Disney at Heart
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2014
- Messages
- 1,040
Loving your TR, and glad to have met you! Ready to see how your "half" went. DH and I did ours at Pop and had a blast!
If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead
- Thread starter MommaoffherRocker
- Start date
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
The Best Half Ever
I didn't sleep well Friday night. I admit I was still hoping for the storm to change directions or something so they could uncancel the half. I know it was highly unlikely but I held out hope until the last minute. I woke up at 7am and debated on when to run. At 7:30 I just couldn't sit around any longer and woke DH up. He was not very happy with me being up that early but he still went with me. When we stepped outside it was still rainy and windy and DH wanted to turn around but I told him I was getting this run in come hell or high water. As we made our way to the main building at ASmovies and we started seeing other runners. I was thinking everyone woke up early to run but come to find out later that was not the case. As time went by more and more runners came out, probably because they were smart and waited for the storm to pass. The night before I had looked up the New Balance trail for the Allstars resorts and it looked like it was a one mile path that ran in front of all the different Allstar resorts. We opted to do 13 laps on that trail. I also had my Garmin on to help us keep track.
As soon as we stepped outside to start running it started to torrential down pour. We went for it anyways. But instead of running the path we saw some other runners going around the building so we decided to follow them. We weaved our way through buildings and jumped over massive puddles. We got our first mile in and happened to come back out to the New Balance trail. After that craziness we decided to stick to the original plan and stay with the trail, it was just easier that way. We followed the trail past the main gate and it stopped across the street from the Mcdonalds. We turned around and made our way back to the other end. Thankfully by the that time the rain had stopped. We were passing more and more runners and every one of them said good morning or good job or keep it up. Many of them were in their bibs. Some of them were in their costumes. Then we started noticing people coming out to cheer. A family had gone to Dunkin' Donuts and had dozens of donuts sitting out for the runners. Another had brought out cases of waters. We got in a couple more laps. Then I stopped at the far end of the trail to get in my character stop in the Toy Story section.
View attachment 214618
On the next lap two ladies asked us if we wanted to stop for character stop.
View attachment 214617
Shortest wait for a character ever! We thanked them for coming out and kept moving. Everyone was just amazing. At the halfway point someone asked how much we had left and when I told him he said well I could tell you you're almost there but I would be lying. Just silly statements like that made me feel like I was apart of something bigger that day.
About that time I got a text from my mom it said that she had heard the half was cancelled. Now if you have read my backstory you know I don't have the greatest relationship with my parents. They told me I couldn't do Dopey, that even just the marathon was impossible for me. In fact I saw them at a family wedding the week before and my dad was trying to get me to drop out of some of the races. So to me that text was not an I'm sorry your race got cancelled but more like see you're not going to do it after all. At that moment I knew I had made the right choice to run my own half.
As our race was winding down we passed a couple of people that we had been passing and high fiving all morning. They were out there cheering us on but instead of standing one spot they walked up and down the path high fiving everyone as they went. I had to stop for a picture with them.
View attachment 214616
Our last mile Disney cast members on a golf cart started to approach us. They stopped to ask us if we wanted some water, since we were just about done we declined the water but I thought it was nice of Disney to encourage the runners. While we were running some of the buses and cars were not being so nice after having to wait for so many of us runners. I saw too many close calls that morning so I was wondering if they were coming out to say something about that.
After our half was over we grabbed breakfast at the food court and then headed back to our room. For the rest of the day I just hung out with my kids in the room. DH went to the expo to get his medal and his gift card later in the day. He tried to avoid the crowds by going late but he said it was still pretty crowded. I also had him return my "I did it" shirt and headband. He ended up surprising me and exchanging the headband for a marathon one. He told me I needed something that said marathon on it to show my accomplishment. I end up keeping my Dopey jacket and magnet too. After an interesting day I laid out everything I could possible need for the next day and went to bed around 9. Even though the day had not gone how I had expected it when I signed up it was still pretty great!
I didn't sleep well Friday night. I admit I was still hoping for the storm to change directions or something so they could uncancel the half. I know it was highly unlikely but I held out hope until the last minute. I woke up at 7am and debated on when to run. At 7:30 I just couldn't sit around any longer and woke DH up. He was not very happy with me being up that early but he still went with me. When we stepped outside it was still rainy and windy and DH wanted to turn around but I told him I was getting this run in come hell or high water. As we made our way to the main building at ASmovies and we started seeing other runners. I was thinking everyone woke up early to run but come to find out later that was not the case. As time went by more and more runners came out, probably because they were smart and waited for the storm to pass. The night before I had looked up the New Balance trail for the Allstars resorts and it looked like it was a one mile path that ran in front of all the different Allstar resorts. We opted to do 13 laps on that trail. I also had my Garmin on to help us keep track.
