Stop staring at me Phil! A Vinylmation stalking(with a side of *sparkle*)9/19 TR END!

[MrsDuck]

Hey, that's me!! I'm so glad we got to meet up! That's such a cute picture of us!

Aww, I love that pic of Lady! She's so sweet.

So glad you could see the Christmas decorations still! That's a great picture of you and mommy! And, I love your safari pictures!

Cute with Eeyore! I love that your mom loved Dinosaur! I love how that ride feels but the dinosaurs freak me out!

It sounds like you and your mom had a great time- I'm so glad!

I'm a huge Phineas and Ferb fan-- I watch the show regularly and I love your Perry shirt!

It looks like you had a great day at DHS!

 

[Leshaface]

I LOVE the decorations on the AK tree! How pretty and in depth!

We've never been to 50's Primetime Diner before but heard the food was really good. So they don't act like you're family anymore? That's unfortunate. That's exactly why I wanted to go!

Poop...

 

[KatMark]

Shannon, sorry I missed the update (we were in Iowa for the weekend visiting our youngest son and his girlfriend).

I'm so glad that you and your Mom had a great start to your mini-trip. It sounds like she was really enjoying herself and trying out some new things.

How cool that you saw the hippo out of the water and the lion roaming around.

 

[Shannon84]

Yay I was hoping you would do a little TR for your marathon trip!

I really liked the 50's section of Pop! I have nothing to compare it to, of course, but it was nice, and so close to the food court!

Your pictures from AK are great, I love that tree!

I'm not really a big P&F fan, but I do like that platypus! Your shirt is adorable!

Oh, and yay for your DIS meet!

I was going to do a seperate report, but I can't even keep up with this one

When Tim and I stayed at POP I was more willing to go thirsty than to trek to the food court, this time around it was so nice to be close to everything!!

We left WDW the day of the marathon! You may have been running past the Poly when we were leaving. Glad that you're posting about it, I'd love to hear about how it went.

Aww how funny!! its too bad I didnt get to see you guys as you were heading out!! The weather was so nice for January!!

Can't wait to hear how the marathon went! Alex had a few coworkers who participated in it, and he's been telling me what they thought of the whole thing.

It's cool that all the Christmas decorations were still up for you and your mom to see. Reading about how much fun your mom had on TSM makes me super excited to take mine on it in May.

The 50s section of Pop really is quiet!

It was such a cool race...though very long

I was so happy to see the Christmas decorations...it was a nice surprise!! You will have SO much with your mom I am sure. It was just so nice to spend quality time together, this trip made me realize we don't do enough of that!! And I loved seeing her getting excited over things like TSM

I am loving your TR. Can't wait to read more. I hope you will do. TR for your wedding so w can all see. I love a good Disneymoon.

Thank you Since we are doing a Disney Cruise/Disney World honeymoon, I am positive I will do a TR for all of that including wedding

Hello my new marathon friend!!!
CONGRATS on your engagement and your marathon finish! What a great few months you've had!!!

Amanda

Hi I am SO happy that we met up for the marathon!! I seriously don't know what I would have done without you, it made it so much less nerve racking!! I felt so bad about your watch though (not too bad since you finished WAY before me )

I am kicking myself for not having someone take our picture together!! I hope we can keep in touch!

Great update and how nice that you got to meet your new friend! I love a good Dis-meet...wonderful people frequent these boards that's for sure! Great pics too by the way and congratulations on the marathon!

I was so happy to meet Faith!! I actually got to meet a couple more DISers during the rest of my trip too!

These boards do have some wonderful people, I love that it has branched out to meeting them and being facebook friends with such sweet people like you!!

Woohoo on having a DIS meet - it sure is great meeting people you have got to know for so long on these boards and you are right it does feel like you've known them for ages

I loved the 50s building when we stayed there though we were protected by The Tramp!

You got some cool shots of the safari and love the pic with Eeyore!

Great M&Gs at DHS as well

I ask Faith at least once a week to move closer or suggest I move closer to her she is a great friend!!

I really loved the 50's section...when I was there it was quiet and close to everything, plus I loved the theme!!

I'm glad to see you survived the race and made it back!

I'm really looking forward to your update about running a Disney marathon.

Thank you I need to stop being such a slacker, I am behind on my TR and reading everyones

Hey, that's me!! I'm so glad we got to meet up! That's such a cute picture of us!

Aww, I love that pic of Lady! She's so sweet.

So glad you could see the Christmas decorations still! That's a great picture of you and mommy! And, I love your safari pictures!

Cute with Eeyore! I love that your mom loved Dinosaur! I love how that ride feels but the dinosaurs freak me out!

It sounds like you and your mom had a great time- I'm so glad!

I'm a huge Phineas and Ferb fan-- I watch the show regularly and I love your Perry shirt!

