2007 Marathon Weekend Race Reports

[princessmomma]

Hey all, I am back too!

Yes, I made it home late Sunday night and I am nowGOOFY!!

Met up with the WISH half-marathoners group beforehand and chatted for about 30 minutes. It was time to proceed to the start I was in Wave A2 with Howard and I ran the first 3 miles with him, but he was too fast for me. I encouraged Howard to go on and I slowed down a bit. I entered Magic Kingdom and I stopped and had my picture taken with Belle and Mickey and Minnie. I continued down Main Street and saw Sara and her girls. .and then further down was Cam, Heather and Carrie and another group of WISHers. In Frontierland, I stopped and had my picture taken with Woody and Bullseye. I will post these pictures when I get my new camera figured out! The rest was uneventful and finished the half in 2:34. I had a quick 10 minute massage which was great and then proceeded to the W tent.

Sunday morning came and it was 71 degrees and 92% humidity at 5 a.m.!! It was going to be a long day. Thankfully I met up with the WISH group in the porta-potty holding area! MelR and I decided to run together because we were both in corral B and were hoping for around a 5 hour marathon. We headed down to the corrals with Dana and MelR's DH, Phil. There were portal potties at the entrance to corral B and I needed to GO, the lines were so long. While Phil and MelR were waiting for me they found Christa and Dave (first time I met Dave and Christa, HI ).

We wished Christa and Phil good luck and they headed to the front of corral B. Melissa, Dave and I started out and found Steve right away (or I think he found us)! The four of us ran together for the first 13 miles, we saw a runner carrying Yoda on his back and Dave's DW just outside Magic Kingdom. We stopped to let Dave's wife take a few pictures. Yeah, Dave!! It was so great to have a running group! Thanks for the laughs guys, it was a pleasure! We ran the first 13.1 in 2:32 and it was then that I knew I could not keep up that pace for the last half.

Steve and Dave continued on to try and stay ahead of the 5:00 pace bunny (I am glad you guys stayed on pace )and MelR graciously stayed with me. All I have to say is God Bless the girl, Melissa, you are great! I am sure she could have easily beat her 5 hour goal, but she stayed with me until the end!

The heat and humidity were miserable for me and my quads were burning during the last 13 miles. Just to give you an idea, my last 10/20 training run I ran 6 days after running a half marathon and I ran the 20 miles in 3:47 and felt GREAT after. In the marathon, I ran 20 miles in 4:01 and it wasn't pretty.

It was great see WISHers EVERYWHERE! I really needed the cheers on the Boardwalk because I was really struggling those last few miles. We first saw Mel and her family, Kathy and her group, then Judy and Charlie and many more. Thanks guys.

The last 6 miles I was down to maybe a 2 minute run and 1 minute walk (and that was a good spell). Yes, it was rough out there, but we finished in 5:26. Not the 5:00 I was hoping, but I will definitely take it. Many people I talked to in the airport said they were at least 15 minutes over their anticipated finish time and many were 30+ minutes. The medical tents were full. The 85 degrees was hard to run in, I hope everyone is alright. I didn't have time to stay long, I stopped by the W tent for a few minutes and then headed back to the hotel to check out by 1:00. I had a flight home at 5:20 p.m. (needed to get home to see my kids) and Magical Express was picking me up at 2:10.

Overall, I had a fabulous time this weekend. WISHers are a great bunch of people! Oh, that special 15th anniversary Mickey Medal for 2008 is sooo tempting!

Can't wait to hear about the Illuminations Party! Sorry I had to miss that!

 

[Valentine]

Hey everyone... Just got home! WOW .. what a wonderful weekend... it was so great to meet so many wonderful wishers! I have LOTS and LOTS of pics and will post them tomorrow when I am not crashing! Sooooo tired!! Due to a late night at Pleasure Island AFTER the Illuminations dessert party.. (and YES I do have some fun pics from both! )

Just wanted to check in and say Hi and I will post my report in the next day or so.. I know several people were staying on a few more days.. so... the reports should start flying in by the end of the week!

Um... Teri? where are ya??? We are all worried about you! Didn't see you at the end of the full.. and know you were having some blister problems! Check in when you can..

Kathy

 

[getnthinr]

I finished within the official time limit for both races and got my second Goofy, and believe me, with all the training I missed over the past couple of months because of my parent’s and MIL’s serious health issues, combined with the unfavorable (for me) temps on race day, that was an ambitious enough goal!

I’ve already signed up for next year’s Goofy and will put my 5K race app in the mail today (those online fees kill me, especially on top of the already astronomical Disney entry charges).

Here’re a few highlights from the weekend (in no particular order):

• First, to all the scream teamers who cheered me -- an unknown WISHer -- absolutely everywhere on the course- THANK YOU! I felt like a celebrity! You are soooo awesome! I love this group!!!!!
• The 5K this year was run thru Disney MGM and they included the Osborne Family Lights in the run – fabulous to see the lights and enjoy the Christmas music. For me, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.
• The 5K medal was absolutely the best -- dual-themed with a pirate motif on one side and a princess motif on the other.
• During the half marathon a rainbow popped up over the Magic Kingdom just as I entered it – a perfect, if pale, arch was visible and it appeared to end just behind Space Mountain – it was too cool!
• The choir (that is always singing just before the finish) was performing “We’re All in This Together” from my daughters’ absolute favorite movie “High School Musical.” Almost as though my girls’ best wishes were there, even though my family couldn’t join me this year.
• Robert (from Disneyrunning.com) and his wife shepherded me through the first 5 miles or so of the marathon (for which I am very grateful) and helped me keep from running myself into the ground during the early part of the race. Starting slower made the race seem quite doable early on, and that bit of confidence carried me through the finish. I even had time to stop and take pictures with the characters, which is the primary selling point of the Disney races for me.
• I also thanked my older brother (and God) for nagging me to wear my Camelbak Flashflo during the marathon. I hate carrying anything other than a camera and some emergency supplies (like a cell phone and a bit of cash), but at my brother’s suggestion I wore my Camelbak filled with ice. Drinking cool water for miles (especially after the water tables ran out) probably made the difference between simply a hot race day and a disastrous one for me on Sunday. I even drank often between water stops. (I just do not do well in the heat.)
• My favorite part of the marathon was riding back on the bus next to a lady who had just completed her first marathon. We shared our very similar experiences of trusting God to get us through, and the various running “angels” on the course that we’d met who had made our race experience seem as spiritually meaningful to us as spending the Sunday in church. We were both laughing and crying at how we ended up seated together sharing our race day miracles.
• The Illuminations Dessert buffet that Rhonda Hare organized was fabulous! I never did get to meet all the WISHers there because I had to rush to leave. (I had an early flight and still hadn't packed.) I can't wait for our next get together. What an awesome, caring, supportive, generous bunch of folks!

