you were asking about, that's my mom! :cool1: I've turned her into a "DISer by association" She'll be at DL with me in Sept!

Well my race report has good things & some not so good things. I started out this race very confident. I had done the training & I knew I could do the distance & pace. (this is very different than how I started the 1/2, totally afraid of being swept) I knew I could do this in the pace required & based off what I had been doing in training I was aiming for a sub 14 min mile. We got up around 4:00 to get ready to leave for Epcot. I had a wake up call & also set the alarm clock as a back up. I was already up getting ready when the radio came on & guess what song was playing - "Unwritten" Wow I thought that was an awesome sign of the day ahead. Wrong. We get to Epcot & get on the bus, Mel is sitting the the first row with her daughter, very cool! Hi Mel! Then as Mel has already told you the first thing out of the driver's mouth when we leave is "someone is going to have to tell me where to go" I had this problem during the 1/2 our bus driver had no idea where to go, got lost, tried to go in the wrong entrance, etc. I was confident we would get there o.k. since I knew Mel was up there & knew her way around. So we get to AK alright & I go for the 1st round of potty visits. While I'm in line, I look around at what's going on & Sara(msblrobs) & her DH are behind me! Cool, we ate with them at Trail's End. Go back to where Mel is and Cam & Rhonda are there by now. Cam is trying to get that hip stretched out good. Not too long after that Ann(maherae) finds us. It was so great hanging out with everyone before the race. I had missed EOS & was afraid I wouldn't be able to find anyone at the race.

So they have us line up & off we go. They did have a little fireworks go off, which caught me by surprise. I was pumped, I knew we could do this & was just hoping to enjoy the experience. I was also with 2 friends that not only didnt train for this very much, but had never done so much as a 5k before. I was so hoping they would make it & outrun that sweeper bus. By mile 2 I started feeling the lightheadness I had before during training. Usually when I ate too far before hand. I had forgotten about this & ate at 4:00 so since we started a little late it was almost 3 hrs beforehand. Not good! My optimal time I have discovered is 1 1/2 hrs before. Once I get this lightheadedness it doesnt go away until I stop. Stopping was not an option. I start early taking my shot block but they didnt help at all. I push through. I though once I get to the parks it will go by fast. I was going to push myself until mile 7 & then slow down. Well, I had to slow down by mile 6 in order to not pass out. I was so miserable the whole time, I didnt take pics or enjoy going through the parks. I told my mom to go on ahead, I'd meet her at the finish. She was worried & wouldn't go too far ahead though. By the time I got half way around World Showcase I almost just sat down. I really thought I was going to pass out. I had one of the medics on a bike ask me if I was o.k. while he passed me. "yea, yea, I'm fine" I just wanted to get this thing over with. I came so close to stopping but I knew I was close & I kept saying to myself "I'm an endurance athlete now, I can finish this" Then one of my friends who did almost no training passes me & she catches up with my mom. Shortly after that my other friend caught up & walked with me. That helped me make it accross! Finally we see that finish line, Denise says "want to run accross it?" I said yes but not yet, had to get closer. We ended up holding hands as we ran across the finish line. I was hoping they would be taking finish line pics like they did at the 1/2 but no such luck. 2:18 finish I think my chip time was 14:55. I got my medal, got my powerade & headed straight for the car so I could cool off & sit down. I had felt so bad for so much of the race & I was so dissapointed in my performance that I just wanted to cry. I felt better within 5 minutes of sitting down.

I was thrilled that my friends were able to finish & get there medal. I was worried about it since they hadnt gone more than 4 miles & werent able to do a 15 min pace. I made them wear their medals all day while we were at DTD.

I'm going to have to figure out this lightheadedness before DL because I so want to be able to enjoy that race! I plan on training my butt off this summer! In a couple of weeks, when I get back into training mode, I will probably go to the DR. & get checked out. Sorry to be such a downer in my race report, I am still pretty upset about it. I know I need to let it go & move on to the next event. I did have a blast up until mile 2 :rolleyes:

[Kristi1357]

TiffJ - I must have been right there with you at the end! I heard the medic on the bike ask someone right behind me if they were ok. And I also finished in 2:18! I am so glad you were able to finish feeling so awful. :banana:

Ann - I am glad I helped take your mind off you upset stomach. I didn't realize you weren't feeling so great, or I would have stayed along with you instead of running a bit ahead.

I got back my pics from the disposable camera last night. I am going to try to figure out how to post some of them.

[DisneyMarathon]

:wave2: Hello everyone,
I always read this board but seldom post - so I am unknown to all of you.

I also ran the Minnie 15K last Sunday. It was a leisure run and I finished in 1:50. Yes, I agree about the scarcity of portable bathrooms along the course. The weather was much hotter than the marathon in January. I stayed and cheered for other participants too. I also watched the children's race and the award ceremony. Towards the end, there was no line to take pictures with Minnie and Daisy so I had lots of time to mingle with them. Minnie also indicated to me that she still has not got a ring from Mickey after all these years! :rotfl2:

Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I also said, "Hello", to a lady in lime green shirt with the word, "WISH", who indicated that she is from Sarasota. I think her name is "Carmela"? If you are reading this post, "Hello again"!

Yvonne

[Maherae]

Hello, Yvonne! :wave2: Siiggghhhh, someday to have a leisure run a 1:50!!! Great job!!

I also got the survey from Minnie and said everything that Mel and Cam said! Great minds!! :)

Tiffj, I'm so sorry you were not feeling well. How horrible to have to run through that..but you did it! :thumbsup2

[keenercam]

WOW! I am so impressed with how observant everyone was and all the details in the Minnie reports. Thanks, Ann and Lynnda and Mel, for the pix!

Let's see, where to start? I think I'll start at my arrival at PHL. I sat on the plane next to a couple who were all lovey-dovey. I overheard they were going to WDW for 3 days, staying in an RV. Obviously dating. No ring (at least not on her left hand). (This will be important later).

I arrived at MCO 25 minutes early and awaited Rhonda's arrival. Everything went smoothly until we checked in to Saratoga Springs and had a very scary, extended encounter with a CM who we felt was harassing us (long story, including sworn statements for Disney's Legal Dept). After getting something to eat and unpacking, we headed to DTD and the Adventurers' Club. After seeing all the shows and one kungaloosh and one pamelia's punch later, we caught the last show at comedy warehouse, then headed back to SSR. We were up chatting until about 3:30 am.

Saturday morning came quickly and we headed over to Chef Mickey's to see if they could squeeze us in. After a quick loop on the monorail and some window shopping, we had breakfast with Mickey and friends. On our way out, they had just put out chocolate croissants (my all-time favorite Disney treat) and we each grabbed one as we headed back to the shops.