It looks like you had a great day at DHS!

I wish we could hang out again!! I am so glad we became friends via the DIS!!

Even though I know what is going to happen on Dinosaur I still scream each time!!

We had such a good mother daughter trip..it went by way too quickly!!

Love P&F...that show is so funny!! Im probably nuts for watching it with no kids

I LOVE the decorations on the AK tree! How pretty and in depth!

We've never been to 50's Primetime Diner before but heard the food was really good. So they don't act like you're family anymore? That's unfortunate. That's exactly why I wanted to go!

Poop...

I think the AK tree was my favorite of the different trees at the parks, the decorations on it were just so unique and beautiful!!

I'm not sure if it was just our experience at 50's or what...Id love to find out if others have been having a better time with it

Shannon, sorry I missed the update (we were in Iowa for the weekend visiting our youngest son and his girlfriend).

I'm so glad that you and your Mom had a great start to your mini-trip. It sounds like she was really enjoying herself and trying out some new things.

How cool that you saw the hippo out of the water and the lion roaming around.

They are a cute couple (such a facebook stalker I have become )

I loved spending time with her and just enjoying great January weather!

I know you know what I am talking about since you are there right now!!! LUCKY!!

 

[Shannon84]

So the morning of the marathon came VERY quickly...I felt like I didnt even sleep at all!!

I had purchased a banana and muffin the night before so I ate those while I got dressed quietly and my mom slept. I snuck out of the room around 315 am

I got on a bus with other racers and chatted with the lady next to me on our way over to EPCOT. We were dropped off in the parking lot area and there was a DJ, place to purchase more food, bathrooms, etc. After a while I got in line to use the bathroom and made my way in a HUGE crowd towards the starting area. Most races such as this one use waves or corrals to start the runners so that everyone just doesnt start out at once. You are grouped according to your expected finish time. I was in Corral G, so mine was second to last.

One of my friends from college was running, but he was in the very first corral...he is super fast...the jerk!! I had been on the DISboards running threads and talking back and forth with others. I had found another marathon newbie and she was in my corral We exchanged some text messages and luckily found each other in a sea of thousands!! Thank goodness I had Amanda (DrMomof3) to wait with...otherwise I would have been beyond nervous. We were in our corrals I am guessing around 5 am, the race started at 5:30, our corral didnt start until 6 am, LOTS of waiting!!

When it came time for the race to start, I told Amanda to just go, she is way faster than me so I didnt want to hold her back. She finished way before me and hopefully had a great race

When the race started we went running toward EPCOT...forgive me but I have forgotten parts of the course and I get lost easily

Heres a picture of the EPCOT ball as we ran under

we headed towards the Mexico side of WS and already I was WAY behind my pace due to seeing this guy

Then we headed back stage and I saw these guys...hello childhood favorites!!

I was beginning to think someone working at Run Disney did not want me to finish this race!!

You know how this sign seems so far away from the actual park...thats because it is...SO far

After what felt like FOREVER of running highways...I was keeping a great pace..until I had to use the bathroom for the third time..maybe I had too much water..it added a ton of time and energy to use a port o pottie

The sun really started to come up and finally I saw this come into sight

It was starting to get very warm out (projected weather for the day was 80, I had been training in around 30 to 40 degrees - huge difference)

We came around towards the entrance of MK and went backstage for a brief time, I was so excited to tell Tim, because he loves the idea of being able to explore backstage. We came on stage on the little street thats between where Tony's is and the hat shop...hope that makes sense...this picture might help

I was beyond happy to see spectators...everyone was cheering and shouting names out (they were on our race bibs which helped make you feel special because people were yelling "go shannon" and such)

I started to tear up coming down Main Street...this was the part of the race I was most looking forward to (besides the finish!!)

I had a CM snap my picture

We went through Tomorrowland and headed towards Fantasyland...so many characters I really wanted to stop but if there was a line I didnt do it...I didnt want to get swept (not finish in the time limit and get taken off the course and not finish)

snapped this pic since its closing soon

 

[Shannon84]

I was thrilled to come around the corner and run through the castle...such a GREAT feeling

One of my favorite pictures from the whole day

More awesome characters as we made our way through the different lands...so sad I couldnt stop

Then I saw some with no line...two people I was very happy to meet

this is just proof I wasnt the only one still out there plugging along slowly

And this is when I started to slowly die...I had been doing my run/walk just fine...after this it turned into all fast walk...ugh!! Its my fault I injured my knee and never really bounced back in my training..the farthest I had ever trained to was 16 miles...thats right 10.2 miles less than what I was trying and do

More cool things to see and distract myself with

We were out on some highway (sorry at this point it was all a little foggy for me )

So wishing I stopped for a picture with them, but the line was LONG

I made it to the backstage area of AK and we were heading towards the park...they had all kinds of animals out to see, you only see this stuff at Disney races I swear!!

