Hockey Pockety Wockety Wack A Tale of A Trip from the Back of the Pack - The DIS Discussion Forums

If U Had Wings · 10-14-2010, 10:04 AM

Once upon a time, oh about a year and a half ago, a crazy thought crept into my head - that I should take up running.

For most people this wouldn't be so crazy of an idea, but for the girl who spent most of her youth creatively avoiding as many gym classes as possible this was a pretty out there idea. (And believe me, I was really good at getting out of gym class.

) I blame the WISH section of the Disboards. I'd visit there and read reports of seemingly normal, sane people who for some reason were running marathons and half marathons at Disney. They all seemed normal enough, except for the whole running thing. I just didn't get it. They'd all keep talking about the book "The Courage to Start" by John Bingham. Curious, I borrowed the book from my library to find out what the fuss was about. I read, and slowly I started to understand why. I don't know when a book has resonated so much with me, but to a person deeply unhappy with parts of her life, something clicked, and I found myself lacing up my first pair of running shoes.

I worked my way through a couch to 5k program, and cried the first time I ran for 30 minutes straight. I had done something I had thought I could never do, but I needed more. Part of me wanted the validation of a larger challenge, and a medal around my neck as my reward to prove to myself that I could see this through to the end. In one bewildering moment I found myself becoming one of those "crazy" people. I had signed myself up for Disney's Inugural Wine and Dine Half Marathon.

The road from registering to the actual race was a bit rocky. You can check out my PTR 13.1 Miles Before I Hit 40 for all the details if you like. In the simplest of terms, I hit a bit of a rough patch this year, and really lost all desire to do much of anything let alone run. Functioning as a normal human was my primary concern. I'd train because I knew I had the race coming up, but the joy I had been feeling earlier when running was gone. I no longer could run those 30 minutes straight, but I could walk and run intervals in between so I tried to focus on that. The thought of the race had become a huge weight around my neck, making me dread my upcoming trip. For once I wasn't looking forward to my trip to Walt Disney World. I was dreading it. Had the race not been paid for, and the airfare been unrefundable, I would have probably cancelled the trip altogether. The thought of the race was making me ill.

But I went.

I ran (or maybe more correctly waddled

), and at the end of 13.1 miles I felt like myself again for the first time in months

something I wasn't expecting. I had made it, and lived to tell the tale of running my first half marathon at Disney, with a side of Universal Studios.

So, time for some short and sweet introductions to the players in this tale.

The Who:

Me, Crissy to my friends. I'm 39 years old, single, with no kids, but have two nieces that I adore and spoil. First Disney trip was back in 1979, and I've been hooked ever since. Luckily I've been blessed with a family that "gets it" as well. Favorite characters are Donald, Belle and Mad Madam Mim. Joining me this trip was one of my long time BFF's who will be remaining photoless for this trip report. She lives in another state, but she's become my Disney travel partner joining me on my past December trip as well as back in 2007. For the most part we travel really well together, we are a lot alike, and she's up for just about anything, but a few issues are always bound to arise. This would also be her first half marathon as well.

Also making appearances will be a friend I hadn't seen in over 20 years, and a surprise DIS meet or two.

The When and The Where:
Oct. 1 - 7, 2010 at the Beach Club Resort
Oct. 7-9, 2010 at the Hard Rock Hotel

The Why:
The race of course, and secondly to check out Harry Potterland.

If U Had Wings · 10-14-2010, 10:05 AM

Table of Contents:

- Some Background Nitty Gritty
- Why the *Bleep* Do I Keep Flying Out at 6:30 am?
- Run Like a Princess?
- A (Disney) Room with a View
- A Small Diversion
- Why Yes, Yes I'm Here Again
- The One Where My Vacation is Nearly Ruined
- Something New
- Race Day! Part 1
- Race Day! Part 2
- Race Day! Part 3
- Race Day! Part 4
- Race Day! Part 5
- Recovery Day

Lady Lallie · 10-14-2010, 10:22 AM

I'm here! I'm so excited to read about your trip and the 1/2. I can't wait!!

trixiequilts · 10-14-2010, 11:58 AM

Yay! You started! I can't wait to hear all the details of your trip and the race, too.

You've accomplished something that I'm still afraid to start. Maybe I should find that book?

Flossbolna · 10-14-2010, 12:15 PM

I am here!!!

Going back to read now that I have secured my spot!!