As soon as we stepped outside to start running it started to torrential down pour. We went for it anyways. But instead of running the path we saw some other runners going around the building so we decided to follow them. We weaved our way through buildings and jumped over massive puddles. We got our first mile in and happened to come back out to the New Balance trail. After that craziness we decided to stick to the original plan and stay with the trail, it was just easier that way. We followed the trail past the main gate and it stopped across the street from the Mcdonalds. We turned around and made our way back to the other end. Thankfully by the that time the rain had stopped. We were passing more and more runners and every one of them said good morning or good job or keep it up. Many of them were in their bibs. Some of them were in their costumes. Then we started noticing people coming out to cheer. A family had gone to Dunkin' Donuts and had dozens of donuts sitting out for the runners. Another had brought out cases of waters. We got in a couple more laps. Then I stopped at the far end of the trail to get in my character stop in the Toy Story section.
View attachment 214618
On the next lap two ladies asked us if we wanted to stop for character stop.
View attachment 214617
Shortest wait for a character ever! We thanked them for coming out and kept moving. Everyone was just amazing. At the halfway point someone asked how much we had left and when I told him he said well I could tell you you're almost there but I would be lying. Just silly statements like that made me feel like I was apart of something bigger that day.
About that time I got a text from my mom it said that she had heard the half was cancelled. Now if you have read my backstory you know I don't have the greatest relationship with my parents. They told me I couldn't do Dopey, that even just the marathon was impossible for me. In fact I saw them at a family wedding the week before and my dad was trying to get me to drop out of some of the races. So to me that text was not an I'm sorry your race got cancelled but more like see you're not going to do it after all. At that moment I knew I had made the right choice to run my own half.
As our race was winding down we passed a couple of people that we had been passing and high fiving all morning. They were out there cheering us on but instead of standing one spot they walked up and down the path high fiving everyone as they went. I had to stop for a picture with them.
View attachment 214616
Our last mile Disney cast members on a golf cart started to approach us. They stopped to ask us if we wanted some water, since we were just about done we declined the water but I thought it was nice of Disney to encourage the runners. While we were running some of the buses and cars were not being so nice after having to wait for so many of us runners. I saw too many close calls that morning so I was wondering if they were coming out to say something about that.
After our half was over we grabbed breakfast at the food court and then headed back to our room. For the rest of the day I just hung out with my kids in the room. DH went to the expo to get his medal and his gift card later in the day. He tried to avoid the crowds by going late but he said it was still pretty crowded. I also had him return my "I did it" shirt and headband. He ended up surprising me and exchanging the headband for a marathon one. He told me I needed something that said marathon on it to show my accomplishment. I end up keeping my Dopey jacket and magnet too. After an interesting day I laid out everything I could possible need for the next day and went to bed around 9. Even though the day had not gone how I had expected it when I signed up it was still pretty great!
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
Thanks! I was hoping to see everyone again before the half and full but it didn't work out that way. I hope you guys had a great marathon weekend
It was shocking! I think if I had done it before I wouldn't have been so adamant about getting the half in but with it being my first time I felt like it was something I had to do.
It makes me happy that most everyone had an experience similar to ours. It was a highlight of my weekend and really showed me how great the running community is!
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
Thanks! I figured there would be other runners but was pleasantly surprised that so many people came out to cheer us on. Even in the rain. They were amazing!
wehrengrizz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2015
- Messages
- 807
CherieFran
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2016
- Messages
- 343
Awesome perseverance in completing the half! Congratulations!
cyndiloveswalt
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2010
- Messages
- 711
I had read most of your journal over the last couple of weeks and when I heard the half was cancelled I thought of you first and the disappointment you must have experienced. I'm so glad you got out and got it done! You should be so proud. I'm doing the princess half next month to make up for what was supposed to be my first half that was wine and dine 2015. I read a couple of people who signed up for the half last weekend after the half-half that we had in 2015. I can't tell you how upset I'd me if my second try got cancelled!
Can't wait to read about the full. Again great job!!
