~How TWO trips became...who knows? ~ It's a TRIP! and an upgrade.... 4/22

[that's nice]

Glad they were able to re-fit your shoes!!!!!!

Congrats on the 15 min time!!!!! You are going to do great!

I'm glad you are still going the the Studios on Sunday! I have no idea where we will be but it will be nice just to say hi! We will probably be there till 5 or so.. I guess.

 

[eyor44]

Maroo's doing great!!!!! Love that they took back your old ones and issued you the difference. That's a great store.

YAY!!! for being under 16 minutes. You can so do this. Very smart to stick with what you know works for you (fuel energy) and not try anything new on race day. E took whatever was handed to her, plus what she carried along and it was too much. She now knows, stick with what you know works.

Also, towards the last few miles, spectators may offer you twisslers or tootsie rolls. They don't get offended if you say no.

The cloverleaf that you will do after you pass the Richard Petty race track to switch from one road to the other looks intimidating, but it's not bad. I just kept on pace and didn't have any trouble.

 

[maroo]

Maroo..I was so excited to see this post..I know you can do it..and I am SO glad you got new shoes!!!! I can't wait to hear all about it.. NEXT SUNDAY!!!

I was so excited to post it!!!

Next Sunday! Can you believe it!?!??!?

I am just praying you will see a MEDAL around my neck! I will be on cloud 9!

That's HUGE!! I knew you could do it!!!

I so can't wait to hear how you and Lisa do!!!

Thank you so much!

That is great news! What kind of shoes did you get if you don't mind me asking?

So funny...I totally just had to look down!

Nike Structure 13.

Whatever that means?!

I guess 13 just became my LUCKY number!

Glad they were able to re-fit your shoes!!!!!!

Congrats on the 15 min time!!!!! You are going to do great!

I'm glad you are still going the the Studios on Sunday! I have no idea where we will be but it will be nice just to say hi! We will probably be there till 5 or so.. I guess.

I will send you my contact info here in just a sec. I hope we can meet up!!

Maroo's doing great!!!!! Love that they took back your old ones and issued you the difference. That's a great store.

YAY!!! for being under 16 minutes. You can so do this. Very smart to stick with what you know works for you (fuel energy) and not try anything new on race day. E took whatever was handed to her, plus what she carried along and it was too much. She now knows, stick with what you know works.

Also, towards the last few miles, spectators may offer you twisslers or tootsie rolls. They don't get offended if you say no.

The cloverleaf that you will do after you pass the Richard Petty race track to switch from one road to the other looks intimidating, but it's not bad. I just kept on pace and didn't have any trouble.

NO kidding! I was shocked that they would do that! It was Fleet Feet in Jackson. They really have helped me a lot through this whole process with getting clothes and figuring out the right fuel (energy gels, etc) and the shoes.

Really?! There will be people in those last few miles? I am picturing desolate road and trees. People would be WONDERFUL! And I may not turn down a Tootsie Roll!

Is that the Mile 10 overpass? The one I hear so much about?

I am sure it is just the consistent incline that "gets ya" - but I can't wait to see it!

I am getting excited about seeing some of the backstage stuff and being able to do the walking with things to look at! I am getting so excited!

 

[Dolce27]

Maroo's doing great!!!!!

^ What she said.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Catching up and checking in! I can't believe your trip is just around the corner! Great job breaking the 16:00 minute mark! I'm impressed with your shoe Angel and his shoe store. It's hard to find that kind of customer service these days!

Ouchie on the blisters, but I agree that those bandaids are the best thing since sliced bread.

Your church sounds like such an amazing congregation. How often do you travel to Chicago?

Keep up the good work!

 

[maroo]

^ What she said.

Thank you so much for posting! I missed this post!

Thank you so much for all of your support!!!! It means so much to me!!

Catching up and checking in! I can't believe your trip is just around the corner! Great job breaking the 16:00 minute mark! I'm impressed with your shoe Angel and his shoe store. It's hard to find that kind of customer service these days!

Ouchie on the blisters, but I agree that those bandaids are the best thing since sliced bread.

Your church sounds like such an amazing congregation. How often do you travel to Chicago?

Keep up the good work!

Thank you!

My church is AWESOME! I love it!

The youth choir does a tour at the end of the school year each year - they usually rotate between Chicago, Nashville, New Orleans, ...and some other places I can't quite remember right this second.

When they tour - they give a concert or two each day and do a service project during the day as well. It is an amazing group to be a part of, honestly.

An update coming up on the trip and where I am today with everything...