Ok, I have read the intruduction now! I said it before, how much I admire your achievement! But I did not know how good it was for you as well. I am so glad that getting through this finally resulted in you feeling like yourself again! I am so glad to hear that and I hope that this feeling will last for some time.

I am really looking forward to your tales of the trip, the running, WDW and Potter!

UsMcWifeForever · 10-14-2010, 12:50 PM

subing

MRYPPNS · 10-14-2010, 01:00 PM

I have no idea what that title means.....

Hedy · 10-14-2010, 01:04 PM

Congrats on finishing!

All7OfUs · 10-14-2010, 01:25 PM

Wouldn't miss one of your reports, Crissy, for all the sheep heads in Kazakhstan. (I know that sounded really weird, but they REALLY love their sheep heads there.)

TarzansKat · 10-14-2010, 01:29 PM

Love the title. I'm so proud of you, and I can't wait to read all about your trip.

skier_pete · 10-14-2010, 01:55 PM

You know I'm in, though I'll be pretty silent for a while...as our flight leaves in a mere 26 hours. But I'll catch up eventually.

SkierPete

TarzansKat · 10-14-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skier_pete

You know I'm in, though I'll be pretty silent for a while...as our flight leaves in a mere 26 hours. But I'll catch up eventually.

SkierPete

Have a great trip!

If U Had Wings · 10-14-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Lallie

I'm here! I'm so excited to read about your trip and the 1/2. I can't wait!!

And first too! I can see I'm not the only one slipping in some DIS visits while at work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trixiequilts

Yay! You started! I can't wait to hear all the details of your trip and the race, too.

You've accomplished something that I'm still afraid to start. Maybe I should find that book?

Thanks! I can't tell you how much I love that book. His Marathoning for Mortals is really good too, but that first one really hit home for me. It's not about specific running plans, just about why non-runners take up running later in life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

I am here!!!

Going back to read now that I have secured my spot!!

Ok, I have read the intruduction now! I said it before, how much I admire your achievement! But I did not know how good it was for you as well. I am so glad that getting through this finally resulted in you feeling like yourself again! I am so glad to hear that and I hope that this feeling will last for some time.

I am really looking forward to your tales of the trip, the running, WDW and Potter!

It was a much, much different trip from the December trip. The race really helped give me a new outlook.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UsMcWifeForever

subing

Welcome!

If U Had Wings · 10-14-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRYPPNS

I have no idea what that title means.....

It's a song from Sword in the Stone. I love that movie and couldn't resist it since I could make a rhyme. I can so easily entertain myself sometimes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedy

Congrats on finishing!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by All7OfUs

Wouldn't miss one of your reports, Crissy, for all the sheep heads in Kazakhstan. (I know that sounded really weird, but they REALLY love their sheep heads there.)

I love it! Hey, I'm a knitter, I always appreciate a good sheep. Heads included.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TarzansKat

Love the title. I'm so proud of you, and I can't wait to read all about your trip.

Thanks TK! After all the stress, it was a wonderful trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skier_pete

You know I'm in, though I'll be pretty silent for a while...as our flight leaves in a mere 26 hours. But I'll catch up eventually.

SkierPete

Have a wonderful time! I'm sure I won't have posted too much while your gone. I'm still trying to work on my photopass stuff too.