Can't wait to read about the full. Again great job!!
cavepig
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2001
- Messages
- 4,025
Way to get out and do the half on your own, that would be way harder than the official race in my opinion! The person in the Donald hat is funny. I loved seeing all the different photos/videos from resorts with all the Do It Yourself halves, pretty cool.
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
Couldn't have said it better myselfthat guy:our response:
. Then him...
and us...
Bahahahaha
fingers crossed we see him at Darkside!Thanks!
Thanks for reading along and that is sweet of you to think of me when it got cancelled! I agree I would have been beyond upset if it had happened after dealing with the W&D shortened course. I hope you have an awesome time at Princess! I will be there for the 10k and my girls are doing the kids races.
Yeah there was definitely a little voice in my head from time to time that was like you could skip this or you know you could end it now and no one would know. But I am glad I pushed passed those moments because I accomplished my goal and hey it makes a great story!
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
Here we are at the main event!
The Marathon
I woke up at 2:30am and didn't need to hit snooze this morning. My 1 year old decided it was time to get up too, he was in a great mood so it was a good distraction from my nerves. I got dressed in layers and packed my sparkle skirt pockets full of anything and everything I thought I could need. That included ear buds, 3 clif bars, advil, chapstick, body glide, my ID, credit card, my bingo card and a sharpie. It was way more stuff than I needed. At 3:10 I took my selfie, put on my gloves and hat, grabbed the blanket I had brought and said good bye to DH & DS1.
View attachment 214742
It was so cold walking to the bus and I was glad that I brought the blanket. When I sat down on the bus I opened my email and saw one from @wehrengrizz the subject was Kick some ***! It was so awesome to see that in my inbox and the timing was perfect. I was feeling lonely on that cold bus and it was a good feeling knowing I had people from across the country cheering for me!
When I got to the starting area, I noticed they had put heaters out. The heater was right in the spot that our meet ups had been so it made it difficult to find people. There were also way more people on this morning than there had been previously. I did manage to find a couple Dis'ers. We talked and shivered together for awhile. On the main stage they announced the corrals were open and then suddenly behind us on a little platform a green army man appeared. He was yelling at the runners to get moving. He was quite entertaining so we watched him for awhile. By this point it was just me and @rteetz and we were freezing in the wind. We tried to move to the other side of the gear check tents but it was just as cold. So we decided to just go ahead and walk out to our corrals. It was a long walk but they had a DJ out there and that made things a little more bearable. I spotted corral J as soon as we got out there and said goodbye to Ryan.
Normally I need to be on the edge or back of the corral but it was so cold this morning my plan was to stand in the middle to try to stay as warm as possible. I ended up meeting a very nice lady from Denver that has a house she rents out in Jacksonville. When she found out it was my first marathon she hugged me and told me my whole life was about to change. The time in the corral ended up going by really fast and before I knew it we were at the starting line.
I didn't get a very good picture of the start line, it was hard to juggle a camera and a blanket.
Then they counted us down and the fireworks went off and we were off running. I kept my blanket instead of tossing it like I had originally planned. It was so cold I was not ready to part with it just yet. I did finally part with it at almost mile one. I started to go over the plan for my race in my head but I wasn't wanting to commit to a pace so I ended up deciding that I was just going to run by feeling. Then I looked up and saw some stilt walkers and remembered my bingo card. So I ran over to them to complete the high five a cast member task. Things were starting to come together.
We turned from Epcot Center Dr onto World Dr. and started for the Magic Kingdom. After passing mile 2 but before getting to the parking booths we passed Captain Jack and Barbossa. I was tempted to stop but it was cold and the line was longer than I wanted it to be so I kept on. Going through the parking booths I was going to stop to take a selfie but decided it wasn't worth it. I grabbed water at the next water stop and ran on past mile 3. In the parking lot of MK they had Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater. My family isn't huge fans of Cars so I passed them by. A little ways down I notice another character stop that ended up being Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I thought that would be an awesome character stop but apparently so did lots of other runners. So I just kept running. By that time I was approaching the TTC and could see more and more spectators. They were all great cheering, holding signs and ringing their cowbells. Mile 4 passed in a flash. It was then I realized that this was going to be over before I knew it and that I needed to loosen up a bit and have fun.