 

[maroo]

I came on here to post my news the other day and found out first that one of our Wish Kids - Mya - is not doing well.

Honestly...I just sorta lost my spunk to type all of this out after I got that news.

But without any more delay -

Thank you all for asking me how I am doing and keeping up - I really, really appeciate it!!



On Friday - I did something I have NEVER done before!

Something GREAT!

Something FUN!

And something I am very proud of!!


I did ALL of my 10 mile walk!!


And I made pretty good time! I was able to beat my goal of 2 hours and 50 minutes and made it in 2 hours and 47 minutes - including my stops - for a pace of about 16:30 per mile (including my stops!)

This would be adequate to get me through the finish line!!!!

Which I am very proud of.

There are a few things that made it even better...The first is that I tried really hard to make it like the conditions I will have that day. I went to be very early the night before (which we plan to do the night of in Disney, too) and then woke up at 3:30 in the morning. On purpose. I know, crazy, huh!

I ate what I plan to eat. Wore what I plan to wear. Even waited 2 hours before I started walking (it will be closer to three hours that day, but anyway) to test my food plan for race day. And I really tried to make it as much like the marathon conditions as possible.

My other feat was that I pushed through some pain while I was doing it. I have been sort of wimping out and as soon as it starts hurting bad saying that I should make sure I don't get hurt before the day of the race...but figure it has to hurt sometime, I will have a week to get rested, so go for it! I needed the confidence....

And I DID IT!! And I am very proud of that!




However....

(Did you see that coming???)



I have MAJOR blisters. I will spare you the pictures and most of the details, but will give you enough information to know what I am dealing with. On one foot I have a blister filled with blood that is 2 inches by 1 inch. It was very painful the day I was walking, but I just trudged through it.

On my other foot I have 3 large blisters - 2 are superficial and one is very deep - actually under another one of my "old" blisters that I was dealing with last week.

On Friday, I had decided if they did not get better, that I was not going to Disney at all - because there is no point in going to Disney when you can't walk across the room.

But I rested a lot on Friday and Saturday and they do feel some better today.

I did not have much choice today and have had to be on my feet - and I can walk fine, but not without some pain.


I have now discovered it IS possible to feel happy, apprehensive, sad, excited, nervous, and confused all at once.

I just don't know what to do now....

Should I try to scale back my "trip" part of the vacation to conserve my feet? "Not walking much" and "Disney" just do not go well in the same sentence.

How much should I PUSH myself that day? I mean, it isn't like I am walking on a broken leg - so do I just push through blisters and let them get better later? Or is it stupid to "injure" myself for a race?

And what about Lisa? This is HER trip, too.

Now, admittedly, she has said what she REALLY wants is to hit a few things she has missed and mainly relax. She wants to go to bed early and finish the marathon and then celebrate that day...I am all for that!


So...that is where I am.

To help my feet I am doing ALL of the following.

- Icing my feet.
- Soaking them in warm Epsom salt water.
- Using Blister Bandaids (which are wonderful, but not big enough to cover THESE)
- I have used sterile technique and drained the big one that is clear but am not draining the one that has blood in it
- I am using antibiotic ointment
- I am even putting zinc cream (yes - diaper rash cream and yes I had to go buy some - none of that at home) on them at night - per a DISer, it will help dry out the blister

And all of these things have seemed to help! Which one is helping, I have no idea!! But they seem to be getting better.

And just hoping that they get better quick. Because this time next week...this will all be over.

 

[StefaniLyn]

Take care of those feet Maroo! I'm glad you have decided not to cancel your trip. I think that would have been a mistake.

As for how hard to push, I gotta say, IMHO and as a non-owner/sufferer or your foot pain, I think you should try and complete the race. You clearly have worked so hard just to get to this point and if you have put this much effort into it, I know it would mean the World for you to put your best effort in. Blisters will heal, the pain will subside, and hopefully you'll be floating so high on you will forget about everything else at the end of the race. So I say push it as hard as you can come race day. Good luck to you, and I have every confidence that you will finish strong and have something to brag about for years to come!

 

[kimmylaj]

hi maroo, my heart is breaking for mya and her mom too. it is just so sad.
as far as the walking , i dont know i am a wimp. no advice here

 

[KathyRN137]

Double Ouch!!

Keep up the good work, Maroo!

BTW, its okay to pop the blood blister to relieve the pressure...

Do you use Body Glide on your feet when you run? I wouldn't put it on broken skin, but when the blisters heal it may help reduce the friction you're getting.

Prayers for Mya...


Kathy

 

[pipersmom]

Still praying for Mya, Maroo.