Then, off to the expo, where we were disappointed to find that the official race shirt was not the white tee shirt we were seeing everywhere. Nor was it a pink or red tee shirt that would have been so perfect for a women's event. Black singlet (I have not worn anything sleeveless in years!), but it came in a great sport bag with lots of other goodies -- Anne, thanks for remembering everything that was in there! We wandered around the expo and even bought a couple of shirts -- Rhonda got a "yoga princess" tee shirt and I got a "running princess" long sleeved skinny tee (XL and it fits-- YIPPEE!). We made a quick stop at walgreen's for water and little mist bottles for the race.

Our next stop was the Grand Floridian where we took some pix, explored the shops and finally made our way to the Garden View Lounge for tea. My blackberry tea was wonderful, but Rhonda's green tea was really, really wonderful! I couldn't believe how much food there was -- 5 little finger sandwiches and a sweet onion tart, then a scone and a raspberry tart, then dessert -- mine was a trifle to die for. Lots of custard and fresh whipped cream and sherry soaked cake. (My mouth waters even now!)

We had a little time before our WISH meet at EoS and enjoyed exploring some of the shops at the Marketplace. It was soooo exciting to meet everyone at EoS. I quickly handed out name labels for everyone to write and had a chance to chat with Cathy, Erin, Lynne, Anne, Anne's DH (I can't believe I am drawing a blank on his name! :blush: ), Kamy, Christy, Nancy & Barry. I know I am forgetting a lot of other people, but it was GREAT to see how many WISHers took time out of their schedules to come say hi. After a couple of quick pix, the crowd dispersed and Rhonda and I spent some absolutely wonderful time with Cathy, Lynne and Erin as we wandered in and out of a bunch of shops. Erin was so darling to help me look for graduation merchandise for Jenn and I was soooo happy to see that Lynne was surviving exams/boards so brilliantly and that Cathy was able to walk with us without too much apparent pain. (Thanks so much, guys, for your wonderful company -- it was a LOT of fun!!!) Oh, and BTW, we were still so full from tea that we didn't eat anything at EoS or DTD.

When we split up, Rhonda and I did a bit more shopping and then headed toward Boardwalk where someone told us we'd find a suitcase she wanted for her DS3. So, we drove over to Boardwalk. We parked and then found the suitcase at Threads & Needles (?). We took it with us on the boat across the lake to find Mel and her family at Cape May Buffet. Waved to them from outside the restaurant and Mel came over for a quick hug. We arranged to meet at Beaches & Cream, where Rhonda and I were headed for medicinal purposes (we both had sore throats and convinced ourselves that splitting a malt was a medical necessity!) We had a great visit with Mel and her mom and the girls --I think the wild todd took 3 years off my life, but she did give something back -- grey hair! She looks like an absolute angel but has the energy of a whirlwind and she is wayyy too athletic! Mel's DD13 is so wonderful with her little sister and it was sweet to watch them together. :love:

After we left them, we took the boat back across the lake, and after realizing we should really eat something before bed, back to the Screen Door for some sliced turkey and cheese and bagels. The ride back to SSR was quick and we munched on a late dinner as we laid out race clothes and tried to get our numbers pinned on straight. I must say, my list worked like a charm -- the only thing I forgot was the one "new thing" that I hadn't written down -- the mister bottle. We remembered to fill them with water and freeze them and even took them out of the freezer on race morning, but I left mine on the table. Fortunately, Rhonda brought hers and cooled us off once or twice on the course.

Coming up in part 2 -- the Minnie, the spa and another plane ride with the lovebirds!

[keenercam]

Part 2

I slept really well from about 11:30 pm until the alarm went off at 4:10. Mickey and Stitch called at 4:15 and I hit the speaker button rather than lifting the receiver so Rhonda could hear my favorite mouse hustling us out of bed!

We had turkey & cheese bagels again and picked Kamy up at 5:15 for the drive to AK. Were in place near the start by 5:30 and I immediately got on the ground to stretch my hamstring/hip. There was no line for the portapotties, so I didnt' feel pressed to get over there. Soon Rhonda said "looks like we are sitting in the portapotty line" and I hustled myself to get in line. I left all my stuff with Rhonda and Kamy which I later regretted when I couldn't find them at the start and didn't have a phone to call Rhonda. After more than 40 minutes in line I pottied quickly and headed back to where I thought the WISHers were, but they were long gone, lined up and ready to start. I started praying to find them and soon Mel's DD13 told me she saw Rhonda heading for the front of the line, so off I went and soon found Christy and Tiff and Kamy and Rhonda (I am sure I've missed some), literally minutes before the start. We had time for a couple of quick pix and then heard the National Anthem and heard Minnie count down the start. The very strange thing I noticed was that some people started moving across the start mat before the start of the race. Rhonda and I stuck together and started out at an easy jog. I can't report too much on my observations because I was pretty quickly in the worst hip pain I've had for months. Yep, when it came right down to it, the one thing I absolutely swore I would not do was what I did -- I started the race without stretching and being warmed up. UGH! :eek:

Here is what I remember -- It was great going with Rhonda and Kamy who are both such upbeat, positive women with the hugest, sunniest smiles! I was so proud that we were part of the same "team". I pretty quickly figured out we'd need to move as quickly as possible at the beginning because I wasn't sure how my hip would hold out for the distance. The fog was a welcome though unexpected blessing -- it really cut down on the intensity of the sun. Before we got to the turn around near WWoS we saw the sweeper bus. We also saw Mel ahead of us on the other side and it was great to scream for her and exchange waves. The mile markers were simple Minnie heads with the mile number on them -- no pace clocks. I was grateful to have a Garmin and when Rhonda's lost about .3 miles, I was REALLY grateful that we both had them so that there was a better chance that one of us would have an accurate read on our progress. Ann was pretty much at our pace and was so focused and determined that my attitude instantly improved when we saw her. Then we came upon her DH who was doing intervals and was with us for a couple minutes until he started running again. What a sweetie! We met a very nice pregnant lady named Jo who complimented us in awe on how fast we could walk. She'd jog every once in a while and come apace of us, and we saw much of her throughout the race. Her new baby's name will be Macy, I believe and she has done a distance event in each of her two previous pregnancies as well. She was so cute and very inspiring.

The distance to MGM seemed very long and I think there was a significant incline before entering the park, because I definitely remember my pain level spiking before we got into MGM. It was a lot of fun to see Mrs. Incredible and Jessie, but we were surprised they were the only characters in MGM. Going through the costuming tunnel was a welcome respite from the sun.

It was soo beautiful around the lake and in front of the swan/dolphin/boardwalk area. As we came around to the Yacht & Beach Club I was so excited to know that in 7 months, those landmarks would signal nearly the end of my first full marathon. Kristi joined us around that point and we had a quick chat before she pulled ahead just before the International Gateway.

