Bags, Busses, and Booze - A Where has all the Rum gone Girls 2013 F&W TR

[annmarieda]

And Disney balloons aren't even normal balloons. They are either the foil balloons or the new heavy hard plastic almost with the rubber balloon inside it so a child or animal can't swallow it.

and for those with latex allergies. If Zoe were to be around a balloon that popped she could have breathing difficulties. They didn't use to be though... I have old pictures of Alex with a mickey shaped latex balloon.

 

[swwake]

That sounds so cool! But as much as I would like to have seen that... I think half the day devoted to one ride is a bit much.

Back then DHS (which was then Disney-MGM Studios) was considered by many to be a half-day park. There was no TOT, no RNRC, no Lights, Motors, Action, no Star Tours and no TSM. So you went in, walked the streets, rode the Great Movie Ride, and did the backlot tour. That's about all there was. Maybe a parade. (No Fantasmic, no Beauty and the Beast).

 

[annmarieda]

Back then DHS (which was then Disney-MGM Studios) was considered by many to be a half-day park. There was no TOT, no RNRC, no Lights, Motors, Action, no Star Tours and no TSM. So you went in, walked the streets, rode the Great Movie Ride, and did the backlot tour. That's about all there was. Maybe a parade. (No Fantasmic, no Beauty and the Beast).

Holy cow! I had no idea that it was so limited! I am glad they have expanded and continue to....

 

[afwdwfan]

Ya know, there is just something about shopping with a girlfriend that is way better than shopping with your dh.

I'm sure your DH probably agrees with that statement. At least until the credit card bill arrives.

We finally had to make our way to our big event that we had signed up for. The 3DDD!

I'd never even heard of this event until last week. I've seen it in 2 TR's since then. Definitely something for the Disney Bucket List.

To be honest, I was hesitant to take full advantage of this. It was after all the night before "the big race".

You have more will power than me. I think I'd have stuffed myself until they had to roll me out of there and then worry about what that would mean for the race later.

I do think my absolute favorite of the night though was the hot dog cart. First, it was an actual little cart. Second, YUM! Who doesn't like ice cream and pound cake??

I think I could eat a few of those "hot dogs."

 

[annmarieda]

I'm sure your DH probably agrees with that statement. At least until the credit card bill arrives.

I think he mostly appreciates when he doesn't have to be apart of the shopping. I am not all that bad when it comes to the actual spending... just the "what do you think" comments. It was nice to have someone pay attention and then give me suggestions.

I'd never even heard of this event until last week. I've seen it in 2 TR's since then. Definitely something for the Disney Bucket List.

It isn't offered that much.. 3 or 4 nights during all of F&W. My dd really wants to do it this coming fall... but I keep having to tell her it may not even fall on one of the nights that we will be there.

You have more will power than me. I think I'd have stuffed myself until they had to roll me out of there and then worry about what that would mean for the race later.

I think I was just overly paranoid. 24 hours and some change probably would have been fine for some last over indulging...

I think I could eat a few of those "hot dogs."

They were SO good!!!

 

[KatMark]

I am way too far behind to respond on everything.

Ashley congratulations!

Ann and Ashley, love all of the food pictures (they are making me hungry and it's almost my bed time). We found out today that Food & Wine starts the day we arrive in September (a week early this year) so we will finally experience it.

Love the character pictures.

 

[eandesmom]

Sure enough there were more little lines on that reader than I really wanted to be there at the time. But I took a breath and was like "eh Alexa's 5. It's time."

I love this line!!!!!!!

Congratulations Ashley! I read about this on my phone and am so late in getting over here on something I can actually type on to say congrats. I am very happy it all turned out to be ok. Wishing you a happy and healthy 7 more months!

Instead, we all got ready and left together. Not to go to a park though. Instead we went to the Polynesian. Wanting to try something but not wanting to use a ts credit, we opened to go to Captain Cooks for breakfast in order to get some tonga toast.

I have yet to try this, one of these days!

This was my last morning to get in a run before the "big day". I can happily report (thanks to a log on runkeeper) that I managed 3 runs while on this trip (outside of the race)

I have to say, one thing I love about the moderates is they do have great running trails. CBR was a great place to run even if the part of the loop around the lake was a tad tricky near the feature pool and Port Royal.

