Thursday – Kathy (momoftwogirls) and I got to the expo a little before 3:00 and they were already letting people in. We picked up our packets and I provided proof of time to chance corrals. I didn't think there were as many freebies as last year, but no biggie. We ran into Leana for first of many times and got to say hello.
Friday - Went to cheer on some neighboors that were running the 5k. It was great to see Chester, Vic, Wendy, Anne and some others. I got blisters ringing those dang cowbells the whole time. Big Kahoona and Tonga Toast at Kona Café for breakfast then we went to WWOS to see neighboor's son run the kid's race. Quite the mad house but a lot of fun.
We later went for tea at the GF (because I'm the tea-drinking, sensitive type
) but some idiot backed into our rental car. We missed tea due to dealing with rental company and "doofus" (Kathy's word) Disney security guard. Got back in time to make it to the Pop meet.
It was great seeing everyone again and finally meeting Colleen, SilverSteve, Stephanie, and many others. Looking back now however, it’s disappointing how many people I missed that were there!
We laid out all our stuff for the race and went to bed. Man, I slept like CRAP! 3:00AM couldn't come soon enough.
Saturday - We ran into SilverSteve and Valentine Kathy at the bus stop and chatted while we waited. Then the normal bus, trek to the tents routine. Got to chat with Chester, Tracy, Jackie, and some other folks prior to the start then headed off to the line-up.
I was planning on starting with Kathy (my idea, not hers) but saw a bunch of WISHERs in her corral so I left her there and moved up.
Fireworks shoot off and here we go! Traffic is much easier to negotiate up here towards the front (more room, everyone doing a similar pace, no darting around). I feel bad knowing that Kathy will be packed shoulder to shoulder most of the way. All is fine and I finally see Angie, Anne, and some other WISHERs scream teaming at the TTC. It was GREAT! I wasn't really ready for the let down after passing all the excitement and it took a little bit to get my energy back. Then on to Main Street U.S.A.! There, I saw a great gaggle of glow. Colleen, Sara and family, Cam, and a bunch of others yelling away. Wow! Again, it was hard to keep the intensity up after passing by. Then I passed Mel in front of Poly and finally SteveOH and Krista out front of Epcot.
I had planned on a finish somewhere between 2:00 and 2:15. I finished at 1:51 and felt pretty darn good, did all the post-race stuff and hiked back across the parking lot to where SteveOH and Krista were cowbelling. It was really nice to get to cheer some folks on and see so many WISHers pass by.
After a bit all the Main Streeters made their way just down from where we were so we joined them. I was watching for Kathy and saw here down the road. I was just getting ready to ask her if she wanted me to jump in and go to the finish with her when she beat me to it and asked me to go with her. We got lots of great pictures together on my second finish of the morning. Thanks again, Steve for bringing my bag back to the finish area!
Kathy finished strong and we enjoyed all the post-race fun with everyone.
Saturday night was a great time having dinner at Spoodles with the MCM gang plus SilverSteve, SteveOH, Krista, and Princessrunner Lisa. Then, back to Pop for another quick nights’s sleep.
Sunday was a different day.
It started off much the same way with the bus ride, etc. Got to meet Cindylou and talk with Denny a bit, parted ways with Kathy then proceeded through to the runners only area. Chatted it up with the Steves and a few others then headed for the porta-pots.
It was fabulous running into Colleen, Jodi, and Sara as I exited the porta-pot. We talked a bit then headed towards the start and went to our designated corals.
Once the race started however, I knew it was going to be a struggle. Nothing hurt but I felt the fatigue from the half right away. It wasn’t starting a new race, it was continuing from mile 13!
I decided to try to run a strong first half then let the chips fall where they may for the 2nd half. I saw Kathy at the TTC and told her that everything was fine but I was going to slow down. I was still on pretty much the same pace when I saw her again at Poly and kept it up pretty well as we approached half-way. I got a chance to see Matt, Cheryl, and a few others across the way by the race track which was cool but after the 13.1 mat and the turn towards AK I just had to stop running.