Rhonda had been very disciplined about spotting mile markers and designating some landmark for when we'd start to run to run past every mile marker. I KNOW I would not have had all those jogging "intervals" without her positive spirit and determination and it is definitely to her credit that we finished under the 15:00 pace. As we came upon the mile marker in EPCOT, I was so grateful to know the end was approaching and really wanted to savor the last 1.3 miles. We stopped for a quick picture with Cinderella and Pocohontas and Belle -- I apologized for being sweaty and thanked them for being so generous to stand next to all of us sweaty, stinky women! :teeth: They all gave me hugs and sent us on our way. As we approached the backstage exit, Rhonda reminded me that we'd seen the Gospel choir there at the end of the half, singing "for amber waves of grain. . . " -- She has a much better memory than me. Then, to my utter delight and with profound gratitude we saw Cathy and Erin and Lynne sitting on the curb, encouraging us to the FINISH. Lynne held her gorgeous medal up -- "keep going! This is what's waiting for you!" That young woman is amazing. I swear I am so proud of her and I only know her. I didn't parent her. And yet I am so proud to know the next generation has women like Lynne and Erin who are kind and generous and smart and all things good. I wonder that Cathy doesn't just burst with pride! :lovestruc

Rhonda urged me to run across the FINISH and I kept telling her it was too early to start running, but finally we did. We crossed at exactly the same time, about 30 seconds under total required time and half a minute faster pace than the half marathon. I quickly staggered to the barricades for a hug from Mel and her DD while a very kind volunteer said "You get your hug. I'll cut off your chip while you do that!"

We grabbed some food and drinks and went over to wait in line for pix with Minnie and Daisy. We enjoyed a visit with Cathy and Lynne and Erin while we waited in line together. We were psyched to catch up with Kamy and her family and to congratulate many WISHers as we all headed back to our resorts.

Coming up -- part 3. Aren't you sorry you asked?

[NYcpa]

Erin and I didn't do the race but we acted as unofficial cheerleaders and photographer. Here are the pictures I took of fellow WISHer's that were not too blurred to tell who it was. I also got a couple of the south bound end of north bound people which I won't pose either.
Here is Lynne:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0923.jpg
Lynnda (I think)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0925.jpg
Cam & Rhonda
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0926.jpg
Ann (Maherae)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0927.jpg
Don't know name
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0928.jpg
Felicia (Wish I Lived in Florida) She got me thru the half in January
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0931.jpg
Post race pictures:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0933.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0934.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0935.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c49/tonedme/100_0936.jpg

I wish I could have recognized all the Wishers. I got a southbound picture of Mel. Lynne and Erin were my spotters but I didn't have the camera on when some of you went by.

Everyone did great. I hope to be able to do the race at some point. Hope to see everyone in January.

[chimera]

Hi, Yvonne! :wave2:

Glad you decided to post and thanks for letting us know that the pictures were up! Please come join us on the walking/running club threads. That's where you'll find everyone who's training for the DL half and the WDW half/full/Goofy!

Thanks to everyone for the really cool photos!

[Kristi1357]

Then, to my utter delight and with profound gratitude we saw Cathy and Erin and Lynne sitting on the curb, encouraging us to the FINISH. Lynne held her gorgeous medal up -- "keep going! This is what's waiting for you!" That young woman is amazing.

I heard Lynne say that too as I went by! I wish I would have known then that was her.

Cam, I love your report - can't wait for part 3 & the lovey dovey couple story...

[keenercam]

Okay, so by popular request (see, Kristi, you are more popular than you knew! ;) ), here is part 3:

One thing I forgot to mention about post-race accomodations -- scattered around the parking lot there were water coolers with packages of dixie paper cups. That water was even better than the bottled water and powerade that was at the table. It was nice and cold!

When we left the parking lot we had no idea where to go and ended up at the regular bus stop that takes you from EPCOT to AK. While waiting for the bus (20+ minutes, I think) I left a message for Judy and spoke with Liz. :wave2:

Once back at SSR, I made us a hodgepodge brunch of cheese on bagels, almonds, apple, and goldfish, I think. After a quick shower, we headed to the DVC Preview Center to get Rhonda a replacement membership card. The preview center was gorgeous and there are beautiful murals of national landmarks on the upper walls which have a lighting effect where it looks like there are fireworks on certain scenes and then pixie dust scattering over other scenes. Beautiful!

We left the preview center and met with the resort manager for about 1/2 hour about our very uncomfortable encounter with a security guard Friday night, and ended up giving sworn statements. The manager was very generous in putting a credit on our account to buy us dinner that night. (We had the dining plan, though, so we ended up using it for a nice lunch and drinks at the Turf Club after our spa appt.)

Our spa pedicures were very nice -- the maple sugar exfoliating scrub they used on my legs was decadent -- it smelled good enough to eat. And whatever they next put on our legs, before wrapping them in foil, went a long way toward comforting our tired legs. Very nice! After our pedicures, we popped in to the women's locker room where one of the lockers had a glass front instead of wood, and there was Minnie's dress -- apparently Minnie had changed her clothes and was partaking of the spa, too! Gotta LOVE those Disney details. The women's locker room had showers and a wonderful whirlpool -- the jets felt amazing on my lower back and my hip. There were two saunas -- a dry one with gorgeous cedar-looking wood benches that were very comfortable, and a steam sauna that had eucalyptus in the air and immediately cleared my sinuses. From there, we headed to the Turf Club where we shared crab cakes and buffalo chicken and a cheeseburger and I had a delicious raspberry seabreeze.

There is a gorgeous pool near our building and we spent the next couple of hours napping, reading and doing sudoku puzzles. It was absolutely gorgeous to stand right outside the pool area and look across the water to Downtown Disney's West End. What a great location!

Our next stop was the Poly for some browsing in the shops, a monorail ride and dinner at Ohana's. I was disappointed that they'd run out of pineapples, so unfortunately, I had to forego a lapulapu. Whatever drinks we ended up with were delicious! We had the perfect window table for 2 to watch WISHES and later, it was fun to realize we'd been watching WISHes when something very special was going on at the castle, unbeknownst to us (remember the loveydovey couple? :cloud9: )

We had been looking forward all day to another foray to Adventurers' Club, and it was fascinating to me that the actors we had seen Friday night were playing different roles on Sunday night! We stayed through the final show and then headed back to get some sleep.

Monday morning was a flurry of packing, then exploring Port Orleans Resort. We wanted to check out the Sassougoula Food Factory for the WISH meet in January and concluded that it would be the perfect location -- lots of food choices and plenty of seating. I had a muffaletta sandwich and beignets and both were absolutely delicious. Rhonda said her veggie sandwich was delicious.
We spent the rest of our morning and afternoon at DTD. Lots of shopping at WoD, then we picked up chinese chicken salads (in cool chinese takeout containers) at EoS for airport or plane dinners for both of us. Then off to Goofy's candy company where we got mickey head marshmallow treats for our families.
Next stop was Wolfgang Puck's for an early dinner. The service was excellent and the food was out of this world -- we shared crab cakes and fried calamari for appetizers, pumpkin ravioli and sesame crusted mahi mahi for entrees, and key lime pie and white chocolate raspberry cheesecake for dessert. We couldn't finish any of it but loved all of it.