3! That's impressive.

Lunch was at Cooks of Dublin. I had been dreaming about the burger there. It certainly did not disappoint.

I love Cookes but have to admit a burger is not what I think of when I think of dining there. It looks REALLY good!

From DTD, we apparently drove to WWOS. I was so excited! It was time to pick up my bib and shirt. Ginger and Ashley were nice and indulged me with some shopping. They each even made some purchases. I found some things to bring back for some gifts and I also found the skirt I wanted for my next disney run. Ya know, there is just something about shopping with a girlfriend that is way better than shopping with your dh. Ashley helped me when I tried on the skirt and helped me to pick it out. The expo was also much easier to navigate in the larger area than the phm had been in February at the CSR.

That is cool you can try stuff on there, I wondered about that

After dinner there was a bit of time to take a journey into imagination.

Again, never been and it may be gone before I get back I think. I can't recall.

We finally had to make our way to our big event that we had signed up for. The 3DDD!

I can't remember what this drink was, but I did allow myself one adult drink that night and then... it was totally about "where has all the rum gone".



But wait... was this my one drink of the night or did I actually get two? If it was two... maybe that is why I can't remember.



As we exited in groups, we were led by a cm to a special illuminations viewing area. Here we were able to put on our special glasses provided (and ours to keep..and work for everything including my christmas tree this year). The glasses make each pin of light turn into a mickey head. Lots and LOTS of mickey head flew through the air that night.

I have always been a bit "meh" about considering this event as I am not really a sweets person. Didn't know it included drinks! Although if they were shockingly lacking in rum I might never hear the end of it from Jeff. Still, I might have to look into it as it seems you had a blast. I'm glad you decided to relax and indulge a little even though it was the night before the race. It's still vacation!

 

[annmarieda]

I am way too far behind to respond on everything.

Ashley congratulations!

Ann and Ashley, love all of the food pictures (they are making me hungry and it's almost my bed time). We found out today that Food & Wine starts the day we arrive in September (a week early this year) so we will finally experience it.

Love the character pictures.

I know that it is a bit warm in September/October, but it really has become my favorite time to go. Food and Wine just helps to reinforce that feeling. So glad you will be able to go!!!

I have yet to try this, one of these days!

It was good. Just a tad greasy... and VERY sticky. But good. I am happy we didn't make a special ADR just for it... but I enjoyed it well enough.

3! That's impressive.

They were short runs. Maybe a bit more than a mile? Less than 2 for sure.

I love Cookes but have to admit a burger is not what I think of when I think of dining there. It looks REALLY good!

It is one of my favorite things in WDW. The bun is amazing. The chutney is wonderful. And... there is something about deep frying meat that is oddly appealing to me with it. Normally, I would never eat something like that... but it really isn't as greasy as one might think.

That is cool you can try stuff on there, I wondered about that

Not all booths have a place to try things on. Sparkle skirts had a little curtain. I don't think Raw Threads had a place... but I want to say there was some others beside Sparkle skirts that did.

Again, never been and it may be gone before I get back I think. I can't recall.

I keep finding I am putting off attractions or rides thinking "next trip" and then come home to find it is slated to close/end.

I have always been a bit "meh" about considering this event as I am not really a sweets person. Didn't know it included drinks! Although if they were shockingly lacking in rum I might never hear the end of it from Jeff. Still, I might have to look into it as it seems you had a blast. I'm glad you decided to relax and indulge a little even though it was the night before the race. It's still vacation!

I shouldn't love sweets, but I do. Honestly though, I do not recall overdoing it. I tried some things and really attempted to stay closer to the savory or protein dishes. As for rum.... there was some. I think there was more wisky and vodka than rum.... but there was still enough to enjoy. You and Jeff should definitely take a look into it. Just know that it sells out quickly. The morning ticket went on sale we were on the phone. By the time we all got through, the sweet seats were sold out.

 

[annmarieda]

Started a new PTR

 

[annmarieda]

One of my favorite breakfast on property is in AK at TH. I almost prefer a pre rope drop there to one at CP. Ashley and Ginger were nice enough to indulge me and so we went to TH for breakfast.