So I pulled out my bingo card and started checking things off. I had found corral J, I high fived a cast member, I looked around and found a DLH shirt so that checked off the find a shirt from another race you have ran box. I spot a marathon shirt and decided to work on counting marathon shirts next. In the meantime mile 5 was approaching. I was a little worried that it was going to be in MK and lots of people would be stopping for it but it was just outside. I stopped for a selfie.
View attachment 214745
Another box checked off. And the reasoning behind mile 5 was one mile for each of my 5 kids. I turned in MK and when I came out from the backstage area it was amazing!! The first thing I saw was the Christmas tree and the cheering crowds. The feeling was electric. I also saw the best sign ever, it said "run like Walt is watching you" and it had a drawing of Walt's face attached at the top, the guy holding the sign would move Walt up and down.I ran up Main Street admiring the castle
View attachment 214753
and turned left into Tomorrowland. Then we wound through Fantasyland and as we approached the Castle I noticed a wonderful sight. There was no back up!!! I got to actually run through the Castle and wave to Anna, Elsa and Kristoff as I went by. Next up was Frontierland, then into backstage and past mile 6. Magic Kingdom was a wonderful blur!
Continued next post
The Marathon
I woke up at 2:30am and didn't need to hit snooze this morning. My 1 year old decided it was time to get up too, he was in a great mood so it was a good distraction from my nerves. I got dressed in layers and packed my sparkle skirt pockets full of anything and everything I thought I could need. That included ear buds, 3 clif bars, advil, chapstick, body glide, my ID, credit card, my bingo card and a sharpie. It was way more stuff than I needed. At 3:10 I took my selfie, put on my gloves and hat, grabbed the blanket I had brought and said good bye to DH & DS1.
View attachment 214742
It was so cold walking to the bus and I was glad that I brought the blanket. When I sat down on the bus I opened my email and saw one from @wehrengrizz the subject was Kick some ***! It was so awesome to see that in my inbox and the timing was perfect. I was feeling lonely on that cold bus and it was a good feeling knowing I had people from across the country cheering for me!
When I got to the starting area, I noticed they had put heaters out. The heater was right in the spot that our meet ups had been so it made it difficult to find people. There were also way more people on this morning than there had been previously. I did manage to find a couple Dis'ers. We talked and shivered together for awhile. On the main stage they announced the corrals were open and then suddenly behind us on a little platform a green army man appeared. He was yelling at the runners to get moving. He was quite entertaining so we watched him for awhile. By this point it was just me and @rteetz and we were freezing in the wind. We tried to move to the other side of the gear check tents but it was just as cold. So we decided to just go ahead and walk out to our corrals. It was a long walk but they had a DJ out there and that made things a little more bearable. I spotted corral J as soon as we got out there and said goodbye to Ryan.
Normally I need to be on the edge or back of the corral but it was so cold this morning my plan was to stand in the middle to try to stay as warm as possible. I ended up meeting a very nice lady from Denver that has a house she rents out in Jacksonville. When she found out it was my first marathon she hugged me and told me my whole life was about to change. The time in the corral ended up going by really fast and before I knew it we were at the starting line.
I didn't get a very good picture of the start line, it was hard to juggle a camera and a blanket.
Then they counted us down and the fireworks went off and we were off running. I kept my blanket instead of tossing it like I had originally planned. It was so cold I was not ready to part with it just yet. I did finally part with it at almost mile one. I started to go over the plan for my race in my head but I wasn't wanting to commit to a pace so I ended up deciding that I was just going to run by feeling. Then I looked up and saw some stilt walkers and remembered my bingo card. So I ran over to them to complete the high five a cast member task. Things were starting to come together.
We turned from Epcot Center Dr onto World Dr. and started for the Magic Kingdom. After passing mile 2 but before getting to the parking booths we passed Captain Jack and Barbossa. I was tempted to stop but it was cold and the line was longer than I wanted it to be so I kept on. Going through the parking booths I was going to stop to take a selfie but decided it wasn't worth it. I grabbed water at the next water stop and ran on past mile 3. In the parking lot of MK they had Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater. My family isn't huge fans of Cars so I passed them by. A little ways down I notice another character stop that ended up being Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I thought that would be an awesome character stop but apparently so did lots of other runners. So I just kept running. By that time I was approaching the TTC and could see more and more spectators. They were all great cheering, holding signs and ringing their cowbells. Mile 4 passed in a flash. It was then I realized that this was going to be over before I knew it and that I needed to loosen up a bit and have fun.