I'll add a few photos later, but gotta get ready for work now. Can’t wait to read everyone’s posts!

 

[skfulkers]

Well, we're still down in the "world," we'll be here through Saturday, but I just had to jump on here to say hi to everyone.

Wow, what a great weekend! So many great times with the WISHers. You guys really meant a lot to Krista and I this year, and this weekend just capped it all off.

We'll post more when we get home, I promise. Just wanted to let you all know that we're still here and alive (and amazingly enough, not too sore). Today's high down here is going to be 66 degrees and it'll be cooler than that tomorrow. Hmmmm, why couldn't this have been the case a few days ago?????

Hope everyone has a safe trip home and I'm looking forward to reading all the race reports. By the way, Dave, Colleen, MelR: you guys rock! Running with you guys for the majority of the full really pulled me through. Can't wait to talk to you all later!

Steve

PS--Dave, I'm having bad dreams already about the 5:00 pacing lady with the balloons. She's growing horns out of her head and wearing a red cape.

 

[Cruella de mom]

Hi Everyone!

I have to ditto Matt and say that you should not run a marathon when you are sick.

I either got a stomach bug or food poisoning on friday and spent most of saturday night throwing up. So much for all the hydrating I had done the last two weeks. I was able to catch a little sleep during the night though and by 2 am Sunday morning, I was feeling better.

I completely lied to my coach and my sister. Some how, I was able to put on a smile and I thought I had everyone fooled. My roommate called and told my coach but I managed to get "lost" in the B corral and my coach couldn't pull me out of the race.

The first half of the marathon was fine. I was on pace for a 4:30 finish. I was achey and more tired than I expected to be but I was okay. Most of my teammates had either raced ahead of me or had dropped behind me by the half way mark so I was completely alone.

Mile 14 the entire race changed. The sun came out for one and the adrenaline that I had from the Magic Kingdom was gone. By mile 15, I was having to work much harder than I ever had before just to stay under a 12 minute mile.

At mile 16, I finally stopped running and moved to the side to walk. I ripped my pace band off and just decided I was going to try to finish. Then all the sudden every drop of water or powerade I had had that morning came erupting from my stomach. No warning at all.

A TNT runner from Indiana stopped when he saw me and walked with me. He just kept talking to me then all the sudden ran ahead. I thought he was gone but a few minutes later he CAME BACK to me with a cup of water. He told me to rinse out my mouth and not to swallow. He stayed with me for a while and when we got to the water stop he advised me to just hold the water in my mouth.He wanted me to stop at the med tent but I refused but he stopped. Turns out he stopped to tell on me, and to wait for one of his teammates.

My coach was waiting at mile 19 and she ran me to mile 20. She told me I was still on pace for under 5 hours but I didn't think I had it in me. She dropped back at mile 20 because several of my teammates were still behind me.

At this point my race went from bad to worse. Somewhere along the way from 20 -21, I got sick again. I felt so bad for the wonderful family that was standing nearby but the gentleman there just handed me one of their water bottles and said "thank you". That was when I realized his daughter was bald under her hat.

At mile 24, I was crying so hard that I could barely see. I hurt EVERYWHERE. My elbows ached, my shoulder and back ached, and my legs and feet were on fire. It hurt more to walk than it did to run but I was incredibly slow. I knew I wasn't going to get in under 5 hours.

Then the same TNT runner from Indiana showed up at my side. He knew my goal of 4:59:59 and he says "You can still make it under 5 but you are going to have run faster - can you stay with me?" I nodded and he chattered me back to a 10 minute mile. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen was the phone booth in Brittain. I started yelling "We're in Epcot! we're in Epcot!" I also started crying again. My angel stayed with me until Mexico where he was stopping for a margarita. I kept going.

Another of my coaches found me right before the Christmas tree in Epcot and ran me in. I was in so much pain and crying so hard that I could barely see. Then we turned the corner and I saw the finish line. The clock above it read 4:59:59 and as I ran toward it flipped to 5:00:00. I almost stopped. I was so disapointed I was crushed. But the crowd started yelling and someone said "raise your hands up - you finished" So I did. The clock time was 5:00:14 - 15 seconds was all I could think.

My coach ran me straight to the medical tent which made me so mad. I could see them giving out the medals and I wanted my medal. I don't think I was very rational at the time. I was so upset that my coach and a medic took me over to get my medal and then escorted me back into the med tent. There they literally held me down. My pulse was over 180. oops.

It wasn't until a couple hours later when I finally got my cell phone that my little sister told me that my chip time was 4:57. I had forgotten that I didn't cross the start until 3 minutes after the clock started.

