A very, very belated Marathon Weekend Report

[wtpclc]

Friday
Started at way too early in the morning (like 2:30 am) to head for our 6 am flight. Of course, there was a storm Thursday night, so we had to leave extra time. Our home airport is pretty small, so we didn’t dress too warmly, as our time outside would be brief. Can you see where this is headed?
Yes, guess whose airport was under construction? You could no longer walk from the main lot to the terminal and things were just crazy. Brrrr… Then again, it was a sign of things to come.

Of course, we had to de-ice and it was 25 minutes before that happened. We had a 40 minute layover in Cleveland, where we wanted to spend a little time with Lily and Ted before boarding the plane, but that was not to be.
When we arrived the announced that if you were going to Boston, you missed your flight. (Bummer) If you were going to Orlando, there’d be a cart waiting for you. OMG do those things go fast! It was enough to blow my hair out of my face! Stopped at the top of the escalator and were told there’d be another cart at the bottom. Took another spin on Mr. Toad’s Wild ride and were told out gat was up the next escalator. While it was quite the fun set of rides, I really needed to use the ladies room. Yikes!
There were still people boarding when I got to the counter, so I asked if I had time f a stop. When she told me I had 5 minutes and to go ahead, I breathed a big sigh of relief. So did the family behind me who had come in on the same plane.

Arrived at MCO at 11:15 am and headed for Magical Express. Got right onto the bus and headed out within 5 minutes. Woo hoo! We were headed for Disney World! Arrived at BCV and our rpm was ready! Yay! Kind of wish we hadn’t shuffled our bag contents around in the lobby like a couple of hobos, but we didn’t think our rooms would be ready and wanted to have our stuff ready for them to store until it was.

Then it was off to the Marathon Expo!

We saw Erin and Anne and Mel. Anne, Mel and I went on a bit of a quest to find Stephen’s picture on a plaque. Quite the adventure when you don’t know what booth it’s at. Anne and Mel also were good enough to scam some extra scrapbook paper for me, so I can do two 2-page spreads with it. Talk about good friends! :

From the expo, we headed to see my parents at Pop. Had a quick visit in their room. Just enough time for Scott to change into a shirt with my 11YO and 34 YO face plastered on it.

From there, it was off to the WISH meet. OMG! I had never made it to the Friday night meet before. What a crazy time that was. I know I didn’t get to meet half the people I wanted to but it was a great time.

After pix and dinner it was off to Ghirardelli for dessert. We met deenyha, withdisneyspirit and lllovell and their wonderful spouses for some good old fashioned carbs. Yum. It was the first half for MissyHa, lllovell and wds, so it was fun sharing tips and pre-race jitters with them.
Then, it was off to bed, as we had to be in the BCV lobby by 4 am to meet the rest of the half scream team.

Saturday

Boy, 3:15 am felt like sleeping in compared to Friday! Met Cam, Martha, Rhonda and Tim (Sandy321’s dh) in the lobby and headed for a bus. Got to TnT and saw NYCPA and some other WISHers in place from the monorail. We were off to Main Street.
I really missed seeing the Christmas tree, but Main Street with so few people at that time in the morning always gives me the chills. I just love it. Spent some quality time with Hildegard. OMG was she cool! She even brought friends to introduce to us. I had never seen anyone out like that before. Very fun.
While there, I was trying to make sure I knew who Tim’s wife was, as he could not remember her screen name. It suddenly hit me, so I asked, “Are you here on rented DVC points?”
“Yes.”
“Did your wife tell you about some crazy stranger that said you guys could stay with her if anything went wrong?”
“Yes.”
“I would be the crazy stranger.”
Still not sure why he didn’t just back away. ;

Then, it was time to scream and ring and cheer. Gosh, I love doing that. More apologies for Solo, as we somehow got distracted and I did not see him 'til he passed. Discovered that Wendy is one serious racer, as there was no getting her attention!
After the last racer passed, we headed back to the monorail to hit Epcot. Saw Christa and Stephen there and was treated to a wonderful phone call from Sunny! Yes, the race had taken its toll by then, but people were going to make it on sheer will alone.

It’s good that they are more spread out by then, so we could give a little more individual attention. I don’t recall ever seeing so many people wearing the bib of others, though. When you concentrate so hard on the bib and yell out Go Donna! and look up to see it’s a man, it’s a bit embarrassing.

Finally, the last bikers passed and they told us that “All the cows have come home”, so we headed to the finish and cheered there. Then we headed to eth tent only to be greeted by way too many tears. It just breaks your heart when someone works that hard for a goal and does not get the reward in the end. The reward is really on the inside, but that feeling takes a while to set in. When you finish, you want your medal. I can’t believe that it happened 2 years in a row. Ugh. Was glad to hear later that some were getting them at the expo, but it really sours what should be a wonderful day.