So I pulled out my bingo card and started checking things off. I had found corral J, I high fived a cast member, I looked around and found a DLH shirt so that checked off the find a shirt from another race you have ran box. I spot a marathon shirt and decided to work on counting marathon shirts next. In the meantime mile 5 was approaching. I was a little worried that it was going to be in MK and lots of people would be stopping for it but it was just outside. I stopped for a selfie.
View attachment 214745
Another box checked off. And the reasoning behind mile 5 was one mile for each of my 5 kids. I turned in MK and when I came out from the backstage area it was amazing!! The first thing I saw was the Christmas tree and the cheering crowds. The feeling was electric. I also saw the best sign ever, it said "run like Walt is watching you" and it had a drawing of Walt's face attached at the top, the guy holding the sign would move Walt up and down.
I ran up Main Street admiring the castle View attachment 214753
and turned left into Tomorrowland. Then we wound through Fantasyland and as we approached the Castle I noticed a wonderful sight. There was no back up!!! I got to actually run through the Castle and wave to Anna, Elsa and Kristoff as I went by. Next up was Frontierland, then into backstage and past mile 6. Magic Kingdom was a wonderful blur!
Continued next post
Last edited:
wehrengrizz
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2015
- Messages
- 807
Love this! I still marvel at your ability to remember details on trips and runs!! You definitely make running sound fun!Here we are at the main event!
The Marathon
I woke up at 2:30am and didn't need to hit snooze this morning. My 1 year old decided it was time to get up too, he was in a great mood so it was a good distraction from my nerves. I got dressed in layers and packed my sparkle skirt pockets full of anything and everything I thought I could need. That included ear buds, 3 clif bars, advil, chapstick, body glide, my ID, credit card, my bingo card and a sharpie. It was way more stuff than I needed. At 3:10 I took my selfie, put on my gloves and hat, grabbed the blanket I had brought and said good bye to DH & DS1.
View attachment 214742
It was so cold walking to the bus and I was glad that I brought the blanket. When I sat down on the bus I opened my email and saw one from @wehrengrizz the subject was Kick some ***! It was so awesome to see that in my inbox and the timing was perfect. I was feeling lonely on that cold bus and it was a good feeling knowing I had people from across the country cheering for me!
When I got to the starting area, I noticed they had put heaters out. The heater was right in the spot that our meet ups had been so it made it difficult to find people. There were also way more people on this morning than there had been previously. I did manage to find a couple Dis'ers. We talked and shivered together for awhile. On the main stage they announced the corrals were open and then suddenly behind us on a little platform a green army man appeared. He was yelling at the runners to get moving. He was quite entertaining so we watched him for awhile. By this point it was just me and @rteetz and we were freezing in the wind. We tried to move to the other side of the gear check tents but it was just as cold. So we decided to just go ahead and walk out to our corrals. It was a long walk but they had a DJ out there and that made things a little more bearable. I spotted corral J as soon as we got out there and said goodbye to Ryan.
Normally I need to be on the edge or back of the corral but it was so cold this morning my plan was to stand in the middle to try to stay as warm as possible. I ended up meeting a very nice lady from Denver that has a house she rents out in Jacksonville. When she found out it was my first marathon she hugged me and told me my whole life was about to change. The time in the corral ended up going by really fast and before I knew it we were at the starting line.
View attachment 214746
I didn't get a very good picture of the start line, it was hard to juggle a camera and a blanket.
Then they counted us down and the fireworks went off and we were off running. I kept my blanket instead of tossing it like I had originally planned. It was so cold I was not ready to part with it just yet. I did finally part with it at almost mile one. I started to go over the plan for my race in my head but I wasn't wanting to commit to a pace so I ended up deciding that I was just going to run by feeling. Then I looked up and saw some stilt walkers and remembered my bingo card. So I ran over to them to complete the high five a cast member task. Things were starting to come together.
We turned from Epcot Center Dr onto World Dr. and started for the Magic Kingdom. After passing mile 2 but before getting to the parking booths we passed Captain Jack and Barbossa. I was tempted to stop but it was cold and the line was longer than I wanted it to be so I kept on. Going through the parking booths I was going to stop to take a selfie but decided it wasn't worth it. I grabbed water at the next water stop and ran on past mile 3. In the parking lot of MK they had Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater. My family isn't huge fans of Cars so I passed them by. A little ways down I notice another character stop that ended up being Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I thought that would be an awesome character stop but apparently so did lots of other runners. So I just kept running. By that time I was approaching the TTC and could see more and more spectators. They were all great cheering, holding signs and ringing their cowbells. Mile 4 passed in a flash. It was then I realized that this was going to be over before I knew it and that I needed to loosen up a bit and have fun.