My coaches are pretty mad at me, they said I was in pretty bad shape and should not have pushed myself that hard. I guess I have to agree with them, I really didn't enjoy the second half at all. I still haven't been able to keep any solid food down. I sip on water and powerade (NOT lemon lime!!) and nibble on crackers but more than a tiny bite makes me too miserable. I hope I feel better tomorrow.

The good news is that everyone on my team finished and most of us made our secondary goal if not our first. TNT raised over 5.7 million dollars for cancer research this weekend. T

 

[nucpharm29]

OMG, Cecilia, I am so glad that you are okay! I'm so glad that you have great coaches and that angel from Indiana that helped you out! Congrats on your time and getting your medal!

getnthinr--LOVE the pics!! Congrats on going Goofy!!!

krista and steve--thanks for checking in! Congrats on your races!!

 

[KelNottAt]

OMG, Cruella, your report brought tears to my eyes. It was frightening and uplifting at the same time. (Mostly frightening, I have to say.)

Congratulations, and PLEASE take care of yourself.

 

[monte]

Wow Celcilia that was some report...you rock! On behalf of my stepson, who is battling Leukemia, thank you for your hard work in raising money for a cure. Watching someone that you love going through that is heart wrenching. God bless you.

 

[Honeibee]

OMG what a FAB-U-LOUS weekend! I fully intend to write a lengthy and detailed race report but for the moment I have to at least pretend like I care that I am back at work.

Oh man! What fun I had! How many days 'till the 2008 Half????

 

[peggster]

Hi, everyone! I just wanted to poke my head in and say thanks to the folks I met at the WISH meet on Friday. I had a good time at Disney, and the race went well for me, for the most part. I will say that I thought the event was somewhat disorganized compared to other races I've done. I walked the half, and I was one of those who didn't get a medal, then eventually got one when they discovered some more boxes. I was standing in line at the information booth for about 10 minutes with many angry folks, at a time I should have been rehydrating and stretching. Oh, and they ran out of water and Powerade by the time I finished, too. I'm glad I eventually got my medal, but there were many others who didn't, and I found the experience frustrating, to say the least. But I did well enough at the race, finishing in about 3:25, which was slower than I would've liked, but seemed reasonable given the conditions.

Thanks again for letting me crash the party on Friday. Congrats to all the finishers!

Peggy

 

[plutosmyfav]

Official race report

Thursday night (Jan 4) I never fell asleep. I was so nervous about waking up at 3AM for our flight that I couldn’t sleep. I figured I would sleep on the plane. That didn’t work either. By the end of the flight I wasn’t sure if I would be able to walk off the plane, my buttock and leg pain was so bad. A man wearing a Boston Marathon jacket sat in front of us and said, “you must be running this weekend, too”. I stood there fighting back tears of pain and said, “oh, yes”. I felt insane, I wasn’t sure I could walk. We arrived at POFQ around 1PM and our room was ready- Yeah! After freshening up we went to the Expo to pick up our packets. I had a migraine by that point and found it difficult to walk all the way to the building and up and down the stairs… “I’m going to run a half marathon tomorrow?????” I still hadn’t committed to Goofy.

BUT, I was registered as a Goofy, so they put the orange bracelet on my wrist and my bibs said “Goofy”. Now I felt like a poser. It was looking more and more like I was going to have to have to make it to the start line on Sunday. We made it back to the resort by 3:30PM. I wanted so much to join the WISH meet, but by that point I hadn’t slept since Thursday 6AM and I felt really sick so the thought of taking two buses to get to Pop was just too much, plus we’d arrive very late. I really regret not making it to the meet.

Our half plan was to walk over at 5AM. I set our wakeup for 4AM and we were both ready to go by 4:40. We sat in the room until about 4:56 and decided to head out. We hit the lobby with about a dozen other runners. As we exited the other side, men in yellow shirts were yelling at us “hurry, get on that bus, it’s the last but to the race, RUN!”. One runner said, “we’re walking over” and the yellow shirt said, “I can’t let you do that, you have to get on that bus if you want to make it to the race”. I looked at Paul and shrugged and we ran towards the bus.

I met Anne, Judy and a couple of other’s who I can’t remember names, now (I’m SO SORRY)! It was soooooo great to see WISHers!

We got to the staging area after they had called our waves (I was in A and Paul was in B and we both were going to run B). We didn’t realize we could start walking to the chorals and by the time we did, we were behind a giant line of Cs. They started playing the Star Spangle Banner before we were anywhere near our choral. When it was finished, I started being aggressive, pushing my way through people, apologizing profusely and saying “we missed our wave”. I heard my name and turned to see Kristi! We exchanged good lucks and Paul and I continued to push through the crowds. We squeazed in to a spot big enough for one in the B group right as they started the countdown. This was Paul’s first race other than the little home-town 5K we did in May. He looked at me and said, “wasn’t that the start? How come we’re not moving?” I laughed and said it will take a few minutes.

We jogged at about a 14mm for the first few miles. Paul kept refusing fluids and I was getting worried. At one stop I said, “if you pass out I’m just going to step over you” which brought quite a few laughs from runners around us. I think it was mile 4 or 5 that he finally grabbed a cup and choked and coughed and snapped at me “that’s why I don’t drink”. I forgot drinking while walking/running is a learned skill. About a 100 yards after the Contemp. Hill I said, “keep going, I need to slow down”. I was very hot and feeling a bit queasy. He said he’d slow down, too but I insisted, “No! go on, I’m going to walk for a while”. So he did.

The Magic Kingdom was awesome! Seeing the WISH scream team on Main street absolutely made the race for me. I heard many screams for “Sunny” that brought gushing of tears. I caught a glance of Paul leaving the Magic Kingdom and that’s the last I saw of him until the W tent. I walked pretty much the rest of the way with little jogs here and there. I had the great opportunity to meet up with several WISHers during the way back. It was so exciting to see a WISH shirt up ahead and make it my goal to catch up to say hi. The heat/humidity was brutal. I felt much more worried about the heat than my legs holding up.