I love that picture of all of us. It makes me miss Ashley...

After our meeting with Donald, we were seated in a quiet room tucked away. I assume to allow adults to enjoy without having the characters and kids parading through. (although characters did come to us)

Our server was hilarious. He was happy to talk about the show "once upon a time" with us. He was awesome!

My first plate...






I am not sure that we did anything else that morning. It was race day, and I know I was really starting to feel the pressure.

We left AK.



I am pretty sure I did go back to the expo by myself. I am not sure what Ashley and Ginger did. I did take the RD bus. Man was that different. The parking lot that you use when driving is so close to the complex. I would say drop off for the buses is about a mile from the complexes. It didn't seem horrible walking in, but walking out it was quite the pain. It was made worse by directionally challenged crossing guards. Standing at the crosswalk, was a guard helping people across. Only he was just letting those from the parking lot going to the complex cross. He insisted that I go further down the sidewalk to cross closer to where the buses were. Well, guess what? There was no cross walk down there. So when I and a few others started attempting to "jay walk" where the buses would be driving. You would have thought we had broken a sacred commandment.

I did manage to get on a bus and ride back to CBR. Some pictures of (is it?) Port Royal.




And some outside on the path.



Other than the expo, I have very little memory of the day. I have NO clue where Ashley and Ginger were. I do know that we had an early evening ADR that Ginger drove us to.

We drove to AKL for our reservation at Boma. I believe we were early so went to look at the animals before checking in.




Back inside when we attempted to check in we found that our reservation was lost. I don't believe I have had that happen before. I had the confirmation number though. Since it was so early though. (like a 4:30pm dinner) They were able to accommodate us without me retrieving it.

Boma is another "tradition" for me when it comes to races. It is a good last meal since there isn't anything too greasy, good lean protein and lots of grain/rice dishes. (oh and lets not forget some nummy desserts that are just a nibbling so not so much to "do you in")



I know that race anticipation was setting in. Ashley knows me too well and at one point told me that I needed to relax. Now, I am sure most people wouldn't realize that I was feeling that pressure... I wasn't or or I was just I guess I had been overly quiet for too long and Ashley just knew my thoughts were else where.

After stuffing ourselves, Ginger drove us back to CBR. Then they...

I know that I was suppose to take a nap and get ready for the race, so they left me. But then I was too So much nervous energy.. I called Steve (my dh) and chatted while I tried to relax with my feet up. I put my outfit together while we chatted. I had picked it out a head of time, but found that the socks I had got for the race... the Jack Skellington ones... well, while they worked great on my practice run I could tell they would not work for the night. I am not sure if it was washing them had shrunk them or a week of hot temps and walking had made my legs swell, but they were a bit snug. I considered it for a moment because they were just snug... not TOO much so. However, I made the call to forgo wearing them. I figured that things swell during a race and my if legs swelled much more I would have to stop to take the socks off to avoid cutting of circulation. So I used a boring pair of socks instead.

Next Up: 10/5 Part 2

 

[eandesmom]

One of my favorite breakfast on property is in AK at TH. I almost prefer a pre rope drop there to one at CP. Ashley and Ginger were nice enough to indulge me and so we went to TH for breakfast.

I have not been, I had made a reservation for our "solo" morning aka the day
Jeff went flying but ended up cancelling it. Looks like fun!

I love that picture of all of us. It makes me miss Ashley...

I am pretty sure I did go back to the expo by myself. I am not sure what Ashley and Ginger did. I did take the RD bus. Man was that different. The parking lot that you use when driving is so close to the complex. I would say drop off for the buses is about a mile from the complexes. It didn't seem horrible walking in, but walking out it was quite the pain. It was made worse by directionally challenged crossing guards. Standing at the crosswalk, was a guard helping people across. Only he was just letting those from the parking lot going to the complex cross. He insisted that I go further down the sidewalk to cross closer to where the buses were. Well, guess what? There was no cross walk down there. So when I and a few others started attempting to "jay walk" where the buses would be driving. You would have thought we had broken a sacred commandment.
While I am looking forward to the expo...I also am not!