We stopped back at SSR to make sure Rhonda's luggage had been sent to the airport and to make sure my credit card wasn't charged for food that day -- there was some confusion about our meal plan ending when we checked out instead of at the end of the day.

I wanted to pause for a minute to mention the Disney Dining Plan and how it worked out for us. I definitely would say we ate more food than we would have without the plan. Or we ordered it, I should say. I left more food on my plates this weekend than normal, just because we had the luxury of trying food without the cost.

We certainly saved a small fortune by using the dining plan. Our counter service meals were: Friday night at SSR (I had rosemary chicken and Rhonda had a chicken & spinach flatbread); Monday at Port Orleans food court; and salads w/grilled chicken & cookies & fountain drinks at Earl of Sandwich.

We also made the most of our table service options: Chef Mickey's on Saturday, Ohana's on Sunday and Wolfgang Puck on Monday.

We never used our snack options so we each got 3 chocolate eared mickey marshmallow treats to take home.

Heading to the airport was sad and our goodbye was tearful. I was especially worried because Rhonda had been really, really sick all weekend and was so congested that she'd lost hearing in her right ear and had horrible ear and sinus pain. She was such a trooper and never slowed down so that we maximized our time away, but I was concerned that the plane ride might really damage her ear. We went to our separate gates, and I settled in for my 2 1/2 hour wait with the Disneyland books Rhonda had brought me (now I can plan for the DL 1/2!).

Shortly before my flight, I noticed the lovey dovey couple . I re-introduced myself and asked if they had fun. He said "great" with a huge grin on his face and she said "We got ENGAGED!" with more animation than I'd seen Friday night the whole flight. He said he proposed at the castle and she elaborated that he'd proposed Sunday night right after the fireworks and that she'd burst into tears and said "YES!" I was so excited to realize Rhonda nd I had watched WISHes the night they got engaged. Her ring was gorgeous! I sat with them on the ride home and learned they'd met on match.com and were looking forward to a happy life together. They were so cute and their story was wonderful. As my DD17 would tell you "wishes do come true" at Disney!

Well, I am sure I have left out lots and lots, but this turned into a novel by a very untalented author (who I'd never read, given a choice! :rotfl2: )

I'll try to post pix later of the highlights!

Thanks to all the WISHers who supported and inspired me before the race and for all the great company throughout the weekend! Love you guys, mean it! :love: :grouphug:

[Honeibee]

I live vicariously thru race reports. :teeth:


Maherae - Your report gave me goose bumbs! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you ended it! :goodvibes

Cam - You are NOT "untalented". Look at the detail! You report is amazing! :thumbsup2 I'm so sorry I missed your call.

NYcpa - Thank you so much for the pics. :banana:

Thank you all for sharing.

Judy

[jodistar]

Oh Cam, I love you're report.....I could picture in my mind everything that went on. What a great storyteller. :goodvibes

[Kristi1357]

Cam - I have to agree - I love your report! :thumbsup2

[keenercam]

Cam - I have to agree - I love your report! :thumbsup2

Thanks, Kristi! Did I remember to mention how great it was to meet you? You were like a burst of adrenaline when we met up near Yacht & Beach Club. I couldn't believe how energetic and chipper you were at that point! You and Rhonda! Bookends for me and energizing me to my next "fix" when we saw Cathy and the girls! :goodvibes

[sap1227]

Once we got into MGM, I really started having fun. There was so much to see and the miles went by so much faster! Here is a picture I turned around to take of the hat. I didn't notice until today, but I think that is a wisher in front of it.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a61/crzy4pooh/060514MinnieMarathon15K037.jpg



--Lynnda

This is Me and my Friend Sara!!!

Thanks I really love this picture since we do not have any together!
Christy

[kareneast]

Thank you to all that have posted Minnie Race Reports & Pictures. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading them. :cool1:

[Kristi1357]

Thanks, Kristi! Did I remember to mention how great it was to meet you? You were like a burst of adrenaline when we met up near Yacht & Beach Club. I couldn't believe how energetic and chipper you were at that point! You and Rhonda! Bookends for me and energizing me to my next "fix" when we saw Cathy and the girls! :goodvibes

I wish I would have known what a hard time you were having with your hip. I would have stayed around longer and talked your ear off to distract you! :rotfl:

It was weird. I thought I'd be exhausted - my 8 miler at home just about killed me. But during the race, I could have gone forever! In fact, I showered afterwards then hit the parks and stayed at Jellyrolls until 1am! Very weird for me since I was a couch potato until this past January.

Now to find a Half... :scratchin You know, I think they have one in Disney World sometime... :teeth:

Chad is doing the Disneyland Half and I am going along as chief photographer. If I knew I would be this confident, I would have signed up with him. Instead I signed up for the DL 5k. At least it's something. I am going to train as though I was doing the half with DH and all of you guys though.

[Tiger Lily 03]

Thank you so much everyone who is reporting about the event. I still have envy, but I really feel part of your event. I am so living this through everyone.

I am proud of you!

[Valentine]

Well... I guess it is my turn :) My story will hopefully be an inspirational one... or at the very least.. a message on what NOT to do when you want to do a Race! ;)

I signed up for the Minnie after signing up for and NOT doing the past 2 Half Marathon's in Disney...Yes..sad but true... well, I have to give myself credit for actually heading down this past January and well....watching it! LOL!! I just never started to train. I would lurk on this board and have grand illusiions of starting to train... and then doing... you guessed it.. absolutely nothing! Yes, I would go out and purchase a Fabulous walking/running/training wardrobe... I have stunning matching sets.... and kept promising myself to go out and get the perfect sneakers.... I even ordered the Garmin everyone has been talking about... (that is still in it's box!) I DID however, get myself to lose 40 lbs... and then gain back 10 which I have now lost again... and I am on the track to losing the remaining 40 that I still need to. So, I figure, that's progress.. BUT you all didn't come here to read about this.. where does the Minnie fit in you want to know... Well, I will tell you... After watching the 1/2 and full this past January, I was very inspired... I came home with new found hope for myself... and while surfing the boards one night came across the Minnie info.... Hmmm... a 5K? I could do that... So, I immediately signed up and the rest is history... I kept promising myself to start training.. but May rolled around and I hadn't done a lick of it... not one walk or run... I happen to be very active, I dance and perform on a regular basis... so, I figured I would NOT let this one go by. I would still do the walk.. even if I was the last one to cross the finish line!!! So, I arrive in Florida late Thursday evening pick up my rental car (I ended up with a Pacifica - this is important for later!) and head down to Downtown Disney to pick up my renewed AP....I then head over to POP to get my room, hit the food court and then hit the bed! I am up early the next morning and I hit the MK first... Then over to the EXPO.. my very first one! I was VERY excited! Sure.. I have ABSOLUTELY no training whatsoever.. but now that I knew a 5K wasnt' 5 Miles but 3.whatever I was really sure I would have no problem (Now come on... I am sure I am not the ONLY one who made that mistake! :rotfl2: )