I finished 3:06 chip time. I was too queasy to eat the muffin, but I did take the banana and oranges. I got in line for my photo and then caught up with Paul at the W tent. He finished 2:48 chip time, so he had been standing a long time waiting. I saw a group of WISHers about 100 yards away, but I didn’t go over. I had neglected to tell Paul about taping his nipples (I feel a bit guilty, but then again, I learned about chub rub the hard way myself!). His shirt was bloody and he was self conscious so we just headed for the bus. Again, I truly regret the opportunity to meeting up with my best buddies in the world.

Payback:
As I told you all before, Paul didn’t train for this. He went on thee runs 6, 8, 10 miles all before Thanksgiving. He outraced me by 18 minutes… BUT he didn’t heed any of my stellar post-race advice. I wanted to stretch so he showered first. After stretching, I made several trips to the ice machine with my gallon-sized zip lock bags to recreate my own “Iceman” soak. (I rememberd from last year that Disney’s “cold” water is luke warm at best). I downed a slim fast which was really hard to do because I was so queasy, took my Tylenol and soaked in true ice water. By the time I got out, Paul was sound asleep. I was way too revved up to sleep so I grabbed my cell phone and book and headed to the pool area to talk and read. Here’s the payback: I had NO stiffness or soreness. I mean NONE! Paul could hardly walk for two days! (I don’t mean to gloat and be mean, but anyone who can run a half marathon without trying deserves some sort of payback!).

Nothing appealed to me for dinner. I orderd a Cobb salad. Duh! I never eat vegetables or high-fiber food before races or LRs. I ate a few bites and didn’t want it. I decided to get a sundae at Gharidellis instead. I ate a couple of bites and couldn’t eat that, either. Now I knew I must have a touch of heat sickness—nothing stops be from eating ice cream. I didn’t end up carb-loading or even eating adequately before the full. We were back to the room by 8PM and I did my pre-race setup, including a wakeup for 3:15AM. I was in bed by 9PM. Here’s the great part. I still hadn’t committed myself to the full, I was going to decide when I woke up. As a result, my ridiculous nervousness didn’t keep me awake! In fact, when the phone rang, I thought I was at home and wondered who would be calling me at that time of the night. I woke up, grabbed the phone and a wave of fear, dread, indecision swept through me. Am I going to do it? I didn’t decide, but I got up and started the pre-race ritual. Paul walked me to the 4AM bus. He has been totally against me doing the full ever since my spine issues began. He finally said, “I understand now, why you have to do this, just be careful and stop if if you have to.” I assured him I would.

The Mindset
I couldn’t task the IC with the full race, I just couldn’t. So I went through different goals: beat as many sweeps as I could, or make it through as many parks as I could (there are 5 since Epcot counts twice), or just take each mile as a victory unto itself. The first WISHer I saw when I got off the bus was Dave. TG for WISH shirts! (I didn’t wear my WISH shirt for the full because I thought the material was too heavy, but I regret that now). We then found Wendy and after walking through the baggage tents met up with the team at large. Oh I’m so happy I saw you all! I’m not sure I said a personal “hello” to each and every WISHER there and I apologize if I didn’t. It was a bit hectic and I didn’t have my glasses on so you were all a bit blurry! I split from the group to find water to take a gel and then met back up with Rhonda and Cam. Rhonda gave me two salt packets and instructed me to take one at the start and one at mile 17, “don’t forget”. Thank you, so much, Rhonda! Cam and Rhonda were shocked that I ripped the packet open and downed it in one gulp. After I did it I was surprised, too. I said, “that was probably the most disgusting thing I’ve ever done” (a few miles later I learned differently). I got into Choral B. I was scared to death. I breathed. I prayed. I finalized my goal: as many parks as I can manage. I decided to jog ~14mm as far as I could and accumulate “roll over minutes” for when the heat and miles intensified at the end. The race started and for about 2 miles massive waves of runners passed me as I waddled. (My choral placement was based on my last year’s 4:33 finish). I saw Dave and Melissa pass me somewhere between 1-2. I don’t know if it was a Disney glitch or Powerade wasn’t planned for a few miles of stops, but here’s where my next most disgusting thing happened. I traveled light, no ‘ade on my body. After a couple of stops with nothing but water I was getting scared. It was hot and I was drenched in sweat and no electrolytes were coming in… I actually licked my arms! (Remember, what’s said on the boards, stays on the boards). In fact, by the time the race was done I was amused at how horrendously disgusting things get after we have spent weeks of being germ-phobic. At the combo stops, I was taking 2-3 ‘ade cups and 2-3 water cups and not feeling sloshed.

Goals:
Somewhere around mile 4-5 the LSD runner kicked in. I forgot about parks, sweeps, pace, miles. I listened to my music with one goal: the next foot fall. And then the next, and then the next… For me, that’s the way to run. I re-thought the slogan of one of my cafepress shirts. It says, “26.2: a state of mind”, I smiled and thought, it’s really “26.2 a mindless state”. Speaking of shirt slogans. I saw one that overwhelmed me. It said, “Marathon: The triumph of desire over reason”. That one line could really be my whole race report. Every ounce of reason in my being told me I didn’t belong there. But desire trumped reason!

Magic Kingdom was wonderful (again). I saw WISH scream teams and screamed out “WISH”, but many had no idea who I was because this time I was wearing a white shirt, black shorts and not one spec of lime green on my body. Some WISH ST looked a bit disoriented, like “I thought I was the spectator and you’re the runner?!”. Oh well. Next time, it’s WISH shirts for all races. The WISH support over the entire race was phenomenal. I can’t say enough of how proud and happy I am to be a member of this incredible team. You guys rock!