I walked for a good long while with only sporadic running until Dana caught me right before AK. We chatted a bit, then took a walk break. Dana said, “O.K.” indicating she was going to start running again, I said “Go ahead” and off she went. I started the slow run again approaching the front of AK, see Kristi and some other friends, got out of their sight then started the walking trek toward the Studios.
I had a decent run through the turn around section and saw Dana in front and a few other WISHers behind. Then walking up the ramps and running down on the way to the Studios. Running when I could see the water stops and walking for a bit after each one.
Let me just say that a Butterfinger and Nestle Crunch were never more appreciated than the ones I scarfed down entering the Studios. I also had to laugh passing Cruella (De Ville, not De Mom) at the hat and having her say “Only 20 more miles! Get going!”.
I could see Kathy waiting outside the Studios entrance a mile away (those WISH shirts are great for screamers as well!), gave her a little kiss and headed down the sidewalk. Cindylou passed me by before the Boardwalk and wished me luck. Once I crested the little bridge I knew there were some WISHers along the YC/BC area so I mustered up all my strength and started off on a slow shuffle again. Hey look, it’s Angie and Krista and a few others! Thanks for being there!
SteveOH must have passed me somewhere soon after but we somehow missed each other.
I knew Jodi was close behind because I saw her at the turn around near WWOS. She finally caught me somewhere around Morroco. A tap on the shoulder and "Hey dude, you cramping up or something?" and there she was.
I started running again and said "I suppose you're planning to run the rest of the way?". I told her to go ahead and she said "No way". I knew then that my goose was cooked! There was no stopping now.
By this point I knew that I was a couple minutes over getting a 4:30 finish but didn't know how long it had taken Jodi to cross the start so I told her "Go get your 4:30!" Well, to make a short story long, we end up hauling a** the last couple of tenths. My Garmin said we were going at a 7:15 pace at the end but it felt even faster. I thought I was gonna die!
We both missed 4:30 by a minute or so but it sure made for an exciting finish!
Then on to the Mylar, chip removal and medal. I was still feeling a bit woozy from our sprint in and I’m pretty sure I may have said something about a certain conjugal act that darn medal better be able to perform for all the work it was to get. Sorry Jodi.
Kathy had somehow been able to beat feet over from MGM to the finish area and saw us cross the line. She snapped a few pictures then waited as I claimed my bag. Why the heck can’t Disney give us a bag before the food area to carry all the goodies in?
It was great seeing everyone as they made it to the finish area. Some happy, some relieved, some pained. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to see everyone, but congratulations again to all those I missed.
Back to Pop for a delectable food court sloppy joe (tasted better than it sounds). We had a nice chat with Carrie’s mom and dad. They were brimming with pride telling us about Carrie and Scott finishing with Martha. A much needed shower and quick nap and it was off to dinner with some friends at Narcooses. Yowza, that was a good meal! Then it was off to PI where we had the pleasure to run into Colleen. We had a few laughs at the Comedy Club, checked the posted results, then headed over to the Adventurer’s Club and found ALL the cool kids in the mask room. Had to head out around 11:00 for some much needed rest.
The last official WISH function was at the Bakery Monday morning. Again, it was great seeing everyone there and hearing the war stories, one day removed. It was sad leaving everyone, knowing that we most likely wouldn’t be seeing the majority for quite some time.
Overall, it was a great weekend. It was truly a joy meeting and re-meeting everyone.
I had two great half-marathons. Unfortunately, they weren’t on the same day! I’m not at all happy with how the second half of the full went, but having Jodi push me to the end really helped take away a bit of the disappointment. Maybe next time I’ll be a little smarter and take it a little easier for the half. Then again, I’ve never been accused of being very smart, so who knows.
Kathy and I are both feeling great, physically. My only problems from the weekend are the blisters on my hands from ringing those darn cowbells for the entire 5k!
If anyone is still reading, thanks for letting me relive the weekend. It kind of helps fill the empty feeling that’s left once everything is all done.
Take care, all. I miss everyone already!