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4546-med.JPG

Upon entering the EXPO, I was surprised at the lack of activity... it seemed... empty :confused3 .. I found where I needed to sign in... and then I asked about volunteering for the 15K.... I figured since I was here, I might as well support the "real" runners too! :thumbsup2 That is where I met Art! He was one of the volunteers and he was just a hoot! He stayed with me until the coordinator showed up to sign me up. I noticed the 2 times they needed volunteers to show up... one was at 4:30 am and the other was 5:30 am... UGH! I, of course, picked that latter! LOL!! I then went downstairs, as instructed, to pick up my goody bag and my shirt... well, when I got dowstairs, they informed me that I needed to go back upstairs because they forgot to have me sign something.. so, off I went.. then back down again... gee.. I think I just did my 5K :rotfl: That was a LONG walk!! Anyway, when I got back downstairs, I was told that they were not handing out the shirts for the 5k until the end of the race... No biggie (or so we thought!) I got my goodie bag and strolled around the expo, purchasing my obligatory Hat and pin... didn't get much else other than that... while I was walking.. I did notice a booth where people were making what looked like crowns... being alone, I was a bit intimidated, and I stood back and didn't participate... little did I know that this booth would become VERY important to me later on! ::yes::

So, I left the EXPO with my little goody bag.. and excitement in my step! I am a bit tired, so I decide to head back to POP and hit the pool... I spent the rest of the day there... then I hit the outlets and Downtown Disney and back to POP to settle in for an early wake up call.

So, at 5:00 am the phone rings and for a minute or two I contemplate hanging up and just going back to sleep... I mean... really... do I REALLY want to do this after all??? And the answer is YES.. I NEED to do this... so, Up I go.. into the shower to wake myself up... and I get dressed, put on my bodyglide.. affix my number.... figure out the chip thingie.... and head on out. I am surprised by the darkness and fog when I open the door to my room... and am also surprised by the sense I pride I feel in myself that I am actually doing this. I pull into the parking lot on the West Side and follow the herd.. okay.. well the small group of folks heading in the general direction of the music... As soon as I get there I see Minnie, with no line and whip out my camera...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4547-med.JPG

Wow.. now it's official! Can you see how excited I am? :banana: Okay.. so, I had NO clue what to do... so, I just wandered around for a bit... .I did see someone with a DIS shirt on... and I said Hi... sorry.. I don't remember who it was.. my mind was racing.... I didn't know if I should drink water.. or not.. eat a bananna now or later... pee.. don't pee... I really was at a loss... So.. I just sort of watched what others were doing and followed their lead... Here are some shots I took while waiting...maybe you can see yourself in these!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4549-med.JPG

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4548-med.JPG

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4554-med.JPG

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4552-med.JPG

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4551-med.JPG

They started getting the crowd ready... and I jumped in line for a porta potty... and then they sang the Anthem and called the 1 milers to their start... I managed to grab this pic of them on their way .. sorry it's so far away.. it all happened so fast!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4553-med.JPG

It was then I noticed everyone heading over to the start line for the 5k and I joined in.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4550-med.JPG

When I got to the waiting area I noticed yet another DIs'er.. turned out to be Perfectmatch and her Husband! It was great to meet you both! They were the first friendly faces and voices that I spoke to that day... both were very encouraging and inspirational! I am only sorry that I never got to the EOS meet to chat further!! Well.. it was what seemed like a mere few minutes before Minnie began the countdown and we were off... well... I started walking with everyone and I was amazed... it was such a once in a lifetime moment... seeing so many people of different ages, shapes, sizes all joining in to do the same task... :grouphug: I really don't remember much more than that for the first few moments of the race... I found myself chatting with several different people along the way.. and soon fell into pace with a group of 3 ladies as we hit the turn into SSR.. my Home resort :cloud9: One of them was a 1 year cancer survivor and the other had walked the 1/2 in January and was also planning on doing the 15k the next day, along with her daughter... they were great and adopted me into their little group.... they were all wearing those crowns that I had seen folks making at the expo and they explained that it was for a group called Team Tiara... I was intrigued and promised myself that I would look them up to get some more info.... here's a pic of my new friends!


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4558-med.JPG

well, before I knew it, the beginning cramps I was feeling in my legs were gone and I was sailing along with these ladies... we would walk a bit.. and then run for a bit... this went on for sometime and next thing I knew we were passing the 2 mile marker! Wow.. that was fast!

Here are some pics from the course

You can see the runners heading into the finish line from this bridge.. but we still had a bit to go to get there...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_45551-med.JPG

This was a golf cart we saw along the way....


http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4556-med.JPG

As we passed the 2 mile marker, we came across another lady who appeared to be struggling... we started talking to her and encouraging her to keep going... we slowed our pace down to stay with her... she was so inspiring to me..... we were heading to the 3 mile mark and there was a hill with a gentleman standing on it shouting out encouragement to us... it was then I realized the he was our new friend's husband... she looked like all she wanted to do was fall down.. but we all just kept on telling her that she could do it... I think helping her kept me from focusing on myself and I didn't even think that I may be tired... All of a sudden there it was.. the finish line... We all grabbed hands and crossed the finish together... wow... how great was that.. I was so proud of Trish.. my new friend...that it didn't dawn on me until later when I was alone.. that I too had accomplished something.... I wasn't even tired... I was elated! I went over to get my t-shirt.. and yes.. I was one of the lucky few to actually get one... and I did notice they were giving out more than one to some folks... I only have one... But.. if someone REALLY wants one that didn't get it.. I would be happy to let you have mine! (I too agree that the volunteer shirts were WAY cooler than the actual race shirts!) I wandered around for a bit.. and then went back to have my pic taken with my medal... it was during this post race time that the seeds of doing the 15K also started to enter into my mind....

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/26425IMG_4559-med.JPG

This isn't my end of race pic.. but it was Later that day.. and I am wearing my medal! LOL!!

Well, since this is long enough, I will post part II tomorrow... but a teaser

Part II - Which shirt will I have tomorrow.. the Volunteer.. or the racer? Hmmmmmm????

Kathy

[keenercam]

I am going to try to post a picture report here of:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p2a9cb667d4a0cfe8829abf3a65821439/eefddc40.jpg

We stayed at
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p55937f74cb90223b104a886175674e39/eefdc40b.jpg

It was the first time Rhonda or I had stayed there.

We were in the section called Congress Park, which was so beautiful:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p7ef724c34ea91675f909928649807414/eefddba0.jpg

It reminded me of a larger version of Old Key West with more amenities. You didn't feel like you were at Walt Disney World, but had all the luxury and first class service you'd expect of Disney.