In addition to taking in a lot of ‘ade and water, I was downing my gels at a good clip. At the banana stop I took a banana piece that was almost half a banana. After that, I started to have some major digestive problems. I made 3 very lengthy potty stops which really upset me because they were eating up all my “roll over” minutes that I worked so hard to acquire in the beginning. The port-a-potties were out of Purell by then. I had little “moist wipe” packets which took more time to open and use and didn’t give me much reassurance. Yuck.

I made it to Animal Kingdom! Two parks down! By this point I was mostly walking with some short jogs. I made it to mile 19 before I started using my “roll over” minutes; which I defined as miles slower than 15 minutes. I think it was outside of Animal Kingdom that I saw Anne again. She was so great! She loaded me up with encouragement and ran briefly with me. Promptly at mile 17 I pulled out my salt packet and downed it in one gulp with water. This time it didn’t faze me. Thank you again, Rhonda!

The Switchback
Actually, the switchback wasn’t as bad this time psychologically because I knew what to expect. But this time I was bitten relentlessly by those little bugs. I actually had to stop several times to scratch my ankles because I couldn’t take it. I was scratching wildly and looking around me; no one else was scratching. Why me? I saw Wendy blow past me with a rock-steady pace. I called out but she was tuned into music. Lilly and I passed going opposite directions. No time to chat, but it looked like her IT was hurting. That caused me to take time to start praying for all the WISHers on the course. I started with Lilly and ended with me. I was starting to feel pretty lousy in the heat. My feet were getting pretty soar and my legs were quite fatigue but no sharp pain anywhere. When I saw Wendy I wanted to try to match her pace, but I couldn’t.

I made it to MGM. I really didn’t want to be doing this anymore. I was totally miserable. I was starting to get a bit scared, wondering if I would know the warning signs of heat stroke because I was having intermittent chills and very, very queasy. I kept doing the math, “ok, at this point I can do 20+ minute miles if I have to”, but that really wasn’t any consolation because that just meant more minutes in the heat. I felt so sick. Once through MGM, the only thing that was keeping me going was knowing the strong WISH support that was up ahead on the Boardwalk. I managed to assume a jogging form (I think) as I passed the WISH support. I cried as I saw them. Someone asked, “how are you feeling, Sunny?” and I yelled out “AWFULL”! which brought about many spectator laughs followed by encouragement.

The Fifth Park:
Entering World Showcase this late in the race was actually nice because there were spectators along the course. I could see what the runners around me looked like, so I can imagine what I looked like. The encouragement shouted from the sidelines and the hi-5s were so genuine. I felt like these people were our life-line, fusing into us everything they could to get us to the finish. By mile 23 I knew I should stop. I knew I was at the point of breaking many, many promises to “be safe”. BUT, I was also 36 miles into this STUPID race (that was the word that came to mind at the time), how could I not go 3 more? By this time my back hurt in a bad way, my feet were beyond pain, I felt confused and I was scared. I kept telling myself, “you can do three miles under any conditions, c’mon, do this, you have to”. At mile 24 I did the math again. I had 45 minutes left to make it 2.2 miles and finish officially (chip time), I had a few more minutes to finish and get my medals but not certificates due to my choral start. I cried and cried and cried. I wanted out so badly. There was no way out. I guess the IC is still around after all. If I had hit this kind of agony before the half-way point, I definitely would have kept my promise and not risked my health, but surely even if I collapsed my family would understand at mile 24 you can’t quit.

Mile 25
Ok, little problem with the spectators at this point. I hit the 25 mile mark and people are screaming “only one mile to go”. NO, THAT IS NOT TRUE! There is one mile POINT TWO. It counts; don’t give me a false sense of hope here. Once I finally reached less than one mile, I resumed a jog form (at least I think my body did something like that). I was going to jog it in, then hit the medical tent. I was so sick. I turned the corner and that glorious Gospel Choir was singing “God is good, all the time”. Oh no! There was no controlling the tears at that point. My Dad is a pastor and he says to his congregation every Sunday “God is Good!” at which they reply “All the time”. This was a miracle. This meant something big. I cried uncontrollably (as I am doing right now). I hit the stretch were the finish line is in site. I did it! A year of hell is behind me. I’m not an invalid. I haven’t lost all that I worked so hard for. I waved for the cameras. I don’t recall what the clock said, but my chip time was 6:51:36. I made it through the chip removal and over to the refreshments but there was no way I could eat anything. I didn’t want to drink either but I knew I had to. I took two orange segments, forced them down and one powerade and drank half. I went to the Goofy tent and got my medal. I didn’t really care. I bypassed the line for photos and headed straight for the bus. I looked over and saw Howard sitting on the ground about 100 yards away near the W tent. He was sitting with someone in a WISH shirt but I couldn’t see who it was. I wanted so badly to go over and say hi and recount the race and have fun… but I was so sick, I had to get to the bus as fast as possible. Since I wasn’t wearing any WISH attire or lime green I figured if he did see me he wouldn’t recognize me and wouldn’t think I was blowing off the WISH team. I was so disappointed I didn’t have it in me to meet up with everyone.

Post Goofy Recovery
I had intended to call Paul as soon as I could. I knew he would be worrying and I knew the live tracking wasn’t working all that well this year. But I couldn’t muster enough strength to reach into my fanny pack and retrieve my phone. Turns out he did get the messages. He was shocked I returned so quickly. He said, “I thought you’d hang out with your friends for a while”. I replied, “I’m okay, but I’m sick. I need your help. Fill as many zip lock bags with ice as you can.”. I went in the room and stretched as much as I could force myself. Then forced down a slim fast, took two Tylenol. He dumped the ice in the tub. I was already shivering uncontrollably, I didn’t know how I could get in there, but my legs won out. I soaked for 20 minutes. Paul turned the heat up to maximum for me. I put on all the clothes I could (I didn’t bring hardly anything and nothing for cold weather). I got under the covers and Paul wrapped himself around me to share as much body heat as possible. I shivered uncontrollably what seemed like forever. I was really beginning to wonder if I was too sick for self-help. Paul finally had to escape the heat. I finally settled down and slept for about 3 hours in the room which was probably about 90 degrees, in layers of clothes under the blankets.