Friday - Went to cheer on some neighboors that were running the 5k. It was great to see Chester, Vic, Wendy, Anne and some others. I got blisters ringing those dang cowbells the whole time. Big Kahoona and Tonga Toast at Kona Café for breakfast then we went to WWOS to see neighboor's son run the kid's race. Quite the mad house but a lot of fun.
We later went for tea at the GF (because I'm the tea-drinking, sensitive type
) but some idiot backed into our rental car. We missed tea due to dealing with rental company and "doofus" (Kathy's word) Disney security guard. Got back in time to make it to the Pop meet.It was great seeing everyone again and finally meeting Colleen, SilverSteve, Stephanie, and many others. Looking back now however, it’s disappointing how many people I missed that were there!
We laid out all our stuff for the race and went to bed. Man, I slept like CRAP! 3:00AM couldn't come soon enough.
Saturday - We ran into SilverSteve and Valentine Kathy at the bus stop and chatted while we waited. Then the normal bus, trek to the tents routine. Got to chat with Chester, Tracy, Jackie, and some other folks prior to the start then headed off to the line-up.
I was planning on starting with Kathy (my idea, not hers) but saw a bunch of WISHERs in her corral so I left her there and moved up.
Fireworks shoot off and here we go! Traffic is much easier to negotiate up here towards the front (more room, everyone doing a similar pace, no darting around). I feel bad knowing that Kathy will be packed shoulder to shoulder most of the way. All is fine and I finally see Angie, Anne, and some other WISHERs scream teaming at the TTC. It was GREAT! I wasn't really ready for the let down after passing all the excitement and it took a little bit to get my energy back. Then on to Main Street U.S.A.! There, I saw a great gaggle of glow. Colleen, Sara and family, Cam, and a bunch of others yelling away. Wow! Again, it was hard to keep the intensity up after passing by. Then I passed Mel in front of Poly and finally SteveOH and Krista out front of Epcot.
I had planned on a finish somewhere between 2:00 and 2:15. I finished at 1:51 and felt pretty darn good, did all the post-race stuff and hiked back across the parking lot to where SteveOH and Krista were cowbelling. It was really nice to get to cheer some folks on and see so many WISHers pass by.
After a bit all the Main Streeters made their way just down from where we were so we joined them. I was watching for Kathy and saw here down the road. I was just getting ready to ask her if she wanted me to jump in and go to the finish with her when she beat me to it and asked me to go with her. We got lots of great pictures together on my second finish of the morning. Thanks again, Steve for bringing my bag back to the finish area!
Kathy finished strong and we enjoyed all the post-race fun with everyone.
Saturday night was a great time having dinner at Spoodles with the MCM gang plus SilverSteve, SteveOH, Krista, and Princessrunner Lisa. Then, back to Pop for another quick nights’s sleep.
Sunday was a different day.
It started off much the same way with the bus ride, etc. Got to meet Cindylou and talk with Denny a bit, parted ways with Kathy then proceeded through to the runners only area. Chatted it up with the Steves and a few others then headed for the porta-pots.
It was fabulous running into Colleen, Jodi, and Sara as I exited the porta-pot. We talked a bit then headed towards the start and went to our designated corals.
Once the race started however, I knew it was going to be a struggle. Nothing hurt but I felt the fatigue from the half right away. It wasn’t starting a new race, it was continuing from mile 13!
I decided to try to run a strong first half then let the chips fall where they may for the 2nd half. I saw Kathy at the TTC and told her that everything was fine but I was going to slow down. I was still on pretty much the same pace when I saw her again at Poly and kept it up pretty well as we approached half-way. I got a chance to see Matt, Cheryl, and a few others across the way by the race track which was cool but after the 13.1 mat and the turn towards AK I just had to stop running.
I walked for a good long while with only sporadic running until Dana caught me right before AK. We chatted a bit, then took a walk break. Dana said, “O.K.” indicating she was going to start running again, I said “Go ahead” and off she went. I started the slow run again approaching the front of AK, see Kristi and some other friends, got out of their sight then started the walking trek toward the Studios.