I'm sorry you ended up with blisters again..yuck. So glad you're not going to cancel the trip though, I know two people who would have been awfully disappointed! I don't know what to tell you about the race, except to say I agree with what Stefanie said, you've worked so hard for this, I would hate to see it be for nothing. You can always rent an ECV for the rest of the day afterwards Can't wait to SEE you!!

 

[Dolce27]

All I have to say is ... wow. You're going to make it girl. You've pushed yourself to keep up with your training despite all of the set backs (illness, arm and massive blisters). I do advise you to scale back the vacation part of your Disney trip until you cross that Finish Line because of those blisters. Let them heal and then get out there and do it! You've worked too hard for it to let something go wrong in the 11th hour. When that medal is placed around your neck while you listen to the crowds in the stands cheering in all of the runners behind you... you'll feel so proud of your accomplishment and happy with all of the sacrifice that you put into it. You are almost there... almost there...

Please be certain to update after you complete the race next week. Please don't leave us hanging!

 

[that's nice]

Mary- I read about Mya too. It is so sad. We've been thinking and praying for her.

How horrible about you feet. It sounds like you have a nice routine down with caring for your feet. I know you will do great and finish the race! I better see you walking, jogging, or even strolling on Sunday in the Studios while you are sporting that metal around your neck!

 

[All7OfUs]

You're going to do just great!

Totally agree with what Dolce said- you've come far too far to let it evaporate in the 11th hour!

 

[maroo]

Take care of those feet Maroo! I'm glad you have decided not to cancel your trip. I think that would have been a mistake.

As for how hard to push, I gotta say, IMHO and as a non-owner/sufferer or your foot pain, I think you should try and complete the race. You clearly have worked so hard just to get to this point and if you have put this much effort into it, I know it would mean the World for you to put your best effort in. Blisters will heal, the pain will subside, and hopefully you'll be floating so high on you will forget about everything else at the end of the race. So I say push it as hard as you can come race day. Good luck to you, and I have every confidence that you will finish strong and have something to brag about for years to come!

We definitely are not canceling! We may cancel the race part (in extreme circumstances), but we are not canceling the trip. Even if we just sit by the Poly pool - Lisa needs this trip and we are taking it!

I totally agree with you on pushing through it.

Right now I honestly can't walk across the room without pain. So I will just have to see what the week holds. I do plan very little walking for the next few days and am tweaking our park stuff to minimize walking, too.

hi maroo, my heart is breaking for mya and her mom too. it is just so sad.
as far as the walking , i dont know i am a wimp. no advice here

I know... So, so sad.

You are so funny! You are not a wimp!

Double Ouch!!

Keep up the good work, Maroo!

BTW, its okay to pop the blood blister to relieve the pressure...

Do you use Body Glide on your feet when you run? I wouldn't put it on broken skin, but when the blisters heal it may help reduce the friction you're getting.

Prayers for Mya...


Kathy

I am thinking no more Body Glide for me - After this race, I am going to do some experiments with different things and see what works and what doesn't for me. Another thread mentioned that using the Body Glide works for them for short walks, but on long walks it seems to increase the moisture and causes more problems. Who knows.

Still praying for Mya, Maroo.

I'm sorry you ended up with blisters again..yuck. So glad you're not going to cancel the trip though, I know two people who would have been awfully disappointed! I don't know what to tell you about the race, except to say I agree with what Stefanie said, you've worked so hard for this, I would hate to see it be for nothing. You can always rent an ECV for the rest of the day afterwards Can't wait to SEE you!!

I am definitely NOT canceling! I will see you on Sunday and renting an ECV is not out of the question - although I would look pretty stupid with a medal and an ECV.

All I have to say is ... wow. You're going to make it girl. You've pushed yourself to keep up with your training despite all of the set backs (illness, arm and massive blisters). I do advise you to scale back the vacation part of your Disney trip until you cross that Finish Line because of those blisters. Let them heal and then get out there and do it! You've worked too hard for it to let something go wrong in the 11th hour. When that medal is placed around your neck while you listen to the crowds in the stands cheering in all of the runners behind you... you'll feel so proud of your accomplishment and happy with all of the sacrifice that you put into it. You are almost there... almost there...

Please be certain to update after you complete the race next week. Please don't leave us hanging!

Almost there! And yet I feel so, so far away!

More on the after race stuff in a min!

Mary- I read about Mya too. It is so sad. We've been thinking and praying for her.

How horrible about you feet. It sounds like you have a nice routine down with caring for your feet. I know you will do great and finish the race! I better see you walking, jogging, or even strolling on Sunday in the Studios while you are sporting that metal around your neck!