On Saturday morning, we had brunch at Chef Mickey's:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p6eaca0f05242ada9bec03fcdcce23de8/eefdce5a.jpg

After a trip to the Expo, we headed to tea at the Grand Floridian -- the common areas at GF are gorgeous! We got some pictures of this tapestry, but there was also a HUGE Battenburg lace wall hanging that I wish I had captured on film.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pf32e145e74957a5e037116df1b8021ff/eefdcc6d.jpg

Later that afternoon, we met our WISH friends at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney! Some WISHers were familiar faces and others were old friends I'd never met yet! It was so amazing to see everyone and it was definitely a highlight of the weekend!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p9e3743ab871b1301ec255224272037bc/eefdcb53.jpg

On Sunday morning, we were not sad to hear the race start was delayed 5 minutes -- it gave us time for some quick pix!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pf4e19363628d4a5f87680f90dacfe8db/eefdca73.jpg

And finally it was time for a countdown! 10-9-8-7 . . .
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p4463035e18eee0d6e1a8b149e44418be/eefdca3b.jpg

It took forever to get to MGM Studios, but when we did, we ran into some very sweet princesses:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p2d62152e1ab43a176c5e33c17ef333fa/eefdc8fb.jpg

And, then on to EPCOT where we ran into these 2 strong women!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p925619d0e585f9f7a12607b8f2ba1c6c/eefdc911.jpg

The one good thing about the size of the event is that it was very easy to find WISHers after the Finish:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p3ae8ed28324564a4be46e4623fc37ecc/eefdc85b.jpg

And the line to meet our sweet hostess and her pal wasn't too long:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p23c448571e263046a1bfe1d82cba2c37/eefdc767.jpg

After a circuitous journey back to SSR, we grabbed showers and a bite to eat. Then, we were on our way to the SSR spa
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pa2bf03a2446025f29b0f68ab0762d381/eefdc36f.jpg

Along the way, we explored a bit and took a quick peek at the main pool:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p5771bbcbe924ab5cc77aed331a95240a/eefdc34a.jpg

and we met this guy along the way:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pf799c2755ad63a403e87b98401a1854e/eefdc1f4.jpg

I'd have liked to meet the jockey who wore these silks:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p4a95ce81459f7da0d0b2f548327f5072/eefdc07c.jpg

After a luxurious spa pedicure, we visited the women's locker room area with a jacuzzi, dry sauna and herbal steam sauna:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pe9a5f583cf0bfcd5401fc8fa3f3c7696/eefdc0c8.jpg

Guess who else made a trip to the spa after the race!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pf47adaa6a5d5dd644f271a871f1455c1/eefdc14b.jpg

We enjoyed lunch at the Turf Club, then a walk through the dining area just to look at the light fixtures:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pf87813875cb8cc514611ca9397f42713/eefdc1d0.jpg

After a relaxing afternoon at our resort area's quiet pool:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pfc5adb261923ea9ffa03547660fcf375/eefdc00e.jpg

with its beautiful view of Downtown Disney West Side:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pe7a1839cf71159bd888d698fc778a544/eefdbfb4.jpg

we headed off to Ohana's for dinner at a table for two with a WISHES view:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p56d23add4b3c578a827d5d6887e2e9c5/eefdbf0b.jpg

After a late Sunday evening at Pleasure Island, Monday morning found us at Downtown Disney for one last shopping expedition at the newly re-decorated World of Disney, with its Pirates of the Caribbean displays:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pa7d7f54bad3d9f95fa963d5795df081d/eefdbccf.jpg

The sound-activated prisoner rattled the bars in the hopes of release:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/pbaa82c67423b6bd4f7b7908c61e84811/eefdbe06.jpg
After all, he'd heard about all the great new Dead Man's Chest merchandise at World of Disney, too!

[Kristi1357]

Fabulous pics - thanks for sharing!

[Wish I lived in Fl]

First the 1 mile walk.

Talked my Mom (from FL) and Mom in law (from SC) in to doing this with me.
We went to DTD at 6am , missed the 1 sign for event parking and drove around the DTD obstacle course for 20 minutes before being directed to park at Typhhon Lagoon.
There we met 3 women who had been dropped off by Taxi and a bunch of surfers. We brought the women back to DTD with us. I think they were the 3 Tiara princesses in the above post.
Mom is 75 and an exercise wimp but she finished and was proud. MIl and i finished also. We were all given 2 shirts and then left DTD. If anyone missed out i have a large and a small ,both unworn that i am willing to mail on.

The Minnie:
I did not train enough. And suffered for it. Who said "respect the distance"?
Bib # is 46 and in all my pictures my smile is upside down. Except in the last picture where i had a sex change. Still i appear to be wearing a green ribbon in my hair in that picture.
It was a long walk with some jogging. A lot of people asked about my shirt. I had printed out the wonderful design and that was what i wore. I would have loved to wear the race jersey but it was too small. Maybe next year!

I saw NYCPA and daughter near finish but couldn't stop for a picture as i was feeling bad,very bad. After i got the medal i was thinking about going to a med tent i was feeling so bad. Gut cramps i guess. Then started feeling better and started walking back to find NYCPA but we saw each other across the finish line. Her picture is the only one where i am smiling. I had begged a ride from her until DH showed up unexpectedly with the kids but not their park tickets (so we all couldn't cut back through EPCOT to BCV)and we spent an hour getting home. Monorail to TTC, to MK, and waited until a bus driver took pity on us and took us home.They are not set up fror people leaving MK first thing in the morning.

Official time 2:21:13
Chip time 2:19:51
Pace 15:00.2

Did anyone get swept? Did the lady wearing jeans finish? I hope she did.

The rest of the trip.
I invited MIL and FIL to join us after inviting Mom and brother so there was a lot of juggling people and reservations. All worked out well. Stayed in BCV with points and Dining plan. Since i was the only one who knew what was going on i spent a lot of time on the details, picking up tickets at concierge, doing laundry in the hidden 4th floor laundry etc. DH got to relax though! Loved the dining plan. Went out on 2 date nights because MIL could watch kids for us.
But now i don't have anything to look forward to. Oh well!

[Tiger Lily 03]

Thank you again for all the pics and stories. You are wonderful WISH Team friends. I really have been enjoying these.

[Valentine]

"Did anyone get swept? Did the lady wearing jeans finish? I hope she did."


From what I could see.. from close to the back of the pack.. no.. noone got swept, per se... but they did cut a large group of folks off at the entrance into the World Showcase and did not allow them to go around the countries.. but rather made them go left instead directly into future world towards the finish line, essentially, cutting out the last mile for them. We were coming out of the World showcase when we noticed people coming towards us and realized what they had done. So, now folks that had been over a mile behind us were now in front of us! LOL!! They were VERY serious about opening the park! So, I think EVERYONE finished.