But when I got up I was in good shape! All except my two second toes. But nothing band aids and Neosporin couldn’t fix. We headed to DTD for dinner and the post-race free admin. to Pleasure Island. I still couldn’t eat more than a couple of bites, but I drank a bunch of water. I felt much better, just digestive problems. We walked around a bunch and then hit the clubs and actually danced for a long time at Mannequin. I felt great! We got back to POFQ at 11:50 and I was starving, but all that was still open was the bakery so I got a brownie. Turned out I couldn’t eat it.

Monday we got up early for our flight. I was starving and ordered us a huge breakfast at the food court, but I still couldn’t eat! In fact, I wasn’t able to eat until late Monday. I guess it was heat sickness. The good news is I returned from a trip to WDW 5 lbs lighter than when I left! That’s definitely a first!!!!!

Along with my regret of not getting to spend time with the WISH team. I really regret not having ONE photo of me with my Goofy medal.

But I don’t regret the races, not one bit!

 

[Cruella de mom]

Wow Sunny - it sounds like we had a similar experience those last few miles. I think eventually I will get around to remembering it fondly, but now I just cry when ever I think of how hard those last miles were. I cried all through your report because it was so familiar.

Glad you are okay. Take care!

Cecilia

 

[plutosmyfav]

Wow Sunny - it sounds like we had a similar experience those last few miles. I think eventually I will get around to remembering it fondly, but now I just cry when ever I think of how hard those last miles were. I cried all through your report because it was so familiar.

Glad you are okay. Take care!

Cecilia

Cecilia-- I was praying for you! I remembered seeing you at the port-a-potty outside the chorals and you told me you had been up throwing up all night. Under those race conditions that scared me to death. I'm so glad you are alright and you finished sub-5

Sunny

 

[keenercam]

OMG, you guys have me sobbing. Everyone's story is inspirational. Cecilia and Sunny -- I am so glad you guys are okay. You are amazing women.

 

[princessmomma]

Congratulations Wendy, Cecilia and Sunny!!

It amazes me how you all can write such lengthy race reports, my brain is still working on 70% power!

 

[Honeibee]

Wow. there is so much to say, but so many things I find so hard to put into words. I know, I know. It's not often I am speechless.

Our flights down were great, POR was fabulous! I really loved it! Will definitely stay there again. We picked up our rental car at Dolphin then Charlie went to DiveQuest and I took the boat to Downtown. I didn't plan on walking around but I did. Went to Ghiardelli's for a sundae. Came back, sent all four alarms as a test, and went to bed early.

Friday morning we went to Kona for Tonga Toast then to the Expo. I was really glad we had the rental car. With a GPS we were able to get around very easily. We got to the Expo around 10:00 and it was mobbed! We got our goody bags, looked around a bit and left. There was no way we could hang around until 1:00 for John Bingham. Charlie doesn't handle crowds very well and he couldn't wait to get out of there, although he did stop to buy a pair of shorts. (I was wondering how he would handle the start of the race....)

We spent the rest of the afternoon driving around to resorts we had never been to. We went to AKL...wow, it's beautiful! Checked out OKW, which was cute. Then back to POR to get ready for our meet.

I was so nervous on the way to PC! It's such an odd feeling to "know" you guys so well when we had never met. But it was such fun! After the initial minute I got over my nervousness and it was so great to meet you all! Charlie was shocked at how much you all knew about us, but I told him "You'd be amazed....". It didn't bother him, he just thought it was funny. Now he sees how I can spend all day talking to you guys. Because you are all so nice!

After the meet, we went back to POR, set all four alarms again, and went to bed at 7:30. Amazingly, I was perfectly calm. I told Charlie I think by that point, there was no turning back and I was just resigned to it. At 9:00 I was woken up by the family next door being outside our door, with their kid playing Jingle Bells on the kazoo. Plus we could hear Illuminations (I think that's what it was). But I went right back to sleep. Our alarms, yup, all four of them, went off at 2:28, 2:29, 2:30 and 2:31. By the fourth alarm we were both up, the lights were all on, and we were in motion. Thanks to Cam, I had all my checklists laid out on the other bed, along with my race uniform, with chip and number attached. We ate breakfast, well, I had half a bagel. Who can eat at that hour?? And off we went. We walked to the bus depot and got right on. It was again a very odd feeling, to be sitting on a bus at WDW at 3:30 in the morning, filled with people who are wide awake...and all of it feeling perfectly normal.

We got to the staging area and checked our bags. When we walked to the other side of the tent I thought "Oh wow, there are PLENTY of Port-a-Potties". Shows you what I know! Although I did make myself go FIVE times because I didn't want to stop once I got going. Figures you can do weeks worth of LRs and not have to stop, but get to Mile 5 of the race and I gotta go.

It was really great hanging out with everyone as we made out own sort of potty line. It really helped keep my nervousness at bay. That was, at least, until they started moving Corral C up to the starting line. Then I started to get scared. I mean, really scared. As we got up as far as we were going to go, I told Charlie "I don't think I want to do this." He looked at me like "WHO ARE YOU?". But what he actually said was "Come on, you'll do fine." Isn't he the best?

Remembering Craig's advice, I tried to take it all in. It's unbelievable, amazing, too much to describe to someone who hasn't done it.