I had a decent run through the turn around section and saw Dana in front and a few other WISHers behind. Then walking up the ramps and running down on the way to the Studios. Running when I could see the water stops and walking for a bit after each one.
Let me just say that a Butterfinger and Nestle Crunch were never more appreciated than the ones I scarfed down entering the Studios. I also had to laugh passing Cruella (De Ville, not De Mom) at the hat and having her say “Only 20 more miles! Get going!”.
I could see Kathy waiting outside the Studios entrance a mile away (those WISH shirts are great for screamers as well!), gave her a little kiss and headed down the sidewalk. Cindylou passed me by before the Boardwalk and wished me luck. Once I crested the little bridge I knew there were some WISHers along the YC/BC area so I mustered up all my strength and started off on a slow shuffle again. Hey look, it’s Angie and Krista and a few others! Thanks for being there!
SteveOH must have passed me somewhere soon after but we somehow missed each other.
I knew Jodi was close behind because I saw her at the turn around near WWOS. She finally caught me somewhere around Morroco. A tap on the shoulder and "Hey dude, you cramping up or something?" and there she was.
I started running again and said "I suppose you're planning to run the rest of the way?". I told her to go ahead and she said "No way". I knew then that my goose was cooked! There was no stopping now.
By this point I knew that I was a couple minutes over getting a 4:30 finish but didn't know how long it had taken Jodi to cross the start so I told her "Go get your 4:30!" Well, to make a short story long, we end up hauling a** the last couple of tenths. My Garmin said we were going at a 7:15 pace at the end but it felt even faster. I thought I was gonna die!
We both missed 4:30 by a minute or so but it sure made for an exciting finish!
Then on to the Mylar, chip removal and medal. I was still feeling a bit woozy from our sprint in and I’m pretty sure I may have said something about a certain conjugal act that darn medal better be able to perform for all the work it was to get. Sorry Jodi.
Kathy had somehow been able to beat feet over from MGM to the finish area and saw us cross the line. She snapped a few pictures then waited as I claimed my bag. Why the heck can’t Disney give us a bag before the food area to carry all the goodies in?
It was great seeing everyone as they made it to the finish area. Some happy, some relieved, some pained. I’m sorry that we didn’t get to see everyone, but congratulations again to all those I missed.
Back to Pop for a delectable food court sloppy joe (tasted better than it sounds). We had a nice chat with Carrie’s mom and dad. They were brimming with pride telling us about Carrie and Scott finishing with Martha. A much needed shower and quick nap and it was off to dinner with some friends at Narcooses. Yowza, that was a good meal! Then it was off to PI where we had the pleasure to run into Colleen. We had a few laughs at the Comedy Club, checked the posted results, then headed over to the Adventurer’s Club and found ALL the cool kids in the mask room. Had to head out around 11:00 for some much needed rest.
The last official WISH function was at the Bakery Monday morning. Again, it was great seeing everyone there and hearing the war stories, one day removed. It was sad leaving everyone, knowing that we most likely wouldn’t be seeing the majority for quite some time.
Overall, it was a great weekend. It was truly a joy meeting and re-meeting everyone.
I had two great half-marathons. Unfortunately, they weren’t on the same day! I’m not at all happy with how the second half of the full went, but having Jodi push me to the end really helped take away a bit of the disappointment. Maybe next time I’ll be a little smarter and take it a little easier for the half. Then again, I’ve never been accused of being very smart, so who knows.
Kathy and I are both feeling great, physically. My only problems from the weekend are the blisters on my hands from ringing those darn cowbells for the entire 5k!
If anyone is still reading, thanks for letting me relive the weekend. It kind of helps fill the empty feeling that’s left once everything is all done.
Take care, all. I miss everyone already!
and so glad that you ran into Jodi to finish strong in the full. It was great meeting you and Kathy!! 
We had just dropped Colleen off and it started to pour! I even told Kathy " I bet Lisa wishes she'd come with us now." Sorry you got soaked.
Tell Kathy I say HI!!