MiaBella05 · 10-14-2010, 03:27 PM

joining in

10-14-2010, 10:04 AM	#1
If U Had Wings DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,222	Hockey Pockety Wockety Wack A Tale of A Trip from the Back of the Pack Once upon a time, oh about a year and a half ago, a crazy thought crept into my head - that I should take up running. For most people this wouldn't be so crazy of an idea, but for the girl who spent most of her youth creatively avoiding as many gym classes as possible this was a pretty out there idea. (And believe me, I was really good at getting out of gym class. ) I blame the WISH section of the Disboards. I'd visit there and read reports of seemingly normal, sane people who for some reason were running marathons and half marathons at Disney. They all seemed normal enough, except for the whole running thing. I just didn't get it. They'd all keep talking about the book "The Courage to Start" by John Bingham. Curious, I borrowed the book from my library to find out what the fuss was about. I read, and slowly I started to understand why. I don't know when a book has resonated so much with me, but to a person deeply unhappy with parts of her life, something clicked, and I found myself lacing up my first pair of running shoes. I worked my way through a couch to 5k program, and cried the first time I ran for 30 minutes straight. I had done something I had thought I could never do, but I needed more. Part of me wanted the validation of a larger challenge, and a medal around my neck as my reward to prove to myself that I could see this through to the end. In one bewildering moment I found myself becoming one of those "crazy" people. I had signed myself up for Disney's Inugural Wine and Dine Half Marathon. The road from registering to the actual race was a bit rocky. You can check out my PTR 13.1 Miles Before I Hit 40 for all the details if you like. In the simplest of terms, I hit a bit of a rough patch this year, and really lost all desire to do much of anything let alone run. Functioning as a normal human was my primary concern. I'd train because I knew I had the race coming up, but the joy I had been feeling earlier when running was gone. I no longer could run those 30 minutes straight, but I could walk and run intervals in between so I tried to focus on that. The thought of the race had become a huge weight around my neck, making me dread my upcoming trip. For once I wasn't looking forward to my trip to Walt Disney World. I was dreading it. Had the race not been paid for, and the airfare been unrefundable, I would have probably cancelled the trip altogether. The thought of the race was making me ill. But I went. I ran (or maybe more correctly waddled ), and at the end of 13.1 miles I felt like myself again for the first time in months something I wasn't expecting. I had made it, and lived to tell the tale of running my first half marathon at Disney, with a side of Universal Studios. So, time for some short and sweet introductions to the players in this tale. The Who: Me, Crissy to my friends. I'm 39 years old, single, with no kids, but have two nieces that I adore and spoil. First Disney trip was back in 1979, and I've been hooked ever since. Luckily I've been blessed with a family that "gets it" as well. Favorite characters are Donald, Belle and Mad Madam Mim. Joining me this trip was one of my long time BFF's who will be remaining photoless for this trip report. She lives in another state, but she's become my Disney travel partner joining me on my past December trip as well as back in 2007. For the most part we travel really well together, we are a lot alike, and she's up for just about anything, but a few issues are always bound to arise. This would also be her first half marathon as well. Also making appearances will be a friend I hadn't seen in over 20 years, and a surprise DIS meet or two. The When and The Where: Oct. 1 - 7, 2010 at the Beach Club Resort Oct. 7-9, 2010 at the Hard Rock Hotel The Why: The race of course, and secondly to check out Harry Potterland. __________________ "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start" - John "the Penguin" Bingham Hockety Pockety Wockety Wack a Tale of a Trip from the Back of the Pack Ferb, I Know What We're Going to Do Today! 12/5-12/12 13.1 Before I hit 40 - A New PTR Last edited by If U Had Wings; 02-28-2011 at 02:41 PM.

10-14-2010, 10:05 AM	#2
If U Had Wings DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,222	Table of Contents: - Some Background Nitty Gritty - Why the Bleep Do I Keep Flying Out at 6:30 am? - Run Like a Princess? - A (Disney) Room with a View - A Small Diversion - Why Yes, Yes I'm Here Again - The One Where My Vacation is Nearly Ruined - Something New - Race Day! Part 1 - Race Day! Part 2 - Race Day! Part 3 - Race Day! Part 4 - Race Day! Part 5 - Recovery Day __________________ "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start" - John "the Penguin" Bingham Hockety Pockety Wockety Wack a Tale of a Trip from the Back of the Pack Ferb, I Know What We're Going to Do Today! 12/5-12/12 13.1 Before I hit 40 - A New PTR Last edited by If U Had Wings; 02-28-2011 at 02:41 PM.

10-14-2010, 10:22 AM	#3
Lady Lallie DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 18,576	I'm here! I'm so excited to read about your trip and the 1/2. I can't wait!! __________________ Jan. '13 PTR: Counting Our Nuts Like Chip & Dale, a Financially Aware PTR. Jan. '11: Down By The Boardwalk, Out By The Mouse. Sept. '10 Trip Report: We Invite You to Relax as the Dining Room Proudly Presents a Trip Report! Jan. '10 Trip Report: Dreams Do Come True in Port Orleans. May '09 Trip Report: Tut-Tut, it Looks Like Rain! Sept. '08 Trip Report: It's a Jolly Holiday with LL.

10-14-2010, 11:58 AM	#4
trixiequilts DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,075	Yay! You started! I can't wait to hear all the details of your trip and the race, too. You've accomplished something that I'm still afraid to start. Maybe I should find that book? __________________ My Trips: January 2009, October 2010, August 2011, February 2012, December 2012.