Then it was back to BCV to meet up with my family for a bit again and then off to dinner.

After dinner, we met my family at DtD for our pre-race ice cream. It poured just as we were getting to Ghirardelli’s, but, by some miracle, we got a table. Wish I had gotten what I ordered, but you can’t win ‘em all. Then it was off to bed to try to get a little sleep before the alarm went off at 2:15. Ugh.

 

[wtpclc]

Sunday
Had to be in the BCV lobby at 3:15. And we were. However, I thought I left my phone in the room and dh could not find it in my pack. So, he headed back to the room. Tim arrived as Scott was going back. Then, it was Cam and Rhonda. Rhonda realized she forgot something and headed back to the room. In the meantime, my pack started vibrating and I realized I really did have my phone. I missed the call form Scott, but when I called the room back, he didn’t answer, so I figured he was headed down. In the meantime, I had called Sandy the night before to make sure Tim came at 3:15 instead of 3:30 and it was closer to 3:30 before we all had our acts together. Not that Tim would ever believe us, but that was soooo unlike any of us.

The funny thing was that just after Scott left, and older man with another group meeting in the lobby started to pitch a fit about not waiting for the rest of their group, as the bus was there and it was going to leave without them. Guess who was on the same bus that we boarded 15 minutes later. I could have burst out laughing on the spot. Also made me feel better for being late.

The entrance to the meet and greet area was new, or I don’t remember it from before. Very cool. We started to put our stuff down waiting to hear when the worship service was and I realized my sponge had fallen off the bottle I had it on. Can you believe that Scott originally made those so that I could have it because I am so bad with heat, it was 100% humidity and I lost it!
Pic of 100% Humidity

Went back to the bus area, but could not find it. And, Scott, who treasures the sponge fm AK, didn’t bring his. Rhonda offered me hers and said she would share with Cam. Talk about above and beyond. Every time I used it during the race, I was so grateful she gave it to me and felt so guilty for taking it at the same time.

About that time, we were told where the worship service would be. Last year, it was just like a long prayer. A very good, long prayer, as ability to concentrate is low, but a long prayer at that. This year was a mini sermon with a bible verse and a prayer that brought tears to my eyes. The man was very obviously a marathoner and hit all the things that you worry about before the race. SO many of us were in tears. What a wonderful way to start such a very long and trying day.

Then, it was time to head to PortaPot city and meet up with the rest of the WISHers. I just love that time, as we’re all filled with nerves and anticipation and we’re still there as a team. We know each other and what we’ve been through and some of what we’re thinking and that is so comforting. Have I mentioned that I love WISHers?

Before I knew it, though, it was time to walk to the start. We hung back a little for one more pit stop and ended up running into Tim again. Poor guy was probably sick of us by then, but he did a good job of not letting on.

OK, time to split corrals, as we were nowhere near the A corral. Met the rest of the WISHers there and had a lot of fun. The fireworks were in color this year and I got to slap Mickey’s hand at the start! What a way to start the race!

The air was just oppressive, though. I knew I wasn’t going that fast and usually we fly the first several miles), but I just felt like I was doing all I could. Kind of worried me for what the end of the race held for me.
The entertainment and number of characters were obviously increased for the anniversary race. It was great!

 

[wtpclc]

Highlights:

Water Stop #2 – I kept thinking it was the 2nd water stop, so it took me by surprise. What a great surprise!

Mile 4 – Seeing my family and the people around them cheering for us. Had to laugh because I figured my dad had already made friends with the whole section.

Where’d the “Go the Distance” sign go on the water bridge??

TnT – OMG, the number of spectators, not to mention WISHers, in this area was awesome! Of course, I was dead from picking up my pace by a minute and a half (did I mention how much cheering helps me?). Scott was tiring too, but he knew I’d die once the people were gone.

Main Street – Always awesome. Always see my family first which is just such a neat feeling. There was something really cool this year, though. I dropped my camera (not cool) and I was dreading stopping in the crowd and bending down to get it (not a great place to do this in the skinny section of Main Street). Another runner picked it up for me and handed it to me. That was just so incredibly kind!

OK, why was the Pooh ride playing Hakuna Matata? Oh, the would be GA Jen in front of us. WISH I had known who she was for the race. Both shy racers. 

Castle – OMG, seeing Aerial, Eric the fairy godmother and the trumpeters with the old fashioned long trumpets above the entrance was awesome. When the trumpeters started to play a fanfare as we entered, though, it just blew me away!