Back inside when we attempted to check in we found that our reservation was lost. I don't believe I have had that happen before. I had the confirmation number though. Since it was so early though. (like a 4:30pm dinner) They were able to accommodate us without me retrieving it.

Boma is another "tradition" for me when it comes to races. It is a good last meal since there isn't anything too greasy, good lean protein and lots of grain/rice dishes. (oh and lets not forget some nummy desserts that are just a nibbling so not so much to "do you in")

good thing it was an early ressie, this is why we all save those numbers!

I know that I was suppose to take a nap and get ready for the race, so they left me. But then I was too So much nervous energy.. I called Steve (my dh) and chatted while I tried to relax with my feet up. I put my outfit together while we chatted. I had picked it out a head of time, but found that the socks I had got for the race... the Jack Skellington ones... well, while they worked great on my practice run I could tell they would not work for the night. I am not sure if it was washing them had shrunk them or a week of hot temps and walking had made my legs swell, but they were a bit snug. I considered it for a moment because they were just snug... not TOO much so. However, I made the call to forgo wearing them. I figured that things swell during a race and my if legs swelled much more I would have to stop to take the socks off to avoid cutting of circulation. So I used a boring pair of socks instead.

Next Up: 10/5 Part 2

Bummer about the socks but better to go which what you "know" will work than risk it. I can totally see the nervous energy, not to mention napping at that hour just isn't natural.

Then again, I can't nap. Period. Ever.

 

[KatMark]

Great pics at Tusker House. We like it too for the food (unfortunately we always hit it where there is a huge wait for Donald and to be seated), but we prefer CP just a tad more (that would be because of my love for the puffed French toast).

I was glad to see your pictures of Boma. Mark and I are having dinner there for the first time on our arrival day (we've done breakfast numerous times and will be eating there the week after this one coming up).

That's too bad about the socks. But the last thing you need is the socks giving you problems and being too tight.

 

[swwake]

I love Boma! Thanks for the tip on a pre-race meal.

 

[annmarieda]

I have not been, I had made a reservation for our "solo" morning aka the day
Jeff went flying but ended up cancelling it. Looks like fun!

I am not sure the food is for everyone, but I certainly do like it. Hopefully some day you can get a chance to try it.

While I am looking forward to the expo...I also am not!

I have done 4 run disney races now and each expo experience has been extremely different for me. This was one of my favorite ones. Low key and not too crowded... plus I got to go twice. I look forward to the one in August because I know it will be yet again a different experience.

good thing it was an early ressie, this is why we all save those numbers!

Exactly! I am glad it didn't come to me pulling out the number... but it was still frustrating that it was completely gone as if someone clicked a button and poof it had disappeared.

Bummer about the socks but better to go which what you "know" will work than risk it.

They were a neat idea. It would have really made for a nice "theme" to what I was wearing. I just didn't like them so much that I wanted to risk what they might end up doing to me.

I can totally see the nervous energy, not to mention napping at that hour just isn't natural.

I have yet to nap before the ToT race... each time I was too worked up. I have yet to get to the race on my January TR... but I bet you can tell where it is going. The phm last year though... I was able to get some sleep before. Not a lot mind you, but at least since I had some work reports that had to be done (boring) so I was able to not experience that same level of nervous energy. Wonder how I will work it out in August... new race with a new travel friend... yeah I can see I am going to need to make a plan. I am sure you will appreciate if I do.

Then again, I can't nap. Period. Ever.

I like to think I can, but honestly it is rare for me to. EXCEPT on a plane. Some how my family who can take multiple naps during the day can not sleep on a plane and yet I can sleep with my head on the table or propped up or in any other contorted position. Give me a nice comfy pillow and bed and apparently it is too much for me and I can't nap.

Great pics at Tusker House. We like it too for the food (unfortunately we always hit it where there is a huge wait for Donald and to be seated)

Well, a bit of a spoiler for my January TR... but no Donald for us. So there was NO line to get our picture taken. (still did, even with no Donald outside)

we prefer CP just a tad more (that would be because of my love for the puffed French toast).

Oh! I may have to go for that on my next trip! I forgot about the french toast. YUM!!!

I was glad to see your pictures of Boma. Mark and I are having dinner there for the first time on our arrival day (we've done breakfast numerous times and will be eating there the week after this one coming up).