Then it was time. We started inching forward. I started crying. The countdown started.

Remember back a few issues in RW when they did that article on the nuns who run with the orphans? One nun would say at the beginning of every run "Jesus, run with us". Well, I sort of paraphrased that, and I hope it wasn't sacrilegious. When I was 8 I got my first pony. Although her name was PeeWee, I would often call her Dulcinea, because we also had a donkey called Don Quixote, who absolutely loved PeeWee. PeeWee was my best friend growing up. I had her for 35 years. So as Charlie and I held hands and crossed the start line, I looked at the sky and said "Dulcinea, run with me".

So off we went. I felt great, although hot already, for the first five miles or so. It was really really crowded. Charlie and I had to dodge and dart around people. Many, may times there was just no way to get around people. Guess they didn't get the race etiquette memo about only two abreast.

Going thru the MK was fabulous! Seeing Cam on Main Street was the best part! Sorry about that sweaty kiss, I was just so happy to see you! I thought the footing was a little slippery there for a bit. Then going thru the Castle we came out and had to make a very abrupt halt. There was the photographer sitting right on the ramp. Ok that wasn't really the best place, KWIM?

I was doing good until after we left the MK and were headed towards the GF. I started to feel really tired. I'm not sure what that mile marker was but my splits at 10,11 & 12 weren't so good. I kept thinking "This is NOT fun". I was getting mad at myself for being so tired, for being so out of shape, for being so fat, for being so stupid for attempting this in the first place. I started thinking of my mother, and how she never got to come to WDW, although she really wanted to. That inspired me to push on.

Charlie had stayed with me the entire race. He was never more than 15 or so feet away. I did tell him many times to go on, don't wait for me. But he wanted to do it with me. He kept saying the whole point was to be together. Gosh, I guess I'll keep him, don't you think?

That high school band that was just past the GF was great! They were so inspirational! A bunch of girls gave me high-fives and were cheering me on! That felt really nice. I picked up my pace again and dug down and found some strength. I didn't know it at the time, but I was suffering from dehydration. More on that in a minute.

So, wait a minute. Let's pause here for a question. Who said WDW was a flat course? OK I knew about the Contemporary Hill. How come, in all our posts and threads, no one ever mentioned that last up ramp into Epcot? As we were going under the over pass, I said to the girl next to me "You don't suppose they are taking us up there in an elevator, do you"? Alright, fine, I can do this. I didn't look up and just kept going and soon I was on top of the overpass, looking down at the sea of people still coming up World Drive.

At that last water stop right in Epcot a volunteer handed me water and said with a big smile "Judy, you look GREAT!". I don't know why, but that made me so happy. That really touched me. Thank you so much, Mr Volunteer. Maybe it was the way he said it. I don't know.

The last mile or so really wasn't that bad. Probably because I KNEW it was the LAST mile or so. Then OMG...you could start to feel the excitement. Then...there it was. The Finish Line. I knew what it looked like because I had taped a picture of it next to the treadmill and I had been looking at it for a year. Oh my goodness! The excitement! Charlie and I held hands and went over it together!

Then I REALLY started crying! Three times officials asked me if I was OK. I told them all "I'M BETTER THEN OK! I'm FABULOUS!" They laughed. Honestly, other then when we got married, I don't think I have ever been so happy in my entire life as I was right then and there.

So I got my chip cut off, got my blanket, then saw Kristi and she told me...no more medals. I was shocked. At first I thought she was teasing me. But no, she was right! Ohhh was I mad!

So we went and got out bag but then I started feeling light headed so I sat on my mylar for a few minutes. Then we got up and found Cam and Howard and Carrie and everyone else. (I'M REALLY SORRY I can't remember who else was there. Please tell me if you were!!!) I had to sit down for another minute, then I went to get up so Cam could take our picture and I pretty much passed out.

I remember someone getting me a chair, then the next thing I remember is a man asking me to open my eyes and asking me if I knew where I was. I said "Yes, I'm in the parking lot." Then I guess they put me on a stretcher and attached an EKG machine to me. I think I was talking to them, but honestly I don't remember what I said. I remember them saying my BP was very low. I do, however, remember looking up and seeing all these green shirts and thinking "OMG, what they must think of me." But I also thought how sweet of everyone. These people don't even really know me, yet they are all making sure I am OK. I also remember an EMT putting his hand under my shirt, I assume to attached the EKG, but I was thinking "Shouldn't we at least have a drink first". See? I entertain myself even while passing out.

After a few minutes, and thanks very much to Cam's being prepared for things like this with SportBeans and PowerAde, I was fine. They did insist on taking me to the bus in a wheelchair, which at first was embarrassing but after seeing how far it was, I was really grateful!

BTW I did get my medal. Before I totally passed out, Charlie took my number and went and got our medals. It was all the better that he got to put it on me.

Well, I'm sorry this is so long. Like I said, there was so much to say. It was fabulous, really. In a nutshell, here are a few last thoughts...

Apparently I didn't drink enough, although I did stop at every water station. However, I did often drink half and pour half in my shirt to cool off. I was carrying 20 oz, but drank one before we even started. And...I forgot to take my salt, as Cam told me too.

Next year we have to stay longer. It seemed like we had to run out on Sunday and missed a lot. Next time we'll stay for the whole week.

It was very comforting to have Karen and her family near us during the whole race. Although we didn't do it together, they were always nearby, which I liked a lot. Thanks very much, Karen for sharing your blanket that morning. Plus, it was really fun cheering with you on Sunday. Hope I didn't embarrass you too much when I was dancing around with the sign.

Charlie took lots of pictures during the Full. I'll try to get him to download them tonight.

Jodi - I am SO SORRY we didn't see you coming Sunday. We felt really bad about that after you passed by.