As for the woman in the jeans.. we came across her in the world showcase, so, I am sure she finished as they weren't sweeping anyone at that point.... and she didn't look like she was giving up anytime soon.... But man, I am sure that her inner thighs were NOT happy... she was drenched... I felt her pain! Gotta love that Body Glide!

It was so inspiring to see so many ladies out there just doing their best!

I was wondering if anyone knows who Barbara is... she was determined to finish the race.. and the person I was walking with said that her shirt had a WISH reference on it.. I missed it..but, she was soooooo sweet.. and I kind of hope she is a DISer so I can say hi.... so, if Barbara is here.. the woman who was walking for her 2 boys... check in please!

Kathy

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Thanks for clearing up the mystery. I must have been one of the last to go right through World showcase. It was very quiet behind me.

At at least 3 of the mile markers there were people announcing the time so you could tell how your pace was. Was this only done for people near the max time?

[WDWFAN9]

Thanks everyone for the great trip reports and awesome pictures. Makes me think I am going to have to pick up my pace and be there next May!

[Valentine]

Thanks for clearing up the mystery. I must have been one of the last to go right through World showcase. It was very quiet behind me.

At at least 3 of the mile markers there were people announcing the time so you could tell how your pace was. Was this only done for people near the max time?

No... I think they did it throughout the whole race.. some of my "faster" friends said they had times being told to them also... but.. I asked.. how did you hear it since you were flying by!! LOL!!

Kathy

[disneyfanz04]

Well, I guess it is time for my report...

Well DSIL and I left PHL to MCO on Friday. Got into Orlando about 10 minutes early...we didn't check in any luggage, to avoid the baggage claim area. So we went right to Alamo to pick up our rental car, which I prepaid for but could not avoid the line because I used an on-line coupon(I was very mad about this because it wasn't like I had to physically hand in a coupon, but that is another story) The Line for Alamo was outragous!!!!!!! We waitedd in line for about 45 minutes(I usually rent at national and have ever waited more than 10 minutes) We get our agreement and go out to the garage to get a car, grabbed a Chrystler Touring(very small) and head to the drive-thru check-out, and waited another ridiculous 30 minutes. THere were two cars in front of me and so I figured we would be ok...that was until the car in front of us decided it would be a good idea to hit the car in front of her :confused3 Who does that????LOL I mean I have heard of fender benders but geez...anyway, by then it is about 5:00pm. We finally get out of the alamo parking garage and this girl in front of us in a minivan with thier blinkers on is on the side of the road so I start beeping at her...NO JUST KIDDING :lmao: ....we get out of the garage, and when we get to I-4, I for some reason went towards Orlando..well I thought that was were WDW was....after being stuck in MAJOR traffic for about an hour and not seeing ANY signs for WDW I called my DH and asked him which way I was supposed to go...UHM WEST...DUH..so I get off, then back on to face the MAJOR traffic again. We were going to go to the EXPO Friday night, but since we didn't get to the hotwl room until about 7:00pm we didn't go, but decided we would go hang out at Epcot since it was open till midnight. We went to Nine Dragons for dinner, then went and rode Soarin', Test Track, and Spaceship Earth before heading back to the hotel.

We get back to the hotel(Port Orleans Riverside) and I get into my PJ's and grab the spare pillow from the rack over the sinks. So I lay down and all of a sudden get this wiff of throw-up...EEWWWEEE...the pillow reacks(if that is a word)...so I throw it on the floor, and lay down again...well the smell is now overwhelming, and I think maybe it is in my nostrils, so I get up and wash my nose :confused3 ...lay back down and still smell it...UGH...I smell the bed and low and behold the bed is DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!! I call down to the front desk and they say they will send up Mousekeeping right away, that they will clean up the bed...so I tell her that I do not want to sleep on a bed that I KNOW had throw up on it..I mean really what are they going to do, spray the bed then I have to sleep on a wet bad...UHM NO...So she says she will give us a new room, so we finally get to our new room at about 1:30AM. By then I am so TIRED!!!!

The next morning we decide to go to AK. SO we head over to there and go right for Expedition Everest...here are some pics...

IMG]http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney089.jpg[/IMG]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney063.jpg

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I thought this ride was amazing!!!!!!! Really like the detail of waiting in line and all...

Then we headed over to http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney101.jpg
for an early lunch...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney090.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney102.jpg

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After that we went over to Kali River Rapids and rode that then off to The safari were I didn't get too many good pictures because I was sandwiched in the middle and the guy on the end kept sticking his elbow out with his recorder..UGHH!!!!!

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By then it was about 2:30 so we decided to head back to the hotel and spruce up. We were heading over to the Expo, then off to EOS to meet some Dis'ers. I also was a little disappointed with the Expo...I have bever been to one, but I was expecting more??? I was also very disappointed in the TINY shirts they gave us...I held up the large and said I may need a 2x or something...only got a xl, but I was so hoping to get one of the t-shirt style shirts the volunteers had on...I would have worn that all the time!!! OH well...While leaving the Expo I was starting to get nervous about the marathon...but then I looked up and Mickey let me know everything would be OK..

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We then headed off to DTD..walked up to EOS were there were about 10 or so Dis'ers sitting. Luckily I had my DIS button on, they hollared over to me. Everyone was so nice..Perfectmatch300 & her DH(which BTW I LOVED the shirts, and her DH showed me a pic of them at their wedding(which I thought was adorable he carried it around in his fanny pack) and those shirts were so cute!!!...anyway, everyone was so nice and it was great to meet some of the people that I spend time with daily on the DIS. After getting a couple pics, me and DSIL headed off to shop a little and then grab something to eat...we were going to go to MK, but called to make ressies for dinner and found out they closed early for grad night..so then we were going to go over to Planet Hollywood, and the wait there was 1 hour 45 minutes, so we just went over to ASSp and ate in their food court and I picked up one of their nugs for DH..he loves to have coffe in them on the weekends...I am really glad MK was closed because my feet were starting to hurt and so we went back to the hotel after eating. I wanted to be to bed early because I wanted to be up at 3:30am...not sure why, but I am glad I did. I put my chip on my shoe, my bib on my shirt, and then started looking through the stuff...low and behold what do I come across..I priority seating card for Planet Hollywood...UGH...oh well...so anyway went to bed and the last time I remember looking at the clock it was 10:07pm...

3:20am the alarn goes off and I hit the snooze button...it can't be time to get up already...10 minutes later the alarm goes off again, and I get up and jump in the shower. I am really having butterflies in my stomach, but try an dcalm myself. I get out of the shower and take my two Aleve which someone advised and I am so glad I listened(thanks to whoever that was) We left our room at about 4:45am and went over to Epcot to take the bus over to AK. As soon as I got there I dropped to the floor and stretched. I felt really good. I felt even better when we came across our DIS buddies again. Got in line and waited for the race to start..out comes Minnie for hte count-down...