We made our way into AK...around the Tree of Life from Africa to Asia...on to Dinoland...nope I didnt take one picture. The park was open by this point and I was lucky I was still moving!!

We headed out to more highway

This was so cool...people were lying in the graveyard area for pictures...I promise you if I had sat or laid down I wouldn't have finished the race

SO much highway

heres a link to the map since I have poor skills in describing this

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/media/ewwos/pdf/rundisney/wdwmarathon/2012-WDWMarathonMap.pdf

Some cruel person decided to put an out and back loop on the highway here of one mile...just when you think you might be at DHS...you run down highway to run right back where you came from...you can at least see the other people behind you so I knew I wasn't last..I also saw the pacers about a mile behind me

I saw this sign and knew I was so close to DHS...I honestly think the only way I was moving at this point was the grace of god...my body HURT...my feet the most

We made our way into DHS...through the costume tunnel of the backlot tour...very cool!!

I saw these guys and there was no line, I picked my outfit to match their colors so this was a great picture for me

We went down the main street in DHS, we went to the left out backstage, and then back around towards right outside the bag check and entrance to the park. I knew my mom was waiting here to see me!!

She snapped this picture of me

I was SO happy to see her!! I couldnt believe I only had 3.2 miles left (it felt like FOREVER!)

We went down the sidewalks and towards the Boardwalk resort...all around that area and down by the Yacht and Beach Club...the crazy spectators were still out there cheering thank goodness!

We came into EPCOT through the UK...through France...wait a minute I have to run all the rest of WS and Future World out to the parking lot!! Yup!!

The park was open by this point and tons of people were cheering, it felt good and my body felt horrible!! Way to not train for this I kept thinking

I FINALLY made it out by the ball and we went back stage towards the parking lot. At mile 26 there was the gospel choir...I started to cry a little it was just what I needed to finish

My mom was waiting for me right near the finish...please note how exhausted everyone looks around me and please note there are still people behind me!!

I ran the last tiny bit and high fived Donald on my way over the finish line

I burst into tears after I got my medal and then when I saw my mom I cried again!! I did it!! I finished a marathon!!

Disney is the most magical place to run

 

[dismagiclover]

Yay Shannon! You did it and believe me I know how long the World Showcase seems! Awesome report and great job! That is really impressive that you finished without all the training. Shows you have some great willpower! Awesome job, Marathoner!

 

[DrMomof3]

I'm totally kicking myself for not getting pre-start pictures. I was so incredibly nervous that I forgot!
I'm SO proud of you for finishing!!!! You totally rock! And spending the excruciating pre-race time with you was a highlight for me!

Amanda

 

[20thingamabobs]

Congratulations! It looks so awesome! And what an amazing accomplishment! I too had to stop and get my picture taken with Darkwing Duck during the half! He was by himself though. He had just switched out with Launchpad McQuack but I wish I would have seen the Rescue Rangers! I loved them as a kid! I bought a duck tales shirt while I was in Disneyland!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Wow at getting up at 3.15 am! Don't think I could ever get up that early!

I'm glad you knew other runners because of these boards

Great pics with the characters and I have to agree with your favourite pic of the whole day - just magical

I can't believe the amount of effort that goes into a Disney race. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

[Queenofallthings]

I am weeping as I type this...you totally got to me! The mom in me knows just how your mom must have felt when she saw you and how proud I am of you! That is no easy feat my dear and you did amazing

I love all your character shots and I especially love how you co-ordinated your outfit to match Mike and Sully!

 

[Nermel9]

Great update, I loved reading about the marathon in such detail! I can't believe you only trained for 16 miles, but actually finished the 26+! Congratulations!

That is so cool that you get to run through all the parks like that! I would love to run through Epcot and then down Main Street and through the castle! And I love the random characters that they have out!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Shannon, sorry I got behind on your TR. All caught up now.

WOW--Congratulations! You ran a marathon! The time honestly doesn't matter. This is a true achievement, and you should be proud! Great job!

 

[amazingact21]

I loved, loved, loved reading about your run in the marathon. The pictures of all the parks and characters made me want to sign up for a race, myself. Finishing a marathon is such a huge accomplishment, I'm glad you're able to say you did it!

 

[KatMark]

I am crying happy tears for you. Way to go, Shannon!

And, as a mom, I know your mom was very proud of you.

Love the pics of you with the characters you did stop for.

 

[jecskc]

Wow. You finished a whole marathon. Sooo impressive !! What a great accomplishment.

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow, Shannon. Congratulations! Running 26 miles is something that to me, is basically beyond comprehension. I don't care if you ran, walked or crawled, it's quite a feat and definitely something to be proud of. I hate running, and your description of the joy, the pain and everything you got to see along the way almost makes me want to try a Disney marathon.