I wished I had gotten to meet Christa and Dave and Kevin. Next year, eh guys????

Mile 1) 13:27
Mile 2) 13:12
Mile 3) 13:20
Mile 4) 13:33
Mile 5) 15:22
Mile 6) 14:36
Mile 7) 14:32
Mile 8) 14:44
Mile 9) 14:38
Mile10) 15:00
Mile 11)15:12
Mile 12)16:24
Mile 13) 15:32
Mile 14) 15:17 (.35mi)

3:14:48 on my Garmin, 13.35 miles, 14:36 average.

 

[bekagain]

So, I got nervous about meeting all of you and wasn't able to come to Pop...so I saw the group at the potties in the parking lot for the full and wimped out on saying hi. Now I am upset that I didn't, but I had the worst case of nerves that I have ever experienced! I didn't wear my WISH shirt because it seemed to heavy and the sleeves too long. I wish I would have just taken scissors to it, though...I kept seeing shirts and wishing I had mine on.

I did see someone outside of the GF and she took my picture...I'm so sorry I don't know who you are! It was nice to see you, though! And there was someone that I was just behind for the first 13 or so in a WISH shirt...we were both run/walking at about a 13 min./mile pace.

Just a little background because I feel I have to justify myself or something when I probably don't. But at any rate, I started training for a triathlon in June...not able to run more than a 1 minute at a time and needed to walk 3 to recover. I desperately wanted to run the full at Disney, but didn't really think there was any way I could. I found this board - yay! - and ordered my WISH team shirts and wore them and they helped me keep getting out the door to train. At the tri, I ran the 5 miles in an hour - awesome for me. So, the next thing on my list of trying was a half marathon in October. I did that, and from that point on, never looked back. I was going to do this thing!

Now, I was a good year off the recommended time for preparing your body to run a marathon as the good Penguin recommends. But, I am a stubborn girl. We had amazing weather in Michigan for training and I did all my long runs and felt great.

So, back to EARLY Sunday, I get to my corral and I am so nervous that my gums are tingling and I can hardly breathe! I worked on some calming breathing and if I would have seen any bright green shirts, I would have been there! I knew it was going to be hard because it was so warm, and that scared me. I had no real experience doing any run longer than 3-4 miles in anything warmer than 60...so I had no idea what my body would do.

The start was good...I walked the first two miles on purpose because it was so tempting to just take off, and I didn't want to do that. From mile 3-13 I had a great 13 min. pace and felt great...drippy, but good. Then, the food stop came. All during my long runs I had Gu...nothing solid-ish. But, my tummy would also get growly, and the banana sounded good, so I took a half. Bad move. I walked that mile to try to calm my stomach down and did feel a little better. I was slower now, but steady and still doing running intervals. I got into Animal Kingdom, which was great and started feeling good again. Then, I got outside AK and the sun was blazing down and the pavement was hot and I felt a little like I was on a death march! I tried to run, but ended up walking most of the way to MGM. There was one stop totally out of all drinks. That was hard. I took 2 Powerades and 2 waters at almost every stop in the second half...used one water to dump over me. I was so glad I had a hat!

Coming into MGM, I knew I was in the home stretch. I wasn't feeling awful and I was way off my pace goal anyway, so I decided I wanted to finish smiling and happy and not push super hard. So, I kept walking and just tried to soak everything in.

I came around into EPCOT the second time and starting crying. My dream was coming true. I was doing it! Then, at mile 26, I came around the corner and the choir was singing You are Good, which we sing at our church. I totally lost it there! I started making funny crying noises and looked around at these two other ladies finishing with me...who were doing the same thing. So, I didn't feel too odd. It was such a wonderful feeling to cross that finish line! I was smiling and so happy!

My migraine came on pretty quickly afterwards, there was some interesting starting and stopping on the way to the bus and then to our room with me trying not to throw up. I made it to the room, though. Mind over body twice in one day! I just had to lay down and let my medicine work...about 90 minutes later I was good!

It was such an amazing experience! I am definitely in for next year and want to go Goofy!

Thanks for all your support and encouragement...you truly helped me get there!

 

[SRQbird]

SRQbird...not from Sarasota by any chance, are you?

Chimera, howdy neighbor, I'm just down the road in Lakewood Ranch. I see you ran the Sarasota Grouper challenge last year---looks like you are planning to run again this March---good for you! My DH ran the full last year; this year he and one of our sons will run the half. My friends and I were the screaming fans mainland just before Ringling Bridge---I'm sure we saw you! We will be at the same location cheering you on this year.

Hearing everyone's stories, I am in absolute awe. You guys are amazing! So much heart.

 

[spot28]

What is a Wave?


(btw I got the same impression at the end of the half when the Goofy tents were first and they had no water immediately avialable if you didn't have a wrist band. Bugged the tar out of me).

Glad it was a good weekend for all and glad we could pop in for a visit on Friday.

Yes, and I see on the plan there was bananas and candy in MK, no candy when we got there. No tylenol either..I saw the empty packets on the ground but none was offered to us...also no medals at the finish which sparked a frenzy that was suddently rectified by "finding more medals." I was glad to finish at 3:23:45 but you can tell if you are at the back of the bunch you get the leftovers.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Yes, and I see on the plan there was bananas and candy in MK, no candy when we got there. No tylenol either..I saw the empty packets on the ground but none was offered to us...also no medals at the finish which sparked a frenzy that was suddently rectified by "finding more medals." I was glad to finish at 3:23:45 but you can tell if you are at the back of the bunch you get the leftovers.

I think the only good thing that will come from those horrendous mistakes is that Disney never makes the same mistake twice. Next year they will be more than prepared to compensate.

In the full I hit water stops where they wouldn't give more than one cup, but they would refill your cup.