So I pulled out my bingo card and started checking things off. I had found corral J, I high fived a cast member, I looked around and found a DLH shirt so that checked off the find a shirt from another race you have ran box. I spot a marathon shirt and decided to work on counting marathon shirts next. In the meantime mile 5 was approaching. I was a little worried that it was going to be in MK and lots of people would be stopping for it but it was just outside. I stopped for a selfie.
View attachment 214745
Another box checked off. And the reasoning behind mile 5 was one mile for each of my 5 kids. I turned in MK and when I came out from the backstage area it was amazing!! The first thing I saw was the Christmas tree and the cheering crowds. The feeling was electric. I also saw the best sign ever, it said "run like Walt is watching you" and it had a drawing of Walt's face attached at the top, the guy holding the sign would move Walt up and down.
View attachment 214753
and turned left into Tomorrowland. Then we wound through Fantasyland and as we approached the Castle I noticed a wonderful sight. There was no back up!!! I got to actually run through the Castle and wave to Anna, Elsa and Kristoff as I went by. Next up was Frontierland, then into backstage and past mile 6. Magic Kingdom was a wonderful blur!
Continued next post
ZellyB
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2010
- Messages
- 6,873
And the marathon is on!!! Love the shots you have so far. That cold before the race was NOT FUN and we definitely were trying to find places to huddle to stay warm. I remember that sign about Walt watching as well. I thought it was a great idea for a sign.
jhorstma
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2004
- Messages
- 508
This. A thousand times this.
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
When I had looked over the course when they released it I knew the hardest part was going to be between MK and AK. It just seemed like a long stretch of nothing. Thankfully it ended up not being as bad as I thought. There was a DJ between miles 6 and 7. I loved how encouraging he was. He let us know that the lead female was at mile 19 and the balloon ladies were 45 minutes behind us. After him they had speakers out playing music. I was baffled that they chose to play Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer. The line came on that goes "we're halfway there" and at that point we were nowhere near halfway so it made no sense and there was a collective groan/laugh. I guess it was just a good song to sing along to 
We passed by the great cheering section outside of the Grand Floridian and the Mary Poppins penguins. I really wished I would have stopped for them but I would have had to cut off a bunch of people so I kept it moving. They also had vacation Genie and the Mickey golf cart out by the golf course. Mile 8 was now behind me. I stopped at the next water station and then pulled out my bingo card. I checked off 50 marathon shirts, I had made a silly face at a photopass photographer in MK so that was crossed off, I saw an American flag at TTC and ran through the castle so I checked those off too. I went from thinking I would get some to thinking I can complete this!
About that time I heard the word Nautilus and it caught my attention. DS10 is a big fan of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. So I look over and there it was, the submarine from the old attraction along with various other vehicles from rides long gone. There was no line so I stopped for a picture.
View attachment 214758
After that stop there was one for Wreck Ralph and the Big Bad Wolf. They were awesome but I didn't want to wait in the lines. I know I passed by a lot of character stops and I just have to say that I was not disappointed to keep going. I really like to just see the characters. If I wanted to stop I would have had plenty of time to do so. I don't want anyone to think that I was rushed or unable to stop. Ok back to the race, after the BB Wolf there was some Hippies on the side of the ride and they were talking about their van breaking down. I'm not sure where they were from? Then we came up on the waste water treatment plant (I think or maybe it's where the garbage goes?) They had signs out and as you can tell I read them carefully. At mile 10 they had a Doctor Strange bus and I was excited that they had Dr. Strange on the course (DS6 is a huge fan) but sadly it was just the bus.
After that the course went into an out and back. I personally didn't mind it. They had a DJ at the end and I thought that kept things pretty upbeat. Mile 11 was right before the U turn of the out and back. I was just chugging along at that point, I passed up the bananas at mile 12. I didn't want to try anything new on race day. It was then I realized we were going into the back of AK. I texted DH I was there just like we had planned. He was then going to head over to the Mcdonald's on course so he could walk up to the road to meet me. He said he was on his way and I told him give me an extra 15 minutes because I was thinking of going for Everest. He texted back Go for it!