I hope you see that!!!! I will be on cloud 9 for SURE!

You're going to do just great!

Totally agree with what Dolce said- you've come far too far to let it evaporate in the 11th hour!

True, so true.

 

[pipersmom]

LOL @ your ECV comment, I was thinking the same thing as I typed it and was giggling to myself..that being said, if anyone deserves a posh ride, it's someone that just walked that many miles!!

 

[maroo]

Today's Update:

Lisa -

Lisa has two issues right now - one is that she has a stomach bug. So no more training for her. She is pretty darn sick. I just talked to her and in addition to the stomach stuff and fever, she is quite achy and praying it is the flu and not something wrong with her hip??

We are both confident that she will be well by the trip, though!


My feetsies! -

I am icing them now and hope they get better soon!

But...we have a trip planned no matter what happens! And I want to get EXCITED about that!!


Here are the plans (you will notice a theme!)

Friday:

Flight to Orlando lands at 2:30 PM

Pick up rental car (found one for less than $100 and figured it may save us some walking and standing around) - we will use it strategically

Probably drive straight to the Expo at All Stars to get our bib numbers and do race check in. Will probably do some limited "touring" of the Expo - maybe they have some magic solution to sore feet.

Check into Poly!!!

Head to Epcot - With 3 things to accomplish...
1. Soarin' - Lisa has never done it and I want Lauren to ride it one day!
2. Dinner at Le Cellier - 7:15 (Woo Hoo!!)
3. Atmosphere - Lisa loves the Streetmosphere.

We may take a stroll around the WS. (Maybe )
We may catch Illuminations.
We may just head back to the room and crash.



Saturday:
I plan to get up EARLY. I need to get my body used to it and our bed time tonight is going to be very early!

Animal Kingdom!

Plan to arrive shortly after rope drop and go to the Safari first. We were planning to grab a FP and come back, but the plan now is to not back track at all - we want to go where we are going and then be "done" with it.

Hopefully will finish in time to catch the 10:00 Lion King Show

Lunch (probably Flame Tree)

Finding Nemo Show

Between these, we plan to just soak up the atmosphere. Lisa wants to see the Streetmosphere and take time to relax and just tour the park.

And that is it.

Back to the Poly to relax by the pool - if it is warm enough. Get all of our stuff laid out and ready for tomorrow's race.

Dinner is at 6:05 and is at Kona Cafe.

Finish getting EVERYTHING ready for tomorrow, watch Wishes (8:00 PM) from the Beach (just me, probably, Lisa has no interest in doing that) and then I am going to bed. Yes...about 8:30!


Sunday:

Wake up! EARLY! Not sure how early yet, need to confirm transportation arrangements when we get there. May just walk to the TTC to catch that monorail and may be able to sleep in a bit.

Walk the Half! FINISH! GET MY MEDAL!

Come back to the room, shower, change.

Head to the Magic Kingdom. Picture in front of the castle with my medal!! Maybe pick up Counter Service here?

Then to DHS! I have two DIS meets that I am VERY excited about!!!
Streetmosphere. DIS meets. Maybe a show?

Then...who knows? MK has EMH that night...if I am riding on Cloud 9, I just may go for the evening! But at any rate, we will go until we drop!!!

And my mind may be craving a Beaches and Cream Sundae!


Monday:

Flight out fairly early. Arrive home at 1:00 Central Time.

 

[pipersmom]

I like your plans for Sunday afternoon the best I'm glad you have lots of time in to relax Fri and Sat!

 

[eyor44]

Sounds like you have a great weekend planned.

When you go to the expo you may have to go into two separate buildings for your stuff. That is what we had to do. One building you pick up your bib and the other you get your bag and shirt. That is where all the vendors are. Wonder if it is the same for the Princess?

If you are staying in one of the end buildings at the Poly, from what I understand it is a short walk to the TTC. That would cut your time down a bit.

Y'all are going to have a great trip and don't totally rule out an ECV. You are almost there and I can't wait to see the pick of you with your medal.

 

[that's nice]

I think you plans look great!!!

It seems you planned enough downtime before the race to be able to relax. I'm interested to hear how your dinner is at Kona. I've recently checked out the dinner menu and it looks really good.

I like your plans for Sunday afternoon the best I'm glad you have lots of time in to relax Fri and Sat!

We will be in the Studios on Sunday too! I haven't really followed your PTR but I am excited for you guys!!! If I see you I'll most definitely say hi!

Have a great trip!!!