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I don't remember too much after the gun went off, I know that I just had a great time...I had my fanny pack on, which made it difficult to run because it kept banging against my leg. And I totally forgot that my camera was in there, so I didn't take any pictures, which I was very disappointed about. The first 5 1/2 miles were very boring to me...and it seemed to take forever, but as soon as I got to MGM and went through the tunnel, I turned around and there wa (what I thought) the sweeper bus, well, I do not know where the energy came from, but I just took off running..there was no way I was getting swept. So it was through MGM, off to Y&B, and Boardwalk, and then before I knew it I was in Epcot...I think by then I was a little disoriented, because I said to the first lady I saw, "Where am I??" and she said you are in Epcot...what a relief...I started running again because I knew I was almost at the end...I started passing people which kinda made me feel good...I wasn't going to be last...I ran to Spaceship Earth, then walked around the bend when the finish line came into view..I knew I had to run across the finish line...2:23:47 later I crossed the finish line of my first ever marathon...WOW it felt so good..I was leaning up against the rail bawling my eyes out(I am a BABY!!!!LOL) and the medic came running over asking if I was OK..I said yes that I was just a little emotional...15 weeks ago, I couldn't go up my stairs without being winded and here I just crossed the FINISH line of a 15K... :woohoo: I really wish I would have remembered my camera was on my hip...I would have loved a pic of me crossing the finish line..Oh Well there is always next year...

I just really wanted to say THANK YOU to whoever was on the sideline sheering me on...I know it was a couple WISH'ers, but not sure who, but thank you...it meant alot!!!

Anyway, after the race we went back to the hotel and got showered and then we were off to US, and to get something to eat. I had brought a Slim Fast Protein bar with me for that morning but ate two bites and thought I was going to get sick, so opted not to. ANyway we ate at Nascar Cafe, and when goin through the line at US some very nice man gave me and DSIL two Express passes, which was just awesome because we didn't have to wait in line for anything, it was great...and my feet were so thankful. It was 5:30pm, and then we headed off to the airport. We were horrified, becuase there were about 50 high school students in line for our plane...UGH they were so LOUD, but the teacher who was with them reassured eveeryone that she would keep them tame on the plane...I was very grateful, because I didn't hear them one time, and they had ALL the A boarding passes and she took them all to the back of the plane...that was great. So we are heading back to PHL...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/disneyfanz04/Disney151.jpg(
..this is a pic from the plane)

And so it ends my first ever attempt at a marathon. No I did not finish in the time that I had hoped, but I finished none the less. I am an athlete once again. I WANT to be a runner..I am not sure when the last time if ever I could say that. I WILL be a runner, I cannot wait to do the 1/2 in January, and I am even considering signing up for the Goofy...this way I am signed up for it, and if I train hard enough I will try it, and if not then I won't, but you better believe this was the start of something good!! :teeth:

[keenercam]

Excellent trip reports, Kathy, Felicia, Valentine and Michelle! Thank you so much for posting all the pix. BTW, Michelle, I can't believe you got such awesome pix of EE! I was holding on for dear life.
Congratulations on finishing your races. The sense of accomplishment is really awesome and inspiring, isn't it? :cloud9:

[keenercam]

BTW, on the "Did anyone get swept question"

Here is what I heard:
Over 2000 participants were registered for the 15K
1489 finished
On the approach to the turnaround, we saw the sweeper bus, with the motor running.
When we looked back at the turnaround, there was a sea of people behind us.
When we looked back in MGM, there were considerably fewer people behind us
When we looked back at Y&B club area, even fewer people behind us.

Not sure what all that means.

[disneyfanz04]

[QUOTE=keenercam]BTW, Michelle, I can't believe you got such awesome pix of EE! I was holding on for dear life.
QUOTE]

My DSIL kept saying you are going to lose your camera, but all DH kept asking me for was ALOT of pics of EE so I didn't want to disappoint him...after all he stayed home with DD's so I could go :love: .

[Kristi1357]

We finally get out of the alamo parking garage and this girl in front of us in a minivan with thier blinkers on is on the side of the road so I start beeping at her...NO JUST KIDDING

We were horrified, becuase there were about 50 high school students in line for our plane...UGH they were so LOUD, but the teacher who was with them reassured eveeryone that she would keep them tame on the plane...I was very grateful, because I didn't hear them one time, and they had ALL the A boarding passes and she took them all to the back of the plane...that was great. So we are heading back to PHL...

Michelle - you totally caught me by surprise! Thank God I wasn't drinking anything when I read that! :lmao: And I think you may have flown home with the group that we flew down with! We had 70-90 high school kids on a senior trip on our flight down. We were so nervous, but they were really good. And alot of Manchester flights stop in Philly. I also saw the people re-directed at World Showcase and they were not happy campers.

Felicia - it was nice talking to you during the race. I'm sorry you were having such a hard time - but it sure didn't show!

Kathy - love your report & pics too!

So, I decided I have to do this again next year. You know, I could be one of those people who has done this race every year since the first one - kinda like that list of runners for the regular marathon.... Even if I have to fly in Sunday night and leave Monday morning... Southwest usually has some cheap deals... Enough thinking (or scheming out loud), better start working on Chad for next year! :teeth:

I am seriously considering signing up for the Half. If I am going along to watch Chad do the Goofy again this year, I probably should do something, right? ;)

[Valentine]

I am seriously considering signing up for the Half. If I am going along to watch Chad do the Goofy again this year, I probably should do something, right? ;)

Do It Kristi.. Do it!!! I just signed up last night... You will kick yourself if you are there next year and not participating!! Go For it!!!!

Kathy :)

[Valentine]

. We finally get out of the alamo parking garage and this girl in front of us in a minivan with thier blinkers on is on the side of the road so I start beeping at her...NO JUST KIDDING :lmao:

This was HYSTERICAL!!! LOL!!

Great report!! Thanks for sharing! I just wish you had a pic of yourself too so I could see if we were near each other.. we finish pretty close together in time.. My official was 2:20 something or other LOL!! So.. we had to have socialized somewhat! I was chatting it up with everyone around me! LOL!!

Kathy

[disneyfanz04]

This was HYSTERICAL!!! LOL!!

Great report!! Thanks for sharing! I just wish you had a pic of yourself too so I could see if we were near each other.. we finish pretty close together in time.. My official was 2:20 something or other LOL!! So.. we had to have socialized somewhat! I was chatting it up with everyone around me! LOL!!

Kathy


If you want to see a pic I was bib #608...go to www.asiorders.com and type in my bib #.

[Kristi1357]

Do It Kristi.. Do it!!! I just signed up last night... You will kick yourself if you are there next year and not participating!! Go For it!!!!

Kathy :)

I will sign up. I just want to make some money on eBay for the fee first. Hoepfully, the race won't close before then. :banana:

[keenercam]

bumping this up for everyone preparing for this year's Minnie!