In the backstage area of Ak they brought out some animals. They were so cute, I saw goats, some kind of big black bird, and I think a donkey. I was starting to get nervous. My watch read 9:15 and I had made a fastpass for EE starting at 9:25. A couple days before I thought I should go ahead and make a fastpass just incase. I really didn't think I would stop, I wanted to but I was worried about finishing. So I am debating it in my mind, should I or shouldn't I. I stopped for a bathroom break and then crossed the half mat. I looked over at Everest. The return time was 9:21 and the standby line said a 25 minute wait. I said to myself you have to do it. So I went for it. I tried my band a couple minutes early and it lit up green. The cast members laughed at me as I ran passed. There was no one in the line and I was able to run all the way up to the merge point. The cast member there waved me on and I got in line behind a family that thought it was great. They asked me all kinds of questions. Within 2 minutes I was on the ride. They paired me with another runner from the single rider line that told me she had waited 15 minutes. I snapped a quick selfie.
View attachment 214765
And we were on our way into Himalayas. I was so excited to be doing it that I forgot all about my watch. I meant to turn off the auto pause before the race but didn't. That didn't end up being the problem. The problem was as soon as the train started moving the auto pause turned off and it was now tracking me on the coaster. All of my data just flew out the window.
Here is what I got from my Garmin when I uploaded it later.
It was pretty funny when I realized I had that image after I got home.
Here is the official attraction picture. I apparently was in the perfect spot for it.
View attachment 214766
When our train stopped I was the first one off and I bolted backed to the course. I don't remember much about the rest of AK I was on an adrenaline rush from EE. But I guess I took this picture and was very happy about it.
View attachment 214770
Then we were into the backstage of AK. I told myself this part was going to be a piece of cake, I mean I had already ran it before at Darkside. I passed by the water stop in the backstage area and kept on truckin'. Then the course followed the sidewalk you take when you walk into AK. I was not such a fan of that part. It was very narrow. Once we out to where the tram stop is it was much better. I love all the people cheering there. For some reason I feel like that was my favorite cheering section of the whole day. I saw mile 14, high fived some kids and passed the marching band that was out there. I got a boost knowing I was close to where DH would be standing. I picked up my pace ran past the grave diggers. There wasn't much to look at at this point so I thought it would be a good time to count cones. Counting 100 cones was pretty easy and next time I should probably come up with a much higher number. Mile 15 was in the bag. I called DH to make sure I wouldn't miss him. He told me exactly where he was and I was able to find him no problem. When I approached him he held out a great big sweet tea, my favorite drink! I stopped for a second to have a couple drinks and gave him a hug. I yelled I'll see you at WWoS as I dashed away.
Continued next post
We passed by the great cheering section outside of the Grand Floridian and the Mary Poppins penguins. I really wished I would have stopped for them but I would have had to cut off a bunch of people so I kept it moving. They also had vacation Genie and the Mickey golf cart out by the golf course. Mile 8 was now behind me. I stopped at the next water station and then pulled out my bingo card. I checked off 50 marathon shirts, I had made a silly face at a photopass photographer in MK so that was crossed off, I saw an American flag at TTC and ran through the castle so I checked those off too. I went from thinking I would get some to thinking I can complete this!
About that time I heard the word Nautilus and it caught my attention. DS10 is a big fan of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. So I look over and there it was, the submarine from the old attraction along with various other vehicles from rides long gone. There was no line so I stopped for a picture.
View attachment 214758
After that stop there was one for Wreck Ralph and the Big Bad Wolf. They were awesome but I didn't want to wait in the lines. I know I passed by a lot of character stops and I just have to say that I was not disappointed to keep going. I really like to just see the characters. If I wanted to stop I would have had plenty of time to do so. I don't want anyone to think that I was rushed or unable to stop. Ok back to the race, after the BB Wolf there was some Hippies on the side of the ride and they were talking about their van breaking down. I'm not sure where they were from? Then we came up on the waste water treatment plant (I think or maybe it's where the garbage goes?) They had signs out and as you can tell I read them carefully. At mile 10 they had a Doctor Strange bus and I was excited that they had Dr. Strange on the course (DS6 is a huge fan) but sadly it was just the bus.