I wish they were better pictures. I would recommend trying the salmon. It is always interesting and I believe they prepare it differently depending on when you go. It looks odd, but is pretty yummy. And the seafood soup. OH! Iam not a fan of seafood. In fact the notion of scallops make me but the soup is a favorite of mine. Of course...Zebra domes.. YUM... and the little orangish looking things with coconut on them. Try them. They are made from some strange root. (I think) I have never tasted that flavor before. It is kinda weird and kinda good all at the same time. The texture is different too. Kinda like a gummy candy.

That's too bad about the socks. But the last thing you need is the socks giving you problems and being too tight.

Exactly!! Tight all over like a compression sock would have been fine. Tight just at the cuff would have cut off circulation.

I love Boma! Thanks for the tip on a pre-race meal.

Again, it is great for me. It does however have unusual spices and that can tend to set people's tummies off. Also, be ware the crackers. You fill up and think...oh but I can eat one of these wafer thin crackers. You eat one and discover they are pretty yummy so you eat another. (and then maybe another... ) After all, it is wafer thin. Then out of no where they expand to great size in your stomach. Oh how painful that is on an already full tummy.

 

[MEK]

One of the reasons I stopped doing running races a long time ago was I couldn't stand getting the "butterflies". Just that general uneasy feeling before the race. It must be so hard to wait around all day. But I'm sure the adrenaline just kicks in when its time to run! I have done very few evening races. Mostly all morning.

Yummy breakfast and dinner.

Love your shirt - very cute!

Sorry your socks were too tight. I hate when my socks feel uncomfortable in my shoes.

 

[eandesmom]

I am not sure the food is for everyone, but I certainly do like it. Hopefully some day you can get a chance to try it.

I enjoyed the Tusker Dinner. Well, I enjoyed the food. The wait and crowd, not so much. In general not a buffet person for any meal so it's not at the top of my list but I do plan to hit it one of these days.

I have yet to nap before the ToT race... each time I was too worked up. I have yet to get to the race on my January TR... but I bet you can tell where it is going. The phm last year though... I was able to get some sleep before. Not a lot mind you, but at least since I had some work reports that had to be done (boring) so I was able to not experience that same level of nervous energy. Wonder how I will work it out in August... new race with a new travel friend... yeah I can see I am going to need to make a plan. I am sure you will appreciate if I do.

I don't expect to sleep great but I do expect to sleep. Part of my issue is the paranoia of oversleeping. It's why I don't do early morning flights as a general rule. I can't sleep as I'm terrified of sleeping through the alarm and the whole thing is a wreck. Since the race isn't until 5:30 and we are only walking across the street, I'm thinking we don't need to leave until 4:30, which for me means getting up at 4. We might be able to do even later than that, I am not sure but I'm sure we will figure it out once there.

I only need enough time to get dressed and have a cup of coffee. LOL! That's late enough that I think we should be able to do ok. Assuming we get to bed no later than 10. Earlier, for me, will be tough as I won't be tired enough to get past the nervous energy I don't think but who knows. I can try! I am thinking that the hot tub might be a good idea, that always makes me sleepy at night.

We will see though huh!

I do need to check on what the coffee situation in the room is...I don't remember.

 

[annmarieda]

One of the reasons I stopped doing running races a long time ago was I couldn't stand getting the "butterflies". Just that general uneasy feeling before the race. It must be so hard to wait around all day. But I'm sure the adrenaline just kicks in when its time to run! I have done very few evening races. Mostly all morning.

the butterflies are a bit bothersome but I do think they help to have you ready once the race starts. And yes, waiting around all day is a pain... but really I think I like the night time race better than the early morning call for like the phm or donald.

Yummy breakfast and dinner.

They were... AND I think I had my calories covered for the day between the two meals.

Love your shirt - very cute!

Thank you. It was super airy and comfy. Funny how little clothes one need to be comfy in the fall there where as last month I was freezing the entire time.

Sorry your socks were too tight. I hate when my socks feel uncomfortable in my shoes.

It was only a tad disappointing. I am totally okay with changing things on a whim... and it worked out probably better than it would have even IF the socks didn't cut off my circulation cause it was a HOT night.

I enjoyed the Tusker Dinner. Well, I enjoyed the food. The wait and crowd, not so much. In general not a buffet person for any meal so it's not at the top of my list but I do plan to hit it one of these days.

I like buffets for breakfast... not so much for dinner. I think I like TH for breakfast because I seem to get in when there just isn't any crowds. Breakfast with the girls was pretty laid back and in that room off to the side, was easy to have a conversation.

I don't expect to sleep great but I do expect to sleep. Part of my issue is the paranoia of oversleeping. It's why I don't do early morning flights as a general rule. I can't sleep as I'm terrified of sleeping through the alarm and the whole thing is a wreck. Since the race isn't until 5:30 and we are only walking across the street, I'm thinking we don't need to leave until 4:30, which for me means getting up at 4. We might be able to do even later than that, I am not sure but I'm sure we will figure it out once there.

I expect to sleep to....but I do hear ya. I do that same thing. "is it time to wake up? Did I oversleep??!!! I must have overslept!!" Course, I have never overslept and missed my alarm.

As for how late we can sleep... I think you are probably spot on. For the FL races, they say be on a bus no later than 4am and in corral no later than 5am for a 5:30 start. For fl I always shoot to be out at the bus by 3:30 though to avoid the huge crowd trying to board right at 4am.

I only need enough time to get dressed and have a cup of coffee. LOL! That's late enough that I think we should be able to do ok. Assuming we get to bed no later than 10. Earlier, for me, will be tough as I won't be tired enough to get past the nervous energy I don't think but who knows. I can try! I am thinking that the hot tub might be a good idea, that always makes me sleepy at night.

Sleeping from 10pm to 4am will be amazing!!! And yeah, I won't take long to get ready. I typically don't drink much right before a bit race so I might avoid the coffee... but then again. After a bad night last night (some insomnia and being woke by Zoe who is having some medical complications) I could not get going without some coffee. Despite no sleep it was one of the best 2 mile runs I have had... so maybe coffee is a good thing?

I do need to check on what the coffee situation in the room is...I don't remember.

I wonder if like the other RD events they have food booths.... they might have coffee.

 

[dizneeat]

What great updates, Ann!

Too much to comment on, so I am just sitting here at the edge of my seat, waiting for more. (that dessert party really looks amazing though ).

 

[annmarieda]

What great updates, Ann!

Too much to comment on, so I am just sitting here at the edge of my seat, waiting for more. (that dessert party really looks amazing though ).

The dessert party was amazing! I am so glad that Ashley and Ginger encouraged me to do it.

 

[annmarieda]

Soon it was time for me to board the Run Disney bus. One thing I forgot to mention was that our room was VERY close to the Martinique bus stop. Our room not only had a pool view, but was super quick to get to the parking lot or bus stop or even the main building. This was definitely an advantage because I just wanted to get on the bus. So I grabbed my things and went out.


It wasn't very long of a bus ride and we were at the DHS parking lot. I have to say that I prefer the drop off and staging area for this race than for the half marathons I have done. Rather than a long walk from the drop off, it is just right there. Rather than the corrals being far from the staging area, it is just right there. Far less pre race walking involved.

I didn't have a bag to check since Ashley was bringing my stuff with her to the Villians bash. All I had was what I needed for prerace and race. So I walked directly to outside my corral and sat. This included my spibelt to hold my camera, fuel for the way, a prerace snack and a water bottle that I had filled with ice.


and waited......


and waited some more......


I may have arrived a bit early.

So I sat waiting and ate my pre race snack and people watched. I wasn't the only one sitting around.





I eventually decided to get up and take advantage of the water station.


Which made me make use of the PoP line.


The line was pretty nonexistent even up to the point I entered my corral. I know I have read about other reports that say that the line was bad. I wonder if this was just not the case because of the fact it was near the front corrals?

After I used the PoP (which is such an experience let me tell you!) I attempted to sanitize my hands. At about the same time I did, others were as well and we all realized we had made a mistake. It was not hand sanitizer. The clear gel that we all had just encased our hands in was in fact soap. AND the water pumps were not working. Well, I didn't hesitate and went directly to the water table where I grabbed a cup to rinse my hands off with. The volunteer there noticed and asked what I (and then others were doing) After being made ware of our dilemma, he nicely opened up a new bottle of water and poured while we rinsed.