Congratulations! I'd be showing that medal off to everyone.

 

[Leshaface]

Shannon, you have totally inspired me to do a marathon. You're awesome! I showed DH the map that you linked up, and as soon as this baby comes out, i'm going to be training for this for 2014 (since I obviously won't be ready for 2013 when the baby comes out this October). But thank you SO much for posting this. I'm now determined to say that I completed a marathon.

 

[Shannon84]

Yay Shannon! You did it and believe me I know how long the World Showcase seems! Awesome report and great job! That is really impressive that you finished without all the training. Shows you have some great willpower! Awesome job, Marathoner!

Thank you so much I remember reading in your report from your marathon how long WS felt and now I know its true!!

I really hope one day I can stick stronger to the training and run it again...I bet the medal next year is going to be great for the anniversary of it!!

I'm totally kicking myself for not getting pre-start pictures. I was so incredibly nervous that I forgot!
I'm SO proud of you for finishing!!!! You totally rock! And spending the excruciating pre-race time with you was a highlight for me!

Amanda

Me too!! We need to photoshop a picture of ourselves together

Hopefully our paths will cross again, maybe one day I can keep up with you running!!

Congratulations! It looks so awesome! And what an amazing accomplishment! I too had to stop and get my picture taken with Darkwing Duck during the half! He was by himself though. He had just switched out with Launchpad McQuack but I wish I would have seen the Rescue Rangers! I loved them as a kid! I bought a duck tales shirt while I was in Disneyland!

Thank you!! I loved watching those cartoons as a kid, I was so excited they had them out on the course!! I wish they were out later in the course, because it started me off really slow
You have to do the full next year!!

Wow at getting up at 3.15 am! Don't think I could ever get up that early!

I'm glad you knew other runners because of these boards

Great pics with the characters and I have to agree with your favourite pic of the whole day - just magical

I can't believe the amount of effort that goes into a Disney race. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I can't believe how early it was either, but I couldn't sleep so it didn't matter at that point

Thank you so much

I am weeping as I type this...you totally got to me! The mom in me knows just how your mom must have felt when she saw you and how proud I am of you! That is no easy feat my dear and you did amazing

I love all your character shots and I especially love how you co-ordinated your outfit to match Mike and Sully!

Awww thank you that means so much to me! My mom and I are very close, it was very special to have her there and spend that time together

I love Mike and Sully's bright colors!!

Great update, I loved reading about the marathon in such detail! I can't believe you only trained for 16 miles, but actually finished the 26+! Congratulations!

That is so cool that you get to run through all the parks like that! I would love to run through Epcot and then down Main Street and through the castle! And I love the random characters that they have out!

Thank you
My favorite parts were running through EPCOT and all of MK. It was so fun to see MK empty and running through the castle was the best part

Shannon, sorry I got behind on your TR. All caught up now.

WOW--Congratulations! You ran a marathon! The time honestly doesn't matter. This is a true achievement, and you should be proud! Great job!

Thank you As more time has passed I think less about how long it took me to finish it and just how amazing it felt to do it!

I loved, loved, loved reading about your run in the marathon. The pictures of all the parks and characters made me want to sign up for a race, myself. Finishing a marathon is such a huge accomplishment, I'm glad you're able to say you did it!

Thank you You should do it!! The on course entertainment was so much fun and other Disney runners are so nice!!

I am crying happy tears for you. Way to go, Shannon!

And, as a mom, I know your mom was very proud of you.

Love the pics of you with the characters you did stop for.

Aww thank you you are too sweet!!
My mom was beyond proud, she is so funny, she was so happy to be there and even took care of me after

 

[Shannon84]

Wow. You finished a whole marathon. Sooo impressive !! What a great accomplishment.

Thank you so much

Wow, Shannon. Congratulations! Running 26 miles is something that to me, is basically beyond comprehension. I don't care if you ran, walked or crawled, it's quite a feat and definitely something to be proud of. I hate running, and your description of the joy, the pain and everything you got to see along the way almost makes me want to try a Disney marathon.

Congratulations! I'd be showing that medal off to everyone.

Thank you so much that means a lot!!
Running itself can be brutal but running at Disney is a little less brutal with all of the entertainment

Shannon, you have totally inspired me to do a marathon. You're awesome! I showed DH the map that you linked up, and as soon as this baby comes out, i'm going to be training for this for 2014 (since I obviously won't be ready for 2013 when the baby comes out this October). But thank you SO much for posting this. I'm now determined to say that I completed a marathon.

Thank you so much
You should totally train and run in 2014!! You will love every minute of it!! Plus the baby will be at least one then making it a little easier to train and travel PS so excited you guys are having a baby!!