10-14-2010, 12:15 PM	#5
Flossbolna DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nuremberg, Germany Posts: 5,694	I am here!!! Going back to read now that I have secured my spot!! Ok, I have read the intruduction now! I said it before, how much I admire your achievement! But I did not know how good it was for you as well. I am so glad that getting through this finally resulted in you feeling like yourself again! I am so glad to hear that and I hope that this feeling will last for some time. I am really looking forward to your tales of the trip, the running, WDW and Potter! __________________ Disneyland 1992, 2005 Disneyland Paris 1995, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2x2012 Walt Disney World 2004 POR, 2007 AKL, 2008 AKL, 2009 Poly, 2010 AKL, October 2011 BWV 2010 TR 2010 PTR Dining Reviews:2009 2008 2007 October 2011 Trip Report: A Birthday Trip without a Birthday

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10-14-2010, 12:50 PM	#6
UsMcWifeForever Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 134	subing

10-14-2010, 01:00 PM	#7
MRYPPNS Practically Prefect in Every Way Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 17 Cherry Tree Lane Posts: 4,893	I have no idea what that title means..... __________________ Heidi ~~~~

10-14-2010, 01:04 PM	#8
Hedy I'm 22 27 and I still kind of stammer If you're old enough to hold a job, you're old enough to not burn popcorn Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 11,121	Congrats on finishing! __________________ 4/93-Dixie Landings12/96-Dixie Landings2/02-PORDLR-8/05-Royal Stovall's Inn3/06-POR12/07-POFQ8/08-POP/Dolphin10/09-POFQSwan 12/10Podcast cruise 12/10AKV 8/11AoA 1/13AoA 4/13 Universal: 7/08 HRH, 7/09 RPR, 8/10 RPR A vegetarian and pescetarian do Disney dining 12/07Hedy and the Carnivores 08/08Hedy and Lexie Rock Vegas 12/08 'Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten

10-14-2010, 01:25 PM	#9
All7OfUs We too are so very NOT into traipsing through the dark when a bucket will do just great What a fun way to meet new folks and say howdy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Salem, OR; formerly from Crapistan- Really!! Posts: 13,089	Wouldn't miss one of your reports, Crissy, for all the sheep heads in Kazakhstan. (I know that sounded really weird, but they REALLY love their sheep heads there.) __________________

10-14-2010, 01:29 PM	#10
TarzansKat I may be TarzansKat, but I love Captain Jack! Wow. It's still getting pretty hot around here Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: The Black Pearl Posts: 12,631	Love the title. I'm so proud of you, and I can't wait to read all about your trip. __________________ Me My Jack Sparrow Nemo Squirt Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust - That's What Solo Trips Are Made Of Commando v. Casual - The Innate Planner Battles the Inner Pirate Will TarzansKat Meet Captain Jack? Pixie Dust and Presents, Christmas Decor Oh My! What a Lucky Gal Am I! Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Three Royal Me This, Royal Me That ~ Disney in December, How About That? Now Bring Me That Horizon Feeling Grand - How To Plan A Disney Trip in 18 Days or Less TK and Tink - The Trip Report You Never Saw Coming Not All Treasure Is Silver And Gold, Mate Welcome To The Caribbean, Love

10-14-2010, 01:55 PM	#11
skier_pete DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,681	You know I'm in, though I'll be pretty silent for a while...as our flight leaves in a mere 26 hours. But I'll catch up eventually. SkierPete __________________ 1971 - 1982 Many childhood trips May 1997 - Off-site w/ DGF (now DW) October 2000 - Off-site w/ DW - 1st AK October 14-20,2006 - First on-site (POFQ), first w/ DD3 and DMIL. September 22-29, 2007 with freinds @ POFQ! August 23-31, 2008. Just us 3...dining for free! December 12-20, 2009 - 40th Birthday trip! Trip Report April 20-25, 2010 - Short surprise trip for DD! Trip Report October 15-25, 2010 @ AKL Trip Report! November 11-20, 2011 - Free dining at CBR! PTR! and Trip Report July/August 2012 Disneyland / Australia TripPTR "I choose to Be Amused" TR IN PROGRESS!! The Disney Trifecta - a PTR for 2013. LINK

10-14-2010, 03:27 PM	#15
MiaBella05 DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 707	joining in __________________ Board Walk - Dec '06, Nov. '09, Feb. '11, Nov. '11 Beach Club - Nov. '07, Nov. '10, Feb. '12, Nov. '12 Caribbean Beach - Oct. '08 Riverside - May '09

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