Bridge leaving MK – We noticed on the map this year that there was a bridge as you left MK. Never noticed it before. Another runner talked about how it was a metal bridge and they covered it with carpeting. Didn’t ring a bell. Finally noticed it this year.

Random Thought: Anyone know what this building is, just outside the back door to MK?

 

[wtpclc]

AK – Meeting someone I know from another board during a run. Seeing withdisneyspirit, as I was so afraid I’d miss her if she didn’t have a WISH shirt on.

Due to our slow pace, we saw this from about 10 angles I had not noticed it before.

Out and Back – Seeing Heather and Anne was like a vision. Finally giving up one of my darn heavy disposable cameras was a welcome thing too!! At that point, I had been stopping about every mile for 7 miles to stretch my quad, so I was not in a great frame of mind. Their faces did wonders for me.

MGM to the end –

I feel guilty writing this as a highlight, but it was. Meeting up with Martha and deciding to walk in with her was a life saver. DH’s shins were close to blowing up and it was way hot for me. I was so worried about Martha hurting so badly, but at the same time, the pressure was off. My focus was no longer on me and walking gave me the energy to actually enjoy the last few miles. I typically hate them with the fire of 1000 suns! I actually had the energy to thank the spectators. (Boy, it seemed like there were tons this year) I actually looked around WS, instead of down at my feet to make sure they were moving. I’m not sure that I want to go for speed again, after enjoying the end this year. Then, as we were just entering World showcase, Chad caught up to us. He was done running too. So, we were 4 WISHers in all. We decided we would all run in together after the gospel choir. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a moment more than coming in with friends. It was awesome. :

It was an odd race. I felt like I had failed in so many ways, but when I think back, there are so many highlights. It also helped to be reminded that I pretty much started over in July, so I was not starting as someone with plenty of miles under my belt. I also realized it was a big victory, though. I went the whole race, without hip, hammy or knee issues. Yes, my quad hurt. Odd, as that has never hurt before, but the fact that I finally had all my other injuries and what to do to keep them in line figured out was a victory.

So, although I spent a good 10 miles telling myself I was done with the full, but of course I am already registered for 09. Someone please cure me of this disease!

 

[Calcio]

Carrie

The kindness you and Scott showed in the last 5K on January 13 will never be forgotten in our house. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Craig

 

[Maherae]

Oh, Carrie!! What a wonderful report!! I think we should start doing that..spread out the reports throughout the year to give us a shot of WDW marathon weekend!! I can't believe you are doing it again!! Thanks so much!!

 

[windwalker]

Yes Yes, as Anne said what a treat to see pictures and relive the memories again. Can't wait till we can do it again.

Remembering Panda

 

[CarolA]

Very nice report (and if they run out of medals on the half on me, I am taking a suit hostage until I get one! LOL!)

 

[escape]

Carrie - great report! I love the picture of all 4 of you coming in at the finish line. Priceless!

 

[JimB.]

Random Thought: Anyone know what this building is, just outside the back door to MK?

It's a new station for the Reedy Creek Fire Department. I have a friend who works there that says it is the best spot on the planet for watching the MK fireworks.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Thank you Carrie for giving your report. It is a treat to be able to enjoy it today.

 

[wfloyd]

Carrie - Great report, I'm glad you were able to enjoy World Showcase for once.

Bill

 

[Kristi1357]

Fabulous report, Carrie!

I also absolutely love that picture of the 4 of you crossing the finish line.
I can't wait to scrap it in Chad's race book!

(and if you went to the Expo Saturday night, you could have all the scrap paper you wanted... )

 

[Lexxiefern]

Carrie loved the report!! I still have not written up my report (well, actually it is written, I just need to type it up). I read your report and it brings back all the memories - good and bad - and I know that is why I signed up for the goofy again. I love the pic of the four of you together - so cool!! Thank you so much for sharing!

Becky

 

[lenshanem]

Love it, can't wait until the Donald in January!
Thanks for your report!

 

[wtpclc]

It's a new station for the Reedy Creek Fire Department. I have a friend who works there that says it is the best spot on the planet for watching the MK fireworks.

Ahhhh....Thanks for lettign us know. Looked more like a church to us! Very cool firewrks spot.

Thanks for teh kind words. Really, I'm not this late to stick out of the crowd. Just slow.....

 

[monte]

Great report Carrie..makes me wish we were there starting the marathon again. That entire trip was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again in 2013

 

[Dennyha]

Great Report!

 

[Kristi1357]

Ahhhh....Thanks for lettign us know. Looked more like a church to us!

I always thought it was a church too!

 

[wtpclc]

Great report Carrie..makes me wish we were there starting the marathon again. That entire trip was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again in 2013

Isn't it funny? We spend the end of teh year both excited adn dreading it adn as soon as we're back home, we just want to start again.