With that bit of drama out of the way, it was time to....

wait....

sit and wait...


I took a picture of the time since at that point it seemed very funny to me that I had so much time still to go before the race.


I guess after what had happened to me at the phm, I was a bit overly punctual.

It was a bit on the boring side, I must admit. Most people in that area were there "for business" The back corrals are often called the party corrals. A part of me wanted to be back there and enjoy the "party" rather than be up in the serious crowd. However, that was short lived. Soon enough it WAS time to enter the corral. I was in corral C. I had barely missed the cutoff for B, so I did make sure to be in the front part of C when I started.


Behind me there were a lot more runners!



Then it was time for the corrals to walk to the start. There were not many people in A or B so I had a pretty good view of the initial start.


And

5

4

3

2

1


I do love the fireworks that go off for each corral!


With not many people ahead of me, I didn't fight the congestion nearly like I had in the previous two RD events. My pace was actually not too bad to start. I felt as though "I had this race" Quickly though, this race told me who was boss.

First thing to happen was I attempted to get a character picture. First one was the evil queen disguised as the old witch... She was even trying to get people to bite her apple. She sat out the outside loop of the first clover leaf on ramp. Given this, the road slants slightly away from her. I pulled my camera out .... and...

dropped it.

Not just dropped it but bounced it.

Not just bounced it but bounced it down and across the ramp.

So there I was dodging runner and trying to retrieve my camera.

I retrieved my camera and back in the spibelt it went. I guess I am just not coordinated enough to get pictures. At least not by myself.

After that the first couple miles went by ok. I had thought that the ice in my bottle would be a good idea, but that was the second oops. When I went to take my first sip, all of the water came slushing out since I apparently had cross threaded the cap...or the bottle was stretched from the ice... or something. Needless to say I had little water those first couple of miles and I ended up letting my core temp get too high.

Still, I ran on. It was such a hot night. I knew it would be. The year before had been hot. I am sure this next will be as well.

My 5k split was still really good considering the heat and the mishap with trying to get my phone. 30:20. But as I said, I allowed my core temp to get up too high and by mile 5 it was really taking its tole on me. I was walking through water stops.

Even so, my 10k split was 1:03:54. By the time I hit the WWOS complex I was really ready to be done. I was starting to consider character stops. There were few people if any in line at each character. Even the really cool ones. I remember looking around at everyone around me and thought that we must all have the same idea.... just get done and don't stop. No one was stopping.

As I ran into DHS I found myself contemplating walking. I was so hot and so wet (from pouring cupful after cupful of water over me). I just wanted to give up. Then as I rounded the hat I had a renewed sense of strength. There near the rope were two wonderful ladies screaming my name. Never have I felt so supported... not before and not after. This was the best feeling I have ever had during a race. Usually, I am in my own world running. I like it that way for the most part. Don't get me wrong, I do think that there is fun to be had if you run with a partner - no matter if you are well matched or not. It is just normally, I am am content to be on my own. However, this moment that was shared with them was very special. It gave me the strength I so needed for that last push through DHS.

that last push. Even though I knew the end was near I also knew it was not as near as all the wonderful volunteers were saying it was. It is kinda brutal. Soon enough though, I saw that glorious finish line and I gave my last bit to sprint across the finish.

The last 4 miles took way longer than they should have. I finished with a time of 1:44:16. This put me 79th in my division. Wow... I don't remember that. In my division I was in the first 100 finishers Looking at althinks I guess there was only 805 in my division... only. I was the 606th woman out of 6129. Overall, I was 1440 out of 9473 place. It was a PR for that race and also for that distance of a race for me.

It is weird though because my finisher certificate lists a different overall place (1437) and athlinks lists a different one too (1438) While really they are about the same, I would hate to misrepresent and say one was the true one. So...somewhere between 1437 and 1440.... that is where I finished.

Next Up: 10/5 Part 2[/COLOR][/B]
10/5 Part 2
http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=50879785&postcount=187"]10/5 Part 3