After that the course went into an out and back. I personally didn't mind it. They had a DJ at the end and I thought that kept things pretty upbeat. Mile 11 was right before the U turn of the out and back. I was just chugging along at that point, I passed up the bananas at mile 12. I didn't want to try anything new on race day. It was then I realized we were going into the back of AK. I texted DH I was there just like we had planned. He was then going to head over to the Mcdonald's on course so he could walk up to the road to meet me. He said he was on his way and I told him give me an extra 15 minutes because I was thinking of going for Everest. He texted back Go for it!
In the backstage area of Ak they brought out some animals. They were so cute, I saw goats, some kind of big black bird, and I think a donkey. I was starting to get nervous. My watch read 9:15 and I had made a fastpass for EE starting at 9:25. A couple days before I thought I should go ahead and make a fastpass just incase. I really didn't think I would stop, I wanted to but I was worried about finishing. So I am debating it in my mind, should I or shouldn't I. I stopped for a bathroom break and then crossed the half mat. I looked over at Everest. The return time was 9:21 and the standby line said a 25 minute wait. I said to myself you have to do it. So I went for it. I tried my band a couple minutes early and it lit up green. The cast members laughed at me as I ran passed. There was no one in the line and I was able to run all the way up to the merge point. The cast member there waved me on and I got in line behind a family that thought it was great. They asked me all kinds of questions. Within 2 minutes I was on the ride. They paired me with another runner from the single rider line that told me she had waited 15 minutes. I snapped a quick selfie.
View attachment 214765
And we were on our way into Himalayas. I was so excited to be doing it that I forgot all about my watch. I meant to turn off the auto pause before the race but didn't. That didn't end up being the problem. The problem was as soon as the train started moving the auto pause turned off and it was now tracking me on the coaster. All of my data just flew out the window.
Here is what I got from my Garmin when I uploaded it later.
It was pretty funny when I realized I had that image after I got home.
Here is the official attraction picture. I apparently was in the perfect spot for it.
View attachment 214766
When our train stopped I was the first one off and I bolted backed to the course. I don't remember much about the rest of AK I was on an adrenaline rush from EE. But I guess I took this picture and was very happy about it.
View attachment 214770
Then we were into the backstage of AK. I told myself this part was going to be a piece of cake, I mean I had already ran it before at Darkside. I passed by the water stop in the backstage area and kept on truckin'. Then the course followed the sidewalk you take when you walk into AK. I was not such a fan of that part. It was very narrow. Once we out to where the tram stop is it was much better. I love all the people cheering there. For some reason I feel like that was my favorite cheering section of the whole day. I saw mile 14, high fived some kids and passed the marching band that was out there. I got a boost knowing I was close to where DH would be standing. I picked up my pace ran past the grave diggers. There wasn't much to look at at this point so I thought it would be a good time to count cones. Counting 100 cones was pretty easy and next time I should probably come up with a much higher number. Mile 15 was in the bag. I called DH to make sure I wouldn't miss him. He told me exactly where he was and I was able to find him no problem. When I approached him he held out a great big sweet tea, my favorite drink! I stopped for a second to have a couple drinks and gave him a hug. I yelled I'll see you at WWoS as I dashed away.
Continued next post
Last edited:
MommaoffherRocker
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2015
- Messages
- 1,803
Stay tuned!I hope we get a pic of the completed bingo card at the end of this
Because it is fun, silly!!!
Thanks! The sign was great and I feel like I saw him so many times on the course.
I'm not sure if I like my pictures for the first half I feel like I still look half asleep but I love that it got in the tree and crowd, Thanks! The bingo card was helpful at those low moments, it helped to take my mind off of the pain and boredom.Love this so far! Your Main Street shot is great!
It was a life changing day for sure!
cavepig
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2001
- Messages
- 4,025
Love the Nautilus & other old ride vehicle picture, very jealous of that stop. My half outfit in 2016 was a skyway bucket. That's awesome you rode Everest & smart on the FP, I don't think I ever could stop and ride it. Sounds like you were having a lot of fun during the whole race so far.
-
New Mediterranean Salad on the Menu at The Polite Pig
-
Make These Iconic Disneyland Paris Cookies Today
-
Disney Debate: Vacation Laundry Or Clothes For Days?
-
New Fresh Flavors Hit Enzo's Hideaway Cocktail Menu
-
New Menu Items Join Enchante on the Disney Wish & Treasure
-
Trying New Star Wars Snacks at Disney's Hollywood Studios
-
Enjoy These AAPI Heritage Month Dishes in Disney Springs
Